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The Block's Josh Densten and Jenna Whitehead's renovated three bedroom investment cottage at East Albury will go to auction this month.
The contestants of the 2011 Richmond series of The Block, who live in Melbourne have recently released a range of designer lamps for Beacon Lighting.  
Their 670 square metre Beaumont Crescent property was bought in 2008 for $250,000 when listed at $265,000.
 They tried to sell it in early 2011 for $300,000 plus.
It has been listed for <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/public/propertydetails.aspx?adid=2011398946&amp;" target="_blank">20 September Stean Nicholls auction</a> with expectations now reportedly in the high $300,000s.
Agent Amanda Giblin says the home offers plenty of modern living and is renovated in style, with easy care gardens and impressive views over Albur,y allowing the buyer to enjoy their home with minimal effort.
At the weekend first inspection, prospective buyers were offered cupcakes.
There were a strong 29 groups through with six possible buyers emerging.
The couple's first appearance on The Block in 2011 saw their renovated home sell for $1 million, while their second home in 2013's The Block: All Stars netted $1.65 million, $275,000 of which was profit.
East Albury's median house price sits at $323,000, <a href="/news">according to RP Data</a>, which is less than its 2008 and 2011 peaks.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Block stars Josh and Jenna list East Albury investment reno

The Summit aged-care industry boss&nbsp;Peter Wohl&nbsp;and his wife&nbsp;Jennifer&nbsp;have snappily sold their cliff top Dover Heights home following their recent $38 million<a href="/news/aged-care-entrepreneur-peter-wohl-buys-ron-medich-point-piper-mansion">&nbsp;purchase of property developer&nbsp;Ron Medich&#39;s&nbsp;Point Piper mansion</a>.&nbsp;

The residence had been tipped to exceed the Dover Heights record of $8.02 million <a href="/expert-insights/buying/happy-as-larry-as-dover-heights-trophy-mansion-sale-sets-new-8-million-record">which was surprisingly set earlier this year</a> when a newly-built house on busy Military Road sold for more than $1 million over the reserve.

Offers were<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/house/nsw/dover-heights/?adid=2011333144" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/house/nsw/dover-heights/?adid=2011333144" target="_blank">due by 29 August&nbsp;for the Douglas Parade listin</a>g with buyers being told they should present their best $9 million plus offers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=161007]

Martin Schiller of Savills and Bill Malouf, of LJ Hooker Double Bay had the trophy home listing which is now indicated as sold, though without any sale price indication.

Title Tattle recalls the Wohls bought the 970 square metre property in 1993 for $1,775,000 from US-based art critic heiress Sandra McGrath&nbsp;which was&nbsp;renovated by Frank Grill, who has reputedly indicated his latest Bellevue Hill project will be his last commission.

With interiors by Archer+Wright, the two-storey residence is built around a large deck with pool and spa, creating a dramatic backdrop of north-east facing ocean views to the rest of the house. The courtyard Michael Snape&nbsp;sculpture, which was installed by McGrath, is not included in the offering.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317 project_image_fid=79239]

The house has reclaimed Versailles parquetry floors imported from France.

There is a double garage with internal access and approved plans for a triple garage.&nbsp;

Apparently there is a meditation retreat carved within the clifftop itself.

The colourful McGrath&nbsp;cut a swathe through Sydney while raising her family with banker husband, Tony&nbsp;McGrath.

She critiqued art for&nbsp;The Australian&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Bulletin.

Peter Wohl's clifftop Dover Heights trophy home sale sets new suburb record

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The non<a href="https://www.brokernews.com.au/tools/people//121276/">-</a>major lender MyState has announced it will offer loans up to 85% loan to value ratio (LVR) without lender's mortgage insurance (LMI). MyState says it will be available to select borrowers, available only through brokers. It is also available through The Rock Building Society.
It will be offered to residential borrowers in Melbourne and Sydney and other mainland metropolitan districts with <a href="https://www.genworth.com.au/docs/downloads/location-guidejanuary2013.pdf?Status=Master" target="_blank">Genworth Category 1 postcodes</a>. 
The maximum loan amount will be $1 million.
The borrowers must have clear credit with no defaults along with stable employment of two years full<a href="https://www.brokernews.com.au/tools/people//121276/">-</a>time or longer with the same employer.
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MyState loosens LMI requirement for Genworth Category 1 postcode buyers

