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A 2,461 sqm freestanding industrial building in Botany has been sold for $5,730,000. 
A private investor purchased the property from Woodsize Pty Ltd.
Located at 36 Chegwyn Street, the freestanding industrial building comprises a 2,461 sqm high clearance warehouse with first floor office and storage space. 
The freestanding building sits on a 1,646 sqm site area and has two street frontages.
The deal was negotiated by Edward Washer and Sam Wallace, Savills Australia who said the sales campaign saw a large amount of interest from owner occupiers and investors. 
According to Mr Washer, “The buyer saw great value long term in the location and the flexible B7 business park zoning and 1.5:1 FSR."
“Previously used as a leather tannery, the new owners will look to bring new life to the building and align it with tenant demand in the area."
 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Freestanding industrial Botany building sold for $5.73 million

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GUEST OBSERVATION
 
As the coronavirus pandemic spreads around the world, it’s a good time to understand how cleaning can help prevent the spread of disease and what you can do to cut the risk of infection in your home.
Coronavirus is mainly transmitted from person to person via <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/what-you-need-to-know-about-coronavirus-covid-19">tiny droplets</a> of saliva or other bodily fluids that float in the air after a cough or sneeze.
Contaminated objects and surfaces can also be important in the transmission of disease. It’s not entirely clear what role they play in transmitting the new coronavirus, but they play an important one for <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195670120300463">related viruses</a> such as SARS and MERS.
However, it makes sense that something contaminated with the virus could pass it on, for example if a person touches it and then touches their nose, mouth or face.
So, if someone at risk of having the virus has been in your home, cleaning to reduce the amount of contamination on surfaces may help cut down your risk of further transmission of coronavirus. (It will also cut the risk of transmitting other pathogens.)
What’s the difference between cleaning and disinfection?
There’s a useful to distinction to make between <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fhome%2Fcleaning-disinfection.html">cleaning</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fhome%2Fcleaning-disinfection.html">disinfection</a>.
Cleaning means physically removing organic matter such as germs and dirt from surfaces. Disinfection means using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces.
Cleaning is very important, because organic matter may inhibit or reduce the disinfectant’s ability to kill germs.
How long will coronavirus survive in my house?
We are not exactly sure how long this coronavirus will survive on surfaces. If it is similar to other coronaviruses, it could survive a few hours – potentially <a href="https://www.journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(20)30046-3/fulltext">up to several days</a>. How long it survives could depend on temperature, humidity and what the surface is made of.
What could be contaminated in my house?
It’s hard to say exactly. When someone coughs or sneezes, especially if they don’t cover their mouth, it is likely surfaces close to them will be contaminated.
Hands are often responsible for transferring pathogens from one place to another, so items that people often touch are at greatest risk of being contaminated.
Frequently touched items may include TV remotes, fridge doors, kitchen cupboards, kitchen surfaces, taps and door handles. And of course, there are devices such as phones and iPads – but these may not be shared or touched by others frequently.
What should I use to clean and how?
The coronavirus is a delicate structure and it is vulnerable in the environment. Both heat and detergents, including soap, can stop it functioning.
Contaminated surfaces
If a surface becomes contaminated or you think it could be, cleaning it with a common household disinfectant will kill the virus. Remember to wash your hands after cleaning (or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser) and avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose.
There are many options for what to use to clean, including paper towels, cloths or disposable wipes.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/321221/original/file-20200318-37387-184yl1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt="">T
he S-shaped pattern for cleaning a surface without re-contaminating parts of it. Brett Mitchell, Author provided
How you clean is important. You don’t want to “recontaminate” surfaces while cleaning. Working from one side of a surface to the other helps with this, using an <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195670118307205">“S” shape to clean</a>.
If you are reusing a cloth, remember to wash it afterwards and let it dry. Laundering cloths in the washing machine with normal washing liquid is also likely to kill the virus, particularly on a hot wash.
Dishes and cutlery
Washing with hot water and detergent is fine for dishes and cutlery. A dishwasher is even better, because it can use hotter water than your hands will tolerate.
Clothing and linen
Use the warmest setting possible to wash contaminated laundry and make sure you allow it to dry completely. You may not want to ruin clothing or other materials, so always look at the manufacturer’s instructions.
Laundry from someone who is sick can be washed with other people’s items. If you are handling contaminated items such as towel or sheets, avoid shaking them before washing, to reduce the risk of contaminating other surfaces.
And remember to wash your hands immediately after touching any contaminated laundry.
Prevention is best
Remember that surfaces play a role in transmitting pathogens, so preventing them from becoming contaminated in the first place is as important as cleaning. There are some things you can do to reduce the amount of contamination of surfaces in your house:
– cover your cough and sneezes, ideally with a tissue but otherwise into your elbow, and wash your hands immediately
– wash your hands often, especially after going to the bathroom and before eating.
What do I do if someone in my home is sick?
It may be wise to think about which room in your home could be used to care for a sick member of your family. If possible, the ideal room is one that that is separate from other parts of your home and has a separate bathroom.
Cleaning this room when someone is sick also requires some thought. Further advice on caring for someone with coronavirus at home is available from the <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/coronavirus-covid-19-information-about-home-isolation-when-unwell-suspected-or-confirmed-cases.pdf">Department of Health</a>.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/133912/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brett-mitchell-398392">Brett Mitchell</a>, Professor of Nursing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-clean-your-house-to-prevent-the-spread-of-coronavirus-and-other-infections-133912">original article</a>.
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How to clean your house to prevent the spread of coronavirus and other infections

