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NSW suburbs dominate Investar's top 10 fastest rental growth suburbs.
But the Melbourne suburb, Sunshine's $300 weekly two bedroom rentals lead the country with 20% annual growth over the past year.
Rank Suburb State Postcode Dwelling Type Bedrooms Median Rent 1 Year Change
1 SUNSHINE VIC 3020 Unit 2 $300 20.00%
2 WILLOUGHBY NSW 2068 Unit Studio &amp; 1 $430 19.44%
3 RYDE NSW 2112 Unit Studio &amp; 1 $440 17.33%
4 RYDE NSW 2112 Unit 2 $500 16.27%
5 ST IVES NSW 2075 House 4 $1095 15.26%
6 RIVERWOOD NSW 2210 Unit 2 $460 15.00%
7 MULGRAVE VIC 3170 House 4 $540 14.89%
8 BELLA VISTA NSW 2153 House 4 $860 14.66%
9 LABRADOR QLD 4215 Unit Studio &amp; 1 $295 13.46%
10 GLEBE NSW 2037 Unit 2 $680 13.33%
Source <a href="https://www.realestateinvestar.com.au/ME2/Default.asp" target="_blank">Investar July 2015</a>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Sunshine rentals lead, but Sydney dominate Investar's 10 fastest rental growth suburbs 

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<div class="cT-imageLandscape">
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Lowanbrae in Burradoo has sold at an undisclosed price through Drew Lindsay Real Estate, in a sale that highlights unseasonal NSW Southern Highlands activity. 
The 1920s walled garden estate was initially listed by International Publishing Group's chief Philip Greader in 2012 for $5 million.
The most recent price guidance <a href="https://www.drewlindsay.com.au/?property=lowenbrae" target="_blank">was $4.5 million-plus</a>.
It last traded in 2005 for $5.65 million when sold by the Tyree family who bought the two-hectare estate since in 1978 paying $122,400 to solicitor John Read.
The Burradoo Road property, with a gated entrance garlanded annually in wisteria, has a six-bedroom house set in English-style gardens with a tennis court.
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<div class="cT-imageLandscape">
 <img src="https://images-2.domain.com.au/2015/07/23/6708093/Article%20Lead%20-%20wide998505213gih9tdimage.related.articleLeadwide.729x410.gihfjx.png1437715191280.jpg-620x349.jpg" alt='"Lowenbrae" in Burradoo has sold after a while on the market.
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Lowanbrae, Burradoo sale highlights unseasonal Southern Highlands activity 

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The 1895 Italianate-style Sandringham trophy home, Espedair - complete with tower - comes with $5 million plus hopes. 
Espedair sits on a 1665-square-metre block, behind automatic gates and with a curved driveway. 
The formal front rooms come with a 4.5-metre-high ceilings, some pressed-metal, along with bay window and fireplaces.
It last traded for $1.9 million in early 2002.
The price hopes will see it excede the highest recorded house price in Sandringham over the past 12 months - $4.65 million for 21 Pellew Street, Sandringham, set some 16 kilometres south-east of the CBD. 
Offers for the 114 The Crescent property close August 27 with Kay &amp; Burton's Bert Geraerts.
It was once offered as part of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/4235743" target="_blank">the bankrupt estate of the Toohey &amp; Wimpole solicitors in 1930.</a>
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Sandringham's 1895 Italianate trophy home, Espedair for sale

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The country's top 10 sales were topped this week by a tightly held Hunters Hill trophy home, according to CoreLogic RP Data. It last sold at $3.89 million in 1989.
It was listed in early May through Ray White.
The weekly top 10:
1 Fern Road, Hunters Hill, NSW, 2110, five-bedroom house, sold on July 22 by Ray White Lane Cove for $6 million
28 Livingstone Street, Burwood, NSW, 2134, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on July 25 by Rich &amp; Oliva Croydon Park/Burwood for $4.005 million
90 Albyn Road, Strathfield, NSW, 2135, eight-bedroom house, sold at auction on July 25 by Strathfield Partners Strathfield for $3.85 million
12 South Street, Strathfield, NSW, 2135, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on July 25 by Georges Ellis &amp; Company Strathfield for $3.75 million
3 Harrington Avenue, Warrawee, NSW, 2074, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on July 25 by L J Hooker Wahroonga for $3.75 million
5 Wolsten Avenue, Turramurra, NSW, 2074, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on July 25 by L J Hooker Wahroonga for $3.3 million
10 Clifton Avenue, Burwood, NSW, 2134, six-bedroom house, sold at auction on July 25 by Rich &amp; Oliva Croydon Park/Burwood for $3.182 million
16 Jenner Street, Seaforth, NSW, 2092, five-bedroom house, sold on July 22 by L J Hooker Seaforth for $3.1 million
110 Mountain View Road, Balwyn North, VIC, 3104, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on July 25 by Christopher Russell &amp; Associates Boroondara for $2.93 million
28 Pacific Parade, Manly, NSW, 2095, four-bedroom house, sold on July 24 by Cunninghams Property Balgowlah for $2.875 million
 
