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GUEST OBSERVATION
Property remains sought after in Melbourne’s inner eastern suburbs with school catchment zones, parks and local amenities offering the ultimate combination for a quality family lifestyle. Whilst eye-catching architecture and leafy tree-lined streets are a major drawcard in the inner eastern suburb of Balwyn, its land value that takes top priority.
There are numerous reasons why land is a desired asset in Balwyn. Families want to move into the area to be within school zones –despite the fact that the area is home to traditional, older properties. In fact, some, buyers are prepared to pay more for land and simply knock down the house and build their ideal home. A-grade land in Balwyn is fetching roughly $3000 per square metre as evidenced by a recent sale at Henley St. This particular block of land measured approximately 817 square metres and sold at auction for an astounding $2.65 million. Clearly, a clean slate on which families can build their dream home is an attractive proposition.
Another trend in the inner east is the high turnover of homes. We’ve noticed downsizers are looking to cash in on their property now while the market is positive, which means an increase in stock. As expected, the area remains attractive for young parents who wish to send their children to Balwyn High School, a public school with a fantastic reputation. Demand for Balwyn High has grown even more in recent years, as the costs of sending a child to a private school has grown. For families, the freedom to choose where their children are educated appears to be a major factor behind their final purchasing decision.
Just next door to Balwyn, Balwyn North is currently flourishing, with clearance rates sitting at 86.4%, above the 76.2% state-average (REIV). The median house price has increased by $300,000 in Balwyn North over the past six months and the suburb recently joined the million dollar list. The area’s popularity can in part be put down to the fact that Balwyn North has traditionally been more affordable than surrounding suburbs like Kew. It also sits on the edge of the freeway, has the 48 tram, several primary schools and is in the desirable Balwyn High School Zone. As buyers realise the suburb’s potential and property prices increase, some families are going to need to look elsewhere if they want to move to the inner east.
There are several hot spots in Melbourne’s inner east where young couples and families can still find good value properties, such as Kew East and Mont Albert North.  The latter has a median house price of $1.140 million, making it one of the lowest in the area. Mont Albert North is also close to primary schools, transport and Box Hill shopping precinct. To add, Kew East is right next door to Balwyn North and is serviced by freeways, bike paths and is close to the CBD. hockingstuart research shows there are more than 125 streets with renovation potential in Kew East too, so it’s a top spot for buyers who are prepared to do some work to create their dream property.
As demand for top schooling remains strong and interest rates remain low, families will continue to look for land in Melbourne’s inner east. But buyers, especially young professionals, should consider the suburbs that surround hot suburbs like Balwyn can still provide excellent value for money, as well as a long-term home for the next twenty years.
Toby Parker is Director,<a href="https://www.hockingstuart.com.au/?four04=true&amp;missing=/office/index.cfm&amp;pagecall=staffMember&amp;staffID=88125&amp;CFID=341705687&amp;CFTOKEN=35728253&amp;jsessionid=8430ce095d307f0a1eb61e20216d35101119"> hockingstuart Balwyn</a>.<a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/redir.aspx?SURL=d7uL3H3aEYHjuWTZ-HoMDc8L5D_09g_wKrD5oRp5FpW1ZbgAfHDSCGgAdAB0AHAAOgAvAC8AdwB3AHcALgBoAG8AYwBrAGkAbgBnAHMAdAB1AGEAcgB0AC4AYwBvAG0ALgBhAHUALwA_AGYAbwB1AHIAMAA0AD0AdAByAHUAZQAmAG0AaQBzAHMAaQBuAGcAPQAvAG8AZgBmAGkAYwBlAC8AaQBuAGQAZQB4AC4AYwBmAG0AJgBwAGEAZwBlAGMAYQBsAGwAPQBzAHQAYQBmAGYATQBlAG0AYgBlAHIAJgBzAHQAYQBmAGYASQBEAD0AOAA4ADEAMgA1ACYAQwBGAEkARAA9ADMANAAxADcAMAA1ADYAOAA3ACYAQwBGAFQATwBLAEUATgA9ADMANQA3ADIAOAAyADUAMwAmAGoAcwBlAHMAcwBpAG8AbgBpAGQAPQA4ADQAMwAwAGMAZQAwADkANQBkADMAMAA3AGYAMABhADEAZQBiADYAMQBlADIAMAAyADEANgBkADMANQAxADAAMQAxADEAOQA.&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.hockingstuart.com.au%2f%3ffour04%3dtrue%26missing%3d%2foffice%2findex.cfm%26pagecall%3dstaffMember%26staffID%3d88125%26CFID%3d341705687%26CFTOKEN%3d35728253%26jsessionid%3d8430ce095d307f0a1eb61e20216d35101119" target="_blank"> </a><a name="_GoBack" href=""></a>
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Land fetching a high price in Melbourne’s inner east: hockingstuart Balwyn

