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Will the price be right this time? Channel 7 star Larry Emdur and his wife, Sylvie, are having another attempt to sell their redundant cliff top Dover Heights residence.
It’s a contemporary house remaining true to its classic P and O-style heritage design by architect Andre Baroukh.
<img src="/images/stories/larryemdur.jpg">
It’s been scheduled for May 30 auction by Emdur, who hosts the Channel 7 Morning Show and from this week The Price is Right, which debuted Monday with a bumper 536,000 audience, dipping to 402,000 on its second night, Tuesday.
Based on the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/larry-edmur-says-good-morning-to-breathtaking-cliff-top-property/2011090251402">couple’s nearby upgrade purchase of $6.8 million</a>, it had been estimated more than $5 million could be reasonably expected when it went to auction last spring.
Now new listing agents Daniel Baran and Reece Coleman of BHR Estste Agents are saying $4 million plus.
The couple knew on initial listing that there was weakness in the Dover Heights prestige market as their newly acquired residence had previously traded at $7.1 million in 2007. It was initially listed in 2010 with hopes it would sell for more than $8.5 million, but that asking price wasn't right.
The Emdurs bought at Dover Heights in 1994 when they spent $770,000 for a house set on 417 square metres.
Their new abode with dramatic oceanfront cliff-top views over the Pacific came with an infinity pool on its 1,062-square-metre holding.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Larry Emdur spins his property wheel of fortune again with relisting of his redundant Dover Heights abode

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The four-bedroom Paddington terrace owned by celebrity cook Donna Hay and her husband, Bill Wilson, has been sold for about $2.3 million.
The four-level <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/cookbook-queen-donna-hay-serves-up-seconds-for-paddington-terrace-buyers-title-tattle/2012022253514">Windsor Street property had been on the market since February</a>, when it was listed with $2.4 million hopes through McGrath agent James Dack.
It was extensively renovated after being bought as an investment for $1.42 million in 2003
 
 
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Donna Hay’s Paddington terrace off the burner as buyer takes a $2.3 million bite: Title Tattle

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Quest Serviced Apartments will operate a new property in Frankston, Victoria after signing a lease with development partners the Deague family’s Asian Pacific Group.
The $50 million project will refurbish the Nepean Highway complex known as the Peninsula Centre.
There will be 81 serviced apartments within the 150-apartment RotheLowman-designed building, which is expected to be completed in early 2013.
Quest chairman Paul Constantinou says the deal Quest was part of the group tapping into the greatest growing demand, which has been in regional and suburban locations.
“Quest’s expansion into Frankston is part of the company’s accelerated growth strategy, which will see it double its new property openings to 15 per year,” he says.
“We’ve built a solid association with The Asian Pacific Group, having partnered with them on other successful developments including Quest Hawthorn and Quest East Melbourne in Victoria and Quest Potts Point in NSW,” Constantinou says.
Quest Serviced Apartments, which was established in 1988, has more than 140 properties in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. It caters for corporate travellers, who make up 80% of revenue.
Frankston City mayor Brian Cunial says the people of Frankston have been waiting a long time for the Peninsula Centre to be redeveloped.
The Quest part of the redevelopment is worth $30million of the total $50 million.
 
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Quest to operate serviced apartments in RotheLowman-designed Frankston property 

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The Property Council of Australia has lashed out at the federal budget decision to increase tax on foreign investment in property trusts as “another extraordinary misstep”.
“This desperate and cack-handed doubling of the tax sends an appalling signal to international investors,” PCA chief executive Peter Verwer told Fairfax Media.
Verwer said the government had not consulted industry on the measure.
“Treasury only know enough about international funds management to be dangerous," he said.
"Once again the government will suffer because its taken poor advice and not consulted with industry,” Verwer said.
The government will increase the managed investment trust final withholding tax rate from 7.5% to 15%, with effect from July 1, 2012. The measure will return the withholding tax for managed investment trusts to the level of the original 2007 election commitment.
The measure is estimated to have a gain to revenue of $260 million over the four-year forward estimates period.
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Federal budget 2012: Doubling of tax on foreign investment in property trusts slammed by PCA

