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Award-winning journalist Lawrie Masterson has sold Lindisfarne, his Mont Albert North home, for $1,084,000.
The 930 square metre property which was heavily marketed by Hocking Stuart as Masterson's home comes with a three-bedroom, one-bathroom 1930s house with classic high ceilings throughout.


Located on the high side of Bundoran Parade, the timber home has retained a lot of features reminiscent of its period including ceiling roses, exposed beams, leadlight panels, picture rails and plate rails.

The house has only had minor work done, namely the restoration of its original Baltic pine floor in all rooms except the kitchen, family room and bathrooms.

A former long-time Hollywood correspondent, and member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Masterson wanted to downsize after settling back in his native Melbourne more than three years ago.
It was bought for $312,500 in 1994.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Lawrie Masterson sells his Mont Albert North home

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Jackson's on George, owned by veteran publican Chris Crawley, was placed in receivership this week by its lenders. 

Crawley attempted to sell the iconic drinking hole in mid-2011 when Property Observer reported potential buyers of the four-storey building tenanted by all-night Sydney drinking hole Jackson's on George were being enticed with the prospect of being part of a proposed new city square in the heart of the Sydney CBD.
The bar occupies the entire 485-square-metre site at 174 to 176a George Street in the Sydney CBD and is opposite the Four Seasons Hotel. It has occupied the site since 1987 and trades 24/7 except on Christmas and Good Friday.
<img src="/images/stories/jacksonmap.jpg">
The square, known as “APDG block”, is bordered by Alfred, Pitt, Dalley and George streets.
The hotel as owned by well-known Sydney publican Chris Crawley who has been caught in a  costly legal bill dispute.
All bar and management staff are continuing in their roles.
The building – constructed in 1975 – last changed hands for $14.5 million in 1989.
According to the 2011 investment report, the bar brings in income of about $1.5 million annually.
Mr Crawley's other hotels include The Belvedere Hotel in the CBD, and Cohibar and the Watershed Hotel, both in Darling Harbour are also now in receivership. PPB Advisory was appointed on Tuesday as receivers for the J&amp;J O'Brien group of companies by the ANZ bank.
PPB Advisory's Marcus Ayres and Stephen Parbery have been appointed as receivers and managers to the group and Quentin Olde and Michael Ryan of FTI Consulting have been appointed as administrators.
Ayres said it is still “very early days” in the receivership process and the receivers have not identified the cause of the group’s collapse.
“[J&amp;J O’Brien] hasn’t complied with its banking requirements; it’s pretty hard to identify what is going on,” he says.
“We just want to keep everything running smoothly for the time being.”
In the meantime the receivers will continue to operate J&amp;J O’Brien’s four venues.
“We are just making an assessment of the business and it is still business as usual but we will develop a strategy to put the assets on the market,” Ayres says.
He says the group had a turnover of $23 million last year and its major creditors are the breweries and ANZ bank.
“They are pretty substantial assets we just have to work out the best way to put them on the market,” he says.
A first meeting of creditors is scheduled for April 29.
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Jackson's on George hotel group under receivership control

