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Forget the pricey distant WaterWorld! Before the Indian summer wanes, here's Property Observer list of watersides that could be in your own back yard.
The best we have spotted was at <a href="https://www.homehound.com.au/listing/for-sale/nsw/sydney-region/hills/bella-vista-hills/16-brighton-drive-bella-vista-nsw-2153/" target="_blank">16 Brighton Drive, Bella Vista</a> (pictured above).
Take a look at its waterside which dominates the home landscape. Oh the home comes with $3.5 million plus hopes being marketed as an architectural masterpiece, taking two years to design.
Reckon its better than the one's Property Observer readers have shown (sadly without close-ups) at the homes of <a href="/news/nathan-tinkler-relists-pullenvale-acreage">Nathan Tinkler</a> (pictured below) and <a href="/news/vaughan-bullivant-secures-5-3-million-redcliffe-beachfront-trophy-home-sale">Vaughan Bullivant</a> in Queensland where the house easily outdoes the slide.
<img src="/images/2014/05/21/pullenvale_0000_1.jpg.jpg" alt="Nathan Tinkler relists Pullenvale acreage ">
The one at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-kuluin-116403303" target="_blank"> 5 Cypress Street, Kuluin</a> (pitured below) has just sold at $525,000 with rock cliff style slide. It's hard to say how long it is.
<img src="/images/2014/05/23/waterslides_0011_kuluin%20may%2023%20one.jpg.jpg" alt="">
Property Central's photo of its <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-killarney+vale-113595523" target="_blank">$390,000 Killarney Vale sale</a> comes with one of the longer exposed ones.
<img src="/images/2014/05/23/waterslides_0007_killarney%20vale%20may%2023%20one.jpg.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/05/23/waterslides_0010_killarney%20vale%20may%2023.jpg.jpg" alt="">
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The side at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nt-rosebery-113099187" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">17 Catchlove Street, Rosebery</a> (pictured below) drops into the pool with multi-coloured lighting. The Northern Territory offering also has a rock climbing wall at the place which was for sale at $689,000, but is now under offer.
<img src="/images/2014/05/23/waterslides_0008_roseberry%20may%2023%20two.jpg.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/05/23/waterslides_0009_roseberry%20may%2023%20one.jpg.jpg" alt="">
The one at Cobaki looks a tad makeshift. The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-cobaki-115201939" target="_blank">184 Cobaki Road</a> (pictured below) offering comes with pebble-crete saltwater pool with waterside.
<img src="/images/2014/05/23/waterslides_0005_cobaki%20may%2023%20two.jpg.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/05/23/waterslides_0006_cobaki%20may%2023%20one.jpg.jpg" alt="">
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The horse riding facilities are the main attraction at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-vic-red+hill-117055667" target="_blank">this Red Hill, Victoria listing</a> (pictured below), though it would great to get a quick cool off at the solar heated, self-cleaning pool with a waterside on the five acres estate. 
<img src="/images/2014/05/23/waterslides_0004_red%20hill%20may%2023%20one.jpg.jpg" alt="">
Sporting extras are also the go at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-maudsland-117009859" target="_blank">10 Burley Griffin Drive, Maudsland</a> (pictured below). Marketed as the "Perfect Family Acreage," there is also a flying fox and junior size AFL ground with goal posts at the Queensland property!
<img src="/images/2014/05/23/waterslides_0003_maudstad%20may%2023%20one.jpg.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/05/23/waterslides_0002_maudstad%20may%2023%20two.jpg.jpg" alt="">
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This one looks like Cape Canaveral almost. The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-burleigh+heads-117027359" target="_blank">5 Mathew Close, Burleigh Heads offering</a> (pictured below) is being marketed as 'Kid's heaven with its very own waterside!"
"With the owner liquidating all assets now is the time to purchase what you always thought you couldn't afford!" its Ray White listing agent Scott Campbell suggests. All for $549,000 or so.
<img src="/images/2014/05/23/waterslides_0000_burliegh%20heads%20may%2023%20two.jpg.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/05/23/waterslides_0001_burliegh%20heads%20may%2023.jpg.jpg" alt="">
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Home waterslides not just a Nathan Tinkler indulgence: Eight that stand out

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<img src="/images/2014/05/19/diston-profile.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
Agent: Brett Diston
Position: Director 
Agency: Ray White Commercial 
Office location: Manningham (Melbourne)
How long have you been in the industry? 
10 years
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
We are achieving great results in the eastern corridor with the amount of infrastructure being implemented and the hunger for strong performing assets.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold or leased
Every property is different and needs to be analysed individually. However, more recently I have had the opportunity to list and sell a number of petrol station sites and businesses which has been very engaging for me to understand the depth of the businesses in finer detail.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
Honesty and giving sound advice, continue to add value to their asset and increase the net worth.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
Helping people to turn their underperforming assets into thriving investments which enables the client to have more options around their financial future. This is a very rewarding role that I am able to play.
Where would invest a spare $750,000?
I would look at all aspects of real estate whether it be residential, commercial or development sites, as long as I could foresee the value add potential.
Which football team do you support?
Essendon
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget? 
I have found the iPad mini to be extremely useful for both professional and personal use given the amount of applications available that relate to both.
How do you use social media? 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/brett-diston/57/826/467" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> is the only one I use professionally. I leave Facebook for personal use.
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In profile: Ray White Commercial's director, Brett Diston

