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A riverfront house in Woolwich that fetched $4.25 million was the week’s highest auction sale, according to the RP Data top 10 sales list. It was listed with price hopes of $4 million plus.
Set on a 795-square-metre block on The Point Road, the three-bedroom residence has direct access to a sandy beach. It came with wide entertainment deck with all rooms having panoramic views over level lawns and gardens. Its McGrath selling agent Tracey Dixon suggested there was opportunity to update or redesign and capitalise on its premier peninsula address.
It last sold at $4.05 million in 2003. 
Sydney suburbs had the top five spots, with a Malvern East property in Melbourne in sixth place.
1. 15 The Point Road, Woolwich, NSW, three-bedroom, two-bathroom house, sold at auction on October 22 through McGrath Estate Agents for $ 4.25 million
2. 1/95 Lauderdale Avenue, Fairlight, NSW, three-bedroom, three-bathroom unit, sold prior to auction on October 24 for $3.76 million through Belle Property Manly
3. 52 Daleys Avenue, Daleys Point, NSW, five-bedroom, four-bathroom house sold on October 20 for $3.3 million through PRD Nationwide Ettalong Beach
4. 11 Reginald Street, Mosman, NSW, five-bedroom, three-bathroom house sold at auction on October 22 for $3 million through McGrath Estate Agents
5. 16 Barker Road, Strathfield, NSW, five-bedroom, five-bathroom house sold at auction on October 22 for $3 million through Georges Ellis &amp; Co
6. 38 Kerferd Street, Malvern East, VIC, four-bedroom, two-bathroom house sold at auction on October 22 for $ 2,862,000 through Hocking Stuart Hawthorn
7. 59 Mary Street, Hawthorn, VIC, four-bedroom, two-bathroom house sold at auction on October 22 for $ 2,855,000 through Jellis Craig Hawthorn
8. 24 Cross Street, Bronte, NSW, five-bedroom, two-bathroom house sold before auction on October 20 for $2.8 million through Di Jones Real Estate Woollahra
9. 74 Cook Park, Sandringham, NSW, five-bedroom, two-bathroom house sold at auction on October 22 for $2.8 million through McGrath Estate Agents
10. 254 Riverside Road, Hawthorn East, VIC, five-bedroom, three-bathroom house sold at auction on October 22 for $2.78 million through Jellis Craig Hawthorn
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Woolwich riverfront house leads RP Data's top 10 sales of the week

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Not one capital city had a housing price gain in the September quarter.
Brisbane was the poorest-performing capital, with a 2.7% drop in the quarter. Nationally Australia's housing market continued to be sluggish, with prices falling 1.6%, according to Australian Property Monitors.
After its fifth consecutive quarterly fall, the national median house price declined over the quarter to $536,011.
<img src="/images/stories/apmoct27.gif">
Hobart was the only city to escape a fall in house prices, recording no change over the quarter at $327,340.
Brisbane is now mainland Australia’s cheapest capital for houses with prices at $429,339.
Sydney values dipped 1.8%, Canberra 1.4%, Perth and Darwin 1.6% and Adelaide 2%.
Melbourne median values fell the least, by 0.9%, making a total fall of 3.2% in the year to September 30.
Canberra was the only capital to show annual house price gains up 0.9% for the year to $566,095.
The median house price figures compiled by Fairfax-owned Australian Property Monitors suggested buyers were concerned about the global economy, a weak share market and unemployment, according to APM senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson.
Buyer wariness would remain, Wilson says, even as  a potential fall in interest rates would be unlikely to have a significant impact on house prices in the short term.
The median unit price lost 0.6% to $406,342 across Australia.
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No September quarter growth in any capital, with Brisbane hardest hit

