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The public in NSW has more time to have its say on a discussion paper that proposes to support improved housing supply, affordability and diversity.
The discussion paper was released in late November on fast-tracking delivery of housing options such as terraces, often referred to as medium density or ‘the missing middle’, under the state’s complying development assessment process.
Terraces and villas are more energy efficient than detached houses, and medium density housing also offers more variety and flexibility for Sydney’s changing demographics.
The discussion paper provides details of the proposed standards and other requirements for these types of homes.
A Department spokesperson said there have been requests to extend the exhibition period, to allow more time to comment on the discussion paper.
“We want to encourage as many people as possible to spend time looking over the discussion paper and providing their feedback.”
The discussion paper is now on exhibition until Tuesday 1 March.
To view the Discussion Paper and provide feedback <a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/proposals" target="_blank">visit here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Property 101: NSW townhouse review continues

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Where you live may be an important factor in the sorts of jobs you find, where your children go to school, and how safe you feel walking home after working late. A tight rental market clearly limits housing choices for the less well-off. But are there other factors that might affect this – such as ethnicity?
<h2>How we tested for discrimination</h2>
To investigate this, we designed an experiment to compare the experience of Anglo, Indian and Muslim Middle Eastern “renters” in Sydney, to see if they were treated differently. We chose to look at these two ethnic minorities because other studies have reported they experience housing discrimination.
Each week between August and November 2013, we sampled properties advertised for rent across Sydney. We used paired testers (people of the same gender and age, but different ethnicities) as “mystery shoppers”. They phoned the listed agent and then, if possible, attended an inspection in person.
The testers completed a detailed questionnaire about what the agents told them. We completed a total of 537 phone-call tests and 369 in-person inspection tests.
The study covers only the enquiry and inspection stages of the housing search. We couldn’t test what happens once an application is actually submitted, because that would have involved lying. However, even at these early stages, we found some clear differences in how Anglo testers were treated compared to Muslim Middle Eastern or Indian testers.
<h2>What happened in the tests?</h2>
The chart below summarises the proportion of “tests” (properties that both testers visited) falling into one of three categories: the minority tester was favoured; both testers were treated identically; and the Anglo tester was favoured.
We tested which of these differences were statistically significant (not likely to be the result of random variation). The net difference between the numbers of Anglos and minorities favoured is shown in the chart labels, along with the statistical significance of the difference.
<a href="/images/2016/02/11/image-20160129-27177-1e62dl2.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/11/image-20160129-27177-1e62dl2.png" alt="">
On some dimensions, minority testers were more likely to be favoured. Agents were more likely to tell the minority tester when the property would be available and that all adult occupants must sign a lease.
Agents were also more likely to take the minority testers' details – although they were less likely to contact them after the inspection.
But on most dimensions, particularly those that might meaningfully affect someone’s search for housing, agents favoured the Anglo tester. Agents were three to four times more likely to offer Anglo (but not minority) testers an individual appointment to inspect the property, to ask Anglo testers about their housing needs and to tell them of other available housing.
Agents also gave Anglo testers information about the application process that the minority partner was not given (such as the deadline for applications). And, although agents did this in only a small number of cases, they were more likely to contact Anglo compared to minority testers after the inspection.
All of these differences might make it far easier for Anglo renters to find the right property, at the right price and in the right location.
<h2>What can we reasonably conclude?</h2>
Paired testing has its limitations. It is difficult to match individuals perfectly. Underlying characteristics (such as how confident someone is) might affect how they are treated.
We screened testers carefully and spent time training them. We also monitored the weekly survey responses to control quality.
One obvious limitation is that we looked at the experiences of only two ethnic minority groups, because we had limited funds. It’s likely that other ethnic and racial groups might have quite different experiences in the rental housing market. Our results also don’t say anything about other Australian cities.
Despite these limitations, we believe paired tests offer unique insight into how people of different ethnicities are treated in the market. Surveying agents or renters about their perceptions would have resulted in just that – a study of perceptions.
No-one can accurately compare their own experience of the world to someone else’s. So, relying only on complaints of discrimination is likely to underestimate substantially the actual incidence of differential treatment. We think our study offers a much more robust glimpse at housing inequity and has the potential to supplement anti-discrimination enforcement.
 