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RBA Governor Glenn Stevens' May statement:
At its meeting today, the <a href="/expert-insights/finance/rba-leaves-interest-rates-on-hold-as-housing-price-growth-slows">Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 2.5 per cent</a>. Growth in the global economy was a bit below trend in 2013, but there are reasonable prospects of a better outcome this year, helped by firmer conditions in the advanced countries. China's growth appears to have slowed a little in early 2014 but remains generally in line with policymakers' objectives. Commodity prices in historical terms remain high, though some of those important to Australia have softened further of late. Financial conditions overall remain very accommodative. Long-term interest rates and most risk spreads remain low. Equity and credit markets are well placed to provide adequate funding. In Australia, the economy grew at a below-trend pace in 2013. Recent information suggests moderate growth is occurring in consumer demand and foreshadows a strong expansion in housing construction. Some indicators of business conditions and confidence have improved from a year ago and exports are rising. But at the same time, resources sector investment spending is set to decline significantly and, at this stage, signs of improvement in investment intentions in other sectors are only tentative, as firms wait for more evidence of improved conditions before committing to expansion plans. Public spending is scheduled to be subdued. The demand for labour has been weak over the past year and, as a result, the rate of unemployment has risen somewhat. More recently, there has been some improvement in indicators for the labour market, but it will probably be some time yet before unemployment declines consistently. Growth in wages has declined noticeably and this has been reflected more clearly in the latest price data, which show a moderation in growth in prices for non-traded goods and services. As a result, inflation is consistent with the target. If domestic costs remain contained, that should continue to be the case over the next one to two years, even with lower levels of the exchange rate. Monetary policy remains accommodative. Interest rates are very low and savers continue to look for higher returns in response to low rates on safe instruments. Credit growth has picked up a little, while dwelling prices have increased significantly over the past year. The decline in the exchange rate from its highs a year ago will assist in achieving balanced growth in the economy, but less so than previously as a result of the rise over the past few months. The exchange rate remains high by historical standards. Looking ahead, continued accommodative monetary policy should provide support to demand, and help growth to strengthen over time. Inflation is expected to be consistent with the 2–3 per cent target over the next two years. In the Board's judgement, monetary policy is appropriately configured to foster sustainable growth in demand and inflation outcomes consistent with the target. On present indications, the most prudent course is likely to be a period of stability in interest rates.
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Strong expansion in housing construction expected: RBA Governor Glenn Stevens

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Delisted AFL premiership player Darren Jolly and his wife Deanne are the mystery couple on the next series of The Block, the office block conversion currently underway in High Street, Prahran.
The Sunday Herald Sun, normally compliant with the Channel 9 demands for embargoed Block secrecy, broke the revelation on the weekend, having earlier alluded to a retired sportstar being a contestant.
Last month the couple sold <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-surrey+hills-116232795" target="_blank">their self-renovated Edwardian era Surrey Hills</a> home ahead of the scheduled auction.
It was renovated by the ruckman on days off and after training, along with designs by his fashionista wife.
Last year Jolly completed his building and construction certificate four at night school. The couple paid $1.35 million in 2010.
It was joked among his then Collingwood AFL teammates of his growing interest in renovation and property development
But it was actually Heath Shaw, the former Magpies defender now at GWS, who suggested that he wouldn't mind taking on a spot on The Block.
"I would really enjoy that and I know Darren Jolly is into his home renovations, I could get big Dazza and do all the co-ordination stuff and he could do the building,'' Shaw said in the lead-up to the listing of his then recently completed Kew East home.
Paul Richards, <a href="/news/off-field-top-marks-for-retired-ruck-man-darren-jolly-in-renovated-surrey-hills-cottage">the Bekdon Richards listing agent</a>, described the Jolly's three bedroom cottage renovation as one of the best he’d seen in 13 years in real estate.
Their 1910 house on 450 square metres had period features including high ceilings, stained glass and original fireplaces as well as for contemporary comforts such as refrigerated cooling and ducted heating. 
Just two doors along - another three bedroom 1910 cottage on 410 square metres last sold at $1.1 million in 2007 - sold ahead of its scheduled March auction too. Both recent sale prices have been undisclosed.
<a href="/news">The current Surrey Hills median house price sits at a record $1.28 million</a>, according to RP Data.
There was a $2.15 million sale of a renovated five bedroom cottage on 845 square metres set the street record last November.
The former Collingwood, Sydney and Melbourne ruckman, a two-time premiership player and reluctant 2013 AFL retiree, is St Kilda's part-time ruck coach.
A silly rumour prank that the ruckman was set to to play with the Bonbeach side during 2014, is seemingly set to come to fruition this Friday.
After hearing the rumour, the Bonbeach Sharks president Reece Murphy phoned Jolly who both started to think about it.
At this stage, Jolly has agreed to play only one game with Bonbeach - on Good Friday, when the Sharks host reigning premiers EdiAsp, according to the local paper, the Frankston Standard Leader.
Presumably The Block cameras will be there to cover it, confidentially.
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Former AFL ruckman Darren Jolly sells Surrey Hills and joins The Block Prahran

