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ME Bank has cut its fixed home loan rates for its three year and five year products.
Its three year term rate has dropped by 31 basis points to a new standard rate of 4.28% per annum.
ME Bank's one year fixed term loan is now offered at 4.69% after a 20 basis point cut, while its five year loan has been cut by 10 basis points to 4.59%.
According to ME Bank, they "retain top spot" for three and five year loans.
ME Bank chief executive Jamie McPhee said the lender has chosen to "immediately pass" savings in the fixed rate market on to borrowers.
"To illustrate, since December 2013, ME Bank has reduced its 5-year fixed home loan by 120 basis points, 3-year by 56 basis points, and 1-year by 20 basis points," said McPhee.
"ME Bank is focused on a strong growth trajectory and home loans will continue to be the most important source of asset growth over the next three years," he said.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

ME Bank cuts rates to record low

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Lease marketing for the Harry Seidler-designed Grosvenor Place is well underway, coinciding with its $10 million refurbishment.
Colliers International is marketing the landmark tower complex to commercial tenants using a series of eye-catching advertisements, such as the one pictured below which featured in the Australian Financial Review.
<img src="/images/2015/02/11/ad-feb-11-two.png" alt="">
Source: Australian Financial Review.
The logo is derived from the tower's shape as it appears from a bird's eye view, illustrated here in the late Seidler's original outlook sketch.
<img src="/images/2015/02/11/seidler%20outlook%20diagram.jpg" alt="">
Image courtesy of Harry Seidler and Associates.
The design has been given a colourful twist, reminiscent of the palette of New York artist Frank Stella, whose work is exhibited in the building. The advertising campaign is by Sydney-based Frost*collective. 
Much of Grosvenor Place's floorspace is uninterrupted by internal columns to provide flexible arrangements for tenants. There are 85,515 square metres of office space in Grosvenor Place, with 1,611 square metres of retail space.
The marketing for the building, which can be seen at <a href="https://www.work-culture.com.au/" target="_blank">work-culture.com.au</a>, draws heavily on its heritage, referencing Seidler's design principles ("Planning for flexibility provides lasting value": Design Principle No. 4; "Architectural design must avoid fads": Principle No.9) and using Seidler's signature.
Seidler is widely regarded as one of Australia's modernist masters and most famous architects. He designed Grosvenor Place in 1982 and opened in 1987. In 1989, it received the RAIA Lustig &amp; Moar National Prize.
Late last year, it was announced that a <a href="https://www.afr.com/p/business/property/landscape_inspired_art_scape_roof_G88PMcETh7VB1LFxqwkqDO" target="_blank">$10 million refurbishment</a> of the complex's restaurant and cafe precinct would involve an "art-scape".
The site includes the low-set Royal Naval House, Johnson's Building and the 44 level Tower.
In 2009, the building underwent a $28 million refurbishment of its lower floors. In 2013, DEXUS Property Group acquired a 25% interest in Grosvenor Place for $271.25 million.
Colliers agent Aaron Weir is marketing commercial tenancies, while Pamela Medich of Dexus is handling retail leasing.
Feature picture: Eric Sierins Source: Harry Seidler and Associates.
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Harry Seidler's Grosvenor Place gets art inspired campaign

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Melbourne will see the highest price growth of any capital city next year, HSBC has forecast.
In the latest HSBC Australia Downunder Digest report, HSBC Australia chief economist Paul Bloxham forecasts 4% to 8% price growth in Melbourne for 2016, after 7% to 8% growth in 2015.
Bloxham expects that in 2015, Melbourne and Sydney will "continue to outpace the rest of the nation", noting that from its mid-2012 trough, Melbourne's housing prices have increased by 20%.
<img src="/images/2015/02/10/Picture%2033.png" alt="">
However, Bloxham does not raise the prospect of a housing bubble in Melbourne as he did for Sydney, where <a href="/expert-insights/buying/sydney-prices-to-fall-hsbcs-bubble-warning">HSBC predicts prices could fall by 2%</a> in 2016 when they expect interest rates to increase.
He also noted the impact of foreign buyers on demand for Australian property, explaining that Foreign Investment Review Board figures "suggest a strong rise in foreign investment in Australian housing in 2014, with particular strength in investment in new dwellings." (see chart below).
<img src="/images/2015/02/10/Picture%2041.png" alt="">
"Much of the interest from foreign buyers is in the Sydney and Melbourne new apartment markets," writes Bloxham.
While Bloxham notes that foreign investment "is only a relatively small proportion of overall housing turnover", it is "likely to be having some effect on housing prices".
Victoria, which has seen the highest dwelling approvals of any state since 2009, is likely to see continued strength in the construction sector, according to Bloxham.
<img src="/images/2015/02/10/Picture%2040.png" alt="">
"As Australia's growth rebalances away from the mining states towards the south-eastern states – of New South Wales and Victoria – the strongest ramp-up in construction should be expected in these states," states the report.
Click to open in new window:
<a href="/images/2015/02/10/forecasts.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/02/10/forecasts.jpg" alt=""></a>
{mijopolls 88}
 
