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The former SMH food critic-turn-SBS Gourmet Farmer, Matthew Evans and his partner Sadie Chrestman have snappily sold their redundant Tasmanian farm.
Puggle Farm had been listed with $485,000 plus hopes as they trade up permanently to their larger Fat Pig Farm which was bought in 2012 nearby.
The two-storey cottage sits on 22 acres - 8.9 hectares - in Tasmania's Huon Valley.
It was their well-televised tree-change home that they bought in 2008 for $440,000 when they left Sydney.
It was the Gourmet Farmer series one setting as Evans embraced the sustainable life of breeding pigs, chickens and cultivating vegetables.
<div class="cT-imageLandscape">The more commercial, 28-hectare property, Fat Pig farm featured in series three of Gourmet Farmer.</div>
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Puggle Farm had <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/house/tas/cygnet/?adid=2011860216" title="" style="line-height: 1.3em;">$485,000-plus asking price</a> through TPR Property's Ian Bendall with 70% plus inquiries for 179 Guys Road coming from the mainland.
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<div>“A lot of it is to do with Matthew Evans putting Cygnet and Tasmania on the map," he concluded.</div>
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It sold to a Bondi buyer who hadn't ever watched the SBS series. 
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<div>The property has a number of sheds, stables, barns and workshops with a beautiful "pickers hut" that was marketed as being easily converted into additional accommodation.</div>
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<div>CoreLogic RP Data lists nine sales since January 2014 of six hectare plus acreages with the prices ranging from $85,000 for a 20 hectare farm to $630,000 for an 85 hectare farm.</div>
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Celeb foodie Matthew Evans sells Puggle Farm to Bondi buyer

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The launch of Epping One's 88-unit complex in Epping saw 65 apartments sold raking in $60 million. 
Prices for apartments started at $585,000 for a one bedroom in the $75 million project in the heart of Epping. 
<a href="https://eppingone.com.au" target="_blank">Epping One</a>'s off the plan sales were through Peter Walsh from Ray White Projects.
Epping has become quite active having been selected as one of eight urban activation precincts in Sydney by the NSW government.
Radray Constructions, a local family owned developer, is building Epping One. 
The project comprises 19 one beds, 57 two beds and 12 three beds.
Prices for apartments start at $585,000 for a one bedroom with an internal size ranging from 50 to 64 square metres.
The two bedroom apartments start at $799,000 featuring an internal size ranging from 70 to 88 square metres.
Around $1,050,000 is the starting price for three bedrooms with an internal size from 94  to 110 square metres.
Construction is expected to start in the second quarter of 2015.
Epping One is located at 42 – 50 Cliff Street, Epping, with its display suite at 50 Rawson Street, Epping.
 
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Epping One secures initial 65 apartment sales

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Sales at Galileo Group's $200 million residential project Arlington Grove, which launched on Saturday, met expectations. 
Off the plan buyers purchased 80 of Arlington Grove's 246 apartments at Dulwich Hill.
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The most popular apartments were the one bedroom+study and the two bed apartments.
Of the buyers 65% were owner-occupiers as proximity to the railway and park were a big positive.
<img src="/images/2015/05/08/700_grove.jpg" alt="" width="598" height="363">
 
Parking was also a major drawcard as all apartments come a car space. Apartments typically had leafy district or city skyline view.
The interior design by was by Smart Design Studio.
The mix of apartments is 105 one bedrooms, 131 two bedrooms and 10 three bedrooms. 
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1 bedroom 
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Up to 68 sqm internal 
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From $600,000 
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2 bedroom 
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Up to 105 sqm 
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From $800,000 
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3 bedroom 
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Up to 165 sqm 
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From $1,350,000 
 
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Galileo chief executive and founder Neil Werrett advised Fairfax Media he sensed the drop in May RBA interest rate cut had "no effect on the market." 
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The $200+ million Arlington Grove residential development has 246 apartments over eight levels in four separate buildings close to the local New Canterbury Road retail strip.
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The new Arlington Light Rail is only a minute’s walk away, connecting residents to the CBD in just 30 minutes. 
Construction is expected to begin in mid 2015 and be completed in mid 2017.
<a href="https://arlingtongrove.com.au/">www.arlingtongrove.com.au</a> or the display suite at 6-26 Grove Street, Dulwich Hill.
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High owner-occupier numbers as Arlington Grove, Dulwich Hill secures 80 off the plan sales

