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Developer Elias Jreissati, the group chairman of the Bensons Property Group, has listed his 82nd floor Eureka Tower apartment.
It has been listed through <a href="https://www.e82.com.au/#fifthPage" target="_blank">RT Edgar agent Gerald Betts</a> for an August 15 expressions of interest marketing campaign.
It has $20 million hopes.
It was a 620 square metre shell when he bought the Riverside Quay offering in 2010 for $6.67 million.
He had previously been trying to sell <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/port-melbourne-penthouse-ambitiously-seeks-australian-record-price/2013021059254" target="_blank">his Port Melbourne penthouse</a> - 1,040 square metres over three levels - 18, 19 and 20 - atop the HMAS Lonsdale building (pictured below) since February. Also designed by Nonda Katsalidis, <a href="https://www.kayburton.com.au/property/191-85-rouse-street-port-melbourne" target="_blank">it sits on the Kay &amp; Burton website as still for sale</a>, but Elias and wife, Colleen are remaining in Port Melbourne, which came with record setting hopes too.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/rouse.jpg" alt="rouse">
Goldeneye Media have produced a<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://vimeo.com/99220519" target="_blank"> 2.46 minute video to help sell the Eureka apartment</a>.
There are a total of 84 floors of apartments in the Eureka Tower.
The Summit Levels (floors 82 to 87) contain only one apartment per floor, and each apartment had an original price tag of $7 million just for the empty space; purchasers were required to fit out the apartment at additional cost.
The tower has an observation deck on level 88, a restaurant on level 89, a communications room and balcony on level 90 and water tanks on level 90 and 91.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Elias Jreissati lists Eureka 82nd floor penthouse

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Property Observer has looked at the highest, lowest and average interest rates on CANSTAR’s database for home loans, term deposits and credit cards.
Their research manager, Mitchell Watson said there were virtually no changes to home loan interest rates over the past week.
"Nor have there been any changes to term deposit rates.
“Mortgage holders in particular can still save significant money though by being aware of the interest rate they are being charged and what else is available.
"Currently on CANSTAR’s database there is a 1.85% difference between the highest and lowest standard variable home loan rate.
"On a $400,000 mortgage over a 25-year term, that potentially equates to around $440 in additional repayment cost per month.
"Even the difference between the average and lowest is around $210 per month.
"There are also some very competitive fixed-term deals, with offers as low as 3.95% for one year fixed and 5.30% for five-year fixed," said Watson.
Here is a rundown of the current state of the interest rate market.
Home Loans
<img src="/images/2014/07/01/table-july-1-one.gif" alt="">
Term Deposits 
 <img src="/images/2014/07/01/table-july-1-two.gif" alt="">
Source: <a href="https://www.canstar.com.au" target="_blank">www.canstar.com.au</a>.  Rates on the CANSTAR database as at 30/6/2014, based on a deposit amount of $250,000.
Credit cards  
Credit card interest rates remain stubbornly high compared to the official cash rate. Overall, the credit card products surveyed are as follows:
Low rate
<img src="/images/2014/07/01/table-july-1-three.gif" alt="">
Standard <img src="/images/2014/07/01/table-july-1-four.gif" alt=""> 
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A 1.85% difference on standard variable home loans

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The ABS' acting chief statistician, Jonathan Palmer, has announced planned reductions to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) work program. 
The ABS must reduce expenditure by about $50 million over the next three years. 
The process will include a review of the House Price Index, with the view to discontinuing it pending identification of alternative sources to meet the Australian National Accounts and other requirements.
The ABS has compiled a House Price Index (HPI) since 1986.
The hotel sector isn't happy with the scrapping of data collection in the Survey of Tourist Accommodation because of the funding cuts.
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ABS House Price Index future in doubt

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The William Smart-designed semi, Ilari in Potts Point, listed at $5.5 million-plus, has been sold for $4.6 million to the Ainsworth family.
<a href="https://www.randw.com.au/1490419/" target="_blank">Ilari was listed</a> though Jason Boon and Geoff Cox of Richardson &amp; Wrench Elizabeth Bay.
The settlement documents show its buyer was Harold Ainsworth.
The three storey Federation house was sold by designer Johnson Chan, who paid $1.9 million in 2007 buying the property with a humble Tudor facade from barrister-cum-buyers agent Chris Curtis.
Inspectees were told a further $3.5 million had been spent on its substantial rebuild by Smart, of Smart Design Studio, who won <a href="https://smartdesignstudio.com/projects/residential/tusculum/" target="_blank">some 15 awards and commendations </a>for the work, including the 2012 AIA Architecture Award for heritage and interior design.
The four-bedroom home with a steel and bronze cantilevered staircase as its centrepiece was marketed as a mix of concrete, steel, glass, stone, timber and technology.
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Ainsworth family buy $4.6 million William Smart-designed Potts Point semi

