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Damian Collins has been elected as the new president of the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA).
Collins will follow Hayden Groves, who announced he was stepping down last week.
Lisa Joyce from Joyce Property Investments was elected deputy president.
 Collins has served on the REIWA Council since 2011 and as deputy president since 2015.
He is the founder and managing director of Momentum Wealth, a Perth-based property investment consultancy, and chairman of commercial property funds management business, Mair Property Funds.
“It is an honour to be elected President and I thank Council for bestowing me with the privilege of representing the Institute on behalf of its members,” Collins said.
“I would also like to thank Hayden Groves for his hard work and dedication to the Institute during his tenure as President.
“The Council and I are dedicated to continuing to build upon REIWA’s 100 year legacy of advocating on behalf of our members and the WA public.
“The WA marketplace remains a challenging environment for agents and vendors alike and there is much work to be done as our local market begins its recovery.”
<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/2018/10/4/photo-damian-collins.jpg" alt="">
At REIWA’s 100th Annual General Meeting last month, Hayden Groves announced he would be finishing his three year term.
Mr Groves, who will remain on the REIWA Council, was elected as President in 2015 having served on the Council since 2010.
“The past three years have been extremely rewarding and I thank the Council and REIWA members for entrusting me with the role over the past three years.
“My tenure as President has marked a very challenging time for the WA property market. We’ve seenstate migration slow, less demand from buyers and tenants, increased stock levels and subdued transactional activity.
“Somewhat unusually, no sector of the market has been spared the malaise, although tenants and buyers have benefited from improved affordability. Thankfully the worst appears to be behind us and I am hopeful a recovery is on the horizon.
“I look forward to continuing my service on REIWA’s Council, confident we will continue to build on all that REIWA has achieved over the past 100 years,” Mr Groves said.
The AGM also saw the results of the ballot for Council positions announced, with all four re-nominating Councillors returned to their positions.
REIWA’s Council includes:
<ul>
<li>
Suzanne Brown (Rentwest) [Re-elected]
</li>
<li>
Damian Collins (Momentum Wealth)
</li>
<li>
Hayden Groves (Dethridge Groves)
</li>
<li>
Lisa Joyce (Joyce Property Investments)
</li>
<li>
Peter Lawrance (Avanti Residential) [Re-elected]
</li>
<li>
Brett Thorp (Thorp Realty)
</li>
<li>
Rory Trotter (Force Real Estate) [Re-elected]
</li>
<li>
Krys Tully (Tully Real Estate) [Re-elected]
</li>
<li>Joe White (JMW Real Estate)</li>
</ul>
Council will elect office bearers, including the new REIWA President, when they meet on Thursday.
 
 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Damian Collins elected new REIWA President

