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Members of the Fairfax-owned holiday accommodation listing site Stayz have received compensation after the website suffered a technical glitch that stopped them being paid for properties rented out to tenants.
The glitch, which lasted from December 19 to January 4, was extended due to staff going on holiday, a spokesperson has confirmed.
"It was a small number of transactions caused by a simple technical problem. It lasted a little longer than it should have because of the holiday period," the spokesperson confirmed to SmartCompany this morning.
The spokesperson says the affected members – less than 3% of property owners – will have their listing on the site free of charge for the next two months.
"A review is also underway to determine how the glitch was extended due to the holiday period."
Notification of the problem was sparked when users said they had not received payments dating back to Christmas, with some bills running into the thousands of dollars.
But the spokesperson says everything is back to normal for the site, which lists 33,000 properties.
"It was a simple technical problem, the system is now carrying on as it was before and the problem is resolved."
This article was originally published on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/">SmartCompany</a>.
 
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Stayz members receive compensation after holiday technical glitch

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Consecutive interest rate cuts have boosted the property sector with new figures from the Housing Industry Association showing new home sales rose by 6.8% in November, in a second consecutive monthly rise in sales. 
However, the result comes alongside a pessimistic result from the Australian Industry Group-HIA performance of construction index, which showed that although the pace of activity continued to improve, industry activity still contracted.
HIA economist Harley Dale says the improvement is directly tied to last year's consecutive interest rate cuts.
"The improvement is being driven by an increase in detached house sales, with the multi-unit market quite weak again."
"But this shows we've had two months of improvement, a modest rise in October and quite a healthy one in November."
The figures show detached sales rose by 0.9%, driven by sales in New South Wales and Victoria. Multi-unit sales, however, fell by 17%.
Detached sales rose by 22.8% in New South Wales, 11.6% in Victoria, 5.7% in Western Australia and 4.7% in Queensland. Sales fell by 11.3% in South Australia.
However, Dale points out this is coming from a low base – sales in September were at their lowest in several years, and the construction industry is still suffering. But he also says that despite the industry recovering from such a low base, the statistics are encouraging.
"The interest rates are what we're putting it down to. And really, if we hadn't had a recovery afterwards that would have been more surprising. We're encouraged that the first month of a rate cut we see an increase."
"The question remains, however, can this be sustained in the long-term? We still have a long way to go."
Economists suspect the RBA could even cut interest rates again next month. Dale says another rise in sales for December, coupled with a February interest rate cut, would start the year off on a good note.
"If we see that, we can start talking about the fact we're moving in the right direction. It's nice to have some better news to release at the start of the new year."
However, it isn't all good news. The performance of construction index increased by 1.4 points to 41 in December, still below the 50-point level separating expansion from contraction. Engineering construction rose to 51.3, but home building fell to 32.9.
Australian Industry Group director of public policy Peter Burn said in a statement the result shows how the multi-speed economy is still playing out, with the engineering sector speeding ahead thanks to the mining boom while residential construction lags behind.
"The increased pace of contraction in the house building sub-sector in December remains deeply concerning."
"Nevertheless, the easing of the pace of contraction in overall activity and in new orders across all sub-sectors, serve as glimmers of hope that 2012 may see a return to more balanced growth across the industry."
Dale says although he hopes for more sales in December, "the PCI is still looking very weak, and reinforces how much work there is left to do in 2012".
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/index.php" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
 
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New home sales rise 6.8% in November as interest rates decline, but experts warn still more work to do in 2012

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Birchwood Consolidated, the developer of the new 26-level Equus development in the Perth central business district, has entered administration, as Master Builders Western Australia notes that smaller builders are being hit by reduced demand for small projects.

