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Each week I receive phone calls from people who have started a property development and then fallen into trouble.  
I can't help taking these SOS calls from fellow developers but I've noticed a pattern...there seems to be three different areas in which the issues fall:
<ul>
<li><a href="/expert-insights/the-three-most-common-first-time-property-developer-mistakes-site-selection">Site selection</a></li>
<li><a href="/expert-insights/the-most-common-first-time-property-developer-mistakes-team-selection">Team selection</a></li>
<li>Not understanding the development process</li>
</ul>
The development process is complex - there is no two ways about it. Even what may seem the most simplest development can turn into a very time consuming project.  Although Property Bloom has completed over 80 developments, all of which I have personally overseen, I still find tiny nuances that make each development unique and challenging. 
However, if you have some understanding of the steps needed to be taken on your property development journey, then the development process can be simplified.
The development process can be broken down into a number of steps:
 
<ul>
<li>
Research or due diligence  Most of your research should have been done by now because choosing  the right location for your development cannot be underestimated. Once you've narrowed down the area you're going to work in, you need to research the needs of your target market.  Your target market is either the people you'll be renting to if you hold onto the dwellings you build or the people you'll be selling to. What do they want in a property? You need to balance this with what you can afford to build, always be careful not to overcapitalise by assuming you have to give everything. 
</li>
<li>
Designing your project is the next step in the process. Use either a builder's design and make some minor changes to suit your needs or use an architect or drafting service to design exactly what you want. In more upmarket areas, you may want to deliver something more unique so spending time and money on coming up with the right design is important. 
</li>
<li>
The planning process is another very important processes. Ensure you are meeting the requirements of the local council's Development Control Plan and Local Environmental Plan. This is complex and unless you want to spend days studying these enormous documents, engage a planning consultant or architect that understand these local requirements. This should save time so when you lodge your DA there should be little hold up in having to make changes to your plans. 
</li>
<li>
Engineering for storm water management, driveways and slab design is required to obtain the final approval of your Construction Certificate. Again, engage a good engineer but make sure you have a basic understanding of what they are designing.  Don't be afraid to ask questions. I was able to reduce some costs on a three villa project by questioning the number of storm water detention tanks required under the driveway. I knew each tank meant more costs so just by asking the engineer to check the water volume calculations meant  if we could cut two of the eight tanks required in that project. 
</li>
<li>
Once you have all your Planning Consents, then it's important to have a good understanding of the building process which will help you as you review your builder's contract. You need to understand terms such as 'Provisional Items' and 'Excluded items' as if one of these blows out, so can your development profit.  Check the contract and discuss with the builder so that they can explain clauses to you. You can also have your solicitor look over the contract. Many builders will use a standard Housing Industry Association contract. Check the drawdown schedule as this will impact on your holding costs. 
</li>
<li>
Maximising your finance and getting the best deal is an important step in the process.  Your bank will need a number of documents such as the consents and builder's contract before they can give you unconditional finance approval. Make sure you allocate four to eight weeks in your schedule to get your finance in place. This often draws out depending on how slow your bank is. The longer they take, the more holding costs you are paying waiting for finance. Your builder cannot start construction without a Letter to Commence from your bank. 
</li>
<li>
Once the builder has this permission to commence work, you move into an exciting but still risky part of the development - the build phase. The main area for cost variation can be in the site preparations and slab work. Until your site is cut, retained and slabs are piered and then laid you will not really know the true costs of your building works as most Provisional items are loaded into this early stage of building works. 
</li>
<li>
It's exciting to see your project come out of the ground and as the building works draw to a close, the process then moves into the completion stage. Now you need to maximize your rental and depreciation benefits or sale return. You will need to choose your management or sales agent carefully. Brief your quantity surveyor at this point to start work on your depreciation schedules and make sure you include all consultant fees, including project management if you have used a professional project manager.   
</li>
<li>
You cannot relax just yet. You need to, attend the practical completion and handover inspections with your builder and have a good understanding of their warranty periods. You need to obtain Occupation Certificates which will not be issued unless everything is complete.
</li>
</ul>
 
