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Lady Dorothy Macarthur-Onslow, of Mount Gilead, near Campbelltown in NSW, has died aged 90.
She had left the Gilead farm holding, located 56 kilometres southwest of Sydney, to spend her last days at Lulworth House.
The farm, which totals 180 hectares, has been long mooted as having residential housing subdivision potential. The most recent estimates suggest a yield of 1500 dwellings when combined with an adjoining 34-hectare lot.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" href="/images/stories/2013/05/gileadmay13one.gif" rel="shadowbox"><img src="/images/stories/2013/05/gileadmay13onethumb.gif"></a>
Lady Macarthur-Onslow was the widow of Denzil Macarthur Onslow, the descendant of wool pioneer John Macarthur who died in 1984, and <a href="https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1301&amp;dat=19671029&amp;id=zngpAAAAIBAJ&amp;sjid=mucDAAAAIBAJ&amp;pg=2158,4449244" target="_blank">mother of Lee and Katrina</a>.
Major-General Sir Denzil Macarthur-Onslow's first wife was Elinor Caldwell, a Scot from Lockerbie.
He married again in 1950 to Dorothy Wolseley Conagher, née Scott, a medical practitioner who had been medical superintendent at Parramatta Hospital.
In the 1940s Mount Gilead house was bought and restored by the family who operated a cattle dairy farm. The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/16912325" target="_blank">remains of the old windmill on Mount Gilead</a> formed a prominent land mark given the site is 500 feet above sea level. <a href="https://www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/?irn=354672" target="_blank">Its wooden cogs are held in the Powerhouse Museum</a>.
A concept plan illustrating an indicative residential layout for a quality new suburb on the site has been drawn up with its key features being:
Incorporate and maximise the existing landscape and topographical characteristics of the site; Retain existing native vegetation and protect and enhance biodiversity and sensitive habitats Enhance the existing riparian corridors; Protect visually prominent features such as ridgelines; Enhance visual links to distant views, heritage features and open space; Encourage passive surveillance and increase safety; Facilitate sustainable transport and access; Maximise solar access for future lots and sustainable design outcomes; and Provide a legible and walkable neighbourhood.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" href="/images/stories/2013/05/gileadmay13two.gif" rel="shadowbox"><img src="/images/stories/2013/05/gileadmay13twothumb.gif"></a>
The 2012 Cox Richardson study, with plans featured above by Property Observer, suggested buffers if required to protect the visual curtilage of the Mt Gilead homestead and windmill that  would not impact on the dwelling yield of the proposal given the proposed 700 square metre average lot size and the size of the site.
Mt Gilead Pty Ltd, the owner of the majority of the site, had not received any notices of coal seam gas (CSG) extraction on the land.
Water supply to the site could potentially be drawn from the existing gravity fed water-main owned by United Utilities Australia. The water running through the main is provided by Sydney Water. A connection junction was included in the main on Mt Gilead land at the time the main was constructed. This was paid for by Mt Gilead Pty Ltd in anticipation of future potential development on the Mt Gilead land.
The surrounding locality includes: the low density residential suburbs of Rosemeadow and St Helens Park (including Kilbride Aged Care Facility and Retirement Village) located around one kilometre to the north; the M5 motorway beyond the Mt Gilead Homestead and farm to the west; the Nepean River about 2 kilometres to the west of the Mt Gilead Homestead a number of rural land parcels along the eastern side of Appin Road adjoining the Dharawal State Recreation Area; the Georges River approximately one kilometre to the east of Appin Road, and. the Beulah Estate and rural residential land further to the south.
In 1995 the land, described as the final link between Sydney's southern fringe and the Illawarra, was earmarked for redevelopment by a Canberra company, Landco.
The then Federal MP for Werriwa, Mark Latham, opposed the development noting "every air pollution report has shown that Campbelltown has a particular problem which can only worsen through unrestrained population growth."
Relatives and friends of Lady Macarthur-Onslow attended her funeral at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium, North Ryde, on Friday May 17.
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Mount Gilead's Lady Macarthur-Onslow dies aged 90

