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GUEST OBSERVER 
Australia is the world’s largest carbon emitter per capita and requires energy reform on our country’s households.
 Australia needs to be more environmentally-minded, and not enough is being done at the top level through policy and greater consumer awareness to reduce our carbon footprint.
You can’t play politics with the environment.
If we genuinely want to reduce our country’s carbon footprint, it needs to be introduced on a Federal level, with both sides of politics coming together, regardless of political persuasion. Frequent changes in Government mean that there is little to no concentration on a long-term goal and while the focus is primarily on industry and commerce, it should extend beyond this.
According to the ABS, households are the biggest consumer of energy after manufacturing, even topping transport and mining.
We need to have more robust conversations on how we can make property more energy efficient and homeowners more energy aware. Most of our ‘green’ discussions are centred around creating energy in a more environmentally conscious manner, but we need to start looking at how we can improve energy waste by reducing the energy leaking from homes. There is a huge lack of education amongst homeowners around this, and while it will first help save money, it will also be a giant leap towards reducing our carbon footprint.
There is a huge lack of education around the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), and given the opportunity, the average Australian would be interested in knowing what the energy rating is for their home or a home that they are purchasing.
Currently, a large number of Australians are buying property off-the-plan, and they may not have access to knowledge about the property’s energy efficiency. Similarly, those who own or who are purchasing more recently built homes may only be able to access this rating through their local council or estate lawyer. 
While there is much focus on building for our future population, there is little consideration on established homes built pre-2000s. Douglas believes these homes are an even bigger contributor to the environment, accounting for 95 per cent of Australia’s total dwellings, and the Government should mandate energy ratings as part of building and pest inspections during the home buying process. 
Mandating energy ratings will provide greater transparency on wasted energy but it won’t necessarily cause people to withdraw from their purchase. The UK Government introduced Energy Performance Certificates in 2007 for homes that are built, sold and rented, and it did not deter people from buying in the slightest. If anything, this step will make people more aware of their environmental impact, and how they can contribute to making our country cleaner and greener. Government rebates are available to alleviate financial stress for homeowners looking to make their homes more energy efficient – there really needs to be more education on this.”
Research by the Energy Supply Association of Australia indicates that Australia leads the world in household solar penetration. While about 15 percent of dwellings have solar, research has demonstrated it is only as effective as behaviour, with almost half of energy generated by solar lost when used in the home through a lack of insulation, single-glazed windows and cavities. Douglas likens this to pouring water into a bucket with holes in the bottom.
There are 10 million dwellings in Australia and if each one is made five to 10 percent more energy efficient, it will make a significant reduction on our country’s carbon footprint, and keep a lid on rising energy bills.
A Canadian company called MyHEAT uses drone technology with thermal heat mapping to help homeowners understand and physically see energy loss in their home. With utility companies abroad becoming legislated to help customers reduce their energy consumption and Australian utility companies becoming privatised, a similar model would be adaptable in Australia.
It’s just as much about keeping dwellings cooler in summer as it is about keeping them warmer in winter. We have the technology at our disposal so why wouldn’t we use it for the greater good?
DOUGLAS DRISCOLL is CEO of real estate agency <a href="https://www.starrpartners.com.au/" target="_blank">Starr Partners</a>.
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Environmental reform on property needed: Douglas Driscoll

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GUEST OBSERVER
Sydney’s property market is buoyant but signs it’s still white hot should be dismissed, with clearance rates partly skewing market perceptions.
Auction clearance rates should not be the sole barometer for how the market is performing and could inadvertently spook buyers into rushing their decision, or sellers into choosing an auction sales method without considering alternatives that might achieve a better sale result for their property.
Many Australians watching the property market are unaware that auction clearance rates don’t constitute how many properties actually sell within a week. Last year the majority of properties were going to auction because it was a more efficient process and agents had confidence that these properties would almost certainly sell. Currently, there are fewer properties being sold by auction and a lot of agents are only taking the properties to auction that they perceive are guaranteed to sell. 
It’s very much a case of apples and oranges. We are still seeing almost all properties go to auction in certain pockets of the lower north shore and eastern suburbs, but this doesn’t reflect the entire market, especially when only about 10 per cent of properties go to auction in Sydney’s west – a community home to 12 percent of Australia’s entire population.
Sydney in itself is not selling a proportionate amount of properties at auction to make an accurate prognosis of the market. We are currently averaging around 300 properties going to auction over the weekends, but I think we should be looking at the results of total residential sales for the whole week, not just the auctions on the Saturday.
Rather than just using auction clearance rates as a barometer, I urge Australians to consider other metrics such as the average days on market and/or the price achieved as a percentage of the asking price. Auction clearance rates are simply a cross-section view of the market.
Here are three tips
Review number of days properties spend on the market
When the number of days on market goes down, understandably it means that the market is doing well. Likewise, when the number of days goes up, it’s generally a sign that the market might be toughening, or – for Sydney – be a sign of a stabilising market.  How Australians can make an informed opinion: 
Last year was very much a case of a high tide floating all boats but this year, despite the market still being strong, there are various nuances across different parts of our city. We shouldn’t be looking at Sydney as a whole, but at individual suburbs, and how things are moving and changing on a much more granular level. Consumers should spend time researching by monitoring listings, specifically, how long properties are on the market for.
Finally, no one knows the area better than local real estate agents and I strongly advocate people talking to the leading agents in their local area, to ensure they are well informed about how the market is performing. According to data from CoreLogic, about 1,000 more properties are being listed for sale than this time last year but the average days on market for Sydney properties this July was 40 days, much different to the average of 26 days in July last year. This really shows how the market is performing and my advice is to look at these independent research findings to get further insight into what’s happening on the ground.  
Assess the percent ratio of the achieved price to asking price
One way to get an accurate measure on how the market is performing is to look at the percentage ratio of the price achieved for properties against the asking price. Last year in Sydney most properties sold for the value within the price guide or above but now we’re in a situation where properties are selling within the price guide or below. But this certainly doesn’t mean the market is crashing. To make an effective prognosis of the market, we need to ensure that we’re looking at all of the facts.  How Australians can make an informed opinion: 
Median house and unit prices are down ever so slightly from the same time last year according to CoreLogic. For units it’s about $1,400 less and for houses it’s about $15,000 less, which really isn’t much in the grand scheme of things. These days, many agents send email newsletters detailing new listings and recent sales with price achieved so my advice is to get on these lists and keep in touch with agents that you’re meeting at open for inspections. There are also some free online tools that can help consumers track the advertising history for properties, to get an indication of property sale histories or what price reductions might have occurred over the past week.  
How to determine more accurate auction clearance rates 
To make an accurate market prognosis, we need to make sure we’re looking at all the facts. In the case of auction clearance rates, there’s no automated process at reporting the results accurately. In many cases you’ll find that agents won’t disclose the details of any properties that were passed in and the problem with brushing these things under the carpet is that you’re going to get a lumpy carpet, which could cause some consumers to trip. The results are often distorted by what’s being withheld, not to mention auction clearance rates also include properties that sold prior to auction with no competitive bidding at play. How Australians can make an informed opinion: 
Straight away, I urge consumers to take approximately 10 per cent off the clearance rates they’re seeing in the headlines. This will provide a more realistic number to make a sound market prognosis. There are many great resources available to Australians, including Cooley Auctions’ Cooley Index, which is a report on total auction volume, clearance rate, percentage sold over reserve and more, as well as a comparison to the same time the previous year. These stats are sometimes up to 10 per cent less than other reports, so given that they are highly reputable auction specialists, this in itself should motivate consumers to rethink clearance rates.
Another thing to remember is that we’re sometimes only dealing with about 200-300 properties being sold at auction here in Sydney, while Melbourne is often dealing with two to three times that amount. At those kinds of numbers, auction clearance rates are going to be a much better barometer of the Melbourne market unlike Sydney’s rates, which are tantamount to looking at the property market through a keyhole.
DOUGLAS DRISCOLL is chief executive officer of real estate agency <a href="https://www.starrpartners.com.au/" target="_blank">Starr Partners</a>.
 
