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With bushfire disasters seen recently in South Australia and Victoria, Terri Scheer Insurance’s insurance executive manager Carolyn Parrella is warning landlords to seek appropriate coverage now.
Parella said there has been widespread loss, from property loss to stock loss, and that it will take a while to examine the full extent of the damage.
“It’s often in times like these when insurance becomes front of mind, in terms of whether there is adequate insurance in place, or whether a homeowner is covered at all,” said Parella.
She warned that while price is often the first consideration for insurance, affordability should not be the only thing that investors look at when considering their coverage.
In fact it’s more about looking at the level of coverage, and considering the potential “what ifs”.
“This includes the location of the property and whether you live in a high risk bushfire zone or flood prone area, as the relevant building codes may alter the level or type of coverage required,” she said.
“My message to landlords is – don’t wait until it’s too late when it comes to insurance coverage.”
When submitting a claim, she warned that you don’t want to be discovering that you don’t have the cover you thought that you did or to find excesses that you hadn’t considered.
“It is a good idea to regularly review your policy and ensure appropriate coverage is in place.”
Here are some points to remember:
<ul>
<li>It’s worth reading your policy wording, including terms and conditions, to ensure you are covered for what you think you are. 
</li>
<li>Ensure your policy is up to date – an expired cover leaves you uninsured. 
</li>
<li>Suitable building insurance policies should be checked for fire coverage and can cover rental income if the property is damaged and can’t be tenanted for a period of time. 
</li>
<li>Specialised landlord’s insurance may be worth considering.</li>
</ul>
Source: Terri Scheer Insurance
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Bushfires prompt insurance warning: Terri Scheer Insurance

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Husband and wife duo team Sam and Phil Hargrave have launched a new agency in Queensland's Pomona hinterland: Hargrave Real Estate.
Sam has worked in the area since 2003 and has 25 years of real estate experience, having begun her career in Sydney's Lower North Shore luxury real estate market in 1990. The couple moved to Noosa hinterland in 2003.
Launching in December 2014, Sam Hargrave also made the CoreLogic RP Data 'A List', recognising the top 150 real estate performers in Queensland.
Emily Kindred, A-List spokeswoman, said that the list recognises professionalism, enthusiasm, skill, drive, passion and personality.
Phil Hargrave, principal of the agency, recognised the boost of confidence the award provided them to start their own business.
"Phil and I will use the best of our combined knowledge to present clients with a reasoned perspective and stress-free experience when listing, marketing, and selling their home," she said.
"It is my knowledge, experience and personal service, combined with a relentless energy and enthusiasm that will give you the advantage when buying and selling your home."
They service Pomona, Cooran, Cootharaba, Boreen Point, Cooroy and Lake Macdonald.
Hargrave Real Estate service Pomona; Cooran; Cootharaba; Boreen Point; Cooroy and Lake Macdonald.
 
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Hargrave Real Estate opened in Queensland’s Pomona hinterland

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Mirvac seems to be adding a royal touch to their developments at Yarra's edge, having recently installed a structure on the rooftop of their apartment tower Array.
Next door, the T5 apartment tower is often called the "King" of Yarra's Edge, according to Mirvac group executive residential development John Carfi.
Naturally, this theme has been continued, with Array now featuring a regal sculpture on level 40 - a 65 tonne steel crown, which took 12 weeks and 20 separate modules to install that can be seen from the skyline.
Carfi explained that the vision is to elevate the sight-lines down the busy streets of Melbourne with clever architecture.
"When people peer down Flinders Street they will now see, framed by the city's mix of heritage and contemporary architecture, these two unique buildings crowned in sculptural steel," said Carfi.
Currently, 85% of Array's 203 homes have been sold, with residents to move in during the first half of 2016. It features one, two, three and four bedroom apartments, and includes twin multi-level penthouses.
The East Penthouses has been designed by Megan Hess, using her homewares and artwork. She is best known as the Sex and the City cover designer, the project that launched her career.
"A large proportion of Array purchasers are empty nesters keen to downsize from more demanding properties in the suburbs. Array's location, expansive apartment sizes and diversity of floor plans have been hugely appealing to buyers, with around 60% of purchasers planning to own and occupy," Carfi said.
"This area is forecast to be one of the fastest growing inner-urban areas in Victoria over the next 10 years, and Array purchasers are buying into an exclusive waterside lifestyle in a neighbourhood of award-winning homes with their own full service marina right on their doorstep," he said.
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Mirvac waxes lyrical over their 'King' of Yarra's Edge

