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Recent media reports have given the impression there is still debate over whether commercial real estate agents should be licensed under the new National Occupational Licensing Scheme.
That’s not the case. This debate is now settled.
A special committee established by the National Occupational Licensing Authority (NOLA), representing all stakeholders, has unanimously agreed that commercial agency work will be included in the new national licence for real estate agents, subject to two exceptions.
The first exception is that agents managing on behalf of ‘related entities’ would not require a licence; the second exception is that ‘sophisticated property owners’, that is those large owners who fully understand the risks involved in commercial property transactions, would also not be required to use a licensed agent.
This means only a very small fraction of commercial transactions could be undertaken by unlicensed agents, and all transactions involving ‘small’ commercial property owners would involve licensed agents.
The committee also resolved concerns about personal probity requirements for licensees.
There should therefore now be no obstacles to introducing the national real estate licence.
Demands by the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) – a party to the compromise above – for compulsory professional development for real estate agents around Australia and for diploma level qualifications for all real estate agents (currently only 20% of agents have such qualifications) could then be pursued with NOLA, once the national licence is operating.
Since these demands will impose at least $55 million a year in additional costs on the real estate industry, it is not unreasonable to require thorough investigation and justification by the relevant authorities before such a considerable cost burden is placed on the industry, particularly given all Australian governments are now committed to removing job-destroying cost burdens on businesses.
Milton Cockburn is executive director of the <a href="https://www.scca.org.au/" target="_blank">Shopping Centre Council of Australia.</a>
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mcockburn-TituGbYgB5

