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Chris O’Donnell, the most successful Australian property executive in Dubai until his dramatic 2011 departure, has won $US3.25 million ($3 million) from Nakheel, the property giant he headed for five years.
The Dubai World Tribunal found in favour of the former Nakheel chief executive after he took action to recover his contractual entitlements, mainly relating to bonuses.
O’Donnell told the Arabian Business website he had been “entirely vindicated” by the tribunal.
"I am very pleased to have had the matter resolved and my claim upheld," O'Donnell advised.
“Whilst I have been entirely vindicated by the Dubai World Tribunal, I am naturally disappointed that, despite my best efforts at compromise the matter was not able to be resolved amicably without the need to take costly legal proceedings that vented Nakheel’s internal business in a public forum,” he added to Arabian Business.
He said the tribunal decision illustrated the quality of the process and the personnel of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) courts.
Working in Dubai after quitting Investa Property Group, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/departed-dubai-boss-seeks-air-ticket-home/2011071350784" target="_blank">he took action</a> when Nakheel did not make the payments after he left the company last June.
Nakheel expanded dramatically in the Middle East and globally but was left exposed by the global financial crisis.
Last September it was reported that Nakheel had told creditors it had written down its real estate by about $US21 billion after property values in Dubai dropped by more than half.
Nakheel received a $US8.6 billion bailout from Dubai’s government, helping it avoid default, and it stopped work on many projects such as Dubai’s man-made “World” islands. One of the islands, Lebanon, is soon set to open as a beach club.
A Nakheel spokesman said: “We respect [the] court ruling. However, we firmly believe we have a strong case and if we had the right to appeal we would have done so.”
It’s been reported O’Donnell was exploring a number of opportunities to consult in Asia on real estate and company restructuring, including talks with companies looking to capitalise on China’s emergence as a sophisticated real estate player.
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Dubai property giant Nakheel ordered to pay former boss Chris O’Donnell $3 million in entitlements

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Recently released 2012 NSW land tax rates suggest unwary NSW landowners are at greater risk of becoming taxable for the first time and obliged to lodge registrations by the March 31 deadline.
Paul Anderson, a property law partner with TurksLegal, says this year’s 2.3% uplift in the tax-free threshold followed a six-year period of more modest rises around the 2% mark.
“This means many more landowners may find themselves with the nasty surprise of a land tax liability for the first time in 2012 as a thinning threshold leaves them more exposed.
“In contrast, the threshold rises from 2001 to 2004 were substantially higher, ranging from a low of 6.8% to a high of 21.5%.”
The 2012 tax-free threshold is $396,000 – up $9,000 on the year before and on trend with the low increases since 2006.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/tax/nsw-land-tax-threshold-increases-0.2-after-a-1.77-across-the-board-gain/2011110352183" target="_blank">It was released last October</a>, with the individual land tax assessments over the past month.
“While this reflects an overall softening in the property market, it’s no longer safe for landowners to assume the threshold will provide a secure buffer,” Anderson says.
“Given the resilience of property values in some parts of NSW, there’s no doubt that some landowners who were previously exempt may suddenly creep into the taxable category.
“First-time land taxpayers who fail to register on time may be subject to penalties and interest so it’s important to understand when their obligations are triggered,” Anderson says.
As a general rule NSW landowners are likely to have to pay land tax on any property they own other than their principal place of residence.
Exemptions also apply for land zoned rural or non-urban, which is primarily used for primary production, and land used primarily for boarding houses and low-cost accommodation within a five-kilometre radius from the Sydney GPO.
New taxpayers must lodge a registration form with the Office of State Revenue (OSR) by March 31, 2012.
The OSR will then issue them with a notice of assessment spelling out land tax liability for the year.
“If they were registered in a previous year, they will automatically receive an assessment between January and March,” Anderson says.
For 2012, the land tax rate is $100 plus 1.6% of the landowner’s total NSW land holdings as at the end of 2011, in excess of the $396,000 threshold.
High-value properties are subject to a higher rate of 2% on the portion of the property’s value exceeding a ‘premium’ threshold of $2,421,000.
“If you disagree with a land tax assessment, you can lodge an objection with the OSR but you will need to act fast and get it in within 60 days,” Anderson says.
“However, if you have no objections you should be aware you have the option of receiving a 1.5% by paying your full tax liability prior to the first instalment date.
“If you’re not sufficiently cashed up to take advantage of the discount, then your fallback is to pay in the usual way, in three instalments on the dates specified in your assessment,” Anderson adds.
TurksLegal is a law firm with offices in Sydney and Melbourne, established in 1981, and currently with 24 partners and over 100 staff.
Yearly increases in NSW land tax-free thresholds
 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="width: 282px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="95">
Year
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="88">
Index
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
Increase (%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="95">
2012
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="88">
$396,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
2.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="95">
2011
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="88">
$387,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
2.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="95">
2010
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="88">
$376,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
2.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="95">
2009
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="88">
$368,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
4.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="95">
2007
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="88">
$352,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
0.0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="95">
2006
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="88">
$352,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
0.0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="95">
2005
</td>
<td valign="bottom" colspan="2" width="188">
No threshold for land tax
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="95">
2004
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="88">
$317,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
21.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="95">
2003
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="88">
$261,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
18.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="95">
2002
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="88">
$220,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
7.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="95">
2001
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="88">
$205,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
6.8
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
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Complacent NSW landowners at risk of land tax shock

