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Woolworths is looking at a sale of its Thomas Dux gourmet food store chain, The Australian Financial Review  reports.
The company has reportedly sought expressions of interest from trade buyers and private equity investors.
It is asking between $10 million and $20 million for the 10-store chain, according to the report which suggested potential buyers could include South African retailer Woolworths Holdings, which purchased the upmarket department store chain David Jones.
The first Thomas Dux store opened in 2008 in Sydney's lower north shore suburb of Lane Cove, with the second in Paddington.
In 2009 Dux opened is recently closed store on Crown Street, Surry Hills.
The company bought leases on eight Macro Wholefoods sites, including Crows Nest and Hornsby.
Tim Morris, from New Zealand-based Coriolis Research, advised in 2008 that no "middle market" retailer in the world had ever been able to make a success of an upmarket small-format store.
The 10-store gourmet food chain became profitable last year.
Thomas Dux was pitched as not quite as fancy as upmarket rivals Simon Johnson or Jones the Grocer, but taking on Norton St Grocer and Harris Farm Markets in the middle ground of specialty grocer-cum-deli with an emphasis on fresh foods.
It was pitched as selling niche brands which Woolies didn't stock in its then 777 supermarkets nationwide.
 
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Thomas Dux food chain listed for sale by Woolworths

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Nagambie's Bob and Rosemary Scarborough have their 122-hectare, Wood Nook Farm listed for sale with $10 million plus hopes.
With frontage to the Goulburn River, the property with 1870s homestead is being marketed by Danny Thomas <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ldiIORALj4" target="_blank">CBRE Agriculture</a> for the Moonee Valley Racing Club chairman and his wife.
The horses of the leading thoroughbred breeders were dispersed last month at the Magic Millions 2015 National Sale.
With Group One winners including Final Card, Gallica, Gold Ace, Hit the Roof, Leica Guv, Light Fantastic, Marble Halls, Sleek Chassis and Stella Cadente, Wood Nook Farm was one of the best producing thoroughbred nurseries in Australasia.
“It is with heavy hearts that we are winding up Wood Nook Farm and dispersing our entire bloodstock portfolio and in due course selling the farm,” Bob Scarborough said after 21 years ownership.
<img src="https://images-2.domain.com.au/2015/06/25/6641731/Article%20Lead%20-%20wide997461978ghv6mpimage.related.articleLeadwide.729x410.ghv2l6.png1435274682092.jpg-620x349.jpg" alt="Moonee Valley Racing Club chairman Bob Scarborough is selling the landmark Wood Nook Farm.">
“Rosemary and I have really enjoyed our time at the races and sales over the years and have been lucky to enjoy so much success.”
“I’m approaching 70 and we have decided that this is the right time to disperse our bloodstock,” Bob added.
“The thoroughbred racing and breeding industry has been fantastic to us and we have met most of our close friends through the industry, but it’s time for a complete lifestyle change. We plan to travel and spend more time with our six grandchildren who are growing up too quickly.”
“We won’t be lost to the racing industry as I will continue on as chairman of the Moonee Valley Racing Club and remain dedicated to its future success and growth and will also remain on the Australian Pattern Committee.”
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Scarbourgh family list Wood Nook Farm, Nagambie

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Melbourne notched up a clearance rate of 79% compared to 77% last weekend and 73% this weekend last year.
There were 763 auctions reported to the REIV on the weekend.
Auction sales have continued to track higher with around 14,000 sales so far this year, the highest on record, Enzo Raimondo the REIV chief said.
"The outer Melbourne region experienced the strongest auction sales growth in the year date, up 20 per cent from the same time last year," Enzo Raimondo advised.
The top sale was a Malvern development site after eight bidders gathered in the backyard of the five-bedroom early-1900's Edwardian home on Friday afternoon.
It sold at $4.78 million after being advertised as "an exceptional opportunity to potentially develop as a luxury apartment complex." 
It had high ceilings, Baltic pine floors and stained glass windows. The 1,045 sqm site was near Spring Road.
 
