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While every expert surveyed by Finder this month predicted interest rates would stay on hold this month, many are expecting to see rates rise next year.
Of the 33 respondents, 30 think interest rates will begin to increase in 2015, with just one – <a href="/expert-insights/finance/domain-groups-andrew-wilson-predicts-rba-will-cut-rates-further">Andrew Wilson of Domain Group</a> – predicting the next move will be a decrease.
A third of the experts surveyed predict interest rates will peak at 4-4.25% within the next three years.
The overnight cash rate was last at 4.25% in April 2012, after dropping from 4.5% in November 2011.
When rates first dropped, NAB offered its standard variable lending rate at 7.47%, while Westpac and ANZ both cut their standard rate to 7.55%.
Currently, ANZ offers its standard variable loan at 5.88%, with a comparison rate of 5.98%. For a $500,000 loan, a borrower is likely to pay $4,025 per month, with $272,685 interest payable.
If the rate was bumped back up to 7.55%, monthly repayments would likely increase by $469 per month to $4,494, with total $362,770 interest payable.
Finder's Michelle Hutchison says if the cash rate hits 4%, borrowers with a $300,000 loan will need "a buffer of at least $300 per month".
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

How would a 4.25% interest rate impact you?

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There were 364,013 properties listed in October, 4.9% more than the same time last year, according to SQM Research.
The result was up 7.3% from this September, a result <a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/" target="_blank">SQM Research</a> managing director Louis Christopher says was not surprising.
"The month recorded a rather large surge in listings, which were expected, given the slow start to the spring selling season," says Christopher.
SQM Research attributes the yearly increase in unsold properties on the market to a few capital cities in particular. Perth stock on the market was up 18.9% year on year.
The greatest annual increase, however, was recorded in Darwin. Stock levels were 31.9% higher than October 2013, with a total of 1,851 homes on the market.
Hobart was the only city to record a yearly downturn in stock levels, which were 0.2% lower than they were this time last year at 4,227 homes.
On a monthly basis, Sydney had the highest stock increase with 21.9%. There were 24,826 properties in total on the market in the New South Wales capital.
"Despite the listings surge in Sydney, our information is telling us that the market remains very strong for now," Christopher says.
The result is considered by SQM Research to be an "abnormal surge".
Declines in listed stock were not recorded in any of Australia's capital cities in October, although Melbourne offered the slightest increase of 2.6%. A total of 44,140 Melbourne homes were unsold and on the market last month.
 
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Surge in listings after slow start to spring: SQM Research

