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<p><span>Sydney's preliminary clearance rate for the week ending 20 September is 73.2% form a total of 1,008 auctions, according to CoreLogic RP Data's Property Market Indicator Summary.</span></p>
<p>The North Sydney and Hornsby region recorded a preliminary clearance rate of 76.8% from a total of 183 auctions and the eastern suburbs a preliminary clearance rate of 86.1% from a total of 105 auctions.</p>
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Sydney's preliminary clearance rate at 73.2% Corelogic RP Data

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<p><span>The preliminary clearance rate for the week ending 20 September is 70.7% from a total of 2,064 auctions, according to CoreLogic RP Data's Property Market Indicator Summary.</span></p>
<p><span>CoreLogic RP Data said this was the third lowest clearance rate so far this year across the combined capital cities, and down from last week's final clearance rate of 71.2%</span></p>
<p><span>According to the preliminary summary, this is the fourth week over the last eight weeks where more than 2,400 auctions have been held across the combined capitals.</span></p>
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National preliminary clearance rate at 70.7%: CoreLogic RP Data

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<p>New South Wales auction results for week ending Sunday 20 September show a preliminary clearance rate of 73% from 1008 scheduled auctions.</p>
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<div class="num">According to data from realestate.com.au, 419 were sold at auction within NSW, 162 passed in and 159 sold prior to auction.</div>
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<div class="num">One standout property in the Sydney suburb of Balgowlah - a two bedroom townhouse at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-nsw-balgowlah-120570561" target="_blank">1/27 Boyle Street Balgowlah</a> - sold at auction for $1,110,000</div>
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<div class="num"><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/auction-results/nsw?rsf=edm:auction:nsw" target="_blank">Click here to see the full state breakout.</a></div>
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Preliminary NSW auction clearance rate of 73%: Realestate.com.au

<html><body><p><span>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of auction results in Sydney for the Saturday Sept 19. </span><a href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Sydney.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click here</a><span> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.</span></p></body></html>

APM's Sydney auction results for Saturday Sept 19

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<p>Commercial property sales in Chatswood, north of Sydney's CBD, have risen over the past three months with 30 sales recorded for the most recent quarter for a total value of $75.4 million, according to CoreLogic RP Data.</p>
<p>CoreLogic RP Data's latest Cityscope recorded 23 sales to June 2015 for a total value of $39.4 million bringing the 12-month total to $358.3 million, down from the $610.3 million sold over the same time last year.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/09/18/Pulse-CHSalesGrid-580x414.gif" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
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<p><strong>Recent standout sales in Chatswood include:</strong></p>
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<li>425 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, a two storey brick commercial building with a net lettable area of 793 sqm was bought at auction for $25 million</li>
<li>407 Pacific Highway, Artarmon, a four storey building and a five storey building with 2 basement levels of car parking, net lettable area is 6,083 sqm was bought for $16.1 million. The sale represented an initial yield of 8.5% on a passing income of $1.36 million (net) including incentives</li>
<li>66-76 Dickson Avenue, Artarmon, a three storey office building with a three-level car parking, building area is 5,025 sqm was bought for $7.65 million.</li>
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<p><strong>Properties for sale in Chatswood in September 2015 include:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Zenith Centre Tower A and Zenith Centre Tower B, at 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood, a twin A-grade complex with 43,400 sqm of office space and 900 sqm of retail space, it also includes a 250 seat community theatre for sale by international expressions of interest through Savills and CBRE</li>
<li>Lot 4, 7 Railway Street, Chatswood, a 164 sqm commercial suite on level one, lot 5, 7 Railway Street, Chatswood, a 170 sqm commercial suite on level two, lot 16, 7 Railway Street, Chatswood, a 173 sqm commercial suite on level 2 and lot 59, 7 Railway Street, Chatswood, a 13 sqm car space on basement level one in Era Apartment for sale in one line through Colliers International</li>
<li>18-26 Dickson Avenue, Artarmon, a three storey office building with container access and a high-clearance warehouse with building area of 2,362 sqm for sale through CBRE North Sydney.</li>
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<p><a href="/images/2015/09/18/Pulse-CHSalesChart.gif" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/09/18/Pulse-CHSalesChart.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><strong>Significant leasing opportunities in Chatswood in September 2015 include:</strong></p>
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<li>Solitaire at 12 Help Street, Chatswood has office space ranging from 250 sqm to 4,000 sqm for lease through JLL North Sydney and Cadigal Office Leasing North Sydney</li>
<li>475 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood has office space ranging from 400 sqm to 9,000 sqm for lease through Cadigal Office Leasing and Colliers International North Sydney</li>
<li>33 Herbert Street, St Leonards has office space ranging from 300 sqm to 1,999 sqm for lease through Knight Frank North Sydney</li>
<li>7-9 George Place, Artarmon has office/warehouse space of 1,092 sqm for lease through Sutton Anderson.</li>
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Chatswood commercial sales top $75 million in quarter: CoreLogic RP Data

