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Blacktown's recent early spring 50% auction clearance rate blues - see-sawing at well below the overall 75% Sydney average - has highlighted growing concerns about a potential spring listings oversupply.
And some local agents are worried about the capacity to find enough buyers, especially investors.
Recent CoreLogic RP Data results suggest the higher the uptick in auction volumes the lower the success rates especially in suburbs where the auction system is not that entrenched.
Sydney's longstanding auction engine room - the inner west - continues to lead Sydney's auction property market sitting still in the high 80s, but its success rate too is down a tad on on recent peaks.
"What we’re seeing is that some investor demand has already been met in these markets, in Blacktown and other parts of western Sydney," Brian Reid, the chief executive at Raine &amp; Horne noted.
"It would also appear that more vendors are adopting the auction process as the median price in many of the outer suburbs approaches or exceeds the $1 million mark.
"There is still some strength and value in this market," he suggested.
Brian Reid added there is an over-reliance on auction clearance rates when measuring the health of the market, "whereas a truer indicator is the number of days-on-market."
LJ Hooker agent Clair Andree-Evarts said she had a recent "great result" for her $885,000 sale of 96 Peter Street - part of her 100% success rate this year for her auctions.
Despite her success she noted APRA's crackdown especially since June had effected the market as around half the buyers "disappeared" with the biggest issue being the 20% deposit requirement.
"This led to less buyers.
"The problem is less buyers meant less competition on auction day and with the market having been so great over the last year most agents were still relying on the buyers to fight it out themselves at auctions and hoping the results would just happen."
Many offerings have the added advantage with the current rezoning under the new Blacktown City Council Land and Environment Plan as R4-High density residential, so the buy and hold and redevelop potential is possible, she added.. 
Harcourts agent Rod Nolan suggested buyer enquiry numbers and open home inspection numbers are down on six months ago.
"I put it mainly down to rising stock levels which have tripled if not quadrupled in the same period and the increase in interest rates for investors.
"Buyers have more choice now so they will take longer to make it and negotiate harder."
Agent James Sotiropoulos suggested in Blacktown most properties were still offered by private treaty and auction was not the preferred method.
"The heat has come off the Sydney market and more properties are been placed on the market with vendor expecting results that are just not there any longer," he said.
The McGrath chief auctioneer Scott Kennedy-Green has noted a big improvement - against the trend - in the clearance rate of Parramatta and surrounds.
"It saw the biggest change up in year on year figures from 65% clearance in 2014 to 81% clearance this year while the number of auctions booked increase from 48 to 61,"
"This points to a popularity and comfort with the  auction process as a preferred method of sale, further west from Sydney’s CBD into less traditional auction areas," Scott Kennedy-Green noted.
<a href="/images/2015/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202015-09-07%20at%2012.26.33%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202015-09-07%20at%2012.26.33%20PM.png" alt="" style="line-height: 1.3em;">
Source September 7 CoreLogic RP Data 
Thomas Doyle, at PRD Research suggested primarily he’d put the Blacktown result down to the fact there isn’t an auction culture in Blacktown, "or the other western areas for that matter."
"Many factors contribute to auction clearance rate, including whether the reserve price reflects value at a price the market will accept.
"Buyers interested in Blacktown may lack the stomach for auction.
"Moreover, Blacktown stock may not compliment the auction mechanism.
"I’d put this down to an implicit premium that auctions are typically reserved for, which is lacking from these west markets - auctions seek to maximise buyer demand by speculating on market interest and anticipation for value – auction culture."
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Blacktown's see-sawing auction success rate suggests supply concerns

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Channel 7's premiere, Peter Allen: Not the Boy Next Door, the first of the two-part miniseries, easily beat The Block in Sunday night's ratings.
It attracted 1.3 million in the five capital city Oztam ratings to The Block's 1 million viewers who tuned into watch the palaver about a $40,000 bathroom. The X Factor topped the night with 1.5 million viewers. 
The series about the boy from rural NSW who became a showbiz sensation is based on the book: Peter Allen: The Boy from Oz by Stephen MacLean.
Living in Armidale, NSW in the late 1950s, Peter Woolnough (played by Ky Baldwin) was soon playing piano at the local pub, in the ladies lounge of The New England Hotel.
Peter moved to Armidale from Tenterfield when he was six weeks old. Armidale was where his mother Marion's family, the Davidsons, lived.
It was the town where he grew up, not Tenterfield where his father's family, the Woolnoughs, resided.
Rebeca Gibney played Marion Woolnough, the proud mother who ended up living at Bondi.
Buyers' agent Simon Pressley recently reported on Armidale's property momentum given essential infrastructure, a diverse economy, youthful demographic and beautiful environment.
<a href="/expert-insights/northern-inland-nsw-property-scorecard-simon-pressley">His report</a> noted that property markets of 10 out of the 13 local government authorities (LGAs) which make up the New South Wales region of Northern Inland are ranked in Australia’s Top 30% property markets over the last fifteen years.
 