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A $6.56 million waterfront mansion was the week's most expensive sale, according to RP Data.
Brookfield, a circa 1898 home, has remained in the same hands since 1955. The mansion sits on a 607 square metre block, with north-east facing gardens.
It cleared the pre-Melbourne Cup week's next most expensive home, a Hunters Hill waterfront house, by $2.36 million. The week's top three sales were all secured by McGrath Estate Agents.
RP Data's top 10 sales:
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/house/nsw/balmain-east/?adid=2011458628" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-one.jpg" alt="">5 Simmons Street, Balmain East, NSW, 2041</a> <img src="/images/2014/11/04/1.jpg" alt="">
The four bedroom period home sold prior to auction on November 1 through McGrath Estate Agents. It features two wraparound balconies with direct views to the harbour, and an absolute waterfront position.
The house comes with a boat house and two slipways.
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/apartment-unit-flat/nsw/sydney/?adid=2011500391" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-two.jpg" alt="">5 Kareelah Road, Hunters Hill, NSW, 2110</a> <img src="/images/2014/11/04/2.jpg" alt=""> This Hunters Hill home sold for $4.2 million on October 31. The contemporary waterfront home is situated on 1,152 square metres on a cul-de-sac.
There are boating facilities including a shared jetty and a drop of pontoon, while the home has a swimming pool which offers city views. Inside, there are four bedrooms, a formal living room that opens onto the outdoor terrace and a rumpus room with courtyard access.
The vendors purchased the property for $900,000 in April 1997.
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/apartment-unit-flat/nsw/sydney/?adid=2011500391" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-three.jpg" alt="">33/5 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000</a> <img src="/images/2014/11/04/3.jpg" alt=""> An apartment in the Bennelong complex sold for $3.7 million through McGrath Estate agents. The three bedroom unit has views over the Harbour Bridge and the Botanic Gardens, with two undercover balconies, accessible from all three bedrooms.
With 175 square metres of floor space, the apartment has two spa bathrooms (one an en suite) and an open plan living and dining area.
The seller paid $2.28 million for the unit in 2000. In 2012, it was advertised to rent at $2,500 per week.
<a href="https://www.belleproperty.com/2P6154" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-four.jpg" alt="">20 Ryries Parade, Cremorne, NSW, 2090</a>
<img src="/images/2014/11/04/4.jpg" alt=""> This Cremorne house sold at auction on November 1 for $3,675,000 through Belle Property Mosman.
The home, structured as a series of wings, has five bedrooms, a home office, a media room, 250 bottle cellar, a workshop, a dining room and open plan living area, with a central glassed-in terrace. There are multiple balconies, with full height windows and glass doors.
The home cost $3.7 million in 2006, with the vendors making a loss at its sale this week.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-vaucluse-117960815" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-five.jpg" alt="">111 New South Head Road, Vaucluse, NSW, 2030</a>
<img src="/images/2014/11/04/5.jpg" alt="">
Laing + Simmons Double Bay auctioned this Mediterranean-inspired house for $3.58 million.
The house, which centres around its outdoor pool, has remained in the same family's hands for 33 years. According to the listing information, there's "further potential to capitalise on a northerly aspect", with a 730 square metre level plot.
The house comes with four and a half bathrooms, front and rear gardens, a formal living room and formal dining room, and informal living and dining areas.
Article continues on the next page. Please click below.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-118055711" target="_blank"></a>
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<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-118055711" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-six.jpg" alt="">2 Spink Street, Brighton, VIC, 3186</a> <img src="/images/2014/11/04/6.jpg" alt="">
A $3,525,000 Brighton house is the only Victorian home to appear on this week's top 10 list. The four-bedroom warehouse conversion was sold after auction by Hocking Stuart Brighton.
The home is set over three storeys, with four living zones, a cinema, a wine cellar and study areas. Situated on a corner block, the house also comes with an adjoining commercial space and a rooftop pool.
The sellers paid $850,000 in 2007.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-vaucluse-118070319" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-seven.jpg" alt="">8 Coolong Road, Vaucluse, NSW, 2030</a> <img src="/images/2014/11/04/7.jpg" alt=""> An Allen Jack+Cottier-designed modernist style house sold for $3.5 million through Richardson &amp; Wrench Double Bay this week.
The five bedroom house has exposed brick walls and "Scandanavian inspired retro vibes" according to the listing. With two storeys, the house has a living room with a balcony, a master wing, study, and a formal living room with walled garden.
It has remained in the same family for 30 years.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bellevue+hill-118068259" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-eight.jpg" alt="">31 Bundarra Road, Bellevue Hill, NSW, 2023</a> <img src="/images/2014/11/04/8.jpg" alt=""> This four bedroom house sold as a deceased estate through BradfieldCleary Double Bay for $3.46 million.
The home sits on a 720 square metre block, with three bedrooms with balconies and built ins and a fourth study or bedroom. It has north facing living and dining areas and a rumpus room which opens onto the garden.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-linley+point-118124843" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-nine.jpg" alt="">14 Haughton Street, Linley Point, NSW, 2066</a>
<img src="/images/2014/11/04/9.jpg" alt=""> Selling prior to auction, this three bedroom house secured $3.2 million through Blunts Real Estate Lane Cove.
The 1960s brick house, which its listing describes as "an ideal candidate for a cosmetic renovation", sits on an 815 square metre plot with views over the city and Harbour Bridge. It has three bathrooms, a kitchen and meals area, a lounge and dining space which opens onto the patio.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-hunters+hill-117851003" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-ten.jpg" alt="">24 Mary Street, Hunters Hill, NSW, 2110</a>
<img src="/images/2014/11/04/hunters%20hill%20nov%205.jpg" alt="">
A four-bedroom house was sold on October 28 by McGrath Estate Agents for $2.95 million.
The second Hunters Hill residence on this week's top 10 list, it has various entertaining and living spaces. The 613 square metre property has a heated swimming pool and spa, outdoor entertaining areas and a double car port. Inside, there is an attic retreat, 2,000 bottle cellar, and a commercial grade cool room.
The vendors bought the home four years ago for $2.45 million.
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Brookfield at Balmain East tops week’s sales: RP Data

