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The strength of most capital city auction markets tracked marginally down over June 2015, according to the Domain Australian Home Auction Report for June 2015. 
The report, compiled by property website <a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/14.3.224.2/scripts/premium/redir.aspx?SURL=mZnFDtHeNC7xNr3NmEw_ju-p-6a1En_LGsXjtjltDcL_7phTxoDSCGgAdAB0AHAAOgAvAC8AdwB3AHcALgBkAG8AbQBhAGkAbgAuAGMAbwBtAC4AYQB1AA..&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.domain.com.au" target="_blank">Domain.com.au</a> with analysis from Domain senior economist, Dr Andrew Wilson noted it had been a mixed month for the auction market overall.
"We are definitely starting to see the first signs of the typical winter cooling period as sellers are starting to think about the Spring property season. 
"That said, markets are still well ahead year-on-year and we are starting to see the underlying strength across the board,” Wilson said.  Sydney Sydney’s June clearance rate, while still strong at 82.9%, dropped slightly from 83.3% in May. This is still well ahead of the 70% clearance rate recorded in June 2014.  Domain’s Dr Andrew Wilson said that the declining weekend auction trend in Sydney in June, can can be attributed in part to the usual mid-year seasonal effects.  “Unrealistic expectations by vendors of market prices in the extraordinary Sydney market may be a factor in declining clearance rates. Unseasonably high auction numbers are set to continue into July, providing buyers with a wider choice of property, however.” 
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>Average number of Saturday auctions in Sydney in June was 599, down from 706 average in May, but well ahead of 528 averaged in June last year</li>
<li>Slight weakening in the clearance rate translated into a fall of 2.9% in the median auction price for homes sold under the hammer over June</li>
<li>June median auction price of $1,105,000 was down from the all-time record of $1,137,500 recorded in May </li>
<li>June median house price, although a slight decrease from May, was still an increase of 22.8% on the $900,000 median home auction price recorded in June 2014</li>
</ul>
 Melbourne Unlike the Sydney auction market, clearance rates for the Melbourne market increased over June compared to the previous month. Melbourne reported a clearance rate of 79.2% for June, just ahead of the 78% recorded over May and up more than 10% (68.8) from June last year.  Melbourne’s June clearance rate was the highest recorded for any month since April 2010 and the highest June result since 2007. According to Domain’s Dr Andrew Wilson, similar to Sydney, Melbourne clearance rates trended downwards over June as the mid-winter moderating effect took hold.  “The data was indicative of the slow down into July, when listing numbers are expected to in line with what is typically the trough of the market for monthly auction activity each year with the exception of January”.
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>Melbourne averaged 685 auction listings for each Saturday over June and although well down on the 928 averaged in May, remained ahead of the 634 reported over June last year </li>
<li>The Melbourne median price of homes auctioned over June fell by 4.9% over the month from $820,000 in May to $780,000. This however remained 10.6% higher than the $705,000 median recorded in June 2014</li>
</ul>
Brisbane The Brisbane auction market also experienced a slight increase in clearance rates in June. The clearance rate of 50% was just ahead of the 48.6% recorded in May, but significantly higher than in June 2014 (36.4). 
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>Brisbane averaged 92 auctions per Saturday over June, down from the 118 average over May but well ahead of the 79 averaged over June last year</li>
<li>Domain reported a median Brisbane home price sold at auction of $685,000 over June, an increase of 0.5% over May’s $681,500 and 5.2% higher than the $651,000 recorded over June last year</li>
<li>The Brisbane June clearance rate was its highest recorded for June since 2003</li>
</ul>
Canberra Canberra recorded another solid auction clearance rate in June at 63.2%. Although down marginally from the 64.2% recorded in May, it was nonetheless well ahead of the 55.4% recorded last June. 
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>Canberra averaged 35 listings per Saturday in June, down from the 48 averaged over May but well ahead of the 23 averaged over June 2014</li>
<li>Domain reported the Canberra median home auction price recorded in June was $650,000, a fall of 2.6% over the May result of $667,500 but an increase of 2.4 percent over the same month last year</li>
<li>Canberra’s June clearance rate was the highest recorded by that city for that month since 2009</li>
</ul>
Adelaide Domain reported that the Adelaide auction market fell away over June to a clearance rate of 61.2%, down from the 64.6% recorded over May. While there has been a significant drop month-on-month, the results are still ahead of the 57.5% result for June 2014. 
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>The Domain data shows that Adelaide averaged 53 auction listings per Saturday over June, down from the 67 average over May, ahead of the 49 averaged over June a year ago</li>
<li>The median auction price for a home in Adelaide over June was $560,000, a fall of 1.1% over the May result of $566,500 but 6.2% higher than the $527,500 recorded over June last year</li>
</ul>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

June auctions reflect early winter buyer hibernation

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The list of the 10 top residential sales across Australia compiled by CoreLogic RP Data over the past week features half from Melbourne, with two from Kew.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sunnybank+hills-119891353" target="_blank">But a Queensland sale</a> tops the list. It was an an unusually striking long lowest home that was sold as a development site.
The deceased estate listing was a 10,472 sqm holding in this popular south side suburb. 
 
