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"Spring auction cheer; Spring property's pot of gold; Spring tipped to mark rebirth of seller market: Spring into auction; Spring suprise for Sydney vendors; Market's on a spring roll."
Making any celebratory spring forecast after the first day's results is not something I'll emulate. Best left to the Fairfax real estate scribes.
Yes the weekend results were good – at around 62% in Melbourne and 64% in Sydney – but let's await the results of deeper spring before claiming such successes.
But its actually highly likely that many home vendors will give the traditional spring auction scene a bit of a miss in favour of private sales or staying put.
There are some interesting statistics showing Melbourne's had 3,800 fewer auctions this year than at the same time last year.
Real Estate Institute of Victoria spokesman Robert Larocca has suggested its not so surprising shift in the way Melbourne houses were being sold.
"Due to the lower level of demand, more sellers and their estate agents are choosing to sell by private sale this year,'' he suggests.
There have been about 15,876 auction listings this year, compared with the 19,686 listings in the year to August 2011 and the 21,532 in the year to August 2010, according to the REIV.
So a 19% drop in auction listings so far this year.
In Sydney the auction listings pattern is similiar, but not as pronounced given there's a hint of market recovery. 
Sydney auctions in the year to August stood at 13,236, according to Australian Property Monitors senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson, compared with 15,164 in the same eight-month period in 2011.
It reflects around a 12% decline. It was 15,858 in the 2010 period, says Wilson, who describes the weekend results as "encouraging" while acknowledging that the true test of spring vendor success comes later. Wilson says while last spring was flat due to an "affordability hangover" the next few months ought to be the best in several years. Presumably in part because unlike last year, this spring is starting with a shortfall in fresh listings. There are a high number of houses and units for sale, but many have been on the market for a long time and new listings are scarce.
The interesting spring challenge  for estate agents therefore is making the right marketing recommendation for their vendors that best reflects their clients' best interest.
“The shift highlights the importance of sellers working with their estate agents to select the best sales method for their home, it really does differ depending on your home and its location,"  says Larocca.
All this is against the overall backdrop of more people actually staying put, amid concerns about falling house prices, higher taxes, job security and the global economic conditions.
The REIV data suggest auction sales volumes in 2012 and 2011 are at a low point when compared with every year since 2000.
The institute forecast just 20% of property sold this year could be at auction – down on the 24% on the same time in 2010 and 29% on 2009.
"This is not surprising, and it is a trend repeated whenever Melbourne has a flat year,'' Larocca says.
Melbourne's auction clearance rate so far this year at 61% – nothing wrong with that really except for bootime historical constrast like the 83% auction clearance rate in the first eight months of 2009.
Sydney's overall clearance rate this year has been 53.9% according to APM, marginally lower than 2011's 54.5%, but still some way off the 64% success rates of 2009 and 2010.
No selling season is ever the same, and despite the subdued circumstances this spring, I'd still suggest we won't be spared from all those Super Saturday superlatives. Some things never change.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Spring selling superlatives mask the shift away from auction

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Federal Housing and Homelessness Minister Brendan O'Connor has ruled out changes to negative gearing for property owners.
O'Connor said more needed to be done fast to promote housing affordability, speaking on Friday after meeting with state counterparts at a COAG meeting on housing and homelessness.
He said removing tax incentives for investors was not an option.
"Some people say [negative gearing has] attracted capital to the housing sector, which has increased housing stock," O'Connor said.
"Others talk about the lack of capacity for people to enter the housing market.
"But we've ruled out reviewing negative gearing (because) we believe it has been effective in some ways."
O'Connor said there were now better opportunities for owner-occupiers to enter the market with lower interest rates, low inflation and cooling house prices.
But it did not detract from the need to build more affordable housing for those on lower incomes.
"Eighteen per cent of people who use homeless services are under the age of 10," he said.
"We have too many women and children sleeping in cars."
Releasing more land was key to the supply of affordable housing, a states' responsibility, he said.
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Negative gearing will remain: Brendan O'Connor 

