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Borabinga, a jewel of the eastern Riverina, has been sold after a May Meares online auction.
Located at Borambola, 20 kilometres east of Wagga Wagga, <a href="https://www.meares.com.au/property/borabinga/gallery/borabinga.htm" target="_blank">the 451 hectare (1132 acres) property </a><a href="https://www.meares.com.au/property/borabinga/gallery/borabinga.htm" target="_blank">topped</a><a href="https://www.meares.com.au/property/borabinga/gallery/borabinga.htm" target="_blank"> $2.65 million</a> with online bidding, after a $2.6 million vendor bid.
It sold after auction at an undisclosed price.
<img src="https://meares.com.au/brochure/borabinga/borabinga.jpg" alt="Meares &amp; Associates" width="601" height="401">
Being surrounded on two sides by the Murrumbidgee River, it boasts some 54 per cent as rich alluvial river flats.
Selling agent Chris Meares, of Meares and Associates, was taking sale instructions from the retiring Bruce and Ruth Barber.
"Borabinga was undoubtedly one of the best properties in the Riverina, with its seven- to eight-kilometre frontage to the Murrumbidgee," Chris Meares said.
"There's a strong mixture of new and intensive improved pastures, featuring sub clovers, lucerne and cereal crops," he said. 
"Hay is cut annually for both farm and commercial sale requirements." 
There's an all-steel undercover set of cattle yards capable of working about 300 head, a four-stand wool shed, two machinery sheds, a hay shed, an aircraft hangar and silos. 
 
 
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Borabinga, the Borambola Riverina jewel, sold after online auction

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Westpac has announced a two year introductory variable rate discount on both owner-occupier and investor loans.
Offering a 49 basis point two year discount, it puts the variable rate at 4.34%, before converting to 4.83% after the two year discount period (4.88% comparison rate).  Brendan Collogan, head of marketing for Westpac Home Ownership told Broker News Westpac has <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au/personal-banking/home-loans/variable/first-home-loan/" target="_blank">also abolished the $600 establishment</a> fee on all new Flexi First Option home and investment property loans.
This special offer is only available on new Flexi First Option Home Loan and Flexi First Option Investment Loans. 
It cannot be taken in conjunction with, or in addition to other special offers, negotiated rates or discounts. Not available to company and trust account holders.
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Westpac scraps $600 home loan establishment fee

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When it comes to achieving an expected or better price for a property, a new survey shows there is no difference between the sexes. 
But price is not everything, the 2015 Consumer Perceptions of Real Estate survey found.
Kylie Davis, head of Real Estate Solutions at CoreLogic RP Data, commissioned the survey that shows 24% and 22% of male and female agents respectively sold the vendors property above the expected price.
And 49% of male agents were found to sell around the expected price compared to 52% of female agents.
Both sexes were evenly represented at 21-22% in selling below expectations. 
But the survey revealed a difference in the satisfaction levels vendors experienced when dealing with a female agent compared to a male agent: female agents were more likely to deliver a consistent experience for vendors. 
"This does not mean female agents were better at various elements of the sale process simply because they were women. 
It does however correlate the finding that the better the skill levels of the agent, the more satisfied vendors are likely to feel. 
Female agents outperformed their male counterparts in the skills of handling open for inspections (41% women agents rated as excellent compared to 33% men), providing regular feedback (45% of female agents rated as excellent compared to 31% of male agents), following up of potential buyers and leads (43% of female agents rated as excellent compared to just 29% of male agents) and negotiation skills (38% of female agents rated as excellent compared to 28% of male agents). 
Female agents were more likely to be identified as excellent at managing the sales process – 42% for female agents compared to 28% for male agents.
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Female agents were more likely to deliver an excellent quality presentation (33%) compared to 22% of the male agents. 
Preparation levels of vendors who used female agents were also higher with 66% feeling very well prepared before going through the sales process, compared to 56% of vendors with a male agent. 
The take out of this insight is not to assume an agent will be better at various skills of selling simply because of their sex, but for vendors to be clear about the type of selling experience they expect, and to select an agent who demonstrates these skills. 
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Regardless of market conditions the majority of vendors – 66% – rated their overall experience when selling their home as either excellent (31%) or good (35%), according to recent research, though some 20% claimed the experience was average and 14% below expectations. 
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Some 68% of respondents said they would recommend their agent to friends or family, according to market research company, Roy Morgan which has been polling Australians about the trustworthiness of different professions since 1975. 
Real estate agents have always polled poorly - in its 2015 Image of Professions only 9% of those surveyed rated them as “very high” or “high” ethics and honesty. Only advertising people and car salesmen score worse.
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"The 2015 Consumer Perceptions of Real Estate survey wanted to test this stereotype by going directly to people who had experience of agents and their performance," the report advised.
"Popular mythology stereotypes real estate agents as being untrustworthy smooth-talkers who put their own needs above those of their clients," said Kylie Davis, head of Real Estate Solutions at CoreLogic RP Data,<a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news/file-download?id=39427689-a225-410e-bb81-dccc8b09592c" target="_blank"> who commissioned the report</a>.
"At CoreLogic, we wanted to understand whether this perception had any bearing on reality, or was it an urban myth? 
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"The 2015 Consumer Perceptions of Real Estate Agents is a new report that 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.
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"It is our passionate belief that it is only through transparency that we can ensure the ongoing success of the industry by demonstrating how professional services are meeting – and exceeding - consumer expectations if we are to change the reputation of the industry once and for all," she said.Some 36% of respondents claimed they expected to stay in touch with their agent or use him or her again and an additional 26% saying they would consider it. 
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The survey identified that real estate agents are managing price expectations well with 23% of those surveyed selling above the expected price and 50% selling for the expected price. One in four sold below the expected price. 
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Some 38% of respondents said they interviewed just one agent before making their decision on which agent to use. Some 55% chose to interview two or three agents before making their decision. Only 8% interviewed more than three agents. 
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The survey showed very few real estate agents demonstrated their market knowledge using technology. Only 17% used an iPad or video to share market information, and 12% received market information in an email. 
<a href="/images/2015/06/01/sexes.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Some differences between the sexes? CoreLogic RP Data estate agent satisfaction survey results

