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Two state of the art kitchens - main and caterers. That's the highlight of the Prahran home of the Melbourne based food stylist, Peta Gray, and her husband Rob, which has been scheduled for March 15 auction.
Gowan Stubbings and Emma Bloom at Kay &amp; Burton are quoting $3.75 million plus.
It has been the couple's home, along with their two children Isabel and James, for the past five years, though they have been there for almost 15 years. 
Peta left her corporate career around a decade ago, re-trained as a chef and began her career as a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.petagray.com.au/index.asp">freelance food stylist</a>. Her collaborations have included working with the likes of Gary Mehigan and Curtis Stone. 
The family originally owned and lived in the house next door, until they decided to build and design their dream home at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kayburton.com.au/property/15-wynnstay-road-prahran">15 Wynnstay Road</a>.
They commissioned Prahran neighbours from the team of architects at McBride Charles Ryan whose cutting-edge facade sets the tone with its use of geometric patterned zinc metal. There's culptural metal wall dividers by Korben/Flaubert along with custom designed wall paper images by Jacqui Henshaw.   Her bespoke main kitchen has Miele induction cook top, integrated refrigerators, a work station and the adjoining caterers' kitchen comes with a second oven, dishwasher, cook top and loads of storage.
The home comes with pool and lush gardens designed by Rick Eckersley.
news@propertyobserver.com.au
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Food stylist Peta Gray's modern Prahran offering to go to $3.75 million plus auction

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Despite the rush back into property investing by investors, it was interesting to note that BradfieldCleary's available to let list had "never had less property to offer" for tenants.
The eastern suburbs agency which has an impressive rent roll had just the 19 recent rental renewal examples that reflected <a href="https://bradfieldcleary.com.au/blogentry/104/bob-guth-s-weekly-realestatement" target="_blank">an overall 3.5% growth</a> above their prior (unspecified date) rental.
There were however six rentals where no growth was achieved by the landlords, including tenancies in <a href="/news">Double Bay</a>, <a href="/news">Bondi</a> and <a href="/news">Darlinghurst</a>.
The highest growth was almost 17% in Plumer Road <a href="/news">Rose Bay</a>, which has come a long way over the past two decades. 
I saw that one rental went backwards on Edgecliff Road, <a href="/news">Woollahra</a>. Previous reports by estate agent Bob Guth had ever higher reversal numbers.
Sydney eastern suburb rental growth had been  slowing, according to the August 2013 rental report which covered 50 properties re-let during June and July last year.
In that report some 25 showed an increase, seven remained steady, but 18 rents decreased.
<a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
                       
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Stable tenants, slim pickings and eastern suburb rents edge slightly higher: BradfieldCleary analysis

