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Australia's biggest apartment developer, Meriton, is set to release more than 200 high-end brand new apartments.
They are releasing them into the Mascot rental market in response to unrelenting demand from tenants who want to call the suburb home.
The 237 ‘lifestyle’ apartments are spread across three six-level buildings in Meriton’s nearly-completed Signia development at <a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=200+Coward+St&amp;entry=gmail&amp;source=g">200 Coward St</a>, boasting grand outlooks, with district views to the east, parkland vies to the south, and Sydney CBD views to the north.
Signia includes two buildings which house the just-opened 179-suite Meriton Suites Sydney Airport hotel.
The Signia rental apartments will contribute to Meriton this year lifting the number of apartments in its build-to-rent pool past the 3500 mark.
Victor Toscano, Meriton’s head of residential leasing, says Mascot has become a rental hotspot, thanks to its proximity to the Sydney CBD and easy access to Sydney Airport.
He says the Signia apartments are the latest to be completed in a self-funded build-to-rent program that Meriton has been running for more than 20 years.
“The apartments include the very best design features and finishes and are very much right up there with apartments we are marketing to owner-occupiers and investors across Sydney.” Signia will also offer some of the largest apartments in the area with sizes of 50sqm-72sqm internally for a one-bedroom apartment, 73sqm-98sqm internally for a two-bedroom apartment and 92sqm-119sqm internally for a three-bedroom apartment. External space ranges from 8sqm up to 74sqm.
Signia, in which the final building will be completed in July, includes landscaped gardens, an 80-place childcare centre, more than 1000sqm of retail space, and tenant parking for 223 cars.
Meriton owner Harry Triguboff, who founded Meriton 54 years ago, long has been an ardent fan of Mascot and has become the dominant developer in the suburb.
His Mascot Central four-tower project completed in 2016, gave the suburb a new heart, in the form of an alfresco-style retail precinct with a full-scale Woolworths supermarket and 16 specialty and food retailers, including cafes and restaurants.
The latest Meriton projects at Mascot include Kiara and Spectrum, plus the group’s debut Platinum Collection building, VIDA.
In July Mr Triguboff’s grandson, Ariel Hendler, will release Escada, a 12-level building with 104 apartments.
Meriton has retained hundreds of apartments in the suburb, adding them to its build-to-rent portfolio.
Mr Toscano says Meriton’s Mascot projects offer residents great lifestyles by virtue of their landscaped parks, barbecue areas, pools, saunas and gymnasiums.
“Those things are part and parcel of our Signia development.
“They are important to people today, especially to those who want to relax, entertain or workout without having to get in a car and travel.”
Mr Toscano said Meriton, despite its major Mascot rental portfolio, was struggling to meet tenant demand.
“The arrival of the Signia apartments will be like a breath of fresh air to our rental management team.”
Mr Toscano said Signia rents would start at $570 for a one-bedroom apartment without parking and peak at $1000 for a three-bedroom unit with two car spaces.
Signia spans a 1.715ha site bought for $47 million in 2013.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Meriton making major build-to-rent release

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Designed by award-winning architect, Drew Health, the Blackheath Piano House has been scheduled for auction on August 5.
It is being auctioned through Alan Gregory of Ray White.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-blackheath-128778814" target="_blank">Located at 23 Prince George St</a>, the double brick house comes with two bedrooms, spacious kitchen and dining, lounge room with open fireplace, and outdoor deck. 
<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/2018/7/19/balckheath%202.jpg" alt="">
Other highlights include the combination of hardwood and heated polished concrete flooring, custom lighting, bi-fold doors and built-in storage.
Sitting on a 1,075sqm block of land, it also features a low maintenance garden by leading Mountains horticulturist James Masters.
It is within short walking distance to Blackheath village.
<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/2018/7/19/blackheath%203.jpg" alt="">
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Blackheath Piano House scheduled  for auction 

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A Victor Harbour four bedroom house with coastal and island views remains listed for sale by mortgagees with a price guide of $1 million to $1.05 million.
The South Australian home is listed by Nathan Fry from Harcourts.
Offers close July 31.
It has been on and off the market over the past two years for over 400 days.
It last sold for $830,000 in October of 2013.
Sit on a 709sqm corner allotment,<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-victor+harbor-128759218" target="_blank"> the 1 Franklin Parade</a> house comes with four bedrooms, spacious family living/dining areas, designer kitchen with stone benchtops, cellar/storage areas, and large balconies on three sides.
Additional features include solar/electric heated lap pool, high ceilings throughout and security system.
The location is close to restaurants, cafes, and the boat ramp.
The suburb's median house price sits at<a href="/developments/victor-harbor-sa-5211"> $330,000</a>, according to CoreLogic.
 