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Melbourne growth to stand out in 2016: HSBC's Paul Bloxham

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Sydney's prices are set to fall when interest rates rise again, predicts HSBC Australia chief economist Paul Bloxham.
HSBC predicts that Sydney's house prices could drop by 2% in 2016 after its third consecutive strong year forecast for 2015. It would happen after the official cash rate moved from a forecast 2% this year to an average 2.75% in 2016.
He also warns that Sydney's market is "at risk of a bubble", saying the current level of growth in Sydney home prices is unsustainable and "likely to be met with declines in future years, when interest rates do begin to rise".
Click on charts to open in new window.
<a href="/images/2015/02/10/Picture%2036.png" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/02/10/Picture%2036.png" alt=""></a>
"A signal of the growing risk of over-inflation in the Sydney market is the high level of investor demand," Bloxham explains.
"Housing loan approvals for investors currently account for a record high share of new loan approvals in New South Wales." (See chart below).
<a href="/images/2015/02/10/Picture%2037.png" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/02/10/Picture%2037.png" alt=""></a>
"The high involvement of investors suggests that there is a speculative dynamic in the Sydney market that may be worrisome," said Bloxham.
"Investors are typically seeking capital gains, rather than rental yield, as Australia's tax system favours capital gains.
"Investors themselves tend to be lower risk borrowers, as they typically have equity in another owner-occupied property and have lower loan-to-valuation ratios than first home buyers.
"In this way, it is not clear that investor involvement is leading to increased financial system risk. However, it does seem likely that increased investor activity is driving housing prices to rise faster than fundamental factors suggest they should in the Sydney market."
HSBC predicts that Sydney's house prices could drop by  2% in 2016 after 9% to 10% growth in 2015, its third strong consecutive year.
<img src="/images/2015/02/10/forecasts.jpg" alt="">
Note: HSBC's forecasts assume their cash rate predictions for 2016.
In the latest HSBC Downunder Digest, which is headlined "Australia's housing boom may get bubbly", Bloxham calls interest rates "the single most important determinant of housing price dynamics in Australia".
However, he notes that "monetary policy is being pushed to its extremes" with the latest rate cut to a record low 2.25% by the Reserve Bank, with the market anticipating another rate cut.
<a href="/images/2015/02/10/Picture%2031.png" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/02/10/Picture%2031.png" alt=""></a>
Of the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority's (APRA) decision to tighten mortgage lending guidelines in December, Bloxham observes that "it is unusual in Australia for prudential policy and interest rate settings to be working in opposite directions".
Despite his concerns regarding a potential bubble in Sydney's market, Bloxham does not believe there is a national housing bubble, citing strong fundamental reasons for growth, including low housing supply, well allocated housing debt low urban density and high demand for property.
"However, we do see that the longer housing prices continue to increase faster than household incomes, the greater the chance a bubble could inflate." (See chart below).
<a href="/images/2015/02/10/Picture%2034.png" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/02/10/Picture%2034.png" alt=""></a>
"We are also starting to see pockets of the market where bubbles could be forming, given that interest rates have now been low for quite some time," warns Bloxham.
All charts sourced from HSBC.
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Sydney prices to fall: HSBC's bubble warning

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Despite a drop in Sydney and Melbourne listings for January, property listings Australia-wide increased last month, according to SQM Research.
There was a marked increase in Darwin and Perth in particular, who have seen price downturns in the past year, which <a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/" target="_blank">SQM Research</a> attributes to a slowdown in local mining industries.
<img src="/images/2015/02/09/sqm-feb-9-one.jpg" alt="">
Source: SQM Research
Across Australia, stock on the market was up 1.9% over January to 351,509 homes. The result was 2.7% higher than in January 2014.
Both Sydney and Melbourne recorded a drop in listings for the month, with Melbourne stock on the market down 0.8% and Sydney's listings down 3.1%.
Louis Christopher, managing director of SQM Research, said: "The Sydney market remains strong and we expect a very strong opening to the Sydney auction season this weekend. However this localised market strength is not really being experienced anywhere else outside Sydney. I would even argue that Melbourne remains patchy.
"Going forward, this week's rate cut should boost demand at the national level but we must remember local economic conditions are taking precedence in certain cities, namely those cities exposed to the mining downturn. As one can see with our listings and asking prices indexes, Perth and Darwin appear to be in deep trouble."
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Property listings increase over January: SQM Research

