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The weekend of June 1 saw the start of winter auctions for 2013.
A running joke in the industry is that if you’re a buyer intending to bid on a weekend auction - pray that it rains!
We at Secret Agent wanted to ask ourselves a very simple question. Could rain affect auction prices?
Would it have a detrimental effect on property pricing?
Our initial thoughts were that it wouldn’t impact results. If a buyer was set to bid on a property, the weather wouldn’t impact the way a serious purchaser would peruse it.
However, we started following some interesting research on the correlation of stock market performance and the weather, and this started our quest to establish if in fact the Melbourne property market was influenced by the weather.
The research mentioned was prepared by the University of Berkeley, and compared the DowJones Industrials and weather patterns from 1948 - 2010.
The market recorded an average reduction of 2.8% on cloudy days over that time period (62 years of data).
We looked at the winter months when an auction occurred on a wet day (i.e. more than 4mm of rain) and there was an average price difference of of 5% less as opposed to auctions that took place on a dry day with less than 4mm of rain.
This finding was compiled with 2012 Melbourne sales results that occurred on a Saturday (i.e. at auction) between June and August 2012.
<ul>
<li>Average auction result with less than 4mm of rain, $1,003,300</li>
<li>Average auction result with 4mm or more of rain, $956,800</li>
</ul>
The lower 5% difference could be expected for property owners auctioning on a rainy day!
The one saving grace to this situation is that some correlations over the past decade show that prices on a whole are stronger in winter than those at other points in the year.
The reason for this is the scarcity of stock in winter. A vendor could be wise to sell in winter, but only on a dry day!
Paul Osborne is managing director of buyers' advocate <a href="https://secretagent.com.au/" target="_blank">Secret Agent</a>.
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Wet winter days can impact auction results: Paul Osborne

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Melbourne buyers' agent Paul Osborne of Secret Agent has looked at some of Melbourne's top inner suburbs to get an indicative price per square metre. 
The monthly focuses on houses in Melbourne's inner-city suburbs within a six-kilometre radius of the Melbourne GPO, addressing 26 suburbs.
"Our square metre-rate comparison is the first of its kind for the inner-city suburbs of Melbourne," he says.
"As expected for the period July to September 2012, East Melbourne was the most expensive of the 26 suburbs reviewed, with a median price of $12,676 per square metre of land.
"The most economical inner city suburbs were Brunswick at $2,546 and Brunswick East at $2,514.
"The median price per square metre in the premium suburb of Hawthorn at $3,281 demonstrates the traction that the inner city suburbs have in the property market," he says.
 
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At $2,514 per square metre Brunswick East has cheapest house prices in inner Melbourne: Paul Osborne

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We get the odd frustration from having an auction operate under a different formula from the standard schedule 1 auction (explained below).
A few weeks ago, we were bidding on behalf of a client for the property 74 Falconer Street North Fitzroy (pictured below). Half an hour before the auction, we were made aware that one of the owners of the property were intending to bid at their own auction. The sale situation was a deceased estate.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/falconher.jpg">
A number of siblings were the beneficiaries, and one sibling wanted to buy the property from the other siblings. They used an open market strategy, and we ended up being outbid by that sibling at the auction.
It was a disappointing situation. We felt that the entire campaign should have this mentioned in its marketing material rather than being made aware just 30 minutes prior to the auction.
As a guide to these confusing situations, we’ve included below the different types of auctions so buyers can be best informed about these and what they mean.
By law, the estate agent must display the auction rules 30 mins prior to auction. The auction can either be schedule 1, 2, 3, 4 or a schedule 1 with an alternative.
Here is the breakdown:
Schedule 1:
The most common auction in Victoria. A schedule 1 auction allows the agent to place a bid on behalf of the vendor, however no co-owner bidding to take place.
The alternative to schedule 1 is exactly the same listed above with no vendor bidding at all. This is the purest auction possible. However, most auctions will not use this.
Schedule 2:
Where two co-owners own the property, one co-owner may bid for the property, plus the auctioneer may also take a vendor bid on behalf of the owners.
Schedule 3:
The property has two owners or more, and some (but not all) co-owners may bid for the property. The auctioneer may also take vendor bids.
Schedule 4:
Two or more co-owners own the property. All co-owners may bid on the property, however vendor bids cannot be taken by the auctioneer.
This can be a marriage situation were both husband and wife are bidding for their own property together with the open market!
A good tip for property buyers is to always look at the rules of the auction before you intend to bid. Even take a photo with your smartphone to ensure that the auction you are bidding on is a pure auction. Owners bidding on their own property can distort the price paid to unrealistic levels, and you don’t want to be left buying a property at a figure that isn’t market driven.
Paul Osborne is the founder of Melbourne buyers' agency <a target="_blank" href="https://secretagent.com.au/">Secret Agent</a>.
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Make sure you understand the type of auction you are attending

