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Housing market conditions in Hobart have remained relatively flat over the past year, showing a 0.7 percent fall in Hobart home values over the past 12 months, according to the latest NAB housing insights report.
With Hobart home values down 4.0 percent over the past five years and rents consistently rising, Hobart rental yields are now the highest of any capital city which may attract higher levels of investment over the coming year
House values in Hobart expected to ease by 0.6 percent, while units expected to remain stable in 2016 .
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While the Tasmanian economic outlook has improved over the last year, thanks in large part to a pick-up in business investment and strong domestic tourism, recent data suggest that the recovery may be losing some steam. 
Manufacturing continues its structural decline and the mining sector continues to struggle, but we are optimistic about some of Tasmania’s biggest sectors. In particular, agriculture is becoming more important and enjoying favourable conditions thanks to a cool climate and expanding irrigation schemes (particularly for dairy).
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Likewise, the lower AUD should continue to boost tourism and agriculture, making domestic holidays more attractive for Australians and improving local prices for farmers. Nevertheless, even though population trends in Tasmania have improved, population growth has generally lagged behind the rest of the nation. 
NAB expects Hobart house prices to decline modestly by 0.6 percent in 2016 and unit prices are expected to be flat.
On balance, the demand environment for housing is expected to improve moderately, but not enough to drive a meaningful turnaround in the housing market. Consequently, NAB expects Hobart house prices to decline modestly by 0.6 percent in 2016 – a more modest decline than in 2015 – and unit prices are expected to be flat.
 
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House values in Hobart expected to ease by 0.6 percent, units stable in 2016: NAB

<div>GUEST OBSERVER</div>

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<div>The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed a third of the city leaving more than 100,000 people homeless – and prompted King Charles II to issue a proclamation limiting future construction largely to brick and stone.</div>

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<div>For hundreds of years, modern building codes around the world reinforced the king’s approach, severely limiting the use of timber, particularly in multi-storey buildings, due to fear of fire.</div>

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<div>However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of mid-rise timber buildings in Europe and North America. In the Canadian state of British Columbia, for example, a change to the building code in 2009 allowing for taller timber buildings has seen more than 330 building projects earmarked for construction in timber – and more than 80 projects completed or under construction.</div>

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<div>The resurgence has been enabled by a combination of growing awareness around the environmental and cost advantages of timber, and a willingness on the part of authorities to re-think the rules in the light of contemporary technology.</div>

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<div>At the time of the Great Fire, London did not have a fire brigade. Londoners, assisted by soldiers, had to fight the fire with buckets and fire hooks– and the most effective way to stop the spread of fire was to demolish houses and create a fire break.</div>

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<div>Today, not only do we have fire brigades, we also have automatic sprinkler systems, hose reels, portable fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, fire-protective grade plasterboard and cavity barriers, intumescent seals (door seals that expand in the event of fire to block smoke and hot gases)…</div>

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<div>This year, the Building Code of Australia 2016 will include a Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) approach for timber buildings of up to 25 metres in effective height – typically eight storeys – on the proviso that a raft of safety features such as those I’ve discussed are included. Mid-rise buildings constructed in&nbsp;fire-protected timber&nbsp;– combined with sprinkler systems – can provide fire safety standards that not only&nbsp;equal&nbsp;conventional alternatives, but&nbsp;exceed&nbsp;them.</div>

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<div>Modelling by EFT Consulting ahead of the code change suggests there would 83 per cent fewer fatalities and almost 70 per cent less property damage from fires in timber buildings conforming to the new DTS provisions, compared to conventional buildings – where no sprinklers are required.</div>

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<div>The new provisions require: timber walls be ‘sandwiched’ between layers of fire-protective grade plasterboard of the type used in high rise commercial buildings; fire hydrants, hose reels and portable fire extinguishers similar to those for conventional buildings; fire-resisting cavity barriers e.g. mineral wool; and a fire sprinkler system.</div>

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<div>The changes were approved by the Australian Building Codes Board technical committee that includes Engineers Australia, Australasian Fire and Emergency Service&nbsp;Authorities Council (state fire brigades), the Australian Institute of Architects, Master Builders Australia and the Housing Industry Association.</div>

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<div>Just as fear of fires can be easily addressed when you look at the facts, reassurance can also be offered on other genuinely-held concerns – and enable the property domestic building industry to achieve the cost savings associated with timber, which is estimated by&nbsp;AECOM&nbsp;at 10-20 per cent in an Australian setting, largely because of faster build times.</div>

