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The REIV has released data that reveals, for the first time, the suburbs where auctions are the main method of sale and those where private sales are.
This data, presented in an online clickable map, is an invaluable resource for all real estate agents and vendors.
The data will assist real estate agents and vendors as they make the decision about the most appropriate sales method for their property.
The maps clearly show that auctions are the most popular sales method in the inner city, while in the outer suburbs most sales are conducted privately. This in part explains why the median price of a home sold at auction is higher than one sold at private sale, as residential property is much more expensive in the inner suburbs.
While overall auction sales have represented around 22% of all sales in Melbourne this year, there are some suburbs with a higher number and some with less.
Suburbs where more than half the homes were sold by auction in 2011 included Elsternwick, Surrey Hills, Armadale, Richmond, Malvern, Northcote and Camberwell.
At the other end of the spectrum less than 5% of homes were sold by auction in Narree Warren, Werribee, Rowville, Craigieburn and Mooroolbark.
It is also the case that clearance rates tend to be higher in the suburbs where auctions are more prevalent.
Analysis of the data over 2010 and 2011 shows a clear trend towards private sales as the level of competition dropped. This highlights that auctions work better when there is a high level of demand, generally or for a specific property.
When teamed with data showing weekly clearance rates this information is an invaluable and unique resource for all those active in the residential real estate market. The<a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/Auction-Map.aspx" target="_blank"> maps are available on the REIV website.</a>
Top 10 suburbs ranked by % sales by auction in 2011
<a href="/news">ELSTERNWICK </a>69%
<a href="/news">SURREY HILLS</a> 68%
<a href="/news">ARMADALE </a>67%
<a href="/news">CAULFIELD </a>64%
<a href="/news">HUGHESDALE</a> 63%
<a href="/news">MONT ALBERT</a> 62%
<a href="/news">KEW EAST</a> 62%
<a href="/news">CLIFTON HILL</a> 61%
<a href="/news">CAULFIELD NORTH</a> 60%
<a href="/news">HEIDELBERG</a> 60%
Enzo Raimondo is CEO of the <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Real Estate Institute of Victoria</a>.
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enzoraimond-7fvRFHPR52

Top 10 Melbourne suburbs ranked by percentage of sales by auction, including Elsternwick and Surrey Hills

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In October the rental market remained stable in Victoria in terms of the level of vacancies and rents charged.
The vacancy rate for Victoria was 1.9%, compared with 2% in September. In Melbourne the vacancy rate was also 1.9%, slightly lower than the 2% recorded in September. In regional Victoria it remained stable at 2%.
Within the metropolitan area inner Melbourne had the highest level of vacancies, with 2.6% recorded in those suburbs within four kilometres of the CBD. As you move further from the CBD the vacancy rate tightens, with 2% in the middle suburbs and 0.9% in the outer suburbs.
The median rent being asked in Melbourne was $370 per week for houses. This is lower than the $380 being asked in July and reflects an easing of conditions in the market.
In regional Victoria the tightest vacancy rate was found in Bendigo, where it was 0.7%, down from 0.9%. In Geelong the vacancy rate tightened from 3.5% to 2.8% and in Ballarat it eased from 1.3% to 1.5%.
Rents remained reasonably stable, with a weekly median rent of $300 per week for a house being recorded, compared with $295 in September.
For the first time the REIV is publishing a vacancy rate for the Mornington Peninsula. In October the vacancy rate was 1.6%, compared with 3.3% in September.
Enzo Raimondo is CEO of the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.reiv.com.au/">Real Estate Institute of Victoria</a>.
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Victorian rental market stable in October

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The REIV September quarter medians show that the residential housing market continues to remain stable, with a median house price in Melbourne of $530,000, compared with the revised June quarter median of $525,000. In regional Victoria the median house price was also stable, with a minor 0.7% increase to $307,000.
The non-metropolitan market continues to record more moderate growth over the medium term but is also not as likely to record the more volatile fluctuations prevalent in Melbourne.
The three main centres reflected this and recorded mixed results, with the median price of a house in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Ballarat </a>increasing by 1.8% to $285,000; in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Bendigo </a>it dropped by 2%  in the quarter to $301,000; and in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Geelong</a> there was a 6.1% reduction to $362,000.
The Surf Coast Shire is regional Victoria’s most expensive, with a median house price of $570,000. The Macedon Ranges is the second most expensive, with a median of $470,000.
Strong growth in prices was recorded in: Mildura, where the median increased by 7.6% to $225,000; in Bairnsdale, where it rose by 5.2% to $225,000; and in Traralgon, which rose by 9.3% to $282,000.
Over the quarter the rental vacancy rate dropped from 2.9% to 2%.
Of the three main regional centres the highest level of vacancies was recorded in Geelong, where the vacancy rate was 3.5% in September. In Bendigo it remained very tight, with 0.9% of rental homes vacant. Ballarat recorded 1.3%.
Median rents for houses rose slightly over the quarter from $290 per week in July to $295 per week in September.
Enzo Raimondo is CEO of the <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Real Estate Institute of Victoria</a>.
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Volatile price fluctuations unlikely in regional Victorian property market

