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A three-bedroom house in Carrum Downs was the weekend’s most affordable auction sale in Victoria, according to Australian Property Monitors.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-carrum+downs-114495439">3 Oakes Place</a>, the house sold for $306,000 through Munn Partners Real Estate Carrum Downs.
Listing agent Michelle Munn told Property Observer that the auction was “good”, with about 20 attendees and two registered bidders.
The successful bidder was an owner-occupier.
Munn added that the property market in Carrum Downs is “pretty good” at the moment, with properties in the $300,000 to $350,000 price range selling “fairly quickly”.
“First home owners and owner-occupiers are buying, rather than investors. It’s a popular area as it’s cheaper than the surrounding areas like Seaford. It’s a little bit more reasonably priced,” she said.
Prior to this sale, the house was last listed for sale in 2004 at an asking price of $240,000. It spent 41 days on market, according to RP Data records.
According to Munn Partners Real Estate’s estimated asking rent of $335 per week, the price reflects a 5.69% rental yield.
According to the latest RP Data report, the median sale price for houses in Carrum Downs is $325,500, down 3.7% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house is 6.1%, while private treaty sales average 75 days on market.
The median asking rent for houses in Carrum Downs is $320 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 5.1%.
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Carrum Downs cheapie sells for $306,000 reflecting 5.69% yield

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Home builders ICHIJO homes have won the 2013 Housing Industry Association (HIA) GreenSmart Award for the Harmony 28, a home with a 8.2 Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) rating.
<a href="https://www.ichijo.com.au/" target="_blank">ICHIJO</a>'s sales manager Nick Marino accepted the award. He said the company is delighted with the recognition of the home's energy saving capabilities which benefits homebuyers who choose an ICHIJO home.
<img src="/images/stories/diane/82020Modular20wall.jpg" width="470" height="355" alt="82020Modular20wall">
<img src="/images/stories/diane/Alfresco20showing20exterior20tiles.jpg" width="470" height="313" alt="Alfresco20showing20exterior20tiles">
<img src="/images/stories/diane/BEDROOM.jpg" width="470" height="313" alt="BEDROOM">
<img src="/images/stories/diane/TechIsmartWindows20.jpg" width="470" height="354" alt="TechIsmartWindows20">
"The Harmony 28 features four large bedrooms, luxurious ensuite, stunning open plan kitchen that overlooks the dining and living areas through to the alfresco making entertaining a breeze.
"The design, with its high ceilings and openness gives a feeling of spaciousness and luxury and there is a home theatre for quiet moments", Marino added.
The ICHIJO Harmony 28 home is modular, rigid, and super insulated. It features an insulation property of R6.3, which is nearly three times the insulation of a normal brick-veneer wall.
The walls are wrapped with a bracing board with 70% more structural timber, making it stronger. The ICHIJO i-Smart double glazed windows have an argon gas infill, cutting 99% of UV radiation coming into the home, and are fitted into a uPVC frame. These achieve a U1.9, or nearly four times the heat insulation properties of a brick veneer home.
The Harmony 28 homes also use Hydrotect tiles on external walls that are self-cleaning by using the power of UV rays to decompose whatever adheres on it, allowing the rain to wash it away. ICHIJO also uses H2F structural members for its frames and a Homeguard physical barrier to provide double protection against termites.
In addition to structural improvements, ICHIJO aims to maximise the use of solar power. The homes are fitted with a 1.5 kW solar PV panels, which when combined with a heat pump, will produce hot water for a day in four hours, using electricity generated by the PV.
Excess electricity produced by the PV can be used for other purposes, such as cooling the home. Surplus electricity will then be sold back to the grid.
ICHIJO homes also use a mechanical ventilation system to filter the incoming air and recover heat from stale air. This has won it a “Healthy Home” stamp approved by the National Asthma Council, the first in Australia.
Other energy-saving initiatives include the use of LED lighting saving 60% energy savings, and the installation of low water usage toilets and showers with a minimum of a three-star rating. A Clipsal cent-a-meter will also be installed, showing the amount of electricity being used at any time so residents can monitor usage.
The Harmony 28 Home will be on display at HomeWorld Gledswood Hills, and will be open for inspection for Sustainable House Day, held on September 8. 
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ICHIJO Homes win HIA GreenSmart Award with Energy-saving Home Design

