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Former Hawthorn Football Club premiership player Ray Wilson is selling a three bedroom apartment on level seven at East Melbourne’s 60 Clarendon Street.
The locations overlooks the Fitzroy Gardens from the eight whole-floor complex. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-east+melbourne-122012566" target="_blank">Marshall White agent Marcus Chiminello</a> is reportedly expecting a sale price of about $4.5 million after expressions of interest close later today. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Hawk Ray Wilson lists whole floor East Melbourne apartment

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The retired footballer Braith Anasta missed out when a coastal Sydney apartment went to auction yesterday.
But acclaimed Kiwi film director, Dame Jane Campion scored when five of the 10 registered bidders competed for the Tamarama offering.
She managed to sell her 241 sqm investment property for $2.55 million through Bethwyn Richards of McGrath. 
The recenty separated Braith Anasta attended the auction, and was the underbidder at $2,545,000 at the onsite auction held on the apartment balcony.
Anasta attended with his mother, Kim who is downsizing after selling recently at Malabar. Anasta’s long-time friend and real estate agent, Jason Black from Black Lifestyle Property, who did the bidding was reluctant to give any details surrounding the family's attendance. Anasta moved into his mother's house after his separation from Jodi Gordon.
The walkup apartment has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and outdoor terraces and decking.
Bidding opened at $2 million with Anasta's buyers agent lodging a first bid at $2.2 million.
It was indicated as on the market for sale at $2.4 million.
Campion, who was there sitting inside on a white couch, paid $1.2 million for the two level property in 2001. She was heard to say "wow" after the hammer came down.
She retains a home in Paddington, a terrace house bought after she sold her Alex Popov-designed Castlecrag home.
In 1994 she became the first female to win the Palme d'Or, Cannes Film Festivals most prestigious prize.
Campion recently confirmed she would be co-directing and co-writing a second season of drama series Top of the Lake with the action to be filmed in Sydney and Hong Kong.
Jane rose to fame through a series of short films before her feature debut with Sweetie in 1989.
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Braith Anasta misses out on Jane Campion's Tamarama apartment

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GUEST OBSERVER
It’s reporting season, and over the past few weeks some of Australia’s biggest companies have been releasing information on how they’re travelling. These reports reflect key themes of how things are going in key sectors of the economy. Over coming days we’re going to report on the results a handful of major companies in key sectors, transport, construction, retail, mining, insurance and banking. Today we look at the construction sector.
A sluggish building climate in Australia, influenced by a slowdown in mining construction, is leading the biggest companies in the construction sector to trim costs, pursue smaller projects and divest in larger non-performing ones.
Building and construction represents an important part of the Australian economy directly accounting for approximately 8-12 percent of total economic activity. Of that activity, approximately half is accounted for by construction and half by building, which is split approximately two thirds residential and one third industrial.
Three companies in the ASX top 100, WorleyParsons, CIMIC (formerly known as Leighton Holdings), and Lendlease have construction services which extend internationally and serve to highlight those parts of the sector that are faring better than others.
 
<img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/115397/width754/image-20160317-30231-acywyn.png" alt=""><a class="license" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a>
 