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Today’s urban public spaces tend to represent governments and cities rather than people and citizens. In the past seven years, disturbing scenes of protests in city squares have been seen across the Arab world and Europe, but these public protests existed long before the 21st century. So how can city squares support or inhibit protests through their spatial characteristics and settings?
Public squares have been considered as places of encounter and exchange since the time of the Greek Agora and the Roman Forum. While often the sites of protest, these spaces also can reflect the idea of power and constrain revolutions and social uprisings.
Design and scenography can be used to intensify agoraphobia, or a fear of public spaces. Thus these spaces of expression can, at times, be silenced, putting at risk the geography of freedom of speech.
Reminders of the power of the state
Public spaces around the world have been not only places for people to gather and interact but also to demonstrate and, at times, to face their death.
In 2014, Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kiev was at the centre of the Ukrainian Euromaidan Revolution. It was a deadly revolution of dignity. Yet the consequences of other protests largely attest to how the design of these spaces can intimidate protesters.
In 1989, students demonstrated in Beijing during the so-called Tiananmen Square protests, which ended in a massacre. This immense city square of the capital is now known for its “strange emptiness”, as Evan Osnos described it. Benches and shade trees have been removed to discourage public gatherings.
The monumentality created by the forbidden city and the government buildings, including the Great Hall of People, adds to the feeling of emptiness and intimidation. The 44-hectare public square is now considered “the opposite of a public space”:
"Its totalitarian scale dwarfs the individual and forces people to feel subservient to the power of the state."
One can see striking similarities, in terms of scale and setting, with Red Square in Moscow. Red Square had been the scene of the 1968 demonstration against the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, a landmark moment in the Soviet dissident movement.
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Red Square, Moscow, has been the scene of both public demonstrations and state parades.
In Egypt, seven years after the revolution that toppled Hosni Mubarak, people tend to be cautious about expressing their views in public. Tahrir Square, the birthplace of the protests, is at risk. Towering metal gates have been erected around the square to avoid protests. These stand as a reminder of the powerful state control that the regime of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has reasserted over public spaces.
Protest in the Arab world: the case of Tunisia
Tunisia’s Habib Bourguiba Avenue was the main stage of the 2011 Tunisian Revolution. This public space, considered the historical, political and economic heart of the city, is broad and lined with trees and government buildings, hotels and street cafes. The two paved and heavily trafficked roads on either side of the median strip isolate the pedestrian “island”.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/234958/original/file-20180905-45158-l9o97y.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Habib Bourguiba Avenue. Majdi Faleh
This staging of the avenue reflects the power, control and prohibition of protests during 23 years of dictatorship. Other intimidating landscaping elements add to the obstacles for demonstrators who might wish to use the public space for political debates.
Despite intimidation through design, Tunis’s layout made L'Avenue, as Tunisians like to call it, the perfect place to stage the Arab Spring.
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Police and protesters clash in the popular uprising that forced Tunisia’s longtime dictator to flee in 2011.
This avenue, planned in the time of French colonisation (1881-1956) for the city’s elite, resembles the Parisian Avenue of Champs-Élysées. Interestingly, even Haussmann’s celebrated Parisian boulevards, built under Napoleon III in the 1860s, were designed to help quell the city’s rebellious populace.
Strategically located near the end of Habib Bourguiba Avenue is the Interior Ministry, an icon of dictatorship and control. The “austere” grey facade and black wrought iron windows and gates create a sense of control. Its brutalist architecture, which has architectural similarities with the FBI headquarters in Washington DC, participates in shaping the public space. Razor barbed wire fences have surrounded the avenue during the time of protests. Landscaping around the ministry played a role in blocking protesters from getting closer to the monument of control.
Habib Bourguiba Avenue is named after the first president of Tunisia, a tradition for main avenues in Tunisian cities. A simple Google search produces a list of major and small Tunisian cities forced into this autocratic system of political nomenclature as an instrument of control.
The image of power and control starts with the name of the place. It continues at the end of the avenue intersecting with the previously known Place 7 Novembre, named after the date of former dictator Ben Ali’s ascension to power in a coup d’état.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/234959/original/file-20180905-45139-1y2opyq.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Ibn Khaldun Fenced Garden with a banner of the dictator Ben Ali in the background (2009). In Arabic, it reads ‘In deed, all my ambition is for Tunisia’. Majdi Faleh
During the time of dictatorship, architects did not play an active role in shaping social, cultural and political encounters in public spaces. Contemporary public spaces in Tunisia were designed timidly or marginally, creating conflicts between architecture, the local people and the oppressive state. Even green spaces were planned but never designed, as per the planning policies. Many were replaced by commercial centres.
Metal fences are noticeable landscaping features around the Ibn Khaldun Statue, small gardens and public parks. The fences turned these spaces into enclosed and sometimes marginal parks. Large propaganda banners of the former dictator added an element of fear to these public spaces and helped deter protesters. The government gated property creates a sense of intimidation and constraint.
<h2>Designing for protests: an architect’s perspective</h2>
In designing public squares and avenues, architects should learn from these past dilemmas. The public square should not be represented as the city’s gated property or as a walled garden. It should be a space that provides citizens with opportunities to engage in political and social debates.
In the wake of the Arab Spring, rethinking spatial qualities of public spaces is crucial to provide “liberated” citizens with adequate places to communicate their political views and free cultural expression. In Tunisia’s post-revolutionary era, public spaces have increasingly become places for expression and social engagement.
Governments, not only in Tunisia but across all countries, should plan the streets for artists and protesters to create stages for their events and to communicate their ideas. Tunisia still has a long way to go.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/102275/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;">
Majdi Faleh, Teaching Assistant, University of Melbourne
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-city-squares-can-be-public-places-of-protest-or-centres-of-state-control-102275" target="_blank">original article</a>.
Main photo: Seven years after Tahrir Square became the focal point of the Egyptian Revolution, towering metal gates now control access. <a class="source" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tahrir_Square_on_July_29_2011.jpg" target="_blank">Ahmed Abd El-Fatah/Wikimedia</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank">CC BY</a>. 
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How city squares can be public places of protest or centres of state control