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The ACCC has moved quickly to reprioritise its work and direct resources towards delivering on issues stemming from the extraordinary economic disruption caused by COVID-19, which I will touch on today. We continue to deliver on pre-existing priorities or essential work but, like so many organisations, our focus has had to shift.
While we have closed our offices to the public, we are still operating surprisingly well. Our efforts to become a more flexible workforce over the past few years has paid off, with over 97 per cent of our employees now working from home each day. This is an enormous, complex shift and one I am sure many of you have had to navigate yourselves.
The ACCC’s COVID-19 Taskforce is rapidly responding to a large number of issues impacting Australian consumers and businesses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We have received thousands of phone calls, emails and social media reports from consumers and businesses seeking information and are working swiftly to address areas of harm to consumers and advising businesses about their obligations.
The ACCC Taskforce is focusing on early intervention by engaging directly with businesses, relevant state and federal government agencies, and consumer and other representative groups.
Our aim is to address immediate problems being faced by consumers in relation to cancellation of services and failure to obtain refunds and remedies, and working with expert teams across the agency to ensure we can quickly get to the heart of the issues being raised with the ACCC and work to fix them.
Below I will outline a number of successful early interventions by the ACCC Taskforce and other discussions and investigations that are continuing.
Cancelled travel and accommodation services
Various restrictions in place for domestic and international travel have been the main source of consumer complaints. Many consumers are unhappy with the remedies being offered.
<ul>
<li>
Travel services provider: after receiving a high number of complaints around the charging of 'change fees' in circumstances where flights were cancelled, the ACCC contacted the business, which agreed not to charge for changes to existing bookings and agreed to offer a fee free travel credit to consumers. There are however continuing issues in relation to another type of conduct by that same business that the ACCC is working to resolve, along with other state and territory fair trading agencies.
</li>
<li>
The ACCC is also following up several businesses selling package tours that are alleged to have recently changed contract terms and conditions. The companies are assessing customer claims for refunds or credits vouchers on the basis of the new terms, rather than the former contract terms that were in place when the consumer booked the package.
</li>
<li>
A second travel services provider: the ACCC is working to resolve a concerning issue receiving a large number of customer complaints, with allegations that the business is failing to provide refunds in line with its terms and conditions.
</li>
<li>
Council of Travel Operators: the ACCC has met with the Council in an attempt to understand the various issues impacting a number of travel companies and the impact that this is having on consumers.
</li>
<li>
Airline: The Taskforce contacted the airline following reports of incorrect advice being given around refunds. The errors were attributed to issues impacting overseas call centres, unprecedented demand, and new team members rapidly joining teams. Senior staff apologised for the error and have ensured correct advice is being provided to all impacted customers.
</li>
</ul>
Subscription services – gyms, food and pay TV
With the restrictions imposed by governments at all levels in relation to social distancing and businesses being able to remain open, operations of certain businesses, there have been a considerable number of reports of consumers navigating these changes.
<ul>
<li>
A major gym chain: was charging customers a weekly ‘freeze’ fee for the period their gyms will be closed. Following the Taskforce’s intervention, the gym immediately ceased this practice.
</li>
<li>
There are a number of other gyms that continue to deduct these fees and the ACCC is contacting them directly.
</li>
<li>
In the franchising sector there are reports that some franchisors are still trying to collect franchising fees, when the businesses have minimised their operations. This is a matter that the ACCC is following up as a matter of urgency.
</li>
<li>
Foxtel: a number of complaints from consumers unable to contact Foxtel to cancel or suspend subscriptions. It has assured the ACCC Taskforce it was urgently increasing call centre capacity which had been shut down because of COVID-19 lockdown measures overseas.
</li>
<li>
A subscription meals provider was unable to source supply to meet its orders and contractual obligations. The Taskforce contacted the business and the business undertook to provide full refunds to impacted customers.
</li>
</ul>
Payment process providers for the fitness industry
After hearing that payment processors were suspending debits being made on behalf of small business gyms and fitness studios on the basis of 'ACCC advice', the Taskforce contacted them to ensure that their clients were not being unfairly treated.
We were informed that the companies wanted to ensure they were collecting payments from consumers who had signed up for new services. We also obtained assurances that the businesses had the ability to contact these finance companies if there were problems with customers’ accounts.  
COVID-19 product claims
Some business have represented to consumers that they sell a product that prevents COVID-19 or they provide a service that prevents infection by COVID-19.
<ul>
<li>
The ACCC was alerted to an ASX listed company claiming that its hand sanitiser product it had been tested as effective against COVID-19, when it was tested against a recognised surrogate. The company subsequently clarified the statement it made to the ASX.
</li>
<li>
The Taskforce is investigating claims that a company is alleged to be urging consumers to get their plumbing serviced to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
</li>
</ul>
Excessive price increases, also known as price gouging