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Armidale's Peter Allen beats the South Yarra Blocktagonal in Sunday night ratings

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Selling for more than $7 million, the Adelaide trophy home, Ivanhoe has set a South Australia record.
The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-gilberton-106823637" target="_blank">9 Edwin Terace, Gilberton</a> sold off-market through Bernard H Booth agent Jamie Brown.
The previous record was held by historic Glenelg mansion Stormont, which sold for $6.5 million in 2010, also by Jamie Brown.
The 1889-built freestone six bedroom mansion offers almost 740sqm of living space across its 13 rooms.
It was set on a 4346sqm with tennis court and a pool.
It was built in 1889 by George Brookman, who named it Ivanhoe after his successful Kalgoorlie mine of the same name.
The property last sold in 2011 for $6.2 million to businessman Mark Britten-Jones.
 
SA’s previous top house sales
1/ $6.5 million — 14 South Esplanade, Glenelg, sold 2010
6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, two kitchens and a lift, sold with two titles.
Built 1886
2/ $6.4 million — 12 The Avenue, Medindie, sold 11/10/06
5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 parking spaces, 9255sqm
Built 1876
3/ $6.2 million — 9 Edwin Tce, Gilberton, sold 29/06/11
5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 parking spaces, 4346sqm
Built 1889
4/ $5.6 million — 28 Robe Tce, Medindie, sold 15/02/11
5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3135sqm
Built 1880
5/ $5.41 million — 12 The Avenue, Medindie, sold 29/06/11
5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 parking spaces, 5136sqm
Built 1876
*Subdivision reduced land size
6/ $5.2 million — 17 Hawkers Rd, Medindie, sold 13/04/06
2201sqm
Built 1890
*Also sold on 30/05/14 as 7 Myrtles Court for $5 million
7/ $5.125 million — 4 Victoria Ave, Unley Park, sold 19/06/14
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 parking spaces, 2287sqm
Built 1920
8/ $5.1 million — 32 South Esplanade, Glenelg South, sold 19/05/05
4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4 parking spaces, 3626sqm
Built 1859
9/ $5 million — 1 College St, College Park, sold 21/01/11
5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 parking space, 3968sqm
Built 1900
10/ $4.917 million — 11 Robe Tce, Medindie, sold 18/01/13
5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 parking space, 3983sqm
Built 1900
Top house sales supplied to Adelaide Advertiser by CoreLogic RP Data
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Ivanhoe, Adelaide's $7 million trophy home sale

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Amanpuri, one of the great estates in the west of Sydney, was sold for $5.45 million at weekend auction. Last sold for $5.6 million to the Bartolo family in 2013, the nine bedroom home sits on three hectares at 269 Cobbitty Rd, Cobbitty.
It was initially sold at $4.5 million in 2008 after built as the family home of Fincorp property investment and development group chairman, Eric Krecichwost and his wife, Tiffany.
It was in 2004 when Castle Hill-based Chateau Homes was commissioned to build the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-cobbitty-117311735" target="_blank">$1.8 million palatial residence</a> by Krecichwost who had previously lived around the nearby Camden area for several years making a living selling vacuum cleaners.
Agent Dean Boskovic from BOS Realty Carnes Hill marketed 269 Cobbitty Rd as “an absolute masterpiece,” that was sure to fetch more than $5 million under the hammer — more than seven times the suburb’s median house price.
This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Cobbitty's Amanpuri sells at $5.45 million

