<html><body>
The federal budget announced that an affordable housing bond aggregator would be created to raise money at lower rates from the wholesale bond market for not-for-profit community housing providers.
The government will provide $63.1 million over four years from 2017-18 (including $4.8 million in capital) to establish and run The National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC).
The NHFIC is based on the bond aggregator models of Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute Limited that were presented to federal, state and territory Treasurers in a report of the Affordable Housing Working Group (AHWG) late last year, according to AHURI’s website.
It has compiled a list of new measures for housing and homelessness featured in the 2017 budget.
The final details of the NHFIC will be determined following advice from the Affordable Housing Implementation Taskforce, due by mid-2017 with the corporation to start operations from July 1, 2018.
The budget announcement “is safe policy territory and sound strategy,” according to Honorary Associate Professor, RMIT University’s Julie Lawson whose post was carried by Property Observer. 
The social housing sector and all major parties have supported housing bonds and a special-purpose intermediary since the 2015 report of the Senate Inquiry into Housing Affordability, Lawson said.
The NHFIC will also administer the National Housing Infrastructure Facility (NHIF) that will, over five years, provide $1 billion to support local governments finance critical infrastructure such as transport links, site remediation works and power and water infrastructure needed to speed up the supply of new housing.
Concessional loans totalling $600 million, equity investments worth $225 million and $175 million in grants will be made to local governments through state and territory governments.
The 2017 Budget also replaces the National Affordable Housing Agreement (NAHA) between the Commonwealth, states and territories with a new National Housing and Homelessness Agreement (NHHA) to operate from July 1, 2018.
The NHHA will combine funding currently allocated under the National Affordable Housing Specific Purpose Payment (NAHSPP) and the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH).
It will target jurisdiction-specific priorities including supply targets, planning and zoning reforms and renewal of public housing stock while also supporting the delivery of frontline homelessness services.
Funding for both the housing and homelessness sectors will be ongoing and indexed, with the Commonwealth contributing $4.6 billion to the NHHA between 2018 and 2022.
As part of this funding, the government will provide $375.3 million over three years from 2018–19 to fund ongoing homelessness support services, with funding matched by the states and territories.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

AHURI research supports Budget 2017's affordable housing finance model

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The Melbourne suburb of Kensington is among the nation's top 10 fastest selling suburbs, according to Investar’s latest report.
The property data firm says that houses in Kensington spend 39 days on the market before sale.
<table style="width: 473px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
State
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Dwelling
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
Days on market
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
Current median price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Croydon Park
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2133
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
38
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$412,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Kensington
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
3031
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
39
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$775,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Bowden
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
SA
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
5007
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
40
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$340,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Annandale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2038
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
41
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$2,500,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Woolloomooloo
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
41
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$800,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Beecroft
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2119
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
42
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$1,350,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Fairlight
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2094
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
42
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$900,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Narraweena
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2099
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
43
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$1,250,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Caulfield South
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2162
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
44
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$1,100,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Allambie Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2100
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
45
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$900,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-kensington-125297710" target="_blank">16 Altona Street</a> (above) spent 26 days on the market before being sold recently for $1.11 million.
Another example is a two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-kensington-125057130" target="_blank">33 Chelmsford Street</a> (below) that spent 37 days on the market before being sold for $903,000.
<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/2017/06/14/33%20Chelmsford%20Street.jpg" alt="">
The median price of houses in Kensington is $960,000, which is an increase of $55,000 from last year’s median price of $905,000.
Kensington is a popular suburb with 894 more website listing visits than most other suburbs in Victoria.
Independent residents make up the majority of residents in Kensington.
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Kensington among the fastest selling Melbourne suburbs