1. 81 Pinelands Road, Sunnybank Hills, QLD, 4109, four-bedroom house, sold on June 24 by L J Hooker Sunnybank Hills for $5.8 million
2. 126 Sackville Street, Kew, VIC, 3101, six-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 27 by Rt Edgar Boroondara for $5.56 million
3. 20 Studley Avenue, Kew, VIC, 3101, five-bedroom house, sold on June 27 by Ray White Glen Waverley for $4.58 million
4. 9 Smythe Avenue, Mont Albert, VIC, 3127, five-bedroom house, sold on June 23 by Jellis Craig Real Estate Hawthorn for $4.3 million
5. 21 Iluka Road, Mosman, NSW, 2088, four-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on June 27 by Century 21 Mosman for $4.07 million
6. 5/37 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads, QLD, 4567, three-bedroom unit, sold on June 23 by Richardson &amp; Wrench Noosa Heads for $3.9 million
7. 6 Tryon Street, Chatswood, NSW, 2067, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 27 by Shead Property Chatswood for $3.87 million
8. 92 Carrington Road, Wahroonga, NSW, 2076, six-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 27 by Ray White Gordon/St Ives for $3.675 million
9. 2 Terama Court, Glen Waverley, VIC, 3150, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 27 by Jrw Property International Glen Waverley for $3.625 million
10. 1A Monomeath Avenue, Canterbury, VIC, 3126, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 27 by RT Edgar Boroondara for $3.5 million
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Sunnybank Hills top sale for the week

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Local and global market conditions are helping Australia become a favourable construction nation, according to Turner &amp; Townsend’s International Construction Market Survey 2015.
Sydney is now positioned at number 10 with New York City taking the first spot for the most expensive place to undertake construction activities in the 35 markets surveyed.
The 2015 survey also ranked Perth at 16, Melbourne at 19 and Brisbane took the 20th spot. 
The <a href="https://bit.ly/icms-2015" target="_blank">International Construction Market Survey 2015</a> analyses input costs – such as labour and materials – and charts the average construction cost per m2 for both commercial and residential projects in 35 markets around the world.
 “The tide is now starting to turn in Australia’s favour with many factors influencing this change," Gary Emmett, the senior economist for Turner &amp; Townsend said.
"These include a falling Australian dollar, a low interest rate environment which makes finance relatively cheap and stable construction costs.
"The winding down of construction within the mining sector is freeing up resources for other sectors including infrastructure, tourism, education and agriculture."  
<a href="/images/2015/07/01/breakout.jpg" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;"> Click to enlarge</a><img src="/images/2015/07/01/breakout.jpg" alt="" style="line-height: 1.3em;">
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A construction nation coming: Turner & Townsend

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Luxury apartment developer Fridcorp, and its partner Wingate, have sold a Sydney apartment site adjoining the EVE development in Erskineville.
Set in inner city Sydney's Erskinville, it sold for more than double the purchase paid less than a year ago.
<div class="article__content">
<div class="parsys parsys-article-content-top">
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The offshore-backed B1 Group has paid just under $70 million to secure the 1.2 hectare site which could accommodate around 230 units. 
Despite the sale, the Melbourne-based Fridcorp says it is "no site-flipper" with fresh plans held by Sydney managing director Paul Fridman.
It is only the second project site Fridcorp has sold in its two decades. Its Melbourne projects often saw joint partners with previous alignments including Trafalgar Corporate and the Crawford Group. 
 "We are committed to our growth in the Sydney market and together with Wingate have seen great success from the launch of Eve in Erskineville and will continue to explore more opportunities here," he said. 
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">Fridcorp bought the two parcels of land in October last year. </div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"> </div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">Together with the site where EVE is being built it paid $56 million, with the recently sold unbuilt EVE site accounting for nearly half of that sales figure. </div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/eve-in-erskineville-secures-100-million-in-sales">EVE was Fridcorp's first Sydney development</a>, a sell-out success with all 197 apartments sold off the plan.
The $145 million development is due for completion next year. 
The Sydney-based B1 Group, headed by Anne Bi, already has a number of existing Sydney residential projects but was keen for an inner-city site. 
The deal was brokered by McGrath Projects agents Steven Chen and Michael Chen who negotiated the sale for their buyer within a 48-hour period.  
Paul Ephron, who heads the sites &amp; acquisitions within McGrath Projects, had the off-book listing.
The northern part of the site has approval for 112 apartments and 17 townhouses and the section at the rear comes with an approval pending for 93 apartments. 
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Fridcorp’s first Sydney project, Eve, included one, two and three bedroom apartments, situated on the corner of Eve and Macdonald Streets.
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<div class="parsys-article-content-bottom parsys">
With interiors from Hecker Guthrie and dKO Architects, <a href="https://www.evebyfridcorp.com.au/" target="_blank">Eve</a> is 250 metres from the train station and 10 minutes to the CBD.
It includes views of Sydney Park to the CBD, wide frontages and balconies, storage space and a communal rooftop leisure deck with private central courtyard.
One bedroom, one bathroom apartments were priced from $525,000; two bedroom, one bathroom apartments from $750,000; two bedroom, two bathroom from $780,000; three bedroom, two bathroom from $1.1 million. 
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Fridcorp sells empty half of Eve, Erskineville project site