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Sydney's clearance rate has remained above 80% for 13 consecutive Saturdays, excluding Easter.
It was at 89.2% today, on initial results, up a tweak on last weekend's initial 89.1%, according to APM.
It was a new high, but it needs to be noted revised results actually put last weekend at 86.5%, a not unexpected reduction that comes with tardy late results from agents who don't like to advise auction failures especially in the current boom markets. 
The median auction sale price was $1.25 million for houses and $785,000 for units, with $486 million in sales secured.
The inner west hosted the most number of auctions with 109, followed by the south with 98.
Blacktown, Earlwood and Wollstonecraft hosted the most number of auctions of any Sydney suburbs this weekend with 10 each.
Overall auction numbers however are slightly down this year with 8258 listings compared to 8400 over the same period last year, Dr Andrew Wilson Domain Group APM's senior economist noted.
A Badgerys Creek two hectare offering at 211-217 Martin Road fetched $2.64 million today.
The two hectares of land included two houses in the vicinity of the proposed second airport.
<div class="w_ad_mbl_rectangle_article-middle">The auctioneer Michael Poulos of Auction Services got bids from four of the seven registered bidders.
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Investors paid $2.64 million (below) through selling agent Mark Bargallie of United Residential &amp; Prestige.
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After it was promoted by Rocky Bartolotto at Auction Services as selling at "an incredible $590,000 over reserve price," social media debate followed with property commentator Edwin Almeida suggesting the sale figure suggested "the agent didn't know the value of the land to start of with."
Property Observer has sought agent comment, but it would appear the comments are a little unfair given the tightly held, dynamic market. Perhaps the auctioneer needn't have made such a big issue of the result.
CoreLogic RP Data shows the last Martin Road, Badgerys Creek sale of a two hectare block was at $1.35 million in 2013 and there was a four hectare holding that fetched $1.32 million in 2012.
There has only been the one recorded sale in the past year which was $910,000 for two hectares on Lawson Road.
<img src="https://b.domainstatic.com.au/w800-h600-w1600-h1200-2011879698_1_pi_150330_033054" style="line-height: 1.3em;"> 
The top sale was Clenalla, a 1920s house (above) on level 999 square metre parcel at Wollstonecraft. McGrath agents Annika and Aaron Bongiorno had given $4 million plus price guidance on the house which last traded for $1,322,000 in 1990.
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<h2>APM Most expensive </h2>
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<th align="center" width="auto">Location</th>
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<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_0" align="left">Sydney</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_0">10 Tryon Av, Wollstonecraft NSW 2065, 5 br House, </td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_0">$4,450,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_1" align="left">Melbourne</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_1">40 Anderson Rd, Hawthorn East VIC 3123, 4 br House,</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_1">$4,820,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_2" align="left">Adelaide</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_2">1d Kyle St, Glenside SA 5065, 3 br House,</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_2">$1,000,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_3" align="left">Brisbane</td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_3">2/680 Jesmond Rd, Fig Tree Pocket QLD 4069, 5 br House, </td>
<td id="rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_3">$1,800,000</td>
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<h2>APM Most affordable </h2>
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<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_0" align="left">Sydney</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_0">26/44-50 Ewart St, Marrickville NSW 2204, 1 br Unit, L J Hooker Marrickville/Dulwich Hil</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_0">$320,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_1" align="left">Melbourne</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_1">3 Crossley Cr, Coolaroo VIC 3048, 3 br House, Barry Plant Glenroy</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_1">$235,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_2" align="left">Adelaide</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_2">19 Burt Av, Hilton SA 5033, 2 br House, HAR Kiritsis Property</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_2">$411,000</td>
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<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_3" align="left">Brisbane</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_3">52 Holborn St, Deception Bay QLD 4508, 4 br House, LJH Redcliffe</td>
<td id="rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_3">$255,000</td>
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Badgerys Creek bonanza showing up at auction as Sydney auctions hover at 89%

