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Kambalda East has the cheapest rentals in Western Australia, according to the latest Investar suburb performance report.
The report reveals the top 100 cheapest localities across the country.
It suggests the median rent in Kambalda East for a three bedroom house sits at $170 a week. 
This is followed by Geraldton and Orelia with $190 per week.
The median rent in Armadale for both house and unit sits at $200 per week. 
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top">
State
</td>
<td valign="top">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top">
Dwelling Type
</td>
<td valign="top">
Bedrooms 
</td>
<td valign="top">
Median rent 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Kambalda East
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6442
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
3
</td>
<td valign="top">
$170
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Geraldton
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6530
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$190
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Orelia
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6167
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$190
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Armadale
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6112
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$200
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Armadale
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6112
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$200
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Kambalda West
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6442
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
3
</td>
<td valign="top">
$200
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Shoal Water
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6169
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$200
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Osborne Park
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6017
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
Studio&amp;1
</td>
<td valign="top">
$200
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Maylands
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6051
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
Studio&amp;1
</td>
<td valign="top">
$210
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Victoria Park
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6100
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
Studio&amp;1
</td>
<td valign="top">
$210
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Hamilton Hill
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6163
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
Studio&amp;1
</td>
<td valign="top">
$215
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Baldivis
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6171
</td>
<td valign="top">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$215
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Gosnells
</td>
<td valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top">
6110
</td>
<td valign="top">
Townhouse
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$220
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: Investar
A three bedroom house nestled on the edge of East Kambalda has been listed for $180 per week. 
Situated on a large block, the house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-kambalda+east-412942407" target="_blank">33 Acacia Road</a> (pictured above) comprises three bedrooms, renovated kitchen, large living area, and home office or study.
It also features a shaded patio, a carport and garage. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/11/geraldton.jpg" alt="">
A Geraldton two bedroom unit currently on the market is priced at $185 per week.
Located close to all amenities in Geraldton, the furnished brick unit at 10/13 Ainsworth Street (pictured above) comes with open plan lounge area, two bedrooms, enclosed rear yard and single carport. 
It's just a short stroll to the CBD and beaches. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Kambalda East is WA's cheapest rental location: Investar 

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A rare opportunity to secure a slice of the Barossa Valley wine region is garnering interest locally and overseas.
Colliers International’s Tim Altschwager, Nick Dean and Nick Goode have been appointed to sell Owens Own Vineyard, located in Marananga around 70 kilometres north-east of the Adelaide CBD.
Situated among the world’s oldest Shiraz vineyards, dating back to the 1840’s, Owens Own Vineyard has supplied fruit for Penfolds Grange in previous years.
Mr Goode said the property’s scale would attract a multitude of buyers.
“The property has a total area of of approximately 29 hectares across three contiguous Certificates of Title and a total planted area of approximately 22 hectares, including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mataro,” Mr Goode added.
Shedding is substantial and includes a workshop with office and chemical laboraty capabilities with approximately 1,800 sqm undercover.
Irrigation is sourced through Barassa Infastructure Limited.
Offer close Friday 16 August.
"We expect this vineyard will be hotly contested,” Mr Goode concluded.
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Colliers International to sell Barossa Valley viticulture enterprise

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Owner occupiers and investors have the chance to secure a rare laneway retail asset in their heart of the Melbourne CBD.
Colliers International’s Chris Ling, Oliver Hay and Anthony Kirwan have been appointed to sell 22 Russell Place by international expressions of interest.
Nestled between Bourke Street and Little Collins Street in the CBD’s sought after retail precinct, the prime retail asset is situated on the ground floor of a nine-storey mixed-use complex.
Spanning 53 sqm of NLA, the property benefits from high ceilings and a floor-to-ceiling glazed shopfront.
“The location of the property is second to none, being in one of Melbourne’s signature laneways Russell Place,” Mr Ling said.
“This rare opportunity is perfectly timed, being offered with vacant possession, as there is flexibility for owner occupiers and investors to capitalise on the strong rental growth and the variety of uses the premises offers.”
“Strategically the property has immediate access to the Bourke Street tram supers-stop at the front doorstep as well as Melbourne Central and Parliament Train Stations. The area will also benefit from the upcoming State Library Metro Station,” he said.
“Opportunities of this kind are highly sought-after in Melbourne CBD and are rare as such, we are expecting a competitive contest when this property hits the market next week.”
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Rare Russell Place, Melbourne laneway asset offered to market

