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<p>Commentary on the future direction of the residential property sector has been diverse.</p>
<p>As Gary Brinkworth, the boss of the Herron Todd White valuation firm recently noted, some observers are expecting a subtle slowdown, while others predict a catastrophic collapse.</p>
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<p>He suggests these views fail to understand the complexity of the Australian residential property sector and that having specialist knowledge at a localised level was key to good decision making.</p>
<p>It adds its can be difficult to keep up as markets adapt to the challenges around COVID-19.</p>
<p>"Some locations have seen monumental disturbance to their usual state of affairs, while others have barely registered a ripple.</p>
<p>"COVID-19 has amplified the diversity of Australia’s resident property markets by location, price point and property type," he added.</p>
<p>Well informed valuers, like well informed estate agents, are well informed on sales activity and price direction.</p>
<p>Brinkworth acknowledged Herron Todd White in Sydney made the decision in early March that all staff would work from home.</p>
<p>The decision was made to ensure that any potential exposure to the virus did not place further risk on other staff and their clients, whose homes they inspect daily.</p>
<p>They changed the way they conduct inspections - with hand sanitiser, face masks and disposable gloves becoming just as importan as their tablets and laser measurers.</p>
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<p>HTW has also developed a contactless inspection tool which allows occupants to take internal photos which feed straight into their valuation system, allowing valuations when a COVID-19 related concern means a property cannot be fully assessed.</p>
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<p>This has allowed mortgage applications to proceed instead of being delayed by weeks or even months until internal access became available.</p>
<p>His team, while noting some statistics may not yet be showing a decline in values across the Sydney market, have seen evidence from selling agents indicates that values are falling, particularly in some areas and for some price sectors, although not necessarily uniformly within these sub-markets.</p>
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<p>The rental market has seen a more immediate impact however, with listings increasing and rents falling, which will certainly have an impact on yields and prices.</p>
<p>Looking around the regions the Northern Beaches has appeared to absorb much of the negative sentiment and restrictions surrounding the pandemic, although "there is a strong chance you will be paying less than you would have three months ago for the same product."</p>
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<p>The slowdown in volumes of transactions in inner Sydney and the Eastern Suburbs made it difficult to ascertain any emerging pattern emerging, but HTW advised in previous downturns, the inner city market segment most vulnerable to volatility is the upsizer price bracket, typically from $2 million to $3 million.</p>
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<p>Like the eastern suburbs, the North Shore prestige market is more accustomed to off-market transactions, so recent restrictions around open for inspections and public auctions have not impacted this part of the market as much as lower price points.</p>
<p>Overall HTW conclude the long term outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic for the property market is uncertain.</p>
<p>The Sydney property market is resilient, as seen by the recovery from the 2017 to 2019 downturn. </p>
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Sydney residential market is resilient, but expect a slower return to normal after COVID-19

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<p>The online digital home loan platform Lendi and Aussie Home Loans have announced they have entered into an agreement to merge.</p>

<p>It has been mooted for a month.</p>

<p>The financial press had advised Aussie has 200 outlets and a $70 billion loan book that makes $50 million a year profit while Lendi is a loss maker, recently advising a $37 million loss with an $8 billion book.</p>

<p>Aussie has around 1000 brokers, and Lendi has around 200.</p>

<p>They intend for the proposed merger to "create a market leader in the Australian home loan market."</p>

<p>Lendi shareholders will hold the majority shareholding of 55 percent in the merged business, while Aussie’s current owner, CBA, will hold a 45 percent shareholding.</p>

<p>It will continue to provide funding for the Aussie Select branded home loan product.</p>

<p>The CBA chief executive officer, Matt Comyn said the combined business will have a stronger platform to offer "enhanced digital capabilities for Aussie brokers and a superior experience for customers."</p>

<p>Lendi CEO and co-founder David Hyman suggested it was an "exceptional opportunity" to drive the growth and digitisation of the two companies, both of which had "led disruptive change" in the Australian home loan market. </p>

<p>Aussie CEO James Symond suggested the merger was another important step in the almost 29-year evolution of Aussie as Australia’s leading retail mortgage broker.</p>

<p>"We are currently posting record lending volumes through our network of over 970 brokers and over 210 stores and, by underpinning Lendi’s technology across our national broker network, we will further accelerate this growth and momentum.”</p>