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Lights, camera, action! Well not really. Despite the headlines over the past year, it was a just like any other court room filled with trolleys of affidavits when the 8th floor NSW Supreme Court hearing got underway today. All presided over by acting Justice William Windeyer.
It's the three-day Sydney court hearing centred on the actor Toni Collette and her musician husband, David Galafassi, being sued over their failure to settle on an alleged $6.35 million Paddington terrace purchase.
The were no celebrities in the court though McGrath estate agent Ben Collier was there to provide lengthy testimony to the court.
Collette, who was snapped only recently by the paparazzi in Sydney in News Ltd papers, was absent from the courtroom corridors but it was heard she had suggested she didn't have the finances to go through with the Paddington purchase and "implored" the vendors to settle the matter away from the public gaze.
She is currently filming a movie about the search for happiness. With filming scheduled in Canada and London, <a href="https://www.tonicollette.org/2013/05/10/hector-and-the-search-for-happiness-first-still/" target="_blank">a first production still</a> (pictured below) for “Hector and the Search for Happiness”, featuring Simon Pegg and Toni Collette, has been recently posted on a Toni Collette fan website.
<img alt="collettemay13one" height="279" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/collettemay13one.jpg">
The court was told the selling agent Ben Collier's initial price estimate was $6.5 million before the 2011 $23,000 marketing campaign got underway for the vendor, Susie Kelly, the co-founder and owner of Industrie clothing with her husband, Nick.
The court heard the three Woollahra comparable sales Collier offered for the Kelly's price guidance were 19 Trelawney Street, 3 Tara Street and 50 Edward Street. After being approached by the vendors in early 2011, and then around April and May 2011 Collier said there were a few things not selling, so he felt it best for the vendors to wait to Spring 2011.
The court hearing dates back to then October 2011 sale when the entertainment industry couple reputedly signed a contract to buy a double-fronted Paddington terrace from Susie Kelly.
Ben Collier confirmed that Mr and Mrs Galafassi were not on the McGrath data base but came to the property after the marketing got underway.
"There was a confidentiality agreement in the sales contract," Mr Collier said, adding that the internal McGrath price sale recording system allowed the full details of the sale to be hidden from all but the parties to the contract.
However word got out that the Stewart Street house (pictured below) had been<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/actor-toni-collette-and-muso-david-galafassi-fall-for-the-charms-of-contemporary-inner-city-paddington/2011110752250"> snapped up</a> at around $6.35 million quite early in its marketing campaign in October 2011. The court was told David Galafassi put down a $317,500 deposit on September 30, 2011 agreeing to complete the sale on December 30, 2011.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november8collette]}
The entertainment industry couple made their alleged subsequent decision not to proceed with the Paddington purchase some months later after they struggled to find a buyer of their <a href="/news">Bronte </a>house.
Their 1885 Bronte weatherboard cottage that cost $4.4 million in mid-2009 struggled to find a buyer despite being tipped to sell for around $900,000 less than their purchase price, and ended up selling at $3.5 million
Collette and Galafassi instead bought back at Bronte, swapping homes with <a href="/news">the buyer of their own $3.5 million house</a>.
The Kellys had bought on Kutti Beach at <a href="/news">Vaucluse </a>in 2011 for $15.5 million, so incurred a land tax charge on the redundant unsold Paddington property.
By January 2012 Collier indicated he was still hopeful Mr and Mrs Galafassi would complete the purchase, but it was not to be.
"I wanted to write to you directly in the hope that you will understand," Collette emailed the Kelly's on January 24 2012 bringing an end to the hopes that a sale might proceed.
"We can no longer buy your beautiful house. We don't have the finances to go through with the purchase. For the sake of both our families I implore you to find a way to settle this less publicly."
The Kelly's barrister Bernie Coles QC suggested one of the reasons for pulling out of the Paddington purchase was that they had decided to buy another property.
A proposed post-Easter 2012 auction marketing campaign -  with a repeated $6.5 million estimate - never got underway, although Ben Collier suggested his price estimate was an unlikely outcome.
Mr Collier actually envisaged the market had deteriorated by "at least 10%" over the period between early 2011 and 2012 with three Holdsworth Street sales highlighting the "gradual deterioration of the market." He pointed especially to the sales of 86, 88 and 90 Holdsworth Street.
His proposed $20,000 remarketing campaign recommendation was offered to the Kelly's, but the Kelly's decided not to take it to May 2012 auction or undertake any advertising at all.
Under cross examination from the Gallafassi barrister, Jeremy Stoljar SC, Mr Collier said it was possible that a marketing campaign may have achieved a better result.
"It's possble it might have acheived a better price," but not likely, Mr Collier told the court.
"Its impossible to draw any conclusions from movements in the market based in the Holdworth Street sales," the Galafassi barrister suggested.
It was important that there be a proper marketing campaign," the Galaffassi barrister suggested.
The Paddington terrace resold on April 24, 2012 to Ian Ball from Ernst &amp; Young for $5.5 million, so the entertainment industry couple face an $850,000-plus claim against them for the difference.
"They (Ian Ball) weren't the first person to come along," Mr Collier said under cross examination by the Galafassi's barrister.
The court was advised that brief consideration was given to the house being a $4000 weekly rental to the Roberts-Thomson family during the period when the sale was unravelling.
Designed by architect Anthony Gill and completed in 2009, the five-bedroom, four-bathroom house sits on a 360-square-metre block.. 
The Kelly's are seeking relief for the $850,000 difference in the price of the resold terrace house, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/land-tax-claim-in-toni-collette-s-paddington-property-drama/2012112158037">along with $43,500 land tax</a>, as well as the costs of its resale and interest.
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Toni Collette Paddington property court case hears consistent $6.5 million price estimate

