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Apartment towers around transport nodes are needed to cope with Sydney's growing population, according to property development industry group Urban Taskforce, who advocate 5,000 new towers for Sydney.
Urban Taskforce chief executive Chris Johnson claims that Sydney needs to double the number of currently existing homes over the next 50 years, and has proposed clustering apartment towers around railway stations and transport hubs.
The industry group estimates that about one third of Sydney's projected growth could live in towers around transport hubs, which Johnson claims could protect many low rise suburbs.
"The other two thirds of the future growth would occur in fringe development, lower rise medium density near centres and large redevelopment sites," he proposes, noting poor public sentiment around apartment towers.
“Currently many community groups, political representatives and planners in councils have developed a negative attitude to towers preferring to favour town houses or detached houses. We must swing the discussion around to support for towers when they are close to transport," Johnson says.
"A 12 storey tower uses far less land than the equivalent number of houses spread across the landscape. To house the same number of households in detached houses would require 30 times as much land as placing the homes in a 12 storey building."
According to Johnson, Sydney is approaching its spacial limits, a locating "thousands of apartment towers" along the city's main rail lines would help make a metro rail system feasible.
He cites apartment towers developed by Urban Taskforce members Winten Property Group, Deicorp and Meriton as "excellent examples of towers related to transport".
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

New Sydney towers should be built around train stations: Urban Taskforce

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Last night's episode of Location Location Location Australia showed two couples who were struck with purchase paralysis. 
Buyer's agent Veronica Morgan was tasked with helping out salesman and soccer coach Gary and his wife Anna, who are keen to buy in Sydney's hills district and expand their living space after the arrival of a new baby.
Watching Sydney's prices skyrocket over the past few months but failing to find their dream home, their budget has moved up from $750,000 to $900,000 in just six months. 
The couple were hoping for a three bedroom brick home in Sydney's hills district, close to Anna's family, with room for outdoor entertaining. 
First, Veronica took the pair to Baulkham Hills, just five minutes' drive from Anna's sister's house. They inspected a four bedroom house with a $730,000 price guide. Though the home is a little small, Veronica had plenty of ideas for renovations which would open up the house's living spaces. 
But there were a few too many problems with the property, including pokey bedrooms and a lack of storage space. Despite its good location, Gary thought the required renovations would have the couple overcapitalising on the property. 
Next stop is the nearby Bella Vista in Sydney's north west, a location Garry and Anna were happy with. They inspect a four bedroom Mediterranean style home, with formal living and dining rooms at the front and a family lounge area at the back, and an open plan kitchen and dining area. With a price guide of $900,000, it sat right at the top of the couple's budget, but they wouldn't need to spend much money on renovations (beyond moving a few dodgy ornamental pillars).
The home is large, but Gary had reservations about the "dated" nature of the home, the tiled floor and the nearby road. He was comfortable with going over the $900,000 budget to get the perfect home, but Anna wasn't so sure. 
To help the couple get more for their budget, Veronica took them to Castle Hill, slightly further away from the CBD. The L shaped house they inspected there is set on 890 square metres, and listed with a price guide of $790,000 plus - well within their budget. It had four bedrooms, a big private garden and a barbecue area and deck.  
Gary and Anna responded well to the property and decided to proceed to auction - at first. 
Yet again, the couple got cold feet and eventually decided not to bid on the property, which ended up selling prior to auction. 
In the end, Gary and Anna decided that they simply weren't ready to buy a home yet, especially in the current market. The couple were happy to wait it out and stay in their current home until the market cooled down. 
Article continues on the next page. Please click below.
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Meanwhile, Bryce Holdaway was busy helping out management accountant Rachel and personal trainer Darryl, who were hunting for a home in Melbourne's inner west.
The couple lived in St Kilda but were hoping to cross over to Yarraville to be close to their friends. 
They've had trouble finding the confidence to make the final decision to purchase a home, despite months of research. And the longer they waited, the more cautious the couple had become. 
Despite being first home buyers, Rachel and Darryl had a budget of $820,000, thanks to a strong savings plan. They wanted a three bedroom house in Yarraville, on a large block. 
Bryce took them to look at an Edwardian weatherboard in Yarraville, close to the station and village, with three good sized bedrooms at the front of the house, an eat-in kitchen and a separate studio at the back of the house.
Like Gary and Anna's first prospective home, it needs a bit of work, but had a price guide of $620,000, well below their $820,000 budget. 
Darryl and Rachel had subdivisions on their mind, as part of their long term investment strategy. Unfortunately, though the first Yarraville home has the backyard they wanted, it's not big enough for a future subdivision. 
So Bryce pushed them a bit further out to Footscray, where there are plenty of character houses on bigger blocks. There, they inspected a double fronted cottage on a 420 square metre block, with side lane access - plenty of subdivision potential.
The cottage came with a price guide of $700,000 plus, and the couple are keen on the home's high ceilings and period features. Unfortunately, although the subdivision potential is attractive, the location compromise and the home's layout weren't to Darryl and Rachel's liking, so it was back to the drawing board for Bryce.
He tried again with a Newport home on a 290 square metre corner block (pictured below). The weatherboard cottage has three bedrooms - two at the front and one at the back. Its kitchen and bathroom have been renovated and are a decent size, and it came with a $730,000 price guide.
<img src="/images/2014/09/03/jas.jpg" alt=""> Despite their enthusiasm and stringent savings plan, the couple had stalled time and time again at the purchase point. With a strict idea of how they should use their hard earned savings, it looked like they were about to do the same with the Newport home, despite its advantages.
But after a second look, the couple feel ready to part with their cash and jump in. Unfortunately, despite finally letting go of their reservations and even building in a little bit of a buffer, they are outbid at auction, with <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-newport-116799911" target="_blank">the Newport home</a> snapped up for $829,000 by a competitor.
In March last year, the home was advertised to rent at $500 per week, equating to a 3.1% yield if rents have stayed constant.
Although they didn't secure the house, it seems that Bryce managed to bust through their buyer's block, with Rachel and Darryl determined to continue the search for a new home. 
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Location Location Location: Beating buyer's block