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october27monavale]}
It’s the type of sale that gives banks, receivers and even some estate agents a bad name. The resort-like Mona Vale beachfront residence of veteran property developer Max Delmege has been finally sold for around $3.5 million. It was a steal.
Regrettably the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles powerbroker had let it be known during its initial marketing that it ought sell for close to its $9 million valuation that followed its impressive 2008 renovation.
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.
There had been $7 million hopes for it when Bank West put the property to initial auction.  Just a few doors away the 808-square-metre beachfront cottage retreat of H. Lindsay Thompson, the retired professor who was president of the AMA from 1982 to 1985, had been listed with $5 million, giving some price expectation validation.
By December the bank would have taken around $6 million for the Delmege property.
The two-level Surfview Road house on an 870-square-metre block was relisted for May auction with all the furniture of his estrange wife Narelle now removed. There were pre-auction offers around $4.5 million, but no sale since the bank wanted around $5.5 million.
The most dramatic price reduction has been over the recent marketing when new listing agents took its pricing from $4.5 million plus to mid-$3 million before and after its August auction, according to RP Data.  There was again no bid at the auction, given savvy buyers are playing tough tactics. It sold for a reputed but unconfirmed $3.5 million. It was sold by Max Walls International. 
The title has caveats from ING Bank and Capital Finance in addition to the first mortgage from Bank of West Australia.
For many years Delmege was the financial saviour of his beloved Sea Eagles, pumping millions into the club he co-owned.
He’s lived on the northern beaches since 1965, starting his own real estate office in Avalon in 1967.
Delmege has fought back before as in 1987, a development in Mona Vale went sour and he "lost everything". He bought himself a weekly bus, train and ferry pass and pounded the pavements, and he reckons he can do it again.
"Being brought up in Maroubra, it's pretty easy to reinvent yourself," he told the Sydney media.
His latest incarnation is as a weekend radio broadcaster on 2SM. And doesn’t he dish it out to the banks.
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Max Delmege's Sydney northern beaches property finally gets over the line

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Gold Coast developer Sunland – which has pretty much returned home from its troubled Dubai foray – has purchased Mariners Cove and Marina at Main Beach at a discounted $13 million.
The purchase follows its <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/sunland-swaps-palazzo-versace-dubai-for-gold-coast-counterpart/2011101751958" target="_blank">recent move to take complete ownership of the nearby Palazzo Versace</a>.
Industry sources were expecting $20 million for Mariners Cove, which has been in the hands of receivers since late 2009.
SP Marina, a joint-venture of The Raptis Group and City Pacific, had paid $49 million for Mariners Cove in 2007.
"We strongly believe that the location of Mariners Cove and Marina is among one of the premier locations in Australia and we are confident that the redevelopment opportunity will benefit Sunland's future portfolio pipeline,'' Sunland managing director Sahba Abedian says.
Abedian notes that the Mariners Cove and marina centre is a strategic asset and says the group views to own it for the long term.
The group has no immediate plans to develop the centre and believes that there is an opportunity to optimise the income from the existing retail and marina leases in the short to medium term.
The site comprises 1.15 hectares of land lease and 2.8 hectares seabed lease, with 102 marina berths.
Mariners Cove is located in a prime position on the Broadwater of the Gold Coast and is adjacent to the Marina Mirage Retail precinct and Palazzo Versace Hotel.
The site sold through public tender through receivers McGrath Nicol.
Settlement is due on December 24, 2011.
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Sunland cements Gold Coast holdings with neighbouring $13 million Mariners Cove purchase

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The Hideaway Resorts portfolio, which includes Dunk Island Resort, Bedarra Island Resort and Bedarra Hideaway in tropical far north Queensland, is close to sale after overwhelming interest in the run-up to bids closing last week.
“Various bids were lodged from a myriad of different investor types, including a number of high-profile, high net worth individuals, to buy the assets either in one line or to acquire the individual resorts,” CBRE hotels senior director Wayne Bunz says.
“We are in the final stage of negotiation and we are confident that we will have unconditional contracts exchanged, if not settled, by Christmas.”
The freehold tenure island offerings – closed since February’s Cyclone Yasi – ranked as the most significant tourism opportunity in the region this year, Bunz notes.
He adds there has been substantial transactional activity in the far north with the recent sale of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/five-star-facelift-planned-for-sheraton-mirage-port-douglas/2011072250884">Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas</a> to David Mariner, plus Wyndham Hotel Group’s acquisition of the Treetops Resort and Spa, also in Port Douglas.
“The general perception seems to be that north Queensland offers significant buying opportunities, with the market showing some signs of recovery.
“With over 100 enquires received on the Hideaway Resorts portfolios, investor perceptions indicate this may well be the case,” Bunz says.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/not-so-perfect-islands-for-sale-in-fnq/2011090751465">Melbourne-based Hideaway Resorts acquired the Beddara Island from Voyages in 2009 for $21.5 million, according to RP Data. Dunk cost $20.5 million.</a>
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FNQ islands overcrowded with 100-strong buyer interest