The Perth-based company appointed a receiver and manager last week. KordaMentha partner Craig Shepard, who has worked on Lincraft, Timbercorp and Enviroinvest, got the job.
Shepard was in Perth this morning and could not be contacted before deadline. He is quoted in the Australian Financial Review saying the project was high-quality, but marred by higher costs and subdued demand.
The development, which comprises apartments, commercial suites and a ground-floor shopping arcade, was completed earlier this year.
It has called itself "Perth's newest and most exciting development" and an "overwhelming success that has exceeded the expectations of all involved".
Michael McLean, director at Master Builders Western Australia, says he was aware that the Equus development had some problems, including unions' issues with foreign labour.
But he stressed that he was not aware of the reason for Birchwood's collapse, such as a lack of pre-sales or project delays or price increases.
McLean adds it's been a difficult year for the building industry, with small- and medium-sized businesses and projects hit harder than their larger counterparts. Financing is also a problem for small operators, McLean says.
"The number of small to medium jobs have reduced," McLean told SmartCompany this morning. "The tender lists been more competitive and it's more difficult to win work."
But McLean predicted 2012 would be an improvement on this year, citing a number of projects coming on-stream and the healthy civil engineering sector.
"The industry is going okay; the turnover of work being carried out by the industry is reasonable in an historical sense."
CBRE this morning said that the WA residential market "remains in the midst of a slowdown punctuated by falling levels of buyer activity".
CBRE Global Research and Consulting Manager Sam Reilly said owner-occupiers and investors were held back by concern on the global economic outlook.
This article originally appeared on<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/index.php" target="_blank"> SmartCompany</a>.
 
 
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Perth-based developer enters administration

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The Housing Industry Association has amended its forecasts for housing starts in the year ahead, saying it expects the current financial year to result in just 141,000 new starts, well below demand.

However, the prediction comes as housing finance and approvals figures have been improving over the last few months, with the latest interest rate cuts expected to spur some activity.
HIA economist Harley Dale told SmartCompany this morning the group is now forecasting a 10.4% decline in starts for 2012, "recognising clear downside risks for the forecast" given the situation in Europe.
"It's roughly the same forecast we've had the whole year, give or take a thousand starts or so, but there's been some upwards revisions on the previous financial year on the part of the ABS and we've made some modest amendments to our regional forecast."
"Our aggregate forecast is within that area of 141,000 starts for the current year."
There is some improvement expected in 2012-13, Dale says, when the organisations forecasts a 6% rise in starts to reach about 149,000.
But overall, Dale says that's coming from a low base and even then, housing starts will need much more activity in order to cater for demand.
"We're looking at an increase of around 6% for that year, and that's following two consecutive years of declines."
"But to put that into perspective, we're talking about forecasts that would put housing starts in the 140s. A 6% rise gets you just under 150,000, and the underlying demographic demand is running at about 175,000 dwellings per year."
The lack of housing starts has been a point of contention in the industry, especially as more construction providers collapse into insolvency as the industry suffers the worst number of insolvency appointments.
"It's better than further declines," Dale says. "But there's still a long way to go to get to the levels on par with the requirement for the growing population."
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/index.php" target="_blank">SmartCompany.</a>
 
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HIA upgrades housing starts forecasts, but warns industry still has a long way to go

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Arrears in the Australian property market have improved over the year, with delinquencies falling to 1.42% in the September quarter, down from 1.77% in March, according to the latest research from Fitch Ratings.

