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Building activity held up solid for the June quarter, with a healthy proportion of residential commencements flowing through to completions.
The latest ABS Building Activity data indicated that housing commencements recorded 53,314 starts, which is down 3.2% on the previous quarter, but climbed to 16.9% over the year to post 211,976 commencements.
Multi-unit residential commencements grew to make up 46.2% of the total starts for the year.
The completions activity also continued to carry through, reaching 48,941 for the quarter, to record an annualised 189,239 homes completed in seasonal terms.
Multi-unit residential completions made up 40.8% of the total homes finished over the year.
“The strong numbers of new homes coming through to completion are going to provide additional homes to improve affordability, which has been needed in regions such as Sydney for some time,” said Property Council of Australia’s executive director residential, Nick Proud.
“Multi-units completions leaving the pipeline over the coming six months will be stronger than they historically have been, which is expected to provide options for those looking to buy and rent.
“The commencements have definitely hit a peak, however the completions should sit at these levels for at least another quarter or two as the pipeline of homes gets built”, Mr Proud said.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Housing commencements at 211,976: ABS

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Chef Neil Perry's Rockpool restaurant premises on Sydney's Bridge Street have sold for $8.51 million through Knight Frank.
The strata retail asset is leased to Rockpool, via the Star Restaurant Group trading until 2023.
The 490-square-metre property in the historical Burns Philps, Sydney building sold at a 6.78% yield. 
The 7-11 Bridge Street building has been substantially reconstructed behind its original facade.
The Rockpool property exchanged at $17,367 a square metre, the Australian Financial Review calculated.
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Bridge Street Rockpool restaurant premises sold

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Comedic actor Shane Jacobson has listed his five-bedroom house at Newport in Melbourne.
 The Oxford Street property has been listed through Village Real Estate Seddon agent Anthony Watson.
The home has been scheduled for<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/42-oxford-street-newport/Property-Details-buy-residential-9523848" target="_blank"> October 17 auction</a>. 
It was bought for $1 million in 2007, after the success of his debut film, Kenny.
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Actor Shane Jacobsen lists Newport home

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Demand for three bedroom rental properties is pushing up the weekly median rentals around Melbourne’s Bayside.
Investors in Cheltenham benefitted the most from this demand with the median weekly rent for a three-bedroom apartment increasing 13.3% over the year to $510 in June 2015, new REIV data shows.
Large family homes in neighbouring Beaumaris are also highly sought after by tenants.
Three-bedroom apartments there recorded annual rental growth of 11.1% to a median of $750 per week, up from $675 for the same period last year. 
The REIV data suggested three-bedroom homes in Hampton saw 9.8% growth over June 2014 figures to $725 per week.
The median weekly rent for the same sized property in Highett also grew to $510 in June, up from $480 last year - a 6.3% increase.
The median rent for a four-bedroom home in Brighton increased 7.3% to $1,288 over the year while one-bedroom apartments grew 7% to $356 per week. 
Rental increases were also recorded for two-bedroom properties in Brighton East. The weekly median rental for a two-bedroom apartment in Brighton East grew by 10.5% to $450 while rent for the same sized house was up 10% to $450. 
Other suburbs experiencing rental growth across the municipality included two-bedroom apartments in Black Rock, up 6.1% to $425 in June and four-bedroom homes in Sandringham, up 8.7% to $950 per week. 
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Bayside Melbourne rental growth with strong demand for three bedders

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GEUST OBSERVER
Westpac’s move to increase interest rates on its owner occupier loans will be the first from many lenders. 
We find that when one of the majors make a change like this, others follow.
Mozo calculates Westpac will earn an extra $1.59 million in interest each day from its decision which will impact existing and new owner occupier and investor loan customers. 
With APRA’s requirements not due until 1 July 2016, Westpac has made a bold move to increase rates so early, but we’re going to see a lot more of it over the coming months.
Despite rates being at record lows, lenders are looking at ways to meet APRA”s capital requirements including raising rates, not passing on official interest rate cuts or curbing discounts.
If the RBA cuts rates on Melbourne Cup day, we could see banks holding back part of a rate cut or not passing on cuts altogether.
The ‘borrower bonanza’ of sub 4% variable rates and incentives we’ve seen lately may become a distant memory come 2016.
In another measure to increase the ratio of deposits as a funding channel, Westpac, St George, Bank of Melbourne and Bank of SA have increased at call and term deposit rates. 
Westpac upped the introductory rate on its eSaver account by 6 basis points to 3.31% and its 4 and 6 month term deposits by 10 basis points and 1 year term deposit by 5 basis points in September. This comes after a 14 basis point increase in August for the eSaver introductory rate to 3.25%. 
After a long period of uncompetitive savings rates, deposit holders might have some light at the end of the tunnel with rates likely to increase over the next six months, thanks to the new capital rules.
It would be highly unlikely for any of the Big 4 banks not to follow Westpac’s early lead - which will also see them gain new deposit business.
Kirsty Lamont is marketing director of <a href="https://mozo.com.au" target="_blank">Mozo</a>.
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More rate hikes to follow Westpac move: Mozo's Kirsty Lamont