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Multiple bathrooms are the most essential feature that buyers are seeking in their house purchases, according to a recent survey.
The survey found 42% seek more than one bathroom – followed by 41% who desire a quiet street.
A decent-sized backyard – with grass – was next most sought by about 34% of buyer, according to a survey of 114 estate agents.
The survey was commissioned by Turf Australia, the representative body of the turf industry, comprising more than 200 turf producers.
It concluded that home buyers are paying up to $75,668 for their backyard lawns.
The survey found Victorian lawns offer the highest value (19%) to a home, ahead of New South Wales (16%), Queensland and South Australia (12%), and Western Australia (9%).
It concluded in Sydney a lawn could add $83,600 to a $440,000 price, while Melbourne buyers could pay $79,800 more on a home of $420,000.
It found it wasn’t just the look the lawn added to the feel of a home, but more that buyers wanted a safe playing area for their children.
The Turf Australia report noted while Australians had changing ideals of a backyard – to incorporate strata living – that buyers nonetheless preferred real grass over pavers, synthetic grass, decking and concrete.
Apparently the turf industry felt the need to undertake the survey following recent media attention towards “nationwide community concern regarding the potential dangers of rubber, lead and other carcinogenic toxins often found in synthetic turf”.
It also wanted to point out that new types of grass are “not as thirsty as many believe,” and, of course, all have great environmental benefits.
The estate agents were asked to give rankings to the importance of just five chartacteristics: decent-sized backyard, quiet street, close to bus route/shops, off-street parking; and more than one bathroom.
Value of turf national real estate agent survey - summary of statistics:
<div align="center">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="290">
Value a lawn adds to a property – averages: • National – 18% $75,668 on $420,375 home • Victoria – 19% $79,800 on a $420,000 home • New South Wales – 16% $83,600 on a $440,000 home • Queensland – 12% $48,600 on $405,000 home • South Australia – 12% $43,200 on $360,000 home • Western Australia – 8% $40,050 on $445,000 home
</td>
<td width="298">
House hunters want a lawn because: • Safe playing area for the kids – 73% • Adds to the look and feel of the property – 34% • For relaxation – 32% • Increases the re-sale value of a property – 25% • Environmental benefits – 11% • Gardening is a hobby – 14%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="290">
Elements of a property most valuable to buyers: •More than one bathroom – 42%t •Quiet street – 41% •Decent sized backyard – 34% •Close to bus route / shops – 20% •Off-street parking – 13%
</td>
<td width="298">
Other interesting stats: •95% of Aussie buyers want real grass in their backyard •17% of house hunters ask their real estate agent for a lawn •80%  of Australians want a lawn at least 30% of their total property size
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Source: Turf Australia
 
 
 
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Home buyers rate multiple bathrooms over lawns and peace and quiet

