<html><body>
Former financial adviser and accountant, Satvir Singh Birk, of Reedy Creek, was today sentenced in to two and a half years imprisonment, following an ASIC investigation.
On 25 May 2018, Mr Birk, 42, pleaded guilty to five counts of dishonestly using his position as director of The Carter Group with the intention of gaining an advantage, for himself or others, in the amount of approximately $800,000.<a href="https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/find-a-media-release/2016-releases/16-216mr-gold-coast-former-financial-advisor-and-accountant-charged-with-multiple-counts-of-fraud-involving-approximately-800-000/" target="_BLANK"> </a>
The charges relate to conduct between September 2010 and October 2011, while Mr Birk was an authorised representative of Professional Investment Services Pty Ltd (PIS) and a director of the Carter Group (now in external administration) which was a corporate authorised representative of PIS.
ASIC alleged that Mr Birk dishonestly used his position as a director in that he:
· caused cheques to be drawn on a client’s superannuation account without authorisation;
· deceived some clients as to the use of funds withdrawn from their superannuation funds;
· deceived another client as to the price at which units in an unlisted registered managed investment scheme had been sold for and used a portion of the proceeds for the benefit of Mr Birk’s father; and
· misled clients in relation to the value and other details of units they had purchased in an unlisted registered managed investment scheme.
‘Mr Birk’s actions were dishonest and betrayed the trust of his clients. Today’s decision shows this type of behaviour will be met with serious consequences,’ said ASIC Commissioner Danielle Press.
Mr Birk has been convicted and imprisoned for two and a half years, to be released after serving four months upon entering into a recognisance order of $10,000 upon the condition that he be of good behaviour for a period of two and a half years.  
The matter was prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
In July 2017, ASIC permanently banned Mr Birk from providing financial services. (<a href="https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/find-a-media-release/2017-releases/17-245mr-asic-permanently-bans-gold-coast-financial-adviser/" title="17-245MR ASIC permanently bans Gold Coast financial adviser">MR17-245</a>).
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Former Gold Coast financial adviser sentenced to two and a half years in jail

<html><body>
Credit growth has been slowing as the housing sector cools in response to tighter lending conditions.
However, in the September quarter, a burst of strength in the business segment provided some temporary respite.
Total credit grew by 0.4% in the month of September, including a 0.35% rise for housing and a 0.6% expansion in business
Annual credit growth is 4.6% currently, moderating from 5.3% a year ago. Housing growth has eased to 5.2% from 6.6% over this period. Business grew by 4.4% over the past year, up a fraction from 4.2% a year earlier. Personal credit continues to contract, down 0.9% in the year to September 2017 and falling by a further 1.5% over the past year.
Business credit remains volatile around a modest uptrend. The September quarter saw a brisk rise of 2.0%, up sharply from gains in the three previous quarters (0.9%, 0.8% and 0.6%). The pace of the past three months is unlikely to be sustained given the current economic and financial backdrop.
On housing, indicators point to a further cooling of conditions. House prices have turned, moving lower following a strong run, and dwelling approvals are down from the 2016 peak and are likely to move lower still after an extended upswing, to bring them more in line with underlying requirements.
Tighter lending conditions and rising funding costs will continue to weigh on the housing sector over coming months - recall that 3 of the 4 major retail banks raised mortgage rates over August and September.
Momentum in housing credit, as measured by 3 month annualised growth, has slowed progressively from a peak of 6.8% in May 2017 to be 4.7% currently.
Tighter lending conditions were largely directed at the investor market. The upshot is a marked slowing in investor credit growth. For the three months to September, investor credit almost stalled, advancing by only 1.4% annualised.
The slowing in the owner-occupier market has been less pronounced - but the trend is lower. The 3 month annualised pace for owner-occupier housing credit is 6.4% currently, a moderation from a peak of 8.7% last July.
Turning to business credit, this is volatile around a modest uptrend, as noted above. Annual growth is 4.4% currently - three months earlier it dipped to 3.2%.
In 2017, the business mood improved, mirroring the global trend. This has translated into an increase in business investment in the real economy by the non-mining sectors.
Currently, business credit growth is undershooting growth in non-mining business investment, the reverse of the experience in recent years, suggesting a greater reliance by businesses on other sources of funding, including retained earnings.
Andrew Hanlan is a Senior Economist for Westpac
</body></html>

