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Melbourne packaging magnate Raphael Geminder has put an industrial portfolio with a combined worth of $80 million on the market through his PACT Group Pty Ltd subsidiary company, Centralbridge.
The trans-Tasman portfolio comprised of four properties, described as a combination of passive investment properties and redevelopment opportunities, has locations in Moorabbin, (VIC) Condell (NSW), O’Connor (WA) and East Tamaki, (New Zealand).  
CBRE who have been appointed the campaign for the sale, say they expect to attract strong local interest given a relatively stable economy and appealing borrowing rates.  
Mr. Geminder, whose subsidiary companies also include Alto Packaging Australia, Viscount Plastics and VIP Packaging, said that the improved state of the industrial market indicated an ideal time to divest part of Centralbridge’s portfolio.  
With exception to the O’Connor property (which will be offered on a short term lease, or with vacant possession), all properties are to be sold subject to long term 12 year leases to subsidiaries of Geminder’s PACT Group.  
CBRE’s Chris O’Brien said; ““This long term secure income underpinned by the high land values will only enhance the potential performance of the assets over the investment horizon.”  
The portfolio is being offered for sale via an expressions of interest campaign closing 14 June 2013.  
CBRE’s Victorian Industrial Investments team of Chris O’Brien, Matt Haddon and Rory Hilton will be in charge of the campaign.
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Raphael Geminder's Centralbridge trans-Tasman industrial portfolio listing

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More than 1.35 million premises have been added as next in line to receive high-speed fibre-optic broadband, NBN Co., the company put in charge of building the National Broadband Network, has announced.
The plan adds almost 190 new towns and groups of suburbs, as well as more homes and businesses in areas covered by the previous plan.
This brings to 4.85 million the number of premises that will have construction commenced or where services can be ordered by June 2016.
Blacktown has become the first suburb of Sydney to switch on to the National Broadband Network (NBN).
The NBN now "passes" 1,300 homes and businesses in Blacktown with a further 9,300 premises in the area to come online over the coming months, including premises in Lalor Park.
In April, the NSW Central Coast connected to the NBN with the service available to more than 2,300 homes and businesses in central Gosford.
NBN Co. CEO Mike Quigley said: “We’re getting on with the job of rolling out the NBN in every state and territory. Our plan is to deliver better broadband to every Australian over the remaining eight years of this 10-year build.”
Of the 188 Australian-wide suburbs added to the NBN construction timetable; 66 suburbs were in NSW including Sydney’s Bondi and 46 suburbs in Queensland which included Airlie Beach and the Sunshine Coast.
In South Australia there were 20 suburbs including rural towns Ceduna, Port Lincoln and Salisbury, 15 suburbs were listed in Western Australia including Esperance, Margaret River, Port Hedland and Yunderup and 41 suburbs in Victoria listed Angelsea, Glen Iris and North Melbourne.
The nationwide rollout of the NBN is due to be completed by 2021.
The latest locations next in line to receive the NBN are:
Victoria
 