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Darwin investors are earning higher rental yields than landlords in any other Australian capital city, according to RP Data.
The Northern Territory city stands apart from most other capitals, where home values have outperformed rental growth, says RP Data head of research Tim Lawless.
"With rents being substantially outpaced by dwelling values, the rental yield scenario is slimmest Melbourne where the typical house is achieving gross yield of just 3.3% while Sydney's average yields aren't a great deal higher at 3.7%," Lawless says.
"Darwin and Hobart are showing a much healthier yield profile with the typical dwelling providing gross yield of 5.4% and 5.9% respectively."
House rental yields by capital city:
<ol>
<li>Darwin: 5.9% Median price: $570,000 
</li>
<li>Hobart: 5.4% Median price: $330,000 
</li>
<li>Brisbane: 4.5% Median price: $470,000 
</li>
<li>Canberra: 4.2% Median price: $566,000 
</li>
<li>Adelaide: 4.2% Median price: $415,000 
</li>
<li>Perth: 4.1% Median price: $540,000 
</li>
<li>Sydney: 3.6% Median price: $792,000 
</li>
<li>Melbourne: 3.2% Median price: $615,000</li>
</ol>
Rental yields for units are on the next page. Please click below. 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Unit rental yields by capital city:
<ol>
<li>Darwin: 6.0% Median price: $536,200 
</li>
<li>Hobart: 5.4% Median price: $250,000 
</li>
<li>Brisbane: 5.4% Median price: $380,000 
</li>
<li>Canberra: 4.9% Median price: $398,500 
</li>
<li>Adelaide: 4.7% Median price: $333,000 
</li>
<li>Perth: 4.7% Median price: $450,000 
</li>
<li>Sydney: 4.5% Median price: $590,000 
</li>
<li>Melbourne: 4.1% Median price: $472,000</li>
</ol>
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Which capital cities have the highest (and lowest) rental yields?

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Name: Chris Knight
<img src="/images/2014/07/23/knight-july-23-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;">Position: Managing director
Company: Opteon Property Group Victoria
Office Location: Melbourne
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been employed with Opteon (Victoria) since 2006 and was appointed to the position of managing director in 2011. I previously held roles including director of residential services, operations manager and senior valuer and have been immersed in the industry for almost 17 years.
What's happening in the area you specialise in?
I've just spent some time in the US to understand other property markets and how they are innovating. Australian companies, especially those in property, are often not strong in areas of innovation and that's a key aspect we're concentrating on.
From a tactical level we are breaking down traditional product silos and focusing more on geography where practical. Training of our people is of key importance to us, and this means our staff can more easily cross product environments and increase their learning and career potential.
Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on.
Opteon have key specialisations in almost all aspects of property and assets, and as such we see an enormous variety of interesting properties and projects.
We are regularly involved in providing advice on multi-level and multi-use residential and commercial development projects, as well as valuing pubs and hotels, petrol stations and most other forms of special use commercial property.
We are involved in landlord and tenant disputes, family law advice regarding the assessment of asset portfolios as well as the advice for the property aspect of land acquisition for public use, including road widenings and other public services.
One of particular interest, however, was the valuation of a WWII Mustang fighter aircraft undertaken by our head of plant and equipment. The assessment of value of this aircraft was quite in-depth and very interesting.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
One of my favourite sayings is "a business that stands still is actually moving backwards". I think the ingredients to being successful in any job or industry is identifying how you can continue to get the most out of yourself and the people around you, and continue to push yourself beyond the 'comfort zone' and shake up the traditional way of thinking.
In essence, be prepared to do things differently.
Being successful in my role is ensuring that those around me are successful also, and to create an environment where I enjoy my work, and where others do too.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
I am passionate about creating something different, not just another property company. Setting a positive culture, assisting people to reach their goals and aligning goals of staff to those of a business is really important to me. I enjoy creating highly effective teams, which have a client and delivery focus.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
Firstly, I would only invest in something that I understood, which for me is obviously property. The other important aspect is to have a clear strategy (short/medium/long term etc).
However, invariably I would look to an asset class which could attract debt, provide a good yield (preferably covering debt requirements), whilst also having good potential for strong capital growth, whether that be through change in the utilisation of the land component, further development or strong market growth through demand.
But there is one constant in this strategy, and that is land; my opinion is you must have land in the asset, as that is the key component, which will appreciate in value. Asset classes such as residential development or commercial assets with a strong land component would be of interest.
Which football team do you support?
Geelong Football Club.
What is your favourite app or techno gadget?
I confess to having a bent at the moment to Sudoku apps that I use in my downtime, although I do use apps such as UrbanSpoon, Strava and <a href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/knightc" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> on a regular basis.
How do you use social media?
As a business, social media is an invaluable tool that enables us to understand and connect with our target audience. We use this medium on a regular basis to build and differentiate the brand of the company and the individuals within it.
It also permits us to communicate effectively in real time and keep abreast of industry developments.
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In profile: Opteon Property Group Victoria's managing director, Chris Knight  

