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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november4milne]}
Leisa Milne, the wife of jailed millionaire entrepreneur Michael Milne, has listed their Neutral Bay abode on Sydney’s lower north shore. It’s one of two freestanding buildings set on a 1761-square-metre deep-waterfront block. It had been two apartments with the first bought by Leisa in 1987 for $999,999 and then Leisa paid $4.75 million for the other in 2005.
The renovation turned it into a six-bedroom house with views across Shell Cove to the main harbour. It has two marina berths, a jetty and pontoon.
Michael Milne, jailed for eight years last December for money laundering and tax evasion, is seeking to have the money-laundering conviction overturned in a case in the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal. Milne was caught in the Operation Wickenby tax probe. His wife raised a $5 million surety for his bail when he was initially arrested in 2008. Milne  was a client of Philip Egglishaw, whose Swiss firm Strachans sparked the $300 million Wickenby investigation.
The Shellcove Road house has been listed for sale by expressions of interest through Kingsley Yates of Ray White Lower North Shore.
 
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Wife of jailed entrepreneur Michael Milne puts Neutral Bay home on the market

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<img src="/images/stories/delmegequote.jpg">
 
- Anthony Walls at Max Walls International after the Bank West mortgagee sale of the resort-like Mona Vale beachfront residence of veteran property developer Max Delmege for about $3.5 million. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/max-delmege-s-sydney-northern-beaches-property-finally-gets-over-the-line/2011102652087">It had a $9 million valuation after its 2008 renovation</a>.  Despite hopes of starting the auction proceedings at $6 million plus, the house was passed in without a bid through Ray White Prestige agent Michael King at that October 2010 auction.
 
 
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Quote of the week: Max Delmege's house result

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ASIC has obtained interim orders in the Supreme Court of Queensland against Equititrust Limited, the responsible entity of two managed investment schemes.
The two schemes are Equititrust Income Fund (EIF) and Equititrust Priority Class Income Fund (EPCIF).
The orders were obtained by consent for the purpose of preserving the status quo of the schemes prior to a hearing by ASIC to consider the suspension of Equititrust’s Australian financial services (AFS) licence and following resolutions made by Equititrust’s board of directors on October 12 that the purposes of EIF could not be accomplished and to take steps to wind up EIF.
The orders obtained by ASIC restrain Equititrust from undertaking various acts regarding its operation of the schemes until December 12, 2011 or earlier by order of the court.
Among other things, in relation to EIF, the orders restrain Equititrust from: modifying or replacing the scheme’s constitution; issuing new interests in the scheme; redeeming, cancelling or modifying existing members’ interests in the scheme; dealing with property held or controlled by Equititrust in its capacity as the responsible entity of the scheme or in its own right, other than in the ordinary course of business; and entering into contracts, deeds or agreements regarding any property held or controlled by Equititrust with any person that is a related party or related entity.
The orders in relation to EPCIF restrain Equititrust from issuing new interests in the scheme without first providing written notice to ASIC.
ASIC has expressed concern that Equititrust is in breach of a condition of its AFS licence requiring that it hold a minimum amount of net tangible assets and has breached provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 requiring that it lodge audited financial reports for EIF and EPCIF and audited reports of its compliance with the compliance plans for both EIF and EPCIF. ASIC has issued a notice to Equititrust giving it an opportunity to appear at a hearing before ASIC in relation to whether to suspend its AFS licence.
Separately in late October 2011, Equititrust issued a notice to the members of EIF informing them that the board had resolved that the purposes of EIF could not be accomplished and that steps be taken to wind up the scheme.
Members have 28 days after being given the notice to call a meeting of members to consider the proposed winding up of the scheme and to vote on any extraordinary resolution members propose about the winding up of the scheme.
ASIC obtained orders to preserve members’ interests in the schemes until these issues are resolved.
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ASIC files court orders against Equititrust 

