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A new property website has launched – Exchangehouse – where property buyers can bid on residential homes.
Director of <a href="https://www.exchangehouse.com.au" target="_blank">Exchangehouse</a>, Mark Jamieson, said that they expect it to change the way people buy and sell property.
“We identified three major shortcomings with current methods of sale. Firstly, buyers are wasting time and money chasing properties beyond their budget,” he said.
“Secondly, sellers and buyers are making pressured financial decisions on auction day. Lastly, there is a lack of reliable information for all parties during the marketing campaign.”
The site was founded by Jamieson and Jonathan Elepano.
A fully integrated online platform, the first property to be sold and listed will be <a href="https://exchangehouse.com.au/auction_details.php?auction_id=100539%20" target="_blank">30 Cook Street, Randwick (pictured above), which is marketed through Ray White Coogee</a>. It was listed on Saturday.
Alike to eBay, it shows the number of watchers, which could prove an interesting bit of information for prospective buyers. It also includes an 'opening bid call' of $1,997,500, as well as the time which bidding commences.
Contract of sale, reports, further information, bidders guide and auction rules are all provided on the site.
Agents can list on behalf of vendors, an undisclosed reserve price is set on the first day of the campaign, but can be adjusted at any time.
Buyers are told when bidding will begin and it is noted that this is kept within a reasonable range of the reserve, assisting transparency, efficiency and convenience.
“Overseas buyers are expected to embrace the new technology platform,” said Jamieson.
An email and SMS alert system is in place.
Buyers are required to pay a $2,000 bond as part of the registration process, which is immediately refunded when the auction closes if they do not win the property. If they are successful, they retrieve the bond upon payment of the deposit.
It costs $250 to list a property, as well as a further transaction fee of 0.15% if the property sells.
At present, New South Wales listings are available – with a national expansion due to take place next year.
{mijopolls 55}
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Bid for homes online on new property listings website

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The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales has called on the Reserve Bank of Australia to avoid restricting the property market by pushing up interest rates and expressed their disappointment at RBA governor Glenn Stevens’ property warnings.
REINSW president Malcolm Gunning said that six months ago Stevens was encouraging investment in real estate.
“Now that the public is buying properties with confidence the RBA has changed its mind and is being critical, giving warnings about investing in an over inflated market,” Gunning said.
“We are very disappointed that RBA Governor Glenn Stevens is trying to restrict investment in property by sending out warnings about buying property.”
He said that they are not only disappointed that the RBA is providing this advice, but also that they have “singled out” property.
“The fact is that investors are more confident about putting their money in Australian property compared to the uncertainty of the share market and the underlying mistrust of this sector following on from the GFC,” he said.
Gunning said that they admit that low LVRs of 95% are dangerous, but notes that the practice should be curbed by asking banks to be more responsible with their lending, rather than turning to interest rates to restrict the market.
“Using a broad tool such as interest rates to affect one sector of the market is unjust on all areas of the market and is inappropriate,” he said, noting they’ve regularly been used as a quick fix.
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REINSW admits 95% LVRs are dangerous, but warns off inappropriate RBA rate hikes

