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<p>A Victorian terrace on Potts Point's in the heart of Potts Point is on the market. </p>
<p>It has been scheduled for auction on November 10 by Clint Ballard and Patrick O'Brien from Ballard Property Group. </p>
<p>Built around 1870, the terrace over three levels situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-potts+point-129626190" target="_blank">109 Victoria Street </a>comprises of four double bedrooms, two contemporary bathrooms, traditional double formal rooms, and iron lace balcony.</p>
<p><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/2018/10/25/potts%20point%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Other features include flagstone verandah, high ceilings, 6.3 metre street frontage, and rear lane access to invaluable parking.</p>
<p>It is only 350 metres to the station, and a stroll to alfresco cafes and renowned harbourfront dining.</p>
<p><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/2018/10/25/potts%20point%203.jpg" alt=""> </p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Victorian 1870 terrace in Potts Point scheduled for auction 

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<div>
<p>A Taree childcare facility was passed in at recent auction.</p>
<p>The result was despite a new 20 year lease ending 2038 with options to 2058 to Little Flippers, an experienced childcare provider with 13 other facilities.</p>
<p>Located at 9 Coolabah Drive, Taree, the property was passed in at $1.8 million.</p>
<p>The recently refurbished 55 place facility is set on 1,051 square metres.</p>
<p>It has an occupancy rate of 94%.</p>
<p>Net income on the lease is $132,000 per annum plus GST and a minimum increase of 3% per annum.</p>
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<div id="slideshow2-wrapper">
<div id="slideshow2">
<div>After auction it was put up for expressions of interest with an indicative price of $1,885,000 (7% yield).</div>
</div>
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Taree child care facility with new 20-year lease passed in

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<p>The Bonnet Bay shopping centre has sold under the hammer.</p>
<p>The 10-13 Kennedy Crescent listing was sold for $3.76 million by Burgess Rawson.</p>
<p>The holding is described as a dominant retail building in Bonnet Bay with no other competing retail within a 10 minute drive.</p>
<p>Set on a 2,653 square metre landholding with rear lane access, loading dock and 34 on-site car spaces the tenants are primarily on three-year and five-year leases.</p>
<p>However, some of the tenants are long term occupants with several having been at the centre for more than 10 years.</p>
<p>The centre also features "internet resistant tenants" – seven from eight lessees are restaurants or services that are not affected by online shopping.</p>
<p>Subdivision or development is also a possibility for the property which has a net income $223,100 per annum, plus GST.</p>
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Bonnet Bay shopping village sold for $3.76 million

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<p>Burgess Rawson have successfully auctioned off the Kempsey Westpac.</p>
<p>Located at 4-6 Smith Street, the building sold for $1.11 million.</p>
<p>It is currently leased to Westpac until 2022 with options to 2032.</p>
<p>Net income on the property is $80,027 per annum, plus GST.</p>
<p>Set on a 510 square metre holding, the two story building is situated near both a Coles shopping centre and a post office.</p>
<p>The property last sold in 2001 for $330,000, a reduction on its previous sale price of $502,250 in 1989.</p>
<p>It was last marketed unsuccessfully in 2015 and spent two thirds of a year on the market.</p>
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Kempsey Westpac building sold for $1.11 million

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<p>Developer Clarence Property has received approval from Ballina Shire Council and the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) to deliver a $30 million neighbourhood shopping centre at its Epiq community in Lennox Head.</p>
<p>Woolworths entered into an agreement for a 15 year lease as anchor tenant on the back of the development approval and is expected to open its doors in mid 2020.</p>
<p>This is in line with the completion of the shopping precinct, which is expected to commence construction early next year.</p>
<p>The shopping centre will ultimately include a full line, 3,340 square metre Woolworths supermarket, 277 carparks, alfresco dining space and 1500 square metres of specialty stores.</p>
<p><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/EPIQ%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Epiq's projected population is set for around 1,700 residents once the community is fully developed.</p>
<p>The Clarence Property General Manager said: "The benefits are three-fold. Woolworths' commitment to the centre means locals will no longer have to travel to Ballina for a full line supermarket, which means more money will be spent locally. This in turn will help sustain local employment, with the Epiq shopping centre expected to support about 273 jobs."</p>
<p>Woolworths Regional Property Manager, Phillip Peel, said the company was thrilled to enter into an agreement to secure one of the key retail tenancies in the development as the growing population indicated clear demand for a full-line supermarket.</p>
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Shopping centre in Lennox Head secures council development approval

