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GUEST OBSERVATION
With time <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-has-two-decades-to-avoid-the-most-damaging-impacts-of-climate-change-104409" target="_blank">running out</a> for us to make deep reductions in greenhouse emissions, you may well be wondering what you personally can do to minimise your own greenhouse footprint.
The average greenhouse emissions per Australian are the equivalent of <a href="/news">21 tonnes</a> of carbon dioxide per year. How can you offset or neutralise your personal share of these carbon emissions in the most cost-effective way?
There are some places where the government is willing to take the necessary action on your behalf. The ACT government, for example, is on track to <a href="https://www.environment.act.gov.au/cc" target="_blank">eliminate</a> greenhouse gas emissions generated within Canberra by 2045, and indeed by 2020 will make its own electricity sector <a href="https://www.environment.act.gov.au/cc" target="_blank">carbon-neutral</a>.
The latter feat was achieved by contracting several new zero-emission solar and wind farms to produce renewable electricity equivalent to Canberra’s consumption. Canberra retail electricity prices continue to be among the <a href="https://www.datocms-assets.com/6959/1545274459-2018-residential-electricity-price-trends-final-report.PDF" target="_blank">lowest</a> in Australia.
Take advantage of solar and wind
If you don’t live in Canberra, you need another way to neutralise your emissions. Fortunately, the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power have both fallen rapidly. Australia has long been in the midst of a boom in rooftop PV, and many Gigawatts of ground-mounted PV and wind farms are being <a href="http://theconversation.com/at-its-current-rate-australia-is-on-track-for-%2050-renewable-electricity-in-2025-102903" target="_blank">built</a> around the country. This has put Australia on track to reach 50% renewable electricity in 2024. Each Megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity <a href="/news">generated</a> by renewables reduces electricity from coal by a similar amount, and therefore avoids about 0.9 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
<iframe src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/7Gd1z/2/" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" width="100%" height="450"></iframe>
The above pie chart, based on <a href="/news">federal government data</a>, shows the various sources of Australian greenhouse emissions in 2017. Electricity production is the largest source and can be neutralised by substituting PV and wind for coal and gas. Emissions from electricity use in commerce and industry, the land sector, industrial processes and high temperature heat is largely beyond your control, however, so it’s perhaps best to focus your attention closer to home.
Cost-effective action
However, putting solar panels on your roof, switching to an electric car, and substituting electric heat pumps for gas water and space heating can (or soon will) be cost-effective steps that you can take to reduce your greenhouse footprint. And in the long term, these will either pay for themselves or even end up saving you money.
A 10-kilowatt solar PV system installed on your roof will produce <a href="http://apvi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/CMC_CanberraSolarPotential_Final_lowres.pdf" target="_blank">about 14 MWh</a> of electricity per year. Since coal power stations produce 0.9 tonnes of carbon dioxide per MWh this save about 12 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
To offset your 21 tonnes of CO2 per year, you would therefore need to install 15kW of solar PV capacity for each person who lives in your house. So if four people live in your house, you would need a 60kW solar system.
But a typical rooftop PV system now has a <a href="http://pv-map.apvi.org.au/analyses" target="_blank">rating</a> of 5-15kW, and many homes lack the roof space needed to install a larger system. Ways to address this are described below.
Road to success
A typical car <a href="https://www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au/pages/Information/VehicleEmissions" target="_blank">produces</a> about 190 grams of CO2 per kilometre of travel, and the average Australian car <a href="http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/australian-moterists-drive-%20average-15530km-201305090702" target="_blank">travels</a> 15,500 km per year, thus producing 3 tonnes of CO2.