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Silchester, at 106 Mont Albert Road, Canterbury, listed with $6 million plus hopes was passed in at $6.02 million at weekend auction.
It's a grand double-storey 1920s house (pictured above) with pool and tennis court on its 2,161 square metre corner block. Even a croquet lawn.
Within the first fortnight of marketing more than 42 groups - a mix of overseas and local upsizing buyers - had been through the property.
{qtube vid:=DG84D9Lteko}
So there was heightened expectations for the prestige listing through Jellis Craig agent Richard Earle. But there was just the one bidder, according to the <a href="https://marketnews.com.au/auction-reviews/30812/106-Mont_Albert-Road-CANTERBURY/" target="_blank">James Buyer Advocates report </a>on Saturday's auction.
I recall it last traded to the current vendors in 1993 when sold at around $1.5 million by Brian Blythe from Spotless.
The so-called golden mile of Canterbury produced mixed results last year. And seems its remained that way this year.
The street's highest sale last year was the Sisters of Mercy development site which fetched $8.78 million in September.
The highest house sale was $7.5 million for the Schwal family's 2800 square metre property at 129 Mont Albert Road. It sold through Kay &amp; Burton's Michael Armstrong, settling late last year after selling around April to Chinese/Australian buyers. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30VmFO2mZhs" target="_blank">It had been initially listed in spring 2012 with video marketing</a> (below).
{qtube vid:=30VmFO2mZhs}
Agents tell me that half of Mont Albert Road's 10 sales during 2013 were to Chinese/Australian buyers.
There was a $5.9 million sale last year at 168 Mont Albert on the road of an eight year old Dordonge-style home with trimmed Manchurian pear trees lining its driveway.
It was bought by Chinese/Australian buyers who have been especially evident on the golden mile since 2007, often then making their purchases available as rentals.
But there hasn't necessarily been rampant price escalation as <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/13-mont-albert-road-canterbury/Property-Details-sold-residential-6231791" target="_blank">13 Mont Albert Road </a>(pictured below) sold last year for $2 million, which was just $50,000 higher than in 2010 prior sale.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/03/04/can2]}
There was also a Bank of Queensland mortgagee sale of a new home at 85 Mont Albert Road last year which sold at $3.25 million having been listed initially for June 2012 auction with $4 million hopes.
Syme Manor, the Edwardian style Canterbury home (pictured below), was relisted for recent marketing, selling last month.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/03/04/can3]}
It had five bedroom and four bathrooms. There's a contemporary family entertainer update to the established 1920s home set on a 1746 square metre block with tennis court, pool and sauna.
<a href="https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/property/CANTERBURY-168-Mont-Albert-Road/6452895/" target="_blank">James Scoones of Jellis Craig </a>had the February 22 auction listing, but the price went undisclosed. The Mont Albert Road property was first listed in spring 2013 with $5.35 million price guidance.
It last traded at $4.8 million in 2008.
It had sold at $2.45 million through Ray White in 2006.
Another recent listing is <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/67-mont-albert-road-canterbury/Property-Details-buy-residential-6606521" target="_blank">67 Mont Albert Road </a> (pictured below) where a 1925 brick house has been listed through Box Hill agents Winny Ni and Bruce Li. It was among the 2007 sales at around $2.4 million. 
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/03/04/can4]}
<a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
                  
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Patchy results along the so-called golden mile of Canterbury

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Footballers Will Slade and Ben Sinclair have sold their spec Toorak project for an undisclosed price.
It had been completely redesigned and rebuilt, taking just over six months.
Slade and his brother, Collingwood player Ben Sinclair, lived on the premises during the process.
Agent Michael Armstrong from Kay &amp; Burton Real Estate had been quoting $1.8 million to $2 million.
Working with Charles Inglis designs, Slade utilized his studies in sustainable development.
Slade's business is ROC Projects.
The duo paid around $850,000 in late 2011 for the 200 square metre holding.
Slade played 17 games for the Geelong Cats between 2002 and 2006, in a career curtailed by injury. Sinclair was drafted by Collingwood in 2009 and has lined up for the Magpies on 39 occasions so far.
The rebuild installed Douglas wooden floorboards from Danish manufacturers Dinesen at 49 Fairbairn Road, <a href="/news">Toorak</a>.
news@propertyobserver.com.au
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Footballers Will Slade and Ben Sinclair sell Toorak spec project