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One of the Riverina’s original sheep stations, Thelangerin, has hit the market 140 years after its last sale.
<img src="/images/stories/thelangerin1.jpg">
Held by the McFarland family since 1872, Thelangerin is a 21,095-hectare holding near Hay.
The property started with the issue of a land grant of 640 acres (259 hectares) for lot one in the parish of Thellangering to Scottish pastoralist John Peter in 1867.
<img src="/images/stories/thelangerin2.jpg">
Thelangerin passed briefly to the McVean family before being acquired by Captain Andrew McFarland and his brother, Robert, in 1872.
<img src="/images/stories/thelangerin3.jpg">
The run as a whole originally comprised 47,000 acres (19,020 hectares).
Its original homestead dates from the 1860s and was added to in 1875 and again in 1888 during the great 1880s wool and land boom.
<img src="/images/stories/thelangerin4.jpg">
The house’s separate kitchen quarters and dairy cellar are the oldest buildings, with the main homestead built after the First World War.
<img src="/images/stories/thelangerin5.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/thelangerin6.jpg">
Thelangerin, which fronts about 50 kilometres of the Lachlan River, is rated to carry 11,700 dry sheep equivalents.
The station’s grazing lands are largely pristine and support abundant native bird and wildlife, wetlands habitat and biodiversity.
<img src="/images/stories/thelangerin7.jpg">
Thelangerin has a history of rice crops and cereals including oats, barley and wheat, as well as winter pasture.
Thelangerin is positioned on the river adjoining three newly created National Parks. It was briefly listed in mid-2010 with $220-plus hopes per hectare.
<img src="/images/stories/thelangerin8.jpg">
Its Ray White Rural Deniliquin agent Jeff Shand has it listed for February 24 auction.
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Riverina sheep station Thelangerin looking for new owners after 140 years

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<img src="/images/stories/toorakbroadmeadows.jpg">
- Eddie McGuire, commenting on a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/broady-boys-need-not-apply/story-fn7x8me2-1226264107210">Sun Herald</a> report on a research paper from Australian Institute of Family Studies that suggested the people of Broadmeadows struggle to get a job just because of where they live.
The former Broadmeadows boy suggested more job training was needed because traditional factory work was becoming extinct.
"We have to keep people working and anything we can do to help families facilitate a breadwinner makes an enormous difference not only economically but also with social cohesion," McGuire said.
 
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Toorak's Eddie Maguire stands up for Broadmeadows: Quote of the Week

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The Big Issue has launched its 400th edition today, 15 years after first hitting streets to support homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people.
To mark the occasion, 30 Ray White estate auctioneers and agents will team up with Big Issue vendors across the country today to sell copies of the magazine.
<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/bigissue.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">
The Big Issue CEO Steven Persson says the coordinated sales effort on city streets would help raise awareness of the fortnightly magazine, which is sold by people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, disability and long-term unemployment.
“The magazine provides some of Australia’s most disadvantaged people with the opportunity to earn an income – it empowers them by giving them a hand up, not a hand out,” Persson says.
“Our 400th edition is a major milestone and, with the help of some of Australia’s leading auctioneers, we want to create some noise on the streets to spread the word about who we are and what we do.”
Ray White chairman Brian White says his staff are looking forward the opportunity.
“We’re in the business of selling homes and are delighted to support an initiative that gives homeless people the opportunity to earn an income and put a roof over their heads,” White says.
Vendors buy copies of The Big Issue magazine for $2.50 and sell them on the streets for $5, keeping the difference. Since the magazine’s launch in 1996, more than 6 million magazines have been sold, generating more than $13 million in income for vendors.
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Ray White agents hit the streets to sell 400th edition of The Big Issue

