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Building a house is possibly now almost a luxury in Perth whereas before the global financial crisis it was considered a necessity, according to Nathan King, a property valuation director at LMW Hegney.
In the three years before the GFC Perth was producing twice as many houses and green-title lots as strata-titled properties.
“Yet today the numbers within each category are now similar,” King notes.
“Perhaps the GFC and the affordability issues were the catalyst to greater market acceptance of strata-titled property.
“Maybe building a house today is a luxury whereas pre-GFC it was considered a necessity,” he suggests.
“Whatever the reason, I found it interesting, especially when we look at whether this is part of a new trend or is simply reflective of just the stage of the normal property cycle we are in currently.”
King says affordability is the buzzword and strata-titled properties not only tend to cater for the ageing baby boomers but can be among the most affordable housing options available.
“We also welcome some of the more creative and high-specification strata dwellings/cottage lots located in our suburbs to break up the homogenous suburbs.”
He suggests given WA’s urban sprawl and changing demographic, well-located strata properties had become the new aspirational properties to own for a larger segment of the market, reducing commuting times and providing in many circumstances a lifestyle on the doorstep.
“Investors tend to view, particularly strata-titled apartments, as higher income and lower capital growth investments.
“When we tie the trend of ageing population, affordable first homes, and investors wanting to make a profit, all together, there is some common ground.
“These downsize properties in a good location just need to be cheaper than the predominant family homes within the location in order to be desirable as people free up capital as well as time.
“This increasing demand will drive values, giving them a reason to increase if supply is limited.
“For an investor who can recognise these two pressure points in certain areas, they can take advantage of what is considered a trend rather than a cyclical phenomenon.
“It’s always worth being aware of market trends and even better if you can benefit from them,” King concludes.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Buying a house becoming a luxury in Perth post-GFC

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<img src="/images/stories/boulevard3.jpg">
Homes from Ivanhoe in Melbourne are regularly featured internationally given their Christmas decorations.
<img src="/images/stories/boulevard4.jpg">
The blightly lit Ivanhoe houses centre around <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGCbyIkO3GI">The Boulevard</a>. It's reportedly a tradition that dates back six decades, with locals Bill King and George Whitelaw reportedly beginning the elaborate light displays in the 1950s.
<img src="/images/stories/boulevard5.jpg">
An estimated 100,000 visitors come to see the decorations every year. 
<img src="/images/stories/boulevard6.jpg">
Photos by Kelvin Cheong
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Ivanhoe's The Boulevard renowned for Christmas lights

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<img src="/images/stories/whitehousetree.jpg">
There's presumably only one home in the world that has 37 Christmas trees.
<img src="/images/stories/whitehousetree2.jpg">
Some 30 are real, with seven not so, including one highlighting recycling possibilities. They are in the public rooms of the White House. The main tree came from Colorado this year.
<img src="/images/stories/whitehousetree3.jpg">
It's been reported there were 37 million sales of fresh Christmas trees in the United States in 1991, which had fallen to 22 million in 2002.
<img src="/images/stories/whitehousetree4.jpg">
More up-to-date data isn't available, but the market share of artificial trees has reportedly increased by 655% between 1965 and 2008.
The issue of taxing the Christmas trees industry is something of a political sideshow at the moment as reported by a fresh talk blog on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thepacker.com/opinion/fresh-produce-opinion/What-the-Christmas-tree-tax-means-for-produce-135321443">thepacker.com</a>.
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Christmas trees aplenty at the White House

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Designer furniture and homewares retailer Fiona Lyda, owner of Spence and Lyda in Surry Hills, has put a $1.75 million asking price on her Camperdown apartment.
Listed through Shannan Whitney and Matthew Carvalho of BresicWhitney Estate Agents, it comes with 180-degree city skyline views.
The renovated two-bedroom apartment, which last traded for $1,435,000 in 2009, is on the 14th level of Trio, a two-year-old building.
Lyda bought the 177-square-metre apartment on Stirling Circuit when the Trio building was approaching completion. There’s a self-contained retreat with second kitchen.
Now featuring bespoke interiors showcasing Lyda's designer flair, it comes with polished parquet floors and walls upholstered with Missoni fabric.
The 16-storey Luxe building shares facilities with six other buildings in the Frasers-built City Quarter precinct including two gyms, plus an indoor heated 20-metre pool and an outdoor 50-metre pool.
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Homewares retailer Fiona Lyda lists in Camperdown