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The decade of 2000 to 2010 was a special one. With the exception of 2008, property prices went in one direction – up!
Melbourne clearance rates highlight the occurrence. 
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<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/08/osborne.jpg" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/osbornethumb.jpg"></a>
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reiv.com.au/">REIV</a>
According to The Economist, Australian house prices are still 36% overvalued.
Melbourne has been Australia’s most dominant city over the past decade. Over the past few years (2011-12), the Melbourne market has started to experience the hangover effects from the 2008 GFC government stimulus that artificially boosted auction clearance rates and helped propel the exuberance.
Sections of the market around the inner-city pockets are still showing resistance to the changing market conditions.
There are numerous examples of those sales that haven’t fared well in the current market. These are the places that have been sold twice within the past five years or have at least attempted to do so.
It's a list of properties that haven't been so lucky:
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/osborne12.jpg">
43 Summerhill Avenue, Glen Iris
Then: May 15, 2010, sold for $1,491,000
Now: Back on market at $1,299,000
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/osborne11.jpg">
217 Rossmoyne Street, Thornbury
Then: May 1, 2010, sold for $920,000
Now: August 18, 2012, passed in at $790,000
Asking price $849,000 
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/osborne6.jpg">
27 Collett Street, Kensington
Then: February 9, 2008, sold for $580,000
Now: July 21, 2012, sold for $547,500
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/osborne7.jpg">
60A May Street, Fitzroy North
Then: October 30, 2010, sold for $1,440,000
Now: June 2, 2012, sold for $1,432,000
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/osborne4.jpg">
8 Bayview Street, Prahran
Then: June 18, 2010, sold for $1,020,000
Now: March 31, 2012, sold for $960,000
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/osborne5.jpg">
15 Collett Street, Kensington
Then: November 6, 2010, sold for $627,000
Now: March 13, 2012, sold for $589,000
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/osborne3.jpg">
10 Quantock Street, Canterbury
Then: September 17, 2010, sold for $2.1 million
Now: October 18, 2011, sold for $1.83 million
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/osborne10.jpg">
319 Richardson Street, Princes Hill
Then: November 14, 2009, sold for $1,045,000
Subsequent: September 18, 2009, sold for $1,033,000
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/osborne8.jpg">
47/1 Queensberry Street, Carlton 
Then: December 21, 2007, sold for $953,000
Subsequent: August 12, 2009, sold for $840,000
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/osborne9.jpg">
462 Canning Street, Carlton North
Then: August 18,2007, sold for $1,175,000
Subsequent:  July 24, 2009, sold for $1,100,000
Paul Osborne is the founder of Melbourne buyers' agency <a target="_blank" href="https://secretagent.com.au/">Secret Agent</a>.
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Nine Melbourne homes feeling the hangover effects from the 2008 GFC government stimulus: Paul Osborne 