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They say bad things come in threes, so perhaps not surprisingly Sydney’s third record-setting penthouse sale has floundered.
<a href="https://afr.com/p/business/property/penthouse_fetches_record_price_KJOWqeDDfQUMe6OaDtqQtJ" target="_blank">It was reported last December in the Australian Financial Review</a> that the penthouse in the Hyde Park tower The Residence had been sold by the developer Galileo Group for around $20 million.
<img src="/images/stories/afr.jpg">
But no exchanged contract was ever signed and buyers are now being invited to inspect the soon-to-be furnished apartment 88 from next month.
It’s listed by CBRE agent Ben Stewart, who repeatedly and accurately maintained no sale had taken place, but this was ignored in all the media reports barring Title Tattle.
The Title Tattle column noted the sale of the penthouse of The Residence had become akin to pulling a rabbit out of a hat as there had also been an initial premature AFR September sale report that suggested a very bullish $25 million. Then December's updated sales advisory had it at $20 million plus. But Title Tattle reported suggestions that no official exchange had actually occurred, although there was definite buyer interest.
Sydney's bad luck run with record penthouse price-setting sales not transpiring included developer Andrew Richardson, who in 2009 lost his record $20.1 million off-the-plan penthouse buyer in The Elizabeth, which also overlooks Hyde Park. Richardson had accepted a $100 deposit for the proposed three-storey penthouse from the now-bankrupted businessman, Rodney Price.
Ashington's former $70 million Wylde Street, Potts Point project was the location of the earlier other abandoned record setting deal.
Ashington had sold the penthouse atop its proposed six-floor 10-unit complex designed by Tzannes Associates. But the buyer Duncan Hardie who was willing to continue with his intended $20 million purchase, didnt really get a choice as the Ashtington project never proceeded following the collapse of the Ashington company.
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Lucky 88 Hyde Park The Residence penthouse sale caught in bad luck run of three

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<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Hopewood House (pictured below), the rural retreat of Fairfax Radio executive chairman Michael Anderson and his wife, Susie, has been listed with revised $6.5 million price expectations. The captivating Dutch colonial mansion set in almost five hectares of gardens remains listed through Drew Lindsay Real Estate in conjunction with Bill Carpenter of W. McI. Carpenter, who’ve secured the prime advertising spot in the latest Highlife for the fresh marketing campaign. They’d initially been seeking $9 million in 2010, so Title Tattle expects the many who viewed the place will now return given the more realistic price hopes.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/feb10hopewood]}
The Andersons have extensively restored the vast house after paying $4.25 million in 2007 after it had been also ambitiously listed with $7 million plus hopes in 2005. There were extensive restorations of the gardens including the rose garden, rose walk, sunken fernery and the aviary garden. The kitchen and Mediterranean gardens have been re-established, making it one of the Southern Highlands’ most beautiful gardens.
Hopewood was built in 1884 by Ben Osborne and his wife, Lucy (nee Throsby). About 28 years later, it became the country estate of retailer Lebbeus Hordern, son of Samuel and grandson of company founder Anthony. Hordern's executors sold it for £18,000 in 1930 to bread industry pioneer Samuel Sibley, who sold it in 1944 for £37,266. For three decades the house was an orphanage. By 1997 it was in a sad state when it was bought for $1.25 million by the Anstee family.
The latest Highlife marketing advertisement confirms the couple’s desire to move to France for a while with Anderson no doubt travelling back regularly for his corporate commitments while his wife pursues her passion for French antique trading. Readers might recognise the house, which features in a cross country motor vehicle commercial where rather than spend a night camping in a tent the couple actually sleep over at Hopewood.
