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Grande Vista, a luxury Gold Coast Broadbeach Waters estate, on the Sovereign Islands has gone under contract, at a record price.
A local buyer has set an island record surpassing the sale of Baltimore, a mega mansion that changed hands for $11 million in 2006.
It was marketed as one of Australia's premier waterfront mansions by Prestige Property agent Amir Main, who had initial $14.88 million 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/2018/7/30/broadbeach%202.jpg" alt="">
Gold Coast businessman Brian Peat bought the home from the Gold Coast developer John Fish for $7 million in 2010.
The massive seven bedroom, 12 bathroom home spans over 1890 square metres, taking up much of its 2,103 square metre parcel on Sir Lancelot Way.
Entry to the home is through a palatial foyer with elegant marble and wrought iron curved staircase and spectacular views through to the blue vista.
<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/2018/7/30/broadbeach%203.jpg" alt="">
The basement level is accessed by a lift and features a steam room, gym and eight car garage. A cinema room with tiered seating and wet bar sits on the ground floor.
There's a private outdoor teppanyaki kitchen with bbq and a 25 metre lap pool that faces the water.
This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian. 
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Grande Vista at Broadbeach Waters under contract at a record price

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The mortgage lender insurer Genworth says the housing market is likely to continue to moderate.
It came as its first-half profit more than halved.
Total portfolio delinquencies only rose 0.3% to $7.3 million, while the portfolio delinquency rate rose just 0.03% to 0.54%.
Genworth, which provides insurance to lenders against the risk of borrowers defaulting, posted a $41.9 million profit for the six months to June, down 52.8% on the same period a year earlier.
Genworth said it expected the moderating trend to continue in the second half of the year, due to macro-prudential measures, tightening credit standards and record levels of new housing supply coming onto the market.
“Metropolitan housing markets in Sydney and Melbourne are predicted to lead the trend whilst the rate of ­decline in regions linked to the mining resource industry in Queensland and Western Australia, is expected to stabilise,” chief executive Georgette Nicholas said.
The company said it was making progress as it looked to evolve in the face of changing borrower and lender expectations, resulting from technology and regulatory change.
“Our first-half results are in line with our guidance and reflect the fact that 2018 will be a transitionary year as the impact of our 2017 annual premium earning pattern review is felt and we continue to implement strategic initiatives designed to redefine our core business model and diversify our revenue streams,” Nicholas said.
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Genworth sees further housing market moderation

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Hobart is back as Australia’s most affordable capital city, new CoreLogic data shows.
After breaking a 15-year period last month when jumping over Darwin’s median dwelling price, Hobart’s July result of $435,833 now sits $2330 more affordable than Adelaide but $3763 behind Darwin. 
Hobart is still Australia’s strongest performing capital city with its median price growing by 11.5%, CoreLogic’s July Home Value Index shows.
It was the only capital with double-digit growth.
The next best annual result was Canberra at 2.4%.
Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Darwin posted negative growth figures.
July was the 12th month in a row Hobart led the nation with the strongest annual growth figures.
CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless said Hobart’s annual capital gains figures had held in the double-digit territory since January 2017.
However, he said Hobart was starting to slow down.
“Dwelling values were steady over the month and the annual rate of growth slowed to 11.5%, which is still strong, but the slowest annual growth rate since February 2017,” Lawless said.
Domain recently calculated the median Hobart house price jumped 4.2 per cent to reach a new record high of $461,547 over the June quarter, marking a 15.9 per cent increase year-on-year.
Hobart delivered the strongest annual house price growth of all capital cities, and continued to produce double-digit annual growth, a trend seen since early 2017.
Domain's median unit prices jumped 6.1 per cent in June, reaching a new record high of $370,085, soaring 22.6 per cent over the year.
Hobart produced the strongest growth of all the capital cities for units.  “Hobart defied the national downward trend and became the only capital city to record price growth for houses and units over both the quarter and year," said Domain data analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
Domain suggested Hobart remained the most affordable capital city to purchase a house.
<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/2018/7/25/hobart%20.jpg" alt=""> “Unit prices have already surpassed both Adelaide and Darwin, and are now on track to be higher than Perth in the coming months. “The city continues to benefit from the flow of capital from the mainland cities, and despite recent price surges, offers relative affordability for those moving interstate,” said Domain data analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
 
