<html><body>
Clothing, jewelry and cruelty-free makeup shop Save Yourself is undergoing a move from the Hardwick Building to a new Brunswick Street address.
Their new address, set to be <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-fitzroy-500967639%20%20" target="_blank">284 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy</a>, was up for lease through Fitzroys – Melbourne and has a floor area of 98 square metres. It adjoins the newly opened Stagger Lee’s café, includes rear access and had an advertised rent of $75,000 per annum plus GST and outgoings.
<a href="https://www.saveyourselfboutique.com.au/pages/the-shop" target="_blank">Save Yourself</a>'s opening date is yet to be confirmed, but will retain its focus on local and sustainably made eclectic products.
Formerly known as OKOK, known for hosiery, they officially opened their <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/2009842498/for-sale/vic/brunswick/retail" target="_blank">Hardwick Building, Sparta Place, 459 Sydney Road store</a> as Save Yourself on 20 September 2012. Their last open day prior to the move was 19 July.
OKOK had held the Shop 16 property on a two year lease, with rent at $18,616 per annum plus GST. The store was 24 square metres plus mezzanine, with outgoings paid by the tenant.
At their Sparta Place residence they’d previously held pop-up bake sales with local Hello You bakery and held The Design Journey exhibition.
Their previous premises are re-let through Red Dot Real Estate.
</body></html>

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Save Yourself relocates from Sydney Road to Brunswick Street

<html><body>
Two adjoining properties, at 48 and 50 Milne Street, Mount Warren Park in Brisbane’s south are up for sale – offered either separately or together as a development site.
The south Brisbane opportunity is on the market with Ray White Industrial M1 North, by team leader Lisa Dunne, with offers to purchase closing at 4pm on 25 November.
The two lots are on a 4,896 square metre site with a residential choice domain, included in a draft planning scheme with 40 townhouses per hectare potential.
“In January, 2015, the town planning regulator covering Mt Warren Park will be transferring to Logan City Council as advised by the Gold Coast City Council,” said Dunne.
Lot 48 is on 2,448 square metres of land and comes with a two-storey four-bedroom house.
Lot 50 is a 2,448 square metre block with a three-bedroom house.
“The two lots are being offered together or separately,” she said, noting that Mount Warren Park is in a fast growth area.
“Although the area was once separated from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the region has experienced advancing urban sprawl since the development of the highway to Brisbane,” she said.
“This is a great opportunity for an investor or developer to secure a prime piece of land in an up-and-coming suburb and we urge all prospective buyers to register their interest to avoid disappointment.”
</body></html>

Mount Warren Park, Brisbane development site up for sale

<html><body>
A mixed-used development on the main shopping strip in Highett, was awarded the Mainstreet Australia Mainstreet Activation award at a gala event last month.
Launched in mid-2013, the development, on the corner of Highett and Graham Roads in Melbourne, includes a retail hub, a socially activated mall and streetscape, and aimed to reinvigorate local commercial opportunities.
<img src="/images/2014/08/06/highett-aug-6-breakout-2.jpg" alt="">
ClarkeHopkinsClarke architect Toby Lauchlan said that their Highett creation is the first of its kind.
“For ClarkeHopkinsClarke rejuvenating streetscapes which are often seen in disrepair in suburban Melbourne, is about creating vibrant communities and injecting much needed life through design,” Lauchlan said.
“We set the bar high on all of our work and liaise closely with the community to deliver a shared vision and we’re glad the UDIA and Mainstreet Australia judges both recognize our collaborative efforts have helped transform another community.”
The project has generated 140 full time, part time and casual jobs since the opening of the centre, and has contributed to the safety of the area for those accessing the train station.
“The site once had old warehouses where planes were built in the war and we now see a strip of award winning urban design,” Lauchlan said.
Retail tenancies are current achieving higher rents that estimated initially.
The property also includes residential apartments, with 120 of the 130 selling off the plan prior to completion, explained Accord Property Group managing director Scott McVilly.
</body></html>

