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The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept the interest rate on hold today at 2.5%. Interest rates have remained at a record low since August 2013.
ME Bank general manager markets, John Caelli, said that the focus from the RBA remains on providing conditions to support business investment and unemployment, with other options for dealing with house price increases.
"The RBA has flagged that measures other than interest rates may be more appropriate to address the issue of house prices," said Caelli.
RP Data head of research Tim Lawless noted that softer readings for housing market conditions over September may have eased some of the concerns that the RBA held about the property market, however the trend does remain strong.
While a 0.1% growth figure was recorded across the capitals for the month of September, the quarter still recorded a 2.9% increase.
He said it will still be important to monitor the trend rate of growth across Sydney and Melbourne.
"Investor interest in these markets has been significant compared with other capital cities and compared with historical ratios of owner occupier loans to investor loans," said Lawless.
"If investor interest in these markets doesn't moderate we can expect the RBA, in conjunction with APRA, to intervene via prudential regulation of the banking sector to attempt to slow down the level of investment lending activity in the market," he said.
This intervention, he suggests, may be higher risk ratings or capital for investment loans.
"In any event, the goal would be to slow the level of speculative investment across the housing market, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, alleviating the pressure on the RBA to raise interest rates in order to dampen housing market conditions," he said.
Michelle Hutchison, money expert for Finder, noted that all the experts recently asked in their Reserve Bank Survey said that they are expecting a rise on the cash rate next year.
"With a cash rate rise on the horizon, it could be a good time for borrowers to take advantage of the mortgage season promotions currently available by home loan lenders, which could help them get onto the property ladder so they can start preparing for rate hikes ahead," she said.
"We're also still seeing home loan interest rate movements, with 94 fixed home loans that saw reduced rates by as much as 0.70 percentage points over the past month, and 23 fixed rates increased by up to 0.30 percentage points. Interestingly, 27 variable rate home loans have fallen in the past month, by up to 0.30 percentage points from ANZ, My State, IMB, Bendigo Bank, Resi, Suncorp Bank, Wide Bay Australia and State Custodians."
She noted that it's a good idea to compare home loans and promotional offers available, but to be wary of the fees involved.
Caelli noted that today's announcement of a stable rate would be welcomed by borrowers, with a recent ME Bank survey recording 49% paying down their home loan faster with additional payments. Despite this, 42% said they were just managing to pay the minimum requirement.
"While any future rate increases are likely to be gradual, borrowers just managing repayments now will need to make financial adjustments when this happens," he said.
"We're also noticing an increase in borrowers taking out fixed term loans to protect themselves from potential RBA rate increases."
LJ Hooker chief executive officer Grant Harrod said that low rates have assisted in offsetting the fall in mining investment, and that the start to the spring market has been encouraging.
"However, while markets such as Sydney and Melbourne have performed well, there are many other markets which have softened or experience more modest result," said Harrod.
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RBA on hold as they consider other measures to deal with house prices

