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Engineering firm Bosch inaugurated its $40 million headquarters and technical centre at Clayton in Victoria this week and said it would invest a further $6.2 million in increasing its diode production capacity.
The investment at its 120,000 square metre campus is its single largest in Australia since it set up the wholly-owned subsidiary in 1954. The company has around 800 employees at the centre.
The centre was inaugurated by the Victorian minister for Industry and Minister for Energy and Resources, the Hon Lily D’ambrosia MP.
Bosch's new headquarters will support new businesses, engineering and R&amp;D initiatives, said a media release.
“The new facility is evidence of Bosch’s long-term commitment to diversified activities in this region including sales and distribution, high-tech engineering, advanced manufacturing and further investment into exciting new fields,” said Gavin Smith, Bosch president with responsibility for the region Oceania. 
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Most recently, the company invested in Australian start-up The Yield, which focuses on micro-climate sensing technology in agriculture and aquaculture.
Bosch is also working in the areas of Highly Automated Driving (HAD), vehicle connectivity and vehicle security (through secure gateway systems) in Australia.
New business activities in Australia have also been introduced in eBike service, motorsport components sales and innovative software solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT).
In addition Bosch is investing a further $6.2 million in manufacturing for the global automotive sector. The Clayton facility's Diodes production capacity will be increased to cater to its growing international customers. The federal government has also contributed $1 million from the Automotive Diversification Programme (ADP). 
The new facility incorporates offices, workshops, testing facilities, training rooms and employee amenities. It has a landscaped courtyard with semi-established trees, and an outside terrace with an alternative working space.
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Bosch's $40 million centre in Victoria inaugurated 

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A mixed-use masterplanned urban village in Melbourne's Footscray comprising up to 1,000 apartments and a new retail laneway linking the suburb to the Maribyrnong River is part of a $600 million development plan by developer Growland.
The site at 8 Hopkins Street spans 13,500 square metre and on completion will also feature an elevated Olympic-sized running track for residents.
The precinct, designed by Melbourne architectural firm Kavellaris Urban Design (KUD), will be named Joseph Place and proposes six buildings earmarked for apartments and a potential hotel, 4,000 square metres of retail space and open space for public.
If approved by the state government, construction on Joseph Place is expected to start in early 2017, with the first apartment building due to launch for sale over the coming months.
Due for completion over the next several years, the integrated mixed-use development is expected to house more than 3000 residents and 30 new retailers.
Apart from a new retail laneway, it will have a pedestrian link from Footscray to the Maribyrnong River where, in the future, potential river taxis could connect locals to the city.
“Joseph Pl will elevate what’s on offer in Footscray, bringing its amenity in line with its inner city neighbours. The elevated Olympic-sized running track takes the idea of an apartment gym to the next level,” KUD director Billy Kavellaris said. 
Growland CEO Stephen Yau said Footscray was the same distance from the city as Richmond and was currently undergoing the same transformation Richmond underwent some years ago. 
“Footscray is currently in the midst of a demographic shift - attracting a new wave of students, young professionals and working families who are looking to reside in a well-connected community with easy access to transport services,” Yau said.
“The inner west has been recognised as one of Melbourne’s most undervalued opportunities and is due for rapid growth over the next two to five years."
The Joseph Place precinct is 4.5 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD. 
Growland is a Melbourne-based developer which was founded in 2013 by property entrepreneur Bruce Chan and architect Stephen Yau.
 