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The Australian Government has implemented changes today to the complying investment framework for the popular Significant Investor Visa (SIV) program in order to direct investment away passive investment towards investment in innovation and industrial development.
The changes to the investment framework commencing from 1 July 2015 will require a visa applicant to invest at least $5 million over four years in select investments.
Investment in residential real estate will only be permitted to comprise 10% of the $5 million minimum investment amount, although investors may invest in excess of this outside of this limit.
A new class of investment visa, the Premium Investment Visa (PIV) program has also been introduced on 1 July 2015.
Unlike SIV which requires investor to invest $5 million into complying investments for a minimum of four years before being eligible to apply for a permanent visa, PIV offers a more expeditious, 12 month pathway to permanent residency.
It is established to attract talented entrepreneurs and innovators and access to the program will be by invitation of the Australian Government.
An applicant under the PIV will be required to invest a minimum of $15,000,000 in managed funds or direct investment in ASX listed assets, government or semi-government bonds or notes, corporate bonds or notes, proprietary limited companies, real property in Australia (excluding residential property), annuities or government approved philanthropic donations. 
Solicitor Michael Sing at <a href="https://rostroncarlyle.com/" target="_blank">Rostron Carlyle</a> says the PIV represents an "outstanding opportunity for successful entrepreneurs to invest and secure permanent residency in 12 months, without having to live here, regardless of age and English language ability."
The Government announced that the scope of eligible investments must be an Australian managed fund(s) or direct investment in:
<ul>
<li>Australian securities exchange-listed assets.</li>
<li>Australian government or semi-government bonds or notes.</li>
<li>Corporate bonds or notes issued by an Australian exchange-listed entity (or wholly owned subsidiary of the Australian listed entity) or investment grade rated Australian corporate bonds or notes rated by an AFS licensed debt rating agency.</li>
<li>Australian proprietary limited companies.</li>
<li>Real property in Australia excluding residential property.</li>
<li>Deferred annuities issued by Australian registered life companies.</li>
<li>State &amp; Territory government approved philanthropic donation.</li>
</ul>
The investment may be made into one or more of these categories at any time in the qualifying period of 12 months.
Direct Investment in Commercial Property 
Because non-residential property is a qualifying investment category, the purchase of commercial property such as a shopping centre or industrial development over $15 million will allow an application for the PIV as a direct investment.
Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval is usually able to be obtained for any commercial property up to $54 million in any event, he said.
Cash is to be no more than 20% of a fund’s net assets and derivatives are to be used for risk management purposes only.
Direct investment into residential real estate is excluded and indirect exposure through investment vehicles is to be restricted to less than 10% of a vehicle’s net assets. Investors can of course invest in residential real estate, subject to FIRB rules, but this investment will not be assessed for PIV purposes.
Loan back’ arrangements, where the investment is used as collateral by the applicant, are excluded.
The PIV applicants will be eligible for Permanent Residency after only 12 months of maintaining their investment.
"At this stage, there are no minimum residency requirements to be complied with under the PIV: the applicant does not have to live in Australia at all for the 12-month period.
"This is a new visa, and the process for this is still being developed," he said.
"This is a new opportunity specifically for entrepreneurial investors to secure a visa as a bonus to investing in Australia.
"For Australian developers, it’s also an opportunity to offer another benefit or sales feature to prospective investors or joint venture partners seeking to acquire sites or equity participation."
Legitimate source of investment funds is still required to be proved. 
Michael Sing noted that the third party penalties for assisting in breaching FIRB laws make it important for agents and brokers to also be aware of the new rules.
 
