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Aveley, one of the Macedon Ranges' landmark homesteads, has been sold for the first time in 28 years.
Originally built as a Cobb &amp; Co station in the halcyon gold rush era it now sits on 28 acres in the farming district of Tylden.
The classic Victorian façade with a return verandah on bluestone foundations fetched $1,746,000 through Jellis Craig.
Inside there's exceptional internal proportions including a grand entry hall, 14 foot ceilings, marble fire surrounds and rich period detail.
The gardens have mature European trees including Oaks, Ash and a rare Arbutus unedo (Irish Strawberry tree).
An 11 ha authentic farm setting is supported by a cluster of farm buildings which offer options as stables, work shop or additional accommodation.
There are cattle yards, crush and 5 paddocks at the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-tylden-123980962" target="_blank">290 Central Road address.</a> 
"Aveley, is undoubtedly a once in a lifetime proposition," said agent Tom May's marketing.
It last sold at $320,000 in 1988.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Aveley, with rare Arbutus unedo tree, sells at Tylden

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New South Wales has modernised its strata laws to reflect 21st Century living with updated rules that came into effect this week.
It is the biggest overhaul in four decades. It was 1961 when Strata Plan No 1 was registered at an Enfield walkup. Now the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 marks the most significant reforms since 1973 revisions. 
There are around 90,000 strata schemes across the state ranging from duplexes to those with 100s of flats.
More than two million NSW residents live in the apartments, units and townhouses, and that is set to rise dramatically from downsizers. 
The new rules will effect anyone who owns or rents.
Some changes will be noticed quickly while others will take time - especially the controversial reform that paves the way for urban renewal by the compulsory demolition particularly of well-position small, older apartment blocks on large land holdings.
There's over 90 changes being implemented by the Innovation and Better Regulations Minister Victor Dominello.
NSW was the first place in the world with strata title back in 1961, so there is no doubting they needed modernisation. Around 30% of schemes in the Sydney date back more than 30 years. 
Many of the new model by-laws only apply to new strata schemes. So the model rules including the pro-pet proposal won't see pets run amok in every strata. The changes will likely facilitate some owners corporations implementing by-laws that set limits on the number of people living in a unit, albeit with no limits on family members.
One of the most important changes relates to renovations, which ought make it a little easier for cosmetic alterations.
Strata schemes can pay the council to issue parking fines for pesky unauthorised use of the visitors’ spaces.
There are some modernisation on how a strata is run, such as allowing owners to use technology to communicate on issues, in meetings and casting a vote.   
Tenants will have more rights so if more than 50% of the building is tenanted, a tenant representative can be nominated as a non-voting member of the strata committee.
The most controversial change is the ability for the owners’ corporation to decide to sell or redevelop their building.
Instead of the previous requirement of unanimous consent, the 75% threshold is a generous gift to the development lobby especially as each apartment will have one vote, rather than be based on the more worthy unit entitlement.
It is extraordinary the lawmakers would seek to have the penthouse owner's voting entitlement the same as the viewless studio down near the laundry in the basement.
Turmoil will follow at the expense of individual property rights. All it takes is for anyone - it does not have to be a lot owner - to give a written proposal to the owners corporation for a sale or redevelopment of the strata scheme to be considered. 
Any strata then needs just half the owners - perhaps two of the four owners - to pass a resolution at a general meeting to progress the prospect further along.
The intending stayput owners do get around 74 days notice of the rug being pulled from under them with limited recourse.
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New South Wales updates strata laws

