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The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has demanded that a real estate agency ground its drones used to take advertising photographs of properties. 
South Australian agency Toop&amp;Toop was using unmanned aerial vehicles, or 'drones', fitted with cameras to take aerial photos or footage of properties. Other real estate agencies, such as <a href="/expert-insights/investing/will-google-glass-change-the-face-of-real-estate-in-australia">Melbourne's Marshall White</a>, do the same.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) notified the company that they were unauthorised to operate the drones on a commercial basis, putting an end to the practice at the company. Despite reports that it is illegal for real estate agents to use drones, the practice is legal as long as the operator has approval.
Managing director Anthony Toop says the company was unaware of any legal issues when they first launched the drones.
“We ordered the first ones from the States,” says Toop.
“Our trials were fantastic – the results were so much better than we could ever have imagined.”
<img src="/images/2014/06/19/Photo_43_Very%20High%20Res%20RGB%20JPG_667605TOOPTOOP_03B767BDF.jpg" alt="">
An image captured by one of Toop&amp;Toop's drones. Source: supplied.
After some initial success with the technology, Toop&amp;Toop started using the drone to advertise more properties, which lead to media attention.
“We did a press release and got a lot of publicity,” says Toop. He says the press attention caught the eye of a former employee who was trying to get an aerial photography qualification.
“That was the first we knew of any issues.
“We got some legal advice, and [the legal team] advised that we talk to CASA. We proactively went to them, and we said, “surely there isn’t a problem, and what’s the deal?”’
CASA told Toop that his company was not authorised to continue flying the drones, and served him with a notice to desist.
“Because we are a very high profile company, we weren’t going to play with that at all,” says Toop. “We just shut it down. But our competitors all started flying.”
According to Toop, his company won’t be reporting any competitors to CASA.
“But it’s incredibly frustrating,” he says.
Peter Gibson, corporate communications manager of CASA, explains that commercial operators must meet certain licensing requirements to use drones.
“If you’re a real estate agent and using a drone to take photographs of clients’ homes, you should either be using an <a href="https://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_100959" target="_blank">approved remotely piloted aircraft operator</a>, of which there are about 110, or you need to get an operators certificate and approval from CASA," says Gibson.
He acknowledges that this is a lengthy process for those who wish to operate the drones themselves.
“It takes some degree of work to understand the safety standards you need to meet. You need to develop manuals and undergo training, you’ll need to submit materials for approval,” he says.
Gibson says that the process will cost several thousand dollars, but there is an alternative.
“A simple way of doing it would be to simply engage the service of an authorised operator.”
Article continues on next page. Please click below.
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Since grounding their own drones, Toop&amp;Toop have used an authorised drone operator. 
“But because we do everything in house, it’s not a model we’re keen on. We were looking to use it all the time, because it’s such good imagery. We’re waiting for the legislation to catch up,” explains Toop.
He says that the lengthy training process is an unrealistic measure for most agencies.
“We advertised for a commercial pilot, to try to do this part time. Even the commercial pilot said the requirements were ridiculous. So we’re just waiting for the legislation to get more consistent with reality,” says Toop.
<img src="/images/2014/06/19/Photo_142_Super%20High%20Res%20RGB%20JPG_666898TOOPTOOP_599C50B0B.jpg" alt="">
An image captured by Toop&amp;Toop's drone. Source: supplied.
Some may be tempted to dodge the cost of engaging an authorised operator or undergoing the required training. But Gibson warns that those illegally operating drones can face steep costs, including penalties.
“More seriously,” he adds, “there may well be insurance issues as well. If something was to go wrong, they may then have problems with their insurance, given that they have been operating illegally.”
For now, Toop&amp;Toop have come up with an alternative for hard to get shots – ‘Toop Air’. Cameras are suspended on 40 metre high aluminium poles, which can then capture about 80% of the images that drones could, according to Toop.
“But the thing that we’re missing are the video drones, which were incredible.” Toop says that the agency will continue to outsource drone operations, but will have to be more selective with the properties that are advertised with drone imagery.
Picture courtesy of Don McCullough/Flickr/<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a>.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

South Australian real estate agency forced to ground drones: Will others follow?

