<html><body>
Queensland's cheapest weekend auction result was a townhouse at Eagleby - sold at $64,000 less than its last sale.
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/63-175-fryar-road-eagleby/Property-Details-buy-residential-9595084" target="_blank">The three bedroom 98 sqm townhouse at 63/175 Fryar Road</a> sold at $215,000 through LJH Beenleigh.
It was marketed as having a possible rental return of $330-$340 per week, reflecting an 8 per cent yield. 
It last sold in 2007 at $279,500 on its completion.
It is not the first in the complex to sell for less as another sold at $290,000 on completion has sold recently at $227,000, an even bigger loss.
There are around 100 townhouses in the scheme with resales at losses now totalling 15 or so.
Records show another sale matched the purchase price with just two vendors recorded as making gains of around $10,000 over the years.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Loss making Eagleby townhouse $215,000 sale Brisbane's cheapest weekend sale

<html><body>
A four bedroom Roxburgh Park house was Melbourne's cheapest weekend auction house sale.
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/16-mackellar-drive-roxburgh-park/Property-Details-buy-residential-9568392" target="_blank">Set on 305 sqm at 16 Mackellar Drive</a>, it sold at $291,000 through Raine &amp; Horne agent Adam Jurdi.
It failed to sell in 2013 when listed with $300,000 plus hopes.
The house last sold at $43,000 in 2000, reflecting 12 per cent annual growth. It was last up for rent in early 2015 with a $330 weekly asking rental, reflecting 5.9% annual growth.
</body></html>

Roxburgh Park secures Melbourne's cheapest weekend house sale

<html><body>
A $400,000 sale of 3 Lads Place, Dunlop was Canberra's cheapest weekend auction sale.
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/3-lads-place-dunlop/Property-Details-buy-residential-9593282" target="_blank">The four bedroom house </a>sold through LJH Commercial Canberra.
It last sold at $259,950 in 2003.
It was marketed as having a $480 to $500 weekly rental estimate, reflecting a 6 percent gross yield.
</body></html>

Canberra's cheapest $400,000 in Dunlop

<html><body>
A one bedroom Croydon Park unit was Sydney's cheapest weekend auction sale, reflecting a sale with a gross 4.7% yield.
It was<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-croydon+park-120780917" target="_blank"> 1/9 Queensbrough Road</a> which sold to an investor through Unique Property Real Estate agent Hellio Dias.
The size was 42 sqm.
The now renovated 1965 apartment last sold at $200,000 in 2009, reflecting 10% annual growth after renovation. It was last up for rent in early 2014 with a $345 weekly asking rental.
There was only one other sale at below $500,000 across Sydney.
There were three sales under $500,000 around the Charmhaven district.
</body></html>

Sydney's cheapest sold for $383,000 at Croydon Park

<html><body>
<img src="/images/2015/11/NEW_RAMS_LOGO.jpg" alt="">
 
When you’ve found a property you’d love to call home, offering the right amount and negotiating well will give you a great chance of success. 
To determine how much to offer, use your understanding of the local market as a guide. Research how much similar homes nearby have sold for recently and consider how their features compare.
The way you place an offer depends on whether the property is for sale at auction or privately.
At auction, the bid is the offer. Prospective buyers bid competitively during the auction and, as long as the reserve price is met, the highest bidder buys the property.
In a private sale, you make an offer either verbally or in writing to the seller’s agent. This should include the offer amount; a proposed settlement timeframe; and any conditions you have for the sale to proceed.
Your offer may be subject to receiving finance approval or obtaining satisfactory inspection reports. These reports might include a building inspection report, which gives a general overview of the property’s condition; a pest inspection report, which identifies damage by termites or vermin; or a special-purpose report, which provides estimates of costs to repair major problems and recommends repairs and maintenance that should be completed. 
The agent will put your offer to the seller and they may accept or decline, or come back with a counter offer. Offers and counter offers may go back and forth several times before you reach an agreement.
NEGOTIATION TIPS
* Try to appear positive and confident but not overly keen or the agent may think they can get more out of you. 
* Unless the market is hot and the owner is already considering other good offers, it’s usually best not to offer your top price upfront. Offering slightly less will give you room to negotiate.
* Don’t let the agent know how much you can afford to pay or they may try to push you for more. You may be able to get a lower price for the property if you keep your upper price limit to yourself.
* Try to learn as much as you can about the vendor’s situation as this may give you bargaining power. They may accept a lower price for a shorter settlement period if they’re in a rush to sell, for instance.
After you’ve agreed the price and details, you’ll exchange contracts and pay a deposit to the vendor which is held on trust until settlement day. The deposit is often 10% of the property’s value. Some states have a cooling-off period after the exchange during which you can change your mind but you’ll forfeit your deposit. There is no cooling off period at an auction.
Quick tip: Before making an offer, review the contract for sale and ideally have a lawyer check over it. The contract includes details about the property and documents such as a zoning certificate, the property title, and any mortgages held over the property. After the contract has been reviewed any changes to the contract can be requested before exchanging.
 
