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Melbourne has yet to catch Sydney as national house price growth halves, according to the official ABS data for the September quarter when the growth gap narrowed.
The weighted average price index for residential properties across the eight capital cities for the September quarter rose 2%, the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed, lower than the 4.7% national growth in the June quarter.
According to the Residential Property Price Indexes, the index rose 10.7% through the year to the September quarter.
Capital city residential property price indexes rose in Sydney (3.1%) in the September quarter, Melbourne (2.9%), Brisbane (1.3%), Adelaide (1.2%), Canberra (1.3%) and Hobart (0.5%). Two cities showed a fall, Perth (-2.4%) and Darwin (-0.4%), it said.
"Annually, residential property prices rose in Sydney (+19.9%), Melbourne (+9.9%), Brisbane (+3.8%), Canberra (+4%), Adelaide (+3.5%) and Hobart (+1.7%) while they fell in Darwin (-2%) and Perth (-3.3%).
"The total value of residential dwellings in Australia was $5 859 824.6 m at the end of September quarter 2015, rising $137,125.0m over the quarter. The mean price of residential dwellings rose $11,900 to $612,200 and the number of residential dwellings rose by 38,600 to 9,572,400 in the September quarter 2015."
<a href="/images/2015/12/15/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-15%20at%2012.06.30%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/15/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-15%20at%2012.06.30%20PM.png" alt="">
For the June quarter, the index rose 9.8% through the year.
"Capital city residential property price indexes rose in Sydney (8.9%), Melbourne (4.2%), Brisbane (0.9%), Adelaide (0.5%) and Canberra (0.8%), was flat in Hobart (0.0%) and fell in Perth (-0.9%) and Darwin (-0.8%)," it noted.
"Annually, residential property prices rose in Sydney (+18.9%), Melbourne (+7.8%), Brisbane (+2.9%), Canberra (+2.8%), Adelaide (+2.7%) and Hobart (+1.5%) and fell in Darwin (-1.8%) and Perth (-1.2%).
"The total value of residential dwellings in Australia was $5,761,607.2m at the end of June quarter 2015, rising $271,939.1m over the quarter. The mean price of residential dwellings rose $26,200 to $604,700 and the number of residential dwellings rose by 38,400 to 9,528,300 in the June quarter 2015."
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Melbourne yet to catch Sydney as national house price growth halves: ABS 

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The REIV is expecting about 1,630 auctions in 374 Melbourne suburbs this week.
The top auction locations this weekend are Mount Waverley (26 auctions),  Reservoir (25 auctions),  and Richmond (25 auctions).
A number of areas have performed well this year in Melbourne’s east, REIV chief Enzo Raimondo said. About $500 million worth of properties has been sold at auction in each of the top three suburbs - Balwyn North, Kew and Camberwell.
For Sydney, Dr Andrew Wilson at APM said auction numbers will be low in Sydney this weekend as the local market winds down before the Christmas break.
Sydney will host a little more than 700 auctions on Saturday compared to last weekend’s 885, well below the 998 listed over the same weekend last year. 
December auction activity in Sydney will be well below last year’s record levels with 500 fewer homes set to go under the hammer over the month. 
Sydney’s south will host the most auctions this weekend with 105 followed by the inner west 101, the upper north shore 81, the city and east 73, the south-west 66, the northern beaches 63, the west 58, Canterbury Bankstown 54, the lower north 50, the north-west 36, the Central Coast 25 and the Blue Mountains with one auction scheduled this weekend.
Leichhardt, Yagoona and Cremorne are the most popular suburbs in Sydney this weekend for auctions, each with nine, followed by Auburn, St Ives and Dee Why, each with eight auctions scheduled.
 
For your free Property Observer eBook from RAMS, 12 tips for first-time buyers, covering everything you need to know when it comes to purchasing property, click here.
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Mt Waverley and Leichhardt head the auction weekend activity in Melbourne and Sydney