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No bids yet for the latest online auction offering on the bidRhino.com website.
It is a six acre Upper Beaconsfield holding with a two bedroom cedar cottage.
Bidding is scheduled to run until July 2. <a href="https://www.bidrhino.com.au/vic/houses-for-sale/" target="_blank">More than $590,000 is tipped</a>.
There have been 350 plus inspections onsite since the offering was posted.
The auction began June 6.
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In the heart of Upper Beaconsfield, it is marketed as an ideal bed and breakfast business.
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<div class="item "><a href="/news/bidrhino-com-launches-online-auction-site-with-off-the-plan-offering">The bidRhino.com website</a> launched in April.</div>
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Upper Beaconsfield online auction offering on bidRhino.com 

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Four landowners in the NSW hamlet of Sutton Forest have taken the South Korean owned Hume Coal to the Land and Environment Court claiming that Hume cannot get onto their properties due to "significant improvements”. 
Under section 31(5) of the Mining Act, significant improvements provide the only ability for landowners in preventing mining companies accessing their properties. 
The court will look at the significant improvements issue that can include items such as stock-proof fences, formed roads and tracks, cropped or improved paddocks, within a 200 metre radius of dwellings and 50 metres around gardens.  One of the Southern Highlands property is an equestrian eventing course of Olympic standard owned by Kathy and John Roche, that has been developed over the past 20 years. 
Kathy and John were recently named the NSW Eventing Volunteers of the Year. 
Kathy was a pharmacist in Moss Vale for many years and John the local doctor, now in his late 80s. The five day hearing is set to start on September 14 with a site visited scheduled for the Golden Vale Road. “This case is precedent setting” said Peter Martin, from <a href="https://www.shcag.com.au/home" target="_blank">SHCAG</a>, who has been accredited as the Roche's representative given their ill-health.
“It is the first time that a group of property owners have got together in NSW to challenge a mining company’s ability to access all of their properties for exploration because of the significant improvements. 
"These properties are all highly developed and we contend that Hume Coal has no right under s31 to come on and drill holes given the inconvenience for landowners, disruption to day-to-day operations and potential significant damage to the properties concerned.” The case follows the recent court action where SHCAG P/L took the Minister for Resources and Energy and Hume Coal to the Land and Environment Court challenging Hume’s latest approval to drill 25 more exploration holes in Sutton Forest. The result of that case is not yet known but the judgement is expected within 4 to 6 weeks. Many of the 25 holes were proposed to be drilled on the properties involved in the second legal case. "This case came about because Hume is forcing all these landowners into arbitration against their will and then refuses to recognise significant improvements on these properties. 
"Hume says that it can have its trucks, drill rigs and utes travelling back and forward through the properties at will as long as they don’t drill their holes in these locations. "They also refuse to test this in court but challenge the landowners to do so which is a form of legal intimidation in our view. 
"We think this is nonsense and is not the intent of the legislation." Peter Martin said.
POSCO aka HUME Coal have been accused by 2GB broadcaster Alan Jones of playing dirty with the community after they demanded inspection access this week to the Roche property despite formal advisory of its inconvenience to the "poor elderly family."
Undergoing treatment for cancer, Kathy Roche, who with husband John have lived at Sutton Forest for 40 years, says the arbitrator's demands have impacted on her health as well as her husband's. 
Alan Jones queried the fairness of the access arbitration process - which he noted ought be suspended pending the court hearing - given emails were being sent at 2am demanding next day access.
 