Moderately priced electric cars are expected to be widely available in the early 2020s, which can travel about 6,000 km for each MWh of electricity consumed.
Once the premium for an electric vehicle drops below about A$10,000, the lifetime cost of an electric car (including buying, maintaining and charging it) will be competitive with conventional cars.
A 2kW PV panel on your house roof will produce enough electricity for 16,000km of electric car driving per year, thus offsetting your entire emissions from motoring (3 tonnes of CO2), assuming you drive an average amount each year and previously drove a conventional model.
Off the gas
Most natural gas use within a home is for water and space heating. Gas can readily be replaced by electric heat pumps, which move heat from the air outside the home into your hot water tank or reverse cycle air conditioning system. <a href="http://www.eec.org.au/for-energy-users/technologies-2/heat-pumps" target="_blank">Heat pumps</a> typically move four units of heat for each unit of electricity consumed and can be readily powered by rooftop solar panels, supplemented by electricity from the grid.
For the average household, replacement gas with heat pumps can readily reduce household greenhouse gas emissions by up to 5 tonnes per year, at lower lifecycle cost than using gas. Replacement of gas cookers with electric induction cookers allows elimination of gas altogether from the home.
Fly less
Limiting air travel is one of the most effective tactics to cut your personal emissions. Short-haul flights or flights with few passengers <a href="https://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/research/energy/downloads/jardine09-carboninflights.pdf" target="_blank">increase</a> the emissions intensity per passenger. A mostly full return trip from Australia to London (34,000km) will typically generate about 4 tonnes of CO₂ per passenger.
When you do decide to fly, think about how you can offset the emissions directly. Adding 1kW to your rooftop PV system can offset one return trip to London for one person every 3 years.
Will it pay for itself?
Now that we’ve looked at these various strategies, let’s now consider a family home with three occupants and one car. A 10kW PV system on the roof can make a substantial reduction in their greenhouse footprint by offsetting 14 tonnes of CO2 per year. Switching to an electric car saves 3 tonnes per year and substituting electric heat pumps for gas saves a further 1- 5 tonnes per year.
An additional 5 kW of rooftop PV is needed to neutralise an average amount of air travel, and to power the electric car and heat pumps. This 15kW system would cost about A$20,000 up front and would last 25 years. However, rooftop PV systems are now so cheap compared with the retail electricity tariff that the money invested is generally recovered within 10 years.
The total emissions savings estimated above are about 25 tonnes per year, per household, which is still significantly short of the 63 tonnes (on average) that this family emits. To be fully carbon-neutral, one option is for the family to invest in a wind or solar farm.
The required share of a wind farm or solar farm is about 10 kW or 20 kW respectively per three-person family, noting that a 3MW wind turbine produces nearly double the amount of electricity per year of a 3MW PV farm (single axis tracking), which in turn produces 40% more electricity per year than an equivalent amount of roof-mounted solar panels.
The up-front cost of this investment would be about A$25,000 per family, and it would return a steady income sufficient to repay the initial outlay (with interest) over the 25-year lifetime of the system.
So in summary, assuming that you have the means to meet the (not insubstantial) upfront costs, doing your part to preserve a living and vibrant planet for our children ultimately has a low or even negative net cost.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/103922/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
Andrew Blakers, Professor of Engineering, Australian National University
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-neutralise-your-greenhouse-gas-footprint-103922" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