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Everyone is keen to know how the property markets will fare over 2015, but it seems that Queensland is on many investors' radars.
Raine &amp; Horne real estate agents have shared their predictions of where the best areas of the state may be.
General manager Queensland, Steve Worrad, said that market conditions are improving in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, however noted that the "smart money" is looking further afield.
"Major hubs such as Toowoomba are set to benefit from major infrastructure improvements, while smaller centres such as Woodford and Kingaroy will enjoy the benefits of factors such as lower interest rates and the breaking drought," he said.
"Once we get past the Queensland election, which was called by the Premier this afternoon for 31 January, homeowners and investors considering the sale of a regional property in Queensland can expect excellent selling conditions in 2015," said Worrad.
Toowoomba Source: Andrew Lynch (principal, Raine &amp; Horne Toowopomba)
Expectation:
<ul>
<li>Growth from 5% to 8% over the year</li>
<li>Major driver: The recent launch of the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport is likely to have a positive impact on the economy and real estate, being a first for Toowoomba.</li>
</ul>
Signs of change:
<ul>
<li>Large number of commercial developments have attracted enquiries from businesses considering relocating from Brisbane due to the airport.</li>
</ul>
Features of the town:
<ul>
<li>Multi-industry town with strong service and healthcare businesses, plus a robust agricultural sector.</li>
<li>Strong education hub that is also a big employer for local people.</li>
</ul>
Suburbs to consider:
<ul>
<li>Charlton, which isn't far from the airport.</li>
<li>Rangeville and Centenary Heights – both tightly-held owner occupier suburbs on the eastern side priced around $400,000. Currently in strong demand.</li>
<li>Darling Heights and other west side areas close to USQ, which are already popular with yield chasing investors. There are some new developments in the area.</li>
</ul>
Moreton Bay Source: Jill Garth (principal, Raine &amp; Horne Woodford)
Major driver:
<ul>
<li>Demographic shift in the area</li>
<li>Low interest rates</li>
<li>Has hit the bottom of the cycle with only a positive outlook available</li>
</ul>
Signs of change:
<ul>
<li>First time buyers are re-emerging in the area, potentially due to lower interest rates</li>
<li>Higher number of investors have already been seen</li>
</ul>
Investment features:
<ul>
<li>High yields available in excess of 6%.</li>
</ul>
South Burnett region Source: John Allery (co-principal, Raine &amp; Horne Kingaroy)
Expectation:
<ul>
<li>Up to 5% growth over the year</li>
</ul>
Major driver:
<ul>
<li>Increase in rainfall has been good for the agricultural area.</li>
</ul>
Features of the town:
<ul>
<li>A number of piggeries and grain producers.</li>
<li>Swickers Kingaroy Bacon Factor employs 500 people and is one of Australia's most significant pork abattoirs</li>
<li>Famous for peanuts.</li>
<li>2.5 hours north west of Brisbane</li>
<li>Stanwell Power Station employs 450 locals</li>
</ul>
Investment features:
<ul>
<li>Due to the 2014 drought, real estate is currently affordable in the area</li>
<li>A number of entry-level homes sub-$200,000</li>
<li>Currently a buyer's market</li>
</ul>
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Queensland 2015 predictions: Raine & Horne's top areas to watch

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It’s a new year and unsurprisingly home buyers are gearing up to get back into the market looking for a property to buy.
Here are five tips for all home buyers looking to get on the ladder this year.
Pre-approval
If you’ve stopped looking since the close of 2014 then you may be through, or close to, the end of your pre-approval period (or you may not have obtained one yet). While a pre-approval isn’t the same as an actual loan, it will give you the peace of mind to have a guide to what you can actually borrow.
Here’s a <a href="/expert-insights/finance/a-quick-guide-to-home-loan-pre-approval">quick guide to home loan pre-approval</a>. 
Ensure you can afford the repayments
Getting pre-approval for a loan is one thing, but are you sure you can actually afford to repay the amount required each fortnight or month? It’s critical to go through your finances, especially in the new year when changes may be planned, to consider whether different circumstances may lead to hardship later on. Be honest with yourself about your job plans and general stability. It may be worth practicing putting the money aside for repayments to ensure you have the discipline to pay back the loan.
To prepare yourself for debt, here are <a href="/expert-insights/buying/preparing-yourself-for-debt-10-things-to-do-now-to-make-home-ownership-easier">10 things that you can do to make it easier</a>.
Research
If "research" isn't a message that's drilled into you yet, then you may not quite be ready. Research is important! Understanding what properties are worth in the market you are considering, knowing how to negotiate with private treaty sales or the process for bidding at auction – all of this is critical if you want to purchase well.
You can read here the <a href="/expert-insights/how-we-research-when-property-buying-realestateview-com-au">techniques that other buyers tend to use when researching property</a>.
For those still looking for an area, the Finding section will come in handy.
Due diligence
Many of our <a href="/expert-insights/buying/10-first-time-buyer-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them">top 10 first home buyer mistakes and how to avoid them</a> are as a result of being rushed or not understanding what is considered due diligence.
Remember, you want to make sure that you purchase a property with open eyes, aware of the nature of the asset and ready for any necessary improvements.
Usually, there are three main things to consider: ensuring the home is structurally sound, undertaking the correct legal checks on the contract so you know what you’re buying and ensuring that you are able to pay a fair price.
If you’re not sure on what counts as due diligence, here’s <a href="/expert-insights/what-is-due-diligence-investment-terms-explained">a quick two minute explanation</a>.
Know your limitations
Lastly, it’s something many of us are poor at – knowing our limitations. While,  it can be easy enough to determine your financial limitations after speaking to a broker, knowing your personal limitations can be harder.
Will you truly be able to commute that far?
Is renovating the home DIY-style really in your skillset?
Can you really put up with not having a car space?
Ask yourself the often uncomfortable questions to ensure that you’re not convincing yourself into the purchase.
What tips do you have for budding first home buyers?
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Five tips for those buying their first home in 2015