As project managers, our job is to manage all the fine details of the development process. There are many areas that need your undivided attention at the time. 
As part of our project management process, we prepare a detailed weekly report for clients including milestones met that week, goals for the following week to achieve and photos showing the progress. Also included is news reports in the local area that may impact on the end result. Our job is to focus entirely on the process so that our clients don't have to. It can be beneficial for inexperienced developers to use a project manager to minimise and help them through the challenges a property development can bring.
<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au" target="_blank">www.propertybloom.com.au</a>
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The most common first time property developer mistakes: Not understanding the development process

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Carrying on from our last column, this week we'll look at what can be an area of contention for a property developer - team Selection.
Each week I receive phone calls from people who have started a property development and then fallen into trouble.  I can't help taking these SOS calls from fellow developers but I've noticed a pattern... there seems to be three different areas in which the issues fall:
<ol>
<li><a href="/expert-insights/the-three-most-common-first-time-property-developer-mistakes-site-selection">Site selection</a> </li>
<li>Team selection</li>
<li><a href="/expert-insights/the-most-common-first-time-property-developer-mistakes-not-understanding-the-development-process">Not understanding the development process</a> </li>
</ol>
Not selecting the right development team is the next most common cause of grief to developers.
Who do I need on my Development Team? 
<ul>
<li>Property specialist accountant and solicitor - don't scrimp on important advice.</li>
<li>Finance broker or personal banker - to get the best finance deal possible.</li>
<li>Surveyor - for your identification and contour surveys and to manage subdivisions.</li>
<li>Architect/draftsperson - look for a cost effective construction design.</li>
<li>Builder and other tradesmen; plumber, electrician, carpenter.</li>
<li>Consultants such as an engineer and private certifier.</li>
<li>Quantity surveyor for your depreciation schedules and cost reports.</li>
<li>Development project manager  – to guide you through the process, share their experience and bring savings to the project. </li>
</ul>
A lovely lady called Lily phoned me recently to tell me all about her incredibly bad experience with a builder she'd used on a large renovation project.
I was absolutely astounded by some of the things she told me. She'd reached the stage where the renovation was finished but there were so many ongoing issues that she decide to take the builder to court which was an expensive process. All the points she raised were very valid, however she did not win the case as she had 'insufficient evidence' to support her case. 
It is hard to know what builder to choose, and I have used a number of different builders over the years Property Bloom has been managing developments. Funnily enough, the very first builder I selected and used on our very first development project is still my builder of choice.
But over the years, I have tried a number of different builders and had numerous builders tender on our projects. The worst experience we've had was when one of the builders we used, on their fourth construction project with us, went into receivership without any warning.  That was not a great situation to have to manage.  In hindsight, there were warnings; slowing down on progress, disgruntled tradies and lots of vague responses to our investigative enquiries. We would turn up on site for our weekly site inspection only to find the site manger 'off sick'. When this happened twice in a row, we really started to hound the builder's head office, with most calls going to voice message.
I tracked down a carpenter I knew worked for the builder and asked if he'd seen the site manger lately or knew what was going on?  He very quickly let out a stream of obscenities and I soon gathered he had not been paid for the past four weeks!  
Now alarm bells were ringing in my head.
Sure enough the next week we were informed building company had collapsed. I could not get hold of the managing director who only a month before met me for coffee to see when the next project may be coming on.
It's hard to know what's going on inside a business but keep a look out for any small signals. Before you engage a builder, interview them not just about their track record in completing projects but ask about their financial position.  Ask what kind of 'float' they have in the bank and would they mind passing on their bank manager's phone number for you to make enquiries. These are very direct questions  and not many builder's will like it but the ones that have no issue with you making these enquiries in general should be OK to work with. Check they are an active member of the Housing Industry of Australia and check in with the Department of Fair Trading to ensure there has been no complaints lodged against them.
Also, ask the builder for a list of the current contractors or tradies and contact them to ask what the builder is like to work for? Does he pay promptly?  And are they planning to continue working for this builder?  If a tradie has been crossed, he will tell you all about it!
 After my bad experience with the liquidated builder many years ago, I rang my 'old tried and trusted' builder and said that I needed to know if they were OK financially. The next thing I know, there's an email in my inbox from the local Commonwealth Bank Manger just letting me know that this builder is in a good financial position. 
Our builder is like a business partner in a way. They offer our clients a good deal based on the volume of business we bring them and we know by working closely with them that their systems and processes are efficient. Our long standing relationship means we have open access to their entire team and we can always find an answer to a question or solution to a problem within a short time.
As project managers, our job is to manage our clients projects to bring in the best results. I know that nurturing relationships is important. By letting our team know how much we value working with them and continuing to nurture our ongoing relationship we get the best results for everyone.
<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au" target="_parent">www.propertybloom.com.au</a>
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The most common first time property developer mistakes: Team selection

