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A 78 year old Western Australian investor with a rental property in Carlisle contacted Michael David Wells, St James, after he had advertised his home repair services on noticeboards in Carlise and Brentwood.
In March 2013, she was given a quote of $1,200 to repair the roof and gate at her rental property, through her son who contacted Wells, and paid a $500 deposit.
The work was never carried out.
Another property owner from Brentwood contacted Wells in January this year for a ceiling repair at the home she owned with her partner. He quoted them at $1,300, and the woman paid a $600 deposit.
Wells again failed to do the works.
He has now been fined a total of $4,000 by Perth Magistrates Court, and ordered to pay $1,100 in compensation to the customers.
The total included two $2,000 fines on two charges of accepting payment without providing goods or services, which breaches Australian Consumer Law. This fine was given to Wells on 10 October. He has to compensate the consumers for their deposits and pay costs of $754.
Consumer Protection acting commissioner David Hillyard said that large deposits always carry a risk. However, this doesn’t excuse the actions of those who fail to carry out the job after taking the funds.
“Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law mean that work must be carried out within a reasonable amount of time, or finished by the completion date stated in the contract,” Hillyard said.
“As a general rule, big deposits are a bad idea. If a deposit is necessary to secure a sale, we recommend only paying 10 per cent, maybe more if the goods you are purchasing are being custom-made or the services require expensive materials to be purchased specifically for your job,” he said.
He suggests that consumers consider using a credit card, as if something goes wrong there may be the option of a chargeback from the credit car provider. This is not an option when paying by cash or direct bank transfer.
“Paying the full amount up-front is an absolute no-no. It means you lose bargaining power in terms of getting what you paid for within an agreed time-frame. You should only pay the balance on delivery of goods or completion of work,” he said.
Here are six tips to protect yourself:
<ol>
<li>Never pay the full amount up front for goods or services yet to be supplied. 
</li>
<li>Do not to pay more than 10% deposit (building contracts for amounts over $7500 are covered by the Home Building Contracts Act and deposits must never exceed 6.5% of the contract price). 
</li>
<li>Explore the option of progress payments e.g. when materials have been supplied or partial work is done. 
</li>
<li>Only pay the balance upon delivery of goods or completion of work. 
</li>
<li>Consider the benefits of using a credit card to pay a deposit, as you may be able to seek a charge reversal if there is non-supply or if the business goes under. 
</li>
<li>Don’t be pressured into paying a high deposit and if you feel uncomfortable about a deposit request, talk to Consumer Protection.</li>
</ol>
Source: Consumer Protection
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Landlords, be wary of giving handymen big deposits: Consumer Protection

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There are five apartment markets across Queensland that recorded strong median price gains over the past 12 months and recording a strong number of sales (over 200) as per RP Data's latest available information.
These two figures together suggests the price growth may be the result of new, more expensive, stock is being purchased, rather than accelerating values for established properties.
Property Observer looked to see whether there were any major residential apartment developments in these areas over the past 12 to 18 months.
<a href="/news">Biggera Waters </a>recorded a 14% median price jump with 312 sales recorded.
The Harbour Quays development, which includes a number of apartment developments including Sirocco, Levanto, Zephyr, Aquilo, Etesian and a number of others, clearly is <a href="/news/qld/gold-coast-new-apartment-sales-rise-14-in-december-quarter-as-project-numbers-decline">behind some of the strong numbers being seen in the latest statistics</a>. The new Harbour Quays from Emandar Group is still classified as Biggera Waters, and Zephy at Harbour Quays was finished in 2014, bringing 75 apartments to market, as was Aquilo, which brought another 55 apartments.
The 2013 completions of Etesian and Sirocco saw another 61 and 60 apartments created.
<a href="/news">Brisbane City</a> recorded a 12.2% median price jump with 667 sales recorded.
In February, the<a href="/news/qld/brisbane-apartment-market-on-the-rise-colliers"> interest in Brisbane apartments was being widely discussed</a>. However, there have been some significant recent developments that could be contributing to this strong figure.
Prestige Abian Botanic Gardens, from Sunland Group, which launched 147 “luxury residences of extraordinary calibre”, including penthouses, sold 108 residences in the first quarter of 2014 to a value of $144 million, and two sky homes priced up to $5 million. The <a href="/news/qld/brisbane-apartment-market-to-boom-in-second-half-of-2014-urbis">trend towards luxury offerings in the inner city apartment market was recently noted by Urbis</a>.
<a href="/news">Labrador</a> recorded a 12.6% median price jump with 426 sales recorded.
In January, <a href="/news/qld/coast-broadwater-100-million-residential-highrise-hits-the-market">Coast Broadwater</a>, a $100 million highrise, hit the market. Stage one of the multi-tower development included 124 apartments for sale, located on Labrador’s Marine Parade. It is being developed by Queensland’s Heran Building Group.
<a href="/news">New Farm</a> recorded a 12.8% median price jump with 245 sales recorded.
Sydney on Sydney, at 166 Sydney Street, New Farm, is a sold out development with 57 apartments offered. A number of similar small boutique developments have also been launched and sold. 170 Bowen Terrace features 12 new luxury apartments with significantly high prices and construction due mid-2014.
Silverstone Developments has also been active in the New Farm market, purchasing two sites on Brunswick Street with plans to build mixed use apartment buildings, and having completed two previously.
<a href="/news">Palm Beach</a> recorded a 10.9% median price jump with 243 sales recorded.
Pavilions Palm Beach, a project from Australian Property Growth Fund, saw 104 apartments sell in stage one in 2011/2012, and launched a final stage of 98 apartments in late-2013, early-2014.
Palm Beach’s apartment building growth is expected to continue with <a href="/news/qld/palm-beach-gold-coast-mobile-home-site-sells-to-rejuvenated-sunland">the recent purchase of a 4.7 hectare urban renewal site by Sunland Group</a>. They’re planning to create 162 luxury apartments and 86 town homes.
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Five strong Queensland markets and the developments driving them