In relation to COVID-19 there have a large number of complaints regarding excessive pricing around personal protective equipment (face masks and sanitiser) and some other grocery items.
The ACCC cannot prevent or take action to stop excessive pricing, as it has no role in setting prices. But in some circumstances excessive pricing may be unconscionable, for example where the product is critical to the health or safety of vulnerable consumers. If a business makes misleading claims about the reason for price increases, it will be breaching the Australian Consumer Law.
<ul>
<li>
Recently the Australian Federal Police has been given new powers under the Biosecurity Act to prevent price gouging. The prescribed products are disposable gloves, disposable gowns, goggles, glasses, or eye visors used for limiting the transmission of organisms to humans, or of alcohol wipes and hand sanitiser. It is now an offence to resell or offer to resell these products, if they were purchased in a retail transaction, at 20 per cent or higher than the original price paid.
</li>
<li>
Online platforms: the ACCC engaged with Amazon, Facebook, eBay and Gumtree to understand measures the companies have in place to prevent the sale of these products at excessive prices. We received some assurances the platforms have mechanisms in place, but are encouraging increased vigilance and will continue to monitor.
</li>
<li>
Supermarkets: the unprecedented demand for supermarket goods has also created shortages across a range of other product lines, which has impacted supply. We have also heard a number of concerns about the high price of some fresh produce, including fruit, vegetables and meat. Higher fresh produce prices had been predicted as early as January due to the drought and the bushfires, which have contributed to a supply shortage and led to higher prices for some items.
</li>
</ul>
Private health insurance
<ul>
<li>
The ACCC received complaints that consumers were not able to access all services offered under the policies but are still required to pay the premiums.
</li>
<li>
Private health insurers are generally not passing on premium increases by giving consumers a ‘credit’ for the new increase, which means that their premiums remain the same as they were before 1 April 2020.
</li>
<li>
The ACCC recommends that private health insurers provide remedies for consumers for services that can no longer be provided or only provided to a limited extent due to COVID-19 restrictions, such as dental, optical, physio, etc.
</li>
</ul>
The full list of FAQs includes further detail on:
<ul>
<li>
cancellation of flights/travel
</li>
<li>
cancellation of events
</li>
<li>
gymnasium services
</li>
<li>
weddings
</li>
<li>
product price increases
</li>
<li>
material changes to contracted services
</li>
<li>
telecommunication issues
</li>
<li>
country of origin labelling issues.
</li>
</ul>
Interim authorisations
In the past three weeks the ACCC has granted interim authorisation to a number of sectors to ensure the economy is able to function and provide essential goods, services, medicines and medical equipment, and hardship relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This has included 14 separate interim authorisations, which allow for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. We still have a number of applications for interim authorisation to be considered by the Commission, which is currently meeting to make statutory decisions a number of times each week to deal with the surge.
The following interim authorisations have been granted to enable firms to cooperate during the COVID-19 pandemic, and can be reviewed at any time. The ACCC will closely monitor the activity being undertaken. Each will now be subject to a consultation period and a final decision made following further investigation and feedback from stakeholders.
The ACCC can decide to grant formal authorisation in circumstances where it is satisfied that the public benefit from the conduct outweighs any public detriment.
<ul>
<li>
Banks have been authorised to cooperate on loan relief package for consumers and small businesses
</li>
<li>
Supermarkets will be able to cooperate on grocery supply when working with manufacturers, suppliers, and transport and logistics providers.
</li>
<li>
Medicine wholesalers will be able to co-operate to facilitate distribution of essential medication and pharmacy products after being granted interim authorisation by the ACCC.
</li>
<li>
Airlines are able to coordinate ­flight schedules on ten regional flight routes, including revenue sharing, with an agreement not to raise fare prices
</li>
<li>
Gas and electricity companies to cooperate on energy supply and ensure integrity of wholesale markets
</li>
<li>
Medical suppliers allowed to work together to expand capacity in order to produce urgently needed equipment.
</li>
<li>
Oil companies allowed to co-operate to secure fuel supply, including crude oil and refined fuels, importers, suppliers of storage facilities and trucking or delivery services and wholesalers.
</li>
<li>
NBN Co and telecommunications providers able to work together to manage on demand surge, wholesale services and capacity challenges
</li>
<li>
Pharmaceutical companies will be able to co-operate to facilitate distribution of essential medication and pharmacy products
</li>
<li>
Insurers are able to coordinate on deferred payments and refunds under small business relief package
</li>
<li>
Shopping centre owners and managers given interim authorisation to discuss and implement rent relief measures for small to medium shopping centre tenants facing hardship
</li>
<li>
Private hospitals in Victoria and in Queensland are able to coordinate between each other and state health agencies and public hospitals
</li>
</ul>
As the ACCC monitors these authorisations it will watch for ways in which smaller players can be disadvantaged. For example, the ACCC has urged state governments that while supermarkets will always remain open during this pandemic, so must smaller local food retailers, like butchers and green grocers. It would be extremely unfortunate if this pandemic were to see a consolidation in the grocery sector as supplies narrow to supermarkets in ways that will be hard to reverse.
ROD SIMS is the Chair of the ACCC
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Managing the impacts of COVID-19 disruption on consumers and business: ACCC's Rod Sims 

