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Moelis has bought 54 apartments in Vision, South Village at Kirrawee.
Development company Payce negotiated a deal with Moelis Australia to sell all the units in the six-storey Flora Street building for $28.5 million.
The investment company's purchase was first reported by the local paper, the St George Leader, as being at "about 30% below peak sale prices".
A followup story by Nine Enertainment suggested the deal came at a discount of between 20-25% based on market prices for units sold in the area last year.
Moelis is seeking investors to finance the purchase of the apartments, which will be rented. 
The Moelis prospectus said rental income from the apartments was expected to grow at a rate of 3.5% a year.
The prospectus said the purchase price was a discount of about 30% on peak prices at South Village and 20% below those achieved in 2019.
"The block includes 29 one-bedroom, 24 two-bedroom and one three-bedroom units," he said.
"The sale price is comparable to selling the units individually on the open market when all selling costs are included.
"These costs include GST, agent commissions, marketing costs, holding costs and buyer incentive offers.
"The apartment block is the only one of seven in the development on the former brick pit site that Payce had to sell on completion.
Co-developer Decor had the remainder, telling the local paper their apartments were "selling very well".
"About 600 have been sold to date, with about 180 to go."
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Moelis buys 54 unsold South Village at Kirrawee apartments 

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Data released by SQM Research has revealed the national residential rental vacancy rate declined marginally in May 2019 to 2.2%, a decrease from 2.3% in April. 
The total number of vacancies Australia-wide is now at 75,093 properties for rent, a decrease of 2,571 over the month but up 5,941 dwellings over the past 12 months.
Most states recorded minor declines ranging from 0.1% to 0.3%.
Darwin and Sydney have the highest vacancy rates in the country, both at 3.3%. 
A 3.0% vacancy rate is what would normally be considered a balanced market.  Darwin declined by 0.3% and Sydney’s decline was 0.1%. 
Perth’s vacancy rate is not far behind at 3.1%, having dropped 0.1%.
Hobart’s vacancy rate decreased from 0.6% to 0.5% in May and continues to record the lowest vacancy rate in the country.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/19/sqm%201.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/19/sqm%201.png" alt="">
Source: SQM research The month of May recorded a marginal change in rental vacancies, overall. However the standouts for me were the falls in vacancy rates for Brisbane and Perth.
The rental market is decidedly turning in favour for landlords in these two cities. Both cities also recorded fairly strong increases in asking rents for the month.
Indeed, Perth is now recording a 6% rise in asking rents for houses over the past 12 months. 
With no expected material increase in new dwellings, the rental market will continue to tighten from here for the two cities.
Asking Rents
Capital city asking rents decreased by 0.2% for both units and for houses for the week ending 12 June 2019 to record asking rents of $553 per week for houses and $441 per week for units. 
In comparison, over the 12 months, asking rents for houses increased 0.4% but declined 0.7% for units.
Sydney’s asking rent for units and houses have both continued to decline marginally by 0.1% for houses and 0.5% for units to 12 June. 
Over 12 months, the decline has been 3.6% for house rents and 3.8% for units.
Adelaide, Darwin and Hobart were the only states to experience increases in weekly rents for both houses and units.
Adelaide’s house rents increased 1.0% and units by 1.8%, Darwin’s house rents increased by 3.0% (the highest among all states) and units increased by 0.1%. 
Hobart’s house rents increased 1.9% and units increased by 3.7% (the highest among all states).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/19/sqm%202.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/6/19/sqm%202.png" alt=""> 
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National vacancy rate declined in May: SQM research