Heather MacDonald is head of the school of built environment and professor of planning in the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building, University of Technology Sydney and author for The Conversation.
She can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/heather-macdonald-219145" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Sydney's discriminatory rental housing market

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GUEST OBSERVER
Increasing land tax as an alternative to raising the GST rate could have far reaching ramifications on both property owners and the broader property industry. 
Imposing land tax to all land owners from a state level should only be considered in line with the reduction or abolition of transfer duty. 
Failure to do this could cause the property industry, one of Australia’s largest earners and employers, to slow drastically.
Lifting the GST rate could potentially have a regressive tax impact. 
Lower income earners generally spend a higher proportion of their income on necessities. 
Land is already heavily taxed through stamp duty, such as transfer duty, landholder duty, rates, income tax, including capital gains tax and, of course, land tax.
If land tax was to be increased, it could dampen activities in the sector which could also affect those working in the industry and the wider economy, not just property owners. 
Making the ownership and transaction costs of property too expensive could reduce investment and development activities in the sector. 
We all know the impact of a property industry downturn, which affects a wide range of workers in the real estate and construction industries, not just property owners. 
Many property owners are just mum and dad investors, so increasing ownership costs through land tax could erode the viability of their investments, which may also trigger a potential depression in property investments. 
It is not fair to punish people for wanting to get ahead financially by investing in property.
BDO is committed to encouraging public debate and being at the forefront of discussions around Australian tax reform. From next week BDO invites participation in the annual BDO Tax Reform Survey.
Hung Tran is BDO Brisbane Real Estate and Construction partner and can be contacted <a href="https://www.bdo.com.au/en-au/our-people/hung-tran" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Land tax hike not viable alternative to GST reform

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GUEST OBSERVER
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) rejected Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison’s suggestion that curbing negative gearing was a responsible fiscal alternative to raising the GST.
Negative gearing was well established as a vital tool to encourage investors into the property market, where their continued investment was vital to ongoing rental affordability.
Removing negative gearing from property investment will only serve to drive investors to other assets such as shares, where the offset would remain intact.
This would further impact affordability as there would be fewer houses available to meet rental demand
A review of history would confirm this, with the Hawke government removing gearing benefits in in 1985 only to reinstate them in 1987 when rents surged approximately 24 per cent. 
Removing or scaling back negative gearing would actually hurt the most vulnerable in Queensland, with middle and low-income families unable to afford the resulting rising rents as stock dwindled.
In Queensland more than a third of our population is in rental accommodation, so it’s crucial that supply is maintained for this large section of the community.
If private rentals were drastically reduced this would place enormous strain on the limited resources in public housing.
In its 2013 report Housing 2020, the Queensland State Government outlined its public housing strategy to limit its public housing new builds and to actively transition residents through its public housing, moving them towards private rentals or home ownership.
The Government recognises that the private sector is able to gain more efficiencies in the housing market and the public sector is more costly and less efficient.
The Government strategy focuses on moving residents away from “a view that social housing is a home for life” and instead, places “greater emphasis on social housing as a transitional period on the path to private rental or home ownership”.
If supply was limited to the private rental market and public housing was being scaled back, the social consequences would be significant and detrimental.
Instruments such as negative gearing encouraged individuals to save and invest in property, and this boosted financial self-sufficiency for individuals later in retirement, a key plank of government policy.
There was a common misconception about investors who access negative gearing benefits and capital gains tax concessions, as very wealthy with a vast portfolio of property.
Recent ATO statistics, provided by the Property Council of Australia, revealed that about 70 per cent of investors who benefit from negative gearing earn less than $80,000 and about 73 per cent own just one investment property.
In Queensland, owner occupiers account for two-thirds of the residential dwelling market, with investors making up about a third (34 percent).
ANTONIA MERCORELLA is CEO of the <a href="https://www.reiq.com/" target="_blank">REIQ</a>.
 
