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Builders constructing single dwellings no longer need to be accredited under the federal Building and Construction Work Health and Safety Accreditation Scheme in a red tape cutting reform welcomed by the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
Reforms to the tendering processes for Australian government funded construction projects have, in particular, been welcomed by the residential building body's chief executive - industry policy and media, Graham Wolfe.
"The removal of the requirement for builders to be accredited under the federal Building and Construction Work Health and Safety Accreditation Scheme when constructing single dwellings is welcomed," said Wolfe.
"With the cost of accreditation running into tens of thousands of dollars, the return from being eligible to work on commonwealth projects often won't stack up for small to medium builders."
He said that small businesses faced an unfair burden as a result of the previous red tape-laden requirements, especially in comparison to large businesses with the capacity to absorb the costs.
"The ultimate loser is the taxpayer through less efficient more expensive public works projects," he said.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

HIA welcomes removal of builder accreditation requirement

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South Chinese developer Shunlide Group’s Australian offshoot, Surewin Pty Ltd, are set to build 62 new apartments in Ashfield in the company's first Australian project.
Marketed as <a href="https://www.onevictoriastreet.com.au" target="_blank">One Victoria</a>, the development is located on 2,958 square metre land surplus to the Wests Ashfield Leagues Club at 1 Victoria Street.
General manager of Surewin Australia Edward Cheung said that it took them five years to acquire the site.
“We selected international-class firms to partner with, and we’ve worked closely with the local council to ensure the apartments provide the prime living environment for the suburb yet still maintain realistic prices,” he said.
The six-storey building will see upper level apartments with views to the Sydney CBD to the east and Chatswood to the north.
<img src="/images/2014/10/24/Ashfield%20cutaway.jpg" alt="">
Ray White Erskineville’s Peter Shield expects a high level of demand.
“Ashfield is a naturally beautiful suburb surrounded by parklands and recreational attractions, and very convenient to the Sydney CBD via rail, bus or car,” said Shield.
“Surprisingly though, Ashfield has been largely neglected by quality developers, and apartments here have been primarily built to a price for investors.”
He notes that their research has found subdued median prices in <a href="/news">Ashfield</a> as a result, with the median sitting at $590,000, compared to <a href="/news">Summer Hill</a>’s $650,000, <a href="/news">Croydon</a>’s $667,000 and <a href="/news">Five Dock</a>’s $735,000.
“The apartments are 15% larger than Ashfield’s average, and all have at least one secure car space,” he said.
There are three studios available, at 44 square metres internally plus external space of up to 19 square metres, from $545,000.
<img src="/images/2014/10/24/Ashfield%20interior.jpg" alt="">
A further 14 one bedroom apartments from 52 to 58 square metres internally and external space spanning up to 21 square metres are priced from $595,000 upwards.
Two bedrooms, with the most options at 33 apartments, span from 81 to 95 square metres and the externals range up to 99 square metres. They are priced from $755,000.
Finally, there are 12 three bedroom options that are available from $995,000. They span 115 to 129 square metres with externals up to 96 square metres.
Each apartment comes with a 5.5 metre storage cage in the basement. There are 80 car spaces in the development.
<img src="/images/2014/10/24/Ashfield%20kitchen.jpg" alt="">
One Victoria is being designed by Nettleton Tribe, with a third of the site to be landscaping and communal space, with a central courtyard for residents.
Body corporate levies have been estimated at $600 per quarter for one bedroom apartments, $800 for two bedroom apartments and $1,100 for three bedroom apartments. Strata Choice came up with the estimations.
Deicorp is constructing the development, and work is scheduled for early-2015.
The expected completion date currently sits in mid-2016.
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Asian developer’s first step into Australia with 62-apartment Ashfield development

