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GUEST OBSERVER
The Asia-Pacific alternative finance market grew 323 percent to $102.8 billion in 2015, led by four-fold growth to more than $100 billion in China, finds first regional benchmarking report
Survey was conducted by a research team from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, the Tsinghua University Graduate School at Shenzhen and the University of Sydney Business School, in collaboration with KPMG and with the support of ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and CME Group Foundation.
The Asia-Pacific online alternative finance market including peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding grew 323 per cent in 2015 to $102.8 billion, led by a four-fold increase in China to $101.7 billion, according to the first comprehensive study of the Asia-Pacific online alternative finance market.
“The Asia-Pacific online alternative finance market is fluid, diverse, increasingly complex and growing at a rapid pace,” said the report issued today, entitled Harnessing Potential – The 2015 Asia-Pacific Alternative Finance Benchmarking Report.
Outside of China, the rest of the Asia-Pacific region recorded alternative finance volume of $1.12 billion in 2015, up 313% from the $271.9 million raised in 2014. The largest markets in 2015 beyond China were Japan ($360 million), Australia ($348 million), New Zealand ($268 million), South Korea ($41 million) and India and Singapore (each about $40 million).
China is the world’s largest alternative finance market based on the researchers’ global dataset, the report said. While there have been reports on China’s alternative finance market by Chinese companies, this is the first study to benchmark the Chinese market with a set of comparable international standards.
“The Chinese online alternative finance market grew from a relatively low base of $5.56 billion in 2013 to reach $24.30 billion in 2014 and then went on to reach $101.7 billion in 2015,” the report said. Peer-to-peer consumer lending ($52 billion) and peer-to-peer business lending ($40 billion) are by far the largest market segments in China. Reasons cited in the report for the rapid growth of alternative finance in China include the country’s global leadership in Internet user base and smartphone connections, and the fact that alternative finance has “been mostly unrestricted and unchecked” until recent guidelines by regulators.
The alternative finance market includes peer-to-peer consumer and business lending, equity-based and reward-based crowdfunding, and other provision of finance to individuals and businesses through alternative channels via online marketplaces outside of the banking system.
Other key findings of the report included:
<ul>
<li>More than half surveyed platforms in China (with the exception of equity-based crowdfunding) deemed existing regulation to be inadequate or too relaxed, or recognized the need for specific regulation to be introduced. </li>
<li>In per-capita terms, the largest alternative finance markets in Asia-Pacific in 2015 were China ($74.54), New Zealand ($59.37) and Australia ($14.83). </li>
<li>The institutional funding of online alternative finance is notably higher in the wider Asia-Pacific region outside of China, at 63 percent for peer-to-peer consumer lending outside China and 10 per cent in China. </li>
<li>The institutional ownership of alternative finance platforms is far higher for China, at 23 per cent majority interest for banks or other institutional owners compared to 6 per cent in the Asia-Pacific region outside of China. </li>
<li>Outside of China, peer-to-peer business lending has been the largest alternative finance funding segment for three consecutive years, but peer-to-peer consumer lending is the fastest-growing sector with average year-on-year growth rate of 653% between 2013-2015.</li>
<li>The Asia-Pacific region appears to have relatively high rates of female participation in online alternative finance markets, at 33 per cent for peer-to-peer consumer borrowers outside China and 19 per cent in China. </li>
</ul>
The survey involving 20 research partners was based on data from 503 leading alternative finance platforms in 17 Asia-Pacific countries and regions, of which, 376 were from mainland China. The study captured an estimated 70 per cent of the visible market, yielding the estimates contained in the report.
The report described the regulatory environment for alternative finance across the Asia-Pacific region as “diverse and rapidly changing.” While some countries such as Singapore have chosen to regulate alternative finance within pre-existing frameworks, others including New Zealand have created bespoke regulation. And while surveyed platforms in New Zealand and Malaysia generally felt existing regulation is “adequate and appropriate,” platforms in Japan and South Korea were more concerned that regulation is too strict and Chinese platforms generally felt regulation was too lax.
“The opportunities for the world's most populous region to harness the potential of alternative finance for innovation, economic growth, market efficiency, and creativity are abundant,” the report said. “The present challenge is how to best nurture the alternative finance industry, grow the market in a sustainable manner and develop an appropriate and proportionate regulatory regime that strikes the right balance between encouraging financial innovation and protecting the interests of consumers and investors.”
The survey was conducted by an international research team from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance at Cambridge Judge Business School, the Tsinghua University Graduate School at Shenzhen and the University of Sydney Business School, in partnership with KPMG and with the support of ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and CME Group Foundation.
This article was written by the University of Cambridge Judge Business School. 
To download a full copy of the report, <a href="https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/faculty-research/centres/alternative-finance/publications/harnessing-potential/#.VunQeOnvhUE" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Property 101: Asia-Pacific alternative finance market grew 323 percent in 2015

