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ASIC has provided two information packs designed to better the advice given by advisers on investing in self-managed superannuation funds.
The downloadable documents stress ASIC's view that an SMSF with a starting balance of $200,000 or below is unlikely to be client-centric and more likely be investigated by ASIC.
ASIC Deputy Chairman Peter Kell said it is important that consumers receive good quality advice that will assist them in making informed decisions about their retirement savings.
'ASIC wants to ensure that only those investors for whom an SMSF is suitable are advised to establish an SMSF and that our expectations around the standards of advice are clear.
'SMSFs are a key priority for ASIC and we will continue to target inappropriate advice about SMSFs in our surveillance work,' Mr Kell said.
ASICs information packs can be downloaded <a href="https://www.asic.gov.au/about-asic/media-centre/find-a-media-release/2015-releases/15-192mr-asic-releases-guidance-on-smsf-advice/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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ASIC offers to help SMSF investment advisers

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At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 1.50 per cent.
Conditions in the global economy are continuing to improve. Labour markets have tightened further and above-trend growth is expected in a number of advanced economies, although uncertainties remain. Growth in the Chinese economy is being supported by increased spending on infrastructure and property construction, with the high level of debt continuing to present a medium-term risk. Commodity prices have risen recently, although Australia's terms of trade are still expected to decline over coming years.
Wage growth remains low in most countries, as does core inflation. Headline inflation rates have declined recently, largely reflecting the earlier decline in oil prices. In the United States, the Federal Reserve expects to increase interest rates further and there is no longer an expectation of additional monetary easing in other major economies. Financial markets have been functioning effectively and volatility remains low.
The recent data have been consistent with the Bank's expectation that growth in the Australian economy will gradually pick up over the coming year. The decline in mining investment will soon run its course. The outlook for non-mining investment has improved recently and reported business conditions are at a high level. Residential construction activity remains at a high level, but little further growth is expected. Retail sales have picked up recently, although slow growth in real wages and high levels of household debt are likely to constrain future growth in spending.
Employment growth has been stronger over recent months and has increased in all states. The various forward-looking indicators point to solid growth in employment over the period ahead. The unemployment rate is expected to decline a little over the next couple of years.
Wage growth remains low. This is likely to continue for a while yet, although stronger conditions in the labour market should see some lift in wages growth over time. Inflation also remains low and is expected to pick up gradually as the economy strengthens.
The Australian dollar has appreciated over recent months, partly reflecting a lower US dollar. The higher exchange rate is expected to contribute to the subdued price pressures in the economy. It is also weighing on the outlook for output and employment. An appreciating exchange rate would be expected to result in a slower pick-up in economic activity and inflation than currently forecast.
Conditions in the housing market continue to vary considerably around the country. Housing prices have been rising briskly in some markets, although there are signs that conditions are easing, especially in Sydney. In some other markets, prices are declining. In the eastern capital cities, a considerable additional supply of apartments is scheduled to come on stream over the next couple of years. Rent increases remain low in most cities. Investors in residential property are facing higher interest rates. There has also been some tightening of credit conditions following supervisory measures to address the risks associated with high and rising levels of household indebtedness. Growth in housing debt has been outpacing the slow growth in household incomes.
The low level of interest rates is continuing to support the Australian economy. Taking account of the available information, the Board judged that holding the stance of monetary policy unchanged at this meeting would be consistent with sustainable growth in the economy and achieving the inflation target over time.
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Sydney housing prices are easing: the official September 2017 RBA Board statement