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Melbourne’s property market has yet to peak with strong momentum to keep pushing property prices higher, according to director of Wakelin Property Advisory, Paul Nugent.
While robust auction clearance rates and price growth are expected to continue, supply remains the most important factor when looking at the market’s current strength.
“To date, the growth in supply over 2014 has been steady but not sufficient to outweigh strong demand,” Nugent said.
“But there is always the possibility of a surge in supply in November and early December, as can happen in Melbourne. Often, agents, seeking to avoid the sporting events of early spring, back-fill the calendar with auctions. We’re getting a taster of this phenomenon this weekend, when 1,800 auctions have been scheduled the week before the Flemington Racing Carnival kicks off.”
He noted that if auction clearance rates do weaken, it’s worth considering whether it is a result of strong supply, rather than weak demand.
“The momentum in the market is strong, which may upset those looking for an instant slump in response to recent commentary from the Reserve Bank about the sustainability of house prices,” he said.
“Whilst some may wish for the market to immediately bend to this narrative, the power of Reserve Bank jawboning has been overstated … Its impact at best is short-lived and, each time it occurs, diminishing.  Jawboning may give pause for thought, but after a while it comes to sound like Cry Wolf. Participants in the property market will continue to buy and sell property.”
Nugent noted that the current clearance rate has seen 70% to 75% of auctions remaining successful for over a year.
“That is an extraordinary run when a clearance rate in the 60% has historically represented a balanced, healthy market. So I’m bemused by comments we hear when the clearance rate dips into the low 70% or high 60% that the market is struggling. People with short memories should stop treating a 70% plus clearance rate as the new normal,” he said.
The challenge coming for the market will be an upswing in interest rates.
“The property market will respond to actions, not words. It may only take a relatively modest increase – say 0.5% to 0.75% – to shut off price growth for six to 12 months, but it will be a tangible policy action rather than a threat of one that will deliver that outcome.”
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Melbourne market yet to reach tipping point: Wakelin Property Advisory

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Richard Bruxner, a Northern Territory lawyer, has been appointed by Attorney-General John Elferink as the president of the new Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT) for a period of 12 months.
The 12 month temporary appointment is until a selection process is complete and a permanent president is appointed, explained Elferink. Candidates for president of NTCAT must be a magistrate or eligible to be a magistrate.
The NTCAT is located in Casuarina.
“Mr Bruxner has 24 years’ experience as a lawyer, mainly in the field of litigation. He was at the private bar for 11 years before joining the Solicitor for the Northern Territory’s Chambers in 2008,” he said.
“Mr Bruxner was appointed Crown Counsel in October 2011 and has since been working in the Solicitor General's Chambers.”
The new NTCAT was introduced to cut red tape and provide a single place for civil and administrative appeals, with a focus on ‘fairness’ rather than strict legal interpretations, with an aim to be less intimidating than court-based appeals.
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Northern Territory lawyer appointed NTCAT president

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There are four suburbs in Melbourne, in the inner west and inner north, that represented the best investment value for those looking to take advantage of the market in 2008/2009, according to the Annual Recommended Suburbs Survey from Nyko Property.
Investors who purchased in these suburbs during those years saw substantial growth.
The four suburbs picked by Nyko Property were:
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Footscray</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Maidstone</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Thornbury</a> 
</li>
<li><a href="/news">Preston</a></li>
</ol>
All located within 10 kilometres of the CBD. Footscray and Maidstone are in the inner west, while the final two are in the inner north. In 2008/09, each had a median unit price of less than $400,000.
Nyko Property director Bill Nikolouzakis said that their prices and location made them undervalued 'hotspots' which had achieved strong results for those who purchased in.
“Their price and location gave these key suburbs substantial upside; we identified that they were poised for growth, even in a flat and falling market,” he said.
“Although Footscray and Thornbury had a lower socio-economic demographic, our research suggested their proximity to the CBD and the high performance of the neighbouring suburbs would ensure their gentrification,” said Nikolouzakis.
Those who bought in Thornbury saw the suburb outperform the Melbourne market by over 100% during that period.
“Our survey takes into account the demographics of the suburb as well as the new demographic entering the area through gentrification and selected projects that we felt most suited that change,” he said.
His tip to identifying these hot areas? Plan Melbourne – the document that identifies locations likely to see strong employment and population growth.
“The State government has pinpointed suburbs, and even key areas within those suburbs, in which they anticipate growth and therefore have committed extra funds for improvement of infrastructure and amenities,” he said.
“An in-depth knowledge of the local areas and the micro-economic factors affecting them are the keys to selecting high growth locations.”
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The four suburbs in Melbourne you missed the boat on: Nyko Property

