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Developers Sekisui House are attempting to tempt January buyers with a special summer offer, though the Sydney weather hasn't been too overheated of late.
The home builders are offering fully ducted air conditioning and $3,000 cash back for New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory homes from their Aurora, Blueprint and Arise collections.
To be eligible, buyers must have paid an initial proposal fee between 1 January and 31 January 2015, with the specifications of the air conditioning dependent on the type of house selected.
On offer is an Actron fully Ducted reverse cycle air‐conditioning system, including installation, 3 phase power (up to 6m underground electrical connection), external concrete pad and truss strengthening if required.
The offer includes 2 or 3 zones only depending on standard house type.
Once <a href="https://www.sekisuihouse.com.au/about-sekisui-house/promotions/promo/nsw-summer-offer" target="_blank">Sekisui House</a> has commenced construction on the new package, they'll give eligible buyers $3,000 cash back. The offer doesn't apply to house and land packages or homes with granny flats.
Sekisui House originated in Japan and has thus far invested $1.5 billion in their Australian ventures.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Sekisui House seeks summer buyers with aircon deal

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To those business owners who think it's the developer's way or the highway, you might be right.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/CityLab/status/557299010458091521" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/01/20/tweet-jan-20-one.jpg" alt=""></a> But perhaps the highway isn't so bad after all. Emil Peirnert, the owner of the Kingfish Pub in Oakland California, saw developers eyeing his site for an apartment project.
After attempting to have the 1920s-30s era former bait shop recognised as a landmark last year to prevent its destruction, Peirnert took matters into his own hands, and took the pub on the road. Just 30 metres down the road, but still. The story's been picked up by multiple news outlets, with <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/CityLab/status/557299010458091521" target="_blank">City Lab tweeting a photo</a> (originally posted by Eric Drac Weir on Facebook) of the two hour process.
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Tweet of the day: The movable pub