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Southern Highlands farm owners take Hume Coal to court

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The 1950s Canberra home of the late former prime minister Malcolm Fraser and his wife Tamie​ has been sold.
It had been listed with $1,775,000 hopes.
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The four-bedroom property at <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/sold/house/act/deakin/?adid=2011483296" target="_blank">8 Daly Street</a>, known as JM Fraser House, was designed by Melbourne architect Guilford Bell in 1959.
The home was built three years after the couple wed with Malcolm Fraser then a backbencher.
The property, which was marketed as a piece of Australian history, is 300 metres from The Lodge.
It was listed through Berkely​ Residential and passed in on a vendor's bid of $1.7 million at recent auction.
The grand residence has origins in Georgian architecture combined with American plantation homesteads.
It has large rectangular windows and glass doors that surround the living areas and allow light to dominate each room.
It has soaring ceilings, and period features have been retained during several updates of the home by vendors Tony and Sue Marinos.
The vendors, the third owners purchased it 22 years ago for $425,000.
The property was first listed last August when $2 million was tipped for the home is on a block of 1340 square metres in Old Deakin.
It had also been listed in 2005 a $1.98 million.
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Guilford Bell-designed JM Fraser House, Deakin sold

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<h1>Treasurer Joe Hockey's comments at today's press conference - in complete context - on Sydney housing affordability are published by Property Observer.</h1>
JOURNALIST:
Treasurer do you accept that housing in Sydney is unaffordable and the only way we’re going to make it affordable is if real house prices in real terms actually fall over the near term?
TREASURER:
No. Look, if housing were unaffordable in Sydney, no one would be buying it. People are purchasing housing in Sydney, it’s expensive. As a multiple of average weekly earnings it is expensive, it’s an expensive city to live in. It’s my home city, it’s an expensive city. But, having said that, you know a lot of people would much rather have their homes go up in value than fall in value. Why? Because when you take out a mortgage, the mortgage is against the assessed value of that particular point in time, whatever’s leftover is your equity in the property. If your equity builds in the property not only is that to your financial benefit, but it also gives you the opportunity to borrow against that if you choose to do so for a small business. A lot of small businesspeople are borrowing against the equity in their homes in order to start up their business or build their business. Now, to have increasing equity in a home is a good thing, that’s a very good thing. Interest rates are at record lows. So if property is proving unaffordable for people with interest rates at record lows, then they should think carefully about how much they really can borrow, because you should always plan on in this situation interest rates potentially going up over the long term.  So, you’ve got to be careful, it is a big financial risk to buy your own home. We want to make it easier. There are a suite of initiatives we have in place in regard to that, but most obviously, the best way to address inflated house prices in Sydney is to build more properties, build more properties.
JOURNALIST:
You say that housing is affordable, but what about for first home buyers who can’t get on the property ladder, those people that don’t have access to equity in other properties?
TREASURER:
Well there are a range of incentives that have been put in place by state governments and others in relation to first home buyers. The starting point for a first home buyer is to get a good job that pays good money. If you’ve got a good job and it pays good money and you have security in relation to that job, then you can go to the bank and you can borrow money and that’s readily affordable. More affordable than ever to borrow money for a first home now than it has ever been. But, the response for first home buyers is to build more properties. I know, it’s a difficult concept for some to get their heads around, supply and demand, but it’s not that complicated. If you increase supply to meet the demand, then obviously you won’t get the growth in property prices that you may have thought if you have less supply.
 
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Treasurer Joe Hockey on affordability - the risk, reward and reality when it comes to buying in Sydney

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John Symond, the founder and chairman of Aussie Home Loans, believes the Sydney residential market was peaking.
"She's topped out," he suggests.
"I really can see, I am feeling it already..that the market is just starting to come off the boil," he told Ross Greenwood on the 2GB Money News program tonight.
"By Christmas I reckon instead of going up in the hot areas by 15%, I reckon it will be like half of that."
"Into next year, I think they'll (prices growth) will settle right down to four or five percent. It will be a more healthy market, than the fears that are around at the moment.
"Ross I have been telling friends of mine… who ask me that question all the time … and I reckon that the prices are so high at the moment, my suggestion is wait six to 12 months the chances are, all going well, there will be opportunities out there that you will probably buy better in some areas than what you can buy today."
 