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Mining tycoon Nathan Tinkler’s two Hunter Valley Patinack Farm thoroughbred properties will go to 13 October auction under instructions to repay loans to retail billionaire Gerry Harvey.
Rural agent Chris Meares of Meares &amp; Associates has been appointed to market the 1,338 hectare thoroughbred farm, Richmond Grove in <a href="/news">Sandy Hollow</a>.
The 1,398 hectare Tremayne mixed-use rural property in <a href="/news">Broke </a>has been listed by Shelly Jurd of Jurd’s Real Estate in conjunction with Meares &amp; Associates, with Fairfax Media reporting the agents have yet to sufficiently inspect the properties to determine price estimates.
The Richmond Grove property is one of the largest thoroughbred farms in Australia.
Two other Patinack Farm thoroughbred properties - 440 hectares at <a href="/news">Beaudesert</a> in south-east Queensland and Banoon with 384 hectares of rural land at <a href="/news">Monegeeta</a> in Victoria - will also be sold at spring auction.
A reputed $130 million sale of the Patinack portfolio to Middle Eastern firm Cibola Capital in May did not proceed.
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Nathan Tinkler's Patinack Farms scheduled for October auction

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Chinese interest in Sydney seems to be concentrated away from first home buyer suburbs, says Shane Oliver, head of investment strategy and chief economist, AMP Capital.
"Whenever house prices take off and affordability deteriorates, there is a tendency to look for scapegoats," Shane Oliver<a href="https://www.smsfadviseronline.com.au/columns/item/237-pointing-the-finger-over-high-housing-prices" target="_blank"> wrote on the SMSF Adviser website</a>.
"Fingers have been pointed at foreign buyers (from China), SMSFs and, as always, negative gearing.
"However, none explain the relative strength in Australian house prices," he said.
Shane Oliver suggested:
<ul>
<li>Foreign and SMSF buying is no doubt playing a role in some areas but looks to be relatively small overall. </li>
<li>Such simplistic explanations ignore the fact that when interest rates go down, Australians borrow to buy houses and prices go up; and</li>
<li>Negative gearing has been around for a long time.</li>
</ul>
"The fundamental problem is a lack of supply.
"Vacancy rates remain low and there has been a cumulative construction shortfall since 2001 of more than 200,000 dwellings.
"The reality is that until we make it easier for builders and developers to bring dwellings to market – and hopefully decentralise our population in the longer term – the issue of poor affordability will remain," he said.
Oliver's comments along with those of UBS economist Scott Haslem who told the parliamentary inquiry into foreign ownership that FHBs are unlikely to be being 'priced-out' of the market because they buy cheaper, established homes outside the inner city.
The Treasurer Joe Hockey has asked for an inquiry into Australia's foreign investment policy as it applies to residential real estate.
Scott Haslem's submission noted average purchase price by foreign citizens and temporary residents for an established dwelling has trended around $1 million in the last five years. 
For new dwellings, it has been a bit below $700,000. 
"FHBs have typically bought established, rather than new, dwellings, and FHBs average purchase price of $328,000k is far below that for foreign purchases.
"This should limit the impact on FHBs. 
"But such an assessment must be judged against the increased FHB demand for new dwellings more recently and the likely greater concentration of foreign demand in inner city Sydney and Melbourne where there must be some quantum of FHB demand facing greater competitive pressures than in the past," he added.
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The Chinese should not be our rising FHB price scapegoat urges Shane Oliver

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Melbourne businessman Sir Rod Eddington has listed his Toorak home of the past eight years. 
More than $11 million is reportedly expected for the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-toorak-117754647" target="_blank">Ledbury Court property</a> which comes with pool and tennis court.
The 2,154 square metre holding was bought by Sir Rod and his wife, Young Sook Park for $7.85 million in 2006 from the Ayre family who'd been there since paying $550,000 in 1980.
 It is for sale through Kay &amp; Burton's Michael Gibson.
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Toorak trophy home offering from Sir Rod Eddington