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Australian investors are reducing their exposure to property, with new official data highlighting a pullback in investor home loans, which could help to take pressure off properly prices in 2016, according to the head of new banking business act., Amanda Watt.
However, a decline in first-time buyer numbers is a warning that house prices are still unaffordable for many Australians.
In October, the value of new home loans fell 2% to $32.6 billion, driven by a sharp 6.1% drop in the value of investor home loans to $11.5 billion.
At the same time, the value of home loans for owner occupiers rose just 0.4% to $21.2 billion, according to housing finance data released by the Australian Bureau Statistics (ABS).
The overall number of home loans taken by owner occupiers in October fell by 0.5% to 55,571.
In another sign that the Australian property market is slowing, the number of first-home buyer commitments as a percentage of total owner-occupied housing finance commitments fell to 15.1% in October 2015 from 15.4% in September 2015.
Fixed-rate loans, as a proportion of all new home loans, fell to 9.1%, their lowest level in four years, as investors took advantage of record low variable interest rates.
The average loan size for first home buyers rose $3,900 to $355,700. The average loan size for all owner-occupied housing commitments rose $3,000 to $382,400 for the same period.
“It appears that demand for housing is falling due to two reasons. First, the campaign by Australian financial regulators to take the heat out of property investment appears to be working effectively, with the value of investor home loans dropping sharply in October after prudential regulations were introduced to curb sharp rises in property investment," said Watt.
“Second, first home buyers have pulled in some areas, no doubt due to the very high level of property prices, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, where unaffordability remains a bar to entry to the property market."
In May, banks tightened lending criteria such as loan-to-value ratio (LVR) after the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority’s introduced supervisory measures to cap the growth of investor lending. 
Then, at the end of June, APRA released a temporary directive to five banks requiring them to increase the amount of capital they hold against their residential mortgage exposures.
“We expect the level of property investment to continue to fall in 2016 as higher interest rates on investment home loans begin to take effect,” Watt said.
"No doubt, this will help to take pressure off property prices and give some relief to first time buyers in 2016," she said.
Act. is an innovative banking service that redirects profits back into social projects. For each product act. has, including home loans, act. allocates ‘impact dollars’ – real dollars taken from the profit it earns – and it gives them back to its customers, who can then donate to a project of their choice listed on letsact.com.au.
Act. recently won Money magazine’s 2016 Best of the Best award for Best Innovative Banking Product.
“This award acknowledges that act., which was launched in November 2014, is a world-first banking model which is changing banking for good. act. gives control to each customer to decide when or where their profit allocation is spent.”
“act. blends retail banking with crowdfunding, offering consumers an opportunity to create their own social impact, by choosing how a portion of profits generated from their own banking is distributed to social and not-for-profit projects.”
act. celebrated its first birthday in November, after a strong start. “More than $150,000 has so far been raised for some awesome community projects. We thank our customers and partners so much for their continued effort in supporting act.,” said Watt. 
For your free Property Observer eBook from RAMS, 12 tips for first-time buyers, covering everything you need to know when it comes to purchasing property, click here.
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Investors pull back sharply from property investment

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What’s your property worth?
<a href="https://www.propertyvalue.com.au/" target="_blank">Property Value</a>, launched in July by CoreLogic RP Data, is an online tool for buyers and sellers to estimate the value of a property in Australia, benchmark against comparable properties for sale or rent and even look up the history over the past 30 years to see what that property has previously sold for.
More than 800,000 people have used <a href="https://www.propertyvalue.com.au/" target="_blank">www.propertyvalue.com.au</a> so far, which works out to 66,000 user hours invested.
CoreLogic RP Data is giving away one week free access to Property Value - redeemable at:
<a href="https://www.propertyvalue.com.au/xmas" target="_blank">www.propertyvalue.com.au/xmas</a> (Valued at $49.00 the offer is for one x log in per individual, valid for one week. The offer expires on January 1).
The offer also includes access to new site additions including: local schools with Naplan scores, development approval data for properties, streets and suburbs, scatterplot charting and access to charting the return on a $100 investment for any two suburbs over the past five years.
“Property Value provides more data coverage and decision-making tools than any other offering and it also works brilliantly on mobile,” CoreLogic RP Data head of consumer Paul Argus said.
“It’s a great tool for anyone looking to buy or sell property, particularly investors. Every street and property holds its own profile. Suburbs can be compared side by side and estimated rent and yield scores can be assessed.
“A perfect scenario showcasing the functions and attributes housed in the Property Value site, and included below, is our extraction around picking and comparing the best performing suburbs over time,” he added.
Assisted by CoreLogic RP Data research analyst Cameron Kusher, the data used highlights a few things.
Firstly, while capital city figures tell a broad story, “the experience across individual suburbs can be vastly different,” he said.
This is highlighted by the NSW example. “Most people would have anticipated that a market like Mosman would have outperformed Parramatta, however, this hasn’t been the case. It actually highlights that new investment in a region generally has a positive impact on housing demand and subsequently property values,” Kusher said.
“The data also highlights that picking winners in the market is very difficult which is why investment in the housing market should be a long-term investment not a punt on short-term gains.”
See below - real-time examples broken down as follows:
• NSW – Premium vs. up and coming (Mosman vs Parramatta)
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.16.47%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.16.47%20PM.png" alt="">
• QLD – Brisbane inner city vs Gold Coast (Newmarket vs Southport)
• VIC – Toorak vs Canterbury (premium suburbs)
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.18.12%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.18.12%20PM.png" alt="">
• WA – Battle of the beaches
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.21.02%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.21.02%20PM.png" alt="">
NSW – Premium vs. up and coming (Mosman vs Parramatta)
• Would turn $100 into $185 over 5 years if invested in Parramatta
• Compared to $125 if invested in Mosman
VIC – Toorak vs Canterbury (premium suburbs)
• Toorak was ahead until the last few months where Canterbury growth has increased significantly
• $100 invested in Canterbury in Dec 2010 would yield $135 today
WA – Battle of the beaches
• Returns on Scarborough investment overtook Cottesloe in Dec 2013
• $100 invested in Cottesloe in Dec 2010 would yield $95 today
QLD – Brisbane inner city vs Gold Coast (Newmarket vs Southport) 
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.23.28%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.23.28%20PM.png" alt="">
• Neck and neck over last 5 years with Southport experiencing a dip in 2012 followed by recovery in 2015
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Propertyvalue.com.au is giving one-week free access

