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The University of Adelaide has sold its Thebarton Campus to a group of Adelaide private investors to raise funds for a new medical, dental and nursing building.  
The 3.99 ha property, which was marketed through expressions of interest, was bought by Pep Rocca of Australasian Property Developments for an undisclosed sum.
The deal was brokered by Colliers International’s Paul Van Reesema, Alistair Mackie and Paul Tierney. Van Reesema said the sale price was in line with expectations.
Thebarton Campus is occupied by multiple third party tenants, including the university for several of its faculties and records storage. The university’s Vice-Chancellor and President Warren Bebbington said the university would continue to occupy various tenancies following the sale, by way of lease backs on commercial terms. 
“The sale was part of our divestment plan to fund our new medical, dental and nursing building, now nearing completion next to the new Royal Adelaide Hospital,” Prof. Bebbington said.
The portfolio was offered in four ‘super lots’ or as a whole, according to a media release. Thebarton Campus close to the Adelaide CBD and affords solid cash-flow opportunities and development potential given its Urban Corridor zoning, and building height limit of six levels.
“This sale represented a unique opportunity to acquire a major inner metropolitan infill land holding,” Van Reesema said.
With 28 buildings providing extensive accommodation, the portfolio offers significant holding income opportunities for a purchaser whilst planning and implementing a redevelopment project.
 
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University of Adelaide divests from Thebarton Campus to fund new medical building

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Queensland's Sunshine Coast is relatively young compared with other areas of the country, and staying ahead of the gentrification curve can prove profitable to property investors, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The property consulting firm's property clock for March dealt with gentrification trends across Australia, identifying the hot spots.
In the Sunshine Coast, the older areas are typically found around the original council centres of Caloundra to the south, Maroochy to the centre and Noosa to the north. The main driver of gentrification is generally that these older areas are well located to amenities and close to the beach, thus creating demand for these locations as desirable places to live. 
In the old Caloundra Shire, the areas around Moffat Headland have always been popular. These areas have accelerated over recent years with a number of renovations or re-builds being undertaken. Being close to the beach and the village atmosphere really helps this area along. Remaining with the close to the beach theme, areas around Golden Beach to the south of the town centre and the Kawana strip to the north are seeing 30 to 50 year-old-housing being upgraded. 
The median price of houses in Caloundra was $444,000 according to RP Data. For units, it was $370,000.
In Maroochydore in the old Maroochy Shire, areas around the current and proposed town centres are in demand. Typically these are 1970s and 1980s vintage houses with the entry level being circa $400,000. Throw some dollars and nice design features at it and $500,000 should be achievable. Other areas of Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba and Cotton Tree down on the coast and Buderim up on the hill have been going through this gentrification process over a number of years. 
Up north in the Noosa Shire the areas in Old Tewantin near the river and town centre and also Noosa Junction are seeing a significant number of renos and rebuilds, once again, in areas close to shops and cafes and the beach or river. 
One example in Old Tewantin is a property purchased for around $400,000. The owners undertook a sharp renovation and were able to achieve circa $575,000 - a great result. 
The type of gentrification has been restricted mainly to housing but there is a rise in duplexes and small lot housing which have really started to appeal to the lock and leave crowd who would rather travel then have to look after a big yard. 
Property Observer tracked down a two-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-caloundra-122717314" target="_blank">16/41 Canberra Terrace, Caloundra, Qld 4551</a> (above) that recently sold for $375,000, around the median price.
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Sunshine Coast's older areas score on desirability due to location: HTW

