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The Cowley family has finally fully exited its Hunter Valley property holdings, selling off The Convent.
It has been bought by the Escarpment Group for just over $5 million
The Convent — one of the Hunter Valley’s best known resorts - dates back to a 1909 Coonamble to house an order of nuns, which was relocated to Pokolbin.
It has 17 luxury rooms. It was sold along with Circa 1876, one of the Hunter Valley’s top fine dining restaurants.
CBRE Hotel’s Rob Cross and Alan Jurd from Jurd’s Real Estate sold the properties for the Cowley family.
The Escarpment Group, run by George Saad and Huong Nguyen, owns a collection of Blue Mountains properties, including the Hydro Majestic Hotel, Parklands Country Gardens and Lodges, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa and Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Cowley's sell The Convent to the Escarpment Group

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GUEST OBSERVER 
Fundamentally I believe that it is too easy to get a real estate agent license in NSW and it is too easy to keep it.
We need to increase barriers to entry to reflect the high value of real estate and associated risks in both buying and selling.
The Certificate of Registration competencies appear to be significantly less than when I got mine through the TAFE system back in 2000.
CPD points are largely viewed as a box ticking exercise and not a way to keep current with best practise. The fact you can get 12 points by attending the REINSW Women in Real Estate Conference shows what a mockery this whole system is.
The fact that licensees in charge are required to supervise their staff would lend itself to having a supervision component of their CPD requirement. I would be in favour of 4 additional points per year, for example.
I support a return to the system where one could not get a license until they had 2 years industry experience.
Key issues for BUYERS AGENTS
Buyers agents have not been treated as a separate occupation, rather as as a subset of selling agents, with a cut­down version of the license.
This is a major problem because the RISKS associated with having an inexperienced/uneducated buyers agent far outweigh those of engaging a sub­standard selling agent.
Buyers agents actually need MORE training than selling agents ­ specifically in the areas of a) identification of property faults, b) assessing strata reports, c) valuation/appraisal, d) investment benchmarks/strategies, e) negotiation skills, f) buying at auction.
Buyers agents who buy investment properties need to advise their clients on what constitutes a good investment. This veers dangerously close to financial advice and yet this is currently not addressed in the licensing requirements.
I believe that more buyers agent licenses are acquired by people without experience than other types of license. It should not be possible for somebody without experience to be able to get their license and then set up a business advising consumers on the purchase of property. It is perceived by many in the industry to be an easy license to obtain.
Poor skill level in a buyers agent can result in potential losses to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars ­ in either short or long term.
The term “buyers agent” is often misused and adopted by many sales agent’s assistants (who are engaged in handling buyer enquiry for the stock listings held by their agency) and also by property spruikers (often peddling developer stock and offering “investment seminars” which are actually sales presentations).
Consumers are often confused by this and a distinction needs to be made.
This could be achieved by improving the qualifications needed to be able to use the term.
1.1 Are there additional risks that should be included in an assessment of training standards? The risks associated with inexperienced buyers agents recommending poor quality property, property that does not actually suit their client’s needs, or (THE BIG ONE) paying too much for the property.
