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Confidence in the CBD hotels sector outweighs office and retail for the year ahead by sector, according the NAB Quarterly Australian Commercial Property Survey Q1 2016, which noted the Commercial Property Index fell to +12 points but is above the long term average.
According to the report all markets are tracking above long-term average levels, except CBD Hotels, which it continues to out-perform the broader market. 
NAB chief economist Alan Oster said Property professionals in the CBD hotels sector are also the most confident in the next year, followed by office and retail.
"However, confidence levels are broadly similar across all market sector participants in 2 years’ time," he said.
"By state, sentiment improved in NSW and it continues to lead the country by some margin, led by a strong contribution from the Office sector. Sentiment also improved a little in WA, but remains deeply negative and by far the worst performing state, dragged down by chronically under-performing Office and Industrial property markets. Sentiment was lower in all other states. 
“Property professionals in NSW are the most optimistic in the next 2 years, but those in Victoria are expecting the biggest improvement. WA remains the most pessimistic state, but only just ahead of SA/NT." 
On average, capital values are expected to increase most for CBD hotels in the next 1-2 years (1.4 percent &amp; 3.4 percent). 
"Office rents are expected to grow 1.1 percent and 1.5 percent in the next 1-2 years, led by  NSW and to a lesser extent Victoria. Significantly, for developers intending to start new projects, a survey low 38 percent indicated they were targeting residential developments, down from 54percent in Q4, presumably reflecting the over build in apartment markets,” he said. 
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

CBD hotel confidence leads office, retail: NAB

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Financial services company Computershare has listed its two level global headquarters for sale in Melbourne with frontage to Johnston Street and the Yarra River.
The site, 452-484 Johnston Street, comprises 16,920 square metres of Commercial 2 zoned land, two levels of commercial office space totaling circa 16,000sqm and space for around 485 cars.
Real estate firm Pepper Group will act Computershare’s behalf, with the sale through CBRE’s Mark Wizel, Mark Coster, Tim Grosmann and Kiran Pillai.
Computershare will take an initial seven-year, triple net leaseback over the facility with options until 2029. The commencing rental is $5.3 million per annum.
The expressions of interest campaign closes May 26, 2016.
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Computershare's Melbourne headquarters listed for sale

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GUEST OBSERVATION
If you’re looking to invest in property, it’s important to understand what gearing is and how you can use it to maximise the returns on your investment.
Gearing is where you borrow funds to invest in property, shares or other types of investments. It allows you to increase the amount you have to invest and offers a range of potential tax benefits.
What is negative gearing?
Negative gearing occurs when the expenses on your investment are higher than the income you receive. As your investment is making a loss, you may be able to offset your expenses against other income such as salary or wages, potentially reducing your tax.
For example, if your mortgage repayments and the costs of managing your investment property are more than the rent you receive from tenants, your property could be negatively geared.
In addition to taxation benefits, negative gearing offers an opportunity to make a long-term profit through capital gains—where the value of your property increases greater than the costs.
What is positive gearing?
Positive gearing is when the rent from your investment property is higher than costs such as loan repayments, interest, property maintenance and rates. It tends to happen at times when rental rates are high and interest rates are low.
Understanding the risks
Negative gearing can be more risky than positive gearing and is only recommended when capital gains are expected in the long-term. If the value of your property falls or interest rates increase, you may need to pay additional costs that aren’t covered by potential tax deductions.
Gearing is complicated and it’s best to talk to a financial planner and accountant for professional advice before making any long-term commitment.
Tax deductions on your investment property
There is a range of potential tax benefits available on your investment property.
Expenses you may be able to claim include:
<ul>
<li>Advertising for tenants</li>
<li>Insurance</li>
<li>Some legal expenses</li>
<li>Body corporate fees and charges</li>
<li>Property agent fees and commissions, as well as travel costs to inspect the property</li>
<li>Land tax</li>
<li>Capital works and decline in value of depreciating assets</li>
<li>Repairs and maintenance</li>
<li>Cleaning, pest control, gardening and lawn mowing</li>
<li>Council and water rates.</li>
</ul>
Some costs can be claimed immediately and others can be claimed as depreciation over a number of years. You’ll need to keep records of all expenses, plus legal records of property ownership for at least five years.
Visit the <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/" target="_blank">Australian Tax Office (ATO)</a> for the latest information on what you can claim, or talk to your accountant for tax advice that’s specific to your situation.
For more information, <a href="https://www.commbank.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Property 101: Negative gearing and tax