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Bentleigh East and Reservoir in Victoria are the busiest suburbs for auctions this week, with each set to host 17 auctions, followed by Mount Waverley (Vic) with 16 auctions, and Mosman in NSW with 15 auctions scheduled according to CoreLogic.
CoreLogic's latest auction market preview expects a slight increase in auction activity this week across the combined capital cities, with 2,086 properties scheduled to go to auction, up from last week’s final of 2,064 auctions held.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-24%20at%2011.22.41%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-24%20at%2011.22.41%20AM.png" alt="">
"Volumes have remained relatively steady throughout most of July-August, and have continually tracked higher each week when compared to the equivalent week’s last year, however while volumes are to increase this week, this will be the first week since early May where volumes are expected to be lower than what was seen one year ago, with results from last year reporting a slightly higher 2,153 auctions held," CoreLogic reported.
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"Across Melbourne and Sydney, the number of properties scheduled to go to auction this week is set to be higher than last week, with 1,039 and 760 auctions currently being tracked, increasing from last week’s 1,001 and 720 auctions held respectively.
"While the larger markets are to see an uplift over the week, activity across the smaller markets is set to fall by varying degrees, with Adelaide expected to see the most notable decrease in activity down by 32.7 per cent when compared to last week, followed by Tasmania (28.6 per cent), Perth (14.3 per cent), Canberra (10.3 per cent) and Brisbane (7.4 per cent). "
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-bentleigh+east-126061058" target="_blank">6 Wolai Avenue</a>, Bentleigh East (above) will be auctioned for between $1.1 million to $1.2 million.
A three bedroom townhouse at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-vic-reservoir-125994938" target="_blank">1E Black Street</a>, Reservoir (below) will be auctioned for between $600,000 to $660,000.
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Bentleigh East and Reservoir set to be busiest weekend auction hotspots

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GUEST OBSERVER
Does the falling household saving ratio help to reconcile the disparity in consumer and business confidence?
A solid gap has opened up between business and consumer sentiment.  A falling saving ratio, which has supported household consumption in the face of declining wages growth, looks to be one of the important factors contributing to the disparity in confidence.  It may also help to explain why investment growth is soft despite strong business conditions and confidence.  
Overview
Confidence can be a powerful force. The sentiment of households and businesses regularly plays a role in shaping economic activity. Economists and policymakers often look at measures of reported confidence as forward looking indicators of consumption and investment. Right now, however, the surveys of business and consumer sentiment are sending conflicting signals. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-21%20at%208.19.39%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-21%20at%208.19.39%20AM.png" alt="">
A solid gap has opened up between business confidence (and conditions) and consumer sentiment (chart 1). The NAB business survey suggests that business conditions are at their highest level since 2008 while confidence is at an above- average level. In stark contrast, the WBC/MI consumer sentiment report indicates that household confidence is fragile.
In the past, there have been disparities in how consumers and businesses feel. But these divergences tend to be ‘ironed out’ over time and the results converge. This time around the disparity has persisted for an unusually long time.
In this note we attempt to reconcile why business confidence has been so buoyant despite consumers feeling downbeat. On the surface it’s easy to understand why consumers don’t feel good.
Real wages have fallen, household income growth is weak, debt levels are high and the labour market still has plenty of slack in it. As we covered last week, per capita measures of the economy suggest that there hasn’t been a lot a joy for households since the downturn of the mining investment boom.
We won’t go through the details again in this note other than to say that there is nothing unusual in the persistently weak monthly readings of consumer confidence. But what looks surprising, at least on the surface, is the reported high levels of business confidence. After all, non- exporting industries are selling goods and services to domestic households. And generally speaking, pessimistic consumers are bad for businesses because they  reign in spending.
We postulate that a falling saving rate, which has supported consumer spending, has helped to prop up business confidence and profits despite the household sector feeling gloomy and doing it tough. If we are right then the disparity can only persist until the saving rate hits a floor. At which point business confidence is likely to soften without a lift in household income growth. 
Why is business confidence high?
The two headline figures in the NAB Survey that relate to business conditions and confidence have posted strong outcomes in 2017 (chart 2). Business conditions hit a post-GFC high in June. And business confidence, which was a little softer, came in well above its long-run average level. According to the survey, there’s broad-based strength in the numbers because most industries have been performing well.
Some of the recent “hard” data helps to explain why businesses have had a much 
better time than consumers of late. The big lift in national income over the past year has largely been confined to the corporate sector as profits rather than spilling over to employee wages and salaries.
And unit labour costs are low because wage growth is weak (chart 4). This has kept a lid on the single biggest operating cost that businesses face.
Growth in labour market supply has facilitated this.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-21%20at%208.20.57%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Furthermore, the global economy has improved, which provides a boost to demand for Australia’s exporters. What is unusual, however, is that sales growth has been decent while the household sector struggles.
Why is consumer confidence weak?
It’s not hard to see why consumer sentiment is stuck in the pessimistic zone. Our note looking at the Australian economy on a per capita basis spoke to the heart of the matter. Namely that growth in living standards has stagnated and for some sections of the resident population, in particular younger people, it has gone backwards.
The trends in the data on wages (chart 5), real household income per person (chart 6), debt to income, and labour market spare capacity suggest that consumer pessimism is unlikely to lift in the near term. In fact, real wages growth may fall further into the red zone when the sharp lift in electricity prices finds its way into the headline CPI. This will naturally weigh on the consumer.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-21%20at%208.22.16%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Can the saving rate helps to explain the disparity?
The saving patterns of households can be a big driver of economic activity. The proportion of income saved influences household consumption which is worth 57 per cent of GDP.
In Australia, the saving rate1 has been falling since mid- 2012. This means that expenditure growth over that period has outpaced income growth. As chart 7 shows, household consumption growth has been pretty stable in Australia despite falling wages growth because the saving rate has come down.
There are two reasons, broadly speaking, why the saving rate may fall. First, consumers may feel good about the future and their personal finances which means they feel comfortable reducing the amount of income that is saved each period.
Alternatively, the saving rate may be falling so that households can maintain a constant level of consumption in the face of declining income growth.
The evidence suggests that it is the latter situation driving the recent decline in the saving rate. We know this because over the recent past, household income growth has slowed while consumption growth has remained broadly flat. And on top of this, consumer sentiment has been mired in the pessimistic zone all year.
We can therefore infer that businesses, at an aggregate level, have benefited from falling unit labour costs but relatively constant sales growth thanks to a falling household saving rate.
That means stronger profit growth, which lifts business confidence, all else equal. In the context of the above, we now have a better insight into the disparity between consumer and business confidence.
Of course there are other factors like firmer commodity prices which have boosted resources profits. But given the broad-based strength of the NAB business survey we think that the fall in the saving rate has played an important role in explaining the disparity.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-21%20at%208.26.54%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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What does it mean for the outlook
If the savings rate stops falling, and it must hit a floor at some point, then household income growth and consumption growth will converge. Some of the consumer pain will then be felt by the business sector unless a meaningful lift in wages growth arrives that can propel consumer spending higher.
We don’t envisage that happening in the near term given the level of spare capacity in the labour market (chart 8).
Historically business confidence tends to be a good gauge of investment intentions. Higher levels of confidence are usually a precursor to a lift in capital spending. In this case, however, the strong confidence and conditions numbers have not generated a commensurate lift in investment. Again, we suspect that the consumer is playing a role here.
Many businesses will be aware that household budgets are stretched and that a falling saving rate has supported consumption. There has also been a lot of coverage recently on the level of debt that the Australian household sector is carrying.
As a result, it may be the case that expectations of future consumer demand are too low to justify a lift in investment at this point in time despite positive levels of confidence and conditions.
The upshot of this means that our monetary policy call looks more aligned with the consumer sentiment figures than what the NAB business survey is suggesting.
As such, we continue to see the RBA on hold well into 2018 despite a more optimistic tone in the July Minutes.
Gareth Aird is economist at Commonwealth Bank and can be contacted <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/gareth-aird/14/790/905">here</a>.
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Solid gap between business and consumer sentiment: Gareth Aird