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New South Wales has taken top spot in a new report by real estate forecaster Australian Construction Insights (ACI).
The summer 2015 edition of the ACI Construction Monitor provides analysis and insights into conditions within Australia's non-residential building and engineering construction sectors.
“In terms of geography, the Construction Monitor’s state rankings show New South Wales has finally taken out top spot," said Geordan Murray, the economist who worked on the report.
In the Construction Monitor rankings NSW has been held out of top spot...until now. After a series of seconds and thirds, the latest analysis shows NSW has finally reached the top of the table, narrowly edging out Victoria which holds down second spot ahead of the Northern Territory.
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2010.58.23%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2010.58.23%20AM.png" alt=""> 
 
"The recent performance of the state’s residential building sector has been has been well documented, however, the resurgence of the state’s non-residential construction sectors have not attracted the same level of attention,” Murray added.
Despite the overall top spot, NSW ranked second to Victoria for best performing jurisdiction in non-residential building, and was runner-up to the Northern Territory for best performing jurisdiction in engineering construction. 
Beyond the top three, there is a reasonably large gap to Tasmania and Western Australia in fourth and fifth places, respectively. South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory are a little further off the pace holding down sixth and seventh, while Queensland has dropped into last place.
“The gradual winding down of construction work related to the expansion of mining operations over the last few years is the most pervading factor affecting the overall level of non-residential and engineering construction activity nationally,” Murray said.
“Our forecasts show this is likely to remain the overarching dynamic for the next few years.”
“However, the large scale of the change in mining related work is concealing the countless variations in conditions affecting all the other segments of non-residential building and engineering construction.
“In an aggregate sense, falling expenditure on non-residential construction will be a weight in the saddlebag for Australia’s economic growth, lasting as long as it takes for mining sector expenditure to normalise.
Murray said the forecast showed growth in total non-residential construction is expected to return in 2017/18, but it does not need to take that long.
"If we see more favourable currency conditions and interest rates remaining low, we could see investment in non-residential construction make a positive contribution to economic growth sooner,” he concluded. 
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2010.58.33%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2010.58.33%20AM.png" alt="">
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NSW takes top spot on construction league table

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Wolfdene’s AVA II townhouses in Melbourne have received the Award for Excellence in the affordable housing category at the recent Urban Development Institute of Australia’s 2015 Annual Awards.
Located in the South East near Cranbourne suburb, the two and three bedroom townhouses offer value for money and a low-maintenance alternative to standard house and land.
“Housing affordability is a big issue in the Melbourne market, this award is recognition of Wolfdene’s commitment to providing housing diversity in the urban growth areas,” said Jon Atchison, the director of Wolfdene.
<div>AVA II are six-star energy rated and designed in collaboration with SJB, who also designed Sydney's Casba project, which recently won the World Architecture Festival Award for Mixed Use Completed Buildings.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“With a flowing open plan design and an abundance of natural light, AVA II is a value for money and low maintenance alternative to standard house and land,” said the UDIA judging panel.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Quality medium density product that mixes design and function with affordability is essential to providing a viable option for price sensitive first home buyers, key workers and downsizers," said Atchison.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“We are committed to rolling out additional MD sites throughout our full portfolio of master-planned communities.” </div>
<div> </div>
<div>AVA II offers 10 two and three-bedroom townhouses, ranging from $310,000 to $360,000.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Get into the housing market soon: Free RAMS eBook. </div>
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Wolfdene's AVA II wins UDIA award for affordable housing