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<p>A new built freestanding supermarket in inner Brisbane has come to market.</p>
<p>The newly built Coles Kedron, at 346 Gympie Road, has a long WALE appeal of 14.73 years and a 15 year net lease to Coles.</p>
<p>Savills Australia’s National Retail Investments team, Peter Tyson, Ben Parkinson and Steven Lerche, have been appointed to manage the international expressions-of-interest campaign.</p>
<p>“Without a doubt, this supermarket is the best retail offering ever to come to the Brisbane market so we’re anticipating strong competition for Coles Kedron,” Tyson said.</p>
<p>Parkinson said new long-leased freestanding supermarkets are a highly desired investment-grade asset type.</p>
<p>The supermarket is seven kilometres north of the Brisbane CBD.</p>
<p>“Coles acquired and consolidated the site over an extended period of time and positioned the development to capitalise on the city’s growing population, which is underpinned by Brisbane’s ongoing infrastructure investment boom, as well as rising interstate and offshore migration,” noted Tyson.</p>
<p>“Coles Kedron highly convenient freestanding design differentiates it from larger, less-convenient surrounding shopping centres, ensuring it will remain attractive to shoppers in the long term.”</p>
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New Coles in Kedron expected to spark strong investor contest

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<p>Cushman &amp; Wakefield and Knight Frank have been jointly appointed by various strata owners to sell the majority of strata lots within 70 Pitt Street, Sydney. </p>
<p>70 Pitt Street will be presented to the market through the sale of 23 lots, equating to approximately 85% strata interest in the commercial office tower by unit entitlement and total lots.</p>
<p>The site holds significant redevelopment potential under current planning controls and its location, on the southern edge of one of the four identified tower clusters, is expected to benefit from amendments in density and maximum heights under the Sydney Local Environmental Plan (LEP).</p>
<p>The 16 storey commercial office tower was originally constructed in 1963 and was strata subdivided in 2003. The building comprises two levels of sub-ground accommodation, ground and basement level retail totalling 959 square metres, and 4,931 square metres of office accommodation over 13 levels.</p>
<p>The property, holding 26 lots in total, benefits from flexible floorplates as 10 of the office levels are full floor lots, ranging between 348 to 462 square metres, whilst the remaining three levels have been further subdivided into smaller suites ranging in area from 41 to 108 square metres.</p>
<p><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/2018/10/16/70%20Pitt%20Street%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s Associate Director of Capital Markets, Brad Hamilton and Director of Sales and Investments, Ryan Cross are jointly managing the sale with Knight Frank’s Director of Commercial Sales Jonathan Vaughan, Head of Commercial Sales NSW John Bowie-Wilson and Head of Asian Markets Dominic Ong, via an international expressions of interest campaign.</p>
<p>"The sale of the available lots at 70 Pitt Street are expected to generate strong interest from local and global investors seeking to acquire an underdeveloped asset in the heart of Sydney’s financial core," Hamilton said. </p>
<p>"The 85% interest (both lots and unit entitlement) provides the purchaser ordinary and special resolution voting rights which creates the potential to unlock value add opportunities.</p>
<p>"The Sydney CBD continues to gain appeal as a global destination and will further benefit from the NSW Government’s planned $50 billion investment into Sydney’s infrastructure and transport revolution, including; Sydney Metro, Sydney Light Rail and major upgrades to Circular Quay Ferry Terminal."</p>
<p>Vaughan said: "The opportunity to acquire office assets in the financial core for less than $100 million is extremely rare. With the vacancy rate in the Sydney CBD the lowest it has been in years at 4.6% and B grade office buildings outperforming the broader market in terms of rental growth, 70 Pitt Street’s low rental base and favourable lease expiry profile will provide excellent growth via staggered exposure to the leasing market."</p>
<p>The Owners’ Representative, Chris Spanos added: "The owners participating in this collective sale have taken over 6 months to prepare in order to ensure we are bringing the best possible product to market. We have entered a deed binding ourselves to the process before marketing, so that prospective purchasers have certainty when assessing this opportunity. We could not be more excited to be bringing 70 Pitt Street to market."</p>
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Strata owners come together to sell Pitt Street office tower