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Wanganui, the grand Longueville trophy home residence, sold hours before today's scheduled auction for close to $6.5 million.
The home with its blue turret sold for the first time in 57 years - bought by architect David Reuben Lennon in 1958 for £13,500.
Set on a 2087 square metre holding at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-longueville-119650891"> </a>58 Lucretia Avenue, the 1893 Wanganui had a price guide of $6.5 million plus with just a slither of land tracking down to the water.
Its blue corner turret with an ogee cupola was its defining feature, built in 1893 by architect C J Ross.
While its much needed renovation dampened any above expectation price escalation, its sale topped off the final weekend of a stellar Autumn auction season.
APM reported the preliminary weekend clearance rate as 87.4% in a fillip on the recent fortnight. 
Northing under 80% for almost all of the autumn selling season. Last weekend's revised success rate was 83.4%.
"The Sydney home auction market entered May in record breaking form and recorded an astonishing 89.2 percent clearance rate on May 9," APM senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson said.
"It appeared just a matter of time before a 90 percent plus weekend result was recorded. 
"But this has not eventuated – so far – with the market weakening over the past fortnight," he said before today's results.
The weekend Sydney was scheduled to host nearly 850 auctions, well ahead of the 750 auctioned last weekend but below the 907 auctioned over the same weekend last year. 
The weekend’s stronger auction numbers reflects some sellers avoiding the Queen’s Birthday holiday next weekend.
Mosman, Cronulla and Pymble were the most popular suburbs for auctions in Sydney with 10 each followed by Strathfield, Hurstville, Epping and Wahroonga with nine each and Baulkham Hills, Chatswood, Menai, Earlwood and Annandale each with eight auctions scheduled.
Sydney’s inner west hosted the most number of auctions with 129 listed followed by the upper north shore with 124, the south 123, the city and east 95, the lower north 81, Canterbury Bankstown 62, the west 60, the south west 55, the northern beaches 44, the north west 42, the central coast 18 and the Blue Mountains with just the one auction scheduled.
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Most expensive
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<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_0" align="left">Sydney</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_0" colspan="2">52 Edgecliffe Esp, Seaforth NSW 2092, 5 br House, RW Lower North Shore</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_0">$4,425,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_1" align="left">Melbourne</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_1" colspan="2">36 Wentworth Av, Canterbury VIC 3126, 4 br House, Jellis Craig Hawthorn</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_1">$3,950,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_2" align="left">Adelaide</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_2" colspan="2">13 Ormonde Av, Millswood SA 5034, 4 br House, Ouwens Casserly</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_2">$925,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_3" align="left">Brisbane</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_3" colspan="2">19 Eskgrove St, East Brisbane QLD 4169, 3 br House, RW Ascot</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_3">$1,700,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_4" align="left">Canberra</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_4" colspan="2">9 Geerilong Gdns, Reid ACT 2612, 3 br House, Peter Blackshaw Manuka Pty Ltd</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_4">$1,800,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_0" align="left">Sydney</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_0" colspan="2">39/103-111 Longfield St, Cabramatta NSW 2166, 3 br Unit, R&amp;W - Cabramatta</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_0">$125,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_1" align="left">Melbourne</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_1" colspan="2">3/6 Hatfield Ct, West Footscray VIC 3012, 1 br House, Sweeney Footscray</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_1">$220,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_2" align="left">Adelaide</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_2" colspan="2">5 Glyde St, Albert Park SA 5014, 2 br House, Harris Real Estate - Glenelg</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_2">$390,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_3" align="left">Brisbane</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_3" colspan="2">57 Australia 11 Drive, Kensington Grove QLD 4341, 3 br House, ELD Laidley</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_3">$185,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_4" align="left">Canberra</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_4" colspan="2">3/39 Bywaters St, Amaroo ACT 2914, 3 br Townhouse, Luton Properties - Gungahlin</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_4">$430,000</td>
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Longueville turret trophy home sale signals brightening end to Sydney's autumn auction season

