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The gothic revival Kew residence, d’Estaville, now set in Rick Eckersley-designed gardens has been listed with $10 million plus hopes.
James Tostevin, of Marshall White, is seeking expressions of interest until May 2.
The residence at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-kew-122307206" target="_blank"> 7 Barry Street </a>was built in 1859 by Knight &amp; Kerr architects — who designed Victoria’s Parliament House.
The Kew mansion - now restored throughout - was built for Victoria’s first attorney general, Sir William Stawell, who later became chief justice.
The five bedroom house with numerous formal and informal living rooms sits on a 2557sq m block.
Kew's median house price sits at $2,010,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Kew's d'Estaville for sale

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One of the luxury “lighthouse” apartments in the Bondi Pacific has been onsold. 
It's been purchased by prestige car dealer, turned passionate art collector, Steven Nasteski and cabaret singer wife, Alisa Grey who've been looking for somewhere to showcase their rather large Brett Whitley painting of Bondi Beach.
The penthouse apartment was offloaded by Tom Hall, the poker player, who'd paid $10.345 million in 2012.
Robert Page of Black Diamondz Property Concierge was the selling agent, alongside Cae Thomas, of the corner penthouse that has views from the beach to Bondi Icebergs.
The four-bedroom apartment <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-bondi+beach-121875218" target="_blank">502/180 Campbell Parade</a> had $12 million hopes, with the sale price undisclosed.
Steven and Alisa's six panel Whitley painting, Bondi 1987-1992 is the masterpiece that was left behind at the studio when Brett passed away in 1992. It was bought directly from his widow, Wendy.
Steven was known to have a desire to hang the work where Brett would have wanted the masterpiece hung.
Bondi Pacific was developed by Allen Linz of Rebel Property Group and Eduard Litver of Capit.el Group with eight penthouses coined “lighthouses."
The last unsold ones include a potential amalgamation that is soon to hit the market. 
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Luxury Bondi 'lighthouse' penthouse apartment sold

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GUEST OBSERVER
Despite initial predictions of delays to the commencement date for the new swimming pool certification regime under The Swimming Pools Amendment Act 2012 (NSW), the day for compliance is rapidly approaching.
Compliance and Prescribed Documents
In addition to the requirement to have a pool or spa registered on the NSW Swimming Pools Register, from 29 April 2016 owners must include one of the following as a prescribed document attached to a Contract for Sale with respect to a pool or spa on the property:
<ol>
<li>a valid certificate of compliance;</li>
</ol>
<ol start="2">
<li>an occupation certificate; or</li>
</ol>
<ol start="3">
<li>a certificate of non-compliance.</li>
</ol>
Strata Schemes and Off-the-plan Contracts Exempt
Strata Schemes and off-the-plan contracts are notably exempt from the requirement to include a required certificate as a prescribed document. Strata Schemes remain exempt provided they have two or more lots and the off-the-plan contracts are exempt provided they include a sunset clause.
Who Else is Affected
<ul>
<li>Landlords: must provide their tenants with a certificate under the Residential Tenancies amendment (Swimming Pools) Regulation 2016.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Purchasers: where a certificate of non-compliance is attached to a Contract for Sale, the purchasers may have time restrictions as to rectification works. Please contact us if you have a pool that is non-compliant with current regulations.</li>
</ul>
Option Deeds
A warning for owners and developers both buying and selling properties under Option Deeds – it remains to be seen how the act will address Option Deeds which were entered into prior to 29 April 2016 with a date for the exercise of option falling after 29 April 2016.
Under an Option Deed whereby the option is exercised after 29 April 2016, a Contract for Sale may not include a certificate as required under the Conveyancing (Sale of Land) Regulations 2010 as a prescribed document, meaning that upon the exercise of option after 29 April 2016 owners may have breached the Contract for Sale giving rise to the purchaser’s right of rescission.
For more information from Macpherson Kelley <a href="https://www.mk.com.au" target="_blank">click here.</a>
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Property 101: NSW swimming pool provisions scheduled to make a splash