Source: CoreLogic RP Data
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$6 million Hunters Hill trophy home tops the nation's sales

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The 1916 Burwood, Sydney home, Naqueta - which means happy home - fetched $4,005,000 at weekend auction.
Set metres from Burwood's shops and station, the Federation residence at 28 Livingstone Street last traded in 1977. 
The three bedroom home on its 1031 sqm non conservation zoned block sold bullishly through Matthew Nolan at Rich and Oliva.
There were 24 registered bidders with 10 getting a bid in after the opening $2.5 million offer.
 
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 Burwood's 1916 Federation Naqueta tops $4 million - just

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Westpac, Australia's largest lender to landlords, remains the only one of the big four banks not to have increased interest rates for property investors over the past week under regulatory pressure over bank exposure to housing.
It seems Westpac is finding it challenging to distinguish between investors and owner-occupiers on its computer system, sources told Fairfax Media.
Banking sources said it might take Westpac several months to work through systems issues to enable it to charge different rates.
This could involve senior members of the IT team recoding some of the banking systems to allow different reference rates even though the bank has created different home loan products for investors and owner-occupiers. 
National Australia Bank will be raising its rates by 0.29 percentage points on interest-only loans taken out by both investors and owner-occupiers, similiarly constrained from charging different rates to investors and owner-occupiers because of technical problems. 
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Computer says no - why Westpac stands alone on its lower investor interest rate

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The far north WA town of Broome notched up a 10% rental growth in the March quarter, according to REIWA.
<table class="data-table members-data-table table-striped">
<thead><tr>
<th>RENTAL MARKET</th>
<th>MARCH 2015 QUARTER</th>
<th>CHANGE FROM 3 MONTHS AGO</th>
<th>CHANGE FROM 12 MONTHS AGO</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Perth Metropolitan - Median Weekly Rent</td>
<td class="number-right">$430</td>
<td class="number-right">-2.3%</td>
<td class="number-right">-5.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Perth Metropolitan - Vacancy Rate</td>
<td class="number-right">4.4%</td>
<td class="number-right">0.2%</td>
<td class="number-right">0.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mandurah-Murray - Median Weekly Rent</td>
<td class="number-right">$380</td>
<td class="number-right">2.7%</td>
<td class="number-right">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mandurah-Murray - Vacancy Rate</td>
<td class="number-right">6.4%</td>
<td class="number-right">3.1%</td>
<td class="number-right">3.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bunbury Urban Area - Median Weekly Rent</td>
<td class="number-right">$368</td>
<td class="number-right">0.8%</td>
<td class="number-right">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bunbury Urban Area - Vacancy Rate</td>
<td class="number-right">4.2%</td>
<td class="number-right">-2.4%</td>
<td class="number-right">2.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Geraldton-Greenough - Median Weekly Rent</td>
<td class="number-right">$360</td>
<td class="number-right">12.5%</td>
<td class="number-right">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Geraldton-Greenough - Vacancy Rate</td>
<td class="number-right">7.3%</td>
<td class="number-right">-0.4%</td>
<td class="number-right">3.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kalgoorlie-Boulder - Median Weekly Rent</td>
<td class="number-right">$360</td>
<td class="number-right">5.9%</td>
<td class="number-right">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kalgoorlie-Boulder - Vacancy Rate</td>
<td class="number-right">3.1%</td>
<td class="number-right">0.2%</td>
<td class="number-right">-1.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Albany Urban Area - Median Weekly Rent</td>
<td class="number-right">$320</td>
<td class="number-right">-8.6%</td>
<td class="number-right">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Albany Urban Area - Vacancy Rate</td>
<td class="number-right">1.7%</td>
<td class="number-right">0%</td>
<td class="number-right">0.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Busselton Urban Area - Median Weekly Rent</td>
<td class="number-right">$395</td>
<td class="number-right">-1.3%</td>
<td class="number-right">0.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Broome Urban Area - Median Weekly Rent</td>
<td class="number-right">$600</td>
<td class="number-right">10.1%</td>
<td class="number-right">0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Broome Urban Area - Vacancy Rate</td>
<td class="number-right">0%</td>
<td class="number-right">0%</td>
<td class="number-right">0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<ol>
<li>Median prices and sales of properties are derived from Landgate data - Excludes properties &gt; 1 Ha.</li>
<li>Rental data obtained from surveys of REIWA members.</li>
</ol>
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Broome rentals rose 10% in March 2015 quarter