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Auction clearance rates unreliable metric for Sydney property buyers: Douglas Driscoll

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GUEST OBSERVER
Australia needs a fair foreign investment policy that offers Australians equal opportunities.
For foreign investors, Australia is a desirable country because of its stable economy, favourable weather conditions and proximity to Asia. Furthermore, 2016 will be the year international developers take centre stage in Sydney – more than in previous years.
There are many other factors at play that make Australia so desirable and, for investors, there is less red tape and fewer restrictions on how many properties they can buy. 
In contrast, in China, for example, each province has different rules and regulations, with some provinces only allowing residents to purchase a maximum of two properties. 
The International Monetary Fund says that China has the most expensive property in the world. The median house price in Beijing is believed to be 20 times the annual household disposable income, so it’s understandable that they’re looking elsewhere. Sydney and Melbourne represent good value by comparison.
The number of Chinese investors in Australia might fall in Australia within the next 2-3 years and that Indian investors will make Australia their first port of call.
In my opinion, we will start to see Chinese investors possibly fading away from the Australian market depending on their slowing economy in the next few years, and will see a genuine emergence of buyers from India.  They will find it attractive for the very same reasons the Chinese do.
Land and property sales data suggests that foreign investors are now getting in on the process earlier to close the loop.
Many sites have been snapped up by international developers and the reality is that we can’t stop it from happening, not in this global economy. In saying that, it’s only fair, right and appropriate that Australian residents have, at the very least, equal opportunity.
Australian residents should be looked after; they shouldn’t be at a disadvantage to foreign nationals.
Safeguarding the interests of Australian residents should not be confused with being xenophobic, as they’re two very different things. We should still openly invite foreign investment, I just believe that it should come with more restriction and regulation. I was born in Britain so this isn’t a jingoistic standpoint, I merely want to see the same rules be applied to anyone buying in Australia irrespective of where they are from.
Conflicting information about the current market is making it confusing for Australian investors struggling to keep up.
As far as I can tell, there aren’t any accurate numbers available on the extent to which foreign investment is impacting the local investor community and house prices. Significant research is needed. As a real estate head with years of experience in the Australian market, I myself am having difficulty comprehending the situation, so what chance does the average layperson have?
Five solutions for a fair foreign investment policy that gives Australians equal opportunities:
1. Introduction of a levy. 
I absolutely advocate the introduction of a levy.  Last year the government introduced a tax for overseas investors, but in my opinion, this should be increased.  Australian residents are forced to pay for extras such as stamp duty when they buy property and I believe overseas investors should have to pay even more.
2. Placing a cap on the number of properties sold to overseas investors. 
We should regulate the number of properties on Australian soil that are sold to overseas investors:
It’s a bit of a mockery if Chinese investors can only buy two properties in some of their own provinces, but they can come to Australia and can buy 10. It doesn’t matter where investors are coming from – and they’re coming from all over the globe – it’s about looking after the interests of the Australian people.  
3. Clean money assessment.
 A handful of high-profile and high-net cases last year were intentionally made public to oust some illegal transactions happening and spook off unscrupulous investors, and Douglas believes that many more could have gone unnoticed. 
These homes were just the tip of the iceberg and my question is, what about the rest of the iceberg? Do we have any idea how big it is? We know that illegal transactions are taking place because of these cases, and that these acquisitions by foreign investors breach regulations. There is a strong suggestion that this is regularly taking place in the upper echelon of the Sydney and Melbourne markets.
We need to take a harder look into where the money is coming from, as there has been some suggestion that it’s not always clean. The UK government, for example, has implemented money laundering checks and Australia should be doing the same.
4. Financing rules around the acquisition process. 
As is currently stands, financing is not fair for the local investor. We know that a Chinese financial institution based in Australia offers zero deposit home loans for Chinese investors purchasing Australian property. Here, under new macroprudential guidelines, we have Australian residents now required to pay a 20 per cent deposit on a property whilst international buyers can completely circumnavigate the system. It’s ludicrous, all buyers should be on a level playing field in the process and financial aspect.
5. Percentage of developments must be sold to Australian residents.
Up until 2008, developers had to sell a portion of properties to Australian residents. This lifted in the GFC but it’s my view that we should re-establish it and place a limit on how many investments they can buy. I heard that last year only 10-15 per cent of off-the-plan developments in Sydney and Melbourne were sold to overseas investors, but that conflicts with other reliable reports, saying that it was closer to 40 per cent.
It’s increasingly common for foreign investors to buy and develop or redevelop, then sell property on Australian soil off-shore or to international investors without Australian residents even getting a look in.  We need to look at the vulnerability of our market – does selling too much to overseas investors make us become vulnerable to factors outside of our control?
DOUGLAS DRISCOLL is CEO of real estate agency <a href="https://www.starrpartners.com.au/" target="_blank">Starr Partners</a>.
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Foreign investment impact on local market worsens