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The south west residential market in the Australian Capital Territory leads the latest National Top 20 Building and Population Hotspots from the Housing Industry Association with an annual population growth rate of 127.3 percent and 216,488,000 residential building approvals in 2014/15.
HIA Economist Diwa Hopkins said total of more than 220,000 new dwellings were commenced last year with a strong performance among housing Hotspots across Australia. 
“The report identifies a total of 602 Hotspots spread right across Australia’s eight states and territories. Nearly all jurisdictions were represented amongst the National Top 20 Hotspots,” she said. 
<a href="/images/2016/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-27%20at%209.19.24%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-27%20at%209.19.24%20AM.png" alt="">
The report found six top 20 hotspots in Victoria, five in Western Australia , four in NSW two each in QLD and the ACT and one in the Northern Territory. 
A hotspot is defined as a local area where population growth exceeds the national average and where the value of residential building work approved is in excess of $100 million, according to the HIA.
The report found the ACT’s South West area was the country’s top hotspot yet again, with $216.5 million worth of new residential building approved and its population more than doubling.
"In second place was Cranbourne East in Melbourne’s southeast, where the population increased by 32.0 per cent and some $328.7 million worth of new residential building was approved. Rounding off the national Top 3 was Cobbitty-Leppington in the southwest of Sydney," Diwa Hopkins said. 
“In the final analysis, the fact that ten of the Top 20 Hotspots are located in NSW and Victoria speaks volumes. These two states have been the engines of the strong upturn in new home building over the last few years. It is also encouraging to see WA still perform strongly this time at the national level, considering the difficulties arising from the natural resources downturn.".
 
<a href="/images/2016/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-27%20at%209.14.11%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Where are the hottest markets for housing? HIA

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Architects, sustainability experts and influential property executives are amongst those chosen as the judging panel for this year's retail-focused Living Building Challenge design competition.  
The judges will select a winner based on the entry that best responds to the question, ‘what does the world’s most sustainable retail centre look like?’  
Living Future Institute of Australia (LFIA)Vice-Chair Stephen Choi said the judges for The Brickworks Living Building Challenge design competition are well known and highly respected, not just in property circles but in different industries and in different capacities. 
"Each is a genuine thought leader and we appreciate their commitment,” Mr Choi said. 
"It is time for ‘best practice’ in retail centre development to mean much more than simply enabling natural airflow and daylight. 
“The shopping centre of the future is one that attracts even more foot traffic, is a place to be enjoyed, is aesthetically pleasing, functions beautifully, promotes positive health and wellbeing for visitors and employees, and has a net positive impact on its environment."
Over 40 registrations for the Brickworks Living Building Challenge design competition have been received since the competition was launched in Melbourne last month.
The Brickworks Living Building Challenge design competition is coordinated by the LFIA, the local arm of the Seattle-based International Living Future Institute. Frasers Property Australia is the Principal Partner for the design competition and the company’s Brickworks site in Melbourne is the subject retail centre for entrants to apply their progressive thinking to. 
The judging panel includes:
Caroline Pidcock - Director of architectural firm PIDCOCK – Architecture + Sustainability
<img src="/images/2016/04/27/carolone.jpg" alt="" width="572" height="449">
Kate Doyle – as CEO of the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), Ms Doyle has worked extensively with the educators, curators and communicators that shape Australia’s architectural landscape. 
<img src="/images/2016/04/27/doyle.jpg" alt="" width="559" height="413">
John Romano – Mr Romano has clocked up an impressive 30 years with Telstra in a variety of senior positions and currently heads up Telstra’s Property division. 
<img src="/images/2016/04/27/John_Romano.jpg" alt="">
Daryl Browning – As CEO of ISPT, Mr Browning has accumulated more than 30 years’ experience in the property investment and management sector, including in financial services and funds management. 
<img src="/images/2016/04/27/daryl_browning.jpg" alt="">
Natalie Isaacs – Having founded 1 Million Women in 2009, Ms Isaacs has helped shape how women and girls fight climate change by changing the way they live, with the movement now around 400,000 women strong - and counting. 
 