1.2 Are there other issues that should be considered in assessing training standards? If so what are they? Who can actually call themselves a buyers agent ­ consumers need to be confident that a buyers agent actually has the relevant license or certificate of registration and is working under the supervision of a licensed buyers agent.
1.3 What do you think should be the minimum educational standard for each category and why? I believe a licensed buyers agent should hold a diploma ­ there is much more involved in property selection, assessment, due diligence and valuation/appraisal than is reflected in the current license. The certificate of registration should be specific to the requirements of a buyers agent.
2.1 Although it is clearly possible to enter the property services industry without any experience, how often does this occur? I have met many licensed buyers agents who became licensed without prior experience. Many REBAA members entered the industry in this way (I would guess 50 percent).
2.2 What are the practical consequences of the absence of a time based requirement to enter the property services industry? Buyers agents are learning “on the job” at the expense of their clients.
2.3 What does time based experience achieve? Exposure to industry practise (hopefully best practise ­ which is more likely to occur if qualifications are raised). Many buyers agents start out extremely naive, so time based experience would address this issue.
3.1 What needs do the current CPD requirements meet? I’d argue none.
3.2 What are benefits of CPD and what are the costs to business? Benefits are minimal unless the licensee in charge insists on specific courses. The costs can be as low as $99 per staff member and the course can take as little as 4 hours. Some licensees expect their staff to pay for themselves and do the course in their own time (or online).
3.3 What are the problems or issues with the existing CPD regime in NSW? As above. In my experience CPD points are not taken seriously. The RTOs I have had experience with over the years tend to give out the answers to the assessments. Rather than try to impart knowledge and skills, the focus was on being able to quickly complete the open book assessment at the end of the session.
3.4 Are the current requirements relevant? No.
4.1 What are the current problems with the delivery and assessment of training for the property services industry? The expectations of the organisations delivering it.
4.2 What problems have arisen and what are the impacts on the industry? Minimal actual education/skills development results in poor standards across the industry, particularly when people work for small, under resourced firms that provide little or no staff training. The impact is obvious, especially when compounded with the fact it is too easy to get a license in the first place.
4.3 What changes should be made to the delivery and assessment of training for the property services industry? Buyers agents should have their own category, which reflects the risk to consumers from getting advice from inexperienced practitioners. CPD points need to be taken seriously. The expectation of RTOs in terms of assessment of skills and learning outcomes needs to be beefed up.
5.1 What are the key issues in relation to cross border operations of property and achieve?
5.2 What are the current barriers to achieving mutual recognition?
5.3 How might we improve mutual recognition for auctioning of property and livestock? I am not qualified to answer these questions.
Veronica Morgan is principal, Good Deeds, and can be contacted <a href="https://gooddeeds.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>. This was her submission received during the public consultation period for the Review of Property Services Industry Training Standards in NSW.
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It's too easy to get a real estate license in NSW: Veronica Morgan