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/69612/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Although plenty of pundits seem to think a December rate hike by the US Federal Reserve is a lock, the intervening data would be very important.
With the most recent US GDP growth figures, it looks like the jury is largely in.
Third-quarter GDP growth was revised to an annualised rate of 3.2 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis. Consumer spending was a key component, with personal consumption up 2.8 percent. That indicates some underlying confidence that bodes well for future growth figures.
Adding to that, the Markit Flash US Services PMI Business Activity Index was at a preliminary 54.7 in November, almost the same as the 54.8 in October. This is the ninth consecutive month of an expansionary purchasing managers index. It’s a further sign that inventories are being worked down and assets put to productive use.
Absent some other negative news, it will be hard for the FOMC to resist raising rates at their December meeting.
Here in Australia, the ABS released figures on Wednesday showing another decline in residential building approvals – the third in as many months. Year-on-year approvals are down about nearly a quarter. That signals an uncomfortable dent in confidence, apart from in and of itself being a A$1.5 billion drop in economic activity.
<a href="/images/2016/12/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-06%20at%209.53.52%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-06%20at%209.53.52%20AM.png" alt="">
In a further sign that any cyclical upturn in residential construction looks to have come to an end, new home sales were down 8.5 percent in October, with the Melbourne market a key driver. Interestingly, this was not just a product of the much-vaunted boom in Melbourne apartment construction: multi-unit sales were down 9.2 percent nation-wide, but detached houses were down 8.2 percent.
Combined, this will do nothing to help the housing affordability crisis Australia has been facing for some years now. That crisis led to NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes breaking ranks with the federal Liberal Party in suggesting that negative gearing reform should be considered as part of the solution to the housing crisis. That could not be written off as a slip of the tongue after Premier Mike Baird reiterated the sentiment in his remarks to the National Press Club on Tuesday.
My stance on the matter is well known to readers of this column, given my report for the McKell Institute 18 months ago, advocating the gradual elimination of negative gearing for existing properties. I didn’t fire the starter’s pistol on negative gearing reform, but, to push the athletics analogy, it’s beginning to look like I rang the bell for the last lap.
<a href="/images/2016/12/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-06%20at%209.54.46%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-06%20at%209.54.46%20AM.png" alt="">
Italy is the world’s eighth-largest economy, with GDP of US$1.81 trillion. It has rarely grown, and often shrunk, since the financial crisis, with the most recent growth rate at 0.3 percent.
Like much of the Eurozone, Italy is teetering on the precipice of a Japan-like deflationary spiral, with inflation at -0.2 percent.
It shares a high unemployment rate with many other European countries. Italy’s is at 11.7 percent, while its youth unemployment rate is a staggering and alarming 37.1 percent. As I wrote about France last week, that’s simply not compatible with the social compact of a liberal democracy in the medium term.
Italy’s balance sheet doesn’t look much better. Italy’s debt/GDP ratio is 132.7 percent, the fourth highest in the world, which leaves little wiggle room with its budget deficit of 2.6 percent of GDP. That has been improving since the financial crisis, but balance is still far from in sight. And because Italy is in the euro zone, it cannot simply inflate its debts away.
In many ways, Italy is the poster child of the European dilemma. It entered into a currency union without becoming part of a fiscal union. It is stuck with the euro, but it would be calamitous to go off it.
No wonder, then, that there is a referendum this weekend to consider amending the constitution to try to reduce the power of the Senate and reduce gridlock. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, a pro-European, has essentially staked his reputation on it.
Should it fail to pass, there is the very real possibility of a Grexit-cum-Brexit moment in the weeks to come.
Richard Holden is professor of economics and PLuS Alliance Fellow, UNSW Australia and author for The Conversation. He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/richard-holden-118107" target="_blank">here</a>.
 
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The data that won’t help the government on housing supply

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GUEST OBSERVER
The proposed new suburb on the Northern Beaches will help provide additional housing supply, but lacks tall buildings, particularly in the town centre. 
The new suburb of Ingleside on the Northern Beaches with its 3,400 new homes is a welcome addition to Sydney’s housing supply.
But the Urban Taskforce is concerned that there appear to be no buildings higher than 3 storeys.
New town centres in Western Sydney, like Oran Park, have heights of 6 and 8 storeys in their town centres to provide a diversity of housing types. It is important that all parts of Sydney pull their weight in terms of providing new housing as Sydney’s population grows. The government must get the right density and height upfront as it is very hard to change the built form after it is constructed.
The general approach to a green, environmentally sensitive, suburb can lead to excellent life styles and we understand that sensitive land like that at Ingleside will need to be managed carefully. This can still be done with taller buildings as this can limit the spread of dwellings across the landscape.
The Ingleside strategy will include a component of 5-10 percent affordable housing however the documents have not provided information on how a proposed target will be calculated. The requirement to provide affordable housing will increase the costs of developing this site, and it is essential that these additional costs do not deter developers and investors from developing and investing in Ingleside. 
Chris Johnson is chief executive officer of property development industry group Urban Taskforce and can be contacted <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=97&amp;Itemid=126#.Vdaart55dFI" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Sydney's new northern suburb could have more height: Chris Johnson

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GUEST OBSERVER
The recent lift in retail sales has sustained into October, a 0.5 percent gain in the month outstripping expectations of a more moderate 0.3 percent gain.
That follows back to back 0.6 percent monthly gains in August and September.
The detail suggests an expected dampening effect from price discounting did not materialise. Price gains accounted for all of the sales gain in Q3 and recent indicators suggested some food price increases have partially unwound in recent months.
However, food retail posted a solid 0.6 percent gain in the month, anchoring the overall result (basic food retail, i.e. supermarkets, account for about 40 percent of retail sales).
Other categories were a bit so-so with a solid but unspectacular rise for household goods retail (+0.7 percent/mth), declines for clothing (–0.4 percent) and the beleaguered department store category (–0.4 percent) but reasonable enough gains for ‘small ticket’ discretionary categories ‘other retail’ (+0.8 percent) and cafes &amp; restaurants (+0.4 percent).
By state, Qld was a standout with a surprisingly strong 0.8 percent lift.
Overall, the result suggests consumer demand may has retained some momentum although as always disentangling retail specific effects from wider patterns of demand remains tricky.
Matthew Hassan is senior economist with <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au/" target="_blank">Westpac</a>.
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Queensland a standout with a surprisingly strong lift in retail sales