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The Perth median has dipped to $530,000 - and the time to sell up now to 70 days, according to the latest June REIWA/Landgate data.
Reuters recently reported even the notoriously high coffee prices in mining capital Perth have levelled off at under $4 a cup.
 
<a href="/images/2015/07/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-28%20at%208.28.38%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a><img src="/images/2015/07/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-28%20at%208.28.38%20AM.png" alt="" width="839" height="507" style="line-height: 1.3em;">
 
<a href="/images/2015/07/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-28%20at%208.37.45%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Perth median dips to $530,000 in June - and time to sell up to 70 days

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The National Australia Bank will be raising variable mortgage rates on interest-only loans by 29 basis points.
NAB follows rivals ANZ and Commonwealth Bank of Australia in raising variable rates on loans for property bought for investment purposes by 27 basis points last week.
It will also apply to owner occupiers with interest only loans with NAB's rate increase adding about $70 to the monthly cost of a $300,000 interest-only mortgage.
Sources told Fairfax Media that NAB is constrained from charging different rates to investors and owner-occupiers because of technical problems. 
NAB advised that interest only loans are the predominate structure for investors, and over the last three years housing investment loans had grown 34 per cent, while the number of interest only loans has risen 44 per cent.
The Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) has asked banks to keep annual growth in investment home loans to below 10 percent in an attempt to cool red-hot property prices in Sydney and Melbourne.
NAB's interest-only rate changes will be effective August 10 for all new loans, while the change for existing interest only variable rate loans effective September 10.
Matt Comyn, group executive for CBA retail banking services says increasing rates was unavoidable to ensure the major bank remains within APRA’s 10% growth guideline.  “As Australia’s largest home lender, we support the prudential regulator’s actions to ensure lending practices remain sustainable and we have been actively managing our investment home loan portfolio to remain below the 10% growth limit," he said.
Matt Comryn says the new investment home loan variable rate of 5.72% was still 0.18% lower than the rate six months ago. 
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NAB joins ANZ and CBA in higher interest rates for investors

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Nick Maxwell, the former Collingwood premiership captain, and his wife Erin are selling their 1930s Spotswood home, as they seek schools for their two young children.
The pretty extended weatherboard at 12 Stephenson Street was renovated by Maxwell, with involvement from his brother and father, who are builders.
The property cost $280,000 in 2004.
The three bedroom <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/12-stephenson-street-spotswood/Property-Details-buy-residential-9199328" target="_blank">12 Stephenson Street, Spotswood</a>, is listed for August 15 auction with $900,000 plus hopes through Sweeney Estate Agents agent Wayne Sweeney.
Set on 512 square metres, has an enviably large walk-in wardrobe, with an en suite off the main bedroom and a parents' retreat, and sweeping open plan living.
After his 2014 retirement from league footy, Maxwell joined NRL team Melbourne Storm as a leadership development coach. 
Erin Maxwell is best known for her Melbourne style Love Shop Share blogging.
“The reason they’re selling is to move to South Williamstown to get the kids into the local schools,” Wayne Sweeney told the Herald Sun newspaper.
CoreLogic RP Data put <a href="/news">the suburb's house median at around $668,000</a>. 
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Retired Pies captain Nick Maxwell lists in Spotswood

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6395]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=353235]

A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

Jonathan Chancellor

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