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Currently there is no cost associated with any FIRB application so there are limited financial resources for the Treasury department to police the current regulations.
The bulk of their activity remains in processing.
But a modest FIRB application fee would be acceptable to overseas buyers that are often subject to fees in other international property markets, according to Steve Douglas, the executive chairman of the SMATS Group that has arranged over $1 billion in lending for expatriate and foreign buyers over recent years.
"These fees could be directed to FIRB for process improvement and policing activity to ensure the current regulations are enforced," he said.
Steve Douglas says provided it remains realistic, it should not have a detrimental impact on the current buyer activity levels, especially if it is balanced by the return of the CGT 50% discount and fairness is restored to previous legislation.
The submission was made to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics which is holding public hearings as part of its Inquiry into Foreign Investment in Australian residential real estate. 
"We do need to appropriately police the fairness of the FIRB regulations and protect the market from abuse and speculation," he told the parliamentary inquiry.
"A modest fee on the approximate 10,000 residential purchases would fund this and allow the FIRB to be properly resourced to investigate illegal activity – without introducing any new restrictions. 
"This would be logical, acceptable to the market and also easy to police with a simple 'Statement of Residency' at any property settlement confirming FIRB compliance and then lodging for spot checks with FIRB."
SMATS Group is an Australian tax agent that specialises in foreign investors and expatriates. 
It commenced in 1995 headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Dubai, London, New York, Perth and Sydney.
The SMATS submission suggests a modest fee would be acceptable by international standards set at:
<ul><ul>
<li>$2,000 for acquisitions under $500,000, and</li>
<li>$3,000 for acquisitions over $500,000</li>
</ul></ul>
"It is our strong opinion that the importance of foreign investors is not fully appreciated in Australia."
Douglas outlined two major misconceptions in the community when it comes to foreign investors.
The first misconception was that "foreigners are buying all the property at auction".
The second was that foreigners are driving up prices.
<ul>
<li>
Misconception: Foreigners are buying all the property at auctions.
</li>
<li>
Reality: Foreigners cannot buy established property under the FIRB Regulations, so the buyer must have held Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency or if acquired under a Temporary Residency will need to sell the house on exit of Australia. It is more likely these are “new Australians” that have migrated and have appropriate permanent Visa status.
</li>
<li>
Misconception: Foreigners drive up prices.
</li>
<li>
Reality: Improved supply stabilises prices. In fact sometimes Foreigners have paid too much for Australian property then are willing to sell at a loss releasing lower value stock into the market.
</li>
</ul>
Source: SMATS Group's submission to the Inquiry into Foreign Investment in Australian residential real estate.
Douglas said the general community does not fully appreciate that the main driving force in property price increases was Australia’s growing population.
"It is our opinion that Australia’s strong population growth during the period of the global financial crisis between July 2007 and March 2010 was a key contributing factor to Australia’s economic resilience as it created compulsory consumption spending for new arrivals when domestic consumption fell away with economic uncertainty during the GFC."
He suggested that the current population growth now back near or above 400,000 per annum since December 2012 created a demand driven property market and with the absence of adequate supply of housing stock, must inevitably lead to a lift in prices.
In 2012-13 the FIRB approved 11,668 applications for residential property, and increase of 19.45% over the previous year; however the value of these applications actually decreased from $19.7 billion to $17.16 billion.
Douglas said it was a general misconception that foreigners push prices up. 
Where in reality it is more likely that they actually keep prices down for the vast majority of Australian’s as the newly constructed dwellings of foreign investors provide important rental accommodation and expansion of projects and estates that may otherwise not attract sufficient pre-sales to permit financing to begin and allow many larger scale projects to move from concept to reality."
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FIRB application fee would help fund compliance: SMATS Group

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Tukurua, the 21 room 1890s Cottesloe gold boom summer beach mansion, has speculative $50 million plus expectations.
It's not just the restored heritage listed home but rather the 5,000 square metre block with its undeveloped beachfront potential.
Tukurua was built in 1896 as the summer residence of Western Australia’s first attorney-general, Sir Septimus Burt, handsome double storey residence sited on a gently sloping block on the corner of Rosendo Street and Marine Terrace. 
Burt's home was a substantial house, Strawberry Hill, in Adelaide Terrace, which had originally been owned by the Stone family but was purchased by Archibald Burt and extended by the prominent architect J. Talbot Hobbs to accommodate Septimus's large family of ten children ranging in ages from four to twenty-three years. 
Septimus also owned a riverside holiday home in <a href="/news">Peppermint Grove</a>, from which the family cruised the Swan River in their own steam boat Titu, one of only two in the colony.
In 1896, Burt commissioned a second holiday home from architect, R. T. McMasters, to be built in the newly fashionable, beach area of Cottesloe.
Around 1933, one of the Burt children rented the property to the Cass family, whose bed and breakfast made sufficient profit to then buy the property in 1939. During World War II, it served as military headquarters for officers and then as a home for refugee families after the fall of Singapore.
Their daughter, Dorothea Cass left it to her friend of many decades Ted Smith in 1994, when it was valued at $4 million. It has had a $5 million six year renovation.
The grand mansion, with 10 bedrooms and six bathrooms, at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-cottesloe-117546220" target="_blank">1-9 Rosendo Street</a>, has been listed through Frank Torre, at House Real Estate, Cottesloe.
Already there has been Chinese buyer interest.
“Most of the interest has come out of China, with people looking at buying a trophy home or developing the whole site,” Mr Torre told the local Post paper. 
“We’ve had one group fly down from China to have a look at it, and another is arriving this weekend.” 
Torre says the front could be subdivided into five or six blocks, with each of the approximately 300 square metre sites priced at about $3.6 million. 
The median house price in <a href="/news">Cottesloe</a> sits at around $1.76 million, according to RP Data. 
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Chinese inspect Tukurua, the iconic $50 million Cottesloe trophy mansion 

