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 The RP Data research team has compiled a list of where the best performing house locations were in 2012. 
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Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/">RP Data</a>
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Peterborough and Port Hedland feature on RP Data's 10 top-performing house locations in 2012 

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The Queensland property market was showing early signs of improvement, the Bank of Queensland chairman Neil Summerson told the bank’s annual general meeting in Brisbane today.
Mr Summerson said economic conditions remained subdued but had stabilised.
“The bank is seeing some early indication that the downward movement in property values has started to reverse,” he said. 
But he added over the last month there had been commentary from various market participants and commentators including Stockland, Mirvac and the Insolvency and Trustee Service Australia, which reiterated the difficulties of 2012 for the State of Queensland.
"With over 60% of our business is sourced in Queensland, I would like shareholders to appreciate that this bank is unique in that no other listed bank in Australia has the same concentration of business as we have in this State.
"Notwithstanding the above, the Queensland State Government is predicting 4% growth over the next year.
"In addition, tourism numbers on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast in the period from September to November were up substantially on the previous year and the current State Government has initiated various programs (the boost in first home owners grant for new homes, as an example) to stimulate the economy.
"Indeed, the Premier stated only last Friday that he thought that Queensland should see some positive economic signs within 12 months.
"In addition, the bank is seeing some early indication that the downward movement in property values has started to reverse.
“With borrowers better able to meet their mortgage commitments as a result of successive interest rate reductions, including that of last week, we have reason to be optimistic about recovery in the important housing market.”
"Unemployment is expected to rise modestly over the next two years.
"Combined with a shift in Australians saving more than ever, credit growth for the banking sector is expected to remain subdued.
"Nevertheless, we are expecting to deliver growth in top and bottom line and after the first three months of this financial year we are comfortably meeting our internal targets.," Mr Summerson said.
BoQ reported a $17.1 million loss in the 2012 financial year as it felt weakened economic conditions in Queensland.
With property prices especially on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast falling, BoQ’s impaired loans doubled to $401 million over the year.
"Prior to 2008 the bank did not have a history of having large write offs for bad debts.
"The onset of the Global Financial Crisis saw this all change," he said.
Until 2011 thebBank only made specific provisions against its outstanding debts, but in February of 2011, with the full impact of the economic slowdown, Cyclone Yasi, and the Brisbane floods, the board considered it prudent to take an "economic overlay" in our provisioning of $32.5m.
"In early this year the board and management became aware of a continuing fall in property values particularly in Queensland.
"As over 60% of our business is in this State, the board decided to take an additional economic overlay of $175 million during the year to provide a buffer against falling property values," he said.
 
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BOQ sees brighter Queensland property market in 2013

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Lights, camera, action! Well, perhaps not within the court room. However, a three-day court hearing has been scheduled for May 2013 when the actor Toni Collette and her musician husband, David Galafassi, will be due in court being sued over their failure to settle on an alleged $6.35 million Paddington terrace purchase.
The May 13 to May 15 hearing date was scheduled this week by the duty judge in the NSW Supreme Court equity division.
In October 2011 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/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" rel="nofollow">was snapped up</a> – quite early in its marketing campaign through 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="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/title-tattle/actor-toni-collette-changes-her-mind-over-paddo-and-buys-again-in-bronte-title-tattle" rel="nofollow">the buyer of their own $3.5 million house</a>.
The Kellys bought on Kutti Beach at <a href="/news">Vaucluse </a>last March 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/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 also sent an email to Nick Kelly on February 24, telling him the couple had decided to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/title-tattle/actor-toni-collette-changes-her-mind-over-paddo-and-buys-again-in-bronte-title-tattle" target="_blank">buy another house in Bronte</a>. 
The Hollywood entertainment industry couple claim they do not have to pay the land tax that the Kellys were hit with given their move into a Vaucluse residence.
They also claim they dont have to pay the interest on the $6.35 million as there was no agreement to "complete the sale" by late December.
Collette and Galafassi are also arguing the vendors resold the property under value.
They claim the price ought to have been $6.25 million at auction, according to documents filed in the Supreme Court.
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Actor Toni Collette and musician husband, David Galafassi, have May 2013 court performance