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Frasers Property Australia has appointed Tod O’Dwyer as its new General Manager WA Residential.
Mr O’Dwyer has more than 30 years of experience in the residential development sector, focused primarily on the development of masterplanned communities.
Prior to joining Frasers Property a decade ago, he worked with Delfin Lend Lease for 17 years in Queensland and Victoria.
He has relocated to Perth from Melbourne, where he has held the role of General Manager - Development and Design for the past nine years.
Cameron Leggatt, Executive General Manager Residential, Frasers Property Australia says Mr O’Dwyer is one of the company’s most experienced executives with a passion for delivering strong, vibrant communities.
“Frasers Property has operated in Western Australian for more than 50 years. Tod’s move to Perth is a reinforcement of our commitment to Western Australia and our confidence in that market,” says Mr Leggatt.
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Frasers Property Australia appoints new General Manager for WA Residential

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A 5,546sqm development site in Flagstone, Queensland for $1,386,500 plus GST.
A local syndicate has purchased the property from PEET.
Located at Stage 7I, Commercial Circuit, Flagstone is a Peet Masterplan community bringing 12,000 homes and about 30,000 residents to Flagstone over the next 25 years. 
Flagstone will also include a city centre comprising of 126 hectares of retail and office floor space with the proposed passenger rail service running through the middle.
The deal was negotiated by Will Carman and James Stevenson of Savills Australia who said the buyer believed in Flagstone and the future growth of the suburb. 
“The zoning allowed for multiple code assessable uses, they are initially land banking the property and dealing with tenant requirements as they see fit,” said Mr Carman.
The Flagstone catchment has a project population growth rate of 4.1%pa which represents an average increase of 6,633 residents per year
The site is within walking distance to major retailers, including Coles, McDonalds, 7Eleven, IGA, SNAP fitness and Dominos and 35 metres to Commercial Circuit.
 
