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Sydney-based architect Joe Snell has been named as one of the judges on Channel 7’s new reality show House Rules.
From the makers of My Kitchen Rules, Channel 7’s take on the popular reality show The Block.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/house-rules-the-new-addictive-reality-television-show-on-the-block-renovates-for-keeps/2013051261200" target="_blank">House Rules will see six teams of complete strangers transform each others homes around the nation.</a>
Joe Snell (pictured below) first completed a Bachelor of Science with a major in architecture and moved to London to become a real estate agent for two years.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2013/05/snellmay14one.jpg" alt="snellmay14one" width="400" height="803">
Upon returning, Snell completed his Bachelor of Architecture at The University of Sydney and joined his father's firm, Snell Architects.
Snell Architects was founded in 1978 and won the best retail design award at the Westfield National Awards 2012.
"Being a real estate agent made me a better architect, as I actually learnt what people really wanted in a house," Snell says.
Outside of his architectural interest, Snell recently created an exhibit for Vivid Sydney – an annual festival of light and music.
“Most people think that architecture is this massive thing, but hopefully by watching House Rules they will realise it is just about making your day a little better,” he says.
“I want to see how the contestants use the natural light of the house, how they manage the cross ventilation of air flow, how they use and interpret the space of the house and their employment of scale and proportion.
“I will tell the truth about the space as I see it, regardless of who renovated it, and I will not sugar coat it, but that doesn’t mean I will be a horrible judge.”
Snell currently lives in Sydney with his wife Laura and their two sons.
Snell will judge House Rules alongside Wendy Moore, who is the editor of Home Beautiful magazine and has been in the magazine industry for more than 20 years.
Moore (pictured below) became editor in 2006, having previously worked on Australian Women's Weekly, Woman's Day and Burke's Backyard magazine.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2013/05/mooremay14one.jpg" alt="mooremay14one" width="400" height="755">
"I am a pretty honest person," Moore says.
"If I do have something brutal to say, I will have a reason for saying it.
"My aim is to be constructive and truthful."
Moore's own home in Sydney's inner west has undergone its own renovation, including the add on of a home office and a kitchen makeover - all for under $2,500.
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Sydney architect Joe Snell headlines House Rules judging on Channel 7's reno series

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Property Observer took a look at what $100,000 or less got you last month around the nation, with all states except the Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia offering a bargain during April. 
In <a target="_blank" href="/news">Taree</a>, New South Wales, a three-bedroom, one-bathroom home sold for $71,000.
Located on <a href="https://file://localhost/-%09http/::www.realestate.com.au:property-house-nsw-taree-113445803" target="_blank">Flett Street</a>, the sale was secured by Alister Currie of Wiseberry Taree.
In <a target="_blank" href="/news">St Arnaud</a>, Victoria, a two-bedroom, one-bathroom property sold on April 30 for $86,000.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-st+arnaud-113191899" target="_blank">Alma Street property</a> was built in 1940 and sits on a 1,027-square-metre parcel of land.
Graeme Male of Graeme Male Real Estate St Arnuad listed the property.
A three-bedroom, one-bathroom home in Coober Pedy, South Australia, sold on April 11 for $65,000.
Located on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-coober+pedy-106610108" target="_blank">Grey Street</a>, the home sits on 871 square metres.
It is currently tenanted on a fixed term lease for $130 a week.
Monica Nagyszollosi of Raine and Horne <a target="_blank" href="/news">Coober Pedy</a> listed the property.
A two-bedroom, one-bathroom home on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-home+hill-112884903" target="_blank">Ninth Avenue in Home Hill</a>, Queensland, sold on April 23 for $100,000.
Peter Andersen of Andersen Real Estate says the 1,012-square-metre property requires a complete transformation, including a new kitchen, shower and toilet.
Anderson originally listed the home for $130,000.
A three-bedroom, one-bathroom home on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-george+town-112971915" target="_blank">Agnes Street</a> in <a target="_blank" href="/news">George Town</a>, Tasmania, sold for $82,000 on April 5.
Andrew Michieletto of Harcourts East Tamar, George Town, says the property is definitely in need of some cosmetic improvements, however the structure is very solid.
Situtated on a 696-square-metre parcel of land, the 1951-cottage last sold in 2000 for $27,500.
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What $100k or less got you around the nation last month