WorleyParsons consults on engineering, procurement and construction, CIMIC undertakes engineering consulting and construction but is also active in mining. Finally, Lendlease has a higher exposure to residential construction relative to mining and resources. Despite the companies' similar arenas of operation, these three companies have fared very differently in the current climate.
WorleyParsons, with a focus on building services (that is, supporting companies in the construction industry rather than having major building programs itself), is sailing into strong headwinds and making pretty tough going of it, while some of the difficult groundwork already in place at CIMIC seems to be paying dividends, literally. Finally, Lendlease has benefited from some major residential construction projects to boost both revenue and earnings.
<h2>Threats to the construction sector</h2>
The high exposure of the construction industry to business and government demands means that it is particularly vulnerable. That is, it is highly exposed to economic cycles in sectors important to the Australian economy, particularly the mining sector.
The slowdown in mining construction resulting from China’s recent moderating growth rates has hit the industry hard. Australian raw material exports have been an important part of building the infrastructure to support economic growth in China and the construction industry has benefited immensely from building the infrastructure base to enable those exports. Economic signals from China have made investors more wary of commissioning new projects and expanding of existing ones.
Moreover, industry consultant, BIS Shrapnel, believes the “bust” in mining has a long way to run. This means that companies in the industry will have to rein in their expenses and pursue new business to ensure that the high fixed costs of equipment necessary for building and construction do not form a drag on the bottom line. The resultant competition leads to customers being able to force suppliers to cut their profit margin cuts, at the same time that many big projects are drying up.
The more fragmented, but much larger residential market is faring somewhat better, with a record number of new home approvals in 2015. Chronic under-supply is being somewhat alleviated by more residential blocks being released by State governments and demand has remained robust.
<h2>How the biggest companies are faring</h2>
Lendlease, a major player in both the residential and industrial markets, was able to more than offset lower earnings in infrastructure and construction <a href="">this half year</a> relative to last, by a more than doubling of its earnings from property development. Not only did this performance lead to a 12 percent increase in earnings for the company, it was also accompanied by a 15 percent increase in the work Lendlease has in the pipeline, suggesting an underlying strength of future earnings.
That, however, is cold comfort to WorleyParsons and CIMIC, watching from the adjacent industrial construction sector.
Despite WorleyParsons' size, it is still experiencing the second order effects of a wind down in mining. Long term, this has meant the company’s share price has fallen 93 percent in the past ten years. Short term, it has fallen 67 percent in 2015.
The management team at WorleyParsons has followed many of the recommended prescriptions associated with their predicament. It has worked on the cost structure. It has pursued smaller projects to utilise the company’s assets and maintain the bottom line and it has sought diversification, both geographically and by industry. For example, the firm recently won a contract with BAPCo, the Bahrain petroleum company, to extend and reconfigure its refinery.
However, though these initiatives have helped with revenue rising 140 percent in the past ten years, the end result has been the company is not making ground on the tsunami of red ink that’s pursuing companies in the industries in which it operates. Revenue has shown a pleasing and reasonably consistent upward trend, but earnings per share (on a reasonably stable capital base) have taken a nosedive from as high as A$1.50 to below 80 cents.
WorleyParsons' half-year results show the company was able to eke out a net profit after tax of A$23.1 million on revenues of A$4.2 billion. Management promised more of the right kind of medicine: reducing debtors, lowering overhead costs, divesting non-core and low performing assets, and searching for attractive growth opportunities.
On the other hand, CIMIC does appear to be making ground. It has long been a leading industrial construction company in Australia, with considerable overseas earnings. The company must be very pleased to leave the excitement of the bribery and corruption charges that dogged it in its last days as Leighton Holdings.
Hiccups during the takeover of Leightons by Hochtief, when the latter pleaded guilty to insider trading charges, similarly added to the rocky road over which the company has travelled to get to the relative calm it is enjoying at the moment. It may be making less news than it did in the stormy days of erstwhile CEO, Wal King, but the (reasonably) new Spanish management team is quietly notching up wins.
Its full-year profit of A$520 million and revenues of A$16.2 billion were at the top end of the market’s expectations and obviously look a look a lot healthier that those of WorleyParsons. The need for scale in the building industry makes it prone to mergers and acquisitions, while the high level of risk associated with major projects, means that often non-performing assets have to be split off.
While CIMIC is involved in a scrappy takeover battle with Sedgman and the Gorgon jetty project dispute with Chevron, these distractions go with the turf in this industry.
CIMIC, like WorleyParsons, is also taking all of the right steps in terms of operational efficiency, asset balancing, and growth opportunity generation. Moreover, it is doing it from a stronger base and thus with more impressive results.
CIMIC seems to be riding the cyclical waves of the industry reasonably comfortably and enjoying some moderate success in doing do. That is as well since the macroeconomic trends of a China slowdown and an associated slowing industrial building climate in Australia is unlikely to give it a promising tail wind any time soon. On the other hand, WorleyParsons has yet to witness any benefit to it bottom line resulting from its efforts to trim its sails to the new industrial climate.
Meanwhile, Lendlease has managed to insulate itself from chilly infrastructure winds by boosting its selective engagement in the buoyant parts of the residential housing market.
 
John Heath Roberts is professor, Australian Graduate School of Management, UNSW Australia and author for The Conversation. He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-heath-roberts-188102" target="_blank">here</a>.
 
