<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of results from 928 auctions in Melbourne for the weekend of  October 26. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Melbourne.pdf" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">Click here</a> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.</body></html>

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APM's Melbourne auction results for October 26 weekend

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of results from 581 auctions in Sydney for the weekend of October 26. The clearance rate was 83.2%. <a href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Sydney.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">Click here</a> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.</body></html>

APM's Sydney 581 auction results show a 83.2% clearance rate

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Ensure you are set on refinancing before embarking on any applications, as any applications for new credit products, including mortgages, affect your credit rating. Ensure your existing mortgage is healthy with no recent missed repayments that could affect your ability to refinance.
You should also compile a list of credit cards and other debts, such as personal loans, that will affect your borrowing capacity. Remember the hoops you needed to jump through to achieve your initial loan, as you will find yourself undertaking a very similar process. Consider obtaining a copy of your personal credit file, and make sure all taxes and bills have been paid. Tax returns and accounts need to be up to date as well. Find out from your lender which documentation will be required and have it all ready to go.

<hr>
This article is from Property Observer's free ebook <a target="_parent" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-mastering-the-art-of-refinancing-12-tips-for-success-and-key-things-to-consider">Mastering the Art of Refinancing: 12 tips for success and key things to consider</a>.
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Get your affairs in order to make the process as smooth as possible 

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1) In which famous Sydney location was this recent $15 million sale?
<img alt="qs_oct_24" height="314" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/10/25/qs_oct_24.jpg"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/bondi-beach-knock-down-sydney-school-architecture-mansion-fetches-around-%2415-million/2013101865449"></a>
2) What's the current cash rate set by the Reserve Bank of Australia?
3) Which footballer commentator didn't bid on the below converted church property?
<img alt="kew_0011_13.jpg" height="313" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/10/25/kew_0011_13.jpg.jpg"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/no-bids-from-bt-for-fitzroy-abode-of-sydney-heiress-betty-saunders-klimenko/2013102165829"></a>
4) Can a power line affect your ability to secure a loan for a property?
5) Which state recently had more than 50% of its local councils see planning changes?
6) What were the top two features in both Melbourne and Sydney that buyers noted as most important in a recent realestateVIEW survey?
7) How many suburbs are there now in Sydney with a median price of $1 million plus?
8) Which couple from The Block recently sold their Maidstone cottage (pictured below)?
<img alt="maidstone_0008_9.jpg" height="313" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/10/25/maidstone_0008_9.jpg.jpg">
Click through to the next page to reveal the answers
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak" title="Answers">
Answers
1) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/bondi-beach-knock-down-sydney-school-architecture-mansion-fetches-around-%2415-million/2013101865449">Bondi Beach</a> 
2) <a target="_blank" href="/news">2.50%</a> 
3)  <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/no-bids-from-bt-for-fitzroy-abode-of-sydney-heiress-betty-saunders-klimenko/2013102165829">Brian Taylor</a>
4) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/hurdles-to-watch-out-for-when-acquiring-a-bank-loan/2013102265861">Yes it can</a>
5)  <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/tasmania/new-planning-schemes-for-more-than-50-of-tasmania/2013102365912">Tasmania</a> 
6)  <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/what-buyers-want-in-sydney-versus-melbourne-realestateview/2013102365898">Price and Location, respectively</a>
7) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/sydney-s-million-plus-median-suburbs-pass-the-century-as-michael-slater-cements-avalon-s-place/2013102265828">123</a> 
8) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/north-melbourne-bound-the-block-s-josh-and-jenna-sell-edwardian-maidstone-cottage/2013102265872">Josh and Jenna</a> 
 
{module How many did you get right?}
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Property Trivia: How closely were you watching the news this week?

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Undertake an analysis of the features and extras you are currently using, or not using, with your current mortgage. Also ensure you go through your paperwork and clearly understand all the costs and fees associated. Consider the amount of equity you may also have available by comparing the current value of your property against the current amount owing on your mortgage.
TIP: You can pay for a valuation report, but for a quick gauge on how much your property may be worth, have a look at recent comparable sales in the area.
<hr>
This article is from Property Observer's free ebook <a target="_parent" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-mastering-the-art-of-refinancing-12-tips-for-success-and-key-things-to-consider">Mastering the Art of Refinancing: 12 tips for success and key things to consider</a>.
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Examine the state of your current loan

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Our 15 questions to ask can be helpful in this respect. Sit down and consider your lifestyle and goals. If you’re looking to refinance as a couple, or a group, you will want to discuss your options at this point in time.
<hr>
This article is from Property Observer's free ebook <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-mastering-the-art-of-refinancing-12-tips-for-success-and-key-things-to-consider" target="_parent">Mastering the Art of Refinancing: 12 tips for success and key things to consider</a>.
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Undertake an analysis of the reasons you’re looking to refinance

