<html><body>
<p>The talented Three Birds team - who got together as their husbands once played for the Parramatta Eels - have secured the sale of their fifth residential renovation project.</p>
<p>It is a little home in Baulkham Hills that sold at $1.35 million earlier this month.</p>
<p>The Oakland Avenue house was bought by the team - Lana Taylor, Bonnie Hindmarsh and Erin Cayless - for $922,500 in May. </p>
<p>After nine weeks, the former fibro suburban house was transformed into a cottage-style home with extension.</p>
<p>It was marketed by Jane Booty at Century 21 as a "lust-worthy home with unparalleled street appeal."</p>
<p>It sold to a young couple from Strathfield who have family nearby.</p>
<p>"The couple are as gorgeous as the house… it’s a perfect fit," Booty said.</p>
<p>The Three Birds Renovations have worked their makeover magic previously at Northmead, Castle Hill and Beecroft since kicking off their new career in mid-2014.</p>
<p>Lana Taylor, Bonnie Hindmarsh and Erin Cayless had long spent time on the NRL game day sidelines, exchanging tips about paint colours, carpet samples and new bathrooms while their husbands Jason, Nathan and Nathan ran around for the Parramatta Eels.</p>
<p>The trio are planning on renovating three homes a year in The Hills district.</p>
<p>The Baulkham Hills offering came with a new designer style kitchen and a bathroom, featuring the striking black freestanding bathtub from Caroma.</p>
<p>Outside they added a tiered deck, with new alfresco area overlooking the landscaped rear gardens.</p>
<p>The project was watched by their more than 90,000 dedicated followers on Facebook and Instagram. They also filmed their own digital show in partnership with realestate.com.au.</p>
<p>The fibro had been owned by the Coddington family, who tragically lost two sons — Tim and Sam — in a plane crash while on a surfing holiday in Manila in 2002.</p>
<p>Their mother approached Bonnie when she wanted to sell the home and asked them to purchase it and bring it back to life. </p>
<p>It's back story had Bonnie Hindmarsh engaged to the seller's son, Sam who passed away on a surfing trip when he was in his 20s. </p>
<p><em>This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.</em></p>
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Three Birds Renovations score Baulkham Hills flip success 