<html><body>
Croydon Park is amongst the fastest selling suburbs across Australia, according to Investar’s latest report.
The property investment firm says that units in Croydon Park spend an average of 38 days on the market before being sold.
<table style="width: 473px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
State
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Dwelling
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
Days on market
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
Current median price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Croydon Park
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2133
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
38
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$412,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Kensington
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
3031
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
39
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$775,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Bowden
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
SA
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
5007
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
40
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$340,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Annandale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2038
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
41
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$2,500,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Woolloomooloo
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
41
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$800,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Beecroft
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2119
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
42
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$1,350,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Fairlight
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2094
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
42
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$900,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Narraweena
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2099
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
43
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$1,250,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Caulfield South
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2162
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
44
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$1,100,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Allambie Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2100
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
45
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$900,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A example is a recent sale at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-nsw-croydon+park-124943686" target="_blank">8/13 Brighton Avenue</a>, (above) where the property was sold within 40 days for $440,000.
Another example is a recent sale at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-croydon+park-124984558" target="_blank">25/1 Fabos Place</a>, (below) where the property was sold within a week for $420,000.
<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/2017/06/14/25_1%20Fabos%20Place.jpg" alt="">
The median price of a unit in Croydon Park is $610,000, which is a increase from last year’s median price of $542,500.
Properties in Croydon Park in high demand with more website property listing visits per property than other suburbs in NSW
Established and mature residents make up 16 percent of the residents in Croydon Park.
</body></html>

Croydon Park units spend just 38 days on market before sale

<html><body>
Montagu Bay is the fastest locality for houses over the past year, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm for units South Penrith and Wyoming sells the fastest.
Low interest rates coupled with higher levels of demand for housing has seen property sales in some areas take off faster than in others.
CoreLogic research analyst Cameron Kusher said that given mortgage rates have fallen over recent years, certain cities, namely Sydney and Melbourne, have seen heightened demand and a rapid rate of sale for properties.
(Note - today’s analysis only calculates where there were at least 10 observations of paired listings and subsequent sales over the year and is calculated on private sales excluding properties advertised for auction due to the selling time for an auction is often better described as a marketing period that typically lasts for around six weeks.
The figure is calculated by the difference from the date at which a property is first listed compared to its contract date).
Montagu Bay in Hobart now has the shortest median days on market for houses over the past year at 5 days.
For units, South Penrith and Wyoming in Sydney has the shortest median days on the market at 7 days.
The most obvious trend is that the majority of suburbs listed are within capital cities. This is generally the case across each state and territory.
The CoreLogic analysis highlights that housing market conditions are generally stronger in the capital cities than they are in regional areas.
Mr Kusher said, “In most instances, the suburbs that are not in capital cities are located in regions close to the capital city, highlighting how housing demand has rippled outwards from the capital cities as prices rise.”
Although Sydney and Melbourne have grabbed the headlines over recent years for their comparatively strong rates of capital growth, in other capital cities there are suburbs experiencing a very rapid rate of sale.
For example, Brisbane values have increased by less than 5% over the past year but each of the suburbs listed for houses have a median days on market figure of less than 20 days.
Mr Kusher said, “With mortgage rates and the number of properties available for sale remaining low we would anticipate that the current rapid rate of sale in Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra will remain low, however there have been some early signs that stock levels are starting to rise which may lead to an easing in the perceived urgency to buy across some markets.
“Outside of these areas, suburbs in sought after locations with relatively low stock available for sale are also likely to see transactions occurring at a fairly rapid pace, especially if vendors ensure that they are setting realistic initial listing prices.”
A three bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-nsw-wyoming-125219030" target="_blank">11/12-20 Kinarra Avenue</a>, Wyoming (above) was sold in April this year for $428,000.
Similarly a two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-wyoming-123534226" target="_blank">63 Jarrah Drive</a>, Wyoming (below) was sold in March this year for $215,000.
<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/2017/06/08/63%20Jarrah%20Drive.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Where are Australia's fastest selling suburbs? CoreLogic