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A clearance rate of 82 per cent was recorded across Melbourne to round out Autumn auctions on an improving success rate.
The weekend results compared to 80 per cent last weekend and 71 per cent the same weekend last year.
There were 1035 auctions reported to the REIV, including the mid-week auction of a <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/3-miller-street-brighton/Property-Details-buy-residential-8728236" target="_blank">Brighton beachfront</a> at $8.04 million.
The auction sales totalled $790 million.
It had been offered with $6 million plus price guidance through RT Edgar on Brighton's true Golden Mile. The two-storey three bedroom brick residence has marble fireplaces, polished boards and stained glass panels on its 683 square metre block.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/photogallery_new.ds?id=119665007&amp;theme=rea.buy" rel="photos" data-id="119665007"><img src="https://i3.au.reastatic.net/800x600/f70d3dea46c3780973c3a0719397b325547664954d8499ebe8b87cec9d0ea844/main.jpg" alt="3 Miller Street, Brighton" title="3 Miller Street, Brighton" data-index="0"></a> 
It was marketed as an "opportunity of owning one of Brighton's fifty-one beachfront properties." After 46 years ownership, it was secured by a New York based expat who beat five other bidders to purchase the knockdown property.  
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<div id="link-photo"><a class="photobox cboxElement" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/portal/viewphotos?OID=8728236&amp;popup=photos&amp;photo=3" title="3 Miller Street Brighton VIC 3186 House - Photo 3"><img src="https://images.realestateview.com.au/pics/236/3-Miller-Street-Brighton-VIC-3186-Real-Estate-photo-3-large-8728236.jpg" alt="3 Miller Street Brighton VIC 3186 Real Estate Photo 3" title="3 Miller Street Brighton VIC 3186 House - Photo 3"></a></div>
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The REIV was expecting about 1,240 auctions across 277 suburbs through the weekend.
Houses were stronger sellers than apartments, with 84% selling compared to 78% of apartments.
Houses sold at a $924,250 median, with $590,000 for the unit median, according to Enzo Raimondo, the REIV chief.
The busiest auction locations were Reservoir and Camberwell with 20 auctions followed by Brighton with 14 auctions.
REIV TOP 5 HOUSES
1. 3 Miller Street, Brighton $8,040,000 2. 36 Wentworth Avenue, Canterbury $3,950,000 3. 6 York Street, St Kilda West $3,500,000 4. 24 Northcote Road, Armadale $3,000,000 5. 3 Percy Street, Balwyn $2,950,000 
REIV TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES 1. 11 Allawah Court, Hoppers Crossing $290,000 2. 4 Currawong Street, Mornington $300,000 3. 11 Mica Court, Kings Park $314,000 4. 50 Learmonth Crescent, Sunshine West $326,000 5. 2 Silverton Court, Craigieburn $330,000
REIV TOP 5 APARTMENTS 1. 10B Roselyn Crescent, Bentleigh East $1,420,000 2. 4/31 Cookson Street, Camberwell $1,340,000 3. 5A/9 Beach Street, Port Melbourne $1,230,000 4. 22 Stillman Street, Richmond $1,221,000 5. 2/45 Park Street, South Yarra $1,200,000 
REIV TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS 1. 3/6 Hatfield Court, West Footscray $220,000 2. 4/230 Ascot Vale Road, Ascot Vale $236,000 3. 2/5-7 Princes Street, Abbotsford $270,000 4. 3/24 Methven Avenue, South Morang $272,500 5. 11/69-71 Delhi Court, Travancore $285,000
Source <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research" target="_blank">REIV</a>
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$8 million Brighton beachfront sale rounds out Melbourne's ascending autumn auctions

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The latest result for the HIA New Home Sales Report, a survey of Australia’s largest volume builders, reveals a fourth consecutive monthly rise.
"New homes sales have increased in each of the first four months of 2015," commented HIA chief economist, Harley Dale to reach their highest since at least 2010 as falling mortgage rates and the lure of rising house values drove demand. 
But the 0.6% April rise was the slowest growth pace of the four months, comprising 0.4% for detached house sales and 0.9% for multi-unit sales.
In April 2015 private detached house sales increased by 7.2% in New South Wales, by 2.7% in Victoria, and by 0.9% in Western Australia. 
Private detached house sales dropped by 9.0% in Queensland and were down by 1.9% in South Australia.
 