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After being tasked with fixing a zone in their own home, South Australian couple Bomber and Mel were eliminated from Channel 7’s House Rules.
Each team was given 24 hours to return to their house and fix up a zone previously renovated by another team.
Bomber and Mel, who have been dating for the shortest time of the couples, were sent home after fixing up their home’s kitchen, dining room and their daughter Kaitlin’s bedroom.
The zone was originally renovated by Townsville couple Maddi and Lloyd, who installed a teal splash back, complete with black paint splashes in the kitchen, and painted Kaitlin’s room black. Although Bomber and Mel attempted to instil more of their “junk shop chic” sensibilities in their fix up, they couldn’t do enough, with judges Joe Snell and Wendy Moore awarding them just 10 out of 20.
Adam and Lisa were awarded the second lowest score of the night by the judges with a score of just 12 out of 20. They chose to fix up the laundry, hall and guest room that had been previously renovated by eliminated Tasmanian couple Brooke and Grant. Adam and Lisa were the underdogs at the start of the season, but it seemed that their luck had changed after they were awarded the first ever 10 out of 10 score for their renovation of Lloyd and Maddi’s kitchen.
Unfortunately they reverted back to initial form this week, with the judges declaring that they had chosen the wrong zones to fix.
Western Australian couple Russell and Carol took on the laundry and master bedroom of their home, which was originally renovated by Melbourne couple Candy and Ryan. They managed to uphold their house rule of “vintage lux”, tearing down a plywood bedhead that Candy and Ryan had installed and replacing it with an old Balinese door. The judges decided that though they excelled in their master bedroom makeover, their finishing touches weren’t up to scratch. They were given 14 out of 20 for their effort.
Townsville’s Maddi and Lloyd did their best to undo the Brooke and Grant’s work on their master bedroom, walk in robe, and deck. While the judges liked their bedroom and deck makeover, wallpaper woes continued when Townsville presented limited wallpaper options at 24 hour notice. Though the judges were glad the couple had taken down Brooke and Grant’s liquorice striped wallpaper in their walk in robe, their hastily applied mismatching wallpaper wasn’t much better. They scored 15 out of 20.
Previous challenge winners Candy and Ryan, armed with some extra cash, fixed up the zone completed by Adam and Lisa in the first week of the series. The couple tackled the much hated entry, the incomplete study and the family room of their house. They lost marks for barely making a change to the study (beyond purchasing and assembling a desk) but were rewarded for their bright and colourful living room. The judges even liked their glassless framed artwork, with Wendy Moore declaring that the matte finish gave the art an even more contemporary feel – not realising that the couple had accidentally smashed their frame’s glass when transporting the art into the house. Candy and Ryan also scored 15 out of 20 for their makeover.
Next week will see the couples enter the semi-finals of House Rules season two, with each team undertaking garden makeovers. The season’s winning team will have their mortgage repaid in full.
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House Rules: Bomber and Mel get the boot after own home challenge

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Andrew Nicholson, formerly of Swire Properties Limited, will join CBRE as the head of asset services for Asia Pacific in September.
Nicholson was a portfolio manager, managing a commercial and development portfolio worth more than US$2.5 billion. He handled Hong Kong office investments and major commercial developments on behalf of European and Asian joint venture partners.
Since 2011, he has been a lecturer on asset management at the International Real Estate Business School at Regensburg University, Germany and with the Asian Cities program of the Real Estate Academy in China and Tongji University, Shanghai.
Nicholson, who will remain based in Hong Kong, takes over the position from Sam Cuccurullo, now the executive manager and head of asset services for CBRE Asia Pacific. After 19 years with CBRE, Cuccurullo will retire at the end of 2014.
In addition to Cuccurullo’s work on CBRE’s Asia Pacific activities, he has participated in the company’s fundraising efforts and was involved with CBRE’s Walk for a Wish program for five years.
CBRE  Global president of asset services Tony Long said that Nicholson will build on the Cuccorollo’s work at the company.
“Sam has been a true asset to CBRE since he joined our Pacific operations 19 years ago and we are hugely grateful for his many contributions,” said Long.
“We are equally fortunate to have Andrew coming onboard. His wealth of international experience will continue to drive our world-class Asset Services business. As a global leadership team, we are focused on building a consistent, globally-enabled platform of standards, training and technology that foster best practice generation from around the world. “
 
 
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CBRE appoints Andrew Nicholson as head of asset services for Asia Pacific

