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Fire pits have become a new selling point for homes entertaining areas and backyards, from in ground to free standing they are a new must have for renovations and new homes.
The international trend was picked up in Channel Seven’s recent series of <a target="_blank" href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/houses/">House Rules which incorporated fire pits into three of the six home renovations</a>.
Stylish and practical, fire pits can be elaborate or functional and built using different types of materials from timber to wrought iron, bricks, sand stone, slate and rock.
The designs are endless and can be built to suite all types of homes from big modern houses to small country cottages or terrace homes, the limitless shapes and designs can work in any type of back yard and don’t have to feature as the focal point.
Fire pits can come in small portable styles that can be moved around an entertaining area, in these cases more than one can be used.
<img alt="poll-results-sept-3" height="122" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/09/03/poll-results-sept-3.jpg">
 
Property Observer has noticed more and more fire pits advertised in real estate agents spiels. Here are some examples.
A three bedroom, two bathroom weatherboard home in Sydney’s north recently sold with Matt Brady of Belle Property for $1,055,100 it featured an alfresco deck, with an in ground fire pit and encompassing seating amongst its leafy green garden at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-seaforth-109398741">9 Prince Edward Road Seaforth</a> (pictured below).
<img height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/08/seaford_aug_29_one.jpg" alt="seaford_aug_29_one">
This glamorous harbour side home with views of the Sydney Harbour bridge and Opera House at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mcmahons+point-112741739">37 East Crescent Street McMahons Point,</a> recently sold with Tim Foote at Belle Property for $$$. It also includes a bowl fire pit in a large entertaining courtyard (pictured below) with surrounding timber panel seating and stools. 
<img height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/08/mcmahon_point_aug_29.jpg" alt="mcmahon_point_aug_29">
Another home currently on the market featuring a free standing fire pits is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-port+lincoln-112155563">20 Power Terrace Port Lincoln SA </a>  (pictured below).
<img height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/08/lincoln_aug_29.jpg" alt="lincoln_aug_29">
Those with in ground often use a sandy coloured gravel ground or grass and decorate with pebbles or rocks around the fire pit inlcuding the recenrly sold <a target="_blank" href="https://swanhill.ljhooker.com.au/6YKFCF">3 Emma Court, Swan Hill VIC</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-ningi-112645995">33 Cavanagh Place Ningi</a> (pictured below).
<img height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/08/nighi_aug_29.jpg" alt="nighi_aug_29">
They tend to landscape around the area to compliment the fire pit, with stone or brick retaining walls and timber panelling. The 2011 Block contestants <a target="_blank" href="/news">Shannon and Aaron from Perth have done up a home in Palmyra </a>Western Australia which recently sold for $670,000 through Wendy Maben of RE/MAX. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-palmyra-113470003">101 Adrian Street Palmyra</a> property is a good examples of using the lanscape to compliment the fire pit (pictured below). 
<img height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/08/palmyra_aug_29.jpg" alt="palmyra_aug_29">
Other examples can be found here:
508 Wendouree Parade, Ballarat VIC: <a href="https://shop.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/VIC/Ballarat/?adid=2009576159">https://shop.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/VIC/Ballarat/?adid=2009576159</a>
62 South Beach Road Somers VIC: <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-somers-114150103">https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-somers-114150103</a>
31 Peppermint Grove Engadine NSW : <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-engadine-113332551">https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-engadine-113332551</a>
40 Geographe Bay Road Dunsborough WA: <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-dunsborough-113144047">https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-dunsborough-113144047</a>
23 Newell Place Dawesville WA: <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-dawesville-111622399">https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-dawesville-111622399</a>
66 Dinsdale Road Gidgegannup WA: <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-gidgegannup-107930946">https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-gidgegannup-107930946</a>
Design Ideas: <a href="https://www.houzz.com/photos/firepits">https://www.houzz.com/photos/firepits</a>
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Will the winter firepits fad extend into spring?

