<html><body>
Launceston is continuing to record positive price movement, albeit at a more subdued rate than 2018, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
"We would suggest it is unlikely double-digit growth will be recorded this year, however it may not be far under," the valuation firm said. 
A townhouse situated in the heart of Launceston City recently sold for $700,000 (pictured above).
As an exceptional example of early Launceston architecture, the circa 1840s townhouse at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-tas-launceston-130604134" target="_blank">110 Cameron Street </a>comes with two living rooms, four bedrooms upstairs and north facing paved courtyard.
It was last sold at $455,000 in 2005.
"Interestingly, the activities of a Queensland based buying advocate firm acquiring residential property on behalf of SMSFs have resulted in a number of rentals being available," the report said.
"The vacancy rate has lifted a few points as a result and we are seeing a stabilisation of rental growth." 
<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/2019/7/10/launceston%202.jpg" alt="">
A fully furnished and fully renovated two bedroom unit in Launceston is currently on the rental market with a price of $450 per week (pictured above). 
The unit at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-tas-launceston-426784470" target="_blank"> 4/43-47 Elizabeth Street </a>comes with large open plan living, two bedrooms, modern kitchen and secure parking space. 
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Launceston sees positive price movement: HTW residential 

<html><body>
Prices have declined for both the inner and outer north of Melbourne, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
"In our February edition of the Month in Review, we stated that inner northern suburbs would be the hardest hit with declining property prices whereas the outer north would plateau," the valuation firm said. 
Economists agreed, stating that property prices for the north- east and north-west were set to decline (as shown below).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/27/s%20wright%202019.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/2019/6/27/s%20wright%202019.jpg" alt="">
The report notes that the outer northern suburbs of Craigieburn, Mickleham and Kalkallo reached their peak property prices in early to mid-2018 and have slowly been declining ever since.
Craigieburn’s urban sprawl previously known as providing a good return on investment for off the plan purchase of land is now being reversed.
A 448 square metre block of land back in early 2018 would be sold for $400,000 however now in mid- 2019 the same product would sell for $340,000 to $350,000.
"Purchasing this land off the plan in 2016 and selling in 2018 would provide a solid $70,000 to $100,000 capital gain, whereas purchasing more recently in late 2017 to early 2018, the land would be lucky to break even and is expected to sell at a loss," the report said. 
"The oversupply of land releases alongside the lack of land purchases due to tightened lending criteria has been the main charge behind the drop in land value."
Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs, for example Carlton, Collingwood, Brunswick and Northcote, have also been hit hard by declining property prices.
An example was a three bedroom house located in the heart of Brunswick which has recently been sold for $920,000.
Situated<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-brunswick-129727078" target="_blank"> 5 Hanover Street</a> (pictured below), it comprises three bedrooms, kitchen, separate lounge area, and large pergola area. 
It was sold at $985,000 in 2016. 
<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/2019/6/27/brunswick%20.jpg" alt="">
Median prices have fallen $30,000 to $50,000 for these suburbs since the start of 2019 and are projected to decline further according to REIV. 
Properties holding their prices are A grade, sizeable family oriented homes that have a prime position, superior floor plans and are in prime or renovated condition.
Secondary properties that do not have these qualities are struggling to sell and are seeing extended time on the market compared to 2018.
"There is an evident stock decrease for these suburbs which is contributing to the price decline," the valuation firm said. 
In the week of 23 March 2019, there were 674 auctions listed compared to 1,783 for the same week in 2018, according to Digital Finance Analytics data.
With stock levels being low and bank lending criteria tightened, home owners are choosing to stay in their current dwellings and choosing to renovate rather than risk attempting to upgrade to a superior property for which they may not get their finance approved by the bank.
According to the HTW report, Pascoe Vale has had the most surprising turn since the start of 2019.
"For a market that has been developer driven for the past two years, it now has completely reversed," it said. 
"Multiple permits granted for three-to-six townhouse developments are unable to proceed as developers struggle for finance."
A prime example is<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-pascoe+vale-129695610" target="_blank"> 40 Austin Crescent, Pascoe Vale</a> (pictured below). 
Comprising a four-townhouse development with approved permits, it has been on the market for 203 days with little interest due to the inherent risk of finance availability.
<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/2019/6/26/pascoe%20vale.jpg" alt="">
"Pascoe Vale has been development shy this year and if lenders do not reduce their strict criteria, townhouse developments in Pascoe Vale may be very limited going forward."
</body></html>

