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For the first time in 35 years, a Hamilton Hill home in Brisbane is being offered up for auction this week, having last sold for $60,000 in 1979.
The property, <a href="https://www.eplace.com.au/property.cfm?propertyID=2536483&amp;realestate=24_Hillside_Crescent_Hamilton_QLD_4007" target="_blank">24 Hillside Crescent</a>, sits on 506 square metres with no sales prior to its last sale. The house, built in the mid-to-late 1930s by the Queensland timber merchant W.S. Brett was designed for the merchant himself. At the time, it was covered by The Courier-Mail as a significant property.
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom 80 year old home retains a number of its historical features, including leadlight awning doors, polished cedar timber floors and high decorative ceilings.
Marketing the home is Sherrie Storor of Place, who said that this was a rare opportunity.
“This house occupies an elevated position on Hamilton Hill and has a wide frontage with panoramic sweeps down both reaches of the Brisbane River and onto the city skyline,” said Storor.
“The home was designed to co-exist with its amazing position, with the floor plan oriented to take full advantage of the amazing Brisbane scenery from nearly every room.”
It has formal and informal living areas, patios, an in-ground Jacuzzi and a terrace.
It is looking for buyers who are open to restoring the home, with renovations required on the home.
“There is ample scope to renovate this home and restore its historic beauty while adding instant value,” she said.
There has already been substantial interest from buyers, and the expectation is for some fierce bidding later on today.
“We’re confident the property will sell – in fact, we are under instructions from the vendor that the property must be sold,” she said.
The auction will take place on Thursday at 6.30pm at the Place head office in East Brisbane.
RP Data's 'land value' section from June last year puts the price at $1,150,000.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Historic Brisbane, Hamilton Hill home up for auction

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George J Nowak, of the Charterhill Group, has filed for bankruptcy after the Federal Court in Adelaide froze his assets and those of his wife back in February.
At the time, the <a href="/news/federal-court-freezes-assets-of-charterhills-george-nowak">court had ordered the surrender of their passports, and restricted their travel outside of the country</a>, while ASIC investigated the collapse of the Charterhill Group.
The Charterhill Group specialized in assisting clients to invest in property with their SMSFs. This left nearly $6 million of super at risk.
Macks Advisory’s Peter Ivan Macks has been appointed as Nowak’s trustee, and he has advised that the bankruptcy came following an appointment of liquidators to companies within the Charterhill Group Lending Solutions International Pty Ltd and Nova Real Estate Pty Ltd.
Nowak, who lodged a statement of affairs with the trustee, listed 31 companies he was director and/or shareholder of.
The statement of affairs was signed and dated 30 June 2014, and lodged with the Debtor's Petition on the same day. The Debtor's Petition was accepted on 2 July 2014.
It is noted that unsecured creditors totals approximately $7 million. This includes a claim in his estate, brought by Nova Real Estate’s liquidators – of approximately $6 million.
Investigations are underway, but return to creditors at this stage is unlikely.
The following companies in the Charterhill Group were placed under external control in February:
•    Lending Solutions International Pty Ltd – liquidators appointed (Andrew Heard and Anthony Phillips of Heard Phillips)
•    Nova Real Estate Pty Ltd – external administrators appointed (Andrew Heard and Anthony Phillips of Heard Phillips)
•    EJ Property Developments Pty Ltd – receivers and managers appointed (Michael Basedow and Leigh Prior of Pitcher Partners)
•    Financial Wellness Pty Ltd – receivers and managers appointed (Michael Basedow and Leigh Prior of Pitcher Partners).
YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO READ
Investor update: <a href="/news/investor-update-charterhill-issues-clients-apology-after-closure">Charterhill issues clients apology after closure</a>
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Charterhill's George Nowak files for bankruptcy following liquidation of companies

