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Known for their aptitude for <a href="/news/urbans-tour-of-the-shelley-st-display-suite">bespoke design</a> and a focus on environmental sustainability, <a href="/developers/oz-property-group">Oz Property</a> are soon to embark on yet another exciting development, this time in Victoria's leafy suburb of Wantirna.

Recently, we caught up with Oz Property's Sales and Communications Manager, Scott Williams, and Oz Property Director, Raghav Goel, ahead of the project's launch, to find out more about what's on the cards for the luxury <a href="/new-townhouses">townhome</a> development. 

Urban: Tell us about your newly acquired site in Wantirna.

Raghav Goel: We recently agreed to purchase the old Wantirna Heights School site located on Kingloch Parade. It’s a strategic site, as there’s not much land left in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, certainly not such large parcels anyway. 

Scott Williams: The site was a central point of the community for over 40 years. The school actually included the neighbouring Schultz Reserve as well (now a park and local football club). There are a number beautiful old trees filled with native birdlife singing away, which really enhances that leafy suburban atmosphere. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/56_kingloch_parade_aerial.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="56 Kingloch Parade. Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="544" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/56_kingloch_parade_aerial.jpg?itok=Jf7YEg7O" title="56 Kingloch Parade. Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>56 Kingloch Parade. Image supplied.</figcaption></figure>U: Oz Property Group’s latest three developments are all beautiful, luxury townhomes with an industrial aesthetic. Is this a design trend which is likely to extend to your Wantirna development?

RG: Wantirna has a completely different historical context to our recent inner-city developments. The suburb boomed in the 60’s and 70’s with lots of architect-designed project homes in a mid-century modern style, so we’re doing lots of research into that. We have a soft spot for modernist architecture and I dare say so do our architects, so it’s more likely to be in that direction. 

SW: Encouragingly some of the early community survey results have also supported that connection. 

U: What secrets can you let our Urban property seekers in on about your plans for this development?

SW: While it’ still early days, the proposal is for 51 homes and most are 4 bedrooms. These include a majority being single or double-storey. 

A key element of the proposal is a blue-green spine through the central part of the site. This will not only add a sustainable irrigation system for the plants and trees, but also support the native birdlife. We’ll retain the large trees on-site and also add over 40 different species of plants and hundreds of new trees. 

RG: And most but hopefully all the homes will have internal courtyards in addition to the primary outdoor space.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/56_kingloch_parade_blue_green_spine.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="56 Kingloch Parade. Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/56_kingloch_parade_blue_green_spine.jpg?itok=CskCD6bo" title="56 Kingloch Parade. Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>56 Kingloch Parade. Image supplied.</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/56_kingloch_parade_blue_green_spine_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="56 Kingloch Parade. Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="458" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/56_kingloch_parade_blue_green_spine_2.jpg?itok=Qw_jhzVR" title="56 Kingloch Parade. Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>56 Kingloch Parade. Image supplied.</figcaption></figure>U: How do you discover what prospective buyers will want from a new property in the development?

SW: We worked on a face to face community engagement in March with some local businesses and sporting clubs, and are now speaking to the neighbourhood through a <a href="https://ozpropertygroup.com.au/project/kingloch-parade-wantirna/">series of surveys</a>. Although this coincides with Council’s formal advertising process, our intention is to get more in-depth feedback and importantly any stories from the people who know this site best. 

RG: We found a quote in an old newsletter for the school when it was being closed “I hope the legacy of Wantirna Heights brings happiness to the people who are housed in the proposed new estate. It was a place where children were nurtured and supported and a place that generated happy memories for the families involved”. This really stuck with us, so hopefully we can deliver this.

SW: Although the <a href="https://ozpropertygroup.com.au/project/kingloch-parade-wantirna/">online survey</a> is for local residents, we’re also encouraging feedback from future residents about things that may not be relevant to the locals - such as the need for a wok room or electric car chargers in their homes. 

U: How involved are buyers in the design process? Are they able to request any iterations prior to construction?

RG: Yes, sometimes we do accept requests during construction but it can be tricky. 

SW: Traditionally most of our buyers have customised the spaces, but prior to construction. This is something we encourage so they can build an emotional connection to their homes right from the start. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/56_kingloch_parade_sketch.png" rel="gallery-all" title="56 Kingloch Parade. Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="287" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/56_kingloch_parade_sketch.png?itok=xkwLqW6U" title="56 Kingloch Parade. Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>56 Kingloch Parade. Image supplied.</figcaption></figure>U: What does the timeline look like for this project?

RG: We’re running a two-stage planning process. The first application is for a masterplan, which will be followed by a planning permit application hopefully later this year. 

So it’s not a traditional waterfall timeline, as we’re committing to a lot more work upfront in the hope of a tailored response to the project. 

U: And finally, with Oz Property Group’s reputation of building healthy and sustainable homes, how are you planning to further develop these standards across your future projects?

SW: In addition to the integrated water management system, we’re looking more in-depth into rubbish sorting and collection and using reusable building materials with circular economy principles. We may even end up without any gas connections (fossil fuel free) i.e. electric cooktops, but traditionally this has had some resistance from buyers. All this will be in addition to the now usual solar panels and high energy ratings. 

We recently did an episode in our publication (<a href="https://blueprint.ozpropertygroup.com.au/">blueprint</a>) about sustainability in real estate. The big learning was how broad the spectrum of sustainability really is and how there are so many ways we can practice sustainability in our projects. This can range from getting the early design right, to the construction, but also how these considerations affect how people actually live and want to live. 
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Olivia Round

Oz Property's Scott Williams and Raghav Goel discuss their latest project in Wantirna

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The Penny Place display suite encapsulates the essence of what buyers want in a brand new apartment - sophisticated, low maintenance and high quality. Recently, Urban was invited to take a tour of the display suite, to find out what the apartments would look like upon completion. We were impressed by the attention to detail, quality of fittings and intuitive open plan layout of the living areas.