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GUEST OBSERVER
The UK has long been a destination for Asian real estate investors, with the attraction of the strong liquidity, stable governance, transparency and clear title, meaning that investors from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand have all invested in bricks-and-mortar in the country.
With the decision to exit the European Union, for existing Asian property owners, the fall in the pound will impact the repatriation of any income returns, as well as the gains on any disposal.
Although there is likely to be more volatility in the market, ultimately most investors are looking to the long term – so will continue to hold their assets, in the hope that any short-term instability will eventually subside when more clarity of the UK’s role in Europe is determined.
The decision, however, could also present a buying opportunity, as the significant drop in the value of the pound, as in 2009, could lead to an uptick of interest by Asian investors, who, over the last few months have adopted a wait-and-see approach to the referendum – and will now see their buying power increase significantly.
Chinese, Singaporean and Hong Kong investors especially, looking at both residential and commercial properties – most likely in London – will be monitoring the market carefully and looking for opportunities to potentially increase their exposure over the coming weeks and months.
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Nicholas Holt is head of research for Asia Pacific, Knight Frank and can be contacted <a href="https://www.knightfrank.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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London lure for Asian real estate investors: Knight Frank's Nicholas Holt

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<div class="column">GUEST OBSERVER</div>
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<div class="column">The China tourist boom continues to pay dividends.</div>
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<div class="column">The number of tourists to Australia from China and Hong Kong combined is now heading towards 1.4 million in the past year – and the gap is widening on the visitors from New Zealand.</div>
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<div class="column">In fact 52,000 more tourists visited our shores from Greater China than compared with NZ over the past year. A remarkable change when you consider that even up to three months prior annual tourists from NZ exceeded Greater China by almost 7,000. And with China and Hong Kong tourist numbers continuing to grow at a 21 percent plus annual rate, there are more landmark results likely to be recorded over the next year. It is even more astonishing when you consider that just over four years ago Chinese tourist numbers were around half those of New Zealand.</div>
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 Clearly our number one tourist group is has shifted and the new winners from the China boom are tourist operators and retailers rather than mining companies that benefitted in the first stage of the China boom.</div>
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 Tourists from mainland China is fast closing in on 1.1 million in the past year, up 23 percent over the past year. While some may fret about the slowdown in the Chinese industrial sector, the more forward-thinking analysts are focussing on the boost to Australian retailers from increased spending by Chinese consumers and the growing number of Chinese tourists.</div>
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<div class="column">The rebalancing continues to be taking place across the economy. No doubt the weaker Aussie dollar is helping to alleviate some of the pressures for the weaker investment story. And from the Reserve Bank’s standpoint, policymakers will continue to monitor the transition, and debate if further stimulus is necessary to support growth.</div>
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<div class="column"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/07/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-06%20at%205.00.06%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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 What do the figures show?</div>
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 Overseas arrivals &amp; departures</div>
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<div class="column">Tourist arrivals rose by 0.2 percent in May. And departures rose by 1.5 percent. Arrivals are up 11.7 percent on the year with departures up 4.5 percent.</div>
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<div class="column">In May, tourists from greater China (China and Hong Kong) totalled 120,700 (mainland China 100,800, Hong Kong, 19,900), ahead of New Zealand (109,900). Greater China passed NZ for the first time in September 2015.</div>
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 Over the past year a record 1,133,700 tourists came to Australia from China, up 22.7 per cent over the year. Tourists from China and Hong Kong rose to a record 1,366,500 over the past year, up 21 percent over the year. Tourists from New Zealand totalled 1,314,300 visitors over the past year, but were up just 3.9 percent.  Over the past year, net permanent and long-term arrivals to Australia totalled 263,920 – the lowest level in nine years (March 2007).
What is the importance of the economic data?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics releases data on overseas arrivals and departures is produced monthly and is an indicator of the health of the tourism sector. The figures are also useful in understanding spending trends and tracking migrant numbers – an indicator with widespread implications for employment, housing and spending.
What are the implications for interest rates and investors?</div>
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<div class="column"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/07/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-06%20at%205.01.10%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div class="column">Looking forward, not only will the weaker Aussie dollar should drive further tourism inflows, but it should provide an additional degree of support to the domestic tourism sector. Over time, the cheaper currency should make it more attractive to travel within Australia rather than overseas. Tourism has potential to join housing as a key driver of the Australian economy over the coming year, especially if the Aussie dollar falls further.</div>
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<div class="column">In-bound migration is holding at the lowest levels in nine years, meaning that there is greater scope for unemployment to fall in the short-term before businesses have to start looking abroad for suitable staff. The Reserve Bank is likely to debate the merits of another rate cut at the August Board meeting.
 Savanth Sebastian is an economist for <a href="https://www.commsec.com.au/" target="_blank">CommSec</a>
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Migration at 9-year lows; Chinese tourism boom: Commsec's Savanth Sebastian

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GUEST OBSERVER
Recently, tax residency has become a contentious and difficult issue. Tax partner Fletch Heinemann from Cooper Grace Ward explains below. 
Q1 – 0:15 – Am I a tax resident of Australia?
Q2 – 1:05 – What does it mean to ‘reside in Australia’?
Q3 – 2:19 – What is a ‘permanent place of abode overseas’?
Q4 – 3:35 – What if I still have a property in Australia?
Q5 – 4:40 – What about if I pay tax outside of Australia?
Click below to watch 
<h1> </h1>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMiZ5ks3u2M" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2016/07/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-06%20at%201.11.25%20PM.png" alt=""></a> 
For more information, <a href="https://www.cgw.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Property 101: Fast facts on residency for tax purposes

