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The former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh and his wife, thoroughbred horse trainer, Kim have listed their Mardi home on the NSW Central Coast.
It's a 1.16 hectare property with four-bedroom single level master-built home.
Having lived there for six years, the couple are moving nearby onto a bigger 40 acreage property where they can have their horses.
The Carpenters Lane property has been scheduled for December 7 auction with $950,000 plus hopes.
"This exclusive high set coastal acreage is located in a tightly held semi-rural enclave being only moments from Tugggerah Westfield and local business parks," the listing agent, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thepropertymarket.com.au/index.cfm?pageCall=property&amp;propertyID=2493844&amp;realestate=9_Carpenters_Lane_MARDI_NSW_2259">Tyson Nicholson at The Property Market - Central Coast said</a>. 
Mark Waugh was one of Australia's finest Test cricketers playing from 1991 to 2002 with 128 tests for Australia and scoring 8,029 runs at an average of 41, including 20 centuries and 47 fifties. He ranks as Australia’s fifth highest run-scorer in test history. 
Network Ten recently announced Mark Waugh was on the forthcoming TEN KFC T20 Big Bash League commentary team.
Kim Waugh was New South Wales' top harness racing driver in the 1980s which she cut short to concentrate on training gallopers.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:jchancellor@propertyobserver.com.au">jchancellor(AT)propertyobserver(DOT)com.au</a>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Mark and Kim Waugh upgrading NSW Central Coast acreages

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Tasmania's high unemployment rate is troubling - and that was before the machinery maker Caterpillar announced plans this month to cut 200 jobs at its Burnie plant, moving part of the operation to Thailand.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rba.gov.au/chart-pack/regions-industry">The latest RBA chart pack shows how bad it is</a>, with South Australia not quite the basket case.
<img height="344" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/11/07/unemployment_nov_7_one.gif" alt="unemployment_nov_7_one" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Source: ABS
 
In today's ABS data, Tasmania's unemployment rate decreased by 0.3 percentage points to 7.9% in October 2013 (seasonally adjusted) when calculated using unrounded estimates, while in trend terms the unemployment rate decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 8.2%.
It's no surprise that these the two states regularly trail behind the current price growth recovery across Australia.
The most recent price data indicated across Tasmania the median house price fell 1.4% over the September quarter to $295,000, but is up 3.5% for the year. Across Hobart prices increased 1.4% over the quarter to $352,000 and 3.5% over the year. The REIT data is perhaps the most bouyant among the available data.
Fluctuations in tourist visitor numbers have flow-on effects in the Tasmanian economy, although currently the numbers are up.
It has been estimated that 6% of Tasmanians are directly employed in tourism which increases to 11% and represents 25,000 Tasmanians after indirect numbers are taken into account.
Tasmania’s largest domestic markets are Victoria and New South Wales.
According to a new report from Deloitte, entitled Positioning for Prosperity?, Tasmania’s economy has struggled over the past decade epecially as the resources boom channelled most of its benefits to the mainland.
The very strong Australian dollar was a particular problem for manufacturing, forestry and tourism operations.
But Deloitte sees a game changer for Tasmania’s economic prospects in the offing.
"Tasmania may have been on the wrong side of Australia’s ‘two speed economy’ in recent years, but the Australian dollar is already off its peaks, and it has potential to fall further, while interest rates are now at historic lows." Tasmania rates in some of the super sectors that the Deloitte analysis has identified as key growth drivers over the next two decades. Tasmanian tourism offers unique and high value experiences to the world’s globetrotters.
And yes no surprise that Tasmania’s farm outputs are clean and green.
But significantly for property investors, it noted more than one in ten students in Tasmania are already from the rest of the world, and the rise of Asia’s middle class has the potential to send that proportion rather higher, the Deloitte report says.
With a 10% jump in applications over the past year, the University of Tasmania has bucked the overall trend of falling numbers becoming one of the most popular places for international students within Australia. Over the past decade there has been a 13.5% annual growth in international students who prefer inner city accomodation.
Asia is the biggest source with over 80% of visitors coming from Asia and in particular China and Malaysia. The university is the state’s largest housing provider, so private landlords have serious competition. The university recently unveiled plans for a new 430-apartment student accommodation development on the corner of Melville and Elizabeth streets touted by business as crucial to the revitalisation of the Hobart city centre.
Architects from Terroir will be supported in the project by Melbourne architectural firm Fender Katsalidis.
UTAS vice-chancellor Peter Rathjen said the project was a crucial piece in the "UTAS-led revitalisation of Hobart".
The cost of living in both Hobart and Launceston is dependent on a student's lifestyle and budgeting skills with estimates their cost of living ranges between $12,000 and $14,500 annually (covering accommodation, transport, food, etc.).
However, for the purposes of Streamlined Visa Processing, students are required to confirm they have sufficient funds to support annual living costs of $18,610.
<table align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" border="0" class="StandardTable-left-align"><tbody>
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<th colspan="2" height="16">Hobart Accommodation</th>
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<td width="304" height="37">On-campus</td>
<td width="442" height="37">A$340 per week (including meals) A$146-$247 per week (not including meals)</td>
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<td height="27">Shared University Housing</td>
<td height="27">A$120-$185 per week</td>
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<td height="26">Private Housing</td>
<td height="26">A$100-$150 per week (per room)</td>
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Tasmania's unemployment rate holds back property investment but watch growth in overseas student numbers 

