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The distraction of Christmas caught up with weekend auction listings.
Not harshly, but the clearance rates did dip into the low 70s as record volumes came in a late December flood.
One of the failed offerings was a former lolly shop in Williamstown.
Marketed at $1.1 million plus, the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-williamstown-124190858" target="_blank">45 Stevedore Street listing</a> was passed in at $1,265,000.
The Herald Sun reported the residence attracted a $1.3 million written offer post-auction to RT Edgar Williamstown.
The five-bedroom 1900 property was being offered for the first time in 21 years last selling at $189,000 in 1995.
There was success however at Brighton's Dendy Beach.
A newly built bathing box, built by the local council, sold at a record price.
It was listed through Nick Johnstone Real Estate agent Alan McGillivray, who given its distant location on the strip, gave a cautious mid-$200,000s price guidance.
But Box 85 sold on Saturday for $326,000. Painted orange and yellow, the box exceded recent records when $295,000 was set in early 2016 and mid-year when <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-122566182" target="_blank">bathing box 44</a> sold at $307,000.
he auctioneer Nick Johnstone told the crowd only three more of the boxes will be built.
There were three bidders.
A $4.6 million Warrawee home topped the nation's weekend auction sales.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.dijones.com.au/properties-sold/listings/2721" target="_blank">2a Pibrac Avenue</a> offering sold two days before the weekend auction having been marketed with $4.5 million expectations through Di Jones Real Estate.
<img src="/images/2016/12/18/Warrawee.jpg" alt="">
The five bedroom architecturally-designed home on its 1560 sq m block had last sold at $1.5 million in 2003.
The cheapest was $250,000 at Frankston.
The 7/74 Beach Street offering was <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-frankston-124242762" target="_blank">a top floor two bedroom apartment</a> that had been recently renovated.
<img src="/images/2016/12/18/Frankston.jpg" alt="">
It was last listed for rent at $250 a week in 2014.
Melbourne's top sale was when <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-canterbury-124207586" target="_blank">24 Alexandra Avenue, Canterbury</a> sold through Marshall White for $4,012,000.
<img src="/images/2016/12/18/Canterbury.jpg" alt="">
The brick 1910 five bedroom home sold in 2012 at $2,505,000.
Two bidders battled it out after it went on the market at $3.8 million.
CoreLogic's Kevin Brogan noted the combined capital city clearance rate fell slightly to 70.5 per cent, down from last week’s 71.6 per cent.
The number of properties taken to auction also fell across the capital cities, with 2,722 reported auctions, down from 3,432 last week, which was the second busiest auction week of the year.
<a href="/images/2016/12/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-18%20at%201.46.12%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-18%20at%201.46.12%20pm.jpg" alt="">
"However, compared to the corresponding week last year, auction activity is significantly higher, with 1,818 auctions and a lower rate of clearance (59.4 per cent) reported over the same period last year."
He advised auction numbers will remain relatively sedate over the festive period.
<a href="/images/2016/12/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-18%20at%201.46.19%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-18%20at%201.46.19%20pm.jpg" alt="">
In Melbourne the number of homes taken to auction fell to 1,286, down from last week’s seasonal high of 1,685, with the preliminary clearance rate for the city also falling over the week (75.7 per cent), down from 78.4 per cent over the previous week.
"However, this is significantly higher than the corresponding week last year when 875 auctions were reported with a clearance rate of 65.7 per cent," he noted.
Across Melbourne’s sub-regions, the Inner South region recorded the highest preliminary clearance rate of all the regions, with 84.4 per cent of the 113 auctions successful, followed by the Mornington Peninsula region, where an 82.5 per cent preliminary clearance rate was recorded across 52 auctions.
<a href="/images/2016/12/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-18%20at%201.51.12%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-18%20at%201.51.12%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Across Sydney, there was a lower volume of auctions this week, with 874 held, down from 1,168 over the previous week.
The preliminary clearance rate for the city saw a slight increase over last week, up to 74.1 per cent from 73.7 per cent last week.
"When compared to the same time last year, both, the clearance rate and number of auctions held are significantly higher than the equivalent period, when a 61.2 per cent clearance rate was recorded across 456 auctions," he said.
<a href="/images/2016/12/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-18%20at%201.51.20%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-18%20at%201.51.20%20pm.jpg" alt="">
The Sydney Northern Beaches region recorded the strongest clearance rate of all the Sydney sub-regions, with a 90.2 per cent preliminary rate of clearance across 64 auctions, while the Inner South West region recorded the highest volume of auctions (118).
There were 233 Brisbane properties taken to auction with a preliminary clearance rate of 45.7 per cent, up from 43.5 per cent last week and also higher than the same period last year, when 45 per cent of the 191 properties taken to auction were successful.
<a href="/images/2016/12/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-18%20at%201.51.29%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-18%20at%201.51.29%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Adelaide saw a preliminary clearance rate of 61.4 per cent across a total of 132 scheduled auctions.
"This is higher than the previous week, when Adelaide’s clearance rate was 58.3 per cent and also higher than the 57.3 per cent recorded one year ago."
<a href="/images/2016/12/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-18%20at%201.51.39%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-18%20at%201.51.39%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Perth’s clearance rate of 30 per cent across 47 auctions was up from the previous week, when 76 auctions were held and a clearance rate of 20.0 per cent was recorded.
Over the same week last year, the clearance rate was lower, when 25.8 per cent of the 68 auctions were successful.
Canberra’s preliminary auction clearance rate of 65.5 per cent this week is higher than last week, when the final auction clearance rate was 60.8 per cent and also higher than the 52.2 per cent recorded last year. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Williamstown lolly shop fails to sell in pre-Christmas rush to auction

