<html><body>
The Victorian Government has extended the eviction moratorium until the end of the year. 
Evictions continue to be banned for both residential and commercial tenancies, except under certain circumstances, until 31 December 2020. Rental increases continue to be banned for the same period.
Residential tenants and landlords who struggle to reach agreement over rent reductions have access to the dispute resolution service run by Consumer Affairs Victoria for residential tenancies. The Victorian Small Business Commission offers a similar service for commercial tenancies. 
Residential and commercial tenants and landlords can also take advantage of more support, including further land tax reductions and more grant funding.
The moratorium on evictions will apply from 29 March until 31 December 2020.
Landlords cannot increase the rent between 29 March and 31 December. 
They can increase the rent after this period, but only within the terms of the lease agreement and the Residential Tenancies Act.
 
It means that tenants can’t be evicted if they are served a notice to vacate between 29 March and 31 December 2020 because you can’t pay your rent due to the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on your financial situation.
This will apply for a tenant or sub-tenant:
<ul>
<li>in a residential property</li>
<li>living in a rooming house</li>
<li>in social housing</li>
<li>under a site agreement at a caravan park </li>
<li>in specialist disability accommodation.</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

COVID-19 Victorian residential eviction moratorium extended

<html><body>
A former Varsity Lakes real estate agent has been fined $5,000 in the Southport Magistrates Court after charges were laid by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
Kylie Beecroft-Wilson, former sole director and principal licensee of Beecroft‑Wilson Real Estate Pty Ltd, pleaded guilty to operating as a real estate agent without a licence and making false representations that she held approval to supply real estate agency services for a period of time when she did not.
Mrs Beecroft-Wilson was fined $5,000. A conviction was not recorded.
The court heard that Mrs Beecroft-Wilson’s real estate agent’s licence, which she had held since February 2013, expired in December 2018 and that the licence of her company, Beecroft-Wilson Real Estate Pty Ltd, also expired in December 2018.
However, despite the expiration of these licences, Mrs Beecroft- Wilson continued to manage 11 properties for clients and operate a real estate trust account in her corporation’s name into which rent money was paid before being dispersed to owners.
Mrs Beecroft-Wilson also operated a business account into which she deposited rental commissions, management and letting fees, and she continued to advertise she represented a licensed real estate corporation on correspondence, receipts and new tenancy agreements, despite Beecroft-Wilson Real Estate Pty Ltd being deregistered by ASIC on 2 June 2019.
Mrs Beecroft-Wilson ceased trading in January 2020 when the OFT became aware that she was managing properties without a licence. The OFT appointed a receiver to manage and wind up the trust account.
In sentencing, Magistrate Mark Howden took into account Mrs Beecroft-Wilson’s early guilty plea, that there was no consumer detriment in relation to funds held in trust, and noted a fine would show that unlicensed conduct will not be accepted.
Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer said Mrs Beecroft-Wilson’s continued operation of a real estate business despite the expiration of her licence and the winding up of her company presented dangers to both her and her clients.
“Large sums of money can change hands in property transactions so it is vital that agents are licensed to minimise the risk to consumers,” Mr Bauer said.
“The type of conduct demonstrated by Mrs Beecroft-Wilson risks undermining the confidence of consumers who have investments in the property industry.
“The OFT will take appropriate action against any individuals or agencies who are found to be not complying with fair trading laws.”
</body></html>

No conviction recorded as former Varsity Lakes real estate agent fined $5,000 

<html><body>
A Hope Island real estate agency, Hi Care Real Estate Group Pty Ltd, has been ordered to pay $1,044 in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 17 July 2020 for failing to lodge an audit report on time with the Office of Fair Trading.
Under the Agents Financial Administration Act 2014, real estate agents have four months from the end of their audit period to lodge a report with the OFT.
The Hi Care Real Estate Group’s audit report was due in March 2019 but it was 79 days late in submitting it.
The court heard that the OFT issued Hi Care Real Estate Group Pty Ltd an infringement notice for the offence but the agency elected not to pay it and instead have the matter heard in court.
In sentencing, Magistrate Judith Daley said the licensee held public money and the trust account required stringent oversight to ensure defalcation did not occur, therefore audit reports were required to be submitted on time.
No conviction was recorded.
Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer said this court action should act as a reminder to real estate agents about their legislative obligations when it came to operating a trust account.
“Reports of agents who fail to follow their trust account obligations are taken very seriously by the OFT,” Mr Bauer said.
“Audit measures are in place to ensure the integrity and accountability of the industry.
“Agents are able to get assistance from legal or financial professionals, or even the OFT if they have questions regarding the operation of their trust accounts.”
</body></html>

