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Greater Bank has cut fixed home loan rates (owner occupier and investment) by up to 0.25 percent and announced a 5 year fixed home loan rate under 4 percent.
The 5 year Ultimate Home Loan will be 3.99 percent from Monday May 16.  
The rate applies to owner occupier loans worth more than $150,000 where the loan to value ratio does not exceed 85 percent. 
The comparison rate is 4.48 percent. The three and four year rates are also 3.99 percent (comparison rates 4.51 percent and 4.49 percent respectively).
Greater Bank also cut all variable home loan rates by 0.25 percent this month.
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Greater Bank cuts 5 year fixed rate to 3.99 percent

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In our Purchase or Pass segment this week Andrew Rechtman from realestate.com.au and Evan Yanitsas from Century 21 discuss a property as advertised as having parking, but all is not as it seems.
Chris: It is a 2 bed, 1 bath unit with parking, 8.3 kms from the CBD and less than 500m to the local action. At 110sqm it’s one of the largest units in the area and boasts a north facing garden. It’s situated in a small federation block of 4 and has 3.2m high patterned ceilings and lime washed floorboards. It’s advertised as having a parking area but you can only park X cars. It recently sold for $1.35m and rents for approximately $900/wk
Evan: Size for a property, especially a rental property is very important. 110 sq m represents a pretty good size. The issue, as you pointed it out though, is the parking for this one and that’s something I think we should discuss.
Is parking important? Do we need parking? I think yes especially for an investment property. But yeah, these are the things to consider for this property.
The yield as we saw there, wasn’t as high as it could have been, and I think the introduction of…if it had a designated parking spot could have improved the rental return and made it a much more worthwhile investment.
Chris: Yeah, so certainly things to think about. One if the main things here is it has got a garden…how rare is it to have something like that? Again in the inner city?
Andrew: Yeah I think being in the inner city and having that green space is a real positive for this property and it does have that drawback of the scattered parking or shared parking but its got size, and not just the whole block size of 110sqm, but the individual bedrooms are a really big size.
We see a lot more people wanting to see the big bedrooms rather than more bedrooms. I think this place does a good job of presenting that. Then the outdoor area is a real bonus as well. So in an apartment you’re almost getting an extra room for those in Sydney 7 or 8 months of the year when you can be living outside. Any type of outdoor area we see as a big driver of engagement
Any time there’s a balcony a small garden or a courtyard we see a lot more interest from people looking at our properties.
Chris: I guess it all comes down to the competition, we were talking earlier about things like go get or even having a car stacker
Evan: The body corporate here could definitely, maybe not for this property, but could consider putting in a stacker. This way every property would be able to have the car park on total and that would definitely increase the rental yield making this property a lot more attractive to investors.
Chris: Again, looking at some of these other properties around the CBDs and then these bigger developments, quite often they have the bike racks and the motorcycles and even shared bikes you see... I notice up in Brisbane and places like that.
It is a different way of thinking. So I’ve always been very set on the parking but it’s a changing world isn’t it?
Andrew: I think if you’re getting the inner city areas, really tight inner city suburbs, a place like west end in Brisbane, any of the Perth CBDs, I think parking is becoming less of an issue. Particularly for those who live, work in the CBD and they do have access to Uber, Go Get and all those other ride sharing services as well as the good old taxi now and then.
Chris: I guess with the scattered parking as well you normally come home at about 3 in the afternoon say you pick up the kids that’s probably actually an advantage. Whereas if you’re an accountant or real estate agent working till 9 or 10 at night…
Evan: Usually there are status quo forms until a new tenant moves in and then it’s sort of up in the air again until everything settles down.
Chris: purchase or pass for you?
Evan: Pass for me
Andrew: I’ll be a contrarian, purchase for me.
Chris: Whilst scattered parking is better than no parking, I would rather wait and find something with a guaranteed space. Also the low yield gives a hint to me that someone maybe paid over the odds as they really wanted a garden apartment as they are rather unique and would pay any price and so I would pass.
To watch the interview in full, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0judzTYkULE" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Purchase or Pass? The ins and outs of inner city parking with Chris Gray

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The WA state government has missed an opportunity to address the state's inefficient property tax system according to Warwick Hemsley, Chairman of QWest Paterson Valuers and Property Consultants. 
He said the state government has not addressed steeply rising marginal rates of stamp duty and land tax that continue to be a thorn in the property industry’s side adding many studies have shown that stamp duty is an inefficient tax that only targets a specific sector of the market.. 
“The added cost of stamp duty is a disincentive to downsize for seniors, a disincentive for workers to move homes if they want to be closer to their employment and is an added cost burden to people going through a divorce or separation that need to purchase a new home,” he said. 
“We understand that the government is experiencing a tight fiscal situation however we mustn’t underestimate the importance of having a vibrant city and invest in the future of Perth. 
“While significant money has been set aside in the budget for infrastructure including road and transport projects it is also important to invest in the arts and lifestyle infrastructure in order to retain and attract creative and smart people that add to the cultural fabric of our state.
“For example, initiatives such as MONA in Hobart has transformed visitation to that city and so too has the National ANZAC Centre in the regional WA town of Albany. 
“There is a well-documented payback on this type of investment. Confirmation of funding for the new museum complex in Perth is important.” 
“We live in a highly mobile world and we need to ensure our capital city is a vibrant and creative place. In today’s world, our best and brightest have many other options so we are competing with many other cities around the globe."
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WA state government fails to address property tax issues

