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Fashion legend Peter Weiss and wife Doris have sold their rural escape, Wollumbi in the NSW Southern Highlands. 
The estate that has been sold to the Cottle construction family comes with an exquisite French farmhouse surrounded by drystone walls amid acres of gardens approached by a 2.5 kilometre driveway off the highway at Marulan.
No sale price has yet emerged for the property set on the Uringalla Creek.
But their $15 million hopes matched the Southern Highlands pastoral record set in 2007 when Reg Grundy bought Comfort Hill along the highway at Sutton Forest from Michael Ball. 
Wollombi comes complete with vineyards, olive groves and Red Angus cattle paddocks on 600 hectares.
Weiss, who turns 80 later this year, and his wife Doris, produce up to 6000 bottles of pinot gris and 3000 bottles of pinot noir in a good season, and recently suggested sparkling wine is coming.
Winter has been an unseasonably strong selling season in the Southern Highlands with local agent Bill Carpenter appointed by the Viennese-born impresario in March, with the sale achieved with not a daffodil yet in sight.
Peter Weiss, whose clothing brand helped define Australian fashion in the 1980s and 1990s, stumbled upon the property around two decades ago.
He secured what he saw as a very quaint, French-looking house on an isolated property that had a great Australiana rugged feel.
Weiss beileves the Southern Highlands region, which lies about half-way between Sydney and Canberra, is one of Australia's undiscovered gems.
While Weiss saw scope for any prospective buyer to further develop the Wollumbi business, he held firm views about the land being overdeveloped or broken up.
"My wish would be that it went to someone who would keep it intact – who would enjoy it and treasure it as much as we have.
"We've put a lot of heart, soul and effort into it and made it into a unique property," he said during the marketing. 
With Wollumbi sold, the couple will split their time between Woollahra and Palm Beach, continuing their work as a benefactors of various musical organisations.  
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Peter Weiss sells Southern Highlands farm

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House and land buyers were out in force in Sydney's north west, where 159 of the 165 lots sold in the first land release at Celestino's The Gables project in The Hills.
Around $95 million of land was sold over two days in the $4 billion Box Hill project, at an average $600,000 a block.
"House hunters welcomed the idea that over one third of the land released was via an auction method with reserve prices published prior to the weekend," said development director Matthew Scard.
The first land release in The Gables Box Hill was released over two days through priority number and auction.
Lot sizes from 450sqm to 600sqm will be released, with prices starting from $520,000. Some lots are elevated and have views overlooking the entire project.
Matthew Scard, said over 13,000 people will eventually move into The Gables. with 4,000 dwellings will be built on the 3330 hectare holding. The development includes a proposed lake, a 5.5 hectare town centre, active and passive open spaces, a school, new roads and associated infrastructure.
Over 5,000 house hunters registered for the first land release in the masterplanned community. Sales ranged from $520,000 for a 450 sq m land lot up to $771,000 for a 702 sq m lot.
Jason Keen, sales director for Celestino said the sales result at the weekend was outstanding. The project is within a 10 minute commute from Rouse Hill Town Centre, the future Rouse Hill train station on the North West Rail Line and Schofields train station. 
The new sales centre is located at 121 Old Pitt Town Road, Box Hill.
For more information on The Gables <a href="https://www.thegablesboxhill.com.au/" target="_blank">click here</a>. 
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The Gables secure $95 million in weekend land sales

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Dunelm, one of Cremorne Point's original homes sold under the weekend auction hammer for $6,191,000.
The five-bedroom home at <a href="https://www.belleproperty.com/buying/NSW/North-Shore-~-Lower/Cremorne-Point/House/8P2144-17-milson-road-cremorne-point-nsw-2090" target="_blank">17 Milson Road </a>had two bidders seek the 1909 residence.
The winning offer at the Belle auction reportedly came from a young family from Edgecliff.
The vendors had bought the property in 1971 from the original owner-builder.
Sydney's clearance over past week including Saturday sat at 79.9%, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
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Dunelm, Cremorne Point tops weekend Sydney auctions