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Recent US  reports show that more single women own their own home than single men, 18% of the homeowner market is made up of single women with single men taking up only 10%, reported Nina Bahadur for the Huffington Post.  
This shows that since the mid- 1990’s single women in the US have been buying homes at double the rate of single men, according to the National Association of Realtors.
It seems that single men are more likely to invest and prioritize good value to buy short sales and foreclosures, whereas single women buy a home merely because they like it and rely more heavily on emotions to evaluate the home, according to Real Estate operations at Redfin.  
54 per cent of single women look to buy a home between the ages of 25 to 34, compared with 53 per cent of single men in the same age bracket.
However the stakes change as the years pass with 21 per cent of single women and 29 per cent of single men looking to buy a home in their mid-thirties to mid-forties.
Melbourne is not far behind with recent Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures showing that overall more single women than single men own their own home.
“In a 2012 Westpac Report on Women’s Finances by Generation, we found Gen Y women to be more financially focused than previous generations. Many of them are highly educated, and waiting later to get married; and they want to experience financial independence and security now,” Larke Riemer the director of Westpac Women’s Markets recently noted.
“Almost a third of the Gen Y women we surveyed in the Westpac report had already entered the property market,” said Larke Riemer.
“65 per cent of single female householders own their own home compared with 55 per cent of single male households. SYFs have been buying for a while and they pay off their mortgages faster," she said.
Reports conclude that women win in Australia’s apartment sales as well, “Mortgage specialist Rams, reported in late 2012 that women account for 50% of the lender’s sole home applications,” said Larke Riemer.
So it’s not surprising that the majority of young owner-occupiers in Australia are also women.
“They’re better savers, which lenders say make them better able to cope with ‘mortgage stress’ – saving for the deposit, paying the mortgage effectively, etc,” said Larke Riemer.
Larke Riemer’s Westpac Womens Market also found that 35% of Gen Y women “saved 11% or more of their take home income compared to 23% of Gen X and 24 per cent of Baby Boomer women surveyed.”
 
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The majority of young owner-occupiers in Australia are women: Westpac Women's Markets

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The 2011 Block contestants Shannon and Aaron from Perth have done up a home in Palmyra Western Australia which recently sold for $670,000 through Wendy Maben of RE/MAX.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-palmyra-113470003" target="_blank">Their three bedroom, one bathroom brick veneer house </a>had been renovated featuring the latest craze - an in-ground flush timber panelling fire pit and entertaining area.
There's also built in speakers in the homes ceiling for surround sound in and out doors.
Shannon is a contracts engineer with a major mining company and her beau Aaron runs his own landscaping business, when they competed in the 2011 series.
They'd only just spent spent six months and $50,000 renovating their home which was built in 1987 on a 322 square metre block. The couple were eliminated early in the Richmond cottage series which was eventually won by Polly and Waz.
It was <a href="https://homes.ninemsn.com.au/theblock/couples-shannonaaron/8258925/couple-bio-shannon-and-aaron" target="_parent">sold to the celebrity couple</a><a href="https://homes.ninemsn.com.au/theblock/couples-shannonaaron/8258925/couple-bio-shannon-and-aaron" target="_blank"> </a>in 2009 for $475,000.
They initially wanted $729,000 earlier this year.  
“The list of features and benefits are endless, this property is ready for you to just pack your bags and move in. This property has been renovated to the highest standard, with not a thing left to do,” was the agents marketing spiel.
The change in the median price for homes in this area over the past five years is currently sitting at 10%.    
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Aaron and Shannon from The Block 2011 sell in Perth

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Darlinghurst could be set for a new record terrace price with the home of band manager Grant Thomas on the market.
The striking Dale Jones Evans-designed minimalist terrace is mostly concrete, sandstone and glass finishes.
The two storey Surrey Street terrace was built in 1880 and is a five-bedroom property that comes with four bathrooms and four car spaces.
The former Crowded House manager bought it in 1999 for $855,000 from Andrew Nolan and Sarah Robson.
The median house price in<a target="_blank" href="/news"> Darlinghurst </a>sits at $1,180,000, according to RP Data ad Darlinghurst’s median house value has risen over the past five years by 42%.
Ignoring the freestanding Iona mansion, the Darlinghurst record price for a terrace has stood at $4,625,000 since 2010 for a wide <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-darlinghurst-nsw-2010/110431">Darley Street corner terrace house, Chimera</a> through Ben Collier at McGrath Estate Agents.
The slender terrace has been marketed as “no idea too grand” by estate agents Darren Pearce and Shannan Whitney of Bresic Whitney who say the 420 square metres of space has been “dressed in Stucco Veneziano coatings."
There is a $3.95 million asking price for 250 Liverpool Street, a five bedroom 1860s sandstone terrace, Cambewarra. 
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Darlinghurst terrace record set to tumble on Surrey Street