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The family company of late Gold Coast developer Keith Williams has collapsed into liquidation after the Port Hinchinbrook resort in North Queensland failed to sell. 
Creditors, including Mr Williams’ son Ben Williams, voted to wind up Williams Corporation on Wednesday, 28 August.
The company’s assets are now controlled by liquidator FTI Consulting. These include the Port Hinchinbrook resort, which comprises private dwellings for 250 residents and tourist accommodation.
Located between Cairns and Townsville, the resort was battered in 2011 when huge waves caused by Cyclone Yasi slammed multimillion-dollar boats from the water against the marina.
Since then, the resort has struggled to rebound from the damages, with the marina, restaurant, bar, and much of its accommodation still shut.
The elder Mr Williams passed away in 2011 after handing over the reigns of the company to his son.
Townsville businessman Anthony Dotta showed interest in purchasing the resort for $19 million in June, according to a report by the Cairns Post.
He became uncertain about the sale after it was revealed the elder Williams signed a deed binding the resort’s owner to the maintenance of the sewerage system, roads, and the marina in the late 1990s. Dotta, who led a consortium of buyers, withdrew his offer to purchase the resort in August.
A Fairfax Media report states that liquidator Joanne Dunn said FTI is negotiating with the state government over the deeds and licences that apply to the resort community.
Dunn also said FTI will be looking at marketing the properties and putting them on the market for sale, after getting over “a few hurdles”.
Keith Williams was a pioneer in Australia’s tourism industry. At one time, his fortune was estimated to be worth $150 million.
He developed the Sea World amusement park in Gold Coast, and the Whitsundays’ Hamilton Island resort. He sold his holdings in Sea World in 1984 to focus on Hamilton Island.
However, receivers were appointed to the Hamilton Island resort in 1992. It was later purchased by billionaire winemaker Bob Oately.
Williams bought the Port Hinchinbrook site the following year. The site has been plagued with funding and environmental issues. Williams Corporation’s administrators were forced to replace some of the system’s pumps in August after it broke down, causing a sewage leak.
According to a report by the Townsville bulletin, Port Hinchinbrook residents were “cautiously optimistic” that the purchase of the resort would restore the development to its full potential. However a News Limited report stated that one resident was really hoping to “get some sort of closure”.
The Cardwell Chamber of Commerce has called upon the Queensland Government to assist in the smooth sale of Port Hinchinbrook. In a ABC report, the Chamber’s spokesperson said the resort must stay open to aid in Cardwell’s post-cyclone recovery.
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Keith Williams Point Hinchinbrook windup

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<img height="90" width="470" src="/images/stories/diane/banner-henbury.jpg" alt="banner-henbury">
Henbury Station, where one of Australia’s most controversial carbon farming projects is located, was placed on the market last week through the insolvency firm PPB Advisory.
Located 230 kilometres south of Alice Springs, the property was purchased and destocked by R.M. Williams Agricultural Holdings in 2011 with $9 million of federal funding.
R.M. Williams Agricultural Holdings, the parent of a few subsidiary companies, has since gone into administration. PPB Advisory was appointed as administrator and manager.
However, the company responsible for the Henbury Station project, R.M. Williams Agricultural Co Landscape Management, was the only subsidiary company to not go into receivership.
Greg Quinn from PPB Advisory said the company name has been changed ahead of the station’s sale, in an ABC report.
"The licence agreement with R.M. Williams Agricultural Landscape Management has now been terminated, so we've had to change the name to Henbury Station Proprietary Limited," he said.
"The directors have resigned and retired and we've had to appoint a director, Mr Bob Hansen, who is bringing the property to market."
Hansen was previously the Peanut Company of Australia’s chief executive and a manager for poultry company Ingham’s in Victoria.
Quinn revealed that a Federal Government agreement, as well as a deal with Qantas, still applies to the property. Qantas previously agreed to purchase carbon credits generated at the property.
"The contracts and agreements are still on foot," he said.
"It will be up to a purchaser to do their due diligence... and negotiate going forward.
"A lot of the conditions of those agreements are commercially sensitive," he said.
Mr Quinn added that there would be no requirement for R.M. Williams Agricultural Holdings to repay the initial investment in the purchase of Henbury Station at this stage.
Some proceeds from the sale may be returned to the Federal Government.
He said in the ABC report that there has already been extensive interest in the property from environmental, Indigenous and pastoral organisations.
Director of the Central Land Council David Ross said in an ABC radio report that the Council wants Henbury Station returned to the traditional owners of the land.
Henbury Station, known to locals as “Henbury”, was once a cattle empire. It was planned to become part of the National Reserve System and be regenerated after nearly 150 years of grazing.
Carbon credits sold from its natural regeneration would have made it the world’s largest carbon farm.
The property can be put on the market because Henbury was never transferred from a pastoral lease to a conservation covenant, a requirement of the National Reserve System.
Expressions of interest for Henbury station close September 6.
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Henbury Station, NT listed for sale through insolvency firm PPB Advisory 