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The ACT Government has recommitted to its long term plan to abolish conveyance duty paid on homes.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, in the submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics Inquiry into Home Ownership, highlighted taxes as one of the key issues. 
"We consider that competition in demand for housing from investors is an area for further consideration. We note the benefits of investment in terms of increasing supply, which helps overall affordability. However it can also impact on opportunities for first homebuyers to enter the market.
"The ACT Government's role is outlined in the Affordable Housing Action Plan (AHAP), which commenced in 2007. The Plan, now in Phase III, includes 94 objectives aimed at making housing more affordable for all Canberrans. It has been a key contributor in responding to housing demand and providing a welcome economic boost to the Territory.
"Data from the 2011 Census shows that in the ACT, the rate of the home ownership is 60%, with 87,700 of the 145,500 homes either owned or in the process of being purchased. Of the remaining dwellings, there are around 30,250 private rentals and 9,500 public properties."
As shown in the table, the proportion of investment housing relative to owner-occupied housing is 26%.
<a href="/images/2015/08/19/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-19%20at%203.43.22%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/19/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-19%20at%203.43.22%20PM.png" alt="">
"The Government has a long term plan to abolish conveyance duty paid on homes. This will make homes more affordable to more Canberrans, by significantly reducing the upfront costs for homebuyers. 
"It will also encourage greater turnover of properties, which leads to a better allocation of housing stock."
 
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ACT Government calls for home conveyance duty to be scrapped

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A report from ASIC has found lenders offering interest-only mortgages need to lift game to comply with consumer protection laws.
ASIC's probe into interest-only home loans was announced in December 2014 and assessed how 11 lenders, including the big four banks, are complying with responsible lending laws.
The report recommends that lenders and brokers should review to ensure compliance with responsible lending obligations. All 11 lenders have changed their practices in line with ASIC's recommendations or have committed to implementing them. The recommendations include:
<ul>
<li>Loans align with consumers' requirements and objectives</li>
<li>Lenders use a consumers' actual expenses rather than relying on a benchmark</li>
<li>Affordability assessments include buffers for future interest rate rises.</li>
</ul>
According to ASIC, demand for interest-only loans had grown by around 80% since 2012 and the review looked at how consumers were assessed for loans by lenders with a focus on the affordability of the loans over the longer term.
The review found that interest-only loans are more popular with investors and those on higher incomes, and that delinquency rates are currently lower for interest-only home loans.
ASIC found lenders have not been meeting all responsible lending obligations in the provision of interest-only loans and often failing to consider whether an interest-only loan will meet a consumer's needs, particularly in the medium to long-term.
ASIC’s review of more than 140 consumer loan files from bank and non-bank lenders identified:
<ul>
<li>In 40% of files reviewed, the affordability calculations assumed the borrower had longer to repay the principal on the loan than they actually did</li>
<li>In over 30% of files reviewed, there was no evidence that the lender had considered whether the interest-only loan met the borrower's requirements</li>
<li>In over 20% of files reviewed, lenders had not considered the borrower’s actual living expenses when approving the loan, but relied instead on expenditure benchmarks</li>
</ul>
ASIC Deputy Chair Peter Kell said interest-only loans may be a reasonable option for some borrowers. However, lenders must have robust processes in place for assessing a customer's ability to afford a loan, taking into account the increased repayments once the interest-only period ends.
"They should lend responsibly, and in a way that does not result in consumers taking on debt that they cannot afford, especially if interest rates rise," he said.
"We are pleased that the lenders involved in the review have already started implementing changes based on our findings. The rest of the lending industry, including brokers, should  now take note and swiftly review the practices they have in place to ensure they comply with their responsible lending obligations."
According to ASIC, based on a $500,000 principal and interest home loan over thirty years, a consumer would pay around $579,032 in interest with a constant interest rate of 6%. For an interest-only loan of the same amount, with the same interest rate consumers would pay the following:
<div align="center"> </div>
 
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Length of interest-only period
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
Interest payable over term of loan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Additional interest paid compared to   principal-and-interest home loan
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
5 years
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
$616,258
</td>
<td valign="top" width="151">
$37,226
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
10 years
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
$659,752
</td>
<td valign="top" width="151">
$80,720
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="142">
15 years
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
$709,503
</td>
<td valign="top" width="151">
$130,471
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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ASIC demand lenders improve standards following interest-only loan review