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There was a distinct first-home buyers’ rush to the head over the spring months at Sydney auctions, according to data provided by Australian Property Monitors.
The auction success rate for auction offerings priced under the first-home buyer threshold of $600,000 improved while the clearance rate for offerings over $600,000 deteriorated.
"There was a spike in clearance rates at the entry level prices as a result of the state government's stamp duty announcement at the beginning of September," says Clint McNabb, research analyst at Australian Property Monitors.
"The state budget decision to cut the full stamp duty exemption on established homes by first-home buyers from January 2012 provided a small boost at the lower end of the market.
"But it has particularly benefited those vendors with offerings price from $500,000 to $600,000, at which the current exemption cuts out," he says.
<img src="/images/stories/clearance.gif">
Source: APM
He notes the middle of the Sydney market proved most resilient over the past year, and the government decision "provided a little extra boost which is evident in the clearance rate."
The clearance rate at the upper end of the market had fallen slightly, McNabb notes.
In spring 2010 auction clearances rates weakened across the board earlier in the year.
 
 
 
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First-home buyers propped up Sydney spring auction season: APM

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The largest portion of Wanganderry, the 898-hectare rural Southern Highlands estate, has been sold for $3.5 million.
It's the first time in close to 150 years that the property has been sold. It had been marketed through Matthew Anstee at Raine &amp; Horne Bowral.
The Wanganderry North lot, which was a 550-hectare holding, has been bought by a Cowra farmer from the prominent pioneer Badgery family, who have owned the property since the 1860s. The remaining Wanganderry South subdivision, which is 347 hectares, remains listed for sale after its recent auction listing.  


The entire holding had capacity for up to 600 head of cattle.


Located on Wombeyan Caves Road in High Range, Wanganderry is 20 minutes from Bowral.  


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Portion of NSW Southern Highlands property Wanganderry sold

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While the tradition of using small candles to light up the Christmas tree dates back to at least the middle of the 17th century, electrically powered Christmas lights kicked off in 1881 at the Savoy Theatre.
Wikipedia says it became increasingly the custom to completely outline the house and especially the eaves  with weatherproof Christmas lights from the 1960s in the United States. It notes Australian Christmas lights were adopted as an effective way to provide ambient lighting to verandas, where cold beer is often served in the long hot summer evenings. It notes for many years the use of Christmas lights on Australian homes was mainly limited to the simplest form.
<img src="/images/stories/wollchristmas.jpg">
Wikipedia even features a photograph of a cottage with veranda at a miner's cottage in Wollongong (pictured above). One could almost image Norman Gunston doing a live television cross for his 1970s segment, What's On In Wollongong.
But Wikipedia suggests from about 1990 increasingly elaborate Christmas lights have been displayed and driving around between 8pm and 10 pm to look at the lights has become a popular family entertainment. While in some areas there is fierce competition, with town councils offering awards for the best decorated house, in other areas it is seen as a co-operative effort, with residents priding themselves on their street or their neighbourhood.
Over the next week we’ll present some other terrific Christmas sights.
 