<html><body>
<p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/68060/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1"></p>
<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p>It came as no surprise that the Reserve Bank left the cash rate at its historic low 1.5 percent on Tuesday. Governor Philip Lowe’s statement contained most of the boilerplate phrases: “the economy is growing at a moderate rate”. “Labour market indicators continue to be somewhat mixed.” “Measures of household and business sentiment remain above average.”</p>
<p>But it was the following paragraph that piqued my interest:</p>
<p>“Low interest rates have been supporting domestic demand and the lower exchange rate since 2013 has been helping the traded sector. Financial institutions are in a position to lend for worthwhile purposes. These factors are assisting the economy to make the necessary adjustments, though an appreciating exchange rate could complicate this.”</p>
<p>Not to go all deconstructionist, but it’s worth parsing those words carefully. “Low interest rates have been supporting domestic demand”: i.e. the usual effect of cheaper borrowing costs has worked. </p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%209.14.33%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%209.14.33%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>The “lower exchange rate has helped the traded sector”: i.e. a lower dollar makes our exports cheaper for foreigners to buy. </p>
<p>“An appreciating exchange rate could complicate this” underlines the long-held concern the RBA has in the Aussie dollar rising above about 75 US cents. This could happen, for instance, if the US Federal Reserve fails to raise rates as aggressively as markets expect, or if there is a continued flight out of Europe to Australia’s relative safety and positive interest rates.</p>
<p>The fact that the RBA is so concerned about this highlights how interconnected Australian monetary policy is with international events and policy. And in a world as uncertain as the one we are in, it’s dangerous to make strong predictions about the future course of monetary policy.</p>
<p>The most interesting sentence of all in Dr Lowe’s statement is:</p>
<p>“Financial institutions are in a position to lend for worthwhile purposes.” </p>
<p>This is a comment about the ability of Australian banks (essentially the big four) to take risk. That is, a comment about the strength of their balance sheets. Assuming it’s accurate, this is both comforting and important. If business and consumer confidence do pick up further, and businesses want to invest, then they should be able to borrow to do so, according to Dr Lowe.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, building approvals fell sharply in September, down 8.7 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis – well beyond market expectations. Housing approvals were up slightly, 2.3 percent, but apartment approvals fell 16.3 percent. That sounds bad, but the apartment sector is volatile, and there have been concerns about oversupply – especially in Brisbane and Melbourne. Still, overall approvals are down 6.4 percent on last year.</p>
<p>That’s no good for housing affordability, but it also has a monetary policy implication. If it fuels a continued escalation in housing prices – especially in Sydney and Melbourne, then the RBA may well feel constrained to cut interest rates in the event that they otherwise might want to.</p>
<p>There was mixed news about the Australian services sector – the largest and most economically important in the economy – with the Australian Industry Group’s Performance of Services Indicator up 1.6 points to 50.5. This is well below levels of around 56 before the financial crisis, and below the 54s recorded in mid 2015.</p>
<p>The ABS reported Thursday that the trade deficit fell 35% in September to A$1.227 billion, in seasonally adjusted terms. This was largely due to the recent increase in commodity prices – something over which Australia has no control, and which are devilishly difficult to forecast going forward.</p>
<p>Overseas, there was positive news from China where both the official Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) and the unofficial Caixin index came in at 51.2, ahead of expectations and indicating expansion (as numbers above 50 do). The official PMI is more relevant for large, state-owned enterprises, while the Caixin index is useful for understand medium-sized business. Often they don’t align, so this may be an early signal of a general positive trend. Stay tuned in coming months.</p>
<p>In fact, that will depend in no small part on whether Dr Lowe’s comment about banks in Australia having the balance-sheet capacity to lend is true in China. There are serious concerns about household indebtedness and the quality of bank balance sheets in China. A sustained increase in the PMI might be a hint that things are not quite so bad. September, however, is one datum point.</p>
<p>The Australian economy continues to show some positive signs, but there are pockets of weakness and cause for concern every month. And these aren’t concentrated to one sector, like the mining sector. In recent months there have been (and continue to be) legitimate concerns about: the labour market, business confidence, consumer confidence, inflation, growth, and more.</p>
<p>It looks like it will be some time before we see a consistent run of data indicating that we should have confidence in a genuine recovery.</p>
<p><em><span class="fn author-name">Richard Holden is p</span>rofessor 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>.</em></p>
</body></html>