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Tonight's episode of Location Location Location Australia will see two couples who have forgotten the old adage: "Strike while the iron is hot".
Buyer's agent Veronica Morgan is assisting salesman and soccer coach Gary and his wife Anna, who are keen to buy in Sydney's hills district. They have a young baby, and are finding their current house pretty cramped after her arrival. 
The couple are finding it difficult to assess property values after watching Sydney's prices skyrocket over the past few months. As a result, in six months their budget has moved up from $750,000 to $900,000. 
Sydney's competitive market has left Gary and Anna lamenting their poor timing. They're hoping for a three bedroom brick home in Sydney's hills district, close to Anna's family, with room for outdoor entertaining. 
Meanwhile, Bryce Holdaway is helping out management accountant Rachel and personal trainer Darryl, who are hunting for a home in Melbourne's inner west. 
The couple live in <a href="/news">St Kilda</a> but are hoping to cross over to <a href="/news">Yarraville</a>, to be close to their friends. 
They've had trouble finding the confidence to make the final decision to purchase a home, despite months of research. And the longer they wait, the more cautious the couple becomes. 
Rachel and Darryl have a budget of $820,000, and want a three bedroom house in Yarraville, on a large block. This week, Bryce and Veronica will have to help the two couples take the final step into the property market, before they get left behind.
Location Location Location Australia airs Tuesday night at 8:30pm on the Lifestyle Channel.
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Location Location Location preview: Two couples with purchase paralysis

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Commonwealth Bank, ANZ and Westpac have all cut the interest rates on their fixed home loan products this month.
Westpac lowered the rate on its three year fixed rate home loan by 5 basis point to 4.94% with a package discount, while Commonwealth Bank made a 15 basis point cut to its three year fixed rate loan to the same rate.
The lender also dropped the rate on its four year fixed loan by five basis point, to 5.09%.
In August, NAB left their three year fixed rate loan unchanged at 3.94%. The ANZ has matched the big four on their three year fixed products.
According to comparison website Mozo, ME Bank and Newcastle Permanent offer the lowest rates on a three year fixed loan, offering a 4.59% interest rate.
The largest change to a three year fixed loan came from B&amp;E Personal Banking, which trimmed its rate by 40 basis points to 5.19%, and Arab Bank, which cut its rate from 5.29% to 4.9%.
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Lenders cut fixed rates in August as cash rate remains on hold