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Chinese investors were the largest source of foreign investment in Australian property in the 2012-13 financial year, according to the latest figures from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).
The FIRB's annual report reveals $5.9 billion of purchases came from China, a 44% annual increase that enabled it to eclipse Canada's $4.9 billion and the USA at $4.4 billion.
<img src="/images/stories/2014/03/03/insights-march-3-small.gif" alt="insights-march-3-small" width="470" height="298">
However total foreign investment in Australian real estate actually fell over the recent years from $59.1 billion to $51.9 billion.
It accompanied an overall decrease in the value of total foreign investment which fell to $135.7 billion from $170.7 billion seemingly as a consequence of the turning of the mining and resources construction boom.
The <a href="https://www.firb.gov.au/content/default.asp" target="_blank">Foreign Investment Review Board</a> gave approval to 11,668 purchases of Australian residential properties by foreigners last financial year, up 19% on the previous year.
<img src="/images/stories/2014/03/03/insights-march-3-two--small.gif" alt="insights-march-3-two--small" width="470" height="215">
According to FIRB’s annual report released last Friday, a total of $17 billion in foreign cash was injected into Australian residential last financial year.
A further $35 billion into commercial real estate took the total to 12,025 foreign purchases.
Of these, 4,573 were in Victoria, 3,580 were in New South Wales, 1,734 in Queensland, 1,267 in Western Australia and 567 in South Australia.
Some 10,458 of the approvals were for property sold at $1 million or less.
Then 1793 approvals between $1 million and $50 million.
<img src="/images/stories/2014/03/03/insights-march-3-three.gif" alt="insights-march-3-three" width="470" height="258">
There were 396 approvals at $50 million and higher, which while there is never any official paperwork from the highly secretive FIRB, would include just the one residential house purchase, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/the-altona-aftermath-buyers-baulking-at-the-ambitious-asking-prices-sydney-s-top-20-house-sales-in-2013-he-said/she-said/2014011667215" target="_blank">the Point Piper harbourfront, Altona which sold at $52 million</a>, but perhaps not the beacon it's made out to be.
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No divestiture orders were made, continuing the trend set in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012. I am aware that there had been earlier orders where the buyers failed to undertake its development undertakings.
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Temporary residents allowed to buy one property to live in numbered 5,091 last financial year.
A further 4499 approvals were granted for foreign individuals to purchase a new dwelling.
There were 50 approvals for developers seeking to sell up to 100 percent of their off the plan developments to foreigners.
The chief economist at HSBC Australia, Paul Bloxham, told News Ltd papers the increase in foreign buyers was contributing to house price pain.
But he quickly acknowledged the biggest factor driving up house prices had been lower interest rates.
"But it’s certainly a contributing factor,” he said.
“In certain market segments you’re certainly seeing an impact. Off the plan apartments are likely to be an area where prices are being more driven by foreign buyers.”
While growing in number, foreign purchases only represented about two or three per cent of total housing turnover, according to Mr Bloxham.
<a href="/news">A recent survey by HSBC Bank of affluent Asians</a> across seven countries in the region, including mainland China, found Australia was among their top investment destinations, but that the Chinese did not actually top the intended buyers list.
<a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
                       
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No divestiture orders as Chinese buyers top the 12,025 foreign investors: FIRB

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The Hawthorn vice-captain and two-time premiership winning star, Jarryd Roughead, secured $765,000 when his former Burwood home went to weekend auction.
Talia Tomaino, of Jellis Craig, <a href="https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/property/BURWOOD-75-Parer-Street/6656221/#.UwAjbP1K6AI" target="_blank">had been quoting $650,000-plus for its March 1 auction</a>.
The 75 Parer Street house, close to Deakin University, sits on 320 square metres.
It was bought for $525,000 in 2006 in his second AFL season after relocating from Leongatha to play for the Hawks.
<a href="/news">Burwood</a>'s median house price sits at $715,000, up just the 1.4% over the past year, according to RP Data.
Another three bedroom also sold on Parer Street for $921,000 at weekend auction. It had been listed with $700,000 to $770,000 hopes having $725,000 plus expectations when listed last August without success.
Roughead's three-bedroom, two-storey house has been leased to young teammates since just after the 2011 AFL Grand Final, when Roughead moved to <a target="_blank" href="/news">Hawthorn</a>.
The powerful forward won the 2013 Coleman medal as the competition's highest goal kicker, en route to All-Australian selection and premiership glory.
news@propertyobserver.com.au
                         
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Hawk star Jarryd Roughead secures bullish Burwood investment property sale