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Tasmania has been ranked third on a global listing of leisure islands, or 'getaway' location where ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) purchase second, third or fourth homes.
The new Candy GPS Report with research by Savills explains that most leisure island real estate is at the heart of the additional home market for UHNWIs and that these purchases are “nearly always discretionary” and a result of economic conditions providing excess cash.
This does leave those markets more exposed to economic downturns, the report notes.
The research came from Savills World Research and Wealth X, based on the volume of UHNWI additional home ownership. 
Ranking first and second are the USA’s Hawaiian Islands and Martha’s Vineyard respectively. Australia took out two spots in the top 10, with Tasmania ranking third and the Whitsunday Islands are sixth. Also featuring in the top five were Spain’s Balearics and Greece’s Ionian Islands. The rest of the top 10 was made up by Italy’s Sardinia, Scotland’s Islay, Malaysia’s Pangkor and Thailand’s Koh Samui.
“Leisure islands can be "visible" or "invisible", depending on the nature of amenities and pursuits involved,” the report explains. The USA’s top two rankings are “visible” leisure islands.
The top 10:
<ol>
<li>Hawaiian Islands - USA</li>
<li>Martha’s Vineyard - USA</li>
<li>Tasmania - Australia</li>
<li>Balearic Islands - Spain</li>
<li>Ionian Islands - Greece</li>
<li>Whitsunday Islands - Australia</li>
<li>Sardinia - Italy</li>
<li>Islay - Scotland</li>
<li>Pangkor - Malaysia</li>
<li>Koh Samui - Thailand</li>
</ol>
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Tasmania ranks third in global listings of island playgrounds for the ultra-rich

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There are many things that can be done incorrectly when selling your property. From listing with the wrong agent, to trying to hide the problems with your home, they’re not always obvious to the new property seller.
RE/MAX WA managing director Geoff Baldwin explains that there are seven of the most common mistakes made by home owners when selling.
Here are his seven mistakes to avoid:
<ol>
<li>
Overpricing resulting in the property “staling” itself to the market. History shows that the best price is achieved in the first 30 to 42 days on the market. The most asked question by interested buyers is “How long has it been for sale?” The longer the property has been on the market the less a buyer will generally offer because they know the interest and hence the competition has dissipated. 
</li>
<li>
Listing for the lowest fee rather than with the best agent. Often people say they want a cheaper agent because every cent counts however, just as we look for the best doctor or the best accountant, so to should we seek out the best agent in our area and they will rarely be the cheapest. A few thousand dollars perceived saving in commission can mean a $20,000 loss in sales price through lack of skills and/or resources. The time to negotiate on commission is when the agent has done the job and has an offer on the table, not when you list. If the offer is a good one, be happy to pay the commission, if it is not up to what was indicated then that is the time to talk commission. 
</li>
<li>
Overcapitalizing the home for the neighborhood. This happens with additions and upgrades being made, the cost of which simply cannot be recouped. Overcapitalizing cost millions of dollars in WA each year. 
</li>
<li>
Hiring an agent based on non-business factors ie: they are a relation or a family friend.   Make sure you're hiring an experienced and proven agency with a great track record. It might be nice to hand over your largest asset to your nephew who has just got his sales certificate - but you could end up losing a friendship and thousands of dollars. 
</li>
<li>
Getting emotionally involved in the sale of the home. This is one of the biggest challenges home sellers face when putting their house on the market. Once you decide to sell your house, it's no longer a home, but a product. The property needs to be prepared as a product, marketed as a product, and priced as a product. Let the buyers get emotionally involved as it will be their new “home”. 
</li>
<li>
Covering up problems. Home buyers today are much more informed about building and maintenance issues. For example, if during a closer inspection the potential buyer finds faults with the swimming pool, bore, structure, etc they quickly lose interest because they will then believe other problems may have been hidden. 
</li>
<li>
Not allowing the selling agent to do their job. For example, some owners do not like home opens and others do not want a sign out front. The result is they hamper the process, exclude a large number of potential buyers from knowing about or viewing the property and reduce competition and the chance a good offer. Once a home owner chooses a reputable and experienced selling agency they should allow them to use their skills to do their job unhindered.</li>
</ol>
Source: RE/MAX WA.
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Property 101: Seven mistakes to steer clear of when selling your home

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Some 11% of Australians are planning to sell the family home to fund their retirement, according to the latest MLC Quarterly Australian Wealth Sentiment Survey.
Of the 2,100 participants in the September survey, 8% responded that they are planning to draw down equity in their home, while 40% have no plans to sell their family home.
A further 42% said that they are unsure about whether or not they will use their home to fund their retirement.
Interestingly, men where less inclined to sell the home to fund their retirement, with 45% not willing to take this option, compared to 34% of women.
NAB Wealth group executive Andrew Hagger said that Australians must plan carefully for retirement.
“Australians are looking to rely on the family home to help fund their retirement and cut back spending on their children and home to make their savings last,” said Hagger.
“While the level of concern about financial sufficiency in retirement fell this quarter, half of all Australians still aren’t confident they will have enough to fund their retirement and around one in six are not investing at all.”
{mijopolls 56}
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Will you sell your home to fund your retirement?