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Home loan comparison site Canstar has argued there are benefits of homeowners ignoring the latest RBA interest rate cut and sticking to their original mortgage repayment plan. 
Although the latest interest rate cute offers cash-in-hand savings, those who have stuck to their original repayment over the past 18 months are ahead on their mortgage payments by about a month.
In November 2011, an interest rate of 7.78% meant the minimum monthly repayment on a $300,000 loan was $2,272.
In March 2013, the interest rate was cut to 6.42% and meant the minimum repayment for a $300,000 loan went down to $2,008. 
With the new interest rate of 6.13%, the minimum repayment on a $300,000 loan goes down to $1,961 – a total saving of $47 a month.
However, those who have stuck to the interest rate of 7.78% - a monthly repayment of $2,272 – have a cash buffer of approximately $2,607.
Canstar says this is more than a month of loan repayment up your sleeve and may be useful down the track.
In terms of interest paid, a $300,000 loan with the 2011 rate of 7.78% will see you pay out your loan in 19 years and two months at a total cost of $521,881.
Those who reduce their rates each time the rate is cut will pay off their loan in 25 years at around $603,000.
“That’s a lot of extra interest for the sake of a few more dollars in your pocket now,” says Canstar’s senior research analyst Mitchell Watson.
 
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Ignore the RBA rate cut and you will be better off in the long run: Canstar

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Motor racing legend Allan Moffat and his wife Sue have listed their Toorak apartment with price expectations around $2.5 million.
The Martin Court property is within a boutique duplex.
The first-floor home is spread over the entire 312-square-metre level.
The property features three bedrooms, four bathrooms and a home theatre room.
Gina Kantzas of James Buyers Advocates says the bonus media room with bathroom in the basement is perfect for teenagers or older grandkids for movie viewing, or alternatively, can be used as extra accommodation. 
Marcus Chiminello of Marshall White has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/5402235/">listed</a> the apartment for a private sale.
Recently inducted into the V8 supercar hall of fame, Moffat’s wins include four at Bathurst, six at Sandown and four in the Australian touring car championships.
The couple paid $2.25 million in 2011. It had been passed in at $2.7 million at its 2010 auction.
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Motor racing legend Allan Moffat lists Toorak apartment

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Brisbane tops the list of the highest average discount for homes at 8.7% and an average of 77 days on the market. 
However, Hobart houses spend the longest time on the market with an average of 83 days and a discount of 7.5%.
With units, Adelaide has the highest average discount of 8.1%, followed by Brisbane at 6.5% discount rate.
Darwin units spend the longest time on the market with an average of 101 days.
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Brisbane vendors must discount the most at 8.7%: RP Data

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Award-winning architect Neil de la Coeur of Bird de la Coeur Architects will do a meet and greet this Saturday, May 11, 2013 in South Yarra. 
Bird de la Coeur Architects are responsible for the design of South Yarra’s Yarra House, a 25-level complex featuring 114 apartments.
De La Coeur will be at shop 4 Yarra Lane, South Yarra on May 11 from 12pm to 2pm.
Located on Yarra Street, <a target="_blank" href="https://yarrahouse.com/">Yarra House</a> is developed by Michael L Yates &amp; Co and features 38 one-bedroom apartments and 76 two-bedroom apartments.
<img height="247" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/yarrahousemay10one.jpg" alt="yarrahousemay10one">
Buyers have the choice to acquire two apartments on the same floor and turn them into a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment ranging in size from 142 square metres to 148 square metres.
One-bedroom apartments start from $495,000 and have an internal area of 47 square metres.
Two-bedroom apartments start from $595,000 and range in size from 57 square metres to 91 square metres.
Three-bedroom apartments start from $1,595,000.
Yarra House will have interior designs by Hassel and feature a rooftop deck with a pool, gym and steam room.
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Meet and greet in South Yarra with Yarra House's architect Neil de la Coeur

