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The Block Sky High topped Sunday night's rating with 1,628,000 metro capital viewers, according to the five cities metro ratings by OzTam.
There were 566,000 viewers in Melbourne and 473,000 in Sydney. The May launch episode had 1.312 million viewers.
Having hit the top spot, the challenge ahead for the show is to find buyers for the luxury apartments at 142 Park Street, South Melbourne.
The series has returned to the <a target="_blank" href="/news" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">South Melbourne</a> precinct undertaking the conversion of a <a target="_blank" href="/news">recently closed 41-room hotel</a> at the north-east corner of Park Street and Eastern Road.
The upper price expectations are $2 million.
The indications are prices could start at $1.5 million plus.
From the outset, local agents told Property Observer it would be a challenge finding the right buying mix.
Some agents have a little more optimism after the work on the exterior, although they wonder why the front entrance was put on the busier of the two street frontages.
House Rules, the Channel 7 show, goes up against The Voice grand final with a whole house reveal in Brisbane of the renovation rookie couple, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/smallest-mortgage-rests-with-the-nundah-renovation-rookies-in-houserules-queensland/2013061162147">Amy and Sean</a>.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/house-rules-contestant-couples-%24100000-to-%24200000-better-off-after-the-renovations/2013061662093">Prices estimates of completed house renovations have been put at well above their initial purchase costs.</a>
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The Block Sky High tops Sunday night ratings - with $2 million auction prices the challenge ahead

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One Towers Road, Toorak, owned by former JPMorgan Australia chairman Brian Watson, has been finally sold.
It was listed in October 2011 with $26 million record-setting expectations, then relisted last November with reportedly upwardly revised $30 million hopes.
Property Observer gathers the Victorian price record remains intact with the 2010 Portsea clifftop sale of Ilyuka for $26 million.
And the sale of the Georgian-style mansion on Towers Road, Toorak also fell short of the previous Melbourne record of $24 million. Property Observer gleans its sold for around $21 million, a very healthy result.
The $24 million Toorak record was set in 2010 when soft-drink magnate Harry Stamoulis bought his Toorak property.
One Towers Road, Toorak, last traded when Brian Watson secured the 3,900 square metre property in July 2001.
It was the notorious sale that left Amanda Elliott, tycoon John Elliott's then wife, seemingly a little shell-shocked as to her continued occupancy of the 115-square manor. 
"It was apparently something I wasn't involved in," she told reporters after word of the sale had been reported by then Age property writer Antony Catalano in the morning paper. Elliott bought the home in 1989 for the then record price of $7.25 million.
Its Kay and Burton listing agent Michael Gibson has been tight-lipped on the details of the latest sale reportedly to a Melbourne local.
A sold notice went up on realestate.com.au some 10 days before its initial Fairfax Media report which originated from bullish Sydney, hence the some what naive suggestion of a $25 million sale which has since been repeated by the Australian Financial Review. By week's end Fairfax Media were describing their revised $21.5 million sale estimate as a "bargain" price.
Michael Gibson did however advise that Kay &amp; Burton has had "nine sales in the past 10 weeks ranging between $8 million and $20 million."
The Watson family bought the six bedroom <a target="_blank" href="/news">Toorak</a> property in 2001 for $11.1 million, a then record-setting price from businessman John Elliott.
The price the empty-nester Watson family had only recently returned to Melbourne after living for more than 12 years in New York where he headed investment house JP Morgan's equity capital markets group.
The highest known sale in Toorak this year was about $16.65 million when property developer and architect Gabor Hubay and wife Roni sold their sprawling 3 Macquarie Road estate after it was listed last November. The Hubay-designed five bedroom, seven bathroom house with a theatre, a gym and a seven-car basement garage, sits on a 2100-square-metre property.
It was listed by Michael Gibson and Ross Savas of Kay &amp; Burton.
Last October the investment fund manager Ron Dewhurst sold 7 Landale Road for about $17 million, which was the reported highest sale of 2012, and the only Toorak house to sell for more than $15 million since the 2010 boom. 
Dewhurst , who now lives in New York, purchased the Georgian home in 2003 from former television personality Steve Vizard for $6.4 million. It was bought in the recent sale by the chief executive of the pharmaceuticals supplier Ascent Pharmahealth, Dennis Bastas.
 
