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Bundaberg city in Queensland had improved its position to approaching the bottom of market cycle -- both for houses and units -- from the bottom in April, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's property clock for May.
HTW's property clock is a simple broad brush means of suggesting where property prices are and which direction they are headed to. The April report also mentioned fringe locations of cities and towns across Australia. Bundaberg was one of them.
The Bundaberg residential market is in a stable period, with quarterly sales volumes remaining relatively consistent since mid-2013.
The median sale price has similarly remained consistent at $269,000, with no change over the past year.
House listings increased over the past year, indicating that vendor confidence in the market is growing.
Bundaberg’s unit and townhouse market remains static with sales activity easing over last year’s September quarter.
Fringe locations, often known as the tree change locations, have experienced even further softening in the market with extended selling periods required to achieve realistic sales. Affordability and larger allotment sizes are the drivers towards these outer areas. These markets historically won’t change in the medium-to-long term until the coastal markets show a more positive outcome. 
Property Observer looked up some recent sales in the greater Bundaberg area around the median sale price of $269,000 on www.realestate.com.au.
1. A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-walkervale-121766622" target="_blank">99 Lamb Street Walkervale Qld 4670</a> traded for $265,000.
<img src="/images/2016/05/31/image3.jpg" alt="" width="645" height="484"> 
2. A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-kalkie-121594994" target="_blank">4 Swan Drive Kalkie Qld 4670</a> changed hands for $255,000.
 
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Fringes of Queensland's Bundaberg showing softness in property market: HTW

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Home buyers in Melbourne can now check out the latest offering from Burbank Homes, the double-storey Palladium 4600, at Point Cook.
“At 45.61 squares, the <a href="https://www.burbank.com.au/victoria/house-details/palladium-4600" target="_blank">Palladium 4600</a> is one of our biggest homes”, said Burbank’s managing director Jarrod Sanfilippo.
“The ground floor is dedicated to living and entertaining, with an L-shaped kitchen, meals and family area, plus an adjoining living area to maximise space. Then there’s the theatre room, study, powder room and alfresco.”
The first floor has four bedrooms, including a master suite and a rumpus for kids.
Palladium 4600 homes start from $324,900 and are located at The Address in Point Cook. 
The suburb had a population of more than 54,000, according to ABS data.
The median sale price of houses in Point Cook is $504,000 with a median price change of 12.06 percent over one year, data from <a href="https://www.propertyvalue.com.au" target="_blank">www.propertyvalue.com.au</a> shows. 
The gross median yield is 4 percent.
In 2006, median price for houses was around $340,000, RP data shows.
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Palladium homes at Melbourne's Point Cook unveiled

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Many businesses with high overheads, in particularly franchises, may close down due to an uncertain property market, according to the chief executive officer of One Agency Real Estate Group.
Speaking at the group's head office in Sydney, Paul Davies predicted that high overhead businesses will struggle in a slowing property market, where the rate of price growth for residential properties has declined in recent months, there is less turnover of properties, and pressure mounts on maintaining agents fee levels as competition to survive increases.
“Franchise offices in particular have added overheads, and may have difficulty maintaining the narrow profit margins, creating added stress to meet their high overheads” he said.
“I believe that many offices will close. The first will be ones with the slimmest profit margins, gradually followed by many others. I would go as far as to suggest, some franchises groups, that struggle to provide a fair exchange for fees, where their franchisees cannot justify the costs, will become irrelevant and cease to exist.”
He said the global trend is for better and cheaper products and services, and this applies to the real estate franchise environment as well.
One Agency helps real estate agents to establish their own agency for an establishment fee and a monthly fee. It claims it's not a franchise operation.
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Real estate franchises with high overheads may close as market slows: One Agency CEO