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GUEST OBSERVER
Sydney’s property market is set to show signs of change in 2016 as the market moves into a ‘transitional’ phase, and I predict the following market trends for 2016.
Consistent property prices.  
Property prices remain quite consistent throughout 2016.  There’s strong speculation that the Reserve Bank will reduce interest rates again, but if they do, I personally don’t envisage the banks passing it on to consumers. We’ll see a continued decline in investors which will coincide with an increase in owner occupiers.  This is a very good long-term thing as it helps the market have a healthier balance.
More robust conversation on how to encourage first home buyers.  
Home ownership is ingrained into Australian DNA: It’s not an entitlement but it’s always been encouraged. I would be saddened to see that change as I want to see more young people on the property ladder and experience the same things as previous generations. 
The industry needs to focus on encouraging first home buyers to enter the market. Personally, I’m not convinced that throwing money at first home buyers through grants is the right way to go, nor am I convinced that allowing them to make purchases with their superannuation is the right way to go either. It will be nice to see some pressure applied to banks – for them to look at giving discounts or concessional rates to first home buyers. I would still love for first home buyers to continue to be offered deals with a five per cent deposit and a more competitive interest rate.
Developers to become nervous and less likely to take risks.  
We have seen a general sense of nervousness from developers recently so I hope to see a greater sense of balance around approvals as a result.  In 2015, we saw a lot of developments granted planning permission but I think heading into 2016 we will see them feel a bit of pain because some purchased their sites on such narrow margins. As market levels fall away slightly, some developers might struggle to cover costs.  
Towards the end of 2016 we might start to see some investors potentially walk away from their deposits because they perceive that they paid too much for it in 2015 and see that it’s no longer worth the risk. Personally, I see this as very much a knee-jerk reaction as most investments should be viewed with a long-term strategy in mind.
2016 will be the year that Chinese developers really arrive in Sydney – and they’re going to aggressively market their developments in mainland China. I have no problem with foreign developers coming in but there should be a quota of stock that must be sold to Australian residents.
Changes to lending rules will freeze out some investors.  
The early part of 2015 saw investors buying off-the-plan but as these developments start to take shape and bricks go into the ground. The recently introduced macroprudential measures will make it difficult for buyers to complete the purchase.  Investors might have committed to an off-the-plan purchase as their mortgage lender considered them qualified to borrow at the time, but when it comes to the buyer needing the finance, there will be changes to lending rules, which – I think – is unfair.
Going into 2016, mortgage lenders will start freezing out investors, as lenders actually don’t have an obligation to provide the finance. They will simply say that they can’t provide the finance on the original terms (say, a 5% deposit) and that now much more is needed. Lenders might have said yes on a certain date in principle but the framework of their in-principle agreement should carry through.
Under-supply of housing.  
I believe that while town planners and councils might be meeting their quota in terms of dwellings being built, they might not be the right dwellings for the demand.  In my opinion, a disproportionate level of apartments are currently under construction – and now that the investor boom is over, we have an issue.  Planners should take a responsible and sensible approach to what the demand looks like, and offer tangible solutions.  We have to be careful we don’t build too many units and apartments because it will rob some suburbs of their identity.
Furthermore, I believe that there is a huge density problem.  We know that Australians have more living space per capita than anywhere else in the world, so are apartments really what is needed?  You’re not going to have a family of five on the 32nd floor of a high rise, are you?  Now that the investor market is slowing down, I want to know who’s going to be buying because the stock being built does not necessarily correlate to demand.
Suburb desirability and price changes from council amalgamations.  
When councils amalgamate in 2016, certain suburbs will be impacted on more than others in their desirability and/or price.  Look at somewhere like Botany for example, all of a sudden it could become part of an enlarged eastern suburbs council. Of course it’s going to become a lot more desirable and expensive. 
On the flip side, look at what happened when the government tried to divide Mosman into five suburbs – the sentiment was so strong against it that the call was rejected.  You really need to think about what’s in a postcode, in a suburb, in a council area because there could certainly be an impact on desirability for the better or the worse.  Just look at the conversation about the Woollahra, Hunters Hill, Ryde and Lane Cove councils right now.
More disruptors, disintermediation and ‘uberisation’ – but unlikely to take off.  
More disruptors will try to enter the market and shake things up for real estate but that they will be less likely to survive in the new landscape. Disruptors are more likely to thrive in a strong seller’s market when vendors struggle to see value for money.  These start-ups might have all the key ingredients to disrupt the traditional model, but in a softer market, like the one we are transitioning into, these new players will struggle to succeed.
As the market returns to something that resembles an ‘everyday market’ in 2016, we will see a lot of agents leave the industry. Those who were in it for a quick buck will quickly realise that they now have to work for their money and this hopefully means that the quality and standard will improve across the board.  It’s a great opportunity to raise the bar for the next boom.  This will allow us to improve entry level education standards so it will be far more difficult for the fly- by-nights to get a job in the industry.
Sydney to become a spider’s web.  
I really think that we will start to see Sydney become more of a spider’s web in 2016.  Regions of Sydney have always been so disconnected but for the first time ever we will see a joining of the dots.  Some areas currently considered as outposts will benefit from the construction of four new metro train stations, the south-west rail link, and the development of eight new stations in the north-west.
To give credit where credit’s due, the planning of Sydney’s transport system has vastly improved. With the new developments underway, it’s going to open up some key suburbs and make them more desirable.  As transport infrastructure improves, we will slowly start to see the divide between east and west fade as a result of greater accessibility.  Starr Partners’ buying data already proves these divides are softening right across Sydney.
Semi-abandonment of the auction process.  
As the market grew more robust over the past year or so, more people opted for auctions, but as it softens, I anticipate that people will start walking away from the process.
As experts, agents need to start assessing the what, the why and the where, and what works best for the individual property and people involved rather than resolutely sticking to just the one method of sale.  In a strong market, vendors are very prepared to follow the auction path but when things soften or when clearance rates fall, we can expect a semi-abandonment of the auction process.
 
