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Auction listing numbers have fallen dramatically in Sydney, more so than Melbourne this election weekend
 as vendors avoid the clash.









Auction listing numbers  in Sydney this weekend tally 212 properties scheduled to go under the hammer, down 40% on the same weekend last year. 






Auction numbers in Melbourne this weekend have fallen about 14% over the same weekend last year with 422 properties scheduled to go under the auction hammer.









Sydney’s south is the most popular region with 43 scheduled followed by the inner west with 32 and the lower north shore with 29 properties. 




The most popular suburb for auctions is Beverly Hills in the south with four offerings.






Australian Property Monitors senior economist, 

Dr Andrew Wilson said t
he recent top regional performer was the lower north shore with an August clearance rate of 82.4% followed by the inner west with 82.2% and Sydney’s south with an 82.1 % success rate. 



T



he lower north shore's August result was just slightly lower than the 84% recorded during July.











The most popular regions for auctions in Melbourne are the inner east and the north east with 75 listings apiece this weekend. 






The inner bayside has 62 auctions scheduled auctions. 











Melbourne’s most popular suburb for auctions this weekend is Reservoir with 14 scheduled auctions. 

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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Slight reserve among Melbourne vendors, but Sydney sellers avoiding the election weekend auction clash

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A crumbling deceased estate terrace in Erskineville fetched $890,000 at weekend auction when sold to an investor using their self-managed super fund.
Some 40 plus contracts were issued pre-auction for 43 Park Street, Erskineville, an original two storey Victorian terrace on 82 square metres located directly opposite Erskineville Park. It's price reflected $10,800 a square metre land rate given the block size.
There were 25 bidders registered with 10 pushing the price up from the initial $750,000 guide given last month.
The street's last sale was in late 2012 when a double fronted, two storey terrace on 124 square metres fetched $985,000, reflecting $8000 a square metre for the land rate.
In April, 26 John Street, Erskineville, a one-storey three-bedroom terrace (pictured below) sold for $770,000 through local agent Braden Walters. It reflected $4100 a square metre land rate given it had a 186 square metre block size.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/09/05/erskenville_sept_10_tow.jpg" width="470" height="313" alt="erskenville_sept_10_tow">
"Bring your architect and your imagination and explore the possibilities to create something special," the marketing said for the $890,000 property.
Property investors who borrow through their self-managed super funds to acquire a property are allowed to undertake some improvements following <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/ato-ruling-specifies-allowable-repairs-and-renovations-for-smsf-property-investors/2012052454821" target="_blank">the mid-2012 release of a final ruling by Tax Commissioner Michael D'Ascenzo</a>.
Erskineville's median house price is $822,750, up about 9% over the past year, according to RP Data.
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SMSF investor snaps up derelict Erskineville terrace as price per square metre pushes the envelope

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Every Friday Jonathan Chancellor and Margie Blok go head to head discusssing the issue of the property week.
This week they discuss Bishopscourt, at 11 Greenoaks Avenue, one of Sydney's most historic mansions.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/bishopscourt-darling-point-for-sale-for-probable-%2425-million-plus-hopes/2013090264719" target="_blank">Property Observer recently reported</a> that the Ray White Double Bay agency has been appointed to sell the Anglican Church's redundant Darling Point trophy home.
 
