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"It's tradition. Every night on reveal we have a little cry, and the next morning we're all good," said The Block Glasshouse contestant Chris on the latest room reveals' episode.
Chris and Jenna have certainly had plenty of disappointment to bounce back from in their journey from underdogs to wonderdogs and back to underdogs on The Block. This week was no different.
Despite their best intentions, the couple failed to repeat the success of their main bathroom, which earned them a <a href="/expert-insights/building/block-glasshouse-newbies-reborn-with-perfect-score">perfect score</a> from the judges. This week, they came in last place yet again, delivering an unfinished room (pictured below).
 <img src="/images/2014/09/23/block-sept-23-breakout.jpg" alt="">
Though the judges were inexplicably enamoured with Chris and Jenna's choice of <a href="https://www.beaumont-tiles.com.au/AllProducts/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=183022D&amp;Search=three&amp;pspid=1" target="_blank">resin-based 3D tiles</a>, it seems they weren't quite worth the (considerable) effort it took to install them. Chris' scheduling bungle didn't help either: telling his glazier the wrong date set the team back considerably.
Judges Neale Whitaker, Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer had plenty to say about the bathroom's grotty bronze mirror, the electrical sockets hanging out of the wall and poor finishing touches. They were, however, enthusiastic about the design and layout of the bathroom, which managed to fit in a bathtub and double shower.
Chris and Jenna received 23 out of 30 for their effort.
Karstan and Max, who were the victims of some rather laborious pranks this week, didn't fare much better. They delivered yet another glossy, big-tiled, dark bathroom (pictured below). At least the cold-looking rooms are consistent.
<img src="/images/2014/09/22/katstan%20and%20max.jpg" alt="">
One of the major problems with The Block format is the expectation that contestants will respond to the judge's comments from week to week, with each room better than the last. But doing so creates inconsistency throughout the apartments. While the viewing public may enjoy seeing each team progress through a coherent narrative, buyers would rather a consistently styled home.
So Karstan and Maxine's stubborn cling to high-gloss might just pay off on auction day. For now, they remain unpopular with the judges, who awarded the team 24 out of 30.
Perpetual favourites Michael and Carlene also had a less-than-stellar run with their ensuite (pictured below). Unfortunately, the glass door to their ensuite was installed before their tiles were installed, and it didn't fit when the flooring was completed.
<img src="/images/2014/09/22/michael%20and%20carlene.jpg" alt="">
So there was one less piece of glass on reveal day, but it was still too much: Neale declared that the couple's use of glass throughout the ensuite, including glass pendant lights, made it feel cold.
He also hated the dried nettles that sat in Michael and Carlene's bathroom, though Darren defended the dead flowers pictured below. It seems he's a fan of the souped-up potpourri, having used dried flowers in his own book, Easy Luxury. Michael and Carlene were given 25.5 points for their efforts.
<img src="/images/2014/09/22/dried%20nettles.jpg" alt="">
There was some distance between the bottom three and the top two, with Dee and Darren's score clearing Michael and Carlene's by three points. But 28 wasn't enough for Deanne, who declared Shaynna a "bogan from Wantirna" with "no idea about styling" after she gave their ensuite (pictured below) a measly 9/10, citing storage issues.
<img src="/images/2014/09/22/dee.jpg" alt="">
Darren and Dee, who had the smallest ensuite of any team, finished their interior spaces with characteristic WASPish flair (bar the bizarre chevron towels). The couple's provincial styling, as shown in the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-prahran-117930567" target="_blank">online listing</a> for their apartment, sits a little strangely in an office conversion. It seems to work for them - just not well enough to win the team any prizes.
This week, the award for winning room went to Simon and Shannon's ensuite, pictured below.
<img src="/images/2014/09/22/simon%20and%20shannon%20bath2.jpg" alt="">
The brothers, who had been banking on the appeal of a timber bath, got exactly what they wanted. The judges swooned over their wooden washtub and its spout, which descended from the ceiling. The bathroom also featured glass pendant lights and a gold Chinese drum stool.
They received a 29.5 score this week, earning them a $15,000 prize.
Simon and Shannon will be spending the $15,000 on their terrace spaces, with the apartments' interiors now completed.
All photos courtesy of Channel 9.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Dead flowers debate on The Block Glasshouse, but ennui ensues after ensuite reviews