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Each week I receive phone calls from people who have started a property development and then fallen into trouble.  
I can't help taking these SOS calls from fellow developers, even if we are not likely to do business together. Talking to them gives me a little perspective of issues others are facing.
 I've noticed a pattern.
There seems to be three different areas in which property development issues fall:
<ol>
<li>Site selection</li>
<li><a href="/expert-insights/the-most-common-first-time-property-developer-mistakes-team-selection">Team selection</a></li>
<li><a href="/expert-insights/the-three-most-common-first-time-property-developer-mistakes-site-selection">Not understanding the development process</a></li>
</ol>
This week, we'll look at the first area of contention - site selection.
Site selection in my opinion, is the most important process. If you don't choose the right site, then issues can snowball and no matter how good your team of understanding of the development process, you may not make up for the costs of buying the wrong piece of land.
The last call I received was from a lovely man called Sebastian, who I chatted to for more than half an hour about his development site. I don't normally offer a 'sob on my shoulder' service but I do honestly care about others and find it hard to ignore a fellow developer in need.
Sebastian explained that he'd purchased what he thought to be, a very good development site. It did tick a number of good criteria 'boxes' but then he told me that after he'd purchased the site, that council had 'all of a sudden' deemed it to be in a flood area.  He said when he'd purchased it, the Section 149 Planning Certificate in the Sales Contract had said it was not flood effected, although he had noted a creek a couple of kilometres away.
What Sebastian didn't know was that council had commissioned a flood study in this area. A flood study is usually commissioned out to a surveying company and can take months depending on the complexity of it. It’s a comprehensive technical investigation of flood behaviour for a particular catchment, river or creek. It is the technical part of the floodplain management process for councils.
By the time he was ready to lodge his DA, the study was completed and his land had changed to non-flood effected to flood effected.  Council would not allow additional dwellings (over and above the one house already on the large piece of land) on the land as in their words "it could add pressure to council's systems IF a flood was to occur".  They did, after further consultation, agree to review plans where the dwellings were built to a certain height (over 1.5 metres) and of course this would heavily impact on the development costs. The other major impact was on the potential end values of the new dwellings being located within a flood zone. 
So just how can you avoid this? Well, Sebastian's initial observation was good as he did note the nearby creek. But when he reviewed the planning certificate he let down his 'property developer' guard and did not question it. This is extremely common and some will say they rely on council's information. Never rely on council's information, do further research.   
Always check the date of the 149 Certificate, if it's not very recent, like within the last few weeks, request the vendor update it.  Remember within a few weeks a flood study could be completed and changes made to council flood areas. Your solicitor or conveyancer should be onto this for you as well.  If Sebastian had made an enquiry with council's flood engineer, he could have asked if there is likely to be any change to the flood zoning in the near future. The engineer would be aware of any investigations or studies being conducted in that area. 
Because we know the areas we work in so well now, we bring a level of experience - managing over 80 developments -  to the table but despite this we always conducts a thorough site investigation, inspection and review of council documents and the sales contract before we present a development site to our clients.
Stay tuned next week for part two...
<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au" target="_blank">www.propertybloom.com.au</a>
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The three most common first time property developer mistakes: Site selection