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At the close of 2014, the big topic was whether the Reserve Bank (RBA) would actually cut rates this year, with an increasing number of experts forecasting the board would do just this.
It seems consumers may be responding to the speculation, according to Mortgage Choice spokesperson Jessica Darnbrough, who said their statistics show more borrowers choosing variable rates.
“At the beginning of December last year, speculation was rife that the Reserve Bank of Australia could cut the cash rate throughout 2015,” Darnbrough said.
“Ongoing weakness in the Australian and global economy has encouraged some analysts to change their cash rate forecasts to include up to two further rate cuts,” she said.
“While future cash rate cuts are purely speculation at the moment, it would seem the chatter has been enough to encourage more home buyers to take out a variable rate mortgage.”
Victorians are those most keen on variable rates, totalling 85.79% of all home loans written in December. South Australia and Western Australia totalled 82.81% and 82.11% respectively for variable rate loans.
New South Wales borrowers, at the bottom of the pile for variable rates, saw fixed rate demand strong at 30%.
“Australia’s lenders are offering some very sharply priced products at the moment, so regardless of what type of home loan product you eventually decide upon, now is a good time to be a home buyer,” said Darnbrough.
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RBA speculation sees borrowers turn to variable: Mortgage Choice

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A new collaboration of six of Australia’s property experts has created Your Property Team, a group who are warning that the spruikers are out in force in the current hot market.
The <a href="https://www.yourpropertyteam.com.au" target="_blank">Your Property Team</a> group includes Destiny Financial Solution’s Margaret Lomas, Australian Property Monitors’ Andrew Wilson, consumer advocate Lisa Montgomery, BMT’s Bradley Beer, Bishop Collins’ Ian Rodrigues and Block Strata’s Michael Teys.
Lomas says that the main problem facing the industry is a lack of regulation and a failure on behalf of the federal government to recognise property investing as an industry.
“I’ve been lobbying the government, both Liberal and Labor, for around eight years now, to step up to the plate and provide supervision and control to prevent the often spectacular financial losses  by hapless property investors who fall prey to spruikers,” she said. 
“I’ve seen some really sad cases of every day Australians losing all they have worked for and having nowhere to turn and no laws to back them up.”
To counter a number of questionable seminars, they’re making their own.
She selected the team, from regular guests on her show Your Money Your Call, to create a one day national workshop series under the slogan ‘Nothing to sell except their expertise’.
“We hope to go some way toward making it hard for the spruikers who offer ridiculously expensive ‘boot camps’ and workshops to get business,” Lomas said. 
“There’ll be no upgraded course costing tens of thousands of dollars on offer and definitely no property to sell at the end – just a full day of current information, from six highly skilled experts, to help you make the most of 2015.”
The cost of one adult ticket is $410, with 400 available, according to the Your Property Team website, with Sydney Property Intensive 2015 being their first event. Melbourne and Brisbane will also see the team visit, with the possibility of visiting other capitals.
Topics covered include growth drivers, the national state of the market, financing your portfolio, depreciation strategies and strata titled property.
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Property experts warn that spruikers out in force in hot market

