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Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula is emerging as a popular market for CBD investors, with the $5,435,000 sale of a retail property.
CBRE’s Melbourne Strip Retail Investments team, comprising Rorey James, Josh Rutman and Sandro Peluso, negotiated the sale process of 9-13a Main Street via an onsite auction, which attracted a crowd of more than 120.
The property was eventually sold to a Melbourne-based buyer, after attracting over 100 enquiries and offshore team engaging more than 60 foreign investors to the asset, James said.
The property, which comprises a 453 square metre building on a 936 square metre site, was offered at an initial bid of $4.1 million, where it rose quickly to above $5 million before being knocked down to a Melbourne investor for $5,435,000.
The sale result translating to a yield of just 3.5% and a building rate of approximately $12,000 per square metre.
The property comprises two separate titles and is occupied by five separate tenants, including three offices and two local restaurants, Afghan Marco Polo and the Brass Razu wine bar.
The sale of 9-13a Main Street marks CBRE’s sixth transaction on the Morning Peninsula this year, following the sale of two properties along Ocean Beach Road in Sorrento – a waterfront shop in Rye and a hobby farm in Red Hill.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

CBD investors seeking Mornington Peninsula retail property

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Terry Agnew has offloaded Great Keppel Island resort to an Asian duo, after a recent agreement with a cryptocurrency consortium for the island did not proceed..
The buyer, identified as Wei Chao Pty Ltd Singapore, lists its directors as Wan Long Wei and Pauline Wei from Taiwan as well as Peter Godber from Brisbane.
<div>The sale involves a significant portion of 970 ha of development approved land on the island, subject to State and Federal Government requirements.</div>
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<div>Current development approvals for the island include a 250-room beachfront hotel, 300 luxury apartments, 285 luxury villas, 9,000sq m of retail shops and a 250-berth marina.</div>
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Knight Frank Rockhampton agent Pat O’Driscoll was marketing Great Keppel Island with JLL Hotels with over 100 requests for information memorandums.
While an agreement has been reached, the sale process is yet to be finalised.
Great Keppel is the largest in the Keppel group of Islands with a total area of some 1454 ha and boasts 17 white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters just 12 kilometres off Yeppoon on the Capricorn Coast at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. 
The sale of Great Keppel Island is the fifth Great Barrier Reef island sale over the past two years, which includes South Molle Island, Daydream Island, Wilson Island and Heron Island.
 
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Terry Agnew offloads Great Keppel Island resort to Asian duo