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Other sales this year include the reputed $15 million sale of Hong Kong-based expat Malcolm Dumenil's custom-built three-storey mansion at 59 Hopetoun Road (pictured below).
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/06/june17hopetoun]}
It was marketed as a blend of the Roman, French and Art Nouveau styles through Jeremy Fox at RT Edgar. Dumenil, chief executive at the Hong Kong-based conglomerate Chiaphua, bought the property for about $2.2 million in 2001.
It came with five bedrooms, a cinema with a bar, two kitchens, plus five-car basement garage, gym and steam room.
Other recent prestige sale include 59 St Georges Road which did not get as far as an expressions of interest. It came with pool and court. It was sold by Paula Crouch, the wife of the former NAB executive Ian Crouch who had $11 million plus hopes for the Neo-Georgian mansion.
"You wouldn’t have expected that six months ago," said Koren and Morell buyer advocates noted on its speedy sale.
It was last traded in 2002 when bought from wealthy property developer Sam Tarascio for $6.75 million.
Ian and Paula Crouch head the international consultancy firm, Reveal Group.
Another Toorak mansion on Clendon Road, which belonged to the Rowsthorn transport family, sold for $11.5 million in quick time in April through Kay &amp; Burton. 
The large six-bedroom home (pictured below) of Mary Rowsthorn at 35 Clendon Road sold just a week after it was advertised.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/03/march22toorak]}
It had been renovated by designer Michael Munckton after the Rowsthorn's purchased it in 2002 from Ken and Gail Roche for $5.2 million. Its interiors were undertaken by Christopher Thomas from Thomas and Alexander interiors.
The 1,842-square-metre property boasts manicured gardens, an outdoor pool and tennis court and an outdoor dining space.
The property faces west so upstairs boasts views to the city.
“It has been the most amazing family home for the four children, but it's time for me to move onto the next adventure,” Rowsthorn says.
The property was listed by Andrew Baines and Michael Gibson from Kay and Burton.
Sales have so far alluded Peter Devitt, owner of the L. U. Simon building business, who listed his Toorak mansion by private sale last November with $20 million plus hopes complete with <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/the-beautiful-rose-16-st-george-road-toorak-remains-listed/2013061662258?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=propertyobservertv" target="_blank">Kay &amp; Burton film presentation</a>.
Devitt's 16 St Georges Road house sits on 4257 square metres. Mr Devitt and his wife, Joanne, paid $4.4 million in 1997. 
The Toorak mansion of the event promoter Andrew McManus was under recent offer, but has yet to sell.
It didn't sell at its 2011 and 2012 marketing campaigns.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rtedgar.com.au/?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=2345819&amp;agentID=952&amp;realestate=8_Myoora_Road_TOORAK_VIC_3142&amp;showGoBack=true">The Myoora Road house</a> (pictured below) last sold in 2008 mid-construction for $8.75 million.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may27toorak]}
It was listed this time through Paul Pfeiffer and Jeremy Fox at RT Edgar Toorak who had noted buyer interest around $11 million.
The house, with a 12-car garage, had been initially commissioned for construction in 2007 by David Fox, the youngest son of trucking magnate Lindsay Fox, who sold before the property was completed.
There’s also a study, gym, home theatre, billiards room and cabana and pool on its 1,389-square-metre block. The RP Data median house price in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Toorak</a> is $2,687,500.
<img height="57" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/trophyhomesstrapone.jpg" alt="trophyhomesstrapone">
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One Towers Road, Toorak sells, but falls short of record

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The organisers of mega-music festival Splendour in the Grass have sold their historic Byron Bay home. The price remains undisclosed.
Jessica Ducrou and Dain Thomas had been looking for $3.5 million for their 109-year-old farmhouse since October last year.
The couple renovated the property, named Killarney, with their home styling. It featured in the December 2012 issue of Vogue Living.
The couple bought the five-bedroom Queenslander in 2010 for $2.65 million. Prior to this it traded for $1,595,000 in 2005.
The two-level <a target="_blank" href="/news">Byron Bay</a> property features a large veranda, five bathrooms a formal lounge room with an open fireplace. The open-plan kitchen and dining area overlooks the entertaining deck, gardens and swimming pool.
The saltwater pool sits next to a large cabana with a barbecue.
Marketing for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.byronbaypropertysales.com.au/index.cfm?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=2189094&amp;realestate=21_Cooper_Street_BYRON_BAY_NSW_2481">the property </a>indicated it’s a few minutes’ walk from Tallows Beach and 10 minutes from Byron Bay centre.
The property has expired development approval for a guest cottage at the back of the garden and current approval to operate as a bed and breakfast.
Ducrou founded Splendour in the Grass in 2001 after co-founding Homebake in 1996.
<img height="57" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/trophyhomesstrapone.jpg" alt="trophyhomesstrapone">
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Splendour in the Grass organisers sell Byron Bay trophy home