Highett, Melbourne development wins Mainstreet Award

<html><body>
With yesterday’s decision to keep rates on hold coming as little surprise, industry groups are now turning their attention to banks and lenders.
Over the past fortnight, 71 home loans with a five-year fixed rate term have had their interest rates cut by up to 0.80%, according to RateCity research.
Unsurprisingly, this is becoming of greater interest to borrowers as <a href="/expert-insights/finance/a-year-of-record-low-rates-as-rba-leaves-cash-rate-at-2-5">lenders increasingly move out of the RBA’s cycle that has been stable for 12 months now at 2.5%</a>.
Despite much of the RBA talk discussing the next potential increase, <a href="/expert-insights/finance/start-planning-for-a-rate-rise-finder-com-au">most industry members wholeheartedly agreeing that we’ve hit the trough</a> despite disagreements about when we will see a rise. Responses yesterday to the next month of stability mirrored 1300HomeLoan’s sentiments that <a href="/expert-insights/finance/more-discounting-from-lenders-on-the-horizon-1300homeloan">more cuts are coming, not necessarily form the RBA, but from the lenders</a>.
“The home loan customer is in a strong negotiating position and your lender will be keen to listen, particularly if you raise the possibility of looking elsewhere,” 1300HomeLoan managing director John Kolenda said.
“We are seeing some of the lowest fixed rates ever and there’s also good deals being offered on variable rates.”
“The borrowing costs for banks in the global market have fallen and they are in a position to offer highly competitive home loan products.”
Meanwhile, CEO of RateCity Alex Parsons said that those dropping rates at the moment includes three of the big four banks.
“Five-year fixed rates have come down by 0.54 percentage points on average in two weeks – that’s more than we’d typically see passed down by the RBA in any given month,” said Parsons.
“My advice is if your home loan rate starts with a five then get out there and find a better rate – 4.99% is a sharp rate and gives consumers a great amount of certainty over a long period of time in a cycle whereby most people would assume that interest rates are going to go up over time and not further down,” he said.
Loan Market director Mark De Martino was also pointing out the heavy competition, noting that there are drops across three, four and five-year fixed term products.
Despite this, the warnings are starting to emerge from all quarters.
“A couple years ago, I doubt anyone would have thought you could have got a fixed rate below five per cent for five years. While it’s certainly an attractive rate now, there’s wider implications borrowers need to consider before they take up fixed rates,” De Martino said.
“Whilst fixed rates do not move up and down in sync with the cash rate they are indicative of what lenders think it’s going to cost to borrow money in the future - seeing so many move rates down is further evidence to support the perception that interest rates may remain low for quite some time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Parsons warned that borrowers must ensure that they can withstand a 2% increase in rates and afford the repayments, even in times of “cheap money”.
“That’s something people really need to understand so they don’t find themselves in mortgage stress when rates eventually do increase,” he said.
The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales president Malcolm Gunning was also putting borrowers onto the alert.
“While these record low interest rates have been welcomed by consumers, we must once again caution mortgage holders that the fairytale will eventually end. It is important not to over-commit yourself and be prepared for future rate rises,” he said.
</body></html>

Attention shifts from RBA to lenders: 71 five-year fixed loans cut in a fortnight