Northern Melbourne property prices remain in decline: HTW residential 

<html><body>
There is a declining residential market in Illawarra, according to the latest Herron Todd (HTW) residential report. 
The report notes that residential sales activity in Illawarra is below where it was during the peaking 2013 to 2017 years, but has not ground to a complete halt.
Transactions are still happening, especially where vendor pricing is realistic in the current market.
"Selling periods of three to six weeks are still common when the property is priced correctly, but there are many cases of long listings or multiple agents being used when vendor’s hold onto a belief their property can still command a peak price," the valuation firm said. 
Corelogic has reported that over the three months to April 2019, 75.6% of properties across the country sold for less than their original list price and this phenomenon of discounting is clearly evident in the Illawarra.
A property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-thirroul-130350018" target="_blank">73 Armagh Parade, Thirroul </a>(pictured below) has recently sold for $755,000 after initially being listed for $880,000 to $930,000.
It comprises three bedrooms, lounge, combined dining and kitchen, balcony and large double 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/2019/6/25/thirroul.jpg" alt="">
Another property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-flinders-130196578" target="_blank">40 Brunderee Road, Flinders</a> (pictured below) was sold for $679,000 after initially being listed for $829,000.
Set on a 472 square metre block, the single level home comes with four bedrooms, open plan living and dining space, alfresco area, central kitchen and double 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/2019/6/25/flinders%20.jpg" alt="">
"A big surprise for 2019 is that rents have remained relatively stable," the valuation firm said.
"With recent huge supply of new housing in growth corridors and units in the Wollongong CBD it was expected that rental demand and subsequently prices could drop.
"This doesn’t appear to be the case with property managers reporting decent demand for stock and overall rent prices holding."
A two bedroom unit located near the heart of Wollongong has been listed for lease with a price of $460 per week. 
Situated within a full security building, the unit at 54/313 Crown Street (pictured below) comes with two bedrooms, combined lounge and living room, large balcony and modern kitchen. 
<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/2019/6/25/gong.jpg" alt="">
According to the report, while this is not great news for tenants hoping for some rent relief, it is encouraging to investors.
A decline in selling prices means investors are able to get higher returns than were available at the peak period.
Gross yields as low as 4.25% were being experienced for investment properties at the back end of 2017.
A block of five two-bedroom units in West Wollongong sold for $1.1 million recently which shows a gross passing return to the investor of 6.15% with scope for increases in the future.
"With interest rates still low and rents stable these returns are slowly drawing some investors back to the market," the valuation firm said. 
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/0e441a37-cc7f-47f5-adbc-484381ca0c4a" alt="page10image5823328" width="0.500000" height="0.500000"><img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/a320459c-665d-4f51-8b0f-16a51205e720" alt="page10image12082752" width="0.500000" height="0.500000">
</body></html>

