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EXPERT OBSERVER
For Australia, the past seven days have been focused on the labour market, with updates for wage growth and employment received.
On employment, the 4k decline in jobs in the month of July was well below the market’s expectation, but in line with our own. Given it follows an outsized 58k gain in June, the weak July outcome is certainly not a cause for concern. Indeed the past three months have seen an average monthly gain of 22k, ahead of the 18k trend pace of growth. Looking ahead, we anticipate that momentum in employment will slow in the second half of 2018.
Based on employment growth, wages growth should be much stronger than the 2.1% reported for the year to June 2018. Here we see the impact of the underutilisation of workers which, in our view, is set to remain a significant concern hence. Broadly we believe this under-reported slack will hold nominal wage inflation around 2.0% through the remainder of 2018 and 2019 and, as a consequence, real wage growth will be negligible. This situation will continue to weigh on households’ perceptions of their family finances and willingness to spend.
Another important consequence of inflation persistently at the lower-bound of the RBA’s target range and weak (or no) real wage growth is that household’s inflation expectations are suppressed. Our Chief Economist Bill Evans has taken up this important topic this week. The take-home point for policy is that “there must be a risk that, at least from an expectations perspective, low inflation is embedded in the system for longer than the Bank and the market are currently expecting”.
Outturns as above would be a stark contrast to the positive expectations of the Government and the RBA – the latter re-iterated during Governor Lowe’s appearance before the House of Representative’s Standing Committee on Economics this week. This is why we believe aggregate growth in 2019 will be sub-trend, and that the RBA will remain on hold into 2020.
Turning to the US, the New York Federal Reserve’s consumer credit survey was the highlight, but out of the headlines. Conflict between the US and Turkey instead remained front of mind for the press. This is a highly uncertain situation, and is unlikely to be resolved soon. We are not overly concerned by the effect this situation will have on global trade or growth, but we are mindful of potential spill-over effects to the European banking sector (who have considerable exposure to Turkish corporates) and to sentiment towards other emerging markets. Developing nations geographically near Australia are in a far better situation than Turkey and where they were in the late-1990’s (based on current account and external debt metrics). Hence a real economy and/or emerging market financial market contagion in our region is highly unlikely. Still, amid uncertainty, market participants are likely to sit on the sidelines until the data confirms there is no need for concern.
As we continue to outline, the greater risk to the region is likely that emanating from China’s domestic banking system as it undergoes lasting change to rein-in shadow banking activity and shift the majority of credit supply to the banks. Chinese credit data is now available to July. In the most recent release, a further fall in shadow banking credit was seen such that credit provided by these shadow lenders has now only increased by about RMB700bn in 2018 compared to almost RMB3.5trn at this time in 2017. Greater lending by the banking system has only offset around RMB900bn of the reduction in new shadow credit in 2018, so total credit growth in 2018 is almost RMB2trn less than the prior year. This outcome is intended and well managed, but whenever a policy shift of this magnitude is undertaken, there are risks which must be monitored. It is not happenstance that Chinese regulators have recently acted to ease financial conditions and bolster market liquidity.
In these uncertain times, a clear positive for China’s economy is their housing market. In stark contrast to the 5.5% gain for total fixed asset investment, real estate investment is running at a 10% year-to-date pace. Further, the recent acceleration in starts implies that the majority of this momentum will be sustained into year end, particularly as continued robust price growth in tier 2 and 3 make for an attractive sales environment.
If gains for this sector are to endure, then both central and local authorities will need to push ahead with their intended long-term reforms to drive growth in industry and incomes across the nation. As we look ahead to next week, US/China trade relations will again fill the headlines, given a Chinese trade delegation is reportedly heading to the US for talks just before the US’ next round of tariffs are to take effect.    
Elliot Clarke is a senior economist at Westpac and can be <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au/news/authors/elliot-clarke/" target="_blank">contacted here.</a>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Wages and jobs data point to a continued sub-par performance for inflation: Elliot Clarke