No conviction recorded after Hi Care Real Estate fails to meet audit requirements

<html><body>
A Springfield Lakes real estate agent and his company have been fined $2,500 and given a suspended sentence in the Ipswich Magistrates Court after being investigated by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for taking money from a trust account they were not entitled to.
Kevin Tomlinson, principal licensee and sole director of Exposure Real Estate (QLD) Pty Ltd, pleaded guilty to wrongfully transferring money from a rental trust account to his company’s expense account over a seven-month period.
The company was fined $2,500 and Mr Tomlinson was ordered to serve four months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for two years.
The court heard that, from December 2018 to June 2019, Mr Tomlinson made a series of withdrawals totalling over $100,000 from his company’s rental trust account and used the money for a variety of business expenses including loan and lease repayments and staff wages.
Under the Property Occupations Act 2014, it is an offence to use trust money, which is money belonging to someone else, in this way. Trust money can only be released to a person who is entitled to it.
In sentencing, Magistrate Virginia Sturgess commented on the seriousness of the offending and abuse of the agent’s position of trust. She also took into account that the agent had partially repaid the money before the involvement of the OFT and that the remainder of the money had been repaid prior to being charged.
Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer said the case was a reminder to real estate agents that they have a responsibility to those they represent and that trust account funds are off limits for personal or business use.
“Agents who fail to comply with their trust account obligations will incur serious penalties,” Mr Bauer said.
“Agents are able to get advice from legal and financial professionals as well as the OFT if they have questions regarding trust accounts.”
</body></html>

Kevin Tomlinson, Springfield Lakes estate agent given suspended sentence for trust account irregularities

<html><body>
Graeme Miller, a former financial adviser and director of Australian financial services licensee CFS Private Wealth Pty Ltd, was sentenced last month to six years’ imprisonment for misappropriating $1.865 million of client funds, following an ASIC investigation.
On 14 April 2020, Mr Miller pleaded guilty to six counts of engaging in dishonest conduct in the course of carrying on a financial services business, contrary to section 1041G of the Corporations Act 2001. The charges relate to ten clients from whom Mr Miller encouraged or facilitated the transfer of between $50,000 and $950,000 by way of an investment for the benefit of the client. Mr Miller then misappropriated those funds for his own purposes. Four counts relate to funds invested with Mr Miller through self-managed superannuation funds held by the clients.
Acting Judge Woods of the Downing Centre District Court sentenced Mr Miller to six years’ imprisonment, to be eligible for parole after serving four years.
In sentencing Mr Miller, Judge Woods described Mr Miller’s conduct as a “Ponzi scheme” involving a “significant breach of trust” and a “cruel and deceitful betrayal inevitably leading to financial disaster”.
Judge Woods also made reparation orders of approximately $1.777 million in favour of the ten clients who were the subject of the charges against Mr Miller.
Following the sentencing, ASIC Deputy Chair Daniel Crennan QC said Mr Miller has been found to have systematically breached the trust of his clients over a long period, resulting in significant losses.
‘As a financial adviser Mr Miller ought to have protected the interests of his clients. His sentencing should send a strong message that such conduct will lead to individuals involved being brought before the court to face criminal charges.’
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions prosecuted the matter after a referral from ASIC.
<h2>Background</h2>
Between July 2013 and April 2017, Mr Miller, of Myocum, New South Wales, advised his financial planning clients to invest funds with CFS Corporation Pty Ltd (CFS), of which he was also a director, on the basis that CFS would invest the money. Mr Miller did not invest the funds given to CFS by those clients, instead he used the funds for his own benefit and to meet business expenses, including payments made to other clients as dividend payments.
Of the $1.865 million of client funds that were misappropriated by Mr Miller:
<ul>
<li>$987,000 was transferred to bank accounts and credit cards held by Mr Miller and his family members;</li>
<li>$318,500 was used to pay dividends, interest or return of capital to other clients in relation to their investments with Mr Miller;</li>
<li>$135,000 was used to pay other personal and business expenses; and</li>
<li>$27,000 was withdrawn in cash or transferred overseas.</li>
</ul>
In January 2019, the Federal Court banned Mr Miller from providing financial services for 25 years, and disqualified him from managing corporations for three years (19-009MR).
</body></html>