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Talk often centres around Melbourne being an expensive city, and it is – make no mistake about it.
But how does Melbourne compare internationally?
We’ve analysed a number of Melbourne’s top suburbs to get an indicative price per square metre rate for property, and compared them to the world leaders across the globe.
For starters we’ve sourced the most expensive cities across the world to see how they compare. The top 10:
<ol>
<li>Monaco: $58,000 per square metre. This is world’s most expensive place. It helps when you don’t have to pay taxes!</li>
<li>London: $48,000 per sqm</li>
<li>Hong Kong: $45,000 per sqm (Houses only)</li>
<li>Geneva: $33,000 per sqm</li>
<li>Hong Kong: $27,000 per sqm(Apartments only)</li>
<li>Paris: $25,000 per sqm</li>
<li>Singapore: $24,000 per sqm</li>
<li>Moscow: $23,000 per sqm</li>
<li>Zurich: $23,000 per sqm</li>
<li>New York $21,500 per sqm (Apartments only)</li>
</ol>
(Data compiled for last quarter 2011)
We’ve used the average square metre price in Melbourne as our comparison point. We’ve also compared the most recent quarter prices and benchmarked them to houses only, so apartments have been excluded from the data.
So how do we compare for different suburbs? Here is an interesting selection:
• East Melbourne: $11,133 per sqm Melbourne’s highest-priced inner-city suburb, East Melbourne takes the cake.
• Carlton: $9,409 per sqm
• Fitzroy: $6,888 per sqm
• Brunswick: $3,380 per sqm (With 48 sales recorded, this was the largest data set collected for a suburb)
• Abbotsford: $6,785 per sqm
• Hawthorn: $3,443 per sqm (Suprising result)
• Albert Park: $8,181 per sqm
• North Melbourne: $7,230 per sqm
• West Melbourne: $4,986 per sqm
• Yarraville: $2,229 per sqm
• South Melbourne: $7,652 per sqm
Surprising outcomes were the low per square metre rate attributed to Hawthorn. Brunswick was the most accurate data example thanks to a pool of 48 transactions. The inner west showed the most favourable square metre rate, with Yarraville at just over $2,000 per square metre. West Melbourne was the most affordable suburb on the doorstep of the city.
Interesting takeaways are:
<ul>
<li>London is 21.5 times more expensive than Yarraville</li>
<li>Hong Kong is four times more expensive than East Melbourne</li>
<li>Monaco is 16 times more expensive than Hawthorn (When it comes to price per square metre of real estate)</li>
</ul>
Melbourne is an expensive city. However compared to world standards, Melbourne is still far behind the big cities (or tax havens) when it comes to price per square metre of land.
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Paul Osborne is the founder of Melbourne buyers' agency <a href="https://secretagent.com.au/" target="_blank">Secret Agent</a>.
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Yarraville, Hawthorn, even East Melbourne lag behind the world's big cities for residential property prices: Paul Osborne

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Meelbourne's top end has more big sales “off market” than on market at present.
The latest market conditions have created nervousness for many owners, and they’ve become a lot more cautious about adopting a full blown marketing campaign.
So the number of “off-market” sales is increasing rapidly, especially in the price range of $2.5 million and above.
We’ve now noticed that in the inner city for example, more sales are being made through “off-market” channels than advertised ones at present.
This creates a whole new world of discreet sales, handshake deals and confidentially agreements.
So what are the benefits of “off-market” transactions for buyers and sellers?
• Privacy kept in tact
• Home only open to the most qualified of buyers
• Buyers can negotiate free of any public street theatre
• Terms of agreement can be much more creative
• Prices kept confidential
• No large marketing commitments
Paul Osborne is the founder of Melbourne buyers' agency <a href="https://secretagent.com.au/" target="_blank">Secret Agent</a>.
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Melbourne top-end sales increasingly carried out off market

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The width of a terrace can make for huge variations in sale prices achieved.
The common terrace sits with a frontage of 4.5 metres to 5.1 metres. Suburbs such as Carlton, North Melbourne and South Melbourne are cramped with terraces of this size.
As the convergence of inner-city living continues to accelerate, many buyers are faced with the prospect of buying a single-fronted terrace, as the premium paid for double-fronted homes is often just too great.
We are noticing the slightly larger terrace, with a common frontage of between 5.5 metres to 6.5 metres is a hotly contested accommodation bracket.
The differences in prices paid is not a value for the extra land being purchased, but for the privilege of being able to find that type of property in the first place.
Price per square metre can increase by up to $750 per square metre for land that allows for that extra width. The homes sitting on these wider blocks also generally have a grander feel to them and strong bones for going up and out with renovations.
Carlton North
(Both properties need work, and the position is an excellent comparison.)
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/cnorth1.jpg">
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/cnorth2.jpg">
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/fnorth1.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/2012/05/fnorth2.jpg">
 
