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GUEST OBSERVER
Misinformation and scare tactics are clouding the debate around incoming strata reform.
The strata laws under which we operate are the oldest in the world so the system is in desperate need of an upgrade. The exponential growth in the popularity of strata ownership means that reform is urgently needed to bring it in line with modern life.
Bills do not apply to existing strata schemes, only future strata schemes with current strata owners having the option to opt in, so it will take time to see material change in the NSW system.
If 75% of residents agree to redevelop a strata development the remaining 25% will not be thrown out onto the streets.
The facts have been lost along the way here. One thing people need to be aware of is this strata reform is not retrospective. It will apply only to existing strata committees if they chose to sign on to it, and it will apply to strata committees that are established post the introduction of the reforms.
And in reality any collective sale of the strata development is complex and will take up to two years to achieve. The sale would have to go through courts and those in opposition will have the opportunity to argue their case.
Further facts are:
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<li>Old strata buildings are expensive to maintain. The upkeep of a dilapidated building is not only a burden to residents but also owners who wish to sell their apartments. </li>
<li>Strata unit owners stand to benefit. The majority of residents will make more profit from the collective sale of a strata development then if they were to go it alone. </li>
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Stephen Albin is chief executive of the Urban Development Institute of Australia and can be contacted <a href="https://www.udiansw.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Dispelling the myths around strata reform: UDIA

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The keys and crown of Jonathan and Amanda Erwin are set to be handed over following the sale of their sandstone castle at Avalon for $2,542,500.
Set up 100 steps at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-avalon+beach-115993231" target="_blank">40 Chisholm Avenue</a>, it finally achieved its $2.5 million plus expectations, but took more than a year to do so through LJ Hooker Palm Beach selling agent David Edwards.
Set on the northern side of an unspoilt rocky summit above Clareville Beach, it was the opera devotee architect Edwin Kingsberry's idea to build the house, however he lacked the funds and the land sold to Leslie Erwin, a salesman for Colgate/Parmolive.
Erwin constructed it as a present for his wife. However, his wife - and the mother of the current vendors - ran off with the architect.
Inspired by the music of Wagner, the palatial medieval property got its official name — Götterdämmerung — from the composer’s famous Ring Cycle opera, but locals just call it The Castle.
Music still resounds from the home, with Jonathan, an antique furniture restorer, a member of the northern beaches band, Bilgola Bop Band.
At 3238 sq metres, this block of land is one of the largest on the peninsula, with the privacy of the site never to be threatened.
This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.
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The Castle sells at Avalon

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Having sold Headingley House in Woollahra, John Spender QC is off to Double Bay.

He has paid $3.975 million to buy in Juliana Lim's Oceania complex on Bay Street, the Bay Residences , a 14 apartment complex designed by Kann Finch architects. The legal paperwork shows the lawyer transfered the home into joint ownership with wife Catherine earlier this month under 104B of the Duties Act.

Estate agency 1st City Hasemer &amp; Caldwell.Eyles - Double Bay has one left.

Headingley, which was his diplomat father, Sir Percy Spender purchase from the Kater pastoralist family in 1949 for £11,676, fetched $13.1 million.

It was bought by New York fund manger Alwyn Heong who sold in his Rose Bay harbourfront Indah for $27.08 million to barrister Georgina Black, the partner of Graham Edwards, chief executive of the UK’s property giant Telereal Trillium.

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The LJ Hooker Bill Malouf marketing says the 1880s Woollahra house had been redesigned by acclaimed architect Professor Leslie Wilkinson in the 1930s.

Spender, the dapper Queen's Counsel, who now does commercial arbitration, moved into the stunning Georgian-style Wellington Street residence in 1985.

While he was the Member of the House of Representatives for the seat of North Sydney - before Joe Hockey's election - he would occasionally take the trip from his eastern suburbs home to the lower North Shore electorate in his late father's white Rolls Royce.

This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.
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John Spender buys $3,975,000 Double Bay apartment after Headingley House sale 

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There were ten registered to bid, four that got to after the $5.3 million opening bid when the Roberts family auctioned their Randwick home on the weekend.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-randwick-120499909" target="_blank">8 Dick Street</a> renovated home was knocked down at $6.11 million, just shy of the $6.2 million record on St Marks Road secured four years ago.
This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Randwick record runner up at $6.11 million

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RBA board members noted that very low interest rates would continue to support growth in dwelling investment and household consumption.
But they added in their September minutes that there were indications that the measures implemented by APRA had slowed the growth in lending for investment housing.
They noted dwelling prices continued to rise strongly in Sydney, "though trends had been more varied across other cities."
Indeed while the strength in housing price inflation had been concentrated in Sydney and Melbourne, mainly for detached houses, the RBA summarised housing price inflation has having been modest in other parts of the country and "negative in some market segments."
Members noted that rapid growth in the construction of new apartments had helped to hold down inflation of their prices.
It also noted there had been a notable decline in the growth in lending for investment housing in July. 
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Rapid apartment construction holding back price inflation: RBA 