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House Rules premieres tommorow night at 7.30pm, up against the Channel 9 perennial, The Block.
The new state-versus-state renovation series, from the makers of My Kitchen Rules, aims to deliver true home renovations.
The six contestant couples have put their entire home on the line promising an emotional return to their new homes after the seven-day renovation.
The teams have to work independently on their own zone within each house but they also have to work as a team to ensure each room complements the other when it's completed.
The six teams competing are: <a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16802165/michelle-steve-nsw/"></a>
<a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16802165/michelle-steve-nsw/" target="_blank">Michelle &amp; Steve</a> (Collaroy Plateau, New South Wales) <a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16802279/nick-chris-vic/"></a>
<a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16802347/amy-sean-qld/" target="_blank">Amy &amp; Sean</a>(Nundah, Queensland)
<a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16802523/carly-leighton-sa/" target="_blank">Carly &amp; Leighton</a> (Warradale, South Australia) <a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16802965/jemma-ben-wa/"></a>
<a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16802965/jemma-ben-wa/" target="_blank">Jemma &amp; Ben</a> (Melville, Western Australia)
<a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16803037/jane-plinio-tas/" target="_blank">Jane &amp; Plinio</a> (New Town, Tasmania)
<a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16802279/nick-chris-vic/" target="_blank">Nick and Chris</a> (Preston, Victoria)
Each of the six House Rules teams hand over the keys to their homes and allow their competitors free reign to transform their house, so the host Johanna Griggs expects lots of passion and pride in the way teams tackle the renovations.
"It's a bunch of likeable Australians with amazing back stories," Griggs said.
Apparently the teams have longed to be able to renovate, but not been able to accomplish it until now because of large mortgages.
As there's a "life-changing prize on the line," Property Observer guesses it may well be having the winner's mortgage paid off in part or maybe even in full.
Perth local papers have been quick to identify newlyweds Jemma Blenkinsop, who runs a spray-tan business and builder, Ben Van Ryt as recent first-home buyers in late 2011, but with the Perth property market the way it is, they couldn't afford to renovate their 1950s Melville home. Property Observer notes it cost $555,000.
The Tasmanian couple paid $355,000 in 2010 for a house initially listed at $380,000-plus.
The so-called Sydney battlers Steve and Michelle Ball who live at Collaroy Plateau on the northern beaches paid $650,000 for their house in March 2012.
The South Australian couple paid $450,000 for the house which had been listed with $485,000 hopes in May 2012.
Johanna Griggs, the presenter of Better Homes and Gardens, is herself a keen home renovator, currently building her fourth home with husband, builder Todd Huggins.
“I’ve been in this industry for 20 years now and this is the first time I’ve had a go at this style of show.
"Because we are dealing with people’s own homes, I’m expecting the stakes to be high, the competition to be tough and the results incredible.
"We are the rare combination of two people who absolutely love home renovating.
"Even though this is something we love to do, I’d be lying if I didn’t say it can be extremely stressful.
"There are so many things you can’t control on a building site; not to mention the tension that usually arises around budgets, general fatigue and soreness when you are working towards a deadline.
"But the upside is that most days you can actually see tangible change.
"I love the fact you can look at a room and feel a great sense of satisfaction at what you can achieve.
"You put your heart, soul, blood, sweat and tears into what you produce and when you realise you’ve done it together it’s an incredibly satisfying and addictive feeling."
Chester Drife is the House Rules building supervisor.
With its catchy theme song, "Change Your Life" by Little Mix, House Rules airs Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7.30 pm on Seven.
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House Rules, the new addictive reality television show on the block, renovates for keeps

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Despite only 52 days between The Block Allstars finale and The Block Sky High premiere, the Channel 9 audience indicated they still wanted renovation stress television shows.
The latest series rated as the third highest show, excluding news, when it aired last night to a metropolitian audience of 1.312 million.
It was up against Sunday Night on Channel 7 which had a 1.238 million audience in the Sunday night 6.30 slot.
The opening night of The Block All Stars premiered in February this year had just 959,000 viewers tuning in, well down on previous seasons, but it was up against the My Kitchen Rules jugganaut.
Last year the first-night Channel 9 ratings for The Block series set in South Melbourne with four adjoining Dorcas Street terraces rated an average 1.4 million viewers, which bettered 2011’s 1,342,000 debut viewers of the <a target="_blank" href="/news">Richmond </a>cottage renovation.
The twitter account started off with 22,450 followers. There were 40 plus tweets during the opening hour as the contestants started on their 88 room renovation of a former motel in South Melbourne.
This season returns to South Melbourne with the Melbourne audience naturally outnumbering the Sydney audience, according to the OzTAM five city metropolitian report. Melbourne's audience was 465,000 last night, Sydney had 390,000 and Brisbane was 261,000, Adelaide was 101,000 and Perth at 94,000.
The first Block season was filmed in Bondi in 2003, with 2.2 million watching weekly – and the auction finale episode attracted 3.1 million viewers, which was the second-most watched event of 2003.
Its 2003 first series coincided with the peak of the property boom along the east coast Sydney property market.
The first series was hosted by Jamie Durie, and the past few by <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/scott-cam-reduces-rosebery-rental-to-%242900-a-week/2013010958710" target="_blank">Scott Cam</a>.
The Block Sky High will go head to head against the Channel 7 series, House Rules mid-week.
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The Block Sky High's 88 rooms demo'd and reno'd no reason to tune out