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The international fashion designer Collette Dinnigan and her hotelier husband Bradley Cocks have snapped up Springfield Farm, a European-style abode in the Southern Highlands.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.randw.com.au/property/278270" target="_blank">The charming Avoca offering</a>, with views to Mt Gibraltar, had been for sale for six years with a recent amended $4.75 million asking price.
The couple, back in Australia from their Italian base, secured the property after their recent stellar $9 million sale of of their Watsons Bay home to Justin and Dom Hind, co-founders of WiTH Collective digital advertising agency.
Entered via a gorgeous long tree-lined driveway, the property has two French-syle timber barn-style buildings either side of a sandstone structure.
There's a sensational living room with gas open fire and high raked ceiling with mezzanine level. 
There's five bedrooms plus a three bedroom groundkeepers' cottage.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/12/18/Avoca.jpg" alt="">
The northerly views over lush pasture-land are a key feature of the property about 15 minutes' drive from Bowral.
The grounds have sweeping fully irrigated lawns, a tennis court, ornamental lake, plus stables and paddocks for horses.
There's the must have vege plot, fruit trees and even a small vineyard. 'An amazing property presented in pristine order," was how Richardson &amp; Wrench Bowral agent Michael Maloney marketed the eight hectare holding.
The vendors, Sydney barrister Stephen Flett and his wife, Di, bought the property 11 years ago for $2,525,000 from solicitor Gavin Solomon and his wife, Kathy and then spent $2.5 million upgrading it. 
Its initial pricing had $6 million expectations.
After selling their Careel Bay, Palm Beach retreat for $3.2 million to actor Sophie Lee and adman Anthony Freedman, Dinnigan retained a South Coast retreat and commercial space in Paddington.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph
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Collette Dinnigan buys Springfield Farm in Southern Highlands

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 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/12/18/property_buyer_logo.jpg" alt="" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Property has always been a keen investment for Australians, even among those staying abroad.
The Christmas break is often a time when Australian expatriates buy properties back in Australia to eventually occupy as their home when their overseas assignments end.
But those overseas trying to channel their hard-earned money here for investment and handy returns need to be wary. Or you will invariably pay a premium for the purchase if you’ve skipped proper research.
That's why many use a buyer's agent.
Download our with five tips for Australian expats thinking of buying a home this summer.
{rsform 78}
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Five tips for Australian expats thinking of buying home this summer

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A newly built bathing box, built by the local council, at Brighton has been sold at a record price.
It was listed through Nick Johnstone Real Estate agent Alan McGillivray for weekend auction.
Given its location on the strip, a cautious mid-$200,000s price guidance was being given for Box 85.
But it sold on Saturday for $326,000.
The orange and yellow striped box, number 85, smashed the previous records when $295,000 was set in early 2016 and mid-year when <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-122566182" target="_blank">bathing box 44</a> sold at $307,000.
The Herald Sun reported the auctioneer Nick Johnstone told the crowd only three more of the boxes will be built.
There were three bidders with it knocked down to Brighton East resident Warren Kerr, a father of three daughters.
There are far cheaper ones for sale, especially at Rosebud.
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Brighton's $326,000 record bathing box sale

