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The Modernist Thurlow House, Blakehurst has been sold, and now looks like being permanently listed on the NSW heritage list.
Described as a Mad Men style home, the buyer is apparently an architectural devotee who wants to restore the home back to its grandness.
Being virtually untouched, the 1952 house by architect Harry Seidler was recently marketed as one of early intact houses by one of Australia’s great architects.
"Research indicates Thurlow House as being number sixteen of eighteen houses completed by Harry Seidler within the first five years of his coming to Australia," the marketing advised.
Thurlow family members described it as a "forgotten modernist original."
The <a href="https://www.modernhouse.co/listings/thurlow-house/" target="_blank">Stuart Street offering</a> on a 1336 square metre block sold through the Modern House agency, with around $2.5 million having been tipped.
Built on a waterfront site sloping down to the Georges River, in Sydney’s south, its split-level interior offers soaring voids, textural stone and timber-lined walls.
Upstairs are two bedrooms, a study and bathroom, all looking out to the river.
On the lower level is a spacious living area, dining room and kitchen.
The retention of the single sculptural eucalypt in the front yard is characteristic of an aesthetic employed by Seidler and other Modern Movement architects.
The house is in need of repair.
It was a Punchbowl couple, David and Marjorie Thurlow who commissioned the design. He was a lawyer and his wife, a RAAF member, was the daughter of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia board secretary.
They separated in the early 1970s with Dolly, as she was known, remaining in the house until in 2011. She died in 2014.
Soon after completion the home was featured in a French magazine, l’architecture d’aujourd’hui, celebrating work by young architects from around the world.
Harry's widow, Penelope Seidler recalls Thurlow House as “a real gem”, and has encouraged its latest custodians to connect with the office of Harry Seidler &amp; Associates to help undertake works that maintain its original design integrity.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Seidler's Thurlow House sells

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The Federal Court of Australia has permanently restrained the marketing and promotion of a proposed Pilbara property investment by Macro Realty Developments Pty Ltd (Macro) and made declarations that Macro, Property Tuition Pty Ltd (21st Century Property) and Education Holdings Pty Ltd (21st Century Education) breached various provisions of the Corporations Act by promoting and marketing the investment proposal.
The investment proposal was promoted in 21st Century publications using the tagline 'Do you know how to buy Australian property, no money down?'.
The proposed investment involved investors:
<ul>
<li>becoming a director and shareholder of a company;</li>
<li>acquiring properties from Macro through this company; and</li>
<li>receiving a director's fee but having agreed that Macro would be the sole decision maker for the company. </li>
</ul>
ASIC commenced proceedings in September 2015 against Macro, 21stCentury Property and 21st Century Education in relation to the proposed investment and had obtained interim injunctions stopping the proposal from continuing to be marketed.
His Honour Justice Beach made declarations that the marketing and promotion of the investment proposal by the companies was misleading and deceptive, and that investors had been procured into breaching director's duties.  The features of the proposal found to have been misleading or deceptive included:
<ul>
<li>that the investment proposal was essentially risk free</li>
<li>that it required no money down or capital, and;</li>
<li>that there were no fees involved.</li>
</ul>
In relation to 21st Century Property and 21st Century Education, His Honour also declared that financial product advice had been provided in circumstances where neither entity was licensed to provide advice.
ASIC Commissioner Greg Tanzer said it was another significant outcome in ASIC's ongoing campaign to promote trust and confidence amongst investors.
"We will continue to deter this type of misleading and deceptive conduct."
Macro Realty is owned and run by Veronica Macpherson, "Pilbara's largest private developer" according to its website.
Macro Realty has six projects in Port Hedland, South Hedland and Newman in the Pilbara.
In an emailed response to Fairfax Media, Mr McIntyre called the latest ASIC allegations "baseless" and blamed Macro Realty for not ensuring its advertising was compliant.
"21st Century Media does paid for advertising campaigns for advertisers. In this case Macro [Realty] was offering no money down property which is perfectly legal to do so. As a media company we are not responsible for advertisers ensuring their marketing or offer is compliant," he said.
ASIC has also issued proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against 21st Century Property and 21st Century Education in relation to their promotion and sale of interests to investors in five land banking schemes in Victoria.
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No money down Pilbara property scheme retrained by ASIC