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Almost a third of Hobart house sales came in under the $300,000 mark in the December quarter, according to the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania.
An even greater proportion of house sales were sub-$300,000 in Launceston: <a href="/news/tas/31-of-hobart-house-sales-below-300-000-is-the-apple-isle-ripe-for-investor-harvesting">58% against Hobart's 31%</a>.
Hobart was also the surprise standout for December, with CoreLogic RP Data recording 1.6% price growth for the month - the second highest result of any capital city.
But does Australia's cheapest capital city actually offer strong prospects for investors?
Property Observer looks at three Hobart rental properties which cost less than $300,000. All were purchased in the past two years.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-blackmans+bay-414817411" target="_blank">34 Tingira Road in Blackmans Bay</a> is an investment property currently available to rent at $335 per week. The owners paid $290,000 in March 2013, with the vendors paying $87,000 in 1992  – meaning the home's value increased more than threefold in their 20 years of ownership.
<img src="/images/2015/02/09/1.jpg" alt="">
34 Tingira Road
If the renovated two bedroom house is rented at $335, it will reflect a rental yield of 6%. The house has built in robes in both of the bedrooms, open plan living and kitchen area, a separate bungalow and water views from the front deck.
Further out – roughly 45 minutes from Hobart's centre – is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-cygnet-414968919" target="_blank">5 Solly Court in Cygnet</a>. The western red cedar has three bedrooms over its two storeys, and cost its investor owners $220,000 in 2014.
<img src="/images/2015/02/09/2.jpg" alt="">
5 Solly Court It's available now for $270 per week – offering a rental yield of 6.4% if secured.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-kingston-118814267" target="_blank">14 Alfreds Garden in Kingston</a> cost buyers $260,000 in January. The two bedroom house, built in 2003, was rented out by the vendors in 2013, with an advertised rent of $310 per week. At that same rental rate and its current price, 14 Alfreds Garden would yield 6.2%.
<img src="/images/2015/02/09/3.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.1599998474121px; line-height: 1.3em;">
14 Alfreds Garden
The previous investors paid $220,000 for the house in 2005.
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How cheap is Hobart? Three investor picks under $300,000

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North Ryde's houses recorded the strongest median price growth of those in any Sydney suburb in the latter part of 2014, according to Domain Group senior economist Andrew Wilson.
Between the six months to December 2013 and the same period in 2014, North Ryde's median house price jumped 34.9% to $1.25 million.
Wilson attributes much of the growth in large part to rezoning measures, which now allow high rise development along railway lines in North Ryde and Epping, <a href="/news/nsw/the-11-sydney-areas-every-property-investor-should-know-urban-activation-precincts">among other areas in Sydney</a>.
"That's caused quite a bonanza of activity for the homeowners who have been in the rezoned areas", Wilson tells Property Observer.
In 2013, the state government announced North Ryde as one of eight areas in its urban activation precincts program. A 12.5 hectare site, set around 15 kilometres north-west of the city and bounded by the M2, Epping and Delhi roads, was identified as under-utilised.
The strong demand in areas of North Ryde has largely come from developers, says Wilson.
"We've seen a real land-rush from developers trying to secure properties in those areas."
While he notes that the area has "been a strong market for the Chinese community as well", Wilson says "developers are really climbing over themselves to secure property".
Home owners have notably taken advantage of developer interest in the area, with one group of eight residents selling their properties in one line for <a href="https://www.afr.com/p/business/property/residents_in_bonanza_brKDKdsHAAkThFj8UzuleN" target="_blank">$30 million to developers last year</a>.
In May, a developer, Great Wall Investments Pty Ltd, purchased two neighbouring properties at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-north+ryde-116913931" target="_blank">43 and 45 Jopling Street, North Ryde</a> (pictured below).
<img src="/images/2015/02/09/north%20ryde%20feb%209%20one.jpg" alt="">
The vendors were two residents who had been living side by side for around 30 years, according to agent Ben Boutros. He estimates that each property might have sold for $1 million separately. Together, the two homes sold for $2,887,000, with each seller taking home a 50% share.
Great Wall Investments now plans to build seven villas on the site, with applications lodged for two three bedroom two storey units, three single storey three bedroom units and two two bedroom units.
The results are indicative of what Wilson calls "insatiable demand" in the North Ryde and Epping area since they've been rezoned.
The plans to redevelop the station precinct in North Ryde may be a driver of price growth throughout the suburb, with enhanced public transport, jobs and improved public spaces promised by the New South Wales government.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-north+ryde-118328587" target="_blank">4 Beatrice Street in North Ryde</a> (pictured below) sold in North Ryde for $1.27 million in November. In April 2010, it sold for $850,000, a difference of $420,000 (49.4% growth) in three and a half years.
<img src="/images/2015/02/09/north%20ryde%20feb%209%20two.jpg" alt="">
After 15 years of ownership, the vendors of <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-north+ryde-118242887" target="_blank">50 David Avenue</a> (pictured below)  sold the property for $1.45 million late last year. They paid just $172,000 in January 2000, with 743% growth over the 15 years. <img src="/images/2015/02/09/north%20ryde%20feb%209%20three.jpg" alt="">
The investment property is currently rented advertised to rent at $525 per week, reflecting a rental yield of 1.8%.
Wilson notes North Ryde's market performance is in part due to "the overall Sydney zing", with low interest rates, buyer confidence and a strong local economy propelling prices. However, according to Wilson, prices have been "exacerbated by a lot of developer activity". 
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Rezonings help North Ryde become Sydney's hottest suburb