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Businessman David Gonski is a much admired multi-tasker, but the he's stalled plans for the full renovation of his proposed Elizabeth Bay penthouse.
Indeed Title Tattle notes he's actually put the newly acquired Elizabeth Bay penthouse up for sale, seemingly staying put in Point Piper.
The renovation was set to cost just $237,000.
It was no surprise the bookish David Gonski, the consummate Sydney business networker and chairman of the Future Fund, was going to remove the three pin golf putting green replacing it with a pool at the Billiard Avenue apartment, but it was obviously a low-order task.
Totalling 425 square metres internally, it has vast living area and a 375-square-metre terrace with harbour views.
Title Tattle gathers some internal works including some layout reconfiguration did get done.
The existing spa, pond and water feature were also to be removed as part of the pool installation under plans lodged by GSA Planning (see picture below) to a design by Tobias Partners.
He's not been in the headlines of late given reports he might become the ANZ Bank chairperson, and previously for his report of schools funding for the Gillard government.
He is chairman of Investec Australia, the bank that bought his corporate advisory firm, Wentworth Associates, in 2001.  The Billyard Avenue apartment sale through Savills agent Martin Schiller cost $12 million in mid-2012, through a holding company fronted by a non-beneficial director, the solicitor and corporate finance adviser, Mark Cohen, who since 2010 has been an Investec director.
Now Ballard Property Group has it listed with the undisclosed asking price understood by Property Observer to be $14 million.
That price matches the $14 million paid in 2006 when bought by Hal Herron, the former Deutsche banker. Herron had bought the penthouse from ballet clothing manufacturer David Wilkenfeld, who paid $7.1 million for it in 2001.
Gonski didn't really give any immediate indication of departing Point Piper, given the apartment was initially listed for rent at about $5,000 a week through Ballard Property Group.
Title Tattle notes some golfing lineage in the family as Gonski's father, Alexander, was a neurosurgeon and a founding member of the New South Wales Gold Club at La Perouse.
David Gonski plays tennis.
<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/stories/2013/05/gonskimay28one.jpg" alt="gonskimay28one" width="470" height="312">
Source: GSA Planning
The penthouse is atop the lavish Burley Katon Halliday complex of six apartments built in 1998 on the site of Cardigan, the former home of the late Cedric and Elizabeth Symonds, by the East Asia Property group.
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David Gonski scrapping Elizabeth Bay penthouse renovation and relocation plans

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The most interesting chart in today's RBA chart pack relates to first home buyers.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rba.gov.au/chart-pack/household-sector">The chart</a> suggests first home buyers are actually hovering around long term levels after the 2009 spike.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="rba_graph_two" height="322" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/11/06/rba_graph_two.gif">
Source: ABS
That surge in FHB numbers came after Wayne Swan's GST-triggered First Home Owner Grant Boost.
Naturally that boost brought forward plenty of demand, so it's to be expected numbers would fall after the boost went back to the lower grant levels.
It also followed the re-targeting of the originating FHB grants and/or stamp duty exemptions across the states which are aimed at now encouraging FHBs to buy new homes not estabished homes.
Perhaps FHBs aren't being priced out by property investors?
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First home buyers volumes actually hovering close to long-term levels after 2009 spike: RBA chart

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The level of residential property listings around the nation rose minimally during the month of October, with national stock levels increasing by 1.5% and coming to a total of 347,056 according to recent figures released by SQM Research.
 