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<div class="detailText">
An analysis of auction offerings across Sydney on the last weekend in August indicated that there was an 16% gap between the price guidance and the eventual higher sale price.
<div class="detailText"> </div>
<div class="detailText">The 15 sales ranged from one result which was just 5% over the price guide in Surry Hills to one sale that fetched 38% or higher than the initial price guidance in Arncliffe.</div>
<div class="detailText"> </div>
<div class="detailText">During the prior August weekends the Property Observer analysis <a href="/expert-insights/buying/buyers-needed-to-add-11-to-weekend-sydney-pre-auction-price-guidance">reflected average gaps of between 11%</a> and <a href="/expert-insights/buying/paying-18-over-auction-estimates-sydneys-pre-spring-price-spurt">18%</a>.</div>
One of the weekend sales was 11 Half Penny Avenue at Kellyville (pictured) which was 11% higher than its price guidance. 
 
</div>
<div class="detailText"> </div>
<div class="detailText">
<table border="1" cellpadding="0">
<thead><tr>
<td width="171">
Address
</td>
<td width="102">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="55">
State
</td>
<td width="520">
Price Guide
</td>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-hunters-hill-nsw-2110/233979" target="_blank">30 Milling Street</a>
</td>
<td width="102">
HUNTERS HILL
</td>
<td width="55">
NSW
</td>
<td width="520">
Over $1,500,000 SOLD $1.85m
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/apartment-mosman-nsw-2088/233547" target="_blank">13/129 Spit Road</a>
</td>
<td width="102">
MOSMAN
</td>
<td width="55">
NSW
</td>
<td width="520">
Over $650,000 SOLD $720,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-arncliffe-nsw-2205/184508" target="_blank">3 Flora Street</a>
</td>
<td width="102">
ARNCLIFFE
</td>
<td width="55">
NSW
</td>
<td width="520">
Over $800,000 SOLD $1.105m
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/apartment-waterloo-nsw-2017/232843" target="_blank">46/189 Phillip Street</a>
</td>
<td width="102">
WATERLOO
</td>
<td width="55">
NSW
</td>
<td width="520">
Over $650,000 SOLD $738,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-newport-nsw-2106/232647" target="_blank">64 Crescent Road</a>
</td>
<td width="102">
NEWPORT
</td>
<td width="55">
NSW
</td>
<td width="520">
Over $920,000 SOLD $995,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/apartment-surry-hills-nsw-2010/233464" target="_blank">307/28 Bellevue Street</a>
</td>
<td width="102">
SURRY HILLS
</td>
<td width="55">
NSW
</td>
<td width="520">
Over $750,000 SOLD $792,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-kellyville-nsw-2155/234565" target="_blank">11 Half Penny Avenue</a>
</td>
<td width="102">
KELLYVILLE
</td>
<td width="55">
NSW
</td>
<td width="520">
Over $1,185,000 SOLD $1.322,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-illawong-nsw-2234/233614" target="_blank">34 Walsh Close</a>
</td>
<td width="102">
ILLAWONG
</td>
<td width="55">
NSW
</td>
<td width="520">
Over $950,000 SOLD $1.105m
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-chatswood-nsw-2067/229611" target="_blank">5A The Crescent</a>
</td>
<td width="102">
CHATSWOOD
</td>
<td width="55">
NSW
</td>
<td width="520">
Over $1,200,000 SOLD $1.415m
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-castle-hill-nsw-2154/235235" target="_blank">27 Ambleside Drive</a>
</td>
<td width="102">
CASTLE HILL
</td>
<td width="55">
NSW
</td>
<td width="520">
Over $890,000 SOLD $1.071m
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-baulkham-hills-nsw-2153/234800" target="_blank">16 Chelsea Avenue</a>
</td>
<td width="102">
BAULKHAM HILLS
</td>
<td width="55">
NSW
</td>
<td width="520">
Over $1,080,000 SOLD $1.28m
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-lurnea-nsw-2170/234345" target="_blank">26 Brisbane Avenue</a>
</td>
<td width="102">
LURNEA
</td>
<td width="55">
NSW
</td>
<td width="520">
Over $450,000 SOLD $540,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-beecroft-nsw-2119/229241" target="_blank">105 Malton Road</a>
</td>
<td width="102">
BEECROFT
</td>
<td width="55">
NSW
</td>
<td width="520">
Over $1,250,000 SOLD $1.4m
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/townhouse-rozelle-nsw-2039/230145" target="_blank">5/1 Albion Street</a>
</td>
<td width="102">
ROZELLE
</td>
<td width="55">
NSW
</td>
<td width="520">
Over $980,000 SOLD $1.2m
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-leichhardt-nsw-2040/233047" target="_blank">56 Renwick Street</a>
</td>
<td width="102">
LEICHHARDT
</td>
<td width="55">
NSW
</td>
<td width="520">
Over $900,000 SOLD $1.005m
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
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More than halfpenny needed as 16% difference in Sydney auction price guidance gap