How to neutralise your greenhouse gas footprint: ANU's Andrew Blakers

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A mortgagee offering at Leumeah has sold for $485,000.
Set on 565 square metres, the home last sold for $275,000 in 2003.
The three bedroom, one bathroom residence features a brick veneer and was listed for $500,000.
Manfred Harle of Richardson &amp; Wrench held the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-leumeah-130205490" target="_blank">3 Arnold Street, Leumeah</a>, the home is described in the listing as ideal for "first home buyers, investors and tradies".
It features timber floors, a detached double garage and workshop and a large pergola.
The corner block home is located near shops, school and transport options.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/leumeah-nsw-2560">Leumeah</a> according $635,000 to CoreLogic, which calculate its annual change in median price over the past 10 years as 5.4%.
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Leumeah mortgagee offering sold for $15,000 under asking price

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A Berkeley, NSW land parcel has sold under the mortgagee auction hammer for $570,000.
The property sold for over double it's 2010 sale price of $275,000.
Mathew Ivanoff of Raine &amp; Horne held the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-residential+land-nsw-berkeley-202330998" target="_blank">104 Shearwater Drive</a>, the holding has views of Lake Illawarra.
The block is 829 sqm.
Located within a short drive to the lake foreshore, it is also near local schools, Warrawong Plaza and the freeway.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/berkeley-nsw-2506">Berkeley</a> according $524,000 to CoreLogic.
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Berkeley land parcel sold at mortgagee auction

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EXPERT OBSERVER
While we have integrated the latest national accounts data and fine tuned our growth forecasts we have not fundamentally changed our view on pattern of growth outcomes over the next two years.
Thus last month, prior to the Accounts, we were expecting through the year growth to December 2019 of 2.6% now we are expecting 2.5%.
We have also not changed our forecasts for 2020 at around 2¼. What has however happened – given the new history - is a much larger slowing in year average terms in 2019 – previously 2.4% now 2.1%.
However we see the through the year growth numbers as providing a better gauge of growth momentum going forward.
As was heralded in yesterday’s  February Monthly Business Survey the slowing in the growth momentum has  continued into Q1 2019.
 In particular, the situation in discretionary retail and consumption more generally has deteriorated even further. We now expect not much improvement in the growth rate in consumer spending in 2019 – at around 2.0%  and any improvement in 2020 will need policy action. 
The Accounts also highlighted a turn down in the construction cycle – which appears to have continued (and indeed accelerated) into early 2019. This reinforces our view that over the next two years we are facing a pronounced residential construction cycle (a fall of around 20%).
That said supporting growth will be continued spending by the public sector, both on the NDIS and infrastructure. In addition to this, we still expect business investment to make a significant contribution to growth – though there are growing risks to this.
 Also exports will continue to grow, as LNG hits full production then plateaus at a high level. So it is important not to get too negative on our growth prospects.
That said our forecasts now point to below trend growth and a degree of rising spare capacity in the economy (already evident in the February Business Survey). 
This will mean less progress on reducing unemployment and slower than anticipated progress in wage growth (outside of policy intervention) and ultimately inflation. We now see no improvement in unemployment till mid 2020 and a slight deterioration thereafter.
This is why we now expect the RBA to cut the cash rate twice in 2019. While the exact timing of cuts is data dependent, we see the RBA cutting rates in July and then November. 
We believe this would be the path of “least regret” for the bank. We expect that as slower growth and less progress on reducing unemployment take hold at a time of subdued inflation and abating financial stability concerns the Bank will assess it can do more to bolster the economy.  
Of course a material deterioration in the labour market in the next few months (not our forecast) could see an earlier cut from the RBA.
ALAN OSTER is the Chief Economist for NAB
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Slowing growth with rate cuts ahead: NAB's Alan Oster