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Sandringham’s beaches and village amenities are a major draw card for buyers.
As of 2011, Melbourne’s <a href="/news">Sandringham</a> had a population of 9,309. There are 3,885 private homes in the suburb, with an average of 2.5 people per household. The median weekly income in 2011 was $1,836, with a median monthly mortgage payment of $2,500 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
According to RP Data, the median house price in the suburb was $2,100,500 for May. April saw a median house price of $1,625,000.
The suburb’s median house price dropped in 2012 (by 10.1%), as it did to a lesser extent in the neighbouring <a href="/news">Hampton</a> in the same year. Both suburbs saw a recovery in 2013, with Sandringham’s median house price up 8.1% in 2013. The median unit price was $525,000 for May.  
This home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-sandringham-116721703" target="_blank">6 Keats Street in Sandringham</a> (pictured below) is currently on the market, with price expectations between $2,100,000 and $2,200,000.
 <img src="/images/2014/06/16/main%207.jpg" alt="">
The four bedroom art deco home with a pool is marketed by Jenny Dwyer and Warren Smith of Hocking Stuart Sandringham. Set on a 757 square metre block, the renovated home with a pool is within walking distance of the beach and Sandringham station.
Paul Bond of Hodges Real Estate Sandringham says the suburb offers a diverse blend of properties.
“Sandringham has a variety of housing styles,” says Bond. “Art deco homes, Edwardian properties and Californian bungalows are all well sought after by families.
“In addition, the area has a number of more modern townhouses, semis and terraces as well as luxury apartment blocks and courtyard properties which are popular with the older residents. The area has a number of quiet streets which offer the perfect piece of suburban life.”
With solid year on year growth, Bond believes that Sandringham is a suburb to consider for investors.
“However, there is a high demand for property in the area so it pays to know what you are looking for and possibly consider properties that need some renovation as a more affordable way of gaining a foothold in the area,” he advises. He also notes the rise of rental properties in the area.
“Renters make up almost a quarter of the property market in the area - a number which has increased in the past five years,” says Bond.
“This makes investing in the buy to let market in the area a good decision with average rents yielding $400 per week for a unit and $795 per week for a home.
Bond says that the beachside lifestyle drives demand for the suburb.
“Health and fitness enthusiasts are attracted to Sandringham as it offers a perfect environment for a healthy outdoor lifestyle. With almost a quarter of the area being made up of green space and parkland, residents can often be found running, walking and cycling along the foreshore,” says Bond.
The suburb is also home to golf courses, the Sandringham Yacht Club and the Sandringham Football club.
According to Bond, Sandringham’s village lifestyle also makes the suburb popular with residents.
“The main retail area is around Station Street and offers an array of cafes including the kitsch, Cuppa Cottage, a quirky café popular with the local parents for its babycinos and homemade cakes,” he says.
“The area also has a number of restaurants and takeaway shops as well as independent bookstores, toy shops and speciality food stores which are in keeping with the village lifestyle.”
Located 16 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, Sandringham has a train station that can get residents to the city in just under half an hour. Schools in nearby suburbs such as Brighton Grammar, Firbank, Xavier, St Leonard's, Star of the Sea, Haileybury College and Mentone Girls' Secondary College are also an attraction for buyers.
Bond advises investors to remember the fundamentals if they are considering an investment property in Sandringham.
“When buying to rent it is important to consider location, location, location to secure maximum return on investment. For example ensuring your property is within a few minutes walking distance to transport and shops and in the catchment area of good schools will make it more desirable than competing properties as these are often fundamental requirements for potential renters,” he says.
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Suburb spotlight: Does Sandringham’s lifestyle market stack up for investors?

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Some of Australia’s top business people will sleep out tomorrow night to raise awareness and funds to combat homelessness at the <a href="https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/" target="_blank">Vinnies CEO Sleepout</a>.
Since the first Vinnies CEO Sleepout in 2006, the event has raised over $13 million in funds for Vinnies Homelessness Services. Fundraisers are encouraged to wear warm clothing, a sleeping bag and pillow. Vinnies will provide cardboard for them to sleep on or to construct a shelter, and a basic meal of soup, bread rolls, tea and coffee.
Some of the highest fund raisers this year include:
<ul>
<li>Holly Kramer of Best &amp; Less, who has so far raised $150,093</li>
<li>George Frazis of St George Banking Group, who has so far raised $98,650</li>
<li>Dale Alcock of ABN Group, who has so far raised $95,590</li>
<li>Barry Falstead of Crown Perth, who has so far raised $74,595</li>
<li>Malcolm Turnbull, Minister for Communications, who has so far raised $58,127</li>
</ul>
Education Minister Christopher Pyne will also be sleeping out tomorrow night, in South Australia. So far, he’s raised $2,631 of his $5,000 donation goal.
Fundraisers in the Australian Capital Territory, who include Defence Housing Australia boss Peter Howman, will be contending with the coldest conditions. The ACT is expecting a low of 2 degrees Celsius for the night.
This year, fundraisers in Sydney will be sleeping at Everleigh Market at Carriageworks. There will also be a Sleepout event in Newcastle and Wollongong.  Last year, $2.1 million was raised by New South Wales fundraisers. Participants in Victoria will be staying at Etihad Stadium.
Western Australian CEOs will be attempting to sleep rough for one night at WACA.
Northern Territory bosses will be staying at the Fannie Point Gaol in Darwin and the OLSH College in Alice Springs. St Vincent de Paul National chief John Falzon, who will be sleeping in Darwin, says that hosting the event at the Fannie Point Gaol will draw attention to structural inequality.
“This venue holds many stories of dispossession and exclusion. Holding the CEO sleepout at the Gaol highlights the tragic link between homelessness and the prison system,” says Falzon.
“People experiencing homelessness and disadvantage are often more likely to end up in prison and people released from prison are more likely to end up homeless.”
Fundraisers from Queensland are set for the Courier Mail Piazza in Brisbane, with South Australian participants at Government House. Tasmanian bosses will be at the Hobart Showgrounds.
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Some of Australia's top CEOs set to camp out for Vinnies Sleepout