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The vast majority of property owners who sold their home in the December 2015 quarter sold at in excess of their previous purchase price according the latest CoreLogic RP Data quarterly Pain and Gain Report.
The Pain &amp; Gain Report found that 91.6 per cent of properties resold for profit over the quarter with 31.2 per cent of homes selling for more than double their purchase price. The total value of all profit was $17.1 billion with the average gross ‘gain’ $270,842 per sale.
Only 8.4 per cent of homes resold recorded a gross loss compared with their original purchase price, up slightly from 8.3 per cent for the September quarter. The total value of loss over the quarter was $399 million. The average ‘pain’ felt for these properties was $69,493.
Report author Cameron Kusher said, “Whether for investment or owner occupation, the results highlight the fact that property ownership should be seen as a long-term investment.”
“Across the country, our results show that homes which resold for a loss had an average length of ownership of 6.7 years. For gross profit sales, the average length of ownership was recorded at 10.1 years, while homes which sold for more than double their previous purchase price were owned for an average of 17.7 years.
“Our results have shown that investors over owner occupiers were more likely to resell their properties at a loss. Over the quarter, 7.2 per cent of owner occupier sales nationally were at a gross loss compared to 10.6 per cent for investor owned stock.
“The losses experienced by investors comes down to the fact that this group may be more willing to accept a loss on sale due to the tax implications of being able to offset the loss against future capital gains,” he said.
The Pain &amp; Gain report findings also confirmed a proportion of loss-making resales across the national capitals are now trending lower expect for Perth and Darwin where the instances of losses are increasing.
Mr Kusher said, “The trends reflect the fact that over the past year, home values have increased in all capital cities other than Perth and Darwin. Not so surprising is the result for Sydney and Melbourne; both cities have seen significant increases in home values over recent years and therefore, fewer loss-making resales occurred compared with other capital cities.”
Within the regional areas of the country the proportion of loss-making resales is higher than those within the capital cities. The proportion of loss-making resale’s is currently trending  lower in Regional NSW, Regional Queensland,  Regional Tasmania and is fairly flat in Regional Victoria and higher elsewhere.
<h3>Proportion of total resale’s at a loss/gain, houses vs. units, December 2015</h3>
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/contentAsset/raw-data/79129a89-3943-431a-83c8-5264415a2fce/fileAsset" alt="2016-03-24--Pain_Gain" width="600" height="438">
Mr Kusher said, “Capital city housing markets continue to record a lower proportion of loss-making resales than regional areas of the country. We’re seeing the trend shifting in regional areas with the proportion of loss-making resales trending lower particularly in areas linked to tourism and lifestyle factors.
“Housing markets linked to the resources sector are generally seeing an increase in loss-making resale’s after housing market conditions in many of these locations have posted a sharp correction,” he said.
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The worst regions for loss making property sales: CoreLogic RP Data pain gain report

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The former head of NAB Cameron Clyne, now busy being the Australian Rugby Union chairman, is selling his Southern Highlands weekender, Yarrawa Park.
His Robertson rural retreat has been listed with the intention of upgrading.
Its Harcourts Southern Highlands listing agent Paul Macefield says the weekender is <a href="https://harcourts.com.au/Property/642339/NSL2222/127-Wallaby-Hill-Rd" target="_blank">a 13 hectare property with a equestrian feel</a>.
There's a 20 metre x 90 metre stable complex along with a tack room.
The property has three paddocks with post and rail fencing.
The weatherboard home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms with a wide wrap around verandah. The home enjoys views to the Upper Kangaroo Valley escarpment.
There's an entertainment courtyard with built in BBQ and a large fire pit.
A full sized tennis court occupies the western edge of the property which is surrounded by established gardens, fruit trees, natives and shrubs.
Clyne bought the rural property for $1.3 million in 2010.
It has been listed with $1.395 million hopes.
"This property is the perfect weekender especially for the horse enthusiast, located directly opposite the reknowned Wallaby Hill Horse Trials Equine facility, and close to Yarrawa National Park with bush walking and riding trails," said Paul Macefield.
Clyne resigned from NAB in 2014 after spending five years as the company's CEO.
The ARU chairman has had a lifelong involvement in rugby having represented Victoria in marches against the All Blacks and Springboks.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph. 
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Cameron Clyne lists Robertson, Southern Highlands equestrian weekender