<img src="/images/stories/kooyongkoot.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Kate Aujard from Pulse Pharmacies has listed her imposing Hawthorn residence (pictured above) with tennis court within its 2,800-square-metre grounds. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom English-style house set on Scotch Hill house last traded at $9.1 million in 2007 from head hunter David Dick and wife Sandra, so it will be a good test of Melbourne’s prestige market. Tim Picken and Scott Patterson at Kay and Burton have the responsibility, with offers due by March 6.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/jan17nicole]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">The Cronin Island, Gold Coast property owned by Nicole Perrin, wife of former Billabong surfwear entrepreneur Matthew Perrin, has been sold post-auction. It was passed in at $5.9 million at its recent Ray White auction, at well below its onetime $15 million valuation. It’s the three-level Southern Cross Drive house, the subject of a court battle between Perrin and the Commonwealth Bank, which <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/nicole-perrin-joyous-but-stacey-mcivor-distraught-in-cronin-island-home-dramas/2011092051617">unsuccessfully sought to seize it</a> in a bid to recover a $13.5 million debt owed by Matthew after he filed for bankruptcy in 2009. The contemporary mansion with seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms straddles a double block. There’s also a 10-car garage. Listing agent Michael Willems of Ray White Surfers Paradise, confirmed the sale but declined to provide details.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/august16mcivor]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">There’s also word from the Gold Coast of another sale on Cronin Island. It’s unconfirmed but seems <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/former-equititrust-boss-mark-mcivor-lists-popov-designed-gold-coast-home/2011081651176">the abode of the Equititrust founder Mark McIvor</a> (pictured above) has found a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/nicole-perrin-joyous-but-stacey-mcivor-distraught-in-cronin-island-home-dramas/2011092051617">buyer five months after being passed in</a> at $4.9 million at Ray White auction. The mobile-phone industry entrepreneur Ron Bakir attended the auction, but no word yet on its buyer. The Gold Coast Bulletin speculates it has sold to parties well known to the McIvor family, but marketing agent Michael Kollosche, of Ray White Broadbeach, declined to comment. Its certainly come down from the website.
<img src="/images/stories/edwintce.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Built by mining magnate Sir George Brookman, the historic landmark Gilberton residence Carawatha (pictured above) is been marketed as “arguably South Australia's finest private residence.” Presumably the state governor and bishop have better, but transient piles. The iconic 1880 mansion is 16 rooms set at the end of a sweeping driveway on a 2,990-square-metre block on one of the Adelaide’s finest boulevards, Edwin Terrace. The late Victorian residence was constructed of sandstone with quoins and rendered surrounds to windows and doors. The symmetrical front façade consists of arched paired windows to both floors and incorporates a recessed entrance topped by an upper storey balcony. Cast iron adorns the verandas and balconies on the other facades. After 11 year ownership, its being sold by chartered accountant Andrew Gunn and his wife, Susan, who have $5.5 million-plus hopes for the six-bedroom, five-bathroom Edwin property through Richard Hayward of Bernard H Booth has the?listing. It has an amazing 11 ornate fireplaces – eight marble and three timber. The original billiard room connects by a glass walkway to the alfresco garden eatery. The rear garden comes with what was reportedly Adelaide's first residential in-ground pool. Offers close February 23.
Sir George Brookman, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, migrated with his parents  in 1852. He was a successful share broker politician. After gold finds in Western Australia, Brookman pegged claims at Hannan's Find, north-east of Coolgardie, in 1893. When the Coolgardie Gold Mining and Prospecting Co. was voluntarily liquidated in 1898, its capitalisation represented £9,275,750.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
<img src="/images/stories/balmoral18.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Chesterton International executive director Michael Stokes and interior designer Maryanne Collins have listed their Balmoral residence, Cambria (pictured above), for March 17 auction. The Federation home has been architecturally transformed behind its facade. Set on a level 740-square-metre north-facing Balmoral Avenue block, the house comes with heated pool and poolside entertainment facilities. The master bedroom suite comes with large ensuite, balcony and harbour views. The lower level has wine cellar and storeroom. It’s been listed by Kirsty Freyer and Michael Coombs at McGrath Mosman, who expect $8.5 million.
<img src="/images/stories/wanulla.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Andrew Potter, who owns one of the pricey Sienna, Point Piper apartments, has emerged as the mystery buyer of Bob and Margaret Rose’s Point Piper villa (pictured above). It sold on extended settlement terms late last year through Christies International agent Ken Jacobs and LJHooker agent Bill Malouf for around $15 million. Title Tattle last happened across Potter when he was Australian managing director of Robert Jones Investments in the mid-1990s. 
 
