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Quest Serviced Apartments expect to open the $25 million Quest Townsville on Eyre this December.
Leichardt Developments is developing the project, located at the corner of Eyre and Leichardt Streets.
It will be Quest's second Townsville property and their fourteenth Queensland venture.
<img src="/images/2014/09/18/tonwsville%20spet%2018%20four.jpg" alt="">
According to Quest chief executive Zed Sanjana, the company believes Townsville has strong growth prospects, driven by the defence, mining and tourism industries and the public service.
"Townsville is the largest regional centre north of the Sunshine Coast with the population predicted to increase by more than 50% over the next two decades to almost 300,000 residents," said Sanjana.
"The city boasts three major natural resource refineries and a multi-cargo port, in addition to the state's largest government sector outside of Brisbane," he noted.
<img src="/images/2014/09/18/townsville%20sept%2018%20one.png" alt="">
Quest Townsville on Eyre will have 85 studio, one bedroom and two bedroom serviced apartments. The complex will include a rooftop barbecue area, gymnasium and conference room facilities.
<img src="/images/2014/09/18/townsville%20sept%2018%20three.png" width="850" height="532">
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Quest Townsville on Eyre to open in December

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Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy today tweeted out a picture of the approved mixed-use high rise coming to 97 Franklin Street in Melbourne.
<img src="/images/2014/09/18/tweet.jpg" alt="">
The distinctive 216 metre building, designed by HASSELL, will be developed by Artemis Hotel Group. It's set to hold 367 apartments (including 11 penthouses) and 144 serviced apartments.
According to the architects, the development's three stacked volumes have each been rotated to maximise views and sunlight.
The application to demolish the existing commercial two storey building and replace it with the high rise was submitted in March this year and approved in July.
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Matthew Guy on 97 Franklin Street: Tweet of the day

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With the sad departure of Margaret and David from our screens, you may soon be confused over what to see - but you confused over where to see it.
Profits may be down in the big multiplexes, but plenty of people still want to go to the cinema. They would just rather it was in their own homes.
Home theatres have plenty of appeal: popcorn made on the stove costs about $3, you can pause the movie to go to the bathroom and you don't have to turn your phone off.
So kick back, allow Property Observer to dim the lights, and take a look at these five houses with home cinemas.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-north+sydney-117701243" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2014/07/04/yellow-one.jpg" alt="">7/88 Berry Street North Sydney, NSW</a>
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2014/09/18/1.jpg" alt="">
This home theatre sits in the largest apartment in North Sydney's Gallery 88 development. The cinema is positioned away from the bedrooms and living rooms, so neither viewers nor sleepers are disturbed. The room includes hidden LED lights tucked above ceiling panels, so you don't have to sit in total darkness while watching a movie.
This three bedroom apartment is on the market for $2.5 million.
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
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<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-toorak-116832791" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2014/07/04/yellow-two.jpg" alt="">43 Lansell Road, Toorak, Vic</a> 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2014/09/18/2.jpg" alt="">
The cinema room of this Toorak home is located underground, among the "maid's quarters", main laundry and a second kitchen - so any cinema goer would be well taken care of. In case your snack of choice isn't stocked in the underground kitchen, or the bar that lines the back of the home theatre, you can always take a lift up to any of the home's other floors.
The home cinema has a tiered layout, just like a commercial cinema, so it can accommodate many viewers.
According to its listing, this six bedroom, seven bathroom house was designed by Grouse Fleming Bates Architects to mimic luxury hotels.
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
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<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-balwyn-117863915" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2014/07/04/yellow-three.jpg" alt="">11 Belgrove Avenue, Balwyn, Vic</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2014/09/18/3.jpg" alt="">
The current owners of this home cinema have decked it out with real red cinema chairs - complete with flip up seats and cup holders. The cinema includes a kitchenette area for snacks and a projector installed on the ceiling.
The wall mounted screen rolls up, as do the blackout blinds behind the seats, so the room can be used as a conventional living area or rumpus room.
The cinema sits in a five bedroom, five bathroom house that is currently on the market.
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
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<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-sorrento-116132183" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2014/07/04/yellow-four.jpg" alt="">72 Ashmore Way Sorrento, WA</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2014/09/18/4.jpg" alt="">
Every room of this oceanside Western Australian home is decked out in champagne tones, shine and sparkle, and its home cinema is no exception.
The cinema has 10 electronic leather seats, sound proof padded walls, and an "award winning ceiling" (according to the listing), featuring twinkling lights.
The house, on the market for $3.4 million to $3.6 million, has 18 carat gold leaf tiling, polished marble surfaces, American Oak flooring and a Schonbek crystal chandelier.
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
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<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-greenvale-117843851" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2014/07/04/yellow-five.jpg" alt="">Greenvale, Vic</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2014/09/18/5.jpg" alt="">
If you enjoy knocking back champagne and lollies while watching Avatar, this is the home for you. Its home cinema comes with nine Moran recliner chairs and a separate bar, with surround sound.
There's also an in-door heated pool, spa and sauna room with a waterfall feature and "State of the Art" stainless steel sculptures, in case you need to take some time out from your three hour viewing.
The house's agents are currently accepting expressions of interest.
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 At the movies: Five stunning home theatres