 
 
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Christmas lights: Wollongong 

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<img src="/images/stories/deltroitflicker2.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Deltroit Station at Wagga Wagga (pictured above) was passed in on a vendor bid at its mid-week auction at $15 million, at the lower end of its $15 million to $18 million expectations. It’s a 2,545-hectare property set in Mundarlo, midway between Sydney (409 kilometres) and Melbourne (474 kilometres). It comes with a 1903 Federation brick homestead designed by Sydney architect William Nixon, which was refurbished in 2000 along with a stone-built, modernised four-bedroom Cobb and Co. coaching inn, The Junction Hotel.
Deltroit was listed by Anthony Crichton-Brown, a former chairman of Lumley Insurance, who also owns Tooronga in the Riverina and Humula Station near Yass. It was auctioned through Meares and Associates agent Chris Meares.
Three generations of the Richardson family developed Deltroit over 100 years, creating a commercial Shorthorn herd and fine wool Merino flock. In 1963 Robert Kleberg, president of US company King Ranch, who had long coveted the Deltroit Shorthorn that had won worldwide acclaim, purchased Deltroit and its entire herd for internationally renowned King Ranch Group.  With the death of Kleberg, King Ranch sold all its Australian properties, including Deltroit, in the late 1970s.  The property last traded in 1990.
<img src="/images/stories/lyndell.jpg">
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">The Lansell Road, Toorak house (pictured above) of Life Fitness Australia chairman Robert McClure, which was listed with $3.5 million-plus hopes, has been sold.  The circa-1940s four-bedroom house on a 740-square-metre block with heated pool, spa and covered alfresco dining area, was sold through Andrew Hayne and Marcus Chiminello of Marshall White.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/december14holly]}
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">Actress Holly Brisley, best remembered for her role as a troublemaker on Home And Away, and her husband, property investor Paul Ford, have listed their Bondi Beach abode (pictured above).
The couple were among the buyers who snapped up an off-the-plan apartment in the Bondi complex, the apartment block on Campbell Parade that replaced the Bondi Beachside Inn. They are now seeking $7 million plus for their opulently appointed half-floor residence through Steven Chen at McGrath Estate Agents.
It has views that stretch across the beach and bay from North Bondi to Tamarama from the northern side of the building.It has three bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. The luxurious appointments feature custom American oak joinery. There’s also C-Bus 2 intelligence system with automated blinds and curtains.
Little Joe fashion salon owners Gail Elliott and Joe Coffey are also seeking buyers for their huge apartment overlooking Bondi Beach with impressive decking. They paid $6.75 million for the 486-square-metre The Bondi apartment in off the plan in 2006 and are now seeking more than $8 million for the property, being sold through Steven Chen in conjunction with Barry Goldman of Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay.
<img src="/images/stories/mountcolloroy.jpg">
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">Mount Caeburn, the landmark hilltop residence at Collaroy with spectacular ocean views despite its Tudor-style architecture (pictured above), has been relisted for sale with $3.5 million plus hopes. It was six years ago when the Suffolk Avenue property was stuck on the market with $5 million-plus hopes. Then in 2008 the family home of fashion designer Robbie Cranfield and her brother Geoff, CEO of Collaroy Nursing Home, was on the market again, this time with hopes of more than $4 million. It was built in 1936 by an ailing Englishmen sent to restore his health. It’s been the Cranfield family home since 1972, and the title was recently put solely into Geoff name’s. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom house features timber beams, stained-glass windows, Tudor doorways and window seats. Duana Hunters from D &amp; S Hunter Estate Agents Elanora Heights is taking offers until February.
<img src="/images/stories/capeshank.jpg">
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">Construction mogul Daniel Grollo is selling his Cape Schanck, Mornington Penisinula holiday house (pictured above and below) with $2 million plus hopes. The five-bedroom house comes with views of Bass Strait on the doorstep of the exclusive National Golf Club.
<img src="/images/stories/capeshank3.jpg">
Set on 3,155 square metres, the house on Cape Court has five bathrooms, three living areas, gourmet kitchen, wine cellar, theatre, bar, horizon pool and a double garage. Kay &amp; Burton Flinders agents Tom Barr Smith and Andrew Hines have the listing, as the family is relocating to New York City.
Grollo bought the property for about $2.4 million in 2008 after unsuccessful sales campaigns in which the house had been listed from $2.7 million to $4 million. In September, Grollo listed his penthouse apartment on the 80th floor of Eureka Tower (which Grocon built) for sale at $8.2 million. It is still available through Hocking Stuart.
<img src="/images/stories/stamfordmarque.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">John and Anne McDonnell, the owners of Golden Slipper-winner Sebring, have listed their Stamford Marque, Sydney CBD apartment (pictured above) with revised $2.75 million hopes through Colliers agent Gaby Rogers. The initial expectations were $3.1 million earlier this year.
The Kent Street apartment is an amalgamation of two totalling 213 square metres with two bedrooms with ensuites plus a third bedroom fitted out as an office. Its interiors were by designers Burley Katon Halliday.
<img src="/images/stories/coogee3.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Hotelier Donnacha Reidy is seeking $3 million-plus offers for her Cairo Street Coogee property (pictured above) through Clint Ballard at Ballard Property. It’s a four-bedroom remodelled ocean-view home.
 