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The NSW Valuer-General has determined that the land tax threshold for the 2012 land tax year is $396,000. Every investment property above that level will be billed land tax. It follows a 1.766% increase in values, which given three-year rolling averaging will result in a 0.2% increase in the land tax threshold for the 2011 land tax year of $387,000.
During the 2011 land tax year there had been a 2.9% rise in the 2011 threshold for property taxes from $376,000, when overall land values in NSW, including industrial and commercial as well as residential, rose an average of 5.42%.
The low 0.2% increase in the threshold might cause some NSW investors to creep into the tax-paying category if they were sitting just below the current threshold and have shown some value appreciation resilience in the yet-to-be released individual valuations.
NSW Valuer-General Philip Western will issue individual new valuations later this year that will form the basis of tax assessments sent out by the NSW Office of State Revenue early next year. The State Government bases individual assessments on rolling three-year averaging of land valuations to take account of changing property values.
The state government collects about $2 billion in land tax a year. Non-residential properties account for about 60% of land tax revenue.
In the current year an investor owning a property with a land value of $470,000 (with the 2011 threshold of $387,000) property tax is levied on the difference of $83,000 at 1.6¢ on the dollar, plus $100, so the tax payable is $1,428.
The principal place of residence is exempt from land tax. Land tax is a tax levied on the owners of land in NSW as at midnight on December 31 of each year. Land tax applies to land regardless of whether or not income is earned from the land. The land tax assessment is calculated on the combined value of all the taxable land you own above the threshold.
The value of taxable land does not include any structures or improvements on the land such as a house.
There has been a threshold since 2005. From the 2007 tax year onwards the threshold is the average of three years - the current year and two prior years.
<table cellpadding="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Year
</td>
<td>
Indexed amount
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
For the 2010 land tax year
</td>
<td>
$380,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
For the 2011 land tax year
</td>
<td>
$401,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
For the 2012 land tax year
</td>
<td>
$408,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Average
</td>
<td>
$396,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 The Valuer General says the $408,000 figure was arrived at through a specific formula as required under the Land Tax Management Act.
“Put simply it is the 2011 land tax year indexed amount ($401,000) times the average change in land values from 1 July 2010 to 1 July 2011 – in this case 1.766%,” he notes.
For advice on buying your first investment property, download our free e-book.
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NSW land tax threshold increases 0.2% after a 1.77% across-the-board gain

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A South Sydney residential development site has been sold for a bullish $7,188,000.
The 4,843-square-metre site  at 78-82 Bay Street, Botany was offered with a two-year leaseback to the University of NSW. The university bought it in two purchases, paying $1,225,000 in 1992 for a 3,439-square-metre portion and then the remainder from Botany Glass for $1.25 million in 1997.
“This was an ideal South Sydney development site positioned in a quiet residential location close to all necessary amenities,” its Colliers International Sydney selling agent Guillaume Volz suggests.
“With a continued shortage of sites available this was an ideal opportunity to secure a quality property with time to add value and profit,” conjunctional Colliers International South Sydney agent Michael Crombie adds.
It came with a proposed zoning R3 medium-density residential with a proposed 22-metre height limit and a proposed floor space ratio up to 1.5:1.
Auctioneer Damien Cooley from Cooley Auctions opened the bidding at $4.1 million.
 
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UNSW pockets $7 million for South Sydney apartment development site

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There was daylight between first and second place on RP Data's list of the top sales of the week, with the late arts patron <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/ann-lewis-romantic-rose-bay-villa-fetches-about-%2415-million-after-auction-title-tattle/2011102752108" target="_blank">Ann Lewis’ house claiming the top spot at $15 million</a>. The second-place sale, 6 Penshurst Avenue, Neutral Bay, last sold for $1.3 million in 2005 but had been on the market since early 2009, when it was listed for $3,575,000. Its price expectations were reduced to around $3.39 million last month. It sold for $3,275,000 through Raine &amp; Horne Neutral Bay agent Stewart Robertson. A property from the ACT appeared in 10th spot on RP Data’s list.
1. 8 Bayview Hill Road, Rose Bay, NSW, six-bedroom, four-bathroom house, sold at auction on October 27 by Ken Jacobs of Christie's International Real Estate in conjunction with McGrath Estate Agents for $15 million




2. 6 Penshurst Avenue, Neutral Bay, NSW, five-bedroom, five-bathroom house, sold on October 28 by Raine &amp; Horne Neutral Bay for $3,275,000



3. 34 Chatsworth Road, Prahran, VIC, four-bedroom, three-bathroom house, sold at auction on October 25 by Marshall White Real Estate Armadale for $3,137,500



4. 18 Willowie Road, Castle Cove, NSW, four-bedroom, three-bathroom house, sold at auction on October 29 by Belle Property Mosman for $2.99 million



5. 132 Hargrave Street, Paddington, NSW, four-bedroom, three-bathroom house, sold on October 26 by McGrath Estate Agents for $2.9 million



6. 77 Grey Street, East Melbourne, VIC, two-bedroom, two-bathroom house, sold at auction on October 29 by Caine Real Estate for $2,832,500



7. 12 Rosemeadow Drive, Cabarita, NSW, four-bedroom, three-bathroom unit, sold at auction on October 29 by McGrath Estate Agents for $2.55 million