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<p>A recently rezoned Abbotsford land parcel encompassing 4,375 square metres has been listed. </p>
<p>Fitzroys agents Paul Burns and James Lockwood are handling the international expressions of interest campaign for 112 Trenerry Crescent, Abbotsford, on behalf of the Australian Education Union (Victorian Branch).</p>
<p>The site has an existing four-level brick building with a NLA of 4,252 square metres.</p>
<p>It fronts on to the Yarra River and overlooks both Dights falls and Victoria Park, in addition to having views of the CBD skyline.</p>
<p>It is being offered with short-term holding income.</p>
<p>Burns said the property’s flexible mixed use zoning puts all options on the table for purchasers.</p>
<p>"Office vacancies across Melbourne’s city fringe markets have been tightening to historic lows and businesses are increasingly looking to Abbotsford as the next hotspot for commercial activity located close to the CBD," Burns said. </p>
<p>Lockwood said developers are now looking beyond the heated Cremorne and Richmond markets for their next projects.</p>
<p>Cadence Property Group has lodged plans for a major office development on Victoria Crescent, near the Carlton and United Brewery, and Salta Property Group is undertaking a mixed-use project with office, apartment and build-to-rent components next to its Victoria Gardens shopping centre.</p>
<p>United Petroleum founder, Eddie Hirsch has proposed an 11-storey tower on Hoddle Street. Circa $20 million is expected for the property.</p>
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Abbotsford parcel fronting the Yarra River on the market

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<p>A block of units in the heart of Mosman is on the market with the price of $550,000. </p>
<p>It has been offered by David Cotton from Fidelity International.</p>
<p>Sitting on a 730 square metre block of land, the four separate two bedroom units at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unitblock-qld-mossman-117151079" target="_blank"> 6 William Street </a>features solid construction, high ceilings and retro style architecture.</p>
<p>There are two apartments located on the first floor and two top floor apartments that are accessible via an internal stair case.</p>
<p><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/2018/10/15/mossman%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>The units are all currently rented out between $190 to $200 per week.</p>
<p>It is located directly across the road from the school and only 100 metres to the main street. </p>
<p><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/2018/10/15/mossman%203.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>With the growing demand for rental properties in the area, these prices have the potential to increase on the next rent review.</p>
<p>There is a lot of potential in renovating and increasing the value of the property.</p>
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Mosman block of apartments hits the market