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The first half of 2019 confronted a unique set of circumstances in that both a state and federal election were held, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
This has provided a further brake on the Sydney property market, particularly in the case of the federal election with property at the forefront of the campaign given the negative gearing and capital gains tax changes proposed, the report noted.
In general, auction rates have improved on the back of vendor expectations meeting the market, the number of property transactions is down compared to 2018 and price declines have been slowing but are still down 4.3% from the start of the year to mid-May, with an 11.2% decline over the past 12 months, according to Corelogic. 
"There have been mixed results across Sydney however with different areas performing better than others," the valuation firm said. 
The tables below show the five best and five worst performing Sydney regions in regard to change in dwelling values.
Median prices in the Blue Mountains and upper northern beaches showed greater resilience over the past 12 months while Epping and southern Sydney appear to have experienced the greatest falls.
Capital city SA2 regions with greatest annual change in dwelling values, 12 months to Apr-19
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
SA2 Region 
</td>
<td valign="top">
Capital city region
</td>
<td valign="top">
Change 12 mths to April-19
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Blue Mountains -North
</td>
<td valign="top">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top">
1.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Wentworth Falls
</td>
<td valign="top">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top">
0.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Bayview - Elanora Heights 
</td>
<td valign="top">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top">
-1.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Lawson - Hazelbrook Linden
</td>
<td valign="top">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top">
-2.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Newport - Bilgla
</td>
<td valign="top">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top">
-2.6%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A three bedroom house with original features at Katoomba has been sold for $515,000 (pictured below).
The elevated character home at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-katoomba-131222054" target="_blank"> 34 Freelander Avenue </a>comprises formal lounge room, open plan kitchen, large living area, three bedrooms, sunroom and established garden.
It's close to local schools, park and bus stop.
<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/2019/6/13/katoomba%20.jpg" alt="">
Capital city SA2 regions with largest annual fall in dwelling values, 12 months to Apr-19
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
SA2 Region 
</td>
<td valign="top">
Capital city region
</td>
<td valign="top">
Change 12 mths to April-19
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Bass Hill - Georges Hall
</td>
<td valign="top">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top">
-19.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Epping - North Epping
</td>
<td valign="top">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top">
-19.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Panania - Milperra - Picnic point
</td>
<td valign="top">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top">
-18.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Revesby
</td>
<td valign="top">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top">
-18.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
Miranda - Yowie Bay
</td>
<td valign="top">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top">
-17.8%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A five bedroom house at Bass Hill recently sold for $1.03 million (pictured below).
Set on a 645 square metre block, the family home at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-bass+hill-131175086" target="_blank"> 41 Broad Street</a> comes with multiple living areas, five bedrooms, timber kitchen and outdoor entertainment area.
Other features include security alarm system, air conditioning, video intercom, and wood fireplace.
<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/2019/6/13/bass%20hill.jpg" alt="">
The report suggest house prices still appear to be falling at a faster rate than units, with the Sydney median house price down 3.1% in the March quarter to $1,027,962.
This compares to the Sydney median unit price which is down 2% in the March quarter to $696,935 (source: Domain).
"A likely interest rate cut, an increased appetite for new loans by major lenders and more certainty after the elections are likely to see market conditions continuing to improve in the second half of the year, with prices beginning to stabilise," the report said. 
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Sydney house prices falling faster than units: HTW residential 

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The coastal region spanning Ballina to Ocean Shores is tracking well, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
"As Sydney and Melbourne markets have significantly cooled off, this market has steadied given the lack of interstate buyers entering the market, which has been the case for the past few years," the valuation firm said. 
Whilst this market has steadied there is no evidence to suggest that it has fallen.
However, longer time periods are being spent on the market in the current conditions.
Price sectors for entry to mid-level buyers seem to be faring well, as new home buyers enter the market and local purchasers trade up.
The report suggests that the prestige market and rural residential market however appear to be slowing with a lack of transactions given interstate money has predominantly exited this price point.
Houses and more importantly houses that include a dual occupancy, appear to be faring better than most given the rental potential of a secondary dwelling and its ability to help service the loan.
As land has rolled out in the past 12 months in these areas, it is apparent that a large percentage of new builds are including a secondary dwelling (dual occupancy) for this reason.
"Some extra special information to share in this particular region is that Byron Bay is faring better than anywhere else in Australia," the valuation firm said. 
"People have continued to migrate from capital cities into these coastal resort towns for work and lifestyle balance."
<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/2019/6/19/byron%20bay.jpg" alt="">
A Byron Bay pavilion style house characterised by clever design elements was sold for $1.22 million in May. 
The designed home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-byron+bay-129861250" target="_blank">11 Oodgeroo Gardens</a> (pictured above) features open plan living with high ceilings, gourmet kitchen, three bedrooms, and entertaining deck.
It's close to Byron town centre, beaches, schools, restaurants and cafes. 
<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/2019/6/19/ballina%20.jpg" alt="">
Another three bedroom villa at Ballina has recently been traded for $610,000. 
Located at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-villa-nsw-ballina-131217510" target="_blank"> 1/7 Vera Street</a> (pictured above), it comes with open plan living, dining and kitchen, three bedrooms, and outdoor entertaining area.
It is within a kilometre of amenities including shops, sporting fields, North Creek Canal and medical services.
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Ballina and Byron Bay market remains stable: HTW residential 