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There is an estimated $1.1 billion in property available for purchase this weekend across Sydney. And it includes one of the last Paddington unrenovated terraces with backyard dunny (pictured above).
It's among the record offering of 1,107 houses and units up for auction across Sydney this weekend with a potential $935 million in houses available for purchase and $175 million in apartment stock going under the hammer.
There are 1,261 offerings in Melbourne, with an $870 million worth of stock with around $640 million in houses set to be offered under the hammer and $230 million worth of apartments.
The Saturday before Easter weekend is traditionally a big weekend for auctions, ahead of the quieter winter hibernation.
This year carried the spring 2013 momentum, and the later Easter on the calendar allowed the chance for more vendors to join the listings rush.
Australian Property Monitors research assistant Neil Tan has advised that this weekend's 1,107 Sydney offerings is some 196% higher than the same weekend last year. And Melbourne's tally is 142% up.
The last Sydney record auction bonanza was the 970 offering on 14 December in the lead up to Christmas 2013 when $584 million in sales came based on a $900,000 median house price and a $605,000 median unit price. There was another $584 million in sales secured on the 22 February weekend based on a $1.08 million house median and a $720,000 unit median sale price.
So it will the busiest Sydney Saturday on record, with official records being compiled since Australian Property Monitors started keeping the data in the late 1980s when Sydney was only just beginning to take a shine to onsite auction with the lead from the trend setter Andrew Gibbons agency.
The long mooted possibility that Sydney would break the 1,000 auction barrier for the first time occurs at a time when auction clearance rates sits at historically high levels on the back of buyer demand.
The initial Saturday figures from APM have been running at 80% for 10 consecutive weeks, but increasingly revised down to around 75% after final results have been tallied. This week at a mid-week auction a 53% auction clearance rate was secured at Double Bay, suggesting the deterioration might be setting in.
Melbourne's 1,261 auctions this saturday will be its fourth weekend above 1,000 this year, so that total is no news for them.
Indeed late last year Melbourne had three consecutive weekends with auction numbers over 1,300 from 30 November to 14 December. And Melbourne has also been showing signs of auction success rate weakness the further into autumn the weekends went.
So while a 100% success rate simply won't happen, the weekend $1.1 billion tally is huge based just on the offering. It is based on the median weekend house price last weekend which was $1.1 million in Sydney and the median Sydney auction unit price which was $700,000. These weekly auction medians have been ratcheting up, as witnessed in the figures given above for December and February super Saturday results.
Of course the auction offerings always reflect a much higher price than the typical $765,000 median for houses and the $540,000 median for typical units.
This weekend there are about 250 units and 850 houses for scheduled Sydney auction.
This weekend there are about 450 units and 810 houses for scheduled Melbourne auction.
Melbourne's median last weekend for house prices was $790,000 and the median unit price was $510,000.
And again, that's much higher than the typical $568,000 Melbourne median for houses and the median for typical $420,000 Melbourne units.
Listing agent Susie Peica and Dean Jarman of Ray White Paddington gave initial around $1 million price expectations for 54 Underwood Street which has been<a href="https://www.raywhite.com/nsw/paddington/1109943/" target="_blank"> listed for auction this weekend</a>.
It is an 1885 weatherboard terrace on an 185 square metre holding. The agents are now saying $950,000 plus after a bit of buyer feedback.
According to RP Data, the median house price for <a href="/news">Paddington</a> sits at a record $1.52 million.
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Sydney's $1.1 billion pre-Easter Super Saturday offering - backyard Paddo dunny thrown in