Credit growth slowing as housing sector cools, responding to tighter lending conditions: Andrew Hanlan

<html><body>
"The pace of increase in rents remains at its slowest in 25 years,” according to Shane Garrett, Chief Economist of Master Builders Australia.
ABS inflation data show that over the year to September 2018, rents increased by just 0.6%.
He said, "the last time we saw a smaller increase in rental prices was back in late 1993."
“Rents have been increasing at a much weaker pace than both wages and general inflation over recent years” 
“Current arrangements around Negative Gearing and the Capital Gains Tax discount are also crucial to ensuring that a large enough supply of rental accommodation makes it onto the market from year to year. Introducing any restrictions here could cause shortages of rental accommodation to develop,” Shane Garrett concluded.
There is considerable variation in rental price inflation across Australia’s eight capital cities.
Over the year to September 2018, Hobart rents saw the largest increase (+4.5%), followed by Canberra (+3.0%).
Rents also rose in Sydney (+1.9%), Melbourne (1.8%) and Adelaide (+0.8%) over the same period.
Perth rents saw a sharp decline over the year (-6.1%) with rents also falling in Darwin (- 4.6%) and Brisbane (-0.1%) over the same period.
 
</body></html>

Rental inflation at its weakest in a quarter of a century: Shane Garrett

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
It is hard to find signs of rising inflationary pulse
The September Quarter CPI printed 0.4%qtr, compared to the market median and Westpac’s forecast for 0.5%. At 2 decimal places the rise in the CPI was 0.44%qtr so a sound 0.4% but it was the third consecutive 0.4% print holding the six month annualised pace at 1.6%yr. With base effects, the annual rate has eased back to 1.9%yr compared to 2.1%yr in Q2, 1.9% in Q1 and 2017 Q4 and 1.8%yr in Q3. Inflation continues to bump along just at, or just under, the bottom of the RBA’s target band.
Following the December quarter 2017 CPI we argued that searching for inflation in the Australian economy has been a fruitless as Vladimir and Estragon’s wait for Godot. This has not changed as we are still waiting to see how long this record breaking performance can continue. There were some hints in the September suggesting this scenario has much longer to run.
The average of the core measures, which are seasonally adjusted and exclude extreme moves, rose 0.3%qtr meeting our expectations. In the quarter, the trimmed mean gained 0.37% while the weighted median lifted 0.28%. The annual pace of the average of the core measures printed 1.7%yr, a further deceleration from 1.7%yr in Q2 2018 and 2.0% in Q1.
Incorporating revisions, the six month annualised growth in core inflation is only 1.5%yr which is well below the bottom of the RBA target band and the slowest pace September 2016.
<img src="https://westpaciq.westpac.com.au/wibiqauthoring/_uploads/image/bulletin/Justin_Images/Sept_OCt18/sept18CPIchart.JPG" alt="CPI " title="history">
Components of the CPI broadly as expected but some interesting surprises in the finer details
Some standout in the quarter – on the positive side there was a bump from food (0.5%),and surprising rise for clothing &amp; footwear (0.2% vs –0.3% expected), rising auto fuel (1.4%) and a larger than expected seasonal bump in holiday travel (3.3%). On the downside, the bump from tobacco was less than expected (just 1.8%) while health costs fell more than expected (–0.4%), car prices fell again (–0.1%) and the fall in household content &amp; services was larger than expected (–1.2%) with a larger than expected 12% fall in child care. We had highlight child care as a clear risk to our forecasts.
The most interesting new bit of information in the survey was for housing expenditure. While housing costs overall rose as expected (0.4%) rents rose 0.2% (we thought they would be flat), dwelling prices rose just 0.1% (we thought 0.4%) while utilities rose 0.8% vs our –0.4% expected. Overall the mix on housing is softer than expected as there are a number of near term negative risks for both rents and dwelling purchase costs in NSW and Victoria. Given that rents and dwelling purchases are worth around 15% of the CPI their own this is significant for headline and inflation even more so for core where their weight is somewhat higher.
<img src="https://westpaciq.westpac.com.au/wibiqauthoring/_uploads/image/bulletin/Justin_Images/Sept_OCt18/Sep18CPIcontribs.JPG" alt="CPI " title="contribs">
Tradables rose 0.8% in the September quarter. The tradable goods component rose 0.4% due to automotive fuel (1.4%), fruit (2.4%), furniture (1.9%), and vegetables (1.6%). The tradable services component rose 4.0% due to international holiday travel &amp; accommodation (4.3%).
Non-tradables rose 0.3% in September quarter. The non-tradable goods component rose 0.5% due to tobacco (1.8%), beer (0.9%) and takeaway &amp; fast foods (0.7%). The non-tradable services component rose 0.1% due to domestic holiday travel &amp; accommodation (2.4%) and property rates &amp; charges (2.3%).