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<p>Sales of apartments around the Mt Gambier region have been stable over the last few years since a hefty fall in sales from 2009 to 2010, according to Herron Todd White.</p>
<p>Herron Todd White's September Month in Review found i<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">n 2009 there was a movement to introduce smaller, high density living but it didn’t appeal to locals.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">The report noted a lot of apartment developments were</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> aimed at out of town investors who had no intention of living in them.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">"These higher density units have started to appear on the market for resale and after extended marketing periods and price discounts, they have not been very successful in achieving a sale which does show the lower demand for this property type," it read.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">"The price range for units varies greatly from $50,000 to $325,000. Within the past 12 months most unit sales have occurred between either $76,000 and $125,000 and $176,000 and $250,000. In the past 12 months there have been very few </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">unit sales occurring above $250,000.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">"The reason for few units selling above $250,000 is often due to the fact that for a similar price a family style home on a larger allotment<br>can be purchased. Higher valued units exceeding $350,000 have been constructed in the area. However, they do not sell often and when placed on the market often require extended marketing periods and discounting to achieve a sale."</span></p>
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Mt Gambier locals shun higher density living: Herron Todd White

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<p><span>House price expectations fell in September according to the Westpac- Melbourne Institute Consumer House Price Expectations Index, which also found an annual growth in dwelling prices at just under 10% nationally.</span></p>
<p><span>The Westpac- Melbourne Institute Consumer House Price Expectations Index fell 6.1% from 132.7 in Aug to 127.3 in September.</span></p>
<p><span>According to the report the September fall was felt greatest in NSW, down 17%.</span></p>
<p><span>"Composite price measures based on all available private sector indexes shows annual growth in dwelling prices tracking at just under 10% nationally but varying enormously across geographies. Price growth is running closer to 20% in the Sydney market, showing a stark disconnect with the recent weakening in consumers’ price expectations," the report noted.</span></p>
<p><span>"While still more positive than buyer intentions, consumers’ house price expectations are also showing signs of waning.  The Index is now down 17%yr although it remains well above the 100 level indicating those expecting prices to rise still outnumber those expecting them to fall.</span></p>
<p><span>"Price growth is a reasonably firm 9%yr in Melbourne, but is only really keeping pace with inflation in Brisbane (2.6%yr) and is recording outright declines in Perth (–2.5%yr). With 75% of WA consumers picking prices to be flat or lower in 12mths, weakness looks entrenched."</span></p>
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<p><span>Westpac-MI House Price Expectations Index </span></p>
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<p><span>House prices: expectations vs actual by state </span></p>
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NSW house price expectations down 17%: Westpac's Red Book

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<div class="column">Housing market confidence fell in September nationally with New South Wales being the region to fall hardest where price expectations were previously strong, according to the Westpac Melbourne Institute House Price Expectations Index for September.</div>
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<div class="column">The Westpac Melbourne Institute House Price Expectations Index fell 6.1% to 127.3 in September – down 17% year on year. </div>
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<span>Housing market confidence time to buy category fell</span><span> 0.9% - down 8.6% year on year and 30% below the Sep 2013 peak.</span>
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<span>The report said b</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">uyer sentiment fell hard in NSW, with the state index down 14% in Sep, 34% on a year ago and 55% over the last 2yrs.</span>
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<div class="column"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">"The NSW index is at its lowest level since Jun 1989 and the more specific Sydney index is at an all time low going back to 1975. This veritable collapse in buyer sentiment is a clear warning that owner occupier demand is set to fall. Disaffected buyers may also be starting to consider inter-state migration as an option," the report noted.</span></div>
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<div class="column">"The mood is very different across other markets. Readings have shown a less pronounced fall in Vic and remain relatively positive in Qld and WA. The latter is a little surprising given the stress the WA economy is currently coming under and price declines in Perth’s housing market. That said, the index tends to reflect buyers’ affordability assessments rather than expectations for price growth."</div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">"The age-group breakdown shows much weaker ‘time to buy’ reads for consumers in key first home buyer (FHB) age groups, and notably firmer readings for those that own their home without a mortgage."</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span>
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<p><strong>‘Time to buy a dwelling ’ by state, buyer group</strong></p>
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Housing market confidence fell in September: Westpac's Red Book

