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Real estate agents in Queensland's Mackay are fielding increased sales enquiries driven by local first-home buyers, according to the latest quarterly report from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), indicating confidence in the economy and property market.
Local property projects like Somerset Park, off Bedford Road in Andergrove, are reporting increased enquiries.
Developed by Trinity Property Consultants, Somerset Park will have 250 homes, duplexes and townhouses built across four stages over the next two to three years. 
“Somerset Park homes are available from $379,000, a highly affordable entry price for first home buyers,” said TOTAL Property Group managing director and Somerset Park marketing manager Adrian Parsons.
It is six kilometres from the CBD, and is surrounded by shops, day-care centres, schools, health care services etc.
The trend in house sales over the past 12 months indicates that the city was rising from the bottom of the property cycle, said Peter McFarlane, REIQ zone chairman for Mackay district.
“More first home buyers are taking advantage of the low interest rates and the affordable property prices to realise their dream of owning their own home,” he said.
Somerset Park developer Jim Relph of Trinity Property Group said Mackay has a robust local economy, making Mackay an ideal city for first home buyers to live and invest in.
Buyers can choose from architecturally designed luxury three, four and five bedroom homes, some with lake views.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

First-home buyer activity boosts Queensland's Mackay market

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A prime 1,180 square metre Burwood development site has sold.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-nsw-burwood-501699493" target="_blank">79-81 Liverpool Road</a> site fetched $3.3 million.
The property was sold through CBRE's Nick Tuxworth on behalf of Nelson Meers Hotel Group to a local private developer for a residential development, as shop top housing.
“We are happy with the result after the property initially passed in at auction with three bidders after not reaching the price the vendor wanted,” Tuxworth said.
He said both local and Chinese developers showed interest in the property.
It traded at $630,000 in 1993 and at $1.98 million in 2007.
 
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Nelson Meers sells shop top housing development site in Burwood

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A local car park operator and developer has bought a portfolio of three adjoining properties from the University of Adelaide for $25 million.
The sites at 11-27 Frome Street and 12-18 Synagogue Place occupy 4,157 square metres.
The property consists of an eight-level car park and three older commercial and retail buildings.
The sale was through Paul van Reesema, Alistair Mackie and Ian Thomas of Colliers International.
“The future potential of these sites is vast and as such we received interest from buyers interested in investment, development and value-add opportunities,” said Paul van Reesema.
Mackie said the immediate area had been the focus of extensive development over the past decade and was set to continue with the government’s recent announcement of the Adelaide Riverbank Redevelopment and Festival Plaza project.
It follows the recent sale of another CBD multi-deck car park with development potential, the Union Street Car Park at 52-70 Frome Street, for $27,001,000 by Colliers International.
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Adelaide University site sells for $25 million to car park operator

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Inside the Hilton Hotel complex at 255 Pitt Street is a surprising transformation of a typical 70s commercial office interior that has no ceiling, no carpet and no offices.
This space was redesigned by BVN as their own workspace and while the design removed much of the interiors, they did install an internal timber veranda that has a kitchen and a full-length window seat with cushions overlooking Pitt Street.
The public are welcome to visit during Sydney Open on November 1 when tours will be running throughout the day explaining why less is more. 
One of the highlights would be model makers working live on models of new buildings recently designed by BVN. Along with the physical model-making there will be an opportunity to engage with a virtual model and visitors will be allowed to use the controller to navigate through buildings on the big screen.
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Why less is more at BVN office space for Sydney Open