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 Meriton Apartments won the Housing Institute of Australia (HIA) NSW Apartment Complex award for 10 storeys and over at the 2014 HIA-CSR NSW Housing and Kitchen &amp; Bathroom Awards over the weekend.
The win was for their Zetland complex, VSQ North, which includes the tallest apartment tower in the area. The project was called “visually appealing” by the judges.
With amenities including an indoor pool, gym and sauna, as well as energy efficiency measures, the development came out at the top of the pack.
Designed by Turner architects, the Meriton development spans four buildings as well as a 27 level tower.
The complex was completed in July 2013 and currently houses 297 households and includes a child care centre and 131 bicycle spots.
Meriton’s managing director Harry Triguboff said they were proud of the achievement, and had faith in Zetland from the beginning.
“It has become a landmark building for Zetland and for Sydney itself – it is one of the first buildings you see as you drive in from the airport,” he said Triguboff.
HIA NSW executive director David Bare said that next year will be the national awards, with major winners from each state and territory’s awards progressing to compete on the Australia-wide scale.
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Triguboff’s tallest Zetland apartment tower awarded

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Tasmania isn't exactly well known for being pricey, and for good reason. With just five suburbs recorded with a median house price of above $500,000, according to Australian Property Monitors figures, the top 10 is starkly different from other states and territories.
Here are the 10 most expensive Tasmanian suburbs, by median price.
<ol>
<li>
Battery Point $878,000 
</li>
<li>
Sandy Bay $630,000 
</li>
<li>
Glebe $510,000 
</li>
<li>
Mount Nelson $510,000 
</li>
<li>
West Hobart $510,000 
</li>
<li>
Tranmere $498,000 
</li>
<li>
Coles Bay $483,000 
</li>
<li>
Dynnyrne $460,000 
</li>
<li>
Taroona $456,000 
</li>
<li>
Seven Mile Beach $450,000</li>
</ol>
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Tasmania's 10 priciest housing markets: APM

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It's great to look at property where a tenant is already in situ. You'll get rental income straight away, and it can take a few hassles out of the picture.
There will be no vacancy, no letting fees, and you have a ready-made income generating asset.
However, it's not always a fail safe process. Here are five things you should ask before purchasing the home.
<ol>
<li>
How much is the property being rented for? Finding out what the tenant is paying will quickly help you do your sums – and it will also give you some indication of the current market. However, even if a tenant pays less than you expect and is on a long-term lease, it doesn't necessarily mean the property is a dud, or that you can't get more. If they are nearing the end of their tenancy and paying a lower rate of rent than is appropriate for the area, you may be able to negotiate a higher rate or get a new tenant. A property attracting a low rate of rent may also put off other investors who are doing their own calculations, which might mean there are fewer interested parties to compete with. A relatively high rate of rent should prompt you to ask whether that rent is sustainable, and how long the tenant has been paying it for. If they are on a short lease, with the rent jacked up, you can't always be sure it hasn't been done to make the property seem more attractive. Always question strange-looking figures, particularly when you've compared them to other local rental homes.</li>
<li>
How long has a tenant been in the property for and what is their lease agreement?
If a tenant is on a fixed agreement, in most states <a href="/news/act/purchasing-a-property-with-existing-tenants-what-you-need-to-know">you cannot make them leave and the tenant cannot break the lease just because the property has changed hands</a>. Both can aim to negotiate a break-lease situation on mutually agreeable terms, but there is no obligation for either to accept. When a property is sold, a lease is transferred to the new owner, not voided. Occasionally, special clauses have previously been inserted to allow the void of a lease in the situation of a sale, but this is very uncommon.
A periodic lease, which is sometimes adopted automatically after a fixed term has lapsed (also known as "off lease"), will often see the tenant able to provide a shortened period of notice to vacate. If you're hoping for a long-term renter, this may not be an attractive prospect. However, if you are unhappy with the current tenant, this can provide you an opportunity to re-advertise the home for rental.
Tenants on longer term leases, who have kept the property in decent condition, obviously have a successful history with the home.
New tenants in the property, particularly those not paying market rent, may set off your internal alarm bells. Ask why the landlord decided to bring in a new tenant when there was an intention to sell. Remember, you usually cannot increase the rent on a fixed agreement.
</li>
<li>
Has the landlord agreed to anything with the tenant you need to know about?
If the landlord has promised a tenant a clean-up, or new air conditioning, then in many situations you may be bound to this. You need to ask whether there have been any verbal, or otherwise, agreements about inclusions for the tenant. You also want to check for unusual additions, or extra allowances in the lease.
This may include pets, or the payment of certain bills by the landlord, or even allowing the tenant to sub-let a room.
</li>
<li>
How savvy is the property manager?
Firstly, you are not required to keep the current property manager. However, it makes sense to keep the process as smooth and simple as possible – particularly if you want to keep those long-term tenants.
Having a property manager who is familiar with the tenants, and who has done the previous inspection reports and can provide information about repairs, renovations and arrears, can be a true gift. However, not every property manager will have this knowledge. Remember, if you want to change property managers it is prudent to provide around a month in notice, or 28 days.
</li>
<li>
 How easy would it be to tenant the property if there wasn't a renter in place?
Lastly, it's worth asking yourself whether you could easily get a tenant like this in another property in the area. If you can get a similar home for a better price, with a strong rental market and the ability to run through your own checks and balances, it may be a false economy to go after the one that is already tenanted.
Asking yourself about the strength of the rental market will also protect you should the current tenant vanish or become in arrears. Do not assume that the property will always be tenanted just because someone is renting it at present.
</li>
</ol>
 