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Whit-Hame, the six bedroom 1939 F. Glyn Gilling-designed Warrawee residence on 2,300 square metres, has been listed for September 27 auction.
It last sold in 1999 when bought for $2,275,000 by the Malouf family. More than $3 million is being tipped for its LJ Hooker auction.
Its previous owners include one-time retailer John Sainty, the Indonesian businessman Ricardo Gelael, Gresham director James Graham and the cosmetic surgeon Eng Peng Tan.
Much of its garden can possibly be credited to Charles Harold Smith, who was born in Ballarat in 1880, one of 10 children born to Henry Smith and Lucy Hull.
In 1906 he married Ethel Burston inVictoria, and they came to Sydney in 1909, where he established Charles H Smith &amp; Co, a stock and share broking firm that operated for many years on Hunter Street, Sydney.
Charles and Ethel lived in various places in Gordon and elsewhere in Ku-ring-gai before building Pittmedden in Warrawee. After Ethel died in 1936, Charles sold Pittmedden, built Whit-Hame and married Ethel’s sister. 
"They remain shadowy figures in the story of Kuring-gai despite their long-term residency, their creation of a wonderful garden and their willingness to display its charms for the benefit of charity," wrote the Ku-ring-gai Historical Society Inc in 2010.
It's been <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-flat-nsw-warrawee-111430215">listed through Robert Ward </a>at LJ Hooker Wahroonga.
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Whit-Hame, the 1939 Warrawee architectural gem, listed

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Harry Kewell's Brighton townhouse rental has been sold for $2.95 million. 
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/harry-kewell-reportedly-kicks-off-brighton-rental/2011102452038">Nicholas Day-designed property </a> has a neo-Georgian style house with a mix of the contemporary and classic elegance.
The townhouse was developed by St Kilda Football Club director John Gdanski and former player Fraser Gehrig.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/2a-collins-street-brighton/Property-Details-buy-residential-4033907">The Collins Street townhouse </a> had initial $3.3 million price hopes before Kewell and his family lived there while Kewell played with Melbourne Victory.
The Kewells lived there for less than a year, leaving suddenly due in part to family circumstances back in the UK in June a few months before their 12-month lease expired.
The dispute over the $28,000 unpaid rent was reportedly settled last week, with Melbourne Victory, whose name was on the lease, footing the bill.
It had been listed through Buxton agent Brian Devlin and Regina Schmidt.
 
 
 
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Harry Kewell's Brighton townhouse rental sells

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Treasurer Wayne Swan has approved the mooted sale of the giant Cubbie Station cotton farm to a consortium led by Chinese textile company Shandong Ruyi.
Its official price is not yet known – or possibly even finalised – but it's suggested as less than the mooted price tag of $300 million plus. 
The Foreign Investment Review Board vets sales exceeding a threshold of $244 million.
The Australian family-owned wool processor Lempriere Ltd has a 20% stake in the successful consortium. which is now in the box seat to finalise sale terms with Cubbie's creditors.
Reuters reported Swan as saying a condition of the deal would be for Ruyi, which could initially take an 80% stake in Cubbie, to have to sell down its interest to 51% within three years.
Swan also said Ruyi's Australian partners would be responsible for operating the Cubbie Group, including the marketing and sale of its cotton, which must be sold in line with international market practices.

Cubbie Station covers almost 1,000 square kilometres of south-western Queensland.
It has been in administration for three years, with more than $300 million in debt incurred during a prolonged drought.
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Cubbie Station set to sell to Chinese-led syndicate that must shed some of its equity within three years

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The jeweller Robert Clerc has sold his 1830s Double Bay residence reputedly for about $5.4 million.
It had been listed through Di Jones Real Estate agents Gary Sands and Jane Schumann.
Its most recent asking price indication was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/mort-s-cottage-the-1830s-double-bay-residence-back-for-auction/2012080355845">above $5 million being sought</a>, but the sales price has not be revealed.

In August 2011 there had been hopes of around $6.5 million for one of Double Bay’s earliest homes, Mort's Cottage.

The original sandstone house built in the Gothic Revival style has been extended with a modern addition of glass and steel designed by Thomas Jacobsen architects after its 2005 purchase for $3.02 million.

It's set on a 620-square-metre holding on the corner of Ocean Avenue and Cross Street.