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Finder.com.au’s Monthly Reserve Bank Survey of 28 leading economists and experts looks to shed some light on interest rates and the thoughts of the Reserve Bank. Here are comments from 10 of their experts on the current rate environment. Jonathan Chancellor, Property Observer
“The recent Sydney house price boom, after years of little growth, is not a sufficient trigger for the bank to make any move. The domestic economy appears to be strengthening, but the international outlook looks tricky to draw any firm conclusion ... It was interesting that the RBA has signalled it was looking at macroprudential moves to help contain the current property exuberance. I still reckon they will stick with simply stepping up its public warnings around housing prices and investor activity. A reasonable conclusion is that Australia is unlikely to introduce the New Zealand style of direct macro prudential controls.” Bill Evans, Westpac
“We do not expect to see the Reserve Bank changing rates anytime over the next year. Indeed, the Bank once again confirmed its intentions in its September board minutes for a period of stability in rates. Westpac expects that, with our expectation of a more favourable economic environment than is anticipated by the Reserve Bank, the next move in rates will be a tightening but not until the second half of 2015, with August currently appearing to be the date for the first move.” Angus Raine, Raine &amp; Horne
“Inflation is still within the acceptable 2-3% range, and unemployment is holding steady at &lt;5%. The RBA wants to see that the employment market has stabilised before it increases rates. Once it sees evidence that the unemployment rate has plateaued, it’s fair to expect that the RBA will begin to tighten monetary policy. The next cash rate change will be impacted by the global geopolitical climate. If tensions worsen in the Middle East and the Ukraine, it might prompt the RBA to hold off, while it will continue to monitor the US and EU recovery or lack thereof.” Grant Harrod, LJ Hooker
“The economy continues to perform as expected by the RBA. Employment and private investment remains the chief concern, however, these should be helped by the recent softening of the Australian dollar. Housing markets continue to remain buoyant with the growth seen in Sydney and Melbourne having a ripple effect out to the other, more affordable, capital city markets. The associated growth in construction is also helping rebalance the economy. However, price growth and investor demand for housing, especially in Sydney and Melbourne, has seen the RBA raise the prospect of introducing macro prudential measures to help de-risk the market.” Shane Oliver, AMP
“While housing related indicators are strong, providing a reason not to cut rates further, the rest of the economy is sub-par. Uncertainty remains high regarding how quickly the mining investment boom will unwind, inflation is benign and the Australian dollar remains too high – all of which suggests it's premature to start raising rates. The most recent commentary from the RBA has indicated that a period of stability in rates remains prudent. This language is likely to be dropped well before the RBA starts hiking rates.” Paul Bloxham, HSBC
“For the moment there's still concern that the labour market has spare capacity, and that they'd like the unemployment rate to be declining before they raise interest rates. By the same token, I don't think they've got scope to cut interest rates any further because the housing market continues to boom.” John Caelli, ME Bank
“We don’t expect interest rates to change in October despite the Australian dollar falling and concerns about rising house prices. The RBA’s key focus remains on providing conditions to support business investment and employment. That the RBA has flagged macro prudential tools to manage house prices suggests they may be considering options to deal with the situation beyond just interest rates. The RBA minutes continue to refer to a period of stability in interest rates and so we expect any rises in rates won’t occur until the first half of 2015.” Nicki Hutley, Urbis
“The balance of macroeconomic indicators suggest that growth has improved in 2014 and is close to trend, but is not yet accelerating sharply enough to concern policy makers. Unemployment and subdued wages will keep inflation from rising too quickly for a little longer ... It is easy to think that, because growth and inflation have been modest for a prolonged period, that they will remain so indefinitely. There is clearly momentum building in the economy however and, notwithstanding slower mining investment, this momentum will lift growth and inflationary pressures over the coming year.” Michael Witts, ING Direct
“The economy is still in transition, and despite the RBA being concerned about the housing market, they would be reluctant to increase rates given the impact on the exchange rate. Also employment data has been highly volatile over the past few months ... The action by the RBA is constrained by the action of US Fed and this will drive local timing. Also the exchange rate is a further constraint, the RBA would like to see the Australian dollar well under 90 US cents.” David Scutt, Independent Market Strategist
“The RBA will keep the cash rate steady at 2.50% in October, the fourteenth-consecutive month that this has occurred. They will keep their neutral bias and communicate that ‘the most prudent course is likely to be a period of stability in interest rates.’ While on the surface the grounds for a return to a hawkish bias seem to be building, most economic indicators have been improving, the Australian Dollar has fallen while unease towards developments in the established housing market is growing, counteracting those forces are real-negative wages growth, subdued business confidence along with a noticeable deterioration in recent Chinese economic data, something that along with recent USD strength has seen the prices for Australia’s key commodity exports fall sharply. Given that household consumption and non-mining investment will be crucial in offsetting the effects of the slowing mining capital expenditure boom in the years ahead, there are simply too many uncertainties at present for the RBA to adopt anything other than a wait-and-see approach. When, and only when, they see non-mining activity start to accelerate sharply will they begin the process of policy normalisation. If that doesn't occur, not my baseline forecast but certainly a possibility, an extended period of policy stability, or even further easing, appears likely.” Source: Finder
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10 expert opinions on interest rates: Reserve Bank Survey