<hr>
 <img src="/images/stories/2013/09/06/HE-SAID-WORDS.jpg" alt="HE-SAID-WORDS" width="132" height="30"><img src="/images/stories/2013/09/06/NO.jpg" alt="NO" width="55" height="30"><img src="/images/stories/2013/09/06/jc-silhouette-5.jpg" alt="jc-silhouette-5" width="200" height="300" style="float: right;">
The gothic sandstone home - especially the south-east facing wing - would just be too cold in winter. And the upkeep would be far too expensive - about $100,000 annually to keep the building in good repair.
The vast size of this mansion demands more cheques for a live-in housekeeper as well as several cleaning staff. The 6216 square metre grounds require a full-time gardener, as well as a gofer to do a daily sweep of leaves falling from the fig trees that line the gravel driveway and front garden. By the way overlooked by neighbouring blocks of flats. It would cost a bomb to renovate even if $2 million was spent recently on the chimneys and slate roofing.
It would also cost a motza to maintain the gorgeous leadlight-pane windows, let alone keep them clean - heaven knows how much the Moran family pay for window cleaning at their nearby historic mansion, The Swifts, which was previously owned by reclusive property investor, Carl Spies. I'd follow the approach of Spies who enjoyed a Howard Hughes-like reputation at The Swifts where he kept the front gates locked and the blinds drawn during his six-year ownership until 1992 when St George Bank took over as mortgagee-in-possession.
And let’s be honest, who needs a chapel in the house?
<img src="/images/stories/2013/09/06/mb-silhouette-4.jpg" alt="mb-silhouette-4" width="200" height="300" style="float: left;"><img src="/images/stories/2013/09/06/SHE-SAID-WORDS.jpg" alt="SHE-SAID-WORDS" width="149" height="30"><img src="/images/stories/2013/09/06/YES.jpg" alt="YES" width="55" height="30">
For starters any Bishopscourt buyer will best revert it to one of its earlier names, either Percyville or Greenoaks. It really does rank among a handful of pioneer homes to have survived from the 1850s to now. Flowered in sandstone Gothic extravagances, its dates back to the pioneer Thomas Sutcliffe Mort, who built an empire on wool, dairy, meat, mining and shipping. A mansion that displays extraordinary self-made wealth.
Of course, mansions are the palaces and cathedrals of mortals desirous of emulating the enduring permanency of the church and state. This one is the Brideshead of Sydney and perfect for a modern-day family of Marchmain-esque wealth and devout religious sensibilities.
One of Sydney’s most palatial and historic mansions, this opulent sandstone residence is truly magnificent, especially the superbly proportioned formal rooms with intricately detailed ceilings - but the piece-de-résistance is the private chapel with its sandstone walls, elegant timber panelling and towering ceiling. An inspired designer, such as Thomas Hamel, could do wonders with the interiors of this palatial home and transform it for 21st centruy living.
Last traded 113 years ago for £6,750, the Bishopscourt estate presents a once in a generation opportunity to purchase a significant holding on Double Bay’s doorstep. The only other heritage eastern suburbs estate sold during recent times is Bellevue Hill’s Rona – it was snapped up for just $20 million in 2006 by property developer Terry Agnew, one’s of the shrewdest real estate players in Australia.
Nothing at Hunters Hill, the suburb famed for 19th century sandstone houses, holds a candle to Bishopscourt – and city commuting is much quicker from Darling Point than Hunters Hill. As far as privately owned historic mansions go, Bishopscourt is without peer in the eastern suburbs – apart from the Moran family’s The Swifts in Darling Point Road with its ballroom bigger than Government House.
I recall The Swifts came with the Tooth family's latin motto (Perseverantia Palman Obtinebit) cut into its façade which translated means "Perseverance yields the prize." And this is the prize that many have prayed for the opportunity to buy. The church contemplated selling it in 1963, 1982, 1991 2001, and most recently in 2010 when defeated in the synod by the narrowest of margins. Given John Schaeffer, a heritage mansion collector who sold Rona to Agnew, now directs his attention to towering harbourside apartments, there's at least one obvious contender out of the running for the Bishopscourt estate.
This heritage estate is unlikely to attract nouveau riche mining types with a penchant for glamour and glitz. I maintain they'd much prefer fake gothic architecture sans heritage authorities telling them what they can and can't do. This one is for property bluebloods.
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Bishopscourt, the Anglican Church’s 1850s trophy sandstone offering: He Said/She Said

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The former 2UE helicopter pilot David Jones and wife Charlotte Harvey-Jones have sold their Seagate, Neutral Bay waterfront home.
The four-bedroom property on 383 square metres last traded in 2002 for $2.8 million and before that $2.035 million in 1999.
More than $4 million had been expected through <a href="https://mnb.ljhooker.com.au/1WSWF6N" target="_blank">Richard Harding and Geoff Smith of LJ Hooker Mosman</a>.
<img height="127" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/yieldsbanner.jpg" alt="yieldsbanner">
Most of the rooms open onto landscaped gardens and sunny terraces. And it offered boating enthusiasts a sandstone landing, ramp and boatshed.
The other duplex villa on 424 square metres sold for $4.5 million in 2008 and at $1.56 million in 1998.
<img height="60" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/08/PO_Strap_new.jpg" alt="PO_Strap_new">
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Seagate, Neutral Bay harbourfront home sells pre-auction

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The pharmacist Ross Brown and his wife Joan have sold their picturesque Yarramalong Valley farm which has the original MLC Building marble statue depicting a pair of spectacular lions and protection at its front gate.
Set on the NSW central coast, the 220 hecrtare holding with homestead has sold through Webster Nolan agent David Nolan. There has been no sale price disclosure.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.websternolan.com.au/node/112" target="_blank">Summerlees Park </a>was bought for $1.8 million in 1995 from Charles Lloyd Jones, the late David Jones retailing family member.
It had a three-bedroom stone homestead, modelled on an 1830s colonial home with central courtyard, was designed by architect Roger Charlesworth in 1983.
For the past 10 years Summerlees has been managed by David and Carol Skerry with Summerlees Park currently running cattle.
The property typically runs up to 90 Murray Grey cows and calves.
It was previously lifetime a dairy farm.
Shooting and hunting has not been allowed since the 1995 purchase.
The vendors have planted in excess of 100 Australian Red Cedar Trees (Toona Australis), most of which are in a rainforest grove and will be a legacy to the future owners.
The seeds were sourced locally.