The improvement comes as homeowners recover from the year's natural disasters in January, Fitch says, while interest rates cuts should provide more scope for improvement in the first half of 2012.
Fitch Australia head of Australian structured finance Natasha Vojvodic told SmartCompany this morning areas stretched by higher property prices have benefited from stable interest rates.
"There haven't been any interest rate rises, and they have really remained stable the entire year. This gives a lot of home owners the ability to adapt to mortgage repayments."
Regions which have performed badly in the past have continued to show disappointing results, Fitch said. Fairfield-Liverpool is still the worst area in the country, while the Sydney south-western suburbs, the Gold Coast and Western Australia's south-west region are all experiencing higher than average arrears.
However, overall arrears in these areas have decreased. In Fairfield-Liverpool, 30 day arrears fell from 2.99% to 2.63%, while in south-west Western Australia, they fell by 76 basis points to 2.17% – although Fitch says this is still above average.
Western Australia recorded the most improvement out of any state, with arrears falling from 1.99% to 1.5%.
"Regional employment has improved in Western Australia, which led to the rise. The mining sector has really expanded so it's been easier for borrowers there to adapt."
"The 30- to 60-day arrears have improved the most."
Queensland has remained the worst performing state, although arrears are down from 2% to 1.7%. Victoria saw arrears fall to 1.04%, with most of those concentrated in the north-western part of Melbourne.
Based on loan amounts, Nelson Bay is the worst performing postcode with a delinquency rate of 7.1%. Other suburbs including Budgewoi, Casuarina and Helensvale still remain in the list of the worst performers.
Vojvodic says arrears are expected to increase in the New Year, but mostly as a result of Christmas spending, saying lower interest rates should provide homeowners with some relief.
"The usual Christmas and holiday spending flows through the first quarter of the year, and so going forward we expect arrears to increase, which is typical this time of year."
"But during the first quarter the interest rate declines should offset some of that. As to the extent of that offset, it's unknown."
The 20 worst performing postcodes in Australia, by number:
1.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Budgewoi</a>, NSW 2262 – 3.5% 2.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Nelson Bay</a>, NSW 2315 – 3.1% 3.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Kangaloon</a>, NSW 2576 – 3.0% 4.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Surfers Paradise</a>, QLD 4217 – 29% 5.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Cessnock</a>, NSW 2325 – 2.6% 6.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Plumpton</a>, NSW 2761 – 2.6% 7.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Kingston</a>, QLD, 4114 – 2.5% 8.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Helensvale</a>, QLD 4212 – 2.5% 9.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Crestmead</a>/<a target="_blank" href="/news">Marsden</a>, QLD 4132 – 2.4% 10.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Eagle Vale</a>, NSW 2558 – 2.3% 11.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Port Kennedy</a>, WA 6172 – 2.3% 12.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Gorokan</a>, NSW 2263 -2.2% 13.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Macquarie Fields</a>, NSW 2564 – 2.2% 14.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Taree</a>, NSW 2430 – 2.2% 15.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Hamlyn Terrace</a>, NSW 2259 – 2.2% 16.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Green Valley</a>, NSW 2168 – 2.2% 17.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Hoxton Park</a>, NSW 2171 – 2.1% 18.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Karuah</a>/<a target="_blank" href="/news">Swan Bay</a>, NSW 2324 – 2.1% 19.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Casuarina</a>, WA 6167 – 2.1% 20.	<a target="_blank" href="/news">Ipswich</a>, QLD 4305 – 2.1%
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/index.php" target="_blank">SmartCompany.</a>
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Mortgage arrears decline in September quarter, but NSW dominates list of struggling suburbs: Fitch report 

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As we look to what's ahead for 2012, Property Observer is republishing some of our most noteworthy stories of 2011.
 
Retailers are no longer bluffing when making threats about shutting down stores to escape unrealistic rents, one industry expert has warned, after department store giant Myer announced it would shut down one of its two ACT stores.
The announcement also comes just a few weeks after Myer chief executive Bernie Brookes said the business was having trouble negotiating over retail rents.
The department store confirmed last week that it would not renew its lease at the Tuggeranong store, saying it has continued to review the merits of its existing store portfolio. It also noted that the store represented less than 1% of total group sales and that customers are opting to visit alternative Myer stores.
However, David Gordon, partner in charge of the national retail advisory practice at WHK Group, says there may be other factors at play – namely, that retailers aren't bluffing anymore.
"Every retail lease negotiation has an element of bluffing there, but retailers don't have much room to move right now. When they say a spade is a spade, they actually mean it right now."
Brookes made comments several weeks ago suggesting the company was having trouble dealing with a landlord, and that it was able to win a discount on rents by suggesting the company could close its store.
While it isn't clear whether that particular argument had any effect on the latest decision to close this store, Gordon nevertheless says it's emblematic of a shift in how retailers are approaching these negotiations.
"Retailers just don't have the flexibility to play this type of game anymore, because the top line is coming down. They don't have the ability to mess around and accept an outcome that will hurt their profit."
"They're not bluffing when they say if they take these outcomes proposed by the landlord they'll lose money."
Gordon says larger retailers' preparedness to shut stores may continue over the next year as consumer confidence remains soft and rents stay high.
"It's clear that Myer just isn't getting the correct sales-to-rents ratio. There are just too many costs involved here for the store to turn a profit."
"It's quite difficult, especially at this time of year, to reduce service staff or cut costs. There will be times during the year when you can do that but certainly not now."
However, Gordon says there's not a lot that can be done when it comes to cutting rents.
"Everyone understands that rents are too expensive, but there's not much that can be done. Landlords have obligations to their banks and their covenants would require overall rent per square metre of a certain price."
"There are alternatives, but ultimately it comes down to negotiation and as we see here retailers are willing to just up and leave."
Myer also said it would be opening up a store in the ACT, although it won't be opened until sometime during the 2014 financial year.
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/index.php" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
Photograph by Paul Downey
 