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Construction outlook: mining construction slowdown ripples across industry

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A clearance rate of 75 percent was recorded by the REIV this weekend compared to 69 percent last weekend and 76 percent this weekend last year.
There were 1476 auctions reported to the REIV, with 1113 selling and 363 being passed in, 157 of those on a vendor bid.
Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs are dominating the auction market this weekend with more than 400 auctions scheduled. 
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Melbourne's 75 percent success rate: REIV

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Rising auction bidder numbers are underpinning the stronger clearance rates we've witnessed this year in most regions across Sydney. 
This emerging trend, if maintained, will soon lead to higher than expected price growth.
The average number of registered bidders sat at four at February auctions, according to the comprehensive data kept by auctioneer Damien Cooley at Cooley Auctions.
It was up on the three during December, but still below the five in February last year.
Sydney's 2016 weekend clearance rates have mostly sat above 70 percent, compared to the low 50s of late last year, and the 80 percent record levels this time last year.
The big test comes today with the traditional pre-Easter Super Saturday bumper auction offerings.
But what has been noticeable in recent weeks have been the anecdotal reports from auctions showing higher bidders numbers.
An original condition 1940s Curl Curl fibro cottage sold at $1.933 million with 11 registered bidders, young families versus owner builders.
After the strong $1.7 million opening bid for 40 Bennett Street, there were five active bidders for the property last sold for £3,500 in 1953.
It was downsizers who completed at Cremorne Point for a three-bedroom triplex garden apartment that fetched $4,065,000. The recent McGrath auction saw 10 parties raise their bidding cards after the $3.1 million opening bid. There had been a $3 million to $3.3 million auction price guide.
A strong auction result at 7 Doris Avenue, Earlwood came after 25 registered bidders turned up at its recent auction. Just four took part before it was knocked down at $1,340,000 to locals who plan to renovate. Auctioneers Rocky Bartolotto, from Auction Services, took a $950,000 opening bid on the three bedroom brick home sitting on a 417 sqm block size.
Not all regions are experiencing the same trend, according to CoreLogic RP Data, highlighting the right method of sale is a extremely important decision. 
Sydney’s strongest performing sub-regions currently stand at Ryde, with 86 percent selling, the Eastern Suburbs at 84 percent and the Inner West at 78.6 per cent. The three weakest regions have been Blacktown, Parramatta and the Hawkesbury for auctions.
But the momentum in some suburbs will catch some agents are giving ridicously low price guidance to buyers. Right at the time when NSW Fair Trading is holding a rigorous underquoting audit with inspectors currently looking at published advertisements and the estimated selling prices contained within agency agreements.  
More importantly they are also reviewing and considering the comparative sale price evidence utilised in developing their estimated selling price.
This means agents must be wise to all the recent sale prices in their patch. 
The early 2016 market rebound has meant underquoting has returned as an issue as in the first seven weeks since the laws were introduced, Fair Trading received 68 complaints. 
"Complaints are from named individuals, anonymous complainants and other real estate agents," a department spokesperson said.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Bidding numbers at auction suggest surprise price growth for some suburbs