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/57114/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Will this budget mark the inception of a new deal for Australian cities? And will it herald a new dawn for Australian local democracy?
Addressing the Australian Public Service in the Great Hall of Parliament on April 20, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull chose to emphasise that “smart cities” would be the engine room of innovation and growth in Australia’s new economy to be delivered through the concept of “City Deals”.
Turnbull said:
The “City Deal” approach used in the United Kingdom has been instrumental in the renaissance of Manchester and Glasgow, and we believe there are many elements that can be applied in Australia.
<h4>Turnbull’s address to the Australian Public Service.</h4>
But what is the value proposition underpinning the “City Deal”? And can it be applied here in Australia?
<h2>The value proposition</h2>
The value proposition has historical, democratic and economic foundations.
Historically, it builds on the role of iconic cities in the advance of civilisations. For example, the following quotation from Mel Sirotkin’s evocative work perfectly captures the central role of Manchester as the engine room of the Industrial Revolution:
During the Industrial Revolution Greater Manchester seized the initiative to become the world’s ﬁrst modern industrial metropolis. It is home to the nation’s ﬁrst public library, the birthplace of modern chemistry, and the professional football league. It is where Dalton developed atomic theory and Rutherford split the atom. Inevitably it is also where the rainproof mackintosh was invented.
Democratically, it forms the next logical stage in the UK’s constitutional reform program, which began under Tony Blair in 1997. Blair delivered Scotland’s parliament and assemblies for Northern Ireland and Wales, but the English voted “no” to English assemblies on the basis that this would be too much government to bear.
The argument for delivering devolution through existing rather than new institutions – in this case city regions – has proved far more palatable.
However, it is the economic credentials of the “City Deal” that prove most powerful. The Cameron government believes that larger local government units such as city regions led by elected mayors with new powers will help spread prosperity. This is based on evidence – such as from the independent RSA City Growth Commission – that the areas with the fastest growth and innovation around the world tend to have:
<ul>
<li>
large populations;
</li>
<li>
good connectivity;
</li>
<li>
high skill levels;
</li>
<li>
good infrastructure (including housing);
</li>
<li>
strong higher education institutions; and
</li>
<li>
empowered local leadership.
</li>
</ul>
The powers that the UK government is devolving to city regions are therefore focused mainly in areas such as transport, business support, infrastructure development and training.
A further economic argument for devolution to cities is that they provide a concentration of population and need. These in turn provide a potential focal point for innovation to foster economic development and improve service delivery and effectiveness.
In part, the argument is that necessity will be the mother of innovation. But there are also arguments that the greater scale of a city region provides fertile conditions for economic development. There is likely to be a greater pool of talent, experience and resources to draw upon.
Working across a larger area can promote more effective services. In many cases outcomes are likely to be better if several services are connected together. That applies, for example, to health and social care, to the various educational, health and social services that engage with families in trouble, and to the various bodies that can help prevent re-offending.
The argument for devolution to cities in England is mostly not about democracy, and more about economic competitiveness and service effectiveness.
<h2>What’s been achieved so far?</h2>
The way the deals have been negotiated reinforces the sense that this is about efficiency more than democracy. Deals have been cut within Whitehall in a top-down approach with various city regions according to their ambition and political clarity.
In most cases, an elected mayor has been added to the mix to provide a fig leaf of democratic legitimacy. But many of the deals have been criticised as a stitch-up between city and national elites with little input from citizens and little prospect of citizen control.
On the other hand, the ad-hoc approach of doing the deals city by city, region by region, means that progress has been rapid. Substantial devolution is occurring.
Although some worry about creating an unequal governance framework, others argue it’s about doing what works for different cities. The pragmatic patchwork program has been deliberately designed such that no two city regions must necessarily have the same deal and level of devolution.
The Greater Manchester City Deal is by far the most advanced but only started this month. So, in truth, it’s too early to say how the deals will work in practice.
<h2>How do City Deals translate to Australia?</h2>
It is easy to see why the “City Deal” concept resonates with the Turnbull agenda. The image of the Australian city region as a centripetal catalyst to economic growth is both in keeping with the gravity of international evidence and the demographic changes articulated in the 2015 Intergenerational Report. This forecast a range of significant productivity problems arising from shifts in demography, workforce and participation.
It also provides a living laboratory for Turnbull’s National Innovation and Science Agenda and, in particular, the work of Data 61 and the Digital Transformation Office.
Most tangibly, it provides an opportunity for Turnbull to connect the government’s agenda to the everyday lives of Australians. This is something the polls suggest he has been unable to achieve so far.
<h2>What would need to change make it happen?</h2>
There are maximalist and minimalist versions of the “City Deal”. The minimalist version would be simply to negotiate a series of Commonwealth-funded programs with states and territories to lubricate the innovation agenda in Australian cities. The maximalist version, required to emulate the UK “City Deal”, would require constitutional change.
Devolution UK-style involves the transfer of power to a lower level, in this case to a local city or city region administration. However, unlike its European and North American counterparts, Australia’s political elite still has a strange, unfathomable disdain for local government – which is not shared by its citizenry.
Most significantly, devolution is not in the gift of Commonwealth government, as local government is a creature of state and (to a lesser extent) territory government. Changing federal powers requires constitutional change.
As Turnbull himself admits:
"It requires a firm commitment to collaboration. Success is dependent on federal, state and local governments agreeing on a set of long‐term goals for cities and the investments, policies and regulatory settings to achieve them."
Is it likely that state governments would cede authority over the jewel in their crown – the state capital? It would be like turkeys voting for Christmas.
The smart money is on the minimalist version even though Australia’s future economic prospects require the courage and ambition of the maximalist version.
Mark Evans is professor of Governance and Director of the Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis and NATSEM, University of Canberra and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mark-evans-97204" target="_blank">here</a>.
Gerry Stoker is fellow and Centenary Professor, Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis, University of Canberra and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gerry-stoker-155351" target="_blank">here</a>.
Both are authors for The Conversation.
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Will Budget 2016 deliver a new deal for Australian cities?

