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GUEST OBSERVER
The Melbourne Institute (MI) Inflationary Expectations are reported as a 30% symmetric trimmed mean utilising all responses except for the ‘don’t know’ responses. Compared to the previous old trimmed mean, this adds 2ppt to the level of the index (below).
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But the new series appears to express greater cyclical amplitude (charts below) which can be useful for picking turning points in the inflation cycle.
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In September, consumer expectations for the annual pace of inflation lifted to 3.5% from 3.2% and now on a moderating trend since the 4.0% print in May 2014. The trend is now 3.4%yr and has been so since April 2015. Expectations continue to remain well below the average since 1995 of 4.5% (chart below).
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Inflationary expectations remain well contained. Despite an expectation for some pass-through to consumer goods from the weaker Australian dollar, we are yet to see these have any impact on consumers’ inflationary expectations.
Justin Smirk is ‎senior economist, Westpac Group and can be contacted <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au/about-westpac/westpac-group/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Inflationary expectations remain well contained: Westpac's Justin Smirk

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Consumers have been told they will receive greater protection when purchasing a property, after a bill aimed at strengthening the law against underquoting passed the NSW Parliament this week.
Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Victor Dominello said the reform fulfilled a NSW Government election commitment.
NSW Fair Trading and REINSW are working in partnership to prepare real estate agents for the new laws, which take effect on 1 January 2016, with information sessions already underway.
“The NSW Government committed to overhauling the current laws to crackdown on the practice of real estate underquoting – and we have delivered,” he said.
“Underquoting is illegal and misleads potential buyers looking for their dream home.”
The amendments to the Property Stock and Business Agents Act 2002 include:
·         Agents will be required to provide evidence of their estimated selling price to the vendor and this estimate must be stated in the agency agreement;
·         When marketing a property an agent must only use the estimated selling price provided in the agency agreement;
·         Estimated selling price can be a single figure or a price range. If a price range is used, the highest price must not be more than 10% higher than the lowest price;
·         Advertisements and representations that say “offers over” or “offers above” or any similar statement will be prohibited;
·         Agents will be required to keep a register of prices quoted on a property whether these are provided to the vendor or prospective purchasers.
In addition to the existing penalty of $22,000, agents found guilty of underquoting will now be liable to forfeiture of any commission or fees from the sale.
“There have been no successful prosecutions related to underquoting made under this Act in 13 years, so this reform is long overdue,” Mr Dominello said.
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Property underquoting bill passes NSW Parliament

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A Berrara beachfront property on the NSW south coast last traded in 1950 has been listed with $9 million hopes.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-berrara-120925917" target="_blank">4850 sqm property in Berrara</a>, has been listed by the Roach family who bought the then dairy property for around £750 pounds.
The property now boasts two houses with private ownership of a portion of Kirby’s beach.
It has a helicopter landing area.
Gaby Rogers of Colliers International has the listing. 
Hotelier Justin Hemmes also owns a beachfront property at the coastal hamlet.
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Beachfront Berrara, NSW South Coast offering

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RippleVale House, at 4100 Cape Otway Road, Birregurra has been listed for sale.
It is an 1870 landmark Western Districts property set on 75 hectares with Barwon River frontage.
With William Guilfoyle gardens, <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/4100-cape-otway-road-birregurra/Property-Details-buy-residential-9588454" target="_blank">the six bedroom homestead</a> has a Dutch Italianate influenced grand dining room.
The is also a historic cottage, built in 1865, tennis court, stables, historic shearing shed, storage sheds, plus the gardens and rambling orchid.
Michael Cooney and Maria Nesci at Great Ocean Road Real Estate Lorne have the offering with $4 million plus hopes.
It last traded at $3.1 million in 2007 when bought by Sara Cashman, who is passionate about farm gate pure produce and artisan butchering.
The house was built in 1870 for Charles Sladen, who was premier of Victoria for just 67 days.
It was designed with weekend shooting parties in mind - hence the ballroom, dining hall, wine cellar, pantry, maids' quarters, stables and cool store.
Tessellated tiles and stained-glass windows grace many rooms along with sandstone and Italian marble fireplaces.
The ceilings are lofty and windows are large in the 650 square metre home.
Many of the renovations were undertaken during the ownership of the retired grazier/hotelier Stewart Gray.
Birregurra, which became Victoria's first plastic-bag free town in October 2004, is 15 minutes from Colac.
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Premier RippleVale, Birregurra Western Districts listing

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September property market offerings had a mixed trend across the country as to the required discounting before offerings were sold by vendors.
The latest APM heat chart showed only Canberra with a marked lower discount required in the private treaty markets, down to 4.3% discounting.
Sydney property vendors needed to knock 5% from asking prices. 
 