Low inflation remains embedded in the economy
We have now two consecutive years where forecasters have over-estimated the CPI print. The average error since the December quarter 2016 is +0.14ppt. Core inflation came in below expectations (0.3%qtr vs 0.4%qtr expected) but there error on core inflation is more random and does not have a consistent bias. The average error on core since December 2016 is just 0.006ppt. So analysts are broadly getting the core inflation pulse corrected but are still underestimating the disinflationary pulse which has seen greater than usual discounting in some sectors \which are then trimmed out of the core measures.
There are some isolated inflationary pressures; rising petrol and tobacco prices are clear standout as well as embryonic indicators that disinflationary pulse in retail may be easing but the moderation in housing costs (rents and dwelling purchases in particular) are a significant offset. This is significant as this group weighting means it has a meaningful impact on the estimates of both inflation and core inflation. As such, with core inflation well below the bottom of the RBA’s target band we can find little to suggest any risk of a meaningful acceleration.
Our preliminary estimate for the 2018 Q3 CPI is 0.7%qtr which will see the annual pace lift a touch to 2.0%yr as the recent rise in petrol prices makes a larger contribution in the December quarter. We are also expecting a modest recovery in dwelling purchase prices. Under our current scenario, even with a modest lift in housing costs and rising fuel prices inflation, inflation is expected to be at, or just under, 2.0%yr all the way out to end 2019.
On a festive note the ABS reports that this is the 70th birthday of the CPI in it’s current form – the index has quarterly history that goes back to the September quarter 1948.
Justin Smirk is a Senior Economist at Westpac
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d373e; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<h1 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 36px; margin: 18px 0px; color: #621a4b; font-family: ChronicleSemibold, 'Times New Roman', Times, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; line-height: 1.1;">It is hard to find signs of rising inflationary pulse</h1>
</div>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d373e; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The September Quarter CPI printed 0.4%qtr, compared to the market median and Westpac’s forecast for 0.5%. At 2 decimal places the rise in the CPI was 0.44%qtr so a sound 0.4% but it was the third consecutive 0.4% print holding the six month annualised pace at 1.6%yr. With base effects, the annual rate has eased back to 1.9%yr compared to 2.1%yr in Q2, 1.9% in Q1 and 2017 Q4 and 1.8%yr in Q3. Inflation continues to bump along just at, or just under, the bottom of the RBA’s target band.
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d373e; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Following the December quarter 2017 CPI we argued that searching for inflation in the Australian economy has been a fruitless as Vladimir and Estragon’s wait for Godot. This has not changed as we are still waiting to see how long this record breaking performance can continue. There were some hints in the September suggesting this scenario has much longer to run.
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d373e; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The average of the core measures, which are seasonally adjusted and exclude extreme moves, rose 0.3%qtr meeting our expectations. In the quarter, the trimmed mean gained 0.37% while the weighted median lifted 0.28%. The annual pace of the average of the core measures printed 1.7%yr, a further deceleration from 1.7%yr in Q2 2018 and 2.0% in Q1.
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d373e; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Incorporating revisions, the six month annualised growth in core inflation is only 1.5%yr which is well below the bottom of the RBA target band and the slowest pace September 2016.
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d373e; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://westpaciq.westpac.com.au/wibiqauthoring/_uploads/image/bulletin/Justin_Images/Sept_OCt18/sept18CPIchart.JPG" alt="CPI " title="history" style="box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%;">
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d373e; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<h1 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 36px; margin: 18px 0px; color: #621a4b; font-family: ChronicleSemibold, 'Times New Roman', Times, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; line-height: 1.1;">Components of the CPI broadly as expected but some interesting surprises in the finer details</h1>