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Four bidders triggered a $1.16 million sale price for an inner Sydney dump on the weekend.
<a id="x_mcntLPlnk129869" class="x_mcntOWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-erskineville-128913286" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">The Erskineville blank canvas</a> at 48 Charles Street (above and below) was on the market for the first time in 30 years.
It attracted an opening bid of $900,000 below its $1 million pre-auction price guidance. 
<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/2018/8/20/erk2.jpg" alt="">
"Discover the infinite possibilities to design a contemporary abode enhancing its heritage facade, high ceilings and original floor boards," the Ray White marketing pitch advised.
With side and rear lane access, there was potential to build a second level as have neighbouring homes.
The Daily Telegraph recently suggested there was a dwindling supply of inner city fixer uppers.
But there is another opportunity just a few doors further along.
The home at <a id="x_mcntLPlnk73234" class="x_mcntOWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-erskineville-128974286" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">86 Charles Street</a> (below) goes to auction September 1.
<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/2018/8/20/erk3.jpg" alt="">
The home has significant uneven floors, ceiling damage and peeling walls.
Its LJH auction guide is $800,000 to $850,000, the first time offered in 48 years.
<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/2018/8/20/erk4.jpg" alt="">
"Hip village cafes, delicious dining spots and city trains are within a stone's throw of its door," the marketing says.
In Melbourne, one of Fitzroy’s last remaining unrenovated terraces, albeit habitable, sold after two bidders sought out the renovation opportunity.
Broxbourne House, <a id="x_mcntLPlnk400359" class="x_mcntOWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/427-george-street-fitzroy-vic/property-details-sold-residential-12007504/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">at 427 George Street</a> (below, has been continually occupied by one family for 100 years.
<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/2018/8/20/brix1.jpg" alt="">
Bidding kicked off with a $1.05 million vendor bid with Domain reporting the home sold to a couple intending to relocate from an apartment in Collingwood for $1.15 million.
Its price guidance had been $1.05 million to $1.15 million through Nelson Alexander.
<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/2018/8/20/brix2.jpg" alt="">
Sydney's top weekend auction sale was 12 Haughton Street, Linley Point which fetched $5.35 million pre-auction.
<a id="x_mcntLPlnk374804" class="x_mcntOWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-linley+point-128879810" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">The five bedroom, three bathroom house</a> was sold after eight days on the market with $5 million to $5.5 million price guidance through McGrath.
It had last sold in 2015 at $4.7 million.
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<div class="x_mcntcolumn">There were 572 auctions held in Sydney, the busiest week since July 2018, returning a preliminary clearance rate of 56.5 per cent. </div>
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In comparison, there were 458 auctions held over the previous week and the final auction clearance rate was 53.8 per cent. 
One year ago, 720 auctions were held and the Sydney clearance rate came in at 67.8 per cent.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/8/20/Erko%20Chart.JPG" alt="">
Melbourne's top sale was $3,805,000 for 9 Wallace Grove, Brighton.
The Brighton home was tipped to sell for between $3.3 million and $3.63 million by its Buxton listing agency.
<a id="x_mcntLPlnk417697" class="x_mcntOWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/9-wallace-grove-brighton-vic/property-details-buy-residential-12005364/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">The once grand four bedroom Californian bungalow</a> sits on a 920sqm land holding.
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In Melbourne, a preliminary auction clearance rate of 55.7 per cent was recorded across 868 auctions. Last week there were 721 auctions returning a final clearance rate of 58 per cent.
One year ago, the clearance rate was a stronger 75.6 per cent across 1,001 auctions.
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Brisbane had the highest volume of auctions in the other capital cities with 103 homes going under the hammer, returning a strong preliminary clearance rate of 60 per cent.
There were 1,692 homes taken to auction across the capital cities this weekend, returning a preliminary auction clearance rate of 56.7 per cent, making it the busiest week for auctions since June 2018. 
Last week, 1,402 auctions were held and the final clearance rate came in at 54.9 per cent. 
Over the same week last year, auction volumes were higher with 2,064 homes going under the hammer across the combined capital cities and the clearance rate was a stronger 69.8 per cent, CoreLogic noted.
Units outperformed houses with 58.5 per cent of units selling at auction, while 56 per cent of houses sold across the combined capital cities.
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Erko dump fetches $1.1 million