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Canberra currently has 20 suburbs where the median apartment price is recorded at under $400,000, according to RP Data.
A further 21 have median prices in the $400,000 to $500,000 bracket. The most expensive suburb in terms of apartment median prices was <a href="/news">Yarralumla</a>, with an $808,000 price tag.
Gross rental yields for apartments sit firmly in the 4% to 6%, with no notable exceptions.
<a href="/news">Macquarie</a>, which made the list below, recorded the highest rental yield, at 5.8%, with the lowest recorded rental yield being <a href="/news">Deakin</a>'s 4.6%.
<a href="/news">Curtin</a>
Median price: $280,000
<a href="/news">Franklin</a>
Median price: $290,000
<a href="/news">Hawker</a>
Median price: $310,000
<a href="/news">Holt</a>
Median price: $325,000
<a href="/news">Scullin</a>
Median price: $339,000
<a href="/news">Ngunnawal</a>
Median price: $350,000
<a href="/news">Theodore</a>
Median price: $356,000
<a href="/news">Macquarie</a>
Median price: $358,000
<a href="/news">Watson</a>
Median price: $358,000
<a href="/news">Macgregor</a>
Median price: $362,000
Narrowly missing the top 10 list included <a href="/news">Gordon</a>, with a $365,000 median price, <a href="/news">Gungahlin</a> and Isabella Plains, both with <a href="/news">$370,000</a> median unit prices.
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The 10 cheapest unit suburbs in ACT

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Consumer Affairs’ uniformed officers were on site at The Block Glasshouse auctions on Saturday, and it isn’t the first time they’ve been visible at the sale of the reality TV show’s finale.
Earlier this year, on The Block Fans v Faves, Consumer Affairs were also present – finding no wrong doing.
For The Block Glasshouse, the producers worked closely with Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV), according to director of CAV Claire Noone.
"Consumer Affairs Victoria has worked with The Block production team throughout the series, reviewing documentation in preparation for the auctions including new amendments to the Sale of Land Act which came into effect on 1 October, and our uniformed inspectors will be present to monitor the conduct of the auctions," Noone said.
"Consumer Affairs Victoria works closely with the Victorian real estate industry throughout the year to ensure a fair market for buyers and sellers across the state."
This year, there were four specific things on their radar:
<ul>
<li>Whether auction rules are displayed 
</li>
<li>Whether appropriate rules are followed 
</li>
<li>Whether pre-auction disclosures are made, in particular announcements about vendor bids and late bids 
</li>
<li>Recording the sell price and recording the on-market-price, for later comparison with estimated selling prices, where advertised</li>
</ul>
Main picture: A Consumer Affairs Victoria officer at a Block Glasshouse auction.
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Why Consumer Affairs were present at The Block Glasshouse auctions