 
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Hobart back as the most affordable capital city: CoreLogic

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A Wickham, WA six bedroom large brick house has been listed for $240,000 by mortgagees. 
It was listed by Anna Guillesser from First National Real Estate.
Situated on a 982 square metre block, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-wickham-128866474" target="_blank">the 25 Nelley Way house </a>comes with large living, big kitchen, and generous bedrooms.
Other features include car parking, and shed for extra storage.
It last sold in 2002 at $100,000.
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Six bedroom Wickham, WA mortgagee home on the market 

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A Deer Park four bedroom house has been scheduled for auction on August 11 by mortgagees with the indicative selling price of $500,000 to $540,000.
It has been offered by Nader Iskander and Adora Nguyen from Barry Plant.
It last sold at $165,000 in 1999.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-deer+park-128824954" target="_blank">Situated 172 Neale Road</a>, the West Melbourne house comes with four good sized bedrooms, light filled lounge area, formal dining, open kitchen, meals and living/studying area.
Set on a 535sqm allotment, other features of the elevated brick home include double tandem garage and undercover outdoor entertaining area.
It is within walking distance from Brimbank Shopping Centre, and close to public transport, local schools, park and freeway. 
The suburb's median house price sits at<a href="/developments/deer-park-vic-3023"> $575,000</a>, according to CoreLogic. 
 
 
 
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Deer Park four bedroom house listed by mortgagee 

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A four bedroom house with mountain views in Bentley Park, a south Cairns suburb, has been sold for $335,000 by mortgagees.
It was sold by Ray Murphy from RE/MAX Cairns.
It last sold at $415,990 in 2012.
Set on a low maintenance 605sqm block, the<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-bentley+park-127821770" target="_blank"> 8 Malekula Close house </a>comes with four bedrooms, modern kitchen, and separate lounge and dining area.
Additional features include double lock up garage, undercover patio area, fully fenced backyard and rainwater tank. 
Set within Kingfisher Estate, it is within close proximity to parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities and schools.
The suburb's median house price sits at<a href="/developments/bentley-park-qld-4869"> $357,500</a>, according to CoreLogic. 
 
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Loss taken on $335,000 Bentley Park, Queensland, mortgagee sale

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Two three-storey office properties in Sydney’s Olympic Park have come to market as a redevelopment project.
The 14,423sqm site, which comprises 6 Parkview Drive and 102 Bennelong Parkway.
It is being marketed as Quad Two and Three, with mixed-use and apartment redevelopment potential subject to council approval.
GJS Property’s Jason Wright and Chris Bailey, in conjunction with Savills Australia’s Neil Cooke and Stuart Cox, have been appointed by Growthpoint Properties Australia to market the property via expressions of interest.
More than $70 million is tipped.
Cooke said interest was anticipated from a variety of development groups looking for a residential development play with strong underlying net income.
“There are limited opportunities capable of providing a high-quality mixed-use development situated within such close proximity of all desired amenities,” he said.
Developers will enjoy the income available during the holding period, generated from a combined 10,389sqm of Net Lettable Area in the two five-star NABERS-rated office buildings.
It has a substantial passing income of $3,800,432 per annum with all leases incorporating annual increases between 3.5 per cent and 4 per cent.
The site is zoned B4 Mixed Use under the provisions of the State Environmental Planning Policy (State Significant Precincts) 2005 but will benefit from density and height increases as part of the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) Master Plan 2030.
The Master Plan 2030 is pending gazettal, coupled with established and proposed infrastructure.
The vendor had commissioned a feasibility study through architecture firm, Turner, which has been actively involved with the SOPA’s Master Plan 2030.
The feasibility study outlines the potential for 33,722sqm of Gross Floor Area, subject to council approval, providing up to 446 units and a building height limit of up to 15 storeys.
The agents noted Sydney CBD and district views that could be attained through a redevelopment are unlikely to be built out due to the Badu Mangroves and Bicentennial Park to the east. 
Some 18 years after the Olympics, the suburb is an established urban oasis benefitting from significant infrastructure and private investment, Mr Bailey said adding developers working on surrounding residential and mixed-use projects had succeeded in capitalising on the versatility of the precinct.
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$70 million plus Sydney Olympic Park residential site set to spark developer contest