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After months of unsuccessful househunting, home buyers snapped up a Narre Warren South house in a tightly held pocket at weekend auction.
The Herald Sun reported the buyers were from Clayton.
There was a two-horse race for the five-bedroom house at 19-20 Sirius Place.
The parties pushed the price beyond the $1.32 million reserve to $1.36 million.
There were three others who had registered to bid for the 4262sq m property.
The selling agency Ray White Pakenham moved the auction forward by a week to capitalise on it.
There had only been two homes sold in the pocket in the past 20 years.
The house was built about 17 years ago at the location 40kms south-east of Melbourne’s CBD.
The five-bedroom, two-bathroom home at 19-20 Sirius Place, Narre Warren South had an indicative selling price of $1.2 million to $1.32 million.
“It’s a three-and-a-half minute drive from the second largest shopping centre in the southern hemisphere,” Ray White Pakenham’s Gavin Staindl said.
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Narren Warren South home sale at $1.32 million

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A five bedroom Moora home has been listed for $215,000, with the price recently adjusted down from $229,000. It last sold at $330,000 in 2007.
It was listed by Hadley Shearn at Shearn Brothers in the wheatbelt region 180 kms north of Perth.
Situated at <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/2-padbury-street-moora-4105434/" target="_blank">2 Padbury Street</a>, the house comes with five bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Featuring large open plan kitchen/dining area, gas 4 burner cooktop, electric oven and rangehood, there is plenty of bench and storage space with the main kitchen window facing north capturing plenty of the warm winter light. The outdoor entertaining area is accessed through a large activity area that doubles as a winter dining/entertaining area.  Master Bedroom features 2 sets of French Doors, one on entry and the other opening out onto a private garden area. With en-suite and built in robe, it presents the perfect retreat.  Bedroom 2 is approximately 25 m2 with beautiful views east and south through the front and side garden. Bedrooms 3 and 4 are standard sized bedrooms and serviced by the main bathroom. The 3rd water closet is located off the laundry to the rear of the house.  The 5th bedroom would make a fabulous activity or studio room and is separate to the main building.  All living areas are tiled with carpets to the bedrooms and ducted air conditioning throughout with a slow combustion wood heater to keep you toastie warm in winter.  For summer entertaining, an easy care garden, large pool and separate poolside entertaining area.  The property features large workshop/shed, accessed from Drummond St with 3 phase power plus the added bonus of a huge rear storage area for caravans, campers, trailers and boats, plus a chook pen and cockie cage.  Located within walking distance to amenities, shops and supermarkets, this property ticks all the boxes. 
The suburb's median house price sits at <a href="/news">$170,000</a>, according to CoreLogic. 
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Moora, WA home listed by mortgagee with loss pending

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Availability across the Sydney rental market remained relatively steady in July 2018, according to research from the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.
REINSW Deputy President Brett Hunter said the July 2018 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey  saw vacancy rates across the Sydney metropolitan at 2.8 per cent, a rise of 0.1 percentage points
“The vacancy rate fell 0.1 percentage points in both Middle and Inner Sydney at 2.9 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively, while Outer Sydney bucked the trend rising 0.3 percentage points at 2.7 per cent.  “The Sydney vacancy rate we are seeing at the moment is in line with the winter seasonal trend,” Mr Hunter said.   
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/8/17/VACANCY%201.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/2018/8/17/VACANCY%201.jpg" alt=""> 
In the Hunter, vacancy rates fell 0.2 percentage points to 1.7 per cent, with Newcastle down 0.2 percentage points at 2.2 per cent. The Illawarra dropped 0.5 percentage points to 2.0 per cent with Wollongong down 0.3 percentage points to 2.0 per cent.  Across regional areas, Albury was up 0.1 percentage points at 1.5 per cent, while the Riverina and Central Coast were steady at 3.1 per cent and 2 per cent respectively. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/8/17/VACANCY%201.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/2018/8/17/VACANCY%202.jpg" alt=""> 
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Sydney rental market remains steady in winter seasonal trend: REINSW