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<div>Mid-rise timber buildings can be built on top of concrete ground floors, which, when combined with standard termite prevention measures such as barriers, traps and treatments, is sufficient to protect them; the designer of any mid-rise building – timber or not – needs to consider how to counteract a range of environmental hazards.</div>

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<div>Many people also don’t realise that mid-rise timber buildings are externally clad to protect them from water damage and extend their effective life well beyond the mandatory 50 years specified by authorities.</div>

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<div>Mid-rise timber apartment buildings offer domestic builders who are prepared to innovate and upskill their teams a wonderful opportunity to reach new markets on suburban sites which may not previously have been viable, to save on costs and to build in a much more environmentally friendly manner.</div>

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<div>Ric Sinclair is the Managing Director of Forest &amp; Wood Products Australia, an industry group which spearheaded a two-year consultation and research process ahead of the change to the Building Code of Australia.</div>

Property 101: Dousing fire fears for mid-rise timber apartments

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<div>GUEST OBSERVER Here are my top ten tips for investing in property.</div>
Gauge the level of interest in the property
Auction strategies depend on what the auctioneer does, how other people bid, if there are other people bidding at all, what the level of genuine bid interest is, and, of course, how many dummy bidders there are.
Real estate agent review checklist
When buying by private sale, find out how good the estate agent you are dealing with is as a negotiator.
Three property auction strategies
Once you have carried your research out on the property you can use various auction strategies to put yourself in a winning position.
How to deal with aggressive bidders at auctions
Sometimes in an auction you will strike aggressive bidders.  In this case it's no good if both parties keep throwing in bids aggressively.
Three negotiation tips for passed in property
You have done your research on the property, used the appropriate auction strategies, and the property has been passed in to you. Here's what to do next.
How to draw out negotiations
The longer you can draw out negotiations during a private sale, the more information you will be able to get, and the more desperate the agent will become.
Four steps to value property
For real estate, knowledge is king. Lack of knowledge will cost you money because your inexperience will encourage you to pay more than the property value.
Real estate agents are _______
The agent is one of the unpredictable factors in the real estate equation. According to some people; real estate agents are scum, useless, liars, crooks. 
How to review a floorplan
A floorplan is the 'bones' of a house. Your floorplan also has a large bearing on your 'exit strategy' when you decide to move on.
When there is only one genuine buyer
Sometimes you can work out that you are probably the only buyer interested in the property and that the vendor has a very high price expectations.
 
David Morrell is director, <a href="https://realas.com/" target="_blank">RealAs</a>.
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Property 101: David Morrell's top ten property tips

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Only 79 auctions were held in Melbourne for the week ending 27 March according to CoreLogic RP Data.
The preliminary clearance rate from 54 reported auctions stands at 74.1 percent.
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Melbourne clearance rate at 74.1 percent: CoreLogic RP Data

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Preliminary auction results for Sydney for the week ending 27 March show 77.4 percent of reported auctions were successful, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
This is strongest clearance rate for the city since mid-February this year, however more results are to be collated.
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Sydney clearance rate comes in at 77.4 percent: CoreLogic RP Data

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SPONSORED POST
While Australia’s property market remains a safe haven, limited stock is a significant obstacle for overseas investors, Napier &amp; Blakeley’s managing director Alastair Walker.
“There is still a substantial amount of investment funds under management looking for a home – and the volatility in other markets serves as a reminder that Australia remains a safe haven,” says Walker, who oversees the independent property, development and sustainability consultancy.
The latest investment intentions survey from the Asian Association for Investors in Non-listed Real Estate Vehicles (ANREV) reports around AU$82.4 billion is expected to be poured into property in 2016, with the top three investment destinations in the regions of Tokyo, Sydney and Melbourne.
“Opportunity is now the great conundrum facing investors,” Walker recently blogged.
“Australia presents a transparent market with a good yield to debt ratio, but a shortage of stock is limiting investment opportunity.
“The local property investment groups who have righted their ships in the last seven years after the Global Financial Crisis are now heavily challenged by offshore investors, some with very deep pockets.”
“Our chairman, Peter Mitchell, is based in Singapore, and travels around Asia talking to investors and we get reports back every day, especially from Chinese investors wanting to get into the Australian market. These aren’t just big global funds, but a range of investors who see Australia, and particularly Sydney, as an attractive destination,” he adds.
While Sydney and Melbourne remain the “first choice” for offshore investors, Walker says they are increasingly looking further afield – and are looking beyond traditional shiny new offices.
“Expect retrofitting of existing assets – something that has been slow off the mark – to become a bigger thing in 2016,” Walker says.
Established in 1985, Napier &amp; Blakeley is an independent and privately-owned, international, integrated, property services consulting organisation. 
Contact one of our specialists for <a href="https://nbtax.com.au/" target="_blank">further information</a>.
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Opportunity is the great conundrum for commercial property investors