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An Echuca owner is selling a fleet of three paddlesteamers after 18 years of ownership.
Vendor Max Vulling initially purchased the paddlesteamers as a business venture, entering the Echuca-Moama tourism industry.
He says the paddlesteamers are one of the main attractions in the town.
The PS Canberra was built in 1912 at Goolwa in South Australia. The vessel launched in 1913 as S.S. Canberra, and was used continually until 2002, when it took a nine month break for a restoration.
PS Emmylou was commissioned by an expatriate englishman, Anthony Bromwell, and designed by Sydney based naval architect Warwick Hood. It was used as a private charter for the first couple of years of its life after its completion in 1982, before being used as a tourism vessell.
The third paddlesteamer, the Pride of Murray, was built in 1924 by Charlie Felshow at the Murray River Sawmills. The former outrigger barge is 82 feet, 6 inches long and 16 feet wide.
The sale of the fleet includes leases for all three vessels.
Handel Aubrey of Ray White Echuca is marketing the three paddlesteamers, with the sale including their leases.
"One's got overnight accommodation and all are fully licensed," says Aubrey.
"We anticipate that interest will come from business-minded buyers, people involved or interested in buying into the  hospitality and tourism industries as well as historical enthusiasts," Aubrey says.
 
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Historic Murray River paddlesteamer fleet on the market 

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Louis Chrisopher, SQM Research's managing director, had the most bullish Sydney 2014 forecast.
In late 2013, Christopher predicted that Sydney's prices would rise <a href="/expert-insights/buying/sydney-to-jump-up-15-20-act-to-fall">15%-20% over the 2014 calendar year</a>.
While prices weren't that strong, he was closest to the pin, now that the annual figure are in.
Other experts were notably more subdued, with many tipping that prices would slow significantly in 2014: Domain Group senior economist Andrew Wilson and Property Observer's <a href="/news/slowing-home-price-growth-sydneys-tentative-early-2014-capital-city-trend">Jonathan Chancellor</a> both predicted 2013's growth would halve to around 7%. Observer Pete Wargent tipped Sydney prices to increase by 6% to 9%. McGrath Estate Agent founder John McGrath <a href="/expert-insights/buying/john-mcgrath-lowers-his-2014-sydney-forecast-to-5-8-price-growth">downgraded his 2014 Sydney forecast </a>from 10% to 5-8% in June.
We now know that Sydney recorded around 12.4% price growth in 2014 across all dwellings, according to CoreLogic RP Data. House prices were up 13.4% to $858,000, while unit prices increased by 8.3% over the year to $615,000.
The median house price for Sydney is now $873,786, after a 14% rise in prices during 2014, according to Fairfax's The Domain Group.
Christopher's confidence in the Sydney market remains, particularly given the Reserve Bank's February announcement that it would cut rates by 25 basis points to a record low of 2.25%.
"We believe Tuesday's interest rate cut will further stimulate the Sydney housing market through the full calendar year 2015," Christopher told Property Observer.
"Our forecast for this current year, made back in September 2014, would be a rise of between 8-12%.
"This assumed a stable interest rate environment. With this rate cut we believe the market will now likely increase by the upper end of this range.
"Sydney on top of the 30% gains we have had since the start of 2013 will mean the market may well be up by over 50% in Sydney in just three years."
His price prediction is once again more bullish than those made by many of his contemporaries. Wilson this year has forecast 7-10% growth, while NAB's Residential Property Survey respondents predict 4.1% gains. Wargent has pitched his forecast slightly lower than last year, this time predicting <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/2015-capital-city-property-market" target="_blank">5-8% price growth in 2015</a>.
Whether yesterday's rate cut will cause experts to revise their forecasts remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/" target="_blank">SQM Research</a> founder's confidence is not reserved for just the Sydney market:
"We are also rather bullish now on holiday locations on the east coast of Australia given that the lower Australian Dollar should further assist local tourism economies," Christopher said.
 {mijopolls 86}
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Bullish Louis Christopher forecasts strong gains for Sydney in 2015