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Property industry salary rises are creeping up, according to the findings in the Avdiev Property Industry Remuneration Report 2015 October update.
Salary rises vary across market sectors and seniority of staff, it found.
Real estate agency senior staff and built environment consultant mid- level staff and juniors were the major recipients. 
Senior employees have been the beneficiaries of the usual full pay increases granted in the last reviews, most other levels of staff have enjoyed a 3% pay rise with the notable exception of the retirement living/aged care market sector, where only junior staff were given a 3% pay increase.
The median annual pay rise of 3% across all property, investment and construction markets and the built environment consultants has not varied since last year.
Predictions for next year continue at 3% overall, but property development higher for all levels.
Short term and long term incentives have remained unchanged for majority of senior staff and forecast to remain the same for 2016.
<a href="https://www.avdiev.com.au/" target="_blank">The authoritative 29th report</a> found 71% of responding companies were happy with their recent business performance.
“Business and consumer confidence have improved recently” said Rita Avdiev, Managing Director of The Avdiev Group, remuneration consultants. 
“This is particularly evident in NSW where the whole property and built environment consulting industry is buzzing in every market sector.”
The latest Avdiev Remuneration Report October Update, the product of a formal Australia wide survey of property, investment, construction employers and built environment related consulting companies, finds that business conditions have improved for 52% of respondents and remained stable for 41%.
Only 7% reported a drop in company performance from 12 months ago. 
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Property industry salaries rising: Avdiev

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The sheer weight of capital being poured into Australian commercial property was impacting on pricing and yields, Christine Phillips, the head of asset management at AustralianSuper says.
It meant buyers had to make questionable assumptions about rent and core tenancy demand to justify their acquisitions, she advised as reported by the Australian Financial Review during a Property Council lunch in Melbourne on Tuesday.
"I see a potential unwinding of those assumptions, particularly in the office market," she said.
In an office market like Sydney, more supply has been mooted for a market that arguably does not need any more, she added.
Ms Phillips said growth opportunities were better in offshore markets.
"We have mandates to invest in UK office and retail property, US office, retail and multi-family accommodation and to invest in Europe," she said.
"Access to these types of assets is just not there in Australia."
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AustralianSuper says better commercial property opportunities offshore

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A local developer has paid $5.04 million to outbid a number of offshore groups for a potential development site with Hoddle Street frontage.
The deal on the vacant possession showroom was brokered by Savills agents Nick Peden and Jesse Radisich.
The corner <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-abbotsford-501678049" target="_blank">218-228 Hoddle Street</a> property, with two street frontages, was a likely candidate for redevelopment, although the purchaser had not revealed any plans. 
Jesse Radisich said the 1161 square metre property included frontage of 30 metres to Hoddle Street and 38 metres to Stafford Street, with a Commercial 2 zoning allowing for office, some manufacturing uses, bulky goods and other retailing uses.
The property attracted over 100 enquiries.
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Savills sells Hoddle Street development site to local

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Buyers with an interest in Victorian hotel assets and developers are expected to battle over the Bridie O’Reilly’s pub at 29 Sydney Road in Brunswick.
Colliers International’s Guy Wells and Pat Connolly, in conjunction with Jonathon McCormack and Alex Ham of Gross Waddell, have been appointed to sell the popular pub. 
The hotel comprises a ground floor lounge area, large dining room / nightclub area and outdoor courtyard. 
Situated at the corner of <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-brunswick-501722189" target="_blank">Brunswick and Sydney Road</a> with additional frontage to Black Street, Mr Wells said the property represented an opportunity for investors and developers alike.
“The 1,120sqm (approx.) site provides a development opportunity being a gateway site in Brunswick,” Mr Wells said. 
The site has been earmarked by the Moreland City Council as having the potential for a five storey development within the Brunswick Structure Plan. 
The property is offered with the benefit of lease returning approximately $275,000 per annum (excluding GST) with one year remaining on the current lease term, and a further five year lease term.” 
Bridie O’ Reilly’s was as extensively refurbished in 1997 and now operates as an Irish themed pub and entertainment venue.
This property will be sold by public auction on Wednesday October 28 at 12 noon on-site.
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Thirsty investors, developers circle Bridie O’Reilly’s in Brunswick

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Campari House, at one of Melbourne’s most iconic CBD laneways, has sold for $8.1 million at CBRE auction.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-melbourne-501695217" target="_blank">21-25 Hardware Lane</a>, the four level building is one of Melbourne’s best known dining destinations.
It comprises two commercial kitchens, restaurant, private guest room and rooftop bar. Fully leased, the marketing suggested its net passing rental income was $337,631p.a.
It was historically occupied by Kirk’s horse bazaar – a horse and livery trading centre built in 1840 by James Bowie Kirk.
Benefitting from a high volume of foot traffic, the Hardware Lane secured a record land price of $45,505 per square metre.
There were six bidders contesting the auction, coming locally and from offshore.
The vendors only purchased the property two years ago at $5.999 million in July 2013, having sold at $4.7 million in 2009.
CBRE City Sales is preparing to take to auction nearby 30 Guildford Lane – a double storey, refurbished warehouse building for October 30 auction. It last traded at $1.76 million in 2008.
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Hardware Lane restaurant offering snapped up at auction

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.

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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."

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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.

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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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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.

[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.

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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.

[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

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