TO FIND OUT HOW RAMS CAN HELP EASE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS, GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LOCAL RAMS HOME LOAN EXPERT OR DROP IN FOR YOUR <a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/297184278;124283081;m" target="_blank">FREE FIRST HOME BUYERS’ GUIDE</a>.
For more great property advice and tips on buying your first home from RAMS subscribe to <a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/297184960;124283082;l" target="_blank">The Great Australian Dream property series</a>.
For your free Property Observer eBook from RAMS, 12 tips for first-time buyers, covering everything you need to know when it comes to purchasing property, click here.
Disclaimer: Information in this material is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. You should also obtain independent professional advice relevant to your financial circumstances.
</body></html>

Tips to making an offer

<html><body>
<img src="/images/2015/11/NEW_RAMS_LOGO.jpg" alt="">
Saving for a deposit can be tough but there are ways you could fast-track your entry into the market.
Most lenders will only extend finance up to 95% of the property’s value, so you’ll usually need a deposit of at least 5%. If you want to avoid paying lender’s mortgage insurance, you may need to save at least 20% of the property’s value.
You may also have to budget for extra expenses such as stamp duty, transaction costs, conveyancing fees and removalist costs. 
A disciplined approach to saving, can help you get there but you may be able to get into the market sooner.
ASK YOUR PARENTS OR SIBLINGS - If your parents are willing to help, you could ask them to stand as guarantors for the loan. This often allows you to get a mortgage with a smaller deposit, or no deposit at all. The guarantee can be limited to a certain amount and could be removed after you’ve built sufficient equity in your home. As guarantors, your parents are using their assets to back you so make sure you all fully understand the potential consequences.
BUY WITH A FRIEND OR RELATIVE - This could cut down on the amount you need to save as you’ll both be contributing to the purchase. You’ll each own part of the property and share in the mortgage repayments. Be sure to seek legal advice to avoid potential disputes down the track.
BUILD A DUPLEX – Take buying with someone else to the next level and build together. By building a duplex and then subdividing the land, you each could end up with your own home at potentially a lower cost. There are lots of factors to consider if you’re thinking of taking this approach. Check council zoning and budget building costs carefully. There will be costs including the subdivision, survey expenses, legal and application fees, but you may be eligible for a stamp duty concession.
BUY OFF THE PLAN – Governments are waiving stamp duty on newly built homes to encourage development. Buying off the plan also allows you to buy now and pay later. You’ll have to put down a deposit on the property when you sign to buy but settlement doesn’t occur until after your home is completed, giving you longer to save.
Quick tip: What works for you will depend on your own personal circumstances. Consider seeking financial and legal advice.
 