<img src="/images/stories/elamang.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Clutha (pictured above), the 1901 landmark Kirribilli estate, has been sold. It sold this week, almost three months after its September auction through Belle Property Neutral Bay agents Mark Jackson and Jessica Wolodkowicz. Listed for sale by the Cox family, the 1,116-square-metre Elamang Avenue property is one of the suburb's largest landholdings. It had initial hopes to fetch more than $4.5 million, but they aren't saying what price it fetched. Clutha's grand circa-1901 Queen Anne residence has five bedrooms, a stately central staircase, soaring patterned ceilings, beautiful formal rooms and harbour views. It last traded in 1961 for #24,000 when it was bought by the late Dr Neville Cox, one of the first orthodontists in Australia, and his wife, Alison.
<img src="/images/stories/grovest.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Title Tattle aims to tell you as soon as we know – and even before – so the word from Adelaide is that the heritage bluestone Woodspring at Unley Park (pictured above) has been snapped up within days of offers falling due through Toop and Toop. Woodspring, now set on 2,038 square metres, was the 1870s home of the Hon. Ebenezer Ward. It last sold for $600,000 in 1997. It’s a bit busy on Grove Street – reminiscent of the late 1990s –as the last big sale was $4 million when a modernised 1890s house on 3,310 square metres sold in early 2010 having sold in 1998 for $795,000. There's currently $3.35 million-plus hopes for Allumiere, a 1930s house on 2,073 square metres on Grove Street, which sold at $491,000 in 1997.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november14hawkins]}
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">And don’t say that Title Tattle told you, but perhaps the gloss surrounding Jennifer Hawkins, property portfolio guru, waned a smidge this week. The Coogee home (pictured above) of the former Miss Universe, television personality and swimwear designer was passed in at auction on a $2.5 million vendor bid through McGrath agent Adrian Bo. No bids given there were reportedly no registered bidders. It's apparently redundant to her burgeoning property portfolio that stems from Sydney's east to her home town, Newcastle. And it now sits listed with a $2.6 million asking price.
The result was described by the Sunday tabloids as "a blow to Hawkins' plans to build a property empire with fiance Jake Wall." Not quite but given the 2003 built property is pretty much the same as when she paid $2.27 million in late 2008, perhaps her name isn’t worth the 15% premium. She's been hanging around Donald and Max too much.
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Deltroit Station at Wagga Wagga passed in for $15 million: Title Tattle