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The Byron Bay ridgeline estate, Villa Benventano has been listed with $5 million plus hopes.
Last traded in 2004 for $4.18 million, the five bedroom Tuscan style home commands an enviable position with views over Lennox Head and the Byron Bay hinterland.
The 22.44 hectare property features a three bedroom guest wing, a newly built library, a double sided stone fireplace and a 4000 bottle wine cellar.
The eastern courtyard includes a hand built stone pizza oven and the western courtyard a new swimming pool. 
Both are met by landscaped gardens with vegetable gardens, various fruit trees and 5300 macadamia trees for primary producer status.
There is also a large fully equipped shed and recently upgraded de-husking facilities which ensure the farm operations are professional and easy to manage. 
The current owners spent over $120,000 extending Villa Benventano in 2008 which included the addition of the infinity edge pool.
The property is a 20 minute drive from Byron Bay and has been on the market for 888 days.
Noel Outerbridge of Century 21 has the listing of <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/277-friday-hut-road-brooklet/Property-Details-buy-residential-9354040" target="_blank">277 Friday Hut Road</a>.
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Byron Bay's Villa Benventano listed with $5m plus hopes

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Technical services provider Jacobs has finalised the biggest leasing transaction in North Sydney this year after committing to occupy 6,872 square metre of space in 177 Pacific Highway.
The $413-million building is being developed by CIMIC Group through Leighton Properties on behalf of Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust (Suntec REIT).
The 40,000 square metre project is the largest commercial development in the North Shore.
Under the lease agreement, Jacobs will relocate its headquarters to 177 Pacific Highway from its nearby premises in St Leonards.
Nearly 600 Jacobs’ staff will be involved in the move to <a href="https://177pacific.com.au" target="_blank">177 Pacific Highway</a>.
The building will incorporate state-of-the-art design elements, large floor plates, harbour views, full end-of-trip facilities and green credentials.
 “Jacobs’ commitment demonstrates increased activity from tenants wanting to relocate to North Sydney, with this being one of the largest commitments in the area in many years," said Peter Flint, CBRE head of office services for NSW. 
The Jacobs agreement follows a series of recent deals in the project’s food precinct, with Naked Duck Restaurant and Café, and Sushi Jones to occupy the retail space in the Garden Plaza, which is designed as the centrepiece of the 177 Pacific Highway development.
The ground floor will feature the indoor, all-weather Garden Plaza protected by a 15-metre high glass façade and provide a place for tenants, surrounding workers and other members of the surrounding community to relax and enjoy a variety of culinary experiences.
The 30-level office tower designed by Bates Smart will be complete in 2016.
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Jacobs to move into office tower in North Sydney's largest lease deal for 2015

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A commercial piggery in South Australia has sold for $2.7 million amid increased interest in the sector, driven by a rise in pork prices.
GROWventure piggery at Brownlow, near Eudunda in South Australia, was bought by an existing SA-based piggery operator.
“The increase in the pork price over the past six months has resulted in surge of enquiry for piggeries, particularly farrow-to-finish assets that have long-term contracts with processors,” said Colliers International’s Jesse Manuel, who along with Tim Altschwager sold the property. 
“An increase in the consumption of both pork and chicken as people move to these more affordable meats is the main reason for the price increase and this is flowing on to farm values as demand for the assets has also increased.”
With its regular and consistent cash flow, existing management structure and possible expansion potential through the acquisition of a neighbouring property, Manuel said the GROWventure asset represented an attractive prospect to increase a company's footprint in the sector.
He said the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-livestock-sa-eudunda-7679119" target="_blank">GROWventure piggery</a> was a high quality intensive livestock operation that complied with industry and government regulations. 
It has been described by an industry auditor as “the cleanest piggery in Australia,” said Manuel.
The piggery is near the major regional centre of Gawler and an hour’s drive from Adelaide.
GROWventure comprises both breeder and grower complexes with a combined total land area of nearly 228.48 hectares.
“The two operations are in close proximity of one another and produce high quality porker and baconer pigs under contract with one of Australia’s largest supermarket chains.”
The breeder complex is a 500-sow operation consisting of a farrowing shed, weaning shed, mating shed, three dry-sow sheds, feed mixing shed, AI laboratory and effluent ponds.  
The property includes a four-bedroom stone cottage for a manager.
The grower complex consists of four grow-out facilities and a capacity to hold up to 3,600 pigs. 
“The farm is modern compared to many other piggeries recently offered to the market, and is very well located within close proximity to the Port Wakefield Primo abattoir,” said Altschwager.
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Piggery GROWventure sold to South Australian operator for $2.7 million