<p>Completion of the transaction is subject to ACCC approval and other customary conditions.</p>

<p>It is expected to occur by mid calendar year 2021.</p>
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The Commonwealth Bank has announced the merger of its Aussie Home Loans business with online platform Lendi

Aussie Home Loans merges with Lendi

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<p>Infinity by Crown Group at Green Square has taken out yet another major industry award, this time the Urban Developer’s Development of the Year in its high density residential category. </p>

<p>The tightly held complex has a limited number of apartments with studios priced from $639,000, and two-bedroom apartments from $1,269,000.</p>

<p>Penthouses are for sale, with prices available on request at the 301 Botany Road, Zetland landmark.  </p>

<p>The accolade follows two major wins for the project last month, when it earned the most innovative development in the Urban Taskforce development excellence awards and the HIA NSW apartment complex at the 2020 HIA-CSR NSW housing and kitchen &amp; bathroom awards. </p>

<p>Infinity was completed in 2019, as the gateway to the newly developed Green Square Town Centre.</p>

<p><img alt="" height="843" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/infinity_by_crown_1.jpg" width="1200"></p>

<p>Its 2015 launch saw sales priced up to $3.45 million when more than $350 million worth of apartments were sold at the launch.</p>

<p>Prices for the apartments started from $650,000.</p>

<p>Infinity by Crown Group has 329 residential apartments and 74 hotel apartments in the 20-storey building that has an eye-catching looped design.</p>

<p>Its resort-style facilities for residents include an open-air pool, spa, sauna, gym, roof top terrace, sky lounge, two piano rooms and theatre.</p>

<p>There is also a retail and dining plaza offering the new Italian Street Kitchen, Social Society, McDonald’s, KFC, Bashan Noodles, Gong Cha, Miracle Supermarket and Infinity Health Medical Centre.</p>

<p>The site will soon play host to a 425-seat Infinity Convention Centre.</p>
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Infinity was completed in 2019, as the gateway to the newly developed Green Square Town Centre.



Infinity by Crown Group at Green Square takes out the Urban Developer’s Development of the Year award in its high density residential category 

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<p>The former chief executive of Ferrari Australasia, Herbert Appleroth has listed his Rose Bay harbourfront garden apartment.</p>

<p>It goes to auction next February with $13 million hopes, a record for the suburb which has seen fresh records paid during 2020.</p>

<p>Appleroth paid $7.58 million off the plan for the three-bedroom garden apartment in the Bord De L’eau development in 2016.</p>

<p>He settled on the 218sqm unit in mid-2019, about six months before he departed Ferrari. </p>

<p>The triplex apartment was designed by architects MHN Design Union. </p>

<p>Appleroth, an heir to the Aeroplane Jelly fortune, then sought a bespoke design from interior designers Jo Lawless and Darren Palmer.</p>

<p>It is fully automated, with American oak floors.</p>

<p>It comes with Bang &amp; Olufsen sound system.</p>

<p>It comes with Vitroesa Italian sliders to its private garden designed by Will Dangar.</p>

<p><img alt="" height="1469" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/appleroth_rose_bay_2.jpg" width="2000"></p>

<p>There’s also a marble kitchen with a New York-style bar.</p>

<p>It is being marketed as house-like by LJ Hooker Avnu agent Michael Coombs.</p>

<p>Another New South Head Road apartment offering in the nearby a penthouse in the nearby Wintergarden block sold for $11.25 million after it last traded for $7.5 million in 2016.</p>

<p>An inland Rose Bay penthouse apartment recently fetched $7.5 million in an off the plan sale through Ray White agents who secured a record $39,000 per sqm at 1 Carlisle by Fortis. </p>

<p>Appleroth now manages venture capital fund The Appleroth Future Fund.</p>

<p>His previous abode was on Pyrmont Wharf, which sold for a then-suburb record $13.3 million in 2017.</p>

<p>Appleroth reportedly plans to buy on lower north shore and a second home in Palm Beach.</p>
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The triplex apartment was designed by architects MHN Design Union

Former Ferrari Australiasia boss Herbert Appleroth lists luxury Rose Bay apartment for record price