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I think the beginning of a new financial year brings much hope and optimism, a bit different perhaps to the start of a calendar year when we are usually still in holiday mode.  
Now is a good time to reflect on our investments and think about how we can continue to grow our property portfolios.
This week I've received a few depreciation reports that I'd ordered for clients, as we'd recently completed their property development projects. I love reviewing a project on completion. As part of our project management process, as a development nears completion we arrange rental appraisals, order market valuations and analyse the project. We check the builder's final payment and the credits or variations received during the build phase then we add the actual build cost to our Project Analysis.
I love watching my spreadsheet change as we add the actual results. We remove any contingency we had left in the project and see the real cost. The actual rents are included and we can see the real yield and when the valuations come back, we replace our estimated end values with the market valuations to see how much equity has been created. 
The final costs and the handover date is confirmed with our quantity surveyor so they can finalise the depreciation reports. In the last dual occupancy project there was  $20,340 in year one using the diminishing method. This combined with the rental return will almost always make a dual occupancy project cash flow positive for our clients as gross yields are around 6-7%.
Did you know that these items are also taken up in the depreciation schedule?
<ul>
<li>Preliminaries such as architect and engineering fees;</li>
<li>Contractors margin;</li>
<li>Authority fees; and</li>
<li>Consultants fees.  A project management fee can also be included here.</li>
</ul>
Once we determine our final project management fee, we ensure that it is also reported to the quantity surveyor to include in the depreciation schedule.
In this dual occupancy project, our client was pleased with the $107,782 of equity created in 11 months and the high depreciation benefits and decent rental yield....well who wouldn't, considering they have never even seen the land or completed villas and let us project manage all the work for them?
<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au" target="_blank">www.propertybloom.com.au</a>
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End of financial year is a good time to reflect on your investments

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I had learnt a little about suburb lifecycles recently  - how a suburb can change over time.
Generally speaking new areas usually attract young couples and families, but also some mature aged people like grandparents wanting to be close to their grandkids and who can help support and care. So it's important that new areas do have a mix of housing available. 
I've recently been researching a new location after finding a good dual occupancy development site there. 
In the past, I have put this suburb aside as the land was expensive and generally lot sizes smaller, however a large enough site came up and as I ran the figures on it, my heart beat increased!
This suburb was experiencing fast growth due to new land estates opening  and there was a fair amount of land to be released in the location. Because of this, the government had allocated money for community services, facilities and infrastructure.
The suburb is also very well located being only 20 minute drive into Newcastle CBD.  In the new estates, it was predominately large four or five bedroom family homes being built and even though the land was expensive reflecting the facilities of the master planned estate, after some research I could see the opportunity for good demand for smaller dwellings.
The area was popular with families building new homes and wanting to be close to good quality schools - there is a well regarded primary and high school within walking distance. Parents could work in Newcastle and be home early for the family.
The estate offers a bushland location with beautiful views over wetlands, quality sporting fields, a community centre and a new shopping village had popped up within five minutes with a shiny new Coles open and Aldi store under construction.
The M1 freeway access to Sydney is just a few minutes drive away. This estate was well placed location wise and also for future growth.
For me, building three bedroom villas in a location that is dominated by four or five bedroom houses makes a lot of sense. There would be several markets for these villas on completion; young people who can't yet afford to build the larger homes, separated people looking for smaller dwellings, single parents and empty nesters looking to downsize. I think if the location and facilities are good, a lower entry point for rent and sale prices - can be a good differentiation for your development.
Also sales of the larger, more expensive dwellings could impact positively on the values of smaller dwellings if there are no direct comparable sales.  There could be good demand from renters wanting all the benefits of the estate for a smaller outlay.
<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au" target="_blank">www.propertybloom.com.au</a>
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A good mix of dwelling size is important

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If you had seven hundred and eighty two odd thousand dollars, or the median price of Sydney to spend, how would you spend it?
I was reading an article recently about finding a suitable property in Sydney and paying just the median price, which was around $782,000 at the time.
The story continued as property experts put forward their ideas. One suggested a small house in outlying Sydney suburbs like Rockdale, but most properties in this price range would be on busy roads and that would be the compromise.
Another expert recommended inner ring apartments over old terraces or townhouses that would need substantial renovations. He said you could pick up a one bedder for $600,000 to $700,000, or a two bedder for $775,000 to $900,000, with expected yields around 4.5%.
Reading about this expensive Sydney property mentioned in the story got me thinking about what you could buy for the same price if you drove two hours north of Sydney to the Lower Hunter Region of NSW. Depending on which city you chose, your $782,000 would stretch to an impressive acreage or farm. 
In the city of Cessnock you could buy three houses, each for $260,000 (around this city’s median price). They would be on large 800 square metre blocks with 3 bedrooms and each rent for around $300 per week delivering a 6% or more gross yield. Or you could buy two larger, newer homes or a really beautiful house within a golf resort and even a commercial property.
In the city of Maitland you could buy a luxury restored heritage home built at the turn of the century with manicured gardens, a 6 bedroom homestead on acreage, or two substantial, almost new houses in new land estates each on 750 square metres of land.
Or you could develop land and build a dual occupancy – for around $782,000, your budget would cover building two four bedroom homes on a larger corner block with a Torrens Title subdivision.
The big difference between buying multiple or larger properties with your budget compared to building two dwellings yourself would be the equity creation and depreciation benefits. You see if you used your $782,000 to add value, you would create about $120,000 in equity within a year and get around $25,000 in depreciation in year one (using the diminishing method).
I know what I’d chose if I had a lazy $782,000 to spend particularly if I was an investor...hmm a two bedroom unit in Sydney or a four bedroom dual occupancy project in the fast growing city of Maitland? 
Oh, and another very important thing to note. The Hunter was a big winner in the New South Wales budget. This week it was announced that the <a href="https://www.hunterinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank">Hunter Region gets $100 million to top up the Hunter Infrastructure Fund</a>.
Plus more than $300 million had already been announced for Hunter projects ahead of the budget including $280 million for the last link of the Newcastle inner-city bypass, $20 million to rebuild the Hunter Sports High School, $6 million allocated towards the Glendale interchange and $3 million for the planning of a new Maitland Hospital, among many others.
Infrastructure spend is one of the key indicators that an area is earmarked for growth.
<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/">www.propertybloom.com.au</a>
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What would you buy with Sydney's median price?