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SIV and PIV start golden opportunity anew from July 1, 2015

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The McGowan family have listed the 1892 Fitzroy Hotel premises in Merriwa with $450,000 hopes.
There have been renovations by the McGowans since they bought the historic upper Hunter Valley pub in 2007 for $430,000.
Having ceased trading in 2007, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-merriwa-111319883" target="_blank">to reopen the hotel</a> for business the interior will need to be fully renovated.
There are detailed architectural plans available illustrating the potential for two public bars on different levels, a restaurant with indoors and outdoors dining space, along with a function room, games area and beer garden.
The major external renovations were designed by Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayne Architecture, completed on the exterior of the building in 2011.
The property sale includes a current liquor license. It has been listed by Heidi Inder at Rockwall Livestock and Property. Merriwa is a country town nestled in the Upper Hunter with a population of 2,500. The town was established in 1839 initially servicing the agricultural industries in the area including sheep, cattle, grain and more recently olives, vineyards and herbs.   Over the last eight years Merriwa has also increasingly becoming a service centre for the many mining companies..
The sandstone hotel was built for James Ell, the then co-owner of The Royal Mail and Passenger coaches which departed from the hotel on a daily basis for Gungal, Muswellbrook and Denman. 
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Fitzroy Hotel, Merriwa listed

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The Swiss private equity firm Sumner Capital has bought more on the Walsh Bay, Sydney waterfront, buying Pier 8 &amp; 9 prior to scheduled auction for $8.25 million.
The strata lot - 1000 square metres over two storeys - is the largest commercial development on the Hickson Road heritage precinct.
The sale price reflects a yield in the mid 6 per cent range through Knight Frank and LJ Hooker who marketed the property on behalf of Michael Williams' W Property. 
One of only three commercial lots, the building is leased to architects Jackson Teece, Deluxe Australia and design practice HASSELL.
Sumner already owns other lots at Walsh Bay, which is on the northern fringe the new $9 billion Barangaroo development.
The firm has provided the opportunity for investors who want to own Australian real estate since 2008.
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Walsh Bay buy by Sumner Capital

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An olive plantation in South Australia’s Murray Mallee region is being offered for sale under instructions from BRI Ferrier through CBRE Agribusiness.
Lameroo Station Olives is a mixed horticulture, cropping and livestock operation spanning 2,129 hectares near Pinnaroo, close to the Victorian border.
Lameroo Station Olives comprises properties known as 661 Karte West Road, Karte; 71 Netherton Road, Peake; and 5 Chandos Road, Pinnaroo. 
The substantial aggregation includes a 437 hectare olive orchard planted to various varieties, including Frantoio, Kalamata, Banea, Piqual and Manzanillo. 
Selling agent Phil Schell said 2,881 megalitres of water entitlements support the large scale horticulture operation
Registrations of Interest close August 7.
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BRI Ferrier list Murray Mallee olive plantation

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GPT Group will offer free wi-fi to shoppers at its Melbourne Central and Casuarina Square retail centres in exchange for their data through a partnership with Australian retail analytics startup SkyFii.
GPT Group had previously rolled out the wi-fi offering at two of its other centres - MLC Centre in February this year and Rouse Hill Town Centre last August.
SkyFii’s technology tracks the movements and behaviour of registered and unregistered users through in-store networks.
Data collected through the company’s platform can be integrated with a client’s point of sale or CRM systems, while targeted messages can be sent to customers in real-time through wi-fi, SMS, email or app-based push notifications.
The data collected through the service will be anonymous in most cases.
“It allows [GPT] to provide a reliable, efficient and secure service to its customers by giving them access to a state-of-the-art wi-fi network. It makes shopping more pleasant and provides retailers with a key benefit for retailers being increased time spent in a centre,” Skyfii chief executive Wayne Arthur told itnews.com.au.
Wayne Arthur holds the prospect of rollouts across GPT's 16 shopping centres .
SkyFii, which was founded in late 2011, offers its services across Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia and Australia.
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GPT shoppers getting free wi-fi

