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The decision of Powell v Stone [2014] NSWSC of the Supreme Court of New South Wales has sounded a clear warning to parties in family law proceedings regarding the lodgment of a caveat over a property which is the subject of a court order.
The decision makes it clear the caveator must have an "interest" in the property as they otherwise face an indemnity costs order being made against them as the Court aims to discourage the lodgment of caveats in these circumstances.
In this Alert, Special Counsel Alexandra Moles and Solicitor David Hall highlight this case as a warning to parties to be careful when attempting to further protect their assets during family law proceedings.
Key take away points
<ol>
<li>A Family Court Order giving a party a right to the proceeds of sale of a property is not a caveatable interest; and</li>
<li>There is a risk of an indemnity costs order being made against parties who lodge a caveat over property in which they have no caveatable interest even if the caveat is subsequently voluntarily withdrawn.</li>
</ol>
A right to proceeds of sale is not a caveatable interest
Powell involved factual circumstances which are common in family law proceedings. An Order was made in the Family Court of Australia that a husband was ordered to pay a wife a sum of money and if he failed to do so by a specific date then the order required him to sell a property and pay the wife a specific amount out of the proceeds of the sale of that property.
In order to protect her payment the wife lodged a caveat over the property.
In finding that the caveat was 'doomed to be removed' Justice Brereton stated:
'A right to the proceeds of sale of property is not an interest in property'
He cited the cases of Epple v Wilson [1972] VR 440; Simons v David Benge Motors Pty Ltd VR 585 andEfax Proprietary Limited v Charrer (Supreme Court (NSW), Young J 30 October 1987, unreported)
Justice Brereton drew an analogy between the facts in this case and that of a trustee who had an obligation to sell a property and account for the proceeds to the beneficiaries. His Honour considered that in both circumstances a right to part of the proceeds of sale from a property was not a 'caveatable interest in the land itself'.
Parties seeking to protect an entitlement to proceeds of sale must look to an alternative to a caveat. Alternatives may include seeking more prescriptive Orders about the sale of the property or remedies where a party seeks to breach an order.
Risk of an Indemnity Cost Order
In awarding an indemnity cost order Justice Brereton was extremely critical of the caveat being lodged in the circumstance described above and stated it was a practice 'to be depreciated and one which the court would do the utmost to discourage'.
Justice Brereton was also not dissuaded from making an indemnity cost order despite the wife removing the caveat before the hearing, following negotiations between the parties.
Justice Brereton found that the caveat should not have been lodged in the first instance or should have been immediately withdrawn indicating that anything short of that should attract an indemnity cost order.
Conclusion
Caveats are to be used with caution and only after careful consideration. Particularly, a caveat should not be used to protect a party's interest to a part of proceeds of sale of a property following an order under the Family Law Act. Parties who do so risk an indemnity costs order being made against them for any costs incurred by the other side in attempting to remove that caveat.
Law firm HopgoodGanim offers commercially-focused advice, coupled with reliable and responsive service, to clients throughout Australia and across international borders. For more information, <a href="https://www.hopgoodganim.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Property 101: Warning on caveats on matrimonial properties 