DOUGLAS DRISCOLL is CEO of real estate agency <a href="https://www.starrpartners.com.au/" target="_blank">Starr Partners</a>.
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Sydney 2016 property market forecast: Douglas Driscoll

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Sydney’s property market is predicted to be healthy and stable this spring. 
The market has been like a steam train the past 18 months with prices accelerating far too quickly and a lot of talk of a bubble, however it has now found its feet and is well on the road to a healthier, balanced position. 
This spring, with the Australian economy still strong and consumer sentiment up, we’re hopefully set to see an increase in the number of first home buyers entering the market, as well as an increase in listings. 
My top seven trends for Sydney’s property market this spring are:
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Heightened stability. Over the past 18 months, Sydney’s market conditions were frantic and unpredictable, however, we’re now beginning to see a calming of the waters. The market is far less volatile - people know what they’re in for - and with this heightened sense of consumer confidence comes more action and more listings. </li>
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More listings. With consumer sentiment up, expect to see more properties on the market this spring compared to last. This time last year, buyers were unsure of what would happen, adopting a ‘wait and see’ mentality. However, this year, the market is much more consistent and we should see more stock hit the market as a result.</li>
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Slightly lower clearance rates. So far this year Sydney’s auction clearance rate has consistently hovered around the mid-80% mark, however, we are likely to see this drop slightly to around the mid-70s. This is still an exceptionally high clearance rate and a sign of a strong, healthy market – one that is stable and less fickle.    
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Less local investors. As banks become more prudent about responsible lending, we’ll see less local investors in the market this spring.As investors back off a bit, we are likely to see the number of first home buyers increase by as much as 3-5%. </li>
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Apartments, apartments, apartments. Sydney is going apartment crazy. We’ll see more being built and more being sold. Although I’m pleased to see more dwellings being approved and constructed, my lingering concern is that a disproportionate amount are still being sold to overseas investors. This spring we’ll no doubt see more debate and discussion on this topic.</li>
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Emerging growth suburbs. There will be a surge in buying activity in regional areas close to metropolitan cities, as buyers walk away from Sydney in favour of areas such as the Central Coast. Newcastle and Wollongong should also experience increased demand from buyers as Sydney properties become increasingly unobtainable. In Sydney, it’s Mascot, Botany, Riverstone and Leppington that are emerging as the next big growth areas. </li>
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<li>
Prices to increase but at a balanced rate. Property prices will continue to rise, but at a healthier, less accelerated rate. Rather than the 1-1.5% per month increases we’ve been experiencing, I expect to see closer to half a percent increase in prices for the remainder of this year, making it more achievable for first home buyers to purchase their ideal home this spring. </li>
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DOUGLAS DRISCOLL is CEO of real estate agency <a href="https://www.starrpartners.com.au/" target="_blank">Starr Partners</a>.
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Top seven trends for Sydney’s property market: Douglas Driscoll

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Sydney’s property market is continuing along a stellar growth path, with auction clearance results surpassing 90% and dwelling values increasing 13.9% since March last year*. With the growth rate not showing signs of slowing, experts are warning of another property bubble. Is this the case?  
Sydney’s market is certainly very bullish. Capital growth is strong and buying and selling activity has exceeded expectations. While most commentators expected the market to ease to steadier levels in 2015, to around 5-7% growth, the market is continuing to defy our predictions. We are now in unchartered territory but this is nowhere near a bubble. Instead, Sydney is evolving into a new market where conditions are unpredictable, competition is high, and the pool of affordable housing is drying up.
Despite strong sales, a worrying trend in this new market is a lack of owner-occupier housing. The vast majority of buyers are now investors and fewer buyers are moving into a new home. Property purchases are not following a linear path as they did in previous generations and the new generation of buyers are struggling to compete. Investors are also buying with a long-term view, with many planning on leasing their property for 10 to 15 years or more.
Sydney is also facing a serious housing undersupply. By 2031, Sydney’s metropolitan population is expected to grow to almost 6 million people; the total number of homes needed to meet this projected demand is 2,338,100**. While building up has been one solution, foreign investors are snapping up Sydney developments in droves and in bulk, reducing stock for local buyers. Many of these properties, are also ideal for first home buyers.
Is now the time to buy, or should you wait for prices to cool? Here are 7 tips.
1. Don’t second-guess the market
In an unpredictable market, trying to pinpoint the ideal time to buy where the odds are in your favour is a difficult game. You may never know. I see buyers stall on their decisions by trying to second-guess. If you find a property you can afford that fits your needs, deciding to wait for a better option or a drop in price means you may miss out on a good opportunity.
2. First impressions aren’t always the last 
Don’t disregard a property because it doesn’t fit the aesthetic you had in mind. While properties built in the past 15 years may require less maintenance, older properties often feature double-brick walls and more spacious living and sleeping areas compared to properties built more recently. If the property you admire does require renovation, scale up the costs as a buffer to cover you when planning your budget.
3. Broaden your search 
To enter the market, you may need to consider suburbs that might not be your first or second preference. Sydney has a number of suburbs on the cusp of regeneration that offer great value such as Roseberry, Botany, Mascot, Rockdale, Baulkham Hills, and Penrith. By keeping your suburb search pool too slim, you risk cutting yourself off from other opportunities. Your ideal home might be a few suburbs away from your ideal suburb.
4. Focus on the bigger picture
Base your decisions on your property goals. Are you looking to climb the property ladder? If so, your first or second purchase is unlikely to be your last. Use your purchase as an opportunity to earn capital gains and release the equity to put toward your next purchase. The new market is not linear, so be prepared to go on a journey as you progress. I also recommend buying with a business rather than emotional mindset.
5. Get on the list 
If you’re looking to buy within a new development, I recommend doing your homework to stay a step ahead. Call local councils in areas where you would consider buying to identify any new residential plans. Ask to be on their mailing list for any updates and news. Many real estate agencies also have relationships with developers, so use them as a source of information to stay on the pulse.
6. Avoid stretching your budget 
Sydney’s market is significantly competitive and this is pushing up prices. Know your limit. Property is an expensive life investment. If you find yourself going beyond your limit to afford an increase in the asking price, knowing where to draw the line is an important life skill. Be responsible, make wise choices and seek guidance from a financial advisor.
7. Keep the faith 
If the search has been arduous and you’ve given up hope, you may find yourself developing a resentful attitude towards the market. Don’t succumb. Many buyers go through this phase at some stage in the property life cycle. If things aren’t working out, consider taking a step back to reassess and readjust your strategy. Taking some time away from the market may help you gather perspective before you make your next move.
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Sydney battles along strong: Douglas Driscoll