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Lendlease has chosen architect firms, Foster + Partners to design the, Circular Quay Tower at 180 George Street, Circular Quay.
The roof structure is set to be 263m high and will feature a network of pedestrian laneways that criss-cross the site at different levels to connect the precinct. 
Mark Menhinnitt, Managing Director, Urban Regeneration, said Lendlease was impressed by Foster + Partners’ refined scheme that recognised the need for strong integration and activation of the ground plane, while ensuring the tower is a spectacular landmark worthy of its iconic location.
“Circular Quay Tower, to be located on a new internationally recognised address, will provide a dynamic workplace and environment for Sydney’s future generation of office occupiers,"
“Fronting the reinvigorated city spine of George Street with two new plazas, workers and visitors will be welcomed to an abundance of retail, dining and entertainment, and arts and culture."
Gerard Evenden, senior executive partner of Foster + Partners, said he wanted Circular Quay Tower and its surroundings to be of its place, taking advantage of its topography and unique location – a stone’s throw from Sydney Harbour.
“The tower will be the centrepiece of an urban regeneration precinct that will reshape the northern end of the CBD into a vibrant community contributing to Sydney’s status as a global city,” he said.
Local architectural firm, Stewart Hollenstein, has been selected to remodel the Jacksons on George site that promises to be an exciting transformation of the much- loved Sydney institution.
Lendlease held the design competitions following Council’s endorsement of Lendlease’s revised planning proposal and accompanying Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) in July 2016.
In December 2016, Lendlease confirmed Ping An Real Estate and Mitsubishi Estate Asia as development partners.
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Architects Foster + Partners to design Lendlease's new centrepiece at Circular Quay