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Savills Australia has appointed industry heavyweight Michael Fenton to head up the business' national Industrial &amp; Business Services division.
The announcement came as part of a country-wide company restructure.
Michael Fenton returns to Savills following more than nine years at JLL, where he operated as the company's Australian Head of Industrial and New South Wales managing director.
Michael Fenton has been involved in several major transactions totalling more than $4.5billion, including the recent $1.073 billion sale of the GIC Australian Logistics Portfolio to Ascendas REIT, the $253 million sale of the Coles Chilled Distribution Centre at Eastern Creek to Mapletree Logistics, and the $303 million sale of the Equity Commonwealth Portfolio to Propertylink.
He brings more than 24 years of experience, including senior roles at Dexus and CBRE.
Savills Australia &amp; New Zealand's chief executive officer, Paul Craig, said he was excited to welcome Michael Fenton to the Industrial &amp; Business Services division, which is one of their core disciplines.
"Michael's track record is the perfect platform to strengthen our already high-performing Industrial business and drive the team to win a greater market share."
He will be based out of Savills Australia's Sydney office.
"I am looking forward to providing our clients with a seamless and best-in-class service by mobilising the strength of national industrial business across all disciplines, and leveraging the strong connectivity with the global business, particularly in Asia," Mr Fenton said.
The appointment follows Savills Australia's national restructure, which will see the company shift from its current state-based model to a national business model from August 1.
Mr Craig said the change was part of the business' three-year strategic plan to implement a national capability to operate more efficiently and respond better to clients' needs.
"We're looking forward to watching our people flourish under this new structure, and are confident it will help us attract and retain the highest-level talent in the months and years to come," he said.
Mr Fenton will start with Savills Australia on August 13.
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Industrial powerhouse signs on to Savills Australia

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The lowest yielding sale at commercial auctions this week was the $2.68 million sale of the retail property leased to The Coffee Club in Redcliffe, Brisbane.
It sold at a net yield of 5.88 per cent.
The retail property in <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-qld-redcliffe-502867550" target="_blank">Redcliffe</a> (pictured above) is leased to The Coffee Club on a seven-year lease with another seven-year option.
It last sold at $1.75 million in 2006.
The waterfront property at 171 Redcliffe Parade will bring in about $156,000 – excluding GST – starting from September 1.
The Coffee Club was established 1989 and currently operates 400 stores in nine countries
The oceanfront reserve freehold property overlooking Redcliffe Pier offered long term redevelopment potential to 12 storeys (STCA).
The premises occupy 332 sqm on the 405 sqm block – plus exclusive use of street front alfresco dining area
There is rear lane entry accessing parking for up to six vehicles.
There are views to Moreton Island at the high traffic Brisbane seaside tourism precinct.
The neighbouring tenants include Chemist Warehouse, Vast Interiors, Subway and Banjo's.
The tenant pays all outgoings as per lease and 3% per annum rental increases.
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The Coffee Club in Redcliffe, Brisbane sold at a net yield of 5.88 per cent