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Historic Mort's Cottage, Double Bay sells with Thomas Jacobsen extension

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The New York-based expatriates Cary and Jan Lochtenberg, who are involved in film and finance, have relisted their Bondi Beach property due to continuing overseas commitments.
Tycoon James Packer was the earlier owner of the luxury Notts Avenue home – built as his first home in the mid-1990s. It sold when Packer's former fiancee, Kate Fischer, pocketed $2,825,000 in 2000. The 210-square-metre residence had been transferred at no fee from Packer's development company into Fischer's name in October 1998. Packer had bought the Notts Avenue property for $425,000 in 1995.
It has just the two bedrooms and two limestone bathrooms, plus an office and steam room.
The property is for sale via private treaty with $7.5 million-plus hopes through<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-bondi-beach-nsw-2026/156385" target="_blank"> Bethwyn Richards and Jennifer Pooley of McGrath</a>.
It went to last 2010 auction when they couple wanted $8 million plus, but the buyers stopped their bidding at $7 million.  
The Notts Avenue house has been rented out by the Lochtenbergs at between $2,000 and $3,000 a week since their purchase in 2000.
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Asking price dips on Bondi Beach's best – the James Packer Notts Avenue cast-off 

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<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/08/kallista.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">
Mike Quigley, boss of the federal government's national broadband network, is on the move. Kallista, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mosman-111393175">his Federation-style Mosman house </a>(pictured above), has been listed for September 22 auction through Belle agent Sally Navra-Osborne with $3.7 million plus hopes. Quigley paid $3.6 million with wife, Vicki, for the five-bedroom Mosman property with harbour views in early 2007 followed by a reported $300,000 plus in renovations before relocating back to Australia in late 2007. Kallista comes with wide verandas and striking sandstone walls framed by picturesque gardens. It has views across Sirius Cove towards the eastern suburbs from its 936-square-metre corner location. The house comes with a custom-fitted study, cellar, lower-level media room and room for a workshop if you ever found time to get off the computer. The Quigley's are down sizing potentially to a city apartment while keeping their south coast retreat, a 1.2 hectare Berry property that cost $2.095 million in 2010.  
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/08/aug31brinbara]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">Brinbara (pictured above), hidden at the end of Sunshine Beach on its sprawling 3,595-square-metre two-title beachfront holding, has been listed for October 6 auction by property developer Michael Brown, the REMM builder and developer of the Myer Centre in Brisbane and Adelaide. It's entered through iron security gates, down a winding driveway, past the tennis court with pavilion to the house with soaring porte-cochere. Inside the double entry doors is the massive foyer and the immediate framing of the ocean. There's a sweeping staircase to most of its nine bedrooms. On its initial listing the owners said Brinbara had delivered a lifetime of memories for a family now spread across Europe and Australia. Its been listed by Tom Offermann Real Estate agent Nic Hunter inconjunction with Tim McSweeney. It was listed with $14 million hopes for the past 18 months. It was built originally by Brian Wood for his wife Barbara hence the name Brinbara, bringing a bit of Toorak by the Sea when they first came to town.   
  
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/08/crawfords.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">Globetrotters Murray and Serena Crawford have listed their Vaucluse bothole (pictured above), which last traded in 2009 at $4.29 million. Its listed through <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/NSW/Vaucluse/?adid=2009965436&amp;autoplayvideo=1">Agency through Alison Coopes</a>. It was the zebra skin rug on the table that was the giveaway as to its international design magazine worthy status. "This is a home for those who want a glamorous, relaxing, stylish, romantic house in Sydney," says Alison. "From its attic home office to its self-contained, poolside apartment, every part of this five-bedroom home makes you feel as though you are on holiday in a villa in the middle of the tropical jungle, with stunning harbour views, a canopy of trees and sweeping skies," she suggests.  Title Tattle recalls the Hopetoun Road property was a little more dowdy when it was the home of  the former ABC boss Jonathan Shier, who sold for $4.4 million in early 2005.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/08/wimble.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">Dianne Redgrave, the Melbourne artist, has sold her Edwardian cottage (pictured above) in Northcote. She secured $730,000 for the two-bedroom home, with its walls lined with her whimsical and colourful oils on canvas. Redgrave has held regular exhibits since 1989 and is been a former English teacher at the Australian Ballet School along with working front-of-house at Her Majesty’s Theatre. The house, with dual street frontage, had been scheduled <a href="https://www.barryplant.com.au/property.cfm?propertyId=2109898&amp;trapfour=y_num"></a>with <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/16-wimble-street-northcote/Property-Details-buy-residential-4266079">$640,000-plus</a> hopes through Barry Plant Northcote agents Gino De Iesi and Sandra Brizzi. There were sales for three of the five weekend Northcote house auction listings, with the top price secured at $900,000 according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria results. 
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/08/walpole.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">The six-bedroom Kew home (pictured above) of Nick Theodossi of Nick Theodossi Prestige Cars has been listed for sale. Manningham is an 1870s home with 4.9-metre ceilings, timber panelling, open fireplaces and marble floors. Its been listed by Scott Banks of Scott Banks Real Estate, who suggests the elegant Victorian-style home features the many modern necessities including camera surveillance, hydronic heating, air-conditioning, video intercom, alarm, and all modern bathrooms. Offers are due September 18 with $5 million-plus hopes.
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NBN's chief executive Mike Quigley on the move: Title Tattle

