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Over the course of the past two months the weekly clearance rate in Melbourne has dropped from the mid 70 range to the mid 60 range; the reasons for this are many and varied and have been discussed and debated.
There is no doubt that the record volumes of homes for sale at auction have had an impact during 2013, however due to the mismatch between what individual buyers are looking for and what is on offer, there is no linear relationship between stock levels and the clearance rates.
Fundamentally, high stock levels don’t cause a commensurate fall in the clearance rate.
Analysis of RP Data’s auction results show that the reducing clearance rate in Melbourne in late spring and in December is a trend which has occurred in four of the past five years.
In 2012 clearance rates in the high 50’s fell to the low 50’s by the end of December.
In 2010 there was a very similar pattern to this year with low 60’s falling to low 50’s, and in 2009 there was a smaller fall from the low 80’s to the mid 60’s.
In 2011 it was a different case as the market was at a low point with activity in the auction market very subdued and a clearance rate persistently in the very low 50’s.
Further analysis suggests that from a city wide perspective the highest clearance rates in spring are found in the weeks before the September AFL Grand Final and when market activity lifts out of winter.
With this in mind vendors looking to sell in the second half of 2014 should aim to do so early to allow them an opportunity to take advantage of the better buying conditions in December.
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Is the reduction of clearance rates in Melbourne expected?

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A preliminary auction clearance rate of 66.6% was reached from 1,244 auctions this week in Melbourne. 
   This is a solid outcome after the busiest six weeks in Melbourne’s auction market history. Over this time there has been an average of 1,380 auctions a week, a record for any single week in any other year which underscores how remarkable this spring and summer selling season has been.   Buyers who are still in the market will find good buying opportunities over the next month as vendors of homes passed in look to sell.   Prices appear to have stabilised over the past week after the falls of November with a 0.5% rise in the home value index over the last week.   Time on market for houses sold by private sale remain tightened from 34 days to 33 days of the last week.

<hr>
Robert Larocca is Victorian housing market specialist for <a rel="nofollow" href="https://rpdata.com/" target="_blank">RP Data</a>.
 
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Solid end to busiest six weeks on record: RP Data's Melbourne weekend auction analysis

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RP Data’s median house and unit prices in Melbourne extend over nearly 40 years from 1974 till now.
It clearly shows that the last decade has been the most volatile proceeded by much more moderate cycles in house prices.
The first comparatively rapid rise in prices was in 1988 through to 1989 when median prices of houses rose by 42% in two years. After this median prices fell and otherwise stagnated before once again reaching their previous peak eight years later in 1997.
Another period of reasonably strong and rapid appreciation occurred through 2007 and into early 2008 when the median house prices rose 20%.  Nearly half that rise was lost in 2008 as prices fell.
Unlike previous cycles there was little to no gap until the next growth phase when over 2009 and 2010 median prices rose by 37%.
Until the last decade sharp falls in prices where not common but they have been a recent feature of the market and are a sign of its volatility.
One reason for this difference was the shock of the financial crisis, which resulted in not only confidence sharp fall in consumer confidence but also a matching boost to the market through the stimulus program.
The ongoing hangover from the financial crisis, a significant fall in the rate of housing credit growth and lower levels of consumer sentiment have led to more volatile times for the housing market.
 
<hr>
 Robert Larocca is Victorian housing market specialist for <a rel="nofollow" href="https://rpdata.com/" target="_blank">RP Data</a>.
 
 
 
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The last decade in Melbourne has been the most volatile on record

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A preliminary clearance rate of 64.1% was reached from 1,315 auctions this week in Melbourne.  
After an unprecedented five consecutive 1,000 plus weekends it is not a surprise that the clearance rate has continued to cool. This is especially as the current rise in auction listings is outstripping the broader rise in transactions in the residential market.  
It is also having an impact on prices with the more expensive segment of the market is now performing worse than the more most affordable one in contrast to the equal growth over the past year.  
There are only two weekends for auctions left this year and buyers will continue to have the upper hand.  
Time on market for houses sold by private sale remain stable at 34 days compared to 34 days last week.

<hr>
Robert Larocca is Victorian housing market specialist for <a rel="nofollow" href="https://rpdata.com/" target="_blank">RP Data</a>.
 
