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A preliminary clearance rate of 70.3% was reached from 1,119 auction results so far this week in Melbourne.
This was the third largest auction weekend this year and the seventh with over 1,000 auctions scheduled this year for the city.
As the Melbourne market heads to the end of the year it appears that buyers won’t be confronted by price rises of any significance.
After a year of ongoing moderate growth, demand seems to have found a new level. Results over the last fortnight and a recent reduction in Melbourne home values of 0.5% over the last month according to the RP Data-Rismark Daily Home Value Index suggests a pause in the current growth cycle.
Time on market for houses sold by private sale remain healthy at 34 days up only slightly from last weeks 33 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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Buyers won't see price rise by end of the year: RP Data's Melbourne weekend auction analysis

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RP Data is expecting 1,178 auctions in Melbourne this week and 1,328 across Victoria. 
   This is the seventh week this year with in excess of 1,000 auctions. Bentleigh East has the most with 19 followed by 18 in Brighton and Reservoir.   Last week may have seen a small reduction in the clearance rate but at this stage it does not indicate a substantial change in market conditions.    There is certainly no reduction in demand in the private sale market with time on market for houses dropping again, this week from 34 to 33 days. There was also a commensurate reduction in vendor discounting to -5.8% suggesting buyers are spending more in this competitive market.   This data reflects the overall situation which is seeing new residential listings increase compared to a year ago whilst the overall number of home for sale has reduced.   Key data   •       Clearance rate week ending November 10: 68.1% •       Melbourne auctions expected week ending November 17: 1,178 •       Melbourne private sales time on market week ending November 10: 33 days (houses) •       Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending November 10: -5.8% (houses) •       Listings being prepared for market are 5.1% higher in month ending November 10.
 
<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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RP Data's Melbourne November 16 weekend auction preview

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Melbourne currently has 39 suburbs with a median value in excess of one million dollars with the list predictably topped by <a target="_blank" href="/news">Toorak</a>.
The list of the city’s most expensive suburbs is very stable due to their sought after location and high quality housing.
Using the median value measure Toorak is almost twice as expensive as the second on the list, <a target="_blank" href="/news">East Melbourne</a>. The median value of a house in Toorak is $3.5 million compared to $1.88 million in East Melbourne and $1.82 million in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Brighton</a>.
The top ten is rounded out by <a target="_blank" href="/news">Canterbury</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Deepdene</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Middle Park</a>, Hawthorn East, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Kew</a>, Balwyn and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Malvern</a>.
When viewed from the perspective of the overall value of all house sales in the past year Brighton tops the list with $604 million worth of homes sold compared to $473 million in Kew and $410 million in Toorak. Deepdene is a very small suburb and has only seen $25.5 million worth of houses sold in the past year.
With the exception of Canterbury and Malvern sales data over the past 12 months shows that either less expensive homes have been offered for sale or the prices being paid are generally below the underlying values.
There are six suburbs whose values are nearing a million and if the market continues to appreciate will reach that level soon. <a target="_blank" href="/news">Ashburton</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Ormond</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">St Kilda East</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">McKinnon</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Prahran </a>and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Park Orchards</a> have values between a million and $950,000.

<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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Melbourne's most expensive suburbs

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A preliminary clearance rate of 69.2 per cent was reached from 996 auction results so far this week.
This was the sixth week with more than 1,000 auctions scheduled for Melbourne. The market delivered a result that is lower than trend for the past few months and suggests balanced conditions for buyers and sellers for the last few selling weekends this year.
RP Data’s latest release provides an update on overall transactions numbers this year and shows that for the Melbourne market the number of sales is 7 per cent higher than last year but 21 per cent below the peak of 2007. These numbers are based on sales that have been settled.
Improved conditions this year will clearly result in both higher prices and sales volumes.
 
<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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Melbourne market review for week ending 10 November

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RP Data is expecting 1,048 auctions in Melbourne this week and 1,172 across Victoria.
With October now ended and with just six selling weeks remaining for the year, it is timely to compare the year to date performance of the auction market.
So far this year there has been just over 27,500 auctions with a clearance rate of 70%. This compares very favourably to this time last year when there had been fewer – 22,000 in total – auctions and a much lower clearance rate of 56%.
The increased demand has caused prices to rise by 8.1% over the year according to the October RP Data-Rismark House Price Index released last week. The rise in values has been welcomed by vendors and it will have also encouraged more vendors into the market which is why listings are higher than this time last year.
These factors combine to create a vibrant property market in Melbourne.
Key data
•	Clearance rate week ending November 3: 70.8%
•	Melbourne auctions expected week ending November 10: 1,048
•	Melbourne private sales time on market week ending November 3: 34 days (houses)
•	Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending November 3: -6.1% (houses)
•	Listings being prepared for market are 5.2% higher in month ending  November 3

<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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RP Data's Melbourne November 9 weekend auction preview

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A preliminary clearance rate of 71.2% was reached from 146 auction results so far this week. Due to the low volume of auctions this week it is more important to look at the private sale market.  
RP Data has recorded a further tightening of the private sale market with the time on market for houses dropping again, this time from 36 days to 34. Conditions in the private sale market have been improving for sellers for the last year with time on market dropping 12 days.  
The same conditions are not apparent in the unit and apartment market where the time on market has not changed in any consistent manner over the past year.  
The price expectations of sellers are also being more closely matched by buyers in the market for houses sold at private sale where over the last year the vendor discount has dropped from 7.3% to 6.2% on a monthly basis.  
Homes sold at auction are not included in the days on market or vendor discounting measures as they are not relevant to fixed period campaigns and reserves are infrequently quoted.  
Volumes in the local auction market will increase again next week.