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GUEST OBSERVER
Job growth has been on the surge for a while now. And much of that surge makes sense:
Although China is squeezing Australia's income, it has had much less of an impact on our production growth, and it's the latter which drives jobs.
Even better, within the overall economy, the sectoral make up has seen greater strength in service sectors, which by and large are the key job generating industries in the nation.
Finally, a combination of weak wage growth and good productivity gains has made workers a more competitive option for businesses as they decide between more workers and more machines.
That backdrop is one which is increasingly favourable for the nation’s CBD office markets. The strength in the national job numbers had held true for white collar employment as well, but it had been failing to fully translate into bums on seats in CBD offices. Yet latest data have shown that gap narrowing pretty fast. However, this is very much a Sydney story. The picture remains mixed outside the Premier State, with Melbourne doing fine but Brisbane and Adelaide both labouring, and Perth continuing on its downward spiral. In fact, outside of NSW itself, the most notable good news story is that a pause in public sector cutbacks has seen Canberra’s market steady of late, though even there the overall job numbers are continuing to fall.
The big office markets of Sydney – Sydney CBD and North Sydney – are at sixes and sevens. Or to be more specific, overall jobs in those markets have grown at rates in the range of 6-7% in the last 12 months. In case you are wondering, the last time that the CBD was at that speed was ahead of the Sydney Olympics. Cathy Freeman hadn’t done a victory lap when the pace of growth in CBD office demand was last this strong.
While Sydney’s performance ranks alongside Ben Johnson’s at the Seoul Olympics in 1988 – and for potentially some of the same artificial reasons – Melbourne’s job gains have been strengthening, but remain more believable than those north of the Murray. To be clear, it’s not that white collar job gains in Melbourne’s CBD are accelerating by that much, but they are now clearly ahead of this market’s longer term trend rate of growth (which, by the way, is the strongest of any bar that of Canberra).
Brisbane – in contrast – remains very much more subdued. Or, at least, that’s true of the CBD, with the Near City market much healthier. To be clear, this isn’t an office market that is going backwards. 2014-15 marked a return to growth in Brisbane’s CBD office demand, and 2015-16 seems to have cemented that return to growth. Yet most rebounds show an initial turn of speed, and that simply isn’t the case in Brisbane.
A fast fading resources boom has torn strips out of the performance of the Perth market. That pain will eventually end, but – despite some green shoots – there’s not going to be much joy generated any time soon. It’s on the back foot already, China is still slowing, miners remain under a lot of financial pressure, and big construction projects are essentially in a run off phase, with very few new projects to follow in their wake.
Unlike much of the rest of Australia, Adelaide isn’t benefiting from measured strength in the finance sector.
Moreover, with 2016-17 shaping up as one of weakness in business services, it may be a few years before this particular market finally gets back in gear.
Canberra’s time in purgatory seems set to end. 2016 is, after all, an election year, and such years often trigger promises that usher in a greater need to for public service. These forecasts point to a return to happier times for the capital’s office demand.
James Allnutt is a Deloitte Access Economics director specialising in <a href="https://www.deloitteaccesseconomics.com.au" target="_blank">demographic, forecasts of state economies, and property demand</a>. 
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Job growth surge spills into CBD markets: Deloitte Access Economics

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Superannuation-backed developer and fund manager ISPT has secured Michelin star restaurant Tim Ho Wan as a tenant in its retail and office property at 206 Bourke Street in central Melbourne.
ISPT paid $118.3 million for the five-level property, owned by Singapore's Hiap Hoe, in November.
The 330-square-metre restaurant will be the first Tim Ho Wan in Melbourne, complementing two in Sydney. 
Singaporean-owned Tim Ho Wan, which is famous for its pork buns, has been called "the cheapest Michelin star restaurant in the world".
Rents in the Bourke Street centre average $2,000 per square metre. 
Gary Loo, director of leasing at Knight Frank, brokered the deal.
"The were looking for a property close to Chinatown with direct street access and frontage to allow for large signage and a weatherproof space to accommodate the long queues of customers that are a trait of their Singaporean counterparts," he said.
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Michelin star restaurant rents super fund ISPT-owned Bourke Street space in Melbourne 

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The cost to the federal budget of negatively-geared rental property deductions has fallen 12.5 percent to $10.9 billion.
It sits at the lowest level in four years due to record low interest rates.
The latest Tax Office statistics show the country's two million landlords claimed interest deductions of $21 billion, a decline of 9 percent.
It noted earnings from rents were flat at $38 billion.
The figures, published on Friday, were based on taxpayer's 2013-14 tax returns.
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SOURCE: PCA/ATO
It show 62 percent of landlords are returning net losses, down from 64 percent the year before.
A record 776,672 taxpayers earned a net profit from their investment property in fiscal 2014, an increase of 44,322 people compared with the year before.
Columnist Pete Wargent writes the ALP have botched their numbers, and Labor will accordingly cop a good deal of heat on this point from the Coalition.
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Negative gearing deductions fall 12.5 percent