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Two beach homes and one bush estate are among the 10 most expensive sales of the week, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
The top end sales were rather subdued last week, with all clearing just $1.58 million. Towards the end of 2014, CoreLogic's top 10 list regularly <a href="/expert-insights/buying/putney-waterfront-heads-corelogic-rp-datas-top-10-sales-of-the-week">bottomed out at $2.3 million</a> or higher, after<a href="/expert-insights/buying/victorian-prestige-homes-dominate-rp-datas-top-10-sales-of-the-week"> spring's highs</a>. 
Last week saw the sale of two Queensland beach homes, costing $2.35 million and $1.92 million.
A home in the 610 person strong town of Razorback in regional New South Wales sold for $1.95 million.
The top 10 sales of the week ending 18 January:
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/sold/house/nsw/blakehurst/?adid=2011655254" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-one.jpg" alt="">6 Taunton Street Blakehurst, New South Wales</a>
<img src="/images/2015/01/20/1.jpg" alt="">
A six year old <a href="/news">Blakehurst </a>home topped this week's sales. Buyers paid $2.38 million for the house, sold through Ray White Sylvania Waters.
Set on 700 square metres, the house has five bedrooms, a home office, gas fireplaces, and a central courtyard. Set on 697 square metres, it comes with a 17 metre saltwater pool.
The vendors paid $1.8 million for the property in May 2010.
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/enterprise-street-sunshine-beach/Property-Details-sold-residential-7065513" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-two.jpg" alt="">28 Enterprise Street, Sunshine Beach, Queensland</a>
<img src="/images/2015/01/20/2.jpg" alt="">
This five bedroom house sold for $2.35 million through Richardson &amp; Wrench Noosa.
The <a href="/news">Sunshine Beach</a> home on a 511 square metre sloping allotment was designed by retired architect Jill Campbell, and has a series of split levels. The house includes a poolside guest suite with a living room, bathroom and stone top bar.
The vendors made a loss on the sale, after paying $2,575,000 in February 2005.
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/grandview-grove-seaforth/Property-Details-sold-residential-7818482" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-three.jpg" alt="">25 Grandview Grove, Seaforth, New South Wales</a>
<img src="/images/2015/01/20/3.jpg" alt="">
Buyers paid $2,335,000 for this <a href="/news">Seaforth </a>home, sold through LJ Hooker Seaforth. The house has open plan living areas, with outdoor entertaining areas covered by a Vergola sunroof. The home comes with a customised Sonos and Bose sound system.
The vendors paid $1.27 million for the property in March 2007.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-glen+waverley-118506567" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-four.jpg" alt="">46 Myers Avenue, Glen Waverley, Victoria</a>
<img src="/images/2015/01/20/4.jpg" alt="">
A four bedroom house on a 733 square metre plot sold for $2.1 million through JY Property Surrey Hills.
The listing information noted the home lived in the (much sought-after) <a href="/news">Glen Waverley </a>Secondary College, and is within walking distance of Wesley College.
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/2-crawford-creek-place-razorback/Property-Details-buy-residential-7448319" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-five.jpg" alt="">2 Crawford Creek Place, Razorback, New South Wales</a>
<img src="/images/2015/01/20/5.jpg" alt="">
This week's prestige bush offering is located in <a href="/news">Razorback</a>, in the Macarthur region.
The 4,046 square metre holding has a five bedroom house, featuring brush box timber flooring and 10 foot high ceilings. The property includes a pool with a pool house and gymnasium.
The vendors bought the Bazdaric for $690,000 in May 2008, building the current house just five years ago.
Article continues on the next page. Please click below.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mermaid+beach-118801667" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-six.jpg" alt="">16 Sunbrite Avenue, Mermaid Beach, Queensland</a>
<img src="/images/2015/01/20/6.jpg" alt="">
The second beach offering on last week's top 10 was sold for $1.92 million through Harcourts Coastal.
The four bedroom "warehouse style" <a href="/news">Mermaid Beach</a> house has polished concrete floors on the bottom level and timber wall paneling, with paneled VJ ceilings. North-facing, the house has a covered barbecue deck and pool.
The sellers bought the property with its former house just a year and a half ago, for $775,00.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-croydon-118788215" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-seven.jpg" alt="">30 Murray Street, Croydon, New South Wales</a>
<img src="/images/2015/01/20/7.jpg" alt="">
A Federation home in <a href="/news">Croydon </a>sold for $1.75 million through McGrath Inner West Concord. The four bedroom, on bathroom house is situated on a 570 square metre corner plot. Period features include pressed metal ceilings and original timber floorboards, and a traditional wraparound verandah.
The vendors held the property for 30 years, having purchased it for just $136,000 in December 1984.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-miranda-118421555" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-eight.jpg" alt="">42 Matson Crescent, Miranda, New South Wales</a>
 <img src="/images/2015/01/20/7.jpg" alt="">
Another property held for 30 years, this waterfront house was purchased by the vendors in 1984 for $215,000. Last week, it was sold through McGrath Cronulla for $1.68 million.
The three bedroom <a href="/news">Miranda</a> house comes with a converted boathouse with a deck, and has boating facilities including a slipway, jetty and pontoon.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-hawthorne-118189331" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-nine.jpg" alt="">12 Katoomba Avenue, Hawthorne, Queensland</a>
 <img src="/images/2015/01/20/9.jpg" alt="">
A renovated Queenslander on an 810 square metre block was sold for $1.64 million through McGrath Bulimba.
The <a href="/news">Hawthorne</a> house, described in the listing as being "of historical significance", has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, and overlooks its pool at the rear. A gazebo, a poolside bathroom and a children's playground accompany the pool.
The sellers paid $1,445,000 for the house in August 2009.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-yowie+bay-118562467" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-ten.jpg" alt="">10 Maroopna Road, Yowie Bay, New South Wales</a>
<img src="/images/2015/01/20/10.jpg" alt=""> 
Buyers paid $1.58 million for a full brick waterfront home in <a href="/news">Yowie Bay</a>, sold htorugh Newton Real Estate Caringbah. The three storey house shares a 986 square metre plot with an in-ground pool, jetty and pontoon.
The price of the property has tripled in the 20 years it was owned by the vendors. They paid $525,000 for the home in 1995.
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Beach and bush offerings make week’s top 10 sales: CoreLogic

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Boatshed 88 in Rye, dubbed the Entertainer at 88, is on the market.
The <a href="https://www.hockingstuart.com.au/BOATSHED_88_RYE_VIC_3941" target="_blank">generator powered boatshed</a> has a full kitchen sink, a gas stove, cupboards, tables and chairs and a gas BBQ. It also comes with a sun shade and umbrellas.
The boatshed is situated near the Tyrone Boat Ramp.
Mal McIness and Michael Christodoulou of Hocking Stuart are expecting $320,000 for the timber clad boatshed with a timber deck.
That's $9,500 more than the sale price of <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-rye-118149279" target="_blank">29 Highbury Road</a> (pictured below), a two bedroom house in Rye, which sold for $310,500 in November last year.
<img src="/images/2015/01/20/rye%20jan%2020%20two.jpg" alt="">
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Rye's entertainer boatshed 88 for sale