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The most expensive sales of the week have been gathered by <a href="https://www.myrpdata.com/" target="_blank">RP Data</a>.
Sydney homes dominated the top end of the market this week, with seven of the top 10 sales taking place in the New South Wales capital.
Two Victorian homes made the top 10, which all sold for $2 million or more. One Queensland home made the list.
While RP Data's top spot goes to 227a Gannons Road in Sydney's Caringbah, which sold for $3,160,000, it looks like it may have been pipped to the post by another $3 million plus home, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-roseville-117032687" target="_blank">58 Bancroft Avenue, Roseville</a> in New South Wales, pictured below.
<img src="/images/2014/06/17/11.jpg" alt="">
The five bedroom house at Bancroft Avenue beat Gannons Road by $200,000, selling for $3,360,000 on Saturday through mcconnell bourn Lindfield.
The home had undergone a $200,000 renovation prior to the sale. 
RP Data's top 10 sales for the week to June 15:
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-caringbah-116781467" target="_blank">227a Gannons Road, Caringbah, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/06/17/1.jpg" alt=""> This four bedroom, four bathroom, house sold for $3,160,000 through Highland Property Agents Cronulla (pictured above and in feature image). The waterfront home has views over Dolans Bay and a jetty, pontoon, boatshed and two boat ramps. The home has been discounted a number of times – it was first listed by the vendors in 2008 for $3,850,000, then again in 2013 $3,500,000. When the property went back on the market this year, the price was revised down again to $3,250,000. The vendors purchased the property in 2003 for $1,430,000. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-riverview-116970307" target="_blank">25 Coonah Parade, Riverview, NSW</a>  <img src="/images/2014/06/17/2.jpg" alt=""> The second highest sale of the week was secured by another waterfront Sydney home. This four bedroom, three bedroom house sold for $2,960,000 through LJ Hooker Lane Cove. The vendors purchased the property for $2,265,000 in 2010. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://%20http:/www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-strathfield-116604891" target="_blank">25 South Street, Strathfield, NSW</a>
<img src="/images/2014/06/17/3.jpg" alt=""> A six bedroom Georgian house sold before auction for $2,900,000 earlier this week through Richardson &amp; Wrench Strathfield. Set on a 1,208 square metre block, the property has expansive tropical gardens and lawns. The sellers bought the home almost 20 years ago, for $535,000 in 1993. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-balwyn-116933183" target="_blank">7 Knutsford Street, </a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-balwyn-116933183" target="_blank">Balwyn, VIC</a> <img src="/images/2014/06/17/4.jpg" alt=""> The top Victorian sale of the week was secured in the eastern suburb of Balwyn. This home sold for $2,840,000 through RT Edgar Boroondara. The vendors purchased the four bedroom house for $2,200,000 in 2002. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-kew-117024387" target="_blank">16 Raven Street, Kew, VIC</a>
<img src="/images/2014/06/17/5.jpg" alt=""> The other Melbourne home to make the top 10 for the week was a 1920s era four bedroom home in Kew. The home within walking distance of the Yarra River was sold for $2,410,000 through Kay &amp; Burton Hawthorn. It was purchased by the sellers for $701,000 in 1999. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-terrace-nsw-elizabeth+bay-116962327" target="_blank">51 Roslyn Street, </a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-terrace-nsw-elizabeth+bay-116962327" target="_blank">Elizabeth Bay, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/06/17/6.jpg" alt=""> A three bedroom, three bathroom terrace home sold in Elizabeth Bay sold for $2,340,000 this week. Selling through Richardson &amp; Wrench Elizabeth Bay and Potts Point, the renovated home was on the market for 23 days. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-sans+souci-117008347" target="_blank">34 Riverside Drive, Sans Souci, NSW</a>
<img src="/images/2014/06/17/7.jpg" alt=""> This beachside property sold for $2,310,000 through Raine &amp; Horne Sans Souci. The double brick four bedroom home is just across the road from the beach. It was sold at auction after being listed on the market for 19 days. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-greenwich-116854099" target="_blank">4 Hinkler Street, Greenwich, NSW</a>
<img src="/images/2014/06/17/8.jpg" alt=""> The four bedroom, four bathroom house near Lane Cove Bushland Park sold for $2,180,000 through Harbourline Real Estate. The vendors attempted to sell the house in 2011, listing it for 535 days with price expectations over $1.78 million before taking it off the market in March 2013. This year they had considerably better luck, with the home selling before auction. They purchased the home for $330,000 in 1988, and have advertised the property to renters for $1,300 per week. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-clovelly-117043807" target="_blank">13 Beach Street, Clovelly, NSW</a>
<img src="/images/2014/06/17/9.jpg" alt=""> This single storey brick home in Clovelly was sold through Raine &amp; Horne Bondi Junction for $2,013,000. The three bedroom house was purchased by the vendors eight years ago for $1,205,000.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-minyama-116215119" target="_blank">8 Myoora Court, Minyama, QLD</a>
<img src="/images/2014/06/17/10.jpg" alt=""> The only Queensland home in the top 10 secured $2,000,000 for the vendors. It was sold through Elite Lifestyle Properties. The four bedroom, three bathroom luxury contemporary home with waterfront views has two kitchens and a pool.  </li>
</ol>
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The top 10 sales of the week: RP Data