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An average of 58 Australians are killed in house fires each year, according to the Public Health Association of Australia.
With a view to prevent such disasters, Direct Connect and Smoke Alarm Testing Services (SATS) have announced a service that promises to dramatically increase the number of smoke alarm checks across Australia.
SATS’ annual maintenance programme will now be offered to a further 800,000 homes nationally through 3,200 real estate agents, helping agents, landlords, house buyers and tenants comply with smoke alarm requirements.
It will form part of Direct Connect’s free end-to-end moving service available to the 3,200 agents that have partnered with Direct Connect for properties under their management.
Direct Connect has been endorsed by national industry bodies REIA, REIV, REINSW, REISA, REIQ, REIACT, REINT and REIWA.
“Research shows that a working smoke alarm can save lives, but most people don’t realise these alarms need regular maintenance,” Direct Connect CEO Paul Docherty said.
“This service by Direct Connect will give agents access to a best-practice testing and maintenance program to roll out across thousands of properties, potentially saving lives.”
Direct Connect manages all aspects of a person’s move, from connecting electricity and gas to organising insurance, removalists and cleaners and anything else required to make moving day easier.
It has helped more than one million people move so far.
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Direct Connect launches smoke alarm moving checking service

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As many property investors know, the city you currently call home isn’t always the best location to invest.
But there are many steps to the buying process, and they can differ from state to state.
There are plenty of reasons to purchase property interstate.
You may want to diversify your portfolio to lower your risk profile.
Perhaps you're planning a move next year, but you know that now is the right time to buy.
Or maybe you've heard that the next big up and coming suburb isn't on your doorstep, but 2,000 kilometres away.
Even if you are a seasoned property investor in your local area, there are some key differences between buying locally and purchasing further away.
Investing interstate can be difficult, especially if you're not experienced and you're looking to invest somewhere you haven't lived before.
There are a range of experts who can assist you with an interstate purchase and help alleviate the costs of travelling back and forth.
Conveyancers or specialist lawyers can help prepare and lodge your legal documents (including your contract), handle your deposit, research the property and calculate your expenses. They can also assist in the settlement process.
A buyer's agent can help you inspect properties and do a lot of the footwork for you. They may also be able to refer you to reputable local experts to help carry out inspections.
Make sure you communicate honestly and often with those helping you invest interstate, and make the most of the experts available.
While buying property interstate can seem like a daunting task, there are a lot of benefits to developing your property portfolio beyond the bounds of your local neighbourhood. Make sure you contact reputable, independent experts and do your homework.
Don’t forget that stamp duty or land transfer taxes change from state to state, and depend your property’s intended purpose.
Each state’s revenue office website has a stamp duty calculator that can help you estimate how much you’ll be charged.
Purchasing interstate is a great way to spread risk across your property’s portfolio or capitalise on growth areas – just make sure you do your homework.
 
For more real estate traps and tips visit <a href="https://realestatetraps.com.au/">realestatetraps.com.au</a>
 
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Tips for buying property interstate

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Mortgage aggregator Finsure Finance &amp; Insurance has surged into second place in BRW Magazine's latest top 100 Fast Starters list, up from 18 in 2014, positioning it as one of Australia’s fastest growing companies.
BRW’s annual Fast Starters list compares businesses founded after June 2011.
Those that make the list are ranked by their revenue and their growth percentage within the last financial year.
BRW recorded Finsure’s FY15 revenue as having grown 90 percent year on year.
The Finsure Group recently hired its 800th broker and stated that settlement volumes rose a further 50 percent during July and August, compared with the same period last year.
“We are delighted to be ranked second on such a high profile list and also to be acknowledged as the fastest growing financial services company,” John Kolenda, Finsure's managing director, said.
“The timing of this award couldn’t be better as we are currently holding our first international conference in Shanghai."
The full list of this year’s BRW Fast Starters can be found <a href="https://www.brw.com.au/lists/fast-starters/2015/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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John Kolena's Finsure races to second place in BRW's Fast Starters list