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A continuining drop in first home buyer numbers has chief executive of the Real Estate Instute of Western Australia (REIWA), Neville Pozzi, warning the government not to introduced any stamp duty increases for first timers.
He said that this drop should come as a budget warning to the state government.
“Given that first home buyers are dropping in numbers, it’s critical that the Treasurer doesn’t bring back stamp duty for this segment of the market,” Pozzi said.
Currently, first home buyers in Western Australia are exempt from stamp duty payments for homes under $500,000.
“It’s very concerning, however, that Premier Barnett has indicated that the current tax break for first home buyers is under review and might be changed,” he said.
“The housing market is very susceptible to cost pressures and making first homes more expensive would be a terrible blow to the market just as it’s starting to stabilise,” he said.
FHOG applications for the March quarter, as recorded by the Office of State Revenue, recorded a 9% drop. This is 21% below the June 2013 peak.
This drop is across both the established and new-build sectors, with established homes dropping by 14%.
“This means that grants being paid out have now fallen below the average since the FHOG was first introduced 14 years ago,” he said.
He noted that the "last thing" the market needs at present is any added cost pressure on first time buyers.
The median purchase by first home buyers in March was $470,000 in Perth, and $350,000 in regional Western Australia.
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REIWA chief executive warns against FHB stamp duty introduction

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Almost 50% of first home buyers from Generation Y want early access to their superannuation or for their employer to salary sacrifice, to fund a deposit, according to <a href="https://www.mozo.com.au">Mozo.com.au</a>’s research.
In a survey undertaken to launch Mozo’s new First Home Buyers Hub, first home buyers were asked how they would prefer to fund their home purchase if given the option.
The majority, at 49%, were prepared to save diligently. If you’re one of these first home buyers, you can see some savings tips over the page.
However, 22% were keen to borrow the full purchase price without a deposit.
Here are the results from Mozo:
<img src="data:image/png;base64,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" alt="">
Mozo director Kirsty Lamont said that it’s interesting to see which option first home buyers would choose when facing increasing property prices.
“It’s clear Gen Y feel it’s unattainable to enter the property market by saving alone, and want the Government to seriously consider superannuation as the solution,” said Lamont.
“Using superannuation to fund property sounds good in theory but it’s not the silver bullet for first homebuyers,” she said.
She noted that first home buyers have to consider stamp duty, mortgage interest, maintenance costs and the lost returns the super could have earned.
“With this seemingly quick fix what’s also lost is the important discipline of regular savings, which can become a harsh reality when the mortgage repayments start,” she warned.
For those interested in Mozo’s savings tips, turn the page.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
With almost 50% keen to go the traditional route and save the funds for a deposit, Lamond suggests living off one salary if buying as a couple, or selling off unnecessary assets such as a second car.
Moving in with the parents may also be an option, she says, noting these are temporary choices.
They also suggest:
<ol>
<li>High interest savings accounts 
</li>
<li>Setting a budget 
</li>
<li>Getting a second job 
</li>
<li>Ditching credit cards 
</li>
<li>Selling old items online</li>
</ol>
You can <a href="https://mozo.com.au/first-home-buyers/rip-first-home-saver-accounts-what-now-for-deposit-savers" target="_blank">see more of their tips here</a>.
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Almost a quarter of Gen Y first timers want no deposit home loan

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A one-off $7,000 payment to those relocating to a regional area finishes today in New South Wales. The Regional Relocation Home Buyers Grant is a payment provided to those relocating from a metropolitan to a regional area, and is noted as not meeting the Government's objectives.
Available to Australian citizens and permanent residents, to receive the grant the applicant must have purchased a regional property on or after 1 July 2011, and on or prior to 30 September 2014.
The regional home must not exceed $600,000, or $450,000 for vacant land.
The applicant must begin living in the regional property within 12 months of purchase, and reside in the property for 12 continuous months. For those purchasing vacant land, they must commence construction within six months and reside in the home within 12 months of purchase date.
You must also have owned and occupied a metropolitan home as a principal place of residence in the 12 months prior to commencing the purchase, and it must be sold in the 12 months prior or after purchase.
Alternatively, those renting homes in a metropolitan area for 12 months prior to purchase, and who can establish a two-year continuous rental history in metropolitan areas, can apply. This was only valid from 1 January 2014.
Applications submitted from 1 January also required the purchased regional property to be further than a 100 kilometre radius from the metropolitan home.
Prior to 2014, only one grant was available per household, even if two regional properties were purchased. However, since 1 January, if two regional properties are purchased and both applications qualify then two grants may be achievable. No value limit is placed on the sale achieved on the metropolitan home to receive the grant.
The Skilled Regional Relocation Incentive, offering $10,000, is also closing today after commencing this year.
A note on the Office of State Revenue website says that despite the closing of these grants, the Government is considering a re-introduction of the Skillled Regional Relocation Incentive, with applications backdated to 1 October 2014. The Regional Relocation Home Buyers Grant, however, will not be re-introduced.
"The Regional Relocation Home Buyers Grant has not been as effective in meeting the Government’s objectives as the Skilled Regional Relocation Incentive. For this reason, the Government is ending the Regional Relocation Home Buyers Grant. As the Regional Relocation Grants Act 2011 does not provide for partial closure of the scheme, both schemes must be closed," they explain.
If you've relocated prior to today and haven't yet applied, you are still able to provided you do so before 31 December 2015.
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New South Wales’ Regional Relocation Home Buyers Grant ends today