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A month out from a state election, the Victorian Napthine government has seriously stung the state's real estate agents.
Last week, the government announced that agents handling the sale or lease of commercial real estate valued over $15 million or at with floor space of least 10,000 square metres will no longer need a licence.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/geoffwhite/status/527206198949314560" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/10/29/tweet-oct-29-one.jpg" alt=""></a>
Some licensed real estate agents, including Geoff White of Lucas Real Estate, aren't happy.
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria has already pledged $1 million to campaign against the government's changes, which it claims will damage small business and increase risks for consumers as agents may not be required to use trust accounts or have insurance.
The Coalition government claims the measures will "reduce red tape".
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Real estate agents push back against Napthine's reforms: Tweet of the day

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The former home of television producer turned resort entrepreneur Henry Crawford and his wife Nina Hill has been listed for auction.
The couple sold The Stables in Clovelly for $2.4 million in 2004 to the current vendors.<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-clovelly-118213759" target="_blank"> It is now listed</a> through Chris Volpatti and Conrad Panebianco of McGrath Coogee with $3.25 million plus expectations.
Crawford and Hill gave the converted stables an Asian-inspired renovation the year before selling. The four bedroom house is now described as an "eclectic fusion of tropical resort style aesthetics with state-of-the-art bespoke inclusions" by the listing agents.
The dark façade of the home belies its light-filled interiors, with high raked ceilings with exposed timber beams. The Stables retain many of its original timber floorboards, with trap doors formerly used to throw hay to its original early 1900s inhabitants.
{qtube vid:=xafIwZ_3vPE}
The ground floor holds a number of entertaining and break out areas. There is a lounge and gym area, a games room and media room with built in cabinetry and Sonos wiring, with a studio towards the back of the house with a kitchen and butler's pantry.
On the upper level, there are three bedrooms and a gallery area. The kitchen, dining, living and master bedroom all have a view to the covered alfresco entertaining area on the upper level, which features a plunge pool.
The current owners have quite the art collection, with work by artists including David Bromley and Bill Henson hanging on the walls. A large mural covers two walls of one of the home gym.
After beginning his career as an actor and lawyer, Crawford joined Crawford Productions, at that time one of Australia's largest production companies, owned by distant relatives Dorothy and Hector Crawford. He went on to produce about 1,000 hours of drama before he decided to try his hand at the tourism industry, building Vatulele, a luxury "eco-sensitive" resort in Fiji.
Crawford is now on the Urban Design Panel at the Queenstown District Lakes Council in New Zealand.
1 Greville Street will be auctioned on Saturday 15 November.
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Henry Crawford's former Clovelly conversion on the market