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The Pontiac Land Group from Singapore has been awarded the rights to develop the two heritage sandstone buildings in Sydney's Bridge Street.
It will become a $300 million, 240-room luxury hotel after the leasehold sale by the NSW Government.
The developer secured the long-term lease of the former Lands Building at 23-33 Bridge Street and the 1915 Education Building at 35-39 Bridge Street.
The property portfolio of the billionaire Kwee family already includes luxury hotels, the Ritz-Carlton Millenia and the Regent Four Seasons hotel in Singapore.
It will pay $35 million for the 103-year lease of the 19th century landmarks. 
"This flagship hotel is all about making smarter use of our property assets. Proceeds from the lease will be reinvested in infrastructure, and there will be substantial savings to NSW taxpayers on avoided maintenance," NSW Minister for Finance, Services and Property, Dominic Perrottet said.
"Importantly, these iconic heritage assets will be enjoyed by locals, tourists and visitors, rather than just being used as offices for bureaucrats." 
A concept plan approved by the NSW Planning Department allows for up to three additional storeys on the Department of Education building which lies between Loftus and Young streets. 
Construction is expected to commence after the buildings are vacated in 2018.
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Pontiac secures Sydney sandstone hotel tender victory

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Clifton, an 1891 Camberwell home has been listed for sale with record setting expectations.
The <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/27-29-kintore-street-camberwell/Property-Details-buy-residential-9390872" target="_blank">27-29 Kintore Street</a> trophy home has been listed with $6.5 plus million hopes through Doug McLauchlan at Marshall White for September 19 auction.
The corner property was designed by Butler and Ussher on its 2235 square metre lot.
The house was last traded in 1988 and has been extended since.
The house has a garden with 120 year old trees, a full-size, floodlit tennis court, and solar heated swimming pool.
Sims Cooper &amp; Co director Graeme Black and his wife, Sally Romanes, are selling Clifton, which sits at 27-29 Kintore Street, at the intersection of Loch Street
The double-storey, six-bedroom home is within walking distance to the Camberwell train station and the Burke Road shopping strip.
The median price for a house in <a href="/news">Camberwell is $1,720,000</a>, according to CoreLogic RP Data. 
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Camberwell record setting auction listing

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A Dutch Colonial style home in Adelaide has been listed for sale.
Number <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-beaumont-118382467" target="_blank">7 The Common at Beaumont</a> has been listed with $2.7 million hopes through Phil Harris and Megan Mallick at Harris Real Estate 
George Gavin Lawson, an architect from Edinburgh who migrated to Australia in early 1900’s, built the property in 1930.
Lawson was appointed senior draughtsman in the South Australian architect-in-chief's office in 1920. 
He designed the dental school (1922) at the University of Adelaide, the (Sir John) Bice building (1923) at the (Royal) Adelaide Hospital and the Hartley building (1924) at the Teachers' Training College on Kintore Avenue. 
In 1925 he entered into partnership with Charles W. Rutt and designed the offices of the Burnside City Council.
In 1928 designed the Edments building in Rundle Street and the Lister building on North Terrace in commercial gothic style.
The Australian Dictionary of Biography noted that as a result of his work, he received other commissions for homes in the south-eastern foothills, some of which were built in his favourite Dutch colonial style. 
Kirribilli, a heritage-listed property, sits on 3000sqm block.
It features ivy-covered twin gables, Marseilles tiled roof, overhanging eaves and rendered masonry. The five bedroom property has been in the hands of Alfred Scammell's family since built.
It overlooks the Common reserve with 366 sqm internal space.
The median house price in <a href="/news">Beaumont is $850,000</a>, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
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Kirribilli, Adelaide Dutch colonial offering

