<html><body>
The Melbourne auction secured its strongest autumn clearance rate selling season since 2007 with auction clearance rates tracking above 80% over the final weeks.
APM calculated the weekend auction market recorded an average Saturday rate of 76.4% over the eight weeks to Easter. Since Easter, Saturday auction rates have averaged 81.8% as the market lifted from solid to strong.
The number of auctions conducted declined on the latter weekends, with overall some 13,356 Saturday auctions since the beginning of February compared to 13,452 over the same period last year.
<img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vA6ui-yuaNg/VM3dE7qQ0VI/AAAAAAAAAvo/wVOBJC0686A/s1600/AucMelRA2014.png" alt="Melbourne 4-weekend rolling average clearance rate 2014" width="395" height="230">
Last year (above) Melbourne clearance rates topped briefly a 79% and finished the year in the high 60%s. 
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/4301872c4df79a5b6ad0b17c88f6acb6cfa830c1aafb57c81239c32e282508df/main.jpg" alt="3/6 Hatfield Court, West Footscray" title="3/6 Hatfield Court, West Footscray" data-index="0">
The most affordable property reported sold at the weekend was a <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/3-6-hatfield-court-west-footscray/Property-Details-buy-residential-8749670" target="_blank">one-bedroom unit</a> at 3/6 Hatfield Court, West Footscray sold for $220,000 by Sweeney Footscray. 
It sold in 2009 at $210,000, suggesting the 2009 market fillip secured a robust price as it had also sold at $135,000 in 2007.
Its investor buyer was seeking $240 a week when offered last year. Not much rental growth either as the investor sought $230 a week back in 2009. 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Success without growth? Melbourne's autumn 2015 auction season the highest since 2007

<html><body>
A former Clifton Hill shoe factory, converted by award-winning architect Suzanne Dance with later design by Techne Architects, was sold at $1.63 million at weekend auction.
It features two living zones separated by garden oasis with decking at 63 Dally Street.
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/f23f8d8124aaf7b46cd1123de28e13182b4923c952d236304b55b8b4ac1e3689/main.jpg" alt="63 Dally Street, Clifton Hill" title="63 Dally Street, Clifton Hill" data-index="0">
There is the main bedroom/retreat plus three further bedrooms, loft study, three bathrooms, large laundry and a ROW-access garage/workshop with cellar on its 280 square metre block.
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/63-dally-street-clifton-hill/Property-Details-buy-residential-8767112" target="_blank">Nelson Alexander</a> were saying $1.45 million to $1.6 million.
It last sold in 2008 at $1.2 million.
 
</body></html>

Clifton Hill shoe factory conversion sold

<html><body>
The former state MP Robert Webster and his author wife Caro have sold their Mosman Federation home,<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/for-sale/92-raglan-street-mosman-nsw-2088-2011946014"> </a>Gargrave. 
The former Nationals MP, turned professional director since bought it in 2007 for $3,575,000 when the 1906 Raglan Street home was bought from the Hely family.
<a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-mosman-nsw-2088/234508/?searchID=51266942" target="_blank">The two-storey home</a> was renovated and extended in 2013.
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/f8250368fa4734455fe5159534681f9fb46f64db2b95de7a7f1a32f144892100/main.jpg" alt="92 Raglan Street, Mosman" title="92 Raglan Street, Mosman" data-index="0"> 
McGrath's Jacqui Rowland-Smith was hoping for $4.8 million plus with Title Tattle not surprised if its snappy sale secured $5 million.
Robert Webster who retired from politics in 1995 sits on the board of Brickworks and Allianz Australia. 
</body></html>