Australia not immune from global market uncertainty

<html><body>
<p>GUEST OBSERVER </p>
<div class="page" title="Page 4">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">The end of the mining investment downturn, which remains the dominant dynamic shaping Australia’s investment project pipeline, is in sight.</div>
<div class="column">
<br>The 5 remaining mega gas projects under construction, with a combined value of $172bn, are due to be completed by end 2017.</div>
<div class="column">
<br>This will see the value of definite mining projects (those under construction or committed) fall sharply, down from $201bn currently.</div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"><a href="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.42.14%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="column"><img src="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.42.14%20AM.png" alt=""></div>
<div class="column">
<br>The other key dynamic, albeit less powerful, is the upswing in public transport projects.</div>
<div class="column">
<br>Definite public transport projects are now valued at $100bn. This represents a sharp increase on a year ago, up $45.4bn, including a $5.3bn rise in June <br>State by state, there is a stark divide. The mining investment downturn is being felt in Qld, WA and the NT.</div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"><a href="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.43.49%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="column"><img src="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.43.49%20AM.png" alt=""></div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column">While it is the state governments in NSW and Victoria, which are benefitting most from the housing boom, that are leading the way on public investment. </div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column">
<div class="page" title="Page 5">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">Australia’s investment project pipeline was $812.8bn in September 2016, as reported by Deloitte Access Economics in their Investment Monitor. The database includes 1,102 investment projects valued at $20mn or more.</div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"><a href="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.44.52%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="column"><img src="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.44.52%20AM.png" alt=""></div>
<div class="column">
<br>This is $9.7bn lower than three months ago. Projects completions were worth $6.8bn in the quarter, while project deletions were $18.1bn, including the cancelling of the ‘possible’ $12bn Port Hastings development in Victoria.</div>
<div class="column">
<br>44 new projects were added to the database, with a value of $6.3bn.</div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"><a href="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.45.58%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column">
<img src="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.45.58%20AM.png" alt=""><br><p>Cost revisions added $8.9bn, including WestConnex, which increased to $16.8bn from $11.5bn following an updated strategic business case.</p>
</div>
<div class="column">The value of definite projects (under construction or committed) increased to $434.7bn in September, +$3.6bn on June and $28.2bn above a year ago.<br>Note, the Wheatstone LNG project, valued at $29bn in the database, has reportedly experienced a cost blowout of $6.6bn.<br><br>Note: the database includes the full value of a project until it is completed or deleted. This differs from the ABS notion of the ‘work pipeline’, which is the value of work yet to be done on projects currently under construction. </div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"><a href="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.46.59%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="column"><img src="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.46.59%20AM.png" alt=""></div>
<div class="column">
<br>Non mining: Publis transport leads the way</div>
<div class="column">
<br>The transport &amp; storage sector has re-emerged as a driver of the investment pipeline as state governments, particularly in NSW and Victoria, commit to new public transport initiatives.</div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"><a href="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.48.00%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="column"><img src="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.48.00%20AM.png" alt=""></div>
<div class="column">
<br>Total non-mining projects are valued at $432.2bn. Of that, $233.8bn are at the definite stage, which is $4.6bn higher than in June and $43.5bn above the level of a year ago.</div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"><a href="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.49.04%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="column"><img src="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.49.04%20AM.png" alt=""></div>
<div class="column">
<br>Definite public transport projects are now valued at $100bn. This represents a sharp increase on a year ago, up $45.4bn, including a $5.3bn rise in June.</div>
<div class="column">
<br>NSW leads the way in public transport projects, with $37bn worth under construction and a further $18.5bn at the committed stage.</div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"><a href="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.50.16%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="column"><img src="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.50.16%20AM.png" alt=""></div>
<div class="column">
<br>Victoria has $22.1bn in definite public transport projects, although $13.3bn of these are at the committed stage (the $11bn Metro project starts in 2018).<br>For services (retail, finance &amp; business services, accommodation, community services) the definite project pipeline is $64bn, up from a 2010 low of $39bn but flat over the past two years. Projects at the planning stage total $46bn, including a number in the tourism sector, which is a potential bright spot. </div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"><a href="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.51.08%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="column">
<img src="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.51.08%20AM.png" alt=""><br><br>Investment pipeline: State by state<br><br>The investment project pipeline on a state by state basis is heavily influenced by the mining investment downturn (WA, Qld &amp; NT) and by the public transport upswing (NSW &amp; Vic).</div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"><a href="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.52.13%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="column"><img src="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.52.13%20AM.png" alt=""></div>
<div class="column">
<br>In the mining state of WA, definite projects total $124bn, a figure that will fall sharply as $102bn in gas projects are completed by the end of 2017.</div>
<div class="column">
<br>In Qld, definite projects are at $70bn, including the $25bn Origin LNG project, due to be completed by late 2016. Key will be whether tourism projects, still at the planning stage, eventually proceed.</div>
<div class="column">
<br>In NSW, the pipeline of definite projects has climbed to $81bn, up from $56bn a year ago, with the prospect of additional transport projects to progress from the planning stage.</div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"><a href="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.53.08%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"><img src="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.53.08%20AM.png" alt=""></div>
<div class="column">
<br>In Victoria, projects under construction is relatively stable at $27bn, although the projects at the committed stage now stands at $15bn.</div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column"><a href="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.54.07%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="column">
<img src="/images/2016/11/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-04%20at%208.54.07%20AM.png" alt=""><br><p>In South Australia, the value of definite projects has risen to $13bn, up from $8bn a year ago, boosted by public works. </p>
<div class="page" title="Page 17"><em>Andrew Hanlan is senior economist for Westpac and can be contacted <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-hanlan/3/222/430" target="_blank">here</a>. </em></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