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Construction has begun on what will become Australia’s largest Quest property, Quest NewQuay, in Melbourne's Docklands.
Quest NewQuay features apartment hotel accommodation and is marketed towards business travellers.
Councillor Arron Wood, Acting Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne said this new Quest development at NewQuay is great news for the Docklands.
"It’s no secret that I am one of the most vocal advocates for the Docklands," he said.
"Tourism continues to grow and thrive in the Docklands and I have no doubt this new hotel will be at capacity when it opens.
Paul Constantinou, chairman, Quest Apartment Hotels said Quest NewQuay is in line with the company’s national growth strategy and reinforces its commitment to meeting the needs of emerging inner urban business centres.
“With Melbourne’s accommodation sector consistently receiving occupancy rates higher than 80%, Quest NewQuay’s location will be a highly appealing accommodation choice for visitors to Melbourne," he said.
"Being only 20 minutes from Melbourne Airport and connected to Melbourne’s CBD by a free 10-minute tram ride, NewQuay is well positioned to cater to Quest’s key customer, the extended-stay business traveller."
The property will feature 221 studios, one and two bedroom apartments and conference rooms, a business lounge, gymnasium and outdoor terrace with barbeque area. It is expected to open in 2019.
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Construction commences at Quest NewQuay

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Queensland's Hutchinson Builders has been chosen by Qingjian Group to build the Gold Coast 25 level residential development Northcliffe Residences.
Northcliffe Residences has sold $60 million in presales in the past 18 months..
Graham Goldman, Northcliffe Residences’ project director of Eastview Australia, said the appointment of Hutchinson Builders to bring the project to fruition was a major coup for developer CNQC.
Designed by architect Cottee Parker, Northcliffe Residences will offer luxury 75 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, a two-level penthouse with private rooftop pool and entertaining terrace, and four whole-floor sub-penthouses.
Residents will have private access to exclusive facilities at a stunning Beach Club equipped with a gymnasium, steam room, sauna, lounge, dining room, surfboard storage, and an infinity pool and terrace flowing directly to the beach.
For more information <a href="https://www.northclifferesidences.com.au/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Hutchinson Builders win contract for Northcliffe Residences, Gold Coast

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Harry Triguboff’s Meriton group has launched the first stage of its Sydney Olympic Park residential development The Retreat.
The development will feature more than 1200 apartments.
The Retreat is being built on a 5.17 hectare site at 5 Carter Street bought from the Goodman Group for $245 million two years ago.
The first stage will have two elliptical buildings. The North tower will be 22-storeys high and feature split-level loft-style designs, apartments with rooftop entertaining and barbecue areas and penthouses with four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Harry Triguboff said The Retreat, being developed opposite the ANZ Stadium, is all about green open space, recreation and leisure.
“The Sydney Olympic Park precinct is a very exciting area and we are offering you an opportunity to purchase in the first release before we develop all four stages," he said.
“We have made sure at The Retreat that we provide residents with apartments, resort facilities, shops, a 113-place child-care centre and serviced apartments that complement and add to those attributes.
“We expect to finish the site in the next five years and once completed, we believe prices will rise considerably.
“The Sydney Olympic Park precinct is an idyllic choice for anyone wanting to escape the fast pace of life and more congested living of the city’s heart.”
James Sialepis, Meriton’s director sales, said The Retreat would be ‘in tune’ with the green atmosphere of the Sydney Olympic Park area and a perfect choice for new home buyers.
“The Retreat will have an extensively turfed 2500 square metre central park, with walking and cycling pathways," he said.
“On the third floor of stage one there will be podium gardens where residents will be able to barbecue, dine under cover, or just soak up the views.
“We’ve almost been caught off guard by the demand we’re experiencing for our projects with landscaped gardens and parklands, especially from families and first home buyers, in areas like Lewisham and Sydney Olympic Park.
“The Retreat will be the same and first home buyers will be chasing the great launch prices, with many apartments under $750,000.”
Sialepis said the first stage of The Retreat architects, the SJB group, had designed buildings with glass-faced apartments that capitalised on views across Bicentennial Park and the Parramatta River to the Sydney CBD and the harbour bridge.
Stage one of The Retreat has 149 apartments, some of them the biggest in the area, and they range from one-bedroom through to four-bedroom penthouses with rooftop terraces.
The apartments will start at $585,000 and peak at $2,800,000 for one of the split-level penthouses.
Stage one is expected to be completed by March 2019.
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Meriton launches Olympic-standard lifestyle haven