<html><body>
When first home buyers are saving, it's often all about the deposit.
When they've saved 5% or 10% of the purchase price, they're likely to then find that a number of other costs delay their home ownership dream for even longer.
What are these costs, and how much do you need to be prepared to save?
Let's assume you're buying your first home. We’ll take Sydney’s median price, at $650,000 as of 31 July, according to RP Data, although it’s unlikely all first home buyers will be considering a purchase at the median price.
With that being said, we’ll imagine that you have a 5% deposit - $32,500.
It's an established property, and not that far from where you currently rent. If you’re looking to buy new then under the current grant system in New South Wales <a href="/expert-insights/buying/what-grants-are-available-for-first-time-buyers-a-state-by-state-guide">you might be up for some benefits</a>.
CURRENT TOTAL: $32,500
The loan process will cost you something like the following:
This means you'll be taking out a $617,500 loan and that you'll need lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) due to your low deposit. This varies from lender to lender, and if you’re <a href="/expert-insights/investing/less-than-a-20-deposit-the-8-things-you-need-to-know-about-lenders-mortgage-insurance-lmi">not sure what LMI is, here are eight things you should know</a>.
You can also read about <a href="/expert-insights/finance/what-is-an-lvr-investment-terms-explained">LVRs here</a> (loan to value ratio).
At the Commonwealth Bank, it's estimated at just under $27,500.  Some lenders do allow you to capitalise, that is, add this to the top of the loan amount. In this instance, you’ll be looking at around $210-$215 per monthly loan repayment extra, rather than needing to foot the bill upfront.
However, for the sake of this exercise, we'll assume you will pay the fee upfront to avoid paying further interest down the track.
CURRENT TOTAL: $60,000
You then have duty to pay on the loan amount. There is also around $25,000 in stamp duty (this varies by state).
The relevant Office of State Revenue can assist in working out this fee. In some states and territories there are significant stamp duty reductions for eligible first time buyers, particularly those buying new.
CURRENT TOTAL: $85,000
You will need to register your mortgage - usually a flat rate of about $100. And then you can throw in the establishment of loan fee and legal costs which, together, usually amount to around $1,000.
CURRENT TOTAL: $86,100
Looking at the buying process and ignoring 'hard to calculate' costs such as your own time, travel expenses and similar as you search (as well as any paid-for online searches that some will undertake), you can easily estimate up to another $1,500 in checks (such as building and pest inspections, which can typically be around $500) and legal expenses in the buying process as well.
CURRENT TOTAL: $88,100
After all is said and done, you then need to pay for your moving costs from where you currently live into your new home.
Assuming that our buyer in this situation is a renter in a smallish apartment, let's assume that cleaning costs may amount to $100 (for carpet steam cleaning) and then some moving costs. Service Central estimates up to $500 for a couple living in an apartment. If you're moving interstate or from long distances away, this could easily span into the thousands of dollars.
CURRENT TOTAL: $88,700
OTHER POTENTIAL COSTS:
<ul>
<li>Buyer's agent fee 
</li>
<li>Connection fee for services (not common) 
</li>
<li>Contents insurance 
</li>
<li>The "unknown" factor. Perhaps you will have minor renovations or home improvements, such as painting, to make your place feel like home. You may even need to purchase new furniture or similar.</li>
</ul>
How much did it cost you to buy and move into your latest property? What other hidden costs have you noticed?
</body></html>

What does a home really cost for a first time buyer?

<html><body>
Rental yields are an important aspect to the investment equation.
While some investors are strict ‘yield chasers’ and others consider it the cherry on top of their capital gain, it’s worth remembering that yield does affect holding cost.
The yield is affected by many things and it’s crucial to be aware of what it is recording before diving in. Here’s a quick refresher on <a href="/expert-insights/your-weekly-how-to-calculating-rental-yield">what the rental yield is</a>, and <a href="/expert-insights/how-to-use-the-rental-yield-statistic">how to use it</a>.
If you think your current property could do with a boost – here are <a href="/expert-insights/investing/how-to-boost-your-rental-yield">some ways to up this figure</a>.
The following statistics were taken from the most recently available RP Data information.
For this article, we’re focusing on the lowest yielding suburbs based on house data for New South Wales.
THE LOWEST 10 RENTAL YIELDS
Firstly, looking at the lowest yields across Australia it’s not surprising that they’re present in our multi-million dollar suburbs, mainly near to Sydney CBD.
Narrowly missing the top 10 list included <a href="/news">Rodd Point</a>, <a href="/news">Sandringham </a>and <a href="/news">McMahons Point</a>, where yields were recorded under 2.50%, as well as <a href="/news">Bellevue Hill</a>, <a href="/news">Blakehurst </a>and <a href="/news">Hurstville </a>where yields were recorded under 2.75%.
<ol>
<li>
1.74% <a href="/news">Palm Beach </a>Median price: $2,535,000 
</li>
<li>
1.97% <a href="/news">Austral </a>Median price: $1,080,000 
</li>
<li>
2.00% <a href="/news">Box Hill </a>Median price: $1,625,000 
</li>
<li>
2.05% <a href="/news">Chiswick </a>Median price: $1,749,000 
</li>
<li>
2.23% <a href="/news">Glenorie </a>Median price: $1,095,000 
</li>
<li>
2.25% <a href="/news">Balmain East </a>Median price: $2,020,000 
</li>
<li>
2.27% <a href="/news">Waverton </a>Median price: $2,200,000 
</li>
<li>
2.27% <a href="/news">Strathfield </a>Median price: $1,558,000 
</li>
<li>
2.32% <a href="/news">Kenthurst </a>Median price: $1,343,000 
</li>
<li>
2.38% <a href="/news">Longueville </a>Median price: $2,510,000
</li>
</ol>
Turn page for the highest yielding house suburbs across New South Wales.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
THE HIGHEST 10 RENTAL YIELDS
Again using RP Data’s statistics, we collected the 10 highest yielding house suburbs. These presented a fascinating list of mixed results – from higher priced suburbs just under the $1 million mark to just over $110,000, it’s understandable that some will be confused.
As explained in this <a href="/news/minings-clean-sweep-on-rp-datas-10-top-rental-yield-locations">top 10 rental yield areas around the country</a>, previously supplied by RP Data, mining towns are often present on these sorts of lists – as are country towns and very regional areas.
For this reason, and the common saying that high returns come from high risk, it’s understandable that there’s a mix of opportunities in the market. You would be wise to treat these suburbs with the utmost diligence.
<ol>
<li>
16.40% <a href="/news">Killcare</a> Median price: $825,000  
</li>
<li>
11.57% <a href="/news">Mossy Point</a> Median price: $580,000  
</li>
<li>
11.56% <a href="/news">Broulee</a> Median price: $371,000  
</li>
<li>
10.89% <a href="/news">Hardys Bay</a> Median price: $955,000  
</li>
<li>
10.49% <a href="/news">Coonamble</a> Median price: $114,000  
</li>
<li>
10.40% <a href="/news">Condobolin</a> Median price: $115,000  
</li>
<li>
10.26% <a href="/news">Malua Bay</a> Median price: $380,000  
</li>
<li>
9.75% <a href="/news">Broken Hill</a> Median price: $120,000  
</li>
<li>
9.53% <a href="/news">Manyana</a> Median price: $328,000  
</li>
<li>
8.79% <a href="/news">Berrara</a> Median price: $340,000
</li>
</ol>
YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO READ:
<a href="/news/property-rental-yields-fall-across-all-capital-cities">Property rental yields fall across all capital cities</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/commercial-property-offers-yields-as-high-as-11-but-comes-with-risk-colliers">Commercial property offers yields as high as 11% but comes with risk: Colliers</a>
</body></html>