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Australians with home loans will most likely have to wait until Melbourne Cup day for the next interest rate cut.
Scott Haslem, the UBS Australia chief economist, recently told APP that the Reserve Bank of Australia was unlikely to move until after the September quarter inflation figures were released on October 23.
He suggests the RBA was unlikely to adjust rates at their September and October meetings, making "November the next live meeting."
The 2.5% cash rate is a new record low for borrowers.
Property Observer gleans the market's lowest variable rate is the Smart Finance Horizons Loan home loan at 4.44% variable (4.77% comparison) and the lowest one year fixed rate is 4.39% from Newcastle Permanent.
The lowest three year fixed rate is 4.69% (5.01% comparison) from HomeLoanHQ.
These are the lowest advertised variable and fixed mortgage rates based on listings on mortgage comparison websites <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ratecity.com.au/" style="font-size: 14px;">ratecity.com.au</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://mozo.com.au/" style="font-size: 14px;">Mozo.com.au</a>,  <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.infochoice.com.au/" style="font-size: 14px;">infochoice.com.au</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.homeloanfinder.com.au/" style="font-size: 14px;">finder.com.au</a> as of August 27:
Where the headline rate is the same, the lender with the lowest comparison rate gets preference.
Lowest variable rate offerings:
<table width="469" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="134" valign="top">
Provider
</td>
<td width="125" valign="top">
Loan name
</td>
<td width="93" valign="top">
Rate
</td>
<td width="117" valign="top">
Comparison rate*
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="134" valign="top">
Smart Finance
</td>
<td width="125" valign="top">
Horizon Loan (Refinance Only)
</td>
<td width="93" valign="top">
4.44%
</td>
<td width="117" valign="top">
4.77%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="134" valign="top">
Loans.com.au
</td>
<td width="125" valign="top">
Blackboard special (Purchases only)
</td>
<td width="93" valign="top">
4.49%
</td>
<td width="117" valign="top">
4.51%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="134" valign="top">
UBank
</td>
<td width="125" valign="top">
UHomeLoan
</td>
<td width="93" valign="top">
4.62%
</td>
<td width="117" valign="top">
4.62%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Lowest one-year fixed-rate offerings:
<table width="469" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="125" valign="top">
Provider
</td>
<td width="113" valign="top">
Loan name
</td>
<td width="84" valign="top">
Rate
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Comparison rate*
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="125" valign="top">
Newcastle Permanent
</td>
<td width="113" valign="top">
One year fixed rate
</td>
<td width="84" valign="top">
4.39%
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
5.38%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="125" valign="top">
UBank
</td>
<td width="113" valign="top">
UHomeLoan 1 year fixed rate
</td>
<td width="84" valign="top">
4.48%
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
4.86%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="125" valign="top">
IMB
</td>
<td width="113" valign="top">
Fixed Home Loan ($250k - $500k)
</td>
<td width="84" valign="top">
4.59%
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
5.52%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Lowest three-year fixed-rate offerings:
<table width="473" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="133" valign="top">
Provider
</td>
<td width="130" valign="top">
Loan name
</td>
<td width="95" valign="top">
Rate
</td>
<td width="115" valign="top">
Comparison rate*
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="133" valign="top">
HomeloanHQ
</td>
<td width="130" valign="top">
3 Year Fixed Rate Special
</td>
<td width="95" valign="top">
4.69%
</td>
<td width="115" valign="top">
5.01%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="133" valign="top">
AMP
</td>
<td width="130" valign="top">
Fixed Rate Loan (over $250k) (Professional Package)
</td>
<td width="95" valign="top">
4.69%
</td>
<td width="115" valign="top">
5.56%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="133" valign="top">
UBank
</td>
<td width="130" valign="top">
UHomeLoan 3 year fixed rate
</td>
<td width="95" valign="top">
4.73%
</td>
<td width="115" valign="top">
4.79%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
<hr>
Picture courtesy of <a id="yui_3_7_3_3_1377649112978_1036" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/silverstack/">SilverStack</a>/ flickr.
 