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Across the capital cities, Melbourne has been leading the downturn, with the quarterly rate of decline outpacing Sydney since May this year, according to CoreLogic.
Melbourne dwelling values were down 1.8% over the past three months, followed by Perth (-1.5%) and Sydney (-1.1%). 
Melbourne’s decline phase commenced five months later than Sydney’s, with the market peaking in November last year.
Since that time, Melbourne dwelling values have fallen by 2.9%, while in Sydney, where values peaked twelve months ago, the market is down 5.4%.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/8/1/CL%20JULY%20Graph%201.JPG" alt="">
Those cities where values continue to trend higher have also seen a sharp reduction in their rate of capital gain, the July update noted.
In Brisbane and Adelaide, where housing values were rising at a more sustainable pace over the past five years, the annual rate of capital gains has weakened.
In Brisbane, the annual rate of growth has eased from 2.9% a year ago to 1.2% over the past twelve months and in Adelaide the annual growth rate has dropped from 5.4% a year ago to just 0.7% over the most recent twelve month period.
Even the Hobart market, where the annual pace of capital gains has held in double digit growth territory since January 2017, is starting to slow down. Dwelling values were steady over the month and the annual rate of growth slowed to 11.5%; still strong but the slowest annual growth rate since February 2017.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/8/1/CL%20JULY%20Graph%202.JPG" alt="">
National property dwelling values slipped 0.6% during July to be down 0.9% over the rolling quarter and 1.6% lower over the past twelve months in the largest annual fall since August 2012.
Since peaking in September last year, the Australian housing market has recorded a cumulative 1.9% fall in value which CoreLogic's head of research Tim Lawless suggests was "a relatively mild downturn" to date considering values remain 31% higher than they were five years ago.
According to Tim Lawless, the weakness in dwelling values is being driven by the long running declines in Perth and Darwin along with an acceleration in the rate of decline across Sydney and Melbourne and slowing growth rates across most of the remaining regions.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/8/1/CL%20JULY%20Graph%203.JPG" alt="">
July saw the housing downturn gather some momentum; on a national basis, the 0.6% month on month fall was the largest decline since September 2011 and the rolling quarterly change, at -0.9%, hasn’t been this low since January 2012.
Five of the eight capital cities saw values slip lower over the past three months and trends across the regional housing markets, where conditions have generally been more resilient to falls, have also turned negative.
Dwelling values were down 0.2% across the combined regionals index over the three months ending July, driven by falls across regional NSW (-0.2%), regional Qld (-0.6%) and regional WA (-3.5%). While three of the seven ‘rest of state’ regions saw a fall in values over the three month period, the pace of growth across the remaining regional areas has clearly decelerated, contributing to the overall softer result.
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Melbourne the weakest as five of eight capital cities see declines in property values over past three months

Buyers considering a residence at boutique Gordon townhouse development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lume-gordon-43-47-dumaresq-street-gordon-nsw-2072">Lume</a>&nbsp;now have another reason to bring forward their decision.

For a limited time, purchasers of a residence at Lume will receive a BMW iX3 50 electric SUV, valued at more than $120,000, as part of their purchase. The offer is designed to add value for buyers while complementing the lifestyle envisioned for the architecturally designed Upper North Shore development.

Scott Timmins, Development Manager at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/winim">WINIM</a>, said the partnership was created to provide buyers with a compelling reason to act.

"In today's market, buyers need a compelling reason to act now, and the BMW partnership was designed to create that catalyst. We wanted to add genuine value for our future purchasers. Choosing the all-electric BMW iX3 50 also reflects the values behind LUME, forward-thinking design, innovation and a more sustainable way of living. It's a premium incentive that complements the lifestyle our buyers aspire to and rewards those who commit early."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]

Delivered by WINIM in partnership with Burtonwood Investment Partners, Lume comprises 14 architecturally designed two, three and four-bedroom townhomes created for families seeking the space of a freestanding house with the ease of modern, low-maintenance living.

The three-storey residences, designed by award-winning architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, have been tailored for families and multi-generational living, featuring private internal lifts, flexible lower-level spaces, generous open-plan living and entertaining areas, media rooms, and landscaped outdoor spaces with custom outdoor kitchens.&nbsp;

Inside, engineered oak flooring, bespoke dining joinery with integrated wine fridges and backlit bars, sculptural porcelain bathrooms, Parisi freestanding baths and Astra Walker tapware create interiors that balance functionality with refined finishes.

