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Cohen Handler and Calibre Real Estate have taken out top awards in the Smart Company’s 2014 Smart50 ranking, a yearly awards event for the fastest growing businesses.
<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/smartcompany-awards-2014/43757-5-cohen-handler" target="_blank">Buyer’s agency Cohen Handler ranked fifth</a>, with $2.9 million revenue and 152% growth, a stellar result after being created in 2010 by young founders Ben Handler, 30, and Simon Cohen, 29.
Now with 27 employees, Handler told Smart Company that the uncertainty of challenges keeps the adrenalin running 24/7, and said that they tapped into the underserviced buyers’ market – where they saw consumers lacking representation in real estate transactions.
The next step for the New South Wales based company is to get to an aggressive scale on a national level, looking to undertake high level B2B partnerships and leverage off Australia-wide leads and customers.
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/smartcompany-awards-2014/43712-37-calibre-real-estate" target="_blank">ranked 37th, Brisbane-based real estate agency Calibre Real Estate</a> secured more than $2.2 million of revenue, reporting 63.29% growth. Founded in 2009, the husband and wife team in their early 30s, Alice and Justin Hagen, have built a company with 26 employees. Alice handles the property management side, while Justin handles the sales.
While Brisbane’s market has been volatile, the company has come close to doubling its revenue since their appearance in last year’s Smart50.
Just last year, Calibre opened a marketing office in China, and have plans to further extend internationally, said Justin Hagen. 
“Our short-term objective is to expand further into the overseas and interstate market wanting to invest in Queensland properties,” he told Smart Company.
“Our vision is to have eight offices throughout south-east Queensland within three to five years by retaining part ownership of each office.”
They also use value-add techniques, including their own interior design and home staging business.
The Hagens also plan to offer value-added incentives to customers, including launching their own interior design and home staging businesses.
Smart Company is a sister publication to Property Observer in the Private Media suite of publications.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Cohen Handler and Calibre Real Estate rank high in Smart50 Awards

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Less than 12 months ago CBRE launched their capital allowances business in Australia, adding to services offered in the UK and the US, and now they’re expanding the offering to include a residential tax depreciation platform.
The Capital Allowances division specializes in depreciation schedules and association advisory services, such as preparing property reinstatement costs and replacement cost assessments. Previously, they’d be focused on commercial sectors.
CBRE Capital Allowances national director Neale Scott said that they would capitalize on the residential valuations business to create a new national platform covering all metropolitan locations.
“With the advantage of a strong performing residential valuation business, we are in an ideal position to offer market leading pricing, report and delivery times,” Scott said.
“Having recently undertaken some of the largest assignments in the commercial Agribusiness sections, the addition of a residential platform enables us to offer a full suite of property and tax depreciation services across all sectors.” 
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CBRE adds residential to their tax depreciation services

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Mortgage broker network 1300HomeLoan has warned that if the Reserve Bank reacts in a sudden kneejerk fashion to changes in house price movements, the result could be disastrous.
Managing director of 1300HomeLoan John Kolenda said that with current speculation over a potential rate increase for the first time in four years due to overheating house price concerns, the RBA could be making a major mistake.
He pointed to the fact that the house price rises are mainly happening in Sydney.
“We have consistently warned about the potential detrimental impact of the RBA lifting its cash rate prematurely in response to factors such as house prices, which are in a two speed market,” he said.
“Creating a more confident consumer climate required numerous rate decreases over the past few years and pulling the trigger too early could have disastrous consequences.”
Kolenda said that consumer sentiment is still subdued, with a 4.6% fall in September recorded by the Westpac Melbourne Institute Index, while unemployment is still above 6%.
“The RBA hasn't lifted its cash rate since November, 2010, and we believe the lower interest rate strategy has helped to restore some confidence among consumers in challenging economic times highlighted by patchy retail spending and a soft jobs market.”
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RBA kneejerk reaction to house price changes could be disastrous: 1300HomeLoan