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A strong clearance rate of 81 per cent was recorded across Melbourne this weekend compared to 68 per cent this weekend last year.
There were 889 auctions reported to the REIV today, with the REIV expecting about 1,080 auctions in 263 suburbs.
The top auction suburbs were Reservoir with 19 auctions followed by Richmond and Kew with 14 auctions.
Total sales at auction was $679 million with the clearance rate for houses sitting stronger than apartments - 84% at a $900,000 median against 73% with a unit median price of $610,000.
On the prior May 2 weekend there was a revised 79% success rate when there were 1060 auctions reported to the REIV.
Enzo Raimondo, the REIV chief, said auction sales continued to be the driving force of price growth in the million dollar suburbs.
The majority of million dollar properties (nearly two thirds) sold in these suburbs in the March 2015 quarter, have been sold at auction.
The million dollar suburbs with the highest proportion of auctions as a percentage of total sales were Kew East (81 per cent), Mont Albert (81 per cent), Camberwell (78 per cent), Carlton North (78 per cent), Surrey Hills (76 per cent) and Clifton Hill (75 per cent) – all upwards of 75 per cent. 
The Toorak home of Tony Suhan, the Australian importer and distributor of Advanti alloy wheels and Nexen tyres, sold before its scheduled auction price undisclosed.
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It is a townhouse (photo above) designed by Nicholas Day with three bedrooms, a home cinema, living and dining spaces and a private north-facing garden. It has an internally accessed basement double garage. 
Marshall White agents Marcus Chiminello and Nicole French secured the pre-auction sake of the <a href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/7e-woorigoleen-road-toorak-174607/" target="_blank">7E Woorigoleen Road listing</a>. There had been reported $2.7 million hopes. 
It cost $2.7 million in 2011 with the 1999-built townhouse first sold at $1.11 million. 
REIV TOP 5 HOUSES
1. 40 Anderson Road, Hawthorn East $4,820,000 with tennis court 2. 11 Flintoft Avenue, Toorak $4,350,000 3. 53-63 Bridge Street, Port Melbourne $3,690,000 4. 11 Peppin Street, Camberwell $3,510,000 5. 15 Bridge Street, Hampton $3,100,000
REIV TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES
1. 3 Crossley Crescent, Coolaroo $235,500 knockdown 2. 14 Elizabeth Avenue, Werribee $248,000 3. 54 Gillingham Crescent, Craigieburn $271,000 4. 19 Mudie Avenue, Sunbury $281,000 5. 2 Medinah Close, Sunbury $307,500
 
REIV TOP 5 APARTMENTS
1. 43A Thanet Street, Malvern $2,106,000 2. 61B Iona Street, Black Rock $2,000,000 3. 2/11 Tollington Avenue, Malvern East $1,855,000 4. 17 Princes Street, Port Melbourne $1,450,000 5. 5/86A Marine Parade, Elwood $1,420,000 
REIV TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS
1. 4/119 Jetty Road, Rosebud $220,000 one bedder 2. 21/294 Nicholson Street, Seddon $240,000 3. 5/18 Currajong Street, Thomastown $244,000 4. 3/16 Lawn Crescent, Braybrook $272,500 5. 4/12 Barry Street, Reservoir $297,500
Source<a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research" target="_blank"> REIV</a>
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Melbourne's 81% auction success as Toorak townhouse by Nicholas Day roars out the door

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One of Sydney Harbour's finest sandstone estate, Musgrave House has been offered for sale.
<a href="https://8cmcleodstreet.com" target="_blank">It ranks among Mosman's original residences</a>, rich in history. Around $10 million is forecast, about the same tipped when it was listed unsuccessfully in late 2012.
Set on 1,848 square metres of park-like grounds at 8c McLeod Street, the 1880s architectural triumph has been meticulously renovated while keeping the striking beauty of its Victorian heritage.
There's a selection of living spaces adorned with working marble fireplaces and lofty 12 foot ceilings, along with a sophisticated open-plan kitchen complete with a selection of high-end European appliances, butler's pantry and caterers kitchen.
Its casual dining and living expanse open out to the central Tuscan style courtyard.
The grounds comes with two storey pool house with guest accommodation/office and steam room.
There is a heated resort-style pool and gym plus six car garage with internal access.
Its secluded cul-de-sac upon the shores of Mosman Bay will trigger plenty of interest in the lead up to 11 June offers deadline through Geoff Smith and Richard Harding at LJ Hooker Mosman/Neutral Bay.
Back in 1990 its then owner, Dr John Bannister thought Musgrave House was sold for $9.75 million, but the would-be buyer was revealed as a bankrupt who was awaiting sentence for defrauding the Commonwealth Bank.
Now in landscaped grounds designed by Paul Bangay set above Mosman Bay, Dr Bannister had bought Musgrave House in 1976 for $40,000.
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Mosman's Musgrave House hits the market