<table style="width: 320px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" frame="box">
<colgroup>
<col span="5" width="64">
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21" width="64">Anglesea</td>
<td width="64">Daylesford</td>
<td width="64">Kooyong</td>
<td width="64">North Melbourne</td>
<td width="64">Shoreham</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Ballan</td>
<td>Dimboola</td>
<td>Kyneton</td>
<td>Numurkah</td>
<td>Sunbury</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Beaufort</td>
<td>Elmore</td>
<td>Lang Lang</td>
<td>Oakleigh</td>
<td>Tallangatta</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Beechworth</td>
<td>Garfield</td>
<td>Maldon</td>
<td>Point Cook</td>
<td>Thomastown</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Castlemaine</td>
<td>Glen Iris</td>
<td>Mirboo</td>
<td>Portarlington</td>
<td>Trentham</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Chiltern</td>
<td>Heathcote</td>
<td>North Moreland</td>
<td>Romsey</td>
<td>Warburton</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Clunes</td>
<td>Heidelberg</td>
<td>Nathalia</td>
<td>Rushworth</td>
<td>Winchelsea</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Coburg</td>
<td>Heyfield</td>
<td>Newport</td>
<td>Rye</td>
<td>Woori Yallock</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21" colspan="2">Craigieburn</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
New South Wales
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<colgroup>
<col span="5" width="64">
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
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<td height="20" width="64">Albion Park</td>
<td width="64">Bulahdelah</td>
<td width="64">Finley</td>
<td width="64">Mona Vale</td>
<td width="64">South West Rocks</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bankstown</td>
<td>Canowindra</td>
<td>Frenchs Forest</td>
<td>Moruya</td>
<td>Sydney Springwood</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Barham-Koondrook</td>
<td>Cessnock-Bellbird</td>
<td>Gilgandra</td>
<td>Moss Vale</td>
<td>Tocumwal</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Batemans Bay</td>
<td>Clarence Town</td>
<td>Gunnedah</td>
<td>Murrurundi</td>
<td>Tumbarumba</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Batlow</td>
<td>Como</td>
<td>Hornsby</td>
<td>Murwillumbah</td>
<td>Tumut</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bawley Point</td>
<td>Cooma</td>
<td>Howlong</td>
<td>Narooma</td>
<td>Tuross Heads</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bellingen</td>
<td>Coraki</td>
<td>Jindabyne</td>
<td>North Parramatta</td>
<td>Ulladulla</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Belmont</td>
<td>Culcairn</td>
<td>Kellyville</td>
<td>Petersham</td>
<td>Uralla</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bermagui</td>
<td>Deniliquin</td>
<td>Kempsey</td>
<td>Quirindi</td>
<td>Urunga</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Berowra</td>
<td>Dorrigo</td>
<td>Kooringal</td>
<td>Ramsgate</td>
<td>Walcha</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Berridale</td>
<td>Dungog</td>
<td>Macksville</td>
<td>Raymond Terrace</td>
<td>Williamtown</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bombala</td>
<td>Edensor Park</td>
<td>Maclean</td>
<td>Shoalhaven Heads</td>
<td>Woodburn</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bondi</td>
<td>Evans Head</td>
<td>Manilla</td>
<td>Singleton</td>
<td>Yamba</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" colspan="2">Branxton-Greta</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Queensland
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<td height="20" width="64">Agnes Water</td>
<td width="64">Burrum Heads</td>
<td width="64">Highfields</td>
<td width="64">Mossman</td>
<td width="64">Sunshine Coast Noosa</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Airlie Beach</td>
<td>Cardwell</td>
<td>Howard</td>
<td>Murgon</td>
<td>Tin Can Bay</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Albany Creek</td>
<td>Childers</td>
<td>Innisfail</td>
<td>Oakey</td>
<td>Toorbul</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Ayr</td>
<td>Collinsville</td>
<td>Lammermoor</td>
<td>Proserpine</td>
<td>Toowong</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Babinda</td>
<td>Cooktown</td>
<td>Landsborough</td>
<td>Rainbow Beach</td>
<td>Tully</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bells Bridge</td>
<td>Coorparoo</td>
<td>Malanda</td>
<td>Ravenshoe</td>
<td>Wondai</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Booral</td>
<td>Crows Nest</td>
<td>Maleny</td>
<td>Redland Bay</td>
<td>Wonga Beach</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bowen</td>
<td>Gympie</td>
<td>Maryborough</td>
<td>Sherwood</td>
<td>Woodford</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Boyne Island</td>
<td>Herberton</td>
<td>Mission Beach</td>
<td>Sunshine Coast Caloundra</td>
<td>Woodgate</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" colspan="2">Burleigh Heads</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
South Australia
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<td style="height: 15.0pt; width: 48pt;" class="xl65" height="20" width="64">Barmera</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl65" width="64">Ceduna</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl65" width="64">Minlaton</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl65" width="64">Port Lincoln</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl65" width="64">Stansbury</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" class="xl65" height="20">Beachport</td>
<td class="xl65">Glenunga</td>
<td class="xl65">Mount Gambier</td>
<td class="xl65">Renmark</td>
<td class="xl65">Tumby Bay</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" class="xl65" height="20">Berri</td>
<td class="xl65">Lyndoch</td>
<td class="xl65">Naracoorte</td>
<td class="xl65">Robe</td>
<td class="xl65">Waikerie</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" class="xl65" height="20">Brighton</td>
<td class="xl65">Millicent</td>
<td class="xl65">Penola</td>
<td class="xl65">Salisbury</td>
<td class="xl65">Yorketown</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Western Australia
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<td style="height: 15.0pt; width: 48pt;" class="xl65" height="20" width="64">Augusta</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl65" width="64">Derby</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl65" width="64">Esperance</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl65" width="64">Margaret River</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl65" width="64">Spearwood</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" class="xl65" height="20">Broome</td>
<td class="xl65">Dunsborough</td>
<td class="xl65">Glenfield</td>
<td class="xl65">Norseman</td>
<td class="xl65">Wickham</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" class="xl65" height="20">Cowaramup</td>
<td class="xl65">Ellenbrook</td>
<td class="xl65">Jandakot South</td>
<td class="xl65">Quinns Rocks</td>
<td class="xl65">York</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 
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National Broadband Network rollout expanded as Sydney's Blacktown switches on