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The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has chosen to leave the overnight cash rate at 2.5% for September.
Australia's cash rate has remained at the record low level since August 2013.
The RBA's decision to leave rates on hold was widely anticipated by industry members, with <a href="/expert-insights/finance/experts-predict-no-interest-rate-change-tomorrow-finder">all 25 experts surveyed by Finder this month</a> predicting that rates would remain unchanged.
John Caelli, general manager of markets at ME Bank predicts that rates won't change until next year.
“The next change is likely to be a rate rise of 25 basis points in the first half of 2015. It’s likely rates will be lifted to less than the normal levels of the past, closer to 4% than 5%," says Caelli.
According to RP Data research director Tim Lawless, the RBA is likely to keep rates at 2.5% in the coming months.
"With inter quarter measures of inflation indicating consumer prices aren’t rising rapidly, it is likely that the RBA will continue to hold interest rates at their current level for the foreseeable future," predicts Lawless.
"With this week marking the beginning of spring, the housing market will come under increased scrutiny to see if the seasonal surge in spring listing numbers is accompanied by an uplift in mortgage demand and buyer numbers.
"The latest indicators show that vendors remain firmly in the driver’s seat, with auction clearance rates averaging in the high 60% to low 70% range week on week and private treaty sales continuing to show a reasonably rapid pace of sale," he notes.
The Real Estate Institute of Australia's president Peter Bushby believes that given July's unemployment rate rise from 6.0% to 6.4% on a seasonally-adjusted basis, low interest rates need to continue to stimulate confidence among buyers.
“Fears around unemployment are a major contributor to a decline in confidence amongst first home buyers,” Bushby says.
"According to Genworth, the First Home Buyer Confidence Index slipped from 85.0 in September 2013 to 82.3 in March 2014 – the lowest level since 2007 – with uncertainty about future employment being given as the biggest barrier to buying a first home after affordability and the deposit gap."
Kirsty Lamont, director of banking and insurance comparison website Mozo, predicts that rates will stay on hold for the rest of the year.
"A total of 56 lenders have slashed their fixed rates since CommBank kicked off the rates war in late July, and the dust has now settled. We've now hit the bottom of the current fixed home loan rates cutting cycle," Lamont says.
"The rates on the market right now are as good as they're going to get this year, so if you're thinking about fixing now is definitely the time to do so."
According to Lamont, 56 lenders have decreased their fixed rate home loans since 23 July.
Photo courtesy of Newtown grafitti/<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a>.
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RBA leaves rates unchanged for 13th month