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According to APM, the Brisbane and Perth <a href="/news/perth-now-the-slowest-property-sales-market-in-country-apm-heat-chart">private treaty market slowed in September</a>.
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Sydney property vendors needing to knock 5% from asking prices: APM heat chart 

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Investment banker Paul Espie, turned Dungog farmer, and his librarian wife Ros have listed their 1920s Palm Beach weekender, Craboon with $6.5 million plus hopes through LJ Hooker agents David Mackay and David Edwards.
Its listing heralds an end of an era as they've been on Pacific Road since before he founded his advisory company, Pacific Road Capital.
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/119-pacific-road-palm-beach/Property-Details-buy-residential-9642186" target="_blank">Their stone cottage with Howard Tanner extension</a> was purchased in 2005 for $2.45 million, though the family initially owned elsewhere on Pacific Road in the mid-1980s when Paul and his late father, Sir Frank dabbled in speculative property plays.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Paul Espie calls time on Pacific Road, Palm Beach

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GUEST OBSERVER
Today's Australian jobs numbers surprised a little to the downside, with a drop of -5k jobs in September (market had +10k), while the unemployment rate was steady and in line with expectations at 6.2%.
The unemployment rate has now been broadly steady between 6.0-6.4% for the past 16 months. The official labour market numbers are broadly in line with other surveys, including job advertisements, vacancies and hiring intentions, which have all shown a gradual improvement in labour demand since their trough in early 2014.
This gradual improvement is consistent with the RBA's own forecasts. We expect the RBA to be on hold in coming quarters.
Facts
Employment fell by -5.1k in September (market and HSBC expected +10k). Over the past six months, employment growth has averaged +15k a month. Annual employment growth was unchanged from August, at 2.0% y-o-y.
The participation rate fell by 0.1ppt to 64.9%. The recent trough in participation was 64.5% in October 2014.
The unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.2%, in line with expectations and also exactly where it was one year ago. The unemployment rate has been between 6.0% and 6.4% for the past 16 months, during which time the trend unemployment rate has been steady at 6.1-6.2%.
Total hours worked lifted by 0.7% in September, with annual growth rising to 2.5% y-o-y. This is the fastest pace of growth since the year to October 2011.
Implications
Although the monthly jobs print was weaker than expected (-5k), the unemployment rate is still continuing to track sideways, rather than rise. Looking through the month-to-month volatility, these numbers suggest continuation of the status quo. The labour market has stabilised but there is not quite enough momentum to get the unemployment rate to fall.
Given recent measurement challenges in the official numbers it is also important to put them in the context of the full range of jobs indicators (see charts below). These measures are showing a broad trend of gradual improvement in labour market conditions.
 Job advertisements rose in September, continuing the upward trend that has been apparent since early 2014. The ABS quarterly job vacancies survey shows a similar trend and continued to rise in Q3. Both of these surveys are showing gradual improvement, although the pace is slower than in previous cycles. 
The consumer sentiment survey has also recently shown a sharp fall in households' expectations of unemployment. This suggests that the labour market is not a key constraint on households' spending decisions. 
From the RBA's perspective, today's numbers are unlikely to be surprising. Along with other indicators, they confirm that the labour market is stabilising, consistent with the RBA's own forecast for a steady unemployment rate in coming quarters. 
 
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<a href="https://www.about.hsbc.com.au/hsbc-in-australia/management-team" target="_blank">Paul Bloxham</a> is chief economist (Australia and New Zealand) for HSBC. Daniel Smith is economist, HSBC.
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Unemployment steady, labour market remains stable: HSBC's Paul Bloxham