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Strong investor and home buyer interest are behind increased attendances at Gold Coast auctions, according to Gold Coast buyer’s agent Tony Coughran.
With more investors turning their attention to the coast’s affordable opportunities, Coughran said that there’s no doubt the market is heating up.
“Interstate investors have finally taken their hands out of their pockets and are coming up in droves.
“Many are diversifying their portfolios as they move away from the affordability issues, poor returns and peaked out growth in strong Sydney and Melbourne markets,” he said.
He noted that some are investing now to get ahead of future growth, with plans to move in within a five-year time frame.
“Some are seeing value in lifestyle units, purchasing as an investment to be used partially for family getaways and then renting through peak periods for premium holiday returns,” he said.
However, high end houses are also in demand. He noted the sale of six bedroom waterfront 122 Tallebudgera Drive, Palm Beach which went to auction in early September securing a result of $1.35 million.
“At a recent auction I attended, one buyer hardly even got a shot in with two bidders in a room of 80 battling it out with their hearts and ultimately paying in excess of more than $90,000,” he said.
“The duplex had a fair market value of $720,000 but sold under the hammer for an astonishing $817,000.”
He warned investors to keep their emotions in check with these sorts of auctions to become more common, noting that his criteria for a property is 5% to 7% minimum gross yield, low vacancy rates and little or low body corporate fees.
“Locations close to the beach or outdoor attractions and infrastructure are preferable as are properties in sought after school areas,” he said.
“I also look for properties that have a point of difference – a second bathroom, extra car accommodation or side access, and those that offer opportunities to maximise depreciation benefits, if you can.”
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Wave of investors crashing Gold Coast auctions: Buyer's agent

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Another 26 metropolitan Perth suburbs recorded house and unit sales of $1 million or more, according to new data from the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (ERIWA).
According to REIWA, 8.2% of houses and 3.4% of apartments sales were between $1 million to $2 million, as compared to 6.7% of houses and 3.3% of apartments in 2012/2013.
REIWA president David Airey notes that their list of suburbs is based on where transactions occurred at this price point, not where the median exceeds $1 million. This means the list won't look quite as expected to those used to seeing "million dollar median" lists.
“Six suburbs are completely new to this list while others have returned from previous years after being absent in 2012-13,” Airey said.
Some of the sales included large blocks with single dwellings that would suit multi-residential developments purposes, with others being more typical.
At present, REIWA data records Perth’s median house price at $540,000, with apartments’ median sitting at $450,000.
The June quarter median recorded price per lot for land was $285,000. The regional WA median prices for houses, apartments and land lots were $380,000, $330,000 and $180,000 respectively.
The six new entrants on the million dollar list:
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Ellenbrook</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Huntingdale</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">North Lake</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Piara Waters</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Pickering Brook </a> 
</li>
<li><a href="/news">Wandi</a></li>
</ol>
Source: REIWA
See over page for the entire list of million dollar transaction suburbs.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
The 26 new suburbs added to the million dollar transaction suburb list:
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Atwell </a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Bedfordale </a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Belmont</a> (notably the only new entry with apartment sales over $1 million) 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Currambine </a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Edgewater</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Ellenbrook</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Golden Bay </a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Gosnells </a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Harrisdale </a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Helena Valley</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Huntingdale</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Kelmscott </a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Madeley </a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Mount Nasura </a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Munster</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">North Lake</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Piara Waters</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Pickering Brook </a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Port Kennedy </a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Secret Harbour </a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Spearwood </a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">St James</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Wandi</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Warnbro </a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">White Gum Valley </a> 
</li>
<li><a href="/news">Wilson</a></li>
</ol>
Source: REIWA
You might also want to read:
<a href="/news/wa/western-australias-10-most-expensive-suburbs-to-rent-a-house">Western Australia's 10 most expensive suburbs to rent a house</a>
<a href="/news/the-2014-hia-home-of-the-year-in-dalkeith-perth-listed-for-8-million-plus">The 2014 HIA home of the year in Dalkeith, Perth listed for $8 million plus</a>
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Perth's 26 new $1 million suburbs: Did yours make the list?

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A Housing Industry Association fact sheet recently caught Property Observer’s attention for one particular statistic.
The HIA’s Window into Housing 2014 facts about the housing and construction industry in Australia included a fascinating look at the change in dwelling sizes since 2008.
New attached dwellings are now 5.4% smaller than their 2008 recorded counterparts, while houses are 0.6% larger, according to the HIA.
Despite this decrease in size, the recorded median house price for a detached dwelling is up 28.3%, while the median house price growth for an attached dwelling was up 25% since 2008.
In 2014, the average size of a new attached dwelling was 134 square metres, compared to 142 square metres in 2008 and 143 square metres in 2004. This is for attached dwellings of all types - including apartments.
Here's what the six year change looks like (on a very small scale, of course).
<img src="/images/2014/09/18/chart-sept-18-one.jpg" alt="">
{module Do you think the demand for smaller apartments is growing?}
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Is demand for smaller apartments growing?