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Two Canyonleigh, Southern Highlands properties owned by Father Chris Riley's Youth Off The Streets (YOTS) charity organisation remain for sale after being passed in at recent auction.
The two 40-hectare properties were offered following the opening of a new Wollongong residential facility for homeless youth.
Raine and Horne Wollongong real estate agent Joe Casarotto has the listing on <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/rural/properties/348983" target="_blank">Lot 1 Tugalong Road, Canyonleigh</a> (pictured above), which was gifted to Youth Off The Streets in 1996 by Matt and Fiona Handbury.
Lot 1 is known as Better Homes Farm, a nod to Mr Handbury's former role as publisher of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.
In 2000 they gifted a second parcel of land,<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-nsw-canyonleigh-117434335" target="_blank"> Lot 2 Tugalong Road</a>, now known as Foundation House.
Both properties include residential and teaching facilities. Lot 1, with its substantial improvements is expected to sell for more than $1.5 million while Lot 2 has a guide of $600,000-plus.
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Youth Off The Streets' 40 hectare lot Canyonleigh listings

As apartment buyers increasingly look beyond the four walls of their residence, the quality and depth of shared amenity has become a defining factor in how developments are designed and experienced, particularly in the high-rise, new apartment development space.

In Southbank, where high-density living continues to evolve, developers are placing greater emphasis on creating environments that support wellbeing, connection, and convenience as part of everyday life.

That approach sits at the heart of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aura-at-melbourne-square-7-hoff-boulevard-southbank-vic-3006">AURA</a>, the latest residential tower in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/osk-property">OSK Property</a>’s $3.5 billion Melbourne Square precinct. Rising 67 storeys above Hoff Boulevard, the 673-apartment development has been conceived around what OSK describes as a “vertical wellness ecosystem”, a layered collection of amenities that extends throughout the building rather than being confined to a single podium level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=370263]

The amenity offering begins on the seventh level within the AURA Club, a dedicated resident hub focused on health, relaxation, and daily convenience. Here, residents will have access to an indoor swimming pool, cold plunge, spa, sauna, and steam room, alongside a fully equipped gym, reformer Pilates studio, and yoga room.

The wellness facilities are complemented by a range of spaces that acknowledge the changing ways people live and work. Work-from-home lounges and co-working areas sit alongside a library, music room, games room, cinema facilities, and open-air terrace spaces, providing residents with flexible environments that can adapt throughout the day.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367468]

Beyond the internal amenity, AURA introduces a series of Japanese-inspired gardens that form a quieter counterpoint to the tower’s social spaces.

Landscaped retreats feature curated outdoor dining, tranquil courtyard seating, fire pit, and a tea house pavilion. Rather than functioning as simple recreational areas, the gardens have been designed as places for reflection and informal gathering, drawing on principles of balance, nature, and calm that underpin the project's broader design philosophy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367810]

The social amenity continues to evolve as residents move higher through the building. Levels 49 and 50 house the Meridian Club, where a lounge bar, conservatory spaces, and private dining rooms take advantage of elevated city views. At the summit of the tower, the exclusive Cumulus Club spans Levels 66 and 67, offering additional lounges, private dining, and meditation and treatment rooms positioned above Melbourne’s skyline.

For OSK Property, the extensive amenity offering reflects a broader focus on wellbeing as a core component of apartment living rather than an added feature.