<img src="/images/stories/bronte1.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Architect Jason Gibney of Tobias Partners has listed his noteworthy Bronte apartment (pictured above). The three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, which he designed and renovated, has been the home for his young family over the last five years. It’s been featured in architectural magazines including Monument, Urbis, and House and Garden's Top 50 Rooms. McGrath agent Chris Volpatti is handling the February 25 auction listing. More than $850,000 is expected. The 99-square-metre contemporary apartment with minimalistic tones and is set on the top floor of an Art Deco block of four apartments on Bushby Parade. The dual-level apartment – through attic space – has been intuitively crafted to maximise natural light and space, plus views, Volpatti says.
<img src="/images/stories/thinkbigstud.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">The horse race-loving Malaysian businessman Dato Tan Chin Nam has expanded his NSW Southern Highlands holdings (pictured above). It’s a 40-hectare Moss Vale property which was bought from the Balog family for $3.4 million. It adds to Inverness, the Burradoo equine property that Dato Tan Chin Nam bought from Jack and Sue Woolridge. It's now known as Think Big Stud. Dato Tan Chin Nam had Bart Cummings trained Think Big to win the Melbourne Cup in 1974 and 1975, and then Saintly in 1996.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/feb9mordant]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">The home of arts guru and merchant banker Simon Mordant (pictured above) could rival the MCA for the next few weeks. Filled with contemporary art, the redundant hillside Darling Point penthouse is up for sale. No price estimate has been given, but market observers suggest $6.5 million plus, which could possibly even rival the price of the art works. Simon and Catriona Mordant have been living in the two-storey penthouse since paying $5.25 million in 2002. It has about 245 square metres of space plus some 90 square metres of terraces. Its listing agents are Bill Malouf and Emma Prgomelja at LJHooker Double Bay.
<img src="/images/stories/lentara.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">The entertainment industry entrepreneur David Atkins and his dancer wife, Sheree, finally sold their Bayview property (pictured above) late last year. The Hollywood Hills-style Lentara Road estate cost $1.5 million in 2000 just after the Sydney Olympics. Atkins was responsible for the opening and closing ceremonies. The Atkinses had it listed through Ryan Petrie of LJ Hooker Mona Vale with $2.5 million-plus expectations based on three sales in the neighbourhood. They secured $2.5 million. The Atkinses wanted something smaller than the 4,047-square-metre property, which comes with tennis court and pool. They spent $2.51 million at Curl Curl on a three-bedroom property initially listed at $2.9 million.
<img src="/images/stories/barrenjoey.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">The boss of Freemantle Media Ian Hogg has sold his Newport house (pictured above) on the Pittwater peninsula, having spent $5.7 million in Mosman. The house was commissioned only two years ago by the architectural firm Gordon and Valich. No price has yet emerged from its LJ Hooker Mona Vale agent Lachlan Elder. Hogg has bought in Mosman was previously the abode of the chairman of the Commonwealth Bank, David Turner, and his wife, Julia, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/commbank-boss-david-turner-upgrades-in-mosman-without-a-mortgage-title-tattle/2012020153209">who have upgraded Mosman abodes.</a>
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/feb7liverpool]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Champion swimmer Geoff Huegill, and his wife, Sara, who have named their three-week-old daughter Mila, have only just moved into their new Sydney abode (pictured above). It’s a three-level, four-bedroom  Darlinghurst terrace on 133 square metres that cost $1.97 million. They own 60% percent of the terrace, which was bought in partnership with Geoff Huegill’s in-laws. Title Tattle seems to recall the couple were previously based in a teeny one-bedder with harbour views that was filled with her fashion books, when they appeared last February on the Channel 7 show Better Home and Gardens. The terrace sold late last year at an undisclosed price through McGrath agent Chris Chung after failing to sell at its May auction, when $2.05 million was being sought. It was sold by Sophia Massey-Green and James Hutton, who’d paid $930,000 pre-renovation in early 2009. In neighbouring Surry Hills another world record holder, Eamon Sullivan, spent $1,265,000 in 2009 for his renovated four-bedroom terrace.
<img src="/images/stories/macleaystreet.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Retired car dealer Ray Harris and his wife, Robyn, an interior designer, have relisted their whole-floor Villard, Potts Point, apartment (pictured above). It follows their purchase of the 1870 Elizabeth Bay mansion Ashton for $10.75 million. The three-bedroom Macleay Street apartment – with about 350 square metres, including indoor-outdoor balcony space – has been listed through Jason Boon and Geoff Cox from Richardson and Wrench Elizabeth Bay. It last traded in 2006 when bought for $7.38 million. Offers above $8 million were initially sought in nearly 2010, but they’ve had to amend them since the penthouse was sold recently to Lizanne Knights, the wife of the director of local private-equity group Ironbridge and Sydney Dance Company chairman Julian Knights for $6.17 million.  The Knightses’ whole-floor unit had previously traded for $7.4 million in 2008. It’s a five-bedroom, sixth-floor unit, with 280 square metres of internal space plus 50-square-metre terrace, and was a combination of two units. The Knightses sold their Rose Bay harbourfront home for $17.56 million in late 2010. It last traded in 2006 when bought for $7.38 million.
<img src="/images/stories/selbourne.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Title Tattle aims to sell readers first – as soon as if not before – so the news is that Melbourne property developer Stephen Donnelly has listed his $5 million-plus Toorak matrimonial abode (pictured above). Donnelly briefly hit the headlines late last year when he faced legal action from a Cayman Islands outfit seeking to seize his mansion along with a $250,000 luxury yacht. He’s contested their entitlement and still very much in residence and presumably still getting around on weekends in the 12-metre Riviera 4000. Ross Savva at Kay and Burton South Yarra has the Selborne Road listing.
<img src="/images/stories/samba.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">And don’t say that Title Tattle told you, but the Potts Point apartment of the slain Sydney racing identity Les Samba remains listed for sale but its $2.75 million hopes are now reduced to $2.295 million. The Macleay Street unit cost $1.7 million when bought off the plan by Samba Group Pty Ltd in 2003 from the Winten development group. The Pomeroy apartment with extensive terracing but just the one rather sad potted plant settled in August 2004. Samba was shot dead as he tried to flee from a gunman police believe lured him to an ambush on a busy street in Melbourne's bayside suburb of Middle Park in February this year. Police have yet to lay any changes over the murder of the expert judge of yearlings and big spender at sales around the country for many years.
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Sales aplenty on the Gold Coast - Nicole Perrin and even McIvor achieve post-auction success: Title Tattle