Illawarra rentals remain stable as sales activity slows: HTW residential 

<html><body>
The NSW Central Coast's transition to a slower market has gone well, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report suggests that as with any region with a diverse property range, some suburbs have felt the pressure of price adjustment more than others.
The data coming through is suggesting that the suburbs at the southern end of the region have seen price falls more than others.
This includes the suburbs of Umina Beach and Woy Woy where values seem to have fallen by around 10 to 15%.
This however, is on the back end of higher than average value increases compared to most other parts of the region.
A current listing in Umina Beach is a three bedroom townhouse priced at $775,000.
The townhouse at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-nsw-umina+beach-131203026" target="_blank"> 4/188 West Street</a> (pictured below) features three bedrooms, lounge and dining area, home office area, galley-style kitchen and low maintenance landscaped gardens. 
It's within walking distance to Woolworths Shopping Centre, ALDI Supermarket, Coles Supermarket, and the McDonalds.
<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/2019/6/25/umina%20beach.jpg" alt="">
"As we near the half way point of 2019, units within the Gosford CBD are also the subject of conversation" the valuation firm said. 
"We are hearing (and seeing) a loss in confidence in this market and as settlements on new developments are being called, the evidence suggests a close eye and extra caution needs to be observed by buyers before committing.
"We are stopping short (just) of saying we are in an oversupply situation right now as we believe that the plans for the expansion of both the public and private hospitals in Gosford will ease this situation,"
A three bedroom apartment positioned on the fringe of the Gosford CBD has recently been sold at a reduced priced of $425,000.
Set in a secure complex, the apartment at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-gosford-130415598" target="_blank"> 354/80 John Whiteway Drive</a> (pictured below) comprises three bedrooms, open plan living area, well-appointed kitchen and two car spaces. 
It is close to train station, shopping centres, schools and Gosford waterfront.
<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/2019/6/25/gosford%20.jpg" alt="">
Towards the northern end of the region, the market has definitely slowed with some price corrections noted in newer and older suburbs.
According to the HTW report, this hasn’t been much of a drop in values overall, but the evidence suggests that it is happening.
The northern end of the region is generally more price dependent with a higher reliance on continuity of employment and stablisation of home owners.
Vendor expectations have been a little slower to adapt to the changing market with real estate agents indicating that more time is being spent on the current values.
"This is then affecting those buyers out there and the meeting of minds," the valuation firm said.
"Buyers and their ability to deal are further impacted by changes in lending policies which in a nutshell is making borrowing harder.
"But that said, the property market appears to have swung in favour of buyers with more choices available.
"We are certainly in for an interesting second half of 2019 and if the signs are being read correctly, then we should expect the market to slow further.
"These signs include a higher level of valuation assessments being queried by lenders and mortgage brokers, slightly higher levels of owners opting for renovations and extensions rather than selling and real estate agents having to work harder to get their deals across the line.
"The property market work cycle is in the correction phase after solid increases in property prices throughout the past few years.
"The higher end of the market range seems to be tracking reasonably well at this stage and we are seeing little change to volumes of transactions and values seem to be less affected." 
</body></html>

Southern Central Coast suburbs prices falling: HTW residential 

<html><body>
There are certainly opportunities in the current 2019 market to pay less than the last price.
But is there really such a thing as buying a bargain when it comes to property? And where are they?
This series of articles looks are specific examples of sale price or asking price falling.
We take a look at where and if possible why this is happening.
We came across this property for consideration.
A waterfront Rosslyn, Queensland villa has been listed for $1.15 million.
This marks a $250,000 reduction on its previous sale price of $1.4 million.
Jared Hooper of Brian Hooper Real Estate is currently marketing the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-rosslyn-104726747" target="_blank">5 Bayside Way</a>, the three bedroom two, bathroom house with its own berth sits on the waters edge.
Set on 273 sqm, the villa is north east facing with harbour and ocean views.
Located 8 kilometres south of Yeppoon, the largest seaside town on the Queensland coastline, the open plan design incorporates cathedral ceilings, tiled flooring (downstairs) and full length glass walls opening on to the deck areas.
Last sold in 2005, the property transacted for $1.4 million.
The home was briefly listed in 2017 and 2018 seeking $1.25 million.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/22/Rosslyn%202.png" alt="">
<div class="image-wrapper">Property Observer advise that it is up to you to determine if the offering is a truly beneficial bargain.</div>
<div class="image-wrapper">
Remember buying at the bottom of the cycle is fraught – as you can't really precisely pick the bottom nor know just how long until you see some price growth.
Be aware you could be buying a poor quality property in an area with ongoing issues of oversupply of stock.
The oversupply could be also putting downward pressure on rents.
Other price declines could be because the vendor needs a quick sale or paid way over the top on its last purchase chase.
Property Observer suggests property purchasing really does need to be a very well considered proposition with a long term mindset.
As a part of this series, we've already had a look at properties in <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-at-mount-eliza-home-at-2-million-discount">Mount Eliza</a>, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-in-central-geelong-sale-price-dips-after-one-year">Central Geelong</a>, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-in-east-perth-near-new-apartment-makes-150-000-loss">East Perth</a> and <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-in-sydney-olympic-park-apartment-listed-at-180-000-value-discount">Sydney Olympic Park</a>.
</div>
</body></html>

Bargain property in Rosslyn? Waterfront Rosslyn villa listed at $250,000 reduction