Former financial adviser Graeme Miller sentenced to six years’ imprisonment for dishonest conduct

<html><body>
ASIC has successfully applied to the Federal Court of Australia for urgent interim orders against NSW-based PW Kitt Co Pty Ltd and its sole director Larry Dawson.
On 7 August 2020, ASIC obtained urgent interim orders:
<ul>
<li>to appoint receivers and managers to the property and assets of the defendants;</li>
<li>for the receivers to provide a report to the Court and ASIC within 42 days regarding the affairs of the defendants;</li>
<li>to stop the defendants from removing, dealing with or diminishing the value of property or assets, including funds in bank accounts held by the defendants; and</li>
<li>to restrain Mr Dawson from leaving Australia.</li>
</ul>
ASIC’s application was based on concerns that the defendants obtained almost $7 million in Australian investor funds by cold-calling Australian consumers and operating the websites smsfadvisory.com and pwkittco.com.
ASIC submitted to the Court that the defendants were using the same or substantially similar company and business names to an unrelated business SMSF Advisory Services Pty Ltd and P.W. Kitt &amp; Co.  
It is also alleged that the defendants used the Australian financial services (AFS) licence number of another company.  
ASIC remains concerned that the defendants appear to have no connection with those businesses and hold no licence or authority to deal in financial products or provide financial services.
Michael John Hill, Anthony Norman Connelly and Katherine Sozou of McGrathNicol have been appointed as receivers and managers to the property and assets of the defendants.
The receivers are required to report back to the Court concerning the affairs of the defendants by 18 September 2020.
Any person who is concerned that they have invested with the defendants or SMSF Advisory Services Pty Ltd should contact Patrick Cashman of McGrathNichol on (07) 3333 9800.
ASIC commenced this investigation as part of its response to the increase in financial scam activity arising during the COVID-19 pandemic. This action demonstrates ASIC’s readiness to take urgent action to protect vulnerable consumers in the current environment.
The matter will return before the Court on 27 August 2020. ASIC’s investigation is ongoing.
The case management hearing listed for 27 August 2020 has been adjourned to 10 September 2020.
</body></html>

ASIC obtains interim injunctions against Larry Dawson and PW Kitt Co Pty Ltd

<html><body>
ASIC has cancelled, or imposed conditions on, the registration of a number of auditors of self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) who had not maintained an appropriate level of audit experience.
Following a recent review, 36 SMSF auditor registrations have been cancelled and conditions have been imposed on a further six SMSF auditors.
All of the 42 SMSF auditors against whom ASIC acted had not issued any SMSF audit reports over the past five years and thus were not considered to have the necessary practical experience required to perform SMSF audits.
In relation to the six auditors who had conditions imposed on them, ASIC was satisfied that it would be an appropriate alternative to cancellation considering the auditor’s individual circumstances and other relevant (non-SMSF audit) experience. The various conditions imposed across these auditors were:
<ul>
<li>
Independent reviews – Having a number of audits reviewed by an independent SMSF auditor for compliance with auditing standards;</li>
<li>
Education – Completing specific courses of study, including in audit and fund compliance requirements under the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SIS Act) compliance; and</li>
<li>
ASIC exam – Sitting and passing ASIC’s SMSF auditor competency exam prior to issuing any SMSF audit reports.</li>
</ul>
From 1 July 2013, the SIS Act required all auditors of SMSFs to be registered with ASIC. This was to ensure that all SMSF auditors meet at least base standards of competency and expertise.
ASIC and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) work closely together as co-regulators of SMSF auditors. The ATO monitors SMSF auditor conduct and may refer matters to ASIC for possible action in ASIC’s capacity as the review body that determines whether to disqualify an auditor or cancel or suspend their registration. ASIC may also impose conditions on an SMSF auditor.
Section 123E of the SIS Act allows the cancellation of the registration of an SMSF auditor who no longer has the practical experience required to perform SMSF audits.
Approved SMSF auditors seeking to cancel their registration voluntarily can do so through the ASIC Regulatory Portal.
Further information can be found on ASIC's website and in ASIC Regulatory Guide RG 243 Registration of self-managed superannuation fund auditors (RG 243).
SMSF trustees and members can check whether their auditor is registered, or whether a person has been disqualified, by searching ASIC's SMSF Auditor register.
</body></html>