End of the mining investment downturn in sight: Westpac's Andrew Hanlan

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p>SMSF trustees are still consistently investing in assets they understand and can trade easily.</p>
<p><span>Australian Taxation Office (ATO) figures show that although there might be a </span><span>bias towards Australian investments, a lack of diversification across asset classes is typically not an issue. </span></p>
<p><span>When critics of </span><span>SMSF </span><span>trustees’ asset allocation point to a lack of diversification, they </span><span>often highlight the absence or low allocation to assets such as international equities, forgetting SMSFs are still getting exposure to these assets via </span><span>ETF’s, listed and </span><span>unlisted trusts and managed funds.</span><span><br></span></p>
<p><span>The investment returns that SMSFs have consistently generated over the years speak volumes for the capacity of trustees to manage their investment portfolios. </span></p>
<p><span>Based on ATO statistics, for example, for the eight years from the 2007 financial year to the 2014 year, SMSF returns outperformed all other alternative superannuation arrangements for four of those years. </span></p>
<p><span>Although in recent times, the predominant asset allocation of SMSF trustees has not </span><span>performed as well compared to alternative funds, it is still within reach. APRA statistics for the 2015 financial year, for example, show the return for SMSFs after expenses (excluding contributions) to be 5.7 percent. This compares with non-SMSF returns of 8.5% for the same period. </span></p>
<p><span>These returns do not support the suggestion that SMSF trustees are dangerously </span><span>out of their depth or incompetent in investing the</span><span>ir members’ superannuation </span><span>balances. It also has to be noted that many SMSFs are in pension phase and therefore have more defensive investment portfolios to suit their needs</span><span>. </span></p>
<p><span>The asset allocation of SMSFs has remained largely consistent over the years, rejecting the suggestions that they continue to load up on bank stocks or residential property. </span></p>
<p><span>As the two tables below show, residential property has only inched up half a percentage point in that five-year period (2011-16), while Australian equities have dropped one percentage point. </span></p>
<p><span>All the evidence suggests SMSF trustees are prudent, investing in asset classes </span><span>where they have knowledge, or giving the responsibility to a manager where they </span><span>lack expertise. It’s hardly surprisin</span><span>g really </span><span>– it is their money</span><span>. </span></p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p>For the year to 30 June 2016, SMSF assets totalled $622 billion. The percentage break-up of the same asset classes were:</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<ul>
<li>
<p><span>  </span><span>Australian listed shares </span><span>– </span><span>30% </span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>  </span><span>Australian residential property </span><span>– </span><span>4% </span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>  </span><span>Australian commercial property </span><span>– </span><span>11% </span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>  </span><span>Cash &amp; term deposits </span><span>– </span><span>26% </span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>  </span><span>Overseas investments in total </span><span>– </span><span>1% </span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>  </span><span>Listed &amp; unlisted trusts &amp; other managed investments </span><span>– </span><span>19% </span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>  </span><span>Debts &amp; loans </span><span>– </span><span>2% </span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>  </span><span>Other investments </span><span>– </span><span>7% </span></p>
<p><span>The year to 30 June 2011 told a similar story. Assets totalled $402 billion in the SMSF sector. The percentage break-up of the same asset classes were: </span></p>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<p><span>  </span><span>Australian listed shares </span><span>– </span><span>31% </span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>  </span><span>Australian residential property </span><span>– </span><span>3.5% </span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>  </span><span>Australian commercial property </span><span>– </span><span>11.5% </span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>  </span><span>Cash &amp; term deposits </span><span>– </span><span>28% </span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>  </span><span>Overseas investments in total </span><span>– </span><span>1% </span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>  </span><span>Listed &amp; unlisted trusts &amp; other managed investments </span><span>– </span><span>18% </span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>  </span><span>Debts &amp; loans </span><span>– </span><span>1.5% </span></p>
</li>
<li>  Other investments – 5.5%</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Peter Hogan is head of technical at the SMSF Association and can be contacted <a href="https://www.smsfassociation.com" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

