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A property in artist Margaret Olley’s estate has been listed for sale in Newcastle.
Located on <a style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;" href="https://www.walkom.com.au/buying/search/detail.aspx?id=WLS72501499&amp;wlid=01326ba9-f553-4719-aba3-17d1f1159885" target="_blank">Church Street</a>, the three-storey terrace is one of eight properties Olley owned in The Hill precinct in the 1960s.
It was the only one she held onto until her death in July 2011 aged 88.
Set on 120 square metres of land, the property has been divided into two self-contained flats.
The street level unit comprises of four bedrooms, one bathroom and a north facing enclosed balcony with harbour views and a courtyard.
The self-contained basement flat includes one-bedroom, one-bathroom and a private courtyard.
Estate agent Sonia Walkom of Walkom Real Estate says the property can easily be restored to one residence.
In terms of any traces of the renowned artist, Walkom says there aren't any.
"Margaret hasn't lived there since the 60s or 70s and has held the property as an investment," says Walkom.
Walkom says Olley once used the basement as her studio.
The property is due to go under the hammer on May 25 with $600,000 hopes and has a rental income of around $600 per week.
Olley’s Paddington home where she spent most of her time will be gutted and transported to create the $4.5 million Margaret Olley Arts Centre in <a style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;" href="/news" target="_blank">Murwillumbah</a>.
The regional NSW centre is designed by architect Bud Brannigan and will include exhibition space, an education workshop facility, library, collection storage, multi-media areas and a standalone studio for artists.
It was also include recreations of Olley’s home and studio, including the Hat Factory and the Yellow room.
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Artist Margaret Olley's Newcastle terrace to go under the hammer

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As the Dog Lover’s Show kicks off in Melbourne today, Property Observer looks at some of the most eccentric kennels to the basic do-it-yourself kennels. 
To start off with a bang, we’ll start with the most eccentric and even most ridiculous kennel owned by none other than Paris Hilton herself.
Hilton’s <a href="https://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/untreehugger-paris-hiltons-325000-dog-mansion" target="_blank">doggy-house</a> or miniature mansion (pictured below) cost $325,000 and was designed to resemble Hilton’s own home.
<img alt="doghousemay3one" height="357" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/doghousemay3one.jpg">
The two-storey dog mansion features an air conditioner, designer furniture and the upstairs bedroom even includes a wardrobe.
Coming in second place is Rachel Hunter’s £25,000 <a href="https://metro.co.uk/2008/04/23/25-000-kennel-with-the-bow-wow-factor-106700/" target="_blank">doghouse</a> (pictured below) that was designed to resemble her Californian mansion.
<img alt="doghousemay3two" height="356" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/doghousemay3two.jpg">
Just some of the facilities include running water and furniture.
If you’re into spoiling your pooches you can have a <a href="https://www.beyondthecrate.com/celebrity-brickmansion-dog-house" target="_blank">custom designed doghouse</a> (pictured below) by Alan Mowrer for $25,000.
<img alt="doghousemay3three" height="420" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/doghousemay3three.jpg">
He arranges a consultation with his clients to discuss architectural preferences and landscape ideas.
His custom-made houses include running water, lighting, air condition and a heater.
<a href="https://www.beyondthecrate.com/cabanna-digs" target="_blank">The Notre Palais</a> (pictured below) was created by Barbara Thulin-Joyce and can be yous for $3,400.
<img alt="doghousemay3four" height="503" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/doghousemay3four.jpg">
It has been made from a vintage radio frame that has been converted into a pet bed.
<a href="https://www.beyondthecrate.com/dd-royal-cabana" target="_blank">The Royal Cabana</a> (pictured below) – built was Charles Blackhawk - will set you back $1,500.
<img alt="doghousemay3five" height="324" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/doghousemay3five.jpg">
If your pooch is royalty in your eyes, you can have their name bejeweled in Swarovski Crystals to adorn the entrance.
If you want your doghouse to compliment your living room, you can opt for a <a href="-%20http:/www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=204082817&amp;c=10710" target="_blank">Townhaus Dog Crate</a> (pictured below).
<img alt="doghousemay3six" height="379" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/doghousemay3six.jpg">
These crates blend in with your furniture and can be used as a side table.
Townhaus Dog Crate’s range in price from $450 to $550.
Struggling for space? Why not incorporate your doghouse into your home?
The <a href="https://stylecrafthomes.com/2012/05/01/pet-friendly-homes/" target="_blank">Style Craft Homes</a> has featured a doghouse (pictured below) built into the stairwell to maximise space-conscious homes.
<img alt="doghousemay3seven" height="337" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/doghousemay3seven.jpg">
Back to basics, <a href="https://www.mitre10.com.au/Planning-and-DIY/Resources/DIY/MitrePlans/view/2875/" target="_blank">Mitre 10</a> has a guide to DIY dog kennels that won’t hurt your pocket.
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Dog lovers show off their amazing kennels: Eight dog houses for spoilt pooches

