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A new ASIC MoneySmart poll has shone a bit of light onto the strategies of fruitful savers.
By polling those who are confident in their savings achievements, five strong trends emerged.
These were the five factors:
<ul>
<li>78% say they know how much money is needed 
</li>
<li>75% say they have a clear savings plan 
</li>
<li>73% say they regularly review progress towards their goal 
</li>
<li>72% say they have a specific saving timeframe 
</li>
<li>43% tell family and friends</li>
</ul>
It’s clear that tangible goals are stronger than general “save when possible” mantras. Being accountable to someone and setting yourself measurable targets are crucial.
“Savers who regularly review, remind themselves and publicly commit to their savings goals are those more likely to achieve them,” said MoneySmart’s senior executive leader Miles Larbey.
The majority of those surveyed were saving to buy or renovate a home, with 48% choosing this option. Meanwhile, 47% are saving for a holiday, 46% are saving for the future, 33% are saving an emergency fund and 13% are saving for a car.
With this in mind, ASIC launched a free app today, called TrackMyGOALS. It can be downloaded on the App Store or Google Play.
The app allows you to set your goals, your pay frequency, the total amount you are trying to save, allows you to track your progress and provides alerts when you need to add to your savings account. It appears to work best for long-term goals, but adding on a posh dinner out in a month could work as well.
You can have a number of goals set, and customise the colours for easier identification.
“There are also daily tips and, to help users stay motivated, they can visualise the outcome by uploading a picture of their savings goals,” said Larbey.
Here are some images from Property Observer’s playful trial run. It’s simple and easy to use (although it’s worth putting the cost before the date, as otherwise it looks to put your total cost goal as the amount you want to save per week.
Whenever you add money, you click on the goal, select the ‘add’ function, and type in the amount you’ve put aside. This then adds to a ‘history’ page, where you can track the amounts you have put into savings.
Our favourite feature is the ‘timeline’ function, that can serve to remind you both when you need to pay for something and to get you excited about reaching your saving goal.
<img src="/images/2014/09/11/smart%20saving%20sept%2011%20one.png" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/09/11/smart%20saving%20sept%2011%20two.png" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/09/11/smart%20saving%20sept%2011%20three.png" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/09/11/smart%20saving%20sept%2011%20four.png" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/09/11/smart%20saving%20sept%2011%20five.png" alt="">
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Five techniques to help you reach your savings goal: MoneySmart

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The CEO of Strata Match Cameron Davis has said that it’s time to change the legislation to protect strata residents, pointing to complaints about body corporate committees in highrise apartments.
Davis noted that interactions Strata Match, which is a strata management transitioning service, has with committee members and building managers suggests that bullying, disputes and misapplication of power are everyday concerns for highrise dwellers.
He said that for years they have advocated for a reform in Body Corporate legislation to make the tender selection process more transparent and fair.
“We have seen first hand, the distressing effect it has had on individuals who live in Body Corporates, and the resulting decline in value of their biggest assets,” he said.
Part of the issue is bias created by committee members creating cliques to select a body corporate management company. Davis suggests that detailed system checks and an increase of owner interest in who is tendering for management of the building will help reduce these issues.
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Strata Match calls for legislation changes due to complaints

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Localities in South East Queensland have been on many an investor’s radar over the past year.
Property Observer previously shared industry expert <a href="/expert-insights/investing/john-mcgrath-s-10-sydney-suburb-picks">John McGrath’s top 10 Sydney picks</a> that he recommends for future strength. However, where is he suggesting in Brisbane and its surrounds?
Here are the five suburbs that made his list.
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Indooroopilly</a> This area offers a great mix of property types including new apartments and prestige homes. The new $450 million refurbishment of Indooroopilly Shopping Centre has created a major suburban retail mecca &amp; a real alternative to the CBD for major shopping excursions. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Carindale</a> Just 10 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD benefiting as people widen their search from the inner ring. It offers bigger blocks &amp; homes for fractionally less &amp; good local shops including a Westfield. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Hendra</a> A popular suburb with easy access to the airport. A value alternative to the renowned blue-chip areas of <a href="/news">Hamilton</a> and <a href="/news">Ascot</a>. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Newtown</a> Less than 2 kilometres west of the Toowoomba CBD, Newtown is an affordable hot spot undergoing change as more young couples and families move in and renovate. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Helensvale</a> Located a 15 minute drive from Southport, Helensvale is a sleeping giant. This large suburb offers a range of properties with good buying available. There are good schools and easy access to highways leading to Brisbane, Southport and Surfers Paradise.</li>
</ol>
YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO READ:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="/news/qld/terry-ryders-top-10-queensland-hotspots">Terry Ryder's top 10 Queensland hotspots</a> 
</li>
<li><a href="/expert-insights/buying/exclusive-first-home-buyer-picks-from-the-experts">Where the experts would purchase on a first home buyer budget</a></li>
</ul>
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John McGrath’s five South East Queensland hotspots