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The cheapest rates ahead of the next likely RBA rate cut on Melbourne Cup day

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A three-bedroom house in Hoppers Crossing was the weekend’s cheapest auction sale in Victoria, according to Australian Property Monitors.
Located at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-hoppers+crossing-114392127">34 Baden Drive</a>, the house sold for $285,000 through PRDnationwide Werribee.
Listing agent Greg O'Meara told Property Observer that the auction “went well”, with over 60 attendees, and five registered bidders.
The successful bidder was an investor.
O'Meara added that the house was in an excellent location. The listing states that it is about 600 metres from the train station and about 400 metres to shops.
“It’s about location, location, location – as an investment property you wouldn’t have any problems renting it out,” he said.
According to PRDnationwide’s estimated asking rent of $275 a week, the price reflects a 5.02% rental yield.
Prior to this sale, the house was last listed for sale in 2008 at an initial asking price of $245,000 before it was adjusted to $265,000, according to RP Data records. It spent 280 days on market.
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median sale price for houses in Hoppers Crossing is $310,000, down 3.4% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house is 7.4%, while private treaty sales average 80 days on market.
The median asking rent for houses in Hoppers Crossing is $280 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 4.7%.
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Investor snaps up Hoppers Crossing cheapie at $285,000 reflecting 5% rental yield

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Fund manager Centuria Capital has abandoned plans to launch the $215.3 million IPO of the Centuria Property Trust.
The group admitted it was unable to win sufficient institutional support for its proposed listing of the Trust, which was set to own the $312 million Northpoint Tower in North Sydney.
It was reported that property developer Terry Agnew, who had a 19.9 per cent stake, was asked to take a higher stake.
"Whilst there was good support for the Trust's strategy and management, Centuria is disappointed the offering did not receive sufficient demand to complete the IPO notwithstanding the strong lead from domestic and Asian retail investors," Collishaw said in a Fairfax report.
"Centuria remains committed to delivering quality real estate investment funds for its clients and retains its aspiration to create a listed real estate funds management platform,” he said.
He noted that market conditions pushed investors to stay with existing products rather than back new floats.
The advisers Moelis &amp; Co cited the volatile sharemarket as a main reason, as well as uncertainty in the leadup to the September 7 federal election, on the decision to cancel the deal.
This cancellation follows the recent postponement of the $367 million Pacific Retail REIT, which planned to purchase four suburban malls from CFS Retail, including the Rosebud Plaza in Victoria.
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Centuria forced to cancel planned IPO due to shortfall

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The Gold Coast property market has shown signs of sustained improvement, recording the highest number of land sales in the June quarter since September 2011, according to property market research firm Prodap.
The report revealed that vacant land sales jumped 55% from 140 to 214 in the June quarter.
According to the report’s author Bill Morris, this is the first significant increase since June 2009, and is the strongest level of quarterly land sales for two years.
House and land package sales have also increased by 70%, from 56 to 97 sales, in the June quarter. Morris states that this is the strongest level since December 2010.
The report also states that Upper Coomera saw the highest number of land sales at 73, while Hope Island comes in second with 69 sales. Ormeau recorded 22 vacant land sales in the June quarter.
Pimpama recorded 11 vacant land sales, Coomera and Ready Creek recorded 10 sales each, and Willowvale saw 6 vacant land sales.
Developments in Upper Coomera with vacant land lots include: Coomera Retreat.
Located on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/project-coomera+retreat-qld-upper+coomera-600000087">22 Hans Street</a> in Upper Coomera, Coomera Retreat is a freehold estate in North Gold Coast, close to amenities, schools, and close to public transport. 
Vacant land is priced from $199,900 and House/Land packages start from $355,000.
Developments in Hope Island with vacant land lots include: Cova.
Located 61 kilometres from Brisbane CBD, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/project-cova-qld-hope+island-600002603">Cova</a> has released three precincts: North Quay, Leeside, and Lakeside. North Quay comprises of 12 north-facing land lots fronting the Hope Island Canal, and has recorded 75% of sales thus far.
The remaining absolute canal-front blocks in North Quay range in size from 471sqm to 528sqm and are priced from $495,000.
Developments in Ormeau with vacant land lots include: The Brook.
Located 40 kilmetres from Brisbane CBD and 30 kilometres from Surfers Paradise, <a href="https://www.thebrookestate.com.au/now-selling">The Brook</a> features large homesites up to 945 square metres.
Residential land is priced from $200,000.
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median sale price for houses in Upper Coomera is $385,000, up 1.9% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house in 11.9%, while private treaty sales average 113 days on market.
The median asking rent for houses is $400 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 5.4%.
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median sale price for houses in Ormeau is $410,000, down 2.6% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house is 9.7%, while private treaty sales average 127 days on market.
The median asking rent for houses is $420, while gross rental yield currently stands at 5.3%.
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Gold Coast property market showing signs of recovery: Prodap