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Fender Katsalidis’ design for the Liverpool's tallest commercial tower and its surrounding redevelopment has received approval.
The project, which will be developed by Macky Corp, is known as Liverpool Quarter.
It will feature a 23-storey curved tower situated on the corner of Scott and Bigge streets.
The mixed-use project comprises 25,000 square metres of new office space, 1,500 square metres of co-working, 640 square metres of retail including a refurbished 1888 Hotel.
In addition to the 23-storey tower, the project comprises the refurbishment of the existing three-storey heritage New Commercial Hotel along with the construction of a two-storey building known as The Stables.
1,200 square metres of open space will act as the heart of the precinct.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/30/Liverpool%20Quarter%202.JPG" alt="">
Fender Katsalidis director Mark Curzon said, “Liverpool Quarter will set the standard for the best premium office space and public open space in this amazing emerging city."
The project is set to cater to the growing commercial demands of the area, particularly with the Western Sydney Airport approval, while the location also provides connectivity to the Sydney CBD via the adjacent Liverpool train station.
Construction of the building is expected to commence in late 2019 and completion is slated for late 2021.
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Plans green-lighted for Liverpool’s tallest commercial tower

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The John Singleton Group has invested in technology start-up Property Realm’s real estate trust accounting software, Concierge.
Concierge, which looks set to shake up the property management sector in Australia, combines artificial intelligence (AI) with voice recognition.
The technology utilises platforms such as Google Assistant, Google Home, Google Mini, SMS, standard email systems and Facebook Messenger to provide tenants with full access to their tenancy details.
Tenants can access all the information they need in a self-service environment at any time 24/7.
Paul Anderson, Executive Chairman of Bonython, the arm of the John Signleton Group investing in the product, described Concierge as “the future of communications between tenant, landlord and property manager, but ultimately it will become the platform for any interaction with customers who want self-service 24/7 when it suits them given the system’s flexibility and adaptability to any situation.”
Mr Anderson added, “We are also proud to support a technology conceived, tested, and delivered from the Central Coast of NSW, and yet again showcases the regions ability to create fantastic business opportunities.” he added.
Property Realm has invested heavily in this new technology that integrates voice recognition through Google with a real estate agent’s trust account, according to Patrick Hill, CEO of Realm Property, the developer of Concierge.
He said, “we have combined this integration with AI so that tenants can communicate directly with a real estate agent’s trust account."
“Through this technology, tenants can ask about when their rent is due, the timing of next inspection, or they can even pay their rent using Google Pay.”
In Australia, the average rent roll is 280-320 properties, with some of the more significant property managers overseeing as many as 11,000 managements. On average across Australia, tenants make 3.4 calls to their property manager per month. Realm estimates that 80-90% of these calls can be answered by Concierge using technology already owned and used by the tenant.
Property Realm is in discussions with a number of residential real estate networks regarding Australia-wide rollouts for Concierge.
They are also partnering with major trust account management software providers such as Rockend, Property Tree, and Property Me.
An existing client of Property Realm, Brett Hunter, Director of Raine &amp; Horne Terrigal, says Concierge enables property managers to secure quality tenants and give them more access to their information.
“Our landlords enjoy Concierge because it not only helps them secure quality, long-term tenants but helps educate tenants about their rights and provides access to their payment information.”
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John Singleton Group investing in Concierge, AI property management