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Sydney’s North West is trending into a sought after investment hotspot amid the soft development market and the investor rush to cash in on record low interest rates, according to real estate firm CBRE.
The recent sale of 2A Hector Court, Kellyville to supermarket chain Woolworths for $12.5 million through CBRE Capital Markets is a case in point. 
Tom Sheridan of CBRE’s Western Sydney Capital Markets team said areas such as Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Kellyville, Dural and Blacktown were particularly in demand from investors, mostly along busy thoroughfares and in neighbourhood centres. 
“The softening development market over the past five months is prompting buyers to park their money in investment assets, in order to benefit from historically low interest rates and tightening yields,” he said. 
The softening Australian dollar is also driving offshore groups to invest in Australia, with Asian buyers honing their focus on the North West, added Alex Mirzaian, senior manager, CBRE Capital Markets.
“In addition to the significant amount of local buyers in the market, including existing owner occupiers looking to expand, Asian buyers are targeting the region’s commercial and retail assets to acquire sites with a holding income,” said Mirzaian.
“Freestanding retail investments leased to blue chip tenants including major supermarket chains are sought after, with investors wishing to acquire these assets to anchor their property portfolios.” 
An oversupply of housing and undersupply of “community benefit stock” such as service stations, neighbourhood shops, grocers and food premises in Sydney’s North West was also prompting leading national brands to set up shop there, said Alex Ugarte of CBRE Capital Markets.
The elections and the debate on negative gearing has triggered a major shift in the residential market - which is contributing to the interest in the commercial and retail sector, he added. 
The sale to Woolworths was via an expressions of interest campaign, which saw strong interest from a range of investors due to the site’s B2 local centre zoning, according to CBRE executives. 
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Offshore investors target Sydney’s North West: CBRE 

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Warrnambool is Victoria's largest coastal city outside Port Phillip Bay and East Warrnambool in particular is starting to feel the effects of gentrification, according to property valuation firm Herron Todd White.
In their property clock for March 2016 -- a simple broad brush means to indicate the state of the market -- the valuation firm also dealt with the issue of gentrification in detail, including a section on Warrnambool.
East Warrnambool is an established residential area of Warrnambool, with development consisting of 1950s to 1980s built homes. 
"This area is starting to become more popular and heading towards a gentrification era, with the key driving factors being the relatively affordable nature of the suburb and its proximity to the CBD, beach and Hopkins River," said HTW. 
Most purchasers looking at an East Warrnambool location want to be able to buy at an affordable level and spend the money on either renovations or small developments, as there is no land in this area for larger residential developments. 
The five-year outlook for this area of Warrnambool is strong with purchasers hopefully being able to increase their capital in time, say HTW.
The median house price in Warrnambool was $322,500, while for units it was $260,000, according to recent RP Data.
As an example, a three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-warrnambool-122762490" target="_blank">1 Selby Road, Warrnambool, Vic 3280</a> (above) traded hands for $327,000, around the median price.
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Victoria's Warrnambool heads toward gentrification era: HTW

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A grain handling facility at Charam in Victoria’s West Wimmera region has been put up for sale and is expected to attract both local and offshore buyers.
Edenhope Storage is spread over 28.31 hectares and currently services around 80 growers in areas between Naracoorte, Casterton, Hamilton and Horsham. 
CBRE’s Phil Schell will steer the sale on behalf of joint owners the Holland family and Emerald Grain – an Australian grain trader.
“With south east Australia looking at a bumper crop year we expect the sale campaign to generate considerable interest from both local and offshore parties,” Schell said.
“A syndicate of farmers could look to acquire the property or it might be purchased by an investor with a view to striking a leasehold arrangement with growers or commodity traders.”
The property has road linkages to export terminals and domestic consumers in Victoria, South Australia and southern NSW.
Infrastructure includes 16 silos, two grain sheds, a smaller grain shed,  and two grain bunkers with expansion capabilities, providing a total storage capacity of nearly 90,000 tonnes.
It also includes a site office, weigh bridge, sample stand and machinery shed.
The property is for sale or lease through expressions of interest closing September 30. 
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Grain storage facility in Victoria’s West Wimmera ripe for purchase

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A listed Singaporean company has bought a Flinders Street commercial car park for an undisclosed sum following a keen contest for the site with views towards Southbank and future development potential.
The 1,270 sqm car park at 380 Flinders Street was sold by Colliers International’s Daniel Wolman, Matthew Stagg and Oliver Hay on behalf of a family that held it for more than 30 years. 
The seven level, 315-bay car park is a purpose built facility, accessed via Flinders Street with two other entrances/exits to Foxton Lane and Tavistock Lane. It is managed by Secure Parking, with the top floor leased to AAPT for its fibre cabling network, as well as ground floor retail.
Wolman said the international expressions of interest campaign drew more than 150 enquiries from interested buyers across Australia, China, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
The eventual purchaser was a listed company out of Singapore.
Wolman said the property had future development potential once leases expired. 
“The property is located next door to the former Fletcher Jones site at 1 Queen Street, which has a permit for 18 levels on only 746 sqm,” he said. 
“It overlooks the Yarra River, with views directly towards the Crown Casino precinct.”
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Singapore-listed firm snaps up Flinders Street car park in Melbourne