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<h2>
GUEST OBSERVER  
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Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg told Q&amp;A that Australia has the highest number of solar panels on people's roofs per capita anywhere in the world. Is that right? 
Solar photovoltaics (PV) technology produces electricity directly from solar energy. When you see a solar panel on a household roof, it’s most likely solar PV technology at work within those shiny blue or black, silver-framed plates. (If not, they’re likely to be solar hot water system panels.) 
Solar PV has made a valuable contribution towards reducing Australia’s very high per-capita greenhouse emissions from electricity generation. 
Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg’s told Q&amp;A viewers that Australia has more household solar panels, per head of population, than anywhere in the world.
Let’s check the claim against the available evidence.
Checking the source 
When asked for a source to support his assertion, a spokesman for the minister clarified he was talking about solar PV systems only (not solar hot water).
He referred The Conversation to a document produced by the Energy Supply Association of Australia (which has since been folded into the new Australian Energy Council). The document said that:
"Australia clearly leads the world in the installation of household scale distributed solar PV. Australia has double the residential solar PV penetration rates of the next country (Belgium), and more than three times the penetration of Germany and the UK … By 2015, more than one in seven Australian households had installed solar PV. This is a 15% penetration rate across all Australian households."
We can check this assertion independently using a combination of data from:
<ul>
<li>the Australian PV Institute’s database of PV systems less than 10 kilowatts registered with the Australian Clean Energy Regulator and;</li>
<li>a March 2015 data set from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) called Household and Family Projections, Australia.</li>
</ul>
Note that the kilowatt (kW) capacity here refers to the size of the PV system, and represents the maximum power (Watts) the system generates in the middle of a sunny day.
A typical PV panel is rated at around 250 Watts (0.25kW). A typical residential PV system in Australia is sized somewhere between 1.5-5kW, or 6 to 20 panels. As a basis for comparison, a typical air-conditioner typically consumes around 1-2kW when running. 
For our calculation, we assumed that all systems less than 10kW are installed on household premises (although, in fact, a few are installed on small businesses and community buildings such as surf clubs and schools). 
Here's what the data shows:
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So Frydenberg has actually likely slightly underestimated the proportion of Australian households with a PV system. It’s not 15 percent – it’s more like 16.5 percent, according to the latest data.
PV systems are not evenly distributed across Australia’s residential sector, as the Australian PV Institute’s live PV map shows:
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<div class="content" data-raw="">PV installation by post code. Note: The percentages on the map are higher than the 16.5% figure, as the percentage of dwellings with a PV system shown on the map is estimated by comparing the number of freestanding and semi-detatched dwellings from the 2011 census with the number of residential PV systems installed in each area (rather than using a figure including all dwellings scaled up in line with population growth projections). Australian PV Institute (APVI) Solar Map, funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, accessed from pv-map.apvi.org.au on 23 March 2016.</div>
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<div class="content" data-raw=""> </div>
<div class="content" data-raw="">Note: The percentages on the map are higher than the 16.5% figure, as the percentage of dwellings with a PV system shown on the map is estimated by comparing the number of freestanding and semi-detatched dwellings from the 2011 census with the number of residential PV systems installed in each area (rather than using a figure including all dwellings scaled up in line with population growth projections). Australian PV Institute (APVI) Solar Map, funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, accessed from pv-map.apvi.org.au on 23 March 2016. </div>
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Is Australia the world leader when it comes to solar PV per capita?
Yes. Australia does likely have the highest proportion of households with PV systems on their roof of any country in the world.
But to be clear, Australia does not have the most PV rooftop capacityinstalled per person. By that we mean there are a number of other countries that currently generate a higher proportion of their total electricity from PV than Australia.
Those countries may also have larger commercial and industrial PV systems (often tens to hundreds of kilowatts in size) or utility PV plants (which can be a megawatt – 1,000 kilowatts – to tens of megawatts in size).