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Parts of Sydney's booming apartment market such as Mascot, Zetland and Waterloo could be in for a price correction next year due to oversupply, according to a property consulting firm Opteon Property Group.
With nearly 20,800 apartments this year and a further 26,000 expected to settle in Sydney next calendar year, the tide is turning for landlords and developers as price growth slows and buyers of off-plan apartments sell for less into an oversupplied secondary market, said a report in The Australian Financial Review based on valuation firm's research.
Sydney is constrained by a lack of sites in the city centre, unlike Melbourne and Brisbane, and new projects have spread out to the metropolitan area. 
"There are numerous new developments in some areas and there is a risk of an oversupply issue which looks to bite around 2017-2018," Opteon said in the analysis. 
"Suburbs to watch are Mascot, Zetland, Waterloo and Alexandria which are considered high density suburbs, with high rates of new off-the-plan apartments and potential over supply," it said. 
The oversupply - and pain - will not be uniform, it says. Sydney doesn't face the widespread price apartments expected to result from the wave of looming settlements in Melbourne and Brisbane, as it still suffers a shortage of homes and unaffordable prices of detached homes mean many buyers have no choice but to go for an apartment. 
But the analysis is the strongest sign to date that even Sydney is hitting the ceiling of housing construction this cycle, the AFR report said.
NSW has approved more new apartments than Victoria every month on an annualised basis every month since June 2013. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that in the year to March, NSW gave the green light to 40,770 new apartments, townhouses and semi-detached homes, while Victorian planners approved 32,679. 
Other observers think parts of Sydney's apartment markets are in for a correction. Development in the Northern Districts is surging ahead of the planned North West Rail Link but it could prove too much, said Angie Zigomanis, forecaster BIS Shrapnel's senior manager for residential property. Parramatta in the west could also find itself with too many apartments, he said. 
"In general, it will only be localised pockets if there is oversupply," Zigomanis said. 
Any correction will not be immediate. Buyers of recently completed off-the-plan apartments - those purchased around 2013/14 - are generally in the black because the subsequent surge in prices has already pushed market prices above what they paid, Opteon said. 
But apartments sold since last year - "in large numbers to overseas investors at a premium" - are the ones at risk as they will not see the capital growth earlier purchasers have enjoyed, Opteon said. 
"As we head into a more steady market, a concerning factor will be 2016 purchasers paying a premium for new product, and not seeing growth in the market towards completion of the complex two to three years down the line, with potential valuations lower than the purchase price," it said. 
Sydney's residential property market has defied expectations of a slowdown, with an auctions market that is strong. But price growth is slowing on the supercharged figures of last year and property in Australia's largest city will be part of a national fall in prices that will come in 2019 and 2020, consultancy Capital Economics said this week.
While Sydney's eastern suburbs were at no risk of oversupply, some southern suburbs were, Opteon said.
Opteon also singled out the suburbs of Asquith and Mount Colah, a recently rezoned growth corridor on the Pacific Highway near Hornsby. 
"Currently there is an oversupply of off the plan development stock currently listed for sale with some of these developments being sold with incentives that are outside of the norm," Opteon said.
"It appears that this market segment may be heading into a period of over supply by late 2016/early 2017 which is likely to have a negative impact on both value levels and rental returns."
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Sydney apartment market could see price correction: research

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Philippe Mouchel, rated as one of the world's finest French Chefs, is opening another Melbourne restaurant, at the Paris-end of Collins Street.
The “Philippe” restaurant follows other top names, mainly luxury fashion retailers, flocking to Melbourne's Paris End, Collins Street, Russell Street and Flinders Lane.  
The restaurateur is moving into a 400 square metre basement restaurant at 115 Collins Street. He has signed a three-year lease and the net annual rental equates to about $380 per sqm.   
Knight Frank's Gary Loo brokered the deal.
Mouchel's career has been spent in the kitchens of Michelin star restaurants such as Hotel Frantel Bordeaux and Restaurant Roger Vergé in Mougins. He moved to Tokyo to work in a new restaurant Paul Bocuse was opening and later relocated to Australia.  
In 2005, Mouchel opened French restaurant, The Brasserie by Philippe Mouchel, at Crown. He was bestowed with The Age Good Food Guide's Chef's Hat award each year of its operation. Last year, he opened Deja Vue, a concept restaurant on St Kilda Rd in the former Café Vue space.   
“The growth of residential dwellings which has grown to 68,100 across the City of Melbourne has fed the need for food and beverage space within the city," said Loo.
“Food and beverage floor space now totals 646,600 square metres, having increased by 21,700 sqm since 2013.” 
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Top French chef Philippe Mouchel to open restaurant in Melbourne's Collins St