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Negative gearing cuts no solution to budget hole: Antonia Mercorella

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The former tennis champion Pat Rafter has wasted no time securing approval for his new home on Byron's outskirts.
It got the council tick two days before Christmas for a single storey dwelling on the 28 hectare property that Rafter and his wife Lara bought mid-last year.
There's no home at the $1.35 million coastal property, just grazing cattle. 
Rafter, who reached world number one in 1999, had locals fleetingly wondering if there'd be a tennis academy - Florida style.
The home will sit among huge fig trees.
The sportsman's purchase marked a return to NSW property for the Noosa based family.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Tennis champion Pat Rafter gets approval for Byron build

<html><body><div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Property tycoon Harry Stamoulis has bought the One Collins Street tower complex at the top of Collins Street, Melbourne, for $125 million.
It was bought from fellow BRW rich lister Robert Magid and his sister, Nora Goodridge.
The complex comes with 17-storey modern tower overlooking Treasury Gardens and an 1870s heritage residence that served as Australia's first war cabinet room in 1914.
The Australian Financial Review says it was struck on a tight 5.25 per cent yield and at a high building rate of more than $9000 a square metre for the fully leased A-grade office complex.
The Australian says it was sold by Knight Frank.
Rabobank, Mckinsey &amp; Co, Grant Samuel and IBISWorld are tenants at One Collins Street. 
The Magid family acquired it for $43.1 million in 1997.
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Magid's sell One Collins Street to Stamoulis

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Stockland, the nation's largest diversified real estate investment trust, today reported an 8.1 per cent increase in first-half underlying profit to $313 million.
After the group settled 2,770 lots in the six months ended December 31, its chief executive, Mark Steinert said that favourable conditions in Sydney and Melbouurne saw the company ending its first half with a record number of contracts in hand.
"We've activated a high proportion of our residential land bank and we have sufficient depth to our projects in high demand corridors to underpin future organic growth," he said.
<a href="/images/2016/02/10/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-10%20at%2012.32.47%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/10/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-10%20at%2012.32.47%20PM.png" alt="" width="450" height="292">
Stockland delivered a 45 per cent increase in operating profit in its residential division.
Its material improvement in profitability was driven by new projects and market conditions.
With record contracts on hand, full year settlements are expected to be slightly above its through the cycle range of 5,000- 6,000 lots.
<a href="/images/2016/02/10/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-10%20at%2012.33.52%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/10/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-10%20at%2012.33.52%20PM.png" alt="" width="515" height="423">
The company said it adopted a disciplined restocking focussed on key urban markets - Craigieburn and Mickleham, Melbourne, consolidation ~1,000 lots; Rowville, Melbourne, stand alone medium density, 180 dwellings; Waterway Downs, Gold Coast, ~750 dwellings
Its sell outs included at Arve (Ivanhoe, Melbourne) with 150 townhomes under construction.
Stockland signaled it was bringing to market four additional projects in priority metropolitan corridors in 2H16: Schofields (Sydney); Macarthur Gardens (Sydney); Newport (Brisbane) and Pallara (Brisbane).
<div>
<a href="/images/2016/02/10/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-10%20at%2012.35.06%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/10/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-10%20at%2012.35.06%20PM.png" alt="" width="597" height="501">
<a href="/images/2016/02/10/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-10%20at%2012.37.32%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/10/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-10%20at%2012.37.32%20PM.png" alt="" width="558" height="295">
 
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Stockland reports 8.1 percent increase in first-half underlying profit