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The veteran Brisbane developer Kevin Seymour will mothball his $200 million Fortitude Valley apartment project until the next property cycle.
Demand in the city is no longer deep enough to warrant the development, Seymour told The Australian.
The Seymour Group would not proceed with the Arena nightclub redevelopment, but will hold the 312-apartment project until the market rebounded.
“I don’t think the demand is there without taking abnormal risk,” Mr Seymour said. “The heat has come out of the market.”
The market was in a “slight downturn” with Mr Seymour saying his approach was to develop in a rising market.
“It’s a fantastic site and we will leave it to the next cycle when we can get a premium for the apartments that we cannot get in the present cycle,” he said.
Brisbane has seen a wave of apartment projects with Seymour Group continuing with its prestige 30-apartment project at inner-city New Farm.
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Kevin Seymour mothballs his Fortitude Valley, Brisbane residential project until next boom

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The Emma and Tom’s juice company entrepreneur, Tom Griffith has his South Melbourne trophy home listed through Marshall White for May 7 auction.
Expecting more than $2 milllion, Park House is a four bedroom terrace at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-south+melbourne-122419562" target="_blank">352 Moray Street</a>.
The South Melbourne median house price sits at around $1,250,000 according to CoreLogic RP Data.
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Park House, South Melbourne listed

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A triple front California bungalow in Moonee Ponds has been listed for April 30 auction.
The four bedroom four bathroom property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-moonee+ponds-122319638" target="_blank">7 Ardmillan Road</a> is tipped to fetch about $2.8 million through Nelson Alexander agent Matthew Febey.
Its full renovation-and-extension was around a decade ago.
There are two studies and a studio above the garage.
It comes with a pool and pavilion. 
The Moonee Ponds house median sits at $998,500, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
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Triple fronted Moonee Ponds California bungalow offering