 
 
 
 
Paul Osborne is the founder of Melbourne buyers' agency <a target="_blank" href="https://secretagent.com.au/">Secret Agent</a>.
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How inner-city terrace width makes a world of difference

Lendlease’s Barangaroo South precinct is officially complete, marking the culmination of a 15-year urban regeneration project that has revitalised Sydney’s harbourfront.&nbsp;

In 2009, the NSW Government’s Barangaroo Delivery Authority appointed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lendlease-development">Lendlease</a> as developer to transform what was once an inaccessible container port on the western edge &nbsp;of Sydney’s CBD into one of the city’s most thriving mixed-use destinations. Today, Barangaroo South is home to more than 1,800 residents, 23,000 workers, 95 retailers and welcomes 33,000 visitors each day. The precinct stands as an international benchmark for large-scale urban regeneration.&nbsp;

International Towers Sydney, the three flagship commercial buildings at the centre of &nbsp;Barangaroo South, together with engineered timber buildings Daramu House and &nbsp;International House, attracted major corporate tenants from the outset, including Westpac, &nbsp;PwC and KPMG, who are still there today. These workplaces remain some of the most &nbsp;sought after in Sydney’s CBD with over 95 per cent occupancy– a testament to the appeal of world-class, modern infrastructure alongside the precinct’s dining and entertainment that &nbsp;are a drawcard for businesses.&nbsp;

One Sydney Harbour, the three luxury residential towers designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano, has achieved more than $4 billion in sales since its launch in 2019, while setting new Australia property price records. This includes the three-level penthouse that crowns Residences One which sold for more than $141 million in 2019 – the most expensive individual residential property ever sold in Australia. &nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139801 project_image_fid=349150]

Barangaroo South is also Australia’s first mixed-use carbon-neutral development, an accolade achieved through energy-efficient and innovative infrastructure, including a district cooling plant with a harbour water heat rejection system, a recycled water &nbsp;treatment plant, onsite solar and an embedded electricity network.

The precinct has maintained its Climate Active Carbon Neutral certification since 2019, affirming its &nbsp;reputation as the gold standard in large scale, sustainable urban renewal. Additionally, its &nbsp;world leadership status has been validated by the Green Building Council of Australia’s &nbsp;6 Star Green Star Communities recertification (Pilot v.2).

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139801 project_image_fid=349157]

First Nations cultural values were embedded throughout the planning and delivery of the project. The precinct honours Barangaroo, a prominent First Nations woman, through its &nbsp;name. Public art, street names, and design elements across the precinct reflect and &nbsp;celebrate First Nations cultures and connections to Country.&nbsp;

The project's completion positions Barangaroo South as a legacy urban transformation delivered through long-term partnerships and world-leading urban regeneration and placemaking capabilities. &nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139801 project_image_fid=349154]

Tony Lombardo, Group CEO Lendlease, said&nbsp;Barangaroo South represents one of the most significant urban regeneration projects in Australia.

"[It] demonstrates what can be achieved through an ambitious vision, innovative placemaking, long-term commitment and strong partnerships. The precinct has changed the face of Sydney's waterfront, established new benchmarks &nbsp;for sustainable development, and provided a model for urban regeneration that continues &nbsp;to inform our approach to creating places that deliver long-lasting value.”&nbsp;

Tom Mackellar, CEO Development Lendlease, said&nbsp;Barangaroo South has reconnected the city to its harbour in a way that seemed unimaginable 15 years ago and turned it into a thriving precinct where people can live, work and gather on the harbour’s edge.&nbsp;

“This precinct is the result of countless contributions, led by the NSW Government who set the ambition, supported by investment partners who believed in Lendlease’s vision, imagined by architects and designers, shaped by consultants and artists, and brought to &nbsp;life by our dedicated construction teams. &nbsp;

“What we’ve created here is more than buildings – it’s the best of placemaking, sustainability, arts and culture and quality design. Barangaroo South has become an integral part of Sydney that will serve our city and economy for generations.”