 
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Patience John Symond advises Sydney first home buyers: the market is coming off the boil

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The WA contestants, Karina and Brian, stand to pocket their mortgage of $360,000 if they win the latest Channel 7 series of House Rules.
They are the final couple to have their home renovated and mortgage disclosed.
The Geraldton couple Karina and Brian Day are a 40-somethings couple who have faced years of financial hardship.
They are the oldest couple in the Seven reality home-renovation competition.
The couple bought their house in the Geraldton suburb of Moresby four years ago - and didn't believe they'd get on to the show because of their remote location.
The couple have three children, teens Daniel and Bailey from Brian's former marriage, and six-year-old Lara.
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They bought the property in Geraldton, north of Perth, five years ago because of its potential. Situated on five acres, it enjoys ocean glimpses, mountain views and roaming wildlife. The 1970s Spanish-style villa is in desperate need of renovation. 
Karina, who works as an operations manager at her local museum, is a qualified drafter with a keen interest in interior design.
Brian works in the mining industry as a plant operator but he's also a qualified timber framer who once owned his own shed building company.
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House Rules WA $360k mortgage

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ING Direct's maximum LVR (including LMI premium) for investment loan applications in New South Wales has been reduced to 80%, the latest lender to announce changes in the wake of APRA’s crackdown on investor lending.
Australian Broker reports that outside of NSW the maximum LVR for investor loans will be 90%. 
For owner occupier loans nationally, the maximum LVR has been re-set to 95%. All changes to maximum LVRs will be effective for loan applications received from Wednesday 10 June 2015.
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ING moves to 80% maximum NSW LVR amid APRA crackdown

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The national preliminary auction clearance rate sits at 79.2% across the combined capital cities last week, up from 78.5% over the previous week. 
There were 1,155 auctions held last week, compared to 2,792 over the previous week given the Queen's Birthday long weekend.
 At the same time last year, there were 1,191 auctions held across the combined capital cities and the clearance rate was recorded at 60.6%. 
For Sydney, a preliminary auction clearance rate of 90.1% was recorded last week, on reduced volumes, compared to 85.0% the previous week. There were 573 Sydney properties that went to auction last week, compared to 1,149 the previous week.
CoreLogic RP Data reported the first five months of 2015 have proved to be the strongest on record for Sydney with an estimated 85% of all homes taken to auction recording a successful result.
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Last week, Sydney’s strongest performing sub-regions were the City and Inner South (97.9%), North Sydney and Hornsby (96.3%), Ryde (96.3%) and Sutherland (96.1%) regions. 
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Melbourne’s preliminary clearance rate was recorded at 78.4$ last week across 302 auctions, while in comparison, over the previous week the final auction clearance rate was 80.2% across 1,248 Melbourne auctions.
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The preliminary auction clearance rate for Melbourne was recorded at 78.4 per cent across 255 results, which is a decrease from the final auction clearance rate last week (80.2%). 
At the same time last year, 335 Melbourne homes were taken to auction and the clearance rate was 62.4%. 
The Melbourne sub-region with the highest number of auctions this week was the South East, where 49 auctions were held. In terms of clearance rate, the strongest performing region was the Outer East region, with a preliminary clearance rate of 95.5% across 22 results. 
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It is expected that 2,346 auctions will be held across Australia this week with 1,915 across the capital city markets.
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Sydney heads into the 90s with strengthening auction clearance rate

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NSW publican Arthur Laundy has added The Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel to his property portfolio.
It was bought from the Medich family’s Halcyon Hotels for about $20 million.
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The deal comes shortly after the Medich family sold the Buena Vista Hotel in Mosman, on Sydney’s lower north shore, for about $16 million after buying it last year for $13 million
The deal was brokered by Andrew Jolliffe and Joel Fisher of Ray White Hotels Australia.
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Laundy buys Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel from Medich

Sydney developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-element">Central Element</a>&nbsp;is doubling down in Drummoyne, lodging plans for a boutique apartment development on St Georges Crescent, only one-kilometre down the road from its first Drummoyne development, Bianca.