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Plans afoot for a $600 million, 1,000 apartment project in Melbourne's Footscray

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Melbourne's shopping strips are witnessing an emerging trend in that those further out of the traditional 5 km CBD radius are performing well, according to new research. 
Beller Commercial have just completed their first quarter strip shopping research, a matrix of 28 key shopping strips that shows the number of shops, number of vacancies, average asking rent per square metre and yield.
The research is conducted on ground with agents taking to the streets and physically counting the ‘for lease’ signs vacant stores, checking web listings and then the data is put together for the final results.
"It is important to look at ranking and ask, what is showing the most improvement, specifically in terms of low vacancies and rate per square metre?" says a note from Fred Nucara, director of Beller Commercial.
As one goes further out, the satellite villages are servicing well-established, affluent pockets demographic pockets. Also adding to the popularity of these strips are new medium, 4 – 5 level medium density residences which are more prevalent in suburbs such as Glenferrie Road, Malvern, Whitehorse Road, Balwyn and Burwood Road, Hawthorn, according to the research.
"Everyone is taking these ‘villages’ for granted but it is important to take it to the next step as an investor. These burgeoning neighbourhoods are a well kept secret, but they won’t be for long," writes Nucara.
Other top performers that have managed to flip their fortunes are Toorak Road, South Yarra where in September 2014 there were 12 vacancies, today there are only five vacant stores.
Also High Street Prahran, Armadale has seen a drop in vacancies. This can be partially attributed to the completion of new residential apartment blocks, but also rents have come back and are now more affordable to small business operations.
Along High Street, the $600 per square metre is the recently adjusted asking price from landlords and has encouraged a new generation of entrepreneurs to set up shop, the note says.
"The health and wellbeing category is significant and we are receiving regular enquiry from massage therapists, nail technicians, hairdressers and general fitness operators. It is clearly no longer a case of lets build an apartment building and put a café on the street level, new neighbourhoods require services too."
But along with the star performing strips, there are some shockers as well.
"Fitzroy Street St Kilda still can’t shake off its shady identity. With 24% vacancy rate, the Street is lurching through from summer to summer," the note says.
"Fitzroy Street should have more appeal because it close to the beach. It actually has the same feel that Smith Street, Collingwood had a few years ago. I like to think the future prospects are good (new apartment buildings arriving and the infamous Gatwick Hotel currently for sale). Given the length of the strip, it needs to be better facilitated by car parking. Also there are nearby competing areas, where the street vibe is more pleasant such as Albert Park, Middle Park and Acland Street.
"In conclusion, I’m upbeat about 2016 commercial prospects."
Nucara expects the 2015 momentum to continue as interests rates are low and "it’s a great time to both buy and sell". 
Beller Commercial’s Top Ten Performing Retail Strips
Performance and ranking is based on a ‘consistency’ of low vacancy rates, rentals at maximum levels and diversity of retailers/services over multiple research walks.
1. Acland Street, St Kilda
2. Whitehorse Road, Balwyn
3. ToorakRoad, South Yarra
4. CentreRoad, Bentleigh
5. GlenferrieRoad, Malvern
6. Burwood Road, Hawthorn
7. CarlisleStreet, Balaclava
8. ChapelStreet, Windsor
9. Toorak Village, Toorak
10. Smith Street, Collingwood
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Acland Street in Melbourne's St Kilda tops Beller Commercial's 2016 shopping strip research

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Rental property technology company Property Connect Holdings Limited (ASX:PCH) said it has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Hunt Companies Inc., the largest owner of multifamily apartments in the US.
Under the LOI, Hunt Companies and its affiliates, which owns a portfolio of approximately 244,000 multifamily apartments, will complete leasing transactions for its premium apartments using Property Connect’s LiveOffer™ technology. The product allows potential tenants to make offers on a rental property and thus aims to provide a fair market value.
Texas-based Hunt Companies is privately owned and is a full-service developer, investor, financier and property manager of affordable and market rate multifamily properties across the US.
As an early adopter of LiveOffer™ v2, Hunt Companies has got a 25 percent discount for the first 12 months.
“As one of the dominant players in the multifamily sector it is a coup for us to sign Hunt Companies in the lead-up to our release of LiveOffer version two," Property Connect CEO Tim Manson said.
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US multifamily property owner Hunt Companies agrees to use Property Connect leasing tech product