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Hong Kong ranked as the top performing real estate market across the globe in 2012, international real estate consultants Knight Frank report.
It notched up a 23.6% rise last year.
The global house price index which lists 55 countries, shows Australia globally in 28th place behind near namesake, Austria which had 10.1% growth placing in sixth spot. 
Australia, with a 2.1% growth in the housing market during 2012, has been slowly climbing the list from 32nd in the third quarter of 2012, 34th in the third quarter of 2011.
Of the 55 housing markets, 20 experienced price falls in 2012 down from 25 in 2011.
The report found that of the 20 countries that had a price fall, 19 were located in Europe.
House prices around the world rose by an average of 4.3% in 2012 according to the index.
Knight Frank's Kate Everett-Allen suggsted stronger conditions across all other world regions were offset by continuing challenges in the main European markets.
"The 2012 results suggest the rehabilitation of the world’s housing markets – following the global financial crisis – is still a ‘work in progress’."
Knight Frank Global House Price Index
1 Hong Kong  23.6% 
2 Dubai, UAE 19.0% 
3 Brazil 13.7% 
4 Turkey 10.5% 
5 Russia 10.2% 
6 Austria 10.1% 
7 Taiwan 9.7% 
8 China 9.3% 
9 India 8.5% 
10 Colombia 8.3% 
11 South Africa 7.4% 
12 United States 7.3% 
13 Malaysia 7.3% 
14 Indonesia 7.0% 
15 New Zealand 6.7% 
16 Norway 6.6% 
17 Estonia 5.4% 
18 Iceland 4.6% 
19 Israel 4.5% 
20 Switzerland 3.9% 
21 Finland 3.7% 
22 Mexico 3.1% 
23 Canada 3.1% 
24 Singapore 2.6% 
25 Czech Republic 2.5% 
26 Belgium 2.4% 
27 Germany 2.2% 
28 Australia 2.1% 
29 Sweden 2.1% 
30 Latvia 1.9% 
31 Slovakia 0.9% 
32 Jersey 0.2% 
33 Denmark 0.2% 
34 South Korea 0.0% 
35 Morocco 0.0% 
36 Luxembourg -0.3% 
37 Ukraine -0.9% 
38 United Kingdom -1.1% 
39 Malta -1.2% 
40 Bulgaria -1.4% 
41 Poland -1.5% 
42 France -1.6% 
43 Lithuania -2.6% 
44 Japan -2.6% 
45 Italy -4.1% 
46 Ireland -4.5% 
47 Portugal -5.1% 
48 Romania -5.6% 
49 Hungary -5.7% 
50 Cyprus -5.8% 
51 Netherlands -6.3% 
52 Slovenia -7.6% 
53 Croatia -8.7% 
54 Spain -10.0% 
55 Greece -13.2% 
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Austria, not Australia among the world's 10 hottest real estate markets: Knight Frank global house price index 

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The historic Queensland town of Grandchester, with barely a population of 500, has been identified as an investment hotspot with property prices set to double in 10 years, according to RP Data.