Peri Macdonald – Currently the General Manager - Retail at Frasers Property Australia, Mr Macdonald has been involved in the acquisition, development and management of over $1 billion of new and redeveloped neighbourhood and sub-regional shopping centres across Australia. 
 <img src="/images/2016/04/27/Frasers_Property_PeriMacdonald_05-2.jpg" alt="" width="664" height="531">
Entries close on May 6.
For more information, <a href="https://living-future.org.au/the-brickworks-living-building-challenge-design-competition/" target="_blank">click here</a> or <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/tools/ebooks-and-webinars/52152-australia-aspires-to-global-green-leadership-the-living-building-challenge" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">download our eBook</a>.
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Judging panel appointed to world's first retail based sustainability design challenge

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ASIC has permanently banned Mr Hardik Bhimani, of Sheidow Park, South Australia, from providing financial services after an investigation found he had misappropriated advice fees owed to his employer, charged his clients excessive fees, and failed to provide a client with statements of advice.
Mr Bhimani was employed in New South Wales as a senior financial planning manager, and later a senior financial planner, with National Australia Bank Limited (NAB) between 1 April 2011 and 4 November 2013. He worked in NAB's financial planning business, NAB Financial Planning.
Between 5 December 2012 and 7 August 2013, ASIC found that Mr Bhimani:
<ul>
<li>engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct by creating and supplying NAB with 'non-standard fee forms' indicating the applicable fees payable by the clients had been waived, and then made arrangements for the clients to deposit the advice fees into his personal NAB bank account;</li>
<li>charged clients excessive fees;</li>
<li>failed to provide a client with statements of advice; and</li>
<li>engaged in repeated breaches of the standards expected of a person in his position.</li>
</ul>
ASIC also found reason to believe that Mr Bhimani was not of good fame and character.
NAB alerted ASIC to Mr Bhimani's conduct and fully refunded the advice fees to the affected clients.
ASIC Deputy Chairman Peter Kell said that ASIC would not tolerate this type of behaviour.
'ASIC will continue to protect consumers by removing those who engage in misleading and deceptive conduct from the industry', he said.
Mr Bhimani has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of ASIC's decision.
Background
This outcome is a result of ASIC's Wealth Management Project. The Wealth Management Project was established in October 2014 with the objective of lifting standards by major financial advice providers. The Wealth Management Project focuses on the conduct of the largest financial advice firms (NAB, Westpac, CBA, ANZ, AMP and Macquarie).
ASIC's work in the Wealth Management Project covers a number of areas including:
(i) working with the largest financial advice firms to address the identification and remediation of non-compliant advice.
(ii) seeking regulatory outcomes where appropriate against Licensees and advisers.
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ASIC permanently bans former NAB financial planner 