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The Downs Street, Brunswick house used as surety in Tony Mokbel's controversial 2004 bail, has been sold by its current owners.
Glenn Bartlett from Woodards Carlton took a pre-auction offer above the $1.1 million that was being sought well before the weekend's scheduled auction.
The <a href="https://www.woodards.com.au/index.cfm?pagecall=property&amp;propertyid=2581524" target="_blank">double-storey house </a> (pictured above) sits on 500 square metres, but unlike its portrayal on the Channel 9 mini-series Underbelly and Fat Tony &amp; Co, is of modern dimensions not boom Italianiate.
The selling agent made almost cryptic menion of its status when they noted the "impressive size and scale are the hallmark of this imposing family home, made even more memorable for its role in Melbourne's contemporary history."
It has a 13 metre x 33 metre <a href="https://www.woodards.com.au/index.cfm?pagecall=property&amp;propertyid=2581908" target="_blank">block next door</a> (pictured below) currently used for pool and garden. They sold last for $850,000 and $550,000 in 2010.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/02/27/brun2]}
The vacant block went to auction but was passed in at weekend auction at $550,000.
The listing's timing with the Fat Tony &amp; Co series was coincidental, according to Mr Bartlett.
Property Observer understands Mockel paid $200,000 in 1999 after paying $160,000 next door in 1996 for the larger home.
Ownership of the property was transferred to the Attorney-General of Victoria in late 2009, under the Confiscation Act 1997.
It was the site of a clandestine drug lab which was revealed after it caught fire and exploded. Crime writer John Silvester wrote that following its February 1997 fire, detectives ascertained the lab had produced 41 kilograms of pure methylamphetamine with a street value of $78 million.
He wrote that detectives believed the Downs Street lab helped Mokbel progress from a mid-level drug trafficker to the biggest in Australia over the 1990s.
While Mokbel was not arrested over the drug lab, his friend Paul Howden was badly burnt, charged and later sentenced to four years in jail.
The property was surety when securing his bail in 2004.
It emerged it to be part of a family trust, JR Mokbel Pty Ltd, an ownership structure which hampered efforts to sell the property after Tony Mokbel fled.
After his return from Greece, Mokbel was jailed for 30 years, with a minimum of 22 years, in 2012 over his international drug business. The judge described him as an "intelligent and a cunning person".
While on the run in Athens in 2007 ,Tony instructed his associates to look after his late mother, Lora, who was living in the family's Brunswick home.
Lora Mokbel raised her four sons after her husband Sajih's death in 1980 when Tony was 15. The family had migrated from Lebanon in 1974.
<a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Crime king Tony Mokbel's former Brunswick house sells again

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Star retired Melbourne restaurateur Stephanie Alexander - recently included in Australia Post's Legends of Cooking stamp series - has sold her Hawthorn home of 25 years for $2.475 million.
Bought back in 1989 for around $615,000, the Victorian era home's kitchen not suprisingly became the  feature with Carrara marble benchtops, St George double oven, mobile island bench and plenty of open shelving and storage including a butler's pantry.
It forms the heart of the three bedroom 1890s house on Robinson Road, marketed as a professional's kitchen, but with a warm and friendly environment.
{qtube vid:=we8F-C6I5pg}
There was also an outdoor eating and entertaining area and a solar-heated swimming pool and an extensive edible garden of fruit, nuts, citrus and olive trees, an extensive range of vegetables and herbs. There's water tanks with a total 15,000 litre storage.
Belinda Anderson, of Fletchers, was quoting $2 million-plus in the initial days, advising buyers of $2.1 million plus higher expectations during the auction marketing campaign. The opening bid was $2.1 million, and it was on the market at $2.3 million.
Behind its front yard lemon tree, it comes with a beautifully maintained period facade with polychromatic brickwork, bay window and deep verandah.
Inside the original features include high decorative ceilings, Baltic pine flooring and an elegant hallway arch.
Then in 1976, the Alexanders opened their own restaurant, Stephanie's, at first in Fitzroy and then in 1980 in the grand Italianate mansion, Kawarau, aka Warrington in Hawthorn. The family had renovated downstairs as a restaurant, and lived upstairs of the property they bought for $174,000 in 1979. 
Kawarau, at 405 Tooronga Road, was built in the 1890s for Robert Robinson, a Melbourne grain merchant, but most remembered for the ownership by F. J. Cato, the co-founder of the grocery business of Moran and Cato, the first chain of stores of any kind in Australia. 
Apparently Stephanie Alexander won't be going far, though it means her lengthy association with Hawthorn will now conclude following the weekend auction.
<a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
           