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GUEST OBSERVER
With the recent introduction of tightened lending rules for investors, bidder numbers at auctions have lowered for most properties giving others a chance to purchase. Overall, looking at the average number of bidders at our auctions, we are currently at six per property which is down from the eight buyers or so we were seeing just four or five weeks ago. 
You would think that buyers would take the opportunity to put their best foot forward and bid strong to finally have a chance at buying a property but we are noticing buyers are reluctant to bid, but rather wait for others to do so first which is quite rare in a great market. This is an opportunity to pounce and secure something before investors realise the the restraints aren't so bad and interest rates are still at their lowest point making it easier to pay down their loans.
Owner occupiers should get amongst it and bid strongly. They should take the opportunity while their are less active buyers and everyone is uncertain. Remember also that interest rates are the biggest influencer for market fluctuation.
Investors need to understand that if interest rates start going up then so do rents normally, so take advantage of the low interest rates for as long as possible and position yourself as a long term investor. Look to retain for 10+years. 
First home buyers are always too scared to commit as they haven't done it before. I remember when I bought my first property it all seemed very hard but you learn to budget and once you get ahead things get much easier. There is now way I could've saved the money that my properties are worth if I hadn't got my first property.
Remember interest rates are very low and even if they go up to 8% that's still ok, just budget and enjoy the low rates for as long as possible.
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<div dir="ltr">
<div>Rocky Bartolotto is director of Property Auction Services and can be contacted <a href="https://auctionservices.net.au/rocky-bartolotto/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
</div>
</div>
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Get amongst it and bid strongly this Spring: Rocky Bartolotto

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Margaret Lomas, founder of Destiny Financial Solutions, has told the Australian Financial Review she recommends avoiding Sydney altogether.
She suggests those who stick to the inner and middle ring suburbs are likely to overpay.
Saying it will be a different matter when rates rise, Lomas says 'try the up and coming markets."
"Those areas which have the underlying fundamentals and display exceptional growth drivers, but for some reason doesn't yet have the buyer demand that makes it a healthy market," she says.
Lomas likes the NSW central coast, including regions such as Bateau Bay where properties can be bought in the low $300,000, an equivalent rental yield of 6%.
She suggests areas north of Wyong such as Blue Haven and Lake Haven are also worth a look.
Her top picks in Brisbane include the north and south. Suburbs such as Morayfield, Deception Bay and Redcliff Peninsula all offer low buy-in prices, yields above 5 per cent and are likely to attract young families in the years ahead.
In Victoria, Lomas recommends staying away from regional areas such as Ballarat where spruikers have moved in, pushing up prices.
Lomas told AFR readers she see value in areas investors might normally be reluctant to buy in such as Tarneit and Narrewarren.
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Margaret Lomas warns off Sydney, but likes the NSW Central Coast

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The former Palm Beach retreat of the bankrupted English venture capitalist Morten Weaver has been listed for mortgagee auction.
He didn't get to built a castle on the beach at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/1127-barrenjoey-rd-palm-beach-nsw-2108" target="_blank">1127 Barrenjoey Road</a>, unlike Koombahla, his prior hillside Palm Beach home which some called Osama bin Laden's hideaway given its Islamic influencers. 
Weaver, who was credited as making a $3.5 billion fortune for clients, had paid $5.5 million in 2006 with his late partner, when it was bought from Jonathan Cary, the New York-based investment banker. 
LJ Hooker listing agent David Edwards is telling buyers to expect $5 million plus at its September 3 auction.
Recent court proceedings heard the property had been valued at $4.8 million, which secured borrowings of some $5.8 million, with interest accruing at $36,000 per month.
The beachfront 1127 Barrenjoey Road property last traded with as yet unrealised development plans by architects Tobias Partners.
Overlooking the waters of Snapperman Beach, the property has title to the sand.
Weaver sold Koombahla to Chris and Amanda Athas of Surfection in 2005 for $5.9 million. Weaver had wanted about $7 million for his resort-like Koombahla, the Bynya Road 2400sqm hillside holding with a six-bedroom Michael Robilliard-designed house.
Morten Weaver was a longtime director of the Australian venture capital firm, Allaway Hawker Williams.
Prior to joining Allaway Hawker Williams he was part of the Silicon Valley start up team that took CBT Systems to a $2 billion NASDAQ listing in 1995.
He has given his most recent address as Chatswood in his bankruptcy paperwork to Nicholas Malanos at Worrells. He gives his occupation as unemployed.
He has also lived in Tasmania's northern midlands. 
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
 