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A new development in New Zealand’s Queenstown is being marketed as an “Overseas Investment Exception”, allowing Australian investors to skip the usual lengthy approval process through the New Zealand Government’s Overseas Investment Office.
The <a href="https://www.wyunapreserve.com/" target="_blank">Wyuna Preserve development</a>, on 160 hectares, features 34 building sites ranging in price from NZ$1 million to NZ$2.95 million.
Ray White Queenstown’s Bas Smith, who is marketing the project, said that so far 100% of the buyers have been offshore-based who value privacy.
Developer Tom Tusher bought previously purchased nearby land where he built Blanket Bay Luxury Lodge.
"Wyuna Preserve appeals to travellers of the world who recognise quality, value their privacy but also have a sense of community,” said Tusher.
“Wyuna offers a combination of qualities found nowhere else in the world and with Australia being so close we expect to see a lot more interest from that market," he said.
There are 21 blocks for sale, with six already built and three more under planning.
“The last two owners to build have been Australian and this is the obvious market for the remaining sites,” said Smith.
{mijopolls 53}   
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Should Aussie investors consider New Zealand? Poll of the day

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Master Builders Australia are predicting that the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) release on Wednesday for building activity data show a strong result.
In fact, they expect near record dwelling starts were recorded for the June quarter, says Master Builders chief economist Peter Jones.
“In line with our industry forecasts, Master Builders expects building commencements will approach 50,000 for the June quarter,” Jones says.
“We predict that, in line with Master Builders’ forecasts, the June quarter result will take the annual level of building starts to around 183,000 for financial 2013-14,” he says.
They are also expecting that the record for annual building starts – a title taken in 1994 with 187,000 recorded – will be broken next year.
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Near record dwelling starts tipped for Wednesday ABS results

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The Australian property market goes through cycles, much like any other investment. Studious investors look to get in at the trough, or the bottom of the market, and exit out when the market is at its peak.
You may have also heard this being referred to as the “property clock”. Recently, the <a href="/expert-insights/investing/sydney-melbourne-and-brisbane-where-they-are-on-the-property-clock">Australian Property Institute plotted Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane onto the clock</a> and predicted their movements around the cycle for the next three years.
But how does one attempt to determine these market movements on their own?
Picking the exact top of the market is a much easier exercise in hindsight. However, there are some indicators that can assist you to determine when a peak is coming or when, perhaps, an upswing is likely to occur. This can be done for smaller markets where possible as well.
Interestingly, while these guidelines often hold true, it’s worth remembering that not every factor has to be in concert with the other to mark a downswing or a peak. For instance, interest rates, at present, may be out of sync with what is usually expected of the market.
The majority of the factors below can be easily determined by anyone keen to know about the property market – either through the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ housing finance figures and dwelling approvals, the Reserve Bank’s (RBA) interest rate announcements, stock on market figures through SQM Research or through RP Data’s median house prices and rental statistics. Sentiment surveys and affordability indexes will also be useful.
Here are the characterising factors of each part of the cycle:
DOWNSWING
<ol>
<li>Falling demand 
</li>
<li>Rising vacancies 
</li>
<li>Falling building approvals 
</li>
<li>Increasing supply and declining loan approvals 
</li>
<li>Declining rental rates and property prices as demand soaks up excess supply</li>
</ol>
BOTTOM/MARKET TROUGH
<ol>
<li>Negative market sentiment 
</li>
<li>Over anxious sellers 
</li>
<li>Falling prices 
</li>
<li>Falling interest rates 
</li>
<li>Stagnant building activity 
</li>
<li>Yield-seeking investors emerge 
</li>
<li>Fundamentals begin looking attractive</li>
</ol>
UPSWING
<ol>
<li>Increasing numbers of mortgages 
</li>
<li>Reasonable affordability rates 
</li>
<li>Increasing demand as excess supply is absorbed 
</li>
<li>Rising building approvals</li>
</ol>
PEAK
<ol>
<li>High investor activity 
</li>
<li>Rising interest rates 
</li>
<li>Rising loan and building approvals 
</li>
<li>High demand but limited supply of properties 
</li>
<li>Decreasing affordability</li>
</ol>
Source: Ron Bennetts and Gavin Hegney, The Australian Residential Property Market
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How to identify a property market peak