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A Narre Warren North five bedroom award-winning house within Equestrian Estates has been sold recently. 
It was offered by Kristen Turner from Peake Real Estate. 
Created by a Master Builder, the house situated at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-narre+warren+north-128240698"> 291-297 Harkawar Road</a> utilised blacksmiths, locksmiths and old-style cabinetmakers.
It comes with 100 squares of living space, indoor pool, a fully serviced art studio with views, 6 stables and crushed sawdust yards.  
<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/2018/9/25/NARREN%20.jpg" alt="">
Other features include Frech Oak flooring, Horus Art Italian tiling, civil drainage and over 600,000 litres of water storage. 
There is a 45sqm separate dwelling with kitchen, bathroom and industrial a/c unit.  
<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/2018/9/25/NARRE%203.jpg" alt="">
The property is 7-star rated, offering luxury whilst being environmentally conscious.
The suburb's median house price sits at $1.18 million, according to CoreLogic. 
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Award winning Equestrian Estates home sold

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Stockland is progressing with its development pipeline of $83 million of logistics assets across Western Sydney, having signed up new tenants Silk Contract Logistics, Daikin, Orora and Colette.
Stockland's Yennora Distribution Centre spans 70 hectares and operates as an intermodal rail terminal, connected to the Main Southern Rail Line. 
It recently completed a a $26 million development at Yennora which expanded the centre to more than 300,000 square metres.
Silk Contract Logistics signed a lease which comprises a 13,597 square metre high clearance office/warehouse building, as well as 19,582 square metres of dedicated container rated hardstand, providing direct rail access to Port Botany.
Daikin has signed as a core tenant to Stockland's $96 million Coopers Paddock Logistics Park in Warwick Farm (pictured below). Colette fashion accessories and Orora Packaging have also leased tenancies at the site.
<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/2018/10/2/Warwick%20Farm%202.jpg" alt=""> 
The$50 million second stage of the Ingleburn Logistics Park has also been finalised with two new warehouse facilities of 15,494 square metres and 21,350 square metres.
This follows the completion of stage one last year, a 29,050 square metre facility that is now fully leased to Next Logistics and TIFS.
 <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/2018/10/2/Ingleburn%202.jpg" alt="">
Tony D’Addona, General Manager – Workplace and Logistics, at Stockland, said the group’s styrategy is to grow its national workplace and logistics portfolio to greater than 25 per cent of total assets.
“Our vision is to create modern, functional and connected logistics centres, supporting local employment to meet Western Sydney’s growing demand for new warehousing and manufacturing space,” he said.
“We made a decision to develop over 110,000 square metres across our Warwick Farm, Yennora and Ingleburn assets which has proven to be a great opportunity with strong leasing activity across 2018. 
“Together these developments are contributing approximately 650 new jobs for Western Sydney today, with significant potential for future employment growth. 
“The demand for high quality logistics assets has been driven by a robust NSW economy and consistent, record infrastructure investment, including the new Western Sydney Airport, offering a great opportunity to develop high quality assets in connected locations.” 
D’Addona said Stockland’s national Workplace and Logistics business includes a $600 million national development pipeline and comprises 34 properties, currently valued at approximately $3.7 billion.
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New tenants sign up at Stockland Western Sydney logistics centres