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The Queensland Office of Fair Trading has ordered an unlicensed Brisbane real estate agent to pay more than $134,000 in fines and compensations.
Despite being unlicensed since 2004, Alisa Phyllis Davies of Arana Hills continued to operate her agency, Jenas Realty Pty Ltd. Davis was fined $6,000 after pleading guilty to one count of acting unlicensed as a real estate agent.
As the sole director of Jenas Realty, she was found guilty of misappropriating trust money and was fined a further $70,000. The business was also fined $50,000 for operating unlicensed and claiming it held a current real estate agent license.
The court heard that the business made a false representation that it had a valid real estate license by sending clients messages with its expired license number.
Davies was also ordered to pay $8,400 in compensation, after receiving rent from a tenant in 2012 and 2013 but failing to pass the $8,400 sum along to the landlord.
All real estate agents are required to hold a valid license under the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000. Agents must complete training requirements and pass suitability checks to qualify for a license.
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Brisbane unlicensed agent ordered to pay $134,000

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Today marks the start of World Green Building Week, and who better to keep us in the loop than the Green Building Council of Australia.
<img src="/images/2014/09/22/world%20green%20building.jpg" alt="">
Over the next five days, events will be held all over the world to celebrate and educate the public about sustainable building.
This year, the theme is "Get up, green up". Each Green Building Council is holding their own events.
Australian events include networking events for young professionals, webinars, site tours of sustainable buildings and even an open mic night.
You can see the <a href="https://twitter.com/gbcaus" target="_blank">Green Building Council of Australia</a>'s events schedule <a href="https://www.gbca.org.au/events/world-green-building-week/world-green-building-week-2014-industry-events/35723.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.
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World Green Building Week: Tweet of the day

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<img src="/images/2014/09/22/Untitled.jpg" alt="">
A plush home cinema in Victoria got a standing ovation from readers in last week's poll.
We asked readers which home theatre was their favourite, with five options plucked from current market listings.
This offering in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-greenvale-117843851" target="_blank">Victoria's Greenvale </a>secured the top spot (pictured above).
It seems that for many readers, more is more. The home theatre in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-sorrento-116132183" target="_blank">72 Ashmore Way Sorrento, Western Australia, </a>with a sculpted ceiling and leather seats, came in second place (pictured below).
<img src="/images/2014/09/18/4.jpg" alt="">
It was closely followed by the home cinema in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-north+sydney-117701243" target="_blank">7/88 Berry Street North Sydney, NSW. </a>The cinema pictured below has glowing LED lights tucked over its ceiling panels and a more relaxed lounge seating arrangement than some of its contemporaries.
<img src="/images/2014/09/18/1.jpg" alt="">
The unfurnished home cinema in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-toorak-116832791" target="_blank">43 Lansell Road, Toorak</a> was a little less popular, though it offered the most space of any of the home cinemas.
<img src="/images/2014/09/18/2.jpg" alt="">
In last place came <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-balwyn-117863915" target="_blank">11 Belgrove Avenue, Balwyn's </a>home theatre, pictured below. The nostalgic appeal of the flip-up seat red cinema chairs, complete with cup holders, wasn't enough to win over voters.
<img src="/images/2014/09/18/3.jpg" alt="">
 
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Poll results: Greenvale home cinema gets five stars