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A Melbourne-based syndicator has secured two North Queensland retail centres in a combined deal worth $23.75 million.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-qld-townsville+city-501646325" target="_blank">Rising Sun Shopping Centre</a> in Townsville and the Town Plaza centre in Charters Towers were sold through an expressions of interest campaign by Savills.
The blended initial yield works out to be around 7.5%.
The 9,393 square metre Rising Sun Shopping Centre at Mundingburra, six kilometres from Townsville CBD, is anchored by a 2,243 square metre Coles supermarket, with 11 specialty shops including Subway, Brumby’s Bakery and Chemist.
The 7,782 square metre Town Plaza Shopping Centre in Charters Towers, 137 km from Townsville, has a 2,579 square metre Woolworths supermarket with nine specialties including Suncorp, Millers and Rockmans.
The deal was brokered by Peter Tyson and Jon Tyson of Savills for MAB Funds Management Ltd. 
Fawkner Property purchased the properties, bringing the total assets under management to more than $150 million.
The information memorandum forecast 100% tax-effective distributions of 7.5% for the 2106 financial year.
"The market liked the strong economic background story associated with the Townsville Region given the diverse employment generators of the region which includes defence, education, mining, tourism and grazing," said Jon Tyson.
"This backdrop coupled with the Coles and Woolworths anchors and relative affordable price point of the assets generated wide ranging buyer interest."
“Property syndicates are especially attractive to the trustees of self-managed superannuation funds, looking for steady monthly income,” said Fawkner MD Owen Lennie.
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Two North Queensland retail centres sold for $23.75 million through Savills

Avant Townhomes is adding to Ivanhoe’s family-sized housing options with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/three-82-ivanhoe-382-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Three 82</a>, a collection of just 16 four-bedroom townhomes on Upper Heidelberg Road.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/intrapac-property">Intrapac Property</a> townhome division has taken a contemporary approach to the traditional family home, pairing larger floorplans with the lower-maintenance format of a townhouse.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374394]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/arcadia-studio">Arcadia</a>, with landscaping by Landsite, the homes feature generous open-plan living and dining areas that connect directly to outdoor spaces, with layouts also designed to maximise natural light and privacy.

Natural stone is used throughout the interiors, including in kitchens that pair stone surfaces with bespoke cabinetry, considered storage and SMEG appliances.

The four-bedroom layouts include built-in wardrobes and a main bedroom with its own ensuite, while family bathrooms service the additional bedrooms. Each home also includes a lock-up double garage and intercom entry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374399]

Energy efficiency has been incorporated into the design through solar panels, double glazing and reverse-cycle heating and cooling, with the homes targeting 7-star energy ratings.

Rather than incorporating extensive communal facilities, Three 82 has been conceived around private residential amenity, with the 16-home scale keeping the focus on individual homes and their own indoor and outdoor spaces.

The development is located at 382 Upper Heidelberg Road, around one kilometre from Ivanhoe Village's cafés and retail and a short drive from Eaglemont Station and Ivanhoe Station.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374393]

Several of Ivanhoe's established schools are also nearby, including Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar and Ivanhoe Grammar School. The address also provides access to the suburb's parklands and the wider Yarra River corridor.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/nelson-alexander">Nelson Alexander</a> has been appointed to handle sales.

Construction is underway and progressing well, with Three 82 currently tracking toward completion in Q2 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152069]

Joel Robinson

Three 82 brings boutique four-bedroom townhome collection to Ivanhoe

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">Graya</a> has secured a prime Newstead site from fellow developer Fraser, subsequently lodging plans for The Silo, a major mixed-use residential project in Newstead designed around a new public laneway linking the James Street precinct with the wider Gasworks and Newstead neighbourhood.

Proposed for the corner of Chester and Morse streets, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bureauproberts">Bureau^Proberts</a>-designed project places its strongest emphasis at ground level, where retail, landscaping and a new cobblestone pedestrian connection would open the site to the surrounding neighbourhood. The design team describes The Silo as “more than a residential building”, positioning the development as an extension of Newstead’s public realm rather than a standalone apartment tower.

“A new cobblestone laneway and landscaped connection between James Street and Gasworks unlock a missing pedestrian link, improving walkability and stitching together two of Brisbane’s significant urban destinations,” Bureau Proberts said in its Urban Design Report.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ea1b06a-75f5-40a5-b2c5-33c97bc86052" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/silo%20bldg.png?VersionId=KmjsAtNePu57_B31EM_DJ5T6KPJHtcmo" />

The Silo is planned as a mixed-use development incorporating apartments alongside a bar and centre activities including food and drink outlets, indoor sport and recreation, office and retail uses.

Architecturally, Bureau Proberts has conceived the building as a collection of vertically expressed, stepping forms rather than a single uniform tower. The composition rises from an articulated podium before being broken by a triple-height landscaped recreation level, with the upper section becoming more compact before terminating in a landscaped rooftop garden.

