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Despite the home affordability concerns, Gen Y has not given up on home ownership.
A survey of more than 2000 students across Australia between the ages of 17 and 29 found that 94% are thinking of  buying a property during the next five years or so.
They are also saving an average $150 a week to achieve their goal, according to The Future Leaders Index, commissioned by The Co-op Bookshop.
Women especially seek home ownership as of the women surveyed, 77% said it "was as important to them as it was to their parents" compared with 72% of men.
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The home ownership aspiration is stronger in the younger demographic and regional against metropolitian.
The chief marketing officer at the Co-op, Greg Smith, said the findings indicated the the age group was "starting to evolve into Gen S - Generation Sensible."
"The findings clearly challenge the fairly commonly held populist view of Gen Y as living large, carefree and making lifestyle purchases over saving," he said.
The results also show tempered realism towards property ownership: with eight in 10 agree that because of the high cost of houses, many will  never own their own home outright - ie be mortgage free.
"This is a generation that is acutely aware of the major issues of unaffordability of housing going forward, but at the same time is clearly confident that even if they don’t ever own their own home, it’s still a good idea long term," Mr Smith said.
The fifth RAMS first home buyer survey, released over the weekend, indicated the profile of the typical first home buyer continued to evolve with about a third of first home buyers now more likely to be aged over 36.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Gen Y desire home ownership, even if it's for a lifetime of mortgage repayments

The historic gothic 1914 Mount Martha mansion Glynt Manor, briefly known as Demetri&rsquo;s Castle during its SBS reality television series, has been sold again.

It was recently onsold by&nbsp;the prominent Zampelis restaurateur family to the Stavretis family at $3.22 million.

The Zampelis family had snapped up the property for $3,399,000 in late 2011.

The latest transaction&nbsp;represents a second loss-making sale for the property which was briefly available for rent during the brief Zampelis ownership.

The earlier 2011 sale&nbsp;<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/demetri-s-castle-sells-for-%24900000-loss-not-including-televised-labour-of-love/2011111352335" target="_blank">represented a $900,000 loss</a> in three years by the Commonwealth Bank in the&nbsp;mortgagee sale.

Glynt Manor hit the headlines when&nbsp;then vendors, hair and make-up artists Demetri and Lila Sideropoulos, sought&nbsp;$6.5 million in 2010.&nbsp;

On its listing the Sideropouloses indicated they were selling to pursue opportunities overseas, saying they didn&#39;t get attached to things.

The nine-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion had been&nbsp;bought by the Greek couple in 2008 for $4.3 million from Michael Puttock and Diana Carr.

They then thoroughly renovated it into a family home and bed-and-breakfast on the SBS documentary Demetri&rsquo;s Castle, which is currently being replayed on Sunday nights.

Glynt Manor&nbsp;sits on about 8,000 square metres, with views of Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne lights in the distance. It was designed by Harold Desbrowe Annear as a single-storey farmhouse for the Henty family, descendants of Victoria&#39;s first European settlers.

It bears a similarity to another of his designs, Delgany at Portsea. Its later owners included the Buxton family from 1917 to 1983 when the then 31-hectare property featured sweeping lawns, orchards and farmlands that ran right to the edge of the bay.

In 1969 the family subdivided the property but retained the manor and two hectares of beautiful English- and French-inspired gardens.

In 1983 the property was sold to new owners, who restored the grand old manor and ran it as a tourism resort, naming it &quot;Glynt By The Sea&quot;. It was again run as a bed-and-breakfast from the mid-1990s by the adventure travel pioneer Bill King.

Mark Callan and William Gilchrist bought the property in 1997 and commissioned Yarraville architect Hugh Basset to undertake some interior redesigns while the home&#39;s former gardener, Bob Barker, who started work at Glynt in the late 1920s, returned to restore the gardens.

The duo sold the property in 2000 for $2.35 million.

Property Observer is not aware of the intentions of the new owners, a company directed by Brighton resident, Frances Stavretis.&nbsp;

Glynt Manor - Demetri's Castle - at Mt Martha onsold by Zampelis restaurateur family

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Veteran economics columnists Terry McCrann and Robert Gottliebsen wrote last week that the RBA told the big four banks that a housing price boom is currently its greatest fear.
It seems someone at Westpac ought tell the Bank of Melbourne given their current advertising campaign.
<img alt="bank-of-melbourne-aug-22" src="/images/stories/2013/08/bank-of-melbourne-aug-22.jpg" width="470" height="629">
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Someone forgot to tell the Bank of Melbourne that we don't want irrational exuberance

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Melbourne's clearance rate was 82% this weekend, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.
It compared to 74% last weekend and 57% this weekend last year. There were 540 auctions reported to the REIV on Saturday, with a preliminary 82% and upped to 573 auctions by Sunday afternoon, also reflecting 82% success.
There were some 700 scheduled auctions, so 127 results yet to be tallied. Next weekend the REIV expects around 850 auctions.
Australian Property Monitors reported the Sydney clearance rate was 79% today, the first time in seven weeks when the preliminary result dipped below 80%.
It was based on 286 results with 415 results scheduled so 129 more results to be tallied.
Last's week's 81.6% initial Sydney result was actually adjusted during the course of later result collection to 76.4%. 
There are around 538 auctions scheduled for next weekend in Sydney.
Auction listings on the day of the federal election are down 44% in Sydney, but just 15% in Melbourne compared to last year, according to Australia Property Monitors.
There are 199 scheduled auctions in Sydney on September 7 and 414 in Melbourne.
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Baton change? Melbourne records 82% auction clearance rate and Sydney's 79% falls short of recent highs