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Australia is about to face a shortage of office development sites, according to a new report.
Colliers International’s Competitive Rivalry: Office Versus Residential in Metro Markets report suggests that increased appetite for residential development is now driving the metropolitan office markets.
In most metropolitan markets the demand is heating up, said John Marasco, Colliers International managing director of capital markets and investment services. He noted that developers are increasingly building residential properties on land previously earmarked for office developments.
“This is increasing competitive pressure on land values across metropolitan office markets, at the same time as demand from investors for office investments continues,” Marasco said.
“Zoned sites and existing commercial buildings are being converted to residential at an increasing rate, and in metropolitan markets this had led to minimal new development of office buildings. This increased competition has resulted in a tightening in yields for most eastern seaboard markets, following the similar trend witnessed in CBD office markets on the east coast.”
Nationally, new development supply of office space to the metropolitan market is recorded by Colliers to be at 124,996 square metres in 2014. In 2015, this figure is 100,963 square metres, with Victoria and Queensland driving the supply through 2014 – adding up to 37.6% and 33.6% respectively.
Marasco says that investors are increasingly demanding A Grade metropolitan office assets, particularly noting that institutional investors are expressing interest.
The graph below describes the type of buyers purchasing metro office stock:
<img src="/images/2014/09/17/chart%20sept%2017.jpg" alt="">
“Institutional investors remain highly active in the metropolitan office markets, accounting for 69% of total sales volume during the year,” he said.
“Compared to last year, there is a significant shift towards domestic investment in metro markets, in particular domestic institutional investment. Last year, offshore investment in metro markets was driving the lion’s share of investment.”
Attractive yields and occasional development upsides are behind the demand. Marasco said that the hotspots of New South Wales’ Parramatta, Queensland’s Fortitude Valley and Victoria’s Chadstone are on investors’ radars.
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Cities facing imminent shortage of office development sites: Colliers

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SQM Research’s latest Housing Boom and Bust Report forecasts growth to continue across the housing markets for the rest of this year, and far into 2015, with interest rates the key factor to watch.
Louis Christopher, managing director of SQM Research, said that the housing boom is not yet over and has provided strong forecasts for most of the capitals.
It seems that rates are one of the major factors to watch, substantially altering the forecasts should rates remain unchanged when compared to potential increases.
“The market is somewhat overvalued but not by as much as what some have very publicly stated. I don’t believe at this stage the market is in a bubble. Some cities are heading into overvalued territory, but the point overall is the market is far from a bubble situation when taking into account historical valuations over the past 30 years,” said Christopher.
There are certain scenarios he took into account for each forecast for 2015.
<ol>
<li>
Scenario 1: Base case. Rates remain unchanged. Economy steady, AUD above 85 cents.
</li>
<li>
Scenario 2: A 0.25 cut in rates in first quarter of 2015.
</li>
<li>
Scenario 3: A 0.25 rise in mid- to late-2015.
</li>
<li>
Scenario 4: Macro prudential tools employed at the beginning of the year. Rates cut towards end of 2015.
</li>
</ol>
Note that the 12 months to June 2014 results are from the ABS Cat 6416. The 2014 forecast figures were from the SQM Research September 2013 Housing Boom and Bust report.
The entire report is available for purchase via <a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au" target="_blank">SQM Research</a>.
For the forecasts for each capital city based on the different scenarios, see over page.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
<img src="/images/2014/09/17/sqm-sept-17-one.png" alt="">
For Scenario 2 see over page
<hr class="system-pagebreak" style="line-height: 1.3em;">
<img src="/images/2014/09/17/sqm-sept-17-two.png" alt="" style="line-height: 1.3em;">
For scenario 3 see over page
<hr class="system-pagebreak" style="line-height: 1.3em;">
 <img src="/images/2014/09/17/sqm-sept-17-three.png" alt="">
For scenario 4 see over page
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<img src="/images/2014/09/17/sqm-sept-17-four.png" alt="">
 
 
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How much will prices grow in 2015? SQM Research’s national predictions