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Residential property prices in Perth and Darwin could rise as much as 7% next year, but  little optimism is held by Australian Property Monitors' senior economist, Dr Andrew Wilson for Melbourne, Adelaide and Hobart.
Record immigration levels, housing shortages and rising rents will boost Perth’s potential, APM suggests.
APM expects the best capital growth to be in Darwin and Perth in 2013, with Wilson saying Sydney and Brisbane also look good leading into 2013.
He expects price growth between 3 and 5% for both cities.
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<a href="/images/stories/2012/12/apmdec131.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/apmdec132.gif"></a>
“APM expects investors will continue to be active in 2013 increasingly attracted to bricks and mortar investment by historically low interest rates and the prospects of capital gains – particularly focused on Sydney, Perth and Brisbane.
“Overall markets have stepped forward modestly into recovery in 2012, with the prospect of this trend continuing in most capital cities,” Wilson says.
Sydney’s inner-west, Canterbury-Bankstown and Hills suburban areas were tipped as areas to watch.
Despite Brisbane’s economy underperforming, prices there have stabilised and should improve. The apartment market should also perform well next year.
But capitals such as Melbourne, Adelaide and Hobart are expected to remain flat with little price growth.
Dr Wilson said markets would continue to be driven largely by localised factors such as job security concerns, cost of living pressures and state and federal government fiscal policies.
While local economic factors may constrain Melbourne’s middle market, APM expects the prestige market to continue building solid buyer momentum.
“[The year] 2013 should continue to build on the modest gains of the past year. However, the forthcoming federal election and the likelihood of a protracted campaign may result in some uncertainty amongst home buyers and sellers, with confidence already low,” he said.
APM says 2012 had been a positive year for the Australian housing market following a generally subdued period of buyer activity in 2011.
The national median house price rose by just under one percent over the 10 months to October 2012.
"Although the housing market performance in 2012 has been generally positive, results have nonetheless been mixed and patchy, with buyer and seller confidence remaining fragile.
"Capital city markets have responded mainly to local demand and supply drivers although the reduction in official interest rates from 4.75 percent in November 2011 to 3 percent in December 2012 has improved housing affordability and contributed to higher levels of buyer confidence.
"The cut in mortgage interest rates has however been offset by significant rises in the cost of living driven particularly by tight state and national government fiscal policies and increased energy costs," Wilson says.
"2013 should continue to build on the modest gains of 2013 however much will depend on the performance of the national and local economies.
"The December cut in interest rates to the lowest level on record should help get the market off to a good start to the year," Wilson says.
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APM expects property investors will be active in 2013, especially in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane

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Celebrity builder Scott Cam is seeking $3100 a week tenants at his redundant Rosebery house following his $4.6 million Vaucluse mansion purchase.
Cam will thrown in a gardener and pool man for the new occupants who take up the rental.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-rosebery-409349331" target="_blank">It's a contemporary, custom-built family residence</a>. The previous residence on the site is pictured below.
<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/2012/12/scottcamold.jpg">
There's huge open-plan living, dining and family entertaining zones with soaring ceilings, glass walls and louvres, polished concrete floors and two Jetmaster fireplaces.
Its Caesarstone kitchen comes with Ilve appliances, five-burner gas hob, double oven, dishwasher and walk-in pantry.
The private master suite occupies the entire upper level features double walk-in-robes, sunroom, adjoining study/nursery and Japanese-inspired ensuite.
There are an additional four double bedrooms, all with built-ins.
The grounds have north facing grassed garden with solar-heated saltwater pool complete with decking, sunbeds and a separate cabana with kitchen/wet bar, living room, home theatre, guest bedroom, bathroom and steam room.
It comes with "big workshop space" (pictured below) plus office.
<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/2012/12/camtoolroom.jpg">
Last month Scott Cam, Channel 9's top-rating host of The Block, and his wife, Ann, bought a Tuscan-inspired Vaucluse home (pictured below). And neighbours have noticed utes descend on the upmarket suburb.
<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/2012/12/camnew.jpg">
The property was sold by pub baron Peter Wadsworth.
"Scotty said that he grew up around Vaucluse and that he's always wanted to come back to the area," said Ray White Double Bay agent Daryl Rosen.
<a href="/news/the-block-2012-presenter-scott-cam-spends-670-000-on-a-mollymook-retreat-title-tattle">The couple spent $670,000 for a retreat at Mollymook on the south coast earlier this year.</a>
Their not-so modest home in Rosebery cost $750,000 in 2001.
The celebrity builder, who launched his TV career in 2000 alongside Jamie Durie on Backyard Blitz, also appears on Backyard Blitz, Domestic Blitz, Random Acts of Kindness and Renovation Rescue.
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Celebrity builder Scott Cam seeks $3,100 weekly rent for Rosebery house as he moves to Vaucluse