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Stockland has reported positive results across its business.
Its CEO, Mark Steinert said all of its core businesses continue to make such strong contributions.
“We’ve maintained high sales volumes across our residential business.”
Stockland’s residential business secured 1,706 net deposits in the quarter, with new projects and new townhouse sales helping to generate 279 more sales than the corresponding period in FY15.
<a href="/images/2016/04/28/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-28%20at%2010.34.29%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/28/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-28%20at%2010.34.29%20AM.png" alt="">
Stockland is on track to achieve full year settlements slightly above its target range of 5,000 – 6,000 lots.
“In residential, we’ve seen strong market conditions continue in New South Wales; Queensland is strengthening, generating good demand and strong sales on our new projects; Victoria remains robust and we had a good response to the campaign we ran in Western Australia,” Mr Steinert said.
“Around 90 percent of our residential capital is now employed in projects where sales are underway, up from 60 percent two years ago.
"We’re progressing well with all of the new projects we’ve launched over the last six months.
"We are actively selling lots at Aura and Newport in south east Queensland; Altrove in north west Sydney and we will soon commence sales at Pallara, south west of Brisbane.”
For more information on Altrove, <a href="https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/nsw/altrove-living-at-altrove.aspx" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Stockland lots selling well at Altrove in north west Sydney

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GUEST OBSERVER
Inter-generational arguments over affordability have again become salient in the media. Characterisations of moaning millennials were made by economist Stephen Koukoulas, prompting a response from young writer Osman Faruqi that baby boomers should choke on my soy flat white.
Confusion around the severity of housing affordability arises because dwelling prices change daily, yet the institutional papers and ABS data we look to are retrospective.
The Submission to the Inquiry into Home Ownership by the Reserve Bank of Australia in June 2015 explored ownership rates as a possible proxy for understanding the severity of housing affordability, and whether expensive housing was keeping young people out of the market. However, the home ownership rates referenced are only measured to 2012 – before the enormous housing boom of 2013 – and therefore the submission paper does not take into account the largest and longest housing boom we have seen in over 30 years.
Graph 2 shows the House Price Index for Australia’s eastern metropolitan markets over time. The increase in the HPI from 2013 (particularly in Sydney and other east coast markets) marks an unprecedented rate of growth in dwelling values.
Graph 2: House Price Index
<a href="/images/2016/04/28/Graph_2_HPI.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/28/Graph_2_HPI.jpg" alt="">
Source: Residex
Housing affordability is an undeniable problem in Australia today. It is measured using the ‘median multiple’, which is a measure employed by the World Bank. It is found by dividing median dwelling prices by gross annual median household income. An indicator of 5.1 or more is considered to be highly unaffordable.
We only have median household income data at a capital city level, up to 2012. To get a more accurate figure, I have indexed income by changes in average weekly earnings so I could work out the median multiples for each capital city. With the exception of Canberra, the median multiple is well above 5.1. In Sydney it is currently about 13.
<h1>The Interest Rate Debate</h1>
One of Koukoulas’ main arguments was that low interest rates have made it easier for young people to take out money to afford a home. He argues that baby boomers struggled with interest rates of over 17% in the 1980s.
While I don’t deny Koukoulas’ latter statement, it is important to get a better understanding of what low interest rates actually do to affordability.
Economics literature shows Australian’s have a high elasticity of demand for houses. This means that the more money people have access to, the more likely they are to buy houses. Low interest rates make the cost of borrowing money cheaper and access to money easier.
When interest rates are low, the cost of housing is bid up higher because more people are competing for housing. Graph 3 demonstrates the inverse relationship between interest rates and Australian median house values.
Graph 3: Interest Rates and Median House Values in Australia
<a href="/images/2016/04/28/Graph_3_Interest_Rates_Median_House_Values.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/28/Graph_3_Interest_Rates_Median_House_Values.jpg" alt="">
Source: Onthehouse.com.au &amp; ABS
Low interest rates have not worked in the favour of first home buyers. In fact, in 2014, for the first time in recorded history and while the cash rate was at historic lows, more money was lent to people who were buying investment housing compared to people who were buying something to live in (see Graph 4). This unusual phenomenon eased shortly after APRA placed higher risk weights and investment lending restrictions on banks, however it does show that owner occupiers, some of which are first home buyers, do not necessarily benefit from low interest rates.
Graph 4: Loans to Investors vs. Owner Occupiers
<a href="/images/2016/04/28/Graph_4_Investors_v_Owner_Occupiers-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/28/Graph_4_Investors_v_Owner_Occupiers-1.jpg" alt="">
 