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It seems the National Australia Bank is not having 'The BEST $2014 EVER'. 
NAB has been fined $40,800 for potentially misleading consumers in advertisements for a UBank home loan product where it offered a $2,014 EFTPOS gift cards.
Using slogans like "The BEST $2014 EVER" and "Own $2014", NAB advertised the gift cards as free for borrowers who took out UBank home loans. The advertising campaign covered newspapers, radio and online media between December 2013 and March 2014.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) had concerns that NAB were not disclosing all the relevant details in some of the advertisements, including minimum loan size and a requirement for documents to be provided within five days. 
Some advertisements also failed to mention that to be eligible for the offer borrowers had to use FASTRefi, an electronic settlement process, for refinanced loans. There was also a limited number of cards on offer, which went undisclosed.
The bank received four infringement notices from ASIC, each with a penalty of $10,200.
According to ASIC deputy chairman Peter Kell, ASIC has taken action against 10 organisations so far this year.
"ASIC will continue to take action where we believe firms have not provided clear, consistent information in their advertising", he said.
Following ASIC's actions, UBank gave a $2,014 gift card to all borrowers who applied for a UBank loan within the relevant period and settled their loan.
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Misleading ads cost NAB $40,800

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The Reserve Bank's September board minutes "look a little dated", according to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
The board meeting, held earlier this month, came before the latest national data on retail trade, building approvals, housing finance, employment and GDP.
The Commonwealth Bank's latest Global Markets Research economics update claims recent data show that Australia's economy is faring better than the Reserve Bank (RBA) expected.
Since the board's meeting, the Australian dollar has dropped by about 4 US cents. If the Australian dollar's decreased value remains unchanged, the Commonwealth Bank expects that the Reserve Bank will upgrade its forecasts for growth and inflation.
The board noted that labour market conditions "had remained subdued", but employment figures released last Friday show a 121,000 increase in employment, with the unemployment rate falling by 0.3 percentage points, from 6.4% to 6.1%. 
"Cutting through the monthly noise shows that trend employment growth is running at 20k on a three-month basis," states the Commonwealth Bank update.
"Employment growth around this level is in line with a flat unemployment rate.  
"And coupled with the positive leading indicators suggests that the RBA is, in [The Commonwealth Bank's] view, being overly pessimistic in its assessment of the jobs market.
"The risk is that the unemployment rate starts to decline ahead of the RBA’s expectations."
In the Reserve Bank's September minutes, the board also highlighted recent Australian property price growth, stating that "additional speculative demand could amplify the property price cycle and increase the potential for property prices to fall later."
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RBA meeting minutes may not reflect current conditions: CBA

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Agent: Tom Pullinen<img src="/images/2014/09/17/pullinene-sept-17-two.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
Position: Head of tenant representation
Company: Colliers International
Office location: Sydney
How long have you been in the industry?
Since 1986 although started working in it part-time in 1984.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
The transformation of the industry is on the way, of which tenant representation is an integral part.
Corporate real estate is in its infancy and shall continue to grow now for the next 10-15 years.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold.
Not usually in selling but sold the former Fairfax Building in Ultimo to UTS in the late 1990s.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
Trust, patience, persistence and professionalism.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
Building and working with a team.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
For now in the bank on a short term basis and wait until next year and then make a decision.
Which football team do you support?
Union – Waratahs.
League – St George.
AFL - Carlton.
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
Do not have one.
How do you use social media?
Minimally but expanding that right now.
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In profile: Colliers International's head of tenant representation, Tom Pullinen