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Vendor discounting figures are regularly collected by research house SQM Research. Now, they’ve compiled the 10 most discounted individual properties in Western Australia.
They note that Western Australia is a locality that has undergone substantial change in recent years for residential property, with the mining boom and subsequent downturn.
“Many of the properties we see below can be easily recognized from our national top ten most discounted properties, as over the past few months, Perth properties (and other properties from Western Australia) have made up the bulk of the list,” their research notes.
Just one of the homes on SQM Research’s Western Australian list had an initial asking price below $1 million, which is certainly not the norm for discounted properties across the country. After discounting, just two dropped of the Western Australian properties dropped below the seven figure mark.
Across the entire list, two were from South Perth, with the top two in Carabooda.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-wa-carabooda-200627671%20" target="_blank">292 Carabooda Road, Carabooda</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/1.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $1,650,000 Now asking: $1,032,000  Discount: 37%  Days on market: 404 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-carabooda-114289451" target="_blank">219 Bernard Road North, Carabooda</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/2.jpg" alt=""> 
Initial asking price: $3,500,000 Now asking: $2,272,000  Discount: 35%  Days on market: 404 In terms of the dollar figure, this has been reduced by the most on the list – copping a $1,228,000 reduction on asking price. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-wa-bicton-115389839">28a Malsbury Street, Bicton</a>
 <img src="/images/2014/10/1/3.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $1,500,000 Now asking: $1,000,000  Discount: 33%  Days on market: 308 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-doubleview-116544475" target="_blank">1 Princess Road, Doubleview</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/4.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $2,700,000 Now asking: $1,800,000  Discount: 33%  Days on market: 175 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-yanchep-115004491" target="_blank">48b Brazier Road, Yanchep</a> 
 <img src="/images/2014/10/1/5.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $985,000 Now asking: $699,000  Discount: 29%  Days on market: 350
This article continues on the next page. Please click below to continue.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-wa-south+perth-113923551" target="_blank">12/4 Scott Street, South Perth</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/6.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $3,650,000 Now asking: $2,600,000  Discount: 29%  Days on market: 481 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-duplex+semi+detached-wa-burswood-116984079" target="_blank">21b Hampton Street, Burswood</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/7.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $1,400,000 Now asking: $1,000,000  Discount: 29%  Days on market: 126 <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/townhouse/wa/perth/?adid=2010865160" target="_blank">211 Bulwer Street, Perth</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/8.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $1,500,000 Now asking: $1,100,000  Discount: 27%  Days on market: 930 Of all the properties on the list, this one has been on the market for longest – at 930 days. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-sorrento-116607811" target="_blank">2 Marine Terrace, Sorrento</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/9.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $3,990,000 Now asking: $3,000,000  Discount: 25%  Days on market: 161 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-wa-south+perth-114534271" target="_blank">32/39 South Perth Esplanade, South Perth</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/10.jpg" alt=""> 
Initial asking price: $1,295,000 Now asking: $990,000  Discount: 24%  Days on market: 406
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The top 10 most discounted properties in Western Australia: SQM Research