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An entire top floor of offices and a ground floor cafe in a commercial building in CBD Robina, the Gold Coast, have been put on the market by developer the Robina Group.
The top floor space totals 1,510 sqm, including 1,203 sqm leased to the state government until December 2017,  and 245 sqm recently leased to an education provider on a three-year lease, with further options.
The 63 sqm street level cafe, including a seating area, is operated by Liquid Espresso on a five-year lease, with a five-year option in place.
The Eastside commercial building has signage rights, car park and basement storage space.
Knight Frank's Tania Moore and Mark Witheriff are marketing the property through an offers to purchase campaign, closing on May 19. 
The combined net income from the property is $689,468 per annum.
"The top floor space has been held by The Robina Group as a premium income generating offering, however with the current increased confidence in the commercial market the developer has decided the timing is right to release this final opportunity," said Moore. 
"Eastside’s 32 suites are fully occupied and the building has always performed well due to its proximity to Robina Town Centre and access to the M1 Motorway and public transport."
Eastside is located opposite The Rocket, which sold in 2015 for $70 million - the highest commercial sale price in Gold Coast City since 2007.
CBDRobina boasts an office vacancy rate of 5.6%, substantially lower than Gold Coast City as a whole and all Australian Capital City CBD markets, said the media release.
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Leased office suites and cafe in Gold Coast's Robina up for sale 

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Demand for strata office property in the Melbourne CBD has grown in the first quarter of the year, as evident from a recent sale for $1.75 million and another lined up, according to Colliers International.
A 320 sqm whole floor at Level 8, 21 Victoria Street was bought by a private investor for $1.75 million. The sale, through Colliers, represented a yield of 5.62%.
Colliers International executive for Melbourne City Sales, Chris Ling, said the first quarter of 2016 had seen significant demand for CBD strata floors, including both investments and vacant floors.
Another office suite, spread over 360 sqm on the mezzanine level of 58 Franklin Street, is due to hit the market in coming weeks.
Colliers International expects the whole floor, close to Melbourne’s core retail and university precinct, to attract interest for both commercial use and potential residential conversion.
“Our Melbourne City sales team is currently seeing an unprecedented surge in demand for CBD strata office properties in the CBD,” Ling said. “This demand is powered by record low interest rates, a low Australian dollar and instability in offshore markets.
“In addition, given the current timing in the calendar year, business owners and operators are looking to secure new office space to set themselves up for the rest of the year. CBD vendors, meanwhile, are piggy backing off the momentum seen throughout 2015 in order to capitalise on the current environment.”
The property on Victoria Street saw strong competition between local and offshore buyers and sold prior to the close of the EOI campaign, Ling said. 
In 2015, Colliers International recorded more than $35 million in strata office sales in the CBD, with an average sale price of $1.95 million and an average size of 367 sqm.
According to the latest Colliers International CBD Office Research &amp; Forecast Report, Melbourne’s CBD market continued to go from strength to strength, with high levels of net absorption and a corresponding low vacancy rate. The vacancy rate for the Melbourne CBD dropped to 7.7% in Q1 of 2016, dropping to as low as 5.1% in the north eastern pocket.
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Victoria St office fetches $1.75 million as strata office demand rises in Melbourne