Check out our video tour:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ieBZfmQWM_4" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>PENNY PLACE AT A GLANCE </h2>

Developer: <a href="/developers/flagship-group">Flagship Property Group</a>

Architect: <a href="/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>

Location: 17 Penny Place, Adelaide SA 5000

Number of apartments: 152

Construction slated for completion: Jul 2021

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide-0a5e6f4c2e4162e6bbde198a77d12c90.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="512" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide-0a5e6f4c2e4162e6bbde198a77d12c90.jpg?itok=Y7tA6qGc" width="580"></a></figure>Designed by the award-winning architects at Woods Bagot, Penny Place is set to become a popular new apartment development in the heart of <a href="/new-apartments/adelaide-sa">Adelaide</a>, with unrivalled views and intuitive floor plan layouts.

Penny Place kitchens have been designed with culinary enthusiasts in mind. Featuring a Bosch gas cooktop and oven, Fisher and Paykel dish drawers, LED strip lighting and stunning Caesarstone benchtop, residents will love preparing meals in their fully-equipped entertainer's kitchen. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide-6f91e3bcf3a1daf76d3a82354a7ce0c7.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="644" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide-6f91e3bcf3a1daf76d3a82354a7ce0c7.jpg?itok=QhqbykFI" width="580"></a></figure>The apartment bathrooms are minimalist and spacious, including large porcelain floor tiles and a semi-frameless alcove shower with a luxurious rainfall showerhead.  

The tiles in the bathroom are carried through to the kitchen and living areas, except they are a larger format (300 x 300), offering the perfect balance of style, comfort and low maintenance. In the bedrooms you'll find a modern grey loop pile carpet which is soft underfoot, and perfect for extra warmth in winter months. 

Integrated air conditioning is complemented by sunscreen and block out blinds in the living areas and bedrooms to provide residents with the perfect thermal insulation year-round. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide-9e47b344d5a5953e5caa523511b3d1a1_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="417" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide-9e47b344d5a5953e5caa523511b3d1a1_1.jpg?itok=RQoGSqwI" width="580"></a></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide-eb4d112042fb62dc16822d3d7796db08_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="259" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide-eb4d112042fb62dc16822d3d7796db08_2.jpg?itok=rPaeWA3v" width="580"></a></figure>Residents will have the option of choosing an apartment with stunning views of the Adelaide Hills, the ocean or city skyline, which can be enjoyed through the expansive floor to ceiling windows, or on your private balcony. 

If you'd love to call Penny Place home by July 2021, then <a href="/buildings/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide">reach out to a sales agent</a> via Urban today, but hurry, as only a select number of apartments are remaining. 
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Urban’s tour of the Penny Place display suite

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The highly anticipated $2 billion dual tower skyscraper, <a href="/new-apartments/sth-bnk-by-beulah-southbank-60-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Southbank by Beulah</a>, has been awarded the seal of approval from Planning Minister Hon. Richard Wynne to commence construction next year.

It's a pivotal moment for the property industry and skyscraper enthusiasts across the country, who have waited almost a year to hear the verdict as to whether the landmark development would be gracing the Melbourne skyline anytime soon. In a time of social and economic disruption due to the current pandemic, the positive news couldn't have come at a more apt time.  

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-04-24_at_1.12.43_pm.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="373" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-04-24_at_1.12.43_pm.png?itok=rGezhk6L" title="Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image supplied.</figcaption></figure><a href="/developers/beulah">Beulah International</a> Managing Director, Jiaheng Chan, acknowledged the financial strain the country is currently experiencing and hopes to reinvigorate the market once the new <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a> project is delivered. 

<blockquote>
"We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to both the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne for their endorsement of Southbank by Beulah, which we hope will play a significant role in Melbourne's economic recovery over the coming years."
</blockquote>

Southbank by Beulah is likely to take five years to complete construction and will offer jobs to approximately 4,700 construction workers, via the provision of a $1 billion additional investment stimulus to the Melbourne construction industry. Once complete, the development also has scope to provide the Victorian workforce with around 3,250 jobs in the commercial, retail, entertainment, hospitality and child care sectors. These new job opportunities will, in turn, grow the Southbank working population by around 8%.

<blockquote>
"Southbank by Beulah will transform the way Melburnians work, live, learn, revitalise and play — it will set a global benchmark for an unprecedented lifestyle hub that caters to present and future generations and will assist in the future growth of Melbourne and its vision to become a truly global smart city."
</blockquote>

Jiaheng Chan, Beulah International Managing Director 

With plans to reach a staggering 365 metres tall, Southbank by Beulah is likely to claim the title of Australia's tallest building, overtaking Australia 108 which is due to top out early this year.

The collaborative design by Dutch firm <a href="/architects/unstudio">UNStudio</a> and local firm <a href="/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> will see the transformation of the existing BMW site, into a future-focused vertical village, spanning a total of 270,000 square metres of sought-after real estate. 

Each of the two towers feature a unique helix shape, which ensures each floor utilises the exceptional city views on offer. Colloquially referenced as the 'Green Spine', Southbank by Beulah dons striking vertical greenery, as well as a vibrant rooftop garden, encased in a canopy of alternating vertical and horizontal beams, which will protect the plants from the elements. The decision to include vertical greenery is not only visually striking and an environmentally conscious choice, but it also pays homage to Melbourne's title of The Garden City. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-04-24_at_1.12.33_pm.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="486" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-04-24_at_1.12.33_pm.png?itok=ikmf4Wpt" title="Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image supplied.</figcaption></figure>As a mixed-use development, the buildings will also include a variety of designated zones such as:

<ul>
<li>Residential </li>
	<li>Commercial</li>
	<li>Arts and cultural spaces</li>
	<li>A 5-star resort</li>
	<li>A childcare centre</li>
	<li>Town hall</li>
	<li>Rooftop sky garden</li>
	<li>Public spaces</li>
	<li>Health and wellness precinct</li>
	<li>World-class retail</li>
</ul>
Congratulations to all involved in the project, we look forward to watching the progress take shape over the coming years. 

<div class="rtecenter">FURTHER READING</div>

<div class="rtecenter"><a href="/news/city-of-melbourne-unanimously-endorses-southbank-by-beulah-planning-application">City of Melbourne unanimously endorses Southbank by Beulah planning application</a></div>

<div class="rtecenter"><a href="/news/beulah-international-submits-planning-application-for-southbank-by-beulah">Beulah International submits planning application for Southbank by Beulah</a></div>
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Southbank by Beulah: State Government give Australia's tallest future skyscraper the green light to commence construction

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Building sustainably should be at the forefront of all building development. However, with a multitude of financial obligations, it can become a 'nice-to-have' rather than a 'must-have' for many developers. If we're to meet global carbon reduction goals over the next 10 to 20 years, we really need to see this paradigm shift.

