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A new CHOICE survey has found that 45% of renters are finding it hard to get by financially and are unaware of their rights regarding bonds, rent increases and repairs.
“We’ve all heard rental horror stories of tenants being slapped with unexplained rent increases and struggling to get repairs completed, so it is important to know your rights to avoid being treated unfairly or exploited,” says CHOICE spokesperson Tom Godfrey
Here are the five rental rights tenants need to be aware of: 
<ol>
<li>
Rental increases Your rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term tenancy agreement (less than two years), unless it is written into your contract. For a periodic lease, in most states and territories your rent can only be increased every six to 12 months. Plus, in most states and territories you’re entitled to a notice period of 60 days. Landlords are also not allowed to increase your rent by an excessive amount. While there is no set amount that is regarded as excessive, if you believe the rent increase is too large, you can dispute it through your state’s appropriate service.     
</li>
<li>
Fee-free rent payments Renters are often charged fees through third-party rent collection companies. In South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, you’re entitled to at least one fee-free way to pay rent. 
</li>
<li>
Right to repairs Landlords are required to conduct repairs to keep the property in a reasonable condition. If your landlord does not take care of a repair or maintenance request, you may be able to apply to a tenancy tribunal to have your rent paid into a special account until the repairs are completed. 
</li>
<li>
Right not to be on tenancy databases You can only be put on the tenancy database for two reasons: if your rent is overdue by an amount larger than the bond, or if you’ve breached your tenancy agreement. Your agent or landlord is required to inform you if they plan on listing you, giving you time to consider and dispute the claims.   
</li>
<li>
Right to get your bond back Unless your landlord can make a legitimate complaint to the bond board, you have the right to get your bond back as soon as your tenancy is over.</li>
</ol>
Source: CHOICE
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Five rental rights tenants need to be aware of

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Despite doubling the number of apartments available at the first launch of Green Square Town Centre on Saturday, before the weekend was over, the joint venture between <a href="https://www.mirvac.com/" target="_blank">Mirvac</a> and UrbanGrowth NSW was completely sold out.
The two day launch saw 174 apartments offered (initially 79 were to be released) in the first residential building of the project, named <a href="https://greensquare.mirvac.com/Coming-Soon/Ebsworth/" target="_blank">Ebsworth</a>. This totalled more than $150 million of sales to a range of investors and owner occupiers, including first home buyers. More than 4,600 enquiries were received for the first release.
The apartments were priced from $550,000 for a 42 square metre one bedroom apartment with no parking. Two bedroom, two bathroom apartments with one car park, and three bedroom, two bathroom apartments with one car park are also available.
The next release will be fast tracked as a result of this sell out.
UrbanGrowth NSW chief executive David Pitchford said that Green Square is the beginning of a new era for Sydney.
He pointed to the success working with the private sector and noted the area’s employment and housing options, nearby train station and amenities.
Mirvac group executive residential development, John Carfi, said that there has been a shift towards inner city living.
“Green Square offers all the fundamentals that people are looking for in apartment living,” said Carfi.
“There were however a number of potential buyers who missed out and we will be doing our best to bring forward the next release of apartments at Green Square to satisfy the evident demand.”
Construction of Ebsworth will begin in early 2015 and is expected to be completed in late 2016.
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Green Square apartment launch sells out after doubling offering

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All 33 experts and economists in Finder's Reserve Bank Survery have tipped the Reserve Bank to keep rates at a record low of 2.5% tomorrow.
However, a lacklustre economy, high unemployment, the Australian dollar, global uncertainty in the Middle East and Europe, house price pressure and inflation on target, makes it likely that rate hikes will begin in 2015.
Melbourne Cup day has traditionally been a day of cash rate movements – with nine changes on this day in the past 20 years.
Of those surveyed by Finder, 91% are expecting rises in 2015. Two expect rises in 2016.
The general expectation is for rates increases to start increasing in August 2015 before coming to an easing cycle two to three years later.
Finder’s money expert Michelle Hutchison said that rate rises won’t last for long when they do occur.
"Our economy is under pressure to perform better, and all 33 experts in the Finder Reserve Bank Survey believe that the cash rate won’t rise for very long before it will start to fall again,” she said.
“The survey found that the cash rate is likely to peak at 4% in 2017 according to the average forecast.”
However, expectations about when the next interest rate cycle will peak varied significantly– certainly a tough ask this early on.
The majority, 60%, expected the next peak to be in 2017, while a further 27% expected 2016 would mark the peak. A further 13% tipped the top of the next rate cycle to be in 2018.
“One expert – David de Ferranti, Market Analyst at Forex Capital Markets – is forecasting the highest peak, with the cash rate to hit 5.5%. One in three (33%) are expecting the cash rate to hit 4.5% to 5%, a further one in three (33%) expect the peak to hit 4% to 4.25% while the remaining 30% are expecting a peak of between 2.75% and 3.75%,” she said.
“It’s also clear that most experts believe the cash rate won’t hit the high levels we’ve seen in the past. And regardless of when the peak will be reached, it’s likely to start falling soon after.”
Almost 50% of the respondents suggested rate drops in 2018.
“This is great news for borrowers or those planning to enter the property market this mortgage season, as they can prepare for around two years of rising interest rates before they will likely come down again,” she said.
"Borrowers need a buffer of at least $300 per month for an average $300,000 loan if the cash rate hits 4%.”
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Rates tipped to start rising in 2015, but how long will the cycle continue?