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The media tycoon Rupert Murdoch is currently in escrow to buy the Moraga Vineyards Estate at Bel Air.
He has tweeted about celebrating his purchase of the "beautiful small vineyard right in LA."
"Great wine,"  tweeted the News Corp chairman on Twitter.
<a href="https://www.moragavineyards.com" target="_blank">Moraga is a 13-acre vineyard located in Bel Air</a>.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may13murdoch]}
Murdoch reportedly saw the Los Angeles property featured in the real estate pages of News Corp newspaper, The Wall Street Journal listed for $US29.5 million.
Rupert Murdoch is currently in escrow to buy the Moraga Vineyards Estate at Bel Air. Moraga Vineyards is a wine growing estate in the Santa Monica Mountains at an elevation of 600 to 900 feet, five miles from the Pacific Ocean in the Los Angeles community of Bel Air.
Moraga is located next to the 405 Freeway and its near neighbours include the Getty Center.
In the 1930s, Victor Fleming, director of The Wizard of Oz and Gone With The Wind, owned the then horse ranch property which was the first commercial winery to be bonded in the city of Los Angeles after prohibition ended in 1933.
 
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About to celebrate buying beautiful small vineyard right in LA. Great wine, Moraga, owned by great Angelino, Tom Jones. Time cover,1961!
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height: 24px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;"></a><a class="js-profile-popup-actionable js-user-tipsy" href="https://twitter.com/TreeVinos" data-user-id="42792209" original-title="Treevinos" title="Treevinos" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none; float: left; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 16px; text-transform: uppercase; border-left-style: none; width: auto; cursor: pointer;"><img class="avatar size24 js-user-profile-link js-tooltip" src="https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/3303997713/1a91f6f17a2988145a6a741961ec7ef5_normal.jpeg" alt="Treevinos" title="Treevinos" style="width: 24px; height: 24px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;"></a><a class="js-profile-popup-actionable js-user-tipsy" href="https://twitter.com/LRHWinery" data-user-id="189760305" original-title="LosRoblesHillsWinery" title="LosRoblesHillsWinery" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none; float: left; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 16px; text-transform: uppercase; border-left-style: none; width: auto; cursor: pointer;"><img class="avatar size24 js-user-profile-link js-tooltip" src="https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/1122093838/Grapes_normal.jpg" alt="LosRoblesHillsWinery" title="LosRoblesHillsWinery" style="width: 24px; height: 24px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;"></a><a class="js-profile-popup-actionable js-user-tipsy" href="https://twitter.com/msanchezchef" data-user-id="480375375" original-title="Mauricio Sanchez" title="Mauricio Sanchez" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none; float: left; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 16px; text-transform: uppercase; border-left-style: none; width: auto; cursor: pointer;"><img class="avatar size24 js-user-profile-link js-tooltip" src="https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/3560345868/bd1a8c6ce1c5bbcf078768ef3b3e24f8_normal.jpeg" alt="Mauricio Sanchez" title="Mauricio Sanchez" style="width: 24px; height: 24px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;"></a><a class="js-profile-popup-actionable js-user-tipsy" href="https://twitter.com/WineSpectator" data-user-id="35738491" original-title="Wine Spectator" title="Wine Spectator" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none; float: left; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 16px; text-transform: uppercase; border-left-style: none; width: auto; cursor: pointer;"><img class="avatar size24 js-user-profile-link js-tooltip" src="https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/186366974/WSlogo_twitter_normal.jpg" alt="Wine Spectator" title="Wine Spectator" style="width: 24px; height: 24px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;"></a><a class="js-profile-popup-actionable js-user-tipsy" href="https://twitter.com/RyanBiddulph" data-user-id="17973137" original-title="Ryan Biddulph" title="Ryan Biddulph" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none; float: left; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 16px; text-transform: uppercase; border-left-style: none; width: auto; cursor: pointer;"><img class="avatar size24 js-user-profile-link js-tooltip" src="https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/3574620551/d79bd24080e9086e37219510af83485a_normal.jpeg" alt="Ryan Biddulph" title="Ryan Biddulph" style="width: 24px; height: 24px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;"></a><a class="js-profile-popup-actionable js-user-tipsy" href="https://twitter.com/DavidoffCEO" data-user-id="1019903887" original-title="HK Hoejsgaard" title="HK Hoejsgaard" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none; float: left; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 16px; text-transform: uppercase; border-left-style: none; width: auto; cursor: pointer;"><img class="avatar size24 js-user-profile-link js-tooltip" src="https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/3085816292/4a78d7d0f826775e8527a8260b2a84ee_normal.jpeg" alt="HK Hoejsgaard" title="HK Hoejsgaard" style="width: 24px; height: 24px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;"></a>
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<div class="client-and-actions" style="clear: both; margin-top: 10px; overflow: hidden;">12:05 PM - 10 May 13</div>
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The first Moraga red table wine was produced in 1989 and released in 1992 and its first white was produced in 1998 and released in 2000.
Murdoch's celebrations might have been a drop of its Cabernet Sauvignon or its Sauvignon Blanc. Its exclusivity is reflected in its bottle prices - $US145 for the red and $US85 for the white.
Tom Jones, the current owner, is the former CEO of the aircraft manufacturing giant, Northrop Corporation. He has owned the property for 53 years.
The LA Times reports Moraga wines are sold in the city's toniest restaurants, including the Bel Air Country Club, Nobu, the Beverly Hills Hotel, Spago and Morton's Steakhouse, along with a few in New York.
Its homestead is a 7,500 square foot Mediterranean-style main residence boasting four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a lavish octagonal dressing room and maid’s quarters.
Title Tattle recollects Rupert Murdoch was the owner of another home in the hillside of Beverly Hills with tinseltown pedigree.
It was was bought by News International for $US7 million in 1986 from the estate of MCA entertainment founder Jules Stein.
The house, which Stein named Misty Mountain, was built in the 1920s for silent film director Fred Niblo and his Australian actress-wife, Enid Bennett, who starred as Maid Marian opposite Douglas Fairbanks's Robin Hood.
It featured in Dominick Dunne 1990 novel, An Inconvenient Woman.
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Rupert Murdoch buys a drop of tinseltown movie pedigree with Bel Air vineyard, Moraga acquisition