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There is now a $1.69 million sale of a Gold Coast equestrian estate.
The acreage property (above) at 74 Nijinsky Way, Willow Vale is a 2.38ha parcel within an hour's drive of both Brisbane and Coolangatta.
It is only minutes to the new Westfield Coomera.
It last sold at $1.25 million in 2012.
Ray White Surfers Paradise’s Henk Schreurs said the five-bedroom, three-bathroom home had attracted a variety of buyer including people wishing to relocate from interstate, and those with horses.
“It’s having the feeling that you are 100kms away yet being so close to the growth areas of Coomera and Pimpama,” Mr Schreurs said.
<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/2018/8/17/willow%20vale%202.jpg" alt="">
The solid brick family residence is surrounded by four fully-fenced horse paddocks, day stables, an equestrian arena, swimming pool, terrace, entertaining deck and landscaped gardens.
It comes with five bedrooms, study, formal lounge, separate dining &amp; family room, Miele and Stone kitchen, and theatre room.
 
 
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Willow Vale equestrian estate listed at $1.69 million

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A Craigieburn display home has been sold.
Ray White Craigieburn’s Trish Orrico secured $735,000 when 31 Dashing Road, Craigieburn went to weekend auction
The home was built three years ago but no one has ever lived in the property, she said.
“It’s only ever been a display home and that’s what’s attracting a lot of people to it.
"It’s the extra features like the ensuite, butler’s pantry and walk-in storage room.
"The quality of it sets it apart.”
Mr Orrico had a price guide to the four-bedroom, two-bathroom property of $640,000 to $695,000.
<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/2018/8/17/cragieburn%202.jpg" alt="">
The home comes with four main bedrooms, light-filled lounge, expansive open-plan kitchen with large walk-in butler pantry, separate living and dining area with sliding doors and alfresco entertaining area plus private backyard garden.
Other features include heating &amp; cooling, alarm, walk-in linen cupboard, and double garage with internal access.
House sales in Craigieburn kicked off at $469000 at weekend auctions. 
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Dashing Road, Craigieburn display home sold

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A rural property in New South Wales's Mudgee, located northwest of Sydney, has been sold for $95,000. <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/6/Mudgee%205.jpeg" alt=""> The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-nsw-mudgee-7974966" target="_blank">81 King John Lane, Mudgee</a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-nsw-mudgee-7974966" target="_blank"></a> is a 24ha (60 acres) of level grazing or farming country with two large dams as well as a creek that meanders right through the centre. The property had been listed through Bob Proestos who marketed it as an "ideal weekend getaway block that's large enough to also grow oats, run some sheep or cattle and/or keep horses."
It comes with two large dams as well as a creek that meanders through the property. 
Power is noted as a great asset on this block as it is located close to building sites.
Some shedding is also available as well as a water tank and old septic system. 
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Mudgee weekender hobby farm sold at $95,000