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Harbourside rooftop penthouse golf putting doesn't quite fit the reputed buyer's Who's Who leisure profile.
But the unconfirmed purchaser of the recently settled prestigious Elizabeth Bay penthouse offering is tipped as the bookish David Gonski, the consummate Sydney business networker and chairman of the Future Fund.
He's been in the headlines of late given his report of schools funding for the Gillard government.
He is chairman of Investec Australia, the bank that bought his corporate advisory firm, Wentworth Associates, in 2001. The Billyard Avenue apartment sale through Savills agent Martin Schiller has been officially registered at $12 million but to a holding company fronted by a non-beneficial director, the solicitor and corporate finance adviser, Mark Cohen, who since 2010 has been an Investec director. That's among the best links that assist Title Tattle in the identification of the mystery buyer. The SMH's Margie Blok gave it her best shot last weekend but stopped a bit short of the pin when she speculatively queried: "Which extremely high-profile businessman and philanthropist seems to be the mystery buyer of a lavish eastern suburbs penthouse bought in the name of a nominee company?"
The apartment last traded at $14 million in 2006 when bought by Hal Herron, the former Deutsche banker. The penthouse is atop the lavish Burley Katon Halliday complex of six apartments built in 1998 on the site of Cardigan, the former home of the late Cedric and Elizabeth Symonds, by the East Asia Property group. Totalling 425 square metres internally, it has vast living area and a 375-square-metre terrace with harbour views. Herron had bought the penthouse from ballet clothing manufacturer David Wilkenfeld, who paid $7.1 million for it in 2001.
Gonski hasn't given any indication of departing Point Piper, given the apartment has actually been listed for rent at about $5,000 a week through Ballard Property Group.
The Ballard Proeprty Group website says it now has a tenancy deposit taken.
The penthouse apartment comes with a three pin rooftop putting green. Title Tattle notes some golfing lineage in the family as Gonski's father, Alexander, was a neurosurgeon and a founding member of the New South Wales Gold Club at La Perouse.
David Gonski certainly does play tennis, so he could always become friends with other Elizabeth Bay harbourfront owners who have  tennis courts, namely the Onisforou and Paspaley families.
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Despite the Elizabeth Bay penthouse golf putting green, David Gonski could yet play neighbourhood tennis

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The only iconic Sydney School design home set on Sydney Harbour has been listed for sale.
Set in Mosman Bay, the home was the architectural triumph of John James built in 1966 as home for himself and his wife, Hilary.
The mostly wooden home was designed to blend into the Mosman Bay landscape. "Perfect to update or create your dream," is its marketing pitch through Century 21 Resnekov agents Ivan Resnekov and John Conroy.
The Musgrave Street home is not heritage listed, unlikes its neighbouring 1888 sandstone house, Musgrave House, which doesn't have any waterfront landing.
The neighbouring McLeod Street holding is also listed for sale so has potential to be consolidated especially given the James property's vehicular access constraints.
The James house last sold in 1979 for $140,000 to Eric and June Buckley of O E Products.
The 1967 Reader's Digest building in Surry Hills is the most famous of designs by John James. 
Another architect, Tone Wheeler, described the Waterloo Street, Surry Hills, building as custom-made for its client and yet it would last for 200 years or more.
It's sometimes regarded as Sydney's finest concrete work outside the Opera House.
He maintains his own website, writing he "was part of the Sydney Timber-and Bush School along with Peter Muller, Russell Jack and others."
"Together we created a common style – now called the Sydney School.
"The only things we had in common, and that we all agreed stimulated our creativity, was sandstone rocks and angophoras."
Since 1985 he has designed on average two houses a year in the Blue Mountains area. John and Hilary run the Crucible Centre at the Crucible Valley, a self-help personal development movement.
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John James Sydney School Mosman harbourfront listed, but without heritage protection

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

Buying into a masterplanned community often means committing to a vision still years from taking shape. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>, that vision is already visible.