<img alt="stock-listing-nov-5-two" height="133" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/11/05/stock-listing-nov-5-two.jpg">
 
This figure represents a decrease of 3.5% when compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, October 2012.
Sydney has once again recorded the most substantial yearly decrease in stock levels, falling by 17.3% over the past year to a total of 24,683.
Canberra recorded the highest monthly rise in listings, increasing by 5.9% during October and coming to a total of 3,547.
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Modest rise in national residential listings, with Perth and Hobart going against the trend: SQM

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Actress Holly Brisley, best remembered for her role as a troublemaker on Home And Away, and her husband, property investor Paul Ford, have relisted their Bondi Beach abode after its June 2013 buyer walked away from its purchase.

The then sale price has not been disclosed but Property Observer gathers it was about $5.3 million. It's now back on the market with $5.5 million plus expectations.
The couple were among the buyers who snapped up a 2006 off-the-plan apartment for $6.75 million in the Bondi complex, the apartment block on Campbell Parade that replaced the Bondi Beachside Inn on its 2009 completion.
It comes with 250-square-metre internal space but is 486 square metres all up.
On its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/home-and-away-actress-holly-brisley-lists-in-bondi-beach/2011121352830">initial December 2011 </a>listing they were looking for $7 million plus, which was reduced over its three or so marketing campaigns.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/december14holly]}
The opulently appointed half-floor residence has been relisted through Steven Chen and Elizabeth Brunton at McGrath Estate Agents who anticipate higher interest given the improved property market conditions.
It has views that stretch across the beach and bay from North Bondi to Tamarama from the northern side of the building
It has three bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms, and its luxurious appointments feature custom American oak joinery.
There’s also C-Bus 2 intelligence system with automated blinds and curtains. The couple are understood to have their eye on an off-market house-buying opportunity elsewhere on the coastal eastern suburbs strip.
The couple have bought near Forty Baskets Beach at Balgowlah.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/08/PO_Strap_new.jpg" width="470" height="60" alt="PO_Strap_new">
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Holly Brisley's Bondi Beach apartment sale collapses, but higher price outlook

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A two level William Smart-designed home overlooking Werri Beach, near Gerringong on the NSW south coast has been listed with record price expectations.
The December 7 auction had been scheduled by local developers Mark and Janet Lamble who bought the 750 square metre north-facing Tasman Drive block of land opposite the beachside reserve in 2010 for $765,000.
The couple have instead decided to keep their Berry farm.
<a target="_blank" href="https://raywhitegerringong.com.au/nsw/gerringong/1047661/">The listing agent Neil Campbell, of Ray White Gerringong</a>, expects to exceed the previous record of $1.7 million set in 2011 for another beachfront property located on Pacific Avenue.
{qtube vid:=kZcKzqD6iXg}
RP Data puts <a href="/news">the Werri Beach median </a>at around $730,000.
<a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Werri Beach record hopes for William Smart-designed beachfront