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Brisbane house prices are to remain flat or record modest price rises for 2013 and 2014, according to the latest SQM Research report.
In SQM’s September 2012 Housing Boom and Bust report, Brisbane was predicted to rise 3% to 7% for 2013 - this has now been revised to 2% to 5% capital growth for houses and 3% to 6% for units.
The report says the latest interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia is likely to affect dwelling prices in Brisbane and may see prices rise towards 6% over the year and toward 2014.
Managing director of SQM and property analyst Louis Christopher says Brisbane housing prices are no longer falling but there is unlikely to be a property boom.
“We see no emerging property boom because there is simply too much real estate on offer for buyers right now and local economic conditions do not provide any stimulus for such a rapid rally.
“Nevertheless a modest to moderate rise in dwelling prices makes for a more sustainable and enduring recovery which is what is going to be the most likely outcome for the local market,” says Christopher.
The Brisbane CBD is forecasted to be the top performer over the next two years, with a forecasted 4% to 8% increase in dwelling prices.
East Brisbane is forecasted to experience similar growth and inner Brisbane is forecasted to experience a 2% to 6% growth in prices.
Meanwhile, West Brisbane is forecasted to record an insignificant increase of 0% to 4% due to a current abundance of supply.
The median house price for Brisbane is currently $681,000.
The SQM Research Brisbane Housing Boom and Bust Report will be available via the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/">SQM Research website</a> for $59.95.
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Brisbane house prices no longer falling but property boom is unlikely: SQM

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Stylish Concepts won the HIA 2013 Australian spec home of the year.
<img alt="hiaspecmay10one" src="/images/stories/2013/05/hiaspecmay10one.jpg" width="470" height="269">
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What the judges said:
Described by one judge as ‘a 21st-century Queenslander’, this functional residence is both private and luxurious. Designed, built and landscaped by the builder, it has quality ?nishes and luxury inclusions throughout.
2013 Australian spec home of the year finalists:
Gordon Webb Building Services, ACT &amp; Southern New South Wales
John McDonald Building Services, New South Wales
Kassiou Constructions, Northern Territory
Collins Homes, Tasmania
Tucker Construction Company, Victoria
WA Country Builders, Western Australia
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Stylish Concepts wins HIA 2013 Australian spec home of the year

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Victoria-based luxury homebuilder Canny has taken out the 2013 Australian HIA Australian Project Home of the Year award for its Lubelso concept home in Malvern.
The two-storey home features three integrated living zones, four bedrooms and an automated trapdoor to the cellar.
“The Lubelso concept home is a fine example of the subtle, yet elegant lifestyle homes we seek to create for our clients,” says Canny managing director Damien Canny.
“It was designed with the modern Australian family in mind, combining broad appeal with an excellent location.”
The concept home is part of the <a href="https://www.lubelso.com.au/home" target="_blank">Lubelso range</a>, which includes several single and double storey pre-designed architectural homes.
The pre-designed homes range in price from just under $875,000 to $1.45 million.
“We were obviously delighted to be awarded the Project Home of the Year at the 2012 Victoria HIA awards, so to be recognised nationally takes it to another level of pride,” says Canny.
Damien Canny founded the Canny Group 19 years ago.
The other finalists were:
Classic Constructions ACT &amp; Southern New South Wales
Hotondo Homes Newcastle Hunter
Camelot Homes New South Wales
Rebetzke Homes North Queensland
Overlander Constructions Northern Territory
Ausmar Homes Queensland
Dado Homes Pty Ltd South Australia
Wilson Homes Tasmania
Grandwood Homes Western Australia
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Luxury Victorian homebuilder Canny wins HIA Australian Project Home of the Year award for Lubelso

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Colliers International has been appointed to sell 68 land parcels – approximately 20,657 hectares – across South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.
Colliers International was appointed by Mirvac Funds Management Limited and ASIF (WA) Pty Ltd.
Timbercorp established the vast portfolio from 1999 to 2002.
Timbercorp was created in 1999 to manage superannuation and investments in agriculture but entered administration in 2009.
The majority of the Victorian and South Australian land is leased to Australian Bluegum Plantations Pty Ltd.
The sale is to be managed by Colliers International director of rural and agribusiness Tim Altschwager and executive for rural and agribusiness Jesse Manual.
Altschwager says ownership in the rural and agribusiness market is now considered a very attractive investment for institutional, private and offshore investment.
“It is well known that a number of institutions and offshore funds are actively seeking opportunities of this size and calibre in Australia so we have no doubt that we will be dealing with genuine interest to acquire the portfolio from these groups.
“The opportunity to acquire such a large holding of prime plantation/farming land is rare.
“We envisage this will appeal to forestry industry participants and all those attracted to the holding’s development potential,” says Altschwager.
The land parcels are being sold as a whole or in parts via EOI closing June 13.
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Colliers International to sell 68 land parcels across VIC, SA and WA

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

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Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

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Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

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Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

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Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

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La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

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Nicola Trotman

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