Staff Writer

Barangaroo South’s 15-year transformation of  Sydney’s waterfront officially complete

CBE Asia Pacific has lodged plans for a prominent corner site in Fitzroy North, with a proposal that integrates state-significant affordable housing alongside heritage adaptation and new retail.

The application covers a consolidated 2,024 sqm parcel at 201–215 Queens Parade and 6–12 Dummett Crescent. The site includes the heritage-listed Former Clifton Motor Hill Garage, fronting Queens Parade, and vacant land to the rear abutting Dummett Crescent.

According to planning documents prepared by proUrban, the proposal seeks approval for a 12-storey residential building comprising 98 apartments, including a component of affordable housing, over a ground floor retail podium integrated within the heritage structure. Approximately 780 sqm of retail space will occupy the ground floor, while residents will have access to over 850 sqm of communal amenity.

The built form presents as two connected volumes: a 12-storey tower addressing Dummett Crescent and a five-storey volume fronting Queens Parade, the latter consistent with a separate Heritage Victoria permit granted in 2023. The tower reaches a maximum height of 38.26 metres, with upper-level setbacks of 14 metres from the western boundary to reduce visual bulk. A 1.5-metre footpath widening is proposed to Dummett Crescent Lane.

Parking is provided across four basement levels, accessed via Dummett Crescent, with a total of 142 car spaces and 143 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cht-architects">CHT Architects</a> is framed by a need to reconcile new density with a sensitive heritage overlay. The Former Clifton Motor Hill Garage, identified as a place of State heritage significance, will retain its key façades, with demolition and reconstruction limited to approved elements.

As noted in the Heritage Impact Assessment, the proposal remains consistent with the Heritage Victoria permit, which allows "partial demolition, reconstruction and new works, involving the construction of a five-storey multi-use development and three basement levels".

Affordable housing has been embedded into the proposal under Clause 53.23, with specific apartment allocations aimed at enhancing housing diversity within the Queens Parade Activity Centre.

"The proposal is generally consistent with the relevant policy objectives and the intent of the Yarra Planning Scheme," proUrban states in its planning assessment, citing its alignment with strategic documents including Plan Melbourne and Victoria’s Housing Statement.

CHT Architects' plans emphasise a tiered design that acknowledges the site's varied interfaces—from the elevated Heidelberg Road ramp reserve to the recently built Clifton Views aged care facility to the north-east.

CBE Asia Pacific has not been previously active in this precinct, but the project joins a wave of higher-density residential proposals along the Queens Parade corridor, spurred by Melbourne’s broader push to increase affordable housing in well-connected inner-urban areas.

The site benefits from direct access to the Queens Parade tram corridor and proximity to Clifton Hill Station (approximately 200 metres), as well as green open spaces including Mayors Park and Raines Reserve. Clifton Hill Primary School and the Queens Parade retail village lie within walking distance.

First look: CBE Asia Pacific plans 100-apartment Jenkin House on Queens Parade, Fitzroy North

ALT Pasta, one of Melbourne’s most beloved inner-city pasta bars, has been confirmed as one of the first tenancies for the highly anticipated <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/comme-prahran-182-194-commercial-road-prahran-vic-3181">Comme Prahran</a> development, marking an exciting next chapter for the cult favourite as it prepares to expand into the heart of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/prahran-vic-3181">Prahran</a>.

Fresh off being named National Best Italian Restaurant at the 2025 Restaurant &amp; Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence, ALT continues to solidify its reputation as a quietly confident leader in Melbourne’s dining scene. Lauded for its reinterpretation of Italian pasta through a Korean and Japanese lens, the restaurant has grown into a staple since opening three years ago, and its new Prahran outpost will only deepen its local impact.