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The median price for a Brisbane unit sits at $389,250, according to RP Data.
The city's median price was up 2.6% in the quarter to August. On a yearly basis, Brisbane's unit prices increased by 5.6%. Property Observer looks at some recent Brisbane apartment sales to see just what $389,250 will buy you, and how much you have to sacrifice to get close to the CBD.
Inner ring: 0-5 kilometres from the CBD
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-brisbane+city-116772003" target="_blank">128 Charlotte St, Brisbane City </a></li>
</ul>
 <img src="/images/2014/09/22/1.jpg" alt="">
This one bedroom, one bathroom apartment in the Brisbane CBD sold for $380,00 last month. The 64 square metre unit in Charlotte Towers faces south-east, with an enclosed balcony. Its bedroom has built in robes and the apartment currently returns $2,136 per month, after deducting management fees.
Residents have access to the complex's outdoor plunge pool, heated indoor lap pool gym and barbecue.
<ul>
<li>Price: $380,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: One</li>
<li>Drive to CBD: 0 minutes</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-new+farm-117445423" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">5/81 Barker Street, New Farm</a>
<img src="/images/2014/09/22/2.jpg" alt=""> 
The online listing for this New Farm apartment advises the new owners to redesign or renovate it. Sold for $384,500, the unit has one bedroom and one bathroom, with a kitchen that is separated from the living and dining space.
The apartment, with around 40 square metres of internal floor space, comes with an under cover car port.
<ul>
<li>Price: $384,500</li>
<li>Bedrooms: One</li>
<li>Drive to CBD: Eight minutes</li>
</ul>
This article continues on the next page. To see how much you can get for your dollar in Brisbane's middle ring, click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Middle ring: 5-10 kilometres from the CBD
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-indooroopilly-115998471" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">2/8 Shirley Street Indooroopilly, Queensland</a>
<img src="/images/2014/09/22/3.jpg" alt="">
This two bedroom, two bathroom ground floor apartment in Indooroopilly sold for $385,000 earlier this year. Located in a six-unit complex, it has 126 square metres of internal floor space. Both bedrooms have built in robes, and the apartment has a large courtyard.
<ul>
<li>Price: $385,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Two</li>
<li>Travel to CBD: 10 minutes</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-carina-117600931" target="_blank">6/31 Mayfield Road, Carina</a>
<img src="/images/2014/09/22/4.jpg" alt="">
Another two bedroom apartment in a block of six, this Carina unit sold for $380,000 this month. The apartment, with a rear deck, has built in robes in both the bedrooms, one of which has an en suite. There is another main bathroom, and an open plan living and kitchen area within the apartment's 122 square metres. The apartment, within five minutes' walk to the City Express bus, also includes a secure double garage.
<ul>
<li>Price: $380,000</li>
<li>Bedrooms: Two</li>
<li>Travel to CBD: 12 minutes</li>
</ul>
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How do Brisbane's units compare across the regions?

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As a first home buyer, it's sometimes hard to figure out how you compare to others in the same position.

Are you spending way more than you should and overcommitting yourself? Or are you trying to scrimp and eyeing a property that most buyers, first timer or otherwise, wouldn't touch?

If you're planning on laying money down for your first purchase, you have to be realistic about how much you can spend. You may be able to save up for a deposit on a $650,000 house by eating baked beans every night for a year, but that's not a sustainable way to live.

Once your mortgage payment obligations start, they don't stop - not if you decide to get married, or have a baby, or get sick. So be honest with yourself about what you can afford.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29048]

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) gathers data on different segments of the market, including first home buyers. According to the ABS, the average loan size for a first time buyer in July this year was $307,400.

Adding an assumed 10% deposit, that brings the typical first home buyer price to an estimated $338,140 (though remember, those <a href="/expert-insights/buying/what-does-a-home-really-cost-for-a-first-time-buyer">aren't the only costs</a> associated with buying your first home). While the ABS figures can allow you to make a rough guess at what others are spending, remember - there is no one particular loan size, l<a href="/expert-insights/investing/what-level-of-gearing-should-i-accept-for-my-first-investment-ask-margaret">oan to value ratio</a>, or finance scheme that fits everyone. 

It's important to note that our $338,140 is a national average, and prices vary from city to city. For a more specific breakdown, see what Property Observer's expert contributors <a href="/expert-insights/buying/exclusive-first-home-buyer-picks-from-the-experts">picked around Australia</a>. 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8082]

So what exactly will $338,140 buy you?

In Melbourne, that might get you a one bedroom apartment like <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-flemington-117540416" target="_blank">this one</a>, located three kilometres from the CBD in Flemington. The lowrise apartment pictured below sold for $340,500 in August.

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/09/19/1.jpg">

Showing just how much things change a mere 3,400 kilometres away, in Perth's Balga you can pick up a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-balga-116930007" target="_blank">three bedroom attached house</a> for $340,000.

 <img alt="" src="/images/2014/09/19/2.jpg">

If the average first home buyer across Australia is paying around $340,000 for home, does that mean you should too?

Not necessarily. Prices, household incomes and living costs vary all across the country - what might work for your friend in Balga may not be such a wise decision in Sydney. You might be better off waiting until you can afford a property that offers good capital growth.

Perhaps you're wondering what the first home buyer market was like five years ago (or how much easier your older brother had it).

In July 2009, the average loan size to a first home buyer was $269,100 - meaning the average first home buyer commitment size has increased by 14% over the past five years. According to the ABS, the proportion of first home buyers in the market was higher then, with 25.7% of all homes financed in July 2009 belonging to first time purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28487]

First home buyers make up less than half of that proportion of the market now: only 12.2% of all dwellings financed in July 2014 were first home purchases.