Each townhome has been designed to combine generous internal spaces with sustainability initiatives such as EV charging infrastructure, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>'s landscaped communal areas, centred around a restored creek line and native planting, encourage residents to connect with nature and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]

Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.

"Our vision was to create elegant, uplifting homes that draw on and positively contribute to the local character through meticulously considered design and an interaction with the surroundings."

The communal landscape has been designed as more than an open space between homes. Arcadia's Ben Newell and Kate Phillips said the adjoining reserve provided an opportunity to create a distinctive natural retreat for residents.

"Just as waterways carve their way through Ku-ring-gai's landscape, a raised boardwalk weaves through the reserve, connecting the homes to this tranquil oasis."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]

Located just 300 metres from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gordon-nsw-2072">Gordon</a> Village and Gordon railway station, Lume offers convenient access to Sydney's CBD while placing residents close to some of the North Shore's leading schools, including Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College and Knox Grammar. Lane Cove National Park, Gordon Golf Club and a range of cafés and restaurants further reinforce the family-focused lifestyle on offer, with the BMW iX3 50 complementing everything from local trips around Gordon to weekend drives and city commutes.

Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]

Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

Two apartments have sold for more than $10 million at EADE Byron Bay, setting some of the highest apartment prices ever achieved in the coastal town and underlining the growing appetite for luxury beachfront apartments in Australia's most popular coastal locations.

The $210 million project by Vitale Property Group has now secured more than $70 million in sales, led by residences that changed hands for $12.75 million and $11.75 million.

The record-breaking transactions reinforce the shift occurring in Byron Bay's premium property market, where affluent downsizers and lifestyle buyers are increasingly opting for high-end apartments over large beachfront homes.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eade-byron-bay-29-shirley-street-byron-bay-nsw-2481">EADE Byron Bay</a> occupies a rare 6,000 sqm absolute beachfront site on the corner of Shirley and Milton Streets overlooking Main Beach and The Wreck surf break, just 350 metres from Byron Bay's town centre.

The 25-residence development is the first beachfront apartment project approved in Byron Bay in more than a decade and is currently under construction, with completion expected in May 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]

The project has attracted a mix of local Byron Shire residents downsizing from larger homes, alongside interstate buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seeking a permanent coastal lifestyle without compromising on space.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/alexander-co">Alexander &amp; Co</a>, EADE comprises&nbsp;10 garden apartments ranging from 284 sqm to 622 sqm, nine with private pools, five full-floor apartments and 10 rooftop residences with private plunge pools, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and uninterrupted ocean views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vitale-property-group">Vitale Property Group</a> Managing Partner Chris Vitale said the project's combination of scale, location and limited future supply was driving buyer demand.

"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.

"Buyers are responding to the scarcity and the irreplaceability of a site of this calibre and to floorplans they can't find elsewhere in the market.

"We are seeing buyers place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of the location. The sales achieved to date demonstrate that discerning purchasers recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay.

"Many are coming from larger homes in the Byron region, or from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are after the space, security and convenience, without the upkeep of a house."

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]

The Byron Bay project follows Vitale Property Group's delivery of the Mondrian Hotel and Private Residences at Burleigh Heads, with EADE continuing the developer's focus on luxury coastal developments.

Residents will have access to a resort-style swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, cold plunge pool, concierge services and dedicated workspaces, while the project is targeting an 8-Star Green Star rating.

EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.

WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.

"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.

"The sales achieved to date demonstrate that purchasers at this level recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay."

Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.

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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.

But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.

As online shopping has become part of everyday life, parcel deliveries have shifted from an occasional event to a regular occurrence. Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally.

For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.