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Australia's capital city dwelling values were 9.8% higher over the financial year, according to the latest CoreLogic RP Data update. The previous 2013/14 financial year recorded a slightly higher rate of growth at 10.1%.  
Housing values rebounded in across the June quarter with dwelling values rising 2.0%t to be 9.8% higher over the year. 
The rate of capital gain was slightly higher over the second half of the year (5.1%) compared with the first half (4.5%) highlighting that the housing market has gathered some momentum during 2015, CoreLogic RP Data’s head of research, Tim Lawless, who believes the interest rates cuts in February and May have contributed in pushing capital gains higher. 
“Growth conditions had been moderating from April last year through to the end of January 2015.
"With the RBA cutting the cash rate in February, there was an instant buyer reaction across the Sydney and Melbourne housing markets where auction clearance rates surged back to levels not seen since 2009.
"Capital gains once again accelerated and we are now seeing Sydney and Melbourne homes selling in record time; Sydney homes are selling in just 26 days and Melbourne homes are selling in 32 days.” 
But while Sydney and Melbourne have seen dwelling values increase by 16.2% and 10.2% over the financial year respectively, every other capital city has seen growth of less than 5 per cent and dwelling values are down over the year in Darwin (-2.9%) and Perth (-0.9%). 
<a href="/images/2015/07/01/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-01%20at%209.58.14%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/01/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-01%20at%209.58.14%20AM.png" alt="">
Since dwelling values started rising in May 2012, Sydney dwellings have seen a 43.1% surge in values and Melbourne values are up by 25.9%. 
Despite emerging softer market conditions in Perth, dwelling values are currently up 12.8% over the cycle which represents the third highest growth rate across the capitals. 
"Simultaneously, Brisbane’s property market has shown the fourth highest rate of growth at 12.4%, followed by Adelaide (10.4%), Hobart (9.6%), Darwin (8.9%) and Canberra (8.8%). 
“The three tiers of housing market performance can be best explained by economic and demographic factors where it’s no coincidence that New South Wales and Victoria are recording the strongest economic conditions coupled with the strongest rates of migration which is fuelling housing demand. 
"Looking forward to the next financial year, Mr Lawless said it is difficult to imagine Sydney maintaining such a rapid pace of capital gains.
“Not only is affordability becoming a challenge for many sectors of the market, but yields are substantially compressed, rents are hardly moving and investors are facing tighter financing conditions from lenders.
“In the absence of a trigger event, such as a sharp rise in the jobless rate, higher interest rates or an external shock, it is unlikely we will experience a significant correction in dwelling values.
"However, the longer this run of growth continues across our largest capital cities, the more susceptible the housing market becomes to changes in the economy or broadly across household finance,” Tim Lawless said.<a href="/images/2015/07/01/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-01%20at%209.58.14%20AM.png" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </a>
 
{mijopolls 118}
 
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Price growth second-wind spurt the RBA's doing: CoreLogic RP Data's Tim Lawless

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mrcb">MRCB International</a> has commenced construction on its latest Gold Coast apartment development, Maris, on the site of the former Sundale Motel in Southport.

The start of construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">Binah</a> follows an exceptionally strong sales campaign, with more than 90 per cent of apartments sold since launch. Every purchaser has been local, an&nbsp;indicator of confidence in both the development and Southport's evolution into a thriving CBD.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maris-southport-20-queen-street-southport-qld-4215">Maris</a> will deliver 192 residences across 20 levels. The project forms part of MRCB's Australian and New Zealand development pipeline now exceeding $1.6 billion in gross development value, alongside a growing portfolio of projects globally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350663]

The company also commenced construction on its $600 million 26 Vista residences in Surfers Paradise last year, following strong sales momentum, with over 70 per cent of residences sold.

Maris has been designed to meet evolving buyer demand, offering architecturally designed layouts suited to long-term liveability. The approach reflects a growing preference for quality and adaptability among Gold Coast buyers.

Positioned next to the Broadwater in the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southport-qld-4215">Southport</a> CBD, Maris sits directly opposite the Broadwater Parklands light rail station and within easy reach of retail, dining and lifestyle precincts, placing residents at the centre of one of the Gold Coast's most connected and rapidly maturing urban centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372756]

Maris will offer a full suite of resort-style residential amenities, including a pool, gym and sauna, along with a rooftop level featuring decks, lounges and dining and yoga areas that command sweeping views across the Broadwater and out to the ocean.

Binah, a New South Wales headquartered company co-founded by Amen Zoabi and Khalil Hafza in 2008, has expressed its excitement at establishing its first partnership with MRCB.

Binah's Managing Director Khalil Hafza said partnering with MRCB on Maris is a significant moment for Binah.

"MRCB's financial strength and a track record that speaks for itself give this project a solid foundation, and this marks the beginning of what will be a long and successful relationship.

"With the right people, systems and partnerships behind it, Maris is set to become a significant addition to the Gold Coast's premium residential market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350664]

MRCB International CEO Ravi Krishnan said the project's progression to construction reflects both sustained demand and tightening conditions across the apartment sector, as well as MRCB's continued confidence in the Gold Coast market.

"Commencing construction at Maris is a significant step and reflects the depth of demand for quality apartments in well-connected urban locations," said Krishnan.