 
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$1 million Victor Harbor home offering by mortgagees

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<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">Findings from an independent survey commissioned by CouriersPlease reveal that only one in four Aussies don’t trust their neighbours enough to let them collect their mail.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">The survey of a nationally representative panel of 1021 Australians asked respondents to think about their past and present neighbours when asked what they would trust their neighbours with.
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">The results found that 74 per cent of respondents would trust their neighbours with responsibilities such as collecting mail and deliveries, looking after pets and plants, and holding a set of house keys while they are away.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/20/Trusting%20Aussies.JPG" alt=""></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">It also found that collecting mail (chosen by 82 per cent of respondents) and allowing couriers to leave parcels with them (69 per cent of respondents) were tasks we’d most trust them with.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">Surprisingly, more respondents would leave their pet with their neighbour while they were away (49 per cent of respondents) than trusting them with their home key (46 per cent of respondents). </div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">When asked how many neighbours they trust, 37 per cent of respondents revealed they only trust one neighbour, while a quarter trust two to three neighbours around them.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">38 per cent trust their neighbours more now than they did 10 years ago.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">The survey also found that Baby Boomers are most trusting of their neighbours than Millennials.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">84 per cent of over 60s trust their neighbour, compared with just 64 per cent of 19-to-29-year olds.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">CP CEO, Mark McGinley, says “It’s heartening to see that Aussie neighbourhoods have remained strong."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">CP has an existing parcel delivery option that enables those receiving parcels to redirect their delivery to a nominated neighbour up to three houses away if they won’t be home to collect it. 
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Three quarters of Australians trust their neighbours

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Ever since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) there has been an obsession with looking for the next recession.
In this regard, over the last year or so there has been increasing concern that a flattening yield curve in the US - ie the gap between long-term bond yields and short-term borrowing rates has been declining - is signalling a downturn and, if it goes negative, a recession in the US.
This concern naturally takes on added currency given that the current US bull market and economic expansion are approaching record territory in terms of duration and given the trade war threat.
The increased volatility in shares seen this year, including a 10% or so pull back in global shares earlier this year, adds to these fears.
Whether the US is about to enter recession is critical to whether the US (and hence global) bull market in shares is about to end. Looking at all 10% or greater falls in US shares since the 1970s (see the table in Correction time for shares?), US share market falls associated with a US recession are longer lasting and deeper with an average duration of 16 months and an average fall of 36% compared to a duration of 5 months and an average fall of 14% when there is no recession.
Similarly, Australian share market falls are more severe when there is a US recession.
So, whether a recession is imminent or not in the US is critically important in terms of whether a major bear market is imminent.
The long US economic expansion and bull market The cyclical bull market in US shares is now over nine years old.
This makes it the second longest since WW2 and the second strongest in terms of percentage gain.
And according to the US National Bureau of Economic Research the current US economic expansion is now 109 months old and compares to an average expansion of 58 months since 1945.
See the next two tables. So, with the bull market and the economic expansion getting long in the tooth it’s natural to ask whether it will all soon come to an end with a major bear market.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/20/Oliver%20Graph%201.JPG" alt="">
The yield curve flattens – but it’s complicated 
The yield curve is watched for two reasons. First, it’s a good guide to the stance of monetary policy. When short-term interest rates are low relative to long-term rates it indicates businesses can borrow short and lend (or invest) long &amp; this grows the economy.
But it’s not so good when short rates are above long rates – or the curve is inverted. And secondly an inverted US yield curve has preceded US recessions. So, when it’s heading in this direction some start to worry.
However, there are several complications. First, which yield curve?
Much focus has been on the gap between 10-year bond yields and 2-year bond yields which has flattened to just 0.3%, but the Fed has concluded that the traditional yield curve based on the gap between 10-year bond yields and the Fed Funds rate is a better predictor of the economy and it has flattened but only to 1%
. based on the gap between 2-year bond yields and the Fed Funds rate predicted past recessions like the longer yield curves but has actually been steepening in recent years which is positive.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/20/Oliver%20Graph%202.JPG" alt="">
Second, the yield curve can give false signals – the traditional version flattened or went negative in 1986, 1995 and 1998 before rebounding – and the lags from an inverted curve to a recession can be long at around 15 months.So even if it went negative now recession may not occur until late 2020.
Third, various factors may be flattening the yield curve unrelated to cyclical economic growth expectations including still falling longterm inflation and real rate expectations, low German and Japanese bond yields holding down US yields and higher levels of investor demand for bonds post the GFC as they have proven to be a good diversifier to shares in times of crisis.
Fourth, a flattening yield curve caused by rising short term rates and falling long term rates is arguably more negative than a flattening when both short and long term rates go up like recently.
Finally, a range of other indicators which we will now look at are not pointing to an imminent US recession.
Watch for exhaustion, not old age
A key lesson of past economic expansions is that “they do not die of old age, but of exhaustion”.
The length of economic expansions depends on how quickly recovery proceeds, excess builds up, inflation rises and the central bank tightens.
The US economic recovery may be long, but it has been very slow such that average economic and employment growth has been around half that seen in post WW2 expansions.
So as a result it has taken longer than normal for excesses to build up.
Apart from flattening yield curves one area where the US is flashing warning signs is in relation to the labour market where unemployment and underemployment have fallen about as low as they ever go warning of a wages breakout and inflation pressure.'
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/20/Oliver%20Graph%203.JPG" alt="">
However, there is still arguably spare capacity in the US labour market (the participation rate has yet to see a normal cyclical rise) and wages growth at 2.7% remains very low.
The last three recessions were preceded by wages growth above 4%.
Secondly, while US GDP is now back in line with estimates of “potential”, what is “potential” can get revised so it’s a bit dodgy and more fundamentally, industrial capacity utilisation at 78% is still below normal of 80% and well below levels that in the past have shown excess and preceded recessions.
Thirdly, cyclical spending in the US as a share of GDP remains low. For example, business and housing investment are around long term average levels as a share of GDP in contrast to the high levels in one or both seen prior to the tech wreck and GFC.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/20/Oliver%20Graph%204.JPG" alt="">
Finally, while the rising Fed Funds rate and flattening traditional yield curve is consistent with tightening US monetary policy, it’s a long way from tight.
Past US recessions have been preceded by the Fed Funds rates being well above inflation and nominal economic growth whereas it’s still a long way from either now. See the next chart.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/20/Oliver%20Graph%205.JPG" alt="">
US likely to see overheating before recession 
Apart from the amber lights flashing from the flattening yield curve and very low unemployment our assessment is that a US recession is still some time away as it will take time for excesses to become extreme and US monetary policy to become tight.
Looked at another way, the US is still more likely to overheat before it goes into recession.
We have been thinking recession is a 2020 risk.
The end of the current fiscal stimulus around then would also be consistent with this. However, given the current slow pace in terms of building excess, that 2020 is a presidential election year – do you really think Trump will allow the US to go off a fiscal cliff then? – and with 2020 being the consensus pick for a downturn, the risk is that it comes later.
Of course, an escalating trade war could mess things up earlier, although we still see a negotiated solution.
The rising US budget deficit is a concern but it’s more of an issue for when the economy turns down as this is when investors will start to worry about its sustainability. And of course a 1987 style share market crash cannot be ruled out but probably requires a share market blow off before hand.
In the meantime, the Fed has more tightening to do and while share market volatility is likely to remain high as US inflation and short rates rise, excesses gradually build and given risks around Trump and trade, with recession still a way off the US and global share bull market likely still has some way to go.
Dr Shane Oliver is the Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist for AMP Capital.
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Obsession with the next recession: Shane Oliver 