 
 
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 Looking to buy a property that already has tenants? Five things to ask

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The property market cycle, from boom to bust, is a simple enough concept to wrap your head around.
However, when someone refers to a buyers’ or sellers’ market, what does this actually mean?
When a market is described as a buyers’ market, this effectively means that the buyer has advantage and can potentially negotiate the vendor down.
Conversely, a sellers’ market is a situation where the seller has the upper hand and can expect the buyer to be paying close to their asking price.
While it may be true, for example, that the market for three bedroom houses in an area may be a sellers’ market while other property types remain a buyers’ market, the two cannot be true for one market at any one time. It is uncommon for one type of stock to be significantly out of line with the area’s general demand; however, it is not unheard of.
If it’s a buyers’ market for one bedroom apartments in a suburb, it can't be simultaneously a sellers’ market for those one bedroom apartments.
In a nutshell, it is to do with the numbers of buyers per property and the sliding scale of demand. Usually, a sellers’ market is a “hot” market.
How to identify a buyers’ market
Vendors are not able to sell quickly – you may see the time on market (or ‘days on market’) start to tick upwards.
Fewer buyers, and/or an increased number of vendors (or stock on the market increases). This may also be evidenced by clearance rates dropping.
Vendor discounting on the rise.
How to identify a sellers’ market
High demand, with strong investor or owner occupier presence looking to buy. Lots of competition for individual properties.
Days on market recede.
Stock on market may, but doesn’t always, reduces.
Views per property may begin to tick up on listings portals.
Vendor discounting decreases as buyers pay closer to, or even above, the asking price.
For those looking to buy in a sellers’ market, expect there to be much competition with the vendor expecting better terms from buyers. There is a higher risk of being gazumped in a hot market, and a higher risk of overpaying.
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What is a ‘buyers’/sellers’ market’? Investment terms explained

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According to a new survey undertaken by Galaxy Research on behalf of Woolworths Insurance, 82% of renovators may be underinsured.
The survey, which looked at 80% of respondents who noted they had renovated, saw 24% spend more than $50,000 on their home improvement.
Of those who renovated, just 18% had a valuer estimate the new worth of the home, potentially leaving the property owners exposed to underinsurance.
Chris Cramond, head of Woolworths Insurance, said that those who renovate need to recalculate their insurance so the new renovations are covered to the correct value.
“If homeowners are unsure how much value a renovation has added to their home, it’s worth getting advice from a qualified valuer who can provide a more accurate assessment of their property. It is also important to add any new valuables to your contents insurance policy so you aren’t left out of pocket in the event of theft, vandalism or damage due to natural causes such as a lightening or storm or burst pipes,” said Cramond.
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Majority leave themselves underinsured after renovation: survey

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

Joel Robinson

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

&nbsp;

Developer GURNER™ Group has revealed $1.65 billion in residential sales nationally across the 12 months to December 2025, driven largely by the continued momentum of its Docklands wellness-focused precinct, Elysium Fields.