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<h1>London 1970 - 1976: A case study into Real Estate Market Cycles<a class="next on" href="https://www.jll.com/cities-research/london-case-study-lessons-learnt"></a><a class="prev on" href="https://www.jll.com/cities-research/london-case-study-background-causes"></a>
</h1>
<h2>JLL came up with seven factors that contributed to the <a href="https://www.jll.com/cities-research/london-case-study-1970-1976" target="_blank">1974 London office market crash</a>.</h2>
<div class="page-content">
<div class="factors-content factors-content-1">
1. Strong business cycle
Financial deregulation in the United Kingdom was followed by an expansion of international banking and financial services. This resulted in a rise in occupier demand for office space and increased floor space per worker. At the same time, public sector demand for office space in Central London increased. The temporary shortage of space resulted in rising rents and capital values. Therefore, financial deregulation increased the demand for office space in London, while at the same time facilitating the financing of additional construction leading to increased supply.   2. Property development cycle
The London office construction boom was highly speculative due to a lack of pre-committed tenancies. While occupier demand increased steadily and rents rose by 90% between 1970 and mid-1973 (compared with a 30% rise in consumer prices) the supply of new space took several years before reaching completion.   3. Price distortions due to regulation
From 1964 onwards the Labour administration enacted legislation limiting new office development (Control of Office &amp; Development Act of 1965) and imposed taxation (Land Commission Act of 1967) on property development gains, thereby disincentivising new construction. The corporation tax (1965) favoured direct ownership of property assets. Together, these regulatory changes stimulated investor demand while constraining supply, hence exerting more upward pressure on values. These policies were later reversed by the Conservative administration of Edward Heath from 1970 to alleviate the supply shortage. However, by then, easy credit was providing further stimulus for consumer and asset price inflation.   4. Lending boom and gearing ratio increases
The expansionary economic policy of the Heath government from 1971 led to low interest rates and a rapidly increasing money supply. The result was a credit growth boom. Since property values were rapidly increasing, banks concentrated their lending to this sector. Gearing ratios, often based on inflated values, increased beyond traditionally safe levels (up to 100%). Developer-borrowers were servicing their debt with additional loans solely in anticipation of capital appreciation. The office market boom, and subsequent bust, might be seen as collateral damage from the policies adopted to stimulate the broader UK economy.   5. Financial liberalisation
Sections 123 and 127 of the Companies Act of 1967 had spawned a category of secondary (fringe) banks without explicit regulatory oversight. These financial institutions relied on the ever-growing money markets as a source of (largely short-term) funding. The Bank of England's laissez-faire stance towards the loosely regulated secondary banks failed to monitor and to limit their over-concentration of lending to the commercial building market. The 1971 Competition and Credit Control plan also advanced banking sector deregulation by removing lending ceilings and reducing the reserve ratio, thereby releasing credit for lending. Deregulation resulted in increased competition among banks for market share, which led to the erosion of underwriting standards and increased risk-taking through highly leveraged loans priced at margins that did not adequately reflect the riskiness of the exposures.   6. The economic shock
The unanticipated shock of the 1973 oil crisis further accelerated the UK inflation rate.Annual inflation rose from 7.1% (1971) to an all-time record of 24.2% (1975), prompting the Bank of England to precipitously raise its minimum lending rate (MLR) from 7.5% in June 1973 to 13% in November 1973. Those property developments that were financed by short-term bridge loans (that were susceptible to rate rises) faced liquidity problems and many were unable to meet their debt-service obligations. Simultaneously, property values stalled because of price controls that limited rent increases and a reinstated development tax that curbed profits.   7. Belated strategies to limit the economic and financial fallout
The sudden shocks arising from these simultaneous pressures led to defaults and began a potentially self-reinforcing cycle of capitulation in the property market that resulted in the Bank of England's "Lifeboat" operation. The Bank of England, with the cooperation of UK clearing banks, established a liquidity fund of £2-3 billion to support the banking system in December 1973. Institutional investors (financial, pension and insurance companies, who were often creditors to property companies) were encouraged to take over their collateral, rather than force a distressed asset sale that would further depress values across all other similar assets. Institutional investors thus became increasingly involved in direct ownership of commercial real estate. In a further attempt to limit the "fire sale" of distressed assets, a moratorium of creditors established "Cork's dam" to manage the assets of the failed Stern Group of companies. Also in December 1973 the Bank of England introduced the Supplementary Deposit Scheme (the "corset") that continued until February 1975 and intermittently thereafter.
</div>
</div>
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Seven factors in the 1970s London office market crash 

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The latest tenant to move into Camberwell is Central Hope Australia Pty Ltd. 
The 180 sqm space of Suite 3 of 321 Camberwell Road was leased at $65,000 per annum over five years, including three car spaces, plus outgoings worth $8,000. 
Fitzroys Huang, who brokered the deal, said there was strong interest for smaller offices in Camberwell with car spaces.
This property was leased within two weeks of coming onto the market.
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Camberwell lease within two weeks of offering

