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A home in Frenchville in Queensland's Rockhampton region has been sold by the mortgagee in possession for $235,000, reflecting a $115,000 loss.
The three bedroom, one bathroom house on 605 sqm last sold for $350,000 in 2011.
The home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-frenchville-130657598" target="_blank">238 Flowers Avenue</a> sold after 555 days on the market.
Originally listed in December 2017 the property had an asking price of $339,000 through Dan Ware of Mr Real Estate.
Throughout the life of the listing, the asking price was reduced six times to $250,000.
There was also an unsuccessful auction in April 2019.
The property even went back on its 2007 sale when it sold for $290,000.
Built in 1975, it is a two story property with a two car garage.
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The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/frenchville-qld-4701">Frenchville</a> is $320,000 according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as -0.1%. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Frenchville, Queensland mortgagee home sold for $115,000 loss

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A house in Western Australia's Nickol, near Karratha in the Pilbara region, has been sold by the mortgagee in possession for a $357,000 loss.
The home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-nickol-131332210" target="_blank">6 Mayo Court</a> sold under the hammer for just $293,000, 44% of the value it sold for in 2007 when it transacted for $660,000.
Situated on 705 sqm, the home was marketed as "perfect for the investor or home occupier alike."
It is a three bedroom, one bathroom property which features an open plan kitchen and living area with a rear patio.
Rachel Ross and Tiffinie Guillesser marketed the property that was once owned by the State Housing Commission.
The State Housing Commission originally sold the house in 1992 for $76,500.
Its demise in value was also reflected in its rental worth.
In three years its rental asking price dropped by $600 a week.
It sought $1,050 a week in 2011 before asking $675 a week in 2014. The home failed to find a tenant and was listed for $550 a week later in the month.
Currently the median rent in Nickol is $480 a week.
Property Observer recently wrote about another <a href="/expert-insights/buying/four-bedroom-nickol-wa-mortgagee-home-sold">Nickol mortgagee, 10 Brolga Meander</a>, which sold in May.
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The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/nickol-wa-6714">Nickol</a> is $365,000 according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as 0.3%. 
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Nickol, WA home sold by mortgagee for half prior sale price amid falling rental market

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The empty site of a Toorak mansion controversially demolished in 2015 has been put up for sale with expectations of $40 million to $44 million.
It is owned by Xiaoyan “Kylie” Bao, who paid $18.58 million in 2013 for St Georges Road trophy home, Idylwilde.
<div class="in-content-ad">
<div class="ad">The Herald Sun report its listing arises after a matrimonial separation.</div>
<div class="ad"> </div>
<div class="ad">It was torn down much to the outrage of local residents.</div>
Domain reported a caveat was placed last week on the property tile by corporate entity Abacus Calculators (W.A.) Pty Ltd claiming an interest as chargee.
The oversized block is a little over 4250 square metres sitting empty for almost four years.
The 16 St Georges Road, Toorak has been issued with a building permit for a single dwelling, Stonnington council confirmed.
“Council has no authority to prevent blocks sitting vacant, and cannot instruct an owner to develop the land,” interim chief executive officer Simon Thomas told the local paper.
Council asked the then Liberal Government planning minister Matthew Guy for interim heritage controls which was rejected.
Idylwilde, the historic 1913 Edwardian villa with art nouveau influences, aka Ulva, was bulldozed by the Chinese tycoon Wang Hua, from the Jeshing Group and his wife, Xiao "Kylie" Yan Bao.
It was <a href="/news/offshore-buyer-secures-16-st-georges-road-toorak-from-peter-devitt-in-circa-20-million-sale">bought for $18.58 million </a>from LU Simon boss Peter Devitt and his wife Jo and their family who owned it for the 16 years.
It was marketed internationally via a short film produced by Golden Eye Media. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/stories/2013/09/23/toorak-sept-23-floorplan-big.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/stories/2013/09/23/toorak-sept-23-floorplan-small.jpg">
 
<a href="/news/chinese-tycoons-heritage-edwardian-toorak-villa-demolition-plans-thwarted">The mainland Chinese buyer</a> flew into Melbourne on their private jet to put the signature on the sales contract.
It has been reported Wang Hua, from the Jeshing Group, ranked in 2013 as China's 790th richest person, with a net worth of $400 million.
It was alleged on a visit to Australia, Mr Wang brought in a suitcase full of US dollars that was deposited in a local branch of a mainland Chinese bank, according to allegations in court documents. 
Melbourne’s house price record stands at $52.5 million for the Stonington mansion in Malvern.
 