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NAME: Tim Holtsbaum <img src="/images/2015/02/02/Tim-Holtsbaum-profiel.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Director - residential site sales, NSW
COMPANY: Knight Frank Australia
OFFICE LOCATION: Sydney, NSW
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?</li>
</ul>
Over 10 years now.
<ul>
<li>What’s happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
Big things!  It's no secret that the residential markets across Australia and especially in Sydney have enjoyed substantial growth in both supply and demand economics.  Sydney experienced a relative under supply for several years’ post the GFC which when combined with a low interest rate environment has now led to aggressive price growth in the medium to high density residential market. 
This growth has been amplified by the influx of off-shore investors and developers, especially from within the Asian markets such as China and Malaysia.  Additional planning reforms along major infrastructure corridors with the aim of densifying key areas across metropolitan Sydney provide additional opportunities for both domestic and off-shore developers. 
With Sydney having experienced an approximate 35-40% growth in the median value on an apartment in the past five years, further growth is forecast for the coming 2-3 years as supply attempts to match ongoing demand for residential housing in Sydney.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?</li>
</ul>
Perhaps due to their locations, it would be a tie between a 14 acre land acquisition for a new baby diaper manufacturing facility in Lagos, Nigeria and a commercial office acquisition in Islamabad, Pakistan.  Both presented unique challenges such as negotiating with local tribes in Nigeria through our Portuguese lawyers and having to discuss Ricky Ponting and the Australian cricket team for an hour before every meeting with a Pakistani Landlord.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?</li>
</ul>
First and foremost, an infatuation with all things real estate.  If you find yourself sending your friends and family off to sleep with details of housing price movements in your suburb, growth in achievable gross realisations for high rise residential apartments and tightening cap rates due to an increased weight of capital in the market, you have found your niche.
In addition to general interest, I would also attribute my broad skill set having worked in multiple business lines across Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).  Based on my experiences, I am a strong advocate for working cross-border in markets with contrasting cultures and individuals.  Globalisation may be the norm but understanding how various cultures conduct business can be pivotal in executing a successful transaction.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?</li>
</ul>
Two things:
<ol>
<li>Working with first class clients and focusing 100% of my energy on the residential development market and</li>
<li>The transaction. </li>
</ol>
My recent move to Knight Frank as the Director of Residential Site Sales, NSW helps me combine to two and build a team that will contribute to the growth of our Residential business as a whole.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?</li>
</ul>
Invest in promising young businesses with substantial growth potential.  I think Australian business will enjoy massive growth potential as our population increases year-on-year.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
For my sins I am a Dragons fan in the NRL and a diehard Liverpool FC supporter in the EPL.  I grew up playing rugby here in Sydney at school and Eastern Suburbs RC so supporting the Beasties and Tahs goes without saying.
<ul>
<li>What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?</li>
</ul>
I would have to say my new phone.  I am not a mobile phone wizard by any stretch of the imagination but I have recently switched to the Sony Xperia Z3 and haven't looked back.  Of course, I have been given major amounts of grief for getting a Sony which just make me enjoy it more.
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media?</li>
</ul>
Sparingly. I have the usual Facebook and Instagram accounts but my user levels are definitely on the low end of the scale. Can't say I am a huge fan of endless microblogging, hence no Twitter account for me.
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In profile: Knight Frank's director - residential site sales, NSW, Tim Holtsbaum

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

<main data-perf-region="main">
Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Jessie Richardson

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