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The Continental Hotel at Sorrento is under offer.
It was listed by the Di Pietro family with $15 million expectations last March.
<a href="https://www.continentalhotel.com.au/History.htm" target="_blank">The "Conti"</a> stands tall at its hillside 1-21 Ocean Beach Road position.
The four storey limestone building sits on a 3,580 square metre holding.
The hotel, freehold and business, was offered through Sothebys International agent Rob Curtain, in conjunction with CBRE.
The pioneer thespian and entrepreneur George Coppin built the mansard-capped hotel in the 1870s. The seaside spruiker shipped wealthy Melburnians to the Mornington Peninsula on his paddle steamers, and then put them on his tramway to stay at his Hotel Continental.
In 1890 the hotel was bought by Isaac Edward Bensilum for £6,000, the original cost of the hotel being £14,000.  
Bensilum who ran the hotel with his wife Nellie, built The Athenaeum in 1894.  
Owners and Licensees:
<table border="4" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10" align="center"><tbody>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
1875 – 1890 
</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
George Coppin – licensee John Crawford 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
1890 – 1913 
</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
Isaac Edward Bensilum 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
1913 – 1921 
</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
T E Hawkins 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
1921 – 1923 
</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
L Fitzgerald 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
1923 – 1953 
</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
L De Vine 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
1953 – 1960? 
</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
N &amp; G Fernhead 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
1960 - 1990 
</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
tbc 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
1996 - current 
</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
 Di Pietro Family
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: The Continental Hotel
It was on the toss of a coin - a choice between Australia and America - that Coppin sailed from Sussex on the Templar, arriving in Sydney in 1843 with his partner, Maria Watkins Burroughs, where he was to perform at the Royal Victoria Theatre on Pitt Street.
Coppin briefly owned the Clown Hotel, directly opposite the theatre, which failed as Sydney's first permanent musical entertainment venue, before he moved south.
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The Continental Hotel at Sorrento under offer

Having successfully expanded into a new region with its Caloundra apartment development, Sunset by Dusk Group, growing South East Queensland developer Dusk Group is again venturing into new territory.

The developer has lodged plans for a 70-apartment project in the Moreton Bay region, to be known as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sunrise-on-sutton-25-sutton-street-redcliffe-qld-4020">Sunrise on Sutton</a>, named after its prime Sutton Street location, just one street back from Suttons Beach.

<img alt="Sutton" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88a9f9ee-6ace-47f5-a0c6-8fb134b27e98" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-15%20at%209.20.42%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=iMXmJ7_BNZAmCt.jjupMSLdV_Qa9zJAK" />

Dusk Group Directors Huw Feeney and Anthony Short seized the opportunity to acquire the near-1,800 sqm amalgamated corner site at Sutton and Ella Streets for their first project in the area.

They have again enlisted MAS Architecture Studio, the architects behind Sunset by Dusk, to design the new eight-storey development.

The building will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and has been designed to maximise views towards Suttons Beach, Margate Beach and Moreton Bay.

Pending approvals, the project could launch before the end of the year.

<img alt="Dusk" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="90c0c26c-096c-4ceb-8c58-f8303aea542f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-15%20at%209.20.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=nw8bqQtpOrf5nA95tuYhtqdB59YUzmO0" />

The development will provide 111 car parking spaces and 40 bicycle spaces.

Positioned within walking distance of Suttons Beach, Bluewater Square, Redcliffe Hospital and the Redcliffe Paceway, the development will sit within one of the peninsula's increasingly urbanised coastal pockets.

Redcliffe's new apartment market remains exceptionally tight, with Gardner Vaughan Group's One Redcliffe currently the only new apartment development actively being marketed in the beachside suburb.

It's another beach-focused development for Dusk Group, who has seen considerable success at its Caloundra apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sunset-by-dusk-group-caloundra-5-7-bombala-terrace-caloundra-qld-4551">Sunset by Dusk Group</a>.

Over 80 per cent of the 36 apartments have sold ahead of its early 2027 completion.

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

First look: Dusk Group targets Suttons Beach precinct with 70-apartment Redcliffe proposal

Leading Brisbane developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group (CPG)</a> has completed and settled $450 million worth of apartments at Monarch Residences in Toowong, marking one of Brisbane’s most significant and prestigious riverfront residential completions in recent years.