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Claremont House, an original home in Claremont, Tasmania currently trading as a registered hotel has hit the market with a price guide of around $4.5 million. 
Cam Rogers of Nest Property Hobart and Farzin Hesari of Link Business have the listing. 
After a $2.6 million restoration over a 10 year period, Claremont House at 12 Lady Clark Avenue began trading in 2015 with the first three of its 10 accommodation rooms, The Tower Suite, Maids and Lady Clark rooms. 
The Darling, Bond, Convict and Servant's rooms opened in 2017, while the final two first floor rooms opened for hire in 2018. 
The Darling and Bond room within the south wing of the main house feature private ensuite bathrooms and views over Mount Wellington.
The Convict and Servant's rooms located within the c1840 servant's residence share a bathroom and communal kitchenette.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/29/claremont%202.jpg" alt="">
Claremont House comes with an approved plan for a 20 room extension to the original home for the uses of residence, short stay accommodation, long term accommodation, events and functions as well as restaurant with 24 hour liquor license.
The restaurant known as Bilton's had leased the 60 seat restaurant on the property until March 2018. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/29/claremont%203.jpg" alt="">
Set on five acres, the Chauffeur's Cottage in the back left corner is currently utilised with a passive income of $300 per week.
Claremont House holds a 1308 square metre car park with dual access points including access for double-decker buses and larger vehicles. 
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Claremont House trophy home priced at $4.5 million

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The Lismore industrial market is dominated by older style industrial development, according to the latest report from Herron Todd White (HTW).
The financial valuers found it comprises a mix of small to medium sized owner-occupied sheds and a scattering of larger complexes generally of a modest style and appeal.
As such, the found industrial properties tend to be sub- $500,000 for stand alone, single or twin tenanted properties.
When purchased by investors, they expect yields of 7-9% return with the lower yields more likely to be owner-occupiers where yield and return are not the driving factors.
The report authors noted,:"Larger complexes would tend to be eight per cent to 10.5%, however they are rarely transacted."
"Investors are less active in this market as yields tend to be relatively low compared to risk.
"This is a result of the owner-occupier market driving yields down and is compounded by the fact that the rental market is static.
"Despite this, Lismore’s industrial market is mature and tenants are relatively stable with well established businesses, not adversely impacted by the upward pressure on rents being experienced in coastal localities. As such the industrial economy has tended to avoid the boom and bust cycle."
A current listing on the rental market is a North Lismore 280 square metre storage shed (pictured below) priced at $1,278 per month.
The industrial shed at<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-nsw-lismore-503221606" target="_blank"> 1/67 Bridge Street</a> features double sliding doors, high ceilings in the first floor and toilet amenities. 
It is located within close proximity to the town.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/29/lismore%201.jpg" alt="">
Another new offering is a South Lismore brick warehouse (pictured below) priced at $800 per week.
Located within an industrial complex, the warehouse at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-nsw-south+lismore-503276190" target="_blank">2/30-32 Habib Drive</a> comes with high roller door and wide driveway allowing easy access. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/29/lismore%202.jpg" alt="">
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Lismore industrial rental market remains static: HTW

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Gungalin, a suburb of Canberra, has experienced the biggest stock increase in Australian Capital Territory over the last 12 months, according to Investar.
Investar says its sales stock has grown by 128%, from 45 units this time a year ago to its current 103 offerings.
It is followed by Griffth with 92.9% growth and Kambah with 69.6% growth. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/3/26/ACT%20STOCK%20INCREASE.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/3/26/ACT%20STOCK%20INCREASE.jpg" alt="">
Source: Investar
A two bedroom unit located in the Gungahlin Town Centre has been recently sold for $410,000 (pictured below). 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-act-gungahlin-130620610" target="_blank">101/2 Gribble Street </a>apartment features AEG appliance, heating and cooling, timber flooring in the living areas, and carpeted bedrooms.
The building comes with 20 metre pool, rooftop alfresco dining, lush gardens and gymnasium. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/3/26/gungahlin%201.jpg" alt="">
Another Gungahlin CBD apartment is currently on the market with a price guide of $374,950 (pictured below).
Within 1 kilometre of the Gungahlin Shopping Centre, the third-floor apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-act-gungahlin-130584986" target="_blank">56/77 Gozzard Street </a>comprises one bedroom, open plan living/dining, corner kitchen and north-east facing balcony. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/3/26/gungahlin%202.jpg" alt="">
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Gungahlin sees ACT's biggest stock increase: Investar