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Melbourne agents secured a clearance rate of 70% compared to 65% on the Queen's birthday long weekend.
It was 53% on the same weekend last year, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.
It has noted the year to date the residential auction volumes excede the last two years. 
The REIV estimates June will have 3,175 auctions.
"The only time this number was exceeded in the past decade was in June 2010," the REIV chief Enzo Raimondo said.
There were 740 auctions reported to the REIV this weekend, with 521 selling and 219 being passed in, 146 of those on a vendor bid.
Next weekend the REIV expects around 750 auctions.
The weekend's busiest auction suburb was St Kilda which had 18 auctions. Of the reported results there were nine sales and seven unsold.
St Kilda East was stronger with five of the six auctions being sold. There was one unsold result in St Kilda West.
Sydney agents secured a 76.9% success rate. 
"Sydney records an exceptionally strong auction clearance rate of 76.9 per cent over the first full weekend of winter. Winter market clearly set to reach new highs of buyer activity," Dr Andrew Wilson, the senior economist for Australian Property Monitors said.
APM reported the strongest regional result of the weekend were the Northern beaches 94% (16 auctions); Canterbury-Bankstown 84% (19 auctions) and the upper north shore 82% (38 auctions).
Redfern notched up a record price at <a href="/news">$2.58 million bettering the previous record at 702 Bourke Street which sold for $2.25 million in 2011</a>.
The top five Melbourne house sales were:
 1. 14 Edward Street, Kew $2,880,000 2. 1 Norman Avenue, South Yarra $2,715,000 3. 148 Kooyong Road, Toorak $2,692,000 4. 136 Powlett Street, East Melbourne $2,505,000 5. 57 Crisp Street, Hampton $2,472,500
The top five Melbourne apartment sales were:
 1. 11A Moffat Street, South Yarra $1,745,000 2. 3/17 Talbot Crescent, Kooyong $1,600,000 3. 30 Halstead Street, Caulfield North $1,016,000 4. 5/7 Cromwell Road, South Yarra $950,000 5. 19A Camperdown Street, Brighton East $942,000
Source: <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/en/Property-Research" target="_blank">REIV</a>
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St Kilda weak as Melbourne weekend auctions secure 70% success rate