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">Deborah Brady and Jody Fewster (pictured above) have opened a new Ray White office in Peppermint Grove in the heart of their local Perth market. 
There is 23 years real estate experience between them.
They both came from the Acton agency.
“I’ve always loved it and now I’m really excited to run my own business for the first time," Ms Brady said.
" It’s one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done,” she said.
When she started in real estate, Ms Fewster said her original intention was that it would be a stepping stone, but that she just fell in love with selling homes.
“It’s never about just one sale … we’re building lifetime relationships,” she said.
"Cottesloe, Peppermint Grove and Mosman Park offer a range of property types, from luxury multi-million dollar waterfront properties to small apartments but we want to sell everything in our and around our neighbourhood."
Ray White WA CEO Mark Whiteman welcomed Ms Brady and Ms Fewster to the group.
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Deborah Brady and Jody Fewster launch Ray White Cottesloe Mosman Park

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GUEST OBSERVATION
It is easy for those of us who have ignored emails from Nigerian princes or refused to transfer money on behalf of an online love interest to scroll past stories about scams, thinking it could never be us.
But so far this year, Australians have reported losing more than AU$76 million to all types of fraud, with phishing scams being the most prevalent. Given fraud has one of the lowest reporting rates, this is likely to be the tip of the iceberg.
From the outside, it’s difficult to understand how fraud occurs, and why some victims send large sums of money to offenders or take other drastic actions. It’s easy for a rational person to identify these situations as fraud.
Too often, we focus our attention on the culpability of victims in these situations. But it’s the offenders and their actions we should be focusing on. How exactly do fraudsters get victims to do such outlandish things?
Grooming the victim
In many cases, it’s a culmination of efforts that result in the victim sending money or complying with a fraudster’s request. Some offenders target specific victims and build a profile of them through online or offline tracking.
In other cases, the contact may start as random, but the fraudster will work hard to establish trust and build rapport.
There is research to support the concept of “hyperpersonal” relationships, or ones that are developed more intensely and quickly online compared to offline. Online communication lacks the non-verbal cues that could raise suspicions on the part of a victim.
Further, there is power in the written word. Several fraud victims I interviewed in my research told me they saved all their chat logs with their offenders from the first contact. Re-reading these conversations allows them to feel a deeper connection to the words – and the person sending them – compared to a verbal conversation.
By being persistent and patient with their contact, fraudsters raise few red flags when they ask a victim for money. Many victims come to believe the situation they are being presented with and the reason behind the request.
Social engineering techniques
Online offenders are also able to identify a weakness or vulnerability in a person relatively quickly and decide on the appropriate strategy to exploit this.
The use of authority to gain trust and compliance is commonplace. Offenders will take on the identity of a person or organisation and use this to threaten victims into submitting to their requests. Fear can be a strong motivating factor.
This is why so many people fall for phishing emails, or those that appear in our inboxes from a bank or government organisation. These emails say there is a problem and threaten a negative consequence (such as the closure or freezing of a bank account) if their instructions are not followed.
A sense of authority has been clear in the recent scams targeting Chinese students in Melbourne who have been tricked into staging their own kidnappings. The victims receive calls from the Chinese “police” or some other authority and are told there is a problem with their visa, or that they have been involved in criminal activity.
In order to prove their innocence, the victims are asked to send money. Or, they are directed to stage their own kidnapping, with the intention of extorting money from their families. The threat of deportation and jail time are powerful motivators for victims, who genuinely fear for their safety.
The use of scarcity – the idea of a limited offer – is another successful technique of fraudsters. By implying their request has a limited timeframe for response, or that the promised reward is limited in availability, they compel people to respond.
Examples of scarcity are commonly seen with lottery scams and sales frauds. Earlier this year, for instance, Scamwatch reported that fraudsters were advertising pedigree breeds of puppies for sale, often demanding money up front to cover transport or medical costs. Victims were duped out of over AU$300,000 in a single year.
Coercive control
The use of psychological abuse tactics by online fraudsters also helps to explain why they have so much power over victims despite a lack of physical proximity.
Richard Tolman, a professor of social work at the University of Michigan, identified nine techniques of psychological abuse used by offenders in situations of domestic violence. In an exploratory study, my colleagues and I were able to apply many of these to the context of fraud.
In these cases, offenders employ abusive techniques in their communications to gain compliance at the beginning and maintain it throughout the fraud. In my research, several victims reported being verbally abused when they questioned the nature of the relationship or refused to send money.
Several victims felt the offenders were deliberately leading them to question themselves or their own judgement. This destabilisation is not exclusive to romance fraud and can allow offenders to exploit victims over long periods of time.
Fighting against fraud
The pervasive nature of these tactics is difficult to guard against. Most people do not believe they are vulnerable to fraud and are not aware how they could be deceived. Offenders rely on this.
There is also a strong stigma attached to falling prey to scams. Victims are often blamed for their own circumstances and losses. This exacerbates the suffering they’ve experience at the hands of the offender.
It’s important to raise awareness of the pervasiveness of this type of fraud and the methods used by offenders to target victims. Promoting a culture in which we can openly talk about fraud without judgement or blame is critical to achieving this.