Robert Webster sells Mosman 1906 trophy home, Gargrave

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 4">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Eight tips for professional estate agent service emerged from the 2015 Consumer Perceptions of Real Estate Agents survey.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 3">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
1. Be professional 
The number one behaviour highlighted by vendors as essential was professional behaviour demonstrated by being proactive, pre-empting their needs and delivering as promised. 
2. Regular feedback 
Vendors stressed the value of agents who were proactive about delivering a transparent sales process and who used data-based insights to support their processes. 
3. Be friendly and approachable 
Vendors appreciated agents being easy to talk to and with whom they felt safe to ask questions at any time. 
4. Know your market 
Vendors felt confident they were in good hands when agents demonstrated their market expertise, showed them the data they had used to determine price estimates and took the time to explain market behaviour to anxious vendors. 
5. Provide advice and help 
Vendors highly valued advice on presenting their homes in the best possible light especially when it was supported by recommending and helping coordinate tradesmen. 
6. Be on their side 
Vendors felt championed by agents who negotiated hard on their behalf and offered to assist them with the purchase of their next home. 
7. Be thoughtful 
Vendors were impressed by agents who demonstrated thoughtfulness – either by ensuring multiple agents were located around the home during opens, to offering bottles of waters to buyers on hot days through to thank you gifts at the conclusion of the sale. 
8. Don’t dump them at the end 
Many vendors flagged they felt dumped by their agents as soon as the sale was signed, while those whose agents who stayed in touch were more likely to be delighted and recommend their agents to friends. 
 
<div class="page" title="Page 7">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The 2015 Consumer Perceptions of Real Estate Agents survey was commissioned by CoreLogic RP Data. It seeks seeks to understand the quality of real estate agent performance and service in Australia and how it matches - or misses - the expectations vendors have when selling their homes.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Eight ways for estate agents to be more professional

<html><body>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Three more surplus social housing homes in Millers Point have been sold.
The three properties sold through Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay included 32 Kent Street, an 1870s, two-bedroom terrace at $1.5 million.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Another 1870s row house, at 56 Kent Street, sold for $1.68 million.
At 42 Kent Street, (below) with harbour views, an above-expectation $2.2 million was achieved by the NSW government.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/photogallery_new.ds;jsessionid=F79541AF742788A3D14831BBBA1E6CCB?id=119722987&amp;theme=rea.sold" rel="photos" data-id="119722987"><img src="https://i3.au.reastatic.net/456x342/9cbf5d600f98d6e769e1dcdacaa950b9df685688c68546deaead803574f0a876/image2.jpg" alt="42 Kent Street, Millers Point" title="42 Kent Street, Millers Point" data-index="2"></a>
Next up are 18 Trinity Avenue, 34 Kent Street and 54 A&amp;B Kent Street.
More than $40 million has been secured in the sell-off.
Last month Grimes Cottage, at 50 Argyle Place in Millers Point secured the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/grimes-cottage-millers-point-sold-by-nsw-state-government">highest price yet in its staggered former social housing selldown at $4.23 million</a>.
</div>
</body></html>

More Millers Point terraces sold off by the NSW government 

<html><body>
The Channel 7 Tasmanian House Rules contestants, Cassie and Matt have a $248,000 mortgage, the second smallest so far of the revealed prizes.
Cassie and Matt bought their affordable, quirky 1960s home, which they’ve come to adore.
Nothing had been done since it was built in the Geilston Bay suburb.
They are in the third series of the Channel 7 reno show, in which six teams from around Australia have their homes renovated room by room by opposing teams.
It has often won the night in ratings since it debuted last month.
<img src="https://s.yimg.com/iu/api/res/1.2/Hm.Egawcln49nqn3ChKNUg--/YXBwaWQ9eXZpZGVvO2ZpPWZpbGw7dz04Njg7cT05MDtuPTE7cm90YXRlPWF1dG8-/https://s.yimg.com/ea/img/-/150529/tas_house_final_1amfl5v-1amfl65.jpg">
With Tassie’s cold temperatures, the couple would love for their house to be insulated.
The pair met 10 years ago, but it wasn't until five years later they began a relationship.
In 2014 they bought their first home together in the Hobart suburb. It comes with its pink bathroom, purple bedroom and fluorescent green carpet.
"We want to preserve the character of the home; maintain that 1960s feel but modernise it," Cassie said.
"My mum and dad's first house was in the same suburb so we see it being our forever home," Cassie says.
Cassie is a pharmacist and Matt is a swim instructor who's studying to become a P.E teacher.
</body></html>