Home owners also faced high unaffordability in the late 1980s when interest rates increased sharply and average home loans peaked at 17%. The cost of loans became extremely high and some were forced to sell their home or take on multiple jobs in an attempt to pay off their rapidly growing debt. On top of this, house prices fell, which left some people with mortgage debt even after they lost their home.
ABS data shows that the average loan size of owner occupiers in NSW over the 1980s was approximately $80,000, while the average interest rate increased to 17% in 1989. Assuming a 30 year mortgage on $80,000 taken out in 1989, the total repayments work out to be around $263 per week, at a time when the average person across NSW was earning between $359 and $620 a week depending on their job status and sex . The $263 home loan assumption represents between 73% and 42% of average weekly earnings at the time.
Today, standard home loan rates are at approximately 5.35%. In February 2016, the average loan size taken out by owner occupiers in NSW was $416,000 . With the same loan assumptions as above, weekly repayments work out at approximately $536 per week. In November 2015, the average weekly earnings across NSW ranged between $951 and $1,712, depending on labour force status and sex, making repayments between 56% and 31% of average weekly earnings.
This analysis is fairly ‘back of the envelope’, but looking at these numbers suggests that few owner occupiers today, nor many owner occupiers in 1989, could enjoy stress free and affordable weekly mortgage repayments – which is considered to be no more that 30% of income. Exorbitant home loan repayments persist 25 years on, but for different reasons. A surge in interest rates overwhelmed young home owners in 1989, whereas today many young people are lucky to overcome the deposit hurdle due to enormous dwelling prices. In the case of owner occupiers today, this is with the ‘benefit’ of low interest rates.
Ambiguity still exists in this comparison, for many reasons. For example, average weekly earnings is looking at individuals rather than households. Young people in the 1980s were more likely to have formed double income households than young people today. 1989 was a different world to 2016, particularly in terms of the nature of the economy, technology, job vacancies and the terms of employment.
However, a lack of affordability is not so much a generational problem as it is a socio-economic problem. Years of analysis could be done trying to understand ‘who had it tougher’, but this seems like a waste of energy. Low income households and single parent families will face tougher challenges than members of Generation Y who are in high income brackets.
 Eliza Owen is the market analyst for Onthehouse.com.au. She can be contacted <a href="https://www.onthehouse.com.au/" target="_blank">here.</a>
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Baby Boomers vs. Gen Y on housing affordability: Eliza Owen