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Today Urbis released its quarterly Brisbane Apartment Insights report, detailing the changing conditions and trends affecting Brisbane's inner city apartment market.
Property Observer spoke to Urbis' national director of residential Jon Rivera about what's driving growth in Brisbane's apartment sector and what this means for the property market. 
What are some of the growing trends in Brisbane's inner city off the plan apartment market?
We've never really seen this much activity in Brisbane.
It's a pretty exciting time for Brisbane, with this level of development and also infrastructure growth, through masterplans and government infrastructure. 
Brisbane is growing very quickly, from a demographic point of view. Nationally, there are some major changes happening right now in the residential market, and we're seeing new fundamentals emerging. 
What demographic trends are driving the growth of the inner-city apartment market? 
The residential market is built off two major demographic groups: the 25-30 year old bracket, which is very large and growing significantly, and baby boomers.
They're very complex groups, so I normally hate to say "Gen Ys and baby boomers". But they are major demographic groups in the residential market. 
We're seeing major changes in the type of properties that they're looking for. The trade off they have to make to cope with the cost of living is definitely having some implications for demand.
We're also seeing changes in infrastructure and where that's being invested. We're seeing much less urban sprawl and much more upwards development. It's cheaper to upgrade and put infrastructure in central areas where there's already a major population, rather than emerging regional areas. 
Where is apartment growth focused? 
The major development is happening is along corridors where there is existing infrastructure, or proposed future infrastructure. Running from <a href="/news">Wooloongabba</a>, <a href="/news">West End</a>, <a href="/news">South Brisbane</a>, coming through to the CBD and going into <a href="/news">Fortitude Valley</a>, <a href="/news">Bowen Hills</a> and going all the way up to <a href="/news">Hamilton </a>- that's where we're seeing a lot of supply and demand.
These emerging developments are all still fringe based. The CBD is probably undersupplied - it's got a few developments on their way, but it predominately the growth is in the fringe areas. 
For apartment developers, there were better opportunities in the fringe. In South Brisbane, there was very little supply, and it made perfect sense to develop because the infrastructure was already there. The same was the case in Fortitude Valley. 
Is there a threat of oversupply in the Brisbane apartment market?
There are a couple of things we need to get clear on in terms of apartment development from a supply point of view. We often talk about 23,000 apartments in the inner Brisbane market, which are either in the application, presale, or approvals stages, but you can't look at thin air.
We care more about settlement, which has been pretty fragmented. There is a lot of stock coming through the off the plan through to the end fo 2015. It's a very hot market, but it really is about that settlement.
Rents are definitely aligning. They're starting to move away from the inflation period we had that was created on low supply. That, to me, is saying that developments are doing what they should.
2015 is definitely going to be very competitive for the off the plan apartment market. We're probably going to see a lot of developers not get off the ground, which is going to affect supply.We look at a lot of these developers playing in Brisbane and to be honest, there are some that have not proven themselves yet.
There are still a lot of challenges when it comes to taking that glut of supply and making it a tangible product. 
At the moment, there are going to be areas that are going to have some fluctuations, which always happens. We're going to need continued population growth, through migration and international students, which are very important to Brisbane's inner city rental market.
Brisbane is also very closely related to what's happening in Sydney, and prices are obviously high there, which may drive demand for Brisbane.
The one thing that we definitely know is that we're going to see more renters come through.
The cost of living is unfortunately not getting any easier. In Australia, the employment opportunities are very centralised. The infrastructure is very challenging as we go further out, and in the capital markets, the 15 kilometre to 20 kilometre ring from the CBD is very difficult market to get into for young buyers. 
The ability to own their own home is a big trade off for younger people - if they buy further out, that's going to cost them more in terms of fuel. Thats why we're looking at the apartment market. Sure, supply is coming through, but the challenges facing buyers and the demand growth is here to say.
It will go through the fluctuations, and developers are great at getting a good thing while they can, and then we'll see a correction.
How will the influx of new apartments affect Brisbane's rental market?
We are hearing that rents are softening. 
The owner occupier market is really taking an effect on the existing apartment market and the more mature stock on the market, taking that away from renters. So the new apartment market is obviously catering to renters.
Rents have been quite inflated, so we have a buffer. Now, we can make things align, and it's getting a bit better from an affordability point of view. The time to fill an apartment is growing, but still pretty good. Instead of one week, it'll take a month or two months to fill an apartment.
To me, this is a normal thing, and means developers are doing their jobs. 
Historically, December always seems to have a lot of vacancies, and so does the March quarter because it includes January. In June it always comes back again, to around the 3% mark. 
There are going to be pockets where there are going to be some realignment in rentals, which I think is positive. It's a good thing for the renter, who can see what amenity they get for their dollar. There's going to be some good choice there, and affordability will improve. That's a good thing.
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Brisbane's inner city apartment market: Q&A with Urbis' Jon Rivera