<html><body>
The Sydney suburb of Fairlight is among the top 10 fastest selling suburbs across Australia, according to Investar’s latest June report.
Units in Fairlight stay on the market for 42 days before being sold.
Recently a two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-nsw-fairlight-125559594" target="_blank">3/36 Rosedale Avenue</a> (above) was listed for 14 days before it was sold for $900,000.
Similarly a three bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-nsw-fairlight-125191178" target="_blank">8/52 Griffiths Street</a> (below) was listed for 22 days before it was sold for $1.51 million.
<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/2017/06/16/8_52%20Griffiths%20Street.jpg" alt="">
Suburb
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98"> </td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
State
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Dwelling
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
Days on market
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
Current median price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Croydon Park
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2133
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
38
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$412,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Kensington
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
3031
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
39
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$775,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Bowden
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
SA
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
5007
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
40
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$340,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Annandale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2038
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
41
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$2,500,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Woolloomooloo
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
41
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$800,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Beecroft
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2119
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
42
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$1,350,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Fairlight
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2094
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Unit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
42
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$900,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Narraweena
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2099
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
43
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$1,250,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Caulfield South
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2162
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
44
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$1,100,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="98">
Allambie Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2100
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
House
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="52">
45
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$900,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
The median price of a unit in Fairlight is $1,317,500, which has increased compared to last year’s median price of $1.22 million.
Fairlight has 3252 website listing visits compared to most suburbs of NSW’s 797.
The majority of residents are established, independent residents accounting for 22% of the residents in the area.
</body></html>

Sydney's Fairlight among top 10 quickest selling suburbs

<html><body>
Mortgagees have secured the sale of another Mernda home.
It was <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-mernda-126629046" target="_blank">a three bedroom sold for $485,000</a>.
It was marketed as a "fantastic first home or investment offering."
The three bedroom home has a modern kitchen with tiled family/meals area.
It sits on a 294 square metre block.
Last month mortgagees secured the $572,000 sale of a five bedroom Mernda home.
Situated in a sought after pocket of Mernda, the neat home came complete with a well-appointed kitchen and open plan living design, large family and meals area.
The home was set on a 565 square metre block at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-mernda-126373358" target="_blank">24 Black Braes Boulevard</a>. The block had sold at $222,000 in 2015.
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Mortgagees find more success in Mernda

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ASIC has intervened in relation to 21 superannuation trustees, representing 15 per cent of the trustee population, to improve 'Transparency Information' (TI) on their super fund websites.
Under s29QB of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SIS Act), each superannuation fund must disclose TI on a website and keep it up to date at all times.
TI comprises remuneration, governance and other information related to the fund; for example trustee directors’ remuneration for the last two financial years, fund trust deeds and product disclosure statements, a summary of significant event notices sent to fund members in the last two years and a summary of how the trustee voted in the last financial year in relation to listed shares held by the fund.
ASIC's action follows an earlier review of transparency disclosure requirements introduced as part of the Stronger Super reforms (refer: 15-245MR), and a broader focus on ensuring superannuation trustees deliver transparent and accessible superannuation fund information.
Twenty-one super fund websites were identified as failing to meet TI requirements. Two of the super funds had assets exceeding $10 billion while the remaining 19 were smaller funds.
ASIC Deputy Chairman Peter Kell said the economic significance of superannuation meant that information about the superannuation industry should be transparent, both for fund members and gatekeepers such as analysts, advisers and journalists.
'ASIC's expectation is that super fund websites should be easily found by searching on the fund's name using an Internet search engine and that the website homepage should prominently point to the Transparency Information', Mr Kell said.
The transparency deficiencies identified in ASIC's review comprised:
<ul>
<li>no super fund website (10 funds);</li>
<li>no TI on the fund website (four funds);</li>
<li>no remuneration information (five funds); and</li>
<li>remuneration disclosed in bands, rather than for each individual executive officer (two funds).</li>
</ul>
ASIC wrote to the trustees of the 21 super funds asking them to address these transparency failures.
As a result, seven trustees disclosed the required information, five made it easier to find the information and trustees of two small funds, who did not have websites, sought relief from TI obligations.
Seven trustees transferred fund members to another fund before winding up the fund. Two trustees also improved their procedures for ensuring that TI is up to date.
Table 1 sets out the results according to TI failure type.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/05/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-05%20at%209.59.37%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/07/05/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-05%20at%209.59.37%20am.jpg" alt="">
ASIC has received applications for relief from TI obligations from two trustees that were in breach of the requirement to have a website, but no relief has been granted at this stage.
ASIC cannot give relief for breaches that have already taken place and will consider what further action may be necessary here.
'ASIC's expectations about effective disclosure that complies with the TI requirements are addressed in new MySuper FAQ D7, our earlier media release 15‑245MR ASIC reviews transparency information on super websites and other ASIC MySuper FAQs.
‘We encourage trustees to familiarise themselves with this guidance when designing or updating their super websites', Mr Kell said.
Regulations 2.37 and 2.38 of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 specify what TI must include.
Failure to comply with TI obligations is a strict liability offence.
The 21 super funds where TI deficiencies were identified represented approximately 8 per cent of APRA-regulated funds (that are not small APRA funds).
ASIC has given industry relief and guidance in relation to the timing of the provision of information under s29QB (refer: Regulatory Guide 252 Keeping superannuation websites up to date).
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ASIC acts to improve transparency of super websites