<html><body>
There are certainly opportunities in the current 2019 market to pay less than the last price.
But is there really such a thing as buying a bargain when it comes to property? And where are they?
This series of articles looks are specific examples of sale price or asking price falling. 
We take a look at where and if possible why this is happening.  
We came across this property for consideration.
A pair of Bowen, Queensland duplex's has seen its listing slashed $180,000.
Currently listed for $340,000, the property first arrived on market in March 2008 seeking $520,000.
Bonnie Kohlhase of LJ Hooker is currently marketing the latest relisting
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-bowen-104745682" target="_blank">17 Casuarina Street</a>, the property was listed as a rental in 2015, midway through the campaign, for $220/pw. 
Set on 709 sqm, the duplex's are both comprised of two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
One was recently refloored, while both recently got a new roof and a fresh coat of paint, according to the listing
It is located a couple blocks from the beach.
The asking price was last reduced in May 2018.
Last sold in 1981, the property transacted for $53,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/22/Bowen%202.png" alt="">
<div class="image-wrapper">Property Observer advise that it is up to you to determine if the offering is a truly beneficial bargain.</div>
<div class="image-wrapper">
Remember buying at the bottom of the cycle is fraught – as you can't really precisely pick the bottom nor know just how long until you see some price growth.
Be aware you could be buying a poor quality property in an area with ongoing issues of oversupply of stock.
The oversupply could be also putting downward pressure on rents.
Other price declines could be because the vendor needs a quick sale or paid way over the top on its last purchase chase.
Property Observer suggests property purchasing really does need to be a very well considered proposition with a long term mindset.
As a part of this series, we've already had a look at properties in <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-at-mount-eliza-home-at-2-million-discount">Mount Eliza</a>, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-in-central-geelong-sale-price-dips-after-one-year">Central Geelong</a>, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-in-east-perth-near-new-apartment-makes-150-000-loss">East Perth</a> and <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-in-sydney-olympic-park-apartment-listed-at-180-000-value-discount">Sydney Olympic Park</a>.
</div>
</body></html>

Bargain property in Bowen? Listing of duplex pair slashed by a third

<html><body>
A North Ward, mortgagee home looks set to sell for a second consecutive loss following its 2016 sale.
In 2016 the apartment sold for $200,000, a $67,000 reduction on its 2007 sale price.
Lisa Morio and Sally Elliott of Smith&amp;Elliot are marketing the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-north+ward-131308726" target="_blank">4/23 Gregory Street</a>, the property is currently listed for $175,000, a further fall from it's 2007 sale price of $267,000.
Set on 86 sqm, the property was unable to transact during an auction in late June.
The two bedroom, one bathroom unit is situated minutes from the city.
The property was listed as a rental as recently as 2014, seeking $300/pw a reduction on the $325/pw it sought in 2013.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median sale price for a home in <a href="/developments/north-ward-qld-4810">North Ward, Queensland</a> is $525,000, according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as -2.3%.
</body></html>

North Ward, Queensland mortgagee home listed for consecutive loss

<html><body>
A Ridgewood, WA mortgagee home has been sold for $305,000.
First listed in 2017, the property came to market with a price guide of $389,000.
Josh Douglas of Professionals marketed the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-ridgewood-131359850" target="_blank">2 Roundwood Circuit, </a>the house was built in 2013 and listed as a rental as recently as March of this year. 
Set on 412 sqm, the four bedroom, two bathroom abode features a theatre, oversized garage, and a well-appointed kitchen.
Following the unsuccessful campaign in 2017, the property was relisted for more than 300 days in 2018. This latest campaign only lasted 35 days before finding a buyer with a price guide of $305,000.
In June and September of 2017 as well as March 2019, the property was listed as a rental seeking $320/pw.
A reduction on what it sought as a rental in 2016 when it was listed for $380/pw.
Last sold in 2011, the previous home residing on the plot sold for $184,000. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median sale price for a home in <a href="/developments/ridgewood-wa-6030">Ridgewood</a> is $395,000, according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as -0.1%.
</body></html>

