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A tenanted pharmacy in Melbourne's Diamond Village Shopping Centre in Watsonia has sold to a local investor for $635,000. 
The 108 sqm pharmacy at 9/78-92 Nepean Street Watsonia was sold by Brett Diston of Ray White Commercial Victoria. 
He said there was keen interest in the investment opportunity, which is returning net rental income of approximately $34,466 per annum on a long term lease 
A tenanted retail investment in the growing suburb of Watsonia in Melbourne’s north-east has been sold by Ray White Commercial for $635,000.
The retail property was sold behalf of a private owner for a yield of 5.4 percent.
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Tenanted pharmacy in Melbourne's Watsonia sold

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<div>Quest Apartment Hotels has started building its $16 million 68 apartment complex Quest Griffith in the Riverina region of south-western New South Wales.</div>
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<div>Developed by Joss Group, the property will feature a mix of studios and one, two, and three bedroom apartments and is set to open January 2017.</div>
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<div>Quest Griffith has opened the expressions of interest for franchisees.
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<div>L-R: James Shields, Shaun Deaton, Mayor John Dal Broi, Richard Stamp</div>
 
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Quest begins $16 million construction in NSW's Griffith

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Over the December 2015 quarter, 8.8 percent of Adelaide resales were at a gross loss, which was down from 9.3 percent at the end of the third quarter of 2015 but higher than the 8.1 percent over the same quarter last year.
The Light council area recorded no loss-making resales over the quarter while Norwood Payneham St Peters (3.5 percent) and Marion (3.8 percent) recorded less than 4.0 percent of all resales at a loss.
The highest proportions of loss-making resales over the quarter were recorded in Playford (21.8 percent), Gawler (17.4 percent) and Walkerville (14.3 percent) council areas.
<a href="/images/2016/03/30/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-30%20at%202.48.10%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/03/30/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-30%20at%202.48.10%20PM.png" alt="">
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Adelaide's resale losses down from Q3 2015: CoreLogic RP Data's Pain & Gain

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As Queensland's population grows, the need to provide services and community facilities such as schools and hospitals also grows.
Due to this growth, it is sometimes necessary for the state government to acquire land for public purposes.
The Acquisition of Land Act 1967 authorises constructing authorities to acquire land for public purposes related to their business. The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) has the power to acquire land for public purposes. It is the constructing authority for various Queensland Government agencies.
<h2>Legislation</h2>
Legislation that provides for the resumption of land are the: 
<ul>
<li>
Acquisition of Land Act 1967 for the acquisition of freehold land </li>
<li>
Land Act 1994 (and various other Acts) for the acquisition of state leasehold land.</li>
</ul>
The Acquisition of Land Act outlines the purposes for which land can be acquired.
<h2>Land resumption for transport and roads</h2>
You can find out if the government requires your property by doing a property search.
If your property is required for a road or transport project, you will receive a ‘Notice of intention to resume’.
If you agree, you can negotiate for compensation or may choose to object.
<h3>Making an objection</h3>
As the landowner, you have the right to object, have the objection heard, and have your proposal considered by the government.
Your objection must: 
<ul>
<li>be in writing </li>
<li>be made within a specified time </li>
<li>provide supporting details for your objections.</li>