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<div class="author">GUEST OBSERVER </div>
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<div class="author">In a recent matter, the partition of land before it was subdivided, and the timing of registering strata lots, resulted in a decision where the owner of the land was not considered to be a developer under the Home Building Act (the Act).</div>
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<div class="author">As such, the owner bears no liabilities regarding statutory warranties in the Act. So what happened, and what are the lessons to be learnt?</div>
What are statutory warranties?
Statutory warranties are warranties that a person is entitled to under the contract with a builder/tradesperson. Even if the warranties aren’t written into the contract, under the law they still apply to the work being done on a home. Statutory warranties are in effect for six years for major defects and two years for all other defects, commencing from the date of completion.
The Act states that anyone who is the immediate successor in title to an owner-builder, a holder of a contractor licence, a former holder or a developer who has done residential building work on land is entitled to the benefit of the statutory warranties as if these parties were required to hold a contractor licence and had done the work under contract with that successor in title.
What happened in this instance?
In 2007, Trilogy Capital (Cremorne Developments) Pty Ltd (TD) and Trilogy Capital Services Pty Ltd (TC) bought land in Cremorne as tenants in common.
Development consent was obtained to build a mix of commercial and residential buildings. TD contracted with a building and construction company, Southern Cross Constructions, to undertake the work.
After the Occupation Certificate for the residential work was issued in October, TD and TC applied to North Sydney Council for two strata subdivisions, dividing Lot 1 into 7 commercial lots and Lot 2 into 17 residential lots. Around the same time TD and TC transferred their respective holdings to each other at the bargain basement price of $1.00 so TC became the full owner of Lot 1 and TD owned all of Lot 2. The strata subdivision was registered at the end of November.
In December strata plans were registered - 79706 for TC’s commercial lots, and 79707 for the residential lots owned by TD.
Work proceeded but things went pear-shaped in 2013 and the Owners Corporation of the residential lots commenced proceedings in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal against the builder. Southern Cross was placed into liquidation so the Owners Corporation pursued TD as the developer. Unfortunately for the Owners Corporation, TD was also in trouble and it too went into liquidation. With only one horse left in the race, the Owners Corporation went after TC in an attempt to rectify the defective works.
So who is a “developer”?
According to the Act; an individual, partnership or corporation is a developer if residential work is undertaken on land they own – even if they haven’t physically been involved in the development. They are also classified as a developer if the work is done on behalf of another person - for example, on behalf of a party to a joint venture agreement with the owner for the development of the land. The person on whose behalf the work is actually done is also a developer.
It’s important to note that the work undertaken must be done in connection with an existing or proposed dwelling in a building or residential development where at least four of the dwellings are or will be owned by the individual, partnership or corporation.
In this matter, the tribunal had to determine whether TC was a 'developer' within the meaning of the Act and as such liable for a breach of the statutory warranties. It also has to establish whether the Owners Corporation was the 'immediate successor" in title.
The outcome
The Owners Corporation argued that the residential dwellings existed by 29 November, 2007 – at which point in time, TC was still a 25% owner of both lots as tenant in common and as such, owned four or more of the residential lots.
TC didn’t dispute the previous ownership however, said that by the time the Owners Corporation became successor in title to whomever owned the residential lots in December, TD was the only owner.
The tribunal member agreed with TC, ruling that statutory warranties weren’t applicable. The Owners Corporation was unsuccessful in appealing the decision to the Appeal Panel which reaffirmed the opinion of the tribunal that TC was in fact, not a developer. The Appeal Panel cited the fact that the strata home units couldn’t be owned until after the strata plan had been registered and TC was never intended to have any ownership after this registration had taken place. 
Whilst the decision is in no way definitive it may allow 'developers' to argue that they are not bound by the statutory warranties where there has been a partition of land or a transfer prior to the registration of the strata plan.
Nick Kallipolitis is principal, Coleman Greig Lawyers and can be contacted <a href="https://www.colemangreig.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
 
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Property 101: Tribunal finds Cremorne landowner not liable for building defects