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Coral Sea Property Management agency, well known for their brazen pirate themed real estate marketing in Townsville, have been stripped of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland accreditation after taking one billboard campaign a step too far.
The billboard featured an image of Monica Lewinsky and the query “Last agent leave a bad taste in your mouth?”, <a href="https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/pirate-real-estate-agent-stripped-of-accreditation/story-fnjfzs4b-1227053913475" target="_blank">according to the Townsville Bulletin</a>.
REIQ chairman Rob Honeycombe told the Bulletin that the conduct blatantly flouted their code of conduct, even while the principal of the agency, Shaun Podbury, said that they weren’t offensive they just wanted to provoke a reaction.
Heading onto their website, where they promise to pay investors’ rent after day 14 if they haven’t tenanted the property, the fun continues.
“Bloated magpie-legged corporate w-nkers go ghostly white and tremble at the knees at the thought of such a guarantee,” they write in their manifesto.
Their code of conduct also includes “No corporate w-nkers”, along with treating owners, tenants and “crew” with respect and running a tight ship.
Many of the <a href="https://www.coralseaproperty.com.au/photos" target="_blank">staff photos feature a young team in tie-dye shirts</a>, some with pirate flag tattoos on their moderately exposed bottoms.
Explaining the pirate theme, they note that they are different, system and processes focused. They say that they stand by their statistics, publish them constantly and want to make their captains (read: property owners) more money.
“We thought it time someone shook up the industry, so pirates we decided to be.”
A rolling feed on their website notes that as of today, their current vacancy rate is 1.26% and they have just one tenant in arrears.
Their monthly newsletters to investors provide these details, while their monthly tenant newsletters encourage the majority who have paid the rent and also give out a “tenant of the month” award (a free breakfast at a local café), recipes, maintenance request reminders and information around a $250 gift for those who provide a referral of a family member or friend.
While some aspects are completely hilarious, for instance referring to their office contact as ‘Chairman Meow’ (a pirate cat with an eye patch, hook and cutlass, based on their actual pet), it’s clear not all their stunts amuse.
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Pirate-themed property managers stripped of REIQ accreditation

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Commencing in Brisbane, Squiiz is beginning its launch meetings, as they gear up for an expected mid-October launch.
The new listings website, advertised as being 100% industry-owned and operated, is undertaking 10 launch sessions across Australia, beginning in Brisbane.
Managing director of RE/MAX Australia and RE/MAX New Zealand, Michael Davoren, said that the purpose of <a href="https://www.squiiz.com.au/%20" target="_blank">Squiiz</a> is to “protect the real estate industry and the data it collects”.
He noted that no one party dominates or controls interest, and also said that the Certified Practising Real Estate Agents group has decided to shelve their own property portal development to back the project.
Other information sessions are being held in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Launceston and Sydney.
The logo is of specific interest, it appears to be a combination of the elements of the realAs owl placemarker, and the common roof more familiar in Domain’s carefully-designed ‘M’.
But will it take off? When <a href="/news/can-squiiz-seriously-challenge-rea-and-domain">polled as to whether it could seriously challenge REA and Domain</a>, Property Observer readers were split, with “no” just pushing past as of 10am, September 11.
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Squiiz listing website starts launch meetings today

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Blue Star Group is using a new bespoke augmented reality marketing campaign to market Caxton Property Group’s Chapman Green development in Sydney’s Beecroft.
On <a href="https://chapmangreen.com.au" target="_blank">1-5 Chapman Avenue, Beecroft</a>, the new development offers one, two and three bedroom apartments 200 metres from Beecroft train station. Penthouse apartments with views to the city are also available.
However, buyers now have the ability to experience the upcoming apartments in a new way through a Chapman 4D application, which can be downloaded on iTunes and Google Play.
Blue Star Interactive head David Francis said that the communications future is all about 4D and immersive technology. 
“As the only Australian company that offers an end-to-end augmented reality production solution, Blue Star Group is excited to be pioneering this technology in the property space,” he said.
“3D has long been claimed as a cinematic tool where viewing is enhanced through eyewear that slightly offsets your depth perception. 4D is another level, unbounded by screens. Using mobile devices - and wearables in the near future - 4D literally turns the world into a stage.”
Francis said that they see this technology becoming a key component of marketing plans for Australia’s leading developers and property marketers, and is a powerful tool for informing remote or overseas buyers as they can see the full model from their own location.
It also, however, provides insights into how users behave – including which apartments are being looked at, how long they looked at it for and their geolocation, that build records to inform marketing efforts. 
Property Observer downloaded the free app and decided to give it a spin. The premise sees property buyers pointing their tablet at brochures, press advertisements and marketing collateral around the project. This is then supposed to bring you into a virtual world where specific apartments can be viewed interactively with sound effects and views.
The app is a collaboration between Blue Star Group, McGrath Real Estate and Caxton Property Group. It’s 83.1 megabytes and requires IOS 6.0 or later.
From the office, we <a href="https://www.bluestarinteractive.com.au/CHAPMAN_SAMPLE.pdf%20" target="_blank">downloaded the Chapman Green sample brochure</a>, which was very quickly recognized by the application, with the iPad held landscape. You are then asked to be patient as the virtual world loads, and are given a marketing video of the project to watch in the meantime. Unfortunately, the application crashed as the app tried to load the virtual world and continued to do so. Checking for latest software updates, reducing the amount stored on the device and uninstalling the app and re-installing, this yielded no better result.
Property Observer is keen to know if anyone else has had more luck.
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The 4D age of property hunting: Chapman Green, Beecroft