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The national residential vacancy rate has remained steady at 2.2% in February 2019, according to the latest data from SQM Research.
The total number of vacancies Australia-wide is now at 72,333, it said. 
Adelaide was the only capital city to increase its vacancy rate over the month, from 1.1% in January to 1.2%, resulting in 2,197 properties available for rent in February 2019.
Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin and Hobart experienced marginal decreases of 0.1% in vacancy rates.
Melbourne decreased by 0.2% over the month to 1.7%.
Sydney and Perth’s vacancy rates remained steady at 3.2% and 3.0% respectively.
Hobart still remains the lowest of all capital cities at 0.4% for February 2019.
Darwin ranks the highest of all capital cities at 3.7%.
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="13%">City</td>
<td width="12%">Feb-2018 Vacancies</td>
<td width="16%">Feb-2018 Vacancy Rate</td>
<td width="14%">Jan-2019 Vacancies</td>
<td width="15%">Jan-2019 Vacancy Rate</td>
<td width="12%">Feb-2019 Vacancies</td>
<td width="14%">Feb-2019 Vacancy Rate</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="13%">Sydney</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">15,581 </td>
<td nowrap width="16%">2.3%</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">22,426 </td>
<td nowrap width="15%">3.2%</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">22,396 </td>
<td nowrap width="14%">3.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="13%">Melbourne</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">7,889 </td>
<td nowrap width="16%">1.4%</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">10,564 </td>
<td nowrap width="15%">1.9%</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">9,818 </td>
<td nowrap width="14%">1.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="13%">Brisbane</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">10,925 </td>
<td nowrap width="16%">3.4%</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">8,911 </td>
<td nowrap width="15%">2.7%</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">8,611 </td>
<td nowrap width="14%">2.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="13%">Perth</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">8,319 </td>
<td nowrap width="16%">4.1%</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">6,121 </td>
<td nowrap width="15%">3.0%</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">6,170 </td>
<td nowrap width="14%">3.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="13%">Adelaide</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">2,540 </td>
<td nowrap width="16%">1.4%</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">2,141 </td>
<td nowrap width="15%">1.1%</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">2,197 </td>
<td nowrap width="14%">1.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="13%">Canberra</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">495 </td>
<td nowrap width="16%">0.8%</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">594 </td>
<td nowrap width="15%">0.9%</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">502 </td>
<td nowrap width="14%">0.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="13%">Darwin</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">989 </td>
<td nowrap width="16%">3.3%</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">1,193 </td>
<td nowrap width="15%">3.8%</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">1,161 </td>
<td nowrap width="14%">3.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="13%">Hobart</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">145 </td>
<td nowrap width="16%">0.5%</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">144 </td>
<td nowrap width="15%">0.5%</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">133 </td>
<td nowrap width="14%">0.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="13%">National</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">69,727 </td>
<td nowrap width="16%">2.2%</td>
<td nowrap width="14%">72,574 </td>
<td nowrap width="15%">2.2%</td>
<td nowrap width="12%">72,333 </td>
<td nowrap width="14%">2.2%</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: SQM Research
Asking Rents
Capital city asking rents declined 0.2% for both houses and units over the month to 12 March 2019 to $559 per week for houses and $441 per week for units. 
Similarly, over the 12 months, asking rents for both houses and units also declined by 0.2%.
Adelaide and Hobart recorded increases in weekly rents over the month for both houses and units with Hobart houses recording the highest weekly rental increase of 4.5% for houses and 1.8% for units.
Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Darwin recorded marginal decreases in both house and unit asking rents over the month to 12 March 2019. 
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="6" valign="top" width="100%">SQM Research Weekly Rents Index</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="35%">Week ending: 12 Mar 2019</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="14%">Rent</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="13%">Change on prev week</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="19%">Rolling month % chg</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="17%">12 month % chg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="20%">Sydney</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Houses</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">706.9</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">0.1  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">-0.5%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">-4.3%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Units</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">507.2</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">-0.2  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">-0.7%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">-3.2%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="20%">Melbourne</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Houses</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">543.6</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">-0.6  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">-0.0%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">2.3%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Units</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">420.1</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">0.9  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">0.7%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">4.0%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="20%">Brisbane</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Houses</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">456.8</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">-0.8  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">-0.1%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">2.1%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Units</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">370.9</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">0.1  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">-1.0%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">1.2%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="20%">Perth</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Houses</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">440.5</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">0.5  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">-0.1%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">4.2%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Units</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">333.3</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">1.7  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">1.4%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">2.0%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="20%">Adelaide</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Houses</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">394.8</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">1.2  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">0.6%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">3.4%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Units</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">302.4</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">0.6  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">0.9%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">2.3%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="20%">Canberra</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Houses</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">644.9</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">3.1  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">-0.0%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">4.1%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Units</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">455.1</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">-0.1  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">-1.2%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">4.0%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="20%">Darwin</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Houses</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">490.3</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">-0.3  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">-2.8%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">-9.5%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Units</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">378.4</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">-0.4  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">-1.6%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">-8.6%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="20%">Hobart</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Houses</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">437.7</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">6.3  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">4.5%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">3.7%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Units</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">364.4</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">-2.4  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">1.8%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">-0.2%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="20%">National</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Houses</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">447.0</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">2.0  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">-0.2%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">0.9%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Units</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">360.0</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">0.0</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">-0.6%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">0.8%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top" width="20%">Cap City Average</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Houses</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">559.0</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">1.0  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">-0.2%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">-0.2%  </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">All Units</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="14%">441.0</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="13%">0.0</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="19%">-0.2%  </td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="17%">-0.2%  </td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: <a href="http://www.sqmresearch.com.au/" target="_blank">www.sqmresearch.com.au</a>
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National vacancy rate steadies in February: SQM Research 