The project's name and architectural language draw directly from Newstead's industrial history. Patterned off-form concrete is proposed as the principal façade material, complemented by slender metal rod balustrades and extensive planting. The cylindrical and vertically ribbed elements give the building its silo-like expression, while curved balconies and planted edges introduce a softer subtropical layer.

“The Silo reinterprets its robust forms, scale and materiality through a contemporary subtropical architectural expression, creating a building that acknowledges its industrial legacy, while responding to the way the precinct is occupied today,” Bureau^Proberts said.

The recreation level is one of the defining breaks in the tower. Plans include a lap pool, mature subtropical planting and shared resident facilities within an elevated communal garden. Landscaping continues through the podium and onto the rooftop, where a further garden forms what the architects describe as a “subtropical crown” to the building.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8451036-35a4-49a9-8d88-2ef4438eba3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Silo%20Lane.png?VersionId=h8N31_rYmCEqoNrpt4kbYVQhJGZn60LH" />

At street level, the development has been designed to establish a more permeable block. Retail and hospitality tenancies address the public realm, while landscaped pedestrian spaces lead into the new laneway connection. Renders in the design report show the proposed “Silo Lane” as a substantial opening through the podium, framed by cylindrical concrete forms with cascading planting above.

The Silo continues Graya's move into larger apartment developments after building its reputation across high-end residential projects in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Graya buys Frasers Newstead site, plans The Silo between James Street and Gasworks precincts

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/wickton">Wickton</a>’s completed Linacre Rise development in Hampton is giving Bayside downsizers the opportunity to move into a spacious apartment near the beach, with the developer covering stamp duty for a limited time.

The 27-residence development has been designed for buyers who want to simplify their living arrangements without giving up the space, warmth and quality associated with a long-term family home. Most apartments have already been secured by Bayside locals, leaving a select collection of two and three-bedroom residences and penthouses available.

Two-bedroom apartments are priced from $1.275 million, three-bedroom residences from $2.25 million and penthouses from $3.375 million, with the completed homes available to inspect and move into now.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366760]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/linacre-rise-hampton-8-10-linacre-road-hampton-vic-3188">Linacre Rise</a> occupies an elevated position on one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a>’s quiet, tree-lined streets, around 250 metres from the bay and 500 metres from Hampton’s village centre. Its setting gives residents access to the beach, local cafés, shops and Hampton Train Station while retaining the feel of an established residential neighbourhood.

Architecture and interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a> draw on the warmth and permanence of traditional brickwork, with the building integrated into terraced landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>. Ground-floor apartments are elevated above the street and include private garden courtyards, while several upper-level residences have generous balconies and outlooks toward the bay.

Inside, the residences favour natural materials and generous proportions. Herringbone-pattern European oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, premium joinery and Swiss V-ZUG appliances are among the key inclusions, while integrated storage has been incorporated across kitchens, bathrooms, studies and living areas.

The kitchens have been planned as practical spaces for both everyday use and entertaining, with substantial island benches, detailed cabinetry and adjoining dining and living zones. Full-height wardrobes, plush bedroom carpeting and carefully considered lighting reinforce the residential character Wickton sought to retain for buyers moving from larger homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366769]

A Linacre Rise purchaser said the completed apartment had delivered the space, outlook and construction quality they had been seeking.

“The unit is very light, has views to die for over the bay, all construction materials and fittings are premium quality, we have secure parking for three cars, EV charging at very competitive rates, the neighbours are friendly and there is just a lovely ambiance about the place,” the purchaser said.

Environmental features include solar panels, shared electric vehicle charging stations, rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, double-glazed windows and water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366762]

The development was built by Balmain &amp; Co, with Wickton managing the broader development process through its in-house team.

For downsizers, the project’s completed status removes much of the uncertainty associated with buying off the plan. Purchasers can inspect the finished apartments, understand their outlook and proportions, and move in without waiting for construction to conclude.

The remaining selection includes north-oriented balconies, corner configurations and penthouses with elevated bay views. The developer-paid stamp duty initiative is available for a limited time, with potential savings of up to $200,000 depending on the residence purchased.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95289]

Limited-time stamp duty offer at completed Linacre Rise apartments in Hampton

Luxury apartment buyers have long prioritised design, space and finishes, but increasingly they're placing equal importance on something less tangible: how easily they can live without relying on a car.

At <a>Richmond Square</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> believes that convenience begins beyond the apartment itself, with the mixed-use precinct earning a near-perfect Walk Score of 99.

The development has been planned around the idea that some of the most valuable amenities aren't contained within a building, they're the restaurants, cafés, parks, transport connections and daily conveniences that can all be reached on foot.

