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Mirvac Group chairman James MacKenzie has resigned, a year after he ­survived a vote to remove him, according to The Australian Financial Review.
His departure was confirmed before the trust’s full-year results, with Mr MacKenzie’s replacement expected to be announced at the annual general meeting.
"2013 has been a significant year of turnaround for the Mirvac Group," he has told security holders.
"As the group's chairman, I am very pleased with the performance of the group.
"Right across the business, momentum is positive.
"Under the leadership of Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz the team developed and articulated a clear strategy based on a disciplined focus on areas of cogpetitive advantage, and the team is already executing in line with that strategy with considerable success.
"I have been chairman of Mirvac since 2005, and overseen the turnaround of the company over the past 12 months, I feel it is the right time to hand over the mantle to someone new."
The exit bookends the year which began when Mirvac's then chief executive, Nick Collishaw departed in August 2012 to be replaced by Mirvac’s current chief, Sue Lloyd-Hurwitz.
Mr MacKenzie's directorships including Yancoal and Melco Crown Entertainment.
Last November James MacKenzie was re-elected as chairman of Mirvac, but not before copping a bashing from some small shareholders in attendance.
MacKenzie had the unanimous backing of Mirvac board members for his re-appointment as well as from major and institutional shareholders following his decision to sack former managing director and CEO Nick Collishaw and replace him with London-based Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz.
The final vote was 87.8% in his favour with all other board re-appointments also confirmed by shareholders by a similar majority.
Shareholders that attended the meeting accounted for just 0.11% of Mirvac stock with major and institutional shareholders voting by proxy.
Prior to the vote, MacKenzie’s seven year tenure came under fire from a number of small shareholders disgruntled with the performance of the company over this period.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Mirvac Group chairman James MacKenzie resigns

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Fairfax Media has yet to convince analysts and strategic investors on the likely worth in acquiring its digital Domain real estate interests.
The Australian Financial Review says private equity remains unconvinvced on whether Domain "could stand on its own two feet before selling to REA Group or a large offshore player."
The company recently split out Domain’s numbers for the first time.
With digital ad revenue growth of 16% to $77 million, Domain digital is a strong earner within Fairfax Media.
Its got to be as Domain print revenues fell 32% to $50 million. Overall revenues for all the group’s continuing businesses were down 5.9%.
Last financial year Domain's revenues were $74 million print and $66 million digital. 
The shift to digital was further highlighted in today's results showing 31% digital EBITDA growth and -45% for print EBITDA.
 
<table width="495" cellpadding="7" cellspacing="0" border="1" dir="ltr"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" width="33%" valign="top" height="7">
                           FY13
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="33%" valign="top" height="7">
                       FY12
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="33%" valign="top" height="7">
                     %
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" width="33%" valign="top" height="7">
                            A$m
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="33%" valign="top" height="7">
                       A$m
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="33%" valign="top" height="7">
                  change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
Advertising - Print
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">

50.1
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
74.3
</td>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
(32.6%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
Advertising - Digital
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">

77.2
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
66.4
</td>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
16.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
Total Revenue
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">

127.3
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
140.7
</td>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
(9.5%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
Costs
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">

(85.8)
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
(96.1)
</td>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
(10.7%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
EBITDA
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">

41.5
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
44.6
</td>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
(7.0%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
EBITDA - Print
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">

12.1
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
22.1
</td>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
(45.2%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
EBITDA - Digital
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">

29.4
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
22.5
</td>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
30.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
Margin - Print
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">

24.2%
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
29.7%
</td>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
(18.8%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
Margin - Digital
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">

38.1%
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
33.9%
</td>
<td width="25%" valign="top" height="6">
12.4%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
But it appears the ever-present doubt surrounds Domain’s intellectual property which will force a dampening of IPO expectation.
Especially "what would stop Fairfax or another player setting up a new business in the wake of any sale," the AFR's Street Talk column noted.
Domain apparently says its relationship with estate agents represented a sufficient barrier to entry, along with its existing website and mobile infrastructure. 
Domain has 7,729 agent subscribers, growth of 21% versus prior year.
It claims 78% market penetration.
However Property Observer is aware that leading Sydney estate agents - some associated with the early 1990s Eastern Express community newspaper publishing venture - are quietly considering a digital renaissance.
*Jonathan Chancellor was property editor of the SMH between 1986 and 2011.
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Leading Sydney estate agents considering a digital listing website, as Domain IPO hopes fade