With experience in both finance and property, Matt Khoo has a knack for finding the perfect balance between investing in sustainable building materials, selling homes at an affordable price and still maintaining the profitability of his business. How? There's no clear-cut formula, but Matt shared with us some valuable insight into how he measures the feasibility of ICD Property's projects.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JWmKCZr9DgQ" width="660"></iframe>

Interviewee: Matt Khoo, Managing Director at ICD Property 

Journalist: Urban Editor, Olivia Round

Key talking points:

0:29 - How Matt got into property and finance

1:34 - Risk in property development

1:48 - How sustainable design enhances the lives of residents

4:17 - Incentives for developers to build sustainable developments

5:40 - Roadblocks for developers to create sustainable developments

7:21 - Do buyers want sustainable homes and services?

9:12 - Future sustainable initiatives ICD Property are going to be rolling out

10:04 - Finding the perfect balance between building sustainable homes which are affordable, whilst also maintaining the profitability of your business

12:26 - How to communicate to buyers the value of paying more for a sustainably built home

13:41 - Increased buyer interest in sustainable homes (in recent years)

14:21 - Challenges of building large-scale sustainable projects

16:05 - How does living sustainably extend beyond "going green" (recycling, solar etc.)

17:35 - Creating a sustainable investment

18:36 - Matt's view of what the national benchmark should be for sustainability in Australia

20:57 - The value of investing in extra amenities such as garden areas

22:12 - How Matt would like to see Australia's housing look in 10 to 20 years time

Lead image: Matt Khoo, Eq. Tower. Credit: Elenberg Fraser.
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ICD Property's Matt Khoo discusses the cost of sustainability in property development

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Recently we had a chat to ICD Property's Development Director Alice Smith about how ICD is adapting as a result of COVID-19, advice for buyers looking to purchase in the current market and the future of property in Australia once COVID-19 is over. 

Urban.com.au: What are the key changes ICD Property has noticed in the market as a result of COVID-19? 
  
Alice Smith: As COVID-19 continues to develop as do the changes we’re seeing in the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/changes-the-real-estate-industry-will-experience-as-a-result-of-the-coronavirus">property market</a>. For instance, due to Government restrictions that came into place quite early encouraging people to stay home, one of the first changes we noticed in the property market was lower foot traffic in display suites and sales centres.  
  
Due to more people staying indoors. In response, however, online <a href="/guides">property listings</a> started experiencing an upward trend of visitation. Similarly, project websites and requests for information online such as brochures, pricing lists, etc. have become more popular and seen more demand.

U: How is the business pivoting its strategy to account for the current restrictions surrounding social distancing and isolation requirements? 
  
AS: The number one priority for us at the moment is the health and safety of our staff, partners, consultants, and purchasers. And we’ve taken appropriate actions to protect all these groups whilst upholding the Government’s <a href="/guides/covid-19-is-it-possible-to-practise-social-distancing-at-home-absolutely">social distancing requirements</a>. For instance, last Wednesday 15 April marked 5 weeks of all <a href="/developers/icd-property">ICD Property</a> staff working from home.  
  
The leadership team decided quite early in the best interest of our staff and those we work with, we would implement a few rules including: a travel ban eliminating staff requirements for any domestic and international work-related travel; and indefinite work-from-home for all staff. We also immediately transferred all in-person meetings with partners and consultants to digital video call meetings to protect those we work with too. In relation to purchasers, we minimise the number of people in our sales centres and display suites at any one time by changing their opening hours to be by private appointments only.  
  
On top of increasing the cleaning of these sites to include regular additional hospital-grade sanitation. We’re now focusing on doing everything we can to ensure we’re fully able to service our purchasers and other stakeholders with the best remote customer service experience as they would experience in person. Another way we’re doing this is by offering purchasers video-call conferences with sales agents across all our projects so they’re able to still take them through marketing brochures, available stock, and find the perfect future home.

U: What advice do you have for buyers who are considering buying property in the current market? 
  
AS: Of course there’s never one umbrella piece of advice to apply to everyone, so I think my biggest piece of advice for buyers right now would be to <a href="/expert-insights/buying/is-buying-new-the-right-move-in-2020-a-perspective-from-a-property-strategist">assess what is right</a> for them in their situation. Short, medium and long term. Of course, the record low RBA cash rate cuts that we’re starting to slowly see be passed through the banks means purchasers at the moment can take advantage of some of the cheapest mortgage interest rates we’ve ever seen. Or that we’ve seen in a long time.  
  
It can be enticing and further assist those who are wanting to purchase their <a href="/guides/how-to-buy-a-house-in-2021-a-guide-for-first-time-home-buyers">first property</a> by cutting a bit off their monthly repayments. It’s also advantageous to those wanting to refinance their current home or investment property. Staying on top of market news and having a good understanding of your own personal position is my best tip for property purchasers at all times, not just in this new COVID-19 environment.

U: What extra precautions is ICD Property taking to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of their staff and clients? 
  
AS: As previously mentioned, we are enforcing social distancing by implementing indefinite work from home. However, of course, we understand working from home can be difficult for some people who lack the right equipment or perhaps have children. To help transition staff into their new working environments, ICD Property’s incredible HR team Hayley Randall and Laura Burgess quickly conducted formal work-from-home surveys to assess the functionality and safety of each staff’s environment. They then went on to provide additional equipment such as monitors, keyboards, mouses, ergonomic chairs, internet, etc. to those who needed it. 
  
On a company level we’ve cancelled all corporate events including training, speaking opportunities, marketing events, and the like. It’s important to us that if we aren’t asking our staff to attend business travel and events, then we aren’t asking our consultants to do the same. We’re also ensuring all our construction sites stay up-to-date with Government guidelines such as social distancing rules. Which is something that continues to change and we monitor each day. 
  