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Historically, Melbourne properties of $3 million and above have been classified as prestige. 
Recently, the ultra-prestige price for detached housing has increased to properties above $5 million and up to $15 million to $25 million, following the increasing number of properties falling between the $3 million and $4 million mark. 
Similarly, any townhouse or apartment above $3 million is labelled as prestige.
HTW, the valuation firm, says Melbourne has four main prestige areas, comprising parts of the Stonnington, Boroondara, Bayside and Port Phillip City Councils.
The main prestige suburbs in the City of Stonnington are Toorak, South Yarra, Armadale, Malvern and Malvern East, located in Melbourne’s inner south- eastern suburbs alongside the Yarra River and a short distance to Melbourne’s CBD.
Kew, Hawthorn, Hawthorn East, Camberwell, Balwyn, Balwyn North and Canterbury make up the City of Boroondara’s prestige market. Approximately ve kilometres east of the Melbourne CBD, the area is primarily residential in nature, with a number of renowned private schools such as Scotch College Hawthorn, Fintona’s Girls School Balwyn and Xavier College Kew.
Almost two-thirds of Boroondara consists of water courses and parklands such as the Yarra River and Yarra Bend Park.
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Bayside and Port Phillip City Councils run along the north-east coastline of Port Phillip Bay. Most prestige properties are seen in Brighton, Middle Park and Albert Park, which are primarily residential suburbs with occupants attracted to the inner city lifestyle as well as the luxurious beach surroundings.
The prestige apartment market is evident in East Melbourne, St Kilda Road, Melbourne and St Kilda. Some addresses of note include: 150 Clarendon Street, East Melbourne; 60-66 Clarendon Street, East Melbourne; 51 Spring Street, Melbourne; and 576-578 St Kilda Road, St Kilda.
High net-worth individuals are the buyers driving these sectors. 
Similarly, developers drive prestige sales, where the current improvements add little value and the site is suitable for potential multi-unit or single dwelling development.
The inclusions high net-worth individuals seek are modern kitchens and bathrooms including stone benchtops, designer joinery and tapware, and oor to ceiling tiles in bathrooms. 
Other sought out inclusions are quality oor coverings such as timber ooring (parquetry or American Oak), travertine tiles and luxurious carpets, typically large gross building areas, basement car spaces, self-cleaning designer swimming pools, championship tennis courts, and landscaped properties.
Popular Melbourne based architect, Nicholas Day, has crafted multiple prestige properties throughout Melbourne. Other prestige architects include Phillip Mannerheim, Bruce Henderson and landscape architect Jack Merlo. Visioneer Builders is an award winning company specialising in the construction of prestige properties. These renowned property experts attract buyers who drive these sectors.
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The Stonnington, particularly Toorak, market, Boroondara and Bayside markets have revealed good median house price growth in 2017. 
The current cycle has been generally firm for approximately six years, with the last softening occurring in mid-2012 (realestate.com.au). 
For instance, the Toorak median house price as at 9 April 2018 was $4.4 million, which has doubled since December 2016 and seen a growth of 30.9% over a year. According to Domain Group chief economist Dr Andrew Wilson, overall prestige prices in Melbourne itself rose by 11.6%.
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s rst meeting for 2018 agged the possibility of interest rate rises later in the year on the basis of the strengthening economy. 
Notwithstanding this, the commencement of the 2018 auction period in February revealed moderate results with auctions well contested in general and clearance rates at 70%. The current market appears to be in a steadying phase with a balance between buyer demand and vendor expectations.
HTW note premium, A grade property continues to command good demand from purchasers.
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The Melbourne prestige market looks to be continuing on from its 2017 growth in the short to medium term outlook. 
Prestige buyers are seeking great properties closer to the CBD. 
John Bongiorno of Melbourne’s Marshall White was cited in the HTW.
 “I see a big trend that will continue over the next decade of inner suburb Melbourne in particular becoming more and more bullet-proof," the veteran agent noted.
"With the development of infrastructure and congestion on the roads, people are getting fed up with waiting times in traf c and want to live, increasingly, within an eight- to 10-kilometre radius of CBDs. That’s where the best investments will be, too.” (domain.com.au).
In the long term view, the Autumn 2018 Herron Todd White report suggests, there is caution, as the prestige market could be reaching its peak.
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Caution in Melbourne's trophy home market as peak nears

