<html><body>
Lend Lease lawyer Stephanie Rogers is looking for her next renovation project after listing her former whaler's cottage in North Sydney for sale with $3.2 million plus hopes.
The place has been through a two-year renovation. 
The property, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-north+sydney-120603289" target="_blank">41 Whaling Road</a> is on the market through Mark Jackson and Kellie McMillan at Belle Property.
The property has wide panelled Ironbark flooring and high-pitched ceilings, two original fireplaces and a kitchen which features Italian marble and granite.
The median house price for <a href="/news">North Sydney</a> is $1,770,500, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Former whaler's cottage listed in North Sydney

<html><body>
A Mediterranean-style Port Douglas home has been listed for sale.
La Casa Mirasol, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-port+douglas-120452961" target="_blank">10 Solander Boulevard</a>, has been listed with $4 million plus hopes through Nicolette van Wijngaarden at Unique Estates Australia.
The home stretches over two beachfront blocks totalling 1600 square metres, fronting Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas. 
Built in 1995, La Casa Mirasol has bagged walls, exposed beams and Spanish-style tiled roof.
A 20 metre saltwater pool surrounds the property. 
The median price for a home in <a href="/news">Port Douglas </a>is $516,250, according to CoreLogic RP Data. 
</body></html>

Port Douglas Mediterranean-style listing

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
For people owning or looking to purchase strata property, it is paramount to be aware of the latest laws affecting strata titled property. 
The New South Wales Government has released its draft bill proposing new strata laws. These propose numerous important changes, some of which are so important as to change the strata landscape and hence affect property decisions. 
In order to provide a clear understanding of the issues that are under review and subject to possible change and to clarify the impact these proposed changes could have for existing or new strata title property owners, here is a snap-shot of the key things under review. I am happy to address any or all of these in more detail for you.
The proposed strata law reform includes the following:
Collective Sale or Development – Provision is to be made for compulsory sale or redevelopment of strata buildings, even where there is a dissenting minority, by means of a strata renewal plan. There would be a broader range of options for someone owning such a property or proposing to buy one, but if you buy a strata property, it might not be your choice when you sell it. 
Tenant rights - Tenants are to be given some rights, including to be given notices of meetings, attend those meetings and in some cases appoint a tenant representative. 
Building defects - A number of changes have been proposed to improve the process of addressing building defect issues in new strata buildings. 
Strata Managers - Appointment terms are to be limited and entitlement to receive commission income and other benefits is to be restricted.
Caretakers - Caretakers will become known as building managers and will not be required to be a resident.
Renovations - Lot owners will be able to carry out "minor cosmetic work" without the consent of the owners corporation and potentially simpler procedures will apply for "minor renovations" where owners corporation consent will still be required.
Common property maintenance - A lot owner may be able to claim compensation from the owners corporation for failure to maintain common property, where this causes loss to the lot owner.  
By-laws - There will be greater scope for by-laws addressing issues such as unauthorised parking, smoking and occupant numbers and improved mechanisms for enforcing by-laws.  
Governance - Strata committee members will be subject to duties, but will have no liability if acting in "good faith. There will also be many changes to meetings and other procedures.
Finances - Financial reporting requirements will change and there will be changes in timing of levy payments and interest payments on arrears levies.
For property investors, owners and occupants as well as managers alike, these changes have the potential to make life better or worse, depending on how well they are understood and the submissions made in consideration of these too. I am happy ot elaborate on any aspect of the above or any strata related topic you may be covering.
 
