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A group of Perth barristers has bought office chambers in the city’s new legal hub at auction for $1.45 million.
Located on the top floor of the Equus Commercial building at 580 Hay Street, the 213 sqm-partitioned office space has a 57 sqm terrace complete with putting green, two basement car bays and panoramic views of Perth Town Hall and the CBD skyline.
The building also has a gym and pool for tenant use.
The buyer group - comprising Perth criminal barristers Paul Bevilacqua; Anthony Elliott; Anthony Eyers; Edward Fitzpatrick; and Helen Prince - acquired the property with the intention of opening new legal practice, Meridian Chambers. 
CBRE’s Milne said the property offered a fantastic opportunity to secure a prime position in Perth’s premier legal precinct. 
“This sale reflected an opportunity to secure commercial space in one of the city’s most prestigious legal destinations, neighbouring leading law firms, barristers and QCs,” said CBRE’s Milne, who along with Ben Younger, brokered the deal.
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Perth legal eagles swoop on top floor nest in legal hub for $1.45 million

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Property investments by SMSFs through limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs) could come under increased scrutiny of the tax office this year, says major accounting firm H&amp;R Block.
Last year, the ATO had expressed concern at LRBA loans that were not structured correctly, including incorrect registration of the ownership of property bought under an LRBA. It spoke of increasing its focus on the LRBA route.
Given the growth in the SMSF sector and the increasing popularity of strategies such as LRBAs, H&amp;R Block has tipped that property will remain a top priority for the ATO’s compliance work in the SMSF sector this year.
“I know the ATO always keeps a close eye on property investment and especially LRBAs,” H&amp;R Block's director of tax communications, Mark Chapman told SMSF Adviser.
This particularly applies to related party borrowings which may currently be structured on non-commercial terms, with a June 30 deadline to have these structures rectified, it said.
According to the ATO website, an asset purchased by an SMSF trustee through LRBA is held in a separate trust.
If the loan defaults, the lender's rights are limited to the asset held in the separate trust, but not to assets held in the SMSF.
In 2015, an ATO campaign saw 500 postcodes issued with warnings urging holiday home owners to ensure deductions were not made during periods a property was not available for let.
“With property rental a valuable source of extra income for millions of taxpayers, it can be expected that the ATO will follow up with some targeted reviews and audits this year,” Chapman was quoted as saying.
The “sharing economy” – “driven in part by the high levels of non-compliance amongst those driving for Uber or renting rooms through Airbnb,” would also be an area of scrutiny by the ATO, he said. 
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ATO to focus on LRBA route to property investment by SMSFs

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Fixed rate home loans accounted for nearly a quarter of all home loans in Australia in January, reflecting the uncertain interest rate environment, says lending broker Mortgage Choice.
Demand for fixed rate home loans has hit its highest level in more than 12 months, national home loan approval data from ASX-listed Mortgage Choice shows.
Fixed rate home loans accounted for 23.62% of all loans written in January, up from 19.44% in the previous month. 
“Home loan interest rates are incredibly volatile at the moment. Consumers are unsure whether or not Australia’s lending institutions are going to raise or cut their home loan interest rates,” said Mortgage Choice chief executive officer John Flavell.
“With that in mind, it is not surprising to see a growing number of borrowers looking for some safety and security around their home loan repayments in the form of a fixed rate mortgage.”
Flavell said the last time demand for fixed rate home loans was this high was back in November 2014 when there was a similar level of complexity and confusion around interest rates. 
“Over the coming few months, I wouldn’t be surprised to see demand for fixed rates continue to increase slightly.”
Queensland recorded the strongest demand for fixed rate products, with this type of loan accounting for 31.12% of all home loans written throughout January. 
New South Wales and Western Australia were next, with 24.07% and 23.15% respectively. 
Victoria and South Australia were at the other end of the spectrum, with fixed rate products making up 13.09% and 20.03% of all loans written in each state respectively. 
But while demand for fixed rate products across Australia grew in January, variable rate home loans – specifically ongoing discount mortgages – remained most popular with borrowers. 
Across Australia, 49.53% of borrowers took out an ongoing discount variable rate home loan – down from 52.07% in the previous month.
<a href="/images/2016/02/16/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-16%20at%208.42.50%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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One in four home loans are fixed: Mortgage Choice 