SMSFs continue to invest in assets they understand

<html><body><div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
<p>The 1870s mansion Ripplevale, on Cape Otway Road in Birregurra, has been listed for sale.</p>
<p>The owners have allowed helicopters, carrying visitors lunching at nearby Brae, to land in their paddock.</p>
<p>Brae has put Birregurra on the map, near Colac.</p>
<p>Brae recently ranked 65 in a prestigious list of the world's best restaurants; one of only two in Australia to make the cut.</p>
<p>Great Ocean Road Real Estate agent Ian Stewart has the listing of the <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/4100-cape-otway-road-birregurra-vic-3242-2012293800" target="_blank">1870s mansion.</a></p>
<p> </p>
</div></body></html>

Birregurra trophy home, Ripplevale listed for sale

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Buckley’s Bar at Opera Quays on the Sydney Harbour waterfront promenade is set for public auction, 25 November through Cushman &amp; Wakefield.</span></p>
<p>The property, 1A Macquarie Street, East Circular Quay sits between the Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay Ferry terminal and is 408 sqm across three levels.</p>
<p>The property has a net annual rental income of $809,738 with a 5 year lease in place which began May 2014 and has the option to extend for a further 4 years and 9 months.</p>
<p>Anthony Bray, Cushman &amp; Wakefield director, sales &amp; investments, said despite yield compression in the NSW retail property market, we have seen flagship retail assets of this nature performing strongly.</p>
<p>"The recent sale of the former Bates Milk bar site on Campbell Parade on Bondi Beach was sold at a 3.14 percent yield, and demonstrated the fierce competition for investment in Sydney’s prime retail and tourist precincts," he said.</p>
<p>"Buckley’s Bar is strategically located with a large outdoor seating component with direct water views, with these features making this retail strip one of the most tightly held precincts in the Sydney CBD.</p>
<p>“We are expecting interest in Buckley’s Bar will be significant, underpinned by limited supply of premium retail investment opportunities in the inner city coupled with income security for a potential purchaser over the medium to long term."</p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Buckley's Bar at Circular Quay up for sale

<html><body>
<p>One of the apartments renovated in the 2004 series of The Block at Manly has come up for sale for November 26 auction.</p>
<p>It is an upstairs Whistler Street apartment renovated by the Melbourne couple Matt Martino and Jane Newton.</p>
<p>When <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-manly-110011433" target="_blank">3/77 Whistler Street</a> first sold for $795,000 as part of the Channel 9 televised auction, there was no profit for the couple as the dimly lit, winebar style unit sold at its $795,000 reserve.</p>
<p>The three-bedroom pad has since been sold at $820,000 in 2007 and at $785,000 in 2012.</p>
<p>Belle Manly agent Ben Leary is suggesting $1.5 million.</p>
<p>The unit was designed with the polished concrete and floating floor in the kitchen space that has stood the test of time.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px; line-height: 1.3em;">Restaurant manager Matt married his public relations executive partner Jane during the series.</span></p>
<p>Their apartment was bought by property developer Cathy Pearce who went onto be listed on the BRW Rich Listed worth at $19 million.</p>
<p>She declared bankruptcy in 2009 and moved back to Adelaide where she published a book, Riches to Rags in 2010.</p>
<p><em>This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.</em></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px; line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
</body></html>

