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Casa Mia, the faux Spanish harbourside pile in Manly, has been sold.
Designed by the picture theatre architect Lewis Kaberry, the roaring 1920s abode built for the Edwards family was extensively renovated in the 1950s and 1970s and ended up as flats.
It last sold at $5.65 million in 2007 and its most recent asking price through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.donovanprestige.com.au/product.aspx?prod=85">Donovan Prestige </a>was $5 million-plus. Vince Donovan told Title Tattle he was under instructions not to reveal the selling price of the much talked about property.
The harbourfront property with slipway and boat ramp is a 823 sq m property.
<img height="537" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/casamiaapril30one.jpg" alt="casamiaapril30one">
Title Tattle recalls the Oyama Avenue property had traded for $520,000 in 1981 when bought by Dawn Harding and her late husband Ron, an ice-skating champion.
Greg Hancock, the events organiser, bought the imposing mansion for $4 million in 2001.
<img height="308" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/casamiaapril30three.jpg" alt="casamiaapril30three">
Then the lawyer Wally Meakes, who played for the rugby union premiership-winning Manly Marlins in the 1980s, and his lawyer wife, Julie bought it for about $5 million in 2005.
They sold to plastic surgeon Mark McGovern who has been trying to sell for years with approval for three luxury penthouse style apartments which featured on <a target="_blank" href="https://radicalterrace.com/post/24998682363/casa-mia-3-oyama-ave-manly">radicalterrace.com.au</a>.
<img height="349" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/casamiaapril30two.jpg" alt="casamiaapril30two">
Manly Council has variously considered its heritage sometimes resolving for its preservation, but currently with any redevelopment restrictions.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Casa Mia, the Oyama Avenue, Manly Beaux Arts-style harbourfront sells   

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Altona, the Point Piper harbourfront mansion, has been sold - having been listed on and off the market over the past six years with $50 million plus hopes.
The inveterate record price setting house has been bought by Chaimovich Investments Pty Ltd, a company whose sole director and shareholder is Xiuzhen Ding, a 75 year old Shandong, China-born resident of Ormond Esplanade in the Melbourne bayside suburb of Elwood.   
Chaimovich Investments was established in March this year. Ding has only one other known company directorship, Moszkowski Investments which was registered in February this year.
His gracious 1920s Elwood abode, purchased for $4.2 million, is not owned by Ding, but rather by Shengli Chang, a 44 year old Nanjing, China born, co-director of the Moskowski company. It's the house known as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.james.net.au/rating/31-Ormond-Esplanade-ELWOOD">Fontainebleau</a>, the former reception centre which sold through Brighton agent Nick Johnstone in 2010. The ultimate beneficiary of Chaimovich Investments is not known.
Altona was sold by Deke Miskin, a former teenage magazine publishing industry entrprenuer, and his wife, Eve on March 28, but had remained a tightly held, yet whispered rumour until its confirmation.
The same reputed buyer names kept coming up as its supposed buyers - all followed by the ensuing denials from the likes of the Queensland property developer, the Oxford Street fashion retailer, and the King Street wharf accountant. 
No sale price has emerged - $54 million is the unofficial tip through - but the Miskin couple always harboured $50 million plus hopes for the Wunulla Road property which comes with a tennis court block included in the sale.
The prominent Point Piper harbourfront home was for the first time advertised with an asking price at a record-setting $US56.9 million (A$54.5 million) last September.
<a target="_blank" href="https://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323353204578130092904343484">It was subsequently featured as the Wall Street Journal (Asia) edition house of the day</a> when listed through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/point-piper-s-us%24573-million-altona-gets-wsj-asia-house-of-the-day-status/2012112158025">Ballard Property</a>. 
The home of entreprenuer Deke Miskin and his wife, Eve, has been actively market for the past two years.
The sale documentation suggest the purchase was overseen by Clayton Utz lawyers Rory Moriarty, a corporate partner with experience across a broad range of transactions, including Australian and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, takeovers, capital raisings and corporate structuring often involving the Foreign Investment Review Board and Deborah Bailey, whose expertise is in property development law, particularly joint ventures, leasing, acquisitions and disposals, project development, structuring, restructuring and financing.
No local estate agent has yet taken credit for the prestige sale. A half dozen or so estate agents have had the listing over the years.
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/altona1.jpg">
In July 2007 a $55 million offer by the shopping centre scion David Lowy and his wife, Margo, for Altona was rejected by the Miskins, who subsequently indicated $60 million would trigger a sale.
The Lowys first inspected the property shortly after the actor Russell Crowe inspected the Wunulla Road property.
The recent asking price is almost double the then record price of $28.5 million which was secured when the Miskin's bought from socialite, Fiona Handbury in 2002.
Sydney's priciest sale sits with Villa Veneto, the five-storey Italianate villa sold by recruitment entrepreneur Andrew Banks and his wife, Andrea, in August 2010 to dentist David Penn and his wife, Linda. It reportedly sold in August 2010 for the $52 million plus, <a target="_blank" href="https://news.domain.com.au/domain/real-estate-news/property-shakes-off-winter-blues-with-52m-sale-20100901-14nn5">details of which emerged in September 2010</a>, with its official settlement on Valentine's Day 2011 following the payment of what appeared to be the second instalment of $44 million to finalise the deal which came with a labyrinth of sales paperwork dated December 2010.
The next highest recorded house price was Coolong, the 4100 square metre waterfront property on Coolong Road, Vaucluse, which the late David Coe sold for $45 million - and similiarly shrouded in the veil of continued secrecy - in 2008 to the expat Ivan Ritossa and his wife, Marina.
Of course Chris Ellison set the WA real estate record when he paid $57.5 million for iron ore heiress Angela Bennett's riverfront property - more of a compound than single residence - in Mosman Park in 2009. The 7,567-square-metre estate sold through Willie Porteous of William Porteous Properties International.
Australia's most iconic residence is a unique private estate with a world class deep waterfront family lifestyle.
"Indisputably one of a kind, the grand Italianate residence was expertly designed by Dods &amp; Zuccon Architects, with luxurious interiors by Andrew Parr of SJB," is how Altona was marketed.
Altona's name dates from its early 1900s owner, Altona James, the wife of judge Augustus Gus James.
The property has terraces overlooking lawns, a heated pool, private jetty and sauna. It also has a rooftop deck.
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Altona, the Point Piper harbourfront sells for possible $50 million plus