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Melbourne recorded the largest monthly residential vacancy fall nationwide over February, down 0.5 percentage points with a vacancy rate of 2.3 percent, according to SQM Research.
Canberra, Sydney and Darwin fell 0.2 percentage points over February. 
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SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said overall there was a noticeable fall in vacancies for the month driven by Melbourne and Sydney.
"However, year on year vacancies are still edging up for the country and we think this will still be the trend going forward," he said.
"The cities and townships most exposed to the commodities downturn are causing this yearly rise. On the flip side Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra are all recording downward trends in vacancies now and this is resulting in upward pressure in rents for these three cities.
"Perth has recorded ongoing falls in asking rents of 10.5% for houses and 9.1% for units over the past 12 months. Yearly falls have also been recorded in Darwin, with asking rents down 10.3% for houses and a considerable 11.2% for units. 
"Hobart continues to record the most affordable rental accommodation with rents for houses at just $337 a week, while units on average rent for $286 a week."
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Melbourne takes largest monthly residential vacancy fall in February: SQM Research

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The pace of home value growth across Brisbane has been improving, with dwelling values rising by 4.1 percent over the past twelve months.
The latest NAB housing insights report noted due to the higher pace of growth recorded in Sydney and Melbourne since 2009, Brisbane home values have become comparatively very affordable with the typical Brisbane house now showing a median value that is approximately $441,000 lower than Sydney’s and $144,000 lower than Melbourne’s. 
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The slower conditions compared with the larger states of New South Wales and Victoria can likely be attributed to softer economic conditions as the mining sector winds down. More recently though we have seen consistent improvements in the services sector of the Queensland economy, with rising tourism numbers and retail spending providing support for coastal and lifestyle based housing markets as well as the Brisbane housing market. 
The regional areas of the state have shown a weakening in the rate of home value growth, dragged lower by value falls in the region’s most heavily dependent on mining related activities. Values in Mackay were 8.6 percent lower over last year, while Fitzroy values had fallen 3.7 percent and values across the Central West region were down 6.2 percent. Conversely, key lifestyle oriented markets such as the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are seeing home values trending higher.
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The Brisbane housing market has been somewhat undersupplied in previous years’, yet housing price performance has lagged notably behind that of Sydney and Melbourne. Consequently, the comparative affordability makes the Brisbane market an enticing alternative for foreign investors, while pent up demand will keep local buyers in the market. An improving outlook for the Queensland economy will be another factor supporting prices as low interest rates and AUD depreciation help to jump start non-mining segments of the economy, feeding into better labour market outcomes. 
However, population growth is expected to continue slowing in Queensland, while the unemployment rate is likely to remain above 6% over the near-to-medium-term, which will limit gains in property prices. Also, similar to Sydney and Melbourne, residential construction is picking up rapidly in Brisbane, which should address some of the pent-up demand and cool the market. 
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Similar to what was seen across all three of the major eastern markets, the NAB Property Survey showed a sharp deterioration in market sentiment in Queensland for Q4 2015, although forward expectations suggests the weakness may be only temporary. Nevertheless, respondents downgraded their house price expectations significantly, as well as their rental expectations – in contrast to NSW and Vic where rental expectations rose. 
NAB expects house price growth in Brisbane to outperform other capital cities, but to slow to 3 percent in 2016 (from 4.3 percent in 2015).
On a more positive note, foreign buyers are responding as expected to the relative affordability (and availability) of Brisbane property, with demand apparently picking up in the quarter according to the Survey. Overall, NAB expects house price growth in Brisbane to outperform other capital cities, but to slow to 3 percent in 2016 (from 4.3 percent in 2015).
However, there are a number of risks stemming from the uncertainty around foreign demand and the impending spike in housing supply. These risks are particularly prevalent in the unit/apartment market, where prices are already expected to fall 0.6 percent in 2016 (from 1.8 percent in 2015).
 