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<div>House prices across Australia are tipped to grow in the next three years, with the exception of Sydney and Melbourne where they will continue falling in 2019, according to QBE’s Australian Housing Outlook 2018-2021.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It reveals that over the next three years house prices are set to rise in Adelaide by 12.4 per cent, in Brisbane by 11.3 per cent, Canberra by 10.4 per cent, Hobart by 7.9 per cent, Darwin by 6 per cent and Perth 5 per cent after several years of stagnant conditions. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Providing a 12-month window for first home buyers to pursue the Great Australian Dream, the primary drivers for a strengthening property market in these capital cities are affordability, increased demand and improving economic conditions. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The report has been quickly labelled "<span>delusional reading."</span>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>QBE Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance (LMI) CEO, Phil White, said the surge in first home owner lending proved the Great Australian Dream of home ownership was alive.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“We haven’t seen the first home buyer market this strong since the Australian Government’s 2008 stimulus plan following the Global Financial Crisis, which saw $1.5 billion allocated to first home buyers,” Mr White said. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>“The increases in the volume of first home buyers has been supported by improvements in affordability and first home buyer incentives. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Record low interest rates in recent years had seen a surge in investor lending, but this year’s report shows investor lending scaling back, which should also provide further room for first home buyers over the next couple of years.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Lenders’ responses to regulatory restrictions have contributed to the softening of the market.  State government incentives have encouraged first home buyers to enter the market after several years of being pushed out by domestic and foreign investors.”</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Adelaide is forecast to see the strongest growth of any capital city in the country, continuing its steady growth trajectory, but outpacing all other capital cities over the next three years.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The outlook is less rosy for apartment owners, with unit prices set to fall in Brisbane by 5.1 per cent, Darwin by 4.5 per cent, Sydney by 3.1 per cent and Melbourne by 2.1 per cent. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>This is due to weaker demand from investors and an increase in supply of apartments. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>“We anticipate foreign investment will further dampen in coming years owing to a number of factors such as increased approval fees, stamp duty and land tax surcharges, as well as tighter capital controls from foreign governments, most notably China, which have impacted how much money they can take out of their country,” Mr White said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Over the next three years, the overall housing market will be supported by strong population growth, with net overseas migration forecast to remain high in the long-term, averaging 220,000 per annum over three years to 2020-2021, significantly higher than the prior 20-year average of 183,000 per annum. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>This growth will underpin demand for new dwellings and help meet the high level of new supply coming online in some markets. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://www.qbe.com.au/lmi/news/reports/housing-outlook"> </a></div>
<div><span class="qbe-sub-heading">State-by-state highlights of the QBE Housing Outlook 2018-2021</span></div>
<p><span class="qbe-section-heading">Sydney</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Sydney’s house prices are expected to fall in the beginning forecast period and end up 1.2% lower to be at $1,090,000. </li>
<li>The unit market is expected to fall even further for Sydney with a forecast drop of 3.1% to 2021 to reach $745,000. </li>
<li>Affordability and first home buyer incentives are expected to continue to underpin first home buyer activity</li>
<li>After seeing the strongest price growth in the 12 months prior, Sydney’s inner and middle ring suburbs have seen the largest fall in prices over 2017/18 (falling by 8.1% and 10.6% respectively).</li>
<li>Outer Sydney saw a more moderate decline of 2.8% over the same period, which was likely supported by its relative affordability appealing to first home buyers.</li>
</ul>
<p><span class="qbe-section-heading">Melbourne</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Housing market prices to fall in Melbourne, with house prices expected to drop by 2.5% to $835,000 by June 2021. By means of comparison, Sydney house prices are expected to fall by 1.2% to June 2021.</li>
<li>Unit prices are also expected to decline 2.1% to $545,000 in Melbourne.</li>
<li>Continued population growth is expected to absorb some of the excess supply of units.</li>
</ul>
<div><span class="qbe-section-heading">Brisbane</span></div>
<ul>
<li>House price growth will continue and be 11.3% higher to $615,000 by June 2021. This is more growth than Canberra (10.4%), Hobart (7.9%), Darwin (6.0%) and Perth (5.0%). Only Adelaide (12.4%) is expected to outperform Brisbane house prices. </li>
<li>Oversupply of units will continue to put downward pressure on rents and prices of units to decline by 5.1% to $405,000. This is the greatest expected decline of all capital cities. </li>
<li>Greater competition for tenants of inner-city apartments is forecast to cause investors to lower rents to try to draw tenants from houses and more affordable city fringe locations. </li>
</ul>
<p><span class="qbe-section-heading">Perth</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Overall, the Perth market is expected to be at or near the bottom with houses and units expected to experience some growth in price to June 2021. House price growth in Perth will beat Sydney and Melbourne but underperform compared to Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin. </li>
<li>Dwelling surplus in Perth looks set to remain in place for some time. </li>
<li>The forecast median house price of $550,000 at June 2021 will represent cumulative growth of 5% over the next three years, with unit price forecast to rise 3.7% to $405,000.</li>
</ul>
<p><span class="qbe-section-heading">Adelaide</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Adelaide is expected to record similar house price growth as the last three years and is forecast to grow by 12.4 per cent over the next three years, the highest of any Australian capital city. </li>
<li>Median unit prices are projected to rise by a slightly lower 6.3 per cent, making Adelaide the second strongest unit market after Hobart’s 9.3 per cent. </li>
<li>These positive forecasts can be attributed to Adelaide’s ongoing market affordability, coupled with low interest rates, despite South Australia’s generally depressed conditions. </li>
</ul>
<p><span class="qbe-section-heading">Canberra</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Growth in house prices forecast with median house price to increase 10.4% to reach $745,000. This is more than growth forecast for Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Darwin and Perth. </li>
<li>Unit price is forecast to reach $465,000, a cumulative rise of 5.9% to 2021. </li>
<li>Conditions in the house market in Canberra are expected to remain largely positive, driven by population growth, an undersupply of houses and strong employment prospects. </li>
</ul>
<p><span class="qbe-section-heading">Hobart</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Hobart’s median house price forecast to rise to $520,000, reflecting growth of 7.9% to 2021.</li>
<li>Median unit price in Hobart forecast to reach $420,000 at June 2021; a cumulative rise of 9.3%. </li>
<li>An undersupply of housing and better affordability relative to other capital cities is expected to continue to influence the property market</li>
<li>While all other states across the country saw declines in the value of investment loans, Tasmania’s strong capital gains in recent years meant it was the only state to see increased investor lending, of 9.7 per cent. </li>
</ul>
<p><span class="qbe-section-heading">Darwin</span></p>
<ul>
<li>This trend is expected to recover with house prices forecast to grow 6.0 per cent over the next three years.  </li>
<li>Unit prices are expected to fall 4.5 per cent over the same period. </li>
</ul>
<p><span class="qbe-sub-heading">State-by-state house price forecasts</span></p>
<p><span class="qbe-sub-heading"><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/2018/10/25/QBE%20HOUSE%20.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
<p><span class="qbe-sub-heading"><span>State by-state unit price forecasts</span></span></p>
<p><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/2018/10/25/QBE%20UNITS.jpg" alt=""> </p>
<p><span class="qbe-section-heading"> </span></p>
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Great Australian dream once again within first home buyer reach: QBE suggest