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Restaurateur Stephanie Alexander sells her Hawthorn house with edible garden

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Fashion designer Maggie Tabberer secured a strong $2.4 million plus sale of her Randwick abode, Frangipani House yesterday.
The three-bedroom freestanding home, with courtyard pool, had $2.3 million plus hopes when it <a href="/news">appeared in the Title Tattle column</a> on January 31 this year.
The style setter is downsizing to a new apartment building with garden aspect in the <a href="/news">Bellevue Hill</a> village, ever the savvy property connoisseur. 
Frangipani House has been her home since paying $2 million in 2006.
It was marketed as an inspired freestanding sundrenched private oasis inventively built around a central courtyard - featuring a magnificent frangipani tree and a heated pool.
Title Tattle recalls when Maggie, the fashion and style guru, secured the then all-white bijoux home in 2006 after it had been custom built by property developer Mark Cooper with his wife, artist Marcella Kaspar.
Tabberer then sold her Rushcutters Bay garden apartment in the McLachlan Avenue block developed in the mid-1990s by James Packer and Theo Onisforou.
Before that Tabberer had an mews-style Edgecliff abode - labelled the White House after its mid-1980s makeover.
It was 1960 when Maggie moved to Sydney with her daughters from Adelaide.
The sale price is understood to be around $2.41 million, selling through Laing &amp; Simmons Double Bay agents D'Leanne Lewis and James Garwood who sifted through some 120 inspecting parties, inconjunction with Di Jones Real Estate.
It came down to a final two intertested buyers, D'Leanne Lewis said.
Oh and is the new Bellevue Hill apartment her trademark all white? Yes indeed.
<a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
                             
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Maggie Tabberer sells Frangipani House at Randwick

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Glen Alpine, the 1886 homestead on 1335 hectares adjoining the Liverpool Plains at Werris Creek, remains listed for sale.
Designed in the American New England shingle-style by architect John Horbury Hunt, the six-bedroom homestead was built for railway pioneer Alexander Amos.
It has eight working fireplaces of marble or cedar. Much of the shingle-style home was built from imported Canadian Redwood &amp; Oregon
John Horbury Hunt was for 40 years probably the best-known architect in Australia and one of Sydney's great eccentrics. Not only controversial for his buildings, he rallied for a strong code of building practice.
Born John Horbury Hunt in St John, New Brunswick, Canada, in 1838, the Boston trained architect got off the boat at Port Jackson in 1863 on his way to India.
His style of architecture that replaced Georgian was much around the Arts and Crafts Movement, with his great love of good brick work against the prevailing fashion in Sydney.
He started work on his own in 1870, with the Anglican Church in Kangaroo Valley. Hunt was fortunate to be sponsored by two great pastoral families who funded community buildings: the Osburnes, of Kangaroo Valley, and the Whites (Patrick White was a family member in a later generation) of the Hunter Valley.
Hunt received many commissions to build Anglican churches, schools and rectories because of the patronage of Canon William White. There was his work St Matthias's Church, Denman and St Lukes Osborne Memorial Church Dapto. Ho9s major residential work inclded Camelot at Narellan.
One of his greatest buildings, Booloominbah, in Armidale (now part of the University of New England), was described by Professor A T Yarwood, as "a structure growing naturally from the terrain with the inevitability of an outcrop of rock".
Another Trevenna - now the vice-chancellor's residence at UNE - was built for the grandmother of poet Judith Wright.
Hunt and his wife, had no children but are burried wth their pets at South Head Cemetery. The architect was easily recognised around Sydney because he wotre a knee-length frock coat, high-waisted pants, blue waistcoat with silver buttons and a loosely-tied, thin bow tie.
His hat, a bell-topper came with ventilation built in and a compartment for drawing paper.
His bicycle was fitted with a fold-away drawing board and a place for ink. Apparently according to his Australian Biography mention, if he saw shoddy workmanship he had no hesitation in going on to a building site - whether he knew the owner, builder or architect or not.
The Great Depression of the 1890s ruined Hunt.
His last great work was Rose Bay's Chapel of the Convent of the Sacred Heart. Hunt became ill with Bright's disease and died in the paupers' ward at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Much of the Glen Alpine mansion has undergone extensive renovation retaining beautiful period features within its hallways, reception rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms, however the servery wing and billiard/ballroom require restoration and await the new owners interpretation.
The property made up of gently undulating black and chocolate basalt soils with some hill country has a carrying capacity at present of 400 cows and further 200 steers,
"This outstanding property not only offers an opportunity to run a successful well managed grazing/farming income but the mansion in its own right would attract discerning visitors to enjoy its luxury and splender," the LJ Hooker Tamworth Jennifer Shean agent says.
The historical rail town of Werris Creek comes with its daily Sydney rail service or a 55 minute flight to Tamworth enjoying the newly installed club lounge.
Its more recent previous owners have included Grange Securities director Andrew Butterell who sold for $5.4 million in 2007 selling to the Hawkins family.
Back in 2000, when it was the Skerrett family's property, its fattened steers ending up on the shelves of Woolworths.
It had previously traded 52 years earlier.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-mixed+farming-nsw-werris+creek-7573599" target="_blank">It is listed</a> with several other conjunctional agents including Richard Cudmore at Davidson Cameron &amp; Co and Luke Scanlan at Ray White Quirindi along with Cameron McIvor a Schute Bell Badgery Lumby - Sydney.
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Glen Alpine, the Horbury Hunt designed mansion, listed