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Source: HIA New Home Sales Report
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NSW strongest in HIA new home sales April boost

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Gladstone's housing market has seen positive growth for the first time in five quarters.
Not much though with its median house values up 0.8%, according to figures released by the Real Estate Institute of Queensland.
This time last year there were 1000 vacant homes at the mining town with the figure now sitting around 600 available rentals.
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Gladstone price growth spotted by REIQ

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CoreLogic RP Data have looked at the most affordable regional suburbs for units in Australia.
1) <a href="/news">Manunda</a>, Cairns, Far North QLD
2) <a href="/news">Mildura</a>, Mildura, Mallee, VIC
3) <a href="/news">Cairns North</a>, Cairns, Far North, QLD
4) <a href="/news">Merimbula</a>, Bega Valley, South Eastern, NSW
5) <a href="/news">Port Douglas</a>, Douglas, Far North, QLD
6) <a href="/news">Trinity Beach</a>, Cairns, Far North, QLD
7) <a href="/news">Warrnambool</a>, Western District, VIC
8) <a href="/news">Tuncurry</a>, Great Lakes, Hunter, NSW
9) <a href="/news">Coffs Harbour,</a> Mid-North Coast, NSW
10) <a href="/news">Port Macquarie</a>, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Mid-North Coast, NSW
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FNQ heads cheapest units in the regions: CoreLogic RP Data

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Melbourne powerbroker Ron Walker fell just $22 million short of billionaire status in the 2015 BRW Rich List.
He sat in 50th place, with an estimated $978 million worth. There are 19 billionaires above him who have also made their fortunes from property.
Walker's wealth was put at $795 million in 2014. 
It was $125 million in 1998.
Much of it has come from property development, initially from Hudson Conway and more recently from <a href="https://www.evolvedevelopment.com.au" target="_blank">Evolve Development</a>.
His Hudson Conway co-founder Lloyd Williams ranks 62nd at $793 million on this year's Rich 200 List.
In 2001 Williams was ranked 20th on the BRW Rich List with $650 million.
Ron Walker, a former Lord Mayor of Melbourne, was born in Melbourne on September 20, 1939, the second son of Joe Walker, a senior supervisor with the Hoyts cinema chain. In 1966 he married a former Brisbane journalist, Barbara Lawson.
He was a former chairman of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporation.
The Age once suggested the jackpot for Hudson Conway came after he persuaded the State Labor Government to allow redevelopment of the old Toorak drive-in site in the 1980s.
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Melbourne's Ron Walker, just $22 million short of 2015 BRW Rich 200 List billionaire status  

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The retired politician activist Peter Garrett has listed his Southern Highlands retreat.
The historic Queen Anne Federation Rowe Cottage has undergone extensive renovation since bought (pictured circa 1995) for $531,000 in May 1995 through Peter Shaw First National.
<img class="attachment-big wp-post-image" src="https://www.drewlindsay.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/DSC4651-640x360.jpg" alt='‘Rowe’, Mittagong &lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: #ff0000;"&gt;NEW&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;' title='‘Rowe’, Mittagong &lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="color: #ff0000;"&gt;NEW&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;'>
Previously Kangaroo Valley weekenders, the Garretts have been often based at the 5.8 hectare Mittagong since they sold their Balgowlah home for $585,000 in 1995.
But Peter and wife, Doris are now making a move back to their newly acquired $2.7 million Paddington terrace.
He retired from parliament at the 2013 federal election, selling his electorate abode earlier this month on Gordon Street, Randwick at $1,321,000.
<a href="https://www.drewlindsay.com.au/?property=rowe-bong-bong-road-mittagong-new" target="_blank">Rowe Cottage</a> has been listed with $3.3 million plus hopes through Drew Lindsay Real Estate agent John Renouf.They might buy a smaller retreat after the sale.Rowe Cottage was among the Mittagong Cottage Homes, established from 1885 by the State Children's Relief Board.
They were houses that each held 20 children, ranging in age from infancy to adolescence.
The cottages had different functions, as hospitals, disability and truancy institutions, convalescent homes, transit points between foster placements and the reformatory Mittagong Farm School and Training School.
More than 30,000 state children passed through the cottages. 
The Mittagong Cottage Homes had an important role in the New South Wales Government's child welfare system.
Mittagong, it was argued, had a healthy climate which enabled children to gain health and strength and education, surrounded by good farming land, which provided the food necessary to run the homes.
Their programmes included orcharding, dairying, general farming, tailoring, bootmaking, carpentry, poultry and pig farming.
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Peter Garrett lists Mittagong, Southern Highlands cottage

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.

[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

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