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A boatshed on Safety Beach in Victoria's Mornington Peninsula has been listed for sale.
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/boatshed-73-safety-beach-foreshore-safety-beach/Property-Details-buy-residential-8165328" target="_blank">The blue and green boatshed</a> (pictured on the right in the main photograph) comes with a price guide of $185,000 to $210,000.
According to agent Linda Wooley of MJ Ross Co, who is marketing the property, the price range is typical for a boatshed with no power, with those connected to electricity commanding a premium.
Wooley told Property Observer that utility companies rarely reconnect power to bathing boxes or boatsheds once they are disconnected. Those who like to run electricity in their boatsheds, to accommodate lights or small fridges, often use small solar panels.
She noted the steady escalation of boatshed prices in recent years, with the properties generally held for a long time or passed between family members. In 2010, Boatshed 29 on Safety Beach was sold with a $120,000 to $150,000 price guide. Boatshed 43 was sold in the same year, with vendors seeking $110,000 to $130,000.
Boatshed 73 on the Safety Beach Foreshore is available only to rate payers.
Further down the Peninsula, a 22 square metre <a href="/news/vic/portsea-boatshed-listed-with-500-000-plus-hopes">Portsea boatshed has been listed with $500,000 plus hopes</a>.
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Safety Beach boatshed brought to market

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Last year saw a mortgage broking milestone, a record-breaking December and inner-city markets cracking along at a "blistering pace", according to the latest Ray White White Paper.
Ray White Group's Brian White noted the group transacted $3.37 billion of real estate in December, a result he said would be a stand out any month of the year, "let alone one dominated by vacation and family time".
In December 2014, the group's New Zealand arm bested its previous efforts, selling $704 million worth of property. According to White, the agency has never set a record in December, in any of its many markets. The group operates in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, China, the Middle East and the United States.
However, White wrote that Australia is lagging behind the New Zealand branch:
"Australia is at least one year behind – still short of its second anniversary of market revitalisation."
He noted the generational shift taking place in Sydney, with buyers previously moving to the suburbs, rather than clamouring to access inner-city markets, as they do today.
White confirmed the ongoing trend of Chinese investment in rural land, pointing to two large sales secured by Ray White Rural Sydney principal Bruce Gunning.
"With a total value of over $40million, these properties have been purchased by Chinese investors, showing the continuing foreign interest in Australian rural real estate," White wrote.
"The properties have had contracts exchanged in late December 2014 and are expected to settle in the first quarter of 2015."
Commercial property was a strong performer in 2014, with the business writing 65% more transactions last year than in 2013. White, however, did note that the regional markets "were a long way behind the capital markets and did not get the traditional flow-on effect from capital city activity".
Ray White Group's joint chairman, who is a third generation leader of the company (founded in 1902), also raised the strong performance of the mortgage broking industry in 2014. He noted that brokers were responsible for 51.5% of all residential loans in the September quarter.
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2014 a "remarkable real estate year": Ray White

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ANZ chief economist Warren Hogan has joined the ranks of economists and industry figures predicting that the Reserve Bank will cut interest rates next month.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/anz_warrenhogan/status/555516365717524480" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/01/15/tweet-jan-15-one.jpg" alt=""></a> While Hogan imagines the overnight cash rate will drop by 50 basis points, from its record low 2.50% to 2.0%, Westpac's <a href="/expert-insights/finance/westpacs-bill-evans-still-expects-february-and-march-rba-rate-cuts">chief economist Bill Evans</a> is tipping a 25 basis point cut.
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Tweet of the day: ANZ's Warren Hogan's predicts a February rate cut