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<div>The percentage of Melbourne's 639 weekend auction offerings that sold. The same June weekend last year had a 68% success rate with 1050 offerings, according to the REIV. Next weekend 670 properties are expected to go to auction in Melbourne.</div>
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<p>The auction clearance rate of Sydney’s 356 reported weekend offerings. The same June weekend last year had a 59% success rate with 503 offerings, according to APM. Next weekend 460 Sydney auctions are expected.</p>
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<p>The weekend’s highest bid, but it wasn’t enough to secure Deauville, the 1934 Point Piper residence on Sydney Harbour. There were three registered bidders, one of whom bid excess of the $16 million vendor bid when it went to auction through McGrath agent Ben Collier in conjunction with Laing &amp; Simmons agent Bart Doff.</p>
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<p>The number of properties that sold in Brighton, Victoria, the busiest suburb for auctions at the weekend. Eight of its 14 properties for sale found buyers, and two were <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/record-prices-for-brighton-sales-out-of-the-box/2011062050536" title="Brighton bathing boxes" target="_self">bathing boxes</a>, which fetched $221,000 and $260,000. They were sold by Hodges Brighton director Sam Paynter.</p>
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<p><a target="_blank" title="24 Park Street" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trophy-homes/impressive-victorian/2011061650518"><img src="/images/stories/4point85.jpg"></a></p>
<p>The amount paid for the highest sale of the weekend, which was for a renovated Victorian house on 371 square metres at <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trophy-homes/impressive-victorian/2011061650518" title="24 Park Street, South Yarra" target="_blank">24 Park Street in the Melbourne suburb of South Yarra</a>. It was announced on the market at $4.8 million, with competition for two bidders for the two-storey, 1895 house offered by by Marshall White agents Andrew Hayne and Peter Bennison.</p>
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Auction wrap: Where the hammer fell

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<p><img src="/images/stories/63.jpg"></p>
<p>Sydney’s weekend clearance rate from the preliminary 233 results compiled by Australian Property Monitors. There were 276 auctions held in Sydney. Clinton McNabb at APM says there are about 340 auctions due next weekend. After some further results came in from the July 16 auctions, Sydney recorded a 52% clearance rate, considerably lower than the 56% published figure.</p>
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<p style="vertical-align: top;">Melbourne’s weekend clearance rate from the preliminary 441 results compiled by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. There were 490 auctions held in Melbourne. REIV chief executive Enzo Raimondo says there are about 585 auction due next weekend. After some further results came in from the July 16 auctions, Melbourne recorded a 55% clearance rate, lower than the 58% published figure from the initial Saturday results.</p>
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<p>The price paid for the property at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/auctions/potential-rental-yield-of-5.7-in-kirribilli/2011072150863/Page-1">61/67 Carabella Street, Kirribilli</a>, which went to auction on Saturday and was featured in <em>Property Observer</em>'s Friday Form Guide. Before the auction Sydney Boutique Property agents Tom Scarpignato and Chris Delaney marketed the property with $860,000 plus hopes. The current tenant pays $945 per week for the property, giving the new owner a yield of 5.28%, higher than the indicative gross <a target="_blank" title="RP Data Kirribilli" href="/news">rental yield for units in Kirribilli of 4.9%</a>, according to RP Data. </p>
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<p>The top sale of the weekend was in Seaforth, Sydney when a two-storey, four-bedroom house sold through Glen Wirth at Richardson &amp; Wrench Seaforth. It had last sold at $1.33 million in 2001. It had been marketed as bidding around the mid $2 million mark. </p>
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<p>A four-bedroom house in the Brisbane suburb of North Booval was the weekend’s cheapest sale, according to APM. It sold pre-auction through the Professionals Thornton Ipswich.  The home was affected by the January floods. The property has since been stripped back internally and is ready to be rebuilt. It was suggested the rental on completion would be $290 a rent.</p>
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Weekend auction wrap: where the hammer fell