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Demolished Toorak trophy home Idylwilde site relisted at $40 million plus

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Commercial real estate investment in Australia reached a new record level of $42.6 billion in transactions during the 2019 financial year (FY19), up 22% from the $34.9 recorded in FY18, according to Cushman &amp; Wakefield research.
Their research showed, during the financial year, investment in office assets reached a new high of $23.1 billion boosted by a number of major transactions as the financial year came to a close.
The transactions they refer to are Dexus acquiring 80 Collins Street, Melbourne for $1.476 billion, and the sale of 100 Market Street and 77-85 Castlereagh Street, Sydney to Blackstone for $1.52 billion.
Office investment volumes were highest in New South Wales which recorded a total of $10.2 billion in FY19, with Sydney remaining the most active market for office transactions in FY19.
Cushman &amp; Wakefield research shows that Sydney CBD prime gross effective rents grew 9.1% in the 12 months to June 2019, well above the long-term average, while vacancy declined to 4.1%.
Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s Head of Research, Australia and New Zealand, John Sears, said, “Investment in Australian commercial property remains in strong territory, with sustained investor demand for office assets across the country as rents ran higher and vacancies tightened. We saw landmark office deals in Sydney and Melbourne recently completed, and the pipeline remains strong. In Brisbane, the investment outlook remains positive and a number of office assets are commanding strong investor interest and are likely to transact in Q3.”
“With the bond yield falling around 130bps in the 2019 financial year and office yields remaining steady, the relative attraction of these assets also helped buoy investor demand. However, we are not yet calling the bottom of the yield cycle. Solid rental growth, improving funding costs plus the blowout in the spread to bonds suggests there is still room for commercial yields to decline further,” Mr Sears said.
Foreign investment also trended higher in FY19, recording a total of $19.3 billion and accounting for 45% of all transaction volumes.
Multinational investors such as Blackstone were among the major sources of foreign investment into Australia, while Canada and Singapore were also prominent sources of inbound capital.
Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s Managing Director CRE NSW, Simon Fenn, said, “The combination of stock withdrawal, the development of quality pre-committed supply and an unprecedented infrastructure spend is drawing both local and offshore capital.”
“With CBD stock unable to meet demand, investors are increasingly looking to metro areas that are also experiencing strong leasing conditions.”
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Commercial real estate investment reaches new record high of $42.6 billion

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A Glenmore Park, NSW home has sold under the mortgagee auction hammer.
The four bedroom, two bathroom house sold for $607,000.
Geoffrey Blaauw and Hayden Green of Response RE marketed the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-glenmore+park-131340562" target="_blank">22 Woodlands Drive</a>, the property sold on June 29.
Set on 660 sqm, the one story house ""offers a large backyard with potential for an alfresco area (STCA)," according to the listing.
The house was first sold in 1994 by the Housing Department for $80,000.
It was then sold in 1995 for $82,500.
Last listed for rent in May 2018, the asking price was $500/pw identical to the price in 2015, which was an increase on the 2011 asking rental price of $450/pw.
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The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/glenmore-park-nsw-2745">Glenmore Park</a> is $735,000 according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as 6.8%. 
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Glenmore Park, NSW home sold under mortgagee auction hammer

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A Briar Hill, Victoria townhouse has sold at June auction for $558,000.
The two bedroom one bathoom abode is set on 188 sqm.
Scott Conboy and Danielle Vella of Ray White held the listing.
Situated at 2/25 Williams Road, the one story property has a single car garage.
The open plan living area features two balconies.
According to the listing, "the home is ideal for downsizers, investors and first home buyers."
It is located close to public transport, parklands, shops and other amenities.
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The median price for a home in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-vic-briar+hill-131266762" target="_blank">Briar Hill</a> is $805,500 according to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as 7.1%. 
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Briar Hill, Victoria home sold under the mortgagee auction hammer