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The US-bound Melbourne corporate lawyer Guy Jalland has sold his restored art deco Darling Point harbour front which was listed with $12 million hopes.
He paid $8.2 million in 2013 and then updated the property which had last traded in the 1970s. He also added a jetty.
Title Tattle gleans it fetched around $11 million.
The two-storey house sits on a 1,114 square-metre Sutherland Crescent block, having been built in the 1930s. It retains terrazzo finishes, curved feature windows and solid-timber joinery. Its lounge, dining and family areas take advantage of the harbour views. There is also an interior courtyard.
The two-storey home contains four bedrooms and three classic art deco bathrooms, including a dedicated lower-level teenagers' retreat with a casual living area.
Its garaging once made the headlines given its distinctive Glenn Murcutt style. Murcutt also undertook some alterations to the house during the late 1980s.
Guy Jalland, with plans to spend more time in the United States, is best known as a longtime adviser to James Packer, including being general counsel of Publishing &amp; Broadcasting Limited from 2004 to 2007.
The house sold through Brad Pillinger at Pillinger Real Estate.
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US-bound Guy Jalland sells Darling Point harbourfront

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The Queensland government has ruled out introducing new taxes on foreign buyers of residential real estate.
They are the only state that actually monitors foreign investment, so were in the box seat to implement such a tax regime.
The rejection comes after the populist Victoria Labor government's recent budget unveiled a new tax regime that will seek to tax foreign buyers and foreign owners.
Queensland has vowed not to ­follow Victoria’s lead and introduce any new taxes on foreign property investors.
Treasurer Curtis Pitt said Queensland welcomed foreign property investment.
“We’re ruling out any stamp duty surcharges for foreign investors who purchase a house in Queensland," said Pitt.
"We’re also ruling out any land tax surcharge for foreign investors in this state.”
The Victorian state budget, revealed on Tuesday, included a 3%t stamp duty surcharge for homes from July and land tax increases of 0.5% from 2016 for offshore-based investors. 
News Ltd reported Queensland executive director of the Property Council, Chris Mountford saying the action will strengthen Queensland’s position on the global investment map.
“In particular it creates a compelling case to invest in Queensland over Victoria.”
Nothing new for Queensland as that was how former premier Joh Bjelke Petersen saw the state into an upswing when Queensland didn't have death duties like other states.
It was in 1977 when the Premier of Queensland Joh Bjelke Petersen abolished death duties and a wave of Australia's elderly headed towards the Gold Coast with the high rise following as dying in Queensland became a tax avoidance scheme and Surfers Paradise became a retirement haven.
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Queensland says no new taxes on foreign property buyers in Bjelke Petersen-like strategy