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Flagstone development site in Queensland sells for $1.4 million

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An architecturally custom built house in Breakfast Point, NSW has been sold for $3.175 million. 
The five bedroom, four bathroom home is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-breakfast+point-132865774" target="_blank">5 Emily Street</a>. 
Nestled on a 489sqm block, the double brick house comes with three oversized living areas, upper level rumpus, games room, and designer kitchen. 
Other features include double height entry foyer, timber doors, high ceilings and double garage plus storage. 
It comes with country club membership with access to tennis courts, pool and gym.
Its location is close to local shops, cafes, buses and foreshore walks. 
Norman So and Michael Murphy of Belle Property Strathfied sold the property. 
The home was last sold in 2009 for $680,800. 
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Breakfast Point custom built trophy home sold for $3.175 million

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A penthouse apartment in Mooloolaba's beachfront Esplanade residential building has been sold for $3.95 million. 
The three bedroom, three bathroom home is located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-mooloolaba-130168170" target="_blank">87 Mooloolaba Esplanade</a>. 
Located on level 9, the 902 apartment offers office, media room, separate laundry and gourmet kitchen. 
Other features include power room and balcony frontages on the Mooloolaba Esplanade. 
The residential building only has 24 lots.
Simon Guilfoyle of G1 Property Mooloolaba made the listing. 
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Beachfront Mooloolaba apartment sold for $3.95 million

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A Newtown Victorian style villa has been sold for $3.28 million after it failed to sell at its recent online auction.
The Newtown offering attracted a top bid of $3,225,000 which was not enough to secure the four bedroom property which had actually come with a $3 million Ray White price guide.
The four bedroom, three bathroom home is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-newtown-133182158" target="_blank">40a Brown Street</a>.
Set on a 286sqm allotment, the house comes with formal and casual living, Calacatta marble gas kitchen, and landscaped garden. 
Other features include wide frontage, fireplaces, entertainer's terrace and and attic storage. 
It is located close to station and Hollis Park with double parking on title. 
Shaun Stoker and Ercan Ersan of Ray White sold the property which was last sold in 2013 for $2.125 million. 
 
 
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Newtown Victorian style trophy home sold for $3.28 million

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A wide-fronted Victorian terrace in Crows Nest, NSW has been sold for $3.45 million.
The four bedroom, two bathroom home is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-crows+nest-133191066" target="_blank">74 Burlington Street</a>. 
It comes with open living zone, entertaining deck, marble crafted kitchen and private level lawn surrounded by landscaped garden. 
Other features include integrated home sound system, hardwood floors, alarm system and double garage. 
It is moments to quality schools, parks and the future Metro station. 
Peter Chauncy and Debbie Chadwick of McGrath Crows Nest sold the property. 
The house was last sold in 2007 for $1 million. 
 
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Crows Nest Victorian terrace sold for $3.45 million

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A beachfront trophy home in Aspendale, Victoria has been sold for $3.45 million.
The eight bedroom, three bathroom house is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-aspendale-133002470" target="_blank">54 Nepean Highway</a>. 
Sitting on a 1,149 square metre block, it features views of the beach from both levels.
The house is located close to railway stations, cafes, shops and restaurants. 
Garry Donovan and Simon Wendt of Hockingstuart Mentone sold the property. 
The house was last sold in 2016 for $3.5 million. 
 