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Belle Box Hill, in Melbourne's Box Hill, is the latest launch from Little Projects, offering 100 one and two bedroom apartments to market.
Designed by Plus Architecture, the development on Station Street is 14 kilometres from the CBD and will begin construction in the next few months for 2016 completion.
One bedroom apartments <a href="https://www.belleboxhill.com.au" target="_blank">start from $322,000</a>, with two bedroom apartments from $475,000 upwards. They range from 43.4 square metres to 76.2 square metres.
<img src="/images/2014/10/7/LittleProjects_BelleBoxHill_V01_Facade_cmyk_MR_ps.jpg" alt="">
Image supplied.
Managing director of Little Projects, Michael Fox, said that it provides good amenity to retail, parks, employment and education.
"Creating inviting communal spaces as an extension of residences will ensure Belle Box Hill residents can engage with each other and entertain friends and family with ease," said Fox.
This includes a ground floor dining area with full kitchen, lounge, library, private cinema room and landscaped outdoor entertainment space with barbecue facilities.
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Little Projects launches Belle Box Hill, Melbourne

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The contrasting house prices across the country have seen a two-speed housing market emerging, according to ANZ Research’s David Cannington.
On the one hand, Sydney has seen house prices continue to grow strongly over the past week. Other capital cities reported tentative increases.
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth’s prices all rose slightly, while Adelaide eased.
Meanwhile, prices were noted to be increasing in trend terms in Sydney, Adelaide and Perth, while an easing was noted in Melbourne and Brisbane.
“Looking ahead, steady consumer confidence and moderation in auction clearance rates in recent weeks foreshadow some modest easing in home buyer demand and likely more moderate home price gains in Sydney and Melbourne in particular,” noted Cannington.
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We’re in a two-speed housing market: ANZ

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With no rate hike expected this afternoon, according to Finder’s panel of 28 experts, there is a rate hike expected for the next three years.
The 28 experts surveyed unanimously agreed that there will be no rate change today. However all forecast a rate rise next year and many subsequently pointed to a gradual upward cycle for three years.
When will the hikes begin? June 2015.
{mijopolls 48}
This prediction, from Finder, notes that 46% of experts believe that there is a chance of an increase in the third quarter of 2015.
Here are their predictions:
<img src="/images/2014/10/7/finder1.png" alt="">
Source: Finder
And what will the new normal be?
<img src="/images/2014/10/7/finder2.png" alt="">
<div align="center"> </div>
Source: Finder
Money expert for Finder, Michelle Hutchison, said that buyers should be cautious with borrowing levels as a result.
“The finder.com.au Reserve Bank Survey sentiment revealed that many factors will keep the cash rate at the current low level of 2.50%. Inflation being subdued, the low Australian Dollar, and damage to property markets outside Sydney and Melbourne should the cash rate rise too soon.
“However, the good times for property buyers are not expected to last much longer, with our survey showing the next rate rise being forecast for June 2015, and a 21 percent chance that the cash rate will start rising from the first quarter of next year,” she said.
With a gradual increase, 11% of the panel believe the cash rate will hit the historical average of 5%. The majority expect a new normal below 5%.
This is expected to occur by 2016, according to 32% of experts, or 2017, chosen by 29%.
“Only one respondent, Chief Economist at Commonwealth Bank Michael Blythe, is expecting a ‘new normal’ cash rate level to be reached in 2015. The remaining respondents were unable to comment,” she said.
“If you’re an existing home buyer or hitting the property market this mortgage season, make sure you prepare a buffer for when interest rates rise. This is the time when you should be paying as much as you can on your mortgage, to lower the impact of higher rates.”
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Interest rates expected to rise for three years, here’s when the first hike will be: Finder

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The plans for South City Square, tipped to be one of the largest inner city mixed-use developments for Brisbane, have been launched.
With an estimated end value of $550 million, the 2.1 hectare site will include 1,000 apartments across seven towers and retail at ground level.
Located at Woolloongabba, in the Woolloongabba Priority Development Area, it’s one of a recent marks of confidence for the area.
Just last month, <a href="/expert-insights/investing/quest-opens-at-woolloongabba">Quest opened in the area</a>. Meanwhile, earlier this month, Aria paid $10 million to consolidate a site in the suburb to develop a residential project, expected to be <a href="/expert-insights/buying/aria-consolidates-woolloongabba-site">four individually designed medium rise buildings on the large site</a>.
Wolloongabba was also noted in the top three for this year in Your Investment Property magazine’s annual guide with infrastructure and urban renewal noted as signs of growth.
This development is a joint venture between Pellicano and Perri Projects, who acquired the land together in late-2013.
<img src="/images/2014/10/7/OneSouthCity_View_03_External-1.jpg" alt="">
Image supplied.
The development will occur over the next five to seven years. Pellicano Group joint managing director Nando Pellicano explained that the council had already given the first tower, with 118 apartments over 14 storeys, the green light. 
"Site works have commenced, with the first tower known as One South City expected to start construction in early 2015," said Pellicano.
"Tower one comprises a mix of designer one, two and three bedroom apartments with high-end finishes and a roof top recreation deck with a pool, spa, residents' lounge, barbeque and dining areas, sun lawn and teppanyaki bar."
DBI Design, Woods Bagot and Oculus are behind the elements of the design.
"DBI has designed the tower with orientation, natural light and views in mind. For this reason, the precinct is centred around a square which is approximately half a hectare in size. This will be a significant urban recreation space with retail activation for residents and the general public,” he said.
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One of the largest inner city Brisbane mixed-use developments revealed