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A four bedroom, two bathroom Woorree, West Australia, house has sold for $290,000.
Located in Woorree, an eastern suburb of Geraldton the abode was sold for an increase in price of just $17,000 after being held for 18 years.
Sold after two months on the market, the home traded for $35,000 below its $325,000 asking price.
Doug Fabian of Ray White marketed the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-woorree-131148738" target="_blank">29 Polo Road</a>, the one story house was built in 1982.
Set on a 1 hectare plot, the property features 75 metres of street frontage.
According to the listing, "This home... does require lots of TLC".
It remained on market for 57 days at the same asking price of $325,000.
Last sold in 2001, the home transacted for $273,000.
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According to CoreLogic, the annual change in <a href="/developments/woorree-wa-6530">Woorree's</a> median price over the past 10 years is -1.7%.
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Woorree, WA mortgagee home sold $35,000 below asking price

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The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced that it has loosened the serviceability restrictions on home loan mortgage assessments.
It will allow borrowers to lift the size of their loans as lenders will be allowed to provide mortgages up to 14 per cent larger.
In a letter to lenders issued Friday, APRA confirmed its updated guidance on residential mortgage lending.
They will no longer expect them to assess home loan applications using a minimum interest rate of at least 7 per cent or 7.25 per cent which has been the common industry practice.
Lenders will use a revised interest rate buffer of at least 2.5 per cent over the loan’s interest rate.
AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver noted the prudential changes were yet to have a real impact, although they would have helped sentiment at auctions.
“The interest rates cuts and the election result are the main factors,” he said. 
Federal Housing Minister Mich­ael Sukkar said yesterday there was renewed confidence and “tentative green shoots” in the housing market.
“With the dark clouds of Labor’s housing taxes — abolishing negative gearing and doubling capital gains tax — gone after the election, two successive interest rate reductions and the Aust­ralian Prudential Regulation Authority’s sensible changes to the serviceability buffer, there are good reasons to be confident about the Australian housing market,” he said.
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APRA loosens home loan serviceability restrictions 