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Elanora Cottage at Elanora Heights has been sold after being passed in at $4.6 million at its late June auction.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-elanora+heights-116501451" target="_blank">It sold later at a higher price</a> through LJ Hooker Avalon agents David Mackay and David Watson in conjunction with Christie's International.
It was the Michael Suttor-redesigned home of retired cardiologist Dr David Grout and his wife Christine.
The 2,681 square metre Kywong Road property last sold at $2.85 million in 2004 when bought from the Cronly-Dillion family.
It had traded in 1992 at $765,000.
With views to Long Reef and the Pacific Ocean, Elanora Cottage was built to a design by architect Frederick Tepper as a holiday house for the Playfair family, who had made their money in the meat industry.
They were also one of the founding families of Elanora Country Club, the prestigious private golf club just a short pitch from the property's front gate.
The Playfair's played a leading role in the suburb's establishment in 1929 when it was planned as an exclusive getaway for Sydney's rich, with the country club at the centre. 
The Depression soon after meant only a few houses were built, one of which was Playfair's cottage on its prized level block.
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1930s Elanora Cottage sold at Elanora Heights

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There's plenty of luck growing and then finding them.
But there's a marked trend of NSW southern highland and southern tableland properties offering the prospect.
And perhaps even greater interest since Australia’s largest French black Périgord truffle has been found at Yelverton Truffles in NSW’s Southern Highlands and at $2000 plus it has snapped up for diners at Bowral’s Centennial Vineyards Restaurant. The Australian Truffle Growers Association confirmed the 1.172kg truffle bettered the previous record of 1.084kg. The world record is 1.3kg.
Property Observer found four truffle farms ranging from a vacant $195,000 block to $2.6 million offering where the trees were planted in 2002.
Swallows Lodge, the truffiere in the heart of the O’Connell valley, with frontage to the Fish River, comes with a $699,000 asking price.
There's 1,000 trees on the five acres patch within the 137 acre holding. There's also a small olive grove with remaining land used for grazing.
It is five minutes drive from the popular village of O’Connell, and 20 minutes to Bathurst.
{qtube vid:=tVCGIlcI6Wg}
"Swallows Lodge has had all the hard work done with an established truffiere providing you the opportunity to become a French Truffle producer," the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-nsw-o%27connell-7627383" target="_blank">Ray White Emms Mooney Oberon office marketing</a> says.
"This is a rare opportunity to see a young truffle grove reach its full potential," it advised.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-marulan-7627591" target="_blank">Rosewood Trufferie at Maralun has been listed</a> at $995,000. Its a 12 hectare holding 35 minutes drive from Bowral and Goulburn (pictured below).
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2014/07/01/marulen%20july%201.jpg" alt="">
"One of the most prolific producing trufferies in the region," the marketing says.
It comes with two hectares of Black Périgord truffles from 970 trees.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2014/07/01/marulen%20july%201%20two.jpg" alt="">
There is a $2.6 million asking price on a truffiere at Tarago.
It has established trees planted in two stages on a 15 hectare block developed over 10 years on Willandra Lane (pictured below).
The first stage already producing 60 kilograms of saleable truffles per year.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2014/07/01/tarago%20july%201.jpg" alt="">
The trufferie of inoculated robur and ilex oaks along with hazel nut trees is split into areas of three ha and six hectare lots.
Both lots are securely fenced with netting and external electric wire to prevent animal entry to the trufferie area. 
The first three hectares of 1,750 trees was established in 2002 and 2003 and is already producing the current annual harvest.
The second six hectares of 2,500 trees were established in 2008 and 2009, expected to start producing truffles during the winters of 2013 - 2014.
"When fully mature (12-14 years) the expected industry standard of 60kg per hectare is anticipated,"<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-tarago-7538131" target="_blank"> the marketing suggests</a>.
At Braidwood, Truffle Ponds which sits to the West of Mt Gillamatong, has been <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-nsw-braidwood-7570863" target="_blank">listed at $195,000 through Ray White Braidwood</a> (pictured below).
"Truffle trees, garlic and native trees are all established and if you are lucky enough you might find enough truffles to help with the kids school fees," the marketing says.
It's a vacant block otherwise. 
{qtube vid:=EmwP1zrVuwM}
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Southern NSW truffle producing properties: Where to buy into the truffiere trend