Whistler Street Manly block apartment listed

<html><body>
<div class="x_page" title="Page 2">
<div class="x_layoutArea">
<div class="x_column">
<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p>We need to get creative on the solutions to housing affordability.</p>
<p>Focusing on first home buyer and retiree activity is critical to literally get NSW moving again as the figures are so compelling.</p>
<p>Sales activity in many parts of Sydney has dropped by over 30 percent in the past 10 years, whilst the population has grown by over 15 percent.</p>
<p>This is not a good story and when you consider we are slipping behind on new construction at the rate of 5,000 dwellings per year, a fast turnaround is critical. We need to greater flexibility in town planning to provide the types of dwellings that will entice people to move, not just the high rise jungles solution currently on the table.</p>
<p>Vibrant integrated communities around infrastructure and transport hubs are essential to long term community benefit, where low cost housing solutions and both retail and commercial interests are side by side with mixed low, medium and high density residential living. It’s not hard to achieve but it requires vision and resolve to make it happen and happen quickly.</p>
<p>Queensland and Western Australia provide interesting examples as to how Governments can address affordability. Both states lowered stamp duty, reducing a major deterrent to people relocating, which saw people moving to new homes more frequently as their living requirements changed.</p>
<p>The net impact on Government revenue overall was negligible but the opportunities for first home buyers were given a boost.</p>
<p>By assisting those living in largely empty family homes, perhaps close to retirement or on a pension, Government has an opportunity to free up stock.</p>
<p>With presumably no mortgage these people are asset rich, however under the current system if they wanted to sell, all they would achieve is a reduction to their asset base and possible loss of entitlements by having too much money in the bank.</p>
<p>If the cost for people to move to smaller homes was reduced, ideally by removing stamp duty for retirees and ensuring sale proceeds aren’t means tested, more people would bring their properties to market and thereby increase supply.</p>
<p>Encouraging new supply is a central solution to addressing the affordability issue. While the NSW Government is making a conscious effort to provide new housing, this attracts investors because the depreciation on a new build is significant.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="x_page" title="Page 3">
<div class="x_layoutArea">
<div class="x_column">
<p>Without discouraging investors, who play an important role in a diverse market, we need to investigate new ways to help those serious about a first home purchase. Simply waiting for prices to drop is insufficient and may lock would-be first home buyers out of the market forever.</p>
<p>For too long both state and federal governments have stuck their heads in the sand on the affordability issue - and when the market takes off like it has the past three years they “cry wolf” and start looking for band-aid solutions.</p>
<p>There is no singular quick fix because the horse has bolted in NSW due to 10 years of inaction.</p>
<p>However there is still hope and it will need a co-ordinated response from both federal and state governments working with the construction industry and all property industry stakeholders to get an equitable duty and tax regime in place to incentivise more activity in both established and new housing.</p>
<p><em>John Cunningham is president of the REINSW and can be contacted <a href="https://www.reinsw.com.au/imis15_prod/" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

We need to get creative on the solutions to housing affordability: John Cunningham

