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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.
<img alt="rpdatavendordiscountingmay7one" src="/images/stories/2013/05/rpdatavendordiscountingmay7one.jpg" width="470" height="326">
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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">
<img alt="hiaspecmay10two" src="/images/stories/2013/05/hiaspecmay10two.jpg" width="470" height="466">
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

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

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Nicola Trotman

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