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Darwin, the capital city of Northern Territory, was approaching the bottom of market for both houses and units in valuation firm Herron Todd White's latest property clock, April 2016, which also focuses on the markets in the fringe suburbs.
To identify the fringe suburban areas of the Darwin residential market, HTW split it up into three key areas. These are inner city, the northern suburbs and the nearby satellite city of Palmerston. Each of these areas has their own fringe suburbs with a common trait shared by all - they generally have the most affordable prices for their sector.
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The inner city fringe suburbs comprise Stuart Park, Ludmilla and The Narrows. Stuart Park occupies a position nearest the Darwin CBD area and has a mix of units and houses whilst Ludmilla and The Narrows are primarily single residential dwellings on large residential allotments. Generally, those who can’t afford the pricier options of the CBD, Larrakeyah, Parap or Fannie Bay look to these suburbs as they are in relatively convenient locations close to the city, with good access to public transport, local schools and other amenities. There has been little to no activity on the sales front for houses in these suburbs, with Stuart Park having only four house sales in the December 2015 quarter. This is reflective of the Darwin market overall which is struggling, with overall vacancy rates up to 8.2 percent (source: REINT).
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The volume of unit sales in the inner city fringe suburbs has fared substantially better, however, with sales in Stuart Park increasing by 42% but with a median price drop of 10%  (source: REINT). This can be attributed to new developments being released to the market such as the highly awarded Artique complex and savvy investors jumping on a bargain. These figures can be significantly misleading however. Due to the withdrawal of the first home buyer’s grant for existing dwellings, new developments have become extremely attractive while existing units have experienced substantial softening.
A semi-modern two-bedroom unit in Stuart Park recently sold for as low as $385,000. The downturn in the market has opened up the potential for good buying in the area, with the added convenience of being close to the CBD.
A secondary fringe area is the ex-government housing dominated part of the northern suburbs, particularly Malak and Karama. Considered the most inferior part of this area, Malak and Karama are primarily made up of single residential dwellings with a small number of units. These suburbs have performed fairly similarly to other parts of the northern suburbs, with median house prices down approximately 10% on the quarter for both (source: REINT). Good buying can definitely be had, with entry level ground level three-bedroom houses being sold in the mid $400,000 range. In the upper range, elevated properties (considered superior due to the ease of being built under) can be purchased for as low as $520,000.
Vacancy rates are up by 3.4% to 9.2% (source: REINT) year on year, which again is a reflection of the slowing down of the Darwin residential market as a whole. Rents for three-bedroom dwellings in this area have dropped to a median amount of $540 per week which equates to a 16.9% drop per annum. Long term, these suburbs do make for good buying for those who can’t afford the more expensive locations closer to the Nightcliff foreshore and Casuarina Shopping Centre. In the medium term, Malak and Karama are expected to follow the rest of the greater Darwin market, having experienced a large amount of softening since 2014.
Recent sales evidence has shown the market is stabilising however, with vendors setting reasonable price points to meet the new market conditions.
This leaves us with Palmerston, a satellite city approximately 20 kilometres south of the Darwin CBD. The removal of the first home buyer’s grant for existing properties has had a large impact across the board. Fringe suburbs include Moulden, Rosebery, Woodroffe, Driver and Bakewell. Sales volumes for dwellings are significantly down, with last quarter each posting drops of at least 50% on annual figures. Cheap buys in Moulden mean that the mid to high $300,000 range can grab you a neat and tidy three-bedroom property. 
Unit stock is also feeling the pinch, with drops in median prices ranging from 2.2% in Rosebery to 18% in Bakewell (source: REINT). These figures reflect a market that has seen a significant downturn, with little evidence of an increase in values any time soon. In Bakewell, a two-bedroom semi-modern unit can be bought for $285,000 and in Rosebery a modern two-bedroom unit can be picked up for $350,000.
The problem is all older stock is competing against brand new dwellings in Durack Heights or Bellamack with first home buyer concessions to boot. There are bargains out there obviously with prices down and vendors needing to sell, however it has become a waiting game for purchasers as with an excess of supply on the market they are spoilt for choice. There has been recent market evidence that 2016 won’t be as bad as 2015, but there is no doubt the polarisation of new versus old stock will remain until the Northern Territory Government addresses changes to the first home buyer’s scheme. A substantial election promise tackling this issue could be on the cards, with real estate professionals across the board agreeing on a necessary change and an upcoming general election scheduled for August 2016.
 