</ul>
After considering your objections, we may: 
<ul>
<li>go ahead with the resumption </li>
<li>change the portion of your property required for the project </li>
<li>change the project so we do not require your property.</li>
</ul>
If your land is resumed, we publish a ‘Taking of land notice’ in the Government Gazette (the gazette). This process normally takes approximately 3 to 6 months.
<h3>Claiming compensation</h3>
You can claim compensation if you are the legal owner, lessee or licensee of the property.
You must make the claim within 3 years from the day we publish the ‘Taking of land notice’ in the gazette.
You will receive a copy of the gazette notice, and a compensation claim form to complete and return to us. You may engage a registered valuer and/or solicitor to assist you.
We will reimburse reasonable costs as part of the overall settlement of compensation.
<h3>Advance payments</h3>
You can apply for an advanced payment against compensation at any time after lodging your claim.
This does not affect your right to negotiate additional compensation or have the matter independently determined by the Land Court if we fail to reach an agreement.
<h3>Property value assessment</h3>
Assessment is based on the market value of the property (or your interest in the property) at the date of the gazette notice.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads will have the property independently valued and a property officer will then contact you to discuss compensation.
<h3>Offer of compensation</h3>
If an offer of compensation is made to you, and you are satisfied with the offer, we will arrange settlement.
Compensation payments made as a result of the resumption of property do not attract GST.
<h3>Correction of property title</h3>
The Department of Transport and Main Roads will correct the title for the remainder of your land to reflect the new boundary at no cost to you. 
<h3>Rejecting the compensation offer</h3>
If you choose not to accept the compensation offer, a property officer will arrange a conference with you to resolve differences in an open and conciliatory manner.
If you do not reach an agreement on compensation, you can refer the matter to the Land Court for an independent determination.
<h3>Vacating the property</h3>
The government can take possession of the property at any time following publication of the gazette notice.
If you refuse to vacate the property from that date, we can arrange to take physical possession of the property, with the costs to be met by you.
Alternately, where practicable, you may remain at the property for a set period of time under certain conditions.
Our property officers will be pleased to assist if you have any queries on resumption matters. Please phone 1800 806 414 (toll free) for further information or for a hard copy of the brochure.
<h2>Reclaiming coastal wetlands and marshes</h2>
Reclaiming land under tidal water involves filling land to a level above the high water mark to make it suitable for your purpose.
The impact of this on coastal wildlife, habitat and scenic values must be considered carefully.
<h3>Guidelines</h3>
You should read the guidelines (Owners consent for development assessed under the coastal Act – document currently under review) and related government policies on this issue before lodging an application for a licence or permit.
<h3>Pre-design/pre-lodgement meeting service</h3>
This service is for projects that need a high level of assessment. It includes a meeting with a departmental project manager to discuss the information that you need to include in your application.
For more information please refer to the Pre-design conference fact sheet.
Contact Permit and Licence Managemen<a href="https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/contact_details">t</a>, or email, or complete a Pre-design conference application form.
Find out more about coastal development.
<h3>Permits and approvals</h3>
The approval you require will depend on the type of project.
For more information, <a href="https://www.qld.gov.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Property 101: When the Queensland Government reclaims land