The 10 lowest and highest rental yield suburbs across New South Wales

<html><body>
Property owners will be knuckling down to tackle renovations over the next few years, with Master Builders Australia’s Forecast of Building and Construction predicting strong growth in the amount of home alterations.
Housing alterations and additions are expected to grow by 14.9% ($96.4 billion) over the period to 2016/2017, according to Master Builders CEO Wilhelm Harnsich.
“The robust outlook is in stark contrast to the languid performance experienced over the last three years, when it contracted by an average of 3.2% per annum,” said Harnisch.
“The strong growth in renovations will be a shot in the arm for builders across Australia and complement the solid pipeline of work indicated by the solid lift in new building activity,” he said.
Where our renovating aficionados are expected to be found:
Northern Territory – Expecting the largest growth in renovations, with an average yearly growth of 27.8% up from a 9.7% average, the renovators are likely to be strongest up north.  
New South Wales – 19% per annum average growth expected.
Western Australia – Just slightly behind New South Wales, they’re expected 18.6% per annum annual growth.
ACT – 16.9% per annum annual growth
Queensland – 14.6% per annum annual growth
Victoria – 12.5% per annum annual growth
South Australia – 3.1% per annum annual growth
Tasmania – 1.5% per annum annual growth
</body></html>

Property owners' focus on renovating tipped to grow: Master Builders Australia

<html><body>
Lenders are expected to discount their rates further in coming months, according to 1300HomeLoan managing director John Kolenda.
With interest rates still at significant lows, there’s competition in the market between the lenders that may spur on further discounts for current and new mortgage holders.
“We are seeing some of the lowest fixed rates ever and there’s also good deals being offered on variable rates,” said Kolenda.
“This is an environment which offers potential wins for the home loan customer prepared to shop around for a better deal.”
He noted that the borrowing costs for banks in the global market have fallen, leaving them well placed to offer competitive home loan products.
“The home loan customer is in a strong negotiating position and your lender will be keen to listen, particularly if you raise the possibility of looking elsewhere,” he said.
</body></html>