 
 
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Buyers continue to have the upper hand: RP Data's Melbourne weekend auction analysis

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Vendor confidence continues to drive record listings in the Melbourne auction market and this week features again very high listings in historical terms. This is not just confined to Melbourne, last week there were 3,400 auctions nationwide compared to 2,165 last year.
In what shapes as a repeat of last weekend we are expecting 1,457 auctions this week against a background of a 2.1% drop in dwelling prices over the past month.
The level of supply is proving beneficial for buyers in the lead up to Christmas with improved conditions, less prevalent price growth and more choice in the auction market.
Conditions continue to be stable in the private sale market, days on market for houses remain stable and vendor discounting has contracted slightly this week to -5.5%.
Key data
<ul>
<li>
Final clearance rate week ending December1 : 67.9%
</li>
<li>
Melbourne auctions expected week ending December 8: 1,457
</li>
<li>
Melbourne private sales time on market week ending December 1: 34 days (houses)
</li>
<li>
Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending December 1: -5.5% (houses)
</li>
<li>
Listings being prepared for market are 7% lower in month ending December 1
</li>
</ul>

<hr>
Robert Larocca is Victorian housing market specialist for <a rel="nofollow" href="https://rpdata.com/" target="_blank">RP Data</a>.
 
 
 
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Vendor confidence drives record stock: RP Data's Melbourne weekend auction preview

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A preliminary clearance rate of 69.2% was reached from 1,385 auctions this week in Melbourne.  
For four consecutive weeks the clearance rate has been below 70% following record levels of supply.  
A review of the spring market over the past five years shows that this year has featured the highest levels of supply and the second highest clearance rate. Prior to this weekend the spring clearance rate was 71%, higher than every year since 2008 except the 80% recorded in 2009. That year did however have much lower levels of supply.  
More important that just the clearance rate or overall volume is the statistic that more homes have been sold at auction then every year since 2008.  This underscores the health of the market.  
Time on market for houses sold by private sale remain stable at 34 days.

<hr>
Robert Larocca is Victorian housing market specialist for <a target="_blank" href="https://rpdata.com/" rel="nofollow">RP Data</a>.
 
 
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More home sold at auction than any year since 2008: RP Data's Melbourne weekend auction analysis

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With just one month to go until the end of 2013, the auction market has started to show the impact of the record run of weekends of over 1,000 auctions. This coming weekend represents the eighth this year, which is double the four over the whole of 2012. Interestingly the last time there were four successive weeks with over 1,000 auctions, the clearance rate was pushed into the 50s. 
   This weekend will be the second largest one in the city’s history.   The clearance rate may have dipped into the 60s but due to the very high volume of auctions the actual number of sales is very healthy.   In contrast the private sale market appears to be rather stable with key metrics not changing from 34 days on market for houses and vendor discounting of -5.6%.   Key data   •       Clearance rate week ending 24 November: 65.1% •       Melbourne auctions expected week ending December 1: 1,494 •       Melbourne private sales time on market week ending November 24: 34 days (houses) •       Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending November 24: -5.6% (houses) •       Listings being prepared for market are 4.7% lower in month ending November 24
 
<hr>
 Robert Larocca is Victorian housing market specialist for <a target="_blank" href="https://rpdata.com/" rel="nofollow">RP Data</a>.
 
 
 
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Melbourne warms up for festive season with second biggest ever weekend: RP Data's Melbourne weekend auction preview

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A preliminary clearance rate of 66.7% was reached from 1,161 auctions this week in Melbourne.  
For three consecutive weeks the clearance rate has been below 70% highlighting the cooling of conditions in the residential auction market. With a few more weekends of over 1,000 auctions – including around 1,500 next week – buyers will be able to drive a better bargain.  
The growth cycle over the past year has stopped according to the dwelling price index. The index has dropped again this week and is also down, by 0.7%, over the last month.  
Time on market for houses sold by private sale remain stable at 34 days compared to last weeks 34 days.

<hr>
Robert Larocca is Victorian housing market specialist for <a target="_blank" href="https://rpdata.com/" rel="nofollow">RP Data</a>.
 
 
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Clearance rate evidence of cooling market: RP Data's Melbourne weekend auction analysis

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RP Data compares the number of new residential listings and total listings on a weekly basis as they help to provide a rounded view of the market. From the perspective of many, the volume of sales can be more important than the price of those sales.
The past two years saw a very low volume of residential sales in Melbourne which is a reflection of conservative decision-making by consumers who, as the saying goes, ‘preferred to save rather than spend.’
There is no doubt that this year, the market has picked up but there is a long way to go. The most recent data shows that there are 16.7% fewer overall homes for sale in Melbourne than 12 months ago. Given that the volume of new listings is up by 1%, this is a sign that older stock is being cleared and the property market is improving, but only moderately.
Victoria-wide, the picture is not as strong with overall listings only being lower by 10% and new listings down by 1.7%. It is often the case that the regional market moves more slowly and is less volatile that the metropolitan and that is the current case.
In stark contrast, the residential market in Sydney is moving homes very rapidly with total listings down 26.3% and new listings up only 4%. Demand is clearly very strong in the Sydney market right now.
 
<hr>
 Robert Larocca is Victorian housing market specialist for <a rel="nofollow" href="https://rpdata.com/" target="_blank">RP Data</a>.
 