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Aspendale beachfront trophy home sells 

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Joel Robinson

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

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La Vera closes in on completion as Macquarie Park continues residential transformation

Brisbane developer Red &amp; Co's decision to include dual key apartments in its debut Gold Coast apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO Varsity Lakes</a>, is proving to be one of the project's biggest drawcards, with buyers quickly snapping up the flexible residences.

More than half of the project's 36 dual key apartments have already sold, helping drive COMO beyond the 50 per cent sold mark within the first month of launch.

The strong response highlights growing demand for apartment designs that can adapt to changing lifestyles, with buyers increasingly looking for homes that accommodate multi-generational living, provide rental income opportunities or simply offer greater flexibility over time.

Located on the shores of Lake Orr, COMO will deliver 156 apartments across 16 levels, with the dual-key residences forming a limited release within the broader development.

Each combines a primary two-bedroom apartment with a fully self-contained studio on a single title, connected by a shared foyer and lockable internal door. The design allows owners to house ageing parents, adult children or guests while maintaining privacy, or lease the secondary residence to generate additional income.

Just 17 of the original 36 dual key apartments remain available.

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The innovative configuration combines two fully self-contained residences on a single title, typically comprising a primary two-bedroom apartment alongside a separate studio residence, connected via a shared foyer and lockable internal door.&nbsp;

The model is proving particularly attractive to owner occupiers navigating changing family dynamics and the realities of the current housing crisis.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/npa">NPA</a>&nbsp;CEO Andrew Erwin said dual key living was resonating strongly with modern buyers because it delivered both financial flexibility and practical lifestyle benefits.&nbsp;

“The housing crisis and rising cost of living are fundamentally changing how Australians think about home ownership,” Erwin said.&nbsp;

“Dual key apartments provide a genuine solution for families who want to stay connected while maintaining independence. Parents can help adult children save for a future home, ageing parents can remain nearby without moving into aged care, and owners still retain privacy and flexibility.

“Importantly, buyers are also recognising the financial advantages. It creates the opportunity to generate additional income from part of the home without the holding costs associated with owning a separate investment property.”&nbsp;

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Unlike traditional dual occupancy arrangements, the residences operate under a single title, meaning owners only incur one set of body corporate fees, council rates and holding costs.&nbsp;

The secondary residence can also evolve over time - functioning as guest accommodation, a home office, creative studio or private retreat before later becoming an income-producing asset.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a>&nbsp;Director and Co-Founder David Laverty said the strong early sales reflected growing buyer urgency and changing priorities within the market.&nbsp;

“Securing more than half of COMO’s residences within such a short timeframe is an outstanding result and a clear endorsement of both the design and location,” Laverty said.&nbsp;

“Buyers are responding to the combination of location, connectivity and amenity, but ultimately it’s value relative to other East Coast markets that is driving enquiry.”&nbsp;

“We’re also seeing strong interest from owner occupiers looking for homes that can adapt with them over time. Flexibility has become one of the most important considerations for buyers in today’s market.”&nbsp;

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, COMO features a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences with 2.7-metre ceilings and larger-format floorplans aimed at owner occupiers, downsizers and lifestyle-focused buyers.&nbsp;

The development will feature an extensive rooftop recreation and wellness offering including a 25-metre lap pool, sundeck, barbecue and dining areas, gym, sauna, plunge baths, landscaped gardens, wellness spaces and rooftop pickleball and paddleball courts.

The remaining dual key apartments range from 137 sqm to 167 sqm and include generous three-bedroom layouts with separate self-contained studio accommodation and dual parking.&nbsp;

Erwin said the dual key concept represented a broader shift in how Australians would live in the future.

“People want homes that can evolve with their lives,” he said.&nbsp;

“A dual key apartment can suit a family today, support an ageing parent tomorrow, and potentially generate income later on. That adaptability is becoming incredibly valuable in the current environment.”

Prices currently range from $2,115,750 to $2,583,000.&nbsp;

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Inter-generational living drives demand for COMO’s dual key apartments as housing pressures reshape buyer priorities 

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ceerose">Ceerose</a> has doubled down on its Leichhardt ambitions, lodging its second State Significant Development Application (SSDA) in the suburb in the last six months.