Cassie and Matt's House Rules Tasmania $248,000 mortgage 

<html><body>
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept the official cash rate at 2% for June.
The RBA last cut rates in May and February.
"With the RBA focussing on stimulating economic growth, dragging the Australian dollar lower and lifting consumer spending, they are likely to focus less on the growth in the housing market," CoreLogic RP Data head of research, Tim Lawless said.
"The RBA is likely to look through the pause in the rise of dwelling values reported by CoreLogic RP Data for the month of May, paying more attention to the strong upwards trend that has been evident in Sydney and Melbourne since mid-2012. 
"Dwelling values have risen by 39% in Sydney and by 22% in Melbourne over the past three years, while the other capital cities have seen much more sedate conditions. 
"At a time when interest rates remain low, there is the expectation that tougher lending requirements to investors as well as higher supply levels will start to cool housing market conditions and bring the rates of capital gain back to more sustainable levels across the two largest cities where growth in dwelling values has been the highest," Tim Lawless said 
More time is needed to see if historic low interest rates are impacting on property markets outside of Sydney and Melbourne, according to the real estate network LJ Hooker.
LJ Hooker CEO Grant Harrod said the Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to wait for May’s cut to influence the economy was sensible, despite weak business investment figures. 
He believes an interest rate cut is now more likely at the end of the year, if needed, to stimulate the economy.
“We haven’t seen any signs but it is too early to call if it’s had any positive effect in cities such as Perth and Canberra - it could take another three to six months,’’ he said.
In Sydney, a lack of listings combined with historic low interest rates are continuing to bring record numbers of people to open inspections and push up property prices. 
Mr Harrod believes it has evolved as a unique market and is likely protected from any ‘bubble’ due to a lag in DA approvals to match population growth.
“The biggest issue facing all agents at the moment is the lack of listings and the proliferation of buyers,” he said.
“The total number of properties available for sale across the LJ Hooker network is down by about five percent and the industry has dropped 5.5%.”
 
</body></html>

Rates on hold at RBA June 2015 meeting

<html><body>
APRA’s crackdown on home lending has prompted NAB to advise tightening to its lending policies, effective 5pm on Friday 5 June 2015.
New variable rates will apply for investment loans, according to communication from NAB to mortgage brokers, obtained by Australian Broker.
The new changes will apply within National Australia Bank's third party mortgage distribution businesses, Advantedge and NAB Broker.
The new investor loan variable rates range from 4.53% to 4.96% depending on the loan amount and LVR. 
For investor loans of $250,000 to less than $500,000, with an LVR up to 90%, the variable rate will be 4.63%. 
For loans less than $250,000, with an LVR up to 90%, the new variable rate will be 4.83%. 
Effective Saturday 13 June 2015, the maximum LVR (including LMI capitalisation) for investment loans will be reduced to 90%. Also effective Saturday 13 June, a loading will be applied on existing mortgage repayments as part of the serviceability assessment. This applies to existing loans which are not being refinanced or paid out as part of the application.  The affordability rate used in the serviceability assessment will be also be amended, effective Saturday 13 June, to be the higher of 7.40% or 2.25% above the effective borrower rate. Currently a 7.40% affordability rate is used for all applications. 
</body></html>