Commercial agent licensing resolution a sensible compromise

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<h2>Milton Cockburn: Don’t let the REIA’s self-interested assertions torpedo important agent licensing change</h2>
It is now clear that the Real Estate Institute of Australia, and its various state bodies, intend to torpedo the proposed national licence for real estate agents. The REI has made false claims of a “dumbing down” of educational standards; silly demands for a diploma level of education; and misleading assertions about the consequences of removing licensing requirements for commercial agency work. Despite the REI claiming that it “supports national licensing” it is now obviously bent on derailing this vital COAG initiative, instead of constructively responding to the <a href="https://nola.gov.au/files/2012/08/Property-Occupations-Regulation-Impact-Statement1.pdf" target="_blank">regulation impact statement</a> (RIS).
Unfortunately, while most industry associations regard the removal of unnecessary “red tape” as a major objective, some associations are secretly happy with government regulation. Such regulation erects barriers to entry to their industry and therefore reduces competition within the industry. Regulation, in the form of compulsory licensing and continuous professional development, also provides a handy income stream for these industry associations and for their training providers (which are often one and the same). The REI has been a beneficiary of both outcomes, and these are now under threat. The REI’s self-interest, however, must not be allowed to dictate the national interest.
The REI claims the educational requirements of the proposed national licence, which were determined by an industry/government working group, are a “dumbing down” of educational standards. What it hasn’t revealed is that the REI had three members on this working group – far more than any other organisation – and these representatives all signed off on these requirements. The educational qualifications for the proposed national licence are the same level of qualifications currently required for real estate agents in Queensland, NSW and Victoria, where more than 80% of real estate agents practice. Can anyone recall the REI previously suggesting that real estate agents in NSW, Queensland and Victoria were under-qualified (“dumb”?) compared with their counterparts in SA and WA? Of course not! In its desperation to sink the reforms the REI is sprouting nonsense.
What about its claim that the proposed removal of licensing for commercial agency work will leave the consumer unprotected and that “16-year-olds” will be able to sell commercial property? Let’s leave aside the fact that the existing real estate licence (as well as the proposed national licence) doesn’t teach the holder anything about commercial property, since it is overwhelmingly oriented to residential property.
The REI also ignores the fact that the “consumer” being supposedly protected by a licence is not the “man in the street?. The consumers are the owners of commercial real estate, and these are businesses (often very large ones), or business people, who have selected their own managers (agents) and who have the protection of an enforceable management agreement (contract), as well as commercial recourse, if the transaction goes wrong. They do not need, or want, taxpayers’ money being spent to protect them. Of course there are occasional risks in commercial real estate transactions, just as there are risks in any business transaction, but in a market economy this does not necessarily mean such transactions should be regulated by governments (through licensing and compliance with estate agents’ acts).
This is “nanny state" thinking. In any event the RIS, after surveying the state regulatory authorities, could find no evidence of significant risks warranting regulation at either the higher end or the lower end of the commercial property industry. All that licensing and regulation does for commercial property owners is impose unnecessary costs on managers (which are inevitably passed back to the owner) and restrict their ability to negotiate optimum arrangements with other property managers (such as solicitors or accountants).
The national licensing system (for a range of occupations, not just real estate agents) will improve workforce mobility, reduce business costs and boost national productivity. The RIS states removal of licensing will save commercial property owners up to $2.37 million a year, a considerable underestimation. The REI’s false and self-interested assertions must not be allowed to jeopardise this very important microeconomic reform.
Milton Cockburn is executive director of the <a href="https://www.scca.org.au/" target="_blank">Shopping Centre Council of Australia.</a>
Pamela Bennett of the REIA responds on page 2
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<h2>Pamela Bennett: Skilled agents key to consumer confidence in real estate</h2>
The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) rejects outright claims made by Milton Cockburn of the Shopping Centre Council of Australia that it is trying to “torpedo” COAG’s national licensing plan for real estate professionals.
With all due respect, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/dont-let-the-reias-self-interested-assertions-torpedo-important-agent-licensing-changes-milton-cockburn/2012091856640" target="_blank">Cockburn is misinformed, pure and simple.</a> We do support national licensing, but we are determined to look after Australian property consumers by fighting for the highest possible standards across the board.
The REIA representatives involved in the Property Occupations Interim Advisory Committee (POIAC), prior to the release of the regulation impact statement (RIS) on national licensing, argued for diploma-level qualifications.  The rest of POIAC settled for lower qualifications.  The REIA argued for compulsory professional development to keep the profession up to date but again, the rest of POIAC did not.  The steering committee, compiled of state and Commonwealth regulators, not POIAC, made the final decision.
Diploma-level qualifications, currently in four states and territories, are desired by our members nationwide.  Real estate agents are proud of their profession and the important service they provide to the Australian public, and they want to grow their reputations, not go backwards.  Real estate institutes do not think it is “silly” to be highly qualified.
With regards to commercial property, agents are currently licensed, but the proposed regulations would strip that away.   This leaves the consumer completely vulnerable.  Quite literally, anyone could sell commercial property.  Yes, even a 16-year-old.
POIAC did support licensing of commercial property agents.  A hurdle of $100 million was suggested at the time, but again, the steering committee made the final decision to deregulate commercial property transactions.
Contrary to what some may think, most commercial property sales are under $500,000. In Victoria 51% are under $500,000, so we are not talking the big end of town.  We are talking about “mum and dad” investors who invest in commercial property, either directly or through superannuation funds, and they should have the security and peace-of-mind of having a licensed agent manage their transaction.
For example, the owner of a family sandwich bar in the food hall of a shopping centre wants to sell. In the absence of a licensing regime for commercial sales that provides the consumer with information as to who has the appropriate qualifications and insurance coverage to handle such a complex transaction, the vendor would be vulnerable to anyone who wants to deal in commercial transactions without any qualifications.  On top of this, both parties would take a huge financial risk with their life savings.
I’m quite stunned at how the consumer point of view has been left out of the calculations in the RIS and that the process has been driven by regulators who are not experts on the real estate profession. Their proposals, if implemented, will be detrimental to consumers. The RIS on national licensing states that deregulating commercial property will save a comparatively small $2.37 million.  What this figure does not take into account are consumer costs.
The REIA is also concerned with the proposed deregulation of rural property.  Not all rural property is like Cubbie Station.  In Victoria in 2011, 76% of farms were sold for under $500,000.
The Real Estate Institute of Australia will continue in its endeavours to achieve outcomes that will provide for a national licensing system that supports high standards and not those of the lowest common denominator.
Pamela Bennett is president of the <a href="https://www.reia.com.au/" target="_blank">Real Estate Institute of Australia.</a>
 
 
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Room for debate: Should commercial real estate agents be licensed?