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The REIV seeks the Victorian government to reject the current proposal to remove the educational, probity and licence requirements for commercial real estate agents.
Recent research conducted by UMR Research had shown that the public oppose the proposal, “it showed that 69% of respondents disagree with the COAG (Council of Australian Governments) proposal to remove the requirement for commercial agents to be licensed".
The public clearly understand that appropriate licensing and educational standards not only underpin the best outcome for those selling, buying or leasing property but also ensures consumer protection.
The RIS (regulation impact statement) proposes that licensing of commercial real estate agents is unnecessary because commercial and industrial property transactions are conducted by ‘sophisticated consumers and investors’, yet an analysis of transactions in Victoria shows that 51% of all commercial sales are valued at less than $500,000.
The vast majority of consumers who deal with commercial estate agents rightly expect to engage a professional with the appropriate educational qualifications.
Commercial estate agents hold significant amounts of client monies in their trust accounts subject to finalisation of a sales or leasing transaction, before being distributed to their client.
These trust accounts are audited on an annual basis in line with the requirements of the Estate Agents Act.
COAG is now proposing that there will be no requirement for trust accounts or probity checks as commercial agents will not be required to have any qualifications or be licensed – this is simply outrageous and irresponsible.
I would like COAG to explain to the public and the profession how the removal of licences will increase efficiency, improve worker mobility and assist in moving Australia to a seamless economy.
Enzo Raimondo is CEO of the <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Real Estate Institute of Victoria</a>.
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Removal of commercial real estate agent licence requirement outrageous and irresponsible

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In a survey of REIV members, it was found that the most important referral source was word of mouth.
Results matter to vendors, and that they clearly place a lot of trust in the experiences of their friends, neighbours and colleagues when selecting a real estate agent to sell their home.
Word of mouth has had a strong track record as the most critical referral source, which reflects the importance of a real estate agent’s reputation. Vendors not only want to see that the real estate agent is successful; they also trust the views of the agent’s clients.
Online is also clearly having an impact, but that does not extend to social media. After word of mouth, real estate websites, such as realestateview.com.au, and an agency’s website are considered the most valuable referral sources.
Social media, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter had practically no value, endorsed by only 1% to 3% of respondents.
This reflects the fact that buyers and sellers are used to engaging with real estate online. They seek advertisements on real estate websites, such as realestateview.com.au, but are far less likely to come across a real estate agent’s Twitter account.
With regard to engaging with clients, social media has a long way to go until it is a familiar tool.
Local newspapers remain strong; far stronger than the daily print media, in fact. With 13% of respondents citing local newspapers as the most valuable referral source, local media is seen to be more than twice as valuable as the daily newspapers, which only scored 5%.
These results highlight the importance of reputation for real estate agents.
The most valuable referral sources in real estate
Word of mouth 24% Real estate websites/portals 22% Your website 20% Local newspapers 13% TV advertising 5% Daily newspapers 5% Facebook 3% Online advertising on non-real estate websites 3% LinkedIn 2% Twitter 1% Billboards 1% Free media 1% None of the above 1%
These results are sourced from the 2012 Member Poll conducted for the REIV by Essential Research and completed by over 600 members.
Enzo Raimondo is CEO of the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.reiv.com.au/">Real Estate Institute of Victoria</a>. 
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Social media has practically no value for real estate agents

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The business of buying, selling and leasing of residential, rural and commercial property for investment purposes is well known and understood; the same cannot be said regarding the purchase of an operating business.
Business broking is a specialist sector of real estate, and investors, or those looking to develop their careers, would be wise to take note.
Some people like to buy a business as an investment, and others may want to use their skills to run it themselves. People buy and sell all manner of enterprises – from traditional ones, such as newsagents, or service enterprises, such as electricians, through to more modern ones, such as digital marketing companies.
Potential buyers and current owners need to know that the market for functioning businesses is substantially different to the broader property market. For sale signs are not always used and the advertisements do not always appear on the property sales websites.
As a result of these factors, a business broker is an important guide and adviser.
A business broker is a qualified real estate agent who specialises in the selling and buying of businesses. To effectively do their job, brokers need to be expert in a range of areas additional to those in which a residential or commercial estate agent specialises; after all, when a business is sold, different factors are considered in arriving at a ‘value’.
They need to be able to understand the particulars of the business they are selling, as the value in a business comprises of a range of related factors, including its current performance, customer base, competitors and future prospects.
To find an REIV business broker and learn more about business broking, visit <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/" target="_blank">www.reiv.com.au</a>
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Why you need a business broker to invest in businesses