Located 80 kilometres west of Brisbane in the Lockyer Valley region, the town leads the Queensland list with a compounding growth rate of 7.7% over the past five years. 
The rural village boasts several heritage-listed sites such as the Grandchester Steam Timber Mill, one of the last known surviving (and still functioning) steam-powered sawmills in Australia and the Grandchester Railway Station, featuring the first narrow gauge mainline railway in the world. 
Originally known as Bigge’s Camp, the tiny township gained prominence after becoming the temporary terminus of Queensland’s first railway line from Ipswich in 1865. 
Grandchester was eventually renamed by Governor Bowen and now has the oldest railway station in Queensland as listed by the National Trust. 
Despite opportunities for good returns in property investment and country living, the town has experienced a significant drop in population since 2006, previously recorded at 735.
The 2011 ABS report recorded that 43.6% of homes are fully owned, 42.4% have mortgages and 9.1% of homes are rented. 
Currently available on the market are several properties including a freshly renovated three-bedroom, one-bathroom property situated on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-qld-grandchester-113416255">1776 square metre block</a>, with a new water tank with an asking price of $262,000.
A three-bedroom, one-bathroom property, which sits on a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-qld-grandchester-7519383">30.35 hectare block</a> complete with a shed, water tank and greywater system is listed for $420,000.
A two-bedroom, two-bathroom colonial style home, self-sufficient with with solar power and rainwater tanks, sits on an <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-qld-grandchester-111502503">8.5 hectare block</a> with a large garden shed with an asking price of $339, 900.
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Grandchester, the town that leads Queensland with a compounding growth rate of 7.7% over the past five years

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Dexus Property Group and its Wholesale Property Fund have jointly acquired the under-construction 480 Queen Street office tower from Grocon at an estimated cost of $543.9 million on completion.

Each entity will hold 50% of the asset.
The 31-level premium-grade office development spans 55,561 square metres of office space located in Brisbane’s Golden Triangle, with dual access via Queen Street to the south-east and from Adelaide Street to the north-west.
It will be one of the few premium office towers in the Brisbane CBD to offer large office spaces of up to 2,800 square metres, and is expected to appeal to the high-end corporate tenant market.
The initial yield from occupants is estimated to be 7.25% on completion, based on current pre-commitments and that income guarantees are met.

Already 40% of office space has been pre-committed to future tenants including mining giant BHP Billiton and law firm Herbert Smith Freehills and with its 6 star, Green Star environmental rating, the building is expected to further attract interest from KPMG, NAB and the Commonwealth Bank.  

Construction on the tower has already commenced and is expected to be completed by February 2016.

Dexus’s office portfolio weighting is expected to increase by 1% to 79% following the acquisition with its weighting to the Brisbane CBD office market to be 11.6%.
"Despite mixed short-term fundamentals in the Brisbane office market, we remain confident in the overall metrics for quality, well located properties such as 480 Queen Street which provides premium grade office space with superior specifications and is ideally located in Brisbane’s Golden Triangle," says Kevin George, Dexus's exeuctive general manager of office &amp; industrial.
“Income guarantees expiring around September 2018 will provide security against any near-term uncertainty within the Brisbane market."
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Dexus buys Brisbane office at 480 Queen Street for $543.9 million 

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British media entrepreneur and multi-millionaire Baron Waheed Alli, has purchased an apartment in the Dominion development at Darlinghurst, which is due for completion next month.
He is the co-founder of Planet 24, one of Britain’s largest TV production companies, responsible for hit shows such as Survivor.
Dominion – developed by Cbus Property – <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/darlinghurst-s-newest-residential-development-dominion-revealed/2013012358921">will consist of 108 apartments</a> split across three buildings, each seven levels high close to Oxford Street.

“I have been coming to Sydney for more than 10 years and I love the city; in particular the Darlinghurst area. I’m here at least four times a year on business and pleasure, and I’d much rather have a base with my own creature comforts than staying in an impersonal hotel room,” he said.