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New South Wales Fair Trading Minister Matthew Mason-Cox claims changes to home building laws will increase protections for consumers.
The <a href="/news/nsw/changes-to-nsw-home-building-laws-coming-this-week">new laws</a>, which will be enforced from today, include changes to licensing for builders – both professionals and owner-builders – and changes to the eligibility of building defects for compensation.
Mason-Cox said the changes were intended to modernise industry practices.
"From today, builders and traders face up to 12 months in prison if they are repeat offenders of unlicensed contracting work or don't have the required insurance," he said.
Licensing changes also take aim at illegal phoenix schemes, where an indebted business shuts down and resumes operations under a new name.
"At its core, these new home building laws are about ensuring NSW consumers are appropriately protected without creating unnecessary red tape and regulation that will stifle industry growth and investment," said Mason-Cox.
However, some claim the changes will <a href="/expert-insights/investing/nsw-home-owners-dodgy-construction-claims-curbed-by-government">degrade consumer rights</a> and property research and investment firm Aviate has warned that the new laws mean investors must now be more vigilant when purchasing properties.
One of the major aspects of the Home Building Amendment Act includes a change to the warranty period a builder must provide for new works.
A six-year warranty now only applies for "major" defects, which means there is a threat of collapse or the building is uninhabitable, while there is now no legal distinction between structural and non-structural defects.
All non-major defects will only be covered under the standard two-year warranty, even if they are structural defects.
Aviate Group's Neil Smoli says buyers must now take greater care.
"Investing in property is typically seen as low risk but it's only low risk if you take all the necessary precautions and undertake the proper due diligence prior to investing," said Smoli.
"Limiting the ability of purchasers to take action against builders for defects means the need to work only with builders and developers with a proven track record is vital. The company responsible for delivering a project must take pride in their work and be able to demonstrate that their other projects have been an enduring success."
He urges consumers to research builders before engaging their services.
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New home building laws start today in NSW

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When looking for a new apartment, a buyer might consider location, price, local infrastructure and tenant quality.
But should investors purchase new or established apartments?
Some investors won't touch off the plan purchases, while others argue there are plenty of reasons to <a href="/expert-insights/building/buy-established-or-buy-new-the-arguments-for-both-sides">consider new apartments</a> – as long as you do the <a href="/guides" target="_blank">required research</a>. 
Off the plan apartments can look very shiny and exciting, especially in those renders in the brochure. But are you paying for a high quality product, or marketing materials (including the events, the PR-distributed gift baskets and <a href="/news/vic/vespa-offer-to-entice-buyers-to-south-yarra-one-bedroom-apartments">the Vespa</a>)?
Established apartments may be cheaper, but why should you pay for a degraded product if a brand new one might be available for just a little bit more cash?
These questions are particularly pertinent in Brisbane, which has seen multiple new developments crop up in the last year, with more to come this year (prompting <a href="/expert-insights/buying/brisbane-on-the-slippery-slope-to-oversupply">oversupply warnings from some</a>).
To see just how much more you'll pay for a new apartment in Brisbane, Property Observer looks at recent sales in three suburbs: Toowong, Bulimba and Holland Park West.
<h3><a href="/news">Toowong</a></h3>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-toowong-113816387" target="_blank">1/68 Benson Street, Toowong</a>
 <img src="/images/2015/01/15/1.jpg" alt="">
This one bedroom, one bathroom apartment in Toowong sold for $469,000 in December.
The only one bedroom apartment in the complex, it has 60 square metres of internal floor space, with polished timber floors, a balcony and a stone kitchen.
The buyer will have access to the complex's pool and change room. The apartment comes with one car space.
<ul>
<li>New or established: New</li>
<li>Price: $469,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: One</li>
<li>Price per square metre: $7,816</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-toowong-117391051" target="_blank">36/7 Landsborough Terrace, Toowong</a>
<img src="/images/2015/01/15/2.jpg" alt="">
Just up the river is 36/7 Landsborough Terrace, an established apartment that sold for $452,800 late last year.
The first floor apartment has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a north-facing patio. Coming with one car space, the 84.5 square metre apartment is newly carpeted and pool access.
<ul>
<li>New or established: Established</li>
<li>Price: $452,800</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Two</li>
<li>Price per square metre: $5,359</li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="/news">Bulimba</a></h3>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-bulimba-116544279" target="_blank">4/18 Wambool Street, Bulimba</a>
<img src="/images/2015/01/15/3.jpg" alt="">
In Bulimba, this two bedroom, two bathroom new apartment sold for $659,000 in November.
The air-conditioned, 79.2 square metre apartment has a balcony that opens off the living area and comes with one secure parking space. Construction is expected to finish in February.
<ul>
<li>New or established: New</li>
<li>Price: $659,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Two</li>
<li>Price per square metre: $8,320</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-bulimba-117688427" target="_blank">55/25 Love Street, Bulimba</a>
 <img src="/images/2015/01/15/4.jpg" alt="">
Buyers paid $535,000 for this established apartment in Bulimba. With two bedrooms and two bathrooms, the 91 square metre unit has two balconies, giving it a north-south aspect.
There are two side-by-side parking spaces, and comes with access to a 25 metre lap pool, a gymnasium and a barbecue area.
<ul>
<li>New or established: Established</li>
<li>Price: $535,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Two</li>
<li>Price per square metre: $5,879</li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="/news">Holland Park West</a></h3>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-holland+park+west-117813147" target="_blank">5/35 Crown Street, Holland Park West</a>
<img src="/images/2015/01/15/5.jpg" alt="">
A two bedroom apartment sold off the plan for $429,000 in November. Apartment 5 has 84 square metres of internal space, with tiled living areas and a "designer kitchen".
The two bedroom apartment in a low rise complex comes with a balcony and one garage space. Construction has commenced.
<ul>
<li>New or established: New</li>
<li>Price: $429,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Two</li>
<li>Price per square metre: $5,107</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-holland+park+west-117166391" target="_blank">3/27 Rolle St, Holland Park West</a>
<img src="/images/2015/01/15/6.jpg" alt="">
Vendors secured $372,500 for this established apartment in Holland Park West.
The two bedroom tiled apartment has two balconies and a recently renovated bathroom. With 75 square metres of floorspace, the unit sits above a secure garage.
<ul>
<li>New or established: Established</li>
<li>Price: $372,500</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Two</li>
<li>Price per square metre: 75 square metre</li>
</ul>
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Which Brisbane apartments present the best value: New or established?