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The pioneering former Oxford Street fashion retailer Robby Ingham and his wife Sarah have listed their Tamarama home as they have finished construction of their new home around the corner.
The five bedroom home has point blank ocean vista and views back to beach given its position above the iconic coastal walk.
The garden on the 440 sqm double block features a sheltered entertaining area, gym and 25 metre lap pool that spans the block.
<a href="https://www.goodyer.com.au/1P3163" target="_blank">The Gaerloch Ave property</a> has been scheduled for May 21 auction through Pauline Goodyer of Goodyer Real Estate.
"It offers a resort-inspired lifestyle," Goodyer said.
It was back in 1994 when he paid $810,000 keener for the offering than film producer Rebel Penfold Russell who staying on the Ben Buckler peninsula at Bondi. 
Then the adjoining block was bought in 2004 allowing the 2008 home extension renovation through John Albarez.
The neighbourhood's latest prestige offerings include Shell House, the home of actress cum author Sophie Lee and her husband, advertising agency boss Anthony Freedman on Hewlett Street that has $10 million plus expectations.
A Walter Barda-designed property, known as Wave House sold for $15.65 million last year to Heather Doig, wife of former Pacific Equity Partners managing director Rob Kozckar after being rented by singer Ricky Martin who stayed in the contemporary pad whilst he was a judge on The Voice.
Nearby Kenneth St prices have hit $14.5 million, where most family homes have been tightly held and now needing refurbishment.
Recently Frangipani House at Thompson Street sold through McGrath agent Simon Exleton for $3.55 million with five parties vying for the first opportunity in five decades to secure the sold brick hillside offering.
Ingham, in an early show of entreprenuerial independence from his chicken producing family, opened his first store on Oxford Street in 1983.
His imported designer clothes were soon worn by the fashion set of Sydney. Even I managed to save up for a Comme des Garcons shirt.
After 32 years Ingham decided to shut up shop in 2015, retiring as online shopping had dented trade and his joy of face to face customer interaction.
He's now thinking of opening a wellness gym at Bondi.
Ingham also owns in Gerringong, a 40-hectare parcel where he wants to build a retreat with tennis court, pavilion, barn, stables and pool.
He is currently thinking of establishing a wellness gym at Bondi.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Robby Ingham lists Tamarama trophy home

A who's who of Australian surfing, business and entertainment has emerged on title records following the completion of Esprit Rainbow Bay, the latest boutique beachfront apartment development by former professional surfer Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects.

The completed project has attracted an enviable collection of owners, many with long-standing ties to the southern Gold Coast and the surf culture that has helped define Rainbow Bay and neighbouring Kirra for generations.

Given Gedoun's own background in surfing, it perhaps comes as little surprise that some of Australia's most recognisable surfers have chosen to buy into the development overlooking one of the country's most celebrated stretches of coastline.

Pezet Matheson directors Jayde Pezet and Todd Matheson launched the project in late 2021, and have managed the sales campaign all the way through to its sell-out and recent completion.

<img alt="Esprit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08fc6261-b84e-4b09-8a44-66d3067fd0d1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-29%20at%208.51.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4AOcb6ETZwNUnMPdTtz1B3pZAIB_jgZ2" />

Former world champion Mick Fanning, who grew up in Coolangatta, secured an apartment in 2023. He paid&nbsp;$2.07 million. Last year he sold his Bilinga home for over $16 million.

Three-time world champion Joel Parkinson also purchased in the development, alongside big wave surfer Mark Mathews. Mathews bought the most expensive apartment in the building, spending just over $4 million.

Joining them is Rip Curl founder Doug Warbrick, whose company helped shape Australia's global surfing industry over the past five decades.

The appeal of Rainbow Bay has extended well beyond the surfing community.

International DJ Paul Fisher purchased an apartment through his investment vehicle, YLB Developments, an abbreviation of his trademark phrase "You Little Beauty".

The purchase comes as Fisher and his wife Chloe are developing their own luxury apartment project further north in Palm Beach. Their boutique beachfront development, Pescado, comprises just seven apartments on Jefferson Lane, which start from just shy of $6 million. The couple intend to retain the two-level penthouse as their Australian base between international touring commitments.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy and his wife Wendy have also invested in Esprit, purchasing two apartments after spending decades holidaying on the southern Gold Coast. They also have a luxury apartment in Joe Adsett's Rockpool, less than 400m away from Esprit.

<h2>Boutique project draws owner-occupiers</h2>

Esprit launched in 2021 and sold strongly, with buyers drawn to its boutique scale, beachfront position and contemporary design.

The completed development comprises 94 apartments across 11 levels, offering expansive floorplans designed primarily for owner-occupiers rather than the investor market.

Crowning the building is Club Esprit, pitched as being the Gold Coast's first residential rooftop wellness centre. The roof features a&nbsp;25 metre magnesium lap pool, which is surrounded by wet daybeds and poolside cabanas,&nbsp;multiple barbecue areas,&nbsp;a yoga and relaxation play lawn, and a private dining room with a kitchen scullery, bar, lounges, and an outdoor terrace.