<html><body>
<p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/67227/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1"></p>
<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p>Great cities and neighbourhoods always have a particular kind of urban intensity - what we might call the “character”, “buzz” or “atmosphere” that emerges over time.</p>
<p>While unique in many ways, great cities also have certain things in common. One way to understand these properties is to think about a city’s “urban DMA” - its density, mix and access.</p>
<p>We’re still in the early days of understanding how cities work. But we do know that creative, healthy, low-carbon and productive cities all depend on intensive synergies of density, mix and access. </p>
<p>When we talk about “urban DMA”, we’re talking about the density of a city’s buildings, the way people and activities are mixed together, and the access, or transport networks that we use to navigate through them.</p>
<p>Like biological DNA, urban DMA doesn’t determine outcomes, but establishes what is possible. A low density, largely mono-functional cul-de-sac (such as a shopping mall or a gated enclave) is an anti-urban form. Minimum levels of concentration, co-functioning and connectivity are necessary for any kind of urban life.</p>
<p>The concept of urban DMA can be traced to the work of the late Jane Jacobs, whose book “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” was written in the mid-20th century, when many great cities were being surrendered to cars and poor urban design.</p>
<p>Jacobs wrote of the need for “concentration”, “mixed primary uses”, “old buildings” and “short blocks”. We recognise this as urban DMA – “concentration” is density; “mixed use” and “old buildings” are the conditions for a formal, functional and social mix; and “short blocks” means “walkability” at a neighbourhood scale.</p>
<p>Jacobs’ key contribution was to focus on the city as a set of interconnections and synergies rather than things in themselves – a focus on the city as an assemblage, rather than a set of parts. While the language has evolved, our understanding of these vital synergies needs to be taken much further.</p>
<h2>Access</h2>
<p>Access is about how we get around in the city. How do we make connections between where we are and where we want or need to be? What are the access routes - are they organised in closed or open networks? How fast are they at different scales and for different modes of transport? How far can we get with a given time frame and with what mix of walking, cycling, car, bus, tram or train?</p>
<p>At a neighbourhood scale access is primarily about “walkability”; at larger scales we depend on a mix of cars, cycling and public transport. But access means nothing if there is nowhere to go – the synergy with density and mix is everything. </p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/11/03/image-20161101-15821-osie45.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/11/03/image-20161101-15821-osie45.png" alt=""></p>
<h4><span class="attribution"><span class="source"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;">Mix</span></span></span></h4>
<p>Mix is about the differences and juxtapositions between activities, attractions and people. It’s not about diversity as spectacle, but a means of enabling encounters and flows between different categories of people, buildings and functions. Mix is about the alliances and synergies between home, work and play; between production, exchange and consumption.</p>
<p>Like density, mix can be uncomfortable; it means proximity to different kinds of people and practices. It means a layering of old and new buildings, of large and small buildings, and of large and small organisations. </p>
<p>Mix is not an unmitigated benefit. Urban planning was largely invented to stop mixing - to prevent living with noise, smells and activities we don’t like. It means keeping where we live away from where we work and shop.</p>
<p>But that separation ceases to be helpful when the result is people living in suburbs with no shops, or working in suburbs with no transport. Great cities will have many different kinds of mix - a “mix of mixes” - each geared in turn to density and access.</p>
<h2>Density</h2>
<p>Density is not the same as intensity. When we don’t have the synergies of the DMA, we often get density without intensity.</p>
<p>There are dangers in an excess of some kinds of density, like the overcrowding of populations and the loss of light and air that comes with excessive building. There are many different kinds of densities - of residents, jobs, buildings, houses and street life. They interconnect, and they all matter. </p>
<p>The big question about density is: how much activity, how many people and how many buildings can be concentrated into one urban area? How close can we live to where we work or need to be? How many urban amenities, places and jobs can we walk or commute to? </p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/11/03/image-20161101-15816-gtpcg7.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<h4><span class="caption"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;"><img src="/images/2016/11/03/image-20161101-15816-gtpcg7.png" alt=""></span></span></h4>
<h4><span class="caption"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;">Urbanity</span></span></h4>
<p>What is at stake here is the future of this great cauldron of productivity and creativity we call urban life. The 19th century British economist Alfred Marshall famously suggested that there was “something in the air” of a city that made it more economically productive - a phrase that is suggestive of an “atmosphere” and a “buzz” of urban intensity.</p>
<p>Much more than a simple clustering of people and buildings, urbanity is a concentration of intensive encounters and interconnections. And its benefits are much more than economic - they’re social, environmental and aesthetic.</p>
<p>If we want to build great cities, we shouldn’t develop formulae or copies of “best practice” from other cities. We should turn to our existing cities and ask three simple questions: </p>
<ul>
<li>How dense can we get yet remain liveable? </li>
<li>How mixed can we get while remaining safe and civil? And,</li>
<li>How easily can we get around in a healthy and sustainable way?</li>
</ul>
<p>Urban planning enables and constrains these dimensions of urban life. And unlike human DNA, urban DMA can be redesigned. If we want a healthy, creative, productive and low-carbon city - if we want “the buzz” - we need to reshape the urban DMA.</p>
<p><em><span class="fn author-name">Kim Dovey is p</span>rofessor of Architecture and Urban Design, University of Melbourne and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kim-dovey-235023" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><em><span class="fn author-name">Elek Pafka is l</span>ecturer in Urban Planning and Urban Design, University of Melbourne and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/elek-pafka-128908" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Both are authors for The Conversation.</em></p>
</body></html>