"Across Southeast Queensland, new apartment supply remains constrained, particularly in established precincts with infrastructure and amenity already in place. Projects like Maris are increasingly critical in meeting that demand, especially on the Gold Coast and in the city's CBD precinct."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372761]

Krishnan said Southport's ongoing transformation, supported by infrastructure investment and long-term planning, was underpinning renewed buyer confidence.

"We're seeing a clear shift back towards well-located urban centres where infrastructure, connectivity and amenity are already established," said Mr Krishnan. "Southport is evolving into a more mature CBD environment, and that is being reflected in buyer behaviour."

Construction at Maris is anticipated to be completed in 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134403]

Joel Robinson

Construction commences on MRCB’s $200m Maris Residences in Southport

Moonee Valley Park’s latest residential release <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveline-at-moonee-valley-park-moonee-ponds-100-thomas-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">The Eveline</a>, has achieved a new benchmark for off-the-plan apartment sales in the suburb, with the sale of The Alexandra penthouse selling for $5,435,000.

Positioned on the top floor of a 16-level residential building, the three-bedroom, three and-a-half-bathroom penthouse features uninterrupted city skyline views across the future Valley racetrack.&nbsp;

The landmark sale comes as momentum at the precinct continues to build, with the Moonee Valley Racing Club progressing works on its new racetrack ahead of the 2027 Cox Plate. The transformative development will see MVRC reimagine the beloved Valley as a vibrant year-round entertainment and lifestyle destination.

Alongside a world-class racing experience, the historic precinct will be activated with events, hospitality and public green spaces designed to attract broader audiences, while breathing new life into one of Melbourne’s most iconic destinations.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372786]

Development partners <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton Property Group</a> and Hostplus have delivered five residential stages over the past four years, the most recent in November 2025 with Trackside House and Stonepine House. The flourishing community is now home to almost 500 families.&nbsp;

The latest residential release, The Eveline, has recorded strong demand since launching publicly last July, securing more than $200 million in sales to date, satisfying its pre sales hurdle for construction to commence.&nbsp;

Hamton Founder and Executive Chairman, Paul Hameister OAM said, the sales&nbsp;team have been overwhelmed by demand for these unique homes in this unique project.

"Buyers continue to be predominantly hyperlocal and attracted by the 40 hectare botanic masterplan in Melbourne’s inner north west," Hameister said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372788]

Hamton’s Sales and Marketing Director Fergus Humphries said the team has achieved more than 70 sales over the past eight weeks, including the penthouse purchase by a local buyer.

"These results reinforce that, even in a challenging market, purchasers continue to be drawn to quality projects that offer more than just a home, they offer a lifestyle.”

Designed by Cera Stribley, the penthouse has been created with entertaining in mind, spanning close to 400 sqm of indoor and outdoor living space, including multiple terraces designed to capture sweeping views across Melbourne’s skyline, the new Valley racecourse and sunset views over Moonee Ponds.

Moonee Valley Park is one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects, transforming the iconic racecourse site into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood integrating homes, parklands, retail, racing and community amenities.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142519]

Moonee Valley Park penthouse sets suburb record as sales surge clears construction benchmark

A company linked to one of Australia's largest privately owned cattle businesses has lodged plans for a new residential tower in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newstead-qld-4006">Newstead</a>, continuing the rapid transformation of one of Brisbane's most sought-after, inner-city precincts.

Bottletree Holdings, an entity associated with Stanbroke Managing Director Brendan Menegazzo, has submitted a development application for a 28-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/9-longland-street-newstead-qld-4006">9 Longland Street</a>, a site that made headlines last year when it changed hands in an off-market transaction that reportedly set a benchmark land rate for the suburb.

The proposal would replace an existing two-storey commercial building on the 1,510 sqm corner site with a Bureau Proberts-designed tower comprising 76 apartments, ground-floor retail, office space and a suite of resident wellness amenities.

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According to planning documents lodged with Brisbane City Council, the development would comprise a mix of 36 two-bedroom apartments, 24 three-bedroom apartments and 16 four-bedroom residences, positioning the project firmly at the premium end of the market. The apartments would sit above a podium containing retail and commercial space, with three levels of communal recreation facilities spread throughout the tower. The proposal also includes 198 car spaces and 95 bicycle spaces.

Bureau Proberts has drawn heavily on Newstead's industrial heritage in developing the architectural response.

"Occupying a prominent corner in the heart of Newstead, the proposal draws from the area's industrial lineage of robust brick warehouses to deliver a distinctly contemporary response," the architects said in the design statement.

"It is conceived as a subtropical sanctuary and elevated private retreat embedded within one of Brisbane's most vibrant lifestyle precincts."