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This week I was speaking with one of the land developers we source our development sites from and was interested to hear her say that they’d been told that the NSW state government were currently fast tracking land releases to meet their housing acceleration goals. Music to my ears as we are always on the lookout for good development sites in well planned areas.
One of the most important roles the Department of Planning and Environment is to work closely with other agencies, councils and communities to plan for housing supply and delivery in "greenfield" or undeveloped areas, and "infill" housing in existing areas.
The NSW government has allocated more than $300 million from the HAF in the 2013-14 NSW budget to drive housing growth.
This includes:
<ul>
<li>$141 million towards eleven water, road or electricity projects in Sydney and the Lower Hunter which can accelerate 42,900 new housing lots.</li>
<li>$70 million towards an upgrade of Old Wallgrove Rd in the <a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/StrategicPlanning/Employmentlands/WesternSydneyEmploymentAreaWSEA/tabid/366/language/en-US/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Western Sydney Employment Area</a> to deliver jobs near major housing growth centres</li>
<li>$99 million towards the <a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/StrategicPlanning/FundingPrograms/LocalInfrastructureGrowthScheme/tabid/653/language/en-US/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Local Infrastructure Growth Scheme</a> to assist councils fund local infrastructure needed to support growth above the developer contribution cap.</li>
</ul>
With our focus on project managing property developments in the Hunter Region of NSW, I delved a little deeper into the NSW Planning website which is a fantastic source of information. I wanted to see where the $141 million spend on infrastructure and where the new housing was planned for, although I already had a very good idea.
<a href="/news">Maitland</a>....it’s one of Property Bloom’s favourite cities to build and invest in throughout the Hunter. This city has experienced solid population growth, has a diverse economy and the planned growth of the city is no secret.  Council has identified several areas for new land release.  It’s an affordable yet established city and benefited from some recent infrastructure projects such as the Hunter Expressway opening this year, a new hospital being announced, road and bridge upgrades and an aggressive planning program to accommodate one of the state’s highest population growth projections.
Maitland’s population is projected to grow by 42% from 2011 – 2031. It’s one of the highest projected growth areas of NSW. The main drivers will be net internal migration from within the state – people moving perhaps from Sydney or other areas and interstate migration. Also from high fertility rates, apparently they make lots of babies there. Actually what that means it that it’s a nice place to raise a family with good schools and facilities. Housing is affordable and there is solid rental demand.
<a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/projections" target="_blank">Check out the website</a>, it also gives you the age profiles of the community, household types and size and my favourite, projected dwellings – this shows the number of dwellings needed to provide private housing for all projected households. This is a fabulous tool and we are using it to understand the local councils and NSW Planning expectations. We can then help our clients develop their property development strategy targeting the right locations for their developments.
Property Bloom project manages villa developments; dual occupancies or larger medium density developments as well as granny flat complying developments. One of the points raised on the NSW Planning website is that in 2011, couples with children were the most common household type in the Lower Hunter. However by 2031, most households will be occupied by couples only or those living alone, together making up 56% of all households in these regions.  Also the 65-84 year age group is projected to almost double in NSW. So the low maintenance villa dwellings that we are producing will meet the demands of this emerging market.
<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/" target="_blank">www.propertybloom.com.au</a>
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Planning for the emerging market - low maintenance, smaller dwellings