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The most exciting design feature in your home is the contrast between that white and neon chevron throw and your tasteful dove grey couch.
When you step into your house, you’re greeted by a sea of neutral tones. You’re sick of pretending to care about scented candles.
Perhaps you, like Manhattan resident Chris Kooluris, could do with a trip down memory lane. This used to be his bedroom:
<img src="/images/2014/06/13/nFtxZ07.jpg" alt="">
Some US$48,000 later, this is his bedroom:
<img src="/images/2014/06/13/NPPiq6k.jpg" alt="">
Chris and his home <a href="/expert-insights/building/fantasy-renovation-manhattan-gamer-turns-his-apartment-into-a-video-game-arcade">made headlines last week</a> when he revealed his home, which he transformed into a home arcade – complete with pinball machines, arcade games, and action figures. 
If you’re feeling a little jealous of Chris’s apartment, never fear. You too could one day live in your own video game arcade.
First, you’ll need to get rid of all that timber. Timber floorboards, desk, cabinet, bedhead – there’s no room for organic materials in a 1980s style video game arcade. Out it goes.
Next, paint those sandy beige walls over to dove grey, and move in your first arcade game. This one’s pretty special: it’s a Donkey Kong: Kong Off game.
Chris tells Property Observer that this game used to belong to Donkey Kong champion Steve Weibe himself, and is signed by Weibe and his supposed nemesis (and hot sauce purveyor), Billy Mitchell. For those who aren’t as well versed in their Donkey Kong battle mythology as they should be, it might be time to take a break from the renovations to sit down and watch <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0923752/" target="_blank">King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters</a>.
<img src="/images/2014/06/13/sn17cfn.jpg" alt="">
<ul>
<li>Cost: US $3,000 (AU $3,184)</li>
</ul>
The next arcade game in Chris’s collection is the Punch Out!! (fully restored, of course)
<img src="/images/2014/06/13/3.jpg" alt="">
<ul>
<li>Cost: US $2,100 (AUD $2,229)</li>
</ul>
Then comes the flooring. Chris chose colourful carpet floor tiles for his home arcade.
<img src="/images/2014/06/13/PKPNQwl%20-%20Imgur.png" alt="">
<ul>
<li>Cost: US $1,200 (AU $1,274)</li>
</ul>
Time for some more games, courtesy of Disney. There’s Tron, which Chris tells us is an original, “in very good condition with new side art, control panel and plastics”.
Then there’s Fix It Felix Junior, which some might recognise from the movie Wreck It Ralph. According to Chris, as few as 30 Fix It Felix original units exist, with less than 10 in private homes. He also got a Ms Pac Man unit, which plays 60 different games.
<img src="/images/2014/06/13/fIvlU5W%20-%20Imgur.png" alt="">
<ul>
<li>
Cost: Tron – US $2,500 (AU $2,652). Fix It Felix Junior – US $6,500 (AU $6,897). Ms Pac Man 60-1 – US $2,000 (AU $2,122)
</li>
</ul>
But of course, you don’t want to let your hobby make you anti-social. You’ll need a multi-player unit, like this Street Fighter II themed Dream Home Arcade Pedestal, which plays 25,000 different games.
And, of course, a television to go with it. And don’t forget the décor. It will look best surrounded by video game marquees.
<img src="/images/2014/06/13/eIm3hhl%20-%20Imgur.jpg" alt="">
<ul>
<li>Cost: Dream Home Arcade Pedestal – US $3,000 (AU $3,184). Sony 55 inch television – US $1,700 (AU $1,804). Video game marquees – US $500 (AU $531).</li>
</ul>
Even the most enthusiastic gamer has basic human needs. For that, there’s a vending machine. Look, it even has fruit.
<img src="/images/2014/06/13/pgif5x5%20-%20Imgur%201.png" alt="">
<ul>
<li>Cost: Rhino vending machine – US $350 (AU $371)</li>
</ul>
You tossed that bed, but you have to sleep on something. Chris went for a leather fold out futon, so there was plenty of room for game play in waking hours.  And, of course, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles quilt.
<ul>
<li>Cost: Fold out bed - US $750 (AU $796). Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles quilt - US $45 (AU $48).</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/06/13/xQwnhqo.png" alt="">
Any renovation show will tell you that details are everything. There’s Transformers artwork by Tom Whalen, stools, Twin Galaxies logo decal (apparently drawn up by Chris’s then fiancée) and Street Fighter action figures.
<ul>
<li>
Cost: Transformers artwork by Tom Whalen (framed) - US $350 (AU $371). Stools - US $300 (AU $318). Twin Galaxies Fat Head - US $120 (AU $127). Street Fighter SOTA Action Figures - US $600 (AU $637)
</li>
</ul>
But if you think that’s those constitute the finishing touches, you’re wrong. First, you’re going to have to lay down US $15,000 (AU $15,917) on a collection of Transformers. Property Observer, having a few Transformers collector contacts of our own, guesses that this collection (partially pictured below) took quite a few years for Chris to amass.
 <img src="/images/2014/06/13/nB8tKmo%20-%20Imgur.png" alt="">
<ul>
<li>Cost: Transformers collection - US $15,000 (AU $15,917).</li>
</ul>
Finally, there’s the pinball machine. While <a href="https://www.wired.com/2014/05/arcadia/" target="_blank">Chris told Wired </a>that he once promised to contain his hobby to a single room of his apartment, it seems that it’s spilled over into his living room, with this Lord Of The Rings themed pinball machine. 
<ul>
<li>Cost: Lord of the Rings pinball machine - US $7,000 (AU $7,428)</li>
</ul>
“Arcades are a gateway drug for a pinball collection,” Chris told Wired. While it looks like he'll press "A" to continue, the average person might put have put the controller down a long time ago.
All photos supplied by Chris Kooluris.
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Renovation recreation: How to turn your bedroom into an arcade