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The US agricultural investment fund Westchester has bought the 17,200-hectare rice farm Cobran Station from the Twynam Group for around $18 million.
The farm near Hay in NSW, which was once the largest rice farm in the country, was developed by businessman John Elliott through the Australian Rice Holdings and the US-based Disney family investment company Shamrock Capital Advisors. Elliott bought Cobran while still chairman and chief executive of Elders IXL in the late 1980s.
The Kahlbetzer family's Twynam Group bought the property in 2002. Twynam paid $21.7 million for the then 31,219-hectare holding, keeping the higher-value irrigation land on the Murrumbidgee River while selling off the property's northern grazing section.
Most of the farm’s irrigated cropping paddocks are now used for raising cotton and sheep are also run on the property.
<a href="https://wgimglobal.com/home" target="_blank">Westchester</a> is a leading global agricultural asset manager, having over 25 years consolidated a $2 billion portfolio including 400 farms across the United States, Australia, South America and Europe.
It's seeking over 1 million acres across the globe as possible farmland opportunities, totalling more than $3 billion in value.
The Twynam Group sold a large rural holding earlier this year – the 35,600-hectare Collymongle at Collarenebri in northern NSW – to neighbouring farmers the Zell family for $40?million plus.
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US agricultural investment fund Westchester has bought Cobran Station from the Kahlbetzer family's Twynam Group  

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Almost 300 Australian farmers have left the land every month over the last three decades, resulting in a 40% exodus in their numbers.
Not just due to drought, family succession lines ceasing, plus small land holders selling out to the bigger producers.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics report puts the number of famers in 2011 at 157,000 farmers – some 106,00 fewer than in 1981.
The number has dropped by 11% in the past five years.
The majority of farms were small in terms of land area, with around a third covering less than 50 hectares (36%), and a similar proportion (36%) between 50 and 500 hectares.
Conversely there were a small number (100) of massive farms that occupied more than 500,000 hectares, which is more than twice the land area of the Australian Capital Territory.
The total area of agricultural land in 2011 amounted to 410 million hectares or just over half (53%) of the nation’s landmass.
The proportion of land devoted to agriculture varied across states and territories lead by Queensland where agriculture occupied the vast majority (81%) of the state, while in Tasmania just under a quarter (24%) of all land was used for agriculture.
The farmers work longer hours than most in the workforce with 50% working 49 hours or more a week, compared to 17% of other workers putting in similiar long hours in other industries.
More than half (56%) of Australia’s farmers were self employed owner managers, compared with 15% of other workers.
Despite the long hours, the average weekly disposable income of farmers in 2009-10 ($568) was considerably lower than that of people working in other occupations ($921).
However, the average equivalised net worth, taking into account both assets and liabilities, of farming households in 2009-10 was $1.3 million, much higher than the average across other households, at $393,000. But, according to ABS, such high levels of wealth are not enjoyed by all farming households with 10% of farming households classified as having relatively low levels of wealth.
Some 71% of farming households were in the top 20% of the wealth distribution.
The majority of farmers were involved in specialised beef cattle farming (28%), mixed grain-sheep or grain-beef cattle farming (9%).
The farmers still working on the land are getting older.
“In 2011, almost a quarter (23 per cent) of farmers were aged 65 years or over, compared with just 3 per cent of people in other occupations,” the ABS report noted.
“The tendency of farmers to work beyond the traditional retirement age may reflect the decline in younger generations taking over family farms.”
In 2011, only 11% of Australian farmers were born overseas, compared with 26% of the total population.
In 2011, there were 93,300 farming families.
Almost half (48%) of these comprised a couple living by themselves (compared with 38% of other families), many of whom were likely to have had older children no longer living at home.
Of those families with children living at home, farming families were slightly larger on average than other families (4.0 people compared with 3.7).
Close to a third (29%) of farming families with children had three or more children, compared with one fifth (20%) of other families.
One parent families were much less common among farming families (3%), than among other families (16%).
"This may suggest that separation and divorce is less common among farming families," the ABSA report noted.
"Indeed, of those people who had been married, farmers were much less likely than other people to be divorced or separated (8% compared with 18%)," it noted.
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Farmer exodus from the land continues as drought, youthful disinterest and long hours, but not divorce take toll