The wellness centre is&nbsp;fully equipped with a Technogym, ice bath, infra-red sauna, steam room, thermal room, and treatment room. The roof has views spanning&nbsp;Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks and the Pacific Ocean.

<h2>S&amp;S Projects continues to shape Rainbow Bay</h2>

S&amp;S Projects founder Paul Gedoun has become one of the key figures behind Rainbow Bay's evolution over the past several years.

After establishing S&amp;S Projects, Gedoun has focused on delivering lifestyle-driven apartment developments designed primarily for owner-occupiers seeking a permanent coastal home.

Esprit is Gedoun's third completed project in Rainbow Bay, following Flow and Awaken, both of which achieved record prices for the suburb.

He is now delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, a 38-apartment development on Boundary Street that is currently selling, and has no plans to leave the precinct anytime soon. S&amp;S Projects has also lodged plans for its fifth Rainbow Bay development, an 88-apartment project on Boundary Street featuring a strong wellness focus.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">First look: S&amp;S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Who's who of buyers revealed as Esprit Rainbow Bay settles

Nature Based Cities (NBC), the not-for-profit organisation focused on improving biodiversity and nature outcomes in urban development, has launched its latest industry design guidelines and accreditation framework, this time targeting precinct-scale residential communities.

The move extends NBC’s influence beyond its initial focus on medium and high-density residential developments. Several projects have already achieved NBC accreditation since the launch of its Medium &amp; High-Density Residential Guidelines in early 2025.

The expansion into masterplanned communities and new residential precincts reflects the growing need for stronger nature-positive benchmarks as Australia’s outer suburban growth corridors continue to expand at pace.

Paul Hameister OAM, NBC Founder and the Executive Chairman of Melbourne developer Hamton who itself leans heavily into nature and biodiversity in its developments, says the&nbsp;nature-first approach to mitigate the effects of climate change has become standard in other parts of the world such as the UK, but Australia is lagging.&nbsp;Australia’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) rating tools have no minimum mandatory requirements for living landscapes.

“We’ve always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren’t there,” Hameister says. “In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that’s concrete and glass with not a blade of grass. 
 
“The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn’t been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities.”

He says that having now&nbsp;made good progress in supporting developers of medium and high-density residential projects, NBC is now looking to bolster better nature-based decision-making and recognise developers of greenfield projects in the outer ring and large inner-ring brownfield precincts, who want to champion nature and living landscape as a defining feature.

Since 2022, the not-for-profit has sought to remove the roadblocks preventing developers from incorporating nature and living landscapes into their projects, shifting the conversation from the reduction of emissions and grey infrastructure, toward recognising nature as an essential infrastructure.

The New Communities Design Guidelines and Scorecard arm developers with the tools needed to deliver a nature positive outcome for their new communities. Intended to be adopted at the outset of the planning process, the guidelines are designed to help create communities that are cooler, healthier and more resilient while also enhancing social wellbeing and long-term economic value.&nbsp;

New Communities developers seeking accreditation will be independently assessed across a range of key criteria including ecology, tree canopy, biodiversity, and walkability. Once the masterplan is complete and submitted for approval, the scorecard is formalised based on proposed outcomes. Projects that meet the NBC criteria will receive either Commended or Exemplary accreditation outcomes, creating a clear benchmark for nature-positive new communities in Australia.&nbsp;

Janis Fischer, Director at Tract and NBC Advisory Council member, said the development of new communities in our suburbs can have a substantial impact on nature and biodiversity.

"By incorporating nature-based design principles at the inception of a project, developers and their design teams can achieve nature positive outcomes that are good for both people and the planet.’’&nbsp;

NBC accredited New Community projects will gain access to NBC branding and marketing tools to help communicate their nature-based credentials to purchasers and the broader market.&nbsp;

Nature Based Cities: A new Australian benchmark for developing nature-positive new communities

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

Jonathan Chancellor

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