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A newly built Rye home has been sold after just three weeks on the market.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-rye-124029558" target="_blank">The 30 square offering</a> was a bespoke residence on a private 1,280sq m block with a Moonah forest backdrop.
The single level home sits on a 1275 sq m block that cost $333,000 in mid-2015.
The design plans were prepared by Mark Dixon for the Stepic family syndicate.
There is a glimpse of the South Channel marker along with the Melbourne city skyline to the North.
<img src="/images/2016/12/18/Rye-2.jpg" alt="">
The Tyrone foreshore and Whitecliffs beaches are close along with Blairgowrie village.
It came from the <a href="https://www.moonahblue.com/9-iolanda/" target="_blank">moonahblue</a> portfolio which includes other Rye new-builds for sale as well as the historic TB guest biscuit factory conversion in West Melbourne.
It had been architecturally designed to focus on modern space preferences, with living and master areas wrapping around a central alfresco deck which overlooks the pool.
It came with three bathrooms, including master ensuite.
<img src="/images/2016/12/18/Rye-3.jpg" alt="">
The property sold through Martin Huntley and Josh Callaghan at Fletchers Mornington Peninsula.
The street's last sale was 2a which fetched $655,000 through Ray White. The street's highest prior sale was $810,000 in 2010.
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Rye house sells at $1.19 million after just three weeks

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Melbourne's Windsor has been ranked as Australia's fastest growing median house growth suburb in 2016.
CoreLogic advised the median had jumped 47 percent annually.
It arose from 66 sales.
Windsor's median now sits at $1,284,000. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-prahran-123095574" target="_blank">An Edwardian semi</a> (above) that fetched $1.25 million in August closely reflected the median.
It had sold at $835,000 three years earlier, so reflected a more subdued 14 percent annual growth since 2013.
The 1910 semi had 90 sq m internal space on its 159 sqm block.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-prahran-121992278" target="_blank">Another semi at the end of the row</a> (below) had sold a few months earlier at $1.23 million, having previously traded in 2004 at $480,000, reflecting eight percent annualised price growth.
<img src="/images/2016/12/18/27%20Fern%20Avenue.jpg" alt="">
The house sales at Windsor during 2016 have ranged from $807,000 to $4.85 million.
The $807,000 sale was a two bedroom contemporary townhouse at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-vic-prahran-121700410" target="_blank">1 Newry Lane</a> which sold through Jellis Craig in February.
The highest sale was when an 1860's solid brick hotel, converted into a family home, fetched $4.85 million at auction, almost $600,000 over reserve.
Bidding opened at $3.6 million with six bidders.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-prahran-121955482" target="_blank">Previously the Red Lion Hotel</a>, (above) 39 Duke Street has tall ceilings and rich period features in its warehouse style contemporary living space.
<img src="/images/2016/12/18/39%20Duke%20Street.jpg" alt="">
The property has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a leafy atrium with indoor garden.
The most spectacular feature of the property is the 250 sqm secluded rooftop garden which has a large gas heated pool, sauna and orchard with views of the city skyline.
Having began life as the Red Lion Hotel during the 1860s gold rush, the pub closed in the 1920's and was used as a shirt-making factory and an ironmonger's workshop before being converted into the stylish warehouse-style home by Angela Sach.
The property has been in the same family for around 60 years.
RT Edgar's expectation was for the property to fetch $3.5 million at its March 19 auction.
It subsequently emerged that the buyers were comedian Gina Riley and her husband, TV producer Rick McKenna.
Riley broke onto TV screen as a performer in the sketch shows Fast Forward, sending-up singers including Paula Abdul, Bette Midler, Sinèad O'Connor and Dannii Minogue.
One of the reasons why the Windsor median jumped so much statistically was that the $4.85 million was $1.35 million above the next dearest which was $3.5 million for an 1880s freestanding house sold off-market at 51 The Avenue.
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Melbourne's Windsor, Australia's fastest growing median house growth suburb in 2016