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Queenstown has the cheapest rentals across Tasmania, according to the latest Investar suburb performance report.
The report suggests its median rent for a two bedroom house sits at $140 per week and its median rent for a three bedroom sits at $150.
It is followed by Rosebery with $150 a week and Zeehan with $165 a week. 
There has been a decline in median rent in these localities over the past year. 
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Rank
</td>
<td valign="top">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top">
State
</td>
<td valign="top">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top">
Dwelling Type
</td>
<td valign="top">
Bedrooms 
</td>
<td valign="top">
Median rent 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
1
</td>
<td valign="top">
Queenstown
</td>
<td valign="top">
TAS
</td>
<td valign="top">
7467
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
$140
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
Queenstown
</td>
<td valign="top">
TAS
</td>
<td valign="top">
7467
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
3
</td>
<td valign="top">
$150
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
3
</td>
<td valign="top">
Rosebery
</td>
<td valign="top">
TAS
</td>
<td valign="top">
7470
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
3
</td>
<td valign="top">
$150
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
4
</td>
<td valign="top">
Zeehan
</td>
<td valign="top">
TAS
</td>
<td valign="top">
7469
</td>
<td valign="top">
House
</td>
<td valign="top">
3
</td>
<td valign="top">
$165
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: Investar 
A new offering in Queenstown is a three bedroom house located at the southern end of the town with views of Mount Owen.
Within walking distance to local public school and general store, the house at 13 Murray Street<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-queenstown-426916210" target="_blank"> </a>(pictured above) has been listed for rent with a price guide of $160 per week. 
It comes with three bedrooms, living room with views, and open car space. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/7/11/rosebery.jpg" alt=""> 
Another example is a Rosebery three bedroom house priced at $140 per week. 
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-rosebery-426314342" target="_blank">3 Colebrook Street</a> (pictured above), it comes with three bedrooms, large kitchen and dining area and veranda. 
The house also features wood heater and good sized laundry area. 
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Queenstown tops Tasmania's cheapest rental areas: Investar 

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Upper Kedron, an outer suburb of Brisbane, has experienced the biggest stock increase in Queensland over the last 12 months, according to Investar.
Investar says its sales stock has grown by 170%, from 27 houses this time a year ago to its current 73 offerings.
It is followed by Rothwell with 129% growth and Gleneagle with 119% growth. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/3/28/qld%20investar.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/3/28/qld%20investar.jpg" alt="">
Source: Investar
A Upper Kedron offering currently on the market is a five bedroom house priced over $620,000 (pictured below).
Set on a large 773 square metre block, the family home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-upper+kedron-130732070" target="_blank">16 Thomas Place</a> comes with five bedrooms, separate areas for lounge, dining and casual living, kitchen  and alfresco patio.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/3/28/upper%20kedron%202.jpg" alt="">
Another four bedroom Upper Kedron house on a 659 square metre block has been recently sold for $612,000 (pictured below).
The house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-upper+kedron-130179426" target="_blank"> 5 Kulnura Street </a>comprises four bedrooms, multiple living areas, modern kitchen, and covered alfresco area.
It's close to parkland, shops, train and schools. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/3/28/upper%20kedron%203.jpg" alt="">
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Brisbane's Upper Kedron house stock increases 170% in a year: Investar

One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

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fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

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FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

Joel Robinson

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

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