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Australian-owned Archipelago Beef Trust has bought two cattle stations for more than $60 million from Indonesia's biggest importer of live cattle, Japfa, in a breather from the trend of foreign buyers snapping up Australian rural estates. 
The privately owned Archipelago Beef Trust acquired Riveren and Inverway Stations located in the Southern Victoria River District of the Northern Territory, the Australian Financial Review reported.
The properties cover 550,000 hectares and are carrying about 40,000 head of Brahman cross cattle.
"Riveren and Inverway Stations are a key strategic acquisition by Archipelago Beef targeting the continued delivery of healthy Australian bred and produced cattle into the growing Asian live cattle export market," Archipelago director Luke Butler was quoted as telling the AFR. 
Butler said he was looking forward to trading with Japfa. 
The vendors Japfa Santori Australia Pty Ltd were represented by Rawdon Briggs of Colliers International.
The deal was done off the market and the price wasn't disclosed, though AFR said it was understood to be about $60 million. 
Japfa, a listed company on the Singapore Stock Exchange as well Indonesia, focuses on Asia's emerging markets including China, Vietnam, Myanmar and India. It was represented by Bruce Warren.
Japfa originally purchased the properties in 2013 from the Underwood family for about $35 million. 
Overseas buying of Australian rural assets has been a topic of much debate lately. 
The latest is around the sale of assets by Australia's largest rural landholder, S.Kidman &amp; Co to a Chinese buyer. Shanghai Pengxin and its partner Australian Rural Capital have been assigned preferred bidder status. 
The Foreign Investment Review Board has yet to make a decision on their rumoured $350 million bid, and had rejected an initial offer from Shanghai Pengxin last year with its standalone offer after concerns were raised about its proximity to the Woomera weapons testing range in South Australia.
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Australia's Archipelago Beef Trust buys two farms for $60 million from Indonesia firm: AFR

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The historic Trinity Bar in Sydney's Surry Hills is being brought to the market for sale via an expressions of interest campaign.
It will be the first time in 20 years that the asset has been offered publicly for sale. 
Dating back to 1882, the hotel is an example of Victorian free classical style. It has undergone several modifications since its construction- most notably during the 1920’s by the former Tooth and Co brewery in the Inter-war style, according to the hotel's website.
Trinity Bar originally traded as ‘Somer’s Hotel’, the first of many titles including ‘Hotel Victoria’, ‘Surry Hills Inn’ and more recently ‘The Elephants Foot’. It has operated as Trinity Bar since 1998.
Daniel Dragicevich and Ben McDonald of CBRE Hotels are handling the campaign on behalf of Ray Reilly.
“Opportunities to acquire inner city freehold hotels of this calibre are becoming increasingly rare as hoteliers compete with buyers from various other segments for prime properties. The Trinity Bar definitely fits into this profile," said Dragicevich.
The national EoI campaign will run till May 12 and CBRE expect a mix of commercial property investors and traditional hoteliers to compete for the asset.
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Trinity Bar in Sydney's Surry Hills up for sale   

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One of the sponsor brokers of McGrath Estate Agents' IPO says the company's stock is undervalued compared with international peers and it retains a 'Buy' in spite of the decline in the share price ever since its market debut in December.
McGrath's stock fell below its IPO price in its market debut at $2.10 and has lost almost a third of its value since.
But Bell Potter Securities is telling clients that international peers are probably the best comparison for McGrath.
"McGrath does not have a close listed comparable company (comp) in Australia and so this begs the question, what should the stock be compared to?" Bell Potter analyst Chris Savage wrote in a note to clients.
"In our view, therefore, it is appropriate to compare McGrath with offshore listed comps of which there are several in both the US and the UK (i.e. real estate markets with some similarities to Australia). In particular, we believe there are three key offshore comps for McGrath – Realogy, Foxtons and Countrywide – which perhaps provide the best guide for what is an appropriate multiple for McGrath."
McGrath is trading well below them, Savage wrote.
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"There are several offshore listed comps which we consider reasonable for McGrath – RE/MAX, Foxtons, Marcus &amp; Millchap, Countrywide, Savills and Realogy – which all have a December year end. The average 2016 and 2017 PE ratios for these stocks are currently 14.5x and 13.2x respectively, which are well above the FY16 and FY17 PE ratios for McGrath of 9.7x and 8.5x.
"Similarly, the average 2016 and 2017 EV/EBITDA multiples for these stocks are currently 7.3x and 7.0x respectively which again are well above the FY16 and FY17 EV/EBITDA multiples for McGrath of 4.9x and 4.0x. If we reduce the list to the key offshore comps of Realogy, Foxtons and Countrywide then the average 2016/2017 PE ratios and EV/EBITDA multiples are 13.2x/11.6x and 8.7x/8.7x which are still well above the McGrath multiples," he said.
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Bell Potter has kept its 12-month price target on McGrath at $2.25, saying it expects the company to achieve its "pro forma prospectus forecasts in FY16". 
McGrath's shares were last trading at $1.29 on the ASX, down 1.9 percent in mid-morning trade on Thursday. They fell to a low of $1.20 on March 16, according to data from Thomson Reuters.
 