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It’s not uncommon for lenders to increase their stable of products, reduce rates or even offer cash back incentives to appear more attractive to consumers.
Now online lender loans.com.au is in on the act, launching their value pack, which includes free property reports, financing planning and a conveyancing voucher with their home loan, which was named Australia’s cheapest in 2014 by Mozo.
The pack includes a 4.54% interest rate, with 4.56% comparison rate, a $150 conveyancing voucher, 100% offset facility, “Loan Tracker” service, $500 worth of financial planning and competitive home and contents insurance rates.
Kim Cannon, managing director of Firstmac, who are behind loans.com.au, said that the market has been flooded by borrower incentives in recent months, making it difficult to identify good value.
“The true cost or value of a home loan shows in the comparison rate, so borrowers should always look for the lowest interest rate and the comparison rate should be very close to the interest rate,” said Cannon.
Despite this, he doesn’t consider their new value pack to be a gimmick “like cash back that coincides with the date”.
“The value pack offers customers tangible benefits in a timely way, with property reports to help make the purchasing decision with confidence, discounts and vouchers to make conveyancing and insurance cheaper, Loan Tracker to streamline the application process, and financial planning to keep financial goals on track.”
Previously, <a href="/expert-insights/finance/competition-among-lenders-heats-up">Property Observer reported that six lenders have cash-back offers for home loan customers</a>. These include NAB, Newcastle Permanent and Commonwealth Bank, which are all offering up to $1,000 cash back. Heritage Bank and Homeloans.com.au are offering $600 and Austral Mortgage is giving back $500. A further 11 offer to waive fees.
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Lenders add whistles and bells to remain competitive

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The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales’ September 2014 Vacancy Rate Survey revealed that rental markets across Sydney and New South Wales are tightening, with an overall fall of 0.1% to 1.7% for Sydney.
REINSW president Malcolm Gunning said that it was in outer Sydney where the largest declines were seen over the past few months, currently hitting 10 month lows, but that declines were seen across the board.
Here are the results:
<ol>
<li>Outer Sydney: 1.4% (a 0.2% decline) 
</li>
<li>Mid-North Coast: 1.4% (down 0.2%) 
</li>
<li>Albury: 1.6% (down 0.1%) 
</li>
<li>Central Coast: 1.7% (down 0.3%) 
</li>
<li>Inner Sydney: 1.8% (steady) 
</li>
<li>Middle Sydney: 1.9% (down 0.3%) 
</li>
<li>Illawarra: 2.0% (steady, despite a 0.5% rise in Wollongong) 
</li>
<li>Northern Rivers: 2.7% (down 1.0%) 
</li>
<li>Riverina: 2.8% (down 0.6%) 
</li>
<li>Hunter region: 3.1% (down 0.2%, with a 0.8% fall in Newcastle) 
</li>
<li>Orana: 3.2% (up 1.1%) 
</li>
<li>Central West: 4.3% (up 0.5%)</li>
</ol>
Source: REINSW.
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NSW's tightest rental markets: REINSW