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Rental Bonds Online is a new service helping tenants, agents and private landlords lodge and refund bond money securely and easily.
Tenants can now pay their bond direct to NSW Fair Trading using credit card or BPAY. Agents or landlords can lodge bonds in minutes, at any time, without having to post lodgement forms.
All parties are kept informed through SMS phone notifications and email updates.
Understand how Rental Bonds Online makes bond transactions more convenient. Watch our 3-minute introduction to the service:
<a href="https://youtu.be/5rRUdOgQEnY" target="_blank" title="Rental Bonds Online - the smart way to manage your bond (video)"><img src="https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/biz_res/ftweb/Images/About_us/Online_services/Rental_bonds_online_video.jpg" alt="Rental Bonds Online video" width="225" height="175"></a> Watch the video - Rental Bonds Online: the smart way to manage your bond (Internet Explorer users please right click on the video and select ‘Open link’ to watch.)  
The video is also available in the following languages:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEXcnl6sjLI" target="_blank">Rental Bonds Online: the smart way to manage your bond (video in Arabic) </a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ane7EYv-uSA" target="_blank">Rental Bonds Online: the smart way to manage your bond </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ane7EYv-uSA" target="_blank">(video in Chinese)</a> </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL6a9ujyDSI" target="_blank">Rental Bonds Online: the smart way to manage your bond</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL6a9ujyDSI" target="_blank"> (video in Korean)</a>
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzpKX9XQUnE" target="_blank">Rental Bonds Online: the smart way to manage your bond (video in Vietnamese)</a></li>
</ul>
Agents, private landlords and tenants can access the Rental Bonds Online site using a desktop computer or any mobile device such as a tablet or mobile phone.
<ul>
<li>A new feature released in late 2015 directs tenants using their smartphone to a version of the Rental Bonds Online site optimised for smaller devices.  This gives tenants access to all the core functions on Rental Bonds Online so they can create an account, lodge and claim bond money, and check the status of their bond. They can also navigate to the full site if they need to access other functions within Rental Bonds Online.</li>
</ul>
How to register and find out more
Visit the relevant page to you to learn more, including how to register as a Rental Bonds Online user:
<a href="https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/About_us/Online_services/Rental_bonds_online/For_property_agents.page" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">For property agents</a> <a href="https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/About_us/Online_services/Rental_bonds_online/For_tenants.page" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">For tenants</a> <a href="https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/About_us/Online_services/Rental_bonds_online/For_private_landlords.page" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">For private landlords</a>
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Property 101: NSW rental bonds online

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<div class="middle-content-section">
<div class="section">
Median house rentals in metropolitan Melbourne increased $10 a week to $410 with regional housing rent decreasing 4.9 percent to $290, to December 2015, according to the REIV.
The REIV's rental market snapshot to December 2015 found the level of vacant properties in metropolitan  Melbourne at 3.1 percent, staying at 2.3 percent for regional Victoria.
</div>
<div class="section"> </div>
<div class="section">
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="2" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Vacancy Rate"]'>Vacancy Rate</td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="2" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Median Rent"]'>Median Rent (Houses)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"July 2015",null,null,null,1]'>Dec 2015</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"June 2015",null,null,null,1]'>Nov 2015</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"July 2015",null,null,null,1]'>Dec 2015</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"June 2015",null,null,null,1]'>Nov 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"METRO"]'>METRO</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2.9]">3.1</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"0.0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,3]">3.0</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,400]">$410</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,400]">$400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"REGIONAL"]'>REGIONAL</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2.4]">2.3</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2.3]">2.3</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,290]">$290</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,290]">$305</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="/images/2016/02/19/Vacancy-Rates-Dec-2015.jpg" target="_blank"> Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/19/Vacancy-Rates-Dec-2015.jpg" alt="">
</div>
 
</div>
<div class="web-part"> </div>
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Melbourne unit rental price up, house rentals down: REIV

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Recent figures from the Housing Industry Association note a dip in dwelling starts in 2016 across all states with NSW down 4 percent, Victoria down 13.1 percent and Queensland down 1.8 percent.
The HIA's latest housing forecasts for February shows dwelling starts down 9.2 percent nationally.
<a href="/images/2016/02/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-18%20at%2012.36.36%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-18%20at%2012.36.36%20PM.png" alt="" width="743" height="933">
<a href="/images/2016/02/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-18%20at%202.07.32%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-18%20at%202.07.32%20PM.png" alt="">
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Dip in dwelling starts in 2016 across all states: HIA