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In the Southern Highlands, sales activity for low to medium priced properties has remained steady for the past five years, while the top price bracket has been sluggish. But a recent spate of multi-million dollar property sales indicates renewed interest in the area’s prestige market.
This week our property contrarians Jonathan Chancellor and Margie Blok discuss top-end properties in the region, rich with lush rolling hills of farmland, grand mansions, historic villages – all accessed by a 90 minutes drive from Sydney via the M5 Motorway. 
A flow-on effect of Sydney’s robust property market is expected to filter through to the Southern Highlands during autumn, given the prestige market of this rural lifestyle area traditionally rides on the city’s coat tails and roughly 75% of buyers are Sydneysiders.
<ul>
<li>
The latest arrival is the Sydney based car dealer, John Newell. He's secured the 4.85 hectare Exeter estate, Chimneys for around $4.5 million. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-nsw-exeter-116030575" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">The Bundanoon Road property</a> (pictured above) sold through Margaret McCauley Real Estate in conjunction with Ray White agent, Megan Smith. 
</li>
</ul>
Chimneys is an architecturally designed 2009 built residence. Its library and formal living area each come with an open fireplace. There's internal access to an attached barn with a requisite mud room as well as a five-car garage. And basement cellar which was commissioned by businessman Brian Wood who built the two-storey residence as a weekender.
Originally part of neighbouring Invergowrie estate, the property has three other dwellings named The Gate House (the original gatehouse to Invergowrie), The Cottage (a worker’s cottage for Invergowrie) and The Tea House, once used as tea rooms for garden society open days at Invergowrie.
<ul>
<li>Luggie Bank, an 8.7 hectare property on Range Road at Mittagong, went very close recently to sell for just under $4 million through Bill Carpenter in conjunction with Drew Lindsay Real Estate, but remains listed for sale.</li>
</ul>
It has been for sale for more than four years – initially listed with ambitious $7 million price hopes. With beautiful elevated rural views, Luggie Bank has an architect-designed contemporary residence, along with an 1887 four-bedroom guest cottage, a tennis court, heated swimming pool and spa.
<ul>
<li>But Patchway, Ken and Lyn Wilson’s trophy residence at Burradoo, has been sold. Apparently about $4.2 million was paid by the former Hambros Australia chairman Ed Blackadder, through agent Drew Lindsay Real Estate. </li>
</ul>
Set behind tall gates on an 8,327 square metre block in Ranelgah Road, the four-bedroom house stands in established gardens with sweeping lawns, tall hedges and towering trees. Patchway was sold by the Wilson family, who owned a steel fabrication business that provided steel for the Sydney Olympic Stadium. They moved to Patchway after they sold Clifton, their rural property in the Lachlan Valley at Young in central NSW, paying $3.03 million in 2002 to the then vendors Dan and Toni Regan.
HE SAID: <img src="/images/2014/03/28/jc-silhouette-7.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
My favourite trophy autumn listing is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-bowral-7619543" target="_blank">Woodhurst Green, the Glenquarry retreat</a> of retired Mallesons lawyer Tim Blue, who was managing partner for corporate M&amp;A and tax. In a blue ribbon location on Sproules Lane, the 16.2 hectare property (featured below) is for sale at $4.95 million through Drew Lindsay Real Estate.
Woodhurst Green features all the hallmarks of a prestige Southern Highland estate including an impressive electronically operated gated entrance, a private lake (with water coloured by vegetable dye to match the surrounding grass), extensive landscaped gardens, a horse stables and a grand five-bedroom limestone house with imposing open fireplaces, a wine cellar, a billiard room and a mud room. And of course a huge country kitchen with an enormous Aga stove. 
<img src="/images/2014/04/04/bowral%20april%204%20one.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/03/28/mb-silhouette-6.jpg" alt="" style="float: left;">SHE SAID:
Certain to attract attention from cashed up city slickers - and possibly the nascent trend of Asian buyer interest - is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-mittagong-7605751" target="_blank">Chain of Ponds at Mittagong</a> (pictured below). Its is the matrimonial farm of businessman Peter Holmes à Court and his former wife, Divonne, who now lives in Saanen, Switzerland where the children are schooled.
With the wonderful autumn rains, Chain of Ponds presents picture perfect. The property is currently run as a beef breeding and fattening property on a large scale for the Southern Highlands but could easily be transformed into a high class horse stud. Get some advice from the near new neighbours, the Waterhouse clan on that. 
It is set for April 26 auction with $6.3 million plus hopes through McGrath Bowral agent Anne Stone and Howard McMillan from McMillan Real Estate Bowral. It's close to the freeway of course.
Occupying 145 hectares on Old South Road, the property has a six-bedroom residence renovated by Luigi Rosselli Architects. It is set in extensive gardens designed by landscape luminary William Dangar. At the western edge of the house paddock, he planted acacias, hakeas and eucalypts all species endemic to the local area to form a screen for privacy and wind relief. In the remaining acres of the external garden, Dangar planted stands of cold climate exotics including ornamental cherries, poplars, maples and ornamental pears to compliment the deciduous trees in the existing orchard. 
With potential for subdivision into three separate lots, Chain of Ponds is six kilometres from Mittagong and 11 kilometres from Bowral. The property has a guest cottage, another essential given you don't want the steady stream of visitors staying under the same roof. Guests will love the chook sculpture in the gardens, which I hope come with the sale.
<img src="/images/2014/04/04/mittagong%20april%204%20one.jpg" alt="">
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Gardens, mudrooms, grand gates, private lakes and fire places: Southern Highlands trophy home requisites