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The Housing Industry Association expressed disappointment that the federal budget missed the opportunity to reinvigorate new home building activity and alleviate the nation’s housing affordability pressures.
HIA senior economist Andrew Harvey says it contained nothing to address the ongoing weakness in residential building.
“At a time when new home building is in decline in virtually every state and territory, the budget has failed to deliver any new measure to reinvigorate the home building sector, despite the sector’s health being absolutely crucial to a healthy domestic economy,” says Harvey.
He did welcome the tight budget retaining its existing commitments to the Housing Affordability Fund and the National Rental Assistance Scheme.
He also welcomed the continued investment in training and skills.
“However, the budget was an opportunity to introduce measures to progress housing supply-side reforms with the states and territories, reduce the excessive tax burden on new housing, and expand and extend existing measures aimed at boosting housing supply,” says Harvey.
“The federal government has now been working with the states and territories on housing supply and affordability reform, through COAG, for two and a half years.
“After such a protracted period it is reasonable to have expected the federal budget to include sensible measures to boost housing supply, for example arrangements to help the states and territories remove residential stamp duties on new housing.
“Without dedicated housing policy measures and housing supply-side reforms the residential building sector will continue to act as a drag on the macro-economy and the nation’s growing housing shortage will continue to place undue pressure on the household budgets of home buyers and renters,” Harvey says.
 
 
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Federal budget 2012 a lost opportunity to reinvigorate home building sector: HIA

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The tax breaks for green buildings program was announced as part of the 2010 government election commitment.
After an initial delay on its intended implementation date, it was signalled that from July 1, 2012 that eligible businesses that invested in improving the energy efficiency of their existing buildings would be able to apply for a tax break. The decision will save more than $400 million over the next three years, and more over its eight years expected time frame.
No legislation was ever introduced. Earlier this month concern was expressed that the scheme would be postponed or dropped was expressed by David Parken, CEO of the Australian Institute of Architects.
“While we have good regulations for new buildings that improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, existing built stock is a sleeping giant and needs a total makeover.
“If industry concerns are realised in Tuesday night’s budget announcement, it will be extremely disappointing,” Parken said before the budget.
The Institute voiced its support for the program when it was announced as an election commitment of the Gillard Government in 2010 and industry members have gone to great lengths to work with the government in fine tuning the logistics of the program.
“This scheme goes a long way in securing a reduction in carbon emissions, but also has the potential to create thousands of much needed jobs in the building and construction industry.
“To delay or indeed drop the scheme would be counterproductive to Australia’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and a blow to the green jobs sector,” Parken said.
Businesses that invest in eligible assets or capital works would have extra incentive to improve the energy efficiency of their existing buildings.
Under the program, businesses would be able to claim a one-off bonus tax deduction of up to 50 per cent of the cost of the eligible assets or capital works. The scheme was expected to commence from 1 July 2011, but was postponed following extensive industry consultation, with the Australian Government committing to a 1 July 2012 start date.
According to the chief executive of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), Romilly Madew, scrapping the promised $1 billion Tax Breaks for Green Buildings program would prevent Australia from picking the‘lowest of the low hanging fruit’, says the nation’s leading green building organisation.
“Buildings represent the fastest, most cost-effective opportunity to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. They are truly the lowest of the low-hanging fruit,” she says.
The $1 billion tax break would have covered specified expenditure, which is incurred as part of a qualifying retrofit of an existing office building, hotel or shopping centre.
The retrofit would have had to be assessed by an accredited National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) assessor before and after the project.
To be eligible for the tax break, the building would have had to achieve a significant improvement in energy efficiency.
The tax breaks for green buildings program would have complemented other Australian government programs such as the Commercial Buildings Disclosure program. Action to improve the energy performance of Australia’s building stock is an important factor achieving Australia’s emissions reduction objectives.
The government announced in April 2011 to conduct further consultations around the tax breaks for green buildings program.
The government will continue to consult widely to ensure the scheme provides the right incentives for building owners to implement energy efficient retrofits.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Mark Dreyfus had indicated that it was proposed to provide $1 billion in support to the property industry over 8 years to improve the energy efficiency of older, less-efficient buildings around the country.
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Federal budget 2012: The abandoned tax breaks for green buildings promised $1 billion for property developers and investors