SMSF ‘SuperHelp’ magazine advertising on ASIC's radar after 'free' claims

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Located on Lees Road, Robertson, just off of Jamberoo Mountain Road, is Temenos. The name, which means “sacred space”, is apt for this 220 acre offering with multiple uses that the listing believes an entrepreneur will snap up.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/acreage-rural-robertson-nsw-2577/208107" target="_blank">multi-use site has views of the ocean, lake and escarpment</a> from Botany Bay to Shellharbour.
<img src="/images/2014/03/24/2.jpg" alt="">
It offers two irrigation licences, six natural springs on the property, a mineral water licence and a DA for a water bottling facility on the site. It also mentions that since July 2011 the government is not issuing any more water licences. The water has just 68 Total Dissolved Solids and no coliforms, bacteria, arsenic, nitrates, suphates, which is said to be a rarity.
The site also has tourism opportunities, with the start of the historic Butter Track beginning at the property’s northern end. Jamberoo was home to Australia’s first butter co-operative factory, which opened in 1884.
<img src="/images/2014/03/24/3.jpg" alt="">
The land, 750 metres above sea level, is located near six national parks and six waterfalls, and the suggestion is for eco-cabins or glamourised camping. The site comes with an American barn and hut.
The site could also be used for potato growing, truffles and as grazing land, with red basalt soil striking across the property.
<img src="/images/2014/03/24/4.jpg" alt="">
On the market with McGrath, Bowral, it is asking for expressions for interest by close 5pm 17 April, with a price guide of over $4.5 million.
<img src="/images/2014/03/24/5.jpg" alt="">
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-nsw-robertson-115679387" target="_blank">93 acre Misty Ridge Farm is listed</a> for $2,950,000 at 170 Lees Road (pictured below). The cattle grazing, horse-appropriate property includes 11 paddocks, eight dams and sheds for farming and livestock use. Accommodation includes two houses, with six-bedrooms and two-bathrooms in total, with wood fires, solar power and air conditioning, as well as a six car space car port. There is also a 12 by six metre swimming pool.
<img src="/images/2014/03/24/robertson%20march%2024%20two.jpg" alt="">
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"Sacred" 220 acre space in Jamberoo advertised for entrepreneurial buyers

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In the middle of articles about Tinder, student actors, Asperger's Syndrome and book reviews an article called 'Gen rent' jumped out at me. I was reading Issue Two of Catalyst, the RMIT student magazine and I began reading with enthusiasm.
It discusses Sarah (her name "changed for privacy reasons"), a Gen Y who has purchased a unit and lives with her parents while repaying the bank and renting the property out.
Later in the article AHURI director Wendy Stone discusses that there's no typical way of becoming a home owner, and points to it being time for "lateral solutions to housing issues" and adaptive behaviours, whereby siblings and friends purchase together. She notes that "... young people should definitely think creatively with each other" on how to get into property. An interesting discussion itself.
And then writer Alan Wedon gives the floor to "Sarah", where the following is written:
She also says Gen Y is being pushed out of home ownership by Baby Boomers, who have a greater capacity than in previous decades to invest in private home ownership - driving house prices up even further.
"It's a wicked problem really," she says. "Because as well as competing against investors, wealthy retirees and other first-home buyers for housing, members of Gen Y are also forced into competing with each other in the private rental sector.
Anger, it may appear to those new to the debate, is rampant among FHBs. Affordability is a numbers issue, and one discussed heavily on Property Observer. But attitude is another issue entirely, and the attitude from those who are interested in getting into the market is fascinating.
A comment in mX had me saving it a while back (pictured below), and it reflected the above sentiments almost to the word.
<img src="/images/2014/04/10/jd-tear-out-youngergen-april-10-two.png" alt="">
Source: mX - Vent your spleen 
I'm assuming, hoping, that the above is satire. But if we're at the point where someone can satirize in a non-property related publication about the anger and blame coming from first home buyers, then it's worth noting.
With the news that the Abbott government has <a href="/expert-insights/investing/first-home-saver-accounts-scrapped-what-now">scrapped the First Home Saver Accounts scheme</a> in its first federal budget, many account holders have understandably been left confused about what will happen to their money.
But should we be blaming the older generations and investors for ruthlessly pushing up prices? And, shoe on the other foot, should we be slamming first home buyers for being too picky and swanning off on European holidays one time too many?
Blaming other people is completely human and, for that reason, spills into property. In the same way that some like to violently blame foreign investors for facing off against the battlers, which I have not been able to see myself at a single auction, the younger generation likes to blame the older generation for pushing up house prices. And the older generations like to blame the younger generations for being far too selective.
As Terry Ryder has previously written for us, and discussed with myself, <a href="/expert-insights/investing/the-problem-with-first-home-buyers-isnt-affordability-its-expectations">the 'real' questions around first home buyers are not being asked</a>.
He says that the real questions we should be asking include the following:
<ul>
<li>Why do you think you can't afford to buy? 
</li>
<li>Have you tried to buy? 
</li>
<li>Where have you looked? 
</li>
<li>Are you willing to compromise to get into the market?</li>
</ul>
 