Australia is unusual in that some 85 percent of its installed PV capacity is small systems less than 10kW.
Indeed, the latest International Energy Agency (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme Task 1 trends report ranks Australia fourth or fifth for overall PV capacity, based on 2014 data:
Note, however, that not all countries with high PV penetrations are included in the IEA report. Greece, for example, gets around the same proportion of its electricity from solar PV as Germany.
There are also a number of small island developing states with a high percentage of households with stand-alone solar home systems. For example, around 17 percent of households in Kiribati have a solar home system (based on 2013 data).
However, this isn’t really comparable with Australia because these PV systems in Kiribati are so tiny they can only power lighting and small appliances. Also, Kiribati’s population is only just over 100,000 people and many people on remote islands have no access to an electricity grid.
In 2014, Germany had more than nine times the installed PV capacity of Australia, yet around the same number of household PV systems spread over more than three times the population.
Italy had more than four times the PV capacity of Australia, yet less than half the number of household PV systems. Japan had around 15% more residential PV systems, but more than five times the population of Australia. Belgium has a population around half that of Australia, but only around one fifth the number of PV systems. Greece has less than a tenth of Australia’s PV capacity of small (&lt;10kW) PV systems.
Therefore, all of these countries have a significantly lower proportion of households with PV systems than Australia. They do better than Australia when it comes to total energy produced from solar; they do worse than Australia when it comes to household rooftop solar only.
So Frydenberg was right to say Australia has the highest proportion of households with PV systems on their roof in the world (well, that is if we don’t consider tiny countries like Kiribati).
<h2>Why is household rooftop solar so popular in Australia?</h2>
Australia’s unique PV market focus on households has come about through a combination of factors:
<ol>
<li>
Policy support from federal and state governments has historically focused particularly on PV systems less than 10kW, including the Solar Credit Multiplier available over 2009-2012 through the former Labor government’s revised Renewable Energy Target. There were also the various state-based feed-in tariffs over the same time period, which were generally restricted to small PV systems.
</li>
<li>
A large proportion of Australian housing comprises stand-alone dwellings with relatively large roof spaces suitable for PV systems.
</li>
<li>
Most of Australia has an excellent climate for PV systems with plenty of sunshine.
</li>
<li>
Australian households have to pay very high residential electricity prices compared to many other countries. PV systems can be a very cost effective way to reduce household electricity bills.
</li>
<li>
Australia’s relatively high rates of owner-occupier home ownership allows the benefits of the PV system investment to be captured by the home owner, who also pays the electricity bills.
</li>
</ol>
<h2>What does the future hold?</h2>
One final note: Australia may be at risk of losing the top ranking when it comes to household solar PV systems.
A growing number of countries are setting ambitious PV targets.
In Australia, some key electricity industry stakeholders here in Australia – including the distribution network utilities that own and operate the wires that run to your house – are looking to restrict future household PV connections in some areas, or reduce the money that households can save by installing PV systems.
Household PV does raise a number of technical challenges for these businesses, and their revenue under current electricity tariffs.
<h2>Verdict</h2>
Josh Frydenberg was correct. Australia almost certainly has the highest proportion of households with PV systems on their roof of any country in the world (again, not including tiny nations like Kiribati). His assertion that nearly 15% of Australian households have solar panels on their roofs was, indeed, perhaps a slight underestimate.
However, there are a number of other countries that currently generate a higher proportion of their overall electricity from PV than Australia.
Unlike these other PV markets, the great majority of PV systems in Australia are small-scale installations on household rooftops. If Australian governments are keen to see Australia retain its world leading position, greater policy, retail market and regulatory efforts will be required. 
Anna Bruce is lecturer in the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, UNSW Australia and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/anna-bruce-243843" target="_blank">here</a>.
Iain MacGill is co-director, Centre for Energy and Environmental Markets, UNSW Australia and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/iain-macgill-576" target="_blank">here</a>.
Both are authors for The Conversation.
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Is Australia the world leader in household solar power?