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Swimming pools contributed to 15% of total preventable drownings for Australians last year, according to the Royal Life Saving’s National Drowning Report, with Archers Body Corporate warning residents and bodies corporate to review their pool hygiene and safety systems. 
With more drownings occurring in summer, due to more pool activity, Archers’ compliance manager Joel Carkeet is encouraging everyone to check the pool area regularly to ensure it stays safe.
“It is important to ensure the pool area is always left tidy, all toys are picked up and the gate is latched properly to avoid any children accessing the pool area unattended,” Carkeet said.
“Residents should also be vigilant in supervising children, and be able to access CPR and first aid procedures in the pool area.”
Up to date safety certificates are required legally, but also serve to reassure guests and residents.
Bodies corporate should also be watching hygiene and filtrations, suggests Carkett.
“The pool filtration system should be operated every six to eight hours of the day, and sanitiser levels should be regularly checked, preferably daily,” he said.
Here are Archers Body Corporate’s three swimming pool tips:
<ul>
<li>Ensure pool rules are enforced for all residents and guests including opening hours and glass restrictions. 
</li>
<li>Keep pool hygiene up-to-date – Operate the pool filtration 6-8 hours a day and have the pool checked by a professional every two weeks in summer. 
</li>
<li>Ensure pool rules and CPR signage is clearly visible to all residents and guests using the pool area.</li>
</ul>
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Bodies corporate and residents need to focus on pool safety this summer: Archers

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Strong investor interest in the caravan park and retirement village market is continuing, with Sea Wings Village at Anna Bay sold for $6,993,000. It is an over 55s resort at Frost Road, Anna Bay.
The sale of the Port Stephens located village was negotiated by Ray White Commercial Burleigh’s Sam Johnson on behalf of a private seller. It is just one of four caravan parks sold in the Tweed region this year already, with the transactions totalling more than $12 million.
“This latest transaction was conducted off market,” said Johnson.
Multiple offers were achieved on the back of his database within 48 hours of sending out information about the property.
It includes 150 manufactured houses, a manager’s office and residence, swimming pool, tennis court and community hall. The business earns a gross annual income of $1 million per annum.
“Caravan parks and manufactured housing estates are playing an increasingly important role in meeting the housing requirements of the ageing population in Australia,” he said.
“Both institutional investors and cashed up private investors are entering this sector of the market, chasing the secure income afforded by these assets.”
The new owner is a Sydney-based private fund.
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Investors entering caravan and retirement village markets: Ray White

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Construction is underway on Brookfield Residential Properties’ Portside Wharf development, with Pinnacle, the riverfront apartment building, set to be completed by mid year.
<a href="https://www.pinnacleportside.com.au" target="_blank">Portside Wharf</a>'s Pinnacle spans 15 levels and has obtained $85 million worth of sales, now more than 65% sold with one penthouses, six river terraces, two three bedroom apartments and a mix of two bedroom apartments remaining. The two bedroom apartments are priced from $590,000.
Link will be complete in early-2015, with their 32 one bedroom apartments sold out for more than $13.5 million. Construction is currently at level four and the development features 522 square metres of retail space.
Regional director for Brookfield Residential Properties Lee Butterworth said that construction will now be focused on the external façade and landscaping.
"The buildings are quickly taking shape and buyers can see that the standard of build and fittings are top quality," he said.
"We have opened our first display in Pinnacle so buyers can experience first hand what it would be like to live directly on the river in a vibrant precinct like Portside Wharf.”
Pinnacle is the premier apartment building in the development, featuring a rooftop infinity pool, bbq and entertainment area, gym and onsite security.
"We expect sales will ramp up as construction nears completion and buyers realise the wait to move into their brand new apartment is quickly nearing the finish,” Butterworth said.
The river terraces include al fresco living and entertaining with terraces spanning up to 54 square metres. A number have private access to the wharf.
<img src="/images/2015/01/06/pinnacle-jan-6-two.jpg" alt="">
"The owner occupier market has really taken off and sales have ramped up as buyers look for a riverfront location with access to everything," he said.
"In terms of position, Portside Wharf is unmatched when it comes to accessibility to its retail plaza, as well as its proximity to the CBD, airport, the CityCat and motorways including direct access to Kingsford Smith Drive, which is set to become a six lane boulevard under new state government plans.”
Within the precinct, 35 retailers are now in residence.
"Our retail precinct continues to grow, with the current retail space almost completely occupied and more in the pipeline upon the completion of both Link and Pinnacle," he said.
"Portside Wharf offers a great mix of fine dining, cafes, beauty, entertainment, services and conveniences, including a Dendy Cinema, IGA supermarket, Ella Bache, barber shop and dentist.”
Apartment buildings Promenade, Loft, Infinity and Flare are already complete, with just one apartment in Promenade priced at $635,000 for a two bedroom, two bathroom option.
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Pinnacle, Portside Wharf gearing up for mid-year completion

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

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

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

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

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

NAB funds $1 billion Surfers Paradise apartment development, Palmera

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

Jennifer Duke

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