“Aura stands tall as an exemplar of holistic wellness – its focus on social, physical and mental health culminate in a building that is calming, restorative and relaxing, where residents will have their own sanctuary within the well-connected and sought-after Southbank,” says OSK Property CEO Chong Boon Woon.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367796]

AURA’s amenity strategy extends beyond the tower itself through its integration with the wider Melbourne Square precinct.

Residents will have direct access to Kennedy Park, Southbank’s 3,745 sqm landscaped public park, alongside a full-line Woolworths supermarket, childcare centre, hospitality venues, and approximately 1,600 sqm of additional retail planned within AURA’s lower levels. Together, these elements create a highly connected residential environment where daily needs, recreation, and wellness are woven into the fabric of the community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=370253]

As Melbourne’s apartment market continues to mature, developments are increasingly judged by the lifestyle they provide beyond individual residences.

Through its combination of wellness facilities, landscaped retreats, social clubs, and precinct-wide amenity, AURA represents a shift toward a more comprehensive model of vertical living, one where shared spaces play as significant a role as the homes themselves.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151921]

Joel Robinson

AURA elevates amenity living at Melbourne Square

Builder-developer Scion is the latest to target Sydney's booming Hills Showground Metro precinct, filing plans for more than 100 apartments within walking distance of the station.

Scion has lodged a concurrent rezoning and State Significant Development Application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/27-33-middleton-avenue-castle-hill-nsw-2154">27–33 Middleton Avenue</a>, where it plans to replace four existing homes with an 11 and 14-storey mixed-use development comprising 109 apartments, six affordable housing dwellings, and a ground-floor café.

Designed by BHK Architects, the proposal includes three levels of basement parking with 174 spaces, more than 1,200 sqm of communal open space, and extensive landscaping across the 3,791 sqm site.

The development has been designed as two buildings connected by a recessed wintergarden spine, with the 14-storey building positioned to the south and the 11-storey building to the north.

<img alt="Scion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64dc359d-736b-43b8-87a8-70a8285cab47" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-25%20at%208.47.01%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=PXh.m8id_aevBPHEckPf88wQ2RQThPos" />

The apartment mix has been weighted towards owner-occupiers, with 13 one-bedroom apartments, 55 two-bedroom residences, 31 three-bedroom apartments, six three-bedroom lofts, and four four-bedroom homes. Six apartments will be dedicated as affordable housing in line with the NSW Housing SEPP.

According to the Architectural Design Report by BKH, the proposal seeks to create "a place-responsive architecture" inspired by the natural landscape surrounding Cattai Creek, while strengthening the public domain through landscaping, active frontages and a neighbourhood café.

Atlas Urban, in its Urban Design Report, says the proposal takes a different approach to increasing density around Hills Showground Station by favouring a more slender, vertically articulated built form over a conventional mid-rise outcome. The report argues this allows for greater deep soil planting, improved solar access and a better public domain outcome, while still delivering additional housing close to rapid public transport.

The site sits around 500 metres from Hills Showground Metro Station, within a precinct earmarked for significant residential intensification following the opening of the Sydney Metro Northwest line. Planning documents accompanying the application note that Greater Sydney's population has grown by more than one million people since planning for the precinct first began, reinforcing the need to accelerate housing delivery around existing transport infrastructure.

Scion is expanding its development pipeline which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/chatham-west-ryde-2-6-chatham-road-west-ryde-nsw-2114">Chatham in West Ryde</a>, 62 apartments which are approaching completion. They also have a State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/96-anzac-avenue-west-ryde-nsw-2114">145 apartments on Anzac Avenue</a>, also in West Ryde.

First look: Scion plots Castle Hill apartment development near Hills Showground Metro Station

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>&nbsp;has unveiled its scaled-back plans for a pair of towers rising up to 49 storeys directly opposite Bella Vista Metro Station.

The builder-developer will deliver 674 apartments and a new mixed-use hub at the gateway to the station precinct.

The State Significant Development Application has been lodged under the Housing Delivery Authority pathway for the 6,979 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/9-11-mawson-avenue-bella-vista-nsw-2153">9-11 Mawson Avenue</a>, with the apartments sitting above a mixed-use podium. Initial plans were for closer to 900 apartments across two 40-storey towers.

Located around 30 metres from the Bella Vista Metro Station entrance, the development is intended to act as a catalyst for the long-planned Bella Vista Station Precinct, transforming a vacant site into a transit-oriented residential and commercial destination.

