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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 

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

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

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

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

Jessie Richardson

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