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Onthehouse Holdings Limited announced today that it has entered into a scheme implementation deed with a consortium of investors comprising PIQ1 Pty Ltd and Macquarie Corporate Holdings Pty Limited (both whollyowned subsidiaries of Macquarie Group Limited) and 77 Victoria Street Trust and Sandrift Pte Limited (entities of which Michael Dempsey and Daniel Dempsey are each affiliated) (Consortium).
The Scheme Implementation Deed provides for the acquisition by the Consortium of all of the equity in Onthehouse not already owned by members of the Consortium through a scheme of arrangement (Scheme) for cash consideration of $0.85 per Onthehouse share.
This consideration represents a premium of: 54 percent over the 90 day volume-weighted average price of $0.552 to 22nd December 2015 (two days before the Consortium’s initial proposal was announced by Onthehouse on 24 December 2015 and one day after the release of the Notices of initial substantial holder by each of Corelogic Australia Holdings Pty Ltd and the Macquarie Group Entities); 50 percent over the 30 day volume-weighted average price to 22nd December 2015 of $0.567; 47 percent over the closing price of $0.580 on 22nd December 2015; 11 percent over the 30 day volume-weighted average price of $0.765 to Tuesday 5 July 2016; and 13 percent over the Consortium’s initial proposal of $0.755 per Onthehouse share announced by Onthehouse on 24 December. Unanimous Recommendation of the Independent Board Committee.
As advised to the market on 11 March 2016, Onthehouse formed an independent board committee (IBC) which excluded Michael Dempsey and Daniel Dempsey, to consider the Consortium’s proposal.
Following its consideration of the proposal and negotiations with the Consortium, the IBC now unanimously recommends, in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an independent expert concluding that the Scheme is in the best interests of Onthehouse shareholders, that shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme.
Subject to those same qualifications, each independent director of the IBC intends to vote all Onthehouse shares controlled or held by, or on behalf of, that director in favour of the Scheme.
The chairman of Onthehouse and of the IBC, Tony Scotton, said he was pleased to have agreed to recommend a transaction that offers a significant premium to shareholders of Onthehouse.
"The Consortium’s proposal, if implemented, provides shareholders with an immediate and significant increase in value without the risks inherent in transitioning our Console platform to become a cloud, software-as-a-service offering – something that we believe is critical for the platform to retain its strong position in the market.
"The IBC has, therefore, unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of shareholders to enter into the Scheme Implementation Deed.”
Onthehouse has appointed Lonergan Edwards as the independent expert to opine on whether the Scheme is in the best interests of shareholders and to provide the independent expert’s report.
Implementation of the Scheme remains subject to customary conditions, including, in summary:
 the Court ordering that a meeting of Onthehouse shareholders be convened;
Onthehouse shareholders approving the Scheme by the requisite majorities – being: - a majority in number of shareholders who are eligible to vote, present and voting (either in person or by proxy); and - at least 75 percent of the total shares voted, noting that the members of the Consortium and their affiliates (who have a relevant interest in 19.23 percent of Onthehouse shares) are not eligible to vote;
Court approval of the Scheme at the second court hearing (Second Court Hearing); no material adverse change and no prescribed occurrence occurring before date of the Second Court Hearing; and no material legal restraint or prohibition, preventing or delaying the completion of the proposed transaction is in effect 2 hours before the Second Court Hearing, in each case, as set out in the Scheme Implementation Deed.
A scheme booklet is expected to be sent to Onthehouse shareholders in September 2016.
It is anticipated that Onthehouse shareholders will have the opportunity to vote on the proposal at a meeting to be held in October 2016.
Onthehouse is being advised by TMT Partners and Allier Capital as joint financial advisers and Gilbert + Tobin as legal adviser.
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Onthehouse deal moves towards Macquarie Group October decision date