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It took a week of negotiations but celebrity renovator Cherie Barber has secured her desired record Leichhardt residential price.
Her renovated and extended cottage was passed in on a vendor bid of $3.05 million at early September auction - and sold seven days later at $3.06 million late Saturday night.
The Cobden Hayson agency sale bettered the inner west suburb record by $10,000.
Cherie Barber, the founder of the workshop Renovating for Profit, and dubbed as Australia's renovation queen, paid $950,000 in 2008 for the unliveable, double-fronted 1890s house at 93 Hill Street.
She then converted it into a five-bedroom showpiece family home with its Victorian grandeur fused with industrial warehouse style.
Her renovation project would have reportedly secured a $1 million profit if she'd got her overly ambitious $3.2 million hopes for the sizeable 411 square metre property completed with meticulous attention to detail.
The star of Channel Ten’s show, The Living Room had flown back for the auction from filming her Five Day Flip renovation series for US television in Minnesota.
She had knocked back a pre-auction offer of $3,050,000. 
Sydney’s preliminary auction clearance rate was 75% this weekend, the 10th week in a row where Sydney has recorded a result below 80%, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
Sydney’s previous clearance rate was 77%, while one year ago around 78% of homes taken to auction were successfully sold under the hammer.
Early spring volumes are higher at 1,046 listings, up from 1,023 the previous week. One year ago 743 Sydney homes were taken to auction over the week.
The Northern Beaches sub-region had the strongest performance with 84% of the 45 reported results selling over the past week.
Cobden Hayson selling agent Ben Southwell said his Leichhardt price had been expected as it one of the largest homes in the suburb. 
A former Victorian fire station in Leichhardt on a 662 sqm had held the suburb record since sold for $3.05 million in 2014.
The four-bedroom house at 27 Marlborough St was a circa-1890 Victorian fire station that was used as an army drill hall during World War I. It was later converted into a residential home by an owner who had a business importing French furniture with enchanting parterre gardens designed by Annie Wilkes.
It also achieved the highest price for Leichhardt when it last sold for $2.45 million in 2007.
The median house price of Leichhardt is at a record $1,180,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
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Cherie Barber secures her Leichhardt residential record

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The upcoming spring auction of the romantic Woollahra trophy residence, Listowel has been pushed back a week, and not for want of buyer interest.
Ben Collier at McGrath Estate Agents rescheduled so his expatriate prospects have time to fly in and attend the auction of the $16 million listing of the home that dates back to the 1930s.
With the Australian currency at six-year lows, expatriates are expected to have a keener eye for house purchasing back here in Sydney during spring.
But most expectant agents aren't yet sensing any surge quiet yet in expat buying interest.
The Australian dollar briefly dipped below US70¢ for the first time since April 2009, down from US81c in January this year, it was at US$1.10 in mid-2011.
Expat interest is beginning to emerge in select pockets highlighted last month when three of the five registered bidders for a Manly auction offering were expats.
It sold for $4,550,000 under the hammer with the buyer from Singapore beating buyers from the UK and the USA for 8 Bower Street overlooking Cabbage Tree Bay.
"Plenty of international enquiry is being received," Belle agent Anthony Calacoci said.
"The UK expat flew in for a few days to personally view it," he said.
 But many agents aren't seeing any increase in expat numbers.
"I would like to say that the expats are back in strength given Australia’s currency is now at a six year low however that’s simply not the case," Mosman Richardson &amp; Wrench agent Robert Simeon said.
"There is a global problem with households struggling with declining real wages.
"Some of the reason relates to job security with individual households are refusing to take on more debt," he suggested to explain their absence.
"With the Australian dollar weaker, property is around 25% cheaper than the A$0.94c it was just 24 months ago for those who are paid in foreign currencies," Robert Simeon noted.
Scott Chadwick at Chadwick Real Estate Turramura said the lower exchange rate was more fueling offshore purchases from Chinese interest than Australian expats.
"However that market typically gets a little more active towards the end of the year," he said.
Haberfield hasn't seen much expat interest since a $2.85 million sale last year to a buyer who flew in from Singapore, looked at three properties, placed an offer and had his solictor attend to due diligence once he left and exchanged contracts the next week.
"The Aussie dollar was stronger then, so I would be hopeful more of this occurs with the dollar trimming back," McGrath Haberfield agent Michael Tringali said.
Some Australian expats rely heavily on their Australian-based relatives to inspect, at least initially, possible purchases.
And many expats hire buyers’ agents to search and negotiate for properties that match their criteria.
Often bought to rent for a time, expats typically have in mind their eventual return to what will be their family home when their overseas assignments end.
Leading buyers’ agents say there are good buying opportunities for cashed-up expats particularly at the upper end, but suspect many might hold off buying until the dollar is in the 60s. Given Joe Hockey has announced a crackdown on illegal foreign property acquisitions the expats might not now face the same level of competition coming from overseas.
"It’s hard to imagine a better time for expats to buy back home with their buying power appearing to simply be unmatchable by any other buyer segment," Ray White agent Chris Watkins suggests. 
But buyers’ agent note some vendors regard expatriate buyers as "wood ducks", or easy targets especially if the expat buyers unwittingly send a message to vendors that they have plenty of money, are poorly informed about the local property market and have little time to inspect properties.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Expats expected in late spring 2015 arrival