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A Toorak trophy home has sold for an undisclosed price having been listed by Kay &amp; Burton South Yarra selling agents Grant Samuel and Michael Gibson with a $11 million price guide.
Last traded for $8.625 million in 2011, 8 Ottawa Road has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a home office.
It has been bought by landscaper Jack Merlo from the Joel family.
The main bedroom is in its own wing and features a fitted dressing room, TV projector with retractable screen and ensuite with double shower.
Set on 1278 in landscaped gardens, the home has an indoor heated swimming pool with sauna and features a glass ceiling and windows which connect to the surrounding terraces and water feature.
Numerous living and dining areas are separate by a marble kitchen with a Japanese courtyard backdrop. 
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Toorak trophy home possibly fetches double digit sale

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The Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Caboolture, Caloundra and Noosa all have rental vacancy rates of less than two percent according to the REIQ March quarter Vacancy Rate Report.
Chief executive officer of the REIQ Antonia Mercorella said the Sunshine Coast has had tight conditions for more than four years and rental accommodation can be very challenging to find and believes the local market needs dwelling construction.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the data showed that specific markets in southeast Queensland were crying out for greater investment and more housing construction, adding that negative gearing has contributed to rental affordability - benefitting one-third of Queenslanders who rent. 
“With the national debate focused on negative gearing it’s important to remember that negative gearing has been critical in maintaining a supply of investors to the market who provide rental accommodation, and this has also helped keep rent levels in check,” she said. 
"The tightest vacancy rate in Queensland is the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, with 0.9 percent, which includes towns such as Maleny, Nambour and Eumundi. Cairns has been the standout regional centre, with further tightening of the vacancy rate, from 2.5 percent down to 2.1 percent. 
“The Cairns property market is showing signs of consistent, solid improvement and this is a reflection of the broader economy which has rebounded well from the post-GFC woes. There are some great signs of recovery in Cairns, including significant levels of development already taking place.”
 
Brisbane's inner-city CBD recorded a drop from 3.1 percent to 3.0 percent. 
“The inner 5km ring is at 3.3 per cent and the middle ring is at 2.5 per cent – these levels continue to fall within what the REIQ considers the healthy range,” she said. 
“We are clearly not oversupplied – at this stage.”
 
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Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast rental market tight: REIQ

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Combined capital city weekly rents increased 0.1 percent in April but fell by 0.2 percent over the 12 months to April, according to CoreLogic RP Data. 
Rents in Sydney increased 1.4 percent, Melbourne 1.7 percent, Adelaide 0.5 percent, Hobart 1.1 percent and Canberra 2.5 percent however large falls in Perth and Darwin, 8.9 percent and 12.6 percent respectively pulled down the combined capital figure.
CoreLogic RP Data's April Rental Index said rental rates across the combined capital cities are recorded at $486 per week and they are 0.2 percent lower than they were a year ago.
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"CoreLogic have been tracking annual rental changes since 1996, with the annual change in capital city rents now tracking at the lowest level on record. 
"At the same time last year rental rates had increased by 1.7 percent which indicates that the slowdown in rental growth has been sharp over the past year. Factors contributing to the slowdown in rental growth include falling real wages, excess rental supply in certain areas and lower rates of population growth which have impacted on demand for rental accommodation. 
"With dwelling approvals having peaked at record highs and construction activity set to peak over the next 24 months accompanied by many new properties still to settle, it is anticipated that the weak rental market conditions will persist with rental growth continuing to slow and/or fall in most capital cities. Landlords will continue to have little to no scope to lift rental rates and may actually need to reduce rents in order to keep their tenants. Renters hold a stronger negotiation position and have the potential to upgrade into a higher grade of accommodation for a similar or potentially lower rental cost."
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Weekly rents continue to fall: CoreLogic RP Data

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The housing market in Coffs Harbour, far north New South Wales and Sydney is on the decline, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White.
HTW state east coast NSW is largely holding a steady trend in rental vacancy and the volume of house sales, but house sale volumes are beginning their fall in Sydney. 
New house construction is ramping up in Canberra.
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Coffs Harbour, Sydney houses in price decline: HTW