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While real estate agents can utilise tenancy databases for the rental properties they manage, they must follow legislative requirements, NSW commissioner for Fair Trading Rod Stowe said.
“Tenancy databases are an informational resource. They can help lessors make informed decisions when assessing tenancy applications,” Stowe said.
Tenancy databases are run by private companies and collect information about persons deemed as problem tenants by real estate agents, landlords and residential park operators.
Stowe said the guidelines for who, when and why a tenant can be listed on a database are outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act 2010.
A tenant can only be listed in a tenancy database if:
their residential tenancy agreement has been terminated by order of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal; 
they owed an amount exceeding the rental bond for a breach of the tenancy agreement which is still outstanding at the time of the listing.
“The Residential Tenancies Act brings fairness and transparency to the use of tenancy databases,” Stowe said.
“Sadly, unfair listings are not unheard of. While the legislation recognises the right of landlords to take steps in protecting their property, being listed on a tenancy database can have serious consequences for the person listed.”
Before a listing can be made, the tenant must be given at least 14 days notice to review the information and be able to object to the proposed listing.
If a prospective tenant is found on a database by an agent, the agent must write to the tenant within seven days of accessing the database. Outdated listings or listings older than three years are to be removed from a database.
A tenant can contest proposed or existing listings in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal if the matter is not solved with their agent or landlord.
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Rules for listing NSW tenants in databases: Fair Trading

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The luxury villa project Qualia in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast suburb of Pelican Waters has won the Queensland MBA state housing and construction award.
Builders Ryan Designer Homes are the developers for the waterfront townhouse project.
Qualia won in the low-rise multi-residential housing class, adding to a recent regional award in the same category.
QMBA judges said workmanship and attention to detail were the deciding factors in Qualia’s win with each of its six waterfront townhouses offering light-filled living zones, two-car storage and two covered outdoor areas.
Private jetties offering residents a direct link to the aquatic playground of Pelican Waters, including direct deep ocean access, was also a winning feature.
Located within the 810 hectare Pelican Waters master-planned residential community at Caloundra, Qualia's prices range from $685,000. 
It is just a short distance from the future Pelican Waters Town Centre, Caloundra CBD, beaches and schools.
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Pelican Waters' Qualia wins Queensland housing award

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Owning a home in Australia has become more affordable since 2011, while renting has become more expensive, a recent report reveals, making a case for young people to consider buying a home rather than renting to boost their wealth, says Amanda Watt, the head of banking business act.
act. is a newly established banking service that redirects profits back into social projects.
Watts noted home owners with a mortgage paid an average of $453 per week on housing costs in 2013-14. In real terms, this was largely unchanged from 2011–12, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’s (ABS) Housing Occupancy and Costs 2013-14 report released recently. Combined with rising incomes, in real terms, or after inflation, buying a house has become more affordable.
The ABS said an increase in average household incomes has seen owners with a mortgage spending 16% of their income on housing costs in 2013-14, down from 18% in 2011-12. 
In contrast, households renting from private landlords paid an average of $376 per week in 2013-14, a rise of $12 from the 2011–12 average in real terms, the report said.
Lower income households renting from a private landlord paid on average $313 per week, which represented 34% of their gross weekly income. In comparison, lower income households with a mortgage paid $326 a week on average, or 27% of their gross weekly income, on housing costs. With interest rates at historically low levels, home ownership and paying off home loans has become more affordable when combined with an increase in income levels, act.’s Amanda Watt said. In addition, low unemployment would support young home buyers taking out a mortgage.
But home buyers needed a strategy to position themselves for a purchase.
“Save a bigger deposit. Time is money, so the more you borrow, the more you will repay in interest. If you are saving for your first home, start making the sacrifices now and save as much as you can before you buy. Claim the first home owner's grant and any other subsidies your state government offers," she said. 
“Once you get a loan, use an offset account. Offset accounts are a great way to cut interest costs. Offset accounts link your home loan to a savings or transaction account. The balance in the savings account is then used to offset the home loan balance, reducing interest costs. There are tax benefits also as tax isn’t paid on the interest credited to your savings account because the interest is not actually being earned as it offsets the home loan interest,” Watt said. Despite the increase in housing affordability, the report says that since 1994-95, the proportion of households that own their home outright has dropped to 31% from 42%. Households with a mortgage has increased to 36% from 30%, while the proportion of households renting privately has gone up to 26% from 18% between 1994-95 and 2013-14.    For each product act. has, including home loans, act. allocates ‘impact dollars’ – real dollars taken from the profit it earns – and gives them back to its customers, who can then donate to a project of their choice listed on <a href="https://letsact.com.au/" target="_blank">letsact.com.au</a>
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Owning a home more affordable than renting: report

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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