 
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Myer store closure shows retailers playing hardball in rent negotiations

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The year has ended on a low note for the property sector, but some experts believe a pick-up could begin from early next year, bolstering prices.
Auction results from this past weekend showed clearance rates in Melbourne and Sydney in the 50s – as they have been for the last few months.
SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher says the year's results were "pretty much in line with expectations".
"We thought at the start of the year we would see a 5-10% decline in the capital cities, and although numbers are still coming in that's what has appeared to have happened."
"We have Sydney, which has down a little bit better than that, but certainly you would put other cities into that category including Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne. Those capital cities have fallen into that category."
Christopher says the downturn in the property sector has been around for 18 months, and warns it may take awhile before any recovery takes hold. However, he points to encouraging ABS data showing housing starts and finance has been improving over the past four months.
"We think there will be a decline in the March quarter next year as well, but that is where it's going to bottom out."
Everything depends on Europe, he says. "If all goes well, we should see a recovery in the June quarter of next year. We'll see some indicators before then of how the economy is going, and hopefully that will continue."
This past weekend is emblematic of the year's results in clearance rates. In Melbourne, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria said only 254 properties sold out of 482 on the market, with a clearance rate of 53%.
This time last year, the clearance rate was 62%.
"This weekend is the final one this year with a substantial number of auctions – there are only another 40 auctions scheduled to occur before the end of the year," chief executive Enzo Raimondo said in a statement.
In Sydney, the city recorded a 50.1% rate, while Adelaide and Brisbane recorded rates of 26% and 28% respectively.
Christopher says these results may continue for awhile, but assuming the European situation doesn't deteriorate, will improve over next year.
"We'll see clearance rates go up to the 50s in February, and generally they will pick up from there."
"It should be noted over the next few months we'll be getting a few mixed signals from the housing market, but over next year the situation should improve."
This article originally appeared on<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank"> SmartCompany.</a>
 
 
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Auctions end year on a low note but prospects strong for 2012: SQM

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Despite two consecutive interest rate cuts the construction industry might not begin to recover until late next year, experts have warned, after official figures showed housing starts fell in the September quarter.