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The central NSW district of Narromine and Trangie have and a substantial increase in farmer to farmer sales due to what is described by HTW as good quality dry land cultivation country.
HTW cited the sale of Grainswood North as one such example. 
"This property is located 50 kilometres south-west of Narromine and is a 600 hectare open farming block with red brown and grey loam soils and sold under the hammer for just over $1.2 million," HTW said. 
"There were limited improvements and on an overall basis this equates to $2,042 per hectare or $826 per acre. The adjoining property Grainswood was also put to auction and was passed in however sold soon after at an undisclosed amount believed to be around the $1.5 million mark. This property is 826 hectares in size and at $1.5 million equates to approximately $1,815 per hectare overall.  
"This property included approximately 680 hectares of farming country with the balance open grazing. Both of these sales would be considered strong and indicate a strengthening of the underlying dry land cultivation values of approximately 15 percent over the past 12 to 18 months."
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Farmer to farmer sales solid in Narromine, Trangie: HTW

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Capital city rents had a 0.1 percent increase in April, according to the CoreLogic April monthly rent review.
According to CoreLogic RP Data five of the eight capital cities saw a modest rise in rents over the past twelve months, with Sydney up 1.4 percent, Melbourne 1.7 percent, Adelaide 0.5 percent, Hobart 1.1 percent and Canberra 2.5 percent
CoreLogic RP Data research analyst Cameron Kusher said a weakness in the rental market will persist over the year and rents will continue to fall over the coming months. 
"The annual change in rental rates continues to be at its slowest pace since before 1996," he said. 
“Factors contributing to a slowing in rental growth include falling real wages, excess rental supply in certain areas and lower rates of population growth - all of which have impacted on demand for rental accommodation. With dwelling approvals at recent record highs and construction activity set to peak over the next 24 months, accompanied by many new properties still to settle, we anticipate that the weak rental market  conditions will persist with rental growth continuing to slow and, or, fall in most capital cities.
“Based on current market conditions, landlords won’t be in a position to lift rental rates and may actually need to reduce rents in order to keep their tenants. We see renters as holding a stronger negotiation position and where they now have the potential to upgrade into higher grades of accommodation for a similar, or lower rents."
 
“At the same time last year, rental rates increased by 1.7 percent which indicates a sharp slowdown in rental growth over the past year.
"With rental rates increasing in some cities in April, rates in Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart are at record highs. In all remaining cities, rental rates are now below their highs with the declines recorded respectively in: -0.1 percent in Melbourne, -0.8 percent in Brisbane, -13.7 percent in Perth, -17.3 percent in Darwin and -5.4 percent in Canberra. "
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Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart April rents at record highs: CoreLogic RP Data

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The Real Property Amendment (Electronic Conveyancing) Act 2015 introduced a new section 12E into the Real Property Act 1900 which allows the Registrar General to make Conveyancing Rules. 
The Conveyancing Rules will largely parallel provisions in the Participation Rules for electronic conveyancing.
The Rules will align paper conveyancing practices and workflows with those developed for electronic conveyancing and will be implemented in stages.
Conveyancing Rules - Version 1 Version 1 of the Conveyancing Rules was published on the LPI website on 28 March 2016.
The rules in Version 1 standardise formal verification of identity and authority requirements across all conveyancing in New South Wales including:
• requirements for verification of identity
• requirements for verifying authority (right to deal)
• supporting evidence requirements
• provisions for certifications on paper transactions.
Verification of identity This rule applies to Australian legal practitioners, law practices and licensed conveyancers.
They must take reasonable steps to verify the identity of clients or their agents, and persons to whom certificates of title are given. The rule takes effect on 1 May 2016.
However, the Registrar General is allowing a transition period of three months with full compliance required from 1 August 2016 inclusive.
Authority (Right to Deal) This rule requires Australian legal practitioners, law practices and licensed conveyancers to take reasonable steps to verify that any client is a legal person and has the right to enter into a conveyancing transaction.
Similar requirements apply to mortgagees and representatives of a mortgagee. This rule takes effect on 1 May 2016.
However, the Registrar General is allowing a transition period of three months with full compliance required on and from 1 August 2016.
Supporting evidence From 1 August 2016, a party or their representative must retain the evidence supporting a dealing for at least seven years from the date of lodgment of the dealing.
Land and Property Information, a division of the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation, is officially registered in the Australian Business Register and for GST. Its ABN is 84 104 377 806. 
Certifications on paper dealings This rule applies to witnessing and execution of paper dealings.
 It replicates and continues unchanged the certification requirements that were previously set out in section 117 of the Real Property Act 1900 and Clause 22 of the Real Property Regulation 2014. 
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Property 101: National verification in property paper conveyancing

Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils signature penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

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Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

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All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

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A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

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La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

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Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

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ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

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"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

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That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

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Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

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The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

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