ASIC cancels registration of self-managed superannuation funds auditors

<html><body>
ASIC has today commenced civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against Asgard Capital Management Limited for charging adviser fees to 404 customers for financial advice that was not provided and also against Asgard and BT Funds Management Limited (BT) for making misleading representations in half-yearly or annual account statements regarding the charging of the adviser fees.
ASIC alleges that from September 2014 to August 2017:
<ul>
<li>Asgard charged customers around $130,006 for financial advice after requests were made for customers’ financial advisers to be removed from their product accounts and after the advisers ceased providing advice;</li>
<li>In relation to superannuation products for which it is trustee, BT issued account statements which appeared to show that  adviser fees were no longer being charged  while the ‘adviser fee’ line item was removed from the account statement, an amount equal to that fee was added to the administration fee amount;</li>
<li>In relation to an investor directed portfolio service (IDPS) for which it is the issuer, Asgard issued account statements which appeared to show that adviser fees were no longer being charged  while the ‘adviser fee’ line item was removed from the account statement, an amount equal to that fee was added to the administration fee amount;</li>
<li>The wrongly charged fees were retained by Asgard as revenue; and</li>
<li>Asgard contravened its overarching obligations as an Australian financial services (AFS) license holder to act efficiently, honestly and fairly.</li>
</ul>
ASIC Deputy Chair Daniel Crennan QC said, ‘Today, ASIC has commenced a ‘fees for no service’ case against BT and Asgard as well as commencing a ‘fees for no service’ case against StatePlus Super. Both cases, which relate to superannuation, were subject to cases studies in the Royal Commission, were investigated by ASIC’s Office of Enforcement and have been brought by ASIC to the Federal Court for determination.’
ASIC is seeking declarations and pecuniary penalties from the Federal Court to prevent similar contraventions occurring in the future.
<h2>Download</h2>
Concise statement
Originating process 
<h2>Background</h2>
BT and Asgard are part of the Westpac Group. 
BT is the trustee and RSE licensee for:
<ul>
<li>Asgard Infinity eWRAP Pension Account;</li>
<li>Asgard Infinity eWRAP Super Account;</li>
<li>Asgard Open eWRAP Pension Account;</li>
<li>Asgard Open eWRAP Super Account;</li>
<li>Asgard Rollover Service;</li>
<li>Asgard Superannuation Account; and</li>
<li>Asgard Employee Superannuation Account (Super Funds). </li>
</ul>
Asgard is the custodian and administrator for the Super Funds, as well as the issuer and administrator for the Asgard Infinity eWRAP Investment Account (IDPS product). 
BT and Asgard’s conduct were the subject of a case study by the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry – see Volume 2 (part 13) of the Final Report.
The Royal Commission found that between 2001 and August 2017, BT and Asgard charged around 767 members fees for financial product advice that was not provided. Between December 2017 and March 2018, Westpac remediated $634,490 to the members.
ASIC’s action is in respect of the conduct that occurred within the last six years, being within the limitation of the action period.
This is the fourth enforcement action commenced by ASIC concerning Fees for no service activity. In September 2018, ASIC commenced proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against two entities in NAB’s wealth management division, NULIS Nominees (Australia) Limited (NULIS) and MLC Nominees Pty Ltd (MLC Nominees). The court proceedings relate to fees charged by both entities to a significant number of their superannuation members for services not provided. The hearing has concluded and judgment in these proceedings on liability and penalty has been reserved (18-259MR).
In December 2019, ASIC commenced civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against National Australia Bank Limited (NAB) for alleged contraventions of the ASIC Act and the Corporations Act for FFNS activity. These proceedings are being case managed by the court to trial, a date is yet to be scheduled (19-360MR).
In August 2020, ASIC commenced civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against State Super Financial Services Australia Limited (StatePlus) for charging at least 36,592 clients members fees for financial advice that was not provided (20-189MR).
</body></html>