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<p>Many suburbs in Sydney and Melbourne have been defying the downward-trending weekend auction clearance rates. Enmore, Lilyfield and St Peters – all in Sydney’s inner west – have achieved 80 auction clearance rates of more than 80%, against the 55% Sydney success rate rate, according to Australian Property Monitors.</p>
<p>Abbotsford, Chadstone, Windsor, Ivanhoe East, Malvern and Albert Park are the standout performers in Melbourne, with year to date 75% success rates, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. Albert Park had the country’s highest weekend sale at $6.62 million.</p>
<p><img src="/images/stories/60.jpg"></p>
<p>Sydney’s weekend auction clearance, which was the strongest since a 60% result in late February. The preliminary Australian Property Monitors result came from 353 of the 451 weekend listings, so the proof of any significant improvement in the success rate will come in the unreported final 98 results. APM notes that July’s opening weekend has just the 300 listings.</p>
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<p>Melbourne’s success rate on the weekend, according to the REIV’s tally of 611 auctions. It takes the 2011 tally to just over 13,000 auctions and an overall 59% clearance rate. There are about 470 auctions next weekend, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.</p>
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<a target="_blank" title="Unrivalled potential in Albert Park" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trophy-homes/unrivalled-potential-in-albert-park/2011062350585"><img src="/images/stories/6point62.jpg"></a>
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<p>Rosebank, a 960-square-metre holding on <a target="_blank" title="Unrivalled potential in Albert Park" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trophy-homes/unrivalled-potential-in-albert-park/2011062350585">St Vincent Place North in the Melbourne suburb of Albert Park</a>, was the weekend’s top seller across the country. It was officially announced on the market at $6,275,000, with just the one further bidder entering the competition who happened to beat the persistent opening $4.05 million bidder. There were four bidders all up. Rosebank, with a double-fronted Italianate Victorian facade, had been in the Lay family for 52 years. It sold through Simon Gowling at Marshall White.</p>
<p>The holding, with two rear workers timber cottages and double-storey brick stables, had a $4.8 million unimproved capital value and a $5.3 million capital improved value, according to the latest valuation. The property requires significant modernisation. Ross Lay won nine club championships at the Albert Park Bowling Club, just opposite the house, after joining the club in 1970. His late wife, Lillian, had a flower shop in Albert Park.</p>
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<p>The cheapest offering was also in Melbourne, and also through Marshall White. It was a 24-square-metre studio apartment on Mathoura Road in Toorak. The unit is in a 1941 Roy Grounds-designed building, Moonbria. It sold through Jason Brinkworth and James Redfern.</p>
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<p>Sydney’s dearest weekend house price sale was in Mosman through Belle agent Tim Foote, who had initial $3.25 million plus hopes. The five-bedroom Prince Albert Street bungalow had previously traded at $2.65 million  in 2006, thereby reflecting 3.8% annual growth.</p>
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Weekend auction wrap: Where the hammer fell