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Ardoch Youth Foundation will receive a portion of the sale price of a St Kilda East apartment block after it is auctioned today.
Selling agents Hodges St Kilda will also contribute a portion of their commission to the charity.
The apartment block at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unitblock-vic-st+kilda+east-118045907" target="_blank">105 Westbury Street</a>, on a 760 square metre plot, was formerly a halfway house. There are now two period apartments on the site and a three level town house at the rear of the plot.
According to listing information, the property falls within the General Residential Zone, which allows multi-unit development, subject to council approval. It's located within walking distance of Carlisle Street and Balaclava cafes and restaurants.
Vendor Andrew Robinson, who has owned the five-apartment block for almost 25 years, will be making a donation. He is a volunteer for the Ardoch Youth Foundation and runs music classes for disadvantaged young people.
The Ardoch Youth Foundation provides education services for young people experiencing barriers to education. They support Port Phillip Bay schools including St Kilda Primary, Elwood College and Elwood Primary School.
The auction of 105 Westbury Street will take place at 1pm, 29 October.
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Slice of proceeds from St Kilda East sale to go to local charity

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A two bedroom house surrounded by gardens was the cheapest sold at weekend auction in Adelaide.
Kristy Dundon of Harris Real Estate sold the house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-blackwood-118120775" target="_blank">20 Brightwood Avenue</a>, Blackwood for $450,000.
The home is located in Blackwood, at the foot of the Adelaide hills.
On the lower level there is a kitchen and dining room, bedroom, bathroom and living area that opens onto an outdoor entertaining deck. The mezzanine level holds the main bedroom and a living space. Double height windows look onto the property's well established gardens, set over 898 square metres of land.
The property also includes a separate studio, a double carport and storage under the house.
The sellers bought the home for $173,000 in 2000.
<a href="/news">Blackwood</a> has a median sale price of $480,000, according to RP Data.
Earlier this year Property Observer's contrarian commentators Jonathan Chancellor and Margie Blok debated <a href="/expert-insights/investing/a-frame-houses-do-they-work-he-said-she-said">the merits of the A-frame design</a>.
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A-frame Blackwood home Adelaide’s cheapest at auction