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As the end of the financial year approaches, self-managed super fund (SMSF) trustees can employ a number of strategies to legally minimise their tax payments.
Graeme Colley of the SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia says those strategies include after-tax and age-specific tax contribution.
“Making after-tax contributions to super, which could come from your personal savings, transferring personal investments or an inheritance, is one effective way to minimise tax,” says Colley.
While the maximum personal after-tax contribution for this financial year is $150,000, those aged 65 or over can contribute up to $450,000 over a three-year period.
“This allows you to make substantial contributions to super and build your retirement savings,” Colley says. But he warns SMSF trustees not to go over the after-tax contribution caps, with excess contributions attracting tax rates up to 46.5%.
The after-tax contribution cap will rise for the next financial year, says Colley.
“Remember, too, that from 1 July 2014, the after-tax contributions cap increases to $180,000. This means if you can trigger the bring-forward rule that a total of $540,000 can be contributed over the fixed three-year period.”
He explains that SMSF trustees who are aged 60 and over have a maximum tax deductible contribution cap of $35,000.
“These contributions include amounts you make as salary sacrifice, the Superannuation Guarantee or, if you qualify, personal deductible contributions. If you want to maximise your contributions before 30 June, make sure you talk to your accountant, tax agent or professional adviser so that your salary sacrifice agreement with your employer allows the maximum to be salary sacrificed,” says Colley.
Regulations apply to those aged 65 or over who still want to contribute to their SMSF.
“If you are 65 or older you will need to meet a work test to contribute to super in most cases. You will need to work for at least 40 hours during 30 consecutive days at any time during the financial year to make tax deductible and non-deductible contributions to super,” says Colley.
Once you reach 60 years old, all lump sums that you extract from your super fund is tax free, with some exceptions for government funds.
“However, before age 60 any lump sums that include a taxable component can be taxable. The taxable component includes the tax deductible contributions plus any income that has accumulated in your superannuation benefit. No tax is payable on taxable amounts of up to $180,000, in total, you receive before age 60. This amount is indexed annually,” says Colley.
He says that if trustees are eligible to draw from their superannuation, it may benefit them to wait until they are over 60 years old, or a later financial year.
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Tax minimisation strategies for SMSF trustees: SPAA