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An Australian Securities and Investments Commission report warns that while most advice given to SMSFs was "adequate" there were "pockets of poor advice".
Most of the poor pockets of advice arose from aggressive advertisements urging ill-suited investors to start a DIY fund and borrow to invest in real estate inside the fund.
"In the right hands, SMSFs can be very effective retirement savings vehicles," ASIC says.
"In the wrong hands, however, SMSFs can be high-risk.
"We do not want to see SMSFs become the vehicle of choice for property spruikers. Where we see examples of unlicensed SMSF advice, or misleading marketing, we will be taking regulatory action," ASIC commissioner Peter Kell says.
As the restrictions around borrowing to invest in real estate through a SMSF had been relaxed over recent years, ASIC noted the emergence of property spruikers touting the tax advantages of holding property inside superannuation's low tax environment.
Self-managed super funds represent the fastest growing superannuation sector in Australia, with $439 billion assets held by funds. 
Since their official introduction in 1999, the number of SMSFs has grown strongly with SMSFs now accounting for a third of total superannuation assets in Australia, with $439 billion in funds under management.
As at 30 June 2012, there were over 478,000 SMSFs, with approximately 913,550 members.
Kell said ASIC had ramped up its attention given its growing importance to more Australian investors.
"We want to help ensure that we have a healthy SMSF sector. "The decision to establish an SMSF is one of the most significant steps an investor can take in relation to their retirement savings.
"It involves taking greater personal responsibility for retirement investments.
"ASIC therefore wants to make sure those investors can be confident they can obtain good quality advice through gatekeepers such as accountants and financial planners," Kell said. "At the very least, investors need to understand the time, resources, compliance obligations and risks associated with do-it-yourself superannuation, before moving their superannuation savings out of an APRA-regulated environment," he said. ASIC conducted a review of over 100 investor files relating to the establishment of an SMSF considered to be in higher risk categories. "While most advice provided was rated as adequate there were pockets of poor advice," it found.
The majority of files we reviewed had a fund balance of $150,000 or less and included some, or all, of the following features:
 (a) older members (i.e. members at, or close to, retirement age); (b) members with a low income; (c) borrowing; and (d) investment in a single asset class (e.g. real property).
ASIC found issues in the following areas:
<ul type="disc">
<li>advice was not sufficiently tailored to the needs of the investor </li>
<li>replacement product disclosure was absent or inadequate </li>
<li>insurance recommendations were absent or inadequate </li>
<li>an inappropriate single asset class was provided to investors </li>
<li>suitable alternatives to an SMSF were not considered, and </li>
<li>there was inadequate consideration of the investor’s long-term retirement planning objectives. </li>
</ul>
 Kell said that ASIC is also particularly concerned about the rise in aggressive advertisements pushing property purchases through SMSFs. "We do not want to see SMSFs become the vehicle of choice for property spruikers.
"Where we see examples of unlicensed SMSF advice, or misleading marketing, we will be taking regulatory action." 
ASIC established an SMSF taskforce in September 2012 in response to an increase in geared investment strategies, increasingly aggressive advertising and the collapse of Trio and the subsequent Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services’ inquiry. 
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ASIC states retirement incomes at risk from some SMSF property spruikers

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There is a rising trend in rental vacancies in mining towns across Queensland and Western Australia, according to the latest data from SQM Research.
Some of the mining towns that now have high vacancy rate rises are:
<ul>
<li>Gladstone (QLD) 5.6%</li>
<li>Port Hedland (WA) 4.6%</li>
<li>Karratha (WA) 3.7%</li>
<li>Roma (QLD) 2.6%</li>
</ul>
SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher says investors need to be cautious when it comes to buying in these towns which have a vacancy rate well above the national 1.9% vacancy rate.
The vacancy rate in Gladstone, Queensland has more than tripled to 5.6% in March from 1.7% a year ago.
In Port Hedland the 4.6% rate compared with 1.6%  a year ago. The 3.7% vacancy rate in <a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/graph_vacancy.php?postcode=karratha&amp;t=1">Karratha</a> compared similiarly last March, but with 0.2% two years ago.
“Property investors over the past 10 years have done extraordinarily well if they held real estate in mining towns,” SQM managing director Louis Christopher said.
“However, there is always a risk that when a downturn arrives these markets could have a very rapid and severe correction.”
"We are now watching the data very closely on the various mining towns in the country," he says.
"We remind investors to remain very cautious when it comes to these towns."
Canberra’s rise in rental vacancies has been noticeable since July 2012 and may be associated with a well-known increase in apartment developments, together with federal government attempts to reduce the budget deficit, says SQM.
For other capital cities, vacancies generally remained steady or modestly declined for the month of March. The net result at a national level during the month was 52,931 vacancies, which represented a vacancy rate of 1.9%, which was similar to the preceding month.
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Click to enlarge
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Gladstone leads dramatic rental vacancy rise in mining towns: SQM

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Sydney's Dulwich Hill is the location of next apartment complex to be developed by the Singaporean group Stamford Land Corporation.
It follows the group's $23.7 million purchase of an apartment complex site, according to The Australian Financial Review.
With the reported capacity of 250 apartments, the site, recently re-zoned by Marrickville Council as residential, adjoins a light rail station under construction.
The property that borders Grove Street and Constitution Road has been held by the Angelucci family as an industrial site since at least the 1980s.
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Stamford Land Corporation secures Dulwich Hill site

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Garry Lyon, host of the Channel Nine Melbourne AFL Footy Show and former captain of the Melbourne Football Club, has sold his Inverloch holiday home.
<a target="_blank" href="https://inverloch.ljhooker.com.au/2A4H58">The Fern Street property</a> was on the market for <a target="_blank" href="/news">$899,000 via private treaty</a> through LJ Hooker’s Inverloch office.
Inverloch agent Allan Mann listed the former Demon star’s home suggested the marketing campaign resulted in "a good fair market price" in a market place that was showing signs of rebounding strongly.
The agent didn’t disclose the property price but buyers were being advised it would sell for $850,000.
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Retired Demon Garry Lyon sells Inverloch holiday home

