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A clearance rate of 69.9% from 981 auction results so far this week. This week’s clearance rate is broadly in line with year to date of 70%, but below last weeks 74%.
This is the first week below 70% in a few months but the variance is not unusual and is not a sign of softening demand at this stage as other weeks have seen 3 to 4 point changes in the clearance rate.
In the private sale market the time on market for houses contracted moderately over the last week from 39 to 38 days whilst the vendor discount rose from – 6.0 to -6.4%. Only Sydney, with 27 days and Canberra with 33 days are recording a lower average time on market for houses. Conditions in the unit market were stable with a time of market of 45 days and average vendor discount of 5.0% having improved from -5.4% over the previous week.
New listing activity dropped from a monthly rise of 7.1% to 6.0% this 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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Clearance rate slip no indicator of softening demand: RP Data's Melbourne weekend auction analysis

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Last week saw Melbourne record the 11th consecutive weekly clearance rate in excess of 70%.  
RP Data is expecting 1,046 auctions in Melbourne this week and 1,168 across Victoria.  
This week will be followed by the largest for auctions in the state’s history with 1,628 expected, 1,500 of those in Melbourne and 1,396 on Saturday alone.  
These conditions will provide a high level of choice for buyers and will not only provide favorable negotiating conditions but also help with the often difficult task of finding the special home that they have been searching for. It is often forgotten that low stock levels can act to dampen the market as buyers can’t find the home that meets their needs.
RP Data quarterly results show that across the Melbourne metro area, over onethird of sellers doubled their original purchase price. The highest profits were found in Flinders and Armadale.
Key data
• Clearance rate week ending October 13: 74%
• Melbourne auctions expected week ending October 20: 1,046
• Melbourne private sales time on market week ending October 13: 39 days (houses)
• Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending October 13: -6% (houses)
• Listings being prepared for market are 7.1% higher in month ending October 13
 
<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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High level of choice for buyers: RP Data's Melbourne October 19 weekend auction preview

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Higher density housing is often viewed as an investment opportunity but like all property the outcome depends heavily on a range of factors.
This is apparent when the suburbs of Melbourne are ranked by their indicative gross yield over the past year for units. Using the RP Data Scorecard, the data applies to the year ending September and only includes suburbs with at least 500 dwelling to reduce variability.
Inner city <a target="_blank" href="/news">Carlton </a>tops the list with a yield of 6.9%. The neighbouring <a target="_blank" href="/news">CBD</a> is fourth on the list with a strong 5.9% which underscores why demand from investors is helping to drive the inner city high rise market.
Carlton has a lower rent than the CBD with a median asking price of $360 compared to $450.
The other three suburbs in the top five are at the more affordable end of the market from the perspective of median asking rents but still provide healthy yields. <a target="_blank" href="/news">Broadmeadows</a> has a median rent of $310 per week and a yield of 6%, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Melton</a> a median rent of $255 and yield of 5.8%. Neighbouring <a target="_blank" href="/news">Melton South</a> a median rent of $240 and yield of 5.6% has been recorded.
Does this make these suburbs good investment opportunities? That really depends on the actual property on offer and whether you are seeking a high weekly rent or a larger capital gain.
 
<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 best Melbourne suburbs for unit and apartment yields: Robert Larocca

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Spring continues to deliver good outcomes for vendors with a clearance rate of 73.8% from 883 auctions results so far this week and a 1.3% increase in home values in the last month. This week’s clearance rate is a moderate rise on the 71.3% last week and 70% so far this year.
 The market is clearly absorbing increased volumes in the auction market with little sign of diminished demand suggesting the record weekend at the end of October, when Melbourne will see 1,500 auctions, will deliver a result on trend. The latest market information from RP Data shows the overall time on market for houses sold at private sale stable at 39 days. The strongest demand in the house market is being recorded around the $500,000 level in the outer east where Croydon Hills, Bayswater North, The Basin, Scoresby, Croydon South, Boronia and Bayswater record the quickest sales in Melbourne.  

<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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Spring delivering good vendor outcomes: RP Data's Melbourne weekend auction analysis

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RP Data is expecting 970 auctions in Melbourne this week and 1086 across Victoria.
• Clearance rate week ending October 6: 71.3%
• Melbourne auctions expected week ending October 13: 970
• Melbourne private sales time on market week ending October 6: 38 days (houses)
• Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending October 6: -6.2% (houses)
• Listings being prepared for market are 3.3% higher in month ending October 6  
With school holidays now concluded auction volumes now lift again. The next few weeks are generally the busiest ones of the real estate year.  
Bentleigh East features the highest number of auctions with 20 scheduled. There are also 18 in both Glen Waverly and Reservoir.  
Clearance rates remain higher in Sydney, although the lower volume; 302 auction results compared to 755 in Melbourne can account for some of the difference.  
Activity in the mortgage market continues to rise moderately with a small 0.5% rise over the past four weeks in trend terms in Victoria. This suggests that whilst the market is improving it is only doing so moderately.