The warning comes as the construction industry continues to suffer under their highest number of insolvencies in any industry. Yesterday, South Australian builder Candetti Constructions was also confirmed to have been placed in administration.
Housing Industry Association economist Andrew Harvey says yesterday's data showing a 12.1% annual decline in the number of new houses built in the September quarter should be taken in context with the most recent rate cuts – but also says it's a dire situation.
"We are coming off a low base. And in my personal view, those rate cuts were fundamental in turning around confidence."
"But the nervousness around the situation in Europe has really pervaded through the new home market and it might take more than the couple of cuts we've already had to pick up the starts."
In fact, Harvey says, any recovery may be a long way off, closer to the end of next year than in the next few months. With economists expecting another rate cut in February, Harvey says it'll take some time for the benefits to seep through the rest of the market.
"If you look at the national accounts data, it's showing there's not that much to the Australian economy," he says.
"It's going to take some time for these cuts to feed through. We're looking until around mid-2012 or even later, towards the end of next year, before things start picking up."
The situation comes as the industry continues to suffer the highest insolvency appointments out of any other sector. Over the past year several smaller businesses have fallen over, and some larger firms have failed as well, with Candetti in South Australia only the latest casualty<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/construction-group-candetti-constructions-placed-in-administration/2011121352829">.</a>
"The situation in construction is starting to feed into society in general," Harvey says. "You get the feeling that you don't want to see this continue for another eight months."
Harvey says the government needs to stop focusing on mining as the saviour of the economy, and recommends action to be taken for home owners. Despite rate cuts already announced, and possibly more on the way, he says it's time for some external assistance to get the industry moving.
"Home building is essential to having the economy growing again."
"With all of the uncertainty swirling around at the moment, it's probably at the stage where the federal government has to do something."
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/">SmartCompany</a>.
 
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Housing industry warns interest rate cuts may not boost sector until late 2012

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Property investors and pundits may be forgiven for thinking new AFG data showing an increase in the number of new home loan inquiries is a good sign for the sector, but a new site designed to help home owners in financial trouble has put the brakes on any celebration.

The site, <a target="_blank" href="https://doingittough.info/">doingittough.info</a>, was developed and now operated by the Australian Bankers' Association, and allows home owners who are experiencing financial difficulty to contact their banks and figure out ways of obtaining some financial assistance.
But despite the connotations of releasing such a site in the current economic environment, ABA chief Steve Munchenberg says the site isn't a commentary on whether the European crisis could impact home lending, as some economist have predicted.
Instead, he says the website is a response to home owners who feel they don't have the ability to continue paying their mortgage when they actually have numerous options available.
"Back at the beginning of the year, with the floods, and then cyclone Yasi, we were able to go public then and highlight the fact that people could talk to their bank and get a quick release for a period of time to get them through some difficulties."
"We've seen other parts of the economy doing it a bit tough. And there is a reluctance on the part of some people to tell their bank they are going through hard times."
"I think people have given us a lot more credit for foresight than we should take."
The website itself offers tests for financial strength, along with information on what you can do when struggling through financial difficulty, and how you can apply for hardship provisions.
Munchenberg says the website isn't a commentary on arrears or defaults, which he points out is quite low. Instead, he says it's about dealing with people who don't feel they have any other option.
"When we have people in financial difficulty, they don't instinctively think to contact the bank. But the reality is the bank has a bunch of programs in place to help people in those situations."
"We would rather find out if you're under pressure early to make sure we can all work through that, rather than have people hide that fact and then get into a state where it's much harder to pay it all back."
However, despite the insistence that the site is not a warning, data shows Australians are spending more of their income on mortgage payments, even as prices have slowed. Real estate groups such as the Real Estate Institute of Australia believe this to be a serious problem.
<a href="/news">But new figures from AFG paint a different picture for the market</a>. The country's biggest mortgage broker recorded an 18.4% increase in mortgages processed in November, altogether worth $2.9 billion.
Investors took up 40% of mortgages, with the company saying it was most likely spurred on by the Cup Day interest rate cut.
The figure was the highest since March 2009, on a monthly basis. Fixed rate loans fell to just 17.2%, with stand variable loans taking a 63.1% share. The average size of all mortgages rose to $396,000 from $395,000.
But while the figures may suggest the market is on the verge of booming, auction clearance rates present another story. In both Sydney and Melbourne, sales have remained in line with results from the past three months.
In Melbourne, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria recorded a 55% rate, slightly up on last week but down from the 60% recorded this time last year. Chief executive Enzo Raimondo said for the fifth week in a row "there has been no substantive change in the level of demand".
It expects that trend to continue through the end of the year, even during next week when 900 auctions are expected.
Sydney recorded a 52% clearance rate, while Brisbane and Adelaide recorded rates of 20% and 36.8% respectively.
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/index.php" target="_blank">SmartCompany.</a>
 
 
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Mortgage enquiries on the rise, but banking lobby group launches mortgage stress website

Buyers considering a residence at boutique Gordon townhouse development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lume-gordon-43-47-dumaresq-street-gordon-nsw-2072">Lume</a>&nbsp;now have another reason to bring forward their decision.