ASIC commences civil penalty proceedings against Asgard Capital Management 

<html><body>
Former Sydney financial adviser, Sam Henderson, has pleaded guilty to one ‘rolled up’ charge of dishonest conduct, and two counts of making a disclosure document available to a person knowing it to be defective.
ASIC alleged that Mr Henderson, between 1 July 2010 and November 2017, whilst the chief executive officer, director and senior financial adviser of Henderson Maxwell, engaged in dishonest conduct when he made false representations that he had a Master of Commerce when he did not hold that qualification:
<ol type="1" start="1">
<li>in 115 PowerPoint presentations he gave to prospective clients from 2010 to 2016;</li>
<li>on the Henderson Maxwell website from October 2012 to August 2016; and</li>
<li>in Henderson Maxwell brochures distributed between 2013 and 2017 and in an Information Memorandum dated May 2011 (20-130MR).</li>
</ol>
Henderson Maxwell and Mr Henderson were the subjects of a bad advice case study in the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry - see Volume 2 (p 242) of the Final Report.
In July 2019, ASIC banned Mr Henderson from providing financial services for a period of three years (19-190MR). It was found that Mr Henderson failed to act in the best interests of his clients, provide appropriate advice and prioritise his clients’ interests when providing personal financial advice.
A dishonest conduct offence under s1041G of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) carries a maximum penalty in the local court of two years’ imprisonment or a fine not exceeding 120 penalty units, or both.
ASIC also alleged Mr Henderson breached s952D(2)(a)(ii) in 2014 and 2016 by giving two clients a Financial Services Guide, containing the false representation that he held a Master of Commerce (Financial Planning).
Each defective disclosure offence under s952D(2)(a)(ii) Corporations Act carries a maximum penalty in the local court of 12 months’ imprisonment or a fine not exceeding 60 penalty units, or both.
In addition to the above, ASIC alleged that Mr Henderson made the false representation that he held a Master of Commerce in:
<ol>
<li>a book titled ‘One-Page Financial Plan: Everything you need to successfully manage your money and invest for wealth creation’ authored by Mr Henderson and published in 2013;</li>
<li>an interview conducted by a freelance writer, and a subsequent marketing profile prepared on Mr Henderson to promote the Sydney Graduate School of Management (SGSM) Master of Commerce (Financial Planning) course; and</li>
<li>some of Mr Henderson’s professional biographies and descriptions.</li>
</ol>
Mr Henderson will be sentenced in the Downing Centre Local Court on 13 October 2020.
The matter is being prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, following a referral of a brief of evidence from ASIC.
Moneysmart.gov.au has useful information for consumers about choosing a financial adviser, including how to complain about a financial adviser and what to do if their adviser is banned.
</body></html>

Financial adviser Sam Henderson pleads guilty to dishonest conduct over his academic qualifications 

<html><body>
There has been a $20 million-plus sale of a Mosman trophy home, which was reportedly rented by international superstars David and Victoria Beckham when they came to Sydney in 2018 for the Invictus Games.
The home sold just 72 hours after it came to market.
The Mosman residence designed by architect Alex Popov was sold by childcare mogul Brendan McAssey.
It was being offered off market to buyers in recent months after McAssey and his wife Elizabeth decided to move to the Southern Highlands.
The last time the four-bedroom home on 849sqm at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-mosman-134256882" target="_blank">26 Plunkett Rd</a> sold it took 143 days marketing to find its 2016 buyer.
It was sold by the founder of the Only About Children childcare company Brendan McAssey, who paid $17,349,691 in 2016.
The price guide before this week's sale was $20 million to $22 million.
 