David Bannerman is director of Bannermans Solicitors and can be contacted <a href="https://www.bannermans.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.  
</body></html>

Proposed strata reform fails to hit the mark: David Bannerman

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
Affordability issues in Sydney and Melbourne are creating stresses for homeowners considering an upgrade to a larger family home.
The national debate seems to be all about first home buyers, and with good reason given climbing real estate values coupled with ongoing housing shortages. 
The trouble is that upgrading to a bigger home is not a simple or straightforward transaction either, especially with more empty-nesters in Sydney’s northern and eastern suburbs and Melbourne’s southern and eastern suburbs sitting on larger family homes.
Empty-nesters are hindering the second home buyer markets in our major capital cities because the costs for them to downsize either to a smaller property or a different location are too prohibitive thanks to excessive stamp duty charges imposed by state governments.
Stamp duty eats into the retirement nest-eggs of many older Australians, especially those who have very little in the way of superannuation savings, because the majority of their working careers was completed prior to the introduction of compulsory superannuation in the early 1990s.
It also means that many older Australians are unable to benefit from uncapped, tax-free superannuation payments, which younger baby boomers are now enjoying as they head into retirement.
To rectify this financial imbalance for older, self-funded retirees, Mr Raine is urging state governments to consider stamp duty tax breaks for homeowners aged over 70, who would like to  sell a principal place of residence.
In turn, stamp duty-free real estate transactions for older Australians will help address some of the current supply constraints that are cramping the real estate plans of second time property buyers in our capital cities.
 
Angus Raine is executive chairman, <a href="https://www.raineandhorne.com.au" target="_blank">Raine &amp; Horne</a>.
</body></html>

Stamp duty breaks will help solve second home buyer dilemma: Angus Raine

<html><body><div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The Woolworths supermarket in Burleigh Heads on Queensland's Gold Coast has been sold for $7,315,000 on a yield of 5.4%.
It was offered through Burgess Rawson aucton by Karin Gordon, the wife of former Gold Coast developer Tim Gordon.
It was bought by a Melbourne-based private investor with the underbidder from Sydney.
</div></body></html>

Woolworths Burleigh Heads sold for $7.31 million

<html><body>
The Westpac branch at Wahroonga on Sydney's north shore has been sold through Burgess Rawson on a tight yield of 5%.
Securely leased to Westpac until 2018 with options to 2028, it fetched $3.85 million.
It was a 271 sqm part two storey freehold building with on-site parking.
The Burgess Rawson marketing agent Simon Staddon said it came with "attractive annual 5% rent increases."
"The bank pays 100% of outgoings as per lease."
It's net income was given as $196,983 pa + GST.
</body></html>

Wahroonga Westpac sells at Burgess Rawson auction

<html><body>
Art dealer Denis Savill has listed his Wiston, Darling Point whole floor apartment given his continued need for storage space for his Australian art acquisitions.
It would seem the large garage at a Stephen Gergely-designed Bellevue Hill residence snapped up for $6.5 million pre-auction fits the need nicely. Sotheby’s agent Tony Barron secured the deal following the death last year of Best &amp; Less founder Berel Ginges.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-darling+point-120760101" target="_blank">Savill’s three bedroom Darling Point home</a> with partner, Anne Clarke is set for October 12 auction with $2.3 million plus hopes. He and Tony go back four decades when Barron was with Raine &amp; Horne and Denis at LJ Hooker in Double Bay. 
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
 
</body></html>

Denis Savill lists whole-floor apartment

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
GUEST OBSERVER
The Australian Institute of Architects welcomes Prime Minister Turnbull’s appointment of Jamie Briggs as Minister for Cities and the Built Environment. 
Announcing Minister Briggs appointment as part of the cabinet reshuffle on Sunday, Mr Turnbull said: 
‘Historically the federal government has had a limited engagement with cities, and yet that is where most Australians live, it is where the bulk of our economic growth can be found. We often overlook the fact that liveable cities, efficient productive cities, the environment of cities, are economic assets.’ 
Australia is a highly urbanised nation and as our towns and cities develop, we face a number of key challenges. From climate change, population growth and an ageing demographic, to an increasing demand for infrastructure, housing affordability pressures and traffic congestion, our cities need the right strategies, policies and processes in place to create a built environment that can sustain us into the future. 
The Institute has lobbied for the creation of such a role for many years, through its own policy activities as well as through its involvement with bodies such as the Urban Coalition and ASBEC. 
This is very welcome news. A federal champion is crucial in driving reforms that better connect built environment policies and programs across all levels of government. The federal government can now play a key role in ensuring Australia’s built environment will function as well as it can. 
This role should drive reform and champion quality design. Priorities for the department should include: 
<ul>
<li>strategic planning for our built environment to promote globally competitive, sustainable and socially inclusive urban centres and towns</li>
<li>
increasing density through design – to capitalise on the role of good design to accommodate urban growth
</li>
<li>championing world-class urban design and architecture to help solve our urban growth challenges and enhance our international design reputation</li>
<li>the adoption of an urban design policy</li>
<li>
the appointment of a federal government architect to further promote high quality buildings and public spaces, and provide expert, high level strategic advice.
</li>
</ul>
The Institute will seek a meeting with the Minister to ensure that the profession is represented in policy development.  
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
David Parken is chief executive officer, Australian Institute of Architects, and can be contacted <a href="https://www.architecture.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Five necessary reforms for the Minister for Cities and the Built Environment