For a limited time, purchasers of a residence at Lume will receive a BMW iX3 50 electric SUV, valued at more than $120,000, as part of their purchase. The offer is designed to add value for buyers while complementing the lifestyle envisioned for the architecturally designed Upper North Shore development.

Scott Timmins, Development Manager at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/winim">WINIM</a>, said the partnership was created to provide buyers with a compelling reason to act.

"In today's market, buyers need a compelling reason to act now, and the BMW partnership was designed to create that catalyst. We wanted to add genuine value for our future purchasers. Choosing the all-electric BMW iX3 50 also reflects the values behind LUME, forward-thinking design, innovation and a more sustainable way of living. It's a premium incentive that complements the lifestyle our buyers aspire to and rewards those who commit early."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]

Delivered by WINIM in partnership with Burtonwood Investment Partners, Lume comprises 14 architecturally designed two, three and four-bedroom townhomes created for families seeking the space of a freestanding house with the ease of modern, low-maintenance living.

The three-storey residences, designed by award-winning architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, have been tailored for families and multi-generational living, featuring private internal lifts, flexible lower-level spaces, generous open-plan living and entertaining areas, media rooms, and landscaped outdoor spaces with custom outdoor kitchens.&nbsp;

Inside, engineered oak flooring, bespoke dining joinery with integrated wine fridges and backlit bars, sculptural porcelain bathrooms, Parisi freestanding baths and Astra Walker tapware create interiors that balance functionality with refined finishes.

Each townhome has been designed to combine generous internal spaces with sustainability initiatives such as EV charging infrastructure, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>'s landscaped communal areas, centred around a restored creek line and native planting, encourage residents to connect with nature and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]

Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.

"Our vision was to create elegant, uplifting homes that draw on and positively contribute to the local character through meticulously considered design and an interaction with the surroundings."

The communal landscape has been designed as more than an open space between homes. Arcadia's Ben Newell and Kate Phillips said the adjoining reserve provided an opportunity to create a distinctive natural retreat for residents.

"Just as waterways carve their way through Ku-ring-gai's landscape, a raised boardwalk weaves through the reserve, connecting the homes to this tranquil oasis."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]

Located just 300 metres from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gordon-nsw-2072">Gordon</a> Village and Gordon railway station, Lume offers convenient access to Sydney's CBD while placing residents close to some of the North Shore's leading schools, including Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College and Knox Grammar. Lane Cove National Park, Gordon Golf Club and a range of cafés and restaurants further reinforce the family-focused lifestyle on offer, with the BMW iX3 50 complementing everything from local trips around Gordon to weekend drives and city commutes.

Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]

Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

Two apartments have sold for more than $10 million at EADE Byron Bay, setting some of the highest apartment prices ever achieved in the coastal town and underlining the growing appetite for luxury beachfront apartments in Australia's most popular coastal locations.

The $210 million project by Vitale Property Group has now secured more than $70 million in sales, led by residences that changed hands for $12.75 million and $11.75 million.

The record-breaking transactions reinforce the shift occurring in Byron Bay's premium property market, where affluent downsizers and lifestyle buyers are increasingly opting for high-end apartments over large beachfront homes.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eade-byron-bay-29-shirley-street-byron-bay-nsw-2481">EADE Byron Bay</a> occupies a rare 6,000 sqm absolute beachfront site on the corner of Shirley and Milton Streets overlooking Main Beach and The Wreck surf break, just 350 metres from Byron Bay's town centre.