Located just behind Swan Street and Church Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/richmond-square-1-wiltshire-street-richmond-vic-3121">Richmond Square</a> places residents within one of Melbo​u​rne's most established lifestyle precincts while offering a quieter residential setting removed from the busiest thoroughfares. East Richmond Station is moments away, trams run along both Swan and Church Streets, and the MCG, Melb​​ourne Park, Yarra River trails and the CBD are all within walking distance. At the same time, the precinct itself will introduce a curated mix of dining, retail, hospitality and wellness offerings, creating a destination that extends well beyond its residential buildings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348530]

For Fortis, that combination of location and scale was what made the site unique.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/richmond-vic-3121">Richmond</a> is one of Melb​o​urne's most established and distinctive inner-city neighbourhoods, with a rare combination of dining, culture, recreation, public transport and proximity to the CBD," the developer said.

"The opportunity at Wiltshire Street was particularly compelling because the site sits slightly removed from the activity of Swan and Church Streets while remaining only moments from everything that makes the area desirable."

Rather than developing a standalone apartment building, Fortis consolidated 15 individual properties to create one of the larger development parcels assembled on Mel​b​ourne's city fringe in recent years. That allowed the team to deliver a genuine mixed-use precinct comprising 107 residences across Wiltshire House and Carmine House, premium office space, hospitality venues, retail, wellness offerings and a future 57-room hotel.

"The scale of the site allowed Fortis to think beyond a standalone apartment building," the developer said.

"Richmond Square could be planned as a complete lifestyle precinct, bringing homes, workplaces, dining, retail, hospitality and wellness together around a series of activated public spaces. The aim was to create a destination that feels connected to Richmond rather than separate from it."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348533]

The emphasis on walkability has also resonated with buyers.

Interest has been strongest from established owner-occupiers, particularly downsizers from Richmond and Melb​ourne's inner east who want to remain close to familiar restaurants, workplaces, family and social networks while moving into a more secure, lower-maintenance home. The project is also attracting Mornington Peninsula and interstate buyers seeking a Melb​ourne residence they can lock up and leave between visits.

Many are looking for generous living spaces, room to entertain, quality finishes and confidence in the project team, but location remains one of the biggest deciding factors.

"For many buyers, Richmond Square provides a way to simplify the practical side of home ownership without reducing the quality of their lifestyle," the sales team said.

"Location is also a major driver of interest. Buyers can remain connected to the CBD, major sporting events, the arts centres, local restaurants, cafes and bars and their family while living in a private and secure residence that is easy to lock up and leave for weekends or longer periods away."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348549]

The residences themselves have been designed with that buyer in mind. Award-winning architecture practice SJB and interior designers Hecker Guthrie have created spacious two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses that prioritise generous living areas, natural light, bespoke joinery and private terraces. Above, a rooftop sanctuary by Acre includes landscaped lawns, bookable dining rooms, barbecue facilities, wellness spaces and panoramic views across the CBD, the MCG and Port Phillip Bay.

Fortis believes Richmond Square reflects a broader evolution in apartment living, where the surrounding neighbourhood becomes just as important as the residence itself.

"Richmond Square introduces a different proposition: generously proportioned residences within a genuinely mixed-use, hospitality-led destination," the developer said.

"The project's location and Walk Score of 99 further support a lifestyle where residents can complete many everyday journeys without relying on a car."

Fortis has assembled an experienced team that includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/hecker-guthrie">Hecker Guthrie</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/acre">Acre</a> and builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hacer-group">Hacer Group</a>, reflecting the developer's commitment to creating projects with enduring design quality and meaningful connections to the communities in which they sit.&nbsp;

Richmond Square is an expression of that philosophy, bringing together homes, workplaces, hospitality and wellness within one of Me​lb​ourne's most walkable neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

Construction is now almost complete, providing purchasers with growing confidence ahead of its expected September 2026 completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13181]

Walk Score of 99 places Richmond Square at the heart of Melbourne's most connected lifestyle

<h3 data-end="19" data-section-id="1dvgwoe" data-start="0">Summary</h3>

<ul data-end="634" data-start="21">
	<li data-end="170" data-section-id="1o77v31" data-start="21">Walker Corporation has lodged plans for a second major residential development in the Maroochydore City Centre, a 29-storey tower known as Celeste.</li>
	<li data-end="327" data-section-id="1lb0y6t" data-start="171">The Plus Studio-designed proposal at Lot 30 Sunshine Coast Parade would deliver 208 apartments, including four four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.</li>
	<li data-end="487" data-section-id="za720" data-start="328">The application comes as Walker doubles down on Maroochydore following the strong sales campaign at SOL by Walker, where the first tower is nearing sell-out.</li>
	<li data-end="634" data-section-id="5sovec" data-start="488">Walker is a key partner in the transformation of the Maroochydore City Centre, which is expected to ultimately deliver at least 4,000 new homes.</li>
</ul>

Walker Corporation is doubling down on Maroochydore following the successful sales campaign at its first residential project in the emerging CBD.