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Treasurer Joe Hockey has hosed down talk of a bubble in Australia's property market, and it seems that on this issue, economist Stephen Koukoulas agrees.
Following Reserve Bank (RBA) governor Glenn Steven's comments in the RBA's September minutes that "housing prices had been rising at a rapid pace" in the June quarter, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/TheKouk/status/511974321451855872" target="_blank">Koukoulas</a> has taken to Twitter to note that house price growth has in fact been slowing in recent months.
<img src="/images/2014/09/17/kouk%20grab.jpg" alt=""> On Tuesday, <a href="/news/joe-hockey-dubs-housing-bubble-claims-as-lazy-analysis">Hockey dismissed housing bubble speculation</a> as "lazy analysis", while the <a href="/expert-insights/finance/10-things-to-know-about-september-s-rba-meeting-minutes">RBA's September minutes</a> detail their concerns over "speculative demand", which could "amplify the property price cycle and increase the potential for property prices to fall later."
Koukoulas has come down on Hockey's side, tweeting a link to a blog post titled "Hockey is right; and the growth in house prices is falling".
You can read Koukoulas' full blog post <a href="https://thekouk.com/blog/hockey-is-right-and-the-growth-in-house-prices-is-falling#.VBjc1IWM54t" target="_blank">here</a>.
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The Kouk on slowing price growth: Tweet of the day

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Last night's episode of Location Location Location showed two pairs of uncertain upgraders who needed to figure out their priorities.
Buyer's agent Bryce Holdaway teamed up with petrophysicist Jane and her partner, self-identified geek and IT professional Brian. The Perth couple hoped to move in together, but despite many home inspections, were yet to make the jump.
They were after a house with three or more bedrooms, to give each of them plenty of independent space. There had to be a media room for Brian, plenty of quiet reading space for Jane, and a short commute to the city for her work. For all that, the couple could pay up to $1.2 million.
With no particular location or style in mind, Bryce was tasked with testing the couples limits and determining their priorities.
First stop was Maylands, on the banks of the Swan River. The four bedroom, two bathroom house with a games room - and its own spa room, off the en suite - was on the market for $995,000.
It initially made a good impression on Brian and Jane, but Brian's reservations about the area were enough to have it struck from the list - and so the couple were one step closer to figuring out what they really wanted in a home.
Next, Bryce took them to Mount Hawthorn, one of Brian and Jane's preferred suburbs. The 1930s bungalow's facade gave Brian some doubts, but the renovated interior won him over. Jane especially loved the character of the house, with its exposed brick and polished concrete floors. Brian was more keen on the home's recreation spaces.
The three bedroom, two bedroom open plan house was listed with a price guide of $1,249,000 - almost $50,000 above their budget.
The third option was a house in South Freemantle with cathedral style timber ceilings and loft areas. At $1,175,000, the house fell within their price range. Unfortunately, the location would mean a 45 minute commute for Jane, and it too dropped off their radar - it seemed that for this couple, location was more important than they thought.
Lastly, Brian and Jane checked out Mount Lawley, a suburb in high demand (and much closer to Jane's work). The 1930s period home, with four bedrooms, a games room and open plan living room was just a seven minute drive to the city. But the house's position and dark interior was enough to turn the couple off, despite its convenience.
So style and layout was important to Brian and Jane too - as was price. With a $1,259,000 price guide, the couple would have needed to really love the home to make an offer.
In the end, they decided that Mount Hawthorn was the house for them - but they couldn't move on their budget. So Bryce put in an initial offer of $1.2 million, but the bid wasn't enough to take it off the market. The vendors needed a $1.22 million offer to convince them to cancel the planned open for inspection.
But Brian and Jane decided to stick to their guns - $1.2 million was their hard limit and they weren't going above it. From then, it was a waiting game - one that they won. The vendors received no other offers and they secured <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-mount+hawthorn-116490523" target="_blank">the house</a>, pictured below, for $1.2 million.
<img src="/images/2014/09/17/1.jpg" alt="">
Article continues on the next page. Please click below.
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Meanwhile, Veronica Morgan was helping out personal assistant Suzie and her daughter Kate. Suzie was after a radical tree change, and was after a home in Mullimbimby, 18 kilometres north-west of Byron Bay.
But the self-proclaimed emotional buyer wasn't just after a holiday home - she wanted to run a vegan bed and breakfast and an animal sanctuary from her new property.
Veronica first took the pair to a 15 acre Mullumbimby property. At first, it seemed perfect. Its sprawling gardens and elevated position gave it beautiful views, it had a four bedroom main house where Suzie could operate the bed and breakfast and a detached self contained studio and pool for the guests. At $759,000, it was well within Suzie's $850,000 budget.
But though Suzie loved the house's surroundings, her enthusiasm stopped as soon as she walked inside. She had an instinctive bad reaction to the design of the house's lower level, reporting that she was keen on cathedral ceilings and timber lined walls.
So it was off to a converted 1930s church, with lots of open plan space. There were two large bedrooms up one end and a third in a reclaimed loft. There was also a cabin on the property for guests.
Despite her enthusiasm, Bryce and Veronica had concerns over Suzie's ability to maintain the 8 acre property. However, she maintained that she had a plan: have someone take care of the property and live in a cabin rent free.
Veronica had her doubts, so took Suzie and Kate to another converted church - this time, a weatherboard that needs some maintenance. It was located, however, on a much more manageable 1 acre plot. The three bedroom house is very popular with Kate, but Suzie isn't so sure. When pressed about the property's impressive kitchen, she admits that she's not that keen on the cooking aspect of running a bed and breakfast.
The episode demonstrated that purchasing a commercial property is more complicated than one might imagine. In order to be certain about purchasing a business property, you must first be certain about your business - and Suzie certainly wasn't.
In the end, she dramatically changed her business plan and the kind of property she was after. After a change of heart, she purchased a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-nsw-huonbrook-116216611" target="_blank">three bedroom cabin weatherboard</a> on 2.5 acres in Huonbrook (pictured below).
<img src="/images/2014/09/17/2.jpg" alt="">
At $380,000, she could afford to make an emotional decision, and did.
Though it was a spur of the moment decision, Suzie was very happy with it. And as an emotional buyer, that's all she could ask for.
Five things to learn from this episode of Location Location Location:
<ol>
<li>
Know your limit. Brian and Jane knew that $1.2 million was their hard limit, and they weren't intimidated by the prospect of competition.</li>
<li>
Wait and see. After putting in an initial bid at the top of their budget, the couple didn't have any room to move, so were forced to wait to observe what other buyers would do. Remember, you can only control your offers, not your competitors'.</li>
<li>
Learn by looking. Both sets of buyers thought they were flexible, but once they began inspecting properties, it turned out they had requirements they hadn't considered. Don't waste too much time behind a computer screen - the only way you'll be able to really figure out what you want is by seeing properties in person. 
</li>
<li>
Know your business. Suzie was unsure about what kind of property she wanted from the start - and it turned out she was unsure about her business plan, too. While she has the luxury of time and an extra $520,000 (thanks to her low-priced purchase) to let her business plan grow "organically", not everyone has that option.</li>
<li>
Be open to compromise From the beginning, Suzie was sure that she would know the property she wanted as soon as she saw it. We're not all so lucky - for most purchasers, some kind of compromise has to be made. Brian wasn't keen on the Mount Hawthorn home's 1930s exterior at first, but its internal layout won him over.</li>
</ol>
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Location Location Location: The important things in life