The final apartment at Monarch sold at auction on the 30th May for $4.1m.&nbsp;

The milestone has been marked at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/monarch-residences-toowong-600-coronation-drive-toowong-qld-4066">Monarch Residences</a>, with Cr Penny Wolff highlighting the importance of completing major residential projects to boost the city’s much-needed housing supply.

The 224 apartments, delivered across two 15-level towers, are now officially in the hands of owners, including Brisbane downsizers, families and professionals who have traded traditional houses for apartment living. The completion underscores sustained demand for absolute riverfront living in Brisbane’s inner west.

<img alt="$450M Monarch Residences sells out as Brisbane riverfront demand surges" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="56ae05e9-092f-41f0-98a1-a10984fdd171" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ROBNN_MONARCHLAUNCHEVENT-131.jpg?VersionId=p76J6weGZqseNrE6aOAjmAHUah.y65Gd" />

Monarch Residences was planned and delivered over four years on a 1.2-hectare parcel with more than 130 metres of direct frontage to the Brisbane River, occupying one of the last remaining true riverfront sites of its scale and orientation within close proximity to the CBD. The site has been transformed from an underutilised, derelict block of land, into a thriving residential precinct with Middenbury House at its centre.&nbsp;

Consolidated Properties Group CEO and Chairman Don O’Rorke says the project’s completion represents the culmination of years of careful planning, design collaboration, market conviction and outstanding team delivery.

“We announced Monarch Residences in late 2021 and it’s been one of the most strongly received residential projects in our 45-year history,” Mr O’Rorke said.

"We are incredibly grateful to the outstanding team who helped bring Monarch Residences to life. A special thank you to Hutchinson Builders and their hardworking labour force for delivering a development of exceptional quality that our residents will be proud to call home for many years to come.

“Brisbane City Council and Titles Queensland also played a huge role in getting residents into their homes early through the pilot programs they ran to speed up the approval processes. They understand the challenges of the housing industry and are doing something about it.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113455 project_image_fid=211466]

Consolidated Properties Group Head of Residential, James MacGinley said Monarch Residences showed what could be achieved when private industry and government worked together to deliver new housing for Brisbane.

“Monarch Residences has delivered more than 200 new apartments in Brisbane’s inner-west at a time when additional housing supply is critically important,” MacGinley said.

“It’s fantastic to see residents now moving into this landmark riverfront development, which reflects the strength of collaboration between Council and the project team throughout delivery.

“All government agencies played a significant hand in achieving a fast-tracked outcome for Monarch Residences with Brisbane City Council, Urban Utilities, Energex and Titles Queensland assisted to remove hurdles to achieve settlements.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113455 project_image_fid=302326]

With Monarch Residences now complete, CPG has launched River Living, a bespoke on-site property management service designed to enhance the resident experience. The service will support all future CPG residential projects, including the recently announced <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> in Yeerongpilly and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a> in Newstead.

The completion also marks the opening of a prized leasing opportunity at the heritage-listed Middenbury House, built in 1865 and which has been carefully restored and integrated into the broader masterplan.&nbsp;

CPG said the adaptive reuse of the landmark riverfront residence presents an opportunity to introduce a complementary boutique tenancy that respects the site’s historic significance while activating the riverfront frontage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113455 project_image_fid=211495]

Colliers Director of Residential Andrew Scriven said the move-in phase highlights continued demand for completed premium riverfront apartments in Brisbane.

“Residents are now experiencing firsthand the scale, craftsmanship and irreplaceable riverfront position that Monarch offers,” Scriven said.

“Opportunities to secure a brand-new, completed residence on Brisbane’s absolute riverfront are exceptionally rare. Combined with the proven track record of Consolidated Properties Group and Hutchinson Builders, combined with a design vision brought to life by some of Australia’s leading architects and designers, Monarch represents a unique opportunity to purchase a home of enduring quality and prestige.”

Monarch Residences was designed in collaboration with Melbourne-based architect Wardle Studio, alongside leading national practice Cottee Parker, with construction delivered by Hutchinson Builders.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113455]

Consolidated Properties Group sells out Monarch Residences as Brisbane riverfront demand surges

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.

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]

Jonathan Chancellor

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