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Westfield Group has exited its troubled Brazilian joint venture, selling to their joint venture partner the Almeida Junior Family.
The Australian Financial Review noted earlier this month that Brazilian media outlet, Folha reported disagreements with lawyers seeking to resolve their dispuation.
It was late 2011 when Westfield invested $440 million to become a 50% partner in the development and management of five shopping centres. Two centres were under development.
In announcing its exit, the Co-CEO of Westfield Group, Steven Lowy said: “We have decided to dispose our interest in this joint venture as the partnership was not conducive to the achievement of the Group’s long-term objectives in Brazil.”
“We will continue to independently review opportunities in the region in line with our global operating strategy,” Mr Lowy said in the statement.
The proceeds from the disposal of the interest, which represented less than 1% of Westfield assets, were in line with book value.
“We will continue to independently review opportunities in the region in line with our global operating strategy.”
On its purchase it was marked as the Westfield Group making a long-awaited move into a new geographic retail market.
Almeida Junior is one of the eight largest Brazilian companies operating in the shopping centre sector.
"Today's announcement represents an exciting and significant strategic investment for the group, which expands our global franchise into this large and high-potential market,” Westfield chairman Frank Lowy said in a statement back in 2o11.
"This is our first new market entry since we entered the United Kingdom in 2000 and follows the restructure of the group in late 2010.
“Whilst the climate in the world financial markets is volatile at present, this transaction is in the group's long term investment and funding plan, and one we have been investigating for an extensive period of time."
The Brazilian company, led by its founder and CEO Jaimes Almeida Junior, has been operating shopping centres in Brazil since 1993.
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Westfield says adeus to Brazilian venture

