<html><body>
While Australia celebrates 25 years of economic growth, or an expansion in GDP, one economist says the story is different for the average household as an increase in population takes a toll on living standards.
Commonwealth Bank senior economist Gareth Aird says in a report produced by the bank’s economics team that the focus on the headline GDP number is misleading, and a better measure would be the per capita growth.
Aird said while the focus on immigration has boosted consumption because “more people means more spending”, and hence GDP growth, population growth creates problems like overcrowding, traffic congestion and high housing costs.
The latest gross domestic product (GDP) figures for the June quarter, released in September, showed the economy growing at an annual pace of 3.3 percent.
"Despite the fact that the economy's growing at what looks like a healthy clip on the surface, the way that transfers to how households feel at the moment suggests that things aren't too crash," Aird was quoted by ABC.
Aird said the headline GDP figure ignores population growth, which automatically grows the economy but not the standard of living.
“If you've got more people, you've got more spending," he said in an interview for RN Breakfast.
“But what really matters for households is not the overall growth rate of the economy but how their incomes are growing."
He said a better measure for this purpose is real net national disposable income (RNNDI) per capita, which more closely reflects the income going to households and their capacity to buy goods and services.
Unlike GDP, which has been boosted by the rising volume of mining exports even though prices for those exports have slumped, RNNDI has been hit hard, and has been going backwards for most of the past five years when looked at per person.
He said governments focus more on GDP growth because it “benefits businesses that can take advantage of an ever growing population, or customer base if you like”. 
One of the economic arguments that has been used to support current immigration rates has been that it helps offset an ageing population.
However, the CBA report said this is only "kicking the can down the road", with the current working age migrants themselves ageing and leaving the workforce 20, 30 or 40 years from now.
Although Aird did point out the benefits to the Australian economy from immigration.
"If you look at the historical experience of Australia, there has absolutely been benefits to having pretty strong population growth," he said.
"But I think more recently we've seen some of the indicators suggest that those benefits are probably starting to wane and unless there's a commensurate lift in public investment, a look at housing affordability more broadly ... then I think the benefits to running a strong immigration program are questionable."
He said to make migration work, governments should also focus on building infrastructure such as more affordable transport and housing.
</body></html>

prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Population growth fuels GDP rise, but lowers living standards: CBA economist

<html><body>
A commercial freehold building in the heart of Sydney CBD has been brought to the market by CBRE.
Located at 296 George Street, the building is opposite Wynyard Station with its corner position well suited to a retail business.
The ground and first two levels are for lease while the basement level is occupied by Lee's Malaysian Restaurant (includes adjoining 300 George Street strata lot).
The building’s land area is about 82 sqm. 
Julian Choo and Tim Grosmann of CBRE are looking after the sales campaign.
The property last exchanged hands in 2013 for $5.8 million though it was listed for $6 million, according to RP Data. It spent 169 days on the market then. The vendor was Advance Bank of Australia.
<img src="/images/2016/10/17/SydCBD2.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Commercial building suited to retail in Sydney CBD comes to the market

<html><body>
Clouds of Montville Eco Resort, a Victorian-style resort on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, has come to the market for $2.65 million.
Set on an area of 1.92 ha, <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-qld-montville-502143778" target="_blank">the resort</a> comprises 10 apartments and four cottages (with approval for two more), a spa and sauna, swimming pool, a nine-hole frissbee golf course and other facilities.
The current owners had previous experience in hospitality, and made improvements to all aspects of the property and business, including the systems and websites which improved gross takings, says the description.
The owners are keen to sell the resort due to a family member's illness. Prior to them, the previous owners set up the resort over a period seventeen years.
The well presented property is also close to shops, markets, restaurants, art galleries, parks and waterfalls.
The listing agent is Jim Hughes of LJ Hooker.
<img src="/images/2016/10/14/Montville2.jpg" alt=""> 
</body></html>