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Public comments and submissions are invited on a proposed new fee structure for the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
The existing regulations governing fees at VCAT are set to expire on 30 June 2016. The government is taking this opportunity to design a new fee structure that will more accurately reflect the cost of operating VCAT and more fairly distribute the proportion of that cost that is paid for by users.
In accordance with the Victorian Guide to Regulation, the government now seeks the views of the public on the proposed regulations, in the hope that their quality and usefulness can be improved by integrating the information and perspectives of the community.
Submissions
Public comments and submissions are invited on the attached Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) and proposed regulations. Submissions must be received no later than 5pm on Monday, 2 May 2016. The submissions will be considered before the proposed regulations are made.
All submissions will be treated as public documents, will be provided to the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee, and are subject to legislation such as the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
For more information, <a href="https://myviews.justice.vic.gov.au/vcat-fees-regulations-2016" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Property 101: Submissions open for new VCAT fee structure

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Attendees to the Wakelin webinar mid-week on Wednesday were told when is a pre-purchase building inspection a must, what they entail, how to interpret the results and what defects can be fixed and which ones should prompt you to walk away from a potential buy.
To watch the webinar in full <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPGVlbSHKvo" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Property 101: When is a pre-purchase building inspection a must

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Across Darwin over the three months to December 2015, 13.5 percent of homes resold at a loss compared to 17.3 percent at the end of the previous quarter and 10.2 percent a year ago.
The relatively less developed Litchfield region has recorded the highest proportion of loss-making resales over the quarter at 22.7 percent compared to 12.7 percent in both the Darwin and Palmerston council areas.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/03/30/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-30%20at%203.32.52%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2016/03/30/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-30%20at%203.32.52%20PM.png" alt="">
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 Resale loss for residential Darwin property slowing: CoreLogic RP Data Pain & Gain

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Trust account dealings and rooming house operators came under the microscope of Consumer Affairs Victoria in the second half of 2015.
Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Simon Cohen has released the regulator's Half Year Report, which details hundreds of inspections of estate agents and rooming house operators state-wide – resulting in fines, estate agent licence suspensions and jail sentences.
The state’s 4,370 trust accounts are held by more than 2600 estate agents and are worth nearly $2.1 billion.
During the second half of last year, Consumer Affairs Victoria issued 54 infringements to estate agents for failing to get their trust accounts audited within three months of the end of their reporting cycle or failing to submit a copy of the audit report to Consumer Affairs Victoria within 10 business days of receiving it. Penalties ranged from $948 to $1820.
Court action was taken against 16 estate agents over trust account deficiencies, resulting in penalties including a licence suspension of nine years for an agent who caused trust account deficiencies of $37,000. In February 2016, Huntingdale estate agent Anthony Brancatella was sentenced to a 40-month jail sentence for trust account offences of nearly $2 million.
“Victorians put their trust in estate agents to sell their home. While most estate agents are doing the right thing, those who don’t meet their trust account obligations can expect to be investigated,” Mr Cohen said.
“Buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants rely on estate agents to deal with deposits and bonds honestly and scrupulously. Any deviation from strict probity requirements is a serious matter.”
Rooming house operators also came under scrutiny. Consumer Affairs Victoria will inspect all 1,100 rooming houses this financial year, to ensure compliance with minimum standards and the state’s rental laws.
In the second half of 2015, 376 rooming houses throughout Victoria were inspected, and 48 re-inspections were completed to make sure any problems found were quickly addressed.
“Rooming house standards are there to protect the state’s most vulnerable residents, and these are enforced by Consumer Affairs Victoria inspectors.”
In October, following a Consumer Affairs Victoria prosecution, the Magistrates’ Court awarded $800 compensation to a rooming house resident after SLM Housing Pty Ltd interfered with the resident’s rights by withdrawing a fridge from his room with the aim of causing the resident to leave. SLM Housing Pty Ltd was also fined $3000 by the Court. 
Consumer Affairs Victoria has commenced further proceedings in Sunshine Magistrates’ Court against the same operator, which is facing 158 charges in relation to alleged breaches of the minimum standards at rooming houses it operates.
For more information <a href="https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Property 101: Trust account dealings, rooming house operators under microscope

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.

&nbsp;

[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." />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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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.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

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