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The Reserve Bank's interest rate cut of 0.25 basis points could have further impact on the residential property market according to the Australian Property Institute.
API chief executive Mike Zissler said the record low rate is a double jeopardy play by the Reserve Bank as it will also push housing out of reach of many low income families as housing affordability becomes an even greater percentage of people’s incomes.
“There is little doubt it will have a positive impact on the housing and associated sectors," he said.
"The latest cut will, however, upwardly impact upon property values.
"If the intention is to stimulate the economy it is essential that banks pass the cut on and do so quickly."
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Reserve Bank plays double jeopardy with housing market: API

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The Australian dollar fell on news the May RBA meeting cut the cash rate.
CoreLogic RP Data's head of research Tim Lawless said the RBA decision to cut the cash rate to a new historic low today of 1.75 percent was likely to have been hotly debated at the board meeting. 
He said on one hand we have economic growth tracking at 3% per annum, a housing market where the pace of capital gains was moderating in a controlled fashion and relatively strong labour market conditions. 
"Balance this with negative quarterly inflation and a high Australian dollar and it becomes clear that this decision probably could have gone either way," he said.
"The big question relevant to the housing market is how much of the lower cash rate will be passed on to mortgage rates. The spread between the cash rate and standard discounted mortgage rate has been widening since 2008 when there was 1.8 percentage points difference between the two rates. 
"By the April 2016 the spread has doubled to be 3.65 percentage points and is likely to widen further if the full rate cut isn’t passed on by lenders to mortgage rates.  With home values still showing some upwards momentum, lower mortgage rates are likely to provide some further stimulus to the housing market, which the Reserve Bank will be monitoring closely.
"The last thing they would like to see is a rebound in the rate of capital gain, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne where dwelling values have already risen 50 percent and 31 percent respectively since the rate cutting cycle began in November 2011.
The shadow treasurer Chris Bowen has blamed the cash rate cut on the government's "incredibly poor economic management".
In a statement on Tuesday Mr Bowen said the decision reflected a weaker economic outlook, with the RBA expecting growth to moderate this year.
"In addition, incomes are falling, living standards are stagnating and home ownership is out of reach for so many Australians – facts the Government will be hiding from tonight.
"While our resilient economy is a testament to the efforts of hard working Australians, these are worrying trends we can't ignore." 
According to finder.com.au's resident money expert Bessie Hassan borrowers are being warned to keep a close eye on rate cuts that are set to filter the market as a result of the Reserve Bank’s surprise decision to slash the cash rate to a new historical low of 1.75 percent.
She said the move follows days of speculation regarding a rate cut, fuelled by the release of inflation data last week, which revealed that Australia’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) has dramatically slowed.
"The outcome was in contrast to the forecast of 96% of the economists and experts in the finder.com.au RBA survey, who predicted no change, citing a strong labour market, recovering Australian dollar and a ‘wait and see’ approach to the Federal Budget," she said.
"Only one economist, Savanth Sebastian of CommSec, correctly predicted the rate cut, with low inflation a likely key factor influencing the decision, he said.
"The finder.com.au RBA Survey closed on 27 April 2016 – the same day the new inflation data was released. More than half (55 percent) of the 22 experts who weighed in to prospects of a rate movement correctly tipped a rate cut was in store in 2016. However today’s cut has come somewhat earlier than expected, with the majority of experts tipping August or November as the most likely month this would happen.
"Thirty-eight percent of experts surveyed on the rate cycle predicted a drop to 1.75 percent before a rise, while 13 percent are forecasting one further drop to 1.5 percent before the cash rate starts to rise.  Our new cash rate of 1.75 percent is remarkable – it is the lowest it’s ever been and a far cry from the pre-GFC days of circa 7 percent."
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RBA cuts cash rate at May 2016 meeting

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STATEMENT BY GLENN STEVENS, RBA GOVERNOR: MONETARY POLICY DECISION
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<div class="rss-mr-content">
At its meeting today, the Board decided to lower the cash rate by 25 basis points to 1.75 per cent, effective 4 May 2016. This follows information showing inflationary pressures are lower than expected.
The global economy is continuing to grow, though at a slightly lower pace than earlier expected, with forecasts having been revised down a little further recently. While several advanced economies have recorded improved conditions over the past year, conditions have become more difficult for a number of emerging market economies. China's growth rate moderated further in the first part of the year, though recent actions by Chinese policymakers are supporting the near-term outlook.
Commodity prices have firmed noticeably from recent lows, but this follows very substantial declines over the past couple of years. Australia's terms of trade remain much lower than they had been in recent years.
Sentiment in financial markets has improved, after a period of heightened volatility early in the year. However, uncertainty about the global economic outlook and policy settings among the major jurisdictions continues. Funding costs for high-quality borrowers remain very low and, globally, monetary policy remains remarkably accommodative.
In Australia, the available information suggests that the economy is continuing to rebalance following the mining investment boom. GDP growth picked up over 2015, particularly in the second half of the year, and the labour market improved. Indications are that growth is continuing in 2016, though probably at a more moderate pace. Labour market indicators have been more mixed of late.
Inflation has been quite low for some time and recent data were unexpectedly low. While the quarterly data contain some temporary factors, these results, together with ongoing very subdued growth in labour costs and very low cost pressures elsewhere in the world, point to a lower outlook for inflation than previously forecast.
Monetary policy has been accommodative for quite some time. Low interest rates have been supporting demand and the lower exchange rate overall has helped the traded sector. Credit growth to households continues at a moderate pace, while that to businesses has picked up over the past year or so. These factors are all assisting the economy to make the necessary economic adjustments, though an appreciating exchange rate could complicate this.
In reaching today's decision, the Board took careful note of developments in the housing market, where indications are that the effects of supervisory measures are strengthening lending standards and that price pressures have tended to abate. At present, the potential risks of lower interest rates in this area are less than they were a year ago.
Taking all these considerations into account, the Board judged that prospects for sustainable growth in the economy, with inflation returning to target over time, would be improved by easing monetary policy at this meeting.
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</div>
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May meeting: RBA Governor statement on rate cut