How climate change could affect the economy and monetary policy: RBA's Guy Debelle

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Conditions in businesses within the property industry remain benign with a focus on strategies for future success, according to findings in the latest Avdiev Property Industry Remuneration Report.
The report found that companies with foreign clients, parent companies or branch offices are most affected and falling residential prices have dampened sentiment with a flow on effect for developers, builders and consultants working in related market sectors.
"After 28 years of continuous economic prosperity a reminder of the cyclic nature of property was well overdue," said Rita Avdiev, Managing Director of the Avdiev Group, remuneration consultants.
"Our subscribers have reported a good volume of business activity to date and for most, only a modest impact on their plans to date." 
The authors note that media focus on falling residential property prices has sent a message to the community about the cyclic nature of property assets, but is overshadowing good news from healthy commercial and industrial market sectors.
With the moderation of activity, property remuneration has also moderated. This time last year, it reported an overall increase in the property markets of 3% compared with the latest finding of 2.5%.
The latest ABS figures as at December 2018 showed the Wage Price Index rose 2.3% through the year and the Consumer Price Index 1.8%.
The report found that "the young continue to outpace their senior colleagues".
"Median pay rises were 2.5% overall, with spikes in sectors where shortages of competent people exist," it said.
Click <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/3/12/Avdiev%20graph.JPG" target="_blank">here</a> to enlarge.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/12/Avdiev%20graph.JPG" alt="">
According to Avdiev findings, millennials are invading traditional hierarchies.
Following an influx of young professionals, encouraged by a Property Council campaign, there has been generational change in the property industry.
Corporate restructuring in the last few years has encouraged millennials to rise up the ranks.
"Millennials are young, ambitious, with fresh attitudes to speed, change and results,” says Rita Avdiev.
"With the property industry and global and local economies in a state of flux, their ways of dealing with what comes next will be interesting to watch."
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Property industry business conditions remain benign: Avdiev

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Joel Cann has resigned from Aspen Group to pursue another opportunity.
His resignation will take effect on Friday 12 April 2019.
Clive Appleton, chairman of Aspen Group, has thanked Cann for his efforts over the past two and a half years.
The listed property minnow Aspen Group appointed the property veteran in September 2016.
Cann joined Aspen from AMB Capital Partners, where he was the founding managing director.
Last month Aspen Group announced its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2018 recording a statutory profit of $0.4 million, the significant components of which include:
<ul>
<li>
Operating profit after tax of $1.5 million
Offset by:
</li>
<li>
Revaluation decrement of $0.7 million;
</li>
<li>
Acquisition costs incurred of $0.2 million; and
</li>
<li>
Professional fees of $0.2 million.
</li>
</ul>
Cann said 1H FY19 continued the significant steps taken towards a goal of being a major owner and operator in the Australian affordable accommodation sector.
It acquired its sixth tourism park, Highway 1 in Adelaide SA, which was settled in Q2 FY19.
The acquisition was valued at $23 million.
He noted headwinds at a number of assets including Darwin FreeSpirit where corporate accommodation demand fell in line with reduced major project activity, Adelaide came off of a strong FY18 period that include Ashes and major event activity whilst Tomago reduced available inventory pending the redevelopment work to be undertaken in that business.
Development activity significantly advanced during the half with the majority of civil works completed at Four Lanterns in Leppington NSW.
There are 11 residences on site with sales activity resulting in five confirmed sales.
It has also commenced initial works at Tomago in preparation for stage 1 of the 52-site expansion.
The sale of its final non-core asset at Midland WA was completed during 1H FY19, bringing to a conclusion the restructure of the group to an affordable accommodation provider.
The business finished in a net debt position of $16.3 million at the end of the year, post the Highway 1 acquisition, and has $25 million of capacity to deploy towards future acquisitions and investments.
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Joel Cann resigns as listed accommodation firm Aspen Group's chief executive