The 25-residence development is the first beachfront apartment project approved in Byron Bay in more than a decade and is currently under construction, with completion expected in May 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]

The project has attracted a mix of local Byron Shire residents downsizing from larger homes, alongside interstate buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seeking a permanent coastal lifestyle without compromising on space.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/alexander-co">Alexander &amp; Co</a>, EADE comprises&nbsp;10 garden apartments ranging from 284 sqm to 622 sqm, nine with private pools, five full-floor apartments and 10 rooftop residences with private plunge pools, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and uninterrupted ocean views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vitale-property-group">Vitale Property Group</a> Managing Partner Chris Vitale said the project's combination of scale, location and limited future supply was driving buyer demand.

"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.

"Buyers are responding to the scarcity and the irreplaceability of a site of this calibre and to floorplans they can't find elsewhere in the market.

"We are seeing buyers place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of the location. The sales achieved to date demonstrate that discerning purchasers recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay.

"Many are coming from larger homes in the Byron region, or from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are after the space, security and convenience, without the upkeep of a house."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]

The Byron Bay project follows Vitale Property Group's delivery of the Mondrian Hotel and Private Residences at Burleigh Heads, with EADE continuing the developer's focus on luxury coastal developments.

Residents will have access to a resort-style swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, cold plunge pool, concierge services and dedicated workspaces, while the project is targeting an 8-Star Green Star rating.

EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.

WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.

"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.

"The sales achieved to date demonstrate that purchasers at this level recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay."

Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.

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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.

But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.

As online shopping has become part of everyday life, parcel deliveries have shifted from an occasional event to a regular occurrence. Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally.

For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.

If nobody is home to accept a delivery, parcels may be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in a building lobby or common area, or require building management to step in. In higher-density buildings, where dozens or even hundreds of residents may receive deliveries each day, parcel management has become an increasingly important part of everyday living.

That can create a range of frustrations. A missed delivery often means making time to collect a parcel elsewhere, while packages left unattended in foyers or mail areas can create clutter and increase the risk of theft. What seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly become a recurring issue for residents who shop online regularly.

It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.

As a result, buyers are beginning to look beyond traditional apartment features and consider how a building supports day-to-day convenience, including whether there are secure options for receiving deliveries.

Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.

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Rather than having a parcel delivered directly to an apartment, eligible deliveries can be sent to a nominated Parcel Locker. Once the parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN at a time that suits them.

The Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with installations at Post Offices, shopping centres, transport hubs and an increasing number of residential developments. By providing a secure collection point, Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and avoid parcels being left unattended in common areas.

For developers, parcel infrastructure is becoming another way to improve the resident experience. Rather than relying on concierge staff or leaving parcels in communal spaces, secure collection points help streamline deliveries while preserving the presentation and functionality of shared areas.

For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.

A generous floorplan or quality finishes might help narrow the shortlist, but the conveniences that simplify everyday life, whether that's EV charging, secure bike storage or reliable parcel delivery, often become the features residents appreciate most once they're living there.

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hg-developments">HG Developments</a> is doubling down on Maud Street in Newstead, filing plans for a new apartment tower just a few doors down from its under-construction Aire Newstead development.

Recently submitted to Brisbane City Council, the proposal is for an 18-storey building designed by bureau^proberts, which has drawn heavily on Brisbane's subtropical design principles while referencing the suburb's industrial heritage.

A total of 64 apartments are planned for the amalgamated 1,518 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-21-maud-street-newstead-qld-4006">17–21 Maud Street</a>, a short walk from the Brisbane River and Newstead Riverwalk.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a400c7fd-bd15-48f8-a63b-10ede92efe00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20bldg.png?VersionId=.0vPmjpbC7CNP7kqGWa6L7rGIwsNExaw" />

"The building is defined by a series of vaulted motifs that reinterpret the arches, colonnades and layered facades evident throughout Newstead's historic built fabric," the Urban Design Report states.

"Combined with recessed glazing and generous balconies, these elements create a layered building envelope that provides shade, weather protection and opportunities for natural ventilation whilst establishing a distinctive architectural identity."