 
 
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Morten Weaver in Palm Beach mortgagee auction

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Incoming Manly Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett and his wife, Kylie have sold their Shellharbour district home for $2.4 million.
The Barrack Point home sale follows Barrett's appointment last month as Manly coach for the 2016 season, replacing Geoff Toovey.
Barrett paid $904,000 for the house on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-barrack+point-120279633" target="_blank">oceanfront reserve Headland Parade</a> in 2004. They have lived there continuously, except for in 2007 and 2008 when they resided in England.
After renovation work to create a six-bedroom, three-bathroom home with ocean views, the property set a suburb record.
There was a $2 million record set last November for an oceanfront house in nearby Junction Road.
It sold through Ray White Shellharbour.
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Manly bound Trent Barrett sells Shellharbour district home

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Legoland is due to open in mid-2017 at Chadstone shopping mall.
The Chadstone Lego centre will make be the first discovery centre in southern hemisphere for Lego, part of a global network of Lego Discovery Centres operated by British group Merlin Entertainment, including nine in North America, four in Europe and two in Japan.
"It could become Australia's version of the New York's FAO Schwarz," said Zelman Ainsworth, head of Melbourne retail leasing at property group CBRE said of the iconic, but recently closed New York toy store.
Merlin's chief new openings officer John Jakobsen told Fairfax Media the discovery centre concept has been a huge success worldwide, offering a family day out of shopping and dining.
Australia and Asia are very important development areas for Merlin with the group's Sydney attractions including Madame Tussauds and Sydney Aquarium.
Lego will take 2800 square metres, designed to entertain three-to-10 year olds for up to three hours.
Legoland was described in January by Forbes' Fast Company publication as "the Apple of toys". 
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Legoland to open at Chadstone shopping mall

The Gold Coast economy has grown by 25 per cent since 2020/21 to surpass $55 billion, but perhaps the more significant story is what sits behind the headline number.

For decades, the Gold Coast has been viewed through the lens of tourism, lifestyle and population growth. The latest State of the City Report suggests that perception is increasingly out of step with reality.

Released by Invest Gold Coast, the report ranks the Gold Coast as Australia's largest non-capital city economy and, perhaps more notably, second nationally behind Sydney for Economic Complexity, a measure that assesses the diversity and sophistication of an economy.

It's a result that places the Gold Coast ahead of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, highlighting the extent to which the city's economic base has broadened beyond its traditional industries.

Today, the Gold Coast supports more than 350,000 jobs, is home to over 83,000 businesses and generates $19 billion in annual exports. Manufacturing now accounts for 62 per cent of international export growth, while sectors including health, education, advanced manufacturing, technology and professional services are becoming increasingly important contributors to the local economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the report confirmed the city's evolution into one of Australia's most significant economies.

"The Gold Coast economy continues to grow at an incredible pace. This is no surprise to those of us who have watched the evolution up close," Mayor Tate said.

"As one of the most entrepreneurial, investment driven and opportunity focused economies in the country our ambition has been realised and possibilities are endless.

"The Gold Coast has built a reputation as the city that says yes. We say yes to investment, yes to opportunity and yes to people who want to build something.

"It's this mindset helping us drive major growth across health, advanced manufacturing, screen production, marine, technology and the knowledge economy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360975]

While population growth has been one of the defining stories of the past decade, the report points to a broader economic transformation taking place.

The city's knowledge economy now contributes $7.9 billion annually and supports around 31,000 jobs, while the health and wellbeing sector contributes $5.2 billion and employs more than 42,000 people. Together, the six priority sectors identified in the report account for almost $24 billion in economic output and more than 145,000 jobs.

One of the strongest examples is the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct at Southport. The 200-hectare precinct now contains more than $5 billion worth of health, education, research and innovation infrastructure and supports over 16,000 jobs.

