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Australia could experience "the mother of all dwelling booms", according to the veteran columnist Robert Gottliebsen. 
"Australians are going to rush for bricks and mortar," he forecast pinpointing a three-pronged expected boost to prices as a very low interest rate environment encourages investors to pull back on saving in favour of borrowing and spending.
"First is a dramatic push to lift the demand for dwellings by banks offering cut mortgage rates thanks to Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens.
"But second, and just as importantly, there is reluctance by banks to fund new supply.
"In any commodity if you inflate demand and squeeze supply, prices go through the roof.
"Thirdly taxpayers will subsidise the boom via a massive increase in the use of negative gearing via both personal and superannuation tax breaks.
"Longer term, that will damage the economy and the Reserve Bank will have to take responsibility for pulling the price boom trigger," he wrote on Business Spectator.
He says most of the demand will be from investors, including those using their self-managed funds, plus the Chinese.
"First home buyers will obviously contribute at the lower end."
Rather than buy shares, "Australians are going to rush for bricks and mortar as they always have in situations like this.
"And when they see the market about to rise they just jump in."
He said it was underway in the inner city of Sydney, and although there was "a fair amount of supply" Melbourne, along with Brisbane, will quickly follow, although perhaps not with the same intensity.
"When you see a rush of demand, what you need is supply. Given that the main demand is in inner city areas supply takes a long while to generate. "Banks are reluctant to lend to developers – especially given recent failures – and the approval process is very slow."
He suggested the capacity of the building industry had been curbed by the post gfc slump with many have been forced out of business.
"The tax office and the banks played a big role in this," he said.
"Because we are dealing with existing properties, an inner city boom does not boost employment until developers can fund and gain approval for new projects. Of course, when it spreads to outer suburban areas then it does boost employment.
"At some time (not in the short term) Glenn Stevens will be forced to address the inner city property boom which he triggered in August 2013 – probably by increasing interest rates at an inappropriate time."
"Negative gearing may also be curbed," he added.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Robert Gottliebsen forecasts "mother of all dwelling booms" driven by property investors

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Reality television stars Polly and Waz have sold their Chatswood investment property for $645,000. It was after a nervous night during which they tweeted their anxiety.
Listed with $590,000 plus hopes, the apartment is located at 15 Church Street. Its sale price reflected 27% price growth over the past five years, slightly down on the median apartment price in <a href="/news">Chatswood</a> which sits at $660,000, and a 30% rise over the past five years, according to RP Data.
The renovated apartment features two bedrooms and one bathroom with CaesarStone gas kitchen and a living and dining area, which leads to an entertainers' balcony.
Polly Porter and Warwick "Waz" Jones (<a href="https://www.pollyandwaz.com/" target="_blank">pictured</a>) purchased <a href="https://exclusiveproperties.com.au/3of15-19church" target="_blank">the already renovated property</a> in April 2008 for $505,000, after it was listed with $490,000 plus hopes.<img style="float: right;" alt="polly_and_waz" src="/images/stories/2013/07/polly_and_waz.jpg" width="200" height="133">
They won the 2011 Richmond cottage season of the hit Channel 9 show.
The investment property price appreciation over the five years was 4.6% annually.
<img alt="yieldsbanner" src="/images/stories/2013/07/yieldsbanner.jpg" width="470" height="127">
It sold through Hugh Macfarlan and Rebecca Harrison of Raine &amp; Horne Chatswood.
The apartment is in a 1974 complex of 17 units. Renovated in 2007, it comes with elevated entry level unit and balcony totalling around 85 square metres plus a 40 square metre garage and workshop.

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Richmond Blockheads Polly and Waz secure $645,000 for their Chatswood investment property