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Sydney’s growth statistics, if sustained, will see the median price pushed up to above $1,000,000 in less than two years.
All eastern seaboard capital cities have seen their housing prices rise, according to the latest edition of the Bendigo Bank/REIA Real Estate Market Facts report released today.
The report, which looked at the June quarter 2014, reported a good result for eastern capitals but a far different story in Hobart and Perth.
Melbourne saw the greatest increase, with a 3.3% lift to $658,000. This was closely followed by Sydney, up 3.1% to $811,837. Notably, this is the first time Sydney has pushed past the $800,000 mark.
New South Wales retains the title as the least affordable place to buy a home – a title it has held since March 2009.
If this 3.1% growth rate was continued for Sydney, a quick calculation reveals that in seven quarters of consecutive 3.1% increases on each new figure will take the median house price to $1,005,203 (rounded to the nearest dollar).
The trend overall for Australia, however, was a 2% increase over the quarter, to $617,232, explained REIA president Peter Bushby.
“The report is good news for home owners in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra, which all showed increases in the median house price over the last quarter,” said Bushby.
“Darwin also saw a very slight increase while house prices are down in Perth and Hobart,” he said.
“While Sydney and Melbourne house prices have received a lot of media attention lately, the report also showed solid growth for Brisbane with a quarterly increase of 2.2% seeing the median house price now at $470,000,” he said.
Adelaide and Canberra recorded increases of 0.8% and 0.9% respectively, with Darwin up 0.1%.
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Sydney will have a $1 million median in two years if current growth is sustained

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A Victorian property listing, for 3 Dunbar Street, Hamilton got Property Observer’s attention.
This three bedroom, one bathroom property with tiled roof is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-hamilton-113599031" target="_blank">marketed with an atypical ‘redecorators delight’ headline</a>, being sold “as is” through Lanyon’s Real Estate Hamilton.
However, what is unusual is the blatant honesty about how the property got to its current condition.
The house has been “trashed by some scumbag tenants,” the marketing reads.
“It is a home which has had a second living room added to it, and prior to the aforementioned tenants from hell, this was a delightful little home in a quiet court, very close to the Golf Course,” the listing explains.
It comes with a double garage and is available for $109,000.
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“Trashed by scumbag tenants”: A brutally honest property listing

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Queensland's Parliament have passed reforms which seek to cut red tape in the state's construction industry.
According to Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie, the Land Sales and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 would simultaneously improve buyer protection.
Unregistered, reconfigured land can now be sold prior to receiving the relevant development permits.
The maximum deposit limit has lifted from 10% to 20% of the purchase price to help finance larger projects.
Offences relating to compliance with seller disclosure requirements were lifted where buyer termination rights apply.
The Property Council of Australia noted that it contains “wins” for the property industry, including removing a buyer's ability to terminate a sale based on the ‘significant variation test’.
“Buying a property is one of the biggest decisions most people make in their lifetime, so it’s vital that consumers know exactly what they’re signing up for,” said Bleijie.
“By modernising the current system, families wanting to buy a new home will have easier access to key information about a proposed off the plan property - such as proposed earth works, the construction of buildings and other structures like retaining walls - during the sale process.”
For community title developments the buyers will be told the size, location and floor level of the apartment in addition to details of common property on their floor.
Duplicated disclosure obligations were removed to reduce complicated forms, he said.
Buyers and sellers are also now able to make their own contractual agreement on smaller non-community title developments of five lots or less.
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Queensland government pass off the plan reforms

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The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data has put first home buyers at a new record low since the series began in 1991.
The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) president noted that the proportion of first home buyers, as part of the overall owner-occupied housing commitments, fell to 12.2%. This compares to 13.2% in June.
“This figure for first home buyers is very concerning and Governments need to look at the issues impacting on this important group,” said Bushby.
“There is a chronic under-supply of housing and added to this many state and territories have abolished home buyer grants for established dwellings which has further undermined the confidence this group needs to enter the market.”
However, he noted that the July 2014 lending figures were, overall, indicative of a stable market. With recent unemployment figures at a 12-year high, Bushby said that the Reserve Bank of Australia should be convinced to maintain rates at their current record lows.
In trend terms, owner-occupied finance commitments were flat after consecutive increases over the last fourteen months.
If refinancing is taken out of the trend data, owner-occupier finance commitments are down 0.4%, which equates to the sixth consecutive drop this year.
“Increases were recorded in Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria. The Northern Territory had the biggest rise of 0.7%,” he said.
Queensland recorded a 0.1% drop, while the ACT was stable.
“In trend terms, the number of commitments for new dwellings purchases increasedby1.3% while construction of new dwellings decreased 3.0% and the purchase of established dwellings decreased by 0.1%.
“The value of investment housing commitments again increased by a 1.2 per cent in July, following over three years of consecutive monthly increases,” he said.
However, observer Terry Ryder warns about ensuring you question the data.
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First home buyers hit new record low: REIA 

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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