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Melbourne narrowly outshone Sydney with its weekend auction clearance rate. But Sydney retains the strongest market despite some winter weakening.
Australian Property Monitors noted Sydney’s home auction market continued to fade with the <a href="/expert-insights/buying">weekend’s auction clearance rate falling to 74.1%</a> - the lowest non-holiday weekend result for over a year.
Meanwhile Melbourne’s weekend auction market bounced back recording its best result at 74.6% for seven weeks and the second best result since early March.
It was the second time this year that Melbourne narrowly pipped Sydney in the APM weekend results.
Overall activity in Sydney’s home auction market had shifted down a gear over recent months, according to APM senior economist Dr Wilson who noted initial weekend clearance rates averaging 74.6% over June compared to the 77.6% in both May and April, and the 82.3% averaged in March.
In Melbourne, APM had June weekend averages of 72.7% down slightly on the 74.1% weekend average reported over May, 
On the last June weekend Sydney’s inner west had the leading clearance rate of 84.6% followed by the lower north shore with 84.3%.
Melbourne’s outer east produced another strong clearance rate at the weekend to clearly lead the suburban regions with 87.3%. APM senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson noted the outer east had been a consistently strong performer over the past year, with surging activity from mid-priced range changeover buyers fuelling prices growth.
There were two $10 million sales in Bronte but the most expensive Sydney property reported as sold at auction at the weekend was a four bedroom home at 253 Darley Road, Randwick (pictured below) sold for $3,350,000 by Phillips Pantzer Donnelley.
<img src="/images/2014/06/30/randwick%20june%2030.jpg" alt="">
The most affordable property reported sold at the weekend was a three bedroom home at 36 Catalina Road, San Remo (pictured below) sold for $310,000 by R&amp;H Charmhaven.
<img src="/images/2014/06/30/sam%20remo%20june%2030.jpg" alt="">
The most expensive Melbourne property reported sold at auction at the weekend was a three bedroom home at 150 Simpson Street, East Melbourne (pictured below) sold for $2.6 million by Caine Real Estate.
 
<img src="/images/2014/06/30/east%20melbourne%20june%2030.jpg" alt="">
The most affordable property reported sold was a one bedroom unit at 1/11 Findon Street, Hawthorn (pictured below) sold for $235,000 by Jellis Craig. 
<img src="/images/2014/06/30/hawthorn%20june%2030.jpg" alt="">
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Melbourne briefly outshines Sydney in weekend auctions

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Lender MyState has appointed Melos Sulicich as its chief executive officer, effective 1 July. 
Melos Sulicich previously headed RAMS at Westpac from 2008 to November 2013.
MyState chairman Miles Hampton said the appointment was motivated by Sulicich's previous experience in wealth management and broker distribution.
Sulicich replaced John Gilbert who retired in March.
Martine Jager was announced as Mr Sulicich’s replacement by St George Bank, which operates the RAMS distribution business for Westpac.
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Melos Sulicich appointed lender MyState's new CEO