Some think the apparent decline in first home buyers is the result of an increasing unwillingness to overcommit on housing - or to commit at all. Others believe the ABS needs to revise its methods.

There's no single number that represents how much a first home buyer should spend. But if you're purchasing your first home, be realistic and know your limit.
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How much should you spend on your first home?

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While national monthly median price changes generate a lot of headlines, Property Observer contributor Pete Wargent is more interested in the view from afar.
<img src="/images/2014/09/19/tweet%20wargent.jpg" alt="">
The AllenWargent property buyers co-founder <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/PeteWargent/status/512761386682699776" target="_blank">noted</a> that Sydney property prices have increased by more than 50% in the past six years, but growth in the smaller cities has been much more modest.
Wargent isn't the only property commentator to note our unbalanced capital city markets. RP Data senior research analyst Cameron Kusher informed Wargent that upon seeing the same figures, some foreign bankers were "extremely shocked at how weak the market is outside of Syd and Melb".
Wargent's take on our lopsided national property markets? "Two speed doesn't even start to cover it".
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Wargent takes the long view: Tweet of the Day

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With high quality movies getting cheaper to download and a night at the cinema more expensive than ever, home theatres are a pretty tempting option.
There's no waiting in line for tickets, no gum under the seats and no shushing your partner when they ask what happened while they were in the bathroom.
Property Observer found five home cinemas on the market. Which is your favourite?
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-north+sydney-117701243" target="_blank">7/88 Berry Street North Sydney, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/09/18/1.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-toorak-116832791" target="_blank">43 Lansell Road, Toorak, Vic</a> <img src="/images/2014/09/18/2.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-balwyn-117863915" target="_blank">11 Belgrove Avenue, Balwyn, Vic</a> <img src="/images/2014/09/18/3.jpg" alt="">
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-sorrento-116132183" target="_blank">72 Ashmore Way Sorrento, WA</a> <img src="/images/2014/09/18/4.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-greenvale-117843851" target="_blank">Greenvale, Vic</a> <img src="/images/2014/09/18/5.jpg" alt="">
</li>
</ol>
{mijopolls 36}
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Home cinemas: Which would you pick?

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Fans and skeptics alike will have the chance to have a stickybeak around the country's most famous office conversion this weekend.
The Block Glasshouse at 121-127 High Street Prahran will be on show on Saturday 20 September and 21 September from 10am to 2pm.
<img src="/images/2014/08/25/masterchris.jpg" alt="">
The public can poke their heads into Chris and Jenna's <a href="/expert-insights/building/the-block-room-reveals-martyrs-mavericks-and-master-bedrooms">curious copper-walled bedroom</a> (above), climb atop Carlene and Michael's <a href="/expert-insights/building/block-glasshouse-newbies-reborn-with-perfect-score">raised shower stage</a> (below) and loiter in the rather <a href="/expert-insights/building/will-buyers-agree-with-the-judges-on-the-block">lacklustre laundries</a>. 
<img src="/images/2014/08/11/block%20michael.jpg" alt="">
They will also have the opportunity to check out the rooms that haven't been revealed on television yet - though people can already take a peek at Chris and Jenna's yet-to-be-aired terraces on their <a href="/expert-insights/building/the-block-glasshouse-chris-and-jennas-apartment-listed-online">apartment's online listing</a>.
From Property Observer's experience at the Fans v Faves open for inspection earlier this year, spectators can expect long lines, a slow shuffle through the apartments and plenty of selfie opportunities with the contestants.
The Block Glasshouse apartments will be up for auction on 11 October.
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The Block Glasshouse open for inspection this weekend

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One, two and three bedroom apartments have been released at CBRE's Bosco project in Sydney's Five Dock.
Located 9 kilometres from the Sydney, the apartments are within walking distance of Canada Bay.
The masterplanned development were designed by Bates Smart with reference to Mediterranean towns. It includes six-metre deep garden areas surrounding the cluster of apartments, with a central courtyard garden.
The residences have sandstone, terracotta and Roman brick facades.
Priced from $600,000, the new apartments all include parking.
The Bosco project is being developed by CBRE Residential and EG Funds Management, a specialist property fund manager.
 
 
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Apartments on offer at Five Dock's Bosco development

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Joel Robinson

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

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]

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.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> 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 <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> 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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

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.

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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.

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While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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]

Jessie Richardson

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