8. 26 Holt Avenue, Mosmand, NSW, four-bedroom, three-bathroom house, sold at auction on October 29 by Raine &amp; Horne Neutral Bay for $2,457,000



9. 70B Iris Street, Frenchs Forest, NSW, four-bedroom, two-bathroom house, sold on October 25 by Century 21 Robert Campbell for $2.45 million



10. 18 Wells  Gardens, Griffith, ACT, five-bedroom, four-bathroom house, sold at auction on October 26 by Luton Properties Manuka for $2,375,000.
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Daylight between first and second-place sale of the week: RP Data

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Sydney architect Domenic Alvaro’s strikingly small Surry Hills house, which looks like a slimline prefab concrete umbrella stand, has been awarded the World House of the Year at the prestigious 2011 World Architectural Festival award ceremony in Barcelona.
The house – known as Small House – was credited not only for its exceptional architectural and interiors features, but also for presenting a solution to the long-standing issue of urban sprawl.
<img src="/images/stories/smallhouse1.jpg">
It was conceived after buying three car spaces on a corner in Surry Hills and building a five-storey house above it. It comes with a floor space of 220 square metres on its tiny 42-square-metre plot.
Inspired by architects in Tokyo who work with incredible small spaces, the house is built from prefabricated concrete that can be moulded offsite and assembled onsite in four days.
The block had cost $230,000 in 2008.
The award-winning property, owned by architect Domenic Alvaro and his partner, Sue Bassett, was featured in the first series of Grand Designs Australia after its 2010 completion by the builder Nicholas Bettar, from Baseline Constructions.
<img src="/images/stories/smallhouse2.jpg">
“I am incredibly thrilled to have been presented with this prestigious award,” Alvaro, the principal at Woods Bagot Sydney studio, says. Woods Bagot’s commercial projects have included the Qantas Club Lounge in Sydney.
“Sydney’s urban landscape needs an injection of innovation as the city looks to more efficient use of urban areas to accommodate population growth.
“Small House was designed not only to be my own home, but also to test a development model for downtown urban living as an alternative to the ubiquitous luxury apartment,” Alvaro notes.
“Small House investigates a new typology in the current urban living space, whilst still reflecting a contemporary lifestyle full of diversity and creativity.”
<img src="/images/stories/smallhouse3.jpg">
Wedged between an old terrace and an industrial building, the house was built upwards rather than outwards, given the site was so small it can fit into the double garage of a typical sprawling suburban home.
“The philosophy of small house proposes to build upwards rather than outwards, by assigning multiple uses to single spaces, with flexibility for change in the future,” Alvaro adds.
Like many traditional homes, the kitchen is the social hub of the house, central to the other living zones.
With entries from internationally renowned practices to small local architects across the globe, Alvaro’s entry competed against 18 short-listed projects, WAF program director Paul Finch noted.
<img src="/images/stories/smallhouse4.jpg">
Woods Bagot is a global studio with more than 800 staff working across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
Small House is a multi-award winning project, having won Residential Architecture (Houses) and Small Project Architecture at the NSW Australian Institute of Architects Awards; and New House under 200 square metres and the Outdoor category (in collaboration with 360°Landscape Architects) at the annual HOUSES Awards.
<img src="/images/stories/smallhouse5.jpg">
Despite the tiny size of the parcel of land, the house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, living, kitchen and dining areas.
Costing about $650,000, the house is zoned vertically:
Ground floor: utility/ store/bicycle/parking
First floor: sleeping/bathing, storage
Second floor: living (with optional additional zone)
Third floor: food prep/eating/entertainment, topped by a working roof garden terrace, all connected via a series of stairs.
Roof: a “working” roof garden terrace (the circulation space enables a small study on the roof space, and the panel sliding doors open to enable the roof to become the fifth room of the house – albeit an outdoor room – and herb and flower garden with over-scaled fig tree, thus creating a canopy effect.
Photographs (except first photograph) by Trevor Mein
 
 
 
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Domenic Alvaro’s smallest house in Surry Hills rises to win international prize