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GUEST OBSERVATION
One in every four Australian households rents, and it’s not just those on low incomes.
A new <a href="http://bcec.edu.au/publications/the-private-rental-sector-in-australia/" target="_blank">nationally representative survey of 3,182 renters</a>, funded by the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, finds that while 60% of renting households have a household incomes below A$78,000, 30% are on incomes of more than A$100,000.
Although many households on low incomes and those headed by single parents are undoubtedly struggling to meet rental costs, those on moderate or higher incomes are generally positive about the experience.
Many of us rent
Despite its reputation as a nation of homeowners, Australia has the <a href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/news-and-media/news/how-does-australias-private-rental-sector-compare-with-the-rest-of-the-world" target="_blank">10th largest private rental sector</a> in the 37 nations that make up the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
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<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/238105/original/file-20180926-48662-17vb4s4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Comparison of international private rental sectors. OECD Housing tenure distribution 2014 or later. ABS Census data 2016
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Six in ten renters do it because they can’t afford to do anything else. The rest rent by choice.
Most are happy with what they rent
Perceptions of dwelling quality are positive with only 6% reporting that their dwelling is in a poor or terrible condition. 81% report a good or excellent relationship with their landlord.
Add a property manager into the mix and this falls to a still respectable 69%. Fewer than than 5% of respondents reported a poor or terrible relationship.
Around half of respondents claim to have a good to full understanding of their rights as tenants.
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/239827/original/file-20181008-72124-1pp2m3g.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/239827/original/file-20181008-72124-1pp2m3g.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Relationship with property manager or landlord. <a class="source" href="http://bcec.edu.au/publications/the-private-rental-sector-in-australia/" target="_blank">Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre 2018 Private Rental Sector Survey.</a>, Author provided
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Overall, when asked whether their rental property felt like home, just over 60% reported it did, with less than 20% being negative about their experience.
The longer a tenant lives in a rental dwelling, the more it feels like home, highlighting the importance of security of tenure.
Generally, levels of satisfaction with the sector are high given the proportion of tenants who would rather be owners.
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<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/238107/original/file-20180926-48650-1piofsz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Satisfaction with the private rental sector by age group. Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre Private Rental Sector Survey
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Security of tenure matters
Security of tenure is a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-24/renting-the-insecurity-of-private-tenants-and-how-they-manage-it/8554238" target="_blank">major concern of private renters</a>.
Two thirds of renters have been in their current property for less than three years. Almost 40% have rented four or more properties during their time as renters.
While two thirds of moves are by choice, around one third are forced with the primary reason being the owner selling the property.
Moves are stressful, expensive and disruptive, particularly for households with children. Around half of all renters say they would gladly choose to sign a lease longer than 12 months if given the option because it would offer greater security and a stronger sense of home.
As does discrimination
One in five renters report some form of discrimination when applying for rental properties.
Those households most likely to suffer from <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-17/racism-in-the-rental-sector-wa/10129418" target="_blank">discrimination</a> are single parents with children.
In September <a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/fairersaferhousing" target="_blank">Victoria passed landmark leglislation</a> intended to improve the rights of renters.
Some important issues addressed in the legislation are highlighted in the BankWest Curtin Economics Centre report which found the vast majority of respondents are on short-term leases (12 months or less).
NSW is following suit, although, disappointingly, <a href="https://theconversation.com/an-open-letter-on-rental-housing-reform-103825" target="_blank">it does not plan to outlaw no-grounds evictions</a>.
And rent can be expensive
The typical proportion of gross income spent on rent is 28%, with almost half of all renters paying more than 30%, a figure that rises to 63% for renters over 55.
One in seven renters are paying more than 60% of their income in rent.
When asked the reasons for such high rental payments, almost six in ten report being forced to pay that much through a lack of available alternatives.
Commonwealth rent assistance was regarded as important or very important by nine out of ten of those receiving it.
What we could do to help
One of the best ways to make rent more affordable would be to reintroduce a subsidised rental scheme that offered a financial incentive for developers to invest in housing that would be leased to low-income households at below-market rents along the lines of the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/267" target="_blank">National Rental Affordability Scheme</a> by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2008.
It was wound up by his successor Tony Abbott in 2014.
Workable <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/how-buildtorent-could-solve-australias-housing-woes-as-first-developments-near-20180703-h12758-750684/" target="_blank">build to rent</a> schemes could also help boost supply and security of tenure, and the negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions tax available to mum and dad investors could be tied to the delivery of long–term, below market rental dwellings.
Our survey finds the private rental market is performing quite well for those on moderate to high incomes. But not for those on low incomes who will never access home ownership and need secure long term tenure.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/103890/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
Steven Rowley, Director, Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, Curtin Research Centre, Curtin University
Amity James, Lecturer, School of Economic, Finance and Property, Curtin University
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/just-like-home-new-survey-finds-most-renters-enjoy-renting-although-for-many-its-expensive-103890" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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New survey finds most renters enjoy renting, although for many it’s expensive

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With large areas of New South Wales still in an extended drought, buyers are looking for opportunities to purchase property in higher, more reliable rainfall areas, according to a report released by Herron Todd White (HTW).
The valuation firm noted that areas with average annual rainfall in excess of 1,000 millimetres are continuing to attract buyers with a number of recent sales 75 kilometres south of Walcha in the Nowendoc area.
Some key sales in the Nowendoc area include: Emu Tops (pictured above) which sold in June 2018 for $2.85 million, reflecting $3,562 per acre for the 800 acre holding; Fernleigh which sold for $3.8 million in May 2018 reflecting $2,205 per acre for the 1,723 acre holding; and The Two Mile which achieved a sale price of $9.9 million in May 2018 for the 2,910 acre holding, reflecting $3,400 per acre.
To the east of Walcha, in a 1,000 millimetre average rainfall area, the sale of Enfield North for $10.1 million in March 2018 confirms that "buyers are willing to look past the current drought to secure properties that have the added rainfall security". Enfield North is a 3,774 acre holding with an estimated carrying capacity of 1,000 cows, reflecting $2,676 per acre or $10,100 per cow area improved.
The report noted: "in the New England, demand continues for medium to large scale grazing properties."
<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/2018/10/3/Emu%202.jpg" alt="">
Maiden Creek (pictured above) in the Wollomombi area 60 kilometres east of Armidale sold in March 2018 for $8.85 million. This 4,510 acre holding was located in a 900 millimetre average annual rainfall area and had an estimated longer term carrying capacity of 800 cows, reflecting $1,962 per acre or $11,063 per cow area improved.
Other sales include Yonda at Guyra which sold in April 2018 for $3.97 million. This is a 1,237 acre holding located 16 kilometres from Guyra in a 900 millimetre average annual rainfall area with a reported carrying capacity of 400 cows, reflecting $3,209 per acre or $9,925 per cow area improved. 
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Rural NSW regions with more reliable rainfall attracting buyers: HTW