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Small business confidence and creative thinking by CBD landlords have driven a 235% increase in demand for small office space in Melbourne, says Colliers International.
The firm reported a year-on-year increase in demand for sub-300 square metre office suites in the Melbourne CBD.
“This accelerated demand highlights the strength in sentiment among small business owners,” Colliers International’s Milly Stockdale said.
“We received 748 enquiries for small suites over the past financial year FY 2017/2018, compared to 318 enquiries from FY 2016/2017. This equates to 2.3 times the demand, year on year.
“This demand has also flowed through to leasing activity, with Colliers International concluding over 100 deals for space under 300 square metres in Melbourne’s CBD year to date, compared to less than 70 at the same time last year.
“Over the next 12 months, there is only 115,000 square metres of new supply space and over 81,000 square metres of backfill space due to be added to the Melbourne CBD market. This means vacancy rates will continue to tighten, providing competitive tenant conditions.”
The lack of upcoming supply is causing tenants to commit to space to ensure that they don’t miss out on a quality address, it says.  
Strong population and job growth in Melbourne is supporting rental growth and a healthy environment for small businesses to expand.
In the recent deal, a2m Consulting secured its first CBD office, leasing 132 square metres at Suleman Group’s 470 Collins Street in a deal negotiated by Stockdale and colleague Brigitte Doupe. 
“Many iconic CBD buildings are choosing to execute a small suite strategy on vacant whole floors, due to the uptake in the market and effective net rental growth and minimal downtime,” Doupe said.
“Recent activity at 470 Collins Street – where we have negotiated 10 sub-400 square metres leasing deals in the last eight months – is a prime example of this.”
“This trend has also been recently demonstrated at 360 Collins Street, where Colliers International has secured 23 tenants under 400 square metres in the last 18 months for Dexus Property,” Colliers International’s Adam Davy said.
“This growth in demand can be attributed to several factors, including the strength in sentiment among small businesses, and the Melbourne economy supporting small business growth.”
Doupe said small businesses were jumping at the chance to secure CBD space which would see them benefit from easy access, quality of amenity and proximity to clients and stakeholders.
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Additional leases at 470 Collins Street have included:
-          Cherub Consulting (45.4 square metres)
-          Javadi (52.3 square metres)
-          Efex Group (40 square metres)
-          Endeavour Conultants (63.4 square metres)
-          Australian Institue of Engineering &amp; Technology (139.1 square metres)
-          Jaythorm (147.80 square metres)
-          United Almonds (100.4 square metres)
-          Austudy (209 square metres)
-          Egali (85 square metres)
-          Unify Solutions (96.4 square metres)
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Demand for small office space in Melbourne CBD skyrockets 

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A new residential project, known as Third Avenue, is set to come to the inner south-western suburb of Adelaide, Everard Park.
The $15 million development from Arcadian Property comprises 27 new two and three-storey homes. 
Prices at the development, which is currently in planning assessment, will start from around $500,000 when released to the market next month, said Arcadian Property Chief Executive Officer Warwick Mittiga.
“Everard Park is one of the best kept secrets in Adelaide real estate,” said Mr Mittiga.
“Within walking distance to the popular shopping and café strips of Goodwood Road and King William Road, Everard Park is only 2km from the CBD and just 10 minutes from Glenelg beach. Yet despite its amazing location and quality established homes, it remains relatively unknown.
“So we’re really excited about Third Avenue, which is going to become one of the best addresses in the inner south-west. We have direct connection to Brownhill Creek, dedicated walking trails through Unley Council and are very close to some fantastic reserves and ovals too.
“The development itself is going to be exceptional. From exterior architecture to the interior design, every element has been carefully considered to maximise living standards for residents and promote the value of their home for many years to come.
“Indeed, while we could have pushed for a bit more density in the project, we specifically chose to reduce the number of new homes and create larger houses with an increased amount of private and public open space. This enables us to focus more on quality rather than quantity, and ultimately that’s what Third Avenue is all about.”
Construction of Third Avenue is expected to commence next year ahead of estimated completion in 2020.
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New $15m development Third Avenue coming to Adelaide's Everard Park

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Byron Bay continues to perform well on the back of improving tourist numbers, the relatively compact nature of the CBD and the lack of any large shopping centre facilities, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) commercial report.
The valuation firm took a look at the changing face of the retail sector across the nation in the report. 
"Construction of the new centre at Byron Plaza South is likely to create an additional supply, however the traditional CBD’s proximity to the beach is likely to maintain its strength," the valuer suggested. 
Alternative styles of accommodation for retail uses are being utilised within the industrial area, located approximately three kilometres to the west of the CBD, which are a reflection of affordability and the marrying of unapproved/illegal residential and retail components.
A current listing is a 87 square metre retail space priced at $190,000 (pictured above).
The shop situated at<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-byron+bay-502944882" target="_blank"> 1-3/52 Jonson Street </a>features large shopfront window displays, track lighting throughout and exposure with a constant stream of passing foot traffic. 
<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/2018/10/2/byron%20bay%202.jpg" alt="">
Another 90 square metre retail space located in the Byron Bay Industrial Estate has been listed for lease with the price of $620 per week (pictured above).
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-byron+bay-502961282" target="_blank">2/1 Banksia Drive</a>, the property consists of lower level open plan with amenities, small storage room, and a good size mezzanine area upstairs with kitchenette and oven.
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Byron Bay retail market continues strong performance: HTW