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Last December economist Stephen Koukoulas gave his forecast for house prices in 2014.
"Having risen a solid 10% or so in 2013, house price growth is likely to taper somewhat in 2014," he tipped.
"A rise of less than 5% for the year is more likely as tighter monetary policy, a rebound in supply and some satisfaction of pent up demand works to take some house price heat out of the market."
This week he returned to review the progress, at the halfway mark commenting that "house price growth has indeed moderated in recent months although the trend still seems to be up".
He says for the first six months of 2014, house prices are up "just 3.3%, a little lower than I was anticipating but the lack of interest rate hikes is likely now to see house prices trend up a while longer, albeit at a more moderate 5% annualised pace".
His other forecasts <a href="https://thekouk.com/blog/2014-forecasts-half-way-through-and-it-s-a-mixed-bag#.U7CthBZK6qQ" target="_blank">are at his website</a>.
"So the smart people like Louis Christopher from SQM Research and Pete Wargent from AllenWargent property buyers were right – the dip in house prices in the six week period around May was seasonal," he wrote recently.
"The housing market was still strong and prices were still robust even though the RP Data was showing what at face value were notable price falls.
"The RP Data house price series now shows that prices are up 1.3% so far in June (just one day to go) to largely reverse the 1.9% price drop in May.
"In recent weeks, the price rises have been solid which suggests further seasonal increases are likely in the near term, especially with interest rates remaining near record lows."
He noted even the RBA was caught up, a little, with the house price fall discussion, when it noted after the June Board meeting that "dwelling prices have increased significantly over the past year, though there have been some signs of a moderation in the pace of increase recently".
Koukoulas wrote: "For now, the recent house price swings are not enough to change the view that the RBA is on hold, including this Tuesday when it meets to discuss interest rates. 
"With the economy seemingly softening in recent months with commodity prices down and the Australian dollar strong, the balance of issues to force the RBA to move rates in either direction remains finely balanced with house prices now back in the "hike" column."
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House prices still robust: Stephen Koukoulas' end of financial year review

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The Fullagar Residence at Wahroonga has been listed through Marcus Lloyd-Jones of Modern House Estates.
More than $2.2 million is being sought <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-wahroonga-117286959" target="_blank">for the four bedroom house d</a>esigned by Stephen Varady in 2005.
Its use of colour prompted Dulux to award the Fullagar Residence its Grand Prix award for colour in 2006.
It was built by Michael and Mark Fullagar on a block that cost $385,000 in 2001.
The multi-level house comes with 420 square metre internal space on the 1260-square-metre block at 22 Fiona Avenue.
There is a lap pool plus Anne Vella Nyranie landscaping.
Photos: Michael Nicholson Photography. 
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Duluxed Stephen Varady-designed Wahroonga trophy home listed

Kew has long been regarded as one of Melbourne's premier residential suburbs. It's a location defined by its grand period homes, leafy streets and some of the city's most prestigious schools, yet it has often sat just outside the spotlight cast on neighbouring Hawthorn and Camberwell.

Increasingly, however, buyers are recognising that Kew offers much of what draws people to those suburbs, with a quieter residential setting, exceptional amenity and long-term owner-occupier appeal.

Within a few minutes' walk, residents can access Kew Junction, one of Melbourne's most established village centres. Cafés, bakeries, restaurants, supermarkets, boutique retailers and everyday services are all on the doorstep, with local favourites including Centonove, Adeney Milk Bar Cafe, and Frank &amp; Harri creating the type of walkable lifestyle that has become increasingly difficult to find in Melbourne's inner east. Beyond the immediate neighbourhood, Glenferrie Road's renowned shopping and dining precinct in Hawthorn and the retail, dining and entertainment offerings of Camberwell Junction are both just a short drive or tram ride away.

The suburb is equally well connected. Tram routes 48 and 109 provide direct access to the CBD, while High Street and Cotham Road connect residents to the wider inner east.&nbsp;Nearby access to the Eastern Freeway also places the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne Airport within easy reach, adding another layer of convenience for weekend travel.&nbsp;It's a rare combination of connectivity and tranquillity, where quiet residential streets sit just moments from some of Melbourne's most established shopping and lifestyle precincts.

For families, Kew remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held addresses. Carey Baptist Grammar School, Xavier College, Methodist Ladies' College, Trinity Grammar, Ruyton Girls' School and Genazzano FCJ College are all nearby, while the Yarra River parklands, walking trails and sporting clubs provide another layer of lifestyle appeal.

It's within this established pocket that developer Ricdanic is delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wimba-ave-kew-9-11-wimba-avenue-kew-vic-3101">Wimba Ave</a>, a boutique collection of just 13 residences across two buildings named after its location on the tree-lined Wimba Avenue,&nbsp;within one of Kew's most prestigious pockets where homes have been known to sell up to and above $8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=354809]

The residences prioritise the space that buyers are increasingly searching for but struggling to find in established suburbs. Living areas extend beyond five metres in width, ceiling heights range from three to five metres, and apartments open onto private gardens averaging around 125 sqm. Selected residences also feature balconies of approximately 60 sqm, while premium inclusions include Miele appliances, double-glazed windows, EV readiness, fully electric systems and a 7.2 NatHERS energy rating.