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A seven-bedroom Eastwood house sold on the weekend for $1,695,000.
The 25 Denistone Road house (pictured below) had been listed with $1.5 million-plus hopes.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/06/june17eastwood]}
It was completed by an owner builder over the past two years.
Its McGrath selling agent Wayne Vaughan marketed <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-eastwood-nsw-2122/138103/?searchID=28746230" target="_blank">it as offering a contemporary abode of 55 squares on a 1,088 square metre block in walking distance to the Eastwood centre</a>.
There was competitive bidding for the home from families seeking multi-generational abodes.
It sold to a young couple of Chinese descent  with two young children. They also have family coming to live with them utilising the downstairs  area at the front of the home.
Another seven-bedroom house to sell recently was at Saratoga. The 105 Steyne Road house - with views over Brisbane Water from its deep waterfront holding - fetched $1,775,000 last week also through McGrath Central Coast agent Mat Steinwede.
He described it as a three level house with impressive outdoor leisure areas. The seven bedrooms included "massive main with spa ensuite and deck." There was also five modern bathrooms, a large home theatre and games room. The 743 square metre block cost $360,000 in 2007.
Arlington, a seven bedroom Galston house sold recently. The 36 Crosslands Road house (pictured below) sits on five acres.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/06/june17galston]}
There was a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bella+vista-113475551" target="_blank">six bedroom Bella Vista house </a>also recently sold through Starr Partners Bella Vista for $1,135,000. The 85 Edgewater Drive house, which was built in 2005 after the block cost $530,000, also comes with a study. There were four fully tiled bathrooms. The master bedroom had a walk in wardrobe and en-suite and three bedrooms came with en-suite and walk in wardrobe.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/06/june17bellavista]}
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Seven-bedroom Eastwood home sale proves desire for multi-generational Sydney family homes

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The Toorak property, 16 St Georges Road is one of Melbourne’s most significant homes.
It sits on just about an acre, the home of LU Simon building company director Peter Devitt and his wife Jo and their family for many years.
It is being marketed internationally via a website and a <a href="https://www.16stgeorges.com/" target="_blank">short film</a> with a sound track called Beautiful Rose by composer Alex Khaskin. The lead actors were professionals, Gary Glenn and model/law student Millie Davis. Not sure about the labrador.
All co-ordinated by market leaders Goldeneye Media whose campaign secured 33,000 views in its first week.
Agent Ross Savas was talking around $20 million for the property on its listing late last year.
The Devitt's are off to a St Kilda Road apartment.
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The beautiful rose, 16 St Georges Road, Toorak remains listed