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The prominent Sydney auctioneer Tom Panos not-so-secretly held an ambition to secure the sale of all 10 of his inner west weekend auction listings.
After all the inner west recorded an 86% clearance rate last weekend, and the RBA cut rates mid-week saw all the banks passing it onto home loan borrowers.
Panos however fell short - selling nine of the 10 homes.
And one of them was a $2 million sale in <a href="/news">Croydon</a>, a Federation bungalow which had been attracting so much interest that the R&amp;H agent Romani Iskander had been forced to close the front door at times to stop the David Street house from being overrun during its open for inspections.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/6-david-street-croydon/Property-Details-buy-residential-5376251">Set on a 735 sq m block in one of the best streets in the Malvern Hill estate</a>, the four-bedroom full-brick house (pictured below) features an entry hallway with moulded archways, formal lounge and dining with restored fireplaces, cedar joinery and picture rails and wonderful high patterned ceilings.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may13croydon]}
More than $1.8 million was being tipped for the house last sold at $1,662,500 in 2007, thereby reflecting a so-so 3% annual price growth for the vendors, ad man Bram Williams, a regular on the ABC’s The Gruen Transfer show, and his wife, designer Eloise Tucci.
Post-auction Panos suggested it was a record price, and perhaps twitter's limiting 140 characters, prevented a more thorough explanation as Property Observer is aware of a 2007 sale at $2.2 million of  a five-bedroom Federation house on Malvern Avenue, Croydon, albeit on 1300 square metres.
His weekend sale did better the suburb's single block house price which stood at $1.93 million since the 2007 sale of a Chelmsford Avenue house, sitting on just 460 square metres.
Another auctioneer Peter Matthews did secure the sale of all 10 of his auctions advising the prices from $465,000 to $1.725 million included eight over reserve sales.
Cooley Auctions clearance rate was 71% today selling 22 of 31.
Rocky Bartolotto's Property Auction Services team secured the sale of 11 of 13.
The sales contributed to Sydney's overall 70.7% preliminary weekend auction clearance rate, based on the 294 reported in the Saturday evening tally, according to Australian Property Monitors.
Some 360 auctions were scheduled to go under the hammer so the final tally may shift as did last weekend’s Sydney auction clearance rate of 78.1% which was revised down quite dramatically with late results to 69.5% success rate.
"Expect this week's extraordinary cut in official interest rates - already passed on by most of the banks - to add more fuel to an already hot Sydney housing market," Australian Property Monitors senior economist <a target="_blank" href="/news">Dr Andrew Wilson had anticipated</a>.
Although Cameron Kusher at RP Data told the Australian Financial Review today it was unlikely the latest rate cut would prompt anything like a property bubble.
“The property market has been improving slowly since around June last year, but there was only a moderate change in prices after 125 basis points were cut in 2012,” Kusher said.
“I don’t see any reason for there to be big gains because of Tuesday’s cut.”
Their comments were against the backdrop of Sydney's April auction clearance rate being the third highest recorded for any April over the past decade - ranking behind the property boom periods of 2002 and 2010.
And also against the backdrop of the Reserve Bank raising their own concern that Australia's low-interest-rate environment could potentially lead to a quicker-than-expected rise in house prices on the back of households taking on higher debt.
The RBA's monetary policy statement, released on Friday after the official cash rate dropped to a historic low of 2.75%, noted in the household sector "a key risk is that established dwelling prices rise more quickly than assumed, spurred by low interest rates."
''The associated boost to wealth and sentiment could in time generate stronger-than-expected consumption growth. If these were accompanied by a return to increasing household leverage, it would raise concerns from a financial stability perspective,'' the RBA statement said.
Property Observer will provide a Sunday update and then a full round-up on Monday of all the capital city results, along with providing the revised figures as they become available.
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Property Observer has previously noted that Sydney's Saturday night figures - that gain the big headlines - are quite preliminary, and typically revised downwards with the final late results</a>.
The REIV reported a clearance rate of 72% this weekend compared to 69% last weekend, which was revised down from its preliminary 71% advisory.
There were 628 auctions reported to the REIV today, with 454 selling and 174 being passed in, 110 of those on a vendor bid. There were a scheduled 720 Melbourne auctions.
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Steady, not silly as Sydney auctioneers secure a 70.7% weekend clearance rate as RBA warns of household property borrowings risk