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The government would like you to believe that the federal budget is the most important event this week, but Craig James, the CommSec economist, says data on retail spending and employment are the highlights.
James noted the retail spending showed a rise of 0.9% in March, the strongest gain in 11 months.
After adjusting for inflation, retail trade rose by 1.8% in the March quarter, the biggest gain in almost three years.
“Australia’s retailers have finally something to celebrate,” James says.
“No one will be getting carried away with one month’s sales result.
“But it shows there is life out there in consumer land.
“The big winners have been specialised food stores, cafes and restaurants with consumers seemingly giving up on renovating and decking out their homes and focussing on food instead.
“The lift in sales at butchers, bakers, fruit &amp; veg shops and seafood stores over the March quarter was the best in five years.
“And the increase in cafes and restaurant trade was the best in 18 months.
“Cheaper prices had a lot to do with it – even prices at cafes and restaurants fell 1% in the March quarter – a record fall.”
James says the biggest casualty was in household goods like carpets, furniture, hardware and garden supplies, where spending slumped 3.3% in inflation-adjusted terms over the March quarter.
He says the clear conclusion from the raft of economic data out is that the Reserve Bank can cut rates again.
“However, the RBA is likely to take a few more months to weigh up all the influences, with CommSec pencilling in a rate cut in August after the next inflation data.
“And that brings us to the April employment figures on Thursday.
“Clearly the data has been volatile, with jobs up 44,000 in March after falling by 15,400 in February.
“We tip a modest 5,000 lift in jobs in line with sedate job ads data.
“The unemployment rate is likely to hold near 5.2% or rise slightly.”
Shane Oliver from AMP Capital says the focus will be on the 2012-13 Budget with his attention of the danger that budget cutbacks could discourage longer term savings and investment.
Oliver suggests a return to surplus will add to the scope for the RBA to cut interest rates further, and any surplus will add to confidence in the minds of foreign investors regarding Australia's underlying economic strength at a time when most other countries are still struggling to bring deficits under control.
"It will start to put the public finances back into the position where they can provide another bout of stimulus should the global economy take another turn for the worst," he said.
 

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Federal budget not the only game in town, with Thursday's employment data the next key tracking indicator: Craig James

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The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) failed in its desire for the federal government to enhance the first-home buyers’ scheme to stimulate the housing market.
“One of the most effective housing policy instruments in assisting first home buyers is the first-home owners’ grant, but it has been allowed to lose more than half its value relative to purchase prices since it was introduced in 2000,” REIA president Pamela Bennett said before the budget. When the FHOG was introduced in July 2000 the median house price across Australia was $220,443. It is now about $521,230.
The REIA noted first-home buyers had been cautious during 2012, with the number of first-home buyers as a percentage of total owner occupied housing commitments decreasing to 17.2% – down from the long-term average of 20.2%.
The REIA is urging the government to review the amount currently provided.
Bennett suggests with more than two-thirds of first-home buyers preferring established housing, it is essential the scheme continued to apply equally to buyers of new and established homes.
The REIA 2012 pre-budget submission also sought:
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li>No Capital Gains Taxes (CGT) on the family home. </li>
<li>No increase in CGT on property investments. </li>
<li>Removal of stamp duty on property transactions. </li>
<li>Retention of current arrangements for negative gearing of property investments. </li>
<li>The implementation of a scheme to allow first home buyers access to their superannuation for the purchase of a home. </li>
<li>Monitoring of the Housing Affordability Fund (HAF) and National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) to observe its effects on housing supply and to conduct a review which considers additional measures to bridge the demand - supply imbalance. </li>
<li>Ensuring that the National Housing Supply publishes its State of Supply Report in a timely manner. </li>
<li>The appointment of a National Small Business Commissioner. </li>
</ul>
 
 
 
<ul class="unIndentedList"></ul>
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First-home owners’ grant stays the same without the boost sought by the REIA

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Centro Retail Australia has requested an ASX trading halt of its stapled securities.
It’s pending an announcement regarding class action litigation settlement discussions.
CRF has a halt in place until May 10, or earlier subject to any resolution to the $200 million class action.
A Federal Court trial began in March and is due to finish by the end of July after two investor class actions, one run by Maurice Blackburn and the other by Slater &amp; Gordon, began regarding Centro’s 2007 accounting problems and its near-fatal collapse.
Shareholders allege the now defunct Centro Properties and Centro Retail breached continuous disclosure obligations and engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct in 2007 – something that both entities have denied.
Centro Retail is now part of the new merged entity Centro Retail Australia, the responsible entity for the Centro group.
A Centro Retail Australia lawyer indicated to the court that his client would likely argue it was not liable for the potential liabilities of the old Centro entities.
Last week Centro indicated trading activity had slowed at its $4 billion portfolio of shopping centres over the last 12 months, but that it was confident it could meet its full-year financial forecasts.
The company, which is the largest single landlord of Coles and Woolworths supermarkets, confirmed it was on track to meet its inaugural full-year earnings forecast of 15.3¢ per security, and a distribution of 6.4¢.
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Centro Retail class action settlement looms