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The penthouse at 65 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo has been listed with the price guide of $5 million to $5.5 million. 
It is a three bedroom, three bathroom apartment with three car garaging.
A long list of luxury fixtures and fittings comes with this brand new penthouse, the jewel in the crown of the boutique Fivex development The Anchorage.
Designed by Eeles Trelease Architects, the apartment gets views of the Harbour Bridge, city skyline, the famed Finger Wharf and Woolloomooloo Bay.
Each of the three double bedrooms has its own en suite.
Its super-sized kitchen comes with Gaggenau and Liebherr appliances and a butler’s pantry.
The partly covered terrace faces north-east and there is a second balcony facing west towards the bright lights of the city. 
Brad Caldwell-Eyles at First City has it listed with Rohan Aalders at TGC Residential.
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Woolloomooloo penthouse for sale

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Clive Palmer’s central Queensland cattle station did not sell in its recent rescheduled auction.
Clive Palmer's cattle station near Rockhampton in central Queensland was passed in at its pre-Easter auction.
The highest bid at auction was $1.5 million.
The <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/0-bruce-highway-marlborough-qld-4705-2012621750" target="_blank">“Mamelon” in Marlborough</a> sits on about 6258 hectares of land 135 kilometres north-west from Rockhampton.
The beef cattle breeding and grazing business was bought by Queensland Nickel industries for $8.2 million in 2010.
Clive Palmer’s cattle station was rescheduled for auction in Rockhampton after the initial auction was called off earlier this month.
Colliers International Brisbane agent Rawdon Briggs said the decision was made an hour before after new documents became apparent.
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Clive Palmer's Rockhampton farm still for sale after postponed auction

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After its disastrous ratings, Channel Nine has moved Reno Rumble out of its 7.30pm timeslot.
A new season of reality show Married at First Sight will replace the renovation program on Mondays and Tuesdays. 
The program – made by The Block's producers - has damaged the stellar reputations of The Block's hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft.
Its first episode last Monday drew a 395,000 viewers, compared to MKR's 1.46 million to finish in fourth place. 
Picture courtesy of 9jumpin.com.au
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Reno Rumble cut from prime time

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Cost of funding issues are likely to again force Australia’s major banks and lenders to lift their interest rates out of cycle from cash rate movements by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), says mortgage broker network 1300HomeLoan.
1300HomeLoan Managing Director John Kolenda said despite the possibility of the RBA lowering its record low 2 percent cash rate in response to the rising Australian dollar, the central bank’s actions could be negated by the major banks raising their rates.
“Mortgage holders can expect to be hit again by lenders because of their additional current funding, compliance and provisioning costs,” Mr Kolenda said.
“With continued global economic uncertainty banks have recently seen their cost of funding increase and unless that eases they will have no choice but to pass those increases onto consumers.
“These have been confusing times for borrowers with banks lifting rates outside of the RBA’s deliberations and this looks like being the new normal going forward.
“We saw variable rates last year increased by up to 29 basis points and investor loans by up to 49 basis points. There is likely to be similar increases across the board for owner occupier and investor loans in the months ahead.
“While the RBA has plenty of room to cut its cash rate again, its actions are expected to be made redundant by the banks lifting their rates out of cycle.”
Mr Kolenda said banks are also under pressure to comply with a regulatory increase on reserves by the end of June this year and this has been a contributor to the recent out of cycle increases.
“This is the first time in history we have seen multiple triggers at play outside the RBA’s control that is forcing rate movements and competing with their directions.” 
1300HomeLoan is Australia’s first mortgage broker-owned home loan brand. The brand is an independent network of more than 200 of the most established, experienced, professional and successful local brokers in Australia. The network was founded by industry leader John Kolenda, founding partner and Sales Director of X Inc Finance, and Executive Director of Loan Market Group.
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John Kolenda tips out of cycle rate rises by banks