</body></html>

David and Victoria Beckham's Mosman rental sold

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

Joel Robinson

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

&nbsp;

Developer GURNER™ Group has revealed $1.65 billion in residential sales nationally across the 12 months to December 2025, driven largely by the continued momentum of its Docklands wellness-focused precinct, Elysium Fields.

The sales result was generated across seven projects in Victoria and New South Wales, headlined by Elysium Fields, GURNER™’s $2.75 billion mixed-use precinct planned for Harbour Esplanade in Docklands.

The project has recorded more than $500 million in sales across the first three towers, equating to around 580 apartments sold.

The first tower, Helios, has now sold out of its 240 private residences, with GURNER™ preparing to release a premium penthouse collection comprising 15 three-bedroom penthouses in coming weeks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370975]

Elysium Fields is being developed on the long-held 20,000 sqm Docklands site at 208-226 Harbour Esplanade, which had remained undeveloped for more than two decades prior to GURNER™ taking over the project around four years ago.

Construction has now commenced across four towers ranging between 18 and 30 storeys, with Hamilton Marino and Maxcon appointed as builders.

Once complete, the precinct is expected to comprise around 1,100 residences, alongside retail, hospitality and public realm uses integrated throughout the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370981]

Designed by Fraser &amp; Partners in collaboration with GURNER™ Design House, the project has been positioned around the developer’s broader focus on wellness-led residential living.

“We don’t sell apartments. We create a true luxury lifestyle that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the market today,” Founder and Executive Chairman Tim Gurner said.

“To deliver that requires an extraordinary level of detail, coordination and discipline across multiple verticals, from design and hospitality through to wellness and service.”

“We’ve always believed that living extends far beyond the physical residence. It’s about how you feel the moment you arrive, how you live day-to-day, and the ecosystem that supports that.” 
[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370977]

The project’s design places a heavy focus on landscaping, wellness amenities and biophilic design principles.

Plans include around 3,700 sqm of landscaped gardens and open space throughout the precinct, alongside a retail and dining offering spanning approximately 5,000 sqm.

The broader public realm strategy centres around what GURNER™ describes as the “Path of Life”, an urban forest and landscaped pedestrian environment intended to connect the various buildings and wellness spaces across the precinct.

The apartments themselves will incorporate a range of wellness-focused inclusions, including purified air and water systems, circadian lighting, antimicrobial surfaces, and optional in-home wellness upgrades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370980]

Gurner said the company’s experience through its Saint Haven wellness clubs had directly informed the residential offering now being incorporated into Elysium Fields.

“We’re seeing a clear global shift toward longevity, performance and proactive health,” Gurner said.

“Our role is to deliver that in a way that feels seamless, highly private and beautifully resolved within the environments we create.”

A large component of the wellness offering is planned through the resident amenity and health facilities proposed within the precinct.

That includes plans for bathing and recovery facilities spread throughout the towers, incorporating mineral pools, saunas, steam rooms, flotation therapy, red light therapy and wellness lounges.

The developer is also seeking approvals for what it describes as a “reverse ageing medical clinic” within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370978]

According to project information released by the group, the proposed facility would include cryotherapy, IV infusion therapy, infrared and dry saunas, PEMF beds, MRIs, DEXA scans, brain scans and blood analysis services.

Within the first tower, Helios, residents will also have access to a dedicated amenity offering known as the Sky Private Club.

The upper 15 levels of the building will include private lounges, dining spaces, rooftop amenities and optional private wellness studios integrated within residences.

The Helios tower itself comprises 260 apartments ranging between 60 sqm and 300 sqm, including a collection of penthouses.

That includes a planned two-storey penthouse spanning around 600 sqm with uninterrupted bay views.

The Elysium Fields precinct is being delivered in partnership with Digital Harbour Holdings, a consortium that includes the Liberman family, which controls the development rights across the Docklands site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370979]

The sales result comes as GURNER™ continues expanding its national development pipeline beyond Victoria.