The sales result was generated across seven projects in Victoria and New South Wales, headlined by Elysium Fields, GURNER™’s $2.75 billion mixed-use precinct planned for Harbour Esplanade in Docklands.

The project has recorded more than $500 million in sales across the first three towers, equating to around 580 apartments sold.

The first tower, Helios, has now sold out of its 240 private residences, with GURNER™ preparing to release a premium penthouse collection comprising 15 three-bedroom penthouses in coming weeks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370975]

Elysium Fields is being developed on the long-held 20,000 sqm Docklands site at 208-226 Harbour Esplanade, which had remained undeveloped for more than two decades prior to GURNER™ taking over the project around four years ago.

Construction has now commenced across four towers ranging between 18 and 30 storeys, with Hamilton Marino and Maxcon appointed as builders.

Once complete, the precinct is expected to comprise around 1,100 residences, alongside retail, hospitality and public realm uses integrated throughout the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370981]

Designed by Fraser &amp; Partners in collaboration with GURNER™ Design House, the project has been positioned around the developer’s broader focus on wellness-led residential living.

“We don’t sell apartments. We create a true luxury lifestyle that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the market today,” Founder and Executive Chairman Tim Gurner said.

“To deliver that requires an extraordinary level of detail, coordination and discipline across multiple verticals, from design and hospitality through to wellness and service.”

“We’ve always believed that living extends far beyond the physical residence. It’s about how you feel the moment you arrive, how you live day-to-day, and the ecosystem that supports that.” 
[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370977]

The project’s design places a heavy focus on landscaping, wellness amenities and biophilic design principles.

Plans include around 3,700 sqm of landscaped gardens and open space throughout the precinct, alongside a retail and dining offering spanning approximately 5,000 sqm.

The broader public realm strategy centres around what GURNER™ describes as the “Path of Life”, an urban forest and landscaped pedestrian environment intended to connect the various buildings and wellness spaces across the precinct.

The apartments themselves will incorporate a range of wellness-focused inclusions, including purified air and water systems, circadian lighting, antimicrobial surfaces, and optional in-home wellness upgrades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370980]

Gurner said the company’s experience through its Saint Haven wellness clubs had directly informed the residential offering now being incorporated into Elysium Fields.

“We’re seeing a clear global shift toward longevity, performance and proactive health,” Gurner said.

“Our role is to deliver that in a way that feels seamless, highly private and beautifully resolved within the environments we create.”

A large component of the wellness offering is planned through the resident amenity and health facilities proposed within the precinct.

That includes plans for bathing and recovery facilities spread throughout the towers, incorporating mineral pools, saunas, steam rooms, flotation therapy, red light therapy and wellness lounges.

The developer is also seeking approvals for what it describes as a “reverse ageing medical clinic” within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370978]

According to project information released by the group, the proposed facility would include cryotherapy, IV infusion therapy, infrared and dry saunas, PEMF beds, MRIs, DEXA scans, brain scans and blood analysis services.

Within the first tower, Helios, residents will also have access to a dedicated amenity offering known as the Sky Private Club.

The upper 15 levels of the building will include private lounges, dining spaces, rooftop amenities and optional private wellness studios integrated within residences.

The Helios tower itself comprises 260 apartments ranging between 60 sqm and 300 sqm, including a collection of penthouses.

That includes a planned two-storey penthouse spanning around 600 sqm with uninterrupted bay views.

The Elysium Fields precinct is being delivered in partnership with Digital Harbour Holdings, a consortium that includes the Liberman family, which controls the development rights across the Docklands site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370979]

The sales result comes as GURNER™ continues expanding its national development pipeline beyond Victoria.

“We have a strong pipeline across Australia and are now focused on scaling into key markets including New South Wales and Queensland, while continuing to build on our Melbourne base,” Gurner said.