More discounting from lenders on the horizon: 1300HomeLoan

<html><body>
Property enthusiasts are no doubt gearing up for the results of the RBA meeting at 2.30pm today.
In the meantime, we look at the things that you should know about interest rates and the current environment.
Here are 10 things you should know:
<ol>
<li>The current interest rate is 2.5%. 
</li>
<li>It’s at a historical low. 
</li>
<li>The low interest rate is being called one of the primary reasons that <a href="/expert-insights/finance/thanks-to-low-interest-rates-affordability-at-highest-level-for-over-a-decade-hia-cba-index">affordability was recently recorded at the highest level in a decade</a>, according to the HIA-CBA Housing Affordability Index. <a href="/expert-insights/finance/thanks-to-low-interest-rates-affordability-at-highest-level-for-over-a-decade-hia-cba-index"> </a>
</li>
<li>Interest rates haven’t been changed by the Reserve Bank since this time last year, August 2013, when it was reduced by 0.25%. 
</li>
<li>Prior to this, the historical low was 3% in April 2009, which lasted until a 0.25% hike in their October 2009 meeting. 
</li>
<li>In August 2012, the rate was set at 3.5%. In August 2011, it was 4.5%. 
</li>
<li>In the last 25 meetings where changes were seen (taking us to 8 August 2007), 11 were increases of 25 basis points, nine were decreases of 25 basis points, three were decreases of 100 basis points, one was a 75 basis point decrease and one was a 50 basis point decrease. 
</li>
<li>In RBA governor <a href="/expert-insights/finance/strong-expansion-in-housing-construction-underway-glenn-stevens-july-statement">Glenn Stevens’ last meeting minutes (July)</a> he noted that the most prudent course of action is a period of interest rate stability. HSBC's Paul Bloxham has said that <a href="/expert-insights/investing/rates-will-go-up-but-not-this-time-around-hsbcs-bloxham">a change in language in upcoming minutes is the factor to keep an eye out for</a>. <a href="/expert-insights/finance/strong-expansion-in-housing-construction-underway-glenn-stevens-july-statement"> </a>
</li>
<li>Low interest rates and rising property prices have seen<a href="/expert-insights/investing/economists-warn-of-a-property-bust-if-interest-rates-stay-too-low"> international economists predicting a ‘property bust’</a>. <a href="/expert-insights/investing/economists-warn-of-a-property-bust-if-interest-rates-stay-too-low"> </a>
</li>
<li>Just two experts in a recent panel from Finder.com.au expect interest rates to increase by the end of the year… however, the majority expect increases next year with a “new normal” of 4% expected.</li>
</ol>
YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO READ
Interest rates crash course: <a href="/expert-insights/finance/interest-rates-crash-course-whats-the-relationship-to-the-property-market">What’s the relationship to the property market?</a>
</body></html>

10 things to know about the current interest rate

<html><body>
Wilson Property Agents have signed up as the first corporate sponsor for Youth Off The Streets' #laceitup campaign, marking the beginning of Homeless Persons’ Week.
At present, more than 47,000 people under 25 are homeless – 48% of the homeless population. The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/laceitup" target="_blank">#laceitup</a> campaign is using the fact that many of them sleep with their shoes on to encourage people to wear blue shoelaces and take a photo of their shoes, before sharing it on social media.
Managing director and principal of Wilson Property Agents, Adrian Wilson, said that they have supported the charity since 2008 and is an issue their team cares deeply about.
“We’re thrilled to be the first to support this innovative concept and get behind the students who created it,” said Wilson.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/wpasydney/status/496148539484164096" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/08/05/wilson-aug-5-breakout.jpg" alt=""></a>
To date, they have raised over $15,000 for Youth Off The Streets. They will be selling the blue laces from their branches, open homes and inspections, raising awareness at seminars and donating themselves.
Property Observer readers <a href="https://laceitup.everydayhero.com/au/wilson-property-agents" target="_blank">can make a donation here</a>.
</body></html>

Youth Off The Streets’ #laceitup campaign signs first corporate sponsor

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Joel Robinson

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

La Vera closes in on completion as Macquarie Park continues residential transformation

Brisbane developer Red &amp; Co's decision to include dual key apartments in its debut Gold Coast apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO Varsity Lakes</a>, is proving to be one of the project's biggest drawcards, with buyers quickly snapping up the flexible residences.

More than half of the project's 36 dual key apartments have already sold, helping drive COMO beyond the 50 per cent sold mark within the first month of launch.