NAB makes borrowing harder for property investors

<html><body>
Sydney is one of the most resilient property markets in the world, so estate agent John McGrath says buyers and sellers need to ignore the bubble commentary. 
"Sydney has proven itself over and over again to be one of the most resilient property markets in the world, with long-term fundamentals that form a bedrock of strength for the market." 
But he says the boom is definitely going to end at some point. 
"That doesn’t mean price growth will end, it will continue on but in a less spectacular fashion."
He told the Today Show's Lisa Wilkinson that the Sydney market still had "a few percent to go."
"The Sydney and Melbourne markets are red hot…probably close to where they are going to go in this cycle.
"I think we are close to the top of the market.
"Don't panic, don't over stretch your budget," he advised.
When asked what will take Sydney out of the boom? He listed a few things on <a href="https://www.switzer.com.au/the-experts/john-mcgrath-property-expert/why-sydney-prices-wont-fall/" target="_blank">his switzer blog</a>.
<ul>
<li>The market will at some point reach a natural peak – prices will get too high and buyers will lose interest. This isn’t happening yet, partly because finance is so cheap.</li>
<li>Investor activity, which has been a major driver of Sydney’s boom, will taper off as yields become too low.</li>
<li>Interest rates will begin rising at some stage as the economy improves and this will put the brakes on activity – but this is a long way off. </li>
</ul>
"It’s a bit unusual to have such a long stretch of significant price rises," he conceeds.
"But it doesn’t mean a calamity awaits us. 
"A big part of the growth we’re experiencing today is simply catch-up after several years of little growth. 
"Everyone needs to calm down and remember that this is a solid, high performing property market in a truly international business hub and in my opinion, it is going to stay that way for a long time to come. 
He says a big fundamental is that Sydney is vastly undersupplied with natural borders that limit the amount of new homes that can be built, yet demand keeps on rising due to the city’s strong population growth and increasing engagement from overseas buyers. 
</body></html>

No calamity coming: Why Sydney still has price growth in 2015: John McGrath

<html><body>
Refinancing is pretty much on the cards for everyone in today’s marketplace, estate agent John McGrath suggests.
"At some point, another lender will make it worthwhile to switch, or you might want to refinance with the same lender to release equity for your next move," he said.
"Refinancing is an opportunity. Yes, it can be a pain – in fact a major inconvenience, especially if you have to move all your accounts across to your new lender as part of a ‘package deal’, but you could save thousands of dollars every year so it really is worth the trouble, especially today with variable and fixed mortgage rates so low. 
"The most important piece of advice I can give you on refinancing is to get advice before you do it.
"It really pays to sit down with a reputable mortgage broker who will assess your current position; discuss what you want to do next; and then determine which lenders are most appropriate for you," he wrote on his switzer.com.au blog. 
Alan Hemmings, general manager of McGrath’s mortgage broking division, Oxygen Home Loans, gave John five tips on how to do refinancing well.
Do not accept the advertised rate – Most lenders advertise standard variable rates, others advertise with the ‘standard’ discounts available under their package. The truth is that lenders are discounting well beyond the rates they advertise, particularly for variable loans. 
Be aware of other costs – Exit fees on loans were banned a few years ago but you’ll still need to pay a discharge fee. Then there’s the establishment fee on the new loan, plus some other fees. It could easily add up to around $1,000. Ask yourself, will the interest rate saving cover the refinancing costs? Also be conscious of ongoing fees, such as annual package fees. 
Buyer Beware – Don’t fall for ‘honeymoon’ rate offers. Lenders use them to attract new business but what does the rate convert to after the introductory (honeymoon) period? You might find it goes to the standard variable rate or a ‘standard package’ discount of say, 0.3% for the rest of the loan. A negotiated discount of 0.9% for the life of the loan right from the start would work out cheaper. 
To fix or not to fix? – Understanding your likely future circumstances should guide you here. Most lenders now allow some additional repayments on fixed rate loans without penalty, however should you wish to ‘break’ the loan then you’ll be up for a fee. Remember, fixed rate loans provide certainty of your repayment amounts but not much flexibility.
Do you want fries with that? – What other banking facilities do you require? Do you need an offset account, credit card, access to free ATMs? Your overall banking needs might also dictate the type of loan you need. If you’re looking at a transaction account and credit card, a ‘package’ loan might suit you better than a basic loan. 
 
For information on property loans, rates and more, visit Mozo.com.au or <a href="/guides/get-loan-savvy-expert-tips-for-a-first-time-investment-or-refinancing-loan-in-a-free-ebook">click here</a> for the free Property Observer eBook, Get loan-savvy – tips for a first time, investment or refinancing loan, which helps you decide on a home loan that meets your requirements.
</body></html>

Five tips for refinancing: John McGrath

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.

&nbsp;

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.

[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]

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.

Jonathan Chancellor

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News