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On tonight's episode of Location Location Location Australia, buyer's agents Veronica Morgan and Bryce Holdaway will assist two sets of buyers who are keen to move onwards and upwards.
Bryce is coupled with petrophysicist Jane and her partner, self-identified geek and IT professional Brian. The pair, who live in Perth's Kensington and Bentley respectively, are hoping to move in together.
They're looking for a big house, so they can both have their own independent spaces - especially since Jane is neat and tidy while Brian describes himself as a hoarder.
The couple have a wide range of locations in mind, and are looking for something to the north, east or south of Perth. The house itself should have three or more bedrooms, a games room for Brian, be located close to the city and require no renovations. They have a $1.2 million budget to work with.
Veronica is teaming up with personal assistant Suzie and her daughter Kate. Suzie is keen to move from Sydney's Rozelle to New South Wale's North Coast. Now that Kate's off to university, Suzie would like to move to Mullumbimby, where she's holidayed.
But the pair are after more than just a holiday house. They're after enough land to set up an animal sanctuary and run a vegan bed and breakfast. Suzie's keeping her business plans flexible and says that she buys "with her heart".
Both Veronica and Bryce will be tasked with helping their two sets of buyers solidify their rather uncertain plans and find new homes.
Location Location Location Australia airs on the Lifestyle Channel tonight at 8:30pm.
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Location Location Location preview: Uncertain upgraders