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The final three penthouses at Kyko Group’s $150 million Mon Komo development in Redcliffe, Queensland have been released. 
Offered from $765,000 to $1,295,000 and from 148 square metres to 247 square metres, they include views to Moreton Island and come with Miele appliances.
The most expensive penthouse, and the largest, includes two bedroom, two bathrooms and a multipurpose room. The master bedroom includes a walk-in wardrobe.
<img src="/images/2014/09/17/Mon%20Komo%20internal%20with%20view.jpg" alt="">
The smallest includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a study.
The entire development includes a mixture of 184 residential and short stay apartments across two 12-level towers at 99 Marine Parade.
In February, <a href="/news/qld/close-to-11-million-of-new-apartment-sales-recorded-at-mon-komo-development-redcliffe">close to $11 million of apartments were recorded as sold in the development</a>, including an $825,000 penthouse.
<img src="/images/2014/09/17/Mon%20Komo%20internal.jpg" alt="">
More recently, two pricier penthouses sold – each with three bedrooms and multipurpose rooms – for nearing $2 million.
Secure basement storage can be purchased separately for each of the penthouses.
In total, Mon Komo’s residential tower includes eight penthouses.
<img src="/images/2014/09/17/redcliff-sept-17-breakout.jpg" alt="">
Adrian Parsons, Mon Komo marketing manager and managing director of TOTAL Property Group, said that this final release is a “lifestyle investment”.
“From both a financial and lifestyle viewpoint these penthouses offer the perfect opportunity for an astute investor to capitalise on an exceptional development,” said Parsons.
Click here for <a href="/news">property statistics on Redcliffe.</a>
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Final three penthouses released at Redcliffe, Queensland’s Mon Komo

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The Reserve Bank of Australia's September meeting minutes are full of crucial information about the current state of the housing market and the potential future for interest rate changes.
Here are 10 things they mentioned that every property investor should know. If you <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.rba.gov.au/monetary-policy/rba-board-minutes/2014/02092014" target="_blank">want to read the full meeting minutes they are available online</a>.
<ol>
<li>We’re most likely going to see stable interest rates. “Members considered that the most prudent course was likely to be a period of stability in interest rates.” 
</li>
<li>The rate of house price growth has the Reserve Bank a little uneasy. “Members further observed that additional speculative demand could amplify the property price cycle and increase the potential for property prices to fall later.” 
</li>
<li>Competition in lending is up, but standards have not been loosened by lenders. “[Easier wholesale funding conditions globally] had encouraged stronger competition in lending for housing and to large businesses, but members noted that this had not, to date, led to a general easing in mortgage lending standards and policies.” 
</li>
<li>Investors, rather than owner occupiers, were noted as the influential factor of the current cycle. “For investors in housing, the pick-up in housing credit growth had been more pronounced than for owner-occupiers, with investor demand particularly strong in Sydney and, to a lesser extent, Melbourne.” 
</li>
<li>Australia’s commercial property market is also performing well and has attracted both local and foreign investment interest with higher rental returns yielded than commonly seen overseas. “This had boosted prices even though rents for some types of commercial property had declined. In contrast, demand for finance from other parts of the business sector remained subdued, although business credit growth had picked up a little in recent months.” 
</li>
<li>China’s residential property market is an increasing concern for the RBA, particularly as it continues to weaken. “[These developments] and their potential to spill over to broader activity and the financial system – remained a risk to the outlook for China. They noted that there was scope for further adjustments to policy settings by the authorities if needed, as well as the potential for tension between the objectives of maintaining economic growth at close to its current pace and placing growth in financing on a more sustainable footing.” 
</li>
<li>Further growth in dwelling investment is expected to be seen, with new dwellings seeing an uptick. “Members noted that dwelling investment had expanded further in the June quarter and that leading indicators pointed to continued growth in the months ahead. For new dwellings, loan approvals and first home owner grants had increased strongly over the year and dwelling approvals remained at a high level despite having declined a little since late last year.” 
</li>
<li>The established market is also showing signs of strengthening across a number of indicators. “In particular, housing prices had been rising at a rapid pace and auction clearance rates were above average levels. Housing credit had continued to grow at an annualised pace of around 7%, with investor credit a particularly strong component.” 
</li>
<li>The average rate on all outstanding housing loans has fallen significantly since the cash rate was dropped over a year ago. “Members noted that Australian banks continued to raise funds relatively cheaply, with a recent issue of residential mortgage-backed securities being of record size in the domestic market and occurring at the tightest pricing since the financial crisis. Reflecting lower funding costs and competitive pressures, rates on Australian intermediaries' housing loans continued to edge down in August. The average interest rate on all outstanding housing loans had fallen by around 15 basis points since the cash rate was reduced in August 2013.” 
</li>
<li>Commodity prices declined slightly over the past month, with the price of iron ore falling to recent lows and coal prices remaining little changed following earlier sharp declines. Mining investment is still expected to drop. “Members noted that survey measures of business conditions and confidence continued to improve across non-mining industries and were now above their average levels. While mining investment was estimated to have been little changed in the June quarter, it was expected to decline significantly over the next year or so, consistent with what had been indicated for some time by liaison contacts.”
</li>
</ol>
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10 things to know about September’s RBA meeting minutes

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.

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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.

[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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