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Summerlees Park homestead and farm at Yarramalong sells

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International Lodge, a 1970 block of 48 apartments sandwiched between Ashdown and Ashton on Elizabeth Bay Road, Elizabeth Bay has been sold in one line.
And they are set to become 21st century SMSF investment pads. Studio and one bedders.
It's one of many blocks designed by the noted architect Harry Seidler aroud the district which include Ithaca Gardens, Ithaca Road, Elizabeth Bay, Aquarius, 50 Roslyn Gardens, Rushcutters Bay, and Ercildoune Apartments, Elizabeth Bay Road, Elizabeth Bay. <a href="https://acms.sl.nsw.gov.au/item/itemDetailPaged.aspx?itemID=52592" target="_blank">The design graphics are lodged at the State Library of NSW</a>.
The Peter Blake book "Harry Seidler: Architecture for the New World" of 1973 has the project featured with Max Dupain photos.
The rumoured sale price of the aging modernism block was just under $19 million.
Apparently after a midnight battle between veteran strata title subdividers, McDonald Industries and Mike Lowry, the eventual winner from Pelican Properties.
The price equates to around $400,000 per apartment. Letting agents ENR declined to reveal the current rentals, but the last known advertised rental Property Observer is aware of was $395 for a one bedder with district views in August last year. 
Its the eight storey high rise building (pictured below) within the complex which includes terraced apartments that were apparently not in the sale.
<img height="498" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/09/05/insights-sept-5-pic-one.jpg" alt="insights-sept-5-pic-one">
Run Property's <a href="https://www.runproperty.com.au/media/39269/run_property_announces_appointment_of_new_sales_manager_-_media_release.pdf" target="_blank">Paul Ephron</a> has been seen showing over designers and the like over 100 Elizabeth Bay Road though he declined to comment on whether it was a prelude to getting the sales marketing campaign.
The individual apartments - which were originally serviced apartments on their early 1970 completion - are expected to come to market later this year with about half having a car space offering.
Down on the loop car spaces could add between $75,000 and $100,000 to the pad price.
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Harry Seidler-designed International Lodge set to be recast as 21st century Elizabeth Bay SMSF investment pads

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The businesswomen Roxy Jacenko didn't get to sell her investment cottage, and former home, at 12 Nelson Street, Woollahra following its August auction listing.
She'd been told she could get an ambitious $3.5 million.
So she has dropped her initial listing agency and gone with <a href="https://www.alisoncoopes.com" target="_blank">Alison Coopes</a>.
Coopes is telling prospective buyers the more realistic $3 million price likelihood.
Jacenko listed her investment property as she's been looking to purchase a commercial property to house her business, Sweaty Betty PR.
The 329 square metre property – with the two-bedroom, two-bathrooms was bought in 2006 for $2.8 million.
Interior designer Blainey North fitted out the double fronted, one story, residential home which was previously for sale in 2011 with a $3 million price tag.
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Roxy Jacenko adjusts price and appoints new listing agent for her Woollahra investment cottage