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Brisbane house values to increase by 3 percent, units to fall by 0.6 percent: NAB

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Balmain’s renowned Town Hall Hotel is the latest asset to test the strength of Sydney’s hotel market, with the prominent venue snapped up for $7 million.
The Balmain Pub Group secured the Balmain landmark, which was established in 1879.
Set on the corner of Montague and Darling streets on a prominent 445sqm site, the two-level hotel features a ground floor bar, bottle shop and upstairs dining area with second bar, as well as a seated balcony overlooking Darling Street.
CBRE Hotels’ National Director, Daniel Dragicevich negotiated the freehold sale of the prominent inner-western Sydney venue in conjunction with Knight Frank on behalf of brothers, David and Phillipe Du Maurier.
“This transaction also highlights the depth of buyers currently active in the sub-$10 million metropolitan hotel market, reinforcing that market buoyancy is not just limited to the top end of town," he said.
The sale takes Balmain Pub Group’s stable of assets to five, following their acquisition of the Greenwood Hotel in North Sydney last year. 
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Town Hall Hotel, Balmain sold for $7 million

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New amendments to the regulations that will give homebuyers of properties with swimming pools 90 days to rectify non-compliant swimming pool barriers are a sensible approach, according to the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.  Minister for Local Government Paul Toole announced on Friday (11 March, 2016) the new regulations applying to the sale of properties with swimming pools to take effect from 29 April 2016.  “From 29 April 2016, vendors will need to attach to the contract of sale a Certificate of Compliance, or a Certificate of Non-Compliance outlining what needs to be fixed,” REINSW President John Cunningham said. “This is a sensible approach given the ongoing issues and delays over the last three years in regard to these important regulations. “It is great to see that amendments have been made to allow these regulations the ability to be successfully implemented and help make our backyards safer,” Mr Cunningham said. As part of the regulations, every new tenancy application to the Residential Tenancy Tribunal must also have a compliance certificate if the property has a swimming pool.
 
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Property 101: Amendments to NSW backyard pool regulations applauded

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A total of 135 industrial properties were sold over the year to December 2015 with a total value of $,1,894 million, with Melbourne's North West region netting the greatest dollar volume, according to Savills.
According to Savills, Melbourne’s South East recorded the most number of transactions in the year to December 2015 with 74 (55 percent of all sales), with North West region having the greatest dollar volume with 52 percent of the total transaction value for the year.
Foreign investors and institutions represented the largest buyer categories in the North West by value of all stock, at 24 percent and 56 percent respectively.
Private investors made up 11 percent of total sales volume.
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Melbourne's North West sees high industrial property transactions

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The latest research from Canberra Cityscope shows property sales decreased in the past three months. 
Sales recorded in the quarter ending December 2015 totalled $87.7 million, a decrease from the $92.5 million recorded in the three months to September 2015, and a decrease from the $149.8 million recorded in the three months to June 2015. This data brings the 12 month total to $336 million, an increase from the $314.6 million recorded the same time last year.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of Canberra Cityscope.
<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-6162" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Pulse-CASalesGrid-580x311.gif" alt="Canberra Cityscope Quarterly Sales" width="580" height="311">
 