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Glenn Stevens' April statement:
At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 2.5 per cent.
Growth in the global economy was a bit below trend in 2013, but there are reasonable prospects of a pick-up this year. The United States economy, while affected by adverse weather, continues its expansion and the euro area has begun a recovery from recession, albeit a fragile one. Japan has recorded a significant pick-up in growth. China's growth remains generally in line with policymakers' objectives, though it may have slowed a little in early 2014. Commodity prices have declined from their peaks but in historical terms remain high.
Financial conditions overall remain very accommodative. Long-term interest rates and most risk spreads remain low. Equity and credit markets are well placed to provide adequate funding, though for some emerging market countries conditions are considerably more challenging than they were a year ago.
In Australia, the economy grew at a below trend pace in 2013. Recent information suggests slightly firmer consumer demand over the summer and foreshadows a solid expansion in housing construction. Some indicators of business conditions and confidence have improved from a year ago and exports are rising. But at the same time, resources sector investment spending is set to decline significantly and, at this stage, signs of improvement in investment intentions in other sectors are only tentative, as firms wait for more evidence of improved conditions before committing to expansion plans. Public spending is scheduled to be subdued.
The demand for labour has remained weak and, as a result, the rate of unemployment has continued to edge higher. It will probably rise a little further in the near term. Growth in wages has declined noticeably. If domestic costs remain contained, some moderation in the growth of prices for non-traded goods could be expected over time, which should keep inflation consistent with the target, even with lower levels of the exchange rate.
<blockquote>
Credit growth is slowly picking up. Dwelling prices have increased significantly over the past year.
</blockquote>
Monetary policy remains accommodative. Interest rates are very low and savers continue to look for higher returns in response to low rates on safe instruments. Credit growth is slowly picking up. Dwelling prices have increased significantly over the past year. The decline in the exchange rate from its highs a year ago will assist in achieving balanced growth in the economy, but less so than previously as a result of the rise over the past few months. The exchange rate remains high by historical standards.
Looking ahead, continued accommodative monetary policy should provide support to demand, and help growth to strengthen over time. Inflation is expected to be consistent with the 2–3 per cent target over the next two years.
In the Board's judgement, monetary policy is appropriately configured to foster sustainable growth in demand and inflation outcomes consistent with the target. On present indications, the most prudent course is likely to be a period of stability in interest rates.
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Dwelling prices have increased significantly: RBA Governor Glenn Stevens

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SPONSORED POST
Many people believe that making a profit from renovating is all about the hands-on DIY of renovating. However Jane Slack-Smith from Your Property Success believes that most renovators miss the number one thing that will cause them to lose money every time - being able to recognise the renovation potential of a property in the first place.  She says you must start with the first inspection so you can really begin to assess and evaluate the property for true renovation potential.
The renovation itself is then about how to create more perceived value. That is, more than what you actually spend. She says this is key to making money and not overcapitalising.
Most would-be renovators watch renovation shows which mainly concentrate on the renovation rather than the actual property location. This means they are missing a key factor in the renovation project. When it comes to renovation, unfortunately not all suburbs are created equal and some suburbs have very little difference in value between an un-renovated and renovated property. In other words, even if you can complete a fantastic renovation at minimal cost, there is simply no margin present to add equity.
The key to a successful renovation, is starting with the right target area, then finding the right street, then the right property. After that comes the actual renovation.
What can you look out for to ensure it’s the right location?
A good renovation suburb has a spread of values present at the street level. This means that renovated houses are selling for substantially more than un-renovated houses. This spread of values is referred to as a pricing disparity.
Finding the right suburb for your budget can take a lot of research, but it is the foundation on which all other steps depend. There are several methods for locating a great renovation suburb - paid reports or online tools can shortcut the research while mapping out several years’ worth of past sales data is another method. Jane can show you how to combine both of these so you know what streets in your target suburb are the ones that have the greatest profit potential. If you just leave it to chance then no matter how much potential your property has, once you have selected the wrong location then you may never get your investment back.
How to recognise the potential for a renovation
For most, viewing your potential property with a dedicated process and a checklist in hand, is a good start. However, many don’t realise that the big drain on your renovation budget is all those little things that are often unseen and not planned for.
In Jane’s opinion the five biggest budget busters to watch out for in the existing dwelling are:
<ol>
<li>Rewiring</li>
<li>Restumping</li>
<li>Replastering (which is often needed after restumping)</li>
<li>Roof Repair</li>
<li>Plumbing</li>
</ol>
If all five (or even three) are required, she suggests you should begin thinking about another property.
In her new video series, Jane explains the tell-tale signs of choosing the right property and how you can renovate and make a money every time. Plus she will give you a property inspection checklist so you always know what to look for.
<a href="https://go137.infusionsoft.com/go/videos/MLPO/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see this great series.
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Recognising the renovation potential of your property