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One of Brisbane’s first ever Spanish mission-style homes was listed for auction this month. And El Nido the elegant 1928 estate, with Brisbane River views, is now under offer.
At 19 Hillside Crescent Hamilton the four bedroom, three bathroom, two car garage residence features a World War two bomb shelter which is used as a wine cellar.
The home features a study and nursery, separate teenager retreat/ guest room, a large 1980’s style kitchen, in ground swimming pool, spa and sauna.
The estate is grand and full of character with polished timber floors, soaring coffered ceilings and dazzling lead light windows, the home sits on 792 square metres.
Rosemary Ahearn of Ray White Ascot was handling the <a target="_blank" href="https://raywhiteascot.com.au/qld/hamilton/987963/">listing</a>.
El Nido was up for sale in 2008, and then in 2010 at $2,790,000. Surrounded by palm trees, El Nido feels like the perfect spacious, Spanish luxury resort home.
<img height="127" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/yieldsbanner.jpg" alt="yieldsbanner">
The median house price in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Hamilton</a> over the past five years has risen by 38%.
<img height="57" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/trophyhomesstrapone.jpg" alt="trophyhomesstrapone">
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Brisbane's Spanish-style mission home El Nido

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Secretly tucked away in the coastal bush setting of Port Macquarie, in a lighthouse view location, 22 Vendul Crescent is up for sale.  
The five bedroom, four bathroom, two car garage home enjoys exquisite views of the beach and lighthouse with a panorama that extends as far as <a target="_blank" href="/news">Crowdy Head</a>.  
There is a $1,190,000 asking price for the distinctive beachside home.  
The home boasts soaring glass windows and a spacious living room that extends out to the deck.  
The Australian timbers are a feature of the architect-styled home which comes with a self contained two bedroom flat and one bedroom studio.
Rex Harrision of Patterson Real Estate Port Macquarie has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.pattersonrealestate.com.au/property/details/14">the listing</a>.
<img alt="yieldsbanner" src="/images/stories/2013/07/yieldsbanner.jpg" width="470" height="127">
The 1163 square metre beach block property was bought in 1990 for $300, 000.  
The median price for homes over the past five years has risen 9%, according to RP Data.  
<img alt="trophyhomesstrapone" src="/images/stories/2013/05/trophyhomesstrapone.jpg" width="470" height="57">
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Port Macquarie lighthouse view trophy listing

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Quest serviced apartment hotels has plans to build a serviced apartment hotel to accommodate for the growing demand for accommodation at Melbourne airport.
The building will be located on the corner of South Centre Road and Annandale Road, in the airport's business park precinct.
It is due for completion in October 2014.
The hotel (pictured below) will provide 97 serviced apartment rooms, for people involved in “airport or aviation related business and training activities.”    
<img alt="questjuly30one" src="/images/stories/2013/07/questjuly30one.jpg" width="470" height="235">
“Providing more accommodation choice for people who are doing business at the airport, or are undertaking aviation training in the airport precinct, will support the future growth of airport and aviation related businesses in our local region,” said Melbourne Airport chief, Chris Woodruff.
“With more than 14,000 people directly employed in airport related roles, and around 200 different businesses operating from the airport precinct, Melbourne Airport is a major centre of employment and economic activity in Melbourne’s North West,” said Quest executive Andrew Weisz.
“Development of a new domestic terminal is underway and a new runway and a new road system to significantly ease congestion on the terminal precinct are just examples of the projects we are currently planning,” Mr Woodruff said.
The Melbourne Airport achieved six percent total passenger growth for 2012/13.
“The draft master plan highlights the economic and social importance of Melbourne Airport and how its future growth will continue to drive the Victorian economy, including more than doubling spending by interstate and international visitors from $8.5 billion to $18 billion by 2033.
It forecasts an increase in the number of jobs directly related to airport operations from more than 14,000 now to 23,000; and more than doubling the airport’s contribution to gross state product from $1.47 billion to $3.2 billion over the next couple decades.
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Quest to build Tullamarine, Melbourne airport serviced apartments 