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When it comes to office investment yields, Sydney is the standout leader. The harbour city leads a list of 11 gateway cities across the world tracked by real estate firm Savills and Deakin University.
Even as global yields slip, Sydney offers an investment yield at 5.62 percent, according to the World Office Yield Spectrum, with LA West and San Francisco the only other gateway cities offering yields above 4.5 per cent. 
The research, which compares 54 cities across Asia, Europe, the United States and Australia, is confirmation that office property is the asset of choice for investors looking for the most attractive yields in secure markets.
The report found yields had firmed by an average 32 basis points across the 11 gateway cities since December 2014 with both Munich and Tokyo’s yield falling 55 basis points, Hong Kong 40 basis points and Sydney a whopping 100 basis points. Singapore, at 4 per cent, saw yields soften 15 basis points in response to slower economic conditions.
Of the 54 cities, London’s West End, at 2.82 per cent, was the only other city to record a sub 3 per cent yield with Hong Kong, while Ho Chi Minh City (9.36 per cent) and Hanoi (9.00 per cent) offered the highest yield, however those yields reflected a perception of greater investment risk.
Report editor, Savills’ national head of Research in Australia, Tony Crabb, said 10-year bond yields had fallen by an average of 50 basis points around the world in the past six months, averaging around 1 per cent with negative rates in Japan and Germany.
“Property yields have continued to firm but bond yields are falling faster and, in that context, investors are viewing risk premiums of between 2 and 3 per cent in most office investment markets as fair value,’’ Crabb said.
The uncertain economic environment in most markets globally means office risk premiums would offer better value and hence drive greater demand and even firmer office yields, he added.
<a href="/images/2016/08/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-17%20at%2010.50.20%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="/images/2016/08/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-17%20at%2010.50.20%20PM.png" alt="">
“Much of what happens in 2017 and beyond will depend on the course the US Federal Reserve takes with regards to interest rates. Chairman Yellen has made it perfectly clear that movements will be ‘data dependent’, so we wait.”
“The movements in US interest rates will determine how currencies behave, how trade flows and how capital moves around the world,’’ Crabb said.
He said the outlook for office yields was likely to be one of further compression, particularly in cities like Sydney where strengthening fundamentals were beginning to drive rental growth.
“Firming yields in many instances could be viewed as counter-intuitive as soft leasing markets have resulted in very high incentives and correspondingly low net rents, and so any growth in net effective rents, and thus returns, is certainly going to drive even greater demand for office property and ultimately firmer yields,” he said.
In Australia, large capital from overseas had encouraged many investors to dispose of property, rebalance portfolios and change their exposure which had led to a record 12 months turnover of nearly $33.4 billion in commercial property sales, said Crabb.
However, market fundamentals show the two-tone nature of the Australian economy with some indicators deteriorating in Perth and Brisbane, in contrast to improvements in Melbourne and Sydney. 
“Commercial property investment yields have firmed across the board but we still do not believe it has fully run its course. In some markets, fundamentals are improving rapidly and that improvement will lead to further tightening in yields as investment capital starts to price in expectations of future NOI growth. This part of the yield cycle is just beginning.’’
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Sydney leads world on office yields: Savills/Deakin Uni research

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In Queensland’s Bundaberg region you could buy land in a new estate and build the home of your choice within reach of the ‘lazy half million’ dollars, say valuation firm Herron Todd White in their July 2016 residential market report which analyses the property sector in the sub $500,000 range.
One can build a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a two-car built in garage at that price, the report claims. 
“Or if you prefer some more extras you could buy a three-to-four year old established home with a pool and a shed. Prices are steady and have been for the past few years,” say HTW. 
There have been a couple of sales of triplex properties or four at buildings that have been in the $500,000 to $600,000 range with returns around 6% to 7% for a mid 1990s brick complex. 
“If units are your thing, you could buy two two-bedroom units approximately 10 years old.” 
In short, the Bundaberg region is still a great place to live with great affordability for housing. 
Property Observer found a three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-bundaberg+central-122819314" target="_blank">1 McIlwraith Street Bundaberg Central Qld 4670</a> that recently sold for $155,000.
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Build a home of your choice for $500,000 in Queensland’s Bundaberg: HTW