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As I was dicing onion for tonight’s dinner, I saw some news on TV that made my ears prick.
A house in Swansea, a suburb of Newcastle <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-28/sink-hole-opens-up-under-nsw-home/5482498" target="_blank">was seemingly sinking into a hole</a>. The cause? An old mine shaft laying approximately 25 metres below.
This is mine subsidence – very unusual, yet something we do prepare for in our development process.
The area underneath the neighbourhood was once part of the Swansea Pit, a coal mine abandoned in 1953.  It was reported that Mine Subsidence Board officers believe the sinkhole appeared above an old vertical furnace shaft. Today they were pouring concrete into the hole to stabilise the area around the house and hopefully they can secure the area and save the house.
There is one comfort for the house owners; the cost for this work required is covered by the Board.
The <a href="https://www.minesub.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank">Mine Subsidence Board</a> is a NSW government department funded by the current mining companies today. The mine companies pay a levy that goes into a trust account and is to be used for any repair works that are a result of mines located beneath the property. It operates for the community in coal mining areas of New South Wales and is responsible for administering the Mine Subsidence Compensation Act.  The Act provides for compensation or repair services where improvements are damaged by mine subsidence resulting from the extraction of coal. 
In an area where you are building new dwellings and that has been identified as undermined, there is a process to follow.
The Mine Subsidence Board is very helpful and provides strict building guidelines on what can be built and the construction methods.  They need to approve and stamp the engineer’s plans for the footings that will support the dwelling. They inspect during the building process to ensure the builder is meeting the engineering requirements and they keep a copy of the approved plans on file. 
If any problems arise in the future that relate to the undermining of the site, the Board make all repairs at their cost, kind of like an insurance company for your development but you don’t pay any premiums.
There is no time limit on the coverage so they basically guarantee the project as long as they have approved the engineering.
As part of our research process, one of our first checks on a potential development site is with the Mine Subsidence Board. They can tell you over the phone if the land our client is purchasing is within a proclaimed Mine Subsidence District.  The purpose of a District is to prevent damage through surface development controls that take account of the risk of damage by subsidence from old, current and future mining.
With detailed geo technical reports and the assistance of the Mine Subsidence Board, a development in an undermined area can be very successful. We have used ‘<a href="https://www.minesub.nsw.gov.au/SiteFiles/minesubnswgovau/MSB4ppA4Potholes07.pdf" target="_blank">pot hole</a>’ construction methods on a duplex development and the construction costs were not very much more than normal construction. But we did secure the land at a discounted price which meant more equity was created during the development for our client.
If you own a property in Newcastle, chances are its undermined, but the type of sinkhole activity reported this week is very uncommon, so don’t lose any sleep over it.
If you are building in a new estate, always have a geotech report completed and use the resources on hand at the Mine Subsidence Board to ensure your building process is correct for the location.
<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/">www.propertybloom.com.au</a>
Feature photo: Guatemalan sinkhole, 2010. Courtesy of Flickr/<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_parent">Creative Commons</a>.
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Sinkholes -  How to make sure your development doesn't get swallowed up from beneath

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The next time you look at buying a piece of land within a land estate, spare a thought for the land developer.
A few discussions this week with different large scale land developers reminded me of the number of layers they need to work through when developing raw land. Raw land is land that remains in its natural state and has had no development improvements, service connections, road works or other developments done to it so that you can build a dwelling there.
I certainly don’t envy the job of a large scale land developer as it takes literally years of work before they see any profits.
One developer told me that they’d been working with council for several years to get their development application (DA) for the land subdivision approved...and that was the easy bit.
Once a subdivision plan is approved the land developer then starts the real work in meeting the conditions of the DA consent so that they can apply for the construction certificate and then finally the subdivision certificate.  Then the final step is to have the individual lots that have been created, registered.
Once registered the purchaser can buy their piece of land and commence their own development journey. For Property Bloom it’s usually an application for a dual occupancy or a multi villa development.
Another land developer explained the stage they were at in one of their current subdivisions. After waiting longer than ever anticipated for the land to be rezoned there other major hurdle was seemingly simple.  
After obtaining the DA consent and in order to commence their civil works, drainage, sewer connections, road and other service connections, they needed permission to put down a 20 metre access crossover.
The owner of the land they needed to use to access their subdivision is the Catholic Church. The levels they had to work through to obtain this small 20 metre access gave the impression it was going all the way to the Pope for approval. Of course it wasn’t, but it was just an example used to convey the time some things can take.
It’s a great thing for us to work with these developers and our established relationships mean Property Bloom gets the low down on land that will be coming up in the near to medium term. We get a sneak preview of the subdivision plans before others so we can choose the lots most suited to our type of development. It gives us time to prepare our DA whilst waiting for the final registration of the land saving on valuable holding costs.
<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/">www.propertybloom.com.au</a>
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The long road to large scale land development