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If you're looking at refinancing, then here are 15 questions you should be asking.
<ol>
<li>Do you want to reduce your monthly repayments?</li>
<li>Are you looking to switch from a variable rate to a fixed rate? This may be due to the risk of higher repayments if interest rates rise in the future, or because you’d like more certainty around repayments.</li>
<li>Are you dissatisfied with the service provided by your current lender?</li>
<li>Is your current interest rate not as competitive as other lenders’?</li>
<li>Would you be better off with a cheaper rate with fewer loan features?</li>
<li>Would you benefit from changing to a loan with more features (e.g. offset account, re-draw facility) or perhaps you have features you are not using?</li>
<li>Would you prefer to pay off your home loan sooner?</li>
<li>Have your circumstances changed since you first took out your loan (e.g. you have started a family)?</li>
<li>Are you considering buying an investment property?</li>
<li>Do you think that debt consolidation might benefit you (e.g. consolidating your credit cards and personal loans)?</li>
<li>Are you planning any home renovations over the next few years?</li>
<li>Do you want to raise cash (by topping up your loan) so you can, for example, purchase a car, buy shares or take a major holiday?</li>
<li>Do you have a fixed-rate home loan that will expire soon?</li>
<li>Do you have a honeymoon rate that will soon revert to the standard variable rate?</li>
<li>Are you coming to the end of an interest-only loan term?</li>
</ol>
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The 15 questions to ask if you're considering refinancing

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The national construction sector has declined in February, according to the latest Australian Industry Group figures.
The Australian Performance of Construction Index (PCI) fell by four points to 44.2 in February, a 50% contraction in performance.
While house building continued to grow alongside commercial construction, a sharp drop in engineering and apartment building is being blamed for the pulling overall constriction figures down. New orders also fell to their lowest levels since July 2013.
In a statement, Ai Group director of public policy Peter Burn said developments in the construction sector reflected the conditions in the broader economy.
“The mining investment boom is fading, as seen in the sharp fall in engineering construction activity and new orders,” he says.
“Even though there is an accumulation of positive signs, other sectors are not filling the void.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SmartCompany</a>.
         
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Construction sector contracts further in February

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

Joel Robinson

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

&nbsp;

Developer GURNER™ Group has revealed $1.65 billion in residential sales nationally across the 12 months to December 2025, driven largely by the continued momentum of its Docklands wellness-focused precinct, Elysium Fields.

The sales result was generated across seven projects in Victoria and New South Wales, headlined by Elysium Fields, GURNER™’s $2.75 billion mixed-use precinct planned for Harbour Esplanade in Docklands.

The project has recorded more than $500 million in sales across the first three towers, equating to around 580 apartments sold.

The first tower, Helios, has now sold out of its 240 private residences, with GURNER™ preparing to release a premium penthouse collection comprising 15 three-bedroom penthouses in coming weeks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370975]

Elysium Fields is being developed on the long-held 20,000 sqm Docklands site at 208-226 Harbour Esplanade, which had remained undeveloped for more than two decades prior to GURNER™ taking over the project around four years ago.

Construction has now commenced across four towers ranging between 18 and 30 storeys, with Hamilton Marino and Maxcon appointed as builders.

Once complete, the precinct is expected to comprise around 1,100 residences, alongside retail, hospitality and public realm uses integrated throughout the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370981]

Designed by Fraser &amp; Partners in collaboration with GURNER™ Design House, the project has been positioned around the developer’s broader focus on wellness-led residential living.

“We don’t sell apartments. We create a true luxury lifestyle that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the market today,” Founder and Executive Chairman Tim Gurner said.

“To deliver that requires an extraordinary level of detail, coordination and discipline across multiple verticals, from design and hospitality through to wellness and service.”

“We’ve always believed that living extends far beyond the physical residence. It’s about how you feel the moment you arrive, how you live day-to-day, and the ecosystem that supports that.” 
[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370977]

The project’s design places a heavy focus on landscaping, wellness amenities and biophilic design principles.

Plans include around 3,700 sqm of landscaped gardens and open space throughout the precinct, alongside a retail and dining offering spanning approximately 5,000 sqm.

The broader public realm strategy centres around what GURNER™ describes as the “Path of Life”, an urban forest and landscaped pedestrian environment intended to connect the various buildings and wellness spaces across the precinct.

The apartments themselves will incorporate a range of wellness-focused inclusions, including purified air and water systems, circadian lighting, antimicrobial surfaces, and optional in-home wellness upgrades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370980]

Gurner said the company’s experience through its Saint Haven wellness clubs had directly informed the residential offering now being incorporated into Elysium Fields.