</div>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d373e; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Some standout in the quarter – on the positive side there was a bump from food (0.5%),and surprising rise for clothing &amp; footwear (0.2% vs –0.3% expected), rising auto fuel (1.4%) and a larger than expected seasonal bump in holiday travel (3.3%). On the downside, the bump from tobacco was less than expected (just 1.8%) while health costs fell more than expected (–0.4%), car prices fell again (–0.1%) and the fall in household content &amp; services was larger than expected (–1.2%) with a larger than expected 12% fall in child care. We had highlight child care as a clear risk to our forecasts.
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d373e; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The most interesting new bit of information in the survey was for housing expenditure. While housing costs overall rose as expected (0.4%) rents rose 0.2% (we thought they would be flat), dwelling prices rose just 0.1% (we thought 0.4%) while utilities rose 0.8% vs our –0.4% expected. Overall the mix on housing is softer than expected as there are a number of near term negative risks for both rents and dwelling purchase costs in NSW and Victoria. Given that rents and dwelling purchases are worth around 15% of the CPI their own this is significant for headline and inflation even more so for core where their weight is somewhat higher.
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d373e; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><img src="https://westpaciq.westpac.com.au/wibiqauthoring/_uploads/image/bulletin/Justin_Images/Sept_OCt18/Sep18CPIcontribs.JPG" alt="CPI " title="contribs" style="box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%;">
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d373e; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Tradables rose 0.8% in the September quarter. The tradable goods component rose 0.4% due to automotive fuel (1.4%), fruit (2.4%), furniture (1.9%), and vegetables (1.6%). The tradable services component rose 4.0% due to international holiday travel &amp; accommodation (4.3%).
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d373e; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Non-tradables rose 0.3% in September quarter. The non-tradable goods component rose 0.5% due to tobacco (1.8%), beer (0.9%) and takeaway &amp; fast foods (0.7%). The non-tradable services component rose 0.1% due to domestic holiday travel &amp; accommodation (2.4%) and property rates &amp; charges (2.3%).
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d373e; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<h1 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 36px; margin: 18px 0px; color: #621a4b; font-family: ChronicleSemibold, 'Times New Roman', Times, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; line-height: 1.1;">Low inflation remains embedded in the economy</h1>
</div>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d373e; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">We have now two consecutive years where forecasters have over-estimated the CPI print. The average error since the December quarter 2016 is +0.14ppt. Core inflation came in below expectations (0.3%qtr vs 0.4%qtr expected) but there error on core inflation is more random and does not have a consistent bias. The average error on core since December 2016 is just 0.006ppt. So analysts are broadly getting the core inflation pulse corrected but are still underestimating the disinflationary pulse which has seen greater than usual discounting in some sectors \which are then trimmed out of the core measures.
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d373e; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">There are some isolated inflationary pressures; rising petrol and tobacco prices are clear standout as well as embryonic indicators that disinflationary pulse in retail may be easing but the moderation in housing costs (rents and dwelling purchases in particular) are a significant offset. This is significant as this group weighting means it has a meaningful impact on the estimates of both inflation and core inflation. As such, with core inflation well below the bottom of the RBA’s target band we can find little to suggest any risk of a meaningful acceleration.
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d373e; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Our preliminary estimate for the 2018 Q3 CPI is 0.7%qtr which will see the annual pace lift a touch to 2.0%yr as the recent rise in petrol prices makes a larger contribution in the December quarter. We are also expecting a modest recovery in dwelling purchase prices. Under our current scenario, even with a modest lift in housing costs and rising fuel prices inflation, inflation is expected to be at, or just under, 2.0%yr all the way out to end 2019.
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d373e; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">On a festive note the ABS reports that this is the 70th birthday of the CPI in it’s current for – the index has quarterly history that goes back to the September quarter 1948.
</body></html>