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The Gatwick Hotel in Melbourne’s St Kilda is on the market for the first time in more than 50 years, with the expression of interest campaign closing March 1.
The hotel on <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-vic-st+kilda-501809978" target="_blank">34 Fitzroy Street</a> was built in 1938 and is currently being used as a boarding house. It is in an area zoned Commercial 1.
The property’s current owners, twin sisters Rose Banks and Yvette Kelly, have been running the 64-room hotel since the 1980’s and have now decided to retire.
A documentary 'The Saints of St Kilda’ was recently made in which the owners opened up about the boarding house and its inhabitants.
The hotel comprises of a three level-building plus a basement with a gross floor area of 2,532 sqm. Built to the boundaries, the site is nearly 789 sqm and has three street frontages. The property has retained most of its original features and has been kept true to its original floor plan.
The listing agents for the property are Lemon Baxter’s Jonathan Walls and Richard Hutton. There have been reports of $11 million expectations.
“The Gatwick Hotel is an icon in St Kilda. The property is less than 5 km from the CBD and has immediate proximity to St Kilda beach, restaurants and generates high traffic, particularly from tourists,” said Jonathan Walls.
“This site presents an opportunity to house a boutique hotel, head office or residential conversion subject to council approval.”
St Kilda Community Housing chief executive John Enticott said he understood the vendors had set a 12-month settlement date, which would secure residents' housing until early 2017.
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Budget boarding house Gatwick Hotel in Melbourne on the market

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The successful opening of Perth’s new waterfront plaza, Elizabeth Quay, shows that Western Australia is hungry for urban renewal and a pipeline of urban infrastructure needs to be mapped out following the end of the mining boom, says the Property Council of Australia.
With Elizabeth Quay complete and other projects like the City Link nearly finished, what’s the next to help keep WA growing after the mining boom? 
“The Property Council on behalf of the WA development industry has the answer, a better infrastructure delivery framework and transparent project assessment criteria. These are exactly the recommendations of the Property Councils recent reports Keep WA Growing and Mind the Gap,” Property Council WA executive director Joe Lenzo said. 
In ‘Keep WA Growing’ the Property Council has assessed nine key infrastructure projects of which priority will be given to three which will have the greatest economic flow-on effect for the state — Max Light Rail, the Peel Economic and Environmental Initiative, and the Western Trade Coast. 
In ‘Mind the Gap’, the Property Council found that the absence of an independent state body to advise the planning, prioritising and delivery of major infrastructure was costing WA investment and jobs. 
“The formation of a state infrastructure body and preparing a pipeline of future work has worked in other states, particularly in the attraction of scarce federal funding,” Lenzo said.
According to the WA government website, Elizabeth Quay is the centrepiece of a plan to revitalise Perth. The government expects the plaza by the Swan River to be a future workplace for more than 10,000 people and attract more than $2billion in private investment.
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After Elizabeth Quay, Perth needs an infrastructure pipeline to keep WA growing: PCA

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Property Connect, a rental property technology company, is raising $2.5 million through a public listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) as as part of a reverse takeover by Conquest Agri (ASX:CQA).
The company will issue 50 million shares at A$0.05 per share, giving it a market cap of A$12.28 million upon listing, expected March 7 under the proposed ASX code PCH.
Property Connect has developed a program called LiveOffer, through which potential tenants can make an offer on a rental property, thus creating a fair market value for rental properties.
LiveOffer™ provides the renter with the ability to adjust the rent paid, move in date and lease term to create an overall scenario for the property manager.
“We provide a win-win situation, instantly matching the ideal renter for the property and securing the optimum outcome for the property manager,” said Property Connect founder, former Sydney property developer Tim Manson.
Manson has relocated to California seeking to launch the LiveOffer™ technology into the US multi-family apartment market.
“Feedback from those who have trialled the technology has been excellent and we have a host of clients eagerly anticipating the new version.”
Version 2.0 of LiveOffer™ is expected in Q2 CY2016.
Property Connect will charge a set-up fee and monthly fee for each community placed on the LiveOffer™ system by the property manager, in addition to a 1-3% transaction fee per lease passed through the platform.
The product also provides an opportunity for tenants to upgrade to premium apartments that become available.
The company has signed agreements with 10 US property management groups, with more than 100,000 combined listings per annum, for use of the LiveOffer™ platform.
Funds from the capital raising will be used for system development, hiring and working capital. 
GTT Ventures Pty Ltd is sole lead manager for the equity raising.
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Rental tech firm Property Connect set to list on ASX