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McGrath trading below international peers: Bell Potter

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NSW’s Bathurst (postcode 2795), one of Australia's oldest inland settlements, sits on the list of the most-searched suburbs in Australia in 2015 by rent.com.au.
The median rent for all rental properties advertised in Bathurst in the 30 days till February was $312 per week, up 4.17 percent or $12.50 from the previous quarter. 
The surrounding suburbs of Gormans Hill, Kelso, Mitchell, South Bathurst and West Bathurst, however, had a median rental of $350 in the 30-day period, and showed no change over a 90-day period too.
The average days on market for all rental properties advertised in Bathurst within the 90 days monitored was 29 days, nine days shorter than the previous quarter and 11 less than surrounding suburbs.
The price range was relatively narrow for properties advertised in the 30 days, with the lowest at $160 per week for a one-bedroom place and $440 pw being the highest for five-bedroom dwellings.
A total of 92 rental properties were advertised in Bathurst in the 30-day period, up four from the previous 30 days. Of these, there were 71 houses and 21 apartments. 
The regional city’s property composition made up for 72.3 percent houses and 27.7 percent apartments, according to <a href="https://rent.com.au" target="_blank">rent.com.au</a>’s report. 
Bathurst has a total of 1,389 rental properties, making up 48.9 percent of all properties in Bathurst (ABS, Census Data, 2011). 
Property Observer zeroes in on two examples of recently advertised dwellings around the median price on <a href="https://rent.com.au" target="_blank">rent.com.au</a>:
<img src="/images/2016/04/14/rocket.jpg" alt="" width="592" height="404">
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<li>A three-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/property-unit-bathurst-2795-1694811" target="_blank">2/90 Rocket Street</a> (above) is available for rent at $330 per week. </li>
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A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/property-house-bathurst-2795-1692817" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">98 Durham Street</a> (below) is up for rent for $295 per week. 
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The ASX-listed Rent.com.au Ltd achieved a record 615,405 unique visitors to its website in January, followed by more than 610,000 unique visitors in February.
Landlords are able to list their property for free in a limited time offer on <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/" target="_blank">rent.com.au</a>.
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NSW’s Bathurst scored over neighbours in median rents: rent.com.au

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Car manufacturing job losses and oversupply of houses and apartments are expected to hit property prices in Melbourne from 2017, according to new research.
The study, by property market researcher Propertyology, found that Melbourne is on the cusp of a market downturn. The report says the slump will be caused by the untimely collision of thousands of job losses in manufacturing with entrenched oversupply issues.
"Propertyology believes that the 2016 supply-demand fundamentals for Greater Melbourne resemble those of Perth’s in 2014," said Propertyology market analyst Simon Pressley.
"The housing supply pipeline exceeds population demand in Melbourne to the tune of approximately 12,000 dwellings per year.
"Of even bigger concern is the impact on as much as six per cent of the city’s households from car manufacturing plant closures from late-2016 and continuing through 2017. One would have to anticipate there’d be a significant knock-on effect to consumer and business confidence across the entire city."
The report says the main factor in the market downturn will be the loss of jobs from 2014 to 2017 in the manufacturing plants of Ford, Holden and Toyota.
And it is not just the apartment sector that is burdened by oversupply. Sixteen of Greater Melbourne’s 31 local government areas (LGAs) have approved 50 per cent more dwellings than normal, even though the population growth rate has remained the same. The apartment sector also remains bloated by oversupply, the report says.
"Melbourne City is on track to approving 19,000 CBD apartments over the past three years; this is an increase of 158 per cent on the annual average from the previous five years," Pressley says.
"The Melbourne LGA population growth is just shy of 6,000 people per annum and equates to demand for 3,000 extra dwellings compared to the recent average annual supply of 6,300 CBD dwellings."
Pressley says a University of Adelaide study into the impact of the closures on Australia predicted huge job losses, with Victoria being the worst hit.
"The study states that 'Australia is expected to suffer a fall in national employment of around 200,000 as a result of the planned closure to motor vehicle manufacturing between (mid-2014) and 2017'," he says.
"The greatest impact in terms of projected job losses will be in Victoria, with an estimated decline of close to 100,000 jobs. Victoria’s Gross Regional Product is also forecast to decline by $13 billion per year."
Pressley says Victoria may have the highest unemployment rate in the country by the end of 2017, which will further negatively impact its property market from 2017 to 2018.
"Sales volumes will fall, days on market will increase, as will vacancy rates," Pressley says.
Property prices across Melbourne, and not just inner-city apartments, are likely to reduce as will rents, he said.
"I believe there is a stark resemblance between Melbourne’s current fundamentals and those of Perth’s in 2014. Propertyology correctly forecast the resultant easing of demand in Perth and rising housing supply that left the legacy of a five per cent decline in Perth property values during 2015 – and we feel more of the same is likely there in 2016."
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Job losses, oversupply to hurt Melbourne property prices from 2017: research