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After earlier this week sharing his<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/landlords/simon-buckingham-s-top-10-things-to-look-for-in-an-investment-property/2013102265855?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=observations" target="_blank"> top 10 things which he looks for in an investment property</a>, director and RESULTS coach of <a style="font-size: 14px;" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.resultsmentoring.com/">RESULTS Mentoring</a>, Simon Buckingham, followed up with his 10 investor pitfalls. 
 1. Believing the myth that property always goes up in value.
Many property spruikers still promote the idea that that property doubles in value every seven-10 years. But any historical study of actual median price movements demonstrates that this isn’t the case. Prices tend to go up in short bursts, and only about 30% of the time.
In fact there can be long periods when property prices in any given suburb are flat or even fall. Research into local market dynamics is essential to avoid picking an area where prices are more likely to trend sideways or fall in the near term, and to have the best likelihood to buying in areas that are going to increase in value.
2. Believing what you’re told by someone with a vested interest in selling you a property.
If someone is recommending that you buy a particular property, ask yourself: What’s in it for them? Do they really have your best interest at heart, or are the more focussed on the money they’ll make if you buy one of their properties? Remember, a real estate agent, developer or buyer’s agent will make money whether or not the property you buy through them actually meets your personal financial needs.
3. Buying on emotion, instead of research and due diligence.
This is especially a danger at auctions, because the entire auction process is designed to play on the emotions of the buyer by creating a competition where the highest bidder is the “winner” (Congratulations! You’ve just paid too much for your property!)
Always carry out due diligence before committing to any property purchase. This means examining recent comparable sales, crunching the numbers to understand the potential for profit in the deal, working out your maximum purchase price, and checking out the risks.
4. Buying a property because “it’s a bargain!”
A property that appears cheap, may be cheap for a good reason. There could be expensive structural issues, high-tension power lines overhead, an old mine under the backyard, or the “neighbours from hell” next door. Always carry out due diligence to check whether a “bargain” property really is the deal of a lifetime, or is actually a disaster waiting to happen.
5. Investing in property primarily to “save tax”
It’s not really hard to save tax… all you need to do is make a loss, and then claim that loss as a tax deduction! If your main reason for buying a property is to get a tax saving (for example, through negative gearing), then you’ve missed the whole point of investing… which is surely to make money rather than lose it! A tax saving doesn’t turn a bad deal into a good investment. Treat any tax savings as a bonus – not the sole reason to buy a property. 
 6. Failing to properly research the area in which you plan to purchase.
Invest in the wrong area and you may find that you’ve just bought into a suburb that is going to go nowhere, or worse, decline in value. Why would you want to buy and hold a property in a suburb where values were going backwards? 
Find out about local population trends, housing supply and vacancy rates. A falling population will undermine property values as people (and money) leave the area, and vacancy rates increase. Prices tend to rise slower in areas where plenty of new houses or units are being built, especially if the supply of new housing outstrips the rate at which the population is increasing. This is a common issue with large new housing estates and areas with many high-density apartments.
7. Entering into an unconditional contract to buy a property, without first obtaining finance approval. 
If your contract to purchase a piece of real estate is ‘unconditional’ and you can’t complete settlement because you’re unable to get a loan, then you’ll probably lose your deposit (and possibly more).
8. Omitting to undertake a building and pest inspection on a property before buying.
Unless you are a builder, you could easily miss costly problems with the physical dwelling, like a leaky roof, damaged foundations, a termite infestation or worse!  What sounded like a “bargain” at the time could rapidly become a far more expensive money-pit because you didn’t get it properly checked out by professional building and pest inspectors.
9. Buying a property after a 15 minute inspection, or worse, site-unseen.
It’s scary to think that most investors spend more time deliberating over a new pair of shoes for $100 than they do on evaluating an investment property for $500,000! If you’re going to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in a property, do more than just looking at photos on the internet or attending a 15 minute open-for-inspection.
Invest a little time and money to properly check out both the property and the neighbourhood. Otherwise you might find you’ve just bought the best property on the worst street, right next door to the local “crack house”! And remember, photos often lie. 
 10. Listening to the opinions of people with little or no actual property investing experience.
Only ever take property investing advice from those who can demonstrate they have experience in the kind of property investing strategies you’re interested in, and who have a track record of success. Do not listen to the opinions of those who have never invested in property before, or are not investing in the current market.
 
<hr>
 Simon Buckingham is director and RESULTS coach of <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.resultsmentoring.com/" target="_blank">RESULTS Mentoring</a> as well as the author of The Real Deal: Property Invest Your Way To Financial Freedom.
 