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Industrial property has been on a high growth trajectory, with many investors beefing up the industrial aspect of their commercial property portfolio, according to Colliers International’s research director Mark Courtney.
Courtney explains that the increasing scale of distribution centres and warehouse facilities, combined with strengthening returns in industrial property is pleasing for investors holding the assets.
"Major industrial markets have experienced consistently strong levels of investment at around $2.6 billion for industrial investment sales, above $5 million per annum in recent years," said Courtney.
However, is this growth trend expected to continue?
Currently, from an investment perspective, industrial property is a clear leader among commercial property, according to June quarter 2014 Investment Property Databank statistics.
Total returns have strengthened since December 2012, with an 11.7% increase in industrial total returns, compared to 11% result achieved in retail and the 9.6% return for office properties.
There was a 12.1% result in the June quarter, the highest quarterly increase since March quarter 2008, according to Colliers International's Industrial Second Half 2014 report. This high returning environment is what Colliers believes to be the primary factor driving industrial acquisitions from all types of buyers.
<img src="/images/2014/10/22/chart%20oct%2022%20two.jpg" alt="">
“The strength of these returns suggests a positive trend going into 2015,” the report notes.
Here’s Colliers’ state by state rundown of the industrial markets:
Sydney
<ul>
<li>Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have been prominent in the second half of 2014. 
</li>
<li>Scarcity of stock has led to intense competition among institutional investors for prime assets. 
</li>
<li>Domestic buyers dominate investment activity. 
</li>
<li>Strong sales volumes in 2014 year to date. 
</li>
<li>Private groups strongly buying industrial land and assets over the period. 
</li>
<li>Sydney South had the greatest transactional volume by value (residential highest and best use draw card may have been a contributing factor).</li>
</ul>
Melbourne
<ul>
<li>City fringe industrial market is becoming more tightly held (due to residential rezoning and the closure of Holden and Toyota facilities). 
</li>
<li>Northern market investment sentiment is buoyant for industrial property, mainly for prime and secondary investments. 
</li>
<li>North institutional appetite is still strong.</li>
</ul>
Brisbane
<ul>
<li>Institutions have maintained their interest in the market. 
</li>
<li>Fife Capital and 360 Capital Industrial Fund strengthened their holdings, buying in the south-west. 
</li>
<li>Blackstone, Australia TradeCoast and the Industrial REIT  made investments in south Brisbane.</li>
</ul>
Adelaide
<ul>
<li>Institutional investors active, including Cromwell, Charther Hall and 360 Capital buying over the past two years. 
</li>
<li>Total sales value boosted by Goodman's sale of Coles distribution centre in Burton (at $153 million to Charterhall, this was the largest industrial transaction ever seen in Adelaide)</li>
</ul>
Perth
<ul>
<li>Demand coming from wide buyer spectrum. 
</li>
<li>Private investors, in particular, are prominent.</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/10/22/chart%20oct%2022%20one.jpg" alt="">
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Will industrial property continue to perform?

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The 65 acre, 820-lot masterplanned development Habitat on Davis Creek will launch this weekend.
Located in the western Melbourne suburb of Tarneit, the development will feature 14 hectares of open space.
Habitat on Davis Creek will be the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/satterley-property-group-launches-two-new-developments-in-melbourne-s-west">second residential development launched this month from Satterley Property Group</a> in Melbourne’s west, following Upper Point Cook’s release three weeks ago where 35 lots sold within the first three hours of launching.
Habitat on Davis Creek will launch on Sunday 26 October with house and land packages available from $300,000, to upwards of $450,000. The sale is on a first come first served basis, with 38 lots to be released.
Satterley’s Victorian general manager said that the development provides affordable housing and will be at the forefront of the Riverdale Precinct Structure Plan, including a proposed Riverdale town centre, future train station, school and local town centre.
“The precinct plan outlines the vision and delivery of new infrastructure and how Tarneit will support the expected population increase of 25,000 new residents over the next 20 years,” he said.
“The proposed new suburb or Riverdale will see 12,000 new homes, as well as a raft of new infrastructure projects, such as a transit-ready major town centre, sporting facilities, more than twenty neighbourhood parks, three primary schools, and a secondary school injected into the area.”
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Masterplanned development in Tarneit, Melbourne to launch this weekend

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A new complex in Sydney’s Hurstville offering apartments is set for official release this year.
Offering a total of 227 one, two and three bedroom apartments across 15 levels, <a href="https://www.imperialhurstville.com.au/" target="_blank">Imperial Hurstville</a> is being marketed through Colliers International from $560,000 plus.
Developed by PietyTHP and designed by award-winning Stanisic Architects, the complex will include two communal sky gardens, located on levels 7 and 10. Some of the apartments offering city skyline and Botany Bay.
A display suite is now open at 23-31 Treacy Street, Hurstville. Expressions of interest are currently open, but no official launch date has been released.
Imperial Hurstville is walking distance from Hurstville train station and the local Westfield shops, while a retail level is expected to be built on the ground floor.
PietyTHP is also the developer of Bay Pavilions in Lane Cove, Focus Parramatta, Brittany in Sutherland and a ‘coming soon’ Hercules Street, Ashfield development.
The site itself has not managed to completely avoid controversy.
Local paper The Leader reported in 2012 that Hurstville Council had given up its fight to stop development on the site, at the time 21-35 Treacy Street, from occurring after losing in the Land and Environment Court. Payce Consolidated was behind the planned development at the time.
The concept plan allowed for 16 storeys, where the council allows six storeys. It was looking to bring 257 dwellings at 55 metres in height.
The Leader notes that in 2012 the development of the site was being referred to as “Punch Towers” by locals. It seems the Metropolitan Plan for Sydney 2036 allowed for this higher use development.
The Australian reported that Payce began selling their three quarter stake in the site earlier this year.
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Imperial Hurstville set to officially launch

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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