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Metal studs installed in an alcove at the entrance of a block of London residential flats have been described as “ugly, self defeating and stupid” by Mayor Boris Johnson.
The so called “anti-homeless” spikes have attracted widespread criticism after a picture of the spikes was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154181616760058&amp;set=a.144410400057.227753.700465057&amp;type=1" target="_blank">posted on Facebook </a>and distributed on Twitter. An <a href="https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/mayoroflondon-residential-property-partners-remove-the-anti-homeless-spikes?recruiter=107232150&amp;utm_campaign=share_twitter_mobile&amp;utm_medium=twitter&amp;utm_source=share_petition" target="_blank">online petition</a> to remove the spikes has been launched, with 108,449 signatures gathered so far. 
According to the petition, the Southwark building in question is managed by Property Partners. London journalism student Nathan Fitzpatrick visited the building, <a href="https://storify.com/nathanfitz/twitter-reporting-on-anti-rough-sleeping-studs" target="_blank">reporting over Twitter</a> that he spoke to some of the building’s residents. The unnamed residents told Fitzpatrick that the spikes had been installed in “the past three to four weeks”, while Fitzpatrick noted that none of the residents he spoke to had been consulted about the spikes.
Johnson rebuked the spikes and urged the developer to remove them (although it has been noted elsewhere that it was not the building’s developers who installed the spikes).
“Spikes outside Southwark housing development to deter rough sleeping are ugly, self defeating &amp; stupid. Developer should remove them ASAP,” Johnston <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/MayorofLondon/status/475943253406412801" target="_blank">tweeted earlier this week</a>. 
“We've spent £34m on the likes of 'no 2nd night out, reaching 3/4s of rough sleepers, but must do more. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/MayorofLondon/status/475945644302282752" target="_blank">Spikes are simply not the answer</a>.”
However, Buzzfeed has noted that these are not London’s first “anti-homeless” spikes, with reports of spikes appearing <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/architecture-making-a-point-with-spikes-and-studs-for-the-homeless-for-weary-tourists-or-anyone-waiting-for-a-friend-london-buildings-have-offered-a-nook-or-windowsill-on-which-to-rest-not-any-more-mark-cole-looks-at-antipeople-adornments-1442470" target="_blank">as early as 1994</a>. 
<img src="/images/2014/06/12/fb2.jpg" alt="">
Source: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154181616760058&amp;set=a.144410400057.227753.700465057&amp;type=1" target="_blank">Andrew Horton via Facebook</a> 
Despite the public outcry against the spikes, they have been defended by some, including <a href="https://imsorrythatimlikethis.wordpress.com/2014/06/07/the-spikes/" target="_blank">one nursing student</a> who claims that “sometimes you have to remove a person’s sleep site in order to engage that person” and prevent further risks to their health that come with rough sleeping.
“That’s why they’ve put the spikes there. Or made the benches single. Or too narrow to sleep on. Look around you. These measures are in place all over London.”
In a widely shared blog post, the student urges readers to worry instead about wider societal issues that contribute to people sleeping rough in the first place.
“If you’re worried about the spikes maybe instead you could worry about the housing shortage, or the lack of good mental health and drug and alcohol services in your area. Worry about how your local area is dealing with antisocial behaviour. Worry about children’s services, worry about decent homeless liaison teams in hospitals. Worry about the lack of shelters. Worry about the benefit cuts,” she writes.
As for the Southwark spikes, they have since been turned into an <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/olivia_solon/status/476050904362536962/photo/1" target="_blank">anti-Boris Johnson protest</a>.
<img src="/images/2014/06/12/Capture1.jpg" alt="">
Two plants have been placed on the spikes, along with a note that reads:
“13% INCREASE IN HOMELESSNESS UNDER BORIS AWARENESS GARDEN
ALSO A CARBON SINK” 
Have you seen any anti-homeless spikes where you live? How do you think the practice would be received in Australia? 
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London’s “anti-homeless spikes” attract criticism from Boris Johnson