TOP 5 HOUSES 
1. 1269 High Street, Malvern $4,780,000 (pictured above) 2. 20 Studley Avenue, Kew $4,580,000 3. 27 &amp; 29 Clyde Street, Box Hill North $3,565,000 4. 1A Monomeath Avenue, Canterbury $3,500,000
Malvern listings have been attracting very active attention on the realestateview.com.au website in the latter stages of autumn and early winter.
Analysis showed the top two most clicked sold listings on the website were in the inner eastern precinct, of varied price.
The list (below) coincided with a marketing campaign (below) by the website to promote its listing successes.
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<div class="full-adv"><a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/sell-my-home?utm_source=REIV&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_content=skyscraper&amp;utm_campaign=lets-go-fishing"><img src="https://www.reiv.com.au/~/media/advertisements/gone-fishing_skyscraper_160x600.ashx"></a></div>
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1) <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/29-hughes-street-malvern-east/Property-Details-sold-residential-8700900" target="_blank">29 Hughes Street, MALVERN EAST, VIC, 3145</a> Sold for $2,310,000 (pictured above)
A classic Californian-style four bedroom family home that blends the best of indoor and outdoor living. Complete with Blackbutt floorboards, wine cellar and large well-equipped kitchen, this trophy home features a full tiled solar heated pool as centrepiece.
2) <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/the-avenue-malvern-east/Property-Details-sold-residential-8611342" target="_blank">The Avenue , MALVERN EAST, VIC, 3145</a>, Sold for $825,000
Classic charm abounds in this renovated Art Deco home with raised ceilings, contemporary exposed joinery and immaculate finishings. Close to all amenities including schools, trams, cafes and parkland. 
3) <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/51-1-wellington-crescent-east-melbourne/Property-Details-sold-residential-8687258" target="_blank">51/1 Wellington Crescent, EAST MELBOURNE, VIC, 3002</a>, Price undisclosed
This two level penthouse is located in the Wellington Gardens complex and includes a third level entry, vast living areas and a leafy outlook. The complex itself features recreation and health facilities and secure entry.
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Successful Malvern auction listings catching the most clicks

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<label for="NOW_FO_LTD_2909788">Yachtie Matt Allen's Bellevue Hill home Yoorami secured coverage in the weekend Financial Times House &amp; Home section.</label>
The 2800 square metre Victoria Road trophy estate with $17 million hopes appeared in an international roundup of homes with tennis court as the paper's readership prepares for the strawberry and cream tennis season.
Pity the $8 purchase at local newsagencies didn't have the House &amp; Home section within the paper on the weekend, but it was online.
It was 1996 when the Potter Warburg executive Matt Allen spent $5.65 million sale to buy the Yoorami Estate in Bellevue Hill from the barrister Geraldine Vandeleur, wife of silk Charles Sweeney.
Matt Allen is off to the Darling Point harbourfront. 
Martin Schiller at Savills has the listing of the 1920s home, more recently redesigned by Michael Suttor and with interiors by Thomas Hamel.
Of course Yoorami came to prominence when Bill Shipton and Zaro Elizov were reinventing top-end mansions in the mid-1980s.
They were buying, rebuilding and on-selling the grand residences of Bellevue Hill, Elizabeth Bay and Double Bay with sales, including Yoorami at Bellevue Hill for $7.25 million, Ramona at Elizabeth Bay for $4.3 million, Verona at Double Bay for $3.9 million, and Leura at Bellevue Hill for $7.3 million, to buyers including Rod Muir, Nicholas Paspaley, Ken Allen and Pat Goodman.
The duo added the tennis court onto the Yoorami estate.
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Savills secures Yoorami, Bellevue Hill coverage in the Financial Times House & Home section