Acknowledging that this time can be tough for some and lead to feelings of isolation and being disconnected, we’re implementing a lot of things to keep up staff morale, culture, and mental wellbeing including:

<ul>
<li>Bi-weekly confidential phone call check-ins with HR</li>
	<li>Online group training sessions with experts in the fields of resilience, stress management, health, and the like.</li>
	<li>Replicating an in-office setting as much as we can with the online program ‘Discord’ which allows us to set up virtual rooms and have casual online conversations like we would in the office (for example, we have created a ‘Kitchen’ room for people to have their morning coffee in and most mornings you can find multiple staff in their having a morning chat before they go on with their work).</li>
	<li>Maintaining one of our oldest traditions which is doing The Age’s daily super-quiz in the kitchen by now doing it every Monday – Friday on video conference together and sharing lunch.</li>
	<li>Friday 5pm virtual games and drinks to ease into our weekend and catch up. We also use this as an opportunity to share positive news across the company such as milestones, achievements, and praising one another.</li>
	<li>Encouraging all staff to once a week get on a phone/video call with someone else in the office just to catch up and keep one another company.</li>
	<li>HR team doing lots of surveys across multiple fields such as the safety and user-friendliness of each staff’s home office (and providing equipment where needed such as monitors, wifi dongles, etc.), mood/mental wellbeing of staff, etc.</li>
	<li>Regular updates from the leadership team to reassure staff of the company’s position and create some transparency and certainty for staff</li>
</ul>
U: What support are you hoping to receive from advocacy groups such as the PCA and UDIA, and the Australian Government? 
  
AS: It’s difficult to pinpoint any one outcome as the situation is constantly evolving. What we’d hope to see is advocacy groups and the Government working hand-in-hand for the best outcome of all Australians. Which we’re already starting to see the beginnings of with advocacy groups and Government meeting regularly and sharing their mutual interests to stimulate the economy and keep people in jobs as much as possible. ICD Property’s Deputy Managing Director, Sal Quah, is actually a Property Council of Australia member of their Future Directions committee and hopefully through that relationship ICD will be able to provide some assistance and leadership to the industry as needed.

U: What are you planning as a business once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted? 
  
AS: To date, we’ve been business as usual (understanding that times are very much unusual) and of course, there have been necessary pivots and methods of adapting, but we will continue to be flexible to the changing environment and innovate our approach as needed. I’m sure once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and it’s safe to return to work and we’re in a safer environment, ICD Property will have all staff get together and share many high-fives to celebrate coming out the other end of this stronger. 
 

U: How do you think this experience will change the way the property market in Australia operates moving forward? 
  
AS: Although this is a challenging time for all Australians, it’s also an opportunity for us to band together and grow stronger. Companies are demonstrating their strength and resilience and Australians are, in our very quintessential Australian way, rallying behind businesses. In property specifically, a lot of developers right now are looking into providing as much online material to purchasers as they can. Due to the stay-at-home restrictions. Where we previously might not have seen all projects have display suite videos or virtual apartment tours online, we’re seeing an increased demand for this from purchasers. They want to access information online from the convenience and safety of their homes. Although this is obviously a current trend in response to COVID-19, it may be something that continues into the future. I think the overall heavier use of technology and innovation will be one positive thing that affects our industry into the future as a result of COVID-19.

Lead image: Render of ICD Property's latest redevelopment project, City Tattersalls Club in Sydney.
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ICD Property's Alice Smith discusses the future of Australia's property industry after COVID-19

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Recently we caught up with Annie Xu, Founder of <a href="/developers/immobilier-du-monde-pty-ltd">Immobilier Du Monde</a>, and Koos de Keijzer, Principal at DKO Architects, to learn more about <a href="/buildings/abode-malvern-1269-high-street-malvern-vic-3144">Le Manoir</a>, including its Parisian influence and inspiration behind the design.

Urban: Your company, Immobilier du Monde, is a French phrase which translates to 'Real Estate of the World' in English. What is the meaning behind this phrase? 

We aim to deliver each of our developments to meet international residential levels. 

U: The talented team at DKO Architecture have designed the boutique collection of residences – what were the key reasons which inspired you to collaborate with DKO on this project? 

DKO are an award winning Architectural and Interior Practice that specialise in the art of living. They design their buildings from inside out and from outside in. As a studio they are also passionate about a sense of place, Le Manoir is an Armadale building designed specially for High Street.

U: I'm aware you have a passion for traditional Parisian architecture. What aspects of this style do you hope to carry through to the Le Manoir Residences, and your future projects?

I have a passion for <a href="https://parispropertygroup.com/blog/2012/paris-buildings-a-brief-history/">traditional Parisian Architecture</a>, but not just Parisian Architecture, I’m really interested in Parisian design and couture. Paris is the home of so many design houses and it shows that the French embrace design in its totality. I spoke to my DKO Architecture Principal and founder Koos de Keijzer about Coco Chanel, particularly the iconic black, white and gold colour scheme. The shape of the building and its overall design was inspired by French and Swiss design. I love Coco as she popularised sporty, casual and chic as the feminine standard of style.

U: What are the most notable features of French architecture, that you believe Australian developers and architects can draw inspiration from?

The French design aesthetic is a considered one, from fashion through ornamentation, furniture through to design and architecture. It is comfortable, ages well and in many ways is forever young.

U: Which international developments are you most inspired by?

John Pawson is one of my favourite architects, his classic modernism is so comfortable and his interiors are sublime to be in. He recently did the interiors for Ian Schrager’s Edition Hotel in West Hollywood.

U: What do you believe are the key features Immobilier du Monde will bring to the Melbourne property market?

A curated individualised living environment that is unique. Le Manoir has 14 apartments, each one is unique and bespoke.

U: What are the top 5 considerations all developers need to take into account when designing any new luxury development?

<ul>
<li>Choosing  the right design team</li>
	<li>Understanding the market and embracing the future.</li>
	<li>Being passionate about sustainability</li>
	<li>Giving back to Community</li>
	<li>Using quality and authenticity as a guiding light</li>
</ul>
U: Based on your experience in interior design, how much influence did you have over the look and feel of the Le Manoir residences? 

I worked with DKO closely and touched every aspect of the process. My interest in fashion and history guided the process.

U: What's something interested buyers might not know about Le Manoir that you can share with our audience?