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Executive Chairman of Raine &amp; Horne Angus Raine believes Super Tuesday is a watershed for real estate and the Federal Government will leave negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount in place when it announces the 2016/17 Budget tonight.
He said Super Tuesday could prove a major watershed for the Australian economy, currency and investment markets such as residential real estate, with federal budget and interest rate announcements both set to be made today, adding there is a strong precedent for a May move, with the RBA adjusting monetary policy 7 times at its May meeting since the year 2000.<a href="#_edn1" title="" style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </a>
“With the burgeoning threat of deflation hovering above the economy, the chance of an interest rate cut is firming with investment markets, although my view is that the RBA will wait a little longer before trimming the cash rate to see what happens with the budget tonight, inflation and any impact on the property market,” he said.
"On the fiscal policy front I am confident the Federal Government won’t touch negative gearing or the capital gains tax discount.
“If the government pared back negative gearing and the capital gains discount, it would create a massive rush on residential real estate, with investors trying to beat the changes.
“As a real estate firm, this will create more demand for residential property, as investors attempt to lock in assets under the current taxation laws, but ultimately it won’t address affordability issues as it will likely create some short-term price inflation. There’s also a very good chance rents will rise too.
“In 2007, when the government changed the superannuation contribution laws, we saw many bumper auction days before the changes came into effect, with investors and self-managed super funds leading the charge to beat the changes.
“Real estate investment is a favoured asset class by millions of Australian voters because it is deemed safer than shares and easier to understand than bonds, so it would be a brave decision to fiddle with negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount.”
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Super Tuesday is a watershed for real estate: Angus Raine

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Some 13.8 percent of resold homes across Perth in the December 2015 quarter were sold for less than the previous purchase price which was the highest proportion of loss-making resales since July 2012. 
The 11.4% of resales at a loss is up from just 5.4 percent 12 months ago. The Peppermint Grove council area recorded no resales at a loss over the quarter, while Bassendean (4.9 percent) and Canning (5.7 percent) were the other two regions with the lowest proportion of loss-making resales. 
The highest proportion of loss-making resales occurred in the Perth (43.1 percent), Claremont (37.9 percent) and Mandurah (28.7 percent) council areas.
<a href="/images/2016/03/30/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-30%20at%202.49.38%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/03/30/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-30%20at%202.49.38%20PM.png" alt="">
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Perth hit by highest proportion of loss-making resales since 2012: CoreLogic Pain & Gain

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Minister for Finance, Services and Property Dominic Perrottet announced yesterday a simpler, more equitable pricing scheme for Land and Property Information’s (LPI) registration and titling services, delivering on the NSW Government’s commitment in 2015 to review LPI’s pricing framework to improve transparency.
Mr Perrottet said the old framework was outdated and overly complex, while the new framework removes pricing inconsistencies that had built up over time.
“This reform delivers a more transparent framework that will make dealing with LPI simpler for everyone, from new home buyers to the legal and property professionals who deal with the LPI every day,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s a reform that makes sense, adjusting the current framework to make it more user friendly and easier to regulate, while also making sure LPI’s product pricing is more equitable for customers,” he said.
Changes introduced under the new framework include:
<ul>
<li> Consistent pricing for core document lodgments, more than halving the number of different price points for LPI services (from 44 to 20).</li>
<li> A much simpler fee for plan lodgments, to be priced on a flat per-lot basis.</li>
<li>The introduction of requisition fees to ensure practitioners lodge quality-assured documents, reducing the need for costly resubmission of amended lodgments.</li>
<li>LPI ceasing to operate as an online retailer of title search products, with existing private-sector information brokers already servicing 91% of the market.</li>
</ul>
The impact of the reforms on existing product prices will vary, however the new framework is designed to remain revenue-neutral to Government overall, with NSW to remain one of the cheapest jurisdictions in Australia for core land titling transactions.
Among the price changes, titling charges on new home purchases will decrease by up to $61, while mortgage refinance charges will increase by up to $53.  Plan lodgment charges for subdivisions of 9 lots or more will increase, but will be lower for subdivisions of 8 lots or less (which make up more than 90% of subdivisions).
The new pricing framework takes effect from 1 July 2016, with LPI to delay applying the new requisition fee until 1 January 2017 to allow practitioners sufficient time to adjust.
Further information on LPI’s new pricing framework is available at <a href="https://www.lpi.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank">www.lpi.nsw.gov.au</a>.
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Property 101: NSW LPI new registration and titling pricing

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

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Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

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