“We have a strong pipeline across Australia and are now focused on scaling into key markets including New South Wales and Queensland, while continuing to build on our Melbourne base,” Gurner said.

“We currently have more than $3 billion in the market, growing to over $5 billion by October, and expect to materially outperform last year in the 2026 calendar year.”

The result also reflects the continued strength of the upper-end apartment market in Melbourne, particularly for owner-occupier-focused product with large-scale amenity and lifestyle offerings.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144441]

Record result anchored by the Group’s “utopian” Elysium Fields precinct – defying market headwinds in Docklands.

Elysium Fields drive Gurner to $1.65 billion in apartment sales over 2025

National Australia Bank (NAB) will fund <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera</a>, a $1 billion, 52-level luxury residential tower being developed by Central Equity in one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held coastal locations at Northcliffe.

The project, launched recently by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a>, one of Victoria’s largest private residential developers, comes at a time when construction funding for large residential developments has become increasingly competitive as lenders tighten exposure to the sector.

Multiplex has been appointed the builder, and construction is now underway.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365784]

Since its first project, Central Equity has delivered more than 85 residential developments with a combined end value exceeding $8 billion.

Palmera reflects Central Equity’s growing focus on the Gold Coast luxury apartment market and continues a relationship between Central Equity and NAB that dates back to the late 1980s, when the bank funded one of Melbourne’s earliest inner-city residential towers at a time when high-rise apartment living in the CBD was largely unproven.

“NAB’s funding of Central Equity’s $36 million CBD development in the late 1980’s to the financing of the billion-dollar tower today highlights the long-term relationship between the two organisations in delivering major residential projects” said Central Equity Founder and Chairman Eddie Kutner.

He said NAB’s early support was instrumental in helping establish the company’s development model.

“When we commenced our first residential tower in the late 1980s the concept of funding off-the-plan apartments was still largely untested in Australia,” Kutner said.

“NAB recognised the opportunity early and supported the project when others were uncertain. That relationship has now continued for more than 37 years across many developments.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Central Equity was established in 1987 when Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank precinct were still dominated by warehouses and commercial buildings. Fewer than 100 residents lived in Southbank at the time, and large-scale residential development in the inner city was not widely considered.

Recognising changing demographics and lifestyle preferences, the company began developing high-rise residential projects designed to bring permanent residents into the city centre.

Central Equity has provided accommodation for approximately 40,000 residents across Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank, while also incorporating supporting infrastructure including essential lifestyle facilities like retail spaces, childcare facilities and neighbourhood activity centres.

Central Equity has spent many years assembling the Palmera development site on the corner of Garfield Terrace and Frederick Street in Northcliffe, creating a supersite of around 3,300 sqm.

The developer said the Palmera apartment tower reflects its long-term view of the Gold Coast as a growing and increasingly diversified economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365768]

Supported by infrastructure including the light rail network, major road upgrades expanded education, hospital and medical facilities and continued expansion at the Gold Coast Airport with more international and domestic flights.

Positioned in the tightly held Northcliffe precinct, the 52-level tower will deliver 347 apartments, targeting buyers seeking a high-end coastal lifestyle, from downsizers to interstate investors.

Designed by Marchese Partners with interiors by DBI, Palmera has been conceived as a next-generation residential offering, featuring a collection of oversized apartments, with premium three-bedroom residences offering sweeping northern views stretching from Surfers Paradise through to Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

NAB funds $1 billion Surfers Paradise apartment development, Palmera

Two years after completing one of the newest developments in North Sydney, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> is turning its attention to the rapidly evolving St Leonards apartment market.

The developer, which completed AURA by Aqualand on North Sydney's Walker Street, has lodged plans for a 5,918 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/33-37-herbert-street-st-leonards-nsw-2065">33-37 Herbert Street, St Leonards,</a> seeking approval for a pair of residential towers rising above a shared podium opposite Royal North Shore Hospital.