The design seeks to reinterpret the traditional Queensland vernacular through wraparound verandahs, deep shading elements and permeable facades that respond to Brisbane's subtropical climate.

<img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25524f59-395c-4825-8fad-9b639822fa8a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.09%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=dlWlbpCc_g3Y6yTLGqRVKvGJvO2ubMJ3" />

Planning documents describe the building as embodying the principles of "buildings that breathe", a design approach increasingly favoured in Brisbane's apartment market as developers focus on natural ventilation and outdoor living spaces.

The tower itself would rise above a heavily landscaped podium designed to reference the woolstore architecture that helped define Newstead and neighbouring Teneriffe for generations. At ground level, fine-grain retail tenancies would activate Longland Street, Wyandra Street and the existing Wyatt Street laneway, further extending the pedestrian network that has become a hallmark of the Gasworks precinct.

The application notes that more than 54 per cent of the site would be dedicated to landscaping and deep planting, while approximately 1,750 sqm of communal recreation space would be delivered across multiple levels.

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Bottletree paid $22 million for the 1,510 sqm development site, equating to more than $14,500 per sqm, a reflection of the strong demand for development opportunities in Newstead. The suburb continues to attract both developers and buyers, underpinned by the ongoing evolution of the Gasworks and Teneriffe precincts into some of Brisbane's most sought-after lifestyle destinations.

Brisbane City Council's Sustainable Growth Strategy and Inner City Strategy both identify Newstead as a priority growth precinct capable of accommodating additional housing density due to its proximity to employment hubs, public transport and lifestyle infrastructure.

The proposed tower joins a growing pipeline of high-end apartment developments in the suburb. Fortis recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a>, a 65-apartment owner-occupier-focused development on Kyabra Street, while Consolidated Properties Group is preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a 227-apartment waterfront project on Skyring Terrace.

Meanwhile, builder-developer BPG is planning its own Newstead project on Maud Street, comprising just over 100 apartments and more than 1,380 sqm of dedicated wellness and resident amenity spaces, further highlighting the shift towards lifestyle-driven apartment developments in Brisbane's inner-city market.

Newstead apartment boom continues with Longland Street tower plans

ALAND has taken the next major step in delivering its vision for Leppington Town Centre, lodging State Significant Development plans for a $549 million residential precinct that would bring more than 1,200 new homes within walking distance of Leppington Station.

The proposal, now on public exhibition, forms the Residential Core Precinct of the broader Leppington Town Centre masterplan and would transform a 4.3-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/156-166-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">156-166 Rickard Road</a> into a high-density mixed-use neighbourhood comprising nine residential buildings rising between six and 25 storeys.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc20982d-a0a9-4989-8fb3-680ca9fdcd10" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=l5EEyS6Dkf_SLDQkwDeyAU2nXkSZP2RW" />

The development has been designed by Rothelowman and is being pursued through a State Significant Development Application alongside a concurrent rezoning request under the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

If approved, the project would deliver 1,206 dwellings, including 784 build-to-sell apartments, 208 build-to-rent apartments, 189 affordable housing units and a nine-storey serviced apartment building containing 112 rooms. The proposal also includes around 7,400 sqm of non-residential floor space, new public open space, communal recreation areas and a new internal street network.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4f80d3b-cb05-4068-8a87-808317807a99" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KfPqh1JBuxc53IWntEzGHAeBaCLmRmum" />

<h2 data-end="1990" data-section-id="s6350" data-start="1941">A key piece of Leppington's future town centre</h2>

The site sits around 250 metres from Leppington Station, which opened in 2015 as the terminus of the South West Rail Link and has long been earmarked as the catalyst for the suburb's transformation from a rural fringe location into a major strategic centre for Western Sydney.

Leppington has become increasingly important following the announcement of the Western Sydney International Airport and the emergence of Bradfield City Centre, with government planning identifying the precinct as a significant location for future housing and employment growth.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ca0f098-affc-48c0-80d3-468ea090a20c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.26%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=o3mwgBFT6H9YUllI0JR.JfLsUYQy1CTa" />

According to Rothelowman, the proposal responds directly to Leppington's unique position between its agricultural past and its urban future.

"The site offers an opportunity to weave together multiple layers of history, from its ancient connections to Country along the ridgeline between two waterways and its origins as part of the Cumberland woodland, to its more recent agricultural uses, and its future as a new residential community," the architects said in the design report.

The architects said the project aims to establish a high-density residential typology that combines apartment living with extensive landscaping and public open space.

"The design responds by establishing a high-density typology that combines the convenience and amenity of contemporary apartment living with a renewed native landscape."