Their newest proposal seeks to transform a former industrial precinct into a new residential community centred around the adaptive reuse of one of the site's heritage warehouse buildings.

The new project, on a 6,930 sqm block at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-76-william-street-leichhardt-nsw-2040">40–76 William Street</a>, will bring more than 200 apartments to a suburb that has seen little to no new supply in recent years. It follows Ceerose's late 2025 SSDA for a mixed-use apartment project on nearby Parramatta Road, signalling the developer's growing investment in Sydney's Inner West.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the redevelopment would involve the demolition of four existing industrial buildings while retaining and adaptively reusing the site's most significant warehouse. The retained structure would anchor a new residential precinct comprising five interconnected buildings arranged around a large central landscaped courtyard, with heights stepping from five storeys along the surrounding residential streets to 11 storeys at the William Street corner.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7258c54c-8167-479e-8361-2d5fca9915b4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010B%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%202.jpg?VersionId=S9DQfxu_jpcB5LrAEYFUbyMzg5odW6i5" />

According to the Architecture Design Report by Woods Bagot, the proposal "seeks to create a residential village centred around a generous green heart while celebrating the site's industrial heritage through the adaptive reuse of the existing warehouse building."

The development would comprise 203 apartments, with 188 proposed as build-to-sell residences, alongside 15 affordable housing apartments.

Rather than treating the retained warehouse as a standalone heritage object, Woods Bagot has sought to weave the site's industrial history throughout the masterplan. The proposal retains the north and west facades of the landmark corner warehouse, while new buildings reinterpret the site's brick-and-steel industrial language through their material palette and architectural expression.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9e8c64c2-881b-49e1-8c90-6b6acaaa45b6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010C%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%203.jpg?VersionId=Qm8_8H_Xrg_sc4Mdjc59vlAcKF_5wRTb" />

The design is organised around what Woods Bagot describes as a "green heart", a landscaped communal open space that reinstates the leafy character removed when the site became an industrial storage facility. A new pedestrian laneway running through the site would improve permeability between William, North and Francis streets, linking residents through landscaped public spaces while activating the ground plane.

Residents would have access to communal gardens, rooftop open space and shared recreation areas distributed throughout the development. Sustainability has also been prioritised, with the project targeting an average 7.9-star NatHERS rating. Proposed initiatives include rooftop solar generation, rainwater harvesting, passive solar design, naturally ventilated lobbies, extensive cross-ventilation and the reuse of existing building fabric to reduce embodied carbon.

The adaptive reuse strategy became a defining feature of the application after heritage investigations found only one of the site's industrial buildings could feasibly be retained. The Heritage Impact Statement concludes that preserving the key warehouse façades while referencing the site's industrial character throughout the new development provides an appropriate balance between renewal and conservation.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efffafdb-594f-4e2b-a067-921fd51c05e1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010D%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%204.jpg?VersionId=DPmE4.k16YRt0i27hEZVtJAffarpvUfx" />

"Retention and adaptation of the site buildings has been explored but found not to be feasible except for the tallest building, whose street facades will be retained," the heritage report states.

"The proposed building will interpret the brick and steel character of the subject site, including reuse of some components and construction of a large 'sawtooth' structure in the proposed open space."

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3bfef2b5-83f5-40cd-9cab-767092f34266" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010E%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%205.jpg?VersionId=7asb3i_ql4ybbuJOUb5UHBEIy0Q9t.DF" />

The William Street site is located around 300 metres from Leichhardt North Light Rail station and a short walk to Norton Street's retail, dining and hospitality precinct. The surrounding area has increasingly become a focus for urban renewal given its proximity to public transport and the Parramatta Road corridor.

Ceerose, founded by Edward Doueihi in 1998, has become one of Sydney's more active apartment developers, with completed projects including The Alex Collective in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay. They are currently delivering Belgravia, 17 luxury apartments in Potts Point.

First look: Ceerose doubles down in Leichhardt with adaptive reuse of former warehouse site

Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

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The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

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Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

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