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Sydney’s 2015 property market is set to be healthy and buoyant.
In 2014, Sydney’s property market was white hot but the rate of growth was unsustainable.
While the volume of sales last year were impressive, more than half of the transactions made were by investors rather than owner-occupiers and this has started to create a bottleneck in the market. The good news however, is that the market is starting to relax.
With the economy strong, consumer sentiment holding and the Australian dollar balancing against the greenback, I think the 2015 market will go from white hot to red hot and be slightly less frantic for buyers.
Here are my top five trends for Sydney’s property market in 2015:
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<li>
Increased stability in property prices  The Sydney property market experienced accelerated growth in the past year but this should start easing in 2015. In 2014, average growth rates swelled past 13%. If we continue along this path, I believe that Sydney could be at risk of entering another property bubble, with prices ballooning and competition escalating. As we enter 2015, I expect to see more stability in the market, with growth rates of between 6-8% over the year. With interest rates also likely to remain at low levels and inflation easing, home buyers can take their time in making their biggest life decision without feeling the panic to buy now. 
</li>
<li>
Increased diversity in property portfolios  I think more investors will be ready to spread their wings and generate wealth in 2015. While it’s common for investors to invest in only one property, we are seeing a shift in the investor mindset. Whether it’s mum and dad investors or those planning to retire and live off their rental income, investors are becoming more open minded about how they purchase property and grow their portfolio – such as through structured SMSF investments. More investors are also treating their investments as a business transaction. They are not looking for a property to move into down the track; they are looking for properties in high growth areas where rental vacancies are low, demand is strong, and the property type fits the demographic needs of residents in the area.  
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Emergence of a genuine commuter belt Sydney is a global city but transport links between the CBD, and the eastern and western suburbs have been sub-optimal when compared to other global cities. With a fragmented transport system, pockets of the city are closed off and this can be a huge detractor for buyers wanting to live outside inner city areas. With new major rail links and road works underway, such as the North West Rail Link, and upgrades to the M2/M7 and M5 motorways, the divide between Sydney’s east and west is starting to close. New railway stations in the Hills District for instance, such as Rouse Hill, Kellyville and Bella Vista, will open up these family friendly areas to dwellers who may have previously only considered living close to the CBD, where properties are typically more expensive and less spacious.  
</li>
<li>
A ‘freezing out’ of first home buyers A worrying trend I see in 2015 is the continued decline in the number of first home buyers entering the market. This, I believe, correlates with an increase in investors snapping up Sydney properties. In a balanced market, around 20% of property transactions should be made by first home buyers. Instead, transactions by this group have dropped as low as seven%. First home buyers are our future generation. They are encouraged to buy property, yet their ability to enter the market and climb the property ladder is becoming increasingly difficult. More incentives will be needed to enable first home buyers to compete against more established or cashed-up investors; otherwise they risk being left behind,” says Doug. 
</li>
<li>
A continued influx of foreign investors The unprecedented rise in foreign investors purchasing Australian property in 2014 is set to continue. While investment from overseas buyers may help stimulate the economy, we need to be mindful that we already have an undersupply in housing and there is no shortage in locals wanting to buy. Many foreign investors are buying off-the-plan developments in bulk, often purchasing up to five properties at a time. Debate over the number of properties bought by this group could reach a climax in mid-2015. Introducing boundaries, such as limiting the number of properties that an overseas investor can acquire, or requiring developers to sell a percentage of their stock to Australian residents, I believe, will help provide more opportunities for local buyers.
</li>
</ol>
Douglas Driscoll is CEO of real estate agency <a href="https://www.starrpartners.com.au/" target="_blank">Starr Partners</a>.
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The five Sydney property market trends to watch this year: Douglas Driscoll

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The clearance rate for houses sold at auction in Sydney is higher now than this time last year.
While the housing market remains competitive, consumers should not feel pressured to buy now in the lead up to spring. The market is expected to maintain its buoyancy until the end of the year.
Home buyers looking to take advantage of current housing market conditions may be placing undue stress on themselves and their families, with some believing that they may need to rush in and buy due to a fear of slimmer pickings or price inflation come September. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. Home buyers should be focussed on making wise choices and finding a home that they know is right for their family in the long term – rather than jumping the gun.
Over the last three years, the Sydney property market has experienced no real surge in the volume of listings during the spring period. Housing demand has remained relatively constant and seasonal buying trends such as the spring rush are becoming less prevalent.
Today’s market is increasingly more predictable and less volatile and the current surge in listings is more likely a result of increased consumer sentiment in macro-economic conditions.  Since January this year, the market has remained steady and this trend is expected to continue until well into 2015, which should be reassuring for home buyers.
Here are five tips for home buyers to use as guide before purchasing property:
<ol>
<li>
Don’t follow the crowd Property is your biggest life purchase and buying when everybody else is shouldn’t be the factor motivating you to move. Take the time to ensure you’re confident with your purchasing decision and base your buying and selling plans on your own circumstances. If you’ve found your ideal home that fits within your budget don’t be afraid to go against the grain. 
</li>
<li>
Don’t second guess the market When researching property market conditions it is vital that you analyse market movements; home buyers should realise that they can’t second guess the market as the landscape is constantly changing. You can’t control the wind but you can control the sails. This includes control over where and when you buy and the mortgage terms you agree to take on. 
</li>
<li>
Consider the area you’re buying into Do your homework to find out what the growth prospects in the surrounding suburbs look like. Are there any new developments planned such as road works or transport links, new schools or shopping centres? These could point to growth in the area and have a significant impact on the value and desirability of a property over time. It’s also important to understand the local demographics. While speaking to experts is important, I would encourage buyers to speak to neighbours across the street to get a feel for the community before buying. 
</li>
<li>
Thoroughly research the mortgage market  Spend time researching the mortgage market and collect a cross-section of advice. I recommend speaking to at least three home loan and finance experts. The more advice you seek, the better you will make an informed choice about the right mortgage and interest rate package that works for you and whether you should opt for a fixed or variable loan. I also recommend comparing home loan options online. 
</li>
<li>
Don’t overstretch your finances  This is imperative. Not only do you need to feel confident about the amount of finance you’re taking on and your ability to meet future financial obligations, it’s critical to know that you can carry the mortgage if your or your family’s circumstances change. Before taking on your mortgage, speak with a trusted financial advisor who can provide unbiased financial advice and assist you in developing a long term financial plan. Home buyers should also allow for at least one per cent increase in interest rates.</li>
</ol>
Douglas Driscoll is the CEO of award winning Sydney real estate network <a href="https://www.starrpartners.com.au/" target="_blank">Starr Partners</a>. 
Starr Partners has an online home loan feature that allows home buyers to <a href="https://www.starrpartners.com.au/home-loans" target="_blank">compare loan products</a> from 15 different lenders.
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Five home buyer tips to help you beat the spring auction heat