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<p>Prices continue to ease across all capital cities, but as September hasn’t been swamped with fresh listings the early spring market appears set for a steady as she goes scenario. It will be late spring when the resilience of the market faces its biggest test.</p>
<p>Melbourne's median house prices stood at $551,056 over the July quarter, according to Australian Property Monitors data.</p>
<p>It indicated that median housing prices in the Melbourne market remain subdued as it represented a 0.9% fall from the $555,958 recorded in the April quarter.</p>
<p>“It nonetheless recorded the smallest quarterly fall of all the capital cities,” Dr Andrew Wilson, senior economist for Australian Property Monitors, says.</p>
<p>Perth and Brisbane continue to be the worst-performing capitals with their median house prices down by 2.7% and 2.1% respectively. They were followed by Adelaide and Darwin, down by 1.9%, Hobart and Canberra, down by 1.5%, and Sydney where the median house price fell by 1.1%.</p>
<p>Sydney's median house price fell from $646,806 over the April quarter this year to $639,484 over the July quarter.</p>
<p>Melbourne's median house price has fallen by 2.9% over the year to July compared with Sydney, where median house prices are down by just 0.6%. </p>
<p>“This is good for stability and confidence, considering prices rose 20% in the 18 months from January 2009 to June 2010.</p>
<p>"Sydney has recorded the best outcome among capital cities through the market's recent corrective phase brought on by rising interest rates and house prices that put pressure on affordability in most centres,” Wilson notes.</p>
<p><img src="/images/stories/55.jpg"></p>
<p>Melbourne’s clearance rate slipped from its revised 57% on the July 20/21 weekend, according Enzo Raimondo at the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. There were a total of 525 auctions on the weekend, of which 289 sold and 236 were passed in, 164 of those on a vendor's bid.</p>
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<p>Sydney’s clearance rate slipped from its revised 57% on the July 20/21 weekend, according to Andrew Wilson at Australian Property Monitors.</p>
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<p>For the first weekend of spring the REIV is expecting only a slight boost in Melbourne auction numbers over last weekend, to 530.</p>
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<p>The number of auctions expected to be held in Sydney next weekend.  APM research analyst Clinton McNabb says this is slightly down on the 362 listings over the last weekend.</p>
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<p>Sydney’s most expensive property to go under the was a two-bedroom 1950s house in Gladesville through Ray White agent Robert Cassidy. It last sold at $1.67 million in 1999, reflecting 5.5% annual growth. It had been recently in the rental pool at around $850 a week.</p>
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<p>Lethbridge Park offered Sydney’s cheapest auction sale, according to APM. It was a four-bedroom house that last sold in 1998 at $87,000, reflecting 7.8% annual growth. It had been recently in the rental pool at $260 a week. It sold through Richardson &amp; Wrench Rooty Hill agents Colin Mackenzie and Roy Amery.</p>
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<p>Adelaide’s top weekend sale was a three-bedroom house at Netherby. It sold through Klermich Real Estate Kent Town agent Steve Alexander. The house set on a  1393-square-metre block had been listed with an  $895,000 to $945,000 pre-auction price estimate.</p>
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<p>Brisbane’s cheapest sale was a three-bedroom house sold through the Professionals Redland Bay agent Denise Cusack. Its been for sale since last September when it had a $329,000 asking price. It last sold for $147,000 in 2002, reflecting 5.9% annual growth.</p>
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<p>The country’s dearest house price was on a beachfront reserve house on Kent Avenue, Brighton, in Victoria. It had been passed in at $6.35 million despite having four bidders with two bidders above the $6 million mark when auctioned by Buxton Brighton agent Brian Devlin and Regina Schmidt. The 665-square-metre three-level Art Deco residence on  665 square metres has two bathrooms, powder room, living/dining area, family room, rooftop deck, pool and garage.</p>
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<p style="text-align: right;">- a Consumer Affairs Department spokesperson.</p>
<p>But it didn't appease <em>The Block</em> producer Julian Cress, who said it came as no surprise that Consumer Affairs cleared Channel 9 of any wrong doing considering there wasn’t any wrongdoing in the first place. Cress says the pre-auction publicity surrounding CAV's investigation contributed to potential buyers not attending the auction.</p>
<p>"It certainly had an effect on our outcome.’’</p>
<p>Only one property sold under the hammer during the lacklustre Saturday night auction, with the three others since sold.<br><br></p>
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Quote of the week