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Lend Lease has been selected as preferred bidder by the New South Wales government to deliver the Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct (SICEEP) at Darling Harbour.
It's among the winning Destination Sydney consortium consisting of Lend Lease, HOSTPLUS, Capella Capital, AEG Ogden and Spotless.
The two losing bidders were Key Partners comprising Laing O'Rourke Australia Construction Ltd, John Laing Investments Ltd, Macquarie Capital Group Ltd, GL Events and Honeywell Ltd; and the VeNuSW consortia comprising Plenary Group Ltd, Brookfield Multiplex P/L, Brookfield Multiplex Services Pty Ltd and Suntec Int. Convention &amp; Exhibition Services Pte Ltd.
Lend Lease and Destination Sydney will work with Infrastructure NSW (INSW) to enter into a $1 billion public private partnership to design, construct, finance, maintain and operate the convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities.
The state government had concluded the existing facilities at Darling Harbour have served Sydney well since the 1980s and been the backbone of the growth in the major events industry.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/icc3.jpg">
"However, Sydney needs to respond to the substantial improvement in the standard of equivalent facilities in Australia and the Asia-Pacific if the city is to realise its full potential in the convention and exhibition markets," the government says.
The project aims to revitalise the 20-hectare precinct that runs north-south from Haymarket through to Cockle Bay, and east-west from the CBD to Ultimo.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/icc2.jpg">
The project's commitments are fully underwritten, and Lend Lease will invest 50% of the equity alongside the national industry super fund for tourism and hospitality, HOSTPLUS, with debt being provided by a syndicate of local and overseas banks.
Lend Lease, which has the nearby Bangaraoo project, will also work with INSW to enter into project development agreements to develop a mixed-use site of approximately five hectares adjacent to the SICEEP site with an anticipated end development value in excess of $1.5 billion.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/icc1.jpg">
The mixed-use site includes a landmark hotel of up to 900 rooms and approximately 1,400 residential apartments, 23,000 square metres of student accommodation, 7,000 square metres of retail, 15,000 square metres of commercial space, a 400-bay public car park, and up to 2,000 square metres of community space and public realm upgrades.
Lend Lease Group chief Steve McCann, said the commencement of site works was scheduled for December 2013. 
The existing Sydney Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre will close December 2013. The new facilities and the improved public spaces at Darling Harbour will be opened in December 2016. Construction will commence on The Haymarket in 2014, allowing the existing Sydney Entertainment Centre to remain open until December 2015.
Premier Barry O’Farrell said today the transformation of a 20-hectare precinct at Darling Harbour would generate about $5 billion in economic benefit for NSW.
Click for the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.siceep.com/home/about-the-project/about-the-preferred-consortia.aspx">preferred consortia details</a>.
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Lend Lease wins $1 billion Darling Harbour project over Macquarie and Multiplex rival consortia

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The Byron Shire Council is again seeking to regulate the holiday home rental listings market.
The NSW north coast municipality has taken a property owner to the Land &amp; Environment Court seeking to stop them from leasing the property to tourists.
The February 2013 test case could affect the whole NSW holiday letting industry.
Byron Shire Council is taking Joe Blaney who owns an Ewingsdale property to court to prevent its lease to short-term holidaymakers.
Its on an 8000 square metre Bayvista Lane, Ewingsdale property which cost $1.25 million in 2007.
The council said the owner was operating a tourist facility without a development consent.
It wants the court to decide whether holiday lettings are covered by the definition of a “tourist facility”, and are a business or commercial operation prohibited in residential areas.
Its a class 4 prosecution for alleged illegal use of premises for holiday letting.
Local estate agents said it would not only severely affect property values, but would ripple through local economies.
The president of the Holiday Letting Organisation Byron Bay which represents around 600 home owners, John Gudgeon, said it would affect every town on the coast.
It was an issue that initially flared in 2009 arising after complaints about disturbances by home owners within neighbourhoods.
Agents suggest some 70 of owners seek income from short term tourists around the Byron township.
Three sales had recently fallen over because prospective buyers could not get assurance from the council they would be permitted to lease their purchases, according to Ray White agent David Gordon.
“People don’t appreciate how widespread the damage could be," David Gordon said.
"There’s a whole economy behind just one holiday rental – cleaners, restaurants, home owners,” David Gordon told the Australian Financial Review.
“Generally it is families leasing them, they’re the ones who spend more money and stay longer.”
 
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Byron Bay's short term tourism rental battle flares again as holiday home prices suffer

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 The NSW Valuer General has determined that the land tax threshold for the 2013 land tax year is $406,000.
Every investment property, or portfolio, above that level will be billed state government land tax.
It reflects a 2.5% increase on the threshold for the 2012 land tax year which was $396,000.
The threshold for the 2011 land tax year was $387,000.
The principal place of residence is generally exempt from land tax.
The NSW Valuer-General Philip Western will issue individual new valuations in January 2013 that will form the basis of tax assessments sent out by the NSW Office of State Revenue next year.
The state government bases individual assessments on rolling three-year averaging of land valuations to take account of changing property values.
The state government collects about $2 billion in land tax a year. Non-residential properties account for about 60% of land tax revenue.
If you own several land items, the value of all your liable land will be added together
The NSW premium land tax threshold for the 2013 land tax year is $2,482,000.
The premium land tax threshold for the 2012 land tax year was $2,421,000.
The premium land tax threshold for the 2011 land tax year was $2,366,000.
 
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NSW land tax threshold for 2013 is $406,000

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]

Jonathan Chancellor

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