“We’re seeing a clear global shift toward longevity, performance and proactive health,” Gurner said.

“Our role is to deliver that in a way that feels seamless, highly private and beautifully resolved within the environments we create.”

A large component of the wellness offering is planned through the resident amenity and health facilities proposed within the precinct.

That includes plans for bathing and recovery facilities spread throughout the towers, incorporating mineral pools, saunas, steam rooms, flotation therapy, red light therapy and wellness lounges.

The developer is also seeking approvals for what it describes as a “reverse ageing medical clinic” within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370978]

According to project information released by the group, the proposed facility would include cryotherapy, IV infusion therapy, infrared and dry saunas, PEMF beds, MRIs, DEXA scans, brain scans and blood analysis services.

Within the first tower, Helios, residents will also have access to a dedicated amenity offering known as the Sky Private Club.

The upper 15 levels of the building will include private lounges, dining spaces, rooftop amenities and optional private wellness studios integrated within residences.

The Helios tower itself comprises 260 apartments ranging between 60 sqm and 300 sqm, including a collection of penthouses.

That includes a planned two-storey penthouse spanning around 600 sqm with uninterrupted bay views.

The Elysium Fields precinct is being delivered in partnership with Digital Harbour Holdings, a consortium that includes the Liberman family, which controls the development rights across the Docklands site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370979]

The sales result comes as GURNER™ continues expanding its national development pipeline beyond Victoria.

“We have a strong pipeline across Australia and are now focused on scaling into key markets including New South Wales and Queensland, while continuing to build on our Melbourne base,” Gurner said.

“We currently have more than $3 billion in the market, growing to over $5 billion by October, and expect to materially outperform last year in the 2026 calendar year.”

The result also reflects the continued strength of the upper-end apartment market in Melbourne, particularly for owner-occupier-focused product with large-scale amenity and lifestyle offerings.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144441]

Record result anchored by the Group’s “utopian” Elysium Fields precinct – defying market headwinds in Docklands.

Elysium Fields drive Gurner to $1.65 billion in apartment sales over 2025

National Australia Bank (NAB) will fund <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera</a>, a $1 billion, 52-level luxury residential tower being developed by Central Equity in one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held coastal locations at Northcliffe.

The project, launched recently by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a>, one of Victoria’s largest private residential developers, comes at a time when construction funding for large residential developments has become increasingly competitive as lenders tighten exposure to the sector.

Multiplex has been appointed the builder, and construction is now underway.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365784]

Since its first project, Central Equity has delivered more than 85 residential developments with a combined end value exceeding $8 billion.

Palmera reflects Central Equity’s growing focus on the Gold Coast luxury apartment market and continues a relationship between Central Equity and NAB that dates back to the late 1980s, when the bank funded one of Melbourne’s earliest inner-city residential towers at a time when high-rise apartment living in the CBD was largely unproven.

“NAB’s funding of Central Equity’s $36 million CBD development in the late 1980’s to the financing of the billion-dollar tower today highlights the long-term relationship between the two organisations in delivering major residential projects” said Central Equity Founder and Chairman Eddie Kutner.

He said NAB’s early support was instrumental in helping establish the company’s development model.

“When we commenced our first residential tower in the late 1980s the concept of funding off-the-plan apartments was still largely untested in Australia,” Kutner said.

“NAB recognised the opportunity early and supported the project when others were uncertain. That relationship has now continued for more than 37 years across many developments.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Central Equity was established in 1987 when Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank precinct were still dominated by warehouses and commercial buildings. Fewer than 100 residents lived in Southbank at the time, and large-scale residential development in the inner city was not widely considered.

Recognising changing demographics and lifestyle preferences, the company began developing high-rise residential projects designed to bring permanent residents into the city centre.

Central Equity has provided accommodation for approximately 40,000 residents across Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank, while also incorporating supporting infrastructure including essential lifestyle facilities like retail spaces, childcare facilities and neighbourhood activity centres.

Central Equity has spent many years assembling the Palmera development site on the corner of Garfield Terrace and Frederick Street in Northcliffe, creating a supersite of around 3,300 sqm.

The developer said the Palmera apartment tower reflects its long-term view of the Gold Coast as a growing and increasingly diversified economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365768]

Supported by infrastructure including the light rail network, major road upgrades expanded education, hospital and medical facilities and continued expansion at the Gold Coast Airport with more international and domestic flights.

Positioned in the tightly held Northcliffe precinct, the 52-level tower will deliver 347 apartments, targeting buyers seeking a high-end coastal lifestyle, from downsizers to interstate investors.