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A three bedroom, two bathroom unit sold for $3.5 million this week. According to RP Data, the first floor unit  in the former Royal Hospital for Women (pictured above) is the most expensive property to sell in the past week. This week's top end sales were dominated by Sydney offerings, with only one property in the top 10 sales located in Melbourne. The top 10 sales of the week, from RP Data:
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<li>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-paddington-nsw-2021/201206" target="_blank">4/18 Flinton Street, Paddington, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/09/02/1.jpg" alt=""> The first floor apartment in Paddington Green sold for $3.5 million through McGrath Estate Agents. One of 10 apartments in the complex, which was converted in 2000, the residence features three covered verandahs where the buyers can enjoy views of the city, the harbour and the complex's gardens. The apartment includes substantial north facing living and dining areas, with 4.1 metre ceilings. It was recently advertised for rent at $2,800 per week. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-rose+bay-117574299">30a Beresford Road, Rose Bay, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/09/02/2.jpg" alt=""> This three bedroom, two bathroom Rose Bay house sold for $3.35 million through Laing + Simmons. The French Rivera inspired home features limestone entertaining areas and a leafy garden. With a northerly aspect, the house has a large living room, a separate formal dining area, a master bedroom with a walk-in robe and two queen sized bedrooms. The property last traded for $810,000 20 years ago. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-dee+why-116721671" target="_blank">11 Summit Avenue, Dee Why, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/09/02/3.jpg" alt=""> A contemporary home with panoramic ocean views secured $2.85 million through Belle Property this week. The five bedroom, three bathroom offering sits on a 588 square metre plot at the end of a cul de sac. The house's living room opens to a covered deck and enclosed lawns, with a separate dining area. Upstairs, there is a family room that flows to an entertaining terrace with a north-easterly aspect. The vendors purchased the home for $1.43 million in 2009, with the property doubling its sales price in just five year. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/doublebaybondibeach/properties/151453" target="_blank">3 Lord Howe Street, Dover Heights, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/09/02/4NEW.jpg" alt=""> This five bedroom home on a 520 square metre corner block fetched $2,836,000 when sold through Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay this week. Situated one street from oceanfront parkland, the home has an open plan living area which opens directly to the outdoor entertaining space and swimming pool. The two storey home has four bedrooms on a single level, all with built in robes. It was purchased for $2.55 million in May 2011. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-117730195" target="_blank">29 Normanby Street, Brighton, Vic </a> <img src="/images/2014/09/02/5.jpg" alt=""> A four bedroom Brighton house was the only Victorian home to make RP Data's Top 10 this week, selling for $2.8 million through Hodges Brighton. The two storey home on a 702 square metre plot is situated on the northern side of Normanby Street, within walking distance of Brighton Grammar School and the Royal Brighton Yacht Club. It has multiple interior living spaces including a home office which overlooks the pool and spa. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mosman-117578795" target="_blank">29 Cowles Road, Mosman, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/09/02/6.jpg" alt=""> After 37 years in the same family, this house sold for $2.8 million this week through McGrath Estate Agents. The five bedroom, three bathroom house retains many heritage features, including ornate ceilings and original floorboards and fireplaces. French doors open to the home's gardens, which lead to a courtyard with a louver roof and a pool. The home also includes an underfloor wine cellar. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mosman-117714839" target="_blank">24 Pearl Bay Avenue, Mosman, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/09/02/7.jpg" alt=""> The second Mosman home to make this week's top 10, this four bedroom, two bathroom house sold for $2.75 million. Set on a 601 square metre block, the house is situated 150 metres from The Spit Reserve, and is close to Beauty Point Public School and Balmoral Beach. The rear of the north facing house opens to a pool and spa area, with another outdoor entertaining area located at the side. The vendors purchased the property for $2,095,000 in 2002. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-castlecrag-117570239" target="_blank">34a The Bulwark, Castlecrag, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/09/02/8.jpg" alt=""> Richardson &amp; Wrench Castlecrag sold this home for $2.7 million. The multi-level home with Middle Harbour views has four bedrooms with an en suite and walk in robe for the main, and a study or additional family room. The home's central feature is its chefs kitchen, and the home also includes multiple entertaining terraces. This is the first time it has changed hands in 12 years. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-dover+heights-117513239" target="_blank">75 Hardy Street, Dover Heights, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/09/02/9.jpg" alt=""> This three bedroom, two bathroom double brick house sold for $2.6 million through Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay after being held for 45 years. The art deco influenced corner block home has full northern exposure and offers views over Sydney's skyline and the harbour. A prominent curved front portion of the house holds a sunroom on the ground floor and a sitting room on the upper floor. The house's granite kitchen overlooks the backyard pool. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-second-millers-point-offering-fetches-2-56-million-for-state-government-housing">29 Lower Fort Street, Millers Point, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/09/02/10.jpg" alt=""> The formerly state-owned terrace house at Lower Fort Street earned a $2.56 million sum for the New South Wales government when sold through Di Jones Real Estate. The Colonial Regency style home was built in 1834 and offered for first time in a century, according to the listing information. The five bedroom heritage listed townhouse was the second of the state government's Millers Point sales.</li>
</ol>
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Paddington unit tops this week's most expensive sales: RP Data