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/september21pettit]}
Ken Woolley's latest Modernist Pettit + Sevitt project home, built recently with 21st Century thinking, has been listed for May 25 auction.
Initially listed in 2011 with $1.18 million plus hopes, it comes with revised $850,000 plus expectations.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-kellyville-nsw-2155/152446" target="_blank">The five-bedroom, two-bathroom Lowline house project</a> by the veteran architect was built in the Sydney hills district suburb of Kellyville at the request of Val Sevitt, the widow of company co-founder Ron Sevitt.
<a href="https://www.pettitandsevitt.com.au/" target="_blank">It is three decades after the original building company closed its doors</a>. The original 1960s house design (pictured below) has been updated to meet modern building requirements.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2013/05/pettitandsevittmay1one.jpg" alt="pettitandsevittmay1one" width="400" height="273">
Pettit + Sevitt relaunched in 2009 under the directorship of Ron Sevitt’s widow, Val Sevitt, and her children, Colin Sevitt and Carol Perry.
At one stage Pettit + Sevitt was building 400 of Lowline houses a year with about 3,500 built in the 1960s and '70s.
The latest offering has been listed through McGrath agent Mark Vinogradov.
Image courtesy of the Powerhouse Museum.
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21st Century Pettit + Sevitt Kellyville Lowline home listed for May auction

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Some 1.76 million tax payer individuals had an interest in a rental property in the 2010–11 income year.
It represented a slight gain on the 2009-2010 tax year when it was at 1.7 million individuals.
Most have just the one investment property.
<table style="width: 347px;" dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="7"><tbody>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="33%" height="17">
Property interests
</td>
<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="33%" height="17">
2009–101
</td>
<td valign="top" width="33%" height="17">
2010–111
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="17%" height="7">
No.
</td>
<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="50%" height="7">
No.
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
1
</td>
<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
1,239,959
</td>
<td valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
1,284,852
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
2
</td>
<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
307,514
</td>
<td valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
318,295
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
3
</td>
<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
92,834
</td>
<td valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
96,991
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
4
</td>
<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
33,501
</td>
<td valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
34,967
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
5
</td>
<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
14,141
</td>
<td valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
14,555
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
6 or more
</td>
<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
14,844
</td>
<td valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
15,264
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
Total
</td>
<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
1,702,793
</td>
<td valign="top" width="33%" height="7">
1,764,924
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source. ATO
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Still a nation of negative gearers: ATO puts investor numbers slightly up at 1.76 million

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The former Palm Beach retreat of the bankrupted Tony Morris, the former GP Noble entrepreneur acquitted in a 2012 UK trial over fraud allegations, has been quietly sold for $4.5 million.
It was sold by his former wife, Vanessa Morris. The couple had paid $7.45 million in 2006.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/mrs-morris-stops-palm-beach-clifftop-sale-of-ex-gp-noble-boss-tony-morris-former-australian-home/2012051154666">The couple were married at nearby Jonahs in 2008 in a Moroccan-themed wedding party – she was in a dress by Monique Lhuillier</a>.
<img src="/images/stories/aman.jpg">
There was a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/mrs-morris-stops-palm-beach-clifftop-sale-of-ex-gp-noble-boss-tony-morris-former-australian-home/2012051154666">rejected application in May 2012 to the Australian Federal Magistrates Court by Morris’s bankruptcy trustee Andrew Wily to sell it</a> – for reputedly about $4.6 million.
It was sold earlier this year through LJ Hooker Palm Beach who had an initial price guide of over $5 million.
Valuations for the property in late 2011 ranged from $6.2 million to $6.5 million, hence the hesitation to accept the highest $4.6 million offer, which Title Tattle recalls didn't cover the bank debt.
The mortgage was running at $25,000 a month, with the National Australia Bank owed about $5.2 million and accumulating penalty interest.
It has been bought by the Gregory family who'd maintained an Avalon weekender.
Tony Morris, the ex-principal of GP Noble, had been extradited in 2011 from Sydney to defend the charges of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/ex-gp-noble-principal-tony-morris-cleared-of-fraud-charges-and-palm-beach-possibly-beckons/2012071355564">which he was acquitted</a>.
In a 2010 interview with Channel Seven at his clifftop home Morris has said he was innocent.
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The clifftop Aman at Palm Beach sells for $4.5 million - a 40% price drop

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Sydney weekend auctions remain strong but the price growth is questionable especially in the Blue Mountains.
That was evident in last weekend's cheapest sale as recorded by Australian Property Monitors.
It was a house in the most distant Blue Mountains village of Mount Victoria which sold for $225,000.
It had last sold nine year ago at $248,000.
The three bedroom 1970’s cottage has is situated on a 1359 square metre block.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mount+victoria-113416187">It sold through Century 21</a>.
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Weak price growth in Blue Mountains in weekend's cheapest sale