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The valuation firm Herron Todd White has issued its latest property clock for the residential market - a simple broad brush means to suggest where property markets are in April - and what direction prices are moving in.
The regional Victoria city of Horsham joins Melbourne -- also in Victoria -- at the top of the April property clock for units. Horsham is at the peak for the houses clock too. The others (including Melbourne) Coffs Harbour, Dubbo and Newcastle all retain their positions from March, making the peak of market a contest between between Victoria and New South Wales.
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While Sydney unit were listed in declined, the report noted that in the Sydney southern suburb of Engadine that unit media prices have risen from $415,000 in December 2012 to $617,500 in February 2016, according to realestate.com.au.
The Gold Coast and Ipswich in Queensland are approaching the peak of the market, while Brisbane and Sydney continue to remain in decline.
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<div>Previously HTW had advised a cooling off in the Sydney property market was looking increasing unlikely, at least in the short term.</div>
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<div>"The future over the medium to long term however remains uncertain.</div>
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<div>"One worrying fact is that rental growth has not increased at a level even close to the growth of Sydney property prices.</div>
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<div>"This suggests that the involvement of investors appear to be speculative with many banking on capital gains rather than attractive rental yields.</div>
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<div>"It appears that this increased investor activity (speculative based or otherwise) is driving housing prices to rise faster than fundamental factors suggest they should in the Sydney market.</div>
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<div>"Factors including the aforementioned falling interest rates, continued strong presence of overseas buyers (fuelled by the falling Australian dollar), tax incentives and positive market sentiment, has seen unaffordability levels continue to soar in the Sydney market with home ownership becoming more unattainable for many, especially young people looking to break into the market." </div>
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<div>The report on regional localities noted Port Macquarie’s growth over the past twelve months has been the strongest on the Mid North Coast during the past five years and while the fringe suburbs have shown increases in value over that time, their rate of increase has been behind that of established residential areas within the township.</div>
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Victoria and NSW jostle at peak of market for units: HTW clock

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The workplace is in a state of evolution, with the rise of co-working space redefining the parameters of office markets across the country as shifts in demand create new opportunities for commercial property owners.
A new CBRE Viewpoint highlights the rapid transformation of global office markets over the past five years, with businesses and individuals adopting co-working space models such as serviced offices and flexible desk leasing arrangements.
Since 2010, there has been exponential growth in the number of co-working sites across Australia, with advances in technology underpinning a rise in mobile and freelance working.
Across Australia, there are currently more than 120 co-working sites, with the majority located in New South Wales (30%) and Victoria (25%).
CBRE Research Analyst Anne Flaherty said technological advances were creating new business opportunities, which was spawning a rise in the number of start-ups.
“For these businesses, serviced offices present an attractive option, offering flexibility, affordability and the opportunity to meet and work amongst other entrepreneurs,” Ms Flaherty said.
“For many small businesses and start-ups that may not be in a position to commit to the requirements of a formal lease agreement, co-working spaces offer significantly greater flexibility.”
CBRE Director, Workplace Strategy, Matt Strudwick said technology had liberated organisations from the traditional view of the office being the place to work.
“Organisations are using a mix of spaces to provide an attractive proposition to their employees, service their clients more effectively and drive out some of the fixed costs of traditional office space,” Strudwick explained.
“Employees have been empowered to work from client locations and from home in the past, but co-working spaces offer something more. Co-working spaces are conducive to fostering and enhancing an entrepreneurial culture and a sense of team.”
“While the co-working office offers an attractive work space for start-ups and small businesses, it is not just these companies that we are seeing demand from,” Strudwick explained.
“There is a growing trend whereby big corporates are leasing desk space in co-working hubs, so as to expose their employees to new ideas and innovative working environments.”
Evidencing the trend, a number of major corporations, including NAB, have taken to co-working to drive their business outcomes with the objective being to engage with the small business community and find opportunities to partner with, or buy their ideas.
“There has been a sharp increase in the number of financial institutions partnering with existing co-working hubs, as well as launching shared office spaces across most of Australia’s capital cities,” Flaherty said.
“Co-working spaces are also being set aside at the existing office premises of some banks, for the exclusive use of their business banking customers.”
Strudwick said in addition to the benefits of flexibility, affordability and networking, co-working style office arrangements also offered businesses the advantage of agility.
“Agility is one of the biggest drawcards associated with co-working space, with it giving businesses the ability to adjust their space as they grow, shrink, move and reconfigure, while not being locked into a restrictive lease,” Mr Strudwick explained.
CBRE Executive Managing Director, Capital Markets, Mark Granter said the growing trend also presented opportunities for office owners and landlords looking to reposition assets for higher and better use.
“As demand continues to strengthen for flexible office space, assets that have been converted to capture this budding market will be positioned for capital growth,” Granter said.
“Unlike traditional office space, income flow for a co-working space is less dependent on a few, or single, tenants. With demand for serviced offices growing, owners of currently underused commercial assets may look to unlock value by considering the potential viability of conversion to a shared office space.”
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Property 101: Office parameters changing amid rise of co-working phenomenon: CBRE