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Simon Buckingham's top 10 investor pitfalls

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Ensuring your knowledge is up to date on the process, by reading eBooks similar to this and asking your lender for help, will put you in the best possible situation to understand what you’re undertaking and your reasoning behind it.


<hr>
This article is from Property Observer's free ebook <a target="_parent" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-mastering-the-art-of-refinancing-12-tips-for-success-and-key-things-to-consider">Mastering the Art of Refinancing: 12 tips for success and key things to consider</a>.
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Understand how refinancing works

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Director and RESULTS coach of <a href="https://www.resultsmentoring.com/" target="_blank">RESULTS Mentoring</a>, Simon Buckingham, shared with Property Observer the top 10 things which he looks for in an investment property.
1. A property that is aligned with your financial goals.
First and foremost, you need to know what financial outcome you’re seeking from your property investment – i.e. how much profit, by when, and what form is that profit going to take (capital growth, cash flow, a lump sum cash gain from adding value, etc)? It’s only with a clear financial goal in mind that you’ll be able to assess whether a property is actually the right one for you!
2. Established (not brand new) house in a growth area.
New houses depreciate, which can provide some tax advantages, but you’ll pay a premium for ‘new’ and may not see any greater rate of growth than you would with a less expensive established house in the same area.
3. Priced lower than comparable properties in the area.
Becoming familiar with values in and area by researching recent comparable sales can help you identify properties where the price represents good value – subject to checking out whether there is some kind of major issue with the property. Remember though that many problems can be fixed cost-effectively, and it may be that the seller simply needs a quick sale and is quite negotiable on price.
4. A house on a larger block in a zone that would allow higher density development.
This may make your property more desirable to developers, helping it to outperform on price growth even if you have no intention to develop it yourself.
5. Other ‘scarcity’ aspects.
Look for something that will make your property rare (but not weird) and therefore more desirable than others in the area, so that it outperforms on price growth and/or rental returns, rather than getting more-or-less the same as any other property. Examples of ‘scarcity’ aspects might include a larger block in a high density area, water views, proximity to amenities (like beaches, parks, sports grounds), being close to public transport or easy freeway access (but not right on the railway line or right next to the freeway), etc.
6. Opportunities to cost-effectively add value or increase rent.
The more options you have for making money from an investment property, the better. If you can add value to the property, then you become less reliant on market-driven growth for you profits. Look for properties with potential to increase the value or achieve a significant improvement in rental return through cost-effective improvements. Here, ‘cost-effective’ means that you’d spend less on the improvements than the resulting increase in the property’s value, or would be paid back the cost of the improvements within a short timeframe from the increased rent. 
7. More than one dwelling on the same title.
A property with more than one house or unit on the same title may deliver a higher rental return from multiple tenancies, or provide an opportunity to actively increase the value of the property through a potential subdivision.
8. Located in an area with favourable ‘market dynamics’.
Not all suburbs are equal, and they won’t all experience growth at the same time. Look in areas where the leading indicators of growth are positive. For instance, a suburb where there’s limited housing supply and properties are being sold at a rate faster than the rate at which new listings are being added, the average-time-to-sell is falling, may indicate great potential for short-term price growth.
9. Located in area with low rental vacancy rates.
If you’re planning to hold the property for rental income and price growth, then picking a property in an area with strong rental demand will be important. Low vacancy rates will support both rents and prices, and help reduce the risk of having to carry the property empty (with no income) for extended periods between tenants.
10. Broad target market appeal.
Ensure the property will appeal to your 'target market'. If you’re planning to rent out the property, then it needs to be a property that tenants will actually want to live in. If your plan is to on-sell the property down the track (perhaps after renovation or redevelopment) then look for locations and properties that will have broad appeal to the majority of home buyers and investors in the area.
 
<hr>
 Simon Buckingham is director and RESULTS coach of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.resultsmentoring.com/">RESULTS Mentoring</a> as well as the author of  The Real Deal: Property Invest Your Way To Financial Freedom.
 
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Simon Buckingham's top 10 things to look for in an investment property

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Investors who know that refinancing may be an opportunity down the track, should consider this before entering into a loan arrangement. Have a good look at the closing costs, understand your obligations and the purpose of the property in the first place, and ensure you’re making the choice for future gain rather than for a quick fix solution.
Ensure you know how long it will take you to recoup any of the costs associated with refinancing so you can factor this into the equation. If you’re planning to, or may be likely to need to sell the property soon then refinancing may not be the answer.
<hr>
This article is from Property Observer's free ebook <a target="_parent" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-mastering-the-art-of-refinancing-12-tips-for-success-and-key-things-to-consider">Mastering the Art of Refinancing: 12 tips for success and key things to consider</a>.
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Planning ahead

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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