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Monday's episode of The Block will show buyer's agent and The Block regular Frank Valentic guide his clients through the show's partially completed apartments.
Judges Shaynna Blaze, Neale Whitaker and Darren Palmer have shared their thoughts on "luxury" bathrooms, copper clad bedrooms, and unfinished rooms on The Block Glasshouse, but now it's time to hear from the people who really matter - potential buyers.
Viewers may remember buyer's agent - <a href="/expert-insights/investing/the-top-10-melbourne-hotspot-suburbs-frank-valentic">and Property Observer contributor</a> - Frank Valentic from previous seasons of the show. The agent successfully bid on the most expensive property offered last season, securing Chantelle and Steve's apartment <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-buyers-behind-the-block-fans-v-faves">for $2.47 million</a>.
It will be interesting to see if Valentic's clients agree with the judges. Last season, rookies Steve and Chantelle beat out the other teams, despite consistently receiving negative reviews from the judges.
Contestants Michael and Carlene will be hoping that the buyers like their apartment as much as the judges have - the couple has received high marks every week, and finally secured a win with their staircase, laundry and guest powder room.
The judges were fans of their light timber stairs, which contrasted with their dark blue wall. They were also praised for their sensible and safe staircase, with multiple landings and a hand rail (pictured below).
<img src="/images/2014/09/01/mcstairs.jpg" alt="">
The laundry was a less family friendly affair - in a good way, according to the judges (pictured below). Shaynna called the powder room, with a bronze mirror, gold details and matte grey cabinetry, "sexy", full of "terrific details". Michael and Carlene received 28 out of 30 from the judges.
<img src="/images/2014/09/01/mlaundry.jpg" alt=""> Former wunderkinds Chris and Jenna were not so lucky. The couple has well and truly fallen from grace, with the third week in a row of poor comments from the judges.
This week, they were slammed on everything from their planning to their materials. Their heavy black bannisters, yet another attempt to reference the structural details of their apartment, was derided by all three of the judges (pictured below).
<img src="/images/2014/09/01/cj%20stairs.jpg" alt=""> Their laundry room and powder room was unanimously considered a failure, with an unfocussed and confusing array of materials: from small grey tiles with white grouting to glossy black laundry doors, via cheap white cabinetry (pictured below). They were awarded 20 points out of 30.
<img src="/images/2014/09/01/cjlaundry.jpg" alt=""> Maxine and Karstan, who had their confidence boosted by their first win last week, delivered a staircase that was deemed a little dated by the judges.
The glass bordered stairs, with no handrail, was called unsafe and impractical - and it wasn't redeemed by its looks (pictured below).
<img src="/images/2014/09/01/mk%20stairs.jpg" alt=""> With black timber steps and backlit wine storage under the stairs that was coupled by a polished aluminium kickboard, the entire area looked positively '90s.
When it came to the couple's laundry and powder room (pictured below), Neale felt "wholly ambivalent". The judges agreed that the area probably won't upset any potential buyers, but was unlikely to wow them either. Max and Karstan received 23 points.
<img src="/images/2014/09/01/mklaundry.jpg" alt=""> Brothers Simon and Shannon were back in everyone's good books this week, with a staircase that "plays as a piece of sculpture", according to Darren (pictured below). Neale noted the boys' "amazing sense of confidence".
<img src="/images/2014/09/01/ssstairs.jpg" alt=""> In the powder room, they presented a wide variety of surfaces - with glazed penny rounds, glossy black cabinetry and matte grey tiles (pictured below). Shaynna said the combination was "balanced", though she certainly didn't think the same of Chris and Jenna's material overload. The boys fared a good deal better, with 27 out of 30.
<img src="/images/2014/09/01/sslaundry.jpg" alt=""> Lastly, Darren and Deanne presented unfinished spaces after major setbacks with their staircase (pictured below). Darren Palmer had a wobbly attempt up the stairs but quickly retreated - though it seems Valentic's buyers are a little more fearless, with tonight's episode preview showing the buyers braving the ascent.
<img src="/images/2014/09/01/ddstairs.jpg" alt=""> Though Darren and Deanne lost major points for failing to finish a room, they still received some compliments on their wall panelling and drying rack and earned 17 out of 30. Their laundry is pictured below.
<img src="/images/2014/09/01/ddlaundry.jpg" alt=""> This week, the teams will complete their kitchens.
All pictures courtesy of Channel 9.
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Will buyers agree with the judges on The Block?