Recent standout sales in Canberra include:
<ul>
<li>The AusAID Building at 255 London Circuit, City; an 11 level, 8,972 sqm office building with parking for 134 cars, was bought for $70,025,000 in a sale handled by JLL Sydney and JLL Canberra.</li>
<li>33 Egan Court Belconnen, a single level, 1,725 sqm medical centre with parking for 60 cars, was bought for $8,650,000 in a sale handled by Burgess Rawson.</li>
<li>Guilfoyle House at 151 Oakden Street, Tuggeranong; a single storey, 1,500 sqm office and warehouse with parking for 130 vehicles, was bought for $4 million in a sale handled by Colliers International.</li>
</ul>
Properties for sale in Canberra in December 2015 include:
<ul>
<li>40 Cameron Avenue, Belconnen, a 5 storey A-grade office building with parking for 221 vehicles; is for sale through Colliers International Canberra. Book value of the building was at $42.5 million in December 2014.</li>
<li>Eclipse House at 197 London Circuit, City; a 10 storey, 6,567 sqm office building is for sale through Colliers International Canberra. The building last traded at $11.8m in April 2002.</li>
<li>14 Wales Street, Belconnen, a 2 storey, 3,800 sqm high-clearance warehouse building with parking for 25 vehicles, is for sale through CBRE.  The building was built as a secure facility for the then Commonwealth Department of Civil Aviation and last traded at $6.4m in January 2010.</li>
</ul>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6163" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Pulse-CASalesChart.gif" alt="Canberra Cityscope Quarterly Sales graph" width="532" height="321">
Significant leasing opportunities in Canberra in December 2015 include:
<ul>
<li>40 Cameron Avenue, Belconnen, a 5 storey A-grade office building with parking for 221 vehicles; has office space of 500 to 9,470 sqm through Knight Frank and JLL Canberra.</li>
<li>33 Allara Street, City, an 8 storey, 9,900 sqm commercial building with retail on the ground floor and basement parking for 131 vehicles; has office space of 650 to 9,215 sqm for lease through Knight Frank and Colliers International.</li>
<li>14 Moore Street, City, a 14 storey, 11,100 sqm B-grade office building with basement parking for 79 cars; has office space of 6,060 sqm through Colliers International and Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Canberra.</li>
</ul>
 
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Canberra property sales decrease in three months: CoreLogic RP Data Cityscope