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The Peninsula residential development site at Monterey Keys on the northern Gold Coast has been listed for receivership sale.
The current listing is 32,994 square metres of waterfront land in a gated community, which potentially consists of up to 62 individual titled lots.
CBRE Gold Coast managing director Mark Witheriff said the sale campaign is expected to generate interest from domestic house and land developers.
“The sale could provide an opportunity for the incoming owner to either sell down the individual waterfront lots or develop a themed waterfront community on the remaining land and super lot,” Witheriff says.
The Peninsula is located on the natural waterway of Saltwater Creek, offering views to Hope Island Resort from its Helensvale location.
Offers close on December 1.
Stefan Dopking and Quentin J. Olde of Taylor Woodings were appointed as receivers and managers of Kabale, the site’s owner, in June 2011.
The Monterey Keys residential estate was launched in 1992, initially comprising 1,100 lots on a 182-hectare riverfront site on the northern Gold Coast.
The site was purchased in a vacant state in 1998 for $12 million by Kabale Holdings, a company associated with the Dalley family, with a view to the development of an integrated residential resort.
It was a canal housing project with an estimated $300 million completion value.
In 1989 when Kabale went through a period of reconstruction the estate lay dormant, with sales beginning in late 1992 averaging 10 to 15 blocks a month for the first two years. The dry lots were fetching around $70,000 and the wet lost $130,000.
Most recently the developer was selling wet blocks from $495,000, which were re-priced over recent times down to $395,000.
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Last plot of Gold Coast's Monterey Keys up for receivership sale

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november3rockefeller]}
Nelson Rockefeller, who served as the vice-president of the United States and governor of New York, amassed an impressive real estate portfolio. One of his former properties at 810 Fifth Avenue, part of Manhattan's real estate lore, is on the market for $27.5 million dollars.
According to Zillow’s real estate blog, the Nelson Rockefeller residence occupies a large segment of the 12th floor with views over Central Park. Kirk Henckels, executive vice president of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.stribling.com/propinfo.asp?webid=1065254&amp;type=SALE">Stribling, the listing brokerage</a>, says the place was even bigger once since Rockefeller purchased an apartment on an adjacent floor in the building next door, 812 Fifth Avenue, and joined up the two apartments. After Rockefeller’s death, his second wife separated the two apartments and sold the one at 810 Fifth Avenue to the current vendors.
It comes with a 14-metre-long living room with two fireplaces, formal dining room and a library. The apartment is the place where in 1960, the aspiring Republican presidential candidate Richard Nixon was summoned for dinner and a private meeting. Nixon wanted a clear path to the White House, but Rockefeller, leader of the liberal wing of the Republican Party, used his clout. History calls Rockefeller’s apartment the place where “The Treaty of Fifth Avenue” was agreed upon. Nixon failed to beat John F. Kennedy in the 1960 election, but it was the closest outcome since 1916. The conservatives and moderates are still at odds with each other. 
Before expanding sideways Rockerfeller actually owned the top three floors of 810 Fifth Avenue, the 1926 co-op building, but following his divorce, the vice-president kept the bottom floor for himself and gave the top two floors to his ex-wife, Mary.
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Fifth Avenue Rockefeller pedigree listed

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november3fourwinds]}
Four Winds, the Byron Bay hinterland property with main residence and two rental villas, has been listed through David A. Perez at Villa Prestige Properties.
The two-hectare holding has been listed by former Sydney publican Rick de Leede and his partner, Helen. They left Sydney in 2003 after owning and running the inner-city Rose Hotel in Cleveland Street, Chippendale, for 11 years. Four Winds is reached via a 150-metre driveway off Old Byron Bay Road at Coopers Shoot. It has six bedrooms, six bathrooms and three kitchens. Vaulted timber walkways connect the villas and main residence. The estate has views of Cape Byron lighthouse, Lennox Head and beyond.
Rick De Leede, who paid $2.3 million in 2003 and listed it with far greater hopes in 2008, is the brother of Tony de Leede, owner of Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat on the Gold Coast. He hopes to secure $5 million plus for the property.
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Byron Bay property Four Winds re-listed

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.

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For Stage 1 resident Roji, it is the balance between convenience and comfort that has defined the experience of living at Kew.

"For me, it's a balance of quality and convenience," she says. "Everything I need is right here."

"If I wanted to catch the train, Scho​fields Station is just around the corner. Tallaw​ong Metro connects me to the city."

More importantly, she says, the development has delivered something that cannot be measured in floorplans or specifications.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> feels like home."

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As Stage 2 enters the market, that lived experience may be one of the project's strongest selling points. Buyers are not purchasing into an untested concept or a future promise. They are joining a community that is already taking shape.

Ongoing investment in transport, retail, healthcare and public open space continues to strengthen the appeal of Syd​ney's north-west growth corridor, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>'s established first stage provides buyers with a tangible sense of the community's future direction.

For a limited time, buyer can secure a new home at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> with just a $10,000.

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Kew Tallawong: A growing community taking shape in Sydney's north-west

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

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

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

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