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A three-bedroom house in Melton was a recent weekend cheapest auction sale, according to Australian Property Monitors.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-melton-114351347">504 High Street</a>, the house sold for $220,000 through First National Real Estate Melton.
First National Melton agent Justin Carberry told Property Observer there were about 20 people present at the auction, with four registered bidders.
The successful bidder was an investor.
The listing states that the property has “future development potential. Other possibilities may include but are not limited to the use of the premises for commercial business. 
Carberry noted that the successful bidder had no intention of using the property for commercial business as yet.
He added that no reserve price was set for the property as it was a deceased estate handle by state trustees.
Carberry also told Property Observer that the property market in Melton is “moving along fine” at the moment.
“Prices haven’t gone up. We’re seeing more buyers and houses are selling, but we haven’t had a price rise in awhile,” he said.
With First National Melton’s estimated rental of $255 a week, the price reflects a 6.03% rental yield.
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median sale price for houses in Melton is $241,000, down 3.6% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house is 10%, and private treaty sales average 107 days on market.
The median asking rent for houses in Melton is $250 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 5.4%.
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Melton cheapie sells for $220,000 and 6% rental yield

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A report by the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) has found that Australia is the most expensive country for international study, surging ahead of the United States and the United Kingdom.
The report found that the average annual cost of study in Australia amounted to some US$38,000, followed by the United States at US$35,000, and the United Kingdom at US$30,000.
HSBC Australia head of retail banking and wealth management Graham Heunis said the strength of the Australian economy and the Australian dollar has kept the cost of studying in Australia high relative to other markets.
According to data from Australian Education International, there were 379,214 enrolments by full-fee paying international students as of June this year, a decline of 2.2% on last year. This is in contrast to a 5.8% average increase of enrolments each June in the last decade.
Heunis believes the falling Australian dollar and improved visa processing could see student enrolments bouncing back.
“While Australia’s education sector has taken a hit in terms of overseas student numbers, the proportion of international students in Australia remains strong, indicating many are looking past the cost impact to other factors such as quality of life and education and proximity to home.
The falling Aussie dollar and simplified visa process should spark a resurgence in overseas students placing Australia on top of their destination lists,” Heunis said.
Australian universities continue to be competitive compared to their international counterparts.
Seven Australian universities retained their top 200 positions in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) prepared by China’s Shanghai Jiaotong University.
The University of Melbourne remained as Australia’s top institution, moving up three spots to 54th place.
Melbourne has ranked number one in Australia for three consecutive years, and was also the first Australian university to achieve a top 200 ranking in the ARWU for all ten individual disciplines.
Other universities in the top 100 include the Australian National University (66), University of Queensland (85), University of Western Australia (91) and University of Sydney (97).
Monash University and the University of NSW were named in the 101-150 band.
A report from the International Education Advisory Council released in February this year projected a 30% growth to the education industry by 2020, estimating that Australia will be home to some 520,000 international students, contributing $19.1 billion to the local economy.
The same report revealed that 52% of the $15.7 billion revenue from the international education sector in 2011 went towards host communities – including accommodation providers, the retail sector, travel services and other community enterprises.
Property Observer recently reported that there is a shortage of purpose-built student accommodation in most Australian capital cities.
Currently, there are 41,250 beds available for students around Australia, leading students to turn to the private rental market for their accommodation needs.
As of the 2011 Census, there are over 826,200 units in main cities around Australia. However, a 2012 Jones Lang LaSalle report found many students encounter difficulties in securing private rental accommodation due to fierce competition from other potential tenants, unaffordable rentals, and a national vacancy rate of around 2%.
The same report also revealed that Australia is considered to be ten years behind mature markets in providing quality student housing. This therefore gives investors an opportunity to reap the benefits of early entry into the market.
Other attributes of the student housing sector include solid rental growth above inflation rates, resilient performance in downturns, strong demand, and high occupancy rates.
This has led student accommodation providers such as Urbanest and The Pad to expand their operations.
Urbanest, which provides student acommodation in Adelaide, Sydney, and Brisbane, is launching a Melbourne student accommodation building next February in Carlton.
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/investor-interest-sought-for-rmit-village-student-accommodation/2013081863581?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news" title="Investor interest sought for RMIT village student accommodation">investor interest is being sought for RMIT village student accommodation</a> in North Melbourne. The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-vic-north+melbourne-500822239" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">Jones Lang LaSalle</a> marketing gives a projected net income of $4.6 million for this year.
Brisbane-based student accommodation provider The Pad also recently announced expansion plans to Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, following the backing of investment group Telopea Capital Partners. 
Image courtesy of Justin Kim/flickr.
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Australia the most expensive country for international study but remains attractive for students and investors

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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Joel Robinson

First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Diane Leow

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