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Without measures to address housing costs, Australians for Affordable Housing says tonight’s federal budget will fail those struggling with the single biggest household expense. 
“With one in 10 households in housing stress, rents increasing at twice the rate of inflation and almost 250,000 people on public housing waiting lists across the country, a true ‘battler’s budget’ would be investing in more low-cost rental housing and addressing the tax breaks that drive up house prices,” says Australians for Affordable Housing campaign manager Sarah Toohey.
She made the comments after research released by Anglicare Australia last week showed not one rental property in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin or Adelaide was affordable to a single person receiving Newstart, Youth Allowance or Austudy, and very few were affordable to households earning the minimum wage. 
“While the Treasurer would argue that delivering a surplus means the RBA can cut interest rates, interest rates are only half the story when it comes to housing affordability, and only third of all households actually have a mortgage,” Toohey says. 
“A third of Australian households rent their home and won’t benefit one bit from interest rate reductions.
“The rental market is also where house stress is highest and one in four households struggle to make the rent”. 
Toohey suggests the federal government could deliver immediate rent relief to almost 100,000 households with an increase in the maximum rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance, and make a down payment on the long term by investing in a $2.5 billion affordable housing growth fund.
“This is the kind of investment we need to see in tonight’s Budget for those really struggling with the cost of living,” says Toohey. 
The <a href="https://housingstressed.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/AAH_12_Memo_Federal-Budget-Statement-final_SD_060212.pdf" target="_blank">Australians for Affordable Housing 2012-13 budget statement can be found here</a>.
 
 
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Budget must address low-cost rental housing to help battlers: Australians for Affordable Housing

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

Buying into a masterplanned community often means committing to a vision still years from taking shape. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>, that vision is already visible.

Residents have moved into the completed first stage, landscaped spaces are established, and the next chapter is now underway. Stage 1 has been completed and settled, with Stage 2 now selling off-the-plan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> combines attainable apartment living with sustainability initiatives rarely seen at this price point, including rooftop solar, battery storage and a resident EV-sharing program.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6RNt3AvtBpI?si=JUhuCV2ZRXsYaoJZ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Located on Schofi​elds Road, just moments from Tal​lawong Metro Station and Schof​ields Train Station, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been designed to appeal to a broad mix of buyers, from first-home purchasers looking for a foothold in Sy​dney's property market to downsizers seeking a connected, low-maintenance lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been conceived as a thoughtfully planned masterplanned community that will evolve over multiple stages, with buyers now able to secure one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a neighbourhood that is already beginning to establish its identity.

One of the project's defining features is its focus on sustainability. Solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure have been incorporated throughout the development, reflecting a long-term approach to both environmental performance and everyday convenience.

Sustainability sits at the centre of the development's vision, with solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure integrated throughout the community.

That emphasis on future-ready living extends beyond the technology. Landscaped communal gardens, outdoor gathering spaces and plans for a future retail precinct aim to create a neighbourhood where residents can access daily conveniences without travelling far from home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351027]

The apartments themselves have been designed with liveability front of mind. Rather than chasing maximum density, the focus has been placed on creating practical homes with generous natural light, usable layouts and strong connections to outdoor space.

Importantly, these design principles have been applied consistently across the one, two and three-bedroom apartment offerings.

The appeal of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> is also closely linked to its location within Syd​ney's rapidly evolving north-west growth corridor. Over the past decade, major infrastructure investment has transformed the area, with new transport links, business precincts and community facilities reshaping suburbs like Talla​wong and Schofiel​ds.

The agent says buyers are increasingly recognising the area's long-term potential.

"Typical buyers that we're finding across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> especially are your first-home buyers, your investors, your upsizers as well as your downsizers," Hawes says.

Connectivity remains one of the project's strongest drawcards. Residents have access to both Tallaw​ong Metro Station and Schofi​elds Train Station, providing links to the Sydn​ey CBD, Norw​est Business Park, Macquari​e Park and other major employment hubs. Retail centres including Rous​e Hill Town Centre and Sch​ofields Village are also nearby, alongside schools, parks and future healthcare infrastructure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351031]

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351024]

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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