Lord Alli (pictured below) plans to use his interior designer, Jonathan Adler from New York, to help with the finishing touches of his fifth floor apartment.
<img height="326" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/lordapril19one.jpg" alt="lordapril19one">

“I bought my apartment in Dominion off-the-plan at least two years ago, and it’s been worth the wait,” he said. 
“I’m impressed how the building has turned out. It has blended into the landscape.”

The $150 million development with asking prices of $1.2 million through Colliers International for two-bedroom apartments and $1.79 million for three-bedroom apartments, was reported to have had about 15% of buyers from overseas, including several expats.
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Designer Jonathan Adler heading down under as Lord Alli buys into Darlinghurst's Dominion

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Property tycoon Donald Trump’s outrider says Queensland's Gold Coast needs to lift its game if it hopes to attract more premium tourism.
Trump International senior vice-president for global hotel development and acquisitions, Todd Wynee-Parry is currently in Australia sizing up opportunities.
But it's not looking likely.
“I think [the Gold Coast] needs to rethink its development strategy and designate some proper resort sites," he told Fairfax Media.
"The Gold Coast is a gorgeous beach with no world class resorts actually on the beach.”
Mr Wynne-Parry is speaking at the Tourism &amp; Transport Forum’s 2013 Outlook Conference in Sydney where the Trump group has given fleeting interest to developing a prestige hotel and apartment Trump Tower at Sydney’s <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/paul-keating-urges-james-packer-to-reconsider-barangaroo-hotel-and-casino-but-definitely-keep-it-off-the-grass/2012022853608" target="_blank">Barangaroo</a>.
But Australian gambling tycoon James Packer has a near monopoly on that ambition.
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Donald Trump's senior vice president says the Australian Gold Coast needs to lift its game to attract premium tourism

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The $2 billion Central Park development in Sydney has achieved another major milestone with its 1000th apartment being sold.
The team behind the development, Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House, noted it on their Facebook page (pictured below).
<img height="459" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/frasersapril19one.jpg" alt="frasersapril19one">
The buyers were dubbed a "visionary group".
Located in Sydney’s inner southern suburb <a target="_blank" href="/news">Chippendale</a>, the development is scheduled to take between eight and 10 years to complete.
It will have the first residents of <a target="_blank" href="/news">One Central Park</a> West by July.
Sales of apartments since its August 2010 launch have ranged between $460,000 and $2.135 million.
Its selling agents say buying interest and demand for the offerings has grown as the architecture has been revealed during construction.
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Central Park, Chippendale secures its 1000th apartment sale

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Investors are encouraged to keep a close eye on Port Melbourne after a recent report by property data business Residex, which suggested the suburb was performing strongly in the rental market.

The March 2013 Residex best rent report listed <a target="_blank" href="/news">Port Melbourne</a> units as among the top investment opportunities in Australia.
The median rental yield has increased to 5.41%, up from 4.5% last December. The area was doing significantly better than the average Melbourne rental yield of 4.4% for March this year, according to the report.
An RP Data report has shown the median asking rent has increased since 2008 and now standis at $655 per week, an increase of $110 from last December.
Formerly an industrial area, Port Melbourne has since experienced an urban makeover providing parklands, bay side beaches, upmarket apartments, restaurants and cafes with 49% of dwellings within the area currently being rented.
The estimated growth for the area is expected to be about 6% over the next 5 years.
However, several apartments currently available on the rental market don't reflect any recent rental price growth.
A two-bedroom, two-bathroom property at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-port+melbourne-410135103">Esplanade East</a> (pictured below) listed for $690 per week with the rent history showing a $10 reduction since initially listed last month. In November last year it was listed at $720 per week.
<img height="351" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/portmelbourneapril17one.jpg" alt="portmelbourneapril17one">
A three-bedroom, one-bathroom <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-port+melbourne-410062775">Pickles Street</a> property (pictured below) has been listed for $650 per week. Its rental asking price has been reduced from $680 last March.
<img height="320" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/portmelbourneapril17two.jpg" alt="portmelbourneapril17two">