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<h1>Minutes of the Monetary Policy Meeting of the Reserve Bank Board</h1>
Sydney – 1 March 2016
<h2>Members Present</h2>
Glenn Stevens (Governor and Chair), Philip Lowe (Deputy Governor), John Edwards, Kathryn Fagg, John Fraser (Secretary to the Treasury), Allan Moss AO, Heather Ridout AO, Catherine Tanna
Members granted leave of absence to John Akehurst in terms of section 18A of the Reserve Bank Act 1959.
<h2>Others Present</h2>
Guy Debelle (Assistant Governor, Financial Markets), Christopher Kent (Assistant Governor, Economic), Alexandra Heath (Head, Economic Analysis Department), Ivan Roberts (Senior Economist, Economic Analysis Department)
Anthony Dickman (Secretary)
<h2>Domestic Economic Conditions</h2>
Members began their discussion of the domestic economy by noting that the December quarter national accounts would be released the day after the meeting. Based on the data available and in line with earlier expectations, growth appeared to have been slightly below average in the December quarter and over 2015 as a whole. There had been further indications of a rebalancing of activity towards the non-mining sectors of the economy. More recent data had suggested that the economy had continued to grow at a moderate pace in early 2016.
As expected, mining investment had fallen further in the December quarter as more large projects reached completion. The latest ABS capital expenditure (capex) survey of firms' investment intentions had pointed to further large falls in mining investment in 2015/16 and again in 2016/17, in line with the forecasts presented in the February Statement on Monetary Policy. Members noted that non-mining investment appeared to have been little changed over 2015. Although the capex survey had pointed to declines in 2015/16 and 2016/17, roughly half of non-mining investment was not covered by the capex survey and in the past there had been differences between signals provided by the capex survey and what was measured in the national accounts data. At the same time, members noted that survey measures of business conditions and capacity utilisation had remained at above-average levels and business credit growth had increased a little further over recent months.
Members observed that there had been only modest growth in resource export volumes in the December quarter. They noted that more production capacity – particularly for liquefied natural gas, but also iron ore – was expected to come on line over 2016. Chinese iron ore imports had increased over the past year, although by less than earlier years, and Australia's share of that had remained at a high level. The volume of coal exports had fallen, partly because Chinese demand for coal had eased. Meanwhile, iron ore prices had increased over the past month, while coal prices had fallen slightly. Notwithstanding the recent increases in iron ore prices, bulk commodity prices were still about 20 per cent below levels of a year earlier. Oil prices had been volatile over recent months, rising somewhat since the previous meeting but still lower than late last year, which largely reflected the ongoing strength of supply.
Members noted that household demand had continued to be supported by low interest rates and above-average employment growth. Consumption growth was expected to have been close to its average over 2015 and in early 2016. Survey measures of households' perceptions of their own finances had remained at above-average levels into early 2016. Information from the Bank's retail liaison suggested that there had been an improvement in trading conditions around the Christmas–New Year period.
While growth in dwelling investment had been strong over 2015, there were indications that it would gradually moderate over the course of this year. The level of building approvals had declined over 2015, but remained high. Conditions in the established housing market had eased since late 2015. Housing price growth in Sydney and Melbourne was lower than in September last year. Meanwhile, housing credit growth overall had remained around 7½ per cent, after having risen through to the middle of 2015. Members noted that growth in lending to investors in housing had slowed significantly over that period and, more recently, housing loan approvals overall had declined a little.
The unemployment rate rose to 6 per cent in January, from around 5¾ per cent in November and December, and employment had declined slightly. Nevertheless, conditions in the labour market had clearly improved since early 2015. Employment growth had been above average, the unemployment rate had declined by a little more than ¼ percentage point and the participation rate had been on an upward trend. Members noted that there was some uncertainty around the future trajectory of the participation rate. This was partly because the degree to which people had been encouraged to enter the labour force over the course of the past year had been unexpected, and partly because it was difficult to assess the net effect on the participation rate of population ageing (which tends to reduce participation rates). The fact that each generation has tended to have a higher participation rate than the one preceding it also contributed to uncertainty around the trajectory of the participation rate. Meanwhile, leading indicators of employment had increased recently, consistent with employment growth in the months ahead.
Data from the wage price index had confirmed that wage growth was low across all industries over 2015. Although wage growth had continued to slow in a number of mining-exposed industries, it appeared to have stabilised in some industries where employment growth had been relatively strong over the course of the past year. Members observed that ongoing low wage growth was consistent with there being some spare capacity in the labour market, though they also noted that this was not unique to Australia, which suggested that a common global factor, such as the increasingly globalised nature of the labour force, could have been playing a role.
<h2>International Economic Conditions</h2>