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Brisbane is the only capital city tipped to buck the national trend of easing median house prices in real terms over the next three years, according to housing forecasters, BIS Shrapnel.
But its housing market outlook has warned of a looming oversupply of inner city Brisbane apartments.
The BIS Shrapnel Residential Property Prospects 2015 to 2018 puts Brisbane's estimated median house price in this year at $520,000, which researcher Angie Zigomanis said that was still below Brisbane's June 2010 peak in real terms. Coupled with low interest rates, Brisbane's affordability was at levels seen in the early 2000s.
A total rise of 13 per cent in the Brisbane median house price is forecast over the three years to 2018, while the median unit price is forecast to rise by a total six per cent. Its new dwelling supply overall, without any significant rebound expected in population inflows, was set to move the Brisbane apartment sector nto oversupply, "with some impact across the broader market."
But significantly, Brisbane is tipped to be the only capital city that will not experience a decline in median house prices in real terms in the next three years.
Nationally low interest rates will support further price growth in undersupplied residential markets in 2015/16, but the spectre of tightening interest rates and deterioration of affordability will create conditions for price declines in a number of cities from 2017, according to the forecaster.
"But doomsday predictions for the residential market are likely to be overblown.
"Although Australia’s residential property markets are forecast to steadily weaken from 2016/17, as a combination of rising supply and the prospect of a tightening in interest rate policy impacts on prices, any downturn will be similar in magnitude to that seen over 2011-2012."
According to the company’s Residential Property Prospects, 2015 to 2018 report, Sydney and (to a lesser extent) Melbourne have broken away from the other capital cities, with both estimated to have recorded double-digit percentage rises in their median house prices in 2014/15.
Solid population growth, reasonably positive economic conditions and an underlying dwelling deficiency have underpinned this rise, and affordability is increasingly becoming a concern. In contrast, weaker recent price growth in the other capital cities means that affordability is not as strained, and it is subdued local economic conditions and/or an underlying excess dwelling stock that have impacted the market.
Angie Zigomanis, said that although low interest rates will continue to support prices, it was the demand and supply balance across the states that will play a part in the rate of price growth in the coming years.
"Moreover, the boom in apartment construction over the past couple of years is creating a disconnect in the supply balance between detached houses and units, with a resulting difference in their price outlook."
“Most capital cities are building apartments at record rates, driven by investor demand,” said Zigomanis. “As these projects are progressively completed, strong tenant demand will be required to support rents and consequently values upon completion.
“However, we are seeing population growth nationally begin to slow. Net overseas migration has fallen from a recent peak of 235,700 persons in 2012/13, to an estimated 184,000 persons in calendar 2014.
"With the majority of net overseas migration classified as ‘long term overseas visitors’, that is, temporary but not permanent arrivals, this reduction will impact most on the rental sector. Moreover, this slowdown in net overseas migration is most evident in the mining boom states of Western Australia, Queensland and Northern Territory.”
He noted the detached house market is less reliant on tenant demand and more exposed to owner occupiers. Together with the stimulatory effect of variable interest rates at more than 40-year lows, this is expected to support median house prices in most capital cities over 2015/16.
The strongest conditions over 2015/16 are forecast for New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, where BIS Shrapnel estimates the markets are in overall deficiency at June 2015. 
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Brisbane house prices to buck national easing trend: BIS Shrapnel 2018

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International real estate agency Savills has agreed to acquire the Sydney-based real estate agency Cordeau Marshall, that specialises in Sydney’s North Shore and eastern suburbs prestige markets.
Cordeau Marshall, who currently operate under the franchise of Century 21, is a family operated business with over three decades in the real estate industry.
With offices in Double Bay, Gordon, Lindfield, St Ives, Turramurra and Roseville, they rate among the leading agencies on the Upper North Shore. 
The expansionary investment into suburban agency follows the opening of a Savills Residential office in Chinatown in February this year.
Paul McLean, the Savills Australia and New Zealand chief, said building the residential business had been part of their strategic growth plan for some time. Savills will also acquire the Cordeau Marshall rent roll of 700 plus properties.
"The addition of Cordeau Marshall will provide Savills with a significant footprint and a strong platform for further growth in the residential market, not only in Sydney, but nationally.
“We were attracted to this business for a number of reasons - the strength in one of Sydney’s premium residential areas, Cordeau Marshall’s leadership in innovation and engagement with the local community, but probably most importantly the cultural fit of its people with the Savills team.”
The agency has been associated with prestigious upper north shore listings including Inglewood, the 1898 Warrawee residence designed by Howard Joseland and Hugh Vernon, which was offered by the Waine family, co-founders of the Woolworths, Australia, retail chain after eight decades' ownership. 
Craig Marshall, founder of Cordeau Marshall has had a long relationship with the waves of Asian buyers. In 1991 he noted that 20 per cent of all sales on the upper North Shore were to Asian buyers, which had by January 1992 risen to 80 per cent within his agency. He told the Sydney Morning Herald in mid-2013 that of the first 102 properties sold through his network in 2013, some 46 went to Asian buyers.
Savills already has a highly successful residential projects division and luxury residential business in Sydney, having achieved some of the highest residential sales in 2014 with the sale of 112 Wolseley Road, Point Piper for circa $37 million, and a record price for a city apartment in Sydney with the sale of the Eliza Penthouse for $13 million. 
Head of Savills Residential, Ged Rockliff said no other large agency was able to provide such a full service to clients on both a commercial and residential platform.  
“We have the unique offering of a single ownership structure, unlike a franchise business model, ensuring zero conflict among the offices.
"The Savills - Cordeau Marshall business will offer clients a much broader package than currently exists, from managing properties to selling high end luxury, it can all be achieved under the one roof with the support of a global leader in real estate, coupled with local knowledge and community support.
"This allegiance will also provide greater depth and coverage of the Sydney market, particularly for the apartment projects to be marketed in this region with a massive database of owner occupiers, downsizers and an active clientele of investors.
 “We have more than 1,000 off-the-plan apartment sales in the pipeline and with this new acquisition it will enable Savills to provide a complete end to end service to clients, from purchase, through to settlement, and now ongoing property management services,” added Mr Rockliff.
Supplied photo: LtoR Ged Rockliff, Craig Marshall, Paul McLean
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Sydney's prestige Cordeau Marshall agency sold to Savills