The proposal comprises 64 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 18 residential levels, positioning it alongside a growing number of taller residential projects transforming Newstead's northern precinct. The tower incorporates extensive subtropical landscaping, with cascading planter boxes, deep planting at street level and a landscaped rooftop recreation area.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8140f4-8b98-45cd-b1b8-1efe8c8e266b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=VAZtbCoD44YCJ57N99fQCAKeSJx7ldZs" />

Bureau Proberts has prioritised passive environmental design throughout the project, with generous balconies, recessed glazing and operable façades helping reduce solar heat gain while maximising natural ventilation. River views become available from the upper levels, while the building has been orientated to capture prevailing breezes from both the Brisbane River and the west.

The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.

"Vertical greenery, cascading planter boxes and elevated gardens are woven throughout the architecture, softening the built form and strengthening the connection between residents and the subtropical environment."

"Through the integration of landscape, high-quality materials and passive design principles, the development delivers a refined residential address that celebrates Newstead's heritage character while contributing positively to Brisbane's evolving subtropical identity."

Newstead has remained one of Brisbane's most active apartment markets in recent years, with a number of developers continuing to back the inner-city suburb.

HG Developments is currently delivering the 40-apartment Aire Newstead at 25 Maud Street. Fortis recently launched the 65-apartment <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> on Kyabra Street, while builder-developer BPG and Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties are both expected to launch their respective Newstead projects before the end of the year.

HG Developments doubles down in Newstead with second Maud Street apartment development

Walk past a new apartment development promoting its sustainability credentials and it's easy to picture rooftop gardens, mature trees, landscaped courtyards and residents surrounded by nature.

But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.

Australia's leading environmental rating tools have played a significant role in improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings. Yet despite their focus on reducing emissions, many don't require developers to include trees, biodiversity or meaningful green space.

In other words, a building can achieve one of the country's highest sustainability ratings while containing little more than concrete, glass and hard landscaping.

That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.

The concept goes beyond designing buildings that consume less energy. Instead, it encourages developers to treat nature as essential infrastructure, integrating biodiversity, tree canopy, living landscapes and green spaces into projects from the earliest stages of planning.

Research has consistently linked access to nature with better physical and mental health, cooler neighbourhoods, improved biodiversity, stronger climate resilience and more connected communities. As Australia's cities continue to become denser, advocates say those outcomes should be considered just as important as energy efficiency.

Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.

Founded by Hamton Executive Chairman Paul Hameister OAM, the not-for-profit was created after research highlighted a significant gap in Australia's sustainability framework. While existing environmental rating tools rewarded energy performance and emissions reductions, they placed little emphasis on the inclusion of living landscapes.

"We've always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren't there," Hameister says.

"In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that's concrete and glass with not a blade of grass.

"The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn't been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities."

Since its launch, NBC has developed independent design guidelines and accreditation frameworks that encourage developers to prioritise ecology, biodiversity, tree canopy, walkability and living landscapes alongside traditional sustainability measures. The organisation first focused on medium and high-density residential developments before recently expanding into precinct-scale communities and masterplanned neighbourhoods.

Jan Talacko, founder of sustainability consultancy Ark Resources and a member of the Nature Based Cities Advisory Council, says the initiative addresses an area that has largely been overlooked by the property industry.

"Throughout my 25 years of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the property sector, I've always favoured a pragmatic approach to sustainable design which encourages initiatives that not only meet environmental expectations but also improve amenity," Talacko says.

"Whilst we are making steady progress in relation to energy and carbon emissions from buildings, there has been much less emphasis on encouraging biodiversity and tackling the urban heat island effect.

"The Nature Based Cities initiative responds to a gap in the suite of tools currently used by the property development sector, which don't provide sufficient incentive, or recognition, for the integration of landscaping and greenery."

For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.

Rather than assuming a sustainable building will naturally include abundant green space, buyers are increasingly being encouraged to look beyond environmental ratings and ask what nature is actually being delivered. How much tree canopy will the development create? Has biodiversity been considered? Are landscaped spaces designed for people as well as appearance?

As Australia's cities continue to grow upwards and outwards, the next generation of sustainability may not simply be measured by lower emissions, but by how successfully developments bring nature back into everyday urban life.

Patrick Stafford

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