Planning documents describe the project as delivering "a high-density mixed use destination that combines housing, retail and community-serving uses in a highly accessible setting."

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 674-apartment Bella Vista towers opposite Metro station" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21c08216-589e-490d-ad08-2d88b6fa62d9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bella%20vista%20podium.png?VersionId=3TnwjjQCNwTsmyQRaWnFrLTSAF0CJeka" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">Turner</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, the project comprises 674 apartments, including 102 affordable housing dwellings representing 15 per cent of the residential floor space. The housing mix spans studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of townhouse-style residences integrated into the podium levels. The development also includes specialist disability accommodation and an elevated provision of adaptable and liveable housing.

The mixed-use podium has been designed to create an active urban centre around the Metro station, incorporating a 1,423 sqm supermarket, a 3,029 sqm gym, specialty retail spaces, a 100-place childcare centre and a publicly accessible "city room" community space. A secondary laneway, active frontages and landscaped public areas are intended to improve pedestrian connectivity through the site and strengthen links between the station precinct and surrounding neighbourhood.

In the project's design report, Turner said the proposal responds to Bella Vista's emerging role as a higher-density centre within Sydney's north-west growth corridor.

"The project transforms a strategically located site into a high-density mixed use destination that combines housing, retail and community-serving uses in a highly accessible setting," the report states.

"Active frontages, a publicly accessible city room, a secondary laneway and a mix of uses including a local supermarket, child care centre and gym create a more complete and socially useful urban environment for residents, workers and the wider community."

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 674-apartment Bella Vista towers opposite Metro station" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0fde6220-82de-4f6a-9b63-d0fd8157acc9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bella%20vista%20da.png?VersionId=7hEmuSutH8plTd_RqqdmPu055F6qe554" />

Urban Property Group has been one of the busiest developers across Greater Sydney this year.

The developer is progressing around 1,000 apartments across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-urban-property-group-plans-next-major-wollongong-tower">two projects in Wollongong</a>, with several thousand more homes in the pipeline across Newcastle, Castle Hill, Little Bay and Penrith.

First look: Urban Property Group plans 674-apartment Bella Vista towers opposite Metro station

Burwood's southern town centre precinct is set for another major injection of housing, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/holdmark-property-group">Holdmark</a> unveiling plans for three mixed-use towers containing 900 apartments above new retail and commercial space.

The State Significant Development Application covers a consolidated 10,265 sqm site at 36-46 George Street and 16-26 Elsie Street, immediately south of Burwood's commercial core and within walking distance of Burwood Station, Westfield and Burwood Park.

The proposal comprises <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-46-elsie-street-burwood-nsw-2134">three mixed-use towers</a> ranging between 32 and 43 storeys.

<img alt="First look: Holdmark unveils 900-home mixed-use precinct for Burwood town centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="84b90b18-a54c-426d-885b-6f205bc2b883" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/burwood%20da1.png?VersionId=cJrb7Snn7qNpRzgXBOXK13PKF2CK021Z" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc">Studio.SC</a>, the scheme is positioned as a significant extension of Burwood's evolving high-density centre. The project would be delivered across two interconnected development parcels, replacing existing commercial buildings and creating a new pedestrian-focused precinct linking George Street, John Street, Elsie Street and Railway Crescent.&nbsp;

The design report describes the proposal as "a contemporary response to this evolving urban condition," adding that it seeks to "reinforce George Street's role as a human-scaled, active street while contributing to the broader rhythm and grain of the town centre."

The development features a mix of residential, commercial and retail uses, with activated ground-floor frontages intended to strengthen pedestrian connections between Burwood Station, Burwood Place, Westfield and the wider town centre.&nbsp;

The proposal also incorporates extensive communal facilities, landscaped open space and new through-site links designed to encourage public movement across the precinct.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Holdmark unveils 900-home mixed-use precinct for Burwood town centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89a6bccc-b78b-4a97-a49f-cac1761f34b6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/burwood%20podium%20a.png?VersionId=6HBYg_pKxAc3yCND_wDKZmfMfzfneHmz" />

Studio.SC said the project draws inspiration from Burwood Park and the area's mature tree canopy, with "warm, earthy tones and robust materials such as brick and sculpted concrete" used to anchor the buildings within their urban context.

The scale of the proposal reflects Burwood's growing role as one of Sydney's key metropolitan centres. Planning documents note the suburb's strong population growth, high apartment living rates and increasing transport accessibility, particularly with the future Burwood North Metro station expected to further strengthen the area's connectivity. The development is designed to capitalise on those transport links while introducing a substantial amount of new housing stock into the town centre.