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Homicide Squad detectives have charged a third man with one count of attempted murder following a shooting in Point Cook in February.
The 29-year-old Irish national, from Point Cook, was arrested at a Melbourne airport on Sunday about 9pm.
He was remanded in custody and will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.
The arrest follows the shooting of a 53-year-old Sydney estate agent, Sid Morgan on Thursday 21 February in which detectives are still appealing for public assistance.
Investigators are trying to locate two vehicles, both white Toyota Hilux Rugged utilities, believed linked to the shooting with investigators believing they could be anywhere in the Melbourne metropolitan area or possibly as far north in the state as Nagambie.
Two men arrested in Broken Head, NSW on 27 February in relation to the shooting have each been charged with one count of attempted murder.
The 30-year-old and the 26-year-old, both from Point Cook, were remanded in custody and will appear again at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 27 May 2019.
Sid Morgan <a href="/news/estate-agent-sid-morgan-still-on-life-support-after-point-cook-shooting">remains in hospital</a>.
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Police charge third man over estate agent Sid Morgan's Point Cook shooting 

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The Treasurer has given mortgage brokers respite on a plan to ban trailing commissions by 2020, opting instead for a 2022 review.
Mortgage Choice chief Susan Mitchell has welcomed the Government’s decision today to maintain trail commissions on new loans. In his statement today the Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, said abolition of trail won’t proceed in 2020 because the government is concerned about the adverse effect on competition in mortgage lending market. 
He also conceded that abolishing trail would be “a free kick to the banks”. The government will review trailing commissions in three years’ time, as well as the feasibility of continuing upfront commission payments. 
The review will be conducted by the Council of Financial Regulators and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Treasurer Frydenberg acknowledged that mortgage brokers and small lenders are “absolutely critical in the mortgage lending market”. 
The Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) has cautiously welcomed a decision by the Federal Government to backflip on its commitment to abolish trail commissions, which was one of the recommendations of the Hayne report from the banking royal commission.
FBAA managing director Peter White said it was a step in the right direction.
“I applaud the announcement by treasurer Josh Frydenberg but it won’t end our efforts to see the correct polices in place to protect consumers from the greed of the big four banks.
“The Coalition’s announcement to keep trail commissions has been delivered in a pre-election environment so uncertainty remains about how exactly this will work after the election.”
Mr White said the announcement confirms how out of touch Commissioner Hayne is and calls into question the findings of the royal commission.
“Hayne simply didn’t get it but it’s now the case that both sides of politics are now very clear on the importance of mortgage brokers.
“Both the Coalition and Labor recognise that the recommendations of the royal commission would in fact hand power back to the big four banks, which is an absurd result,” White said.
“Australia’s 17,000 mortgage brokers will applaud the Government’s common sense decision to keep trail commissions," Mitchell said.
ASIC’s 2017 Review of Mortgage Broking Remuneration Report did not identify trail commissions as directly leading to poor consumer outcomes, nor recommend the removal of trail commissions. “The figures speak for themselves. The latest data shows that 59.1% of home loans originate through the mortgage broking channel, yet Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) data for the month of November 2018 revealed that of 6,522 complaints against financial service providers,  only 29 related to mortgage brokers. This is less than half of one percent of reported complaints.”
Mortgage Choice's residential settlement figures show that in the past two years the big four banks have lost 10% of market share to smaller lenders. 
AFG chief David Bailey welcomed the Government's "considered approach and urge the Labor Party to adopt this sensible policy heading into the election."
"It's important that our industry not be a political football heading into an election so that the 26,000 small businesses, their families and, importantly, their customers have certainty about the future of the sector," he said.
 