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The rising trend in Sydney auction listings continues with 412 properties scheduled to go under the hammer this weekend compared to 297 over the same weekend in 2012.
Australian Property Monitors says Sydney’s inner west is the most popular region for auctions with 69 properties.
The next most popular region is Sydney’s south with 59 auctions followed by the upper north shore with 57 auctions with the city and east and the lower north shore each with 38.
Strathfield is the busiest suburb for auctions with 9 auctions followed by Mosman on the lower north shore with 7.
Rozelle, Greenacre, Yagoona and Baulkham Hills all have six home auctions scheduled this weekend.
APM's senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson says the Sydney home auction market continues to track at record levels with last weekend’s 81.6% clearance rate the sixth consecutive result above 80%.
Weekend auction clearance rates have averaged 81.6 percent over the past 6 weeks compared to an average of just 61.5 percent over the same period last year.
Some 1576 properties have been offered for auction in the Sydney weekend market this month, nearly 40% higher than the 1131 offered over the same weeks last year.
Seller activity is on the rise in Melbourne with the 2253 properties listed for auction so far in August which is 22% higher than 1847 listed over the same weeks last August.
Last weekend’s Melbourne auction clearance rate of 75% which APM noted was the highest recorded so far this year with success rates now averaging 70% over the past month.
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Sydney weekend auctions levels 40% higher than last August

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Auction listings on the day of the federal election are down 44% in Sydney, but just 15% in Melbourne compared to last year, according to Australia Property Monitors.
There are 199 scheduled auctions in Sydney on September 7 and 414 in Melbourne.
That's compared to 538 auctions scheduled for the weekend before in Sydney and 703 in Melbourne.
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Would you be comfortable auctioning your property on election day? Property Observer Poll.</a>
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Sydney vendors avoiding September 7 election auction clash more than Melbourne vendors

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Anthony Callea, the singer, and his actor partner, Tim Campbell have listed their Sanctuary Lakes property.
Its the locality where Callea spent his teenage years in the lead up to his stardom when he ran second to Casey Donovan in the 2004 series of Australian Idol.
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The house (pictured below) is priced at $675,000 to $695,000. It was bought by the duo in 2008 for $557,500 from Cipressi Home Constructions.  
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/08/aug16sanc2]}
It's marketed as offering inspired architectural elements of resort living in an exclusive, secure gated precinct.
There are four bedrooms and three designer bathrooms.
Its "palatial main bedroom is privately positioned upstairs with access to balcony capturing panoramic golf course views and includes walk-in robe and luxurious floor-to-ceiling tiled en suite bathroom with double vanity," the marketing says.
No recording studio there, but there is a piano.
Its Barry Plant listing agent declined to discuss the listing with Title Tattle, and has since pulled the listing down from the website.
Another property (pictured below) priced at $955,000 to $985,000 has been listed by Anthony's mother, Santina Callea.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/08/aug16sanc1]}
Its marketed as offering unparalleled luxury. The custom built house was architect-design inspired by high end resort living "as an expression of the owners" vision to create a home of uncompromising quality.
"The perfect oasis for entertaining family and friends."
It has five bedrooms plus study, three bathrooms plus powder room.
It comes with sound-proof studio within the house of 52 squares on its 630 square metre block. The property cost $165,000 in 2004.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/august-23-flicker-4-craigieburn-pakenham-and-point-cook-top-the-most-youthful-mortgage-markets-in-victorian-reiv/2013080663900" target="_blank">Point Cook </a>ranks among the Melbourne suburbs with the most youthful of home loan borrowers. 
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Singers Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell list Sanctuary Lakes property: Title Tattle