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The Botanic Portfolio in South Yarra, estimated to be worth up to $20 million, has been quickly sold to the founder of retail surfwear chain Surf Dive 'n' Ski, Fadil "Butch" Sadikay.
The three-property residential portfolio fetched $33 million having been held in one family for almost 50 years.
The properties at 30 Anderson Street, 25-29 Kurneh Place, and 216-218 Domain Road, total 2655 square metres of land. Developers including Paul Little, Will Deague and Michael Yates are understood to have expressed interest in the CBRE-Jellis Craig offering.
Sadikay, who lives nearby on Anderson Street, founded Surf Dive 'n' Ski and the Ozmosis retail chain and then sold them to ASX listed company Quiksilver. 
The land contains three blocks — two houses at 216-218 Domain Rd and 30 Anderson St and eight garages at 25-29 Kurneh Place.
Their owner, Marion Page, had died last year.
She was the daughter of Melbourne businessman Sir Clive McPherson whose estate was worth £95,224 when he died in 1958.
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The $33 million Botanic portfolio, South Yarra sold to Fadil Sadikay

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Company director Eric Dodd and his wife Vanessa - the downsizing Mosman couple - have sold their Burran Ave home.
The chairman of First American Title Insurance has owned the hillside home since 1995 when it was bought for $961,000.
Set 100 metres up from Balmoral Beach, <a href="https://www.33burranave.com/" target="_blank">the home</a> comes with an infinity pool.
It was listed for between $9 million and $9.9 million through Belle Property agent Tim Foote, but seemingly sold for $8 million plus.
Known as 'The Rhino' for his intensity and drive, Eric has worked at NRMA, BUPA, IAG and AON.
The Dodds retain their Ingleside acreage retreat.
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Eric Dodd sells in Mosman after 21 years

An entity directed by HSN's Rafi Assouline and Rebel Property's Allen Linz has filed plans for an impressive new precinct in Woolloomooloo.

The major mixed-use development would transform a prominent William Street site into a new residential village anchored by affordable housing and a large public park.

The proposal, submitted as a State Significant Development Application, covers 164-172 and 174-194 William Street, a 6,398 sqm site between Forbes Street and Dowling Street on the southern edge of Woolloomooloo.

Designed by fjcstudio in collaboration with Bangawarra, Studio Bright and Tribe Studio Architects, the scheme would deliver 227 apartments across four residential buildings ranging in height up to 18 storeys, alongside retail space, public domain improvements and a new publicly accessible park.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0eb59b7c-914a-4a5c-b849-3a56749f5e93" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.18.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=mxM6EEqeoLjrCiTlCzTKTvzpKuh6kSkH" />

It's another design scheme for Rebel, who took <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-rebel-property-group-takes-woolloomooloo-precinct-to-nsw-government">concept plans to the NSW Gov late last year</a>.

The latest plans will be a mix of 167 build-to-sell apartments and 60 affordable apartments, with the affordable housing component representing 15 per cent of the project's gross floor area. The apartment mix includes 12 one-bedroom, 53 two-bedroom, 89 three-bedroom apartments and 13 penthouses, while the affordable housing component would comprise 42 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b3d4553-8a8c-4af5-aa8c-519ffb1e28c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.20.12%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_Yb6ibN7eDnOtQjCNDK2eviORa4qzgv." />

Rebel Property is seeking to take advantage of the NSW Government's infill affordable housing bonus provisions under the Housing SEPP, which provide additional floor space and height in exchange for the delivery of affordable housing for a minimum of 15 years. The planning pathway allows a 30 per cent increase in floor space ratio and building height where 15 per cent of the development is dedicated to affordable housing.

&nbsp;

At the centre of the development is a 1,356 sqm sunlit public park designed to become a new community gathering space at the gateway to Woolloomooloo. The park would be complemented by a network of pedestrian laneways connecting William Street with the surrounding streets, improving permeability through what is currently a largely impermeable block.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="257af931-a393-4007-8c6d-7219796df58d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.20.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KAHy94GrhaReFsWTGDKfy39EDJ8gEEv4" />

The design team says the public domain has been heavily influenced by the site's topography and Aboriginal cultural heritage, drawing on the escarpments, gullies and landscape characteristics that historically defined the area before urbanisation. The landscape design has been developed in partnership with First Nations consultancy Bangawarra.

The project would be delivered across four separate buildings. The William Street East and William Street West buildings, designed by fjcstudio, would contain the majority of the apartments. Melbourne-based Studio Bright has designed the Forbes Street building, while Tribe Studio Architects is responsible for the Dowling Street building.

Rebel had secured approval for the concept plans late last year.