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Seven of the 10 most expensive sales of the week were in Victoria, according to RP Data.
But it wasn't enough to push New South Wales out of the top spot, with the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/darlinghurst-apartment-sells-prior-to-auction-for-5-million">$5 million sale</a> of a Darlinghurst apartment in The Residence.
A Federation era Camberwell estate took out the next highest ranking. The four bedroom renovated home sold for $4.45 million.
RP Data's top 10:
<img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-one.jpg" alt="">71/18 College Street, Darlinghurst, NSW <img class="img-responsive" src="/images/2014/10/27/darlinghurst_0000_1.jpg.jpg" alt="Darlinghurst apartment sells prior to auction for $5 million"> 
The three bedroom, three bathroom apartment on the 16th floor in the north east corner of The Residence sold for $5 million pre-auction through Laing Real Estate Elizabeth Bay.
It was purchased by the seller for $4.8 million in November 2012.
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/house/vic/camberwell/?adid=2011471983" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-two.jpg" alt="">22 Victoria Road, Camberwell, Vic</a>
 <img src="/images/2014/10/28/2camber.jpg" alt="">
Tavistock was designed by Ussher and Kemp, the prolific Federation era Melbourne architects who made their mark throughout Melbourne's eastern suburbs. The four bedroom, four three bathroom house has been renovated and extended. Each of the bedrooms has built in robes, while the master bedroom has an adjoining nursery or dressing room.
The home has a north facing sitting room with a marble open fire place, a formal dining room and a living area which extends outside to an entertaining deck with a barbecue kitchen and a pool.
It was sold for $4.45 million through Jellis Craig Hawthorn.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-canterbury-118042839" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-three.jpg" alt="">19 Victoria Avenue, Canterbury, Vic</a> <img src="/images/2014/10/28/3.jpg" alt="">
This single storey Canterbury home sold for $4 million through Kay &amp; Burton Hawthorn. The period residence, with interiors renovated by Neil Architecture, sits on a 1,200 square metre landscaped plot.
The house features hardwood floors throughout, with multiple living and entertaining areas, four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a study. In the west-facing backyard, there is a pool and pool house.
Vendors paid $706,000 for the house in Canterbury's tree lined Victoria Avenue for $706,000 in 1990.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-williamstown-117978587" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-four.jpg" alt="">45 The Strand, Williamstown, Vic</a> <img src="/images/2014/10/28/4.jpg" alt="">
The only Melbourne home west of the CBD to crack to the top 10 this week was a three bedroom Williamstown offering. The bayside house sold for $3,876,000 through Greg Hocking Elly Partners Williamstown.
The 1985 house sits on a 721 square metre plot with 21 metre frontage to The Strand, which runs along the bay. City and bay views are available from almost every room of the home. The house also includes an indoor pool, spa and bar.
Despite its high price, the vendors made a loss on the home, having purchased it in November 2007 for $4,175,000.
<a href="https://www.11malinst.com/" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-five.jpg" alt="">11 Malin Street, Kew, Vic</a> <img src="/images/2014/10/28/5.jpg" alt="">
A contemporary home in Melbourne's private school belt sold for $3.61 million through Jellis Craig Hawthorn last week.
The four bedroom house on a 627 square metres has limestone floors, wool carpets and double glazed windows. There are three bathrooms, a lounge and dining area with a wet bar and kitchenette, a main kitchen with butler's pantry, home cinema and store room or cellar.
The living and dining area opens via stacker doors onto an outdoor entertaining area via stacker doors, which overlooks a pool.
Vendors purchased the property for $1,225,000 in 2009.
Article continues on the next page. Please click below.
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<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/house/vic/st-kilda-west/?adid=2011454310" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-six.jpg" alt="">356 Beaconsfield Parade, St Kilda West, Vic</a> <img src="/images/2014/10/28/6.jpg" alt=""> After 33 years of ownership, the vendor of this modest two bedroom home sold it for $3.2 million.
The St Kilda brick house on a 296 square metre corner plot is located opposite Catani Gardens and within walking distance of Fitzroy Street. The home has 10.1 metres of frontage.
The home currently has a central living room, a double garage and a private courtyard. It sold through Cayzer Real Estate.
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/apartment-unit-flat/vic/toorak/?adid=2011475018" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-seven.jpg" alt="">2/18 Grange Road, Toorak, Vic</a> <img src="/images/2014/10/28/7.jpg" alt=""> A first floor apartment in Toorak sold for $3.17 million through RT Edgar Toorak. One of three in the complex, the apartment was designed by the late Melbourne architect Wayne Gillespie.
The apartment with ornate furnishings is situated directly opposite the Toorak Village, and features a wide gallery hallway, granite kitchen and a living and dining area that opens onto an entertaining terrace.
The home also includes three bedrooms, a home theatre room and parking for two cars. The sellers bought it in November 2010 for $3.05 million
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mona+vale-118267899" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-eight.jpg" alt="">24 Rednal Street, Mona Vale, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/10/28/8.jpg" alt=""> This four bedroom, four bathroom waterfront home sold for $3.15 million through LJ Hooker Collaroy, the first time it's changed hands in 30 years.
The house has a family living area with wet bar, a formal dining area and a formal lounge with a sandstone fireplace. It features an entertaining terrace, a pool, sauna and lawns that extend to the water's edge.
The property also includes a slipway, a boat storage room and a deep waterfront berth.
24 Rednal Street sold after almost a full year on the market. The owners previously listed it briefly in 2006 with a price guide of $2.1 million, and again in 2010.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-double+bay-118019155" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-nine.jpg" alt="">8 Epping Road, Double Bay, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/10/28/9.jpg" alt=""> Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay sold this four bedroom, two bathroom house for $3.1 million.
Sitting on a dual access 273 square metre level block, the house opens onto the garden area, with a heated plunge pool. Each of the double sized bedrooms offers direct outdoor access.
The house was purchased by the vendors in March 2001, who paid $1,667,000.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-black+rock-118039583" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/04/yellow-ten.jpg" alt="">26 Love Street, Black Rock, Vic</a> <img src="/images/2014/10/28/10.jpg" alt=""> This north facing bayside home sold for $3.1 million through Buxton Sandringham.
The house has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with a home office and was built by Pascall Projects. The master wing on the home's lower level features a double ensuite with an Apaiser Stone bath and a mirrored dressing room.
The large kitchen has a butler's pantry, while the lower level living space opens to the outside, with a pool, decks and a pond.
Vendors bought the 606 square metre property for $730,000 in 2004.
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Victorian prestige homes dominate RP Data's top 10 sales of the week

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Jessie Richardson

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