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The former Austrian tennis champion Thomas Muster has sold one of his Noosa Heads riverfront properties. It was listed at $5.9 million.
It was the first he bought on the water paying $2.8 million in 2013, with the house then designed by architect Tim Ditchfield.
Muster first bought into Noosa in 1994 when he paid $1 million for Cintamani, a 35-hectare hinterland property.
<div id="story-description">
The head of Lend Lease’s Australian property arm, Kylie Rampa, has purchased the riverfront mansion through Noosa agent Tom Offermann Real Estate.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/phocagallery/06junemuster/muster_0002_m12.jpg.jpg" alt="">
Ms Rampa was previously CEO of the Gandel Group.
</div>
Muster spends time in Queensland because his former wife, Jo Beth Taylor, the former Australia's Funniest Home Videos host, has resided there on the Sunshine Coast with their son.
The article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph
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Tennis champ Thomas Muster secures Noosa sale

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Beattie Property Agents has merged its business with McGrath Sutherland Shire.
The Beattie agency advised the business merger this morning.
"We feel will deliver fantastic results for every one of our customers across sales and property management," Michael Beattie said.
"The real estate industry is changing rapidly with digital technology and buyer behaviour so this merger not only brings together the best people, marketing and resources but essential access to premium online strategies targeting local, out of area and overseas buyers who use internet as the primary source of enquiry," he added.
Beattie Property Agents has been serving the Sutherland Shire and St George property markets for over 15 years.
Its team have over 60 years’ combined industry experience.
Meanwhile McGrath has lost another senior eastern suburbs team member with Ben Collier quitting after 23 years.
<div>
Collier's much-denied departure comes along with the departure of two other Sydney agents, Shad Hassen and Brad Gillespie.
</div>
<div>"We greatly appreciate Ben, Shad and Brad's contribution to McGrath over a significant period," said McGrath chief Cameron Judson.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Ben Collier had denied any plans to depart since he was mooted as next to go after McGrath Limited lost its <a href="/news/steven-chen-follows-lahood-and-shalhoub-out-the-door-at-mcgrath-group">head of sales, Matt Lahood and head of project marketing Steven Chen in October</a>.  </div>
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McGrath expands Sutherland Shire foothold

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The Melbourne house made famous by those Foxy Morons Kath and Kim has been sold.
The double-storey brick home in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-patterson+lakes-123882826" target="_blank">Patterson Lakes</a> was the abode of Kath Day-Knight and her butcher beau Kel Knight.
It was set in Fountain Lakes in the hit TV show.
It boasts four bedrooms, three bathrooms and two living areas.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/12/15/Patterson%20Lakes-5.jpg" alt="">
The property at 4 Lagoon Place was listed with <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/agency/ray-white-patterson-lakes-patterson-lakes-YULFRM" target="_blank">Ray White Patterson Lakes</a> who made the most of the celebrity link.
The home has its own private waterfront access and jetty, which was hidden during the ABC series.
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Kath and Kim's Patterson Lakes home sold

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It has certainly been an active time at the normally sleepy Church Point with Helena Harris, the award winning co-creator of the Hi-5 children's television show, quickly finding a buyer. 
Harris and partner Martin Perrott had renovated the bushland home since they paid $1.85 million in 2009. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/21a-mccarrs-creek-rd-church-point-nsw-2105" target="_blank">Iolanda Trovatello at Wiseberry Mona Vale</a> had a price guide of $2.9 million to $3.1 million for the five bedroom home with three marble bathrooms.
It sold within three weeks of listing. 
Harris' name is synonymous with successful children's television across the world, being also the originating producer of worldwide hit Bananas in Pyjamas in 1992.
The show won multiple Logies - and they sit prominantly on a mantlepiece at the McCarrs Creek Road home.
It has been one of Sydney's slowest selling suburbs at around 120 days on market, compared with the 26 day CoreLogic Sydney average.
One reason Church Point got the slow seller tag was miner Tony Haggarty. He took forever to sell ​his six bedroom Church Point retreat with its most recent marketing campaign extended over 10 months.
He secured $3,675,000 for the Walker Place offering with jetty having initially sought $5 million when it first listed on another marketing campaign in 2014.
Haggarty, the former chief executive of Whitehaven Coal, bought it in 2007 at $2.85 million.
The suburb has seen a record price paid when the Schebesta family bought an imposing home for $4.6 million.
The home on an elevated 1600 square metre block was designed by Lyn Frohlich with billiard room and home theatre.
Some of the five bedrooms open onto a generous wrap around balcony with panoramic Pittwater views.
There's a heated salt-water swimming pool, outdoor spa and alfresco kitchen.
Its purchase followed the family's longtime one bedroom fisherman's cottage on Scotland Island being sold for $840,000. 
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No longer as quiet as a Church Point offering