A two-bedroom, two-bathroom <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-port+melbourne-404860962">Rouse Street</a> apartment (pictured below) is available for $700 per week. In March it was listed at $750 per week.
<img height="345" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/portmelbourneapril17three.jpg" alt="portmelbourneapril17three">

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Port Melbourne rental market gets Residex recommendation

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ANZ have announced that its standard variable home loan interest rate will remain unchanged at 6.4% per annum after their monthly interest rate review today.
 It follows the RBA announcing at its April meeting that it would keep the cash rate steady at 3%.
The Big Four have all continued to maintain roughly similiar rates with NAB still the lowest of the four at 6.38%, followed by Commonwealth Bank and ANZ at 6.40%.
Westpac has a standard variable rate of 6.51%.
All four banks reduced their standard variable interest rates in December last year following the Reserve Bank of Australia cutting its cash rate the same month by 25 basis points to 3%.
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ANZ sticks to 6.4% standard variable rate

An entity directed by HSN's Rafi Assouline and Rebel Property's Allen Linz has filed plans for an impressive new precinct in Woolloomooloo.

The major mixed-use development would transform a prominent William Street site into a new residential village anchored by affordable housing and a large public park.

The proposal, submitted as a State Significant Development Application, covers 164-172 and 174-194 William Street, a 6,398 sqm site between Forbes Street and Dowling Street on the southern edge of Woolloomooloo.

Designed by fjcstudio in collaboration with Bangawarra, Studio Bright and Tribe Studio Architects, the scheme would deliver 227 apartments across four residential buildings ranging in height up to 18 storeys, alongside retail space, public domain improvements and a new publicly accessible park.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0eb59b7c-914a-4a5c-b849-3a56749f5e93" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.18.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=mxM6EEqeoLjrCiTlCzTKTvzpKuh6kSkH" />

It's another design scheme for Rebel, who took <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-rebel-property-group-takes-woolloomooloo-precinct-to-nsw-government">concept plans to the NSW Gov late last year</a>.

The latest plans will be a mix of 167 build-to-sell apartments and 60 affordable apartments, with the affordable housing component representing 15 per cent of the project's gross floor area. The apartment mix includes 12 one-bedroom, 53 two-bedroom, 89 three-bedroom apartments and 13 penthouses, while the affordable housing component would comprise 42 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b3d4553-8a8c-4af5-aa8c-519ffb1e28c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.20.12%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_Yb6ibN7eDnOtQjCNDK2eviORa4qzgv." />

Rebel Property is seeking to take advantage of the NSW Government's infill affordable housing bonus provisions under the Housing SEPP, which provide additional floor space and height in exchange for the delivery of affordable housing for a minimum of 15 years. The planning pathway allows a 30 per cent increase in floor space ratio and building height where 15 per cent of the development is dedicated to affordable housing.

&nbsp;

At the centre of the development is a 1,356 sqm sunlit public park designed to become a new community gathering space at the gateway to Woolloomooloo. The park would be complemented by a network of pedestrian laneways connecting William Street with the surrounding streets, improving permeability through what is currently a largely impermeable block.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="257af931-a393-4007-8c6d-7219796df58d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.20.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KAHy94GrhaReFsWTGDKfy39EDJ8gEEv4" />

The design team says the public domain has been heavily influenced by the site's topography and Aboriginal cultural heritage, drawing on the escarpments, gullies and landscape characteristics that historically defined the area before urbanisation. The landscape design has been developed in partnership with First Nations consultancy Bangawarra.

The project would be delivered across four separate buildings. The William Street East and William Street West buildings, designed by fjcstudio, would contain the majority of the apartments. Melbourne-based Studio Bright has designed the Forbes Street building, while Tribe Studio Architects is responsible for the Dowling Street building.

Rebel had secured approval for the concept plans late last year.

Joel Robinson

First look: HSN, Rebel, advances Woolloomooloo precinct plans

A locally heritage-listed furniture showroom on Water Street is set to become the centrepiece of a new mixed-use residential development as local developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/keylin-group">Keylin</a> seeks approval for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lotus-on-water-street-290-water-street-fortitude-valley-qld-4006">Lotus on Water Street</a>, a 15-storey project on the Fortitude Valley side of Spring Hill.