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Sydney has many fringe suburbs where valuers Herron Todd White suggest there is possible value for money.
Overall the valuers have Sydney has at the start of a decline phase of the property market for both houses and units, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's May property clock -- a simple broad brush means of suggesting where property prices are and what direction they're headed to.
The capital city was at the same position in April as well.
Here we take a look at 10 Sydney fringe locations as nominated by HTW.
SYDNEY EAST
Double Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, has been revitalised over the past two to three years brought on by a much-needed face lift of the commercial and retail precinct transforming into a vibrant commercial hub.
The recent redevelopment includes new retail shops, Woolworths supermarket and other grocery stores, cafes, restaurants and speciality shops. It also includes the recently completed 2,300 square metre Double Bay Library, giving residents access to state- of-the-art facilities and 442 public parking spaces.
Other major changes include the redevelopment of The Intercontinental Hotel, formerly the Ritz-Carlton and the increased nightlife with various new restaurants, bars and nightclubs which is attracting the younger generation to the area. Night time venues have seen increased crowds since the lockouts in Kings Cross and the CBD which might not be seen as a great result for some, but is still creating a buzz around the area. 
Double Bay’s central location with direct access to ferry services and the harbour, Edgecliff train station and new shopping and commercial precincts has brought back to life its reputation. In five to 10 years Double Bay will still be a high demand suburb with potential for more medium density developments to increase its popularity.
As throughout its history, Double Bay isn’t the cheapest place to live with the medium house price being $3,185,500 as at February 2016 up from $2.405 million in December 2012. The average unit price was $1.250 million as at February 2016 up from $765,000 in December 2012 (source: realestate.com. au). 
Property Observer looked up some recent sales in Double Bay from www.realestate.com.au around the median prices.
A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-double+bay-121034166" target="_blank">43 Manning Road Double Bay NSW 2028</a> sold for $3,250,000. 
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Among units, a three-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-double+bay-121993882" target="_blank">3/3 Pine Hill Avenue Double Bay NSW 2028</a> was sold for $1225000, according to RP Data.
<img src="/images/2016/05/27/main-1.jpg" alt="" width="677" height="508">
Sydney Inner West
Dulwich Hill is a suburb in the inner west of Sydney approximately 7.5 kilometres south-west of the Sydney CBD, which has gone through significant changes over the past few years.
In the 1990s many shops were vacant, but in recent years more shops are tenanted with thriving businesses helping to promote the café culture. Cafés and restaurants have become increasingly popular as the suburb becomes gentrified. Marrickville Council upgraded the shopping strip in the early 2000s, enhancing the look and character of the area. There has been increasing numbers of young professionals moving to the area over recent times due to its close proximity to the already gentrified areas of Newtown, Enmore and Erskineville. Dulwich Hill has also been boosted by the recent introduction of light rail. 
The proposed Sydenham to Bankstown Urban Renewal Corridor will see the introduction of a 20-year-plan to provide thousands of new dwellings along the current rail corridor and peak hour trains to the city every four minutes. Re-zoning will allow many medium-rise complexes and shop-tops within close proximity of the rail corridor including in the suburbs of Dulwich Hill, Marrickville and Hurlstone Park. Current parks and open spaces are proposed to be improved as well as enhancements to walking and cycling tracks. 
Dulwich Hill’s medium house price was $1.348 million as at February 2016, up from $850,000 in December 2012. The average unit price was $650,000 as at February 2016, up from $477,750 in December 2012 (source: realestate.com.au).
Sydney Inner South
The inner south area of Sydney in a line from Botany through to Waterloo has seen the transformation of a number of old run down industrial neighbourhoods into modern high density residential neighbourhoods. Suburbs such as Botany, Mascot, Rosebery, Beaconsfield, Zetland, Alexandria, Erskineville and Waterloo have also seen a significant number of large residential unit complexes constructed over the past ten to 15 years. This is set to continue with the precincts around Mascot and particularly Green Square railway stations to undergo significant retail and residential development over the coming decade.
Green Square is approximately 3.5 kilometres from the city centre and four kilometres from the airport and the development of this precinct will take it from its industrial past to a new style of high density living linked to shops, parks, gardens, entertainment and bike and walking routes. At the heart of the Green Square development is the new town centre, a major new residential, retail and cultural hub along with improved infrastructure and community facilities including a new library and plaza, aquatic centre, parks and open spaces, public art, a child care centre and community creative hub. It will eventually have 30,500 new dwellings including about 10,000 now under construction (source: www.cityofsydney.nsw. gov.au).
As discussed the bywords for many of these inner suburbs have been lifestyle options with a café culture. As buyer profiles have changed and medium density options fit both the purse strings and location options, the appeal of an inner suburb unit close to transport with minimal maintenance appears to be a primary driver for the regentrification of many suburbs. Given this change we do not see the appeal of these suburbs lessening over time. 
 
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Sydney's top fringe suburbs: HTW

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Listed developer Villa World has unveiled a collection of business residences within the Fitzgibbon Chase community in Brisbane’s north side as a response to more people working out of homes.
Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) has engaged Villa World to deliver 12 unique terrace-style homes which fuse residential and commercial uses, and they will be called <a href="https://www.villaworldliving.com.au/thenest/" target="_blank">The Nest</a>. 
The homes have ground floor professional suites with a street presence, and a one or two-bedroom residence on the upper level. 
Homes range in size from 90sqm to 139sqm and will be priced under $400,000.
The homes will rise on the corner of Carselgrove Avenue and Dorrigo place on the doorstep of the 1300-home Fitzgibbon Chase community. 
Villa World general manager - Communities and Business Growth, Carl Bruhn said The Nest was a response to the shift in the way people used their homes. 
“Increasingly, professionals are working from home or in smaller teams and this style of home gives them a commercial street presence for their business as well as a private residence,” he said. 
“The idea is to create distinct and separated zones for living and working, but under the same roof."
The project is close to schools, public transport and shopping centres. 
The Nest falls within the Fitzgibbon Priority Development Area which covers 295 hectares of land in the northern suburbs of Fitzgibbon, Carseldine, Bald Hills, Taigum and Deagon. 
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A Nest both for work and to call a home in Brisbane's north