Clouds of Montville Eco Resort in Sunshine Coast on the market for $2.65 million

<html><body>
An oversupply of new apartments in some regions in Australia over the next two years will pressure both real estate prices and rental returns from investment properties in these areas, says Moody's Investors Service.
The conclusions were contained in Moody’s report titled Apartment Construction Boom Poses Moderate Risk to Australian RMBS, which is based on the data in its supplementary excel report, Australian RMBS Exposure to Apartments in High-Density Regions. 
Around 230,000 new apartments are due to be completed across all the capital cities of Australia by 2018, according to Corelogic. This figure is more than double the annual average sales of apartments over the five years to April 2016. And more than half will be built in regions where there is already a large supply of existing apartments.
"Such a development will in turn raise the risk for residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) exposed to these 'high-density regions', but for Moody's-rated RMBS portfolio overall, the rise in risk will be moderate," says Natsumi Matsuda, an analyst at the credit rating firm.
"Specifically, with the Australian RMBS that we rate, there is a moderate overall exposure of 5.6% to mortgages on apartments in high-density regions," said Matsuda. 
"Furthermore, the risk posed to RMBS is mitigated by the level of equity that is available to absorb losses if borrowers default, as highlighted by the low weighted average loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of mortgages on apartments in high-density regions.” 
Exhibit 1 shows the exposure of the Australian RMBS portfolio to regions where, according to Corelogic, the largest number of new apartments is due to be completed over the next two years. The RMBS portfolio's largest exposures to apartments in these high- density regions are in the Sydney Inner City and Melbourne City regions, which are ranked first and third in terms of the areas with the most new apartments due to be completed over the next two years. 
<a href="/images/2016/10/13/Exhibit1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/Exhibit1.jpg" alt="">
On LTV on mortgages in high-density regions, the current level is 62.5 percent, which drops to 47.6 percent after considering the increase in apartment prices.
Exhibit 2 below shows the five deals with the largest exposure to mortgages on apartments in high-density regions. In all of these deals, mortgage loans have low LTVs on weighted average basis, which means there is a material level of equity to absorb losses if borrowers default. 
<a href="/images/2016/10/13/Exhibit2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/Exhibit2.jpg" alt="">
Exhibit 3 below lists the five deals with the lowest exposure to mortgages on apartments in high-density regions. These deals face the least risk from the increase in the supply of apartments in high-density regions.  
<a href="/images/2016/10/13/Exhibit3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/Exhibit3.jpg" alt=""> 
Melbourne suburbs have least additional equity to absorb losses
Of the high-density regions to which the Australian RMBS portfolio is exposed, mortgages in inner Melbourne have the least additional equity (7.6%) for absorbing losses, owing to the relatively low level of apartment price increases, says Moody’s.
Prices in the Melbourne City region have risen by just 5% over the last five years, compared with the 40% rise in Sydney apartment prices over this period.
<a href="/images/2016/10/13/Exhibit4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/Exhibit4.jpg" alt="">
A relatively high proportion of mortgages on apartments in high-density regions are investment (46.5%) and interest-only (31%) mortgages, which adds to the risk, says Moody. 
Investment and interest-only mortgages are typically riskier than owner occupier and principle and interest mortgages, because, among other factors, borrowers typically repay loans slower and will therefore build equity more slowly. 
In the RMBS portfolio, the slower repayment of housing investment and interest-only mortgages is evident in the higher LTVs of these loans when compared with the overall portfolio, as Exhibit 5 shows. 
<a href="/images/2016/10/13/Exhibit5.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="/images/2016/10/13/Exhibit5.jpg" alt="">
Furthermore, the large supply of new apartments due to be completed in high-density regions will put downward pressure on apartment rents in these areas and drive up vacancy rates, lowering the return for investors who rely on rental income to repay their housing investment loans. 
Rental yields on apartments in Sydney and Melbourne are already at the lowest levels in a decade. Such developments will in turn pressure mortgage performance.
 
</body></html>

Rising supply of apartments in Australia to pressure prices, especially inner Melbourne: Moody’s

<html><body>
Malaysian property developer UEM Sunrise Berhad has started construction of Conservatory, a 446-apartment project in Melbourne that will reflect the importance of the archaeological finds from the site.
Digging at the 9-23 McKenzie Street site uncovered over 250,000 artefacts in the former Mistletoe Hotel dating back to 1855.
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/Sunrise2.jpg" alt="" width="718" height="525">
Treasures from Melbourne’s Gold Rush era such as a gold nugget, early silver coins, Rising Sun military badges and other artefacts were recovered. The excavation was carried out by consultants TerraCulture Pty Ltd.
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/Sunrise3.jpg" alt="" width="727" height="486">
Jeremy Smith, principal archaeologist at Heritage Victoria, emphasised the importance of the excavation in unravelling a piece of Melbourne’s history.  
“These items signify the influx of wealth coming into Melbourne during the time of European settlement and the gold rush. We are incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity to uncover these artefacts.” 
The $330 million Conservatory is UEM Sunrise Berhad’s second project in Melbourne and will comprise 446 units of one, two and three-bedroom residences on 42 levels. It will also have three levels of residential facilities including a pool, gym, private cinema and jacuzzi. 
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/i1.jpg" alt="">
Its first was Aurora Melbourne Central.
Hickory Group Pty Ltd (Hickory) has been appointed the builder for Conservatory, with construction expected to be completed by end 2018. Ninety percent apartments have been sold to date.
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/i2.jpg" alt="">
UEM Sunrise Chief Operating Officer (Commercial), Raymond Cheah, said “It is fitting that Conservatory’s history is rooted in the opulent Gold Rush era – positioned next to the lush Carlton Gardens. This project epitomises luxury, park-side living with its quality interiors and all the finer things in life such as a private jacuzzi, observation skydeck, private cinema and golf simulator.” 
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/i3.jpg" alt="">
Conservatory is nestled between the UNESCO World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens.
Taking inspiration from the park, the exterior of Conservatory will resemble an elegant glasshouse, designed by Cox Architecture Pty Ltd, that will change colours with the seasons.
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/i4.jpg" alt="">
In paying homage to the site’s history, builder Hickory will incorporate some of the bluestone uncovered in the excavation into the building as a permanently installed piece of art, as well as display cases to showcase the selection of findings in Conservatory’s lobby. 
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/i6.jpg" alt="">
“Conservatory will no doubt be an amazing place to live, even more so knowing that we are all contributing to the next chapter of the area’s already rich history,” said Michael Argyrou, Hickory’s managing director.  
 <img src="/images/2016/10/13/i7.jpg" alt="">
 