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Developer Consolidated Properties had the official opening of its Casuarina Village Shopping Centre, which is a full house after surfwear retailer Rip Curl secured the final tenancy in the precinct.
Rip Curl, which signed a lease for a 144 sqm space with an expected July open, adds to Casuarina Village's line up of retailers that includes cafes and restaurants, doctor’s surgery, bottle shop and a travel agency. 
The $25-million centre also includes a 2,500 sqm market-style Coles, the only full-line supermarket in the Salt Village/Casuarina residential and resort precinct.
Tweed deputy mayor Gary Bagnall, Member for Tweed Geoff Provest and Member for Richmond Justine Elliot and Consolidated Properties executive chairman Don O'Rorke went on a tour of Casuarina Village.
"Casuarina Village has had an extremely successful first few weeks of trade, vindicating our decision to create a dedicated retail hub for the Casuarina township," O'Rorke said.
Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest, said the Casuarina Village Shopping Centre had created around 220 jobs during the development stage, while the 100 ongoing, long-term jobs within the centre would benefit the local community.
"I think particularly looking at the local economy relying on tourism and retail, this centre adds so much value and is especially great for the locals who already love the new services they can access right on their doorstep," said Justine Elliot, Member for Richmond.
Casuarina Village was developed by Casuarina Beach developer Consolidated Properties along with capital partners CVS Lane Capital Partners.
The centre is on the corner of Grand Parade and Casuarina Way, which links the north and central residential villages of Casuarina Beach, and also provides a direct connection to the adjoining $1 billion Salt Village community.
"I've lived in Casuarina for 13 years and I've always loved it here, but now it's even better because I can shop locally instead of having to drive to Kingscliff or Cabarita," said local resident Lisa Burgess.
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Full house at Casuarina Village shopping centre

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A shed complex in Oakhurst area of Queensland is up for grabs at $599,000 + GST.
The property at lot <a href="https://www.rhcommercial.com.au/properties/lot-67-precision-drive-oakhurst-4650-queensland" target="_blank">67 Precision Drive</a> is spread over 500 sqm.
There is a six-month rental guarantee with the vendor guaranteeing the first six months lease if a tenant is required.
The property is being sold through Raine &amp; Horne.
It consists of two colourbond sheds, plenty of hardstand and parking.
Security fencing over two-thirds of the site. 
Ground floor and Mezzanine office built to high spec, two kitchens and other facilities; roof top solar power 20 kw each shed, low to zero power bills.
And there is a 5,000 gallon underground water tank, plus two 30 000 freestanding tanks.
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Shed complex in Queensland's Oakhurst up for sale

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A property leased to fast-food chain Hungry Jack's in Griffith in NSW sold under the hammer for a yield of 5.1 percent at a Burgess Rawson portfolio auction in early April.
The <a href="https://www.burgessrawson.com.au/buying/NSW/Riverina/Griffith/Retail/2P1156#.Vwx8n2R95-U" target="_blank">49-53 Jondaryan Avenue</a> property fetched $3.4 million at auction.
It is a 240 sqm restaurant, which was refurbished in 2013 to Hungry Jack's corporate design and layout with customer drive thru and 31 onsite car spaces.
The land area is 2,400 sqm and it located between town centre and Griffith Homemaker Centre anchored by Bunnings.
The property is on a secure 10-year lease to Hungry Jacks Pty Ltd until February 2023 with options for three 10-year extensions.
The rent is $172,096 pa plus GST and there will be a minimum 3 percent rent increases. 
The tenant pays usual outgoings excluding land tax.
Griffith is a regional city in NSW with a population catchment of 52,000. 
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Hungry Jack's in NSW's Griffith fetches $3.4 million at Burgess Rawson auction

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.

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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.

[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.” 
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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] 
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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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