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There will continue to be infrastructure growth, new developments and rental yields of 5% to 6% in greater western Sydney. Investors will continue to head west, lured by affordable property with high returns and higher stock levels.
Sydney is a tale of two cities
Until now Sydney buyers have pooled greater western Sydney into the same market as Sydney, but this perception is beginning to change. Greater western Sydney cannot be regarded as the same economy as inner Sydney or the northern beaches. The development boom, the buyer and seller mentality here – and hence the property data – is very different from the rest of Sydney.
We are seeing commercial epicentres emerging here – negating the need for residents to commute to the CBD. New suburbs and shopping districts are appearing, businesses are establishing and settling out here, the M2 motorway is expanding, new and expanded train stations are emerging, and so are large master-planned developments. No other area in Sydney is seeing that amount of change so quickly.
Investors are realising it – and their presence in the area is growing. Rental yields have averaged 5% to 6% here, in comparison to Sydney’s inner west, where they are 3% to 5%. This kind of strong rental yield will continue in 2012, assuming the economy will remain stable.
Hot suburbs to watch
Infrastructure growth and new developments are indicators of good rental yields and capital growth for those areas. Suburbs to watch out for include:
•             The Ponds (west of Kellyville): High-quality housing is being developed on a large scale, and this is tipped to be an upmarket area. In November, the $8.5 million landmark Eastern Playing Fields precinct opened. Nearby, Schofield train station has been relocated and expanded. In addition, my belief is that the north-west rail link will have to happen, further benefitting these areas.
•             Schofields and Riverstone: A significant amount of land has been released here with quality developments; a major part of the M2 is being widened to three lanes; and a planned Woolworths in Schofields is pointing to the growth of these suburbs.
•             Oran Park and Edmondson Park: These are large new suburbs. Edmondson Park is conveniently at the junction of the M7 and M5 corridors and will have a new train station linked to the airport and East Hills lines by 2016.
•             Pemulwuy: There have been significant sales in this new suburb by our new Pemulwuy office. In 2010 there was an 11.5% increase in the median house price, and 2011 a 5.6% increase. In October, median house prices were 8% higher than the median house price for the Holroyd area.
Off-the-plan sales to grow
Off-the-plan sales are already at a high due to the wave of savvy overseas investors. Often entire developments are purchased off the plan quickly. That’s where local buyers are missing out. Investors overseas know it’s a safer investment here and are also comfortable buying off the plan. Often, by the time a development is completed these investors have made tens of thousands of dollars on their purchase price.
Local investors are likely to soon change their mentality and realise that off the plan is the way of the future in the greater west. Developments also offer warranties, making the investments as safe as a second-hand property. The challenge is for local buyers to get in there before overseas investors snap up future developments.
Douglas Driscoll is CEO of <a href="https://www.starrpartners.com.au/" title="Starr Partners" target="_blank">Starr Partners</a>.
 
 
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Greater western Sydney market to go from strength to strength in 2012

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Pick up any newspaper or property magazine at the moment, and you could be forgiven for thinking that the bottom has just fallen out of the housing market.
Although it is true that we have witnessed some minor price adjustments, the market is still very robust and talk of any bubbles bursting are wide of the mark. It is almost inevitable that the halcyon conditions that we have recently encountered would not last indefinitely.
Markets rise and fall, but unlike a lot of other developed countries, Australia is experiencing a calmer acclimation to turbulent external factors.
With prices more sensible and interest rates unlikely to increase any time soon, the spring is an ideal time to move home. Up until recently we have experienced a "sellers' market", whereas now there is a far greater equilibrium between supply and demand, creating a heightened level of stability.
Irrespective of market conditions, a property is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay, so study comparable evidence carefully and ensure that the price is realistic.
Douglas Driscoll is CEO of <a target="_blank" title="Starr Partners" href="https://www.starrpartners.com.au/">Starr Partners</a>.
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Any talk of property bubbles bursting is well wide of the mark

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

Joel Robinson

KOYO penthouse headlines Abadeen's $19.25 million EOFY sales flurry

The City of Sydney has approved plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia Group</a> and Metrics Credit Partners’ $3.5 billion Castlereagh Place project in the heart of the Sydney CBD

The towers will be among the tallest in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney</a>'s CBD, with more floors than any other residential tower in the city.&nbsp;

The 6,000 sqm site was acquired by the joint venture partners in 2024. It is the largest amalgamated land parcel in the Sydney CBD and comprises eight individual sites fronting Castlereagh, Pitt and Liverpool Streets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castlereagh-place-sydney-324-348-pitt-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Castlereagh Place</a> will transform an underutilised city block into a landmark mixed-use destination, anchored by two 82-storey towers comprising 607 luxury residences above an 8-level podium housing a 209-room luxury hotel. A 1,000 square metre civic park on ground level features a curated mix of food, beverage and retail.

The plans have been refined over the past year to rebalance the residential and hotel offering, and reconfigure the retail footprint to create a stronger, more dynamic dining experience.

A three-level flagship building on the prominent corner of Pitt and Liverpool Streets will be the gateway to the Castlereagh Place lifestyle precinct. Set to become a Sydney icon, the building is capable of housing multiple hospitality venues.

“Castlereagh Place is designed to be the City's next great urban oasis - an energetic mixed-use precinct that pulses with life, day and night,"&nbsp;said Joseph Kinsella, Group Director of Billbergia.

"It will bring the vibrancy of places like Barangaroo and Darling Quarter into a more accessible, central destination at the very heart of Sydney."

Kinsella said the project will build on&nbsp;Sydney’s growing laneway culture with the City’s largest network of new activated lanes - an expanded, next-generation take on precincts like Angel Place, Palings Lane and Ash Street in Wynyard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374401]

Castlereagh Place has been designed by architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">fjcstudio</a> in collaboration with Trias Studio, Aileen Sage and Polly Harbison Design, joint winners of an international design competition in 2018.&nbsp;

Signature design elements from the original scheme remain unchanged, while the public domain has been significantly enhanced, delivering 60 per cent more open-to-sky space.

Pedestrian access will also be enhanced through new laneways linking Pitt, Liverpool and Castlereagh Streets, drawing people into a new civic park with outdoor seating, landscaping and integrated public art.