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The Ten Network is seeking applications from hopeless husband renovators for its new lifestyle series, which offers to help home owners in desperate need of renovating.
But unlike the unwieldy, expensive 2011 reality series The Renovators, the next crop of willing participants must own their own homes and make a financial contribution to the renovation they oversee.
Ten <a target="_blank" href="https://ten.com.au/competitions-homemakeovercallout.htm">promises</a> to provide the "design expertise, manpower and materials" to turn a do-it-yourself dud or a house seeking inspiration into a "triumph".
Television industry sources suggest the announcement casts doubt as to whether there will be a second season of The Renovators.
Ten had originally revealed that The Renovators would return in 2012, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/the-renovators-will-not-return-in-same-format-and-possibly-not-at-all-lachlan-murdoch/2011102752103">but it has been vague about the show's precise future</a>.
"Obviously there's been a lot of discussion back and forth on The Renovators, and we obviously have a new chief executive on board who is actively involved and just terrific and wanting to be involved in building brands and content," Ten's chief programming officer David Mott said in an interview with David Know at TV Tonight.
“There’s no decision on Renovators at this point in time,” Mott said.
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Channel Ten giving property reality shows a makeover with new DIY offering starring hopeless husbands

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A Melbourne man is fighting to reverse the sheriff’s extraordinary $1,000 sale of his six-bedroom Braybrook home.
Zhiping Zhou's house was repossessed by the sheriff. It still remains in Zhou’s registered name, according to a title search, although there are warrants of claim registered on title.
The ABC reported today the Victoria Supreme Court heard the imposing two-storey brick house had an estimated value of $630,000 but was sold at auction without a reserve.
The highest bidder bought the Wirraway Avenue home for $1,000, apparently beating off a $200 bidder.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/auctions/sheriff-selling-%24630000-braybrook-house-for-%241000-had-duty-to-obtain-fair-price-court-told/2012021053330" target="_blank">Zhou's lawyers told the court </a>the sale was "absurd", ABC court reporter Sarah Farnsworth writes.
They have called on the judge to reverse the sale and to find the sheriff in breach of duty, the ABC reported.
"[The sale is] so short of the mark it's not a real sale," barrister Paul Hayes reportedly told the court.
He said it was hard to imagine lawmakers had intended for people like Zhou to lose out so badly.
The judge was asked to invalidate the sale or award damages. Justice Vickery is listed to continue the hearing on Friday February 10 in the Commercial and Equity division.
The man who bought the home is also being accused of taking advantage of Zhou, however his lawyer told the court the sale was legal and legally it could have been sold for one cent.
The property had been briefly listed in 2007 through Barry Plant Sunshine, according to the Australian Property Monitors auction data base. It was then listed with different agents in June 2010 with $650,000-plus hopes for its slightly postponed July 2010 auction, according to the APM report on the property.
There was a subsequent $660,000 auction offer, but it fell short of the $750,000 reserve price when listed through Burnham Real Estate.
Details and timing of the eventful sheriff's auction were not initially available, but its understood to have been about five months after the property's July listing. 
There was $465,000 owing on the property.
Burnham listing agents Khuong Vien and Tony Gerace marketed it in July 2010 as a modern double-storey family home with bedrooms for all the family to enjoy.
“Situated in a quiet residential location and nestled amongst all modern brick homes and an area to surely enjoy a bright future,” the marketing suggested.
The home comprises six bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, master with ensuite, plus study and three bathrooms and double garage.
“It was complemented with polished floor, spa, reverse cycle split systems, high ceilings and much more,” the marketing said.
The block cost $170,000 in 2003. 
Lawyers for the sheriff's office say it had no obligation to get a fair price.
The directions hearing between Zhiping Zhou versus the buyer, Ronald Geoffrey Kousal and others began with direction hearings last June in the Victorian Supreme Court.
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Melbourne vendor goes to court over $1,000 no-reserve sheriff's auction of his $630,000 Braybrook home