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Melbourne’s cheapest auction sale price on the weekend was in the south east suburb of Glen Huntly, according to Australian Property Monitors.
It sold for $288,000, through Tom Grieve and Lachlan Chirgwin of Ray White.  
The ground floor 1/13 Wattle Avenue apartment features one bedroom, one bathroom and car port and sits on 45 square metres.
The block's last reported one bedroom sale was in 2009 when competition between investors and first home buyers pushed the sale price of 12/13 Wattle Avenue to $307,500.
“Modern with the opportunity to bring it into today, this ideal starter or investment is just moments to train, bus, parkland, outdoor pool and Glen Huntly and North Road shops,” pitched the agents at Ray White.
The unit caught the eye of four registered bidders. It was bought by an investor looking to renovate.
Its potential income was estimated as $270 weekly after renovation, which would reflect a yield of about 4.88%.
The cream rendered apartment is fully enclosed by fences and features access by intercom and automated double gates.
The bedroom boasts a view through the windows and glass door, into the front garden set off with a mature silver birch.
Neighbouring Caulfield and Carnegie, the median unit price in Glen Huntly sits at $422, 500, according to RP Data.
Glen Huntly’s median unit value has risen over the past five years by 17%.
Its median asking rental is $360 per week, according to RP Data, which reflects a 4.4% gross rental yield.
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Glen Huntly $288,000 sale the cheapest weekend Melbourne auction result

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Sydney’s cheapest auction sale price at weekend auction was in the south west suburb, Ambarvale, according to Australian Property Monitors.
The three bedroom, one bathroom brick veneer home sold for $275,000 through Phil Symonds of Richardson and Wrench Ingleburn. 
The single storey dwelling (pictured below) at 3 Holborn Street last sold for $280,000 in July 2004.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/07/ambarvalejuly29one.jpg" alt="ambarvalejuly29one" width="470" height="353">
“Refurbish and capitalise on this great opportunity, generous living space, separate kitchen area, rear pergola and carport, on a nice high position with good side access,” <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-ambarvale-114251195" target="_blank">was the marketing pitch of Phil Symonds</a>.
The 1986 home sits on 611 square metres.
The median house price in Ambarvale sits at $313,975, according to RP Data.
Ambarvale's median house value has risen over the past five years by 20%.
Its median asking rental is $370 per week, according to RP Data, which reflects a 6.1% gross rental yield.
There were four registered bidders at the Holburn Street auction and it was sold to an investor looking to renovate the dwelling.
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Ambarvale records Sydney’s cheapest weekend auction sale at $275,000

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Property investors with a "lazy" $500,000 to spend can buy "a substantially better than average house in Mildura" in the Murray outback region in northern Victoria, according to Herron Todd White’s latest market report, which examines investment opportunities under half a million. 
For investors looking to spend $500,000 on an investment property in this region HTW report recommends “instead buying two cheaper properties with a total value of up to $500,000.” 
With “gross rental returns at around 6% for residential property in the $180,000 to $300,000 bracket, but drop off to around 4% for properties valued at over $400,000,” said HTW valuers. 
Houses around the $180,000 to $300,000, provide opportunities to buy either a 1980s or early 1990s three to four bedroom home, sitting on 650 to 800 square metres. 
The other option “is to buy a newer three bedroom townhouse on a low maintenance lot of around 350 square metres, both will offer similar rental returns,” said HTW. 
“While much of the recent construction in Mildura has been aimed at the rental market, rather than owner-occupiers, demand for rental accommodation remains strong, and we foresee no dramatic increase in vacancy rates in the medium term.” 
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Murray region offers 6% gross return opportunity for sub-$500,000 investors: HTW

Builder-developer Urban Property Group (UPG) is continuing to expand into new markets. UPG is heading to the Hills District, where it is planning a 40-storey mixed use building near Castle Hill Metro Station.

They've gone down the favoured developer route of a State Significant Development Application, which should see developments approved within the space of nine months.

The tower will comprise 371 apartments, 42 of which will be affordable housing, above a ground-floor retail precinct at 16-20 Old Castle Hill Road, on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and within walking distance of Castle Hill Metro Station, an area identified for higher density under both local and state strategic planning frameworks.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc">Studio SC</a>, the tower would rise from a brick podium base, accommodating one retail tenancy and communal open space, before transitioning to a slender glazed residential form above. Six basement levels are proposed beneath the building to house parking and services.