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Shane Warne and fiance, Liz Hurley have renovation plans for their £6 million 13 bedroom UK purchase, Donnington Hall near Ledbury.
They want to add en-suite bathrooms in the much-bedroomed manor.
They told the local planning authority they would "in addition to general refurbishment and redecoration works, undo a lot of the damage done over the last century with inappropriate design choices.”
Plans by Robin Samuel Associates have also been submitted to Herefordshire Council to demolish the so-called conservatory extension replacing it with a garden room with large glazed double-opening doors in the grade II-listed Donnington Hall.
"The proposal is to demolish the existing conservatory extension and construct on the existing footprint a garden room owing more in style to an orangery with large glazed double opening doors and a pitch glazed roof lantern behind a parapet wall – an orangery being arguably more in keeping with the earlier Georgian origins of the building."
But Shane was sensitive when asked about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzjkjm7fz1g" target="_blank">the house</a> and the plans last weekend when he hosted a celebrity match with Liz at Cirencester Cricket Club.
"Yeah, we bought a nice house," he told the cheeky English press reporter, Adam Helliker from the Express.
"But I'm not King Warne sitting in a big chair. I still lie on the couch in my tracksuit bottoms and watch telly." 
And Miss Hurley apparently is not stuck up. added Shane.
"Cos she also loves wearing her trackies and Ugg boots."
Meanwhile estate agent Jonathan Dixon of JP Dixon has confirmed Shane Warne's Brighton home is officially listed for sale.
<a href="https://www.jpdixon.com.au/view.php?OID=5632107" target="_blank">The asking price is believed to be around $15 million</a>.
It was last August when the house unofficially hit the market with a report from the United Kingdom suggesting Shane Warne was preparing to relocate from Brighton in Melbourne to Britain and set up home with his intended wife, Elizabeth Hurley.
The <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2194181/Shane-Warne-puts-Melbourne-home-market-amid-reports-Elizabeth-Hurley-investing-6million-mansion" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Daily Mail report</a> suggested his Melbourne mansion was on the market, and that he and Hurley were off to Donnington Hall (pictured below), a Georgian mansion on the Gloucestershire-Herefordshire border.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/donningtonhall.jpg">
She already owned in Gloucestershire.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/donnington2.png" width="470">
Donnington Hall (pictured above and below) is an impressive property that boasts a tennis court, fishing lake, Edwardian stables and open field, housekeeper accommodation and 21 acres of woodland.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/donnington3.png" width="470">
In November, the Ledbury Reporter revealed the house-hunting rumours when the couple strolled into Greggs the bakers on the High Street.
"The town was buzzing with rumours the couple were looking for property as Liz ordered a <a href="https://www.malverngazette.co.uk/news/9895327.Liz_and_Shane_buy___6m_mansion_near_Ledbury/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">custard slice and Shane, two sausage rolls</a>," the Malvern Gazette wrote yesterday.
Last August The Melbourne Age entered the speculative fray reporting there was a $20 million asking price on the Brighton home, but also acknowledging Warne's manager, James Erskine, denial that the Brighton home was for sale.
The Age claimed local sources said prospective buyers have been seen touring the five-bedroom property.
The heritage-listed property was bought for $8.55 million in 2009 with his then-wife Simone Callahan.
Its since been completely renovated to include a wine room, a gym, basement garage, tennis court, cinema and a pool with Warne's cricket number, 23, inscribed on the bottom of the pool.
No photos have yet been published on the JP Dixon website although internal images were aired on the Sunday Today program on June 16.
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Shane Warne and Liz Hurley to renovate their UK home - mostly adding ensuites and an orangery

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The NSW Treasurer Mike Baird has announced the $15,000 grant for new homes buyers will be extended until January 2016 in the upcoming state budget.
The first home owner grant was due to be reduced to $10,000 in six months time on 1 January, 2014. It now has another two years at $15,000 during which developers and home builders will pursue the recently hesitant first home buyer constituency.
"We're saying to every first home owner across the state, if you are thinking of buying - think new," Mr Baird said.
Mr Baird claim the incentive announced in last year's budget to take effect in October was "already seeing signs of life in the critical housing sector."
Critics have suggested the grant's new home limitation has meant there has been a luke warm take-up by first time buyers who have traditionally sought established homes. NSW office of state revenue data show Westmead headed the list of recipients in the year to April with 406. Parramatta had 205 and Liverpool 333 grant recipients.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/tax/nsw-doubles-its-first-home-grant-for-new-homes/2012061255075" target="_blank">FHOG </a>was doubled in the expressed hope of "kick-starting" the state’s lacklustre home building industry, but first home buyer finance levels have remained low, according to the latest ABS data.
In original terms, the number of first home buyer commitments as a percentage of total owner occupied housing finance commitments rose slightly to 14.3% in April 2013 from 14.2% in March 2013.
But Westpac noted that first-home buyers remained the stand out weakspot in the approvals data.
"We estimate loans to this segment were up 0.7% (seasonally adjusted) in April but are still down 10.8% annually and at very low levels by historical standards, particularly in NSW and Queensland," says Westpac.
The number of home loans to NSW first-home buyer in the March quarter totalled 2,647 -<a href="/news"> 57% lower than a year ago </a>and a 40.6% fall in the March quarter alone, the latest Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) figures revealed.
The NSW stamp duty concessions for first homebuyers of new homes will remain, Mike Baird advised in the lead up to the 2013 State Budget.
<a href="https://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/benefits/first_home/general/fhogs/" target="_blank">The NSW $15,000 grant is for new houses and units costing up to $650,000</a>.
The NSW budget will be delivered on Tuesday.
Since last year's budget decision to cease the NSW $7,000 First Home Owner Grant most other states and territory's have implemented similiar limitations on the grant.
Property Observer's most recent update on the <a href="/news">state by state guide </a>was published after the decision by the ACT government to withdraw the $7,000 first-home owner grant as at August 31 and replace it with a $12,500 grant for new homes only from September 1.
It meant six states and territories have shifted their incentives in favour of what Ray White boss Brian White says is effectively a “builders’ grant”.
NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia. Tasmania and the ACT have all withdrawn (or will withdraw in the coming months) their handouts for first-home buyers who buy an established home.
 