Le Manoir has traditional classic French proportions that will remain timeless. The project taps into a growing trend of affluent Australians looking to downsize without compromising comfort, size and lifestyle. It is set out to create a new level of quality and luxury for discerning Melbourne and international buyers, with a focus on airy, spacious interiors bathed in natural light finished with the finest materials. Selected Swiss perfection for your home V-Zug kitchen appliances system, it is also the partner of Global Armani Hotels. <a href="/buildings/abode-malvern-1269-high-street-malvern-vic-3144">Le Manoir residences</a> development is in association with the Swiss chamber of commerce of Australia.
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Q&A with Immobilier du Monde’s Annie Xu and DKO Architects’ Koos de Keijzer

Introducing <a href="/buildings/yarra-one-16-22-claremont-street-south-yarra">Yarra One</a>, the exciting new development to be delivered by <a href="/developers/ecoworld-international">EcoWorld International</a>.&nbsp;This stunning architectural tower is designed by Fender Katsalidis and will sit proudly on a coveted South Yarra site, perfectly positioned between both Toorak Road and Chapel Street. The apartments on offer feature timeless interiors and hotel-like amenities, bringing discerning buyers the epitome of a luxe South Yarra lifestyle.

Check out our video tour:

<div class="rtecenter"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vuNa7eqgKwA" width="660"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

<a href="/buildings/yarra-one-16-22-claremont-street-south-yarra">YARRA ONE</a> AT A GLANCE

Developer:&nbsp;<a href="/developers/ecoworld-international">EcoWorld International</a>

Architect:&nbsp;<a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>

Location: 16-22 Claremont Street, South Yarra VIC 3121

Number of apartments: 251

Construction slated for completion: 2020

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=3127]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=31085]

&nbsp;
<h2>THE DESIGN</h2>


Upon entering the Yarra One Display Suite, you immediately feel at home with the warmth of rustic timber and golden lighting. Everything about the display exudes modern, future-focused design, that is built to last, including streamlined cabinetry, stainless steel Miele appliances and ample storage. Luxurious stone benchtops and statement pendant lights add a sense of timeless style.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=31086]

The minimalist design of the kitchen has been replicated in the bathroom, with the use of contemporary matte black fittings and tapware, complemented by stone tiling, twin vanities, a rainfall showerhead, soft globe lamps and a concealed cistern, akin to a lavish hotel bathroom.&nbsp;

Yarra One apartments feature an abundance of built-in storage perfect for buyers looking to downsize with ease, and plenty of design options to customise your new home to your personal taste.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=31089]

<h2>THE LIFESTYLE </h2>

Apartments are available in one, two and three-bedroom configurations, ranging from 50&nbsp;to 180 square metres in size. However, living at Yarra One extends far beyond the square meterage of your apartment with an abundance of unrivalled amenities with some unique offerings including in-house dog washing, Tesla car-sharing and a wine cellar and tasting room.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=31092]

Yarra One also features an activated atrium dedicated to dining and retail tenancies. Residents will also enjoy the use of a fitness and yoga studio, two outdoor spas, a bookable private kitchen and dining room, a barbeque area and fireplace, a rooftop garden and more.

<h2>THE LOCATION</h2>

The highly coveted location of Yarra One offers residents direct access to Chapel Street shopping and dining precinct while being only two train stops or a 15-minute drive to the CBD. Yarra One is also within an excellent school zone for some of Victoria&#39;s most prestigious secondary schools.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=31093]

For more information, and to move into a brand new home by the end of 2020, <a href="/buildings/yarra-one-16-22-claremont-street-south-yarra">reach out to a Yarra One sales agent</a> via Urban today, as these apartments are selling quickly.&nbsp;

Urban’s tour of the Yarra One display suite

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The world is heating up more quickly than we're aware of – it's not until you look at the facts, that it is evident we need to act fast. Australia has experienced its <a href="https://theconversation.com/weather-bureau-says-hottest-driest-year-on-record-led-to-extreme-bushfire-season-129447">warmest and driest year</a> to date (<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/dec/19/419c-australia-records-hottest-ever-day-one-day-after-previous-record">reaching 49.9C in December</a>), while the world has recently recorded the <a href="https://public.wmo.int/en/media/press-release/wmo-confirms-2019-second-hottest-year-record">second warmest year on record</a>. Climate change is happening, and it's forcing us to save the liveability of our cities.

<a href="https://www.greenerspacesbetterplaces.com.au">Greener Spaces Better Places</a> is an initiative which gives a voice to advocates looking to make changes for the better in our urban environments. The goal is to increase and diversify the tree canopy cover to <a href="/news/future-focus-australian-institute-of-landscape-architects-call-for-new-living-infrastructure-strategy">alleviate the impacts of the heat island effect</a> and other climate change-related impacts, from both a council and <a href="/news/5-of-australias-top-apartment-gardens">house-hold level</a>.

Daniel Bennett, SA President Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) says dark surfaces in our cities contribute,

<blockquote>
“The direct sun hitting black bitumen (the most common form of surface treatment on our streets) is like a heat sink - absorbing up all that heat which is retained and effectively heats up the surrounding environment, making on-the-ground temperatures as high as 55 degrees in the sun - on a hot day you could fry an egg!

Trees reduce direct heat absorption and are helpful to be under on a hot day and when this is multiplied across a city, has enormous benefits in reducing a city’s ambient temperature. Trees are effectively nature’s free air conditioners!” 
</blockquote>

By reducing the urban heat island effect, studies show that this could be an integral way to increase biodiversity in our cities – and not only will it create a more harmonious place for wildlife, but humans are likely to experience more positive physical, social and mental wellbeing too.

Dr Tony Matthews also commented on the issues, explaining that reducing surface temperatures play a significant role in slowing the effects of climate change and a government-funded incentivisation scheme would be a great way to get the city's residents on board.

<blockquote>
“We know a tried and tested strategy is the introduction of more trees and green roofs in urban spaces, reducing surface temperatures by <a href="https://www.epa.gov/heat-islands/using-trees-and-vegetation-reduce-heat-islands">up to 40%</a>.