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Sydney's first known real estate purchase by a significant investor visa holder has been to an $8.5 million Vaucluse mansion buyer.
The ultra-contemporary five-bedroom Captain Pipers Road house (pictured below) was bought by Minqin Wang, whose husband runs a mining transportation company in the Shanxi province, south-west of Beijing. Last month, on approval but before this week's purchase, she told News Ltd papers she wanted to move to Australia because of the weather, her friends who live here, and Australia's strong ties to her home country. Her grandchildren study in Sydney.
"Australia is strongly linked with China - it has a stable economy and social security is stable, it's better than other countries," she said.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/09/04/vau]}
The Wangs are one of less than a dozen approved holders of the significant investor visa which encourages overseas applicants with $5 million or more to invest, typically through Commonwealth, state or territory government bonds, ASIC-regulated managed funds, or Australian proprietary companies. It comes with an entitlement to eventual permanent residency.
Australia's first significant investor visa was granted in May this year to a Chinese toy manufacturer, who invested $5 million in Victorian state government bonds.
To date the much vaunted SIV-effect has been more agent's hype than reality. It will certainly come, but all in good time. The Chinese especially like to take their time.
 The property now sold was actually listed last October through Marion Badenoch of Richardson &amp; Wrench Double Bay when passed in at auction at $8.2 million. And in the interim its street address was changed to a luckier number.
The family was introduced by luxury property specialist Monika Tu of the Black Diamondz agency (???????) to the house designed by architect Kieran McInerney. The vendor was builder Drew Spring who replaced the former red brick apartment block which cost $3.25 million in 2007.
Property Observer recently noted the Immigration Department had received 305 applications for the visa as of last month, with 138 of those in NSW.
It is understood fewer than a dozen have been approved to date.
Some estate agents especially operating at the prestige end of the Sydney and Melbourne markets have been talking about the impact the visa will have on sales and prices for most of this year, but without backing it up with results.
It could be because the government department seems to have almost intentionally dragged the chain on approvals so as to not precipitate local concerns. The Department of Immigration says it will take between six to nine months to process applications.
But the trickle might yet become a torrent as property listings websites are attributing large spikes in searches for Australian property <a style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" target="_blank" href="/news">in part to the ‘SIV-effect’</a>. Direct property investment does not qualify as the $5 million investment, but presumably most successful applicants will then have a prestige home on their shopping list.
It then has the capacity to change the housing dynamic of select suburbs in select capital cities across Australia.
The scheme is being heavily promoted throughout China with the Bank of China recently completing a SIV road show of Chinese cities.
The NSW government has been vocal in its support of the scheme given it requires investors put a third of the required $5 million into NSW Investor Migrant Waratah Bonds – the only state to have such a requirement.
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SIV trickle might yet become a torrent  and change the Australian prestige housing market dynamics

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The property market has its momentum, so just whether it needs another rate cut is arguable. 
And ofcourse the RBA is not the only lever at work within the property market.
There's plenty of experts expecting a fillip from a change of federal government following this Saturday.
The Sydney-based LJ Hooker deputy chair L Janusz Hooker says that a change of government will help fuel the buoyancy and there will be continued confidence and strengthening of prices.
Property economist Martin Bregozzo actually argues there is an overstated correlation between interest rates and house prices.
He points to the following chart that examines the relationship between the change to interest rates and the change to the nominal median Australian house price — taken as the weighted average of the six capital cities.
Click to enlarge
<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2013/02/bregozzofeb25chart.gif" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2013/02/bregozzofeb25chartthumb.gif"></a>
Bregozzo concludes For the past 32 years to 2012, the annual change to nominal house prices may be explained by changes to interest rates for some 37.8% of the time.
And then he says what’s really interesting is that for part of the time the correlation is negative — when rates go down, prices go up and vice versa — while for part, a positive correlation, and for part of the time there is no correlation.
When the data is examined on a quarterly basis, the “relationship” becomes even more tenuous 12% correlation. When comparing of the annual change to interest rates and real house prices the correlation is 20.7%.
Its the wise conclusion that while interest rates have some impact on house prices, both are responding to and participating in the overall economic cycle.
So the specifics of locality and population interact with the economic cycle as key drivers of price at the  local level. And also the recent price momentum or lack of as has been the case in Sydney over the past decade.
RP Data research shows capital city values have increased at a 4.4% annual rate since 2003, with Sydney the laggard of all capital cities over the subsequent 10 years with the annual rise in values being just 2.5%.
Every other capital city fared better from Canberra's 4.5% growth to Darwin's 9.8%.
The depth of the post-gfc cautious conservatism as borrowers are building buffers into their loans differs across various demographics across the country.
And the other factor that impacts on the weight of reaction is that some 40% of borrowers are ahead in their repayments with 15% by two or more years.
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The RBA cash rate is not the only lever at work within the property market

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"You only have to go out on a Saturday in Sydney and see the number of people turning up at open inspections – real estate is hot at the moment," says the Sydney-based LJ Hooker deputy chair L Janusz Hooker.
"Agents are reporting an increasing number of properties are selling after the first inspection and often above expectations after fielding several offers.’’
But Mr Hooker cautions the strong Sydney scenario doesn't mean boom conditions with other markets around the country still struggling.
For instance, in Melbourne’s CBD, apartments sales are still slow due to an oversupply, he says.
"It is also likely as more property comes onto the market in what is expected to be a buoyant spring, competition could ease and help stabilise prices."
He says there is an undersupply of property listings in Sydney as well as in Perth, parts of Melbourne and Canberra.
"But it will be interesting to see what will happen to prices as more stock comes onto the market,’’ Mr Hooker said.
"My feeling is that a change of Government will help fuel the buoyancy and there will be continued confidence and strengthening of prices.’’
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L Janusz Hooker says a change of government will assist the strengthening of house prices

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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