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Yamba, the idyllic Pittwater retreat, has been sold for $7 million after Foreign Investment Review Board approval to interests associated with the Singaporean based property development company, Far East Organization which is headed by billionaire Philip Ng from Singapore's richest family.
Philip Ng and his brother Robert have an estimated US$10.6 billion net worth, according to the most recent Forbes Rich List.
The prized Scotland Island trophy property will be used as a retreat for the Far East family following the companies' recent expansion into Sydney via the purchase of prime commercial property, the Clocktower Square complex in Sydney as part of its growth and diversification strategy.
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Far East Organization also owns a 13.7 hectare site in St Helena, Greensborough, Melbourne with plans to develop into an integrated residential community and is buying the Harbour Town Centre in Perth.
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Since its 1960s establishment by Philip Ng's father, Ng Teng Fong, the Far East Organization has developed nine sites on Orchard Road into major shopping malls, the most recent being Orchard Central, along with hotel and health care interests. Over the 53 years, the Far East Organization has undertaken more than 730 developments in the residential, hospitality, retail, commercial, and industrial sectors, including 44,000 or one in six private homes in Singapore. The developer of hotels and malls in Singapore and Hong Kong is reported to have annual revenues of US$5.5 billion.
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Accessible only by boat, the 7,463-square-metre Scotland Island property has three separate waterfront titles, with two residences, a cabin and a vacant parcel of waterfront land.
Property Observer regards it as one of Pittwater's most significant landholdings, set on the north-western side of the island.
It was built for the Robertson family of Angus &amp; Robertson bookstores, with later owners including the Moran healthcare family.
<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/stories/2012/11/scotlandisland.jpg">
Source: Google Maps
It was sold through David Watson of <a href="https://avalon.ljhooker.com.au/B3RF58" target="_blank">LJ Hooker Avalon </a>and Ken Jacobs of <a href="https://www.kenjacobs.com.au/603580/" target="_blank">Christie's International</a> to Far East Land And Housing Development Company Pte Ltd after the property was featured in an editorial in the International Herald Tribune earlier this year.
Yamba's 1915 renovated and extended five-bedroom house flows onto level lawns, a sandy beach where there are two boat sheds and two deepwater jetties.
It's the largest holding on the 49-hectare island.
Last month Far East Organization signed conditional contracts to purchase the Clocktower Square complex in Sydney, Australia for $72 million and Harbour Town Centre in Perth for $205 million viewing Australia as an "attractive property investment market driven by a stable economy and well-regulated business environment."
The acquisition strategy was to build a more balanced asset portfolio beyond Singapore and Malaysia. 
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Located in the historic The Rocks precinct within Sydney’s Central Business District, the Clocktower Square complex is a mixed-use development comprising a two level retail shopping centre, a six storey commercial office tower, a 61-room boutique hotel Rendezvous Stafford Hotel and 138 car spaces.
The Clocktower Square property has a 99-year leasehold interest which expires in March 2088. Its site area is 3,599 square metres.
Harbour Town Centre is a two storey shopping centre on a 19,841 square metre Wellington Street holding, one kilometre west of the Perth Central Business District featuring 120 retailers.
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Both deals were through Jones Lang LaSalle.
Far East Organization's listed arm, Far East Orchard recently completed a joint venture with Australia-based Toga Group to extend its hospitality management footprint into the Australian market.
Far East Orchard also proposes in a joint venture with Straits Trading Company to acquire hotel sites within Australia on an ongoing basis and to conduct hospitality management businesses. 
 
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Singaporean billionaire Philip Ng buys Yamba, Scotland Island's finest heritage home

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Billionaire retailer Solomon Lew is the reputed mystery $13.5 million penthouse buyer in the Royal Domain Tower.
The 368 St Kilda Road apartment was purchased from property developer Harry Stamoulis.
The full-floor four bedroom apartment overlooks the Shrine of Remembrance and Albert Park Lake. It has 1100 square metres space.
The current Australian penthouse record stands at $19.3 million for the penthouse in Salta's East Melbourne development 150 Clarendon Street.
Lew already owns a Toorak mansion, along with homes in New York and Los Angeles.
Harry Stamoulis purchased the 36th floor penthouse shell for $5.54 million.
It was listed by <a target="_blank" href="https://search.savills.com/property-detail/aus0000005154">Savills Sydney agent Martin Schiller</a> who sought Melbourne buying interest through local estate agents.
Stamoulis is building one of the nation's most expensive residences possibly due to be completed early next year.
In March 2010, Stamoulis paid a record-setting $24 million for the former Baillieu estate on St Georges Road where the mansion is said to be inspired by the Vanderbilt family mansion, Marble House in Rhode Island.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/08/PO_Strap_new.jpg" width="470" height="60" alt="PO_Strap_new">
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Harry Stamoulis sells Royal Domain Tower penthouse