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The location of single-person households can tell you a lot about a city.
St Kilda, St Kilda West, Carlton, Elwood and South Yarra have the highest proportion of single-person households in Melbourne, according to REIV analysis of the 2011 census data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
It is interesting to note that, along with Carlton, the inner-southern bayside suburbs had the highest concentration of single-person households; and these trends had an important impact on development and demand for housing.
In St Kilda, St Kilda West, Carlton, Elwood and South Yarra over 40% of homes have only one resident.
New developments clearly respond to this demographic trend by building residences more suited to single people.
The data also shows that the further a suburb is from the CBD, the less likely it is to feature single-occupant households.
There is one interesting exception: the suburbs along the Belgrave/Lilydale train line contain a higher-than-average proportion of lone-resident households.
At the other end of the spectrum are the growth suburbs: Point Cook, Greenvale, Roxburgh Park, Doreen, Narre Warren South and Narre Warren North, for instance. In those suburbs fewer than 10% of homes have only one resident.
Such growth suburbs are highly popular with growing families.
In key regional centres such as Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo, the suburbs with above-average shares of lone-person households tend to be in central locations with better access to the V/Line train network. Of the three, Geelong has the highest number of suburbs (six) where over 35% of households were solo residents, compared wiith four suburbs in Ballarat and one in Bendigo.
To view related data in a clickable map visit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reiv.com.au/">www.reiv.com.au</a>.
Enzo Raimondo is CEO of the <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Real Estate Institute of Victoria</a>.
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Inner-Melbourne suburbs have highest proportion of single-person households and need different housing stock

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The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) divides housing tenure into three broad categories: those owned outright; those owned with a mortgage; and the rest, which are rented.
The most recent census, compiled in 2011, found two suburbs in metropolitan Melbourne where more than 60% of homes were owned outright. By way of comparison, the census found that 33% of homes were rented in 2011, and the balance owned outright or with a mortgage.
It is interesting to note that both locations with very high levels of outright ownership were in seaside locations on the Mornington Peninsula: specifically Portsea and Sorrento.
The raw data may, however, not reflect the actual ownership scenario, as the census is based on the physical location of the people when they filled in the census forms back in August 2011.
Both Portsea and Sorrento are towns more popular in summer than in winter months. During summer, people travel to their holiday homes, and short-term rentals are highly occupied.
This is reflected in the census by the fact that both Portsea and Sorrento had vacancy rates of more than 80% on census night; it was highest in Portsea, where 88% of homes were vacant.
The age demographic of those who were home also reflects this. In both Portsea and Sorrento 81% of those at home on census night were aged 55 or over.
This tells you a lot about these towns and highlights the importance of looking at demographic data from a number of perspectives when using it to guide investment decisions.
Enzo Raimondo is CEO of the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.reiv.com.au/">Real Estate Institute of Victoria</a>.
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Portsea and Sorrento census data show high levels of home ownership

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The Sunday Age reported recently that there were large numbers of homes for sale in a range of the city’s outer suburbs.
 
On the face of it, this appeared concerning; however, analysis of the local market and the role of those suburbs in housing our growing population shows that it’s not the case.
The fact is that the city has always had growth suburbs with lots of homes for sale. Forty years ago it was suburbs such as Fawkner and today it’s the likes of Doreen.
It is remarkable just how many homes have been built and sold in those locations.
For instance, the ABS has reported that in Derrimut, Point Cook and Werribee 15,875 homes have been sold and moved into over the past decade. When contrasted with the 2,961 reported for sale, this does not sound nearly as much.
And almost the entire suburbs of Doreen and Merdna have been built in that time, with 5,581 homes added. It was reported there were 3,718 homes for sale there. However, as any resident there will tell you, 65 % of homes don’t have For Sale signs on them. Clearly, these numbers include the pipeline of supply to ensure the community’s housing needs can be met in an affordable manner.
The fact that two years ago The Age reported concerns that there were not enough homes for sale and now there are too many, shows nothing more than the usual development cycle in operation.
The development cycle is subject to the same rises and falls that are present in the broader real estate market.
Enzo Raimondo is CEO of the <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Real Estate Institute of Victoria</a>.
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Doreen and other growth suburbs provide housing for thousands: REIV

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When property owners are receiving their council rate notices, not only are they interested in the rates bill but also the value of the property.
It is important to know, however, that the value determined to your home by the council is not always the same amount you will receive if you were to sell your home tomorrow.
The primary purpose of a council valuation is to provide a basis for determining the property owner’s contribution to the council’s consolidated revenue. The valuation is determined every two years on January 1 by qualified valuers engaged by your council.
The council valuation will provide a guide as to the price you may achieve if you are intending to sell.   However, you should also undertake a number of other steps to determine the value of your property.
You can ask an REIV member to undertake a market appraisal.  This will provide you with the opportunity to discuss with them the factors that impact property values.
When your property goes on to the market it is important to remember that prospective buyers often look at a range of homes within the same location. As such, it is wise to make an effort to understand the local market. You can do that by checking the sales results each Saturday night at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reiv.com.au/">www.reiv.com.au</a> or in the Sunday newspapers. There are also a range of websites that will provide you with information about how much properties in your area have sold for over the last few weeks, months or years.
Finally, when you actually sell, remember that the demand for your home will be influenced by what other properties are for sale in your area and the number of buyers looking.  This means that the marketing and preparation of the home will also influence the sale price.
Enzo Raimondo is CEO of the <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/" target="_blank">Real Estate Institute of Victoria</a>.
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The price your home would sell for is not always the same as the council-determined value

The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

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Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

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Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

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More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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Enzo Raimondo

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