Burwood is expected to see a development boom, with the NSW Government rezoning the Burwood North Metro Precinct, a move expected to deliver around 15,000 new homes surrounding the new station.

Earlier this month, Nascon lodged plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-nascon-targets-burwood-growth-corridor-with-112-unit-apartment-tower">100-apartment development on the edge of the town centre</a>.

Holdmark's broader portfolio includes plans for nearly 800 new homes at Macquarie Park, currently before the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority. The developer is also behind a significant portion of the Melrose Park masterplanned redevelopment, as well as the former Caddens Corner drive-in site, where around 500 homes are planned.

First look: Holdmark unveils 900-apartment, mixed-use precinct for Burwood town centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hyecorp-property-group">Hyecorp</a> has completed construction of Audrey, its parkside apartment development in St Leonards South, becoming the first residential project within the St Leonards South Precinct to reach completion.

Residents are expected to begin moving into the Canberra Avenue development at the end of June, making Audrey the first opportunity for buyers to take up residence within the emerging precinct.

Positioned at the highest point on Canberra Avenue, directly opposite Newlands Park, the project enjoys protected parkland outlooks and district views that cannot be built out as the precinct continues to evolve.

Unlike many of the larger developments planned across St Leonards South, Audrey comprises just 102 residences, making it one of the more boutique offerings within the precinct. The smaller scale has enabled Hyecorp to place a strong focus on owner-occupier design, resident amenity, and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=368333]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, Audrey comprises a mix of three-bedroom apartments and a double-storey five-bedroom townhouse, with many residences positioned to capture views toward the Sydney CBD and Harbour Bridge. The project has been underpinned by a strong focus on design continuity, with Hyecorp working alongside interior designers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/jackson-teece">Jackson Teece</a> and landscape architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/site-image">Site Image</a> to shape both the private residences and shared amenity spaces.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/audrey-st-leonards-13-19-canberra-avenue-st-leonards-nsw-2065">Audrey</a>’s interiors feature open-plan layouts, floor-to-ceiling glazing, oak timber flooring, bespoke joinery, and large-format stone finishes throughout the kitchens and bathrooms. Integrated Miele appliances, brushed metal tapware, and concealed cabinetry detailing were specified across the residences, reflecting Hyecorp's emphasis on quality and owner-occupier appeal.

The upper levels of the building are home to the Tiffany Collection, a premium offering occupying Levels 12 to 15. The residences include upgraded appliance packages, fluted standalone bathtubs, heated bathroom flooring, custom walk-in robes, and larger internal layouts ranging from 155 to 159 sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=367164]

Backed by a 30-year legacy, Audrey reflects the experience of Hyecorp, an Australian family-owned developer with an award-winning track record across Sydney. As locals, Hyecorp understands the needs of local communities, creating homes and precincts designed for long-term liveability, connection, and lifestyle.

Despite its boutique scale, Audrey delivers an extensive suite of amenities typically associated with much larger developments. Residents have access to an indoor lap pool and spa, personal training studio, private cinema, music room, rooftop entertaining terrace, residents lounge, and private dining room overlooking the Sydney skyline.

The rooftop terrace and communal lounge spaces were conceived as extensions of residents' homes, supporting a lifestyle-focused environment that encourages wellbeing, flexibility, and community connection.

The project also incorporates a ground-floor café and an integrated daycare centre, adding to the growing mixed-use character emerging across the St Leonards South precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=198680]

Audrey arrives as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/st-leonards-nsw-2065">St Leonards</a> continues its transformation into one of Sydney's most strategically located urban renewal areas. The precinct's proximity to Royal North Shore Hospital and the broader health, research, and commercial corridor has made it increasingly attractive to medical professionals, healthcare workers, and owner-occupiers seeking housing close to employment and transport infrastructure.

Residents are within walking distance of St Leonards Station and the Crows Nest Metro, while nearby retail includes Mall 88, Forum Plaza, Woolworths, and the recently opened Coles supermarket. Nearby green spaces including Newlands Park, Gore Hill Oval, and Naremburn Park further reinforce the area's lifestyle appeal.

As the first completed project within the precinct, Audrey demonstrates the direction of St Leonards South's evolution, combining higher-density living with generous amenity, strong transport connectivity, and access to green space.

A limited collection of premium residences remains available, including spacious three-bedroom apartments, a four-bedroom townhouse and a selection of penthouses.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110379]

Jonathan Chancellor

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