Ridgewood, WA mortgagee listing slashed $85,000 and sold

<html><body>
There are certainly opportunities in the current 2019 market to pay less than the last price.
But is there really such a thing as buying a bargain when it comes to property? And where are they?
This series of articles looks are specific examples of sale price or asking price falling. 
We take a look at where and if possible why this is happening.  
We came across this property for consideration.
A South West Rocks, NSW home has just broken a decade on market and entered its eleventh year.
Currently listed for $690,000, the property was originally listed in April 2009 for $850,000, relecting a $160,000 reduction.
Ken Tassell of LJ Hooker is currently marketing the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-south+west+rocks-106533869" target="_blank">58 Ocean Street</a>, the property is a four bedroom, three bathroom house.
The two storey double brick abode is situated on a 730 sqm block.
It holds sweeping views over Trial Bay, South West Rocks, Smoky Cape and the ocean.
Featuring a second separate living area which has its own entrance and offers a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, lounge/rumpus room, bathroom and two bedrooms, the listing says, "this gives the flexibility of independence for visitors or family"
Last sold in 2003 the property transacted then for $720,000, more than double what it traded in 2000 for $325,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/22/Rocks%20Bargain%202.png" alt="">
<div class="image-wrapper">Property Observer advise that it is up to you to determine if the offering is a truly beneficial bargain.</div>
<div class="image-wrapper">
Remember buying at the bottom of the cycle is fraught – as you can't really precisely pick the bottom nor know just how long until you see some price growth.
Be aware you could be buying a poor quality property in an area with ongoing issues of oversupply of stock.
The oversupply could be also putting downward pressure on rents.
Other price declines could be because the vendor needs a quick sale or paid way over the top on its last purchase chase.
Property Observer suggests property purchasing really does need to be a very well considered proposition with a long term mindset.
As a part of this series, we've already had a look at properties in <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-at-mount-eliza-home-at-2-million-discount">Mount Eliza</a>, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-in-central-geelong-sale-price-dips-after-one-year">Central Geelong</a>, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-in-east-perth-near-new-apartment-makes-150-000-loss">East Perth</a> and <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-in-sydney-olympic-park-apartment-listed-at-180-000-value-discount">Sydney Olympic Park</a>.
</div>
</body></html>

Bargain property in South West Rocks? House breaks a decade on market

<html><body>
Cricketer Shane Warne is selling a Brighton home he only bought last March, The Herald Sun has reported.
It is speculated Warne is seeking about $8 million.
The Newbay Crescent contemporary double-storey home with a home theatre, pool and spa, was bought from private investigator Anthony Thompson for $5.4 million before its modernisation.
It was previously owned by the Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd, for nine years until 2015.
Warne is a frequent player on Brighton's property scene, and he's made a handsome profit playing the game.
He's owned the trophy home Melville twice.
He first bought it for $3.6 million in 2000, spending around the same amount on renovations and selling for $8.8 million in 2007.
He then <a href="/news/shane-warne-boomeranging-back-to-former-brighton-home-melville">bought the property back in 2016</a>, paying $14.2 million, only to <a href="/news/shane-warnes-6-million-brighton-flip-windfall">sell it 20 months later</a>, with no extras, for $18,888,888.
That was the biggest play in Warne's long history of flipping in Brighton
Fairfax Media prepped a timeline of his flipping on his purchase last year.
1996: The beachfront home at 102 Esplanade is bought by Warne for $902,000.
2000: After renovations, 102 Esplanade fetches $2.61 million.
2000: Warne and Simone Callahan pay $3.6 million for a circa-1880 Victorian residence at 32 Middle Crescent, and reportedly spend a similar sum in renovations. 
2007: The couple sell the Middle Crescent mansion for $8.8 million.
2007: For $3.7 million, Warne scoops up the five-bedroom house at 16 Park Street.
2009: The Park Street property sells for $6,775,000.
2009: Warne forks out $7.55 million on heritage-listed residence at 6 William Street, which he goes on to share with Elizabeth Hurley after he splits with Callahan.
2013:The William Street mansion sells for $10.85 million.
2014: Warne spends $3.95 million on mini-manor at 11 Kinane Street.
2016: In a move that made headlines, Warne buys back 32 Middle Crescent for $14.25 million.
2016: 11 Kinane Street sells for $5.35 million.
2018: Warne offloads 32 Middle Crescent for about $20 million.
2018: Warne buys a nearby property for about $5.5 million.
 
 
 
</body></html>

Speculation that Shane Warne seeks to flip his Brighton home

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.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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.

&nbsp;

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> 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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>

Staff reporter

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News