The strong response highlights growing demand for apartment designs that can adapt to changing lifestyles, with buyers increasingly looking for homes that accommodate multi-generational living, provide rental income opportunities or simply offer greater flexibility over time.

Located on the shores of Lake Orr, COMO will deliver 156 apartments across 16 levels, with the dual-key residences forming a limited release within the broader development.

Each combines a primary two-bedroom apartment with a fully self-contained studio on a single title, connected by a shared foyer and lockable internal door. The design allows owners to house ageing parents, adult children or guests while maintaining privacy, or lease the secondary residence to generate additional income.

Just 17 of the original 36 dual key apartments remain available.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=367096]

The innovative configuration combines two fully self-contained residences on a single title, typically comprising a primary two-bedroom apartment alongside a separate studio residence, connected via a shared foyer and lockable internal door.&nbsp;

The model is proving particularly attractive to owner occupiers navigating changing family dynamics and the realities of the current housing crisis.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/npa">NPA</a>&nbsp;CEO Andrew Erwin said dual key living was resonating strongly with modern buyers because it delivered both financial flexibility and practical lifestyle benefits.&nbsp;

“The housing crisis and rising cost of living are fundamentally changing how Australians think about home ownership,” Erwin said.&nbsp;

“Dual key apartments provide a genuine solution for families who want to stay connected while maintaining independence. Parents can help adult children save for a future home, ageing parents can remain nearby without moving into aged care, and owners still retain privacy and flexibility.

“Importantly, buyers are also recognising the financial advantages. It creates the opportunity to generate additional income from part of the home without the holding costs associated with owning a separate investment property.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363509]

Unlike traditional dual occupancy arrangements, the residences operate under a single title, meaning owners only incur one set of body corporate fees, council rates and holding costs.&nbsp;

The secondary residence can also evolve over time - functioning as guest accommodation, a home office, creative studio or private retreat before later becoming an income-producing asset.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a>&nbsp;Director and Co-Founder David Laverty said the strong early sales reflected growing buyer urgency and changing priorities within the market.&nbsp;

“Securing more than half of COMO’s residences within such a short timeframe is an outstanding result and a clear endorsement of both the design and location,” Laverty said.&nbsp;

“Buyers are responding to the combination of location, connectivity and amenity, but ultimately it’s value relative to other East Coast markets that is driving enquiry.”&nbsp;

“We’re also seeing strong interest from owner occupiers looking for homes that can adapt with them over time. Flexibility has become one of the most important considerations for buyers in today’s market.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363515]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, COMO features a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences with 2.7-metre ceilings and larger-format floorplans aimed at owner occupiers, downsizers and lifestyle-focused buyers.&nbsp;

The development will feature an extensive rooftop recreation and wellness offering including a 25-metre lap pool, sundeck, barbecue and dining areas, gym, sauna, plunge baths, landscaped gardens, wellness spaces and rooftop pickleball and paddleball courts.

The remaining dual key apartments range from 137 sqm to 167 sqm and include generous three-bedroom layouts with separate self-contained studio accommodation and dual parking.&nbsp;

Erwin said the dual key concept represented a broader shift in how Australians would live in the future.

“People want homes that can evolve with their lives,” he said.&nbsp;

“A dual key apartment can suit a family today, support an ageing parent tomorrow, and potentially generate income later on. That adaptability is becoming incredibly valuable in the current environment.”

Prices currently range from $2,115,750 to $2,583,000.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Inter-generational living drives demand for COMO’s dual key apartments as housing pressures reshape buyer priorities 

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ceerose">Ceerose</a> has doubled down on its Leichhardt ambitions, lodging its second State Significant Development Application (SSDA) in the suburb in the last six months.

Their newest proposal seeks to transform a former industrial precinct into a new residential community centred around the adaptive reuse of one of the site's heritage warehouse buildings.

The new project, on a 6,930 sqm block at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-76-william-street-leichhardt-nsw-2040">40–76 William Street</a>, will bring more than 200 apartments to a suburb that has seen little to no new supply in recent years. It follows Ceerose's late 2025 SSDA for a mixed-use apartment project on nearby Parramatta Road, signalling the developer's growing investment in Sydney's Inner West.