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A contemporary four bedroom house in Brighton East was the most expensive sale of last week, according to RP Data.
The home at 13 Edro Avenue (pictured above), which sold for $3.87 million, was one of only two Victorian offering to make it to RP Data's list of the top 10 capital city sales of the week. The remaining sales were all in Sydney.
RP Data's top 10 sales of the week:
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton+east-117733755" target="_blank">13 Edro Avenue, Brighton East, Vic  </a> Last week's most expensive house, which sold through Hocking Stuart Brighton, comes with a self cleaning pool and outdoor kitchen. The internal marble kitchen includes a butler's pantry, and looks out over one of three living spaces in the home. The house includes a drying room, hydronic heating, automatic blinds, and a large study or fifth bedroom. Vendors purchased the land for $1,402,000 in April 2009, later building the new home on the plot.  </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-cabarita-116630479" target="_blank">53 Dorking Road, Cabarita, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/09/16/2.jpg" alt=""> This waterfront home sold for $3.8 million through Raine &amp; Horne Montano. The 1990s build replicates late 1800s architectural features, with tessellated tiles, ceiling roses and deep skirting boards. The house, which sits on a 1,016 square metre waterfront parcel, has six bedrooms and four bathrooms. The vendors bought the plot for $600,000 in 1990. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-castlecrag-117747079" target="_blank">13 The High Tor, Castlecrag, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/09/16/3.jpg" alt=""> A five bedroom house sold prior to auction for $3,335,000 through Chadwick Real Estate Turramurra. The home, situated on an elevated plot, offers views across Middle Harbour. It features multiple formal and casual living and dining areas, double bedrooms, a CaesarStone kitchen and an outdoor pool. The vendors purchased the house in 2007 for $3,000,000. They have attempted to sell it multiple times - once in February 2010 and again in 2011, pulling it off the market after 334 days. It sold last week after 293 days on the market. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-hunters+hill-117662979" target="_blank">3 Farnell Street, Hunters Hill, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/09/16/4.jpg" alt=""> A Philip Lance designed home in Hunters Hill sold for $3.25 million through McGrath Hunters Hill. The five bedroom, five bathroom home includes a covered entertaining terrace with a built in barbecue and an outdoor pool. Two of the home's bedrooms have balconies. The house also comes with triple basement parking. The sellers bought the home for $1.3 million four years ago. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-paddington-117671911" target="_blank">284 Moore Park Road, Paddington, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/09/16/6.jpg" alt=""> Paddington's very own Addams Family House sold for $3,082,000 million last week. Verulam was sold through Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay. The house, offered for the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/addams-family-style-paddington-house-sold-at-3-082-000">first time since the 1920s</a>, came with a $2.5 million price guide. The Queen-Anne styled three level Federation house sits on a 393 square metre dual access block. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-sydney-117405027" target="_blank">5605/393 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/09/16/7.jpg" alt=""> The 46th storey penthouse at the north east corner of Sydney's Horden Towers sold for $3.08 million through House 18. It includes four king sized bedrooms, two with en suites, an open plan living and dining area and an enclosed kitchen. The two level penthouse comes with access to the complex's 25 metre pool, spa, sauna and gym. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mortonandmorton.com.au/11175363" target="_blank">B902/24 Point Street, Pyrmont, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/09/16/8.jpg" alt=""> A three bedroom apartment sold for $3.0 million through Morton &amp; Morton Pyrmont last week. The penthouse, spread over 265 square metres, has uninterrupted views over the harbour to the bridge and Sydney's skyline. The apartment comes with a private barbecue terrace, multiple balconies, carpeting throughout and a master bedroom with a dual walk in robe. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bellevue+hill-117705239" target="_blank">9 Rosslyn Street, Bellevue Hill, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/09/16/9.jpg" alt=""> BrafieldCleary Double Bay sold this five bedroom house for $2.98 million. The attached home includes a fireplace, a north facing living and dining area, solar heated pool and a climate controlled cellar. It sits on a 338 square metre block. The vendors purchased the home 14 years ago for $1,725,000. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-south+yarra-117731159" target="_blank">38 Davis Avenue, South Yarra, Vic</a> <img src="/images/2014/09/16/10.jpg" alt=""> The second Melbourne home on this week's top 10 list, this house sold for $2,955,000 million through Kay &amp; Burton South Yarra. The single storey Victorian residence sits on a 561 square metre plot, with a rear garage and studio. The four bedroom house features Baltic floors, marble fireplace mantles, ceiling roses and decorative cornices. The sellers owned the house for 13 years, purchasing it for $1.38 million in January 2002. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-dural-117766239" target="_blank">3 Vineys Road, Dural, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/09/16/10.jpg" alt=""> McGrath Estate Agents sold a four bedroom, four bathroom Dural house for $2.95 million last week. The house, sitting on a corner 4,047 square metre block, features multiple interior living spaces, three of which open onto outdoor entertaining areas. The property includes a pool, paved entertaining spaces and gardens landscaped by Rolling Stones Landscapes. The home was purchased by the vendors for $2 million in May 2008.</li>
</ol>
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Brighton East home tops last week's sales: RP Data 

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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