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NSW first home buyer grant to stay at $15,000 until 2016: NSW State Budget

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The Redfern home of the late painter activist Brenda Humble, which was expected to fetch $2 million plus, was sold today at a record $2.58 million.
With original features including marble fireplaces, pressed metal ceilings and kauri floor boards, it was sold through Shannan Whitney of BresicWhitney inconjunction with Sandy Kogan of Richardson &amp; Wrench Bondi Junction.
There were around 15 registered bidders, some of whom got to push the price $350,000 above its reserve.
It was listed by her two children Jackie and Leif following Brenda Humble's 2011 death.
Her SMH obitiary noted she campaigned with the BLF in Victoria Street, Potts Point to stop overdevelopment and was then appointed by the Whitlam government as the community development officer for the municipal region.
After winning the South Sydney Art Prize in 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1980, she won the Portia Geach portrait award in 1982 with a painting of Virginia Hall.
She often exhibited at the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.evabreuerartdealer.com.au/artists/brenda-humble/2013-a-survey">Eva Breuer Gallery</a>.
Her last studio was the Chelsea Street, Redfern terrace that has Georgian-era traces.
The original freestanding cottage was subsequntly extended in the late Victorian era with the addition of a wing and horse stables.
There was also the conversion of the front room into a carriageway which was especially ideal during its ownership by the commissioner of the mounted police.
The terrace had been purchased in 1985 for $122,000.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rwbj.com.au/buying/NSW/Eastern-Suburbs/Redfern/House/1P2666">It is set on 392 square metres with rear lane on a quiet East Redfern cul de sac</a>.
Property Observer understands the previous highest sale in Redfern was $2.25 million. 
 
 
 
 
 
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Georgian remnants Redfern terrace sells for record $2.58 million 

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Macquarie Bank's Ben Suttie and his wife Emma have sold their Woollahra residence.
Having returned from Hong Kong, the family is apparently off closer to the beach.
They were seeking about $5 million for the Georgian-style facaded property on its 335 square metre Queen Street block.
It was leased for the next year.
The two-storey terrace has formal lounge and dining rooms, a library, parterre garden,and double garage. There were three upstairs bedrooms.
It was bought in 2007 for $5,035,000 from New Zealand businessman Quentin Black.
It was the weekend's highest priced sale but  the selling agents <a href="https://www.ballardproperty.com.au/Selling/recentsales/residentialdetail.aspx?id=WOOLLAHRA%202012149&amp;wlid=1f85bd40-e887-47d1-977a-117b7cc33afb" target="_blank">William Manning and Emma Symonds of Ballard Property</a> are under instructions not to reveal the price.
Property Observer gathers $5 million was secured.
Australian Property Monitors reported the highest revealed sale price as 13 Lewis Street, Balgowlah Heights, a four bedroom house that fetched $2,755,000 through R&amp;W Seaforth/Balgowlah.
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Queen Street, Woollahra the weekend's whisper quiet trophy home sale

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Sydney has around 460 auctions this weekend, which is some 15% higher than the same weekend last year, according to Australian Property Monitors.
Melbourne has around 775 auctions.
Auction activity resumes following last week’s pause in activity with the Queen’s Birthday June long weekend.
Sydney's preliminary weekend auction clearance rate was 69.7%.
The inner west has 78 scheduled auctions with 64 auctions scheduled on the upper north shore.
Maroubra in the eastern suburb oceanside and Eastwood on the upper north shore each have 10 properties listed.
Strathfield and Mosman both have seven auctions.
Epping and Pymble have  six auctions scheduled.
"Buyer momentum is clearly on the up for the Sydney housing market," Dr Andrew Wilson, the senior economist at Australian Property Monitors said.
"Auction clearance rates have risen over recent months with the Easter to Queens’s Birthday late autumn period now tracking higher than the same period in 2010 during the then house price boom," he noted.
The median price for houses sold at auction in Sydney over the late autumn season has risen by 1.1% compared to the early autumn pre-Easter period.
The most popular suburbs for auctions in Melbourne are St Kilda with 19 followed by Port Melbourne, Preston and Glen Waverley each with 15 auctions.
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Maroubra headlines the Sydney weekend auction activity

An 1880s timber cottage that has survived Kangaroo Point's transformation from riverside suburb to high-density apartment precinct is set to become the centrepiece of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/zephyr">Zephyr Group</a>'s proposed Banksia development.