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The development application for a nine-storey replacement to the former Ritz Carlton/Stamford Plaza hotel site at Double Bay has been unanimously approved by the Sydney East Joint Regional Planning Panel as long as the developer makes it eight storeys.
The panel considered the application for the long-dormant Cross Street site at a public meeting held at Woollahra Council Chambers.
<img src="/images/stories/cinemadoublebay2.jpg">
The development proposal is for the demolition of the former Ritz Carlton/Stamford Plaza Hotel and construction of a residential complex <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/palace-to-bring-popcorn-back-to-double-bay/2011082351268" target="_blank">with mixed-used cinemas and retail on the ground and first floor levels</a>.
Woollahra Council planning staff had recommended conditional approval.
The development was approved in accordance with the staff recommendation but with a new condition requiring the sixth level to be removed from the building, reducing it to eight storeys.
The project under previous owner Ashington stalled in 2009 when public demonstrations were held against the proposed 14-storey high-rise development.
<img src="/images/stories/cinemadoublebay3.jpg">
Ashington took the application without success to Minister for Planning Kristina Keneally after concluding the council would never deviate from demands that it claimed rendered the project financially unviable.
The former mayor of Woollahra Keri Huxley described Ashington's proposal as "tantamount to a Surfers Paradise on Sydney Harbour". Ashington proposed development, at 52.4 metres, was more than three times the 16.5-metre limit imposed by planning controls.
The current mayor, Susan Wynne, welcomed the eight-storey development.
"I am thrilled, it’s an exciting time for Double Bay with the approval of this development.
"Along with the proposed Kiaora Lands development currently on public exhibition till 15 February 2012, these two sites could inject approximately $140 million worth of investment into the area as well as create jobs for the local community.
"Council has always been supportive of a cinema returning to Double Bay as this is a major drawcard for residents and visitors.”
The latest development has been fronted by Kevin McCabe, the founder and chairman of Scarborough Group International, a real estate and leisure activities group wholly owned by the McCabe family.
The joint planning panel was chaired by John Roseth. It heard some 20 ratepayer rejection requests from Keri Huxley, Michael Rolfe,  Barry Lewis, Susan Shaw and Philip Mason. Frances Keevil addressed the panel in favour of the item, along with Greg Solomon.
The development has been designed by architectural firm PTW.
The nine-storey application hit some resistance when earlier this month Woollahra councillors considered the assessment report from planning staff and resolved to advise the Joint Regional Planning Panel that the application should be refused for reasons relating to excessive height, bulk and scale and non-compliance with the council's planning controls.
The $67 million project was for demolition of the existing building from ground-floor level, retention of the basement carpark for 154 vehicles, construction of a mixed-use development with retail tenancies and a five-cinema complex for approximately 600 people which occupies the ground and first floor levels and seven levels of residential above containing 74 units (a mix of one, two and three bedrooms).
It will now be one storey less if the developers proceeds.
Architect's impressions by PTW Architects
 
 
 
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Double Bay cinema and residential project approved after planning panel cuts it down to size