<img alt="First Look: Urban Property unveils 40-storey mixed-use tower in Castle Hill with 371 homes and affordable housing component" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08dc82f9-b826-4e18-8c60-4c90f7472317" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%20G%20%28b%29%20-%20Ground%20level%20render.jpg?VersionId=EOv1ly45k_Bc1F73C0hdwXSG4FVSTETt" />

“Castle Hill is undergoing a significant transformation, evolving from a traditionally low-rise suburban centre into a true metropolitan destination anchored by the Sydney Metro Northwest," the Architectural Design Report prepared by Studio SC noted.

The majority of apartments (194) will be two-bedrooms. 90 one-bedroom apartments are planned, 83 three-beds, and four four-bedroom apartments.

Studio SC’s design adopts a podium-and-tower composition, with warm-toned masonry at the lower levels intended to anchor the building within its streetscape context.

"At the podium, the architecture is anchored through solid brickwork in warm, earthy tones, reflecting the local sandstone formations and the natural colour palette of the surrounding hills," Studio SC added.

Above, the tower transitions to a lighter glass expression, articulated with fins and tonal variation to reduce visual bulk and respond to changing light conditions.

<img alt="First Look: Urban Property unveils 40-storey mixed-use tower in Castle Hill with 371 homes and affordable housing component" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f13cb2ee-ebfc-4204-9aba-e2dbd9e5d4bd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%20G%20%28a%29%20-%20Pool%20view.jpg?VersionId=Dnpusa.b5d6Nkx2clPlzWosDdh_1QW2V" />

Urban Property Group is one of Sydney's most active developers. They have projects currently under construction in Little Bay, Penrith, and Macquarie Park, with future projects earmarked for Wollongong.

Castle Hill has been one of the most popular suburbs for development across Sydney in the last five years, as developers scramble for land around the newly extended Sydney Metro.&nbsp;

Kassis Homes kicked it all off with Grand Reve, along with Deicorp who has delivered over 1,000 apartments in the area and continues to develop. The likes of Dubai-backed developer Arada will take to market their project in the coming months, while Masscon has just launched Avenue on Cadman Crescent.

Joel Robinson

First Look: Urban Property Group unveils 40-storey mixed-use tower in Castle Hill

One of the Gold Coast’s ‘bridesmaid suburbs’ is experiencing a wave of local suitors, with the latest sales figures from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> revealing over two thirds of buyers will be relocating from within a 5km average radius of the 16-hectare masterplan.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the figures underlined a powerful shift for Biggera Waters that would reshape it into a thriving force behind the region’s growth corridor.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen a huge wave of interest from residents of Arundel, Paradise Point and Runaway Bay who recognise the urban transformation that is well underway here and want to be part of it,” Long said.&nbsp;

“Interestingly, 25 per cent of our Gold Coast buyers are also coming from the city’s southern hotspots, including Burleigh and Palm Beach.&nbsp;

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/biggera-waters-qld-4216">Biggera Waters</a>, and Harbour Shores in particular, has all the advantages of waterfront living with the benefits of resort-style amenity, for greater value than the southern beachfront suburbs.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=290031]

Long said half of the purchasers at Harbour Shores were under the age of 55.&nbsp;

“When locals choose to stay local, it creates a genuine community, turning the most sustainable master planned community in the Gold Coast’s history into a diverse and vibrant ‘village of villages’.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=336743]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a> Gold Coast Sales Director David Higgins said the hyper-local market demand was unique to Harbour Shores when compared to other projects in the region.&nbsp;

“We are seeing as much as 60 per cent of new apartment sales on other projects go to interstate or international buyers, but Harbour Shores is bucking this trend and attracting a larger proportion of the local market,” Higgins said.&nbsp;

“Only 13 per cent of Harbour Shores’ existing purchasers are interstate. There has been a resounding endorsement from local buyers and that validates the project’s vision and investment in design, lifestyle and liveability.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=4579]

Harbour Shores is 16ha visionary masterplan dedicated to wellness and an active, healthy lifestyle. Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, Harbour Shores embeds extensive green connections and more than 2.5km in pedestrian networks – including a 1.2km boardwalk along the water’s edge.

