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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

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Joel Robinson

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]

Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

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Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place

Central Element is seeking approval for a significant residential redevelopment in Lavender Bay, lodging plans for a dual-tower apartment project that would deliver 163 new homes on a prominent site at the northern gateway to Milsons Point.

The Sydney-based builder-developer has lodged a concurrent rezoning proposal and State Significant Development Application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-66-lavender-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street</a>, a 2,305 sqm amalgamated site currently occupied by a collection of ageing residential flat buildings.

Designed by SJB, the proposal would replace the existing 32 apartments with two residential towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, comprising 163 apartments including affordable housing managed by a community housing provider. The project forms part of the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority program and has been progressing through a fast-tracked state planning pathway since being endorsed for further assessment in 2025.

The proposal is one of the most significant redevelopment opportunities currently under consideration on Sydney's lower north shore, sitting between the high-density towers of Milsons Point and the lower-scale heritage fabric of Lavender Bay.

<img alt="Lavender Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93ecf0ee-487d-4292-afc4-0bc9579475d6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.30.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PunU2ipMaTxiJcJ8NdMyUlWA7d98eNUb" />

The planning proposal seeks a substantial uplift from the current 12 metre height limit, which would only allow for a four-storey building, however the submission argues a scheme within these limits would not be&nbsp;economically feasible given the complexity of site amalgamation and would fail to maximise housing delivery on land located within walking distance of major transport infrastructure.

SJB said the design evolved significantly following discussions with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and independent design review processes.&nbsp;Rather than pursuing a single larger tower, the architects adopted a two-tower approach aimed at reducing perceived bulk, preserving view corridors and creating greater permeability at ground level.

The northern tower would rise 23 storeys and contain 81 apartments, while the southern tower would reach 32 storeys and accommodate 82 apartments. Five basement levels would provide 174 car spaces, 181 bicycle spaces and 10 motorcycle spaces.

"The proposal for 3–7 Middlemiss Street and 64–66 Lavender Street is driven by a clear ambition to complete the Middlemiss Peninsula, delivering the final piece of a carefully evolving urban precinct," SJB noted in its design report.

"Positioned at the threshold between Lavender Bay and the North Sydney CBD, the development is envisioned as a unifying element—one that completes the skyline composition while providing a considered and harmonious transition between the peninsula’s established character and the intensity of the CBD beyond.

"Collectively, the development aspires to create a landmark that is generous, inclusive, and deeply connected to its setting, one that enhances the skyline, strengthens the public realm, and contributes to a more equitable and sustainable urban future."

Communal spaces would be distributed across multiple levels, including landscaped podium gardens, swimming pool facilities, barbecue areas and rooftop-style retreat spaces designed for residents. The proposal delivers more than 1,500 sqm of communal open space and nearly 400 sqm of indoor communal facilities.

<img alt="Central Element" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0671c276-6dd8-4cfc-97b0-134a45d2c8cf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.30.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=90D7lRaCTMTsFx92tIBrHlZcuaV_a4cw" />

A major focus of the planning assessment has been the project's relationship with surrounding public open spaces.

Clark Park, Bradfield Park and Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden are among the lower north shore's most valued public landscapes, and overshadowing impacts have been closely examined through the design process. Central Element is proposing to also create a new public plaza and pocket park as part of the development.

Central Element has been developing across Sydney since 2010.

They have recently completed their Chatswood tower, Ethos Chatswood, as well as their luxury redevelopment of Coogee's landmark Ballamac House. They are currently selling Pearl Bondi, just seven high-end homes, while future plans include a tower on Hyde Park, and a boutique project in Neutral Bay.

Georgia Westgarth

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