Growth in Australia's major trading partners had eased in the December quarter, although it had been little changed over the past year at slightly below its decade average. Labour market conditions had improved in a number of economies, which was consistent with ongoing consumption growth, particularly in the United States and the euro area. Aggregate growth had also been supported by low oil prices. Although measures of core inflation had edged higher over the second half of 2015 in Japan and the euro area, they had shown some signs of declining in the early part of 2016. There had been a more noticeable increase in core inflation in the United States over this period. However, inflation remained below most central banks' targets and monetary policies had remained very expansionary.
Growth in the US economy had been close to trend over 2015, despite slowing late in the year. Employment had continued to grow more rapidly than the working-age population, and the unemployment rate was around its long-run average level. While nominal wage growth had remained relatively modest, growth in unit labour costs was above its long-run average. Measures of core inflation had picked up, but remained below the inflation objective of the Federal Reserve Board. The euro area economy had continued to expand at an above-trend rate over 2015, driven by domestic demand, although industrial activity had remained weak. There had been a further gradual decline in the unemployment rate, but there was considerable spare capacity and wage growth had drifted lower. Inflation had remained low relative to the European Central Bank's target.
GDP had contracted in Japan in the December quarter, driven by a decline in consumption. Despite recent weakness in economic activity, labour market conditions had remained tight and nominal wage growth had been positive. Core inflation had picked up to close to 1 per cent by the end of 2015, but had eased a little in early 2016. Headline inflation had been low, reflecting the effect of lower oil prices. In the rest of east Asia, GDP growth had been a bit below average, particularly for the economies with larger exposures to the slowing in China through their direct trade links. Recent exchange rate depreciations, low oil prices and monetary and fiscal stimulus measures had been providing some support for activity in the east Asian region.
Recent Chinese data had pointed to continued weakness in the industrial and real estate sectors, although members noted that the variable timing of the Chinese New Year holidays made it difficult to interpret data in the early part of the calendar year. Overall, housing prices had increased a little over the past year, but prices had still declined in the smaller cities. Total sales had declined since mid 2015 and the stock of unsold housing remained substantial. In February, the authorities took further steps to support the demand for housing, particularly in markets where housing prices had been weakest. The downward trend in both exports and imports had continued in January, while the trade surplus remained at a high level.
Members spent part of the meeting discussing some issues relevant to China's longer-run economic performance and the risks to growth. They observed that demographic changes and strong productivity growth had been key drivers of economic growth in China for some time, but these forces were now reversing and were likely to weigh on future growth as a result. In particular, China's growth had been supported by an increase in the size of the working-age population and the migration of many agricultural workers to urban areas, where they had been more productive. The working-age population had started to fall but the urban workforce was still growing because of continued urbanisation. China's urbanisation rate was still relatively low by international standards, which suggested that this process had further to run, with the pace of reform to the urban registration system (hukou) likely to have some effect on how rapidly the growth of the urban workforce would moderate. Structural reform was also important for the future trajectory of productivity growth, which had slowed over the past decade.
China's economic development had been characterised by very strong investment growth, which had been funded to a significant extent by high saving rates in the household sector. An element of the policy response to the global financial crisis had been to increase the credit available to the non-financial corporate and government sectors, which had led to sizeable increases in the debt held by these sectors. Slowing aggregate growth and excess capacity in some industries had raised the risk that some firms would find it more difficult to make repayments on their debt, which could, at some point, be associated with more widespread financial problems. Notwithstanding this, members noted that household debt-to-income ratios and the share of debt denominated in foreign currency were both low. The low level of foreign currency debt, in particular, differentiated China from other emerging economies that had previously experienced financial crises. While the overhang of residential housing inventory and excess capacity in the industrial sector would affect demand for Australia's resource exports and their prices, the scope for Chinese household incomes to rise over time created long-run potential for Australia to increase exports of rural produce and services, including tourism, to China.
<h2>Financial Markets</h2>
Members commenced their discussion of financial markets with a review of movements in a range of markets following the Bank of Japan's unexpected lowering of the interest rate for some deposits held at the central bank in order to provide further stimulus. This decision led to significant movements in fixed income and foreign exchange markets in particular, and had also highlighted concerns over bank profits in an environment of low or negative interest rates. Members noted that implementation of the policy decision had been designed to minimise the adverse effect on the Japanese banking system; although the negative rate is effectively the marginal rate on excess funds and therefore had pushed other short-term rates lower, most central bank deposits continued to be remunerated with a positive rate.