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The legendary Easybeats band member, Harry Vanda is selling his Rose Bay harbourfront home after three decades and its already, not-unexpectedly, attracting Chinese buying interest.
<a href="https://www.richs.com.au/properties/residential/House-NSW-Rose+Bay-114853927" target="_blank">It comes with hopes of $20 million plus</a>.
He bought the 830 square metre Bayview Hill Road property in early 1983 for $667,500 with his wife, Robyn and then built the five-bedroom, four-bathroom brick house.
It was bought from Dr Peter Duke and his wife, Meryl.
The three level, dress circle property has been listed through Paul Rich of Rich's Double Bay.
"It's wonderful opportunity to secure an exceptional waterfront home situated in a magnificent internationally recognised position," he said of its postcard perfect view towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
It had been listed last October through McGrath Estate Agents who didn't find a buyer. 
Mystery still surrounds the nearby sale earlier this year by the veteran technology investor Neill Miller for a rumoured $30 million on extended settlement terms.
There was no public marketing of the contemporary Rose Bay abode built on the harbourfront reserve location at the base of the steep cul-de-sac sandwiched between the Kambala and Kincoppal-Rose Bay schools.
The land was bought for $7.75 million in 2002 along with a $3 million acquistion in 2005 of a portion hived off from Sacred Heart convent land holdings.
Their dress circle property is close to the $15 million sale recorded last year when the Anne Lewis harbourfront house through Ken Jacobs of Christie's International inconjunction with Andrew Livingston of McGrath. 
Harry Vanda and business partner George Young are credited as among the most important members in the Australian music industry - initially as the songwriters of the Australian band of the 1960s, the Easybeats and then in the 1970s behind the success of the likes of John Paul Young, Stevie Wright, the Angels and AC/DC.
The Easybeats song, Friday on My Mind was voted the best Australian song of all time at the 2001 Australasian Performing Rights Association awards.
 
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Muso Harry Vanda lists $20 million Rose Bay harbourfront

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There was a preliminary auction clearance rate of 81.6% this weekend across Sydney, according to Australian Property Monitors.
It was the sixth week when the initial clearance rate sat at 80% or higher.
There were 299 auctions reported to APM of the expected weekend total of 399 auctions, so 100 results yet to be tallied.
After last weekend's late tally, the clearance rate slipped from the initial 83.8% to 79.2%.
It's not the first of the plus 80% preliminary results to be revised down to slightly below 80% during the current six week streak.
The clearance rate was 58.8% on this weekend last year, according to APM.  
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Sydney secures its sixth 80% plus weekend auction success rate, sort of

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There was a preliminary clearance rate of 76% this weekend across Melbourne, bettering last weekend's 74% and the 55% this weekend last year.
There were 523 auctions reported to the REIV of the expected weekend total of 650 auctions.
All three weekend in August have recorded a clearance rate above 70% tracking substantially better than last year, when the average winter clearance rate was 57%.
The Saturday night preliminary weekend clearance rate advisory has been above 70% since the June 8 week, having been hovering in the 60s for most of the year.
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Melbourne secures a 76% weekend auction success rate: REIV

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Selling in winter made a lot of sense this year, but the emerging big jump in auction numbers will shortly test the depth of the market place.
There are plenty of early birds putting their properties to auction on Saturday August 31, 2013.
Sydney has a record 500 plus vendors jumping in before spring officially starts and Melbourne has 700 plus vendors over the next two weekends, according to Australian Property Monitors.
Especially in Sydney, these numbers are substantially higher than in any recent year, with Property Obverver tracking back to winter 2008.
On the last Saturday of winter 2012 there were 300 auction offerings in Sydney and 520 in Melbourne.
On the last winter Saturday in 2011 there were 375 auctions in Sydney and 560 in Melbourne.
In 2010 there were 430 in Sydney, and with Melbourne then an auction powerhouse there were 720 offerings in Melbourne on that last August Saturday in 2010.
Sydney had 300 and Melbourne 650 listings on August 29, 2009.
Sydney had 300 and Melbourne 550 listings on August 30, 2008.  
The August 31, 2013 push is, in part, a reaction of vendors seeking to avoid the clash with the September 7 federal election.
September, while the official start to the spring selling season, is a tricky month given there are the interuptions of the grand final weekend, especially in Melbourne, and also school holidays. 
So yes the winter property season does bring a new set of challenges for both buyers and sellers. But winter can still present terrific opportunities to sell. And the season doesn't stop plenty of people out there looking for homes to live in.
It was mid-June this year when the sage John McGrath suggested the selling climate was "as good now as it was in autumn or will be in spring."
He was certainly spot on about the ensuing two months. But I'm not convinced will he necessarily be as right about the tail end of this spring?
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Selling in winter made a lot of sense this year

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Sydney's auction clearance rates are still tracking record levels with last weekend's year-high of 83.8%, the fifth consecutive result above 80%.
Australian Property Monitors says Sydney's weekend auction clearance rates are 25% higher than this time last year.
"Buyers are competing fiercely for properties, particularly in the lower and middle price brackets," APM's senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson said.
There are 402 auctions scheduled for this weekend, similar to last weekend, but considerably higher than the 278 auctioned on the same weekend last year.
With 69 scheduled auctions, Sydney's inner west is the most popular region followed by the upper north shore with 53 auctions, then the city and east with 42 and the south with 41.
The most popular suburb for house auctions is Mosman on the lower north shore with eight.
Ryde ranks next with six.
The inner west suburbs with five auctions include Strathfield, Marrickville, Burwood and Lilyfield.
Fairfield is the leading suburb for unit auctions in Sydney with four auctions.
Sydney July auction listings were up 16.5% at 1,577 compared to last July's 1,344 listings.
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Sydney set for another 400-plus bumper auction weekend