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<p>It has been 11 weeks that  Melbourne’s weekend auction clearance rate has hovered below 60%. Sydney’s has  been there since February, based on revised figures.</p>
<p>The Melbourne suburb of Richmond  was the busiest suburb across the country, with 10 auctions.There was a 42%  success rate from the seven known results, suggesting Channel 9 will need to be  very realistic when pricing its upcoming auction listings of the four houses on  the television series <em>The Block.</em> Castle Hill with  eight auctions was the busiest in Sydney, and none of the six reported results  found buyers. It certainly invites  the debate – which <em>Property Observer </em>will kick off this week – as to just what  properties should be going to auction for the remainder of the winter, and even  into spring.</p>
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<p style="vertical-align: top;">Sydney’s  weekend clearance rate from the preliminary 248 results compiled by Australian  Property Monitors. There were 292 auctions held in Sydney, which was 13% down on  the 338 auctions on the second Saturday in July 2010. Clinton McNabb at APM says  there are about 240 auction due next weekend. After some further results came in  from the July 2 auctions, Sydney recorded a 56.5% clearance rate, slightly lower  than the 57% published figure.</p>
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<p style="vertical-align: top;">Melbourne’s  weekend clearance rate from the preliminary 402 results compiled by the Real  Estate Institute of Victoria. There were 478 auctions held in Melbourne, which  was 15% down on the 576 results on the second Saturday in July 2010. Enzo  Raimondo at the REIV says there are about 420 auction due next weekend. After  some further results came in from the July 2 auctions, Melbourne recorded a 53%  clearance rate, slightly lower than the initial 55% published figure.</p>
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<p>Canterbury in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs notched up the  weekend’s highest auction price across the country. The contemporary Mont Albert Road residence with four bedrooms and three bathroom had  been listed as likely to sell within the $2.5 million to $2.75 million price  bracket. It sold post-auction through Paul Pfeiffer and Danielle Henry at Hocking Stuart  Balwyn. The house, with 419 square metres of space, was set on a 500-square-metre  block.</p>
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<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/275.jpg"><p> </p>
<p>The vendor bid when Hocking Stuart auctioned a three-level Albert Park  residence with no bids placed by the Saturday afternoon crowd. “We are going to  support our vendor’s expectations on price,” auctioneer Andrew Stuart said. The  contemporary <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trophy-homes/victoria/transformation-results-in-light-filled-home-with-plenty-of-extras/2011070750740">Merton Street residence</a>  had been listed  through Hocking Stuart Albert Park agent Michael Coen, who was  always expecting between $2.75 million and $3 million. It had last traded in  1999 for $675,000.</p>
<p>“Why would you be buying at that price when the  government is introducing a new tax on Sunday,” one attendee who listened from  his all-wheel-drive diesel told another attendee from the neighbourhood.  The house is  very different than when the former Hamer government minister Brian Dixon  owned the property between 1988 and 1992. Guy  Angwin from James Buyer Advocates notes its transformation has been extensive,  to become a large, light-filled contemporary family home with many extras. But  Angwin suggests an opportunity may have been missed, with the large main bedroom  not having an en suite. James Buyer Advocates gives it a 639 rating out of 1000.</p>
<p>“Whilst this property ticks most of the boxes, its lack of off-street car  parking may limit it's appeal,” Angwin says.</p>
<p> </p>
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/14.jpg"><p> </p>
<p>Wahroonga recorded Sydney’s highest weekend sale price, according to  APM. The four-bedroom colonial sandstock Plymouth Close house is set on a 960-square-metre block on the corner of Billyard Avenue. It sold through Michele Nomchong at  Chadwicks Real Estate Turramurra. It last sold for $860,000 in 2001, reflecting  5% annual growth. In 2009 it was listed for rent at about $1050 a  week.</p>
<p style="vertical-align: top;"> </p>
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/172.jpg"><p> </p>
<p>The weekend’s cheapest auction result across the country was a one-bedroom  unit under public trustee instructions at West Foostcray in Melbourne. Its price  fell within the price estimate of $165,000 to $180,000 given by its Burnham  listing agents Luke Christofe and Warwick Burnham. The first floor unit was  about 36 square metres.</p>
<p> </p>
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/715.jpg"><p> </p>
<p class="agencyname1">Adelaide’s highest sale was a three-bedroom 1880s cottage  in Adelaide, according to APM. The bluestone cottage sold through Brock  Harcourts agents Martin  Wylie and Alex  Ouwens. There were nine registered bidders, who had been given a pre-auction  price guide of between $630,000 to $690,000. It sits on Carrington Street  between South Terrace and Wakefield Road. The attached cottage last sold in 2005 at $391,000.</p>
</body></html>

<p>For all its prestige, Roseville hasn't seen many new apartment developments that genuinely cater to the suburb's owner-occupier market.</p>

<p>Most new projects on Sydney's North Shore have focused on increasing supply, but Aqualand Prestige's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/boronia-by-aqualand-roseville-2-4-larkin-street-roseville-nsw-2069">Boronia</a> is taking a different approach.</p>

<p>The 111-apartment project on Larkin Street has been designed around a buyer who already knows the area, whether they're downsizing from a nearby family home, upgrading from an older apartment, or moving into the suburb to be closer to schools and transport.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=372391]</p>

<p>Boronia is the first project from Aqualand Prestige, the boutique residential division of Aqualand, the developer behind projects including AURA in North Sydney and Blue at Lavender Bay. The project is being delivered in partnership with Phoenix Property Investors.</p>

<p>Rather than trying to maximise density, the focus has been on creating apartments that feel much closer to a house. There's a strong weighting towards larger three-bedroom residences, alongside a limited collection of four-bedroom duplex-style sky homes, a product that's rarely delivered in apartment projects on the Upper North Shore.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373694]</p>

<p>Architecture firm Woods Bagot has designed the building to sit within Roseville's established tree canopy rather than dominate it. The building steps down the site with deep balconies, generous setbacks and a material palette of masonry and natural stone that reflects the suburb's established character.</p>