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The retail market on the Sunshine Coast has generally reflected the overall retail markets of south-east Queensland over the past three year period, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) commercial report.
The valuation firm took a look at the changing faces in the retail sector across the nation. 
"We have seen very strong yield compression for national tenant type holdings appealing to a larger regional style market," the report noted.
"We have also seen some investors begin to change their overall offer for stand alone holdings where appropriate and there’s been a re-positioning of some centres, primarily with a new focus towards food and entertainment offerings."
Several small neighbourhood centres in secondary overall locations have placed café-style tenants as primary tenants and have used these as the main draw to fill surrounding tenancies if the café tenant gets a strong following.
There has been a mix of hits and misses with this approach to date, which mainly fluctuates on the quality of the food tenant.
A former bulky goods type retail centre in Maroochydore opposite the southern entrance to Sunshine Plaza has also begun to reposition along the same lines, it noted.
"Recent placement of a health food supermarket, gym and two café-style operators has begun to change the dynamic of the centre, which had significant vacancies over the past three year period."
HTW noted the Ocean Street precinct had remained strong over the past two years, which is another area that has centred on a food and entertainment offering.
The Sunshine Plaza extension is also continuing which will add a David Jones and Big W to the overall offer.
The expansion will see the centre increase to 107,000 square metres with a further 100 specialties as well as a renovation of the existing facility and addition of 1,500 car parks.
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Café-style tenants becoming major drawcards for Sunshine Coast retail cenres: HTW

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FOREIGN BUYERS
The boom in Australian real estate sales to foreign investors has run its course, according to the NAB survey of property industry participants.
These results highlight a continuing decline in foreign buying activity resulting from policy changes in China on foreign investment outflows and tighter restrictions on foreign property buyers in Australia.
In Q3, there were fewer foreign buyers in the market for Australian property, with their market share falling to a seven-year low of 8.1% in new housing markets and a survey low 4.1% in established housing markets.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/10/Foreign%20Buyers%203.JPG" alt="">
The share of sales to foreign buyers fell in all states except VIC where their share rose to 13.0% (11.7% in Q2), but still well below the record highs approaching 33% in late-2014.
The share of foreign buyers in NSW was unchanged at 7.5% but also well down from a high of 21.0% in Q1 2015.
The share of foreign buyers in QLD also fell to 6.2%, down from 22.8% in Q2, to its lowest level since mid-2014.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/10/Foreign%20Buyers%201.JPG" alt="">
A similar trend is evident in established markets with the shares of sales to foreign buyers falling in all states.
Property professionals in VIC reported the highest share of buyers in established housing markets at 5.5%, followed by NSW (4.5%), WA (3.7% and QLD (3.7%).
Moreover, the share of foreign buyers has well fallen below survey average levels in all states.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/10/Foreign%20Buyers%202.JPG" alt="">
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The boom in foreign property purchasers in Australia is over: NAB

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Woolworths Group Limited has sold its Woolworths Aveley shopping centre located in Western Australia for $26,925,000 to a private investor.
The sale of Woolworths Aveley represents the sharpest initial yield ever recorded for a neighbourhood shopping centre in Western Australia over $20 million, at 5.81%, claimed selling agents Cushman &amp; Wakefield.
Completed in 2016, Woolworths Aveley is a 4,919-square-metre centre with a near 100% occupancy rate, anchored by a full-line Woolworths supermarket with a 12 year lease term, BWS on a long-term lease, plus eight specialty stores, two kiosks, one ATM and a pad site medical centre.
The asset attracted strong levels of interest due to its location within an award-winning masterplanned residential community known as Vale Aveley, developed by Stockland.
The campaign attracted over 100 enquiries from local and off-shore investors with several offers received at the close of campaign. The terms of sale included an unconditional exchange with seven days due diligence period.
Neighbourhood shopping centres remain one of the most liquid asset classes, with 16 transactions completed during Q2 and Q3 2018 totalling more than $505 million.
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Perth neighbourhood shopping centre sells for nearly $27 million