Harbour Shores was recently recognised by the BETTER FUTURE World Design Awards 2026 as a silver winner in the category of environmental sustainability. Boasting a 6 Star Green Star Communities V1.1 rating, Harbour Shores will deliver more than 2,000 homes over the next ten years.&nbsp;

The first stage will deliver three residential collections including luxury three and four-bedroom waterfront villas at The Residences, as well as apartments in The Waterline and Palm House, surrounded by resort-style amenities.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Biggera Waters no longer a 'bridesmaid suburb' as Gold Coast locals jump to Harbour Shores

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ellipse-property-group">Ellipse Property</a> has officially launched Lily Lane, the second stage of its Carrington Place masterplan in Sydney’s North-West. The new stage will deliver over 200 apartments to the sought-after Hills District, supported by new retail and resident amenity.&nbsp;

Located near the Hills Showground Metro Station at 32 Carrington Road, Castle Hill, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lily-lane-at-carrington-place-castle-hill-32-carrington-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Lily Lane</a> has launched with the release of 105 apartments.

Designed by award-winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ptw">PTW</a>, Lily Lane comprises a combined total of 213 units over two 12-storey towers anchored by a ground-floor retail offering. A range of floorplan configurations are available including 67 one-bedroom, 100 two-bedroom and 46 three-bedroom apartments.

One-bedroom apartments are sized from 50-72 sqm with prices starting at $720,000, while two-bedrooms are priced from $960,000 with sizes ranging from 75 to 132 sqm. The three-bedroom floorplans are sized between 97 and 182 sqm, with prices starting at $1,350,000.&nbsp;

Six exclusive penthouses crown the Lily Lane towers, offering opulent interiors of up to 285 sqm. They are priced from $2.9 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360285]

Blake Schulze, National Director – Residential at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>, says Lily Lane builds on the sell-out success of Carrington Place’s first stage, Atrium.&nbsp;

“Lily Lane offers everything north-west buyers are seeking - including spacious, flexible floorplans with premium finishes and sweeping views of the Hills District to the north," Schulze said.

"Its central location brings residents even closer to Hills Showground Metro Station, with retail, dining, recreation and essential services at their fingertips.

Schulze says early enquiries reflect pent-up demand for Lily Lane’s three-bedroom and penthouse apartments, reinforcing the appetite for house-sized units in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>,&nbsp;especially among downsizers.

Lily Lane has sought to incorporate features that are more&nbsp;traditional in freestanding homes. Over 75 per cent of residences include dedicated studies, multipurpose rooms or family rooms, with select layouts offering walk-in pantries and laundries.

Buyers have two interior colour schemes to choose from. ‘Breeze’ is a light-toned palette with warm timber accents, and ‘Dawn’ is a cooler mid-toned colourway.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360572]

Apartments also feature premium Miele appliances, including ovens, washing machines, dryers, gas cooktops and dishwashers. Larger homes offer integrated Miele microwaves, Fisher &amp; Paykel integrated refrigerators and five-burner Miele cooktops.

Lily Lane’s ‘village-style’ architectural design is designed to maximise walkability and access to green space. Its two elegant towers are separated by a central landscaped laneway lined with lily plants, giving the project its name.&nbsp;

The towers will be crowned by rooftop terraces with BBQ areas offering views of the Hills District. Residents can also access a shared community room, complete with a fully equipped kitchen.

“As the gateway to the wider Carrington Place masterplan, this new stage delivers a premium experience,"&nbsp;said Puja Khanna, Associate Director – Design, Marketing and Sales at Ellipse Property.

"It features beautifully curated landscaping, refined interiors and architecture designed to maximise space, light and views. With a supermarket and essential services just minutes away, the addition of Lily Lane’s ground-floor retail will elevate everyday convenience and deliver a vibrant precinct for residents.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360286]

Lily Lane will be constructed by award-winning iCIRT-rated builder Decode Group, with construction to commence in mid-2026 and expected to complete early 2029.

Carrington Place comprises more than 800 apartments and is being delivered across multiple stages. Completion of the masterplan is expected in 2032. Integrated with neighbouring bushland, the project will feature over 20,000 square metres of outdoor recreational area, including a one-kilometre boardwalk to the nearby Fred Caterson Reserve.&nbsp;

The Hills Showground Metro Station is just a two-minute walk away, offering fast connectivity to Sydney’s CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood, Macquarie Park and Norwest Business Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151821]

Ellipse launches Lily Lane, stage two of Carrington Place

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a>, a Sydney-based global property development and investment firm, is set to transform a 1.4-hectare site in Five Dock into a $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct.