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While bank branches were once the most solid long-term tenants, now the winds of change are undermining their permanence for landlords. 
It seems the rise in ATM, telephone and internet banking are taking their toll, with the number of branches across the country falling for the first time in 11 years.
The issue the banks are confronting is who needs to go into a branch when all its features are at your fingertips?
The latest <a href="https://www.apra.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx">Australian Prudential Regulation Authority </a>data shows the number of branches nationally fell 2% last year from 6631 to 6501 branches at the end of June 2013.
The ANZ made the most cuts to its branch network, down 10 branches from 794 to 784.
It was the only one of the majors to close outlets. In contrast the Commonwealth's network rose by 132 branches to 1158.
This loss of the 130 branches nationally was mainly felt in Queensland where 46 branches closed, with the almost halving of the Rural Bank network having the biggest single impact. 
The Rural Bank is owned by the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank group.
But not all banks saw the need to cut personal service, with the roll out of Bank of Melbourne branches by Westpac bucking the trend.
It added 72 branches over the past two years pushing the total number of branches in Victoria to 1,273 - up 1%. 
The plight of branches is even more dire overseas, with banks cutting 5500 branches across the European Union last year – 2.5% of the total. The region has 20,000 fewer outlets than it had when the financial industry was plunged into crisis in 2008. Last year’s cuts come after 7200 branches were axed in 2011, according to data analysed by Reuters from European Central Bank statistics. Perhaps they should heed the words of former Westpac boss Peter Hanlon who admitted in 2009 that its two-decade policy of shutting branches has cost it - and consumers - dearly.
In retrospect, he admitted to the Daily Telegraph, removing customer-orientated bank managers and centralising operations ‘’was a massive mistake’’.
The bank was hiring 400 new bank managers, telling them to be more hands-on, giving them more autonomy, and requiring them to be more active in their local communities.
He said the banks had failed to care adequately for customers by morphing into an automated and faceless service that account holders ‘’were increasingly fed up with’’.
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Mainly rural, but Australia loses 130 bank and credit union branches in past year

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Two strata property on Melbourne’s pedestrian thoroughfare, The Causeway have been sold.
They were sold "under very competitive conditions," according to Fitzroys agent Charles Emmett.
Shop 5, a 45 square metre retail premises leased to Gordon’s Café (pictured below left), sold for $1.51 million, some $460,000 above reserve.
Returning $67,700 per annum net, the sale price reflected a yield of 4.48%.
<img height="153" width="235" src="/images/stories/2013/08/laneway-aug-21-one-2.jpg" alt="laneway-aug-21-one-2"><img height="157" width="235" src="/images/stories/2013/08/laneway-aug-21-two-2.jpg" alt="laneway-aug-21-two-2" style="font-size: 0.8em;">
The partially fitted Basement (pictured above right), with an area of 204 square metres approx and without “retail access”, sold for $675,000 plus GST.
 
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The Causeway, Melbourne strata offerings sell

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There are allegations that people in South Australia have been contacted by phone by individuals identifying themselves as officers from The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)offering financial advice.
They are then seeking access to people’s homes to provide information on how to pay off your mortgage via accessing the NRAS.
These claims are false and may be a scam.
The individual or individuals do in no way represent FaHCSIA or the Commonwealth.
FaHCSIA officers do not:
<ul>
<li>contact members of the public promoting NRAS;</li>
<li>seek to make appointments with people at their home; or</li>
<li>contact members of the public asking for personal information, such as banking details.</li>
</ul>
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South Australia NRAS scam alert

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New Limited economics columnist Terry McCrann says the RBA board is worried about a "property bubble.’’
He says the RBA is concerned that the only stimulus that would come from even lower rates was "to the second-hand property market and the bank accounts of real estate agents’’.
"In short, it's worried about "stimulating" a property bubble, McCrann wrote in his column today on the prospect of any further cash rate cuts.
He says the RBA ‘’is hostage’’ to what the US Federal Reserve does which will impact the US dollar and, indirectly, the Australian dollar.
The right moves would see our dollar slide to the 80s ‘’and hopefully stay there’’.
He says that would rule out any further rate cuts, although <a target="_blank" href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/business/rba-may-cut-rate-further/story-fni0d8gi-1226700920257">China was another wildcard</a>.
McCrann is one of a less than a handful of economic commentators credited with<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/economy/rba-independence-on-the-line-in-complex-cup-day-scenario-christopher-joye/2011102752092"> insider RBA access</a>.
 