After all, offenders rely on the silence of victims most of all to continue committing these crimes. In order to break through the silence, we need a better understanding of the techniques they use and more work to identify successful countermeasures and prevention messages.
Cassandra Cross, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Queensland University of Technology
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-get-away-with-fraud-the-successful-techniques-of-scamming-99523" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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How to get away with fraud: the successful techniques of scamming

Walk past a new apartment development promoting its sustainability credentials and it's easy to picture rooftop gardens, mature trees, landscaped courtyards and residents surrounded by nature.

But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.

Australia's leading environmental rating tools have played a significant role in improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings. Yet despite their focus on reducing emissions, many don't require developers to include trees, biodiversity or meaningful green space.

In other words, a building can achieve one of the country's highest sustainability ratings while containing little more than concrete, glass and hard landscaping.

That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.

The concept goes beyond designing buildings that consume less energy. Instead, it encourages developers to treat nature as essential infrastructure, integrating biodiversity, tree canopy, living landscapes and green spaces into projects from the earliest stages of planning.

Research has consistently linked access to nature with better physical and mental health, cooler neighbourhoods, improved biodiversity, stronger climate resilience and more connected communities. As Australia's cities continue to become denser, advocates say those outcomes should be considered just as important as energy efficiency.

Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.

Founded by Hamton Executive Chairman Paul Hameister OAM, the not-for-profit was created after research highlighted a significant gap in Australia's sustainability framework. While existing environmental rating tools rewarded energy performance and emissions reductions, they placed little emphasis on the inclusion of 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."

Since its launch, NBC has developed independent design guidelines and accreditation frameworks that encourage developers to prioritise ecology, biodiversity, tree canopy, walkability and living landscapes alongside traditional sustainability measures. The organisation first focused on medium and high-density residential developments before recently expanding into precinct-scale communities and masterplanned neighbourhoods.

Jan Talacko, founder of sustainability consultancy Ark Resources and a member of the Nature Based Cities Advisory Council, says the initiative addresses an area that has largely been overlooked by the property industry.

"Throughout my 25 years of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the property sector, I've always favoured a pragmatic approach to sustainable design which encourages initiatives that not only meet environmental expectations but also improve amenity," Talacko says.

"Whilst we are making steady progress in relation to energy and carbon emissions from buildings, there has been much less emphasis on encouraging biodiversity and tackling the urban heat island effect.

"The Nature Based Cities initiative responds to a gap in the suite of tools currently used by the property development sector, which don't provide sufficient incentive, or recognition, for the integration of landscaping and greenery."

For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.

Rather than assuming a sustainable building will naturally include abundant green space, buyers are increasingly being encouraged to look beyond environmental ratings and ask what nature is actually being delivered. How much tree canopy will the development create? Has biodiversity been considered? Are landscaped spaces designed for people as well as appearance?

As Australia's cities continue to grow upwards and outwards, the next generation of sustainability may not simply be measured by lower emissions, but by how successfully developments bring nature back into everyday urban life.

Joel Robinson

What does it really mean for a building to be 'green'?

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

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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