Ceerose Founder Edward Doueihi told Apartments.com.au the developer’s long-standing presence in Leichhardt and the Inner West had given it a strong understanding of how the area has evolved and where its future opportunities lie.

“Ceerose has had a long-standing presence in Leichhardt and the Inner West, giving us a unique understanding of the area’s evolution and future potential,” Doueihi said.

“Having delivered projects throughout the region, we have witnessed the suburb’s transformation first-hand and understand the opportunities for its continued growth.”

Doueihi said that understanding also informed the planning process, with a comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Outcomes Report prepared before the application was lodged.

The report identified the key issues and concerns raised by neighbouring residents and other stakeholders, allowing those matters to be considered and incorporated into the design where appropriate.

He said the delivery of additional housing would also play an important role in supporting the revitalisation of Norton Street and the Italian Forum.

“By increasing the local residential population, the development is expected to strengthen demand for local businesses, encourage further investment, and help restore the vibrancy that made the precinct a thriving destination in the early 2000s.”

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7258c54c-8167-479e-8361-2d5fca9915b4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010B%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%202.jpg?VersionId=S9DQfxu_jpcB5LrAEYFUbyMzg5odW6i5" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the redevelopment would involve the demolition of four existing industrial buildings while retaining and adaptively reusing the site's most significant warehouse. The retained structure would anchor a new residential precinct comprising five interconnected buildings arranged around a large central landscaped courtyard, with heights stepping from five storeys along the surrounding residential streets to 11 storeys at the William Street corner.

According to the Architecture Design Report by Woods Bagot, the proposal "seeks to create a residential village centred around a generous green heart while celebrating the site's industrial heritage through the adaptive reuse of the existing warehouse building."

The development would comprise 203 apartments, with 188 proposed as build-to-sell residences, alongside 15 affordable housing apartments.

Rather than treating the retained warehouse as a standalone heritage object, Woods Bagot has sought to weave the site's industrial history throughout the masterplan. The proposal retains the north and west facades of the landmark corner warehouse, while new buildings reinterpret the site's brick-and-steel industrial language through their material palette and architectural expression.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9e8c64c2-881b-49e1-8c90-6b6acaaa45b6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010C%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%203.jpg?VersionId=Qm8_8H_Xrg_sc4Mdjc59vlAcKF_5wRTb" />

The design is organised around what Woods Bagot describes as a "green heart", a landscaped communal open space that reinstates the leafy character removed when the site became an industrial storage facility. A new pedestrian laneway running through the site would improve permeability between William, North and Francis streets, linking residents through landscaped public spaces while activating the ground plane.

Residents would have access to communal gardens and shared recreation areas distributed throughout the development. Sustainability has also been prioritised, with the project targeting an average 7.9-star NatHERS rating. Proposed initiatives include rooftop solar generation, rainwater harvesting, passive solar design, naturally ventilated lobbies, extensive cross-ventilation and the reuse of existing building fabric to reduce embodied carbon.

The adaptive reuse strategy became a defining feature of the application after heritage investigations found only one of the site's industrial buildings could feasibly be retained. The Heritage Impact Statement concludes that preserving the key warehouse façades while referencing the site's industrial character throughout the new development provides an appropriate balance between renewal and conservation.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efffafdb-594f-4e2b-a067-921fd51c05e1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010D%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%204.jpg?VersionId=DPmE4.k16YRt0i27hEZVtJAffarpvUfx" />

"Retention and adaptation of the site buildings has been explored but found not to be feasible except for the tallest building, whose street facades will be retained," the heritage report states.

"The proposed building will interpret the brick and steel character of the subject site, including reuse of some components and construction of a large 'sawtooth' structure in the proposed open space."

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3bfef2b5-83f5-40cd-9cab-767092f34266" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010E%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%205.jpg?VersionId=7asb3i_ql4ybbuJOUb5UHBEIy0Q9t.DF" />

The William Street site is located around 300 metres from Leichhardt North Light Rail station and a short walk to Norton Street's retail, dining and hospitality precinct. The surrounding area has increasingly become a focus for urban renewal given its proximity to public transport and the Parramatta Road corridor.

Doueihi founded Ceerose in 1998 and has grown the business to become one of Sydney's more active apartment developers in recent years, with completed projects including The Alex Collective in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay. They are currently delivering Belgravia, 17 luxury apartments in Potts Point.

Jennifer Duke

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News