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No capital cities experienced an increase in stock levels over the month of April, with Sydney recording the greatest monthly decline of -9.7%, according to the latest SQM Research report.
Stock listings declined nationally by 2.7% over April with online residential listings sitting at a total of 345,034.
Nationally, stock listing decreased -1% year on year when compared to April 2012.
Sydney recorded the greatest monthly decline of -9.7% with a total stock listing of 25,121 for the month of April.
<img height="165" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/sqmchartmay3one.jpg" alt="sqmchartmay3one">
Compared to April 2012, Sydney experienced a -14.5% decrease.
Melbourne recorded a monthly decrease of -1.1% with a total 44,829 listed stock for the month of April.
Year on year, Melbourne experienced an increase of 1.7%.
Managing Director of SQM Research Louis Christopher says Melbourne still has too much stock on the market.
“It looks elevated,” says Christopher.
Darwin experienced the smallest decrease of -0.1% during April with a total of 1,176 listed stock.
Meanwhile, Canberra recorded the largest yearly increase in stock levels, growing 5.2% since April 2012 with a total of 3,768 listed stock.
Canberra recorded a decrease of -1.9% for April but Christopher says that’s seasonality.
“It is becoming clear now that these results of late have been more influenced by seasonality rather than cyclical factors.
“That suggests to me that the forces of demand verses supply in the national housing market are reasonably balanced right now.
“Sydney is clearly in recovery mode, while I strongly believe Canberra is in a downturn,” says Christopher.
SQM says the property market is now showing signs of shifting from a volatile market, which has been dependent on interest rates and the country’s economic climate, to a market that is in the state of equilibrium between buyers and seller.
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The April capital city property market shrunk with Sydney's decline in stock levels at 9.7%: SQM

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In this week’s Purchase or Pass, Chris Gray is joined by Stuart Waugh from Bell Partners to take a look at a potential investment property and investigate whether we should buy it based on who looks after the body corporate.
This property was actually bought four years ago for $735,000. It’s a two-bedroom unit in a small block of four, 7.8 kilometres from the Sydney CBD. Even though it’s just 100 metres to the cafes and leisure facilities, it’s in a very quiet street with little through traffic. It has undercover parking out the front and a shared courtyard out the back.
{qtube vid:=RxH2xP9cxGQ&amp;feature=youtu.be}
Chris Gray: Now Stuart, before we get into the meat of things, does it roughly tick the boxes for most of the stats so far?
Stuart Waugh: It does. It has transport, it has cafes, it’s a small block, and it has good facilities within it. It would also be quite neat and tidy, so it ticks the boxes to start with yes.
Chris Gray: Now, the biggest dilemma here is the self-managed body corporate. For most people I know it could be called different things in different states, can you explain roughly what the body corporate is?
Stuart Waugh: The body corporate is basically the people that will govern how things are done, so the owners will determine what they want to do to it, and then the body corporate and strata managers will basically manage how that’s carried out in the property.
Chris Gray: Yep, so it’s something you’ve got to have on all blocks of units but the classic thing is, and I always say it’s our parents generation that are always trying to make money by saving money. So it costs $2,000 or $3,000 a year to administrate it and get professionals in, so you always get these people, typically older people, that say no we can do it ourselves but is that a forced economy?
Stuart Waugh: Absolutely, you can’t find people to spend $2,000 of their time to try and do it properly but you can actually find a professional body that will do it for $2,000 to do it really well so not only that, it’s always going to get shuffled to the back of the time of what you’re going to get done, if you are doing it yourself rather than paying someone to do it and doing it properly.
Chris Gray: Quite often you get one person in the block that thinks he’s king of the castle and tries to take it over and run the whole thing. But in this particular block, a lot of the owners didn’t get on together, so what are some of the potential downsides if it’s not run properly?
Stuart Waugh: Nothing gets done. If you can’t get agreement because people are fighting or not seeing eye to eye then you won’t get anything done. The property will start to get aged and not well maintained and therefore the purchase price or the sale price of the property will start to go down. It’s a big deterrent for anybody trying to buy that property if you can’t get a body corporate that gets on and gets things done.
Chris Gray: Exactly, because we do strata inspection reports every single time we buy property and if its self managed and there's no records because nobody’s kept any, then it gives you no confidence in buying the property, so certainly a bit of a risky one there. Purchase or pass on this one for you?
Stuart Waugh: I say purchase.
Chris Gray: Well we actually bought this unit for a time poor client a few years back and got our property manager involved in the strata meetings because the client didn’t want to get involved. Now over time the property manager convinced them to hire professional strata managers so it’s all since worked out for the best. It could have been an absolute nightmare though but the block is improving year on year. If I had my choice again, I would still go for a purchase as well.
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Purchase or Pass? Two-bedroom unit in Bronte