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GUEST OBSERVER
I recently undertook a month long tour of some major US cities in advance of Investorist opening their first US office in Miami in a few weeks’ time.  Here are some really interesting insights into the significant differences between the Australian and US property markets.
1. TWO AGENTS FOR EVERY SALE
In the US, every property sold has both a 'listing agent' and a 'selling agent’ (known as a buyer’s agent in Australia), and the vendor pays commission to both of them
2. CONJUNCTIVE LISTINGS
US real estate agents mostly work conjunctively and share commission 50/50. They also do not try to compete on commission or undercut each other.  
3. SHARING IDEOLOGY
Unlike Australia, the US property market operates on very much on a ‘sharing' ideology; everyone shares referrals, commission, information, support, advice, etc 
4. SENIOR WOMEN DOMINATE
Many women hold very senior roles in the property industry in the US. This is evident across the board and includes real estate agencies, associations, development companies etc.  It is not unusual to be in high level meetings where ALL the key decision makers are women, whereas in Australian property, it is still a very heavily male-dominated industry 
5. BUILD AND OWN
Developers often build apartment projects to ‘build and hold’, leasing out the apartments after completion rather than selling all as most Australian developers do.  The Australian strata title model is called  condominiums in the US
6. SHOPPING CENTRE LIVING
Whilst still very much a novelty in Australia, many US cities have embraced apartments built on top of shopping malls.  Miami in particular is a city which does this very well.  
7. SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE OF FOREIGN BUYERS 
It is well known that the dominant non-domestic buyers for Australian property are from China and SE Asia. In the US, buyers mostly come from Central and South America.  And many don’t speak English, so marketing to them must be in Spanish and Portuguese.
Jon Ellis is the founder of Investorist and can be <a href="https://www.investorist.com" target="_blank">contacted here</a>.
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Seven significant differences between the US and Australian property markets: Investorist's Jon Ellis

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There were no bids when Lynton, the vacated Rose Bay trophy home of the horse owner and breeder Frank Tagg went to auction, possibly the priciest of offerings on 2016's first super Saturday.
It was the home Tagg's wife Sally bought in 2007 for $8 million from Sydney property developer Piers Dawson-Damer.
Selling agent Ben Collier of McGrath had pre-auction hopes of around $7.5 million pre-auction for the grand 1912 Edwardian home which headlined the 870 weekend auction offerings. The auctioneer Scott Kennedy-Green placed a $7.6 million vendor bid.
It was listed for mortgagee sale under instructions from Westlawn Finance Limited after Tagg hit some currency fluctuation issues.
Sitting on a private 1296 sqm parcel, the unrenovated, but recently repainted, five bedroom, three bathroom house overlooks the Royal Sydney Golf Course.
Tagg, who was an early McDonald's franchisee, made his reputation as he became a highly regarded horse breeding industry player securing great success, winning his first group 1 race, the AJC Oaks, with the filly Circles of Gold in 1995.
Circles of Gold's real value came at stud, as the mare produced seven foals including champions Elvstroem and Haradsun.
In 2011, Tagg his wife Sally and other co-owners sent their beautifully bred mare Hveger to Ireland to foal share at the Coolmore Stud operation.
The former Western Suburbs first-grade footballer had started at McDonald's when he was 27 going onto own several hamburger stores. By 2011 he only had the one franchise given the time and devotion to his racing and charity interests.
Spotted as the first to inspect the Kent Road home on its initial open for inspection last month was the neighbour, Lance Rosenberg, the former Tricom Equities managing director, who bought his mansion from the former Liberal Party leader John Hewson.
His wife was spotted just looking on at yesterday's auction.
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Lynton, Rose Bay passed in on $7.6 million vendor bid

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" />

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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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