<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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Private sales an important indicator: RP Data's Melbourne weekend auction analysis

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RP Data is expecting 162 auctions in Melbourne this week and 243 across Victoria.  
There is a small hiatus in the auction market this week due to Derby Day and the Melbourne Cup but last weekend’s strong results shows that this won’t negatively impact the results between now and Christmas.  
There are seven weekends for auctions this year after this weekend and we expect volumes to remain high.  
Whilst there is less action in the auction market the private sale market continues to record healthy results with a drop in the days on market for houses from 38 to 36 days.  
Stock being prepared for market is beginning to reduce due to the proximity to the end of the year. Many vendors will be starting to plan for sales campaigns next year.  
Key data  
• Clearance rate week ending 27 October: 71.9%
• Melbourne auctions expected week ending 3 November: 162
• Melbourne private sales time on market week ending 27 October: 36 days (houses)
• Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending 27 October: -6.4% (houses)
• Listings being prepared for market are 3.8% higher in month ending 27 October
 
<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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Spring carnival hiatus won't linger: RP Data's Melbourne November 2 weekend auction preview

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Over the past twelve months 4.25% of all houses in Melbourne have been sold. While this result is lower than the very strong years of sales over 2007 and 2010, it still represents almost one in twenty houses.
The suburbs featuring the highest number of sales in raw terms are those in the growth areas. <a target="_blank" href="/news">Pakenham </a>tops the list, followed by <a target="_parent" href="/news">Point Cook</a>, <a target="_parent" href="/news">Berwick</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Frankston</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Craigieburn</a>.
Frankston is the wild card in the list as it is not a growth suburb. This is reflected in the fact that less than 5% of Frankston houses sold over the year. The remaining suburbs recorded over 5%.
Accounting for suburb size some of the newer suburbs top the list. These include <a target="_blank" href="/news">Wollert</a> were over one in eight homes sold followed by <a target="_blank" href="/news">Sandhurst</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Lyndhurst</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Brookfield</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Cranbourne East</a>.
A more in depth analysis of the list shows that a few suburbs would be considered as ‘established’ but whose high proportion of sales shows they are undergoing substantial change through infill development or significant new estates. The five most significant of these are <a target="_blank" href="/news">Mount Martha</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Oak Park</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Pascoe Vale</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Port Melbourne</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Aberfedlie</a>.
In the city’s north two of these suburbs undergoing a comparatively high degree of change and where large volume of sales are taking place. The small but well priced suburb of Oak Park with only 1,700 houses has seen 100 properties sold while neighbouring Pascoe Vale which is more affordable, has seen 247 of its 4,314 sold.
Is it too late to decide to sell this year? 
Following the encouraging results from the biggest week in history in the Victoria property market at the end of October for the Victoria property market some intending vendors may be have asking if it’s too late to sell at auction this year.
With only seven weekends left in the year when an auction can realistically be held, a decision to list for sale would not leave much time for a marketing campaign to make the most of your homes assets.
The most important person for a vendor to consult in making that decision is their real estate agent. After all, they are the experts at marketing and selling property.
The key matters a real estate agent will consider will be the length of time needed to prepare a home for sale, the preparation of the marketing campaign including taking high quality photos, the writing, bookings and placement of the advertisement.
These factors need to precede the actual sales campaign and be well executed to maximise the sale value.
The real estate agent may also consider the volume and types of listings scheduled for the time required to hold the auction.
For those considering selling by private sale there is a useful guide of the average time taking to sell a house at the moment which is the RP Data time on market measure. In the month of September houses took an average of 43 days to sell and units took 47 days.
 
<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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Is it too late to list for a 2013 sale?

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A clearance rate of 72.3% was reached from 1,328 auction results so far this week. This is an exceptional outcome from what was the biggest week of auctions in the cities history.  
It is notable that despite the increased number of homes on the market the number of buyers rose to ensure a very healthy outcome.
There were around 1,600 auctions held meaning more results will be added before the clearance rate is finalised later this week.  
The clearance rate exceeded the year to date trend and increased compared to last week. This underscores the importance of looking past single week’s results when assessing the state of the market.  
In the private sale market it is interesting to note that the days on market for houses dropped this week from 38 to 36 suggesting a tightening of the broader Melbourne residential 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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Exceptional outcome from biggest ever week: RP Data's Melbourne weekend auction analysis

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RP Data is expecting 1,563 auctions in Melbourne this week and 1,734 across Victoria. There are 1,454 expected in Melbourne on Saturday itself. The most will be found in Brighton with 37.
This is the most significant weekend for the auction market in Melbourne’s history with a record number of homes being offered for sale under the hammer.
The very high level of listings is a sign of confidence from vendors, many of whom decided around six to eight weeks ago to list for sale. They would have been influenced by the improved market and reported price rises. A clearance rate for the weekend of 70% or more would be considered a good outcome.
Latest housing finance data from the ABS showed that the number of first home buyers in Victoria is 9% below the average over the past two years.
Key market facts
<ul>
<li>Clearance rate week ending 20 October: 68.6%</li>
<li>Melbourne auctions expected week ending 27 October: 1,563</li>
<li>Melbourne private sales time on market week ending 20 October: 38 days (houses)</li>
<li>Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending 20 October: -6.4% (houses)</li>
<li>Listings being prepared for market are 6% higher in month ending 20 October</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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Most significant weekend for auction market in Melbourne's history: RP Data's Melbourne October 26 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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