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Forget about the folks - asset wealthy part pensioners - passing down the holiday home. 
Treasurer Joe Hockey's 2015 proposed pension change will ensure that elderly parents will have to liquidate the longtime family holiday home to afford to live under any new asset test regime targeted at existing pensioners facing the end of their entitlement.
However couples approaching retirement - and aware of the rules in advance - will possibly compromise on their superannuation voluntary contributions - or sell one of the two $400,000 investment properties - and instead push the funds towards buying an untaxed, un-counted bigger, better home that can be beneficially sold later in retirement.
Without the pension, the immediate likelihood after any January 2017 implementation is that it will be no longer feasible for the grandparents to hold onto the beach house - perhaps initially at least putting it in the 2017 Christmas holiday rental pool to raise some funds to pay the rates and put food on the table.
Social Services Minister Scott Morrison has flagged proposed changes to the pension assets test saying that 91,000 current part pensioners will no longer qualify for the pension and a further 235,000 will have their part pension reduced.
If the legislation is passed, the government will reduce the maximum value of assets to qualify for a part pension, which for couples is currently up to $1.15 million plus the family home.
For couples who own their own home, the asset threshold will be reduced to $823,000.
For single home-owners, the assets test cut-out will be $547,000, down from $775,500.
It is currently suggested people who lose their pension are set to keep the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card which provides access to concessional medicines, but lose their Pensioner Concession Card which secures discounts at the state level on rates, transport and utilities.
Over-55s hold 58% per cent of Australia’s wealth. But the majority is locked up in the family home.
News Ltd papers reported Scott Morrison had only kind words for those retirees who will lose access to the pension.
"My first word to the 91,000 is to thank them for providing for their own retirement," he told reporters in Sydney on Thursday.
"Those affected by these changes have assets, and by drawing down on those assets to those modest amounts they will be in a position to maintain their incomes."
The proposal presents anxiety for the over-50s population, currently 7 million and expected to double by 2050.
Through paid employment, volunteering and care-giving roles, older Australians are estimated to contribute $90 billion a year to the economy and community, the National Seniors Australia recently reported.
The family home, often the most valuable asset Australians own, both materially and emotionally, will remain outside the age pension means test under the proposal.
But the 2015 budget has yet to emerge as providing any solution for older Australians who require age-appropriate housing, which can be secured by rightsizing.
Infact quite the reverse is now the logical prospect in the lead up to the 2017 implementation given the principle place of residence remains sacrosanct in government policy.
"An innovative approach is required to enable seniors to access their equity wealth and downsize without the additional risks and disincentives of reverse mortgages, and without the fear of a negative impact on their Age Pension," National Seniors Australia seek.
The former Labor government’s Housing Help for Seniors pilot scheme, announced in the 2013-14 budget, was deemed a step in the right direction, however, the restrictions on the use of the excess sale funds and requirement to have lived in the home for 25 years, restricted its usefulness to older Australians. 
“A significant number of older Australians will be adversely impacted, so it is critical that clear information and access to advice are a priority so they can consider their position and the adjustments they may need to undertake,” the National Seniors Australia chief executive Michael O’Neill said.=
“These changes will cause anxiety, particularly for those older Australians who have been in receipt of a part pension.”
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Upsizing homes before retirement - and forget passing down the holiday shack: Joe Hockey's 2015 budget pension implications

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There's been a $540,000 opening bid in the online auction which could result in the purchase of an off the plan apartment in South Melbourne.
Around 600 plus potential buyers had looked before the online auction on the bidRhino.com online website.
The off the plan auction offering at 603/79 Market Street, South Melbourne is a <a href="https://thewalkerapartments.com.au/plans/603.jpg" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">61 square metre apartment</a> in the ITUM-developed project. 
The initial bid was sought at $530,000 plus.
The live auction portal aims to revolutionise the property market as residential properties can be listed and potential buyers or tenants can securely bid with just a digital click. 
The opportunity exists to secure an off the plan property in <a href="https://www.bidrhino.com.au/vic/for-sale/South-Melbourne/603/79-Market-Street/id-1546">The Walker apartment complex</a> positioned in the heart of South Melbourne, which is due for early 2016 completion.
This apartment comprises two bedrooms, one bathroom, and an open terrace, in the 67 apartment building that has an architecturally adapted heritage façade.
<img src="/images/2015/04/24/off-april-24-four.jpg" alt="">
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All registered and approved bidders can bid on the property until the auction is finished. 
When the auction has ended and the reserve price has been met, the highest bidder becomes the successful purchaser. 
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bidRhino.com South Melbourne offering attracts initial online bid

Eddy Haddad's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/level-33">Level 33</a> is levelling up its approved Wollongong development, as the coastal city south of Sydney continues to prove popular in the high-density development space.

Level 33, a longtime developer in the Wollongong area, has gone through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority to upsize its approved two-tower development on the corner of Crown Street and Gladstone Avenue, just 100 metres from Wollongong Station.

The developer currently has approval for 252 apartments across two buildings rising to 19 storeys. It is now seeking approval for 33 and 38-storey towers that would deliver 467 apartments, including 67 affordable homes.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bka-architecture">BKA Architecture</a>, the development would comprise apartments above a three-level podium with around 1,100 sqm of retail space, along with basement parking for 448 vehicles.