At the street level, a huge amount of urban land is privately owned, so it would be great to see residents doing their part to green their properties, and supported by the government, via an incentivisation scheme, to do so in ensuring that our urban landscapes, and in turn our urban communities, remain resilient to climate change, it’s crucial that our councils play a key role.”
</blockquote>

Dr Tony Matthews, Griffith University Urban Environmental Planner and Greener Spaces Better Places advocate

Another Greener Spacer Better Places advocate Leigh Staas explains that urban greening is the <a href="/news/high-yield-produce-gardens-with-next-to-no-maintenance-are-set-to-transform-australias-apartment-gardens">cheapest and most effective way</a> to protect our cities from heat.

<blockquote>
"Research tells us that if we can retain enough trees and green space in our backyards and neighbourhoods we can reduce temperatures by up to 12 degrees."
</blockquote>

For tree-planting to be effective, the right species of plants need to be identified first as there are many trees that will not be able to withstand the 'new normal' temperatures.

<blockquote>
"Further, increasing the diversity of tree species in our cities is crucial in ensuring that our urban landscapes remain resilient to the many challenges of climate change, particularly drought, pest and disease. Some councils are well ahead of the game in this space, but others need to pick up the pace and plan for the future.”
</blockquote>

Leigh Staas, Project Manager for The '<a href="https://www.whichplantwhere.com.au/">Which Plant Where</a>' project

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-03-26_at_6.16.43_pm.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="375" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-03-26_at_6.16.43_pm.png?itok=P68dWweE" width="580"></a></figure>Hort Innovation chief executive, Matt Brand said the program’s continued priority is to construct more and better urban green spaces across the country.

<blockquote>
“The program will work to ensure that as cities grow, so do green spaces; and that they are grown with quality, best practice and address key challenges cities face. To promote health and wellbeing in individuals, build resilient communities and support a sustainable society, the program will work holistically to champion the benefits of green space in relation to urban liveability - not just for the fortunate few, but for everyone.”
</blockquote>

Professor Tonia Gray reiterates this sentiment, agreeing that there needs to be a greater emphasis on green infrastructure and the inclusion of nature from a city planning level.

<blockquote>
“We are hardwired to be connected to nature - this isn’t anything new, it’s just newly important, in our increasingly urban lives. Greener Spaces Better Places, alongside the network, has an integral role to play in upscaling the importance of nature and reinforcing the message that green is good. We know when done right, urban greening leads to vibrant, creative, beautiful and desirable ­places to live.”
</blockquote>

Tonia Gray, Professor at Western Sydney University and Greener Spaces Better Places advocate

Since launching in 2013, the program has created Australia’s first benchmark measurement of urban green space by measuring green space in all 139 of Australian urban and peri-urban LGAs (in partnership with UTS), trained over 600 people from 140 councils in implementing an urban forestry growth strategy, and brought together 7000+ individuals and organisations to form the country’s largest network of green space advocates.
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Experts comment on a strategy to green our cities before it's too late

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Everywhere you look, there's talk of Coronavirus. In the news, social media, work discussions, and even when you pick up groceries from your local shop. It's a topic that is so pertinent to discuss as it's rapid proliferation has impacted all our lives in such a short space of time. And, while it's vital to keep these discussions going, it can be easy to get caught up in a detrimental vortex of fear and anxiety.

As a journalist, it's my job to consume media all day, every day. Which is why I believe it's crucial to organise your media consumption into helpful, versus unhelpful categories. This exposure to Coronavirus-related content extends to real-life conversations too (albeit cyber). In an attempt to disrupt the apocalyptic mindset, I've penned some thoughts that you may find useful when consuming information about COVID-19.

<h2>Decipher reputable sources from "fake news"</h2>

There's a journalism code of ethics for a reason. Trained journalists are required to uphold high standards of reporting and ensure all information distributed to the public is accurate and factual. Unfortunately, some media outlets (naming no names) fail to meet these standards and consequently generate fear among their readers. On the contrary, light-hearted news stories are also spreading untruths. Photos of swans flocking to Venitian canals and animals "returning to their natural habits" showed up on the internet as a "good news story", with <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/03/coronavirus-pandemic-fake-animal-viral-social-media-posts/">critics soon debunking</a> the sentiment of the posts, claiming that these animals always inhabited those areas, or the photographs were taken elsewhere. We know that posting on social media and receiving a multitude of likes and praise can lead to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563212001409">positive self-esteem</a>, but the sharing of untrue information can lead to a blanket distrust in all news platforms. 

For updates on COVID-19, visit websites such as The Australian Department of Health or The World Health Organisation (or media publications which cite data from these sources). Take all other information with a grain of salt. It's always wise to cross-reference the facts you learn about before sharing them online. 

<h2>Talk to someone you trust and avoid internalising your concerns</h2>

COVID-19 has enforced a lot of lifestyle changes on us all – you're not alone in this. Being in self-isolation or practising social distancing can disrupt our interpersonal communication, and the ability to maintain routines. If you're feeling concerned, or need reassurance that you'll be okay, then keep the communication lines open. Call friends, family and colleagues to check if they're okay. Encourage working from home video chat conferences with your colleagues to strengthen team morale. And as always, the Australian Government's National Coronavirus Helpline is available 24/7.

<h2>Understand what you can and can't control </h2>

The next few months bring a lot of uncertainty for us all, but you can't prepare for the unknown, so there's no point worrying about what is outside your control. 

Things you can't control could include:

<ul>
<li>How long this pandemic will last</li>
	<li>What the Government will announce next</li>
	<li>Other people's panic-buying of grocery goods</li>
	<li>Whether other people follow the rules of social isolation</li>
	<li>Job security (keep in conversation with your employer to stay informed of their next moves if possible)</li>
</ul>
While the things you can focus on could include:

<ul>
<li>Checking on people in your social circle and community to see if they are okay (always maintain social distance and safety precaution)</li>
	<li>Keeping positive and well informed</li>
	<li>Refraining from sharing inaccurate information on social media platforms</li>
	<li>Your own social distancing</li>
	<li>Following advice from the WHO</li>
	<li>Finding innovative ways to boost working from home productivity and fun activities to do at home</li>
	<li>Follow best practice health and safety measures </li>
</ul>
<h2>Find morale boosters to help with social isolation/working from home/loss of work to avoid feeling overwhelmed</h2>

As everyone navigates their own Coronavirus journey and its individual impacts on employment, socialising and the disruption of routine, its more important than ever to implement habits and routines which boost morale. 