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 Malcolm Turnbull has been sworn in as the 29th Prime Minister of Australia and has said he will lead a “thoroughly Liberal Government”, alluding to the outgoing Prime Minister’s conservative approach.
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 Turnbull, with Julie Bishop as deputy, won an unexpected Liberal party leadership ballot against Tony Abbott yesterday which was instigated by Turnbull’s challenge.
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 While there is speculation that Joe Hockey will be replaced in the Treasury portfolio by Minister for Social Services, Scott Morrison, a cabinet reshuffle is not expected until after the parliamentary sitting week, which ends on Thursday.
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 The firmness of the vote (Turnbull won 54 votes to Abbott’s 44), Turnbull’s standing in opinion polls (Figure 1), and his perceived centrist policies provide him with a good base to meet business approval.
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 Turnbull has the opportunity to positively influence business and consumer confidence in the short term. There has been a general lack of optimism around government for some time (Figure 4). When the Coalition came to government, business confidence surged to a three year high, but has been unable to maintain that level, and is currently below average (Figure 2).
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 But to sustain any elevation in confidence, Turnbull’s leadership will need to triumph over populism and he will need to provide a credible strategy to lift the productive capacity and competiveness of the Australian economy.
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 Turnbull said he intends to improve the government’s communication of its economic agenda to voters. Last night he pointed to New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key as an example of a leader that has been able to implement significant economic reforms by bringing people with him.
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 Turnbull has clear space to reset the party’s policy priorities ahead of the next election, which will likely be sometime next year. Turnbull said he will do this in a collaborative manner in a ”thoroughly traditional cabinet government”.
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 There are two particularly important White Papers currently being drafted that could provide the basis for substantial and needed reform in the Australian economy, including one on tax and one on federation. How far Turnbull is willing to take these will in part determine his government’s ability to expand the economy’s potential. 
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 Turnbull is likely to face a hard task at this starting point. The ANZ-Roy Morgan confidence survey shows that consumers are fragile and worried about the outlook. The subindex on ‘economic conditions in the next five years’ fell 6.0% in today’s survey following a 5.2% fall in the previous week (Figure 3). This is the lowest level since the weekly survey began in October 2008. 
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<div class="column">Turnbull commented last night that he would bring economic vision to the Prime Ministership and he said this was lacking under his predecessor.</div>
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 Turnbull’s past statements and his more liberal approach suggest he will have some policy differences to Abbott, although we do not expect a significant shift of policy in the short term. 
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<div class="column">Turnbull’s policy positions should not be assumed from his past comments. For example, although in 2009 Turnbull crossed the floor to support the then-government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, last night he said the “policy on climate change that Greg Hunt and Julie in fact prepared, is one that I supported as a Minister in the Abbott Government and it’s one that I support today”.</div>
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 Turnbull is a strong advocate of marriage equality and allowing a conscious vote within the party on the issue, but he has stated that he will retain the government’s commitment to a plebiscite on the issue.
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 Turnbull, as the 29th Australian Prime Minister after four changes in just over five years, may suffer from the perception that Australian Prime Ministers do not enjoy longevity in office. A former journalist, lawyer and businessman, Turnbull was elected to the Commonwealth Parliament in 2004 in the inner metropolitan Sydney seat of Wentworth.
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 Turnbull is also a former Australian Republican Movement chairman. 
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Cherelle Murphy is co-head of Australian Economics, ANZ Research and can be contacted <a href="https://bluenotes.anz.com/authors/our-economists/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Tax reform needed from Malcolm Turnbull's leadership: ANZ's Cherelle Murphy

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GUEST OBSERVER
The September RBA Board meeting followed a period of substantial turbulence in international financial markets, and as such the focus of today’s minutes was always going to be on the comments on the international environment. 
Not surprisingly, the verdict from the minutes is “overall, international economic developments had increased the downside risks to the outlook”.
But the minutes also note the increased uncertainty surrounding the outlook – noting that “it was too early to assess the extent to which this would materially alter the forecast for GDP growth in Australia’s trading partners”. And on China, “the recent volatility in Chinese equity markets was not expected to have a significant direct effect on the near-term economic outlook” and “it was too early to assess accurately the effect of several recent policy changes designed to support activity”. 
On the whole, it seems that impact on the Australian economy of the recent global developments is difficult for the RBA to fully gauge at the moment.
Consistent with the post-meeting statement, there was very little change to the language or tone of the comments on the domestic economy. While the meeting predated the release of the weak Q2 GDP data, the number was in line with the Bank’s expectation and the details of the report are likely to be broadly consistent with the Board’s characterisation of the domestic economic environment.
The minutes did note however that “recent indicators of consumer sentiment and retail sales had been consistent with some increase in consumption growth”. However, since the meeting, the Q2 national accounts showed consumer spending rose just 0.5% q/q, July retail sales fell 0.1% m/m and consumer confidence has fallen 7%. The minutes also noted that the recent CAPEX survey suggests some downside risks to the Bank’s mining investment forecasts, raising the potential for a further downgrade of the Bank’s GDP forecasts.
And while the Bank is clearly encouraged by the strength in employment growth and the increase in the employment-to-population ratio, the minutes again highlight that space capacity remains in the labour market and wage pressures continue to be weak.
Overall, the minutes suggest an increased level of uncertainty about the outlook, particularly on the international front. Clearly the evolution of the economic data coming out of China will be important, as well as the ramifications of any Fed rate hike. Domestically, business confidence and conditions, retail sales and employment data will continue to be keenly watched for guidance on the outlook.
Given that growth remains soft, and the data very patchy, we continue to expect the cash rate to remain on hold, although recent developments suggest that the risks have further tilted towards lower rates. 
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Felicity Emmett is co-head of Australian Economics, ANZ Research. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/felicity_emmett" target="_blank">here</a>.
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RBA minutes also note the increased uncertainty: Felicity Emmett

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."

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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."

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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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[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.

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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.”

[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

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