TO FIND OUT HOW RAMS CAN HELP EASE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS, GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LOCAL RAMS HOME LOAN EXPERT OR DROP IN FOR YOUR <a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/297184793;124284611;o" target="_blank">FREE FIRST HOME BUYERS’ GUIDE</a>.
For more great property advice and tips on buying your first home from RAMS subscribe to <a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/297184564;124284612;l" target="_blank">The Great Australian Dream property series</a>.
For your free Property Observer eBook from RAMS, 12 tips for first-time buyers, covering everything you need to know when it comes to purchasing property, click here.
Disclaimer: Information in this material is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. You should also obtain independent professional advice relevant to your financial circumstances.
</body></html>

Buying a first home sooner

<html><body><div id="LayoutContainerGroupOuter280154">
<div id="LayoutContainerGroupInner280154">
<div id="LayoutContainerRow280154">
<div id="LayoutContainerOuter280155">
<div id="LayoutContainerInner280155">
<div id="LayoutGroup649763">
Maxwell Lane, the veteran gemologist, and wife Carol Lane are downsizing from Clifton, their restored 1910 Huntleys Point riverfront estate. 
They've been there 34 years since they purchased a mostly sandstone house in 1981 for $475,000 from the Dunphy family.
They later purchased the adjacent block from the Bassett milk vendor family adding a tennis court and underground 10 classic car collection garage, with underfloor heating. 
Maxwell started Gemtec in 1971, but began in the wholesale diamond industry in 1965. 
Over $8 million, a suburb record, is expected by Tracey Dixon of McGrath Hunters Hill at the November 14 auction of the 1922 sqm <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-huntleys+point-121000730" target="_blank">Huntleys Point Road</a> offering.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Restored 1910 Huntleys Point riverfront Clifton listed

<html><body>
Brisbane's property market still faces challenges, estate agent John McGrath acknowledges.
His latest research showed price growth did slow to just 4% along the Brisbane to Gold Coast corridor for the financial year.
"The reasons behind this include the lowest net interstate migration in more than two decades; a weak state economy; comparatively high unemployment; and the change of government," he said.
"At a macro level, there’s obviously been challenges.
But he told his Switzer blog readers that drilling down though, some areas are experiencing exciting activity.
Low interest rates were encouraging upgraders in the $1 million-plus bracket in premium areas such as Ascot, Hawthorne, New Farm, Bulimba and Paddington.
"Many are choosing to keep their existing homes in the $500,000 to $1 million bracket for investment.
"First home buyers are also back, buying in affordable suburbs like Mansfield, Salisbury and Belmont where homes are selling faster than anywhere else in Brisbane," he said.
Solid demand and a shortage of homes for sale in some areas pushed Brisbane’s auction clearance rate to its highest level on record (since 2009) at 50% for the year to August.
By comparison, over the same period of the year, Brisbane recorded 46% in 2014, 40% in 2013, 33% in 2012 and 24% in 2011.
McGrath expressed concerns about some Brisbane apartment markets.
"Apartments are a different story, with a rising oversupply in inner city areas like West End, Fortitude Valley, Newstead and Hamilton.
"Buyers are very discerning and only competing for properties with unique features.
"Downsizers are snapping up three bedroom properties but the smaller non-descript options are sitting on the shelf.
He suggested typically, an increasing house price gap between Brisbane and Sydney was pivotal in creating new market energy.
"By August 2015, the gap was $431,500 – the largest gap in dollar terms on record with Sydney house prices 88% higher than Brisbane, according to CoreLogicRP Data.
"As a result, we are now seeing a steady flow of Sydney and Melbourne buyers heading north.
"Southern investors are chasing capital growth and the highest yields of the major capital cities, while young families are seeking affordability and lifestyle."
He said owner-occupiers purchasing Queenslander-style family homes in blue chip areas are paying half what they would in Sydney for an equivalent home.
"Many are leasing these properties for decent yields while they look to secure work before moving here permanently."
</body></html>

Brisbane faces challenges, as John McGrath warns of apartments sitting on the shelf

<html><body>
About $9 million - and a suburb record - is being sought for billioniare entreprenuer Mike Cannon-Brookes' redundant Paddington home.
It is the former 1907 emporium converted into a four-storey, but eight level mansion by Duncan and Lynley Hardie.
Cannon-Brookes, the co-founder of Atlassian, and his fashion-design industry wife, Annie Cannon-Brookes paid $7.3 million for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-paddington-121096066" target="_blank">the Hargrave Street landmark</a> in 2010, after it was on the market for two years.
Now with three children, they have relocated to the $12 million Centennial Park Federation trophy home, Braelin.
McGrath agent Ben Collier will be hoping to exceed Paddington's record that remains $7.75 million first set in 2006 for a double terrace on Union Street, and then matched in 2010 when developer Stephen Dunkley sold his contemporary Goodhope Street home.
Duncan and Lynley Hardie, best known for their Sweetwater Wines, Pokolbin, property, made a $4,625,000 purchase in 2003 of the former House of Desks outlet. Its $4 million plus building cost ranked among the dearest of Sydney's non-waterfront private residential projects.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph. 
</body></html>