These could include:

<ul>
<li>Set up video conferencing with colleagues, friend and family</li>
	<li>Dedicate a bit of time to fitness and/or meditation</li>
	<li>Start some of the hobbies you have always wanted to do but haven't had time (painting, cooking, woodworking, learn a language)</li>
	<li>Sign up for a free course online</li>
	<li>Support local businesses by purchasing from their online store</li>
	<li>Set yourself some goals</li>
	<li>Create a schedule to reintroduce a sense of routine</li>
	<li>Clean your home </li>
</ul>
<h2>Businesses are adapting and yours could too</h2>

We've overcome global pandemics in the past, and we will again (especially if everyone plays their part in self-isolating). Some media commentary suggests that industries are crashing, while others shed a more positive light on how businesses are adapting to the situation. While not all companies have the ability to operate remotely, many are adopting creative techniques to change the way they undergo day-to-day operation. 

Some of the few innovative techniques we've seen companies utilise:

<ul>
<li>Moving to strictly online sales</li>
	<li>Video webinars and video conferencing</li>
	<li>Pivot the focus of your on-the-ground/face-to-face strategies to a digital process</li>
	<li>Blog and Linkedin posts providing transparency around the safety measures their company are taking, and their thoughts for the industry </li>
	<li>Streamed performances</li>
	<li>Offer free courses or tutorials online</li>
	<li>Work on your 'next steps' strategy for once the situation improves</li>
</ul>
Professor of Corporate Communications, Paul A. Argenti established a list for effectively communicating with your employees during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Communicating through the Coronavirus crisis

<ol>
<li>Providing resources such as cleaning supplies or food for those in quarantine</li>
	<li>Providing information to the local media to help to calm the communities down and while also enhancing your organisation’s credibility</li>
	<li>Providing transparency about what is happening within the company rather than going radio silent</li>
</ol>
<h2>Final takeaway</h2>

As always, now is a great time to show kindness, strength and to do your part for the community by staying home. 
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COVID-19: Understanding what you can and can't control + the importance of cross-referencing facts

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As more Australians are venturing into self-isolation and social distancing during this tough time as a <a href="/expert-insights/buying/how-will-the-coronavirus-impact-australia-s-property-market">result of COVID-19</a>, Apartments.com.au has noticed a 52% increase in visits to its <a href="/developments">off-the-plan property listings</a> over the past week.

With fewer people leaving their homes, seeing billboards and visiting display suites, we expect to see more of the buying journey for off-the-plan property occur online.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-03-19_at_5.05.23_pm.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Week on week comparison of project listing views. Source: Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="318" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-03-19_at_5.05.23_pm.png?itok=F5_tfiq1" title="Week on week comparison of project listing views. Source: Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Week on week comparison of project listing views. Source: Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure>Anecdotal feedback from agents within the industry suggests that walk-in traffic into display suites has reduced considerably, however, buyers who are still taking tours of display suites, are doing so safely and responsibly, and are more likely to be serious buyers. Consequently, a steady number of sales and reservations are still being made.  

The effects of social distancing are likely to impact traditional out of home advertising (billboards, display suite signage), creating greater importance for the industry to adapt and transition their focus to enabling their online property buying journey.

Earlier this week Ooh!media (one of the country’s largest out of home advertising companies) <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/oohmedia-abandons-earnings-guidance/news-story/5c8ce770f66c88359f0a3e9ceb206116">abandoned their earnings guidance</a> as a result of the decline in campaign spending, and ability to generate customers for their clients. Ooh!media released a statement explaining why the company has withdrawn its 2020 earnings guidance, “for the time being”.

<blockquote>
“The deteriorating macroeconomic conditions and resultant market uncertainty caused by COVID-19 has made forecasting full-year revenue in the current environment difficult," 
</blockquote>

Ad News Australia <a href="https://www.adnews.com.au/news/analysis-outdoor-advertising-trampled-in-the-coronavirus-rush-indoors">weighed in on the issue</a> commenting that media streaming services are likely to experience an increase in traffic. 

<blockquote>
“Much of the call to action billboard advertising, such as attending an event or going to a sale, is fast becoming redundant as consumers stay at home with streaming media services running hot.”
</blockquote>

Apartments.com.au is seeing parallels in the off-the-plan market, with the average number of listings visited by users more than doubling this week. In addition to this, our <a href="/news/urban-s-tour-of-the-escala-newquay-display-suite">display suite walkthrough videos</a> have shown a 208% click-through rate increase over the past weekend alone. 

At Urban, we’re endeavouring to give prospective buyers as much of the information and assistance they need to be able to continue with their property search without leaving their home. This initiative is supported by the likes of video display suite tours, supplying buyers with plenty of information for their due diligence research, and facilitating engagement between the buyer and developer to ensure there is an excellent level of communication maintained between both parties, despite the current circumstances. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-03-19_at_5.05.02_pm.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Project listing visits by unique user. Source: Urban.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-03-19_at_5.05.02_pm.png?itok=uusmfaU0" title="Project listing visits by unique user. Source: Urban.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Project listing visits by unique user. Source: Apartments.com.au</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
“We’ve seen the average projects visited per Urban user more than double in the space of a week, this is a major shift in browsing activity.

Our view is that there is a significant first-mover opportunity available to developers that can enable consumers to move further through the decision making process online. They can capture this opportunity through display suite videos, making floor plans more readily available online and delivering a quick phone-based response to new sales enquiries.

As with any time of change, there is opportunity.”
</blockquote>

Mike Bird, CEO @ Apartments.com.au

As the property industry strives forward with resilience, we can reinstill positivity that there will be economic recovery on the horizon once the situation is under control. 
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Report: COVID-19 changes off-the-plan property buying behaviour

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Joel Robinson

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Capella to launch Brisbane's first branded residences at Shafston House, Kangaroo Point

Lewis Land's latest apartment release within its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan is targeting one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing buyer groups, with almost a third of apartments at Solis priced below $1 million.

The seven-storey building at Biggera Waters will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 one-bedroom residences starting from $778,000, a price point Lewis Land says is aimed squarely at first home buyers struggling to enter the Gold Coast market.

<img alt="Harbour Shires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7486e37-22f6-4c92-b212-9b0622070b8f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=W8MJwJUCf6HkIyl_EVSksnd.QI6MZryY" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the developer deliberately allocated a significant proportion of the project to more affordable apartment types.