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Rental prices across Australia’s capital cities largely remained flat over the September quarter with Brisbane the only city to record growth in median unit rents.
Sydney and Hobart reported a decline in unit rents, according to <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/group/agent-news/domains-rental-report-june-2018/" target="_blank">Domain’s Quarterly Rental Report</a>.
Hobart was the standout performer over the year, reporting the highest annual rent growth for houses and units, followed by Canberra.
House rental yields improved annually in Sydney, Perth and Canberra.
Unit rental yields improved annually in all capital cities but Hobart.
"Availability of rental stock, investor activity and migration flows have created varied markets across the country. Looking just at the September quarter, house rents remained flat in every capital city," said Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
"While annually, growth has slowed relative to the year prior, primarily driven by stalling Sydney and Melbourne markets.
"Hobart continued to outperform other Australian capital cities, recording double digit annual rental growth for houses and strong growth for units. Canberra also saw substantial growth, with house and unit rents increasing 8.4% and 7.1% respectively. This growth has meant Canberra house rentals are now as expensive as Sydney. 
"While unit rents in Sydney have started to decline, house rents remained at an all time high. However, if market conditions continue with increased supply, we could however see some relief for tenants."
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/10/DOMIAN%20NATIONAL%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge:</a>
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Sydney median unit rents declined over the quarter and year, as rental supply hit an all time high. 
Melbourne house and unit rental prices held steady for the quarter, slowing the pace of annual growth to an almost four-year low for houses and three-year low for units. 
Brisbane was the only capital city that had unit rents increase over the quarter and year, while median house rents remained flat. 
Canberra house rents remained on par with Sydney, making the two cities the most expensive for tenants. House and unit rents experienced the second strongest annual growth of all capital cities. Unit gross yields reached a record high. 
Hobart was the strongest performing capital city, with a 10.8% annual increase in house rents and 9.4% increase in unit rents. 
Perth house and unit rents experienced no change over the year. This was the first time in almost five years house rents did not decline annually. Unit rents have now remained flat for a year and a half. 
Perth remained the most affordable city to rent a house, and shares the title with Adelaide for the most affordable unit rents. 
Adelaide house and unit rents remained flat for the quarter but continued to record annual growth.  
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/10/DOMIAN%20NATIONAL%203.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge:</a>
<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/2018/10/10/DOMIAN%20NATIONAL%203.jpg" alt=""> Rental Yields Rental yields have increased nationally by 0.4% over the past 12 months to 3.76% for houses. Units also increased 1.5% over the year to 4.29%. For investors, Hobart continued to provide the best gross rental yield for houses at 4.94%, and Darwin and Canberra provided the highest gross rental yields for units at 6.08% and 5.95% respectively.
Sydney and Melbourne continued to record the lowest gross rental yields for houses and units, although have begun to improve given the softer sales market.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/10/DOMIAN%20NATIONAL%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge:</a>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/10/DOMIAN%20NATIONAL%202.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/10/DOMIAN%20NATIONAL%202.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/10/DOMIAN%20NATIONAL%204.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge:</a>
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Brisbane only capital with quarterly rise in unit rents: Domain

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La Cabana, a 1940s style mountain lodge in the Blue Mountains has been scheduled for auction on October 14.
It has been offered by Katrina Allport from Ray White Blackheath.
Set over one acre in the heart of Blackheath, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-blackheath-129314106" target="_blank">La Cabana at 13 Prince Edward Street</a> was built by Austrian-born modernist architect H.P. Oser.
Held by the same family for almost 50 years, the house comes with three bedrooms, an updated kitchen, and sun-filled patio for outdoor entertaining and living. 
<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/2018/10/10/blackheath%202.jpg" alt="">
It completes with original timber floorboards and roaring open fireplace, large lounge room windows overlooking adjoining crown land.
La Cabana is only minutes from the village, train station and local school, and about a 1 hour 40 minutes to Sydney CBD.
“A small acreage so close to Blackheath Village is exceptionally rare,” Ray White Blackheath’s Katrina Allport said.
“This property is of historical architectural significance.”
The suburb's median house price sits at $585,000 according to CoreLogic.
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La Cabana at Blackheath listed for sale

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Ray White Commercial WA has hired office leasing specialist Clive Norman to fill the role of director of office leasing in their Perth team.
Mr Norman (pictured above), who has more than 17 years of experience in the office leasing sector said he was delighted to join the Ray White Commercial (WA) team.
He established the leasing division of Burgess Rawson as a major player in the Perth market.
He says the plan for the department was to establish Ray White as a significant player in the Perth CBD and city fringe office leasing market.
Norman said having known Ray White director Stephen Harrison for many years, he knew the culture of the group suited him perfectly. A property that will likely fall under the purview of Norman include is 135 Canning Highway, South Perth (pictured below).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/10/Lease%202.JPG" alt="">
This holding is a recently refurbished open plan office.
The property, zoned highway commercial is set on 135 sqm.
It comes to market with an asking lease of $33,750 pa + Outgoings.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/10/COlin.JPG" alt="">
A property he recently leased while at Burgess Rawson is 13 Colin Street, West Perth (pictured above).
Set on 209 sqm the office building came with 9 parking spots.
It was most recently listed at $57,475 per annum net + GST/A with additional monthly fee's for the individual parking spaces of $200 - $250.
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Office leasing specialist Clive Norman joins Ray White Commercial WA

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

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

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

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

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

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

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

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

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

Staff reporter

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