Joel Robinson

First look: HSN, Rebel, advances Woolloomooloo precinct plans

A locally heritage-listed furniture showroom on Water Street is set to become the centrepiece of a new mixed-use residential development as local developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/keylin-group">Keylin</a> seeks approval for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lotus-on-water-street-290-water-street-fortitude-valley-qld-4006">Lotus on Water Street</a>, a 15-storey project on the Fortitude Valley side of Spring Hill.

The proposal spans 290 Water Street and 137-141 Warry Street, combining several properties into a 2,869 sqm site that sits between Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill and the rapidly evolving Victoria Park precinct. Keylin's plans would deliver 132 apartments alongside new retail, hospitality and commercial space, while retaining and repurposing the historic Brunswick Home Furnishers Showroom that fronts Water Street.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/jackson-teece">Jackson Teece</a>, Lotus on Water Street comprises a 12-storey residential tower rising above a three-storey podium and communal rooftop terrace. The development includes 76 apartments classified as multiple dwellings and a further 56 units proposed as short-term accommodation, designed to be flexibly used as either accommodation or permanent residences. The apartment mix comprises six one-bedroom, 54 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom homes.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9822bb79-6c49-49c9-95ba-319e8c8d81c3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20front.png?VersionId=ioW8zbN4UVebbLetTFuv92t.HkdgfR5e" />

Residents would have access to an extensive rooftop recreation level spanning more than 1,200 sqm of communal open space. Plans include a pool, gym, sauna, infrared sauna, yoga area, library, private dining room, barbecue facilities and landscaped entertainment spaces, making the rooftop the project's largest shared amenity offering.

At street level, the proposal focuses on the adaptive reuse of the heritage buildings along Water Street, where 518 sqm of retail and commercial space is planned across shop, office and food and drink outlet uses. A permeable residential lobby would be positioned between the retained heritage buildings, creating a pedestrian connection between the historic streetscape and the new tower behind.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="269cf3e0-7d13-48bf-a318-05a00deb5c10" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20podium.png?VersionId=DLXmTCLsp6GOcLpQ0h.0z7wKCw59EhN_" />

The heritage retention strategy is central to the scheme. The development application notes that the Brunswick Home Furnishers Showroom and adjoining heritage buildings will remain, with only non-significant structures on the site earmarked for removal under a previously issued Heritage Exemption Certificate. Levels one and two of the new podium are recessed behind the heritage façades to maintain their prominence within the streetscape.

Jackson Teece has drawn inspiration from the site's manufacturing history when designing the podium. The planning documents state that the façade incorporates perforated metal screening that references the woven and rattan furniture historically produced on the site. Cascading and climbing plants are integrated throughout the podium to soften the building's presentation and screen parking levels behind. The landscape strategy also informs the project's name, Lotus on Water Street, drawing on the historic Spring Hollow waterholes that once ran through Spring Hill and the blue water lilies associated with Meeanjin, Brisbane's traditional name.

The proposal also incorporates the neighbouring property at 141 Warry Street, currently occupied by a healthcare service. The existing building would remain, with nine dedicated parking spaces allocated within the new development to support its ongoing operation. In total, Lotus on Water Street proposes 117 car spaces, including 110 resident spaces and seven visitor bays, alongside 100 bicycle spaces.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70cf07bc-4fd8-4e70-92dd-be8b21c4e4f0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20site.png?VersionId=txlxrJImM0Sm_vTzHVKh5DDUkyL_CiiA" />

The site sits within the Spring Hill East Precinct of the Spring Hill Neighbourhood Plan and is positioned around 650 metres from both Fortitude Valley Station and Exhibition Station. It is also within walking distance of the King Street precinct, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston Quarter and Victoria Park, which is earmarked to become a major venue precinct ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Planning documents describe the location as a key gateway between Spring Hill and Fortitude Valley and highlight the area's increasing importance as new transport infrastructure and Olympic-related investment reshape Brisbane's inner north. The development team argues the project will contribute additional housing supply while activating a section of Water Street that has historically received less investment than other parts of the Valley.

Keylin has become increasingly active across Brisbane and southeast Queensland, assembling sites in strategic inner-city locations. They are currently selling and delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/oria-spring-hill-447-gregory-terrace-spring-hill-qld-4000">Oria Spring Hill</a>, just over 140 apartments due for completion in 2027.

Keylin plans heritage-led Lotus on Water Street apartment development in Fortitude Valley

Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Jonathan Chancellor

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