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Kerry Stokes, the 16th richest person in Australia, and Peter Murray have purchased Woodlana Station, one of Kangaroo Island’s finest large scale farming properties for $4.7 million.
Their operations on Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula now exceed 10,000ha. 
Colliers International’s Jesse Manuel, Tim Altschwager and Nick Dean secured the sale of the 2,823 ha landholding located at Cassini on Kangaroo Island’s central north coast.
Carrying in excess of 500 Angus beef breeders plus progeny and bulls and around 6,000 Merino and Merino cross ewes plus lambs and weaners, agent Jesse Manuel said the property attracted interest from a diverse range of buyers including Mid North and Eyre Peninsula farmers seeking higher rainfall country, as well as some of the larger beef and wool producers on Kangaroo Island.
Also in the running were city-based investors and Asian investors, predominantly Chinese who are attracted to the Kangaroo Island brand.
“Chinese investors in particular have made several investments on the island in recent times in the food and beverage, tourism and farming sectors. For clean food production, the remote location has significant benefits from a branding perspective,” Mr Manuel said.
There was demand from some of South Australia’s substantial graziers and pastoralists given values can be as much as 30% lower than values in similar rainfall regions on the mainland, such as Limestone Coast.
Woodlana is located 25km west of Kingscote, with main access to the property from Springs Road, which runs off North Coast Road. It last traded at around $6 million in 2009.
The business duo also jointly own a number of other properties including 4050ha on Kangaroo Island stocked with 2500 Riverleas-blood Angus cattle.
They own Balquhidder Station, at Parawa on the Fleurieu Peninsula, which was bought in 2007 in a $20 million walk in-walk out deal.
The 3064-hectare property is run by Kerry Stokes' long-time business partner Peter Murray. Balquhidder sources bulls from Shorthorn Stud Weebollabolla, near Moree in New South Wales, where the Munro family has been breeding Shorthorns since the 1850s.
Peter Murray has been a client for more than five decades.
Buyers for Balquhidder cattle have come from SA, Victoria and Bowral in the NSW Southern Highlands.
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Kerry Stokes and Peter Murray buy Kangaroo Island farm, Woodlana

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Karina and Brian, the West Australian couple were the first team to be eliminated from House Rules. Karina and Brian stood to pocket their mortgage of middle order $360,000 if they had won the latest Channel 7 series of House Rules.
<div class=" is-preview"><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CIFfuVOWUAA-ikz.jpg" alt="Embedded image permalink"></div>
The remaining five contestants on the Seven reality home-renovation competition have mortgage prize potential between $250,000 and $448,000 with Bronik and Corrine potentially the biggest winner. It will be the cheapest mortgage prize yet in the three-series ratings winner, though Channel 7 are also giving away to <a href="/expert-insights/buying/house-rules-holiday-home-prize-at-toogoom-hervey-bay">a viewer a Toogoom, Hervey Bay holiday home.</a>
Viewers would expect Sydney to have the highest mortgage but Steve Falzon - of the <a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/steve-and-tiana/#page1">father and daughter team </a>- bought his Shalvey house for $130,000 around 23 years ago. He has a $250,000 mortgage that would be wiped if they (pictured below) win the Johanna Griggs' hosted series.
<img src="/images/2015/05/20/700_steve_tiana.jpg" alt="">
 