Residents have moved into the completed first stage, landscaped spaces are established, and the next chapter is now underway. Stage 1 has been completed and settled, with Stage 2 now selling off-the-plan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> combines attainable apartment living with sustainability initiatives rarely seen at this price point, including rooftop solar, battery storage and a resident EV-sharing program.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6RNt3AvtBpI?si=JUhuCV2ZRXsYaoJZ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Located on Schofi​elds Road, just moments from Tal​lawong Metro Station and Schof​ields Train Station, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been designed to appeal to a broad mix of buyers, from first-home purchasers looking for a foothold in Sy​dney's property market to downsizers seeking a connected, low-maintenance lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been conceived as a thoughtfully planned masterplanned community that will evolve over multiple stages, with buyers now able to secure one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a neighbourhood that is already beginning to establish its identity.

One of the project's defining features is its focus on sustainability. Solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure have been incorporated throughout the development, reflecting a long-term approach to both environmental performance and everyday convenience.

Sustainability sits at the centre of the development's vision, with solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure integrated throughout the community.

That emphasis on future-ready living extends beyond the technology. Landscaped communal gardens, outdoor gathering spaces and plans for a future retail precinct aim to create a neighbourhood where residents can access daily conveniences without travelling far from home.

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The apartments themselves have been designed with liveability front of mind. Rather than chasing maximum density, the focus has been placed on creating practical homes with generous natural light, usable layouts and strong connections to outdoor space.

Importantly, these design principles have been applied consistently across the one, two and three-bedroom apartment offerings.

The appeal of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> is also closely linked to its location within Syd​ney's rapidly evolving north-west growth corridor. Over the past decade, major infrastructure investment has transformed the area, with new transport links, business precincts and community facilities reshaping suburbs like Talla​wong and Schofiel​ds.

The agent says buyers are increasingly recognising the area's long-term potential.

"Typical buyers that we're finding across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> especially are your first-home buyers, your investors, your upsizers as well as your downsizers," Hawes says.

Connectivity remains one of the project's strongest drawcards. Residents have access to both Tallaw​ong Metro Station and Schofi​elds Train Station, providing links to the Sydn​ey CBD, Norw​est Business Park, Macquari​e Park and other major employment hubs. Retail centres including Rous​e Hill Town Centre and Sch​ofields Village are also nearby, alongside schools, parks and future healthcare infrastructure.

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For Stage 1 resident Roji, it is the balance between convenience and comfort that has defined the experience of living at Kew.

"For me, it's a balance of quality and convenience," she says. "Everything I need is right here."

"If I wanted to catch the train, Scho​fields Station is just around the corner. Tallaw​ong Metro connects me to the city."

More importantly, she says, the development has delivered something that cannot be measured in floorplans or specifications.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> feels like home."

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As Stage 2 enters the market, that lived experience may be one of the project's strongest selling points. Buyers are not purchasing into an untested concept or a future promise. They are joining a community that is already taking shape.

Ongoing investment in transport, retail, healthcare and public open space continues to strengthen the appeal of Syd​ney's north-west growth corridor, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>'s established first stage provides buyers with a tangible sense of the community's future direction.

For a limited time, buyer can secure a new home at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> with just a $10,000.

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Kew Tallawong: A growing community taking shape in Sydney's north-west

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a> has received development approval for its 51-storey mixed-use tower at 153-157 Walker Street, North Sydney, set to be one of the tallest mixed-use residential-led buildings in one of Sydney’s most sought-after commercial and residential addresses.

Lodged as a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) through the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway and approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure following a comprehensive public exhibition and submissions process, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/153-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">the project</a> will deliver 296 apartments, alongside a 170-room, luxury hotel, activated retail and significant public domain improvements.

Situated just 200 metres from Victoria Cross Metro Station, on one of the largest developable sites in North Sydney, the development will rise to 234 metres, making it one of the tallest buildings in the suburb. With an end value of approximately $1.5 billion, the project responds directly to the NSW Government’s mandate to accelerate housing delivery in well-located, transit-connected areas.