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Mortgage brokers to keep getting trailing commissions until at least 2022 under Coalition 

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bottega-property-group">Bottega House</a> has secured council approval for its first Brisbane project - a $270 million luxury residential development on an absolute riverfront site in leafy St Lucia.&nbsp;

The 15-storey project, known as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-lucia-by-bottega-house-180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">St Lucia by Bottega House</a> , will occupy a prime north-facing site at 178-180 Macquarie Street, directly fronting the Brisbane River in the established inner-west suburb known for its rowing clubs, golf courses and sprawling University of Queensland campus.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House will feature a suite of amenities including dedicated wellness spaces, a mineral pool and cold plunge. The project has been positioned to attract affluent owner-occupiers seeking high-quality, house-sized apartments.&nbsp;

Bottega House has been set up by co-directors Nick Malloch, Louis Mennes and Craig Marsh.

Malloch said the project drew inspiration from its Brisbane River setting and leafy inner-west surrounds, while responding to the demands of discerning locals looking to transition from freestanding homes into apartment living.&nbsp;

"With an expansive river frontage and lush green surrounds, we knew we had to create something special that reflects the natural beauty of the location while offering residents masterfully crafted homes," said Malloch.&nbsp;

"Our intent was to complement the project's quiet, private setting by introducing residences that offer a calm retreat and sanctuary from the everyday. The result is a harmonious blend of architecture, interiors and amenity that emphasises wellbeing, comfort and beauty without excess."&nbsp;

Malloch added that project consultants had been carefully selected in alignment with Bottega House's commitment to care, quality and attention to detail. The design team includes architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, interiors practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/urbis">Urbis</a>.&nbsp;

Three-bedroom apartments are expected to start around $5 millio. Selling agents Keenan &amp; Byrne said the pricing strategy for the project was anticipated to achieve upwards of $25,500 per square metre.&nbsp;

The project's development approval this week follows the success of Bottega House's inaugural Queensland project - a 22-storey collection of full-floor sky homes at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast which included the sale of a two-storey penthouse at a record price for a beachside residence.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House is expected to launch to market in November, with construction anticipated to be completed mid 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151826]

Joel Robinson

Bottega House to make Brisbane debut with St Lucia riverfront apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> is advancing its affordable apartment model into Brisbane with the acquisition of another site at Cordelia Street in South Brisbane for $27 million.

Sherpa, which has a $1.7 billion pipeline across Southeast Queensland, intends to bring a cohort of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers into its proposed 186-apartment project to be built at 2 Cordelia Street.

The Sherpa model has already been incredibly well received from their Gold Coast projects, where Sherpa Group set aside a number of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers.

The new $320 million project marks Sherpa Group's second development in Brisbane, following its $255 million Symphony project, also on Cordelia Street, which is currently under construction.

Symphony will deliver 146 apartments across 28 levels, offering a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. With 114 already sold, construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/lps-group">LPS Group</a> is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=351654]

Sherpa Founder, Christie Leet, said the company was excited to be venturing into Brisbane for its second residential project.

“We’re big believers in the future of Brisbane as we lead into the 2032 Olympics and beyond,” Leet said.

“The success of Symphony has guided us into what will be our second project and we look forward to submitting our plans with council soon so we can deliver yet another quality project to the inner city residential market.

“Our Flourish model has been very well received both in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and we’re excited to be able to offer some of these apartments again exclusively to first homebuyers to help get them into the property market.

“The model has been extraordinarily well received in our previous projects and it is something we are committed to moving forward.”

2 Cordelia Street will be designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hal-architects">HAL Architects</a> &amp; Finegrain and will include Sherpa’s signature residential amenities including pool, gym, recreation, wellness and work from home spaces.

The project will feature ground-floor commercial space, creating a vibrant amenity for residents and the surrounding community.

A development application will be lodged with Brisbane City Council in August on the code compliant site and will be launched to the market early 2027.

Sherpa acquires new site for second Brisbane apartment tower

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.

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

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

Staff reporter

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