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The latest Reserve Bank of Australia minutes sent home loan lenders a warning shot not to recklessly lower lending standards.
It was deemed as "especially important" lenders behave cautiously while official cash rates are at their historic lows. 
It was said against the backdrop of dwelling prices having increased to 7% above recent previous troughs, with clearance rates noticeably higher than a year ago and housing turnover having increased.
“Overall, recent data and information were consistent with further recovery in the established housing market and moderate growth in dwelling investment."
It noted lending rates had declined to historically low levels which were "continuing to provide a substantial degree of policy stimulus to the economy.”
“This was most evident in the housing market, with the lags in the effect of policy meaning that earlier actions were still likely to take some time to have their full effect on demand more generally.”
But it warned banks to remain vigilant in their lending policies.
“Members observed that banks' asset performance and funding structures continued to improve, and their profitability remained strong compared with that seen in most other advanced economies. In the current environment of low interest rates and slow credit growth, members agreed that it was especially important that banks maintained prudent lending standards.”
The minutes noted board members had been briefed on the bank's half-yearly check-up of the financial system which will be published next week.
It acknowledged Australia's banking system was in a "relatively sound position" but noted risks posed by very cheap credit.
I've looked at the Home Loan Advice Centre which has a rough guide for buyers who are looking to purchase a property and would like a guide on how much they can borrow.

For a single applicant with a net annual income of $40,000, the maximum amount you can borrow is about $315,000.

For married or de facto couples with a net annual income of $120,000, the maximum amount you can borrow will be about $1,170,000.

For couples with one dependent, this figure goes down slightly to $1,123,000.

Maximum loan levels will be less than the above figures where two individuals (i.e. two friends) are making a joint application.
<img height="280" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/08/Screen_Shot_2013-08-16_at_3.38.29_PM.png" alt="Screen_Shot_2013-08-16_at_3.38.29_PM">
It's noted the amount you can borrow is affected by the deposit, the income and the bank's serviceabilty criteria - which is linked to interest rates, cost of living, and your existing liabilities etc.
Maximums will differ between different lenders.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.homeloanadvicecentre.com.au/tools/howmuch.php">The table assumes you have no other loans</a>.
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Just how much should you prudently borrow even if the banks ignore the RBA cheap money warning? 

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The Melbourne corporate lawyer Guy Jalland has bought a slice of the Oxley Bushells tea, Darling Point family estate on the Darling Point harbourfront.
Around $8.75 million was secured for the property last traded in the 1970s as one of three houses bought around their historic holding, Carthona.
The two-storey house comes with four bedrooms, an office and three Art Deco bathrooms.
It sits on a 1,087-square-metre Sutherland Crescent block, having been built in the 1930s. It retains terrazzo finishes, curved feature windows and solid-timber joinery. Its lounge, dining and family areas take advantage of the harbour views. There is also an interior courtyard.
Its garaging once made the headlines given its distinctive Glenn Murcutt style. Murcutt also undertook some alterations to the house during the late 1980s.
Guy Jalland has been a longtime adviser to James Packer including being general counsel of Publishing &amp; Broadcasting Limited from 2004 to 2007.
He has also been a director of the Melbourne Football Club until his July 2013 resignation.
Jalland recently sold his Dawes Point, Sydney apartment for $3.05 million through McGrath Estate Agents. It was bought in 2009 for $2.3 million from the McCuaig family.
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Corporate lawyer Guy Jalland buys $8.75 million Darling Point harbourfront

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Fairfax Media has reportedly been approached by the US-listed HomeAway regarding its online holiday accomodation website, Stayz.
US-listed HomeAway is capitalised at $US2.7 billion. It has 575,000 holiday offerings with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.homeaway.com.au/holiday-rentals/australia/r15">19,500 within Australia</a>.
The listed Australian travel website group Wotif has also been mooted as a buyer of Stayz.
Fairfax Media recently noted Stayz’s revenue grew 44% to $23 million in the 2012 financial year. It has about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.stayz.com.au/">30,000 holiday offerings across Australia</a>.
JPMorgan has valued Stayz at $140 million. Fairfax bought the Stayz business in 2006 for $6 million.
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HomeAway seeking out Fairfax Media's holiday accomodation website, Stayz

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.

[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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362564] 
&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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291195] 
&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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]

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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