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Lights, camera, action! Well, perhaps not within the NSW Supreme Court room.
A three-day Sydney court hearing has been scheduled starting Monday with the actor Toni Collette and her musician husband, David Galafassi, being sued over their failure to settle on an alleged $6.35 million Paddington terrace purchase.
Collette, who was snapped only recently by the paparazzi in Sydney in News Ltd papers, is reportedly, according to Fairfax Media, going to be absent from the courtroom corridors.
She is currently filming a movie about the search for happiness. With filming scheduled in Canada and London, <a href="https://www.tonicollette.org/2013/05/10/hector-and-the-search-for-happiness-first-still/" target="_blank">a first production still </a>for “Hector and the Search for Happiness”, featuring Simon Pegg and Toni Collette, has been recently posted on a Toni Collette fan website.
The May 13 to May 15 court hearing dates back to October 2011 when the couple reputedly signed a contract to buy a double-fronted Paddington terrace from Susie Kelly, the co-founder and owner of Industrie clothing with her husband, Nick.
The Stewart Street house <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/actor-toni-collette-and-muso-david-galafassi-fall-for-the-charms-of-contemporary-inner-city-paddington/2011110752250" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">was snapped up</a> – quite early in its marketing campaign through low-key McGrath agent Ben Collier.
However the Paddington terrace has since been been resold for $5.5 million, so the entertainment industry couple face an $850,000-plus claim against them for the difference.
Designed by architect Anthony Gill and completed in 2009, the five-bedroom, four-bathroom house sits on a 360-square-metre block.
The entertainment industry couple made their alleged decision not to proceed with the Paddington purchase after they struggled to find a buyer of their<a href="/news">Bronte </a>house.
Their 1885 Bronte weatherboard cottage that cost $4.4 million in mid-2009 struggled to find a buyer despite being tipped to sell for around $900,000 less than their purchase price.
Collette and Galafassi instead bought back at Bronte, swapping homes with <a href="/news">the buyer of their own $3.5 million house</a>.
The Kellys bought on Kutti Beach at <a href="/news">Vaucluse </a> in March last year for $15.5 million, so incurred a land tax charge on the redundant Paddington property.
So their damages claim against the entertianment industry couple also includes a claim for $43,516 in state land tax and interest for four months.
The $6.35 million sale of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/actor-toni-collette-and-muso-david-galafassi-fall-for-the-charms-of-contemporary-inner-city-paddington/2011110752250" target="_blank">the five-bedroom home </a>was allegedly due to be settled by late December 2011, but Collette's lawyer, David Carr, told the Kellys' lawyer in an email on New Year's Eve last year his clients intended "not to proceed" with the purchase.
Collette and Galafassi are also arguing the vendors resold the property under value.
They claim the price ought to have been $6.25 million, according to documents filed in the Supreme Court.
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Toni Collette's Paddington terrace property dispute court proceedings kick off Monday in Sydney

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Sir Richard Branson wants to open his mostly private Australian retreat to cheaper guests with plans before council seeking to turn the island into an $850 a night boutique hotel.
Guests can currently only stay on Makepeace Island if they book out the whole island at $8000 plus a night and at $16,500 peak season.
Under the plan - subject to Sunshine Coast Council approval - guests could pay around $850 per person a night with a minimum three-night stay.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november30makepeace]}
Branson opened his private retreat to the luxury holiday market in  <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/sir-richard-bransons-noosa-getaway-for-hire-%E2%80%93-for-%2417000-a-night/2011071150769">early 2011</a> for well-heeled travellers.
Many of the island’s visitors have been well-known names who choose to holiday there to escape the pressures of fame.
Branson, along with Virgin Blue executives Brett Godfrey and former colleague Rob Sherrard, had bought the heart-shaped island for $2.86 million in 2007.
Guests travel to and from the island by riverboat, and it contains a host of facilities, such as an outdoor cinema and a full-sized tennis court, to keep them occupied.
It been available to rent for up to 22 guests.
There is a main house, three two-bedroom villas and a four-bedroom guest house. It has a boathouse, lagoon pool and a 15-person spa.
When he initially bought Makepeace there were suggestions it could be available to his hardworking airline crew as a a reward for their endeavours.
But council regulations proved cumbersome in that aim.
"When neither Brett nor myself are visiting Makepeace, we will make the island and its facilities available for others to enjoy the tranquillity of what is a very special place,” he said when announcing Makepeace island would be available to rent to limited paying guests.
This week Branson told News Ltd papers he wanted to make the island accessible to more people.
"We'd like couples to be able to book the island rather than just people who can afford to take the island as a whole,'' he said.
The syndicate has spent more than $7 million on the property, giving it "the look and feel of a Balinese resort."
Under the $850 a person per night plan the price will include meals and transfers, but alcohol will be extra.
The big test for the proposed changes is regarding water treatment on the island.
"Based on the calculated peak hydraulic loading of 2,700L/day (14EP) and the minimum required land application area of 540m2, no change to the existing infrastructure in relation to sizing is considered necessary," Branson's consultant, Future Plus Environmental suggests.
"Provided the on-site sewerage facility is maintained in accordance with the recommendations provided in the Site and Soil Evaluation Report (ref no. 2771- 02) and operation and maintenance manual, there will be minimal risk of impact to the site and surrounding areas," the report says.
"Makepeace Island is my home when I come to Australia,'' Branson told News Ltd's national travel reporter, Angela Saurine.
"Love Noosa, love that part of Australia,' he said. 
 