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The franchised national hairdressing chain, Blow Dry Bar, has leased space at FKP Property Group’s $150 million Camberwell Junction Aerial apartment project.
Blow Dry Bar - which offers $40 blow drys - now has 23 salons nationally listed on its website. Its Melbourne salons include Port Melbourne, Malvern, Brighton, Richmond and Docklands. It was founded in 2008 with the first Salon in Market Street, Sydney by Nathan Cuneen, who although not a hairdresser saw a gap in the hairdressing industry.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/04/blowdryapril17one.jpg" width="470" height="353" alt="blowdryapril17one">
Blow Dry Bar has taken a three year lease over a 68 square metre space at a rental around $750 a square metre per annum through Savills Australia retail director, Michael Di Carlo, who brokered the deal with colleague Jeremy Marmur.
Its within the project's Riversdale Road pedestrian laneway where Jetts Fitness, B&amp;O, and Meat &amp; Wine Co have also taken space.
The Blow Dry Bar website says it's shortly expanding to North America.
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Blow Dry Bar takes Aerial, Camberwell Junction space through Savills as it sizes up its North American expansion

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A Montague precinct redevelopment holding is set to go under the hammer in the first auction since the area was zoned Capital City One (CCZ1).
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.lemonbaxter.com.au/">Lemon Baxter</a> has 125-133 Thistlethwaite Street (pictured below) scheduled for April 24 auction.
<img alt="montagueapril17one" height="315" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/montagueapril17one.jpg">
It's a 1,211-square-metre site with 27.5 metres of street frontage.
“The site represents an unprecedented future high rise development in the heart of the Montague precent,” says Lemon Baxter’s Richard Hutton.
Victorian planning minister Matthew Guy rezoned 240 hectares in South Melbourne  and Port Melbourne last year into four CBD-style mini-suburbs – Montague, Lorimer, Sandridge and Wirraway – to be the future homes of 50,000 residents.
Since re-zoning, plans have been proposed for six sites in the Montague area, which is close to the CBD and transport links.
The Thistlethwaite Street offering provides purchasers a property with a short-term lease allowing the value add potential of a high-rise permit.
The site is two buildings – warehouse and office – over three titles.
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Melbourne mini-suburb Montague prepares for first commercial auction

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Oceanview, the luxurious four level mansion on a double block on exclusive Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast has been listed with a $20 million asking price by LM Investment Management founder Peter Drake.
The modern mansion on its 1600 square metre Albatross Avenue millionaires' row holding was featured on the television show Great Australian Sandcastles.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/04/april17mermaid]}
The Paul Uhlmann-designed house also appeared in the book Beach Houses Down Under.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.prohenderson.com.au/real-estate/property/645010/house/qld/mermaid-beach-4218/13-15-albatross-avenue/">The listing agents Luke and Andrew Henderson from John Henderson Professionals Mermaid Beach </a>said the price, if achieved, would be among the highest prices paid for a home on the Gold Coast bettering the $19 million paid by Harvey Norman executive Steve Cavalier in 2006 for a home on  Hedges Avenue.
Constructed by Graeme Cameron Constructions, Drake's ultra-modern mansion is being marketed as a perfect family sanctuary with all the luxuriousness of a resort.
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“It really is an amazing home in an amazing location,’’ the listing agents say.
The four-level home has six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a home theatre, five car parking, plus roof-top bar and entertainment area, gym and even a skateboard ramp.
Its most recent land valuation was $7.2 million.
High prices along Mermaid Beach haven't been achievable for some time as the Gold Coast's "Millionaires' Row" bore the brunt of the property price collapses following the global financial crisis.
It was highlighted by internet-billing high-flyer Daniel Tzvetkoff, who had splashed out $27 million in early 2008 on the unfinished mansion of fallen tourism entrepreneur Tony Smith and his wife, Simone. Its mortgagee sale in 2009 secured $17 million from drilling tycoon Peter Mitchell, who was cashed up after selling his business for $150 million. Given the Ipswich-born internet whiz-kid spent $8 million on almost completing construction, Tzvetkoff's foray translated to an $18 million loss.
There was Bruce Mathieson family acquisition of $18 million in 2009 of the former home of the Globe International director Stephen Hill, the former skateboarding champion, and his wife Sonya, but it was at a $15 million discount to its initial asking price.
The then cottage on the 1395 square metre Mathieson beachfront property on Albatross Avenue had traded at $8,555,000 in mid-2004 when bought by Brisbane investor William Kerwick.
Kerwick purchased the property from management rights businessman Russell Leary who had consolidated the site in 2003, paying $1.54 million for the back block and then $5,415,000 for the front 940-square-metre site.
With 32 metres of beach frontage, it is one of just 300 single dwelling holdings on the Gold Coast beachfront, from Kirra to Main Beach. 
Drake is founder of the somewhat stricken group LM Investment Management group.
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Ambitious $20 million asking price sought on Albatross Avenue Mermaid Beach by LM Investment Management founder Peter Drake