The new project at 15A-21 St Georges Crescent,&nbsp;a&nbsp;1,701sqm north-facing site overlooking Iron Cove, will have 45 apartmnts across 10 levels. Eight of the units will be dedicated to affordable housing.

The site sits within walking distance of Drummoyne Village, Birkenhead Point, ferry services and the Bay Run, and offers harbour views towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge and CBD skyline.

Designed by MHN Design Union, the development will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside resident amenity including a gym, landscaped communal open space and three levels of basement parking.

The project has been lodged under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, with Drummoyne Village identified as a town centre capable of accommodating additional housing supply.

Central Element acquired the site earlier this year as part of its continued expansion across Sydney's eastern suburbs, lower north shore and inner west.

The developer's current pipeline includes luxury apartment projects Pearl Bondi and a separate development on Lamrock Avenue in Bondi, a residential project in Barry Street, Neutral Bay, and a mixed-use seniors living community in Greenwich.

Central Element Managing Director Nathan Chivas said the project would address a shortage of new owner-occupier housing opportunities in Drummoyne.

"While we're seeing a significant shift across Canada Bay as major infrastructure investment, population growth and planning reform drive a new chapter for the region, in suburbs like Drummoyne there remains a genuine shortage of new boutique luxury housing opportunities for owner occupiers," Chivas said.

"Sites of this nature are increasingly difficult to secure, particularly those that combine a north-facing aspect with direct water outlook. Our St Georges Crescent project responds directly to the market demand, offering a level of exclusivity, outlook and lifestyle in the highly sought after suburb."

The development application has been lodged with the City of Canada Bay Council, with the project expected to launch to market in early 2027.

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Joel Robinson

Central Element seeks second Drummoyne apartment development

The NSW Government has unveiled plans that could deliver around 1,300 new homes across Nowra and Kiama, continuing its push to unlock housing in well-located regional centres along the South Coast.

The proposals, now on public exhibition, would pave the way for around 830 homes in Nowra and a further 450 homes in Kiama, while also introducing affordable housing requirements and increased building heights in key locations.

The larger of the two proposals is centred on Nowra, where the NSW Government is seeking to rezone land within the Mandalay and Riverfront precincts.

The Mandalay sub-precinct, located close to Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital, Nowra Library and the city's aquatic centre, could accommodate around 530 new homes. Around 30 per cent of housing delivered on Homes NSW-owned land would be dedicated to social and affordable housing, equating to roughly 100 homes. Building heights would increase from the current two-storey limit to between three and six storeys.

A separate rezoning proposal for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct would unlock a further 377 homes while creating stronger connections between the Shoalhaven River and the CBD. The plans include building heights ranging from five to 12 storeys, floor space ratios of up to 2:1 and a requirement for two per cent affordable housing.

Together, the two proposals would deliver more than 900 homes across the broader Nowra area, reinforcing the city's role as one of regional NSW's key growth centres.

The housing push builds on previous infrastructure commitments in the Shoalhaven, including government funding aimed at supporting thousands of future homes in West Nowra through upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure.

Further north, the NSW Government is also progressing plans for the former Kiama Depot site, a two-hectare parcel near Kiama's town centre.

The rezoning proposal would transform the former industrial site into a residential community capable of delivering up to 450 homes. Buildings would range between six and eight storeys, with at least 10 per cent of homes allocated as affordable housing. The proposal also includes approximately 600 parking spaces and improved walking and cycling connections.

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the proposals are designed to increase housing supply in locations close to jobs, transport and services.

"For too long, families have struggled to find somewhere to live, and activating underutilised sites allows us to deliver the new homes these families need," Scully said.

"The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of unlocking well-located sites close to transport, jobs, and town centres and building the homes our communities need.

"These rezonings are about removing barriers to housing delivery and making sure land is put to better use so more people can find a place to call home within the communities they choose."

The latest rezonings form part of the Minns Government's broader strategy to accelerate housing delivery across NSW, particularly in established centres where existing infrastructure can support additional population growth.

Community consultation on the proposals is now underway, with feedback set to inform the final planning controls before the rezonings are determined.

Around 1,300 new homes earmarked for Nowra and Kiama as NSW Government pushes housing supply

<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.

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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.

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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;

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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.

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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.

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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.

Jonathan Chancellor

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