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<p><span>The median selling price of vacant land across the combined capital cities was $258,543 and $156,500 across the combined regional areas at June 2015, according to CoreLogic RP Data.</span></p>
<p><span>CoreLogic RP Data's Property Pulse found regional median land prices are 39% lower than those in capital cities - the biggest difference since August 1990. </span></p>
<p><span>The median lot size was 452sqm in combined capital cities and 810sqm across combined regional markets, according to CoreLogic RP Data's research director Cameron Kusher. </span></p>
<p><span>“Our research shows that median lot sizes have been reasonably stable across the combined capital cities over the past twelve months. In regional markets, it has actually risen by 8.3% over the past year," he said.</span></p>
<p><span>"At the end of June 2015 the rate per square metre was recorded at $557 across the combined capital cities and $170/sqm across the combined regional markets. </span></p>
<p><span>“As we continue to see the costs of capital city land continue to rise, the rebound caused by this effect is that ultimately the cost of new housing will also rise.</span></p>
<p><span>“While restricted land supply and excessive charges associated with new development remain, we anticipate that the cost of vacant land and subsequently new housing will continue to rise,” Mr Kusher said. </span></p>
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Capital city median lot sizes stable: CoreLogic RP Data

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<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Vacant land sale prices over the 2014-2015 financial year increased by 6% across the combined capital cities, according to CoreLogic RP Data.</span></p>
<p><span>CoreLogic RP Data's Property Pulse found for the 25 years to June 2015, combined capital city median vacant land prices increased by 417% and by 422% across the combined regional areas.</span></p>
<p><span>CoreLogic RP Data research analyst Cameron Kusher said the median lot size for capital city vacant land has seemingly hit a trough having been relatively stable over the past two years - meanwhile lot sizes have trended higher over the past year in regional areas.</span></p>
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<p><span>“With higher prices and fairly steady land areas, the rate per square metre of land has continued to rise over the past year across the combined capital cities while it has fallen in regional markets,” he said. </span></p>
<p><span>"Our research shows that median lot sizes have been reasonably stable across the combined capital cities over the past twelve months. In regional markets, it has actually risen by 8.3% over the past year. </span></p>
<p><span>“On a rate per square metre basis, vacant land in Sydney and Perth is much more expensive than all other capital cities. The rate per square metre has generally risen over the past year.” </span></p>
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<p><span>The report noted v</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">acant land prices are much higher than all other capital cities in Sydney, with the cost of vacant land has risen sharply over the past year in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.</span></p>
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Capital city land prices keep rising: CoreLogic RP Data

<p>Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.</p>

<p>The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.</p>

<p>One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.</p>

<p>"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.</p>

<p>"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]</p>

<p>The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.</p>

<p>PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.</p>

<p>"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]</p>

<p>Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.</p>

<p>Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.</p>

<p>The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.</p>

<p>"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.</p>

<p>"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]</p>

<p>Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.</p>

<p>Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]</p>


Joel Robinson

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

<p>Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.</p>

<p>The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]</p>

<p>“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.</p>

<p>The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]</p>

<p>“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.</p>

<p>“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]</p>

<p>Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.</p>

<p>Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.</p>

<p>The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.</p>

<p>LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.</p>

<p>Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]</p>


Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

<p>Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?</p>

<p>Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.</p>

<p>NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.</p>

<p>“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.</p>

<p>"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.</p>

<p>Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.</p>

<p>“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”</p>

<p>Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.</p>

<p>“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”</p>

<p>She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.</p>

<p>“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”</p>


Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

<p>A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325]<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.</p>

<p>“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.”<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity.<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516]<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Completion is slated for early 2027.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]</p>


Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

<p>Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.</p>

<p>Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.</p>

<p>The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.</p>

<p>Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.</p>

<p><img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" /></p>

<p>The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.</p>

<p>The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.</p>

<p>According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."</p>

<p>"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.</p>

<p>"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.</p>

<p>"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."</p>

<p>The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.</p>

<p>COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.</p>

<p>The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.</p>

<p><img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" /></p>

<p>Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.</p>

<p>Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.</p>

<p>Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.</p>

<p>"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.</p>

<p>"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."</p>

<p><em>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a></em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Michael Crawford

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