It is hard to find signs of rising inflationary pulse: Westpac's Justin Smirk

<html><body>
A 4,061 sqm development site has sold for $1,725,925 in the Qld precinct of Pinkenba.
Situated at <a id="LPlnk178308" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZG4jiEtYQ3WeHgR+6sb+yJYFCnt4bM25Eg0+tCWWf1g38=&amp;rh=ff0042a840c2aec0c81af767c74e83c1f4d3cb3a" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">49 Harris Road</a>, the deal was jointly brokered by Ray White Commercial Queensland’s Director Sales and Leasing Paul Anderson and Sales and Leasing Executive Aaron Aleckson.
“Land speculators are attracted to the Pinkenba story; the TradeCoast location, Brisbane Airport proximity, the new Cruise Ship Terminal and just the very high level of construction activity in the precinct,” Mr Anderson said.
One of 10 in the 'Airport Link' an industrial sub-division comprising land sites in area from 2,036 sqm to say 8,351 sqm.
The holding is just 21 minutes to Brisbane CBD and 15 minutes to Brisbane Airport by car.
“The difference that this estate offers to most industrial land in Pinkenba is sewer connectivity and the attractive GI B zoning,” Mr Aleckson said.
The site was sold to a private purchaser.
</body></html>

Pinkenba development site sells for over $1.7 million

<html><body>
<div>The newly created Australian Financial Complaints Authority, to begin operation on November 1, is a vital step to streamlining dispute resolution, according to a statement from the Australian Banking Association.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>They believe it will make the dispute resolution process easier to access and easier to understand for customers.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>CEO of the Australian Banking Association Anna Bligh said banks are strong supporters of external dispute resolution and supported streamlining the process to better help customers understand where they need to go if they have a complaint.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“A fast, free and binding service which deals with disputes outside of court is the best way for a customer’s issue to be heard and quickly resolved,” Ms Bligh said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“AFCA will have increased powers including expanded scope to hear disputes from larger businesses and the ability to award compensation for direct and indirect financial loss and non-financial loss."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>She stated, “the Banking Code of Practice will be used by AFCA as the new benchmark for industry practice, considering in its investigations if a bank has breached the Code and therefore its contract with the customer,” she said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>All ABA banks are members of the scheme therefore financially contribute to AFCA, which will ultimately be fully funded by contributions from the broader financial services industry.</div>
</body></html>

Banks welcome 'one stop shop' for resolving disputes: ABA

<html><body>
A site of six amalgamated properties is on the market in Bondi Junction, with price expectations around $40 million.
Charles McKenzie and Trent Gallagher of Colliers International are selling the 2,679 sqm parcel alongside James Nixon of Belle Property through an international expressions of interest campaign.
Notably, owners Steve and Carmen Davidson have been approached numerous times to sell the site, prior to it being launched to market.
The six properties for sale in one line have an Oxford Street frontage and prominent corner location Denison Street and Mill Hill Road.
The four commercial and two residential properties are located at 45, 47-49 and 53-57 Oxford Street; 5-7, 9 Denison Street and 2 Mill Hill Road at Bondi Junction.
<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/2018/10/31/Bondi%20Junction%202.jpg" alt="">
Trent Gallagher, National Director, Sales and Leasing at Colliers International said, “The site is surrounded by major destinations and is just 300 m from Bondi Junction’s main transport interchange and 40 0m from Westfield’s Bondi Junction Mall.
James Nixon of Belle Property said, “With B4 Mixed use zoning, this site gives investors, developers and owner occupiers the opportunity to capitalise on the land’s strong development upside and holding income.”
The expressions of interest campaign ends on the 28th of November.
</body></html>