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The Fair Work Commission handed down a decision to change the Real Estate Award.
The decision affects how commission-only payments for salespeople apply and who they apply to. 
The changes apply in two stages. 
The first will be from the first full pay period on or after 30 April 2019.
The second will be from the first full pay period on or after 30 June 2019.
30 April 2019 changes
<ul>
<li>The phrase “was an active licensed real estate agent” in clause 16.3 has been replaced with “has operated his or her own real estate business”.</li>
<li>A definition of a real estate business has been included to mean “a business involved in the sale of real property or businesses”.</li>
</ul>
30 June 2019 changes
<ul>
<li>Employers will no longer be able to employ part-time employees as commission-only salespeople from the first pay period on or after 30 June. </li>
<li>There will be no ‘grandfathering’ of the clause, which means the payment method for all current part-time commission-only employees will need to change to the hourly rates provided in the award.</li>
</ul>
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Fair Work Commission amends rules for commission-only real estate agent employment

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Following January’s commencement of ground works at Cbus Property’s landmark development in north-west Sydney, The Langston, construction has now commenced the residential high-rise project. 
The project’s progression to the next phase of development followed the demolition at the former Westpac Credit Card Services building, between Langston Place and Chambers Court, Epping. 
Project contractors Hutchinson Builders have commenced drilling of the project’s foundations, prior to construction of the development’s basement levels. 
According to Adrian Pozzo, CEO of Cbus Property, the Epping community can expect to see construction of The Langston’s first tower take just over two years, with completion targeted for the third quarter of 2021.
<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/2019/6/18/The%20Langston_Precinct%20with%20train%20station.jpg" alt="">
The Langston will ultimately feature three towers of 19, 24 and 29 storeys, and will include a mixed-use precinct comprising 1,681 square metres of retail space and 1,921 square metres of communal open space.  
Designed by award-winning architectural firm Architectus with landscaping by world-class landscape architects, Arcadia, The Langston will be situated on the highest land point in Epping, enabling panoramic views to the Sydney CBD and Harbour Bridge to the south-east and the Blue Mountains to the west.
Pedestrian links will feature throughout the site, connecting The Langston with Council’s public library to the east, as well as the revamped Pembroke Street Park and other recreational facilities, revitalising the eastern side of the train station. 
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Construction commences at The Langston development in north-west Sydney 

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A renovated three bedroom home on Phillip Island with 68 acre parcel of land recently sold for $1,835,000.
The rural property was listed by Mike Foenander from OBrien Real Estate - Judith Wright. 
The renovated house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-ventnor-130793614" target="_blank">511 Ventnor Road, Ventnor </a>comprises three bedrooms, two living areas and sun drenched decks with rural and native bush views. 
<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/2019/6/20/ventnor%202.jpg" alt="">
Other features of the property include five main paddocks, town water, three dams, historical kiln, and approved plans for a second dwelling.
It has been leased to two businesses with a renowned local following, Island Primary Produce – a paddock to plate butcher shop and The Store – a café offering light meals, coffee and regional produce.
<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/2019/6/20/ventnor%203.jpg" alt="">
Two long-term leases generate an income of $600,000 per annum. 
The property last sold in 1992 for $325,000. 
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Phillip Island property with farm, butcher shop and cafe sells for $1,835,000