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RBA worried it's close to stimulating a property bubble: Terry McCrann 

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The QBE Group has raised its lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) premiums by 9% this year.
Despite falling mortgage default rates, its chief John Neal, told a media briefing yesterday that QBE anticipated more volatility in the housing market in years to come.
‘‘Our assumptions are not that there’s going to be a housing price crash in Australia,”  Neal advised.
“But... if you look out beyond certainly the next two to three years, there’s a little bit more volatility. So hence adjusting the prices now for products that will actually be in force right the way through to 2023 to 2025,’’ Australian Broker Online reported.
QBE and Genworth enjoy 75% of the market.
‘‘When someone pays us a premium in 2013, we think the life of the policy is between nine and ten years…So you’re trying to look forward into the market place and make sure you’ve charged the right premium today over quite an extended period.’’
Last month <a target="_blank" href="/news">Property Observer noted </a>borrowers who don’t have a 20% deposit will be forced to pay higher lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) premiums following the two dominant providers.
LMI is a one-off premium that protects lenders if a borrower defaults on their home loan - if the property sells at a loss, the lender can make a claim against its LMI provider for the shortfall.
LMI can added thousands of dollars to the cost of buying a home and is particularly an issue for first-home buyers given the 20% deposit requirement.
Calculations using the Genworth LMI premium estimator show that a first-home buyer borrowing 95% on a house valued at $500,000 (so a $25,000 deposit) would be required to pay an LMI premium of close to $16,000 on a 30 year variable-rate loan.
A 10% deposit would reduce the premium to just under $8,000.
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No property price crash, but QBE lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) premiums on the rise

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 The  Mezzaluna Potts Point building has been listed for lease through Metro Commercial.

 Seating 120 diners, its a three level building at 123 Victoria Street.
<img alt="potts_point_aug_19_one" src="/images/stories/2013/08/potts_point_aug_19_one.jpg" width="470" height="353">
In 1999 Mezzaluna was being run by Marc Polese who opened the restaurant in 1992.
His father Beppi had at that time been running a restaurant in Sydney for 43 years.
Beppi Polese opened Beppi's restaurant in East Sydney in 1956, married Norma in 1958, and Marc was born in 1961.
The family's second restaurant was the old Butler's restaurant on Victoria Street which was vacant.
It is now vacant with around $4000 a week being sought through Allan Levy at Metro Commercial. 
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The Mezzaluna premises at 123 Victoria Street Potts Point for lease by Polese family

Some $3.75 million has been paid for the Clark Walton-designed Nicholson Street Balmain offering.

The&nbsp;36 Nicholson Street property was last sold&nbsp;in 2006 for $4,391,000 by&nbsp;Reg Dickson&nbsp;who moved to a Pomeroy, Potts Point&nbsp;apartment bought from Jackie Stricker and Kerryn Phelps.

It was sold this time by&nbsp;Brad Caldwell-Eyles&nbsp;of 1st City inconjunction with Bresic Whitney by the&nbsp;Page family.

Set on a&nbsp;450 square metre block&nbsp;the&nbsp;secluded waterfront residence&nbsp;is approached by a driveway and stairs leading down to the front door.

Designed in the early 1980s by architect Clark Walton, the residence is suited to couples wanting a&nbsp;relaxed waterside home. Built in 1984 it was&nbsp;renovated in 1998.

There are&nbsp;plished Jarrah floors extending from the entry vestibule into a mezzanine wrapping the entire upper level and overlooking a central open-plan living area on the lower level.

The&nbsp;mezzanine feels like the bridge of ship.

The water&rsquo;s edge comes with pontoon and mooring pen.

Clark Walton-designed Nicholson Street, Balmain waterfront sale

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Australia is not set get any cap on loan-to-value ratios (LVRs) under the RBA governorship of Glenn Stevens.
Indeed the RBA has actually cautioned against a cap on loan-to-valuation ratios (LVRs) for mortgages, which could be varied from time to time, as has been adopted in some countries including New Zealand from October this year.
Its the bank view that a cap would have little impact on buyers trading up, but squeeze first-home buyers out of the market.
Australia already has a prudential framework requiring higher risk weights on high LVR loans.
Practically speaking the presence of non-bank lenders which are not subject to restrictions imposed by the RBA or APRA would mean that high loan to value mortgages would still be available in any event.
Last year Luci Ellis, head of the RBA’s Financial Stability Department, stressed borrowers needed to provide some deposit when they buy a home.
"It protects them if something goes wrong for them, like a job loss or illness, especially if it happens at the same time that housing prices are falling,” Ellis said.
Banks typically require a minimum deposit of between 5% and 10% - and even 20%.
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RBA unlikely to follow Reserve Bank of New Zealand on home loan lending restrictions

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. 
&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.

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&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.

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Jonathan Chancellor

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