Six combined Bondi Junction lots with $40 million expectations

<html><body>
TFE Hotels has announced it will open a new Vibe Hotel in Adelaide.
The Hotel is projected to open in 2020.
Savills Australia’s Rob Williamson and Vasso Zographou negotiated the terms for the 260 Flinders Street property (pictured above) on behalf of the project owners.
TFE Hotels has partnered with multi award-winning Loucas Zahos Architects and its development business Guava Lime to construct an 18-storey glass fronted tower with 118 spacious rooms with stylish décor and bathroom amenities.
There will also be an open plan ground floor restaurant and bar and gymnasium.
Principal Architect and Director, Con Zahos, said the hotel would be the anchor of the “Paris end” of Adelaide, completing Guava Lime’s 16-year development of the precinct.
Located in the eastern quarter of Adelaide city, the new hotel will be close to Rundle and Hutt streets and minutes from Rundle Mall, Victoria Square, Adelaide Casino and the convention centre precinct.
TFE Hotels’ Managing Director Allan Vidor said this marked a great year for the Vibe Hotels brand, which would soon grow from nine hotels to thirteen.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/24/Vibe%20NS.JPG" alt="">
It follows the opening of the Vibe Hotel North Sydney (pictured above) that opened in April 2018.
“We have another three Vibe Hotels under construction already: at Queen Street in Melbourne, Argyle Street in Hobart and Sussex Street in Darling Harbour, Sydney,” Mr Vidor said.
“Each has an innovative and attractive design and is located in a developing area of each city. It’s a very exciting time for the brand.”
 <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/2018/10/24/VIBE%20RUSH.jpg" alt="">
The Vibe Hotels brand launched in Sydney in 2003 with the opening of Vibe Hotel Rushcutters Bay (pictured above). This was followed by three more hotel openings in Sydney, Hobart and Melbourne in 2004. Later additions included Darwin Waterfront, Canberra Airport, which has since won multiple design awards, Marysville near Victoria’s Yarra Valley and North Sydney (April 2018).
</body></html>

Savills negotiate terms for TFE Hotels first Vibe Hotel in Adelaide

<html><body>
A five-level Melbourne CBD office and retail building has sold for $11.98 million to a Chinese investor who beat out several local and off-shore groups.
Savills Australia’s Clinton Baxter, Ming Li and Jesse Radisich negotiated the deal for 26-32 King Street on a tight yield of 2.9 per cent on behalf of a local private investor. 
“The scarcity of Melbourne CBD properties on the market, particularly below $20 million, is apparent among active buyers, resulting in significant pent-up demand,” Mr Baxter said.
The property, a retail and office building of about 1,200 sqm, on a landholding of about 304 sqm, is leased to multiple tenants, including a 7-Eleven on the ground level, and returns a net rental of $352,000 per annum.
“The buyer was seeking to secure a prime CBD asset for long-term capital growth, and this sale demonstrates the strong market appetite for premium properties generating solid income within the CBD,” Mr Baxter said.
The property last traded for $5.1million at a Savills auction in 2010, and has grown in value by 135 per cent over just eight years.
Mr Li said that despite recent media reports of a withdrawal of Chinese money from the Melbourne market, Savills was “actually experiencing an uptick in capital from Asia seeking prime commercial assets”.
“We have Asia-based clients actively seeking all forms of CBD and inner-metropolitan commercial assets,” he said.
The Australian Financial Review reported Rialto Tower co-owner Lorenz Grollo was an underbidder.
The property is across the road from the Rialto tower. <cite> </cite>
</body></html>