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It is now clear that the Real Estate Institute of Australia, and its various state bodies, intend to torpedo the proposed national licence for real estate agents. The REI has made false claims of a “dumbing down” of educational standards; silly demands for a diploma level of education; and misleading assertions about the consequences of removing licensing requirements for commercial agency work. Despite the REI claiming that it “supports national licensing” it is now obviously bent on derailing this vital COAG initiative, instead of constructively responding to the <a target="_blank" href="https://nola.gov.au/files/2012/08/Property-Occupations-Regulation-Impact-Statement1.pdf">regulation impact statement</a> (RIS).
Unfortunately, while most industry associations regard the removal of unnecessary “red tape” as a major objective, some associations are secretly happy with government regulation. Such regulation erects barriers to entry to their industry and therefore reduces competition within the industry. Regulation, in the form of compulsory licensing and continuous professional development, also provides a handy income stream for these industry associations and for their training providers (which are often one and the same). The REI has been a beneficiary of both outcomes, and these are now under threat. The REI’s self-interest, however, must not be allowed to dictate the national interest.
The REI claims the educational requirements of the proposed national licence, which were determined by an industry/government working group, are a “dumbing down” of educational standards. What it hasn’t revealed is that the REI had three members on this working group – far more than any other organisation – and these representatives all signed off on these requirements. The educational qualifications for the proposed national licence are the same level of qualifications currently required for real estate agents in Queensland, NSW and Victoria, where more than 80% of real estate agents practice. Can anyone recall the REI previously suggesting that real estate agents in NSW, Queensland and Victoria were under-qualified (“dumb”?) compared with their counterparts in SA and WA? Of course not! In its desperation to sink the reforms the REI is sprouting nonsense.
What about its claim that the proposed removal of licensing for commercial agency work will leave the consumer unprotected and that “16-year-olds” will be able to sell commercial property? Let’s leave aside the fact that the existing real estate licence (as well as the proposed national licence) doesn’t teach the holder anything about commercial property, since it is overwhelmingly oriented to residential property.
The REI also ignores the fact that the “consumer” being supposedly protected by a license is not the “man in the street?. The consumers are the owners of commercial real estate, and these are businesses (often very large ones), or business people, who have selected their own managers (agents) and who have the protection of an enforceable management agreement (contract), as well as commercial recourse, if the transaction goes wrong. They do not need, or want, taxpayers’ money being spent to protect them. Of course there are occasional risks in commercial real estate transactions, just as there are risks in any business transaction, but in a market economy this does not necessarily mean such transactions should be regulated by governments (through licensing and compliance with estate agents’ acts).
This is “nanny state? thinking. In any event the RIS, after surveying the state regulatory authorities, could find no evidence of significant risks warranting regulation at either the higher end or the lower end of the commercial property industry. All that licensing and regulation does for commercial property owners is impose unnecessary costs on managers (which are inevitably passed back to the owner) and restrict their ability to negotiate optimum arrangements with other property managers (such as solicitors or accountants).
The national licensing system (for a range of occupations, not just real estate agents) will improve workforce mobility, reduce business costs and boost national productivity. The RIS states removal of licensing will save commercial property owners up to $2.37 million a year, a considerable underestimation. The REI’s false and self-interested assertions must not be allowed to jeopardise this very important microeconomic reform.
Milton Cockburn is executive director of the <a href="https://www.scca.org.au/" target="_blank">Shopping Centre Council of Australia.</a>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/skilled-agents-key-to-consumer-confidence-in-real-estate-pamela-bennett/2012091956676">The REIA has issued a response. </a>
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Don’t let the REIA’s self-interested assertions torpedo important agent licensing changes

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Milton Cockburn

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