2) Contestants, Ryan and Marlee's mortgage is $229,000 - paying off what the Adelaide couple dub the ugliest house in South Australia. Ryan Rebbeck purchased <a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/houses/ryan-and-marlee/#page1" target="_blank">the house</a> four years ago alone, and works two jobs, garbage collector and paver. Marlee Murphy, who works as a travel agent, entered the duo on the show now in its third series.
They have big shoes to fill as the first House Rules winners South Australian team Carly and Leighton took out the top prize of the high rating renovation show, with their $450,000 mortgage wiped clean. Michelle and Steve from New South Wales were announced runners up in that series. They had wanted their $629,000 mortgage – the biggest mortgage on the show - wiped, but ofcourse they didn’t walk away empty handed with their newly renovated home to be potentially worth $180,000 to $225,000 more. The second series was won by Victoria’s Adam and Lisa who had their $546,000 mortgage paid off.
3) The 2015 Tasmanian House Rules contestants, Cassie and Matt have a $248,000 mortgage, the third smallest on the series. Their affordable, quirky 1960s home is in the Geilston Bay suburb.
4) Brisbane couple Ben and Danielle's mortgage is $405,000. They are the newlywed who bought the Brisbane home four years ago.
5) The $500,000 early 2014 purchase in Reservoir by House Rules contestant couple Bronik and Corrine sits as the priciest of potential prize outlay.
Bronik Davies, who confided that he was the first of his male descendants to own a house, has a $448,000 mortgage which would be wiped if the couple win the renovation competition.
House Rules premiered in May 2013 with the state-versus-state renovation series, from the makers of My Kitchen Rules, aiming to deliver true home renovations as the six contestant couples put their entire home on the line
Host Johanna Griggs expected and got lots of passion and pride in the way teams tackled the renovations.
"It's a bunch of likeable Australians with amazing back stories," <a href="/expert-insights/investing/house-rules-the-new-addictive-reality-television-show-on-the-block-renovates-for-keeps">Griggs advised Property Observer</a> with a "life-changing prize on the line." 
Johanna Griggs, the presenter of Better Homes and Gardens, is herself a keen home renovator, who on launch was building her fourth home with husband, builder Todd Huggins.
"You put your heart, soul, blood, sweat and tears into what you produce and when you realise you’ve done it together it’s an incredibly satisfying and addictive feeling."
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Bronik and Corrine top the five remaining 2015 House Rules mortgage prize contenders

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reiwa.com’s latest preliminary data shows Perth's residential vacancy rate has risen to 4.9 per cent in the past three months to May as the number of properties for lease increased.  This is the highest vacancy rate in six years, after it reached 4.8 per cent in the September quarter of 2009.  There are now 8,147 homes available for tenants, up by almost 600 over the last month. 
Top Suburbs - Available Rentals
Perth 236
East Perth 225
Baldivis 176
Scarborough 167
REIWA President David Airey said the slowdown in Western Australia’s population growth rate had created the oversupply, along with a significant newly constructed dwellings coming to completion.  “The competition among property owners is having an effect on price, with the metropolitan median rent dropping by five dollars on the March quarter to $425 per week, which represents a cut of $25 on the same time last year,” Mr Airey said.  Perth’s median rent peaked at $475 per week in the middle of 2013, but has since fallen by $50, or around 10 per cent, across the board.  “The long term equilibrium for Perth’s vacancy rate is three per cent, so the current situation means there is over 50 per cent more properties on the market than is usual,” Mr Airey said. 
The City of Belmont saw the biggest individual drop, with its local rental median falling from $450 per week to $425 per week between April and May. 
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Perth's highest residential landlord vacancy rate since 2009

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The price growth of regional Victoria remains lethargic when compared to metropolitan Melbourne over the past decade, according to the latest REIV data.
<a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/Median-Prices/~/media/Files/Median%20Prices/2015%20Q1%20Mar/Chart_Mar15medians_Regional.ashx"><img src="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/Median-Prices/~/media/Files/Median%20Prices/2015%20Q1%20Mar/Chart_Mar15medians_Regional.ashx?h=413&amp;w=700&amp;as=1" alt="" width="700" height="413"></a><a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/Median-Prices/~/media/Files/Median%20Prices/2014%20Q4%20Dec/Chart_Dec14medians_Regional.ashx"></a><a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/Median-Prices/~/media/Files/Median%20Prices/2014%20Q3%20Sep/Chart_Sep14medians_Regional_EMiNcV6J.ashx"></a>
The graph shows median house and unit prices in regional Victoria over the past decade in seasonally adjusted terms.
 
 
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Regional Victorian growth graph highlights gap with Melbourne: REIV

<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.

<img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c710a836-568e-4382-bc91-3c34b8e80a8b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Vy.mQWBc7GA_a.vIBdxKqRC9XGjWalo2" />

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.

<img alt="Planning" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fed3b189-1054-4b68-af5f-b0befc4a66e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.19%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=gqeE3cjsbnLAfeTUKA1HtPZfqDs6S4Xa" />

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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