According to the Urban Design Report by BKA, the proposal has the capacity to "reinforce the precinct's identity by strengthening links between health, education, and transport services, while also contributing to Wollongong's ongoing evolution as a key regional centre."

Wollongong is somewhat in vogue. Between Level 33 and Urban Property Group, the two developers have several thousand apartments planned across the city.

Level 33 is currently delivering Easterly Wollongong, one of its most boutique projects to date with just 21 high-end apartments, as well as Atchison &amp; Kenny, a 329-apartment development due for completion later this year. The developer also plans to redevelop the 13,088 sqm WIN Grand megasite into a new $500 million precinct with nearly 600 apartments and has more than 900 apartments planned for the former Bunnings Warehouse site at the intersection of Gipps and Flinders streets.

Urban Property Group is also playing a major role in the city's transformation. Its five-tower Keira Place precinct will deliver more than 800 homes, and it has recently lodged plans for a further 300 apartments near Wollongong Station.

Joel Robinson

First look: Level 33 upsizes Wollongong apartment towers

Just a week after filing plans for the final stage of its major Keira Place masterplan, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has unveiled another significant housing proposal in Wollongong, this time targeting a prominent site opposite North Wollongong Station.

The developer has lodged a State Significant Development Application for a 38-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-4a-flinders-street-north-wollongong-nsw-2500">4-4A Flinders Street</a>, around one kilometre north of the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place precinct</a> currently taking shape on the edge of the CBD.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b6428f1-6405-4038-8476-897de440e90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium.png?VersionId=QLqEvK0OuCEwRC47oHNftrw2B1YqaHF8" />

Designed by Studio.SC, the proposal comprises a 38-storey mixed-use development containing 303 apartments, including 45 affordable housing units, alongside 174 co-living residences. The scheme also includes ground-floor retail space, extensive landscaping and public domain improvements.

Studio.SC noted in the proposal it "outlines a vision for a landmark transit-oriented mixed-use development centred around North Wollongong Station, designed to support the city’s future growth while responding to the NSW Government’s housing and planning reforms."

The architecture firm said the proposal responds to the opportunities and constraints shaping future growth within the 400-metre catchment of the station and represents "a coordinated and future-focused approach to urban intensification, contributing to the long-term evolution of North Wollongong as a connected, walkable and high-density station precinct."

The site occupies a strategic corner bounded by Flinders Street, Station Street, Stafford Street and the Princes Highway, directly opposite North Wollongong Station.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7863adad-1f71-4022-b850-f44b252738fd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium%20a.png?VersionId=WsU7av0g8_8R2tGHWxgHeFSlhu7yeY1V" />

The proposal follows Urban Property Group's recent submission for the second and final stage of Keira Place, which would deliver a further three buildings comprising 657 homes opposite Beaton Park. It builds on the first stage, which features 150 apartments across two towers and recently commenced construction.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said breaking ground on the first stage marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/urban-property-group-unveils-trio-of-towers-for-next-stage-of-new-wollongong-precinct-keira-place">Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place</a>

First look: Urban Property Group plans next major Wollongong tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/arada">Arada</a> has wasted little time expanding its ambitions in Campsie, lodging plans for a second major project in the rapidly transforming town centre just months after unveiling its three-tower One Campsie proposal on Beamish Street.

The UAE-backed developer has now taken aim at one of the suburb’s most strategically positioned sites, filing a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/10-north-parade-campsie-nsw-2194">33-storey mixed-use tower</a> at 10 London Street and 43 North Parade, directly opposite the future Campsie Metro Station. The proposal is currently on public exhibition and represents another significant vote of confidence in Campsie's emergence as one of Sydney’s key transit-oriented growth centres.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the development would deliver 156 apartments above a podium containing retail and commercial space, creating a new residential and commercial gateway to the town centre. The scheme also includes a four-level above-ground parking podium and a dedicated residential amenity floor featuring wellness and recreation facilities. At least 10 per cent of the apartments would be allocated as affordable housing for a period of 10 years.

The proposal occupies a 1,631 sqm site bounded by London Street, North Parade and Dispensary Lane, immediately adjoining the future Metro station precinct and just metres from Beamish Street’s retail and dining strip. According to the Urban Design Report, the project seeks to deliver "a great place that prioritises human-scaled experience and provides spatial improvements to the area."