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Sentinel Property Group has sold off the Jimboomba Junction Shopping Centre in Queensland’s Logan City for $27.48 million in an off-market deal, continuing with its recent divestment of assets.
The Coles-anchored neighbourhood shopping centre at 665-687 Cusack Lane services the rural township of Jimboomba in Logan City, midway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Sentinel acquired the site in September 2014 for $20 million and the current deal follows on the heels of its sale of an industrial property at Richlands in Brisbane for $15.75 million.
The Jimboomba deal was brokered by Jacob Swan of JLL.
The property consists of five separate buildings with a total net lettable area of 5,949 sqm and 281 carparks. Tenants include Coles, The Reject Shop, Amcal, Caltex, Red Rooster, Brumby’s Bakery, Zarraffas Coffee plus 13 specialty retailers and professional suites.
Sentinel managing director Warren Ebert said it was a great result for its investors. 
“Investors in the Sentinel Jimboomba Retail Trust have enjoyed two years of consistent returns of 10% per annum paid monthly and now also benefit from a strong capital return on divestment,” he said.
“There is a time to buy and a time to sell and we will continue to review all opportunities to deliver attractive capital growth to our investors,” Ebert said. “We have bought very well in what were unloved sectors at the time but are now back in favour. As a result, we are receiving a number of unsolicited offers to acquire our strongly performing assets.”
Ebert said Sentinel was also exploring a number of potential acquisitions in the retail, industrial and office sectors nationally, in line with its investment criteria.
Brisbane-based Sentinel has more than 600 investors nationally who receive monthly returns from rental income, as well as special capital return payments on revaluations and capital growth returns on divestment.
Established in 2010, Sentinel (<a href="https://www.sentinelpg.com.au/">www.sentinelpg.com.a</a>u.) is among Australia’s top unlisted commercial property fund managers, with a portfolio of 43 retail, industrial, office, land, tourism and agribusiness assets valued at more than $1 billion.
It has occupied the No. 1 spot on the PCA/IPD (Property Council of Australia/Investment Property Databank) Non-Core Property Fund Index 42 of the last 49 months.
The index, introduced in October 2011, is backed by the global equity indexes of Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and is based on total fund performance.
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Sentinel sells Jimboomba retail centre in Logan City for $27.48 million

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To figure out how far the ‘lazy half-million’ can get you in the residential property market, valuation firm Herron Todd White liberally compares their readings from a year back in their July residential market report on housing for under $500,000.
“Last year we stated that you would get a lot more bang for your buck than the year before and 12 months later you can now get even more! If you are a glass half empty type, then the Mackay market has seen significant falls in value on the back of the mining downturn in the Bowen Basin. Values across the board are down 15% and fast approaching 20%," write HTW in their July 2016 residential market report.
“However, if you are a glass half full type, then the current market presents some of the best buying opportunities seen in Mackay in almost ten years. The big question is has the market hit bottom? Unfortunately that is a bit tricky to establish at present and only time will tell," it adds.
“Unfortunately, the verdict 12 months on is that we have not hit the bottom, with values falling further in the past 12 months. So the lazy half million will get you even more bang for your buck than seen in almost 12 years.” 
For $500,000, one can get a large executive-style rendered dwelling around 10 years old or younger with shed and pool in the northern beaches, with some change still in the back pocket, say HTW.
“In the better quality estates in the north, you can now get good quality brand new dwellings from most of the builders in Mackay for under the $500,000 mark.” 
In the traditional older suburbs south of Mackay, there have been very limited sales of older style Queenslanders over the $500,000 mark. It is considered that you can get a fully renovated large Queenslander for this price point now. 
Again this statement from last year still holds true today. “The big question is has the market hit bottom? Unfortunately that is a bit tricky to establish at present and only time will tell.” 
Property Observer found a three-bedroom apartment with ocean views at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-mackay-121417258">26/4 Nelson Street, Mackay, Qld 4740</a> (above) that recently exchanged hands for $420,000.
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More bang for your $500,000 property wish in Queensland’s Mackay in 12 years: HTW 

Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

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Joel Robinson

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

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“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

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“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

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Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

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Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

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&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]

Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

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Prateek Chatterjee

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