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october26redfern]}
One of the largest properties on Redfern Street, Redfern has been listed through Ben Forsyth at McGrath Estate Agents.
It’s a whole building on 436 square metres of land. It comes with 100 square metres of space on the lower level, with parking for 10 cars. It’s described as a creative space ideal for a company headquarters or a live/work opportunity, given the second floor has two one-bedroom apartments. The property to be sold with vacant possession has been priced at $2.5 million.
Recent sales in the <a target="_blank" href="/news">Redfern </a>strip have included the former post office commercial premises at 113-119 Redfern Street sold through spruiker Max Markson through McGrath agent Paul Ephron at $2,125,000 in May.
In January 2011 the 209-square-metre holding at 74 Pitt Street sold at $2.05 million, having been listed through Ben Forsyth. It was the 1880s Quirks Grocery Building, a mixed-use premises offering with a total annual income of about $133,000 from two independent residences, a café and separate office. It was architect-redesigned 12 years ago.
“Redfern is finally going through a renaissance that has been promised for so long,” Forsyth says.
“The Block being demolished, the new indigenous arts college and the Sydney City upgrade have all lead to major changes of this great inner-city suburb.”
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New corporate home office listing a sign of Redfern renaissance

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Weak sentiment will cause house prices to continue to drift sideways to lower over the coming six to 12 months, according to ANZ, which envisages a rebound in economic growth in 2012 and 2013 to limit the price fallout.
Housing market sentiment continued to soften and prices drifted lower in most capital cities, according to the latest ANZ housing report.
Declining auction clearance rates and rising days on market reflected a mis-match between buyer and vendor expectations.
However, the absence of wide-scale forced selling had, to date, protected measured price outcomes amidst a turbulent global economic environment.
The bank notes Sydney house prices had been the most resilient across the capital cities, with prices edging 0.3% higher over the year to August, compared with a 3.2% decline in the national capital city average.
ANZ suggests flattening employment growth and rising unemployment present clear risks to loan delinquencies and house prices across Australia.
It considers interest rates to be at mildly restrictive levels.
“The housing market has also been hit with a behavioural shift towards increased household caution,” notes Paul Braddick, the bank’s head of property research.
<img src="/images/stories/marketbalance.gif">
Source: ANZ
The report, compiled in conjunction with ANZ economists David Cannington and Dylan Eades, says the combined headwinds had resulted in falls in house prices (-1.9% year on year across capital cities to June 2011) and a decline in new building approvals, which fell 9% in the year to August 2011.
The weak housing market sentiment had also weighed on development activity, with current building approvals equivalent to an annual completions rate of just 143,000, well below the bank’s estimate of underlying housing demand of 190,000 for 2011-12.
But the bank expects the continuing deterioration in the national housing shortage to add further downward pressure on rental vacancies and lead to increased rents.
“Through 2011-12, steady population growth and weak home completions will add further tightness to the housing market,” it says.
“Near record low vacancy rates will eventually drive a renewed acceleration in rents that should encourage investors and first home buyers back into the property market.
“Assuming domestic economic conditions remain stable enough to support household finances, the national housing market should continue to simmer, avoiding the recent boilover experienced by many other developed economies through the global financial crisis,” it notes.
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Housing market will continue to soften in next year amid weak sentiment: ANZ

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US home prices remained flat in the in August, edging just 0.2% higher but still down by 3.8% on an annual basis, according to the latest S&amp;P/Case-Shiller composite index.
The index mirrored another monthly index, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which noted home prices slipped 0.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis, and 4% over the previous year.
Economists say there is too much inventory, particularly of distressed properties, compared with the pace of home purchasing, which meant prices could fall or linger further to equilibrate the market.
The Case-Shiller index had Detroit and Washington as the only cities to post August and annual growth.
The US Midwest – Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis—showed sharp monthly increases, with economists noted in the Wall Street Journal attributing it to hiring in the automotive sector. Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/caseshillerlarge.gif"><img src="/images/stories/caseshiller.gif"></a>
Ten of the 20 cities covered by the indices had prices increase over the month.
There was no change in annual returns in Los Angeles and Miami in August.
The rate of change fell deeper into negative territory in Atlanta and Las Vegas.
Minneapolis posted the lowest year-over-year return at a negative 8.5%, but has improved in each of the last three months.
“There was some weakness in the monthly statistics, as 10 of the cities post price declines in August over July,” says David M. Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at S&amp;P Indices.
“Nationally, home prices are still below where they were a year ago.”
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US house prices remain on hold in August: Case-Shiller