Architect Chris Idle says opportunities to deliver homes of this scale within established suburbs have become increasingly uncommon.

"There are very few opportunities to do these kinds of developments in leafy, established suburbs," he says. "To get this level of amenity, natural light, and architectural freedom in such a setting is extremely rare."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=366267]

The architecture draws on Kew's established character through the use of handmade Krause bricks, while landscaping by John Patrick introduces 23 plant species, including nine native varieties, creating an environment which focuses just as much on nature as it does the building.

Construction on Wimba Ave is well underway by renowned high-end builder Sinjen, with completion expected in late 2027. Prices start from $2.22 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140755]

Joel Robinson

The enduring appeal of Kew's tree-lined streets and village lifestyle

"For me, it's the location." That was the first thing Chris pointed to when reflecting on why he and his wife Marita decided to purchase at Candela Ivanhoe, the under-construction new apartment development by Salter Brothers in the heart of the north-eastern M​elb​ourne​ suburb. ​

"We've lived here before… everything is here," Chris said.

"Our doctor is around the corner, there's dentists, pilates, everything we need, restaurants, fast food places, two train stations, Ivanhoe and Darebin, both in walking distance. You don't need anything else."

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X8K0Bozug7A?si=Puwc6vx_ZO0qQZF8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Just 10 kilometres from Melbo​urn​e's CBD, Ivanhoe combines direct city connectivity with the amenity of an established village community. Residents have access to highly regarded schools, expansive parklands, public transport, and a thriving retail and hospitality precinct centred around Upper Heidelberg Road, all within a neighbourhood that has retained its leafy character despite its proximity to the city.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela Ivanhoe</a> sits within the heart of this established landscape, positioned just moments from Ivanhoe Village and within walking distance of many of the suburb's most sought-after amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=364553]

From Candela, residents can access cafés, grocers, wine bars, restaurants and essential services on foot, while Ivanhoe Station and Darebin Station provide direct connectivity across Mel​bour​ne. The development is also surrounded by some of the suburb's best-known lifestyle destinations, including Pinkie, Laurent, Enni, Docasa and Woodfire Pizza e Cucina, alongside Ivanhoe Plaza, Woolworths, pharmacies and specialty retailers.

Green space is another defining feature of the suburb. Darebin Parklands, Ivanhoe Park, Nellie Ibbot Park and the Yarra River trail network provide extensive opportunities for recreation, while Ivanhoe Golf Course and Ivanhoe Tennis Club continue to underpin the area's long-established lifestyle appeal.

The suburb's education offering further strengthens demand. Ivanhoe Grammar School, Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School, Mary Immaculate Primary School and Ivanhoe Primary School have helped establish the area as one of Melbou​​rne's most sought-after schooling precincts, attracting families and downsizers alike who want to remain connected to the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357510]

While location was the priority for Marita and Chris, the project itself also needed to meet their expectations.

"Whilst location was paramount, I was also looking at design of the environment and Candela ticked every box," Marita said.

"We're just thrilled with our choice."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=336455]

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>, Candela Ivanhoe has been designed to complement its village setting, with an emphasis on generous floorplans, natural light and practical everyday living.

Residents will have access to a range of shared amenities, including a communal rooftop garden and dedicated residential lounge, complemented by a ground-floor café and lifestyle wellbeing centre, helping foster the sense of community already emerging among future owners.

That approach has resonated strongly with the market. More than 90 per cent of purchasers at Candela Ivanhoe are owner-occupiers, with buyers ranging from downsizers and second-home buyers to young families and first home buyers, creating a genuinely multi-generational community of grandparents, parents and children. It reflects a broader shift across Melbo​​urne's apartment market, where buyers are increasingly prioritising neighbourhood quality, lifestyle amenity and long-term liveability.

Currently under construction by Ironside, Candela Ivanhoe comprises 58 apartments. Candela Ivanhoe is scheduled for completion in the coming months, and residents can move in from September. One to four bedroom residences, prices from $649,000 and limited opportunities remaining.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Location and lifestyle drive demand at Candela Ivanhoe

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]

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.

Jonathan Chancellor

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