</body></html>

Construction starts on Conservatory, an apartment project with archaeological twist  

<html><body>
A US-linked syndicate has closed the deal for Port Hinchinbrook in Queensland, which it plans to redevelop into a top marina destination for $450 million. 
The resort, located adjacent to Hinchinbrook Island and near Cardwell, was first developed by Keith Williams in the 1990s but was damaged in the aftermath of Cyclone Yasi in 2011. It fell into the hands of liquidators after the collapse of Williams Corporation in 2013.
The Passage Holdings, an Australian company linked to American businessmen Lewis Cohen, Stephan Pinto and Joe Korman, settled the deal for the resort on September 27 with liquidator FTI Consulting.
Company spokesman Bruce Goddard, director of Place Projects, said the path was now clear for The Passage Holdings to unveil its 10-year masterplan to transform the resort, which will be renamed Hinchinbrook Harbour and Resort.
Goddard said a number of issues had delayed the settlement, but the deal went through in the end. 
“It’s very exciting to be moving ahead with a development that will become one of Australia’s finest safe-haven marina destinations,” he said.
“The developers will begin dredging works on the canal and marina as soon as practical so locals and visitors can once again enjoy the great fishing and waterways of the Hinchinbrook Channel.”
Goddard said the settlement also paved the way for the appointment of an  independent third party body corporate to resolve the disputes between residents and the former owners and late developer Keith Williams.
“The proposed structure will bring to an end years of unrest and poor communication,” he said.
“Our natural assets and the strong north Queensland market set a positive tone for the future.”
Goddard said the masterplan for the development would be released soon and that the sales and marketing for Hinchinbrook Harbour and Resort already was in its early stages.
“We are close to opening an onsite sales office now,” he said.
Architecture firm DBI Design has been working on the resort’s masterplan for the past year.
Under it, the resort will boast a $45 million international fishing village, new marina, family resort, a water theme park, camp grounds, backpacker accommodation, and waterfront residential lots and apartments.
Since taking possession of the property last year, The Passage Holdings has spent more than $4 million on restoring and upgrading the resort and preparing the masterplan. 
The revival is expected to cost around $450 million but economic modelling forecasts more than $1 billion will be pumped into the Cassowary Coast region with its reignited tourism.
</body></html>

US-backed syndicate closes Port Hinchinbrook deal

<html><body>
Property manager Investa Office Management Pty Ltd has raised $600 million in equity and another US$150 million through a US private placement as it seeks to fund the redevelopment of 60 Martin Place in Sydney and pay down borrowings or acquisitions.
Investa’s flagship wholesale fund, Investa Commercial Property Fund (ICPF), acquired a 50 percent stake in 60 Martin Place with construction on the 40,000 sqm office redevelopment for $900 million underway and due for completion mid-2019. 
ICPF has also bought office buildings over the past 18 months with recent acquisitions totalling around $750 million, including a 75 percent interest in 420 George Street, Sydney and a further 50 percent stake in 1 Market Street, Sydney, taking its ownership in this building to 100 percent.
It said market conditions would continue to strengthen in the Sydney office market as vacancy tightens and the withdrawal of existing buildings gathers momentum, resulting in a reduction in incentives and delivering double digit effective rental growth over the last 12 months. 
“We are delighted with the significant recent equity commitments by investors. It repositions the balance sheet following a series of quality acquisitions in a very tight market, ensuring ICPF is well placed to fund the redevelopment of 60 Martin Place,” said Jason Leong, ICPF’s new fund manager.
“The new investments complement our portfolio and increase our tactical weighting to the well positioned Sydney CBD office market. The fact that there was further equity demand that was unable to be accommodated is a strong endorsement of the Fund and the quality of the assets.”
The firm said the A$600 million in new equity was received from both new and existing investors. ICPF will pay down its debt and move it back into the low end of its targeted gearing range. 
ICPF said its $4.1 billion prime office portfolio was arguably Australia’s highest quality portfolio, attracting more than $2.2 billion in new equity since 2010. 
The fund also finalised its debut issuance into the US Private Placement market, issuing US$150 million of 12 and 15 year notes, with US$75 million issued for each tenor. It offered a margin of US Treasury Rate (‘T’) +175 basis points for the 12 year and T+190 basis points for the 15 year. 
“This issuance is part of the fund’s broader debt strategy which is to diversify sources and maturity of borrowings and extend our overall debt maturity profile in a cost effective manner,” Leong said.
ICPF is rated A- by Standard &amp; Poor’s. National Australia Bank was the sole lead agent for the private placement.
</body></html>