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At the recent Milan Design Week, it was all about the new. The biggest design fair in the world offered up inflatable LED lamps, <a href="https://www.dezeen.com/2014/04/21/shibari-rubber-dipped-foam-seat-by-ichiro-inc-milan-2014/" target="_blank">bondage inspired foam and rubber seats</a> and anything a 3D printer could spit out. 
But for every recycled glass mirror-trestle table hybrid, there is a design trend that sits ignored in the dustbin of the 20th century. Property Observer looks at the five forgotten interior trends that deserve a comeback – and those that should never return.
FIVE DESIGN TRENDS WE WANT TO SEE AGAIN
<ol>
<li>
SUNKEN LOUNGES <img src="/images/2014/05/23/1.jpg" alt=""> Hanazono House. Source: Sekkastyle With home owners and investors obsessed with flexibility, there’s a good reason that conversation pits are out of fashion. What if you decide that space would be better off as a dining area? Filling in a sunken lounge is a good deal more difficult than pushing the sofa to the other corner of the room. But living rooms are for living, and why should <a href="https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2012/03/mad-men-don-drapers-apartment" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Don Draper get all the fun?</a>  
</li>
<li>
WALLPAPER <img src="/images/2014/05/23/10317697_518321434939406_2904862071506270990_o.jpg" alt=""> Source: NLXL A casualty of the minimalist movement, wallpaper that is too busy can make a small space look smaller, a dark space look darker, and is much more polarising than a “tasteful” wash of dove grey paint. What if your best friend’s cousin’s mother-in-law doesn’t like it? Grow a design spine and slap some wallpaper on your wall. Keep it to a single wall of the room as a feature to avoid swamping the space. European design studio Studio Job’s Archive collection for NLXL (pictured above) shows just how far the medium has come since the mustard yellow and amber days of the 1970s. For a lesson in how not to use wallpaper, see <a href="https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/wallpaper-madness-too-much-house-rules-adam-and-li/2262853/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Adam and Lisa’s house on Channel 7’s House Rules</a>. Our property contrarians Jonathan Chancellor and Margie Blok recently examined the <a href="/expert-insights/building/the-wallpaper-house-rules-in-home-decorating-he-said-she-said">house rules that should be in place for decorating with wallpaper</a>. 
</li>
<li>
PARQUET FLOORING <img src="/images/2014/05/23/10-211-ELIZABETH-ST_2010_HI.jpg" alt=""> Source:  Roman and Williams The polished concrete floors seen in every warehouse conversion of the last two years are great, and easy to clean. But what if you want to add some textural intrigue and warmth to your flooring, without buying a dozen rugs? Enter parquetry. While the glossy floorboards in juxtaposing tones of the past might be a bit much, a tasteful herringbone or chevron design in a single dark colour can bring interest without overwhelming a space. 
</li>
<li>
CHANDELIERS <img src="/images/2014/05/23/harmonie2.jpg" alt=""> Source: Atelier Alain Ellouz Forget grandiose crystal chandeliers – difficult to pull off, even more difficult to clean. Today’s chandeliers and pendant lights prove that lighting can be used to make a statement without making a fuss, and come in a variety of materials. A <a href="/expert-insights/investing/chandeliers-hanging-in-the-garage-he-said-she-said">chandelier in the garage?</a> That might be a little too far.  
</li>
<li>
MOOD LIGHTING <img src="/images/2014/05/23/roman%20and%20williams1.JPG" alt=""> Source: Roman and Williams  Good lighting can go a long way, adding warmth and intimacy to your home. On the other hand, bad lighting can be sterile and unflattering. Ambient light has come a long way from the “after 5” feel of the 60s den. Think about ditching the down lights, or at the very least, installing a dimmer.
</li>
</ol>
While we're firm believers in second chances, we do hope that some interior design trends never get their shot at redemption. See the five interior features of the 20th century that should never come back on the next page.
 The five designs we don't want to see again on the next page.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 FIVE DESIGN TRENDS WE NEVER WANT TO SEE AGAIN 
<ol>
<li>
MOUNTED TAXIDERMY For people who want their home to look like a hunting lodge. Great if you enjoy colonialism and cruelty.  <img src="/images/2014/06/13/mounted-taxidermy-june-13-one.jpg" alt=""> Photo courtesy of Orin Zebest/Flickr/<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a>. 
</li>
<li>
WHITE PAPER LANTERNS Flimsy, difficult to clean and easy to break. <img src="/images/2014/06/13/white-lantern-june-13-one.jpg" alt=""> Photo courtesy of Flickr/<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a>. 
</li>
<li>
BEADED CURTAINS Faux crystal beads that get in your face = instant glamour (or so we thought) <img src="/images/2014/06/13/beaded-curtain-june-13-one.jpg" alt=""> Photo courtesy of Flickr/<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a>. 
</li>
<li>
LAVA LAMPS Don't. <img src="/images/2014/06/13/lava-lamp-june-13-one.jpg" alt=""> Photo courtesy of Flickr/<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a>. 
</li>
<li>
INFLATABLE FURNITURE Who can forget the noise that a plastic inflatable couch would make against sweaty knees? <img src="/images/2014/06/13/inflatable-furniture-june-13-one.jpg" alt=""> Photo courtesy of Flickr/<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a>.
</li>
</ol>
</body></html>

Don't call it a comeback: Five retro design trends that deserve to return

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

Joel Robinson

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

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 52-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 52-storey tower, which has just shy of 250 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

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Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

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Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

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Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

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ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

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For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

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Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

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Jessie Richardson

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