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<div>National residential vacancies fell to 2.5% during January, with year on year results showing vacancy levels above seasonal trends, according to SQM Research.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/02/17/VRJan2016.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div>
 <img src="/images/2016/02/17/VRJan2016.png" alt=""> Canberra had the largest fall, down 0.5 percentage points over the month of January, according to SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher.
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Darwin and to a lesser extent Sydney, also recorded monthly falls, with Darwin vacancies falling from 4.2% in December 2015 to 3.8%. Despite this, both Darwin and Perth continue to record an alarming number of vacancies, particularly when you consider the number of vacancies recorded this time last year (January 2015)," he said. "Overall, vacancies for January fell in line with the seasonal trends associated for this time of year. We believe the seasonality observed has much to do with the end and start of tertiary studies which normally see a significant movement of students. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Another trend observed in the data is the recovery of the Canberra rental market, which for about four years was in a slump. I would suggest that on the back of falling vacancy rates and rising asking rents that the rental slump is now over for the ACT." </div>
<div>According to SQM Hobart recorded the fastest rental rises for the capital cities, with asking rents rising 5.8% for houses, while units underperformed, falling by 2.3%. Average Hobart house rental is $337 a week, with units $274 a week. </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/02/17/b3cb5918-34f8-4781-a837-6f74ce7101bc.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/02/17/b3cb5918-34f8-4781-a837-6f74ce7101bc.png" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
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Falling vacancies recorded for January 2016: SQM Research

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<h1>
Parramatta's 3,000sqm Albion Hotel is on the market after being privately held for more than thirty years.  
</h1>
<div class="entry-content">
Bruce Solomon’s hotel and restaurant group Solotel is on the market through Ray White’s Andrew Jolliffe and Jeff Moxham and Anthony Khoury of Khoury Partners.
Solotel will retain and relocate the hotel licence and invest the sale proceeds in further growing the business, which already includes Double Bay’s Golden Sheaf, Aria and Chiswick restaurants, and the now world famous Opera Bar at Circular Quay.
Ray White’s Asia Pacific director of hotels Andrew Jolliffe said the George St site would appeal to hotel and residential developers alike; including a mixed use outcome.
“The flexibility afforded by this site is absolutely key for developers, and the combination of riverside positioning, north east orientation, scale of the land holding and permissible height levels, suggests to us that the interest in acquiring the opportunity will be both aggressive and certainly not restricted to local Australian development groups,” he said.
“We recently ran a hotel operator selection process for a China based client of ours, for a mixed use site they had in Chatswood, and the international interest from recognised hotel operators, developers and investors was profound."
The sale is through an expressions of interest campaign concluding Wednesday, March 16, 2016.
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The landmark P.J. Gallagher's Irish Pub at 74 Church Street could be a step closer to becoming an apartment and hotel tower if the planning proposal is given the green light by the Parramatta City Council this month. 
</div>
</div>
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Albion Hotel, Parramatta development site hits market

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Office culture has dramatically evolved over the last decade, with an environment that supports the need for a more innovative, creative and collaborative workforce a priority for many major firms, writes JLL senior research analyst Jonathan Bayer.
Corporate awareness of how office space can promote efficiency is not new. But the post-2007 economic downturn acted as a catalyst for many white-collar businesses to review their use of space. The desire for a technology-rich environment which promotes innovation and faster decision-making while incorporating cost savings became the focus.
Hot-desking as a concept has been around for decades, but the shift to Activity Based Working environments along with focus rooms, collaborative work spaces and funky fit outs has gained momentum. The potential benefits include a more flexible work environment, cost savings, improved productivity and job satisfaction.
While the workspace has taken leaps and bounds over recent years, what do we think will happen over the next 10 to 20 years? Will the workspace continue to evolve or will the pace of change plateau as it did over the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s?
Here are a few future work space trends to watch:
To increase efficiency, professional services firms will continue to reduce space per worker. This high-performance workplace will consist of a variety of settings that provide choice and balance among work modes. Remote working will continue to gain in popularity while the office will mainly be the locus of face-to-face engagement with clients and collaboration with colleagues.
Technology will continue to drive workspace change. Laptops, instant messaging and wireless connectivity have enabled a more open and mobile workforce. Technology will continue to push the possibilities of communication and mobility, while the next generation of office workers will be more adept at maximising the benefits of new communications devices.
Future-proofing will be a high priority, with greater flexibility to accommodate head-count shifts and evolving work styles cost-effectively within the same tenancy. Senior management will need to effectively plan for employee numbers to fluctuate over the lease period.
CBDs will continue to be the epicentre of business activity. However, as populations grow, suburban centres will develop into new mixed use business hubs attracting a large array of office tenants and service providers – gyms, courier services, IT support and retailers.
Premium CBD office buildings will create a vibrant and modern environment within and around the building that attracts a younger, more creative and collaborative workforce. The demographic shift of younger workers with a preference for living in the CBD and adjacent areas will reinforce this trend.
Traditionally the working environment has come second to the core motivations of a firm’s business plan. Looking ahead, technology will advance, management attitudes will continue to change as well as worker preferences and skills. Firms that embrace this shift and use it to their advantage will ultimately reap the benefits of attracting the smartest, most creative and innovative workers in the market place.
For more information from JLL, <a href="https://www.jllapsites.com/research/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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The evolution of the office workspace