The integrated precinct is planned to include 750 apartments across five residential towers, a 150-key hotel, around 10,000 sqm of retail and lifestyle space, as well as health and wellness facilities, extensive landscaped open space, and community amenities.

Planning approval submission is targeted for June 2026.

One Global Capital Founder Iwan Sunito told Apartments.com.au that the Five Dock site, which he has owned for over two decades, is one of the best he's ever had.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito says.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

<img alt="Urban renewal in Five Dock via mixed-use precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76667592-c421-49f5-9ab8-45cfec815651" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Five%20Dock%201.png?VersionId=puhL_lSxd5IB5VA9fQKPsKHgmkinuwuI" />

Sunito said he wants to create a "city within a city", designing a multi-cultural precinct with the convenience of retail and public space at the forefront.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community."

He adds that the Five Dock is emerging into a "really solid suburb", with the growth in&nbsp;the area continuing to be supported by rising residential values across the Canada Bay and Leichhardt local government areas, driven by major infrastructure investment and enhanced transport connectivity.&nbsp;

The new precinct will benefit from close proximity to a key transport network, including the Five Dock Metro Station, located approximately 1.1 kilometres from the site. The new Burwood Metro stop will be just 800m.

The project marks a renewed collaboration between Sunito and internationally acclaimed architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, the creative partnership behind some of Sydney’s most recognisable residential landmarks, &nbsp;including Infinity, Arc, and Skye North Sydney.&nbsp;

<img alt="Urban renewal in Five Dock via mixed-use precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a9184a45-f429-4628-87ce-9bd6c70cb597" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Five%20Dock%202.png?VersionId=zJZRfLAZCkpww5VcmR_wgRXjoaSgPSyv" />

“The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Koichi Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised &nbsp;for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

A key feature of the mixed-use development will be a lifestyle retail precinct, offering shopping and dining &nbsp;experiences - including a proposed state-of-the-art car showroom - as well as communal spaces for community &nbsp;use. Veteran retail and commercial property practitioner, Simon McTigue, has been engaged to consult on the &nbsp;delivery and leasing of the retail precinct, having previously worked on notable mixed-use projects such as East &nbsp;Village Shopping Centre in Zetland and South Village Shopping Centre Kirrawee, as well as other projects with &nbsp;Iwan Sunito in Green Square and Parramatta, to name a few.&nbsp;

“The Five Dock site offers a unique opportunity for retailers, conveniently located within easy walking distance &nbsp;of the metro station. On completion, the integrated precinct will provide the community with a new Inner West &nbsp;town centre, offering daily convenience via a proposed large format supermarket and fresh food precinct, as well &nbsp;as a restaurant and café district situated alongside key services such as a medical and health centre. It will be a &nbsp;place to live, work and play,” said Simon McTigue, Director of Wallaringa Consulting.&nbsp;

Samuel Sunito, Director of Capital at One Global Capital, confirmed strong inbound interest from both domestic and global investors seeking co-investment opportunities in the project. “We are currently engaging with &nbsp;investors both locally but also globally from Indonesia, the United States, China, Singapore, Vietnam, and Dubai &nbsp;to ensure alignment of vision and long-term value creation,” he said.&nbsp;

Investment participation will remain open until approximately Q2 2026, with equity allocations managed selectively.&nbsp;

“Equity available to the broader market will be limited, with priority given to long-standing capital partners. In terms of One Global Capital’s investment philosophy, we will continue to retain majority ownership, ensuring &nbsp;strong alignment of interests and preserving the long-term integrity of the project for all stakeholders,” Samuel &nbsp;said.

"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock

Holiday home buyers who have long gravitated to Queenstown’s alpine setting are increasingly looking for low-maintenance apartments that allow them to lock up and leave, while still generating income when they’re away.

For Wendy, who had spent years visiting the Queenstown and Arrowtown region, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>’s Mountain Oak Apartments provided the opportunity to formalise what had previously been a recurring holiday pattern.

“We always had Queenstown in the back of our minds to buy something there as a holiday home,” she says. “We love the Queenstown and Arrowtown area.”