Investa raises $750 million to fund 60 Martin Place upgrade

<html><body>
A small industrial unit with office space in Sunshine Coast’s Caloundra has sold for $225,000, a touch below vendor expectations of $235,000 plus GST.
The warehouse at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-qld-caloundra+west-501899562" target="_blank">2/159 Mark Road, Caloundra West, Qld 4551</a> is part of a complex of six in Caloundra West Industrial Estate. 
It has a floor area of nearly 100 sqm plus 40 sqm of mezzanine space. The unit has a front office, kitchenette, onsite parking and other amenities.
It is close to Caloundra Road and CBD.
The selling agents were Alan Gary and Len Greedy of Ray White Commercial.
</body></html>

Warehouse in Sunshine Coast's Caloundra sells below expectations

<html><body>
Melbourne's first ever self-service market, in industrial Brunswick, dating back to 1930 — the same year famous racehorse Phar Lap won the Melbourne Cup — has sold under the hammer for $2.8 million.
The vendor had price expectations of more than $2.65 million.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-other-vic-brunswick-502098510" target="_blank">1 Tripovich Street</a> rendered brick building was built in the eclectic 'Spanish Mission' style, with its architectural flair contrasting with the established linear pattern of Victorian style shops and homes along Sydney Road, according to the property’s description.
The building - complete with rare timber Belfast truss roof structure - remains the only Spanish style market building ever built in Victoria and thus has special architectural, historical and social importance.
<img src="/images/2016/10/07/Brunswick1.jpg" alt="">
Set in a Commercial 1 Zone, the property is set on a land area of about 709 sqm.
The two levels of the building make for nearly 1,115 sqm of usable floor space. 
Four mezzanine studio apartments (with separate entrances) are spread across the east-facing front facade, returning a combined total of $51,000 per annum. 
The vendor has lodged plans with the council to have these one-bedroom units individually titled.
Along with the rest of the building, these apartments enjoy high occupancy rates due to their location right on the doorstep of cafes and transport.
The second half of the building (fronting both Tripovich and Ballarat Street) is not for sale. 
Inside the old Brunswick market, tenants include Bey Dance Studio and the vendor’s existing business Insegna Booksellers. There are separate offices, market stalls/cubicles, a designated kitchen/dining area and amenities. With existing leases already totalling a tick over $104,000 and much of the building either still available to be rented or taken up by the bookshop, a potential annual return of $200,000-$250,000 can be expected.
The selling agent was Jason Padula of Barry Plant.
</body></html>

Melbourne's historic Tripovich St market building sells at auction 

<html><body>
Brisbane and Melbourne have maintained their approaching the peak of market place in property valuation firm Herron Todd White's October 2016 industrial property clock, a simple broad brush means of suggesting where property markets are and the direction they are headed.
<a href="/images/2016/10/10/Landscape2.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge </a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/10/Landscape2.png" alt="">
The peak of market slot still empty since the last industrial clock in July. 
"The industrial market is often a first step into the world of commercial investment for those graduating beyond residential, so it’s appeal as an asset class is broad," say HTW in their industrial market summary.
The two cities were at the same position in July as well. NSW's Coffs Harbour, which shared the same position with the two capital cities in July, has dropped out this time but is still a rising market. Sydney remains a rising market as well, along with Hobart.
Among the other capital cities, Cairns and Canberra remain at the start of recovery period in the industrial property cycle, while Adelaide continues to be at the bottom of the market. Perth too is unchanged and is approaching the bottom, same as July.
About the only change among the capitals is Darwin, which has slipped further from being a declining market to approaching the bottom.<a href="/images/2016/10/10/Landscape2j.jpg"> </a>
<a href="/images/2016/10/10/Landscape2j.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/10/Landscape2j.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Melbourne and Brisbane industrial markets approaching the peak: HTW property clock 

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

<main data-perf-region="main">
Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Prateek Chatterjee

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News