The proposal forms part of the broader transformation underway across the St Leonards-Crows Nest precinct, where former industrial and commercial sites are increasingly being redeveloped into high-density mixed-use projects tied to major transport infrastructure.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cc428cf-fe70-4cac-9cd5-264ad53af62c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=otKSnHtbjAvAddOnovyXQMgcAwE6DMe1" />

According to the planning documents, the site sits “within the St Leonards–Crows Nest Strategic Centre, identified by the NSW Government as a key area for accommodating future jobs and housing across Sydney.”

The proposal has been designed by fjcstudio, formerly FJMT Studio, and is being progressed through the State Significant Development pathway due to its scale and affordable housing provision.

The scheme would comprise 413 apartments, including 46 affordable housing units, alongside retail and commercial uses fronting Herbert Street. The project would also include communal open space, landscaping, a swimming pool, gymnasium, children’s play areas and podium-level resident amenities.

Planning documents show the development would consist of a part-13, part-39 storey tower form positioned above a four-storey podium.

“The development comprises a unified podium that activates the street interface, and two setback towers to accommodate new housing supply while maintaining an appropriate human scale at ground level,” fjcstudio noted in its Design Report.

The northern and southern towers have been shaped to respond to the surrounding skyline while also limiting overshadowing impacts to nearby public open space, particularly Talus Reserve.

The design report said the differing tower heights were intended to “contribute to a varied skyline while responding to the surrounding built form context and solar access considerations.”

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36da62dc-ff9e-41f2-a7e3-7be38373751c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.45%E2%80%AFAM_0.png?VersionId=Mo6Rp2r.XRLTzIfg_PEEpw8NepDH8UBs" />

The site sits directly opposite Royal North Shore Hospital and within walking distance of both St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

While the site itself sits just outside the formal Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development boundary, the planning documents repeatedly reference its alignment with the broader TOD objectives reshaping the Lower North Shore.

“The site is located adjacent to St Leonards Station and in close proximity to Crows Nest Metro which is within the Crows Nest Transit Orientated Development Accelerated Precinct which has been identified by the NSW Government to support housing delivery,” the Design Verification Statement noted.

According to fjcstudio, the project has been designed to respond to the broader transition occurring across St Leonards, where increasing residential density is being concentrated around transport infrastructure and employment hubs.

“The broader precinct is undergoing significant change, with a mix of existing mid-rise buildings and newer high-density developments,” the report stated.

“Recent and approved projects indicate a consistent shift toward taller built form, typically organised as tower-and-podium typologies with more active ground levels.”

The proposal includes close to 6,000 sqm of retail and commercial space across the ground floor and podium levels, designed to create a more activated street edge along Herbert Street.

Aqualand’s plans would also introduce a landscaped podium shared between the two towers, with communal open space in the form of a podium rooftop designed to support resident interaction and improve urban greening outcomes. The scheme would also introduce pocket parks at the northern and southern ends of the site, including a landscaped area at the corner of Herbert and Ella streets designed to improve pedestrian amenity and soften the streetscape.

&nbsp;

The proposal is being progressed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, which was introduced to accelerate housing supply across the state. The application was declared State Significant Development in April 2025 following an expression of interest process.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faf6d97d-2671-454f-b85a-fe1c6a7be608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=diVd28OBVr5.YV.7prrOz.uAanwwwm7a" />

St Leonards has been particularly active with new developments in recent weeks. Developer SP Setia’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-sp-setia-targets-st-leonards-skyline-with-40-storey-tod-tower">plans for a new 42-storey tower</a> recently went on exhibition through the same pathway, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">Stockland’s 52-storey tower proposal</a> was also recently unveiled.

Aside from the St Leonards project, which is expected to take around nine months to move through the approvals process ahead of a potential 2027 launch, Aqualand is also preparing to launch Boronia, a new apartment project in Roseville comprising around 111 apartments on Larkin Street.

The developer also has approvals in place for the next stage of the Barangaroo precinct, which will feature new residential, retail, hospitality and community uses, alongside a new metro entry across the five-hectare site.

More than 50 new retail destinations are planned for Central Barangaroo, alongside a 270-metre-long boulevard connecting Hickson Park to Nawi Cove. Together with Harbour Park, more than 50 per cent of the precinct will comprise public open space and parkland.

Staff reporter

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News