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It appears that confidence is slowly returning to the Canberra housing market after conditions were relatively sedate since the 2010 federal election.
Last year the Canberra housing market recorded the strongest housing market conditions since 2011, with dwelling values rising 4.1% over the full twelve months to be 5.6% higher over five years.
Growth conditions have been concentrated within the detached housing sector, with house values rising 4.5% over the year compared with a 0.8% fall in unit values.
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Dwelling investment likely to increase due to improving labour market and population growth 
The relative size of the housing market, limited data and the overall significance of the public sector to the local economy makes it difficult to reliably produce forecasts for property values in the ACT. 
Nevertheless, the ACT economy is gradually recovering from the recent fiscal tightening and public sector job cuts. NAB Economics expects economic growth to gradually improve and unemployment to stay low. With the improving labour market and population growth, dwelling investment is likely to improve as well in line with higher building approvals.
Similarly, an improving economy will provide underlying support to property values, the latest NAB housing insights report suggests.
 
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ACT dwelling investment likely to increase due to improving labour market and population growth: NAB

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Research from ME shows one in ten Australians are saving to buy a home.
That’s a lot of people working towards the same goal. And it can be done, says Nic Emery, head of deposits and transactional banking at ME. But if you’re struggling to grow a first home deposit, it could be time for a fresh approach. Weaving healthy money habits into your daily routine could be the key to growing a first home deposit sooner.
You see, while old habits die hard, new habits can be formed just as easily. The trick is to anchor new habits to existing habits. 
Use old habits to develop new habits
Research by psychologists confirms that using a non-financial cue like making your regular morning coffee to check the balance of your everyday account, can see the two actions start to go hand in hand. In fact, some people can develop new habits this way in as little as 18 days. It can mean your first home deposit starts to forge ahead in less than three weeks.
Let’s take a closer look at how your current habits can be used to launch some clever new financial habits to get into your first home sooner.
Take the bus to work. Check your budget
Whether you travel by train, tram or bus to work, use your daily commute as a cue to review your budget. 
ME research shows only one in two Gen Y Australians (aged 18-34) – those most likely to be saving for a first home – follow a budget. Yet it is a critical first step that lets you juggle household expenses, pay regular bills on time and still have money for savings.
Grab some lunch. Transfer money into your savings account
Give your savings a boost while refueling your energy levels. Making regular deposits, no matter how small, goes a long way to growing first home savings. 
Be sure to use a dedicated savings account. Over one in ten (14 percent) Gen Ys accumulate savings in an everyday account, and that may mean missing out on valuable interest income.
Head home. Review the days spending  
Only two out of five people keep a written record of their expenses. But this simple step will help you develop a more accurate picture of your spending patterns and highlight areas where you can cutback to free up cash for extra saving.
Tune into your favourite TV show. Check your savings.  
Unwind, relax and use the opportunity to monitor your savings and also your savings account to be sure your money is earning a competitive rate. 
Plenty of savings accounts offer an enticing introductory rate. The trouble is, after just a few months your money could be earning a very low return making it harder to save a first home deposit. 
Skip the hassle of shifting money around from one account to another by choosing a bank that offers a consistently good rate on savings.   
Four daily habits. Four steps to grow your first home deposit. Start today, and with plenty of repetition you can reach your goal sooner. 
 
For more information <a href="https://www.mebank.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Property 101: Four daily habits to help save for a home

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NABERS is the industry standard for measuring the real environmental impact of Australian buildings.
For owners and tenants of buildings, NABERS provides a simple way to measure, report, improve and promote environmental performance. Over two thirds of the national office market has been rated with NABERS.
In 2016, NABERS is restructuring their training courses to facilitate modular accreditation, allowing people to train in the specific NABERS tools that match their interest and expertise.
The new <a href="https://www.nabers.gov.au/public/WebPages/ContentStandard.aspx?module=60&amp;template=3&amp;include=Assessor.htm&amp;side=AssessorTertiary.htm" target="_blank">NABERS Core Assessor Course</a>, alongside the popular Energy and Water for Offices course, are being held as face-to-face training sessions this April in Sydney and Melbourne, with further courses being planned for the second half of 2016.
The Energy and Water for Hotels, Waste for Offices, and Indoor Environment for Offices modules are being redeveloped as e-learning courses.
Whether you wish to rate your own building, take advantage of the increased demand for Assessors under the CBD scheme, or simply gain an in-depth understanding of the NABERS rating tools, the Accredited Assessor training is for you. 
NABERS Assessor Core Course and Energy and Water for Offices package
The course fee is $3,300 incl. GST, which includes the cost of a Supervised Rating (mentoring of your first rating application).
The training is delivered over one and a half days on the following dates and locations:
Sydney
5th &amp; 6th April  2016
Venue: Karstens, 111 Harrington St, Sydney
Melbourne 
12th &amp; 13th April 2016
Venue: Karstens, 123 Queen Street, Melbourne
You can enrol for either of these courses at <a href="https://learn.nabers.gov.au" target="_blank">https://learn.nabers.gov.au</a>
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New NABERS training courses starting soon

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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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."

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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.

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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 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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

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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