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bottega-property-group">Bottega House</a> has secured council approval for its first Brisbane project - a $270 million luxury residential development on an absolute riverfront site in leafy St Lucia.&nbsp;

The 15-storey project, known as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-lucia-by-bottega-house-180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">St Lucia by Bottega House</a> , will occupy a prime north-facing site at 178-180 Macquarie Street, directly fronting the Brisbane River in the established inner-west suburb known for its rowing clubs, golf courses and sprawling University of Queensland campus.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House will feature a suite of amenities including dedicated wellness spaces, a mineral pool and cold plunge. The project has been positioned to attract affluent owner-occupiers seeking high-quality, house-sized apartments.&nbsp;

Bottega House has been set up by co-directors Nick Malloch, Louis Mennes and Craig Marsh.

Malloch said the project drew inspiration from its Brisbane River setting and leafy inner-west surrounds, while responding to the demands of discerning locals looking to transition from freestanding homes into apartment living.&nbsp;

"With an expansive river frontage and lush green surrounds, we knew we had to create something special that reflects the natural beauty of the location while offering residents masterfully crafted homes," said Malloch.&nbsp;

"Our intent was to complement the project's quiet, private setting by introducing residences that offer a calm retreat and sanctuary from the everyday. The result is a harmonious blend of architecture, interiors and amenity that emphasises wellbeing, comfort and beauty without excess."&nbsp;

Malloch added that project consultants had been carefully selected in alignment with Bottega House's commitment to care, quality and attention to detail. The design team includes architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, interiors practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/urbis">Urbis</a>.&nbsp;

Three-bedroom apartments are expected to start around $5 millio. Selling agents Keenan &amp; Byrne said the pricing strategy for the project was anticipated to achieve upwards of $25,500 per square metre.&nbsp;

The project's development approval this week follows the success of Bottega House's inaugural Queensland project - a 22-storey collection of full-floor sky homes at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast which included the sale of a two-storey penthouse at a record price for a beachside residence.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House is expected to launch to market in November, with construction anticipated to be completed mid 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151826]

Joel Robinson

Bottega House to make Brisbane debut with St Lucia riverfront apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> is advancing its affordable apartment model into Brisbane with the acquisition of another site at Cordelia Street in South Brisbane for $27 million.

Sherpa, which has a $1.7 billion pipeline across Southeast Queensland, intends to bring a cohort of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers into its proposed 186-apartment project to be built at 2 Cordelia Street.

The Sherpa model has already been incredibly well received from their Gold Coast projects, where Sherpa Group set aside a number of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers.

The new $320 million project marks Sherpa Group's second development in Brisbane, following its $255 million Symphony project, also on Cordelia Street, which is currently under construction.

Symphony will deliver 146 apartments across 28 levels, offering a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. With 114 already sold, construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/lps-group">LPS Group</a> is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=351654]

Sherpa Founder, Christie Leet, said the company was excited to be venturing into Brisbane for its second residential project.

“We’re big believers in the future of Brisbane as we lead into the 2032 Olympics and beyond,” Leet said.

“The success of Symphony has guided us into what will be our second project and we look forward to submitting our plans with council soon so we can deliver yet another quality project to the inner city residential market.

“Our Flourish model has been very well received both in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and we’re excited to be able to offer some of these apartments again exclusively to first homebuyers to help get them into the property market.

“The model has been extraordinarily well received in our previous projects and it is something we are committed to moving forward.”

2 Cordelia Street will be designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hal-architects">HAL Architects</a> &amp; Finegrain and will include Sherpa’s signature residential amenities including pool, gym, recreation, wellness and work from home spaces.

The project will feature ground-floor commercial space, creating a vibrant amenity for residents and the surrounding community.

A development application will be lodged with Brisbane City Council in August on the code compliant site and will be launched to the market early 2027.

Sherpa acquires new site for second Brisbane apartment tower

One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

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fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

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FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Jonathan Chancellor

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