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GUEST OBSERVER
Here are the six standout charts over the past week covering home prices, Australian All Ordinaries Accumulation index, business investment, planned business investment, Nymex oil price and US 10-year bond yields.
<a href="/images/2016/12/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-05%20at%201.06.56%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-05%20at%201.06.56%20PM.png" alt="" width="760" height="500">
<a href="/images/2016/12/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-05%20at%201.07.06%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/05/Screen%20Shot%202016-12-05%20at%201.07.06%20PM.png" alt="" width="654" height="214">
Savanth Sebastian is an economist for <a href="https://www.commsec.com.au/" target="_blank">CommSec</a>
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The six standout charts for this week: CommSec's Savanth Sebastian

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A newly built bathing box, built by the local council, at Brighton has been listed for sale.
It has been listed through Nick Johnstone Real Estate agent Alan McGillivray for December 17 auction.
Given its location on the strip, a cautious mid-$200,000s price guidance is being given for Box 85.
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Brighton bathing box 85 for December auction

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One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has sold her Biggera Waters unit.
The two bedroom unit at 1/9 Loder St was bought with her son Adam for $220,000 in 2007.
It was sold recently for $265,000 through LJ Hooker Broadwater agent Anna Tang.
They had tried to sell the unit three times previously asking for $289,000 in 2008 before reducing it to $279,000 in 2010.
The unit reappeared earlier this year seeking offers above $285,000.
It was updated with a $30,000 renovation.
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Pauline Hanson sells Gold Coast investment apartment

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A Sackville Street, Kew offering has been listed with $9 million plus expectations.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-kew-119729403" target="_blank">126 Sackville Street</a> home is an Edwardian design.
It has been listed through Kay &amp; Burton’s Ross Savas, with expressions of interest closing December 6.
The five-bedroom home dates back to around 1900.
Set on the corner of Balmoral Avenue, the trophy home retains the grandeur of the turn of the century with a contemporary extension, encompassing the kitchen and family areas.
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Sackville Street, Kew offering with $9 million plus hopes

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GUEST OBSERVER
The latest updates to Green Star promise to accelerate action on climate change, incentivise new industries and encourage market leaders to push the innovation envelope, says the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). 
Among the proposed evolutions to Green Star, are: 
<ul>
<li>
  minimum requirements for greenhouse gas emissions for different star ratings 
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  measures to build industry capacity in air-tightness testing 
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<li>
  a new materials pathway to incentivise the use of engineered timber and 
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<li>  new requirements that will enhance the workplace environments of construction workers.</li>
</ul>
Minimum requirements for greenhouse gas emissions</div>
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<div class="column">The GBCA’s is reprioritising carbon as a key environmental issue – and setting minimum requirements is an important part of this. Under the proposed changes, a building project seeking 5 Star Green Star certification would be required to achieve three Green Star points in the ‘Greenhouse Gas Emissions’ credit, and be 25 percent more efficient than a benchmark building.</div>
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<div class="column">A 6 Star Green Star building would be required to achieve six points and demonstrate efficiency of almost 40 percent above the benchmark. The improvements would be addressed through energy efficiency or onsite renewables.</div>
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<div class="column">This measure would enable us to provide clearer differentiation between the star ratings, and to guarantee, as a minimum, that a 5 Star building would produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than a 4 Star building, and so on.</div>
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<div class="column">Minimum requirements are part of a broader plan to align Green Star with the distinct trajectories outlined in the Paris Agreement.</div>
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 Air-tightness testing</div>
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 A proposed change to the ‘Commissioning and Tuning’ credit would drive the uptake of air-tightness testing.</div>
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 Under the revised credit, project teams would be required to undertake testing to demonstrate that the façade airtightness specifications had been achieved. “This isn’t about setting a standard for air-tightness yet, though this allows us to push Australia to take air-tightness seriously. This first step is about building industry capacity and educating project teams on the value of air-tightness testing.”</div>
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 The GBCA would analyse and share the information gathered from the credit to “better understand where Australian buildings are landing”, to support industry action on air-tightness testing and standards that respond to Australia’s unique climate conditions.</div>
<div class="column">
 Incentivising the use of engineered timber</div>
<div class="column">
 The GBCA is also proposing the introduction of a new pathway for engineered timber within the Materials category – just as we have for concrete and steel.</div>
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 This initiative recognises the innovative approach taken on projects such as Lendlease’s Forté and acknowledges the industry’s growing appetite for products such as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). </div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column">Jorge Chapa is GBCA’s head of market transformation and can be contacted <a href="https://new.gbca.org.au" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Property 101: Green Star updates open for consultation

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.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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.

&nbsp;

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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