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The judging panel for the Crown Sydney Hotel Resort will soon go into deliberation, having released the architectural designs submitted after a design competition for the proposed project at Barangaroo South.
Internationally acclaimed architects Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill, Kohn Pedersen Fox and Wilkinson Eyre Architects submitted their designs to be reviewed by the judging panel.
<a href="/news">Vote for your preferred design in Property Observer's poll.</a>
“These designs are truly inspiring, they literally take your breath away,” says Crown Resorts chairman James Packer.
“With these sorts of designs, Crown Sydney will be the most iconic building constructed in this city since the Opera House.
“I want this building to be instantly recognizable around the world and feature on postcards and memorabilia promoting Sydney,” says Packer.
The judging panel is made up of representatives from Crown Resorts, Lend Lease, the Barangaroo Delivery Authority and the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure.
The Crown Sydney Hotel resort will have  350 guestrooms and suites if the casino operator actually secures final operating approvals from the state government and casino authorities.
Entry by Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG):
<img height="553" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/barangarooasggmay3one.jpg" alt="barangarooasggmay3one">
Entry by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF):
<img height="698" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/barangaroomay3two.jpg" alt="barangaroomay3two">
Entry by Wilkinson Eyre Architects (WEA):
<img height="420" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/barangaroomay3three.jpg" alt="barangaroomay3three">
The three short listed designs for Crown Resorts demonstrated a "new approach to the design of tall towers," according to the Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson.
"The three architects have incredible global track records in designing tall buildings. Clearly each team can deliver a quality final product."
"With my background as the NSW Government Architect for 10 years it is hard to resist giving some preferences even based on early information."
"The proposal by Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill (pictured below) is a fraction ahead in my assessment with its dynamic shape and its approach to the ground plane. These architects have designed some of the world’s tallest buildings from the beautiful Jin Mao tower in Shanghai, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai to the Kingdom Tower in Jeddah at 1000 metres and more recently their design for the 119 floor Greenland Centre in Wuhan in China."
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may3barangarooone]}
"Following close behind is the design by Wilkinson Eyre (pictured below) with a series of interwoven curves that emphasise the vertical form. This firm has designed the elegant Guangzhou International Finance Centre which has a flowing cigar shape to the 103 storey tower with a triangular atrium through the upper levels."
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may3barangaroothree]}
"Kohn Pedersen Fox have another flowing design (pictured below) with some midrise wings. Their impressive 118 storey International Commerce Centre in Hong Kong demonstrates the quality of their architecture and how an iconic building on the waterfront can add value to the city. "
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may3barangarootwo]}
"The three designs carry the spirit of the original design for a hotel in the water onto the land. These new designs add the spark that the hotel in the water provided back into the overall design. "
"Clearly there will be more refinement of the designs and a planning approval process that will assess the winning proposal in detail but Sydney looks like is getting a world class sculptural building that demonstrates our confidence as a global city," said Chris Johnson.
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Gone is the hotel over the water, but Crown's James Packer still harbours inspirational architecture for Barangaroo hotel 