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The 2011 pessimism in most housing markets across the country will be replaced by return to growth in 2012, according to Australian Property Monitors, with Brisbane, Perth and Darwin tipped as the likely best performers.
Its October quarter national median house price was off by 1.6% – and down 4.2% over the year.
But going out on a limb against the prevailing more of the same sentiment, APM senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson forecasts next year will provide brighter, but mixed outcomes for housing markets.
Some capital cities are set to revive strongly while others will remain flat, he says.
Much of his forecast is based on the mining boom assisting the continued prospect of strong economic growth in Australia.
“Australia’s economic fundamentals are strong, and are well positioned to weather any downturn in international markets.
"This, coupled with renewed buyer confidence, will be the key to driving prices growth in the new year,” Wilson says.
“Nationally, median house prices should recover to rise by 3 to 5 per cent through 2012,” he forecasts.
Darwin, Perth and Brisbane have the best prospects for price growth, while Sydney and Canberra are also expected to achieve reasonable growth in the year, he says.
Capital City Forecast growth – Median House Prices 2012
National 3% to 5%
Sydney 3% to 5%
Melbourne 0% to 3%
Brisbane 5% to 10%
Adelaide 0% to 3%
Perth 5% to 10%
Hobart 0% to 3%
Darwin 5% to 10%
Canberra 3% to 5%
“Demand for housing will intensify in 2012, particularly in Sydney, Canberra and Perth, which will see housing markets re-energised albeit at different levels,” Wilson says.
<img src="/images/stories/apmdec151.gif">
Source: APM
APM says Brisbane has been the worst performer of all capital city markets in 2011, with median house prices down nearly 7% over the year ending October, with a lingering significant contributing factor being the devastating floods in January.
"The Brisbane housing market is set to revive in 2012 off the back of the Queensland resources boom that will gather strength through the year – weather conditions notwithstanding. Dwelling shortages, population increases, rising incomes and the improvement in confidence as a consequence of the reconstruction program should contribute to a recovery in buyer activity.
"Brisbane has the clear potential of double digit growth in median house prices over 2012,” Wilson says.
He reports low buyer confidence had caused Perth’s median house price to fall by nearly 6% in the year to October 2011, which is almost 10% below the peaks recorded four years ago. "With recessed house prices together with low levels of new construction and a flood of workers seeking the wages bonanza delivered by nearly $100 billion in mining activity, Perth houses prices have the clear potential to rise by a double-digit percentage in 2012," he says.
The third big rise is forecast for Darwin, which has recorded a typically erratic pattern of median house price growth in 2011 with October quarter median house prices decreasing markedly by 3.5% and down 3.9% over the year ending October.
"Darwin also has good prospects of sustained house price growth through 2012 as it resumes its volatile pattern of housing market activity,” Wilson says.
"Significant exposure to the resource sector, seasonal employment patterns and a severe shortage of accommodation will drive increased home buyer activity levels.”
"It would not surprise to see Darwin record double-digit house price growth by the end of 2012," he suggests.
Of the two major capitals, Wilson believes Sydney will be the stronger.
He says Sydney has predictably performed best of the capitals in 2011 with median house prices relatively stable – not surprising considering its underlying lack of housing and associated costly rental market.
"Sydney provides a solid prospect for median house price growth of up to 5% in 2012.
"This growth will come mainly through the lower and middle band suburbs as buyers seek to maximise choices in a market characterised by chronic shortages of accommodation and Australia’s tightest capital city rental market."
He expects the prestige market will remain quiet in Sydney in 2012 although some modest but sustained growth in house prices may be recorded towards the end of the year from a low base.
"This will be contingent on the flow-on effect of the resources boom driving a significant recovery in the share market unleashing the wealth effect and the aspirational buyers that have been largely dormant in Sydney since 2008.
Melbourne’s housing market will struggle for growth in 2012 as it continues to adjust to the affordability barriers created by the strong price rises of 2009 to 2010, Wilson forecasts.
"A waning economic performance in 2011 exacerbated declining buyer activity through 2011.
"The Victorian economy is set to continue to waver early in 2012 as the construction sector struggles to find replacement work following the abatement of the new apartment boom of 2010 and 2011.
"An oversupply of apartment stock looms, which will keep a lid on rental growth and subsequent investor activity in what is already the most tenant-friendly capital city rental market.
"Similar to Sydney however, the flow-on effects of the resources boom and a revival in the stock market may activate the prestige market with reasonable prospects of prices growth from a low base.
“Overall Melbourne house prices should drift sideways over the year with some modest incremental growth a possibility by years-end."
The Adelaide housing market has floundered this year according to APM with median house prices down by more than 5% over the year.
"A significant contributing factor to this outcome has been the continued underperformance of the South Australian economy and its impact generally on buyer confidence,” Wilson says.
“The Adelaide housing market will struggle to revive in 2012 although with South Australia’s direct exposure to the resources sector expect flat to marginal house price increases.”
The report suggests Canberra is set to record increases in home buyer activity as economic growth fuels increased public service activity in the national capital.
A chronic undersupply of housing will drive prices growth through 2012, and APM expects this to be about 5% by year’s end.
The report notes the Canberra housing market proved particularly resilient in 2011, with median house prices down by just 1.7% over the year to October – a nation-leading performance.
For Hobart, Wilson suggests a revival in buyer activity in 2012 would be heavily dependent on a lift in the local economy.
"With no direct exposure to the resource sector, the Tasmanian economy is set to continue to meander.
"As a consequence buyer confidence will remain subdued and house price growth will be flat for most of 2012," he forecasts.
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Housing markets will recover in most capitals in 2012: APM

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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