Mike Cannon Brookes seeking nearly $9 million for Paddington trophy reno

<html><body><div class="domain-article-share-panel">
<div class="domain-article-share-link domain-article-share-fb">
A row of seven terraces in Mary Ann Street built nearly 150 years ago and a cottage in Hackett Lane, Ultimo are going on sale to raise funds for affordable housing near the city.
Set in a leafy, heritage-rich urban precinct on the edge of Sydney city, each of the spacious Victorian terraces have the potential to be an ideal investment or renovation opportunity.
Darling Harbour and universities are a short walk away.
"The properties were purchased over 20 years ago and no longer meet the demand for affordable rental housing required close to the CBD," said Janelle Goulding, CEO of City West Housing, which is focused on budget homes.
Selling agent Peter Gordon of Cobden &amp; Hayson will auction the homes on October 29.
The nearly 30 residents of these houses have been relocated to newer accommodation in nearby areas and the funds from the sale would be used to build homes for up to 100 people in the city, said Goulding.
City West Housing is a not-for-profit affordable housing developer in Australia, and in the last 20 years has built more than 650 homes for nearly 1,400 people.
“This is the first time that these historic properties have been offered individually for sale and we are confident they will be very popular with owner occupiers, builders and investors alike. They are very substantial properties with terrific upside and it’s a very exciting location in terms of amenity, future growth potential, lifestyle and history,” said Peter Gordon.  
</div>
</div></body></html>

Victorian terraces in Sydney's Ultimo go on sale

The Gold Coast economy has grown by 25 per cent since 2020/21 to surpass $55 billion, but perhaps the more significant story is what sits behind the headline number.

For decades, the Gold Coast has been viewed through the lens of tourism, lifestyle and population growth. The latest State of the City Report suggests that perception is increasingly out of step with reality.

Released by Invest Gold Coast, the report ranks the Gold Coast as Australia's largest non-capital city economy and, perhaps more notably, second nationally behind Sydney for Economic Complexity, a measure that assesses the diversity and sophistication of an economy.

It's a result that places the Gold Coast ahead of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, highlighting the extent to which the city's economic base has broadened beyond its traditional industries.

Today, the Gold Coast supports more than 350,000 jobs, is home to over 83,000 businesses and generates $19 billion in annual exports. Manufacturing now accounts for 62 per cent of international export growth, while sectors including health, education, advanced manufacturing, technology and professional services are becoming increasingly important contributors to the local economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the report confirmed the city's evolution into one of Australia's most significant economies.

"The Gold Coast economy continues to grow at an incredible pace. This is no surprise to those of us who have watched the evolution up close," Mayor Tate said.

"As one of the most entrepreneurial, investment driven and opportunity focused economies in the country our ambition has been realised and possibilities are endless.

"The Gold Coast has built a reputation as the city that says yes. We say yes to investment, yes to opportunity and yes to people who want to build something.

"It's this mindset helping us drive major growth across health, advanced manufacturing, screen production, marine, technology and the knowledge economy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360975]

While population growth has been one of the defining stories of the past decade, the report points to a broader economic transformation taking place.

The city's knowledge economy now contributes $7.9 billion annually and supports around 31,000 jobs, while the health and wellbeing sector contributes $5.2 billion and employs more than 42,000 people. Together, the six priority sectors identified in the report account for almost $24 billion in economic output and more than 145,000 jobs.

One of the strongest examples is the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct at Southport. The 200-hectare precinct now contains more than $5 billion worth of health, education, research and innovation infrastructure and supports over 16,000 jobs.

The report also highlights the growing role of advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace, defence and modular construction.

Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies recently became the first Australian commercial company to attempt an orbital launch, while companies including Modscape and ModnPods are helping establish the Yatala-Stapylton corridor as one of Australia's fastest-growing advanced manufacturing hubs.

The city's entrepreneurial culture is also translating into business growth.

Since 2019/20, the number of businesses operating on the Gold Coast has increased by 22 per cent, while firms employing more than 200 people have grown by 80 per cent. The report suggests the next challenge is converting more local start-ups and medium-sized businesses into nationally significant companies.

Development activity remains another key indicator of confidence.

There are currently more than $23 billion worth of major projects underway across the Gold Coast, supported by a record 75 active cranes, a figure that now exceeds Brisbane and represents a 150 per cent increase since 2016.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=343235]

Importantly, the report notes the next phase of investment will need to extend beyond residential development.

While 93 per cent of crane activity is currently tied to housing, Invest Gold Coast argues future investment will increasingly need to focus on cultural, civic, infrastructure and industry-enabling projects that strengthen the city's long-term economic resilience.

Invest Gold Coast Chair Will Hodgman said the city was now benefiting from years of economic diversification.

"What is happening on the Gold Coast is the result of the city's economic base broadening, fuelled by industries with long-term, high-growth potential," Mr Hodgman said.

"This is no longer a secondary Australian economy, the Gold Coast is becoming a globally connected city with deeper capability across health, knowledge and creative industries, advanced manufacturing, technology and exports."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365786]

Looking ahead, the Gold Coast's population is projected to exceed one million residents by 2046.

For a city that was once largely defined by tourism and lifestyle, the latest figures suggest the Gold Coast is becoming something more significant, one of Australia's most diverse and economically sophisticated urban economies, and increasingly one that national and international investors can no longer afford to overlook.

Joel Robinson

75 cranes, $23 billion pipeline and a $55 billion economy: Inside the Gold Coast economic boom

Ron Bakir's Homecorp has sold more than 75 per cent of the apartments in its wellness-driven Florence Residences in Surfers Paradise following its first weekend release.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">26-storey project on Monte Carlo Avenue</a>, which commenced construction earlier this year, has seen a flurry of buyers secure their slice of the Gold Coast's latest wellbeing-focused offering in one of the nation's most competitive property markets.

Since the pandemic, the Gold Coast's population has grown by more than 11 per cent, a rate approximately four times faster than Sydney's, driven largely by lifestyle changes and interstate migration. While buyer activity has moderated in some markets nationally, demand for newly built dwellings on the Gold Coast continues to gain momentum as purchasers increasingly prioritise lifestyle, amenity, wellbeing, liveability and long-term investment potential.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372743]

Homecorp CEO Ron Bakir says buyers today are looking for more than just a home.

"What we are seeing is a shift in how people define value in property," Bakir says.

"What attracts residents to new developments is a desire for more than just a residence. They are looking for a place that complements their lifestyle, supports their wellbeing and reflects the way they want to live into the future.

"Lifestyle, longevity, proactive health, wellbeing, connection and a sense of community are increasingly shaping purchasing decisions, particularly on the Gold Coast, where these factors continue to be a major drawcard."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372744]

Bakir says Homecorp is responding to this shift through an approach that places greater emphasis on design, amenity and experience working together to create places that feel considered, connected and enduring in value.

Inspired by Eastern European design, Florence Residences will comprise 120 apartments alongside a private residents-only wellness club featuring a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium, and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.

The development will also feature a residents-only lounge with private dining facilities and a rooftop bar, premium outdoor entertaining areas, a hotel-style lobby lounge, generous bike parking, and pet-friendly amenities including a heated dog wash.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372742]

A limited number of apartments remain available, with an exclusive collection of four-bedroom sub-penthouses set to be released in the coming months.

Florence is one of the latest additions to Homecorp's expanding multi-billion-dollar property portfolio, which also includes plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/homecorp-lodges-plans-for-260-million-moroccan-bathhouse-inspired-tower-in-budds-beach">$260 million development in Budds Beach</a> tailored to the growing wellness market.