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Whilst there has been so much commentary last week on the federal budget, I thought we could talk about a different type of budget - one that can be just as important, particularly if you are a property developer.
Property developing can throw many different challenges at you and one thing I have learnt in this industry is there is always a solution to a problem. The trick is to understand what possible problems may arise and preparing yourself for them.  Unfortunately things don’t always go to plan and as a project manager it is up to us to make sure the development gets through as efficiently as possible.
One of the biggest problem areas is not allowing enough for building works. 
When pricing a development and running feasibilities, it is important to understand that your building estimate is an organic creature. By this I mean the building estimate you start with will nearly always be different to the one you end with.  It will evolve throughout the process as you obtain more and more details.  Once you have all the fine details, the building estimate can be finalised to the fixed price builder’s tender.  
If architecturally designing our villas, we generally follow this process:
<ol>
<li>Concept plan – this will show the number and size of villas on the land, but not much detail</li>
<li>Development application (DA) plans – enough information is included on the plans to satisfy council</li>
<li>Construction certificate (CC) plans –more detail, including engineer drainage and slab design</li>
</ol>
The starting point for our build estimate will be based on similar projects that we have recently completed and an allowance for the different site.
This progresses to an estimate based on the concept plan.  Still a ‘loose’ estimate as there is usually not enough detail on the concept plan for the builder to have all information he needs.  The build estimate we have at this stage will tell us whether we are tracking within budget.  If not, we can make the necessary changes required, perhaps reducing the size of the villas working with both our builder and architect to design the right dwellings for our project to be successful.
Once the concept plan is approved, the architect will proceed to full DA plans.  It is here that much more detail is added and we will have our builder price the DA plans and review the supporting documentation.  Again, this does not give us a final fixed build cost but we will be getting closer to the expected outcome.  Once approved by our client, the DA plans are finalised and the DA is prepared and lodged with council.
During the DA process, council may request some changes to the plans, so it is important to understand we are still ‘evolving’ at this stage. We also need to review the conditions of the DA consent before we have more detail to finalise the build costs.
Once council have approved the DA, we will start to prepare the CC plans.  Engineers will be briefed and a drainage and engineered slab design or footings for the foundations will be produced. More detail is added to the CC plans, finalising levels and double checking schedules. 
Before we lodge the CC plans with our private certifier we will have our builder issue a third costing. It is this costing that will give us the final build costs...well almost.  We still need to have the CC approved and ensure there are no further revisions to the plans required.  
After we have the CC stamped plans, our builder will issue their final tender and building contract. This will be a fixed price contract; however, there may still be a few items that will be ‘provisional’. They are usually some site works, removal of fill and retaining walls.  The builder may mark these items as provisional as they won’t know until works proceed exactly what the cost is. For instance, if rock is hit during the site cut, this will increase the site costs. If the site cut differs slightly to the plans, this may impact on the height of retaining walls.  So these ‘provisional’ items will be charged at actual cost whether it is lower or higher.
So you can see how the build estimate must evolve through the development process and until your development is completed, you really won’t know the exact cost.  It’s important you allow a contingency amount for any variations that may crop up along the way. 
As a developer, you will embark on a challenging journey from start to finish and the path you choose can be simplified with the help of a project manager to guide you along the way.  Always take the time to have full builder’s estimates done at each stage to avoid any nasty surprises. 
<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/">www.propertybloom.com.au</a> 
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A different type of budget talk: The development budget

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Jo Chivers

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