“We currently have more than $3 billion in the market, growing to over $5 billion by October, and expect to materially outperform last year in the 2026 calendar year.”

The result also reflects the continued strength of the upper-end apartment market in Melbourne, particularly for owner-occupier-focused product with large-scale amenity and lifestyle offerings.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144441]

Record result anchored by the Group’s “utopian” Elysium Fields precinct – defying market headwinds in Docklands.

Elysium Fields drive Gurner to $1.65 billion in apartment sales over 2025

National Australia Bank (NAB) will fund <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera</a>, a $1 billion, 52-level luxury residential tower being developed by Central Equity in one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held coastal locations at Northcliffe.

The project, launched recently by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a>, one of Victoria’s largest private residential developers, comes at a time when construction funding for large residential developments has become increasingly competitive as lenders tighten exposure to the sector.

Multiplex has been appointed the builder, and construction is now underway.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365784]

Since its first project, Central Equity has delivered more than 85 residential developments with a combined end value exceeding $8 billion.

Palmera reflects Central Equity’s growing focus on the Gold Coast luxury apartment market and continues a relationship between Central Equity and NAB that dates back to the late 1980s, when the bank funded one of Melbourne’s earliest inner-city residential towers at a time when high-rise apartment living in the CBD was largely unproven.

“NAB’s funding of Central Equity’s $36 million CBD development in the late 1980’s to the financing of the billion-dollar tower today highlights the long-term relationship between the two organisations in delivering major residential projects” said Central Equity Founder and Chairman Eddie Kutner.

He said NAB’s early support was instrumental in helping establish the company’s development model.

“When we commenced our first residential tower in the late 1980s the concept of funding off-the-plan apartments was still largely untested in Australia,” Kutner said.

“NAB recognised the opportunity early and supported the project when others were uncertain. That relationship has now continued for more than 37 years across many developments.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Central Equity was established in 1987 when Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank precinct were still dominated by warehouses and commercial buildings. Fewer than 100 residents lived in Southbank at the time, and large-scale residential development in the inner city was not widely considered.

Recognising changing demographics and lifestyle preferences, the company began developing high-rise residential projects designed to bring permanent residents into the city centre.

Central Equity has provided accommodation for approximately 40,000 residents across Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank, while also incorporating supporting infrastructure including essential lifestyle facilities like retail spaces, childcare facilities and neighbourhood activity centres.

Central Equity has spent many years assembling the Palmera development site on the corner of Garfield Terrace and Frederick Street in Northcliffe, creating a supersite of around 3,300 sqm.

The developer said the Palmera apartment tower reflects its long-term view of the Gold Coast as a growing and increasingly diversified economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365768]

Supported by infrastructure including the light rail network, major road upgrades expanded education, hospital and medical facilities and continued expansion at the Gold Coast Airport with more international and domestic flights.

Positioned in the tightly held Northcliffe precinct, the 52-level tower will deliver 347 apartments, targeting buyers seeking a high-end coastal lifestyle, from downsizers to interstate investors.

Designed by Marchese Partners with interiors by DBI, Palmera has been conceived as a next-generation residential offering, featuring a collection of oversized apartments, with premium three-bedroom residences offering sweeping northern views stretching from Surfers Paradise through to Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

NAB funds $1 billion Surfers Paradise apartment development, Palmera

Two years after completing one of the newest developments in North Sydney, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> is turning its attention to the rapidly evolving St Leonards apartment market.

The developer, which completed AURA by Aqualand on North Sydney's Walker Street, has lodged plans for a 5,918 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/33-37-herbert-street-st-leonards-nsw-2065">33-37 Herbert Street, St Leonards,</a> seeking approval for a pair of residential towers rising above a shared podium opposite Royal North Shore Hospital.

The proposal forms part of the broader transformation underway across the St Leonards-Crows Nest precinct, where former industrial and commercial sites are increasingly being redeveloped into high-density mixed-use projects tied to major transport infrastructure.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cc428cf-fe70-4cac-9cd5-264ad53af62c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=otKSnHtbjAvAddOnovyXQMgcAwE6DMe1" />

According to the planning documents, the site sits “within the St Leonards–Crows Nest Strategic Centre, identified by the NSW Government as a key area for accommodating future jobs and housing across Sydney.”