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GUEST OBSERVER
I am sure you have all read this week how the investment bankers and economists are predicting property will fall dramatically early in 2016. 
The Sydney Morning Herald reported Macquarie was looking at a 7.5% reduction from “peak to trough”. The Australian reports, Macquarie said in a note “Credit growth, auction clearance rates, house prices, settlement volumes and the dollar value of settlements are also showing signs of slowing, albeit from lofty levels”.  Credit Suisse goes a step further warning that property investment in Australia is “riskier than the equity market”, particularly in NSW. 
During Spring in times of property upswings we quite often read such predictions as with greater volume of stock (in Spring) buyers have more choice and as a consequence auction clearance rates dip a little. This is happening at the moment and the pundits mistakenly think this is the start of a property price downturn.
We all are aware the market has been in almost boom conditions for a couple of years and the rate of growth we have experienced during that time is not sustainable in the long-term, but I can see nothing to indicate a fall in prices.  A plateau perhaps….which would be a good thing. Maybe even call it a breather!
An example of what I mean was last night’s auction sale of 103 Paddington Street, Paddington which sold for $2,000,000, considerably above reserve and a price which delighted the owners.  During the final week of the campaign three potential buyers who had shown interest in this terrace bought something else…see what I mean…greater choice from more properties on the market. 
Why do I feel this way?
Experience tells me the key drivers of property are interest rates (affordability) and confidence. The ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Rating indicates confidence is higher in October than it was during Winter...another pointer to a healthy property market. The US Equity Market is on the up and so is Europe.  Building costs in Australia remain high and moving higher…this filters down to replacement cost and the basic value of home improvements.
I am looking forward to the rest of the Spring and with confidence to 2016….so should you!
 
Bob Guth is director and auctioneer, Bradfield Cleary and can be contacted <a href="https://bradfieldcleary.com.au/home" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Investment banks get it totally wrong: Bob Guth

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A Gold Coast hinterland acreage residence has been listed for sale with $2.35 million hopes through Ken Jacob at Ray White Tugun.
The <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/720-tomewin-mountain-rd-currumbin-valley/Property-Details-buy-residential-9502232" target="_blank">720 Tomewin Mountain Road</a> property sits on over 4 hectares with views from the Cougalls to the ocean.
The property has six bedrooms, four bathrooms, five car spaces a full-sized tennis court and a self-contained guest quarters.
This property has possibilities as a potential wedding venue, B&amp;B; or as a plant production nursery, which was its original purpose.
Retired engineers Robert Roy and Jean Law have lived there for 30 years. 
The median price for a home in <a href="/news">Currumbin Valley is $805,750</a>, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
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Gold Coast hinterland acreage hits the market

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GUEST OBSERVER
Who needs the RBA when the banks do their dirty work for them? 
Westpac yesterday announced the increase to their variable rates by 20 points, for both owner-occupied and investment loans. If you have an investment loan at Westpac, your Standard Variable Rate will be 5.95%, so even if you're enjoying a lifetime discount of 1.15%, your rate will still be a whopping 4.80% (well, whopping in todays terms, my dad would yell at me if I called that whopping). 
That rate's more than 60 points higher than it needs to be, even for investment lending.
Is it just Australia's first bank's turn to break the ice? Our eyes are now peeled whether other banks think they can also get away with it, given the recent regulatory changes and increased capital reserves banks must carry.
We'll certainly keep you posted, but I must stress its not the Standard Variable Rate that's so important but rather the lifetime discount you manage to get off that, which for home-owners was up to 1% a couple of years ago and up to 1.45% thesedays (for those who get a top-notch broker to go hard negotiating for them). 
My team led by Victoria here at iChoice lodges dozens of pricing requests every week, delighting customers who had no idea what what they could get. It's a buzz.
The banks are offering all kinds of incentives for you to switch your home loan. Would you prefer $1,500 from Suncorp, $2,000 from St George or 250,000 Award Points from NAB? Personally, all else being equal, I'd take the latter - fancy getting two free return flights to LA for switching to a cheaper home loan!
NAB rates are fantastic and we can arrange a product with no annual fee ($10 per month instead, so let's call it $120 p.a) which gets you a Qantas credit card and a 100% Mortgage Offset Account. Please call if you want to know what rate you qualify for...it does take us 2 hours to confirm but you will be way impressed.
My handy hint today is about Land Tax. It's calculated on the investment land you own at midnight December 31st. So if you go to auction during November, see if you can extend settlement settlement till the first week of January, just to save a few bucks. Dont confuse it with CGT which is affected by the date you sign the contract. 
On that note, November and December can be interesting months to attend auctions...good luck to those of you doing so.
Jason Khoury is principal, iChoice Mortgage Brokers and can be contacted <a href="mailto:jason=%20&lt;script%20type='text/javascript'&gt;%20/n%20&lt;/script&gt;&lt;script%20type='text/javascript'&gt;%20%20&lt;/script&gt;This%20email%20address%20is%20being%20protected%20from%20spambots.%20You%20need%20JavaScript%20enabled%20to%20view%20it.%20&lt;script%20type='text/javascript'&gt;%20%20&lt;/script&gt;" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Banks doing the RBA's dirty work: Jason Khoury

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.

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[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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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“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.

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Jonathan Chancellor

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