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The weekend auction success rate gathered momentum amid the winter seasonal listings slowdown.
With fewer properties offered, Sydney's preliminary clearance rate jumped to 78 percent and Melbourne hit 70 percent.
Auction volumes fell week-on-week across all capital cities, while the preliminary results had clearance rates up in all cities except Perth.
<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/2019/7/8/Core%20Logic%20-July%208.jpg" alt="">
<div class="_3MT_w">The weekend's priciest auction offering was a stunning beachside home at Manly, which failed to sell.</div>
Despite the buyer interest, it was passed in on a $15 million vendor bid at Manly, as none of the three registered bidders nor several other contract holders were willing to bid for the Vince Squillace-designed home.
Set on an 822sqm block, the three level home at <a href="https://www.clarkeandhumel.com.au/buy/for-sale/38-bower-street/" target="_blank">38 Bower Street</a> (above and below) has multiple living spaces that spill out on to terraces surrounded by tropical gardens.
A whole-floor home office opens to a rooftop terrace overlooking Shelly Beach and Cabbage Tree Bay.
<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/2019/7/8/38%20Bower%20Street%20Manly%202.jpg" alt="">
The home was auctioned after Michael Clarke and Cherie Humel, in conjunction with Jake Rowe, gave a price guide of $15 million to $16.5 million.
It was listed by outdoor sports advertising boss Ray Balcomb and his wife Julie, who designed the home to emulate a luxury Greek villa.
Last sold for $7.25 million in 2013, the Bower St home was until two years ago their weekender as they lived in Duffys Forest on one of Sydney’s finest equestrian estates. 
The dearest sale across the capital cities was $4,175,000 at Elizabeth Bay through Ray White agent Nick Thompson.
The three bedroom, two bathroom <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://raywhiteelizabethbay.com.au/properties/sold-residential/nsw/elizabeth-bay-2011/apartment/2122790" target="_blank">35/93 Elizabeth Bay Road</a> (below) apartment sits on the top floor of the early 1980s Kincoppal complex.
<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/2019/7/8/Elizabeth%20Bay%20apartment.jpg" alt="">
It has 274sqm of living space plus a 33 sqm double garage.
It last sold at $925,000 in 1986, and ranked as the seventh apartment within the complex to have fetched $4 million plus in the past seven years.
It sold to an investor with two other apartments in the harbour front complex.
Melbourne's top sale was also a waterfront.
Overlooking boat sheds, the <a href="https://www.hockingstuart.com.au/property/3-15-morton-grove-chelsea-vic-3196-139158" target="_blank">3/15 Morton Grove, Chelsea beachfront townhouse</a> (below) offering was sold pre-auction at $2 million.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/8/Chelsea%20Beachfront.png" alt="">
It had $2.4 million to $2.5 million guidance late last year through Hocking Stuart after its recent completion.
Brisbane's top sale was when a Queensland pastoralist bought at Clayfield for $2.8 million. 
The 1929 trophy home, Highgate sold through Ray White having been initially listed with $3.2 million hopes with another agent.
Designed by Richard Gailey, the Spanish mission residence at <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://rwnf.com.au/properties/residential-for-sale/qld/clayfield-4011/house/2120755" target="_blank">117 Adelaide Street E, Clayfield</a><a href="https://www.raywhite.com/qld/clayfield/2120478/" target="_blank"> </a>(below) has been tightly held for the past four decades. 
Set on 1,710 sqm, Highgate has six bedrooms, formal and informal dining and lounge rooms, a freestanding office and a billiard room.
Under a terracotta tile roof, Highgate still has a number of original features, including a working fireplace, lead lighting, french doors, hardwood floors, decorative horse-hair plaster ceilings, and hand-cut crystal chandeliers.
In the grounds is a saltwater swimming pool.
<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/2019/7/8/East%20Clayfield.jpg" alt="">
Christine Rudolph and Matt Lancashire of Ray White New Farm had the listing. 
The nation's cheapest sale came in Sydney when a three bedroom Willmot house fetched $232,000.
The fire damaged <a href="https://lsre.com.au/property/house-nsw-willmot-1p3838/">6 Balboa Place offering</a> was marketed by Laing &amp; Simmons as having dual occupancy potential given its 626 sqm block.
The first week of July saw the combined capital city clearance rate above 60 per cent for fourth consecutive week, according to CoreLogic which put the national figure at 68 percent.
Auction volumes remain lower year-on-year, with 1,411 auctions held this time last year, compared to 945 capital city auctions this weekend, which included 388 in Melbourne and 552 in Sydney.
There had been a higher 1,295 capital city homes auctioned in the last week of June. 
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Manly trophy home passed in on $15 million vendor bid amid strenthening weekend auctions

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Ballina 234, a new house-and-land package at Point Cook, Victoria fetched $736,000 at weekend hockingstuart auction.
The proceeds raised from the no-reserve auction have been donated to the Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision charity to fund research in the fight against bone marrow failure syndrome.
Designed by Fairhaven Homes, the single storey house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-point+cook-131150374" target="_blank">12 Joyce Street, Point Cook </a>comprises four bedrooms, rumpus, large open-plan living/meals/kitchen area, covered alfresco area and fully landscaped garden. 
Other features of Ballina 234 include kids’ wing with study nook, designer lighting, driveway and fencing.
The home will come complete with $50,000 worth of furniture and a 12 month Foxtel Platinum Package.
The lucky bidder also received a new Mercedes Benz to park in their new 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/2019/6/27/point%20cook%202.jpg" alt="">
Situated on a 425 sqm block within Satterley’s Upper Point Cook Estate, Ballina 234 is just a few steps from Upper Point Cook estate’s recently opened $2.4 million 1 hectare park.
The 1800-lot residential estate won the Best Residential Community Over 250 Lots in the 2018 Urban Development Institute of Australia awards. 
<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/point%20cook%203.jpg" alt="">
Surrounded by walking and cycling paths, the development features 14ha of open space, parks and playgrounds and brand-new childcare centre. 
The buyers, who plan on moving in, live a few streets away with their two sons and wanted to stay in the area.
 
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Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision charity home at Point Cook sells for $736,000 at charity auction

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> 
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First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

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

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

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

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

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

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