 
 
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Sir Richard Branson seeks the $850 a night democratisation of his Noosa getaway, Makepeace Island

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"Expect this week's extraordinary cut in official interest rates - already passed on by most of the banks - to add more fuel to an already hot Sydney housing market," Australian Property Monitors senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson forecasts.
The comments were against the backdrop of Sydney's April auction clearance rate being the third highest recorded for any April over the past decade - ranking behind the property boom periods of 2002 and 2010.
Sydney auctioneer Damien Cooley used the same analogy when he <a href="https://twitter.com/damiencooley" target="_blank">tweeted</a> this morning: "Market is hot people! The rate cut is like throwing petrol on a fire!"
<a target="_blank" href="https://news.apm.com.au/apm-news/sydney-may-11th-auction-preview-20120423-1xfsg">Dr Wilson wrote on APM News that the Sydney housing market had been a standout performer this year.</a>
Last weekend’s Sydney auction clearance rate of 78.1% (with late result notification revision yet to be advised) was well ahead of the 60.5% over the same weekend in 2012.
This weekend Sydney has 363 scheduled auctions, around the same number as the same Saturday last year. Last weekend there were 399 auctions, with the onset of the colder months triggering the gradual reduction in auction numbers.
<div></div>
<div>With 9 auctions, Lidcombe will be the most active Sydney auction suburb this weekend, followed by Mosman and Eastwood.</div>
<div>As a postscript just six auction results at Lidcome were notified with four of the six selling. And therefore three yet to be advised.</div>
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<div>Melbourne has around 670 which is around 10% more than the same time last year. </div>
<div>
With 15 auctions, Malvern East is Melbourne's most popular auction suburb this weekend followed by Brighton, Richmond, Hawthorn and Glen Waverley. As a postscript, APM reported on just the two Malvern East auctions by Saturday night's conclusion, both of whoch sold, and therefore some 13 results yet to be tabulated.
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<div></div>
<div>Dr Wilson says Melbourne's weekend auction clearance rates have averaged 69% this year, some 10% than last year's same period average.</div>
<div>
April's 66.1% notched up Melbourne's best monthly result since the July 2010 peak of the house price boom.
Property Observer will post the latest auction news over the weekend with a full round-up on Monday.</div>
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The  extraordinary cut in official interest rates to add more fuel to an already hot Sydney housing market: APM's Andrew Wilson

ASX-listed developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/stockland">Stockland</a>&nbsp;is continuing its push back into the new apartment market, filing plans for a prominent gateway site between Collingwood and East Melbourne.

The development giant, which moved back into the new apartment space when it announced Stanton Place in Sydney's Rosebery and have since filed plans for a 50-storey tower, are jumping into the off the plan Melbourne market.

They are hoping to create a mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/79-81-victoria-parade-collingwood-vic-3066">79-81 Victoria Parade</a>, replacing an existing commercial building with a scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/john-wardle-architects">Wardle</a>&nbsp;for 478 apartments,&nbsp;ground-floor retail, new public open spaces and a publicly accessible pedestrian laneway.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72dbbca9-3918-4073-afad-a0c0c35be8e7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20pers.png?VersionId=bzMVUKKxvwuNK1m0v_td126Rgct32uk_" />

The design report identifies the public realm as a central driver of the proposal.

"Collingwood has limited access to high-quality parks and public open space, and the proposal delivers valuable new areas for respite, social interaction and fine-grain retail activity."

The development would deliver a diverse mix of housing, including studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside townhouse-style residences. Two basement levels are proposed beneath the development, providing resident and retail parking as well as extensive bicycle facilities.

Wardle's design draws heavily on Collingwood's industrial character, using articulated building forms, brickwork and robust materials inspired by the suburb's warehouse and manufacturing heritage. The built form has been broken into a series of smaller volumes to better respond to the surrounding streetscape while extensive communal gardens, rooftop amenities and shared resident spaces are integrated throughout the project.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b2135ed-65df-4253-ad53-f216f06bd467" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20podium.png?VersionId=l1B6Hqn8zs772VxH6L1fDPg0KHshan9v" />

The planning documents describe the existing office building as offering little engagement with the public realm, with the redevelopment intended to create a more permeable and active neighbourhood destination.

"The proposed scheme presents a significant opportunity to deliver a vibrant retail plaza and a local neighbourhood hub serving both existing and future Collingwood residents."

The 79–81 Victoria Parade site occupies a strategic location about 1.5 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD, at the threshold between Collingwood and East Melbourne. It is well served by tram services along Victoria Parade and sits within walking distance of St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy Gardens, the Fitzroy activity centre and a broad range of employment, retail and hospitality destinations.

Joel Robinson

Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site

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.

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.

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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.

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Jonathan Chancellor

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