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The director of a former estate agency in Melbourne’s Boronia has been declared ineligible to hold an estate agent’s licence, or be an estate agent’s representative for five years, after he admitted to knowingly authorising and permitting the agency to convert trust money to its own use.
Michael Knight, 49, was found guilty by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal of breaching the Estate Agents (Professional Conduct) Regulations 2008 on several counts, such as not acting with care and diligence in his role as an estate agent.
His company, Michael Knight Real Estate Pty Ltd, was also found to have violated the Estate Agents Act 1980 by:
depositing trust money directly into the agency’s business account for its own use thrice
causing a deficiency in the trust account by withdrawing trust money prior to property settlement a further three times
not completing a number of monthly trust account reconciliations, or completing them incorrectly
failing to have the agency’s trust account audited for the 2013-2014 financial year.
The tribunal reprimanded Knight and declared him ineligible to hold a real estate agent’s licence, or to be an agent’s representative for five years.
Knight also gave an undertaking to the tribunal that he would never apply for, or seek to hold another estate agent’s licence. He must also inform any estate agent that employs him in future about the ruling against him.
Michael Knight Real Estate Pty Ltd was also reprimanded and declared ineligible to hold a real estate agent’s licence for five years.
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Victoria court rules against Boronia estate agent 

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Former real estate agent Anthony Vito Brancatella has been sentenced to 40 months in jail by Consumer Affairs Victoria court for swindling nearly $2 million of clients’ money.
He must must serve a minimum of 20 months in prison, it was ruled.
The court issued proceedings agains Brancatella, 43, from Melbourne’s Huntingdale, in March 2015 for 62 counts of wrongful conversion and false accounts under the Estate Agents Act 1980.
In February this year, he pleaded guilty in the County Court of Victoria, admitting to using clients’ money to help run his business and repay debts.
In March last year, Brancatella’s licence was suspended and in June 2015, the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court granted interim injunctions preventing Brancatella to work as a real estate agent.
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Former real estate agent jailed by Victoria court for nearly $2 million fraud

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Industry lobby group the Housing Industry Association (HIA) has expressed concern at reports that changes to negative gearing might be back on the table, as the government looks at alternative taxation reform options to the GST. 
“New housing is one of the most highly taxed sectors in the economy, and the removal of negative gearing would only make that situation worse and discourage investment,” said HIA chief executive Industry Policy and Media Graham Wolfe. 
The HIA cited research by Independent Economics which concludes that restricting access to negative gearing for residential property hurts investment in housing, erodes affordability and pressures rents on the upside. 
“Negative gearing promotes private investment in the rental market, both stimulating economic activity and taking the pressure off social housing and the public purse,” said Wolfe.
“With an ageing workforce and future pressure expected on publicly funded services, policy settings such as negative gearing that promote wealth creation and self-sufficiency in retirement should be promoted.
“It is important to remember that negative gearing is not the domain of so-called ‘wealthy investors’.” 
He cited ATO figures which show that 79% of tax payers with a rental property declare a taxable income of less than $100,000. 
“In fact, seven out of 10 tax payers with a rental property earn less than $80,000.” 
“A body of independent research has been developed over a number of years that demonstrates categorially that negative gearing is a positive force for the Australian economy,” concluded Wolfe. 
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Changes to negative gearing will hurt investment and affordability: HIA

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The robust growth in number of home loans (commitments) for owner-occupiers in December wasn’t the only heart-warming statistic from the latest ABS data, the refinancing of home loans for the month came in at a record high 20,911.
The number of new owner-occupier housing loans (commitments) rose by 2.6 percent in December, a near seven-year high, after rising by 1.9 percent in November. Excluding the refinancing of dwellings, the number of loans was up by 1.6 percent.
The record refinancing numbers mean that fresh spending power has been injected into the economy, says a note by CommSec Research.
The broader picture is that the home loan market remains in good shape and further confirmation of the health of the economy, it says.
Each month, lenders commit to provide funds for home purchases. Sometimes the commitments are taken up; other times budding buyers don’t find the home of their dreams. But in December, a record $23.8 billion was actually advanced to borrowers by lenders to buy or build homes, up 24.6 percent on a year ago. 
Loans by owner-occupiers for the construction of homes rose by 1.8 percent in December; loans to buy newly-erected dwellings rose by 12.4 percent; and loans for the purchase of established dwellings (excluding refinancing) rose by 0.4 percent. 
The number of refinancing transactions increased by 4.4 percent.
The proportion of first-time buyers in the home loan market rose from 14.9 percent to 15 percent in December. The figures take into account refinancing loans and as such may misrepresent the true situation. 
Overall, the rise in loan activity indicates that home building will remain healthy in the coming months. 
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Refinancing of home loans hits record high in December

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

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

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

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]

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

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

Prateek Chatterjee

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