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It’s a testament to Brisbane's appeal that so many more interstate and overseas buyers are "coming to the party" that is Brisbane’s high-end real estate sector. 
The valuation firm suggests they see value for money, an enviable lifestyle and, for many, the opportunity to set up and operate their business without the hassle of a Harbour Bridge traffic snarl.
While there are certainly prestige properties across the breadth of the South East, the HTW report honed in on Brisbane City specifically.
"The ultra-wealthy do tend to gravitate toward the CBD rather than seek offerings in surrounding authorities such as Ipswich and Moreton," it noted.
Most multi-million dollar sales in these climbs consist of large rural holdings or developable sites. 
Not to say there aren’t alternatives, but it is the Brisbane market that provides the highest density of sales and is probably the most accurate measure for tracking the sector.
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In Brisbane, you really don’t need to crack the $10 million mark to pick up an exceptional property. 
Prestige housing sits within the broad $2 million to $8 million zone," HTW suggest.
"That’s right. 
"For the price of a three-bedroom second hand Bondi Beach at you can be among some of the nicest abodes in the best suburbs South East Queensland has to offer.
"We consider ultra-prestige buyers to be in the $8 million-plus realm.
"For these sorts of dollars, you will be on the river bank, riding horses across your rolling acreage or positioned high on an inner-city hill."
If you’d prefer a bit more in the way of low-maintenance pampering, perhaps an apartment is more your style. 
With $2 million to $5 million you are breaking into the rst stage of ‘elite strata’ of Brisbane units and townhouse. 
"Add a touch more to reach, say, $5 million-plus and you absolutely recline in platinum status real estate. 
There are a few go-to addresses for anyone looking to join in on our plush property party. 
Old school money homes in Ascot, Hamilton and Clay eld are generally classic, colonial and stunning.
HTW suggest there are a few in New Farm too but, along with Newstead, you’ll also find plenty of ‘new money’ helping rede ne prestige property in these suburbs.
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Teneriffe is now regarded as our premium suburb with most analysis showing it has the highest median house price in our town. Feeding off its extensive river frontage, real estate values re ect the appeal of being within a walkable distance of great facilities and a short jog of the CBD. 
Kangaroo point has some stunners as well – particularly houses high on the cliff looking at the CBD, plus whole- oor units with river/ city vistas.
For suburban chic, Paddington is the home of the upwardly mobile family. Paddington is one of the original workers-cottage suburbs, but there’s been some serious money spent here in both upgrading existing home and building new ones on splitter blocks. 
Some holdings have views of the city, but all have access to awesome lifestyle and retail hubs. Bulimba is another riverfront address that’s bene tted from great coffee and ne shopping.
There are classic rambling colonials as well as new contemporaries on small blocks. On the river itself are some of the most stunning homes Brisbane has to offer with price tags to match.
There are others such as East Brisbane, Norman Park and the western stunners like Chelmer, St Lucia and Fig Tree Pocket too.
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Some recent sales of high-value homes include 1A Eldernell Tce, Hamilton which sold for $7.25 million in February this year. 
It was a major renovation offering five-bedroom, four-bathroom, four-car accommodation on 910sqm site with peak-like views of the CBD and river.
1 Sydney St, New Farm was also impressive achieving $6.5 million in October last year with a very contemporary ve-bedroom, four-bathroom home. These are all fine, but it’s when you step up a notch that things become really impressive.
24 Palm Ave, Ascot sold for $8.3 million in February last year. A beautiful contemporary ve-bedroom, six-bathroom home sitting on a monster 1923sqm of land. That a huge site considering the property is located just ve kilometres from the CBD.