The national developer has filed plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celeste-30-sunshine-coast-parade-maroochydore-qld-4558">Celeste</a>, a new 29-storey apartment tower at Lot 30 Sunshine Coast Parade, just metres from its under-construction SOL by Walker development.

The plans, prepared by Plus Studio, would see 208 apartments delivered across a 100-metre tower on the 2,376 sqm site, which fronts Sunshine Coast Parade, First Avenue and Future Way within the Maroochydore Priority Development Area.

<img alt="Walker" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="17038209-6fea-4ed2-855d-fd4df65b3d02" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-10%20at%2010.24.16%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=iZD.oVXcQn.aLpUytDAW.CWjxP4puWMy" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 36 one-bedroom apartments, 48 two-bedroom apartments, 72 two-bedroom apartments with an additional multipurpose space, and 48 three-bedroom apartments.

The upper levels would be capped by two four-bedroom sub-penthouses and two four-bedroom penthouses, taking the total apartment count to 208. The preliminary yield study also provides 262 car spaces, 114 resident bicycle spaces and storage for each apartment.

It represents Walker's next major residential move in the new Maroochydore CBD after the success of SOL by Walker, its $220 million two-tower project nearby.

SOL launched to market in early 2025 and has since seen strong demand, particularly from local owner-occupiers. By February this year, Walker said the first SOL tower was nearing sell-out, with a strong waitlist also emerging for its recently released penthouse collection.

Construction is already underway on SOL, with the first tower expected to be completed in late 2027 and the second to follow in early 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=319846]

<h2 data-end="2518" data-section-id="1b2dyo5" data-start="2459">Celeste to rise 100 metres over Maroochydore City Centre</h2>

Celeste would take a different form to the twin 19-storey buildings at SOL.

Plus Studio has designed a single 100-metre tower above an activated podium, with the architecture responding to the site's prominent position and three street frontages.

The podium would incorporate commercial tenancies and public art, with sweeping façade elements wrapping the street edges. The scalloped concrete podium has been inspired by the patterns created in sand at low tide, while extensive landscaping would continue vertically through the tower.

The ground level plans show three commercial tenancies addressing Sunshine Coast Parade alongside the residential lobby and landscaped public realm. The podium would then accommodate several levels of car parking before the residential tower rises above.

<img alt="Celeste" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="121f77b1-71c5-46d7-9b36-0a7d474211ca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-10%20at%2010.24.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=MGrg9Hb7HgzLN0Lelq_xrXNAruVl77ia" />

Plus Studio said the tower had been designed to maximise views from each apartment, taking in the Maroochy River, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Cotton Tree and Maroochydore Beach and ocean.

Those views have also shaped one of the project's key features, with Walker proposing to put the primary resident amenity on Level 29 rather than lower within the building.

The rooftop would feature a 284.9 sqm pool area with an infinity edge, along with a cold pool, spa, sauna, 93.2 sqm gym, sunset lounge, BBQ and dining areas, pool deck and private dining space. Cabanas and day beds are also shown across the recreation level.

The two penthouses would extend across the upper levels and each feature private terraces and plunge pools.

<h2 data-end="4202" data-section-id="v5f4ix" data-start="4160">Walker's growing Maroochydore footprint</h2>

Celeste further reinforces Walker's commitment to the transformation of Maroochydore City Centre.

Walker is one of the key partners delivering the new CBD alongside Sunshine Coast Council and SunCentral Maroochydore, with the broader 62-hectare Priority Development Area occupying the former Horton Park Golf Course and surrounding land.

The precinct is ultimately expected to accommodate at least 4,000 new homes as Maroochydore evolves into the Sunshine Coast's principal commercial and residential centre.

When SOL secured approval in February 2025, Walker Managing Director and CEO David Gallant described it as the "first of many residential projects" the company planned for the Maroochydore City Centre.

Celeste now provides the clearest indication yet of what comes next.

The site sits immediately within the new CBD, with the design report identifying Sunshine Plaza and surrounding parkland within walking distance and Maroochydore Beach around a five-minute drive away.

For Walker, the timing of the application comes as its first residential bet on the new CBD appears to have been vindicated.

SOL has progressed from planning approval to construction while its first release has approached sell-out, giving Walker confidence to push ahead with another 208 apartments and take its residential pipeline in the Maroochydore City Centre to around 450 dwellings across the two projects.

Celeste remains subject to planning approval, with the architectural material describing the scheme as a preliminary yield study that may change through the assessment process.

Staff reporter

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