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According to the 2011 Census, the average age of people holding a mortgage in Victoria was a young 32.
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) has estimated that around 19% of all individual mortgage holders are aged under 30 years old.
The REIV set out to find where they were all buying across Victoria.
Given young buyers have not had the time to build considerable savings, not have access to a great deal of equity which means that they are very price sensitive.
It’s therefore unsurprising that the most popular suburbs for them tend to be the more affordable ones which also tend to be in the outer or regional suburbs, the REIV said.
In the metropolitan context, the most popular suburb for young buyers are:
<ul>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/melbourne/outer-north/craigieburn/houses-for-sale/" title="Craigieburn Houses for Sale">Craigieburn</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/melbourne/outer-south-east/pakenham/houses-for-sale/" title="Pakenham Houses for Sale">Pakenham</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/melbourne/inner-west/point-cook/" title="Point Cook Real Estate">Point Cook</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/melbourne/outer-south-east/berwick/houses-for-sale/" title="Berwick Houses for Sale">Berwick</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/melbourne/outer-western/tarneit/houses-for-sale/" title="Tarneit Houses for Sale">Tarneit</a></li>
</ul>
These suburbs have median house prices ranging from $315,000 to $460,000, which typically translates to average mortgage repayments of around $2,000 to $3,000 per month.
In the regional context, the most popular towns are:
<ul>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/victoria/la-trobe/traralgon/houses-for-sale/" title="Traralgon Houses for Sale">Traralgon</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/victoria/sunraysia/mildura/houses-for-sale/" title="Mildura Houses for Sale">Mildura</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/victoria/greater-shepparton/shepparton/" title="Shepparton Real Estate">Shepparton</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/victoria/glenelg-warrnambool/warrnambool/houses-for-sale/" title="Warrnambool Houses for Sale">Warrnambool</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/melbourne/greater-geelong/grovedale/" title="Grovedale Real Estate">Grovedale</a></li>
</ul>
The median house prices in these areas range from $222,000 to $364,800, equating to average mortgage repayments of around $1,300 to $2,300 per month.
Their analysis confirmrf the long term trend of young buyers buying in the outer growth suburbs.
"It is reasonable to expect that as housing density increases in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/melbourne/melbourne/" title="Inner city real estate">inner city</a> there will also be an increasing greater number of young buyers there.
"However at this point in time, the overall volumes are low compared to the outer suburbs," the REIV said.
This concentration of younger buyers in growing new suburbs has obvious impacts on the provision of services by governments as these families invariably have children and who will require childcare, schools and recreational facilities.
The REIV noted it was interesting to reflect that the majority of mortgage holders, 53%, are aged between 35 and 54 with the highest concentration being between 40 and 44.

<hr>
Photo of Point Cook courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/boobook48/">Lorraine Phelan</a>/flickr.
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Craigieburn, Pakenham and Point Cook top the most youthful mortgage markets in Victoria: REIV

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There were no solicitor or barrister dramatics on the NSW Supreme Court steps when the damages appeal matter of actress Toni Collette and her musician husband Dave Galafassi was up for its first directions hearing in the NSW Court  of Appeal yesterday.
Indeed there was no appearances from the other side either.
It seems actress Toni Collette and her musician husband Dave Galafassi have possibly withdrawn their appeal over the May court order that they pay $800,000 plus in damages after pulling out of a Paddington terrace purchase.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/toni-collette-ordered-to-pay-%24814000-difference-after-dumped-paddington-property-purchase-title-tattle/2013053161811">The couple were ordered</a> to make the payment after reneging on a $6.35 million deal with fashion industry couple Susan and Nick Kelly in September 2011.
The Kelly's eventually sold their Stewart Street home for $5.5 million and then took legal action to recover their losses from the original incompleted agreement made with Collette and Galafassi.
The actress and her husband lodged an appeal with a directions mention scheduled for August 21.
Title Tattle gathers the couple have dropped the appeal and will pay the damages amount in periodic payments.
Collette has been in New York filming the television drama Hostages alongside Dylan McDermott.
The court record yesterday showed no appearances before Registrar J Riznyczok, who relisted it for further directions for September 11.
Designed by architectAnthony Gill and completed in 2009, the five-bedroom, four-bathroom house on a 360-square-metre block sold for a record for the southern side of Oxford Street, Paddington.
Consisting of two classic Victorian terraces combined into a palatial single residence, the contemporary tri-level family retreat had been reinvented after the merger of two terraces costing $2.15 million in 2003 and $1.865 million in 2005.
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No appearances from either side in Toni Collette Paddington court appeal stoush

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ASIC has permanently banned the former mortgage broker and financial services representative, Edward Richard George, from Mudgee.
Edward George was banned from providing financial services and engaging in credit activities after ASIC found him to be not fit and proper or of good character.
ASIC found he engaged in dishonest conduct after an investigation looked into Mr George’s conduct when he was a broker operating under the name Quest Home Loans. ASIC found that on two occasions between March and July 2011 Mr George falsified and submitted eight documents for four deposit guarantees and one home loan.
A deposit guarantee (also known as a deposit bond), is a substitute for a cash deposit in purchasing a house.
 The applications were for himself and four clients.
The false documents included loan approval letters, employment letters and payslips. "Mr George’s dishonest conduct is incompatible with the honesty, integrity, diligence and judgment that is required of those in the industry," ASIC deputy chairman Peter Kell said. Mr George has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of ASIC’s decision.
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ASIC bans Edward George from Mudgee after Quest Home Loans investigation

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.

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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. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240] 
&nbsp; 
<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. 
&nbsp; 
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. 
&nbsp; 
"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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362566] 
&nbsp; 
"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. 
&nbsp; 
"<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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&nbsp; 
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. 
&nbsp; 
"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. 
&nbsp; 
"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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&nbsp; 
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. 
&nbsp; 
With limited residences and marina berths remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> continues to attract strong interest from owner occupiers and downsizers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle within close proximity to Putne​y Village, Rh​odes, Top Ry​de and the Syd​ney CBD. 
&nbsp; 
As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.

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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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Jonathan Chancellor

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