 
 
 
 
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No doubt Melbourne market has picked up, but nothing like Sydney

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Melbourne buyers will be spoilt for choice again this weekend with another 1,000 plus weekend. At the conclusion of this weekend Melbourne will be in the remarkable position of having only had two weeks in the past two months with less than 1,000 homes offered at auction.
RP Data is expecting 1,089 auctions in Melbourne this week and 1,252 across Victoria.
The last fortnight has shown that conditions are very balanced between buyers and sellers in the auction market. After a very strong result from the largest weekend of auctions ever there have been two weeks with more moderate levels of demand. At the same time in the private sale market conditions are tightening with reducing days on market and lower levels of discounting.
The market remains susceptible to any negative factors in the broader economy.
Key data
<ul>
<li>
Clearance rate week ending November 17: 69%
</li>
<li>
Melbourne auctions expected week ending November 24: 1,089
</li>
<li>
Melbourne private sales time on market week ending November 17: 34 days (houses)
</li>
<li>
Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending November 17: -5.6% (houses)
</li>
<li>
Listings being prepared for market are 4.7% higher in month ending November 17
</li>
</ul>
 
<hr>
 Robert Larocca is Victorian housing market specialist for <a target="_blank" href="https://rpdata.com/" rel="nofollow">RP Data</a>.
 
 
 
<ul></ul>
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Buyers spoilt for choice: RP Data's Melbourne November 23 weekend auction preview

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Joel Robinson

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]

Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place

Central Element is seeking approval for a significant residential redevelopment in Lavender Bay, lodging plans for a dual-tower apartment project that would deliver 163 new homes on a prominent site at the northern gateway to Milsons Point.

The Sydney-based builder-developer has lodged a concurrent rezoning proposal and State Significant Development Application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-66-lavender-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street</a>, a 2,305 sqm amalgamated site currently occupied by a collection of ageing residential flat buildings.

Designed by SJB, the proposal would replace the existing 32 apartments with two residential towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, comprising 163 apartments including affordable housing managed by a community housing provider. The project forms part of the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority program and has been progressing through a fast-tracked state planning pathway since being endorsed for further assessment in 2025.

The proposal is one of the most significant redevelopment opportunities currently under consideration on Sydney's lower north shore, sitting between the high-density towers of Milsons Point and the lower-scale heritage fabric of Lavender Bay.

<img alt="Lavender Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93ecf0ee-487d-4292-afc4-0bc9579475d6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.30.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PunU2ipMaTxiJcJ8NdMyUlWA7d98eNUb" />

The planning proposal seeks a substantial uplift from the current 12 metre height limit, which would only allow for a four-storey building, however the submission argues a scheme within these limits would not be&nbsp;economically feasible given the complexity of site amalgamation and would fail to maximise housing delivery on land located within walking distance of major transport infrastructure.

SJB said the design evolved significantly following discussions with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and independent design review processes.&nbsp;Rather than pursuing a single larger tower, the architects adopted a two-tower approach aimed at reducing perceived bulk, preserving view corridors and creating greater permeability at ground level.

The northern tower would rise 23 storeys and contain 81 apartments, while the southern tower would reach 32 storeys and accommodate 82 apartments. Five basement levels would provide 174 car spaces, 181 bicycle spaces and 10 motorcycle spaces.

"The proposal for 3–7 Middlemiss Street and 64–66 Lavender Street is driven by a clear ambition to complete the Middlemiss Peninsula, delivering the final piece of a carefully evolving urban precinct," SJB noted in its design report.

"Positioned at the threshold between Lavender Bay and the North Sydney CBD, the development is envisioned as a unifying element—one that completes the skyline composition while providing a considered and harmonious transition between the peninsula’s established character and the intensity of the CBD beyond.

"Collectively, the development aspires to create a landmark that is generous, inclusive, and deeply connected to its setting, one that enhances the skyline, strengthens the public realm, and contributes to a more equitable and sustainable urban future."

Communal spaces would be distributed across multiple levels, including landscaped podium gardens, swimming pool facilities, barbecue areas and rooftop-style retreat spaces designed for residents. The proposal delivers more than 1,500 sqm of communal open space and nearly 400 sqm of indoor communal facilities.

<img alt="Central Element" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0671c276-6dd8-4cfc-97b0-134a45d2c8cf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.30.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=90D7lRaCTMTsFx92tIBrHlZcuaV_a4cw" />

A major focus of the planning assessment has been the project's relationship with surrounding public open spaces.

Clark Park, Bradfield Park and Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden are among the lower north shore's most valued public landscapes, and overshadowing impacts have been closely examined through the design process. Central Element is proposing to also create a new public plaza and pocket park as part of the development.

Central Element has been developing across Sydney since 2010.

They have recently completed their Chatswood tower, Ethos Chatswood, as well as their luxury redevelopment of Coogee's landmark Ballamac House. They are currently selling Pearl Bondi, just seven high-end homes, while future plans include a tower on Hyde Park, and a boutique project in Neutral Bay.

Robert Larocca

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