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Ikea and Mirvac will join forces this weekend at the 56-hectare Elizabeth Hills estate in South West Sydney to demonstrate how you can furnish a three-bedroom home for just $15,000.
Swedish furniture giants Ikea supplied furniture for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom property on Feodore Drive in the Promenade neighbourhood, which was recently purchased for $465,000.
<img alt="mirvacadmay3one" src="/images/stories/2013/05/mirvacadmay3one.jpg" width="470" height="495">
The property is being used as a display home for the next coming weeks to demonstrate how to furnish your home on a tight budget.
The display home will launch May 4 with interior designer Tim Leveson conducting Open Book Design talks throughout the day.
Mirvac will also launch its 2C stage this weekend, consisting of 11 dwellings ranging from two-, three- and four-bedroom homes.
Three two-bedroom homes are available for $348,900 with block sizes ranging from 78 square metres to 89 square metres.
Five three-bedroom homes are available ranging in price from $475,000 to $505,000 with block sizes ranging from 260 square metres to 336 square metres.
Four four-bedroom homes will be released ranging in price from $580,000 to $599,900 with blocks ranging from 336 square metres to 362 square metres.
The 11 new dwellings are currently under construction.
Five remaining homes from other stages are also available.
The Elizabeth Hills development is located in the Cecil Hills district and was launched in November 2011.
Elizabeth Hills is named after Lazy Elizabeth Wylde, the wife of colonial judge advocate, John Wylde.
Wylde was granted 809 hectares upon arriving in Australia and the property – <a href="https://www.mirvacdevelopment.com/elizabeth-hills/history" target="_blank">Cecil Hills Farm</a> - continued operating as a farm up until the late 1980s.
Elizabeth Hills now comprises of 650 house sites, one hours drive from the Sydney CBD.
The Promenade neighbourhood launched late last year.
 
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Ikea and Mirvac team to show how to furnish a new home on a $15,000 budget 

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Hawthorn Green is the latest stage to be released in the Forest Ridge housing estate, 16 kilometres east of the Melbourne CBD.
After the successful sellout of the first three stages in the <a href="/news">Forest Hill</a> suburb, developer Excen has released 14 house and land packages in the Hawthorn Green stage.
Located on Elmington Avenue, the estate will be made up of four styles of home, which are all two-storey.
The Catherine style (pictured below) features three bedrooms, all located upstairs.
<img alt="catherine" src="/images/stories/2013/04/catherine.jpg" width="400" height="245">
The Juliette, Chloe and Carolina styles (pictured below) all feature four bedrooms.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/04/april19hawthorngreen]}
The homes are architecturally designed by dKO architects, with interior design by Libby Thornton and landscaped by Paul Hamilton Landscape.
The homes will feature exposed timbers, angled roofs, blade walls and decorative stonework, with inspiration evidently drawn from American architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s work.
<img alt="hawthorngreenapril19two" src="/images/stories/2013/04/hawthorngreenapril19two.jpg" width="470" height="260">
“Our homes and mature landscaping signify a new standard for Melbourne’s south-east and would not look out of place gracing the finest streets of Hawthorn or Kew,” says sales manager of Forest Ridge, Bonnie Formosa.
“The population of Forest Hill is growing rapidly with a younger and more family-centre focus which is perfect for the style of high quality, yet great value-for-money homes we are offering.”
Prices for home-and-land packages range in price from $988,000 to $1.095 million.
The homes range in size from 200 square metres to 250 square metres and the blocks range in size from 220 square metres to 380 square metres.
<img alt="hawthorngreenapril19one" src="/images/stories/2013/04/hawthorngreenapril19one.jpg" width="470" height="313">
Formosa says the homes have been designed to ensure the kitchen is the focal point.
“It is positioned to allow family and friends to congregate, reflecting today’s casual approach to entertaining, whilst ensuring the person who is preparing a meal feels connected to the living spaces,” says Formosa.
The kitchens feature a stone island bench and European stainless steel appliances.
<a href="https://www.forestridge3131.com.au/index" target="_blank">Buyers of the 14 terrace homes </a>will be required to pay a 10% deposit to secure their purchase.
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Hawthorn Green homes the newest addition to Forest Hill

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An oceanside apartment behind Cronulla’s iconic rock pool has been listed for sale with a price guide of $1.25 million.
Located in the Tiana complex on Ozone Street, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment features an oversized entertaining balcony with ocean views.
The 151-square-metre apartment (pictured below) boasts high ceilings and a gourmet kitchen with marble bench tops.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/05/cronullamay2one.jpg" width="470" height="307" alt="cronullamay2one">
It previously sold in 2005 for $905,000 and in 2002 for $830,000.
Tiana was completed in 1995 by Bezzina property developers with 20 apartments.
Luke Barbuto of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.paynepacific.com.au/buying/NSW/Sutherland-Shire/Cronulla/Apartment/1P1410">Payne Pacific Estate Agents</a> has listed the property.
The median unit price in <a href="/news">Cronulla</a> is $492,250, according to RP Data.
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Tiana, oceanside Cronulla apartment seeks $1.25 million