The proposal has been designed by fjcstudio, formerly FJMT Studio, and is being progressed through the State Significant Development pathway due to its scale and affordable housing provision.

The scheme would comprise 413 apartments, including 46 affordable housing units, alongside retail and commercial uses fronting Herbert Street. The project would also include communal open space, landscaping, a swimming pool, gymnasium, children’s play areas and podium-level resident amenities.

Planning documents show the development would consist of a part-13, part-39 storey tower form positioned above a four-storey podium.

“The development comprises a unified podium that activates the street interface, and two setback towers to accommodate new housing supply while maintaining an appropriate human scale at ground level,” fjcstudio noted in its Design Report.

The northern and southern towers have been shaped to respond to the surrounding skyline while also limiting overshadowing impacts to nearby public open space, particularly Talus Reserve.

The design report said the differing tower heights were intended to “contribute to a varied skyline while responding to the surrounding built form context and solar access considerations.”

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36da62dc-ff9e-41f2-a7e3-7be38373751c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.45%E2%80%AFAM_0.png?VersionId=Mo6Rp2r.XRLTzIfg_PEEpw8NepDH8UBs" />

The site sits directly opposite Royal North Shore Hospital and within walking distance of both St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

While the site itself sits just outside the formal Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development boundary, the planning documents repeatedly reference its alignment with the broader TOD objectives reshaping the Lower North Shore.

“The site is located adjacent to St Leonards Station and in close proximity to Crows Nest Metro which is within the Crows Nest Transit Orientated Development Accelerated Precinct which has been identified by the NSW Government to support housing delivery,” the Design Verification Statement noted.

According to fjcstudio, the project has been designed to respond to the broader transition occurring across St Leonards, where increasing residential density is being concentrated around transport infrastructure and employment hubs.

“The broader precinct is undergoing significant change, with a mix of existing mid-rise buildings and newer high-density developments,” the report stated.

“Recent and approved projects indicate a consistent shift toward taller built form, typically organised as tower-and-podium typologies with more active ground levels.”

The proposal includes close to 6,000 sqm of retail and commercial space across the ground floor and podium levels, designed to create a more activated street edge along Herbert Street.

Aqualand’s plans would also introduce a landscaped podium shared between the two towers, with communal open space in the form of a podium rooftop designed to support resident interaction and improve urban greening outcomes. The scheme would also introduce pocket parks at the northern and southern ends of the site, including a landscaped area at the corner of Herbert and Ella streets designed to improve pedestrian amenity and soften the streetscape.

&nbsp;

The proposal is being progressed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, which was introduced to accelerate housing supply across the state. The application was declared State Significant Development in April 2025 following an expression of interest process.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faf6d97d-2671-454f-b85a-fe1c6a7be608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=diVd28OBVr5.YV.7prrOz.uAanwwwm7a" />

St Leonards has been particularly active with new developments in recent weeks. Developer SP Setia’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-sp-setia-targets-st-leonards-skyline-with-40-storey-tod-tower">plans for a new 42-storey tower</a> recently went on exhibition through the same pathway, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">Stockland’s 52-storey tower proposal</a> was also recently unveiled.

Aside from the St Leonards project, which is expected to take around nine months to move through the approvals process ahead of a potential 2027 launch, Aqualand is also preparing to launch Boronia, a new apartment project in Roseville comprising around 111 apartments on Larkin Street.

The developer also has approvals in place for the next stage of the Barangaroo precinct, which will feature new residential, retail, hospitality and community uses, alongside a new metro entry across the five-hectare site.

More than 50 new retail destinations are planned for Central Barangaroo, alongside a 270-metre-long boulevard connecting Hickson Park to Nawi Cove. Together with Harbour Park, more than 50 per cent of the precinct will comprise public open space and parkland.

Jennifer Duke

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