Rather than see the locally heritage-listed Alpha Cottage as an obstacle to navigate, plans integrate the landmark home into a new 18-storey residential tower, giving one of the suburb's oldest surviving residences a new role as the project's communal hub.

The development application covers a 1,177 sqm amalgamated site at 127-133 Lambert Street and 30 Shafston Avenue, where Zephyr Group plans to deliver 64 apartments above three basement levels. Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/joe-adsett-architects">Joe Adsett Architects</a>, the proposal carefully weaves the retained heritage cottage into a contemporary residential scheme, with the tower elevated above the historic building to preserve its presence within the Lambert Street streetscape.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9dc5bdb-d691-4c60-bf2b-c3ed405a3e75" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Banksia.png?VersionId=Jh4bjlewU.o8HXWt0V4KaFA_lPcF7KWM" />

Named after the native Australian Banksia flower, the project draws inspiration from its distinctive form through curved balconies, sculpted planter boxes and cascading subtropical landscaping that soften the building's profile.

As the design report explains: "The tower's identity is defined by its feature facade, drawing direct inspiration from the Banksia wildflower. The building departs from traditional rigidity through the use of elegant, GRC-moulded planter boxes that appear as if shaped by the breeze."

Plans propose 64 apartments, comprising 32 two-bedroom and 32 three-bedroom residences, across an 18-storey tower. Residents would have access to rooftop amenities including a swimming pool, spa, gym, sauna, private cinema, dining spaces and landscaped recreation areas, while more than half the site is dedicated to planting and open space.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16041b5f-033e-47fa-8fbe-9886e072c1f2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pool.png?VersionId=kpx5w4EbLx0_TdWfDoD1vrSs0_cZ5Ao1" />

The heritage component is the defining feature of the proposal. Constructed in the early 1880s and occupied from at least 1883, Alpha Cottage is recognised by Brisbane City Council as an important surviving example of Kangaroo Point's nineteenth-century residential development and as a representative transverse-gable timber cottage. Despite extensive redevelopment across the peninsula, the building has retained a high degree of its original form and internal fabric.

As part of the redevelopment, the cottage will be carefully relocated a short distance within its original allotment to facilitate construction before being returned to a prominent position along Lambert Street. Original verandah elements will be dismantled, catalogued and reinstated, while significant internal features, including timber flooring, wall linings, joinery, doors, windows and hardware, will be retained. Later additions, including the enclosed rear verandah, will be removed to better reveal the building's original form.

Once restored, Alpha Cottage will accommodate the building manager's office, mail room and parcel facilities, providing an active everyday use that supports its long-term conservation rather than preserving it as a static display. The heritage strategy also maintains landscaped space around the building, allowing it to remain visually distinct beneath the new tower.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43b027e1-576e-4624-a66c-7cc54ea8b7be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/banksia%20tower.png?VersionId=2W6E2yfkj2AQlWlLeV986grA5zB9f817" />

The Heritage Impact Assessment concludes that "the proposal secures the ongoing occupation, maintenance and conservation of Alpha Cottage," finding the development would result in "no more than a minor impact on the cultural heritage significance" of the building while ensuring its long-term future.

Joe Adsett Architects have designed the tower to sit above the heritage building rather than overwhelm it, creating a clear visual separation between old and new. The development's flowing balconies, integrated planting and organic façade respond to Brisbane's subtropical climate while complementing the restored cottage below.

Banksia occupies a prominent corner in Kangaroo Point within walking distance of the Kangaroo Point Bridge, Brisbane River, ferry services, QUT, the CBD and the Woolloongabba precinct. The site also benefits from direct access to active transport infrastructure and sits within an area earmarked for continued higher-density residential growth.

Joel Robinson

Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage

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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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]

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.

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&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.

[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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=354809]

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=366267]

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140755]

Jonathan Chancellor

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