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Cronulla's Lantern House has been listed for May 25 auction.
Set on Gunnamatta Bay, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-cronulla-113266291">the Darook Park Road property</a> featured in Robyn Beaver's 2005 book Top 100 Houses From Down Under following its 2003 completion by DEM architects. By 2006 it was included in Beaver's subsequent book, 100 More of the World's Best Houses, the third in the international series which featuring Lantern alongside Stanic Harding's Gibbeson House in Surry Hills and Durbach Block's Spry House in Point Piper among Australia's chosen few.
The Cronulla block of land cost $1.85 million in 2000 and the house cost $3 million to build. Its architectural concept is layered translucency using glass as its main medium, starting with the finely sliced spider marble sheets on its facade.
It was listed in late 2007 with $6.9 million hopes and sold early 2008 for $5.3 million to the first person who inspected it.
David Highland at Highland Property Group is marketing The Lantern residence as luxury living combining architectural design with generous family efficiency.
"It forms an exceptionally private home of luxury and style in a prestigious peninsula address," the marketing says.
"There are generous living spaces with a selection of formal and casual areas incorporating sliding glass panels that open up to create a seamless flow to the outside areas.
"Wide terraces provide ideal entertaining spaces overlooking the stunning infinity edge heated swimming pool.
"Consisting of four bedrooms plus study, including a palatial master suite with luxury ensuite, walk-in dressing room, isolated retreat and private terrace with outlooks over the bay.
"There is a designer stone kitchen equipped with quality Miele appliances and walk-in pantry, huge games and media room, complete with full appliances, gas fireplace and kitchenette all flowing out to the pool and entertaining areas."
At the waters edge lies a striking boathouse and entertainer's balcony, fully equipped kitchen and bathroom.
Its additional features include automated awnings, translucent marble facias, integrated sound, data cabling, sun-washed decks, cathedral ceilings and Blackbutt polished floors.
No price indicator from Highland, but the house, on 815 sq m, would need to exceed $6.9 million to secure the Cronulla record price. It has stood with Tynan family purchase of the Bali-style waterfront house of former Sharks player Greg Mullane and his wife, interior designer Mandy in 2007. The highest sale in the past six years has been elsewhere on Taloombi Street at $6.3 million last year for a Bezzina-built home.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.amazon.com/Houses-From-Down-Under-Worlds/dp/1864701412">The 100 projects book </a>included the work of architects and interior designers in Australia and New Zealand.
 
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The Lantern house in Cronulla - with its top 100 Down Under architectural ranking - listed for May auction 

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351027]

The apartments themselves have been designed with liveability front of mind. Rather than chasing maximum density, the focus has been placed on creating practical homes with generous natural light, usable layouts and strong connections to outdoor space.

Importantly, these design principles have been applied consistently across the one, two and three-bedroom apartment offerings.

The appeal of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> is also closely linked to its location within Syd​ney's rapidly evolving north-west growth corridor. Over the past decade, major infrastructure investment has transformed the area, with new transport links, business precincts and community facilities reshaping suburbs like Talla​wong and Schofiel​ds.

The agent says buyers are increasingly recognising the area's long-term potential.

"Typical buyers that we're finding across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> especially are your first-home buyers, your investors, your upsizers as well as your downsizers," Hawes says.

Connectivity remains one of the project's strongest drawcards. Residents have access to both Tallaw​ong Metro Station and Schofi​elds Train Station, providing links to the Sydn​ey CBD, Norw​est Business Park, Macquari​e Park and other major employment hubs. Retail centres including Rous​e Hill Town Centre and Sch​ofields Village are also nearby, alongside schools, parks and future healthcare infrastructure.

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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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