“From the very beginning, ALT has been about respect - for tradition, for ingredients, and for the process,” shares Mino Han, ALT’s founder, a Korean-Australian chef whose vision is shaped by cultural duality and craftsmanship.&nbsp;

“We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, just make something beautifully familiar, feel quietly special,” added Han.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108413 project_image_fid=353585]

Positioned at the entrance to Comme Prahran and directly opposite the iconic Prahran Market, the new venue will celebrate the interplay between casual comfort and elevated detail. Designed in collaboration with Rooftop Architecture, the same team behind ALT’s flagship city location, the space will mirror the neighbourhood’s laid-back energy while staying true to the brand’s understated refinement.

Diners can expect a frequently changing menu that takes advantage of the market’s daily produce, along with set menu offerings exclusive to this location. A distinctive chef’s table and open kitchen format are also in the works, allowing guests to experience ALT’s signature intimacy and transparency in a new light.

ALT Prahran won’t replace the original venue; rather, it complements it.

“Our city site is like our heritage bottle; it’ll age gracefully. Prahran is where we’ll play, explore new ingredients, and bring something special to the community,” Mino notes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108413 project_image_fid=353584]

For Comme Prahran, a boutique development by Leeka that blends heritage with multi-dimensional wellness, ALT Pasta’s arrival signals a meaningful addition to its vision of cultural connection, food-first living, and local engagement.

“Being part of Comme is more than just opening a second venue. It’s about contributing to a neighbourhood with character, history, and a strong sense of community. That’s something we deeply relate to,” says Mino.

Sustainability and cultural identity are deeply embedded in the ethos of ALT. From ingredient sourcing to interior design, the new location will reflect both environmental mindfulness and a spirit of inclusion, embodying the values of Melbourne’s diverse, forward-thinking culinary scene.

Comme Prahran is scheduled for completion in late 2027, with ALT Pasta expected to be among the first tenancies to open its doors shortly after.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108413]

National best Italian restaurant ALT Pasta to open at Comme Prahran, bringing refined familiarity to Melbourne’s culinary heart

National BEST Italian restaurant ALT Pasta to open at Comme Prahran

&nbsp;Boutique development and construction firm Ryser has filed plans for its debut apartment building.

Ryser, founded by Jonthan Ryan and Wil Prosser, has sought to develop <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sorelle-4a-fern-place-woollahra-nsw-2025">Sorelle</a>, 28 new apartments at 4a Fern Place, Woollahra.

The&nbsp;750 sqm site on the edge of Bondi Junction falls within the Grafton Precinct Heritage Conservation Area, though it is currently vacant and not identified as a contributory item.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> has been commissioned to design Sorelle, creating an eight and a nine-storey building with six apartments dedicated to affordable housing to support essential workers&nbsp;under the NSW Government’s low and mid-rise housing policy.

The dwelling mix includes 12 one-bedroom units, six one-bedroom affordable units, six two-bedroom units, and four three-bedroom residences.<img alt="4A Fern Place, Woollahra." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="86626941-772d-49c5-8d31-a8e42f44cdcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Fern%20bldg%20st.png?VersionId=tWIzXYX9gD60nP1L3..Z0BFbY5mafb36" />

According to the planning documents submitted to the Woollahra Council, the development responds to the complex interface of heritage fabric and urban infrastructure with two mid-rise residential buildings oriented to the north and designed to capitalise on sweeping views over Sydney Harbour and Bellevue Hill.&nbsp;

“The proposal aims to hero some of the brick detailing of Woollahra, celebrating the existing datums of Fern Place, whilst embracing the strong verticals of the Holy Cross Church and Bondi Junction with a nod to the historic iron works and iron rich soils of the area,” Woods Bagot noted in their Design Report.

&nbsp;

Only three car parking spaces are proposed, alongside 33 bicycle bays, in a move that leverages the site's proximity to Bondi Junction train station, just 400 metres away.

Architecturally, the material palette incorporates Corten steel and face brickwork to reference the site’s industrial past and local geological character. Landscaping features include a communal garden bridging the two buildings at ground level, landscaped setbacks to protect visual privacy, and a small corner park intended to soften the public interface.