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Ricky Ponting, the book writing retired Australian cricket captain, has finally sold his Sutherland Shire home as he moves to Melbourne's Brighton.
The price was undisclosed but Ponting and wife, Rianna secured $4.275 million plus through Sean Egan of McGrath Estate Agents for their five-bedroom Burraneer Bay house.
It had $4.75 million plus expectations on its initial April private treaty offering.
Overlooking Port Hacking, the tri-level house (pictured below) comes with infinity pool and private jetty, boatshed and pontoon.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/04/april23burraneer]}
The house has been renovated since bought it for $3.8 million in 2006.
The couple are off to the Shandford Estate, a 1920s Edwardian seven-bedroom house on 1890 square metres of land in Brighton, which has a billiard room, library, tennis court and a private laneway to the nearby beach.
Last sold at $2.7 million in 1999, the Brighton house was sold by private treaty through JP Dixon in March at around $10 million.
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It was designed by Klingender &amp; Alsop in 1913, described by architectural historian Jon Clare as being a mix of American and British elements in an early and substantial example of the bungalow style, retaining transitional Edwardian elements such as the steeply pitched gabled roofs, and incorporating bungalow style features such as the heavy verandah piers and roughcast rendered finish.
It features in the work by Jon Clare, The post-Federation House in Melbourne, Bungalow and Vernacular Revival styles 1900- 1930. 
 
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<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/trophy-homes/" target="_blank"><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/stories/2013/08/PO_Strap_new.jpg" alt="PO_Strap_new" width="470" height="60"></a>
Meanwhile Shane Warne has yet to secure his desired $15 million in Brighton.
Shane Warne has launched an attack on former teammate Ricky Ponting, saying criticisms Ponting made of current captain Michael Clarke in his recently released autobiography may be a result of "jealousy".
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Ricky Ponting calls stumps to Sutherland Shire innings with $4.275 million plus property sale

Buying into a masterplanned community often means committing to a vision still years from taking shape. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>, that vision is already visible.

Residents have moved into the completed first stage, landscaped spaces are established, and the next chapter is now underway. Stage 1 has been completed and settled, with Stage 2 now selling off-the-plan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> combines attainable apartment living with sustainability initiatives rarely seen at this price point, including rooftop solar, battery storage and a resident EV-sharing program.

<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/6RNt3AvtBpI?si=JUhuCV2ZRXsYaoJZ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Located on Schofi​elds Road, just moments from Tal​lawong Metro Station and Schof​ields Train Station, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been designed to appeal to a broad mix of buyers, from first-home purchasers looking for a foothold in Sy​dney's property market to downsizers seeking a connected, low-maintenance lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been conceived as a thoughtfully planned masterplanned community that will evolve over multiple stages, with buyers now able to secure one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a neighbourhood that is already beginning to establish its identity.

One of the project's defining features is its focus on sustainability. Solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure have been incorporated throughout the development, reflecting a long-term approach to both environmental performance and everyday convenience.

Sustainability sits at the centre of the development's vision, with solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure integrated throughout the community.

That emphasis on future-ready living extends beyond the technology. Landscaped communal gardens, outdoor gathering spaces and plans for a future retail precinct aim to create a neighbourhood where residents can access daily conveniences without travelling far from home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351027]

The apartments themselves have been designed with liveability front of mind. Rather than chasing maximum density, the focus has been placed on creating practical homes with generous natural light, usable layouts and strong connections to outdoor space.

Importantly, these design principles have been applied consistently across the one, two and three-bedroom apartment offerings.

The appeal of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> is also closely linked to its location within Syd​ney's rapidly evolving north-west growth corridor. Over the past decade, major infrastructure investment has transformed the area, with new transport links, business precincts and community facilities reshaping suburbs like Talla​wong and Schofiel​ds.

The agent says buyers are increasingly recognising the area's long-term potential.

"Typical buyers that we're finding across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> especially are your first-home buyers, your investors, your upsizers as well as your downsizers," Hawes says.

Connectivity remains one of the project's strongest drawcards. Residents have access to both Tallaw​ong Metro Station and Schofi​elds Train Station, providing links to the Sydn​ey CBD, Norw​est Business Park, Macquari​e Park and other major employment hubs. Retail centres including Rous​e Hill Town Centre and Sch​ofields Village are also nearby, alongside schools, parks and future healthcare infrastructure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351031]

For Stage 1 resident Roji, it is the balance between convenience and comfort that has defined the experience of living at Kew.