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Former real estate agent representative Dennis Ong, full name Kian Meng Ong, pleaded guilty in Moorabbin Magistrates Court to four counts of fraudulently converting funds received by his employer, totalling some $52,024.90.
Ong was sentenced to a four month jail term, wholly suspended for 18 months, due to the misappropriation of trust account money. He was also fined $2,500 and ordered to pay $114 in costs.
Ong, who managed a portfolio of 150 rental properties at Ray White Oakleigh, changed the account details in the ‘payee’ field on the agency’s computer system to his own private bank account, rather than into the landlord’s account, on four occasions between September 2012 and February 2013.
In February 2013, a landlord complained to the agency about not receiving funds, at which point Ong confessed to his employer.
Ray White Oakleigh contacted Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) to notify them of Ong’s actions. Ong admitted his conduct to CAV and arranged to repay the stolen money.
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Trust account misappropriation lands former agent jail sentence

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The presence of investors is still keenly felt in the property market, with housing credit “solid” in September, according to ANZ’s Australian Economic Update from Dylan Eades and David Cannington.
Investor housing credit rose 0.9% month on month, up 9.5% over the year.
“This reflects strong investor loan approvals and is closely watched by the RBA given that some segments of the housing market have become ‘unbalanced’ in the Bank’s view,” the update explained.
“Indeed, investor housing loans now account for around 50% of housing loans (excluding owner-occupier refinancing), which is a record high.”
Investors have been particularly active in New South Wales, while other states have been far more moderated.
<img src="/images/2014/11/03/Screen%20Shot%202014-11-01%20at%205.14.56%20PM.png" alt="">
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Investor loans account for record 50% of the market, RBA watching closely: ANZ

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The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia’s (REIWA) latest figures have Perth’s median house price lifting 1% over the September quarter to $548,000.
However, REIWA’s president David Airey warns a downturn should be expected in 2015.
While the median price is up by a small amount, sales turnover is now at its lowest level in two years, with listings for sale trending upwards fast while rents fall. This spells bad things for property owners over the next year, says Airey.
Here are the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia's signs a downturn is coming:
<ol>
<li>Turnover for Perth houses sits 12% below average. 
</li>
<li>There were 10,250 listings in the September quarter. 
</li>
<li>House price growth is currently moderating – up only 1% over the September quarter. 
</li>
<li>Average days on market up by two days, to 59. 
</li>
<li>Number of vendors dropping their asking prices increased from 48% to 51% (with an average price reduction of 5.3%). 
</li>
<li>The rental market’s number of properties for lease did soften (now at 5,711), however this is almost 50% up on September 2013. The vacancy rate is at 4% and it takes owners an average of 33 days to find a tenant. 
</li>
<li>Rents have softened across Perth – house rents are down $10 to a median of $450 per week. Apartments, units and villas dropped by $15 to a median of $430 per week. This is down 4.3% on last year.</li>
</ol>
Source: REIWA
There is some good news. Airey points to turnover for units, apartments and villas up 7%, despite early Landgate data pointing to a 3.3% fall in median price to $435,000. Regional areas also bucked the downturning Perth trend, with turnover unchanged over the quarter.
First home buyers may be making a small resurgence, with an increase in turnover in the price sectors below the median price – a typical first home buyer activity spot. The Office of State Revenue noted that as of September, the median first home buyer purchase is now at $432,00 compared to $456,500 in July.
“This is good news for first home buyers on one hand, but it also shows they are becoming harder to find in the established home market,” Airey said.
Across the city, investors need to be astute and look for signs of change ahead, said Airey.
“The extent to which the low level of sales, increase in listings, soft rental market and low consumer sentiment might influence the housing system in the longer term may become apparent in the December quarter,” he said.
“Perth’s equilibrium for listings in a balanced market is around 12,000 and indications are that we will clearly surpass this in 2015 which will add to selling days and put downwards pressure on price.”
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Seven signs a Perth market downturn is nigh: David Airey

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The latest RP Data CoreLogic Home Value Index for October indicates strong growth in a number of capital cities.
Here’s the 12 month growth from largest to smallest across the capitals.
<ul>
<li>
Sydney 13.1% 
</li>
<li>
Melbourne 8.9% 
</li>
<li>
Brisbane 5.6% 
</li>
<li>
Darwin 5.0% 
</li>
<li>
Hobart 4.4% 
</li>
<li>
Adelaide 4.3% 
</li>
<li>
Perth 3.4% 
</li>
<li>
Canberra 0.9%
</li>
</ul>
The combined capitals together recorded an uptick of 8.9% over the year. Over the month of October, prices increased by 1.0%, contributing to a quarterly result of 2.2%.
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How the capitals performed over the past year: RP Data