If nobody is home to accept a delivery, parcels may be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in a building lobby or common area, or require building management to step in. In higher-density buildings, where dozens or even hundreds of residents may receive deliveries each day, parcel management has become an increasingly important part of everyday living.

That can create a range of frustrations. A missed delivery often means making time to collect a parcel elsewhere, while packages left unattended in foyers or mail areas can create clutter and increase the risk of theft. What seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly become a recurring issue for residents who shop online regularly.

It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.

As a result, buyers are beginning to look beyond traditional apartment features and consider how a building supports day-to-day convenience, including whether there are secure options for receiving deliveries.

Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.

<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/CkF2oKmlACg?si=C50sDaoUUn2nuLmq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than having a parcel delivered directly to an apartment, eligible deliveries can be sent to a nominated Parcel Locker. Once the parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN at a time that suits them.

The Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with installations at Post Offices, shopping centres, transport hubs and an increasing number of residential developments. By providing a secure collection point, Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and avoid parcels being left unattended in common areas.

For developers, parcel infrastructure is becoming another way to improve the resident experience. Rather than relying on concierge staff or leaving parcels in communal spaces, secure collection points help streamline deliveries while preserving the presentation and functionality of shared areas.

For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.

A generous floorplan or quality finishes might help narrow the shortlist, but the conveniences that simplify everyday life, whether that's EV charging, secure bike storage or reliable parcel delivery, often become the features residents appreciate most once they're living there.

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hg-developments">HG Developments</a> is doubling down on Maud Street in Newstead, filing plans for a new apartment tower just a few doors down from its under-construction Aire Newstead development.

Recently submitted to Brisbane City Council, the proposal is for an 18-storey building designed by bureau^proberts, which has drawn heavily on Brisbane's subtropical design principles while referencing the suburb's industrial heritage.

A total of 64 apartments are planned for the amalgamated 1,518 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-21-maud-street-newstead-qld-4006">17–21 Maud Street</a>, a short walk from the Brisbane River and Newstead Riverwalk.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a400c7fd-bd15-48f8-a63b-10ede92efe00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20bldg.png?VersionId=.0vPmjpbC7CNP7kqGWa6L7rGIwsNExaw" />

"The building is defined by a series of vaulted motifs that reinterpret the arches, colonnades and layered facades evident throughout Newstead's historic built fabric," the Urban Design Report states.

"Combined with recessed glazing and generous balconies, these elements create a layered building envelope that provides shade, weather protection and opportunities for natural ventilation whilst establishing a distinctive architectural identity."

The proposal comprises 64 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 18 residential levels, positioning it alongside a growing number of taller residential projects transforming Newstead's northern precinct. The tower incorporates extensive subtropical landscaping, with cascading planter boxes, deep planting at street level and a landscaped rooftop recreation area.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8140f4-8b98-45cd-b1b8-1efe8c8e266b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=VAZtbCoD44YCJ57N99fQCAKeSJx7ldZs" />

Bureau Proberts has prioritised passive environmental design throughout the project, with generous balconies, recessed glazing and operable façades helping reduce solar heat gain while maximising natural ventilation. River views become available from the upper levels, while the building has been orientated to capture prevailing breezes from both the Brisbane River and the west.

The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.

"Vertical greenery, cascading planter boxes and elevated gardens are woven throughout the architecture, softening the built form and strengthening the connection between residents and the subtropical environment."

"Through the integration of landscape, high-quality materials and passive design principles, the development delivers a refined residential address that celebrates Newstead's heritage character while contributing positively to Brisbane's evolving subtropical identity."

Newstead has remained one of Brisbane's most active apartment markets in recent years, with a number of developers continuing to back the inner-city suburb.

HG Developments is currently delivering the 40-apartment Aire Newstead at 25 Maud Street. Fortis recently launched the 65-apartment <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> on Kyabra Street, while builder-developer BPG and Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties are both expected to launch their respective Newstead projects before the end of the year.

HG Developments doubles down in Newstead with second Maud Street apartment development

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.

Staff reporter

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