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Civil construction has begun on the sixth stage release of the $50 million My Home and the River estate in Queensland's Logan Village.
So far, the project has made about $25 million in sales, with most sales from locals who live within 30 kilometres of the Logan Village township. Three lots from the previous release are still unsold.
According to project co-developer and sales manager Geoff Kerkow, six contracts for lots in project's sixth stage have been issued.
<img src="/images/2014/09/01/Geoff%20Kerkow%20-%20My%20Home%20and%20the%20River%20project%20co-developer%20and%20sales%20manager.jpg" alt="">
Photo: Project co-developer and sales manager Geoff Kerkow. Source: Supplied.
“Our buyers are moving from more suburban areas to semi-rural Logan Village as the community has become more established,” said Kerkow.
“People recognise that they are not losing anything by moving here because they can still access quality education, medical and retail services while enjoying a better lifestyle.
“The various benefits of living in a smaller community continue to be the major drivers of sales for us.”
The My Home and the River estate project is located 41 kilometres south east of the Brisbane CBD, and about 16 minutes from Logan Central.
<img src="/images/2014/09/01/River%20view%20from%20estate%20press%20res.jpg" alt="">
Photo: River view from estate. Source: Supplied.
The home sites in the Stage 6 release are situated opposite established park lands and walking trails, with prices starting at $249,000 for an 840 square metre block.
My Home and the River was launched in 2011 by a local syndicate. Upon completion, the project will have 272 homes adjoining 30 hectares parkland.
Logan Village, one kilometre from the estate, is serviced by a Bendigo Bank branch, a Woolworths supermarket and a range of cafes, with medical and professional services. In 2011, Logan Village had a population of 3,586 people. 
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Sixth stage of Logan Village estate launches

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All 25 experts surveyed by finder.com.au expect the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to keep the overnight cash rate on hold this month.
The RBA has held the cash rate at a record low of 2.5% since August last year. More than half of the experts surveyed predicted that the next interest rate change will come in the second half of 2015, including Property Observer's Jonathan Chancellor.
Only one respondent, Nicki Hutley of Urbis, expects a rise as early as December this year.
“The Australian economy is still seeing growth a little below par," said Hutley. "Inflation is picking up but not yet alarmingly so... so the RBA won’t be in any hurry to move."
"A first rate rise is likely to occur either in December or the new year," she told <a href="https://www.Finder.com.au" target="_blank">Finder.com.au</a>. Of the 25 respondents, 10 surveyed expected an increase would come in the first half of 2015.
The experts surveyed include representatives  from AMP, ANZ, Bank of Queensland, Moody's Analytics and Commsec. James Bond of the Financial Services Council said uncertainty in recent economic indicators will see the RBA hold rates.
"The RBA will wait to see how employment and wages pan out over the next six months before they make a move either way," said Bond.
"The usual tightening cycle that we would expect has been pushed out by uncertainty in the some of the data.”
Janu Chan of St George Bank also believed that the RBA would wait for more solid evidence of an economic recovery.
"The RBA will probably want to see some stronger evidence that the recovery is strengthening before they raise interest rates," Chan said.
"We think the RBA is done cutting rates so the next move we expect will be a hike."
ING Direct's Michael Witts predicted a 25 basis point increase in the first six months of 2015.
"The Bank is trying to balance the strength of the housing and related sectors," said Witts.
"Equally it is mindful that any near term move in interest rates will see the Australian dollar move higher."
To see each expert's prediction, go to the next page.
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Source: finder.com.au
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Experts predict no interest rate change tomorrow: Finder

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

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.

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.

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Jessie Richardson

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