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Dwelling values across Australia’s capital cities increased by 1% over the month of October, according to the latest RP Data CoreLogic Home Value Index.
Despite a slowdown in growth, also seen in September, prices continue to rise – up 2.2% over the past three months.
Only Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane recorded rises over October - at 1.3%, 1.9% and 0.6% respectively. Despite the headline 2.2% quarterly figure, only half of the capital cities noted increases.
RP Data’s Tim Lawless explained that Sydney is still a stand out, with values up 1% in October and 3.9% over the past three months. Sydney and Melbourne’s results continue to drive the national figure, Lawless said.
Meanwhile, Perth and Canberra have now passed the peak of their growth. Hobart and Canberra posted the strongest falls, down 2.8% and 2.4% respectively.
“Looking at the increase in home values over the 12 months to October, it is clear that the rate of capital growth is continuing to moderate,” said Lawless.
“Despite the annual rate of value growth slowing, all capital cities have still recorded an increase in home values over the past year. Home values across the combined capital cities have increased by 8.9% over the 12 months ending October 2014, which has slowed from a peak of 11.5% in April of this year,” he said.
Over the year, Sydney’s home values are up 13.1%, with Melbourne up 8.9%. Brisbane, the third best performer, is up 5.6%, while Darwin is also up 5%. Subdued growth was seen in Hobart, at 4.4%, with Adelaide posting a 4.3% uptick, Perth up 3.4% and Canberra relatively stable at 0.9%.
“Despite the fact that the annual increase in home values is slowing, other indicators remain strong,” he said.
<img src="/images/2014/11/03/rp-data-nove-3-one.jpg" alt="">
Source: RP Data CoreLogic Home Value Index
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Price growth slowing, but upwards momentum remains: RP Data

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Milieu Property’s Whitlam Place, named after Gough Whitlam and launched just prior to his passing this month, is expecting a quick sell out due to the strength of Fitzroy’s property market.
The name comes from the adjoining parkland, Whitlam Place.
The boutique block of 11 apartments is situated on Napier Street and has been designed by Freadman White and Anon Studio. They have created it to suit the historic style of the street.
The apartments range from 44 square metres to 147 square metres, priced from $480,000 to $1.7 million.
<img src="/images/2014/10/31/WHITLAM_4.6.jpg" alt="">
There are three one bedroom and eight two bedroom offerings, with young professional couples and downsizers noted as showing the most interest.
The apartments include terraces, separate storage units and bicycle parking. The two bedders come with two car spaces.
Milieu Property director Michael McCormack said that Whitlam Place is likely to sell out quickly, with their previous Moor Street development selling within four weeks.
<img src="/images/2014/10/31/WHITLAM_4.8.jpg" alt="">
“Our team has brought intellectual rigour, vision and a totally commensurate design philosophy to this project,” McCormack said.
“Our desire to establish Whitlam Place as being in a class of its own has driven every decision we’ve made.”
A warehouse conversion project of five properties, on Carlton’s Waterloo Street, is expected to be launched by Milieu shortly.
<img src="/images/2014/10/31/WHITLAM_4.9.jpeg" alt="">
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It’s time for Whitlam Place: Milieu Property’s Melbourne development

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Following strong demand for the first apartments at Green Square Town Centre, Mirvac and UrbanGrowth NSW are doubling the amount of apartments available upon the second stage release.
They will now offer 174 dwellings to prospective buyers rather than the previously planned 79.
<a href="https://greensquare.mirvac.com/Coming-Soon/Ebsworth/" target="_blank">Ebsworth</a>, in Zetland, includes two building and is the first section of the Green Square development. Upon completion the project is expected to contain 2,000 apartments.
<a href="https://www.mirvac.com/" target="_blank">Mirvac</a> expect fierce competition after fielding more than 4,600 enquiries for the first release.
The apartments are priced from $550,000 for a 42 square metre one bedroom apartment with no parking. Two bedroom, two bathroom apartments with one car park, and three bedroom, two bathroom apartments with one car park are also available.
Those who expressed interest were required to pay a $5,000 deposit for a chance to purchase and then allocated appointment times.
UrbanGrowth NSW chief executive David Pitchford said that Green Square’s level of interest is due to the site's vision for urban transformation and its location 3.5 kilometres from the CBD.
“The community has waited patiently for Green Square to become a reality and now we are ready to deliver,” said Pitchford.
“From the time UrbanGrowth NSW started its journey transforming an under-utilised industrial precinct, we knew there was the potential for a great community at Green Square. This is the beginning of a great city centre with a village feel, a place where people will be able to access a train, public places, cultural amenities and a diverse retail offering,” he said.
Mirvac’s chief investment officer Brett Draffen said that the high level of amenity, in conjunction with the location, will also underpin strong demand.
“The response to the first release of apartments at Green Square mirrors our belief that we are creating the type of new urban community that people truly want to live in,” he said.
Sales begin Saturday 1 November, at 7am. 
Construction is expected to be complete by late 2016.
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Mirvac doubles Sydney Green Square’s Saturday apartment release

Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]

Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3823]

Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3826]

The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=372542]

The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]

North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]

McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]

A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]

Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]

More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Jennifer Duke

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