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> have celebrated the topping out of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf,</a> marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of Syd​ney's most anticipated waterfront communities.

Located on Sydney's harbourfront at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a>, the project has now reached its highest structural point, with construction progressing strongly towards completion in 2027. 
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The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240] 
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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will deliver a mix of waterfront residences and terraces, complemented by a private 36-berth marina, waterfront dining opportunities and a revitalised foreshore designed to reconnect the community with the river's edge. 
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Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said the project represented a rare opportunity to create the next chapter in Sydn​ey's long history of successful waterfront precincts. 
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"Throughout Sydney, some of the city's most sought-after addresses have emerged from carefully considered waterfront precincts such as Woolloom​ooloo Wharf, Walsh Bay and Breakfast Point," Brown said.

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"What makes these places so successful is that they become much more than residential developments," Brown said.

"They bring together homes, hospitality, marina facilities, public spaces and a strong sense of community in locations where future supply is incredibly limited."

Brown has long described absolute waterfront land in Sy​dney as "finite."

"Once these opportunities are developed, they are rarely replicated. That's why Syd​ney's waterfront precincts have consistently demonstrated strong demand and long-term value growth over many decades. 
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"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is one of the few remaining opportunities to secure a residence within a masterplanned waterfront community that combines direct water access, marina ownership opportunities and a genuine village lifestyle just moments from the Sy​dney CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362564] 
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PERIFA Founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the project reflected a shared commitment to delivering exceptional places that create long-term value for residents and the broader community. 
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"The topping out milestone is a significant achievement for the Versatile Group and a testament to the collaboration between all project partners, consultants and contractors involved," Perilli said. 
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"Beyond the residences themselves, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will establish a new waterfront destination that celebrates the history, character and lifestyle of this unique location while creating a lasting legacy for future generations."

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Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile">Versatile Construction</a>, with structural works now substantially complete across the precinct. Attention will progressively shift to the construction of the waterview terraces, apartment façades, services and interior fit-out works over the coming months. 
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With limited residences and marina berths remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> continues to attract strong interest from owner occupiers and downsizers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle within close proximity to Putne​y Village, Rh​odes, Top Ry​de and the Syd​ney CBD. 
&nbsp; 
As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.

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Joel Robinson

Abadeen, PERIFA, top out Putney Wharf harbourfront precinct

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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Jonathan Chancellor

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