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In Western Sydney the overall trend for dwellings is still weakening after a number of years of positive growth, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
"Negative sentiment in the marketplace and tighter lending requirements have played a part in these falling median prices," the valuation firm said.
"We predict this trend will continue for the rest of the year."
The median house price in Erskine Park are 4% lower than December 2018, according to realestate.com.au data.
Marsden Park had similar figures with a 3.6% drop, whilst Oran Park has seen only a 1% drop in dwelling median values since December 2018.
"Our experience with residential units and off the plan sales has found premiums were paid in stronger markets for the then new product," the report said. 
"As the wider market weakens, we are continuing to see settlement valuations not meeting the off the plan purchase price.
"These valuations require recent resales of similar units to support the value and in many areas the evidence is unable to support the strong off the plan prices."
An example includes a recent resale in Parramatta.
The three-bedroom unit at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-nsw-parramatta-130373430" target="_blank"> 4803/330 Church Street </a>(pictured below) recently resold for $990,000 representing a 30% drop in value since purchase.
It was for $1,285,000 off the plan in May 2015.
<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/2019/6/13/parramatta%202.jpg" alt="">
"This is not an uncommon occurrence with many units sold for a premium off the plan in a stronger market now unable to meet their initial purchase price up to four years later."
The report noted that there are signs in the marketplace that buyers for new units are harder to attract and a number of incentives are now being offered.
A recent example is the Pelican Estate (pictured below) in Schofields, a 270 unit development selling off the plan in western Sydney.
The developers Bathla are giving away $1.2 million in prizes to lucky purchasers with a $500,000 first prize, $200,000 second prize and a further $500,000 in prizes.
<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/2019/6/13/schofields%20.jpg" alt="">
"Incentives and giveaways such as this are not typically seen during a booming market and are considered a sign of the times."
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Western Sydney median dwelling values in decline: HTW residential 

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Three bidders from a crowd of 100 plus pushed the price of a multi-tenancy retail investment at Malvern to more than $400,000 over the vendor’s reserve at a Teska Carson auction. 
According to selling agents, Teska Carson directors Matthew Feld and Michael Ludski, the RBA’s move to cut interest rates, with another in the offing, has sparked a return of confidence to retail strips. 
Mr Feld said,“there is no doubt that the interest cut and forecasts of more have driven renewed interest in bricks and mortar and particularly for the old favourite strip retail investments.  
“The amount of enquiry we had on this property and the crowd it drew on the day underscored just how much confidence has returned to the market following the election, the retention of negative gearing and capital gains benefits, APRA’s easing of loan requirements, and now the rate cut,’’ Mr Feld said.  
Located within a tightly held retail and commercial precinct, the 150-154 Glenferrie Road property sold on a 4 per cent yield to net market rent. 
The two storey, double-fronted building was sold subject to leases to ANZ Bank (7 years), Sushi Gallery, and JT’s CrossFit Training Studio, returning a combined $311,000 per annum net. 
<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/2019/6/13/150-154%20Glenferrie%20Rd%20sale.jpg" alt="">
The building sits on a 560 square metre site, zoned Commercial 1, with 14 metres frontage to Glenferrie Road and rear access to on-site parking for up to six cars. 
Mr Ludski said the property had presented an opportunity for investors to gain a foothold within the popular strip.  
“Glenferrie Road, Malvern, is a well-known and strongly performing retail precinct, home to many national tenants including Coles, David Jones and Woolworths, and many specialty and boutique retailers.  
“The property offered a great opportunity to break into that highly regarded and tightly-held market in an area which will continue to see strong capital growth on the back of continued residential and commercial development,’’ Mr Ludski concluded.
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100+ crowd drives $6.8 million sale price at retail auction in Malvern

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Two cottages that have been restored for commercial use in Granville are being offered to the market. 
The listing is held by Victor Sheu, Raymond Ahsan and Robert Dowby from CBRE Western Sydney. 
Zoned B4 Mixed Use to suit various commercial usages (STCA), the two cottages at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-nsw-granville-503201874" target="_blank">70-72 Railway Parade</a> features a total 273 sqm of floor area including 153 sqm Lot 9 and 120 sqm Lot 10. 
<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/2019/6/19/granville%202.jpg" alt="">
The freshly restored cottages come with internal bathroom and full kitchen facility, ducted air-conditioning, as well as data cabling and powerpoint provision. 
It is situated just 200 metres to Granville Station and town centre, offering the opportunity to invest or occupy a prime location.
The expressions of interest campaign ends June 25.  
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Two cottages restored for commercial use offered in Granville

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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