The proposal spans 290 Water Street and 137-141 Warry Street, combining several properties into a 2,869 sqm site that sits between Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill and the rapidly evolving Victoria Park precinct. Keylin's plans would deliver 132 apartments alongside new retail, hospitality and commercial space, while retaining and repurposing the historic Brunswick Home Furnishers Showroom that fronts Water Street.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/jackson-teece">Jackson Teece</a>, Lotus on Water Street comprises a 12-storey residential tower rising above a three-storey podium and communal rooftop terrace. The development includes 76 apartments classified as multiple dwellings and a further 56 units proposed as short-term accommodation, designed to be flexibly used as either accommodation or permanent residences. The apartment mix comprises six one-bedroom, 54 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom homes.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9822bb79-6c49-49c9-95ba-319e8c8d81c3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20front.png?VersionId=ioW8zbN4UVebbLetTFuv92t.HkdgfR5e" />

Residents would have access to an extensive rooftop recreation level spanning more than 1,200 sqm of communal open space. Plans include a pool, gym, sauna, infrared sauna, yoga area, library, private dining room, barbecue facilities and landscaped entertainment spaces, making the rooftop the project's largest shared amenity offering.

At street level, the proposal focuses on the adaptive reuse of the heritage buildings along Water Street, where 518 sqm of retail and commercial space is planned across shop, office and food and drink outlet uses. A permeable residential lobby would be positioned between the retained heritage buildings, creating a pedestrian connection between the historic streetscape and the new tower behind.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="269cf3e0-7d13-48bf-a318-05a00deb5c10" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20podium.png?VersionId=DLXmTCLsp6GOcLpQ0h.0z7wKCw59EhN_" />

The heritage retention strategy is central to the scheme. The development application notes that the Brunswick Home Furnishers Showroom and adjoining heritage buildings will remain, with only non-significant structures on the site earmarked for removal under a previously issued Heritage Exemption Certificate. Levels one and two of the new podium are recessed behind the heritage façades to maintain their prominence within the streetscape.

Jackson Teece has drawn inspiration from the site's manufacturing history when designing the podium. The planning documents state that the façade incorporates perforated metal screening that references the woven and rattan furniture historically produced on the site. Cascading and climbing plants are integrated throughout the podium to soften the building's presentation and screen parking levels behind. The landscape strategy also informs the project's name, Lotus on Water Street, drawing on the historic Spring Hollow waterholes that once ran through Spring Hill and the blue water lilies associated with Meeanjin, Brisbane's traditional name.

The proposal also incorporates the neighbouring property at 141 Warry Street, currently occupied by a healthcare service. The existing building would remain, with nine dedicated parking spaces allocated within the new development to support its ongoing operation. In total, Lotus on Water Street proposes 117 car spaces, including 110 resident spaces and seven visitor bays, alongside 100 bicycle spaces.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70cf07bc-4fd8-4e70-92dd-be8b21c4e4f0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20site.png?VersionId=txlxrJImM0Sm_vTzHVKh5DDUkyL_CiiA" />

The site sits within the Spring Hill East Precinct of the Spring Hill Neighbourhood Plan and is positioned around 650 metres from both Fortitude Valley Station and Exhibition Station. It is also within walking distance of the King Street precinct, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston Quarter and Victoria Park, which is earmarked to become a major venue precinct ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Planning documents describe the location as a key gateway between Spring Hill and Fortitude Valley and highlight the area's increasing importance as new transport infrastructure and Olympic-related investment reshape Brisbane's inner north. The development team argues the project will contribute additional housing supply while activating a section of Water Street that has historically received less investment than other parts of the Valley.

Keylin has become increasingly active across Brisbane and southeast Queensland, assembling sites in strategic inner-city locations. They are currently selling and delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/oria-spring-hill-447-gregory-terrace-spring-hill-qld-4000">Oria Spring Hill</a>, just over 140 apartments due for completion in 2027.

Keylin plans heritage-led Lotus on Water Street apartment development in Fortitude Valley

Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

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]

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.”

Glenn Dwyer

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