Expectations of further increases in the US federal funds rate had been pushed out over the past month, with markets now pricing in only a 70 per cent chance of a further rate rise in 2016 and some market participants expecting a reduction in the federal funds rate this year. In contrast, expectations for additional monetary easing by the European Central Bank this year had increased over the past month, including at the next policy meeting later in the month.
Recent policy developments had contributed to further falls in sovereign bond yields. Members noted that the Japanese government bond yield curve was very flat, with the 10-year bond yield below zero. Almost two-thirds of Japanese government bonds and one-third of short-term bonds issued by euro area governments were currently trading at yields below zero. Australian government bond yields had moved broadly in line with US sovereign bonds.
The sharp declines in global share prices in early February, led by financial sector shares, had, more recently, been partly retraced by price rises. Australian equity prices declined by 2 per cent over February, with movements in prices closely linked to changes in commodity prices. Members noted the generally solid profit reports of Australian listed companies and discussed recent developments in relation to dividend policies.
Share prices of banks in the advanced economies, including Australia, had fallen significantly since early January. The declines had been largest in Europe and Japan. Globally, there had been concerns about the effect of the prevailing low or negative interest rates on interest margins and yields on banks' high-quality liquid asset holdings and, ultimately, on bank profits and business models. These concerns had been compounded in the euro area by specific issues in particular countries as well as uncertainty about the operation of the new European bank resolution regime.
In foreign exchange markets, volatility increased over the previous month alongside the changing current and prospective stance of monetary policy in the major economies. The US dollar had depreciated slightly on a trade-weighted basis, while the euro was little changed. Since the policy announcement by the Bank of Japan, the yen had appreciated by 5 per cent on a trade-weighted basis. The Chinese authorities had emphasised their intention to preserve stability in the trade-weighted value of the renminbi, which had moved in only a narrow range over the past year. The People's Bank of China had continued to sell foreign currency reserves in January in response to net private capital outflow. The Australian dollar was little changed on a trade-weighted basis and against the US dollar since the previous meeting.
Bond issuance by Australian banks had been solid in the first quarter to date, despite volatility in global financial markets in the period. Wholesale funding costs for Australian banks had continued to edge higher, but for long-term funding the cost of issuing new paper was still below the average cost of the existing stock on issue. The rise in short-term wholesale bank funding costs had been passed through to some business lending rates.
Pricing in domestic financial markets indicated that there was no expectation of a change in the cash rate at the present meeting.
<h2>Considerations for Monetary Policy</h2>
In considering the stance of monetary policy, members noted that the recent data on the international and domestic economies had been largely consistent with the outlook presented at the previous meeting. Growth in Australia's major trading partners had remained a little below average in year-ended terms and commodity prices were still significantly lower than they had been a year earlier. Meanwhile, global financial markets had been volatile in the aftermath of the Bank of Japan's decision to implement negative interest rates and generally there appeared to be more uncertainty about the direction and potency of monetary policy in the major jurisdictions. However, given the usual lags in the data, it was still too early to assess whether the bout of financial market volatility since the turn of the year foreshadowed or would lead to a weakening in global economic conditions. Globally, monetary policy remained very accommodative.
The available data suggested that the domestic economy had continued to grow at a slightly below-trend pace. There had also been further signs of a rebalancing of activity towards non-mining sectors of the economy, aided by the low level of interest rates and the depreciation of the exchange rate over the past couple of years, which had responded to the evolving economic outlook. There was a small decline in employment in January and a modest rise in the unemployment rate, following a run of much better-than-expected outcomes in the December quarter. Leading indicators of employment had increased further and were consistent with employment growth in the months ahead. Wage growth had remained at quite low levels.
Conditions in the established housing market had eased somewhat since September 2015, in part reflecting the effect of supervisory measures implemented in that year. In addition, after rising for some time, the growth in aggregate housing credit had stabilised over the past six months or so, with a significant easing in growth in lending to investors.
Members judged that there were reasonable prospects for continued growth in the economy and that it was appropriate to leave the cash rate unchanged at an accommodative setting. Over the period ahead, new information should allow the Board to assess whether the improvement in labour market conditions was continuing and whether the recent financial turbulence presaged weaker global and domestic demand. Members noted that continued low inflation would provide scope to ease monetary policy further, should that be appropriate to lend support to demand.
<h2>The Decision</h2>
The Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 2.0 percent.
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Dwelling price growth easing: Minutes of March 2016 Monetary Policy Meeting of the Reserve Bank Board