"First home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and we saw a clear opportunity to address this and play our part in a longer-term housing solution," Long said.

"That's why 24 of the 91 apartments being delivered at Solis have been designed and priced for the city's next generation of homeowners, quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room to maximise space and flexibility.

"This approach places 30 per cent of apartments in Solis under $1 million, and with close proximity to Harbour Town's future light rail extension connecting residents to the city's major employment and knowledge hubs, it's a win for buyers looking to secure their first property."

<img alt="Sores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="550526d3-73ba-4710-9739-c5f4294a30ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cQQdXHt9wS0UXwZEm5Py5bH_3kAmzyhu" />

Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with residences ranging up to 232 sqm. Apartments feature generous balconies and contemporary finishes, while residents will have access to Harbour Shores' lagoon pool, clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

The focus on first home buyers resonated with purchaser Holly Humphreys, who said she and her boyfriend spent more than a year searching for their first property before shifting their attention from houses to apartments.

"We fell in love with the first house we bid on and got our hopes up, but after repeated knockbacks we learned not to get too attached," Humphreys said.

"We offered at the high end of price guides, but sales kept going even higher. That's where we really struggled and we needed to re-evaluate our budget and our expectations. Standalone houses were off the table, and we pivoted to apartments and townhouses."

Humphreys said it was encouraging to see developers recognising the growing demand from first home buyers.

"There's a growing number of young buyers looking to enter the market earlier because they understand that getting in now can make a real difference as prices continue to rise," she said.

"It's fantastic to see a developer recognise this and then actively take measures to deliver an apartment with us in mind."

Solis is the first development planned within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, with early works expected to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land targets first home buyers at latest Harbour Shores release, Solis

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

KOYO penthouse headlines Abadeen's $19.25 million EOFY sales flurry

The City of Sydney has approved plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia Group</a> and Metrics Credit Partners’ $3.5 billion Castlereagh Place project in the heart of the Sydney CBD

The towers will be among the tallest in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney</a>'s CBD, with more floors than any other residential tower in the city.&nbsp;

The 6,000 sqm site was acquired by the joint venture partners in 2024. It is the largest amalgamated land parcel in the Sydney CBD and comprises eight individual sites fronting Castlereagh, Pitt and Liverpool Streets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castlereagh-place-sydney-324-348-pitt-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Castlereagh Place</a> will transform an underutilised city block into a landmark mixed-use destination, anchored by two 82-storey towers comprising 607 luxury residences above an 8-level podium housing a 209-room luxury hotel. A 1,000 square metre civic park on ground level features a curated mix of food, beverage and retail.

The plans have been refined over the past year to rebalance the residential and hotel offering, and reconfigure the retail footprint to create a stronger, more dynamic dining experience.

A three-level flagship building on the prominent corner of Pitt and Liverpool Streets will be the gateway to the Castlereagh Place lifestyle precinct. Set to become a Sydney icon, the building is capable of housing multiple hospitality venues.

“Castlereagh Place is designed to be the City's next great urban oasis - an energetic mixed-use precinct that pulses with life, day and night,"&nbsp;said Joseph Kinsella, Group Director of Billbergia.

"It will bring the vibrancy of places like Barangaroo and Darling Quarter into a more accessible, central destination at the very heart of Sydney."

Kinsella said the project will build on&nbsp;Sydney’s growing laneway culture with the City’s largest network of new activated lanes - an expanded, next-generation take on precincts like Angel Place, Palings Lane and Ash Street in Wynyard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374401]

Castlereagh Place has been designed by architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">fjcstudio</a> in collaboration with Trias Studio, Aileen Sage and Polly Harbison Design, joint winners of an international design competition in 2018.&nbsp;

Signature design elements from the original scheme remain unchanged, while the public domain has been significantly enhanced, delivering 60 per cent more open-to-sky space.

Pedestrian access will also be enhanced through new laneways linking Pitt, Liverpool and Castlereagh Streets, drawing people into a new civic park with outdoor seating, landscaping and integrated public art.

With activated laneways supported by strong hospitality offerings, Castlereagh Place is tipped to become a vibrant new dining destination in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

It marks the largest undertaking to date for the Billbergia and Metrics Credit Partners partnership. Together they are developing other underutilised Sydney sites into mixed-use precincts, including the $2.2 billion Concord Central and the $1.3 billion Chatswood Grand Residences.

Metrics Managing Partner and Group CEO Andrew Lockhart said Castlereagh Place is a landmark project that will redefine Sydney’s skyline.

"As the tallest residential high-rise development, the revitalised site will offer panoramic views across the CBD and surrounds. We are excited to partner with Billbergia to reinvigorate an underutilised site and create a sophisticated and contemporary mixed-use offering situated in the heart of Sydney.”

Total apartments within the towers have increased to 607 dwellings, with a focus on larger floorplans. Aligned to growing market demand, Castlereagh Place now comprises 299 three-plus-bedroom apartments, 198 two-bedroom units and 110 one-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374402]

Resident amenities will include an exclusive residents club containing a gym, rooftop pool, dining rooms, co-working spaces, library, golf simulator, games room, cinema room, and access to an exclusive concierge service. There will be around 500 basement car spaces below the towers.

The development will also include a state-of-the-art wellness centre, set to feature a bathhouse with magnesium pools, hot/cold plunge pools and premium amenities.

&nbsp;

According to fjcstudio, the towers will feature distinctive yet elegant architectural design reflecting Sydney’s geometry and urban character, with a network of through-site links and intimate public spaces activating the streetscape.

"Castlereagh Place is a city-making project of significant scale and ambition," said Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director at fjcstudio.

"It will create a rich urban complex of public open spaces, landscaped gardens, and vibrant laneways. Defining these new public spaces and the important streetscape of Castlereagh Street is a sequence of fine-grained, diverse retail and hotel architecture designed in collaboration with Aileen Sage, Polly Harbison Design and Trias.

“Rising above the tree-lined, human-scale streetscape are two slender residential towers that will transform the city skyline and look towards the Harbour, Hyde Park, and the Royal Botanic Garden.”

Demolition and early construction works have commenced onsite at Castlereagh Place.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134477]

Olivia Round

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