What makes a city tick? Designing the ‘urban DMA'

<html><body>
<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p>The September 2016 building approvals date, released earlier today by the ABS, shows some of the growing fears around the excess heat in the market for new apartments may be premature.</p>
<p>The data shows a massive turnaround in apartment approvals, from the strong growth recorded in the August data of 26.3 percent (year-on-year), to a reversal in the September data, to record a fall over 9.9 percent measured year-on-year.</p>
<p>Building approvals data has a tendency to be quite volatile when comparing results month by month, but this latest result is an example of how quickly the housing market can respond when market conditions change.</p>
<p>Talk of an emerging oversupply in inner-city apartments markets in Sydney, Melbourne and some parts of Brisbane has no doubt made developers and builders in these markets more cautious.</p>
<p>However, Master Builders would caution against being overly bearish on the prospects of inner-city apartment markets while auction clearance rates remain high, rents are growing and house prices continue to march forward.</p>
<p>On the government’s own estimates Sydney is projected to have a population of 6.4 million by 2036. On average, that would add 210,000 people to Sydney’s population each year, or pretty much the equivalent of the entire population of Hobart each and every year for the next twenty years.</p>
<p>Elsewhere, the RBA’s decision this week to keep interest rates on hold came with more jawboning of risks for the housing sector. While the rhetoric was more positive overall, particularly on the global economic outlook, there is a heightened level of concern around the impact a further reduction may have on house prices.</p>
<p>Master Builders agrees with the RBA’s sentiments.  While acknowledging the role interest rates have played in supporting a much needed boom in housing construction over the past couple of years, Master Builder would caution the Bank to carefully consider the impact that further reductions may have on some of Australia’s hotter housing markets in Sydney and Melbourne.</p>
<p><em>Matthew Pollock is national manager, housing, Master Builders Australia and can be contacted <a href="https://www.masterbuilders.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
</body></html>

Fall in approvals points to peak in housing construction cycle

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>Bottega House has been set up by co-directors Nick Malloch, Louis Mennes and Craig Marsh.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>St Lucia by Bottega House is expected to launch to market in November, with construction anticipated to be completed mid 2029.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151826]</p>


Joel Robinson

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

<p><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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=351654]</p>

<p>Sherpa Founder, Christie Leet, said the company was excited to be venturing into Brisbane for its second residential project.</p>

<p>“We’re big believers in the future of Brisbane as we lead into the 2032 Olympics and beyond,” Leet said.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“The model has been extraordinarily well received in our previous projects and it is something we are committed to moving forward.”</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The project will feature ground-floor commercial space, creating a vibrant amenity for residents and the surrounding community.</p>

<p>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.</p>


Sherpa acquires new site for second Brisbane apartment tower

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.</p>

<p>A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.</p>

<p>Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>A major focus of the design has been the public domain.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p data-end="239" data-start="66">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.</p>

<p data-end="442" data-start="241">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.</p>

<p data-end="661" data-start="444">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.</p>

<p data-end="909" data-start="663">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.</p>

<p><em>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></em></p>

<p data-end="1339" data-start="1019">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.</p>

<p data-end="1339" data-start="1019">[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]</p>

<p data-end="1398" data-start="1341">It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.</p>

<p data-end="1805" data-start="1400">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.</p>

<p data-end="1805" data-start="1400">[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]</p>

<p data-end="1991" data-start="1807">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.</p>

<p data-end="2303" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="1993">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.</p>

<p><em>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></em></p>

<p><em>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></em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

<p data-end="492" data-start="327">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.</p>

<p data-end="843" data-start="497">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.</p>

<p data-end="1109" data-start="848">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.</p>

<p data-end="1109" data-start="848">[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]</p>

<p>Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.</p>

<p>"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]</p>


Jonathan Chancellor

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News