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Wongawilli, the uber contemporary Kangaloon barn-like weekender of architect Peter Stronach and interior designer Tim Allison, has returned to the market, this time for October 10 auction.
It has been listed through Ian Rayner Real Estate, inconjunction with Bob Guth at BradfieldCleary, with $2 million expectations.
The unusual two-storey residence sits on a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-kangaloon-120666969" target="_blank">15 hectare parcel of land</a> in Trig Station Lane, one of the most elevated precincts of the Southern Highlands.
Designed by Stronach and furbished by Tim Allison Associates, Wongawilli has three bedrooms and a large living area with underfloor heating that apparently can be used only in off-peak hours.
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Kangaloon's Wongawilli scheduled for October auction

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Oakburn, the matrimonial Elizabeth Bay home of property developer Simon Gunnis and the Yummy Mummy pamper parlour co-founder Nicole Gunnis fetched $7.4 million at weekend auction through McGrath agent Ben Collier.
The heritage-listed residence last traded in a dilapidated state in 2009 for $4,305,000 when bought from the National Trust.
With pride of place on the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-elizabeth+bay-120521857" target="_blank">Elizabeth Bay loop</a>, more than $6.5 million was being sought this time for the semi-detached Victorian Italianate terrace.
It had been the long-time home of menswear fashion retailer and man about town John Lane who had divided it into flats. 
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Oakburn, Elizabeth Bay sells at $7.4 million

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Vaucluse, the historic 2654-hectare Tasmanian farm near Launceston with 1830s Georgian mansion, has been sold to the United States food and agriculture conglomerate Cargill, for $20 million.
The Conara, Northern Midlands acquisition joins Cargill's earlier hedge fund investments including Billabong Station in the NSW Eurongilly Valley and sugar cane farm Marwood near Mackay in north Queensland.
Vaucluse was sold by Michael and Susie Warner through <a href="https://landmarkharcourts.com.au/Property/590289/TRT0383/643-Glen-Esk-Road" target="_blank">Michael Warren of Landmark Harcourts Tasmania</a>.
The Warners ran about 14,000 merino sheep and 400 angus cattle on the property. They also grew potatoes, poppies, grass seeds, canola and cereals across around 700 hectares. 
The trophy 1830s home was possibly built to a design by Robert Bostock, adding to an existing two storey section erected in 1820.
In 1847 John Bayles bought Vaucluse from the trustees of Robert Bostock’s estate for £9,057. He was a magistrate for the district.
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Vaucluse, the Northern Midlands Tasmanian farm sells to United States hedge fund

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Sales between $263,000 to $4,605,000 - from Travancore to Toorak - assisted Melbourne achieve a 75% weekend clearance rate.
The weekend success rate compared to 75% last weekend and 73% this weekend last year.
There were 1007 auctions reported to the REIV, adding to the 25,800 auctions held in the year to date – the highest on record for any given year.
Sales volumes have also been the highest on record, with an estimated 84,000 sales transacted so far this year.
The top sale at 32 Heyington Place Toorak, sold at $4,605,000 through Marshall White. It was a 1961 built home with underground garages. There were five bidders.
The $263,000 cheapest sale at 12/69-71 Delhi Court, Travancore, near Flemington, had been tipped to fetch between $260,000 to $280,000.
 
TOP 5 HOUSES
1. 32 Heyington Place, Toorak $4,605,000
2. 30 Campbell Street, Kew $4,210,000
3. 5 &amp; 7 Braeside Avenue, Camberwell $3,836,000
4. 4 Walnut Road, Balwyn North $3,570,000
5. 1 Barkly Street, Brunswick East $3,400,000
 
TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES
1. 2421 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction $273,000
2. 21 Lakeside Drive, Roxburgh Park $285,000
3. 42 Dianne Avenue, Craigieburn $290,000
4. 21 Candle Bark Crescent, Frankston North $293,000
5. 40 Tattler Street, Carrum Downs $330,000
 
TOP 5 APARTMENTS
1. 36 Black Street, Brighton $2,120,000
2. 13/17 Marshall Avenue, Kew $1,850,000
3. 4/11 Wilson Grove, Aspendale $1,580,000
4. 30 Central Avenue, Black Rock $1,540,000
5. 1 Melville Lane, Brighton $1,380,000
 
TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS
1. 12/69-71 Delhi Court, Travancore $263,000
2. 3/3 Edna Street, Thomastown $276,000
3. `/169-173 Keele Street, Collingwood $290,000
4. 17/83 Rufus Street, Epping $296,100
5. 6/2D Cunningham Street, Northcote $315,000
 
Source <a href="/news">REIV</a>
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Travancore to Toorak, weekend auction triumphs: REIV 

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.

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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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