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A former milk bar-cum-renovated three-bedroom gem on the border of Prahran and Windsor will go under the hammer this Saturday with a price guide of $940,000 to $1.05 million.
Located on Lewisham Road, interior designer Phillip Chester purchased the property in 2001 and transformed the property into a livable residence over the next decade with inspiration drawn from Europe.
The home, that features French doors to a north-facing courtyard, archways and rustic tiling, is scheduled for May 4 auction.
“The home has fantastic finishes, he’s really finished it brilliantly,” says agent Andrew James of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://m.hockingstuart.com.au/buying/property/5365379">Hocking Stuart Real Estate Armadale.</a>
The 186-square-metre property also includes a self-contained home office with a kitchenette and ensuites.
James says there has been a great deal of interest in the property due to its unique offering of car access.
“I overheard one of the agents saying this property is owned by an interior designer, and wow can you sense it!" says Peter Sinclair of James Buyers Advocates.
Influenced by many designers including David Hicks and American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Chester, after studying in Perth and working in the Northern Territory, moved to Melbourne to join Riddell Marly, one of Australia’s most distguished interior design practices. It was in 1976 when Riddell Interiors and Marly Interiors had merged to become Riddell Marly.
The duo's clientele read like a list of who's who in Australia - including Susan Sangster's famous Point Piper Sydney house, Toison d'or, the homes of three Lord Mayors of Melbourne and the Lodge in Canberra for a Prime Minister.  
 
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Former milk bar-cum-renovated Prahran residence to go under the hammer

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A four-bedroom terrace on Ocean Street Woollahra was the second most expensive sale across Australia last week, selling at auction for $3.8 million, according to RP Data.
The 1890s Victorian terrace is situated on a 400-square-metre block and last sold for $2.18 million in 2004.
The home has been restored and refurbished with interiors by Patricia Stewart Design and features three upstairs bedrooms and a coach house with guest studio.
The property boasts a travertine entertainer’s terrace with a built in BBQ and manicured gardens.
Double-glazing protects the home from the commotion of busy Ocean Street.
The property was sold at auction on April 23 by Jane Schumann and Gary Sands of <a href="https://www.dijones.com.au/794010/" target="_blank">Di Jones Real Estate.</a>
The highest recorded house price in Woollahra for the past 12 months was $10.75 million for a property at 20 Roslyndale Avenue in April last year.
The much reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/unrenovated-premium-albert-park-terraces-yield-21-higher-than-2008-with-three-consecutive-weekend-offerings/2013042760793">Albert Park result</a> was the week's top auction result. 
The top 10 most expensive sales across Australia last week were
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/77_st_vincent_place_albert_park_vic_3206/9183484">77 St Vincent Place, Albert Park, VIC, 3206</a>, eight-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 27 by Cayzer Real Estate Albert Park for $4.008 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/111_ocean_street_woollahra_nsw_2025/7740609">111 Ocean Street, Woollahra, NSW, 2025</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 23 by Di Jones Real Estate for $3.8 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/26_albyn_road_strathfield_nsw_2135/6478334">26 Albyn Road, Strathfield, NSW, 2135,</a> five-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 27 by George Ellis &amp; Co Real Estate for $3.2 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/49_bungan_head_road_newport_nsw_2106/4869040">49 Bungan Head Road, Newport, NSW, 2106</a>, five-bedroom house, sold on April 24 by L J Hooker Avalon for $3.25 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/22_fitzroy_avenue_balmain_nsw_2041/1255406">22 Fitzroy Avenue, Balmain, NSW, 2041</a>, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 27 by Belle Property Balmain for $2.4 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/123_ocean_street_narrabeen_nsw_2101/4744100">123 Ocean Street, Narrabeen, NSW, 2101</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 27 by L J Hooker Collaroy for $2.35 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/84_ramsgate_avenue_bondi_beach_nsw_2026/1524239">84 Ramsgate Avenue, Bondi Beach, NSW, 2026</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 27 by McGrath Estate Agents for $2.23 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/109_esplanade_williamstown_vic_3016/13818960">109 Esplanade, Williamstown, VIC, 3016</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 27 by Williams Real Estate Williamstown for $2.2 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/38_hopetoun_street_paddington_nsw_2021/5268950">38 Hopetoun Street, Paddington, NSW, 2021</a>, three-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on April 27 by McGrath Estate Agents for $2.1 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/3_napier_street_drummoyne_nsw_2047/2125752">3 Napier Street, Drummoyne, NSW, 2047</a>, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 27 by Cobden &amp; Hayson Balmain for $2.05 million.
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1890s Victorian terrace in Woollahra second most expensive auction across Australia last week: RP Data

<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.

&nbsp;

Nicola Trotman

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