Not to be outdone, 35 Morgan St (aka 128 Crosby Rd), Ascot sold for $8.8 million in September last year. Affectionately known for its ‘bat cave’ tunnel entrance to the 10-car garage, the home itself is perched atop a summit site of 1120sqm that resulted in knockout views. With three levels of living and a total square meterage of 1409sqm, this is very impressive home.
The most expensive recent sale, however, is the reported $11 million achieved for 27 Sutherland Ave, Ascot. The property was still under contract at the time of writing. It screams old-school Hampton’s luxe with an enormous reported total oor area of 1337sqm. Six-bed, six-bath accommodation plus a four-car garage all positioned on a 2024sqm site. A very beautiful piece of real estate. The key factors driving this end of the market in Brisbane are universal to most prestige property.
Buyers are of course high-net-worth and they mostly enjoy grand homes with high end finishes positioned close to convenient lifestyle facilities.
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At present, HTW believe the Brisbane high-end residential sector is best described as ‘stable’. While buyer enquiry is reportedly a little slower than agents would like, interest in good quality stock remains buoyant.
In addition, new money for property coming into Queensland from cashed up interstate and overseas buyers is improving. 
HTW wouldn’t be surprised to see some very impressive sales results over the coming two-to-three years - a sound outlook of cautious optimism coupled with buoyant long-term prospects.
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Brisbane trophy home market stable, with buyer enquiry slower than agents would like

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A three bedroom brick and tile house in Koongamia, a northeastern suburb of Perth, has been listed for $349,000 by mortgagees.
The Western Australian home is offered by Donna Gibb from Harcourts.
Built in 2003,<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-koongamia-128290002" target="_blank"> the 33B Koolgoo Way house</a> comes with three double sized bedrooms, formal lounge, open plan dining and outdoor entertaining area. 
It also features the well-appointed kitchen, entrance hall and family room. 
Nestled on an easy care 548 square metre block, it is close to shops, school and public transport.
It last sold at $372,500 in 2007.
It hit the market in March with other agents at $379,000.
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Koongamia three bedroom brick house for mortgagee sale

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

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Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

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Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

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Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

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ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

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For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

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Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

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Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

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Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

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Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

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Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

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The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

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The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

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The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

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Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

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Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Staff reporter

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