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Last spring, Secret Agent investigated the cost of rebuilding two period homes in inner Melbourne using current technology and materials. Our results below demonstrate that the prices paid for period property fairly represent the quality, history and scarcity of these types of homes in today’s market.
Using real examples of a Victorian terrace and an Edwardian house, we found that recreating these homes from scratch would cost at least $740,000 more than what you would pay for a genuine period home.
While it is possible to build a new home that imitates the defining features of Victorian and Edwardian houses, replacing period character to its full extent is almost impossible to get right. Note that the figures in the analysis of replacement values are conservative estimates only.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/25/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-25%20at%2011.18.22%20AM.png">Click to enlarge</a>
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For more information, <a href="https://secretagent.com.au/">click here</a>.
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Why period homes represent good value: Secret Agent

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GUEST OBSERVER
The RBA left the cash rate unchanged at 1.5 percent at today’s meeting.
The recent data flow, coupled with RBA commentary, suggests the decision to leave policy unchanged was straight forward.
We have the RBA on hold at 1.5 percent throughout 2017 and well into 2018.
The RBA’s decision to leave policy unchanged today was no surprise. Governor Philip Lowe has made it crystal clear that concerns around rapid dwelling price growth and the level of household debt mean that the cash rate is unlikely go lower unless there is a sustained loss of momentum in job creation.
The strong, albeit questionable, March employment report has allayed fears at the RBA that the labour market was softening given the weakness in the February data.
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There was very little to gain in the way of new insights in today’s Statement. In our view, the most noteworthy change was around the outlook for wages growth. Lowe expanded on last month’s assessment that “wage growth remains slow,” and added that, “this is likely to remain the case for a while yet.” We agree given the significant amount of slack in the labour market (see here).
The Governor commented on recent developments in the labour market and noted that although, “the unemployment rate has moved a little higher over recent months, employment growth has been a little stronger.” He also added that, “the unemployment rate is expected to decline gradually over time.” In other words, the Governor views the recent lift in the unemployment rate as temporary. We agree and would add that it was driven higher by rising participation.
On inflation, the Governor noted that the headline QI CPI, published last week, was “in line with the Bank’s expectations”. And that, “a gradual further increase in underlying inflation is expected as the economy strengthens”.
The rest of today’s Statement contained only cosmetic changes compared with the April Statement.
The outlook
Our monetary policy call has the RBA on the sidelines in 2017 and well into 2018. We see jobs growth sufficient enough for policy to remain on hold. But the risk lies with another cut given very weak wages growth, below target core inflation and an expected further downturn in hard commodity prices. In our view, the recent additional measures announced by APRA to address risks in the housing market marginally lower the hurdle for another rate cut. In that context, market pricing, which implies a 13 percent chance that policy is eased again, is a fair assessment of the balance of risks.
The near term focus for the monetary policy outlook turns to Thursday when Governor Lowe will speak at a luncheon. The title of his speech, “Household Debt, Housing Prices and Resilience” – suggests the Governor will once again emphasise the RBA’s reluctance to cut the cash rate from here.
On Friday the RBA publishes its quarterly Statement on Monetary Policy (SMP). The Bank’s near-term GDP forecasts may be nudged up a little, but underlying CPI projections are expected to remain unchanged.
Gareth Aird is economist at Commonwealth Bank and can be contacted <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/gareth-aird/14/790/905">here</a>.
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RBA's neutral bias reaffirmed: Gareth Aird

Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
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Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

Joel Robinson

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368853]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available.

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Michael Crawford

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