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
GUEST OBSERVER
Latest dwelling price figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicate that the gap between the growth rates in the eight capital cities has widened.
Over the year to June 2015, the ABS Residential Property Price Index rose by 9.8%, with a 4.7% increase occurring during the June 2015 quarter itself. Annual house price growth was 10.5%, with prices in the attached dwelling segment increasing by 7.5% over the same period. 
The variation in dwelling price growth across Australia’s capital cities is remarkable.
On the one hand, price growth is very robust in both Sydney and Melbourne, while prices have actually eased back a little in cities like Perth and Darwin.
The wide divergence of dwelling price growth across the capitals is indicative of the mixed economic conditions across Australia. It highlights the challenges in prescribing ‘one size fits all’ policy responses to the housing market.
The strength of dwelling price growth in Sydney is receiving much attention. However, the upturn in Sydney prices follows a decade which saw the city lag far behind the other seven capitals in terms of price growth. 
Price pressures ultimately represent the inadequate response of supply to much stronger demand conditions. We need to see more flexibility in the planning process and in the release of new residential land in order to take the heat out of prices. 
In the year to June 2015, dwelling price growth was strongest in Sydney (+18.9%), followed by Melbourne (+7.8%) and Brisbane (+2.9%). The pace of dwelling price growth was more modest in Canberra, (+2.8%), Adelaide (+2.7%) and Hobart (+1.5%). Over the same 12 month period, dwelling prices actually declined in both Perth (-1.2%) and Darwin (-1.8%). 
Shane Garrett is senior economist for HIA and can be contacted <a href="https://hia.com.au/en/BusinessInfo/economicInfo/EcoGroup.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Dwelling price growth across capital cities remarkable: HIA's Shane Garrett

<html><body>
Actor Fiona Spence, one of the most admired Australian television stars throughout the past three decades, has put her Lewisham home up for auction.
The British-born stage and television actor is best known as the unlucky in love spinster Celia Stewart in Home and Away - Alf's sister - along with her role as prison officer Vera Bennett in Prisoner series.
She was more recently on Packed to the Rafters as Ted Taylor's ex-love interest, Eleanor McCormack. 
Her grand three bedroom <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-lewisham-120725877" target="_blank">Hunter St terrace</a> on a sunny north-easterly, 540 sqm comes with delightful private gardens overlooked from the outdoor entertaining verandah.
The two storey residence has been restored and renovated but still maintains its classic Victorian period feel with pressed metal ceilings in several rooms along with original fireplaces.
Sally Hampshire at Laing + Simmons Double Bay has the October 10 auction offering with $1.9 million hopes.
There have been five higher sales over the past five years. The record price sits at $2.8 million on The Boulevarde. The suburb's median house price sits at $1.1 million, according to CoreLogic RP Data. 
"The abundance of local schools makes Hunter Street a family friendly location," she said. 
Leaving Melbourne for Sydney in 1996, Fiona Spence bought the home for $364,000. Born in Kent, England to an Irish mother and an Australian surgeon father, she first moved aged three to Hong Kong and then at six to Australia. She's looking to downsize, but staying in the inner west.
</body></html>

Actor Fiona Spence lists in Lewisham 

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