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Household spending and financing is now on a more sustainable path, which will ultimately benefit the health of the economy, says Ric Battellino, the Reserve Bank of Australia deputy governor.
“This adjustment in consumer behaviour has created a difficult trading environment for some businesses, coming as it has after a prolonged boom,” Battellino said.
"But the adjustment in Australia has been benign compared with the adjustments in household finances and housing markets elsewhere in the world, and it has put household spending and financing on a more sustainable path," he told Citi's third annual Australian and New Zealand investment conference today.
He suggested while it was possible that the global economic situation might take a sharp turn for the worse, "at this stage the bank's central scenario is that global GDP growth will be broadly in line with its long-run average over the period ahead.
"That would create a reasonably benign environment for the Australian economy."
He noted the recent constant theme of the bank's view that there had been a structural change in household spending and financing in Australia.
"After a 10- to 15-year period during which households increased their gearing and reduced their rate of saving, they have returned to a more conservative, and traditional, pattern of financial behaviour.
"Household credit growth has slowed to a rate in keeping with, or slightly below, the growth in household incomes,” he said.
"The saving rate has increased to a level that is more normal based on history; and household spending growth has slowed from a rate that substantially exceeded household income growth, to one that, over the past year, has been broadly in line with income growth.
"Within total consumer spending, there appears to have been a shift away from spending on goods in stores to spending on services, particularly services such as overseas travel, eating out and entertainment.
"As a result, retail sales have been particularly weak," he noted.
Battellino suggested it remained to be seen how the Australian economy would respond to the recent financial volatility and the consequent fall in confidence and the loss of wealth.
"Retail sales have picked up a little, housing loan approvals also seem to be picking up somewhat, most measures of business conditions remain around average levels and the most recent employment data have been more positive after a number of weak months.
"Nonetheless, job vacancies and advertisements are lower than their peak around the start of the year, overall credit growth remains subdued and the housing market remains soft.
"Recently, there has been some easing in financial conditions following the fall in market interest rates that has accompanied the financial volatility,” he said.
"Banks have passed through to borrowers notable declines in interest rates on term housing loans and some business loans, as their cost of funds has declined.
"Increased competition among banks in response to the increased availability of deposits and relatively subdued demand for loans has also resulted in some shaving of interest rates on standard variable mortgage loans for new borrowers.
"As a result, the interest rates on new loans are now around 10 to 15 basis points lower than they were early in the year.
"The modest net fall in the exchange rate in recent months has also, to some extent, reduced pressures on some sectors of the economy," he said.
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Household spending more sustainable: RBA

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october25moog]}
Moog, the home, hotel, restaurant, bar and recording studio in one location in Surry Hills, was listed with $8 million expectations by Simon and Susanah Page in 2005. The three-level terrace in Bourke Street was relisted at $5 million in 2010. The property, with the potential to be returned to its original nine-bedroom layout, was passed in at its Colliers auction this week on a $3.8 million vendor bid.
Auctioneer Damien Cooley suggested there were four or five interested bidding parties but could not solicit any bids when it was offered under receivers' instructions through listing agent Paul Fernandes.
In its heyday the place offered the $1,000-a-night Moog Hotel experience, which included designer pool with underwater speakers. It even laid claim to the most expensive cocktail in Sydney –the Amex Noir at $2,003.
The Pages arrived in Sydney from New Zealand and embarked on developing nightclubs. In 1996 the couple opened the doors to Sublime, a hip subterranean club built in the old Brashs music store on Pitt Street. They later took on Home nightclub at Darling Harbour. They then created the one-suite Moog Hotel, which was ranked as one of the world's coolest hotels by Conde Nast Traveler.
Paul Fernandes marketed it as a grand Victorian mansion transformed into a unique designer home and integrating a distinctive diverse investment.
"So many things to so many people – its individual and matchless potential embraces retail, commercial, boutique hotel and residential," he suggests.
The ads said receiver and manager’s sale – clear instructions to sell. Its annual current income from the wine/tapas bar is $74,000.
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Once-funky Moog hotel passed in at receivers' auction

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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