<p>"The forms float among the canopies along the Larkin Street ridge to maximise the outlook across the green sea of the treetops," Woods Bagot Principal Jason Fraser said.</p>

<p>"The architecture is deliberately simple and understated, so that the detail, the craftsmanship and, above all, the landscape can be the hero."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]</p>

<p>The same approach continues inside.</p>

<p>Interiors by COX take inspiration from the surrounding bushland of Lane Cove National Park, using natural stone, timber and handcrafted finishes throughout the residences. Kitchens feature Gaggenau and Bosch appliances, while the penthouse collection includes upgraded stone finishes and bespoke detailing.</p>

<p>"We wanted the homes to feel like an urban retreat, where the boundary between inside and out simply dissolves," COX Director Brooke Lloyd said.</p>

<p>Landscape architecture by Ground iNK extends that connection outdoors, with mature tree planting, deep soil landscaping and retained established street trees helping the development blend into one of Sydney's leafiest suburbs.</p>

<p>Residents will also have access to landscaped communal gardens, a wellness centre and outdoor spaces designed more as an extension of their own homes than traditional apartment amenities.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373687]</p>

<p>The location is another reason Aqualand Prestige believes Boronia will resonate with buyers.</p>

<p>Roseville Station is around a five-minute walk away, placing Chatswood just one stop down the line, while the Sydney CBD remains within easy commuting distance. The suburb also sits within the NSW Government's Transport Oriented Development precinct, where planning changes are encouraging more housing around existing rail infrastructure.</p>

<p>Despite those planning reforms, opportunities to secure a new apartment in Roseville remain relatively limited, particularly developments aimed at owner-occupiers rather than investors.</p>

<p>Aqualand Prestige Executive Director Wayne Xiong said Boronia was designed for buyers intending to stay for the long term.</p>

<p>"These are homes built for decades of living rather than for the moment," Xiong said.</p>

<p>"Whether buyers are downsizing, raising a family or simply seeking more space, they're choosing the scale and craftsmanship of a fine house in a suburb they love, with the ease and connectivity modern life calls for."</p>

<p>Boronia's two-bedroom apartments are priced from $1.79 million, three-bedrooms from $2.49 million, penthouses from $2.85 million, and four-bedroom duplex-style Sky Homes from $4.5 million.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152095]</p>


Joel Robinson

Aqualand Prestige launches Boronia to undersupplied Roseville apartment market

<p>For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.</p>

<p>At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.</p>

<p>It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.</p>

<p>The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.</p>

<p>After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.</p>

<p>In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.</p>

<p>"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.</p>

<p>"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."</p>

<p>The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.</p>

<p>Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.</p>

<p>The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]</p>

<p>The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.</p>

<p>Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.</p>

<p>"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.</p>

<p>"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."</p>

<p>On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.</p>

<p>Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]</p>


Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

<p>For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.</p>

<p>That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.</p>

<p>John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.</p>

<p>"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.</p>

<p>"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]</p>

<p>Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.</p>

<p>The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.</p>

<p>The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]</p>

<p>The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.</p>

<p>Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.</p>

<p>Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]</p>

<p>The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.</p>

<p>Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.</p>

<p>"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.</p>

<p>"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."</p>

<p>He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.</p>

<p>"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]</p>

<p>According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.</p>

<p>"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.</p>

<p>"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."</p>

<p>He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.</p>

<p>"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]</p>


Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

<p>Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.</p>

<p>While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.</p>

<p>A new Colliers report, <em>Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions</em>, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.</p>

<p>The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.</p>

<p>Construction Skills Queensland's <em>Horizon 2032</em> report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.</p>

<p>The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]</p>

<p>Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.</p>

<p>"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.</p>

<p>"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."</p>

<p>Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.</p>

<p>"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]</p>

<p>Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.</p>

<p>Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.</p>

<p>Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.</p>

<p>The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.</p>

<p>Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.</p>

<p>"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.</p>

<p>"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."</p>


Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

<p>It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]</p>

<p>Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.</p>

<p>"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.</p>

<p>"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.</p>

<p>"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]</p>

<p>Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.</p>

<p>Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]</p>

<p>Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.</p>

<p>"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.</p>

<p>"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."</p>

<p>Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]</p>


Jonathan Chancellor

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