"For me, it's a balance of quality and convenience," she says. "Everything I need is right here."

"If I wanted to catch the train, Scho​fields Station is just around the corner. Tallaw​ong Metro connects me to the city."

More importantly, she says, the development has delivered something that cannot be measured in floorplans or specifications.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> feels like home."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351024]

As Stage 2 enters the market, that lived experience may be one of the project's strongest selling points. Buyers are not purchasing into an untested concept or a future promise. They are joining a community that is already taking shape.

Ongoing investment in transport, retail, healthcare and public open space continues to strengthen the appeal of Syd​ney's north-west growth corridor, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>'s established first stage provides buyers with a tangible sense of the community's future direction.

For a limited time, buyer can secure a new home at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> with just a $10,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149637]

Joel Robinson

Kew Tallawong: A growing community taking shape in Sydney's north-west

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a> has received development approval for its 51-storey mixed-use tower at 153-157 Walker Street, North Sydney, set to be one of the tallest mixed-use residential-led buildings in one of Sydney’s most sought-after commercial and residential addresses.

Lodged as a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) through the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway and approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure following a comprehensive public exhibition and submissions process, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/153-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">the project</a> will deliver 296 apartments, alongside a 170-room, luxury hotel, activated retail and significant public domain improvements.

Situated just 200 metres from Victoria Cross Metro Station, on one of the largest developable sites in North Sydney, the development will rise to 234 metres, making it one of the tallest buildings in the suburb. With an end value of approximately $1.5 billion, the project responds directly to the NSW Government’s mandate to accelerate housing delivery in well-located, transit-connected areas.

<img alt="Freecity gets green light for mixed-use residential and hotel tower in North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="192ec455-94bf-4e01-83ef-922b1b269d67" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Freecity%20-%20Walker%20Street%20North%20Sydney%201%20RESIZED%20.jpg?VersionId=Bzqp0SBHCDvLAHjA4QXkjuGoOEIh73Jl" />

The apartment mix will cater to a broad range of buyers, with 65 studio and one-bedroom apartments, 139 two-bedroom residences, 35 three-bedroom apartments, 48 four-bedroom homes, and nine penthouses. Residents will have access to a dedicated amenity level on Level 33, featuring a swimming pool with views towards the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and North Sydney CBD, as well as a gym, library, shared kitchen, lounge and outdoor entertaining areas.

The hotel will occupy the lower six levels of the building and include meeting and function spaces, a wellness centre with gym, yoga studio, swimming pool and sauna, further strengthening North Sydney's growing hospitality offering.

At ground level, the development has been designed to improve pedestrian connections through the precinct. More than 700 sqm of retail space will activate the street frontage, while a landscaped through-site link connecting Walker Street, Little Walker Street and Doris Fitton Park will provide new public open space with seating, paving and extensive native landscaping.

Freecity Group Co-Founder and Joint CEO Tony Sun said the project represents one of the most significant development opportunities currently available in North Sydney.

"This is one of the most significant development sites in North Sydney and it comes at a pivotal moment for the precinct," Sun said.

"North Sydney is undergoing a genuine transformation, and this project will contribute housing the city urgently needs while creating a landmark destination."

Executive Director of Development Michael Romano said demand for both residential and hotel accommodation would continue to strengthen as the Metro precinct matures.

"The structural demand for high-quality housing and hotel accommodation in North Sydney is compelling, and will only grow as the precinct continues to evolve around the new Metro station," Romano said.

Architectus has designed the tower, orientating the apartments to maximise views towards Sydney Harbour while introducing a sculpted façade intended to respond to light, wind and the surrounding skyline.

Architectus Principal Marko Damic said the design sought to create a tower that contributes to the public realm as much as the skyline.

"We wanted to design a tower that doesn't just sit in the skyline but actively participates and contributes to city life," Damic said.

First look: Freecity gets green light for mixed-use apartment and hotel tower in North Sydney

<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.

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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."

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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. 
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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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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."

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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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Jonathan Chancellor

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