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Construction activity picked up over the quarter ended March 2016 from the same period last year, according to the latest Construction Market Movement Report (Q12016) from Cordell, which gives an overview of the health of the Australian construction industry. 
According to Cordell, which last year became a CoreLogic business, the report delivers a comprehensive overview of construction projects identified within Australia over the last 24 months across civil engineering, apartments and units, commercial, industrial, mining and community. 
For the March 2016 quarter, 4,302 projects entering the construction phase in comparison to 3,931 for the same time last year.
Pipeline activity is also up with 4,830 projects reported in March 2016, up from 4,597 for the same period last year with apartments and units the most active sector. There was $50 billion in pipeline activity compared to $27 billion for the same period last year.
However, deferrals rose with 411 projects put on hold compared to 375 for the same time last year. The value of deferred projects this quarter is $3.6 billion compared to $3.1 billion for the same time last year.
Abandonments too increased with 359 projects stopped for March 2016 compared to 320 previously. The value of abandonments is $1.2 billion this quarter which is unchanged from the previous year. 
Commenting on the Cordell report, CoreLogic spokesperson Greg Dickason said the overall results to the March 2016 quarter were positive with civil engineering projects in roads and infrastructure leading the way.
“While general pipeline activity is encouraging with 4,830 projects underway valued at around $50 billion, and largely dominated by apartments and unit developments, deferrals increased. Four hundred and eleven construction projects were placed on hold over the quarter compared to 375 in the March 2015 quarter. In addition, three hundred and seventy five projects were confirmed as abandoned in the March 2016 quarter compared to 320 for the March 2015 quarter,” Dickason said.
<a href="/images/2016/05/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-19%20at%2011.44.00%20AM.png" target="_blank"> Click to enlarge</a>
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Construction pipeline rose in Q1 of 2016, shows Cordell report

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The town of Emerald in Queensland's Central Highlands Region was approaching the bottom of market cycle for houses while it was a declining market for units in valuation firm Herron Todd White's May property clock, the same as in April, which also dealt with fringe locations.
HTW's property clock is a simple broad brush means of suggesting where property prices are and the direction they are headed in.
The whole of the Emerald market appears to be starting to level out for the time being. The Mayfair and Riverview estates have seen the largest drop in values as the investor ratio is much higher and pride in the street is less, causing the estates to be less attractive. Many homes were built the same and the street appeal is inferior. Because of this they do offer some good value for money if one is prepared to call it their home. Flood-affected properties are also selling at a discount and are hard to move. 
The median house price in Emerald was $260,000 for houses, while for units it was $152,500, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
Property Observer looked up a few recent sales around the median prices on www.realestate.com.au:
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1. A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-emerald-122152686" target="_blank">7 Staunton Street Emerald Qld 4720</a> sold for $275,000.
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2. A five-bedroom executive unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-duplex+semi+detached-qld-emerald-113101587" target="_blank">2/11 Wright Street Emerald Qld 4720</a> sold for $200,000.
 
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Queensland's Emerald fringes are value for money: HTW

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Co-working group Hub Australia has committed to a 3,900 square metre co-working facility in Melbourne in a deal brokered by Savills.
The group has committed to the facility over 10 years at the historic 696 Bourke Street, Mail Exchange building, across two levels interlinked by a staircase.
Savills' Phillip Cullity, who brokered the deal, said the building’s heritage, enormous ceiling heights and its refurbishment were the drawcards to securing the lease. Financial details of the lease were not disclosed.
The Beaux Arts inspired building, which originally housed Melbourne’s GPO, was also the first home of Melbourne’s famous surveyor, responsible for the CBD grid, John Hoddle.
"It’s totally unique on every level and when you take into account the superb location opposite Southern Cross station it’s going to be very attractive to companies looking to grow their business in Melbourne’s CBD and from that point of view it’s quite an astute leasing decision,’’ Cullity said.
Hub Australia is Australia’s largest co-working community and operates across Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. Hub is a subsidiary of Third Spaces Group, founded by Brad Krauskopf.
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Hub Australia takes 3,900 sqm lease at Melbourne's Mail Exchange

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.

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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

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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.

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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

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