<img alt="Freecity gets green light for mixed-use residential and hotel tower in North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="192ec455-94bf-4e01-83ef-922b1b269d67" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Freecity%20-%20Walker%20Street%20North%20Sydney%201%20RESIZED%20.jpg?VersionId=Bzqp0SBHCDvLAHjA4QXkjuGoOEIh73Jl" />

The apartment mix will cater to a broad range of buyers, with 65 studio and one-bedroom apartments, 139 two-bedroom residences, 35 three-bedroom apartments, 48 four-bedroom homes, and nine penthouses. Residents will have access to a dedicated amenity level on Level 33, featuring a swimming pool with views towards the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and North Sydney CBD, as well as a gym, library, shared kitchen, lounge and outdoor entertaining areas.

The hotel will occupy the lower six levels of the building and include meeting and function spaces, a wellness centre with gym, yoga studio, swimming pool and sauna, further strengthening North Sydney's growing hospitality offering.

At ground level, the development has been designed to improve pedestrian connections through the precinct. More than 700 sqm of retail space will activate the street frontage, while a landscaped through-site link connecting Walker Street, Little Walker Street and Doris Fitton Park will provide new public open space with seating, paving and extensive native landscaping.

Freecity Group Co-Founder and Joint CEO Tony Sun said the project represents one of the most significant development opportunities currently available in North Sydney.

"This is one of the most significant development sites in North Sydney and it comes at a pivotal moment for the precinct," Sun said.

"North Sydney is undergoing a genuine transformation, and this project will contribute housing the city urgently needs while creating a landmark destination."

Executive Director of Development Michael Romano said demand for both residential and hotel accommodation would continue to strengthen as the Metro precinct matures.

"The structural demand for high-quality housing and hotel accommodation in North Sydney is compelling, and will only grow as the precinct continues to evolve around the new Metro station," Romano said.

Architectus has designed the tower, orientating the apartments to maximise views towards Sydney Harbour while introducing a sculpted façade intended to respond to light, wind and the surrounding skyline.

Architectus Principal Marko Damic said the design sought to create a tower that contributes to the public realm as much as the skyline.

"We wanted to design a tower that doesn't just sit in the skyline but actively participates and contributes to city life," Damic said.

First look: Freecity gets green light for mixed-use apartment and hotel tower in North Sydney

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> have celebrated the topping out of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf,</a> marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of Syd​ney's most anticipated waterfront communities.

Located on Sydney's harbourfront at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a>, the project has now reached its highest structural point, with construction progressing strongly towards completion in 2027. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will deliver a mix of waterfront residences and terraces, complemented by a private 36-berth marina, waterfront dining opportunities and a revitalised foreshore designed to reconnect the community with the river's edge. 
&nbsp; 
Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said the project represented a rare opportunity to create the next chapter in Sydn​ey's long history of successful waterfront precincts. 
&nbsp; 
"Throughout Sydney, some of the city's most sought-after addresses have emerged from carefully considered waterfront precincts such as Woolloom​ooloo Wharf, Walsh Bay and Breakfast Point," Brown said.

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&nbsp; 
"What makes these places so successful is that they become much more than residential developments," Brown said.

"They bring together homes, hospitality, marina facilities, public spaces and a strong sense of community in locations where future supply is incredibly limited."

Brown has long described absolute waterfront land in Sy​dney as "finite."

"Once these opportunities are developed, they are rarely replicated. That's why Syd​ney's waterfront precincts have consistently demonstrated strong demand and long-term value growth over many decades. 
&nbsp; 
"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is one of the few remaining opportunities to secure a residence within a masterplanned waterfront community that combines direct water access, marina ownership opportunities and a genuine village lifestyle just moments from the Sy​dney CBD."

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&nbsp; 
PERIFA Founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the project reflected a shared commitment to delivering exceptional places that create long-term value for residents and the broader community. 
&nbsp; 
"The topping out milestone is a significant achievement for the Versatile Group and a testament to the collaboration between all project partners, consultants and contractors involved," Perilli said. 
&nbsp; 
"Beyond the residences themselves, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will establish a new waterfront destination that celebrates the history, character and lifestyle of this unique location while creating a lasting legacy for future generations."

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&nbsp; 
Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile">Versatile Construction</a>, with structural works now substantially complete across the precinct. Attention will progressively shift to the construction of the waterview terraces, apartment façades, services and interior fit-out works over the coming months. 
&nbsp; 
With limited residences and marina berths remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> continues to attract strong interest from owner occupiers and downsizers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle within close proximity to Putne​y Village, Rh​odes, Top Ry​de and the Syd​ney CBD. 
&nbsp; 
As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.

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Jonathan Chancellor

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