The report also highlights the growing role of advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace, defence and modular construction.

Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies recently became the first Australian commercial company to attempt an orbital launch, while companies including Modscape and ModnPods are helping establish the Yatala-Stapylton corridor as one of Australia's fastest-growing advanced manufacturing hubs.

The city's entrepreneurial culture is also translating into business growth.

Since 2019/20, the number of businesses operating on the Gold Coast has increased by 22 per cent, while firms employing more than 200 people have grown by 80 per cent. The report suggests the next challenge is converting more local start-ups and medium-sized businesses into nationally significant companies.

Development activity remains another key indicator of confidence.

There are currently more than $23 billion worth of major projects underway across the Gold Coast, supported by a record 75 active cranes, a figure that now exceeds Brisbane and represents a 150 per cent increase since 2016.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=343235]

Importantly, the report notes the next phase of investment will need to extend beyond residential development.

While 93 per cent of crane activity is currently tied to housing, Invest Gold Coast argues future investment will increasingly need to focus on cultural, civic, infrastructure and industry-enabling projects that strengthen the city's long-term economic resilience.

Invest Gold Coast Chair Will Hodgman said the city was now benefiting from years of economic diversification.

"What is happening on the Gold Coast is the result of the city's economic base broadening, fuelled by industries with long-term, high-growth potential," Mr Hodgman said.

"This is no longer a secondary Australian economy, the Gold Coast is becoming a globally connected city with deeper capability across health, knowledge and creative industries, advanced manufacturing, technology and exports."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365786]

Looking ahead, the Gold Coast's population is projected to exceed one million residents by 2046.

For a city that was once largely defined by tourism and lifestyle, the latest figures suggest the Gold Coast is becoming something more significant, one of Australia's most diverse and economically sophisticated urban economies, and increasingly one that national and international investors can no longer afford to overlook.

Joel Robinson

75 cranes, $23 billion pipeline and a $55 billion economy: Inside the Gold Coast economic boom

Ron Bakir's Homecorp has sold more than 75 per cent of the apartments in its wellness-driven Florence Residences in Surfers Paradise following its first weekend release.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">26-storey project on Monte Carlo Avenue</a>, which commenced construction earlier this year, has seen a flurry of buyers secure their slice of the Gold Coast's latest wellbeing-focused offering in one of the nation's most competitive property markets.

Since the pandemic, the Gold Coast's population has grown by more than 11 per cent, a rate approximately four times faster than Sydney's, driven largely by lifestyle changes and interstate migration. While buyer activity has moderated in some markets nationally, demand for newly built dwellings on the Gold Coast continues to gain momentum as purchasers increasingly prioritise lifestyle, amenity, wellbeing, liveability and long-term investment potential.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372743]

Homecorp CEO Ron Bakir says buyers today are looking for more than just a home.

"What we are seeing is a shift in how people define value in property," Bakir says.

"What attracts residents to new developments is a desire for more than just a residence. They are looking for a place that complements their lifestyle, supports their wellbeing and reflects the way they want to live into the future.

"Lifestyle, longevity, proactive health, wellbeing, connection and a sense of community are increasingly shaping purchasing decisions, particularly on the Gold Coast, where these factors continue to be a major drawcard."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372744]

Bakir says Homecorp is responding to this shift through an approach that places greater emphasis on design, amenity and experience working together to create places that feel considered, connected and enduring in value.

Inspired by Eastern European design, Florence Residences will comprise 120 apartments alongside a private residents-only wellness club featuring a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium, and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.

The development will also feature a residents-only lounge with private dining facilities and a rooftop bar, premium outdoor entertaining areas, a hotel-style lobby lounge, generous bike parking, and pet-friendly amenities including a heated dog wash.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372742]

A limited number of apartments remain available, with an exclusive collection of four-bedroom sub-penthouses set to be released in the coming months.

Florence is one of the latest additions to Homecorp's expanding multi-billion-dollar property portfolio, which also includes plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/homecorp-lodges-plans-for-260-million-moroccan-bathhouse-inspired-tower-in-budds-beach">$260 million development in Budds Beach</a> tailored to the growing wellness market.