Savills sells Melbourne CBD office building to Chinese investor

<html><body>
Developer Pindan has taken the wraps off its luxury Mahala Mermaid Beach project, which was officially launched to the market on the weekend.  
Mahala offers two and three bedroom apartments with two car bays, overlooking Hedges Avenue and just metres to the beach. 
Purchasers are now able to visit a custom built sales and display suite located at <a href="https://www.pindan.com.au/mahala-mermaid-beach" target="_blank">15 Peerless Avenue</a> to view a model of the project, see the finishes and learn more about Mahala, with an app allowing the agents to showcase the project, its floorplans and the potential views from apartments in an interactive manner. 
Colliers International residential director Andrew Roubicek, who is marketing Mahala, says he anticipates a busy week ahead considering the strong interest in the project recently. 
<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/2018/10/29/mermaid%20beach%202.jpg" alt=""> 
"We have now had well over 500 enquiries from prospective purchasers living locally as well as from Brisbane and interstate," Roubicek said.  
"Locals who are looking to make Mahala their home are saying the fact the vast majority of apartments are being sold with two carparks is a big drawcard, along with the prime location close to Hedges Avenue. 
"We also have a number of interstate buyers interested in a lock and leave holiday home and these people have been impressed by Mahala's resort-style amenities, including a residents' entertainment terrace which boasts a pool, barbeques, cabana, lounge and private dining room, along with a secure grocery and parcel delivery facility. 
"Mahala is unlike any development delivered in the highly sought after Mermaid Beach area to date and it will continue to stand apart in its quality design and lifestyle offering." 
Mahala's two bedroom, two bathroom, two car bay apartments start from $735,000, with three bedroom, two bathroom, two car bay apartments available from $1.4 million. 
Developer Pindan boasts more than 40 years’ experience, including expanding its operations to the East Coast over the past five years, with its funds management arm - Pindan Capital - overseeing $1.7 billion of development projects across Australia.
</body></html>

Mahala Mermaid Beach launched

A who's who of Australian surfing, business and entertainment has emerged on title records following the completion of Esprit Rainbow Bay, the latest boutique beachfront apartment development by former professional surfer Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects.

The completed project has attracted an enviable collection of owners, many with long-standing ties to the southern Gold Coast and the surf culture that has helped define Rainbow Bay and neighbouring Kirra for generations.

Given Gedoun's own background in surfing, it perhaps comes as little surprise that some of Australia's most recognisable surfers have chosen to buy into the development overlooking one of the country's most celebrated stretches of coastline.

Pezet Matheson directors Jayde Pezet and Todd Matheson launched the project in late 2021, and have managed the sales campaign all the way through to its sell-out and recent completion.

<img alt="Esprit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08fc6261-b84e-4b09-8a44-66d3067fd0d1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-29%20at%208.51.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4AOcb6ETZwNUnMPdTtz1B3pZAIB_jgZ2" />

Former world champion Mick Fanning, who grew up in Coolangatta, secured an apartment in 2023. He paid&nbsp;$2.07 million. Last year he sold his Bilinga home for over $16 million.

Three-time world champion Joel Parkinson also purchased in the development, alongside big wave surfer Mark Mathews. Mathews bought the most expensive apartment in the building, spending just over $4 million.

Joining them is Rip Curl founder Doug Warbrick, whose company helped shape Australia's global surfing industry over the past five decades.

The appeal of Rainbow Bay has extended well beyond the surfing community.

International DJ Paul Fisher purchased an apartment through his investment vehicle, YLB Developments, an abbreviation of his trademark phrase "You Little Beauty".

The purchase comes as Fisher and his wife Chloe are developing their own luxury apartment project further north in Palm Beach. Their boutique beachfront development, Pescado, comprises just seven apartments on Jefferson Lane, which start from just shy of $6 million. The couple intend to retain the two-level penthouse as their Australian base between international touring commitments.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy and his wife Wendy have also invested in Esprit, purchasing two apartments after spending decades holidaying on the southern Gold Coast. They also have a luxury apartment in Joe Adsett's Rockpool, less than 400m away from Esprit.

<h2>Boutique project draws owner-occupiers</h2>

Esprit launched in 2021 and sold strongly, with buyers drawn to its boutique scale, beachfront position and contemporary design.

The completed development comprises 94 apartments across 11 levels, offering expansive floorplans designed primarily for owner-occupiers rather than the investor market.

Crowning the building is Club Esprit, pitched as being the Gold Coast's first residential rooftop wellness centre. The roof features a&nbsp;25 metre magnesium lap pool, which is surrounded by wet daybeds and poolside cabanas,&nbsp;multiple barbecue areas,&nbsp;a yoga and relaxation play lawn, and a private dining room with a kitchen scullery, bar, lounges, and an outdoor terrace.