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The August Housing Finance Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that first home buyers are consistent, but remain at low levels with a new record low of 11.8%.
Finder.com.au delved into the statistics to bring us these five points about what first home buyers are facing in the current market and how they are acting as a response.
<ol>
<li>There was a 10% drop in the number of first home buyer home loans financed in August, from 6,718 in July to 6,055. 
</li>
<li>First home buyer numbers are at almost the same level as a decade ago, despite some capital cities experiencing more than double growth in median house prices and fewer incentives. The actual number of first home buyer home loans is close to the same level as a decade ago. For the 12 months to August 2014, there were 77,881 first home buyer loans financed, compared to 87,577 for the same period 10 years ago, for the year to August 2004. 
</li>
<li>In 2004, the First Home Owner Grant was uncapped so all Australian first home buyers were eligible for the $7000. Compared to today, the government has tightened its incentives, with limitations to new homes and caps, which vary across each state. 
</li>
<li>Interest rates are tipped to rise next year, which could change the equation again. The <a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/redir.aspx?C=lpwVvawQQUacLRFzrVpf2skg7BH4udEIOYknQKfzrbe9EsPmb7W7wmiK7V8m5lGD9-ub2RTtFUQ.&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2ffinder.com.au">finder.com.au</a> Reserve Bank Survey, which is now the biggest in Australia, found all 28 leading experts and economists are forecasting the cash rate to start rising next year, with an expected gradual rise to 4 percent over the next two-three years. That means home loan repayments for a $300,000 home loan is likely to increase by $300 per month. 
</li>
<li>The national median house value has risen by 72% in the past decade, from $325,000 in 2004 to $559,376 in 2014. The biggest jump was Darwin, with 170% increase over the past decade Median house prices across capital cities
</li>
</ol>
<table style="width: 345px; height: 162px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom"> </td>
<td align="center" valign="middle">
2014
</td>
<td align="center" valign="middle">
2004
</td>
<td align="center" valign="middle">
% Difference
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap>
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
$782,973
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap>
$560,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
40%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap>
Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
$604,110
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap>
$375,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
61%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap>
Canberra
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
$557,871
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap>
$375,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
49%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap>
Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
$466,980
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap>
$300,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
56%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap>
Darwin
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
$675,478
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap>
$250,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
170%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap>
Perth
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
$611,410
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap>
$250,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
145%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap>
Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
$450,444
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap>
$250,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
80%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap>
Hobart
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
$325,741
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap>
$240,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
36%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom">
National average
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
$559,376
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
$325,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
72%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: <a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/redir.aspx?C=lpwVvawQQUacLRFzrVpf2skg7BH4udEIOYknQKfzrbe9EsPmb7W7wmiK7V8m5lGD9-ub2RTtFUQ.&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2ffinder.com.au">finder.com.au</a> analysis of Australian Property Monitors, Real Estate Institute of Australia
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First timers doing it tough: Finder’s top five insights into the current market

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At a recent investment seminar Investment One explained that prices in all the capital cities are now above their previous troughs.
Sydney, in fact, is up 23.1% since its trough according to RP Data statistics.
Yields remain high in Darwin, but have been starting to dip for units in recent months, while of all the capitals Brisbane offers the best yields.
They noted that each city has significantly different growth drivers that affect their cycles:
Sydney: Financial and business services
Melbourne: Goods and services production
Brisbane: Infrastructure and tourism
Adelaide: Manufacturing
Perth: Mining
Hobart: Primary production and ore processing
Regional areas: Agriculture and mining
Chinese investors are expected to keep demand for new apartments in inner city locations strong, and provided sentiment is sustained and rates remain low the market will hold up.
However, despite strong growth and fundamentals in Sydney and Melbourne, Investment One suggested that a glut of apartments may be on the way and growth will not be above trend.
“Within two years, there could be a glut of second hand apartments for rent and also for sale  in Sydney and Melbourne,” Investment One's Omar Moujalli said in his presentation.
“If population growth slows in Brisbane like it did during the  GFC, then the Brisbane market could suffer some over supply in 2018," said Moujalli.
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Is there a glut of apartments coming for Melbourne and Sydney?

<html><body>
Not unlike Kyle and Jackie O to court controversy, they tweeted out about The Block auctions claiming that without the Asian buyers, the contestants would be "screwed".
<img src="/images/2014/10/13/Picture%2038.png" alt="">
After a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/kyleandjackieo/status/521226318659080192" target="_blank">number of retweets </a>and a wave of responses, some calling it a "conspiracy", a response from @hashhag noted "Asian bidders are the backbone of our auction market. Without them we could all still afford to live in Sydney."
Another, @playwithdom, suggested their funds come from rich parents in China, querying how anyone at 20 could afford the apartments.
The couple have been identified by Fairfax as 20 year old engineering student Shiji Ma and Yue Pan, who reportedly purchased the apartment for her parents.
</body></html>

Tweet of the day: Without the Asian couple bidding, Block contestants "screwed" say Kyle and Jackie O

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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