A development application has been lodged for a 27-storey, 156-residence tower at 8–10 Acacia Avenue and 25–27 Oak Avenue, featuring a residents-only Moroccan spa-inspired sanctuary.

Apartments at Florence Residences are priced from $1,249,000, with construction expected to be completed by late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150414]

Buyers rush to Homecorp's Florence Residences as Gold Coast wellness trend gains momentum

The NSW Government has expanded its $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program, broadening access for affordable housing providers and smaller residential developments as it seeks to accelerate housing delivery across the state.

The Minns Government says the program has already helped bring forward more than 600 homes across Sydney and regional NSW since launching in September 2025, with similar models now adopted in South Australia and Western Australia.

The latest changes, announced by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, are designed to improve access to finance for projects that have planning approval but are struggling to secure funding.

Among the key changes is an expansion of support for community housing providers. The program will now support up to 100 per cent affordable housing projects valued at up to $30 million when delivered by not-for-profit providers, while support for larger affordable housing developments will increase for projects worth up to $80 million.

The government says the changes will help accelerate the delivery of housing for low-income workers, older people, people living with disability, and those at risk of homelessness, while reducing reliance on direct grants or subsidised loans to bridge funding gaps.

The eligibility criteria for smaller residential developments have also been broadened. The previous $5 million minimum project value threshold has been removed and replaced with a requirement that projects deliver at least four homes.

Support has also increased for projects delivering fewer than 20 homes, with the guarantee now able to cover up to 75 per cent of dwellings in a development, capped at $30 million per project.

The changes are expected to particularly benefit smaller-scale and regional developments, which often face greater challenges meeting pre-sale requirements imposed by lenders.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the scheme demonstrates how government can use its balance sheet to stimulate housing supply without relying solely on taxpayer-funded grants.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee shows how this Government is using its balance sheet to reduce risk and unlock private investment, enabling new homes to move from design to construction faster," Mookhey said.

"This landmark reform allows us to deliver homes for working families at a lower cost to taxpayers, while also maintaining strong financial discipline."

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the program had already proven effective in bringing stalled projects to market.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has already proven it can unlock stalled projects and accelerate housing delivery by giving lenders the confidence they need to back good developments," Scully said.

"These changes will allow more affordable housing and smaller developments to access support so more homes can be built faster where communities need them most."

Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the expansion would help community housing providers overcome financing barriers that often delay projects.

"We know community housing providers are ready to build more homes, too often they're held back by barriers to finance," Jackson said.

"Expanding the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee helps remove those barriers so more affordable homes can get off the ground sooner."

The announcement was welcomed by the Property Council of Australia, which has long advocated for measures aimed at improving project feasibility and access to finance.

Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson described the expansion as a practical intervention that addresses one of the most immediate constraints on housing delivery.

"This is exactly the kind of practical intervention we need right now, focused on getting projects out of the ground, not just approved," Stevenson said.

"It builds on a model the Property Council has worked closely with government to develop following calls for such a scheme ahead of last year's NSW Budget, so it's great to see it being expanded."

Stevenson said the reforms would help unlock projects that are ready to proceed but have been delayed by financing challenges. However, she noted that broader feasibility issues remain a significant barrier to increasing housing supply.

"The biggest challenge in NSW housing today is delivery. Too many projects have planning approval but are simply not financially viable to proceed under current settings," she said.

Speaking at the Property Council's NSW Housing Summit, Housing Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged that feasibility and financing pressures continue to constrain housing delivery, while reaffirming the government's commitment to work with industry on solutions.

Stevenson said the government's recognition of those challenges was encouraging ahead of next week's state budget.

"It's positive to see the government clearly recognising that feasibility pressures are now a binding constraint on supply," she said.

"With the Budget just days away, the focus must be on backing delivery, making sure projects stack up, finance can flow, and more homes can move from approval to construction."

The expanded Pre-sale Finance Guarantee forms part of the NSW Government's broader housing agenda, which also includes planning reforms, the NSW Housing Pattern Book, and a series of rezonings intended to increase housing capacity across the state.

NSW expands Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to unlock more affordable and regional housing

Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372212]

Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372225]

While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146717]

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6395]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=353235]

A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

Jonathan Chancellor

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News