The wellness centre is&nbsp;fully equipped with a Technogym, ice bath, infra-red sauna, steam room, thermal room, and treatment room. The roof has views spanning&nbsp;Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks and the Pacific Ocean.

<h2>S&amp;S Projects continues to shape Rainbow Bay</h2>

S&amp;S Projects founder Paul Gedoun has become one of the key figures behind Rainbow Bay's evolution over the past several years.

After establishing S&amp;S Projects, Gedoun has focused on delivering lifestyle-driven apartment developments designed primarily for owner-occupiers seeking a permanent coastal home.

Esprit is Gedoun's third completed project in Rainbow Bay, following Flow and Awaken, both of which achieved record prices for the suburb.

He is now delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, a 38-apartment development on Boundary Street that is currently selling, and has no plans to leave the precinct anytime soon. S&amp;S Projects has also lodged plans for its fifth Rainbow Bay development, an 88-apartment project on Boundary Street featuring a strong wellness focus.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">First look: S&amp;S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Who's who of buyers revealed as Esprit Rainbow Bay settles

Nature Based Cities (NBC), the not-for-profit organisation focused on improving biodiversity and nature outcomes in urban development, has launched its latest industry design guidelines and accreditation framework, this time targeting precinct-scale residential communities.

The move extends NBC’s influence beyond its initial focus on medium and high-density residential developments. Several projects have already achieved NBC accreditation since the launch of its Medium &amp; High-Density Residential Guidelines in early 2025.

The expansion into masterplanned communities and new residential precincts reflects the growing need for stronger nature-positive benchmarks as Australia’s outer suburban growth corridors continue to expand at pace.

Paul Hameister OAM, NBC Founder and the Executive Chairman of Melbourne developer Hamton who itself leans heavily into nature and biodiversity in its developments, says the&nbsp;nature-first approach to mitigate the effects of climate change has become standard in other parts of the world such as the UK, but Australia is lagging.&nbsp;Australia’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) rating tools have no minimum mandatory requirements for living landscapes.

“We’ve always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren’t there,” Hameister says. “In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that’s concrete and glass with not a blade of grass. 
 
“The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn’t been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities.”

He says that having now&nbsp;made good progress in supporting developers of medium and high-density residential projects, NBC is now looking to bolster better nature-based decision-making and recognise developers of greenfield projects in the outer ring and large inner-ring brownfield precincts, who want to champion nature and living landscape as a defining feature.

Since 2022, the not-for-profit has sought to remove the roadblocks preventing developers from incorporating nature and living landscapes into their projects, shifting the conversation from the reduction of emissions and grey infrastructure, toward recognising nature as an essential infrastructure.

The New Communities Design Guidelines and Scorecard arm developers with the tools needed to deliver a nature positive outcome for their new communities. Intended to be adopted at the outset of the planning process, the guidelines are designed to help create communities that are cooler, healthier and more resilient while also enhancing social wellbeing and long-term economic value.&nbsp;

New Communities developers seeking accreditation will be independently assessed across a range of key criteria including ecology, tree canopy, biodiversity, and walkability. Once the masterplan is complete and submitted for approval, the scorecard is formalised based on proposed outcomes. Projects that meet the NBC criteria will receive either Commended or Exemplary accreditation outcomes, creating a clear benchmark for nature-positive new communities in Australia.&nbsp;

Janis Fischer, Director at Tract and NBC Advisory Council member, said the development of new communities in our suburbs can have a substantial impact on nature and biodiversity.

"By incorporating nature-based design principles at the inception of a project, developers and their design teams can achieve nature positive outcomes that are good for both people and the planet.’’&nbsp;

NBC accredited New Community projects will gain access to NBC branding and marketing tools to help communicate their nature-based credentials to purchasers and the broader market.&nbsp;

Nature Based Cities: A new Australian benchmark for developing nature-positive new communities

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<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/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

Staff reporter

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News