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Looking at the figures in realestateVIEW’s first home buyer report, here are the six numbers that stood out.
The report was a national survey of 1,086 people, of which 44.6% were first home buyers (and those reflected in the figures below).
50.7%
The percentage of first home buyers who have children.
Over a third
The proportion of those who have not bought because they think house prices are too high.
10.7%
The percentage of first home buyers under age 30.
1/10
The proportion of those questioning whether now is the right time to buy.
15.1%
First home buyers refusing to purchase as they can’t afford their ideal location.
76.8%
First home buyers believing that the market will deliver strong or moderate growth over the next five to 10 years.
Source: <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/" target="_blank">realestateview.com.au</a>
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Six numbers to know about today’s FHBs

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Shelley Penn, a past president of the Australian Institute of Architects, has been announced as a winner in the 100 Women of Influence Awards for 2014.
The awards, a joint initiative between The Australian Financial Review and Westpac, recognised Penn in the Public Policy category for advocating for the architecture profession and design quality.
Current national president of the Australian Institute of Architects, David Karotkin, said that she has been an outstanding representative for the architecture profession.
“She has been a member of the Architects Registration Board of Victoria, Victoria's first Associate Government Architect, Chair of the National Capital Authority, Deputy Chair of the Heritage Council of Victoria and Principal of her own small practice for 21 years, to name just a few of her accomplishments,” he said.
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Shelley Penn, past Australian Institute of Architects president, winner in 100 Women of Influence 

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The Housing Industry Association’s New Home Sales Report recorded a lift in sales over August after weakness in July, which they say makes the decline of new home sales modest.
Housing Industry Association (HIA) economist Diwa Hopkins said that despite a downward trend in total seasonally adjusted new home sales, the 3.3% August increase has ensured that the decline is modest.
“Despite the August bounce, we still hold the view that new home sales reached their peak for the cycle back in April this year,” said Hopkins.
“The result for August was driven primarily by a strong lift in the volatile 'multi-units' sector where sales increased by 19.8%, taking this component of sales to its second highest level this cycle.”
Detached housing, however, increased by 0.5% after a decline over the previous months.
“As leading indicators of new home construction activity, both HIA New Home Sales and ABS Building Approvals are displaying a moderate downward trend,” she said.
“Current levels remain elevated by a historical standard, which is consistent with still healthy levels of new home building throughout 2014/15.”
Detached house sales increased by 11.1% in New South Wales over August, while jumping by 2% in Western Australia. Meanwhile, drops were seen in South Australia, Victoria and Queensland with 6.8%, 6.0% and 0.7% falls respectively.
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Decline of new home sales is modest: HIA

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With more than 100 buyers registering interest prior to the launch, 39 blocks were sold on the Saturday launch of Satterley's Upper Point Cook development, recording a sell out for the release.
Two thirds of the buyers were local upgraders, with the rest being divided between first home buyers and investors.
They even had groups camping out, said Victorian general manager of Satterley Property Group Jack Hoffman.
“The excitement from locals reinforces that Upper Point Cook is one of the last quality parcels of land in Point Cook with the added bonus of access to the Princes Freeway via the future diamond interchange at Sneydes Road,” said Hoffman.
“The big selling point for local residents is location and the fact you’re buying into a quality development at affordable prices.”
The house and land packages started from $380,000.
The next release, <a href="https://www.satterley.com.au/point-cook/living-upper-point-cook/" target="_blank">Hudson</a>, will see 25 blocks launched to market in the next fortnight. 
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Upper Point Cook sees first release sold out

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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