Compromise - the 'c' word that no one wants to hear. It relates not only to compromising on where and what you buy, but potentially also your lifestyle. Those who claim our parents never had to do these things are sorely mistaken. Speaking of the UK market, and then the Australian market, my parents tell stories of keeping the heating off in the coldest English winters and eating chilli-con-cabbage to afford their property as young 20-somethings. There's no shame in this, and I have huge respect for them for managing to raise us simultaneously. Whether or not you must compromise more now if you want to get into property is debatable, but the reality remains that if you're not born into a wealthy family (who are then willing to provide you funds) and if you don't immediately step into a high income earning role (if you ever get to this position) then compromise is going to be a requirement.
A conversation I had recently with someone looking to buy their first home so they could move out together, revealed that they were looking for an apartment within the inner ring of Melbourne, in a few choice desirable suburbs that they listed to me. They were not looking for something new, necessarily, but well-presented and sizable, preferably with a car space. Fair enough.
But then they were finding themselves quickly outbid by "older people" when they attended at auction. They expressed frustration with the process. I suggested that they look further out west and ignore Melbourne's city, suggesting that in parts of Melbourne's west (and we're talking past Rockbank) there are house and land packages for four-bedroom, two-bathroom houses on around 600 square metres of land for a sum amazingly less than that. Not to mention the established property market, where three-bedroom, one-bathroom houses for around the $200,000 to $300,000 bracket.
The reasons for saying "no" without even a Google, was not due to the slow capital growth prospects, which are of course an issue, but because the area is "too far out" and they "like" the area they're look at.
I had a painfully similar conversation with someone who was looking to buy in the Eastern suburbs, but was then told that Melbourne's west was too far from their friends and family, and from work. It's 35 to 45 minutes on one train from Southern Cross Station. I happen to live in one of these areas, and do so because it's cheaper - not because it's my dream area to live in.
This, to me, sounds as though it answers those clarification questions.
But it doesn't mean Generation Y is full of whingers, or picky - and, indeed, not all of them even want to own property - much has been said on the demographic shift we're seeing. Plenty of those who are prospective buyers are completely prepared to "wait it out" until they find the property that suits them. Others will eventually consider suburbs further out, or they'll buy something smaller that needs doing up. Or, they might not want to rent in the first place.
I discussed with Charles Tarbey, the chairman of Century 21, his first property. He told me it was a run-down property in a rough area of Sydney's west that still has a bit of a bad reputation today. It did grow in value, he sold it, and he used the profits to help open his first real estate agency.
Those who say buying a first home isn't hard are mistaken - a deposit even on a "cheapie" property is not an easy achievement. However, we do have an issue on both sides of the fence about blaming other generations for their own individual problems. It's far too easy to ignore the reality - that for those who are not wealthy, it has never been easy to purchase a first home and it will require a great deal of compromise one way or another.
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Letter from the editor: FHBs, if you're not wealthy you will have to compromise

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Park Trent Properties Group Pty Ltd, known as Park Trent, is under scrutiny from ASIC.
ASIC has commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court of New South Wales, where they seek interim and final orders that will stop the property promoters from carrying on an unlicensed financial services business.
Park Trent’s property promotion includes the use of SMSFs to purchase property. ASIC alleges that they are unlawfully carrying on a financial services business without a financial services licence.
At least 500 members of the public have been advised by Park Trent to start an SMSF and switch funds into it to then buy investment properties owned or promoted by Park Trent companies, according to ASIC, who are seeking orders to force Park Trent to notify current and former clients about the proceeding.
They would also be required to post details about the proceeding on their website.
Park Trent currently has almost 14,000 likes on Facebook and hold seminars across the country with offices in every state and territory apart from Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
The<a href="https://www.parktrent.com.au/finance/smsf/why-smsf/" target="_blank"> SMSF section of their website</a> encourages those who are interested in reading more to call their “EasyPlan Financial Services” team.
No doubt this will be of interest to other SMSF property promoters that do not hold financial services licences.
ASIC commissioner Greg Tanzer said that Australians hold more than $1.85 trillion in superannuation funds assets, including $557 billion in SMSFs.
“It is important when making decisions regarding superannuation to consider obtaining appropriate advice from an authorised financial adviser,” he said.
“Dealing with an authorised adviser affords specific protections under the law, such as acting in the best interests of clients, a duty to avoid conflicts of interest and providing access to dispute resolution schemes.”
The first hearing is listed for 26 November.
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ASIC commences proceedings against property promoter Park Trent Properties

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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

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