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Australian property development and investment company, Aqualand is the new principal sponsor of the world’s largest annual free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi. 
Aqualand’s three year sponsorship is the most significant in the exhibition’s history and will support the continued growth of the acclaimed Bondi event.
The annual Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi draws over 500,000 visitors to the Bondi coastal walk across the 18 day exhibition period each spring. 
The 2016 exhibition marks the 20th anniversary of the exhibition - founded by David Handley (pictured above with Aqualand's Jim Lin) which will this year showcase its 2,000th sculpture and over 100 new artworks from local and international artists.
Jin Lin, Aqualand's managing director said it’s very exciting "and a great privilege."
“Our aim at Aqualand is to inspire life; we think with our hearts to create better, smarter and more beautiful living environments and firmly believe that accessible public art is a key element of vibrant and engaged communities.
"It really is our great pleasure therefore to be associated with an innovative, iconic event that pushes creative boundaries and brings outstanding public art each year from countries all around the world to the people of Sydney, and its visitors,” Jin said.
Aqualand's projects have included Payce in Melrose Park and Lindfield Village.
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Aqualand to sponsor Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi

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GUEST OBSERVER
Undeterred by the pending election result and Britain’s shock exit from the EU, the RBA has announced that the cash rate will be kept on hold for another month:
<img src="/images/2016/07/05/thumbnail_56.jpg.png" alt="" width="466" height="236">
This is how many lenders have slashed three year fixed rates since May’s rate cut making a good case for home borrowers who want to lock in a competitive interest rate. The lowest three year fixed rate is now 3.67 percent from loans.com.au.
<img src="/images/2016/07/06/3.59.png" alt="">
This is the lowest variable rate on the market right now from online lender Reduce Home Loans. With experts predicting another rate cut in August, it may be possible that we’ll start to see the most competitive home loans in the 2% territory.
<img src="/images/2016/07/06/55.png" alt="">
Fifty-five lenders have made cuts to investor rates since the start of the year in a bid to scale up investor lending again.
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This is the percentage difference between the average Big 4 ongoing savings account rate and the best savings account rate on the market, despite 3 of the 4 majors actually increasing headline rates last month.  
<img src="/images/2016/07/06/12.99.png" alt="">
While most credit cardholders missed out on the May rate cut, four providers are now rewarding customers with cash back offers on purchases. The most competitive offer is from Bankwest that has a 12.99 percent purchase rate and 5 percent cashback on purchases (up to $300) for the first three months. 
Kirsty Lamont is marketing director of <a href="https://mozo.com.au/">Mozo</a>.
 
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Mozo's five need to know numbers after the July RBA decision

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GUEST OBSERVER
The election result has sent a clear message to all political parties – keep changing superannuation policy at your electoral peril.
Although it was the Coalition Government that felt a backlash from voters in the wake of the Budget measures around superannuation that caused so much public angst, the reality is both the major parties were culpable as Labor included these savings in its fiscal estimates. 
What the electorate has rightly discerned is that superannuation is increasingly being seen by all the political parties as a cash cow that can be milked for fiscal reasons. 
However, what we have seen in the election is that many of the people have said ‘enough is enough’, and that there will be an electoral cost if you continue to change the policy settings by which people plan their retirement income strategies. 
It has to be remembered why compulsory superannuation was introduced in the first place – to give people the opportunity to be self-sufficient after leaving the workforce. 
In the SMSF space, in particular, trustees assume the responsibility to be financially independent in retirement, and all they ask of their elected representatives is to determine the policy settings and then leave the system alone. 
Right now it is a difficult time for trustees with volatile investment markets around the globe the order of the day and interest rates at historical lows. 
To compound these market-related issues they have to continually second guess what the government of the day will do with superannuation policy, especially as it relates to its tax treatment. But after last Saturday, it seems doing so might come at a high political cost.
Olivia Long is chief executive officer of SMSF administrators Xpress Super and SuperGuardian and can be contacted <a href="https://www.xpresssuper.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Election result sends message to politicians – keep your hands off super

Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
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Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

Joel Robinson

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368853]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available.

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Jonathan Chancellor

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