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In the 2014 September quarter, 90.7% of properties sold in Australia recorded a profit, with 30.1% selling for more than double their purchase price, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
Regional Western Australia, however, didn't attract many of those gains. The area recorded the highest proportion of loss-making resales in the country, seeing 22.5% of resales make a loss in the September quarter.
Regional Queensland closely followed, with 22% of resales making a loss in the same period.
CoreLogic RP Data research analyst Cameron Kusher said the poor performance reflected conditions in coastal markets.
"Recent data highlights the growing weakness in markets linked to the mining and resources sector where values are generally falling," said Kusher. He also noted the high proportion of loss-making resales for units in lifestyle markets.
The average loss taken in the 2014 September quarter was $62,246, with the average gross profit $223,870.
Kusher noted that profits are often dependent on the length of holding time for a property, with a loss making property in the September quarter sold after an average of 5.7 years. Properties sold for a gross profit were held for 9.9 years on average. Vendors of homes sold for more than double their purchase price had held the properties for an average of 16.8 years.
Proportion of resales profit by length of ownership, September quarter 2014 
<a href="/images/2015/01/13/Picture%2045.png" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/01/13/Picture%2045.png" alt=""></a>
Source: CoreLogic RP Data's September 2014 Pain and Gain Report.
Across Australia, 9.3% of all home resales attracted a lower price than what the vendors paid – the result was up from 9.0% in the June quarter. However, CoreLogic RP Data notes the proportion of resales that made a loss in the 2014 September quarter was still "much lower" than the 11% recorded in the September quarter of 2013.
Unsurprisingly, Sydney had the lowest proportion of loss-making resales of any capital city in the September 2014 quarter. Just 2.6% of resales in the New South Wales capital made a loss. Perth resales were also relatively strong, with only 6% making a loss. However, CoreLogic RP Data's Pain and Gain report recorded that losses are trending upwards in Perth.
In Melbourne, 6.5% of resales were loss-making, with the proportion of losses trending downwards.
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart are all seeing the trend for losses decline. According to Kusher, the trend reflects value growth in those cities. Perth and Darwin and Canberra, where the proportion of loss-making resales also trended upwards, are currently seeing price conditions decline.
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Regional WA beats out regional QLD in resale race to the bottom: CoreLogic RP Data

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 52-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 52-storey tower, which has just shy of 250 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

Joel Robinson

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

Sherpa Group has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at Flourish Soleira in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

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"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

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The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

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The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with Flourish Amargo, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

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The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

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Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

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Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Jessie Richardson

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