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

Buying into a masterplanned community often means committing to a vision still years from taking shape. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>, that vision is already visible.

Residents have moved into the completed first stage, landscaped spaces are established, and the next chapter is now underway. Stage 1 has been completed and settled, with Stage 2 now selling off-the-plan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> combines attainable apartment living with sustainability initiatives rarely seen at this price point, including rooftop solar, battery storage and a resident EV-sharing program.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6RNt3AvtBpI?si=JUhuCV2ZRXsYaoJZ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Located on Schofi​elds Road, just moments from Tal​lawong Metro Station and Schof​ields Train Station, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been designed to appeal to a broad mix of buyers, from first-home purchasers looking for a foothold in Sy​dney's property market to downsizers seeking a connected, low-maintenance lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been conceived as a thoughtfully planned masterplanned community that will evolve over multiple stages, with buyers now able to secure one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a neighbourhood that is already beginning to establish its identity.

One of the project's defining features is its focus on sustainability. Solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure have been incorporated throughout the development, reflecting a long-term approach to both environmental performance and everyday convenience.

Sustainability sits at the centre of the development's vision, with solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure integrated throughout the community.

That emphasis on future-ready living extends beyond the technology. Landscaped communal gardens, outdoor gathering spaces and plans for a future retail precinct aim to create a neighbourhood where residents can access daily conveniences without travelling far from home.

[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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149637]

Kew Tallawong: A growing community taking shape in Sydney's north-west

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

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

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> have celebrated the topping out of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf,</a> marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of Syd​ney's most anticipated waterfront communities.

Located on Sydney's harbourfront at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a>, the project has now reached its highest structural point, with construction progressing strongly towards completion in 2027. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240] 
&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will deliver a mix of waterfront residences and terraces, complemented by a private 36-berth marina, waterfront dining opportunities and a revitalised foreshore designed to reconnect the community with the river's edge. 
&nbsp; 
Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said the project represented a rare opportunity to create the next chapter in Sydn​ey's long history of successful waterfront precincts. 
&nbsp; 
"Throughout Sydney, some of the city's most sought-after addresses have emerged from carefully considered waterfront precincts such as Woolloom​ooloo Wharf, Walsh Bay and Breakfast Point," Brown said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362566] 
&nbsp; 
"What makes these places so successful is that they become much more than residential developments," Brown said.

"They bring together homes, hospitality, marina facilities, public spaces and a strong sense of community in locations where future supply is incredibly limited."

Brown has long described absolute waterfront land in Sy​dney as "finite."

"Once these opportunities are developed, they are rarely replicated. That's why Syd​ney's waterfront precincts have consistently demonstrated strong demand and long-term value growth over many decades. 
&nbsp; 
"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is one of the few remaining opportunities to secure a residence within a masterplanned waterfront community that combines direct water access, marina ownership opportunities and a genuine village lifestyle just moments from the Sy​dney CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362564] 
&nbsp; 
PERIFA Founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the project reflected a shared commitment to delivering exceptional places that create long-term value for residents and the broader community. 
&nbsp; 
"The topping out milestone is a significant achievement for the Versatile Group and a testament to the collaboration between all project partners, consultants and contractors involved," Perilli said. 
&nbsp; 
"Beyond the residences themselves, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will establish a new waterfront destination that celebrates the history, character and lifestyle of this unique location while creating a lasting legacy for future generations."

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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. 
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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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