Designed by Marchese Partners with interiors by DBI, Palmera has been conceived as a next-generation residential offering, featuring a collection of oversized apartments, with premium three-bedroom residences offering sweeping northern views stretching from Surfers Paradise through to Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

NAB funds $1 billion Surfers Paradise apartment development, Palmera

Two years after completing one of the newest developments in North Sydney, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> is turning its attention to the rapidly evolving St Leonards apartment market.

The developer, which completed AURA by Aqualand on North Sydney's Walker Street, has lodged plans for a 5,918 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/33-37-herbert-street-st-leonards-nsw-2065">33-37 Herbert Street, St Leonards,</a> seeking approval for a pair of residential towers rising above a shared podium opposite Royal North Shore Hospital.

The proposal forms part of the broader transformation underway across the St Leonards-Crows Nest precinct, where former industrial and commercial sites are increasingly being redeveloped into high-density mixed-use projects tied to major transport infrastructure.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cc428cf-fe70-4cac-9cd5-264ad53af62c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=otKSnHtbjAvAddOnovyXQMgcAwE6DMe1" />

According to the planning documents, the site sits “within the St Leonards–Crows Nest Strategic Centre, identified by the NSW Government as a key area for accommodating future jobs and housing across Sydney.”

The proposal has been designed by fjcstudio, formerly FJMT Studio, and is being progressed through the State Significant Development pathway due to its scale and affordable housing provision.

The scheme would comprise 413 apartments, including 46 affordable housing units, alongside retail and commercial uses fronting Herbert Street. The project would also include communal open space, landscaping, a swimming pool, gymnasium, children’s play areas and podium-level resident amenities.

Planning documents show the development would consist of a part-13, part-39 storey tower form positioned above a four-storey podium.

“The development comprises a unified podium that activates the street interface, and two setback towers to accommodate new housing supply while maintaining an appropriate human scale at ground level,” fjcstudio noted in its Design Report.

The northern and southern towers have been shaped to respond to the surrounding skyline while also limiting overshadowing impacts to nearby public open space, particularly Talus Reserve.

The design report said the differing tower heights were intended to “contribute to a varied skyline while responding to the surrounding built form context and solar access considerations.”

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36da62dc-ff9e-41f2-a7e3-7be38373751c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.45%E2%80%AFAM_0.png?VersionId=Mo6Rp2r.XRLTzIfg_PEEpw8NepDH8UBs" />

The site sits directly opposite Royal North Shore Hospital and within walking distance of both St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

While the site itself sits just outside the formal Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development boundary, the planning documents repeatedly reference its alignment with the broader TOD objectives reshaping the Lower North Shore.

“The site is located adjacent to St Leonards Station and in close proximity to Crows Nest Metro which is within the Crows Nest Transit Orientated Development Accelerated Precinct which has been identified by the NSW Government to support housing delivery,” the Design Verification Statement noted.

According to fjcstudio, the project has been designed to respond to the broader transition occurring across St Leonards, where increasing residential density is being concentrated around transport infrastructure and employment hubs.

“The broader precinct is undergoing significant change, with a mix of existing mid-rise buildings and newer high-density developments,” the report stated.

“Recent and approved projects indicate a consistent shift toward taller built form, typically organised as tower-and-podium typologies with more active ground levels.”

The proposal includes close to 6,000 sqm of retail and commercial space across the ground floor and podium levels, designed to create a more activated street edge along Herbert Street.

Aqualand’s plans would also introduce a landscaped podium shared between the two towers, with communal open space in the form of a podium rooftop designed to support resident interaction and improve urban greening outcomes. The scheme would also introduce pocket parks at the northern and southern ends of the site, including a landscaped area at the corner of Herbert and Ella streets designed to improve pedestrian amenity and soften the streetscape.

&nbsp;

The proposal is being progressed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, which was introduced to accelerate housing supply across the state. The application was declared State Significant Development in April 2025 following an expression of interest process.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faf6d97d-2671-454f-b85a-fe1c6a7be608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=diVd28OBVr5.YV.7prrOz.uAanwwwm7a" />

St Leonards has been particularly active with new developments in recent weeks. Developer SP Setia’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-sp-setia-targets-st-leonards-skyline-with-40-storey-tod-tower">plans for a new 42-storey tower</a> recently went on exhibition through the same pathway, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">Stockland’s 52-storey tower proposal</a> was also recently unveiled.

Aside from the St Leonards project, which is expected to take around nine months to move through the approvals process ahead of a potential 2027 launch, Aqualand is also preparing to launch Boronia, a new apartment project in Roseville comprising around 111 apartments on Larkin Street.

The developer also has approvals in place for the next stage of the Barangaroo precinct, which will feature new residential, retail, hospitality and community uses, alongside a new metro entry across the five-hectare site.

More than 50 new retail destinations are planned for Central Barangaroo, alongside a 270-metre-long boulevard connecting Hickson Park to Nawi Cove. Together with Harbour Park, more than 50 per cent of the precinct will comprise public open space and parkland.

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