Perth prices weakening: February Minutes of the Monetary Policy Meeting of the Reserve Bank Board

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Negative gearing is an option you may want to consider if you have money to invest.
With correct financial advice and with the selection of the right property, negative gearing may be a tax efficient investment strategy. That's great if you're thinking about entering the property investment market for the first time or want to increase your investment portfolio.
What is negative gearing?
Negative gearing is when the costs of owning a property  – interest on the loan, bank charges, maintenance, repairs and capital depreciation - exceed the income it produces.
Negative gearing works not only for property, but may also work for shares and bonds.
Investment expenses that you can claim as a deduction
Property owners may be entitled to claim deductions and depreciation against rental income on the property depending on their circumstances. There are three main classes of deductions that may be available 
to property investors:
1. Revenue deductions 
Examples of these include interest on the loan as well as ongoing maintenance and recurrent expenses such as agent’s fees, council fees, advertising charges, bank fees, body corporate fees, cleaning expenses, gas, water, gardening and insurance.
2. Claims for capital items 
Large capital items such as a hot water service, white goods, etc are subject to depreciation. If the owner is entitled to a tax deduction, this means the owner must claim the cost over a number of years rather than all at once. Depreciation schedules are set by the Commissioner of Taxation and range from a few years to more than 20 years.
3. Claims for building allowances 
Owners may also be entitled to claim depreciation of capital works, specifically for building. The current rate is 2.5% over 40 years.
Risks associated with negative gearing
There is an inherent risk associated with borrowing to fund an investment. While negative gearing can help you increase your gain on borrowed funds, the losses can be large in adverse circumstances.
As a general rule, only investors with the financial capacity to absorb the effect of potential falls in investment values, as well as an increased cost in interest payments, should consider negative gearing.
You can minimise the risk of gearing by:
<ul>
<li>choosing your investment property carefully. You need to try and select a property that is likely to increase in value throughout the investment period.</li>
<li>having a sufficient income to cover the interest repayments if your tenants are late with their rental payments, or if your property remains vacant for any time. You also need to be able to fund ongoing repairs and maintenance.</li>
<li>taking out mortgage protection insurance with your investment loan.</li>
</ul>
This example shows how an investment asset may be negatively geared.
Rental income on investment property
$2,000 per month
Less
Expenses (interest, maintenance etc)
($2,500) per month
Council rates and other expenses
($100) per month
Shortfall
$600 per month
The net loss of $600 per month ($7,200 per annum) may be entitled to a tax deduction depending on your circumstances.
Positive gearing
You can also positively gear a property. This occurs when the investment income exceeds your interest (and other possible deductions) expense. 
Note that you may be subject to additional tax on any income derived from a positively geared investment.
You should consult your tax advisors/accountant or financial advisor before launching into a negative or positive gearing investment strategy.
For more information, <a href="https://www.anz.com/personal/home-loans/getting-started/investing-property/negative-gearing/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
 
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Property 101: Negative gearing explained

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CoreLogic RP Data research director Tim Lawless said capital city housing markets started the year off on a positive note with dwelling values rising by 0.9% in January in his latest video update.
  The month on month lift in dwelling values wasn't enough to offset the weaker readings in December and November, according to Tim, who said this dragged the rolling quarterly rate of capital gain down 0.6%.
To watch the January Housing Market update <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/housing-update/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Watch the latest housing market update across the capital cities: Tim Lawless

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.

[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.

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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.

<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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