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Social housing is in crisis in Australia, with almost 200,000 people on waiting lists. Social housing made up 8% of all housing stock in Australia in 1966. This had fallen to just 4.3% at July 2016.
As a result, governments have tightened eligibility. Social housing is increasingly home to only the most vulnerable households. And even these households often spend years on the waiting list while experiencing severe housing stress or homelessness.
Outside of social housing, rental and ownership options are increasingly unaffordable, particularly in the capital cities. Social housing was once a stepping stone to home ownership, but this is becoming more difficult.
There is a solution
The Melbourne-based Barnett Foundation responded by creating a model of affordable home ownership for social housing tenants. The foundation developed a 34-unit apartment in the inner suburb of North Melbourne and offered 28 units to households living within 4km of the site and willing to leave their social housing. It’s called the Melbourne Apartments Project (MAP).
The foundation offered an interest-free second mortgage scheme to ease buyers’ transition into home ownership. This allows the owner to retain 100% ownership of their home while combining their own savings, a standard first mortgage with a bank and a second mortgage with the foundation.
The developer achieved cost savings during construction through reduced marketing and real estate costs (thanks to support from Melbourne City Mission), reduced tax requirements and foregone profit. The savings totalled about 37% of the market value of each property.
These savings were passed on to the buyers in the form of a no-interest second mortgage. This is not payable until the home owner sells their apartment. The second mortgage also reduces every year for the first four years.
Buyers were required to provide at least a A$25,000 deposit and to seek a mortgage to cover the remaining development costs of each unit. This is about 63% of market value, meaning they require a much smaller loan and pay less interest, as well as a smaller deposit. This helps overcome two of the largest barriers to home ownership for first home buyers.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/235129/original/file-20180906-191844-1j4qu6v.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
What do the buyers think about it?
I interviewed ten of the 28 MAP households in our research and will be presenting findings next Tuesday, October 9, at a free event.
Residents offered extremely positive feedback on their new homes and about being able to buy a home near their existing communities. They would not have contemplated this without the MAP.
Many had lived in social housing for 20 to 30 years and had never felt capable of making the move into market housing.
Participants spoke of the benefit of being able to pass on an asset to their children or to build wealth in their home. Many spoke of the great sense of achievement this move had given them.
I found residents retained extremely strong connections to their previous communities. They often returned to the public housing estates for social activities, to visit family and for community gardening.
However, many also spoke of their deep desire to leave unsafe, “aggravated” and uncomfortable previous homes. Households spoke of the deep sense of relief that came from feeling safe.
Most respondents told me their financial position had not changed or even improved since moving into MAP. Most were “over income” tenants, with a household income that meant they paid market rent for their social housing. Many found their mortgage repayments were similar to their previous rental costs.
However, social housing provides a “safety net” as rents are adjusted if household income decreases. Given some households gathered their deposits with significant support from family and friends while earning low incomes, this might be a future concern for residents.
Scaling up solutions
A 28-unit development is a drop in the ocean compared to the level of unmet need. Recent research suggests Greater Melbourne alone has a 160,000-dwelling deficit of housing that is affordable and available to very low and low-income households.
Creating a significant change requires effective models to be replicated and scaled up. In Toronto, a similar model called Options for Homes has delivered 2,000 affordable units. A further 2,500 units are in the construction pipeline.
Our research found this model is replicable and suitable for a subsection of more financially secure social housing tenants. Its scaling would be supported by access to land and finance and integration with social rental housing options.
Access to land
Access to affordable land in well-located areas is one of the largest barriers to developing affordable housing. Projects like MAP could be integrated into state government initiatives like the Public Housing Renewal Program.
Such schemes would also benefit from discounted land sales by philanthropic or religious groups, or even deferred land sale costs. Options for Homes almost always works with vendors that are prepared to defer land purchase costs until development is completed.
Access to funds
Philanthropic organisations and social impact investors like the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation have already supported affordable home ownership through the Affordable Housing Loan Fund. This allowed the not-for-profit organisation Habitat for Humanity to provide no-interest loans to low-income buyers in the town of Yea in Victoria.
Similarly, social impact investors are key to providing project equity to models like the Nightingale housing model. They could provide important equity and/or debt finance to projects using the MAP model.
Integrated housing solutions
This model is aimed at households with incomes of at least A$75,000 a year, or access to a substantial capital contribution. Despite the reduced deposits and mortgage repayments, most social housing tenants will not be able to access this scheme.
Other not-for-profit organisations could replicate this model and integrate it into their existing portfolios of social rental housing. The MAP model could cross-subsidise other housing options and help to provide a diversity of housing options in developments.
Why does this matter?
For the Melbourne Apartments Project, we estimated that for every A$1 of cost to the government, it receives A$2.19 in benefits from the project. This is mainly due to new households being able to move into vacated public housing units.
If every public housing unit made available as a MAP participant moved out were reallocated to a high-needs applicant on the waiting list, the government could save A$27,458.22 in costs per MAP participant per year.
Housing is increasingly unaffordable in many parts of Australia. As governments reduce their role in social and affordable housing, the need for industry-led innovations is growing. Pilot projects such as MAP are important but need to be supported by policy and scaling mechanisms to have a systemic impact on our housing environment.
Katrina Raynor, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Transforming Housing Project, University of Melbourne
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/affordable-home-ownership-scheme-offers-a-pathway-out-of-social-housing-102635" target="_blank">original article</a>.
The authors of this and two other recent Conversation articles – Carolyn Whitzman, Matthew Palm and Katrina Raynor – are presenting the full findings of their research project at a Transforming Housing event from 6.30pm on October 9.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/102635/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
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Affordable home-ownership scheme offers a pathway out of social housing: Katrina Raynor