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="175a8324-015b-4856-abe3-ce6f23199fa7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium%20campsie.png?VersionId=742UGwXFhFBX4GEl6wX4PYIWREAgn6il" />

Woods Bagot describes the tower as a key marker within Campsie's next phase of growth.

"Located directly opposite the new Campsie Metro Station on North Parade, 10 London Street is a thoughtfully composed 33-storey mixed-use tower that contributes to the ongoing transformation of the town centre," the Architectural Design Report states. The report says the project is intended to provide "high-quality homes within a vibrant, connected urban environment, while helping define Campsie's future skyline."

A strong emphasis has been placed on the public realm. The ground floor incorporates over 500 sqm of retail space and active frontages along both London Street and North Parade, while the podium is wrapped by extensive landscaped planting intended to soften the building's scale and strengthen the pedestrian experience. The development would also widen surrounding footpaths and improve connections between the Metro station and the broader town centre.

Above the podium, residents would have access to more than 1,400 sqm of communal amenities, including a pool, gym and landscaped recreation spaces. A distinctive green-wall treatment extending across four podium levels forms a major architectural feature, helping differentiate the project within the emerging high-density precinct.

The tower's design is closely tied to the broader Campsie Town Centre Master Plan and the arrival of Sydney Metro. The Urban Design Report notes the proposal "directly supports the Campsie Town Centre Master Plan by delivering new homes in a location explicitly identified for growth, improved accessibility, and high-quality urban renewal." It adds that the project contributes to the master plan's vision for a strengthened town centre supported by thousands of new homes around the future Metro station.

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfd17654-253e-489a-bade-6278d63db412" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/base%20campsie.png?VersionId=3roJPMQGs36dazpkhvpvbDDP73Ld.Ica" />

The application follows Arada's recently lodged One Campsie project at 124–142 Beamish Street and 16–18 Ninth Avenue, where the developer is seeking approval for 346 apartments across three towers rising 24, 32 and 39 storeys. Together, the two proposals would cement Arada as one of the most influential developers shaping Campsie's future urban form.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-arada-files-for-trio-of-apartment-towers-in-campsie-town-centre">First Look: Arada files for trio of apartment towers in Campsie town centre</a>

Arada entered the Australian market in 2024 and has rapidly assembled a significant development pipeline across Sydney. Alongside its Campsie holdings, the developer is soon to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wattle-green-2-fishburn-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Wattle Green</a> in Castle Hill, and has expanded its local operations following its acquisition of construction firm Roberts &amp; Co.

Located around 14 kilometres south-west of the Sydney CBD, the site sits at the centre of one of Sydney's fastest-changing middle-ring precincts. The Metro conversion of Campsie Station, combined with Canterbury-Bankstown Council's master planning framework, is driving significant residential intensification around Beamish Street and North Parade, with thousands of new homes expected over coming decades.

First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans

For the first time in a long time, Australia's inflation story is starting to look more like a landing than a fight.

The latest Consumer Price Index figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed annual inflation eased to four per cent in May, down from 4.2 per cent in April. On the surface, that might not seem like a major move. Inflation remains above the Reserve Bank's target range and some categories continue to record stubborn price growth.

But the significance of this result lies less in where inflation sits today and more in what it means for where interest rates are likely heading next.

The biggest takeaway is that inflation continues to move in the right direction.

Markets had been bracing for another sticky result after a period where progress appeared to stall. Instead, headline inflation came in softer than expected, helped by falling fuel prices and easing transport costs. Annual transport inflation halved from 6.6 per cent in April to 3.3 per cent in May, while automotive fuel prices fell 11.9 per cent during the month following lower oil prices and the impact of reduced fuel excise measures.

While petrol prices don't solve Australia's affordability challenges, they are one of the most visible and immediate costs for consumers. Falling fuel costs feed through the economy quickly, helping ease pressure on household budgets and business operating expenses.

The ABS data also showed headline inflation is now sitting at its lowest annual level in several months, reinforcing the broader trend that price growth is gradually moderating.

That trend is important because it aligns with what many economists and lenders have been saying for the last month.

Prior to this week's inflation data, ANZ, NAB and Commonwealth Bank had all shifted their forecasts, now believing the Reserve Bank had likely reached the peak of the interest rate cycle. Following the May inflation release, ANZ reaffirmed that view.