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Fringes reflect Darwin's struggle, units fare better than houses: HTW 

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Sentiment among residential property professionals turned positive after three consecutive quarterly falls, led by Victoria though Western Australia was still falling, according to NAB’s Residential Property Index for the first quarter of 2016.
Meanwhile, foreign buyers are pulling back across most states except Queensland.
The NAB Residential Property Index rose to +6 in Q1’16 (+1 in Q4’15), but is still sitting below its long-term survey average (+13).
NAB expects average national house prices in 2016 to rise by 1.5%, with unit prices to fall 1%.
According to NAB Group Chief Economist Alan Oster: “The latest results continue to paint a very mixed picture across the country, with positive sentiment in the Eastern seaboard states offsetting negative results in all other states.”
Foreign buyers are shifting their focus to Queensland (more than one in five new sales). 
Overall, sentiment remains strongest in Victoria, which is also the only state tracking above its long-term average. Sentiment improved most in NSW in Q1 2016 and also lifted modestly in Queensland and SA/NT (but still negative). In contrast, it fell to a new survey low in WA which continues to trail the rest of the country by a considerable margin.
Survey expectations for national house price growth over the next year were broadly unchanged, but again there were notable differences across the states.
Expectations for price growth improved most in Victoria (1.7%) and are now highest in the country. They also improved in SA/NT, but remain quite weak (-0.1%). Expectations weakened a little in Queensland (1.2%) and were also revised down in NSW (-0.2%) and WA (1%).
Looking further out, house prices are expected to grow in most states in two years, with Victoria (1.6%) and Queensland (1.4%) leading the way, with small gains also forecast for WA (0.4%) and SA/NT (0.3%). NSW is the exception, with the survey predicting modest falls (-0.1%).
“At this point in the housing cycle, it is not clear whether the gains over first quarter of 2016 are pointing to an ongoing trend, or if it is simply a flash in the pan before the market peak, perhaps triggered by external factors,” said Oster.
Accordingly, NAB has marginally increased its average national house price forecast in 2016 to 1.5% (from 1%). Unit price forecasts are broadly unchanged, with large additions to supply expected to contribute to a decline of 1% over 2016.
By capital city, Brisbane and Melbourne are expected to be the best performers, with Brisbane house prices forecast to rise by 2.6% in 2016, while Melbourne increases 2.3%. Sydney house price growth is forecast to moderate significantly to just 1.5%. The Adelaide market is not expected to improve much in 2016 - an increase 0.2% roughly offsetting a similar fall in prices in 2015. Perth will remain very weak as prices decline by another 3%.
For apartments, flat to falling prices are expected across most capital cities. The worst declines are forecast to again be in Perth, as well as Melbourne (both -3%). The decline in Perth largely reflects economic conditions, while falls in Melbourne are expected as a result of added supply and weaker investor demand. Sydney unit prices will also be weaker (-0.6%), while Brisbane unit prices are expected to decline by a similar amount.
Another key take out from the survey is the smaller role being played by foreign buyers in Australia’s housing market.
“Their market share of property sales in both new and established housing markets has been falling since the final quarter of 2015, which also coincides with the introduction of tighter legislation around foreign purchases of Australian property,” said Oster.
In new property markets, the share of demand coming from foreign buyers fell to a 2½ year low of 11.8% and down from a survey high of 16.8% in Q3’14.
Moreover, the survey is highlighting a shift in foreign buyers away from Victoria and NSW to Queensland, perhaps in search of better value.
Foreign buyers in Victoria and NSW accounted for around one in 10 new property sales in the March quarter, but in Queensland they purchased more than one in five new properties.
Foreign buyers had previously accounted for around one in three new home sales in Victoria in late-2014 and around one in five sales in NSW in early-2015.
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Property sentiment lifts after three quarterly falls: NAB's Q1 survey