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Vicinity Centres has announced a progress update asset divestment program, with the sale of a portfolio of 10 sub regional and neighbourhood shopping centres to SCA Property Group.
They also sold one Neighbourhood shopping centre to a private investor, for an aggregate sale price of $631.0 million.
The aggregate sale price of $631.0 million reflects a 5.1% discount to the combined 30 June 2018 book values of the eleven assets and a weighted average capitalisation rate of 6.9%.
Vicinity has now divested 35 shopping centres for more than $2.5 billion at a 0.5% premium to book value.
Discussions are noted to be underway with prospective purchasers of three remaining assets included in Vicinity’s divestment program.
Mr Grant Kelley, Vicinity’s CEO and Managing Director, said “These transactions are a significant achievement and advance our strategy to unlock major potential in the business.”
“It is an important step in delivering strong and sustainable growth through focusing our directly-owned portfolio on approximately fifty market-leading destination assets, expanding our wholesale funds platform and realising mixed-use opportunities across the portfolio.”
SCP will acquire ten assets for a total consideration of $573.0 million. Settlement of these transactions is expected later this month.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/10/3/Vicinity%20centres.JPG" alt="">
The sale of Belmont Village (pictured above) in Victoria to a private investor for $58.0 million was settled at the end of September .
As at 30 June 2018, the eleven assets sold had specialty sales per square metre averaging $7,611. 
Vicinity’s FFO guidance for FY19 remains unchanged at 18.0 to 18.2 cents per security.
Assuming the sale proceeds of the eleven non-core assets are used to repay debt in the short-term, gearing would be reduced by approximately 280 basis points.
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Vicinity sells eleven shopping centres for $631 million

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The recently relaunched Frisco hotel has been brought to market by Manenti Quinlan.
The Frisco, located at 46 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo is to be sold via Private Treaty.
It is situated in the hospitality precinct of Woolloomooloo, close to the Sydney’s CBD.
Nick Butler from Manenti Quinlan stated, “the current owners have overseen an extensive renovation, relaunching with modern improvements while paying due respect to its naval heritage."
The Hotel, which has 17 gaming machines, is set on 323 sqm and earns around $3.5 million a year in revenue a year across food, bar and gaming.
Set over two levels, the Frisco’s bar, food and function offerings range from rivate dining options for 10 people expand to function packages for up to 350.
The Frisco also holds six accommodation rooms located on the third floor.
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Woolloomooloo's Frisco hotel on the market two years after makeover

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>

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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" />

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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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