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Joining them is Rip Curl founder Doug Warbrick, whose company helped shape Australia's global surfing industry over the past five decades.</p>

<p>The appeal of Rainbow Bay has extended well beyond the surfing community.</p>

<p>International DJ Paul Fisher purchased an apartment through his investment vehicle, YLB Developments, an abbreviation of his trademark phrase "You Little Beauty".</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>Boutique project draws owner-occupiers</h2>

<p>Esprit launched in 2021 and sold strongly, with buyers drawn to its boutique scale, beachfront position and contemporary design.</p>

<p>The completed development comprises 94 apartments across 11 levels, offering expansive floorplans designed primarily for owner-occupiers rather than the investor market.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>S&amp;S Projects continues to shape Rainbow Bay</h2>

<p>S&amp;S Projects founder Paul Gedoun has become one of the key figures behind Rainbow Bay's evolution over the past several years.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Esprit is Gedoun's third completed project in Rainbow Bay, following Flow and Awaken, both of which achieved record prices for the suburb.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><em>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></em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Joel Robinson

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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.<br />
<br />
“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.”</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>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;</p>


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

<p>Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.</p>

<p><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></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.</p>

<p>It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.</p>


Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.</p>

<p>"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]</p>

<p>Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.</p>

<p>"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.</p>

<p>"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

Staff reporter

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