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Brisbane CBD’s latest purpose-built student accommodation, Iglu Brisbane City, has opened its doors after a three-month delay for occupancy approval clearances, with more than 250 students moving in.
Located at 65 Mary Street, Iglu Brisbane City includes 414 beds in air-conditioned studio and multi-share configurations. It has communal areas including a gym, games areas, cinema room, and an outdoor entertainment area.
The Queensland government had initially denied occupancy approval while it investigated the building’s external aluminium panels. 
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Service had raised concerns the cladding presented a fire risk and would put the building's occupants in danger, said an article in brisbanetimes.com.au.
During this time, Iglu paid for alternative accommodation for the students, a media release said.
Following the government confirmation, Iglu director Jonathan Gliksten said he was excited to welcome residents to the building.
“Iglu Brisbane City boosts Brisbane’s appeal as an ideal student living destination for local, regional and international students,” he said. "Our accommodation is close to universities, transport and shopping, and is staffed around the clock." 
“We have always known that our building complied with National Construction Code and are absolutely confident in the quality and safety standard of the building materials used,” Gliksten said.
“We understand that the Queensland government needs to ensure the safety of buildings, but we were disappointed with the length of time the process took."
The project is the fourth student accommodation facility under the Iglu brand with another in Kelvin Grove, and two in Sydney. Two additional properties are currently under development in Redfern (Sydney) and Melbourne CBD.
Iglu Brisbane City's accommodation options include share apartments, studios or one bedroom apartments, with early bird rates still available for Semester 2, 2016.
 
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Iglu's Brisbane student tower opens after 3-month delay for safety checks

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As Australia’s seventh largest city, Newcastle has many fringe residential options for the savvy buyer or investor, according to HTW's latest residential property clock.
The NSW city was also at the peak of the market position on the clock for both houses and units.
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With positive capital growth and increasing values of inner city residential properties, Newcastle’s outer fringe suburbs including Fletcher and Cameron Park have provided investors with improved contemporary options and value for money.
For example, a contemporary four-bedroom and two-garage dwelling on 600 square metres of land in Fletcher may be found for around $550,000, however a dwelling with similar features in the inner suburbs of Newcastle may sell for $800,000 plus. As a result, anecdotal evidence is showing that more families are choosing to live in fringe suburbs where families will enjoy more space, while dwelling capital growth in suburbs such as Fletcher has also been in positive territory for three consecutive years (2013 to 2015).
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Unlike Australia’s larger cities, traffic in Newcastle is rarely problematic and subsequently, suburbs on the Newcastle city fringe allow commuters easy access to CBD-based careers, services and social activities. A trip from Newcastle’s fringe suburbs to the Newcastle CBD may only take 20 minutes, as opposed to Australia’s larger capitals where a similar journey could take at least an hour.
According to the New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment’s Demographics Unit, in 2011 there were 70,750 existing residential dwellings in the Newcastle LGA and 84,150 in the Lake Macquarie LGA. By 2031, this is projected to grow by 24.5% to 88,050 in the Newcastle LGA and 15.3% to 97,000 in the Lake Macquarie LGA. Many of these dwellings will be built in the fringe suburbs of Newcastle where land will continue to be made available for a growing population.
Newcastle’s fringe suburb investments of good quality residential assets will provide sound investments over the long term provided access to the CBD and Newcastle’s service industry remain straightforward and Newcastle’s population continues to grow. 
Of course, with a low buy in price comes affordable rental, so outer edge suburbs usually have reasonable tenant demand too. Traditionally, the gross return is strong compared to those blue bloods closer to the CBD as well. 
Property Observer found a couple of examples of recent sold dwellings on realestate.com.au:
<img src="/images/2016/04/20/newie1.jpg" alt="" width="579" height="368">
1. A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-fletcher-122000374" target="_blank">34 Konara Crescent, Fletcher</a> (above) recently sold for $580,000
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2. A two-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-hamilton-121439890" target="_blank">7/84 James St Hamilton NSW 2303</a> (above) fetched $385,000
 
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Newcastle's fringes are for the savvy investor: 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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“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.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

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. 
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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>. 
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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. 
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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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
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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. 
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“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. 
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Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
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“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; 
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“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.

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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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