<img alt="4A Fern Place, Woollahra." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f71766d6-aa14-44df-9bc5-42f91890fd4a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Fern%20bldg%20rear.png?VersionId=uh7u1rJ6NJF5OqyRs9iNJcy6R9ssgaXU" />

Ryser said Sorelle "brings together the best of both worlds, the intimacy of village life with the amenity and luxury of modern design."

The developer said the project marks the first of three developments they will be announcing shortly, a key step in their&nbsp;evolution as a builder-developer delivering meaningful, high quality urban outcomes across Sydney.

The expectation is the Woollahra LGA will become popular for developers with the signal from the NSW Government they will deliver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw" target="">Sydney</a>’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade – enabling up to 10,000 new homes by rezoning land around&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/woollahra-nsw-2025" target="">Woollahra</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/edgecliff-nsw-2027" target="">Edgecliff</a>&nbsp;stations.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/next-stop-woollahra-train-station-delivering-up-to-10-000-new-homes-in-the-heart-of-sydney">Next stop Woollahra train station - delivering up to 10,000 new homes in the heart of Sydney&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: Ryser plans two apartment buildings on Woollahra, Bondi Junction border

ASX-listed developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cedar-woods" target="">Cedar Woods</a> didn’t miss a beat when the opportunity arose to acquire a prime residential development site in one of Perth’s most popular suburbs. In 2019, the developer secured the former Wembley TAFE site, a 1.4-hectare parcel perfectly positioned on the western edge of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/subiaco-wa-6008" target="">Subiaco</a>’s vibrant centre.

The first stage, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/incontro-subiaco-133-salvado-road-subiaco-wa-6008">Incontro Townhomes</a>, delivered 41 contemporary homes that embrace the suburb’s unique blend of nature and urban energy. Now, Incontro Apartments continues that story, offering a collection of new residences in a market limited with new residential stock. The rarity of a development in such a prime pocket hasn't been lost on buyers, with more than 60 per cent already sold in the early stages of construction.

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Set on the tree-lined Bishop Street, in a quiet pocket within Western Subiaco, Incontro Apartments offers convenient access to several lush parks and recreation spots.&nbsp;

Within the estate is Incontro’s Little Green, a linear park that connects the Incontro townhome precinct with the future apartment building. This peaceful stretch of landscaped parkland features shaded seating and communal spaces for residents to relax and interact close to home.&nbsp;

Less than 400 metres away is find Henderson Park, a perfect spot for morning walks, weekend picnics or casual exercise. Neighbouring Henderson Park is Mabel Talbot Park, home to Jolimont Lake and a playground, while just a little further lies Pat Goodridge Park, offering a large sports field and another playground.&nbsp;

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For something closer to home, Subiaco Common provides a peaceful green retreat right on your doorstep - ideal for reading under the trees, walking the dog or relaxing with friends.

Beyond the parks and open spaces, Incontro residents are just moments from everything that makes Subiaco such an enviable place to live.&nbsp;

Down the road is Bishop Street Café, a local favourite for a morning caffeine fix. Subiaco’s Rokeby Road and Hay Street are lined with retailers, cafés, vibrant bars and some of Perth’s most loved dining spots, from long lunches at Refuge Small Bar or Juanita’s, to weekend brunch at Community Coffee Co. or Boucla Café. Add to that a strong sense of local community, regular markets, and the energy of Subiaco Square, and it’s easy to see why Subiaco continues to be one of Perth’s most liveable and in-demand suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=325605]

Construction of Incontro Apartments is now underway by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/emco-building">EMCO Building</a>. With completion expected in mid-2027, buyers have the chance to join a thriving Subiaco community in the not-too-distant future. &nbsp;

One-bedroom apartments are now sold out, with only a selection of two-bedroom apartments and just three three-bedroom residences remaining. Each features generous layouts, stylish finishes and private balconies to enjoy the leafy outlook that makes this Subiaco address so special. Prices start from $925,000*.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108869]

Paul Osborne

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Paul Osborne

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