<h2 data-end="3541" data-section-id="1ko88s2" data-start="3485">Nine buildings arranged around parks and public space</h2>

The proposal has been designed around a landscape-led framework rather than a traditional podium-and-tower approach.

Across the site, approximately 7,500 sqm of public open space would be delivered through a network of north-south and east-west linear parks, connecting into the wider Leppington Town Centre open space network. A further 8,000 sqm of communal open space would be provided for residents.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5113abf-5440-4610-9cdc-60a0d41a407e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=k8zLMj4yZS4hStmGzZJfosjj5iArwIek" />

Rothelowman said the design seeks to maximise landscaping at ground level by concentrating development into compact tower footprints.

"Buildings are carefully lifted and distributed to minimise disturbance to the natural terrain, allowing the ground plane to remain open, permeable, and led by landscape," the design report states.

Rather than creating a continuous podium edge, the design team has focused on allowing landscaping to extend beneath and around the buildings.

"The ground plane is conceived as an extension of the surrounding environment, allowing landscape to flow up to and beneath the built forms."

The architectural language also draws on the area's natural landscape, with Rothelowman describing a material palette influenced by local gum trees, bark textures, creek systems and sandstone tones.

<h2 data-end="4971" data-section-id="s69utu" data-start="4922">Affordable housing and build-to-rent component</h2>

One of the more significant aspects of the proposal is the diversity of housing typologies.

In addition to traditional apartments for sale, the scheme includes a dedicated 25-storey build-to-rent building with 208 apartments and a 22-storey affordable housing building containing 189 homes.

The affordable housing component represents almost 16 per cent of the total dwellings proposed within the Residential Core Precinct.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f87e6808-e462-44c6-bfa8-a3de1816f2e3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.33.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WTsRKiUAyWw18S5S98yQB5oVuDcnJTxB" />

Community consultation undertaken ahead of the lodgement found support for additional housing in the area, particularly given ongoing affordability challenges across South West Sydney. Survey work conducted with local residents found housing affordability was one of the poorest-rated aspects of living in Leppington, while a majority of respondents were open to additional housing within the local government area.

The site's proximity to Leppington Station was identified as the most positively viewed aspect of the proposal, while public open space and affordable housing provisions also received majority support.

<h2 data-end="6184" data-section-id="1ngkie4" data-start="6140">Part of Leppington's broader expansion</h2>

ALAND will be a significant contributor to the broader vision for Leppington Town Centre, which is expected to accommodate more than 25,000 residents as the precinct evolves over the coming decades.

Located within Sydney's South West Growth Area, the 440-hectare Leppington Town Centre has been identified by the NSW Government as a strategic centre spanning both the Liverpool and Camden local government areas.

In 2023, Liverpool City Council and Camden Council, supported by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, prepared a draft planning proposal to rezone land and amend development controls across a number of sites within the town centre.

The proposal outlines a new vision for Leppington Town Centre, reducing the amount of land allocated for business park uses while increasing land zoned for commercial development, housing and open space. The changes are designed to optimise land use across the precinct and support the delivery of a more walkable, transit-oriented centre anchored by Leppington Station.

&nbsp;

ALAND plots 1,200-home Leppington masterplan

Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK Property Group</a>&nbsp;has enlisted renowned architecture firm Koichi Takada Architects to design its latest new apartment development.

The new 34-storey tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/57-berwick-street-fortitude-valley-qld-4006">57 Berwick Street, Fortitude Valley</a>,&nbsp;will have 189 apartments, complete with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/byculprit">byCULPRIT</a>. The upper levels&nbsp;capturing views across the Story Bridge, city skyline, ranges, bay and river.

Residents will have access to a rooftop amenity floor with facilities including a pool, spa, sauna, hot and cold treatment, meditation garden, gym, yoga studio, private dining, BBQ, games lounge, wine display wall, work library, meeting rooms and outdoor work areas.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK</a> Founder and Managing Director, Arpan Kohli, said it will be a project "Brisbane hasn't seen before."

&nbsp;

"To deliver a project of this calibre, you need the right people involved," Kohli said.

"Koichi Takada Architects and byCULPRIT set the benchmarks for design excellence, and this project reflects that - a building of genuine architectural significance in one of Brisbane's most coveted locations, sitting between Howard Smith Wharves and the James Street precinct."

TRK recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/laya-residences-taigum-203-beams-road-taigum-qld-4018">LAYA Residences in Taigum</a>, 88 three-bedroom townhouses starting from $1,495,000. They have another apartment site in Indooroopilly, at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/140-central-avenue-indooroopilly-qld-4068">140 Central Avenue</a>. That will have 131 apartments.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Jonathan Chancellor

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