<img alt="From slopes to markets: Mountain Oak connects residents to the best of Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/658d4f_48c3ec1ae5df4a2cab7d23c07c7f51b3~mv2.jpg?VersionId=27K8oQ4ExDN8Yu70VHDa9Olq59XU36m3" />

Time spent visiting her sister-in-law, who owns in Arrowtown, along with regular stays at Millbrook Resort, had already shaped a strong personal connection to the region.&nbsp;

Rather than approaching the purchase purely as an investment play, Wendy’s starting point was lifestyle.

“We were more thinking about ourselves and where we could stay, and then the rental aspect was second.”

Mountain Oak Apartments, located within the masterplanned Remarkables Park precinct in Frankton, aligned with that thinking. The ability to secure the apartment with a deposit and settle on completion made the timing work.

“The fact that we could put a deposit down with the balance on completion was a bonus for us,” she explains.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Wendy selected a two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse, a configuration that supports both private use and guest flexibility.

“The two-bedroom, two-bathroom configuration appealed from both a rental viewpoint and for the ability to have friends stay while we are there,” she says.

Across the development, two-bedroom apartments range from 64sqm to 78sqm, with two-bedroom plus flexi options from 71sqm to 75sqm, each with an allocated car park. The flexi layouts introduce an additional space suited to work or hobbies, reflecting demand from buyers who split their time between leisure and remote work.

Apartments include underfloor heating in bathrooms, heat pumps to living areas, and joinery positioned to maximise natural light and mountain outlooks. The Remarkables Park precinct is known for its extended winter sunshine hours, water frontage and open views toward The Remarkables.&nbsp;

Units come in light and dark interior colour schemes.

<img alt="Mountain Oak Apartments draws holiday home buyers to Queenstown" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fd685a22-3b95-43a1-87cb-48fdd42bb4ba" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/658d4f_f9f89107c2704ebbbe5a6b36da508cb3~mv2.jpg?VersionId=MigFIEm6b.mrANANwxSmwHvC4RdJUuyR" />

While lifestyle was the primary driver, the fundamentals of the Queenstown market added reassurance.&nbsp;

“Proximity to the airport and tourism being the main attraction all year round,” Wendy says, when asked what stood out from an investment perspective.

Mountain Oak sits just eight kilometres from Queenstown’s CBD and around a two-minute drive from Queenstown Airport.&nbsp;

For Wendy, that airport proximity carries practical value.

“The airport proximity is a bonus, we think that being so close will be an attraction for the convenience side.”

Residents are also a short drive from Coronet Peak, Jack’s Point Golf Course, New World Supermarket, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and the dining, medical, gym, cinema and library amenities within the town centre, as well as the seasonal Remarkables Market.

Importantly, the purchase does not lock owners into a single use. Mountain Oak offers the flexibility to opt for short-term visitor accommodation or longer-term residential rental management, with 365-day visitor accommodation consent in place. Owners can utilise Safari Group’s 24/7 on-site management service or appoint their own provider, and do not need to decide on a strategy immediately.

“It was a bonus that we can rent it out as well as use it for ourselves,” she says.

Additional buying options, including furniture packages and storage units available for purchase within the building, further support a lock-and-leave model suited to interstate and overseas owners.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Mountain Oak Apartments comprises 141 residences, ranging from one-bedroom configurations through to larger apartments and penthouses. One-bedroom apartments are currently priced from NZ$639,000, with three-bedroom options from NZ$1,299,000.

With 365-day visitor accommodation consent, the development is structured to respond to Queenstown’s established four-season tourism economy, spanning winter ski traffic and summer hiking, cycling, golf and lake-based activity.

Although Wendy acknowledges the strength of rental demand, her approach remains long term.

“We’re not planning to sell it anytime soon, so we are keen to hang on to it, but the passive income will be a bonus.”

Confidence in the developer also influenced her decision. Before proceeding, Wendy sought feedback within the local building community.

“We asked around and Safari Group had a good reputation,” she says.

Safari Group has delivered more than 2,000 hotel units and residential apartments across over 18 developments nationwide, with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector.

With completion anticipated by mid-2027, Mountain Oak is attracting a cross-section of buyers, from yield-focused investors to lifestyle purchasers seeking a foothold in one of New Zealand’s most tightly held alpine markets.

For Wendy, it represents both a future holiday base and a long-term asset within Queenstown’s year-round tourism economy.

Georgia Westgarth

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