<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 weekend auction preview for October 12-13

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The number of homes on the market across Melbourne varies depending on the suburb with some areas providing buyers with plenty of choice while simultaneously, properties in other suburbs are being tightly held.
Over the year ending July 2013 the five most tightly held suburbs in Melbourne were <a target="_blank" href="/news">Oakleigh East</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Glen Huntly</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Princes Hill</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Heidelberg</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Clarinda</a>.
The data is based on sales recorded with the Valuer General in suburbs with a minimum of 500 houses.
In these suburbs between 2.2% and 2.6% of homes have been on the market over the last twelve months. In Oakleigh East this resulted in a mere 20 homes sold from 1,417.
When looking at the list in more detail, two interesting clusters of suburbs are apparent. Not only is Oakleigh East tightly held but neighbouring Oakleigh and Oakleigh South are also in the top 20. In those three suburbs there are nearly 9,000 houses of which only 159 have sold.
The other cluster is for houses in Parkville, Princes Hill and Carlton. The most available of those suburbs is Carlton with only 3.1% of homes offered for sale.
The reasons for this will vary and it certainly is not price driven as the median prices in the Oakleigh area are between $560,000 and $640,000 whilst in the other cluster the lowest is $881,000 in Carlton.
These two areas are surely the hardest places to buy a home in Melbourne.

<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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Keep your cards close to your chest, Melbourne’s hardest suburbs to buy into: Robert Larocca

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Key metrics in the private sale and auction market are healthy with higher demand from buyers more apparent in the detached houses segment.



For instance in the auction market, at this stage in 2011 the clearance rate was 55% and in 2012 it was 56%. This year it is 70%.



That trend was repeated this weeks auction results with a preliminary clearance rate of 71.4% being recorded from 755 results.



Time on market for houses at private sale was 43 days in the latest monthly data from August and this was nine days lower than the five-year average. The unit market was showing signs of larger supply with its time on market being 48 compared to the five year average of 50.



If the market continues to perform to trend then October will see a new nominal peak in house prices reached.

<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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Higher buyer for demand for detached houses: RP Data's Melbourne weekend auction analysis

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RP Data is expecting 826 auctions in Melbourne this week. After this week there are another 11 weekends for auctions to be held before Christmas and by using last year as a guide we can estimate around 10,000 homes will be offered at auction.
<ul>
<li>
Preliminary clearance rate week ending 29 September: NA (low volume)
</li>
<li>
Melbourne auctions expected week ending 5 October: 826
</li>
<li>
Melbourne private sales time on market week ending 29 September: 39 days (houses)
</li>
<li>
Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending 29 September: -6.2% (houses)
</li>
<li>
Listings being prepared for market: 8.6% higher in month ending 29 September
</li>
</ul>
RP Data is expecting 826 auctions in Melbourne this week. After this week there are another 11 weekends for auctions to be held before Christmas and by using last year as a guide we can estimate around 10,000 homes will be offered at auction.
Of those 10,000 auctions this years trend would suggest around 7,000 will be sold at or before the auction. The majority of those passed in will be negotiated over as the vendor and buyers seek to agree over price and terms.
Across the broader market there continues to be very strong listings as Victoria lead the nation for homes being prepared for sale for the second week in a row.

<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 weekend auction preview for October 5-6

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There may have been fewer auctions this week due to the grand final but that has not prevented people buying and selling.
RP Data’s preliminary results include 63 auctions reported in Melbourne this week with 53 finding a buyer.
Across the broader market there have been 1,748 houses and units sold over the last week. The median sale prices have remained mostly stable with $462,000 being recorded for houses and $425,000 for units.
Over the same time the daily index recorded a 2.2% rise in Melbourne which was consistent with the 2.1% recorded in Sydney. Over the medium term Sydney has stronger price growth as different fundamentals apply.
Time on market for houses dropped from 40 to 39 days over 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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Grand Final hasn't prevented Melbourne auction sales: RP Data

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<div>RP Data is expecting only 80 auctions across Victoria this week with 64 in Melbourne alone. The auction market typically takes a break each year at this time to allow vendors and real estate agents to enjoy the AFL Grand Final. Incidentally there are seven auctions scheduled in Perth with all except one on Sunday.</div>
<ul>
<li>Final clearance rate week ending 22 September: 75.9%</li>
<li>
Melbourne auctions expected week ending 29 September: 64
</li>
<li>
Melbourne private sales time on market week ending 22 September: 40 days (houses)
</li>
<li>
Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending 15 September:  -6.3% (houses)
</li>
<li>
New listings in Victoria: 7.9% higher in month ending 22 September
</li>
</ul>
After this weekend’s hiatus the market will enter a very busy period until Christmas on a very strong footing with eight consecutive weeks of clearance rates in excess of 70%.
Over the past four weeks the median price of houses sold by private sale in Melbourne has been $460,000 which is only a minor variation on the $455,750 recorded a month ago. The moderate nature of price growth in Melbourne is also shown in the RP Data-Rismark Home Index which has shown a 1% rise in prices over the past month.
 
<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 weekend auction preview for September 28-29

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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