With activated laneways supported by strong hospitality offerings, Castlereagh Place is tipped to become a vibrant new dining destination in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

It marks the largest undertaking to date for the Billbergia and Metrics Credit Partners partnership. Together they are developing other underutilised Sydney sites into mixed-use precincts, including the $2.2 billion Concord Central and the $1.3 billion Chatswood Grand Residences.

Metrics Managing Partner and Group CEO Andrew Lockhart said Castlereagh Place is a landmark project that will redefine Sydney’s skyline.

"As the tallest residential high-rise development, the revitalised site will offer panoramic views across the CBD and surrounds. We are excited to partner with Billbergia to reinvigorate an underutilised site and create a sophisticated and contemporary mixed-use offering situated in the heart of Sydney.”

Total apartments within the towers have increased to 607 dwellings, with a focus on larger floorplans. Aligned to growing market demand, Castlereagh Place now comprises 299 three-plus-bedroom apartments, 198 two-bedroom units and 110 one-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374402]

Resident amenities will include an exclusive residents club containing a gym, rooftop pool, dining rooms, co-working spaces, library, golf simulator, games room, cinema room, and access to an exclusive concierge service. There will be around 500 basement car spaces below the towers.

The development will also include a state-of-the-art wellness centre, set to feature a bathhouse with magnesium pools, hot/cold plunge pools and premium amenities.

&nbsp;

According to fjcstudio, the towers will feature distinctive yet elegant architectural design reflecting Sydney’s geometry and urban character, with a network of through-site links and intimate public spaces activating the streetscape.

"Castlereagh Place is a city-making project of significant scale and ambition," said Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director at fjcstudio.

"It will create a rich urban complex of public open spaces, landscaped gardens, and vibrant laneways. Defining these new public spaces and the important streetscape of Castlereagh Street is a sequence of fine-grained, diverse retail and hotel architecture designed in collaboration with Aileen Sage, Polly Harbison Design and Trias.

“Rising above the tree-lined, human-scale streetscape are two slender residential towers that will transform the city skyline and look towards the Harbour, Hyde Park, and the Royal Botanic Garden.”

Demolition and early construction works have commenced onsite at Castlereagh Place.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134477]

Billbergia, Metrics, approved for $3.5 billion Sydney skyscrapers

International developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spg-land">SPG Land</a> is preparing to re-launch its long-awaited $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Paradiso Place</a> development at Budds Beach, bringing a new price point to the Surfers Paradise apartment market.

The developer will release one-bedroom apartments from $825,000 and two-bedroom apartments from $1.24 million in the three-tower development.

According to Urbis, the starting price for the two-bedroom apartments is more than $400,000 below the weighted average sale price for comparable two-bedroom apartments in Surfers Paradise during 2025, which was pinned at $1.7 million.

&nbsp;

Urbis reported quarterly average sale prices for new two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments ranged from around $1.2 million to $1.7 million throughout 2025, peaking in the December quarter.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185853]

Paradiso Place is now moving into its formal sales campaign, with a limited early-release opportunity available ahead of the public launch.

The development will comprise 845 apartments across three towers rising 40, 41 and 44 storeys from a 1.15-hectare site spanning an entire city block. The towers will sit above a new retail precinct.

"Paradiso Place represents a rare opportunity in today's market, offering premium apartments at a price point that is significantly more competitive than anything else currently available," SPG Land Sales Director Brad McMahon said.

"When you look at comparable new developments across Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and the Southern Beaches precinct, buyers are typically paying hundreds of thousands more for a similar product.

"The scale of this project and the developer-builder construction model allows us to unlock efficiencies that smaller developments simply cannot achieve. We are passing those benefits directly to buyers, while still delivering a five-star residential experience with an unmatched lifestyle."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=374280]

Each of the three towers designed by Rothelowman will have its own podium, connected by an elevated skybridge network to create a beachside village for residents. The resident amenity has been designed to rival a five-star hotel, with private dining rooms, resident lounges and entertainment spaces.

McMahon said the pricing strategy was a deliberate response to the current market.

"What Paradiso Place offers is a unique balance, genuine value within a premium market. Buyers are not compromising on quality, design or amenity, they are gaining access to it at a more competitive price point at a time when prices across the Gold Coast continue to reach new highs."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362498]

Located around 100 metres from the beach and within walking distance of the Surfers Paradise North light rail station, Paradiso Place occupies one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held beachfront precincts.

Construction is continuing to progress, with eight of the project's 112 foundation piles now complete. Excavation has also commenced on the first diaphragm wall panel, with the first concrete poured on 15 June, marking a key milestone in the project's early works program.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106566]

SPG Land launches $1.5 billion Paradiso Place at attractive price point

Luxury developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lowe-living">Lowe Living</a> has achieved a new Victorian benchmark for an off-the-plan apartment, with the sale of two penthouses at its ultra-exclusive Maison Savoy development in Brighton.

The two penthouses achieved a combined sale rate of $49,926 per sqm. Both transactions eclipsed the previous identified Victorian off-the-plan price-per-square-metre benchmark, set by the 449 sqm apartment at Como Toorak, which sold at $46,659 per sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366473]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maison-savoy-brighton-150-esplanade-brighton-vic-3186">Maison Savoy</a>, Lowe Living's redevelopment of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel on absolute beachfront land at 150 The Esplanade, Brighton, has gained significant momentum since launching just eight weeks ago. Around 30 per cent of the project's 19 residences have already been secured, generating approximately $45 million in sales.

"Securing two of the three penthouse sales at this stage, within eight weeks of launching to market speaks to the confidence our clients place in Lowe Living," Lowe Living co-founder Emma Lowe said.

"They know we'll be with them through every stage of the journey, and that assurance is something we've worked hard to earn and never take for granted."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366474]

Lowe said Maison Savoy was conceived as a genuine alternative to a prestige Brighton home, combining house-scale proportions with the convenience, security and lock-up-and-leave appeal of apartment living.

Lowe Living co-founder Tim Lowe said the early sales success demonstrated the resilience of Melbourne's prestige market and highlighted the growing demand for house-sized apartments among ultra-high-net-worth buyers.

"The Melbourne market has definitely been tested in recent years, with interest rates and global economic factors all creating a period of uncertainty across the real estate sector. The sales success at Maison Savoy however demonstrates that confidence remains exceptionally strong at the top end of the market.

"The prestige market is being driven by long-term lifestyle decisions rather than short-term market sentiment, which continues to create a level of certainty that befits an absolute beachfront property in a blue-chip location like Brighton.