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The British news publisher Guardian News will set up in Sydney’s Surry Hills to launch its Australian operation, Guardian Australia.
Editor-in-chief Katharine Viner and colleagures are set to move into 35 Reservoir Street, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Surry Hills</a> with a five year lease.
The 550-square-metre site has been leased for a gross rental of a reported $500 a square metre from the landlord, Teachers Health Fund.
The site can accommodate 40 journalists, the rival The Australian Financial Reweview says.
James McCourt of Karbon Property and Frank Scarf from Arissa negotiated the lease.
Metro Commercial recently had a first floor 484 square metre space in the building with separate high class corporate boardroom, a  fit out of 37 workstations and seven individual offices along with kitchenette and chill out area leading to balcony area.
It was available at $495 a square metre plus gst.
Teachers Health Fund is a national private health insurer, providing products and services to over 110,000 members throughout Australia.
The fund was established in 1954 by the New South Wales Teachers Federation.
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The Guardian Australia rents Surry Hills space

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The first release of Enclave, Mirvac’s new Ascot Vale residential community is 95% sold following its launch weekend.
There were $35.6 million in sales for the project located seven kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD. The home and land packages were priced from around $549,000.
Some 61 lots were purchased including a mix of land allotments and Mirvac designed homes. Only four lots remain for sale.
<img height="286" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/enclaveapril30one.jpg" alt="enclaveapril30one">
The 10.4 hectare site forms the balance of the Ascot Chase project, located directly to the north of stages 1 and 2, delivered by Urbex and Gresham Property Fund No 3 (Gresham).
The project will be delivered as a joint venture partnership between Mirvac and Gresham.
<img height="299" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/enclaveapril30two.jpg" alt="enclaveapril30two">
"The launch weekend well and truly surpassed the planned release of an initial 30 lots, with an additional 35 lots brought onto the market to meet the high demand for quality real estate," Mirvac residential chief John Carfi said.
Construction of the first stage of land and housing as well as the wetlands will commence next month.
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Mirvac secures $35.6 million in Ascot Vale Enclave sales

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The Adelaide Crows captain Nathan van Berlo is selling his coastal Glenelg North house.
The home goes under the hammer on May 18 with bidding above $500,000 expected.
It last sold for $415,000 in 2007.
Van Berlo's rendered  three bedroom <a target="_blank" href="https://www.harcourts.com.au/Property/514103/SOC4339/42-Tod-Street">Tod Street, Glenelg North</a> property on its 310 square metre block has been home to Berlo, and several teammates over the years.
The Crows captain and his girlfriend Sally are on the move having built a three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse in the eastern suburbs.
The 1950s-built home, with new floors and a renovated kitchen and bathrooms, has been listed through Paul Keldoulis and Nathan Casserly at Harcourts.
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Crows captain Nathan Van Berlo lists Glenelg North home

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.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6RNt3AvtBpI?si=JUhuCV2ZRXsYaoJZ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Located on Schofi​elds Road, just moments from Tal​lawong Metro Station and Schof​ields Train Station, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been designed to appeal to a broad mix of buyers, from first-home purchasers looking for a foothold in Sy​dney's property market to downsizers seeking a connected, low-maintenance lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been conceived as a thoughtfully planned masterplanned community that will evolve over multiple stages, with buyers now able to secure one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a neighbourhood that is already beginning to establish its identity.

One of the project's defining features is its focus on sustainability. Solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure have been incorporated throughout the development, reflecting a long-term approach to both environmental performance and everyday convenience.

Sustainability sits at the centre of the development's vision, with solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure integrated throughout the community.

That emphasis on future-ready living extends beyond the technology. Landscaped communal gardens, outdoor gathering spaces and plans for a future retail precinct aim to create a neighbourhood where residents can access daily conveniences without travelling far from home.

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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."

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&nbsp; 
Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile">Versatile Construction</a>, with structural works now substantially complete across the precinct. Attention will progressively shift to the construction of the waterview terraces, apartment façades, services and interior fit-out works over the coming months. 
&nbsp; 
With limited residences and marina berths remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> continues to attract strong interest from owner occupiers and downsizers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle within close proximity to Putne​y Village, Rh​odes, Top Ry​de and the Syd​ney CBD. 
&nbsp; 
As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.

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Jonathan Chancellor

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