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Across Darwin over the three months to September 2015, 16.9 percent of homes resold at a loss compared to 17.2 percent at the end of the previous quarter and 9.4 percent a year ago, according to the most recent CoreLogic RP Data Pain &amp; Gain report. 
The relatively less developed Litchfield region has recorded no loss-making resales over the quarter compared to 15.9 percent in Palmerston and 19.5 percent in Darwin. 
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Darwin's Litchfield survives loss-making quarterly resales: CoreLogic RP Data Pain & Gain

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GUEST OBSERVER
Australia is well regarded internationally as one of the world’s most liveable places. Australians continue to think so too with 99 percent of us agreeing that this is a great place to live! 
In our second annual survey, we take another look at what makes this country such a special place to live. Relative safety &amp; security, general lifestyle &amp; friendliness and access to quality healthcare continue to be valued most highly, with open spaces, climate and environment also important drawcards. Our people, an acceptance of diversity and love of sport have also become bigger drawcards, but the economy and education are contributing less.
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<div class="column">Our relative safety &amp; security (36 percent) and general lifestyle &amp; friendliness (35 percent) continue to be cited as the key factors making Australia such a great place to live. They also resonated with more Australians in 2016 than in last year’s survey (33 percent and 32 percent respectively). Access to quality healthcare was also viewed as key positive for 30 percent of Australians, albeit less than in 2015 (33 percent).</div>
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 Access to open spaces, beaches and parks, climate, clean environment &amp; unique natural wonders continued to be highly valued by around 1 in 4 Australians.
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 It was however notable that a strong and stable economy (18 percent) contributed less to liveability in Australia in the 2016 survey (21 percent in 2015), which is perhaps not surprising given weaker economic growth outcomes last year. There was also a notable fall in the number of Australians (15 percent) citing access to quality education as a driver of liveability (19 percent in 2015).
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 On a positive note, our people and their acceptance of diversity was recognised as a bigger drawcard by 17 percent of Australians (up from 13 percent in 2015), while the number who valued our love of sport climbed to 11 percent (8 percent in 2015).
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 The national results hide some big differences between states. For example, safety &amp; security was valued most highly in SA/NT (43 percent) and contributed least in WA (31 percent) and Victoria (31 percent). Climate was a much stronger drawcard in WA (29 percent) and Queensland (28 percent) than in Victoria (17 percent) and Tasmania (14 percent). 
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<div class="column">People and an acceptance of diversity was most highly valued in NSW/ACT (21 percent), but access to quality education (17 percent), a love of sport (14 percent) and entertainment options (9 percent) resonated most with Victorians, while general lifestyle &amp; friendliness was a much bigger factor for Tasmanians (54 percent).</div>
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New South Wales / ACT 
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In NSW/ACT, relative safety &amp; security (40 percent), general lifestyle &amp; friendliness (35 percent) and access to quality healthcare (29 percent) were the most commonly identified factors making Australia a great place to live. It was however, notable that safety &amp; security was valued more highly in NSW/ACT than in all other states bar SA/NT. 
People and acceptance of diversity (by gender, race and religion) also resonated higher in NSW/ACT than in any other state (21 percent), but it was also notable that a love of sport (8 percent) played a much smaller role relative to the national average. 
For all other factors, residents of NSW/ACT were broadly in line with the average Australian. 
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Victoria 
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General lifestyle &amp; friendliness (35 percent), quality healthcare (33 percent) and safety &amp; security (31 percent) were the most commonly identified factors in Victoria. Victorians valued healthcare equal highest with WA among the states, but safety &amp; security contributed equal least along with WA. 
Victorians led the country in terms of access to quality education (17 percent), their love of sport (14 percent), entertainment options such as restaurants and cinemas (9 percent) and for transport and other public infrastructure (6 percent). 
Victorians were however notably below the Australian average when it came to a clean environment and natural wonders (19 percent), climate (17 percent) and social welfare system (15 percent).  
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Queensland 
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Safety &amp; security (33 percent), general lifestyle &amp; friendliness (32 percent) and access to quality healthcare (32 percent) were the main factors making Australia a great place to live according to Queenslanders - albeit contributing less than average except for healthcare. 
Queenslanders (28 percent) rated climate notably higher than in most other states. They also valued access to open spaces, beaches &amp; parks (26 percent) and a strong and stable economy (20 percent) slightly more than the average Australian. 
It was however notable that employment and job prospects (1 percent) contributed less in Queensland than for the average Australian, as did transport &amp; other public infrastructure (1 percent). 
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South Australia / Northern Territory 
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Safety &amp; security (43 percent) was valued higher in SA/NT than in any other state. General lifestyle &amp; friendliness (33 percent), access to open spaces, parks &amp; beaches (26 percent) and climate (24 percent) were the next biggest drawcards. 
Housing and housing affordability (7 percent) was valued higher than all other states - likely due to lower median house prices. Love of sport (14 percent) was also a much bigger draw card in SA/NT. 
In contrast, healthcare (22 percent) and a clean environment &amp; unique natural wonders (19 percent) contributed much less than it did for the average Australian. Not surprisingly given the economic challenges facing SA, a strong &amp; stable economy (15 percent) also contributed less. 
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Western Australia 
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West Australians placed the highest emphasis on general lifestyle &amp; friendliness (36 percent), access to quality healthcare (33 percent) and safety &amp; security as key factors making Australia a great place to life, albeit safety&amp; security rated equal lowest of all states. 
West Australians did however value access to open spaces, beaches &amp; parks (30 percent) and climate (24 percent) highest in the country. Social welfare (21 percent) was also valued somewhat more. 
In contrast, people &amp; acceptance of diversity (14 percent), love of sport (7 percent) and entertainment options (e.g. restaurants, dining out) contributed less to their notion of what makes Australia a great place to than any other state.  
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Tasmania 
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Significantly more Tasmanians valued general lifestyle &amp; friendliness (54 percent) higher than Australians living in any other state. 
Notably more Tasmanians also highlighted safety &amp; security (42 percent), clean environment &amp; natural wonders (40 percent), social welfare system (24 percent) and (perhaps somewhat surprisingly given the under-performance of the local economy) a strong &amp; stable economy (24 percent) higher than in any other state. 
In contrast, access to quality healthcare (18 percent), climate (14 percent), access to open spaces, beaches &amp; parks (14 percent) and education (9 percent) contributed much less than in any other state. 
For more information, <a href="https://www.nab.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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NAB Special Report: What makes Australia a great place to live?

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.

[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."

[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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[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.

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"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

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That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

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Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

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The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

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