A development application has been lodged for a 27-storey, 156-residence tower at 8–10 Acacia Avenue and 25–27 Oak Avenue, featuring a residents-only Moroccan spa-inspired sanctuary.

Apartments at Florence Residences are priced from $1,249,000, with construction expected to be completed by late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150414]

Buyers rush to Homecorp's Florence Residences as Gold Coast wellness trend gains momentum

The NSW Government has expanded its $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program, broadening access for affordable housing providers and smaller residential developments as it seeks to accelerate housing delivery across the state.

The Minns Government says the program has already helped bring forward more than 600 homes across Sydney and regional NSW since launching in September 2025, with similar models now adopted in South Australia and Western Australia.

The latest changes, announced by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, are designed to improve access to finance for projects that have planning approval but are struggling to secure funding.

Among the key changes is an expansion of support for community housing providers. The program will now support up to 100 per cent affordable housing projects valued at up to $30 million when delivered by not-for-profit providers, while support for larger affordable housing developments will increase for projects worth up to $80 million.

The government says the changes will help accelerate the delivery of housing for low-income workers, older people, people living with disability, and those at risk of homelessness, while reducing reliance on direct grants or subsidised loans to bridge funding gaps.

The eligibility criteria for smaller residential developments have also been broadened. The previous $5 million minimum project value threshold has been removed and replaced with a requirement that projects deliver at least four homes.

Support has also increased for projects delivering fewer than 20 homes, with the guarantee now able to cover up to 75 per cent of dwellings in a development, capped at $30 million per project.

The changes are expected to particularly benefit smaller-scale and regional developments, which often face greater challenges meeting pre-sale requirements imposed by lenders.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the scheme demonstrates how government can use its balance sheet to stimulate housing supply without relying solely on taxpayer-funded grants.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee shows how this Government is using its balance sheet to reduce risk and unlock private investment, enabling new homes to move from design to construction faster," Mookhey said.

"This landmark reform allows us to deliver homes for working families at a lower cost to taxpayers, while also maintaining strong financial discipline."

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the program had already proven effective in bringing stalled projects to market.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has already proven it can unlock stalled projects and accelerate housing delivery by giving lenders the confidence they need to back good developments," Scully said.

"These changes will allow more affordable housing and smaller developments to access support so more homes can be built faster where communities need them most."

Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the expansion would help community housing providers overcome financing barriers that often delay projects.

"We know community housing providers are ready to build more homes, too often they're held back by barriers to finance," Jackson said.

"Expanding the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee helps remove those barriers so more affordable homes can get off the ground sooner."

The announcement was welcomed by the Property Council of Australia, which has long advocated for measures aimed at improving project feasibility and access to finance.

Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson described the expansion as a practical intervention that addresses one of the most immediate constraints on housing delivery.

"This is exactly the kind of practical intervention we need right now, focused on getting projects out of the ground, not just approved," Stevenson said.

"It builds on a model the Property Council has worked closely with government to develop following calls for such a scheme ahead of last year's NSW Budget, so it's great to see it being expanded."

Stevenson said the reforms would help unlock projects that are ready to proceed but have been delayed by financing challenges. However, she noted that broader feasibility issues remain a significant barrier to increasing housing supply.

"The biggest challenge in NSW housing today is delivery. Too many projects have planning approval but are simply not financially viable to proceed under current settings," she said.

Speaking at the Property Council's NSW Housing Summit, Housing Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged that feasibility and financing pressures continue to constrain housing delivery, while reaffirming the government's commitment to work with industry on solutions.

Stevenson said the government's recognition of those challenges was encouraging ahead of next week's state budget.

"It's positive to see the government clearly recognising that feasibility pressures are now a binding constraint on supply," she said.

"With the Budget just days away, the focus must be on backing delivery, making sure projects stack up, finance can flow, and more homes can move from approval to construction."

The expanded Pre-sale Finance Guarantee forms part of the NSW Government's broader housing agenda, which also includes planning reforms, the NSW Housing Pattern Book, and a series of rezonings intended to increase housing capacity across the state.

NSW expands Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to unlock more affordable and regional housing

Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372212]

Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372225]

While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

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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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