In its latest economic update, ANZ said it expects quarterly trimmed mean inflation to come in at 3.7 per cent for the June quarter, slightly below the Reserve Bank's forecast of 3.8 per cent. Importantly, the bank said that outcome, when combined with slowing economic activity, "supports our view that the cash rate has peaked".

The Reserve Bank has spent the better part of three years attempting to bring inflation under control through higher interest rates. If Australia's major banks are correct and rates have now peaked, the conversation shifts from how much higher rates could go to when they might begin coming down.

Westpac's caution comes from underlying inflation. The trimmed mean, the measure most closely watched by the Reserve Bank, increased from 3.4 per cent to 3.6 per cent annually. Housing inflation remains elevated at 6.5 per cent, reflecting ongoing increases in rents, electricity costs and new dwelling construction.

Electricity prices remain particularly problematic, rising 21.1 per cent over the past year following the removal of government rebates.

Housing construction costs are also showing signs of renewed pressure. ANZ noted new dwelling costs rose 0.9 per cent in May and are now running at an annualised pace of 8.6 per cent over the past three months. Builders continue to face higher labour, fuel and material costs, a reminder that inflationary pressures have not completely disappeared.

Housing affordability has deteriorated largely because of higher interest rates rather than higher property prices alone. Even modest reductions in mortgage rates would improve borrowing capacity, increase buyer confidence and reduce repayment pressure on existing homeowners.

While August is far from a certainty, the latest inflation result has strengthened the view that the next move in rates is more likely to be down than up. For borrowers, buyers and the development sector, that alone represents a significant shift from the conversation that dominated much of the past two years.

The inflation result the property market was waiting for

Commercial property group FiveX is doubling down on its move into the residential space.

The group, founded by Joshua and Marko Berger more than five decades ago, has followed up its plans for a 39-storey tower on North Sydney's Alfred Street with a proposed 61-storey tower in Chatswood.

The new tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/815-pacific-highway-chatswood-nsw-2067">815 Pacific Highway</a>, which would be one of the tallest proposed in Chatswood in recent years, will comprise 490 apartments, 76 of which will be dedicated affordable housing and managed by Evolve Housing for a minimum of 15 years.

The project will replace the long-standing Panorama Building, originally known as the BMA Tower, a 14-storey office building completed in 1972 and designed by Hungarian-born architect Hugo Stossel. At the time of its completion, the building was the tallest structure in Chatswood and became a local landmark due to its distinctive curved form and external glass lift.

<img alt="FiveX" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="956bd299-3864-47a0-8ea6-162b5524c5d8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-24%20at%201.02.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=EWx7teUr7RcYrI9mgRytwppwt5AdUDtb" />

fjcstudio is behind the designs. Its Architectural Design Report argues the ageing commercial building no longer reflects Chatswood's role as one of Sydney's key strategic centres and that the site is ideally positioned to support significantly higher residential density.

"The site is located at the heart of Chatswood, within the TOD accelerated rezoning area that supports higher density development around the new Metro station," the report states.

"The site's role within a walkable 400-metre radius catchment is where housing, employment, retail and community uses are encouraged to cluster in support of transit-oriented living."

<img alt="fjc" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d198f5e-cc71-4175-9357-be6ec7207473" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-24%20at%201.18.27%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=5WUFc3IYBPvhQMBUYLCsjJhzdcVeYodE" />

The proposal has undergone two rounds of review by the NSW State Design Review Panel, with the design evolving through an extensive assessment process focused on design excellence, public realm outcomes, residential amenity and the integration of affordable housing.

fjcstudio says the residential component provides a diverse mix of apartment typologies, supporting a broad demographic and contributing to housing supply in a highly accessible location close to major transport, employment and retail infrastructure.

The application follows FiveX's plans for a 39-storey tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/275-alfred-street-north-north-sydney-nsw-2060">275 Alfred Street</a>, which it <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/275-alfred-street-north-north-sydney-nsw-2060">submitted through the same NSW Government pathway</a> in December. That's for 184 apartments.

Recent activity in Chatswood includes Hyecorp launching its Archer Street project, Celine, and Develotek securing approval for a 34-storey tower.

Jonathan Chancellor

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