"Brighton's fundamentals remain among the strongest in Melbourne, with limited new supply, enduring demand from an overwhelmingly local owner-occupier market, and a rare combination of beachfront amenity and proximity to the CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=374378]

According to Cotality, Brighton remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held prestige suburbs, with an average ownership tenure of 15.3 years for houses and 12.3 years for units, while more than 73 per cent of homes are owner-occupied.

Tim Lowe said selling two of the project's three penthouses so early in the campaign was an uncommon result.

"This sales result is a reflection of quality and understanding the local market. It's incredibly rare to transact the penthouses so early in a sales campaign in any project so to have sold two of the three penthouses at Maison Savoy so soon after launch, all in-house without any external sales agency appointed, is reflective of our careful consideration of our buyers' needs and lifestyle.

"This is knowledge that is accumulated not just from data and demographic analysis, but via a deeply embedded understanding of how this type of buyer wants to live and feel in their home. We pride ourselves on getting to know our clients personally, and over the last 10 years we have been able to refine our product offering by talking one-on-one with our clients about their design and floorplan preferences.

"Being a fully integrated developer-builder with an in-house design and sales team allows us to lead every part of the process and ensure the highest quality of product and service at every touchpoint. It's a really important part of our DNA and the recent sales success at Maison Savoy indicates that our clients and purchasers are resonating with this point of difference.

"It reinforces that demand remains strong for thoughtfully designed residences that offer rarity, lifestyle and long-term value in tightly held locations, which ultimately validates Maison Savoy's positioning as creating a new benchmark for house-scale, wellness-led apartment living on Brighton's beachfront."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366480]

The residences at Maison Savoy start from 295 sqm, with most enjoying uninterrupted views across Port Phillip Bay. The project sits moments from the Brighton Bathing Boxes, Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Middle Brighton Baths and Church Street's retail and dining precinct.

A key feature of the development is its private residents-only bathhouse, curated by the founder of Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse and modelled on traditional European bathing rituals and the award-winning Sorrento bathhouse.

The wellness offering includes a hydrotherapy pool, salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, foot activation zone and a Vichy rainfall bed, one of only a handful in Australia. Residents will also have access to a Technogym studio, lounge spaces and a dedicated concierge service offering everything from morning coffee delivery and restaurant bookings to dry cleaning and home coordination.

"Wellness-led design has become a defining factor for luxury buyers," Emma Lowe said.

"Purchasers increasingly value homes that enhance wellbeing through thoughtful design, private amenity, privacy and liveability."

The penthouse purchasers are now undertaking a bespoke customisation process curated personally by architect Pete Kennon and the Lowe Living team, one of the developer's signature service offerings.

Construction on the $160 million transformation of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel site commenced last month, with completion expected in early 2028. The project has secured funding from NAB alongside development partner Monark.

Just one penthouse remains available, along with a limited number of two and three-bedroom residences starting from $3.75 million.

Lowe Living currently has eight projects on the market across Melbourne and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, having grown a $1 billion development pipeline alongside a $350 million construction pipeline.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140818]

Lowe Living set new Melbourne off the plan apartment record

For more than three decades, Hyecorp has been delivering residential projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore, building a portfolio centred on design-led apartment living in some of the city's most established neighbourhoods.

Hyecorp recently launched the latest in its long line of apartment developments, Celine, a 29-storey tower on Archer Street in Chatswood. Like the majority of the developer's projects, Celine caters to a broad buyer demographic, offering a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, all designed with owner-occupiers in mind.

Functionality and flexibility are often buzzwords in the new apartment market, but they sit at the core of Hyecorp's design philosophy.

Hyecorp Joint Managing Director Stephen Abolakian says the developer understands it isn't designing apartments for today's needs alone, but for how buyers will live several years into the future.

"When we launch our projects we need to be aware that these developments aren't finished for several years," Abolakian says.

"That home office in the here and now might be a nursery by the time the project completes for a prospective buyer, so we need to think about how the apartment spaces function for future uses so there's longevity in the ownership."

Celine's architects, Fuse, followed the same philosophy, saying the design extends well beyond aesthetics.

"Celine focuses on timeless architectural form and functionality, with a strong emphasis on light, proportion and materiality. The design responds to the urban context of Chatswood while delivering calm, highly liveable interiors that feel both contemporary and enduring. The floorplans have been carefully resolved to maximise usability and outperform typical market offerings in terms of efficiency and liveability."

Most apartments incorporate multipurpose rooms designed for flexibility. Each includes an integrated desk and a standard Murphy pull-down single bed, allowing the space to transition from a home office or study to guest accommodation as needs change. The layouts have also been designed to maximise natural light, storage and overall functionality.

One and two-bedroom apartments feature Miele appliances, while three and four-bedroom residences are appointed with integrated Gaggenau appliances and Taj Mahal stone benchtops.

Buyers who purchase early in the construction process can also take advantage of Hyecorp's "Live Your Way" interior design service, allowing them to personalise finishes and tailor elements of their home to suit their own lifestyle. It's a feature designed to appeal to owner-occupiers who want their apartment to feel uniquely theirs from the day they move in.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362614]

While flexible floorplans have become a hallmark of Hyecorp's apartment design, the developer has also continued to place significant emphasis on resident amenity.

As buyers increasingly expect more from apartment living, shared spaces have evolved beyond a gym and barbecue area. They are now an extension of the home, providing spaces to relax, exercise, entertain and connect with neighbours.

At Celine, the resident amenity has been designed with a focus on wellness, centred on the level six podium. An infinity-edge swimming pool, spa, sauna and fully equipped gym are complemented by barbecue facilities and a residents' lounge, creating a range of spaces for relaxation, recreation and social connection above the streets of Chatswood.

Practical conveniences have also been integrated throughout the building, including EV charging provisions, smart parcel lockers, bicycle storage, a pet wash station and dedicated car wash bays, reflecting the project's focus on making everyday living as seamless as possible.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362633]

"Celine has been designed to deliver a refined residential experience that reflects the evolution of Chatswood into a premium urban centre,"&nbsp;Abolakian says.

"With over 30 years of experience delivering projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore, Hyecorp brings a deep understanding of what local buyers value. Every detail has been considered to balance luxury, functionality and long-term liveability. This is not just about apartments, but about creating a lasting residential address for discerning buyers."

Hyecorp, vertically-integrated builder-developer, is anticipating construction commencement later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149594]

Douglas Driscoll

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