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Alexander Phillips of Phillps Pantzer Donnelley, located in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, has been ranked the nation's top selling agent for the third consecutive year.
He sold 184 properties for a total value of $530 million with an average 20 days on market time. His previous annual tally was $432 million, reflecting a huge spurt in sales commission heading his way. Phillips, who leads what the local paper, The Wentworth Courier dubbed the "wonder" team, spent some this year on an <a href="/news/roche-family-member-sells-for-11-million-in-vaucluse">$11 million Vaucluse home.</a>
But Michael Clarke at Clarke and Humel, this year's runner up in the REB awards, narrowed the gap for the mantle which accepts self nominations from estate agents who wish to participate.
The total sales difference between the top two shrunk to just $27 million over the past year. The gap in the prior year when James Tostevin was second had been $105 million.
Clarke (pictured below), from Sydney's northern beaches, moved up two positions in REB's rankings securing the highest number properties sold in the top 10 in 2018 with 185 sales.
With 13 years of experience and three assistants, Clarke's 185 properties sales sold in around 18 days on the market for an average of $2.72 million.
It was up to a total of $503 million, up from $362 million in the prior year.
<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/2018/7/19/Clarke.jpg" alt="">
The ranking is determined by the calculation of several factors, the precise formula is not disclosed by the REB publishing group, Momentum Media who indicate the metrics used to generate the REB Top 100 Agents ranking include the number of properties sold, total dollar volume of properties sold and the average sale value. Each agent is ranked comparatively across these three metrics, with the combined comparative score used to determine the top-ranked agents in the country..
3. James Tostevin, who was second placed in the 2017 top 100, and the 2016 list, sat in third place this year. He was top placed in 2014 and 2015.
The former number 2 with 33 years of experience, the most of any agent in the top 10 this year, is based in Hawthorn at Marshall White where he secured 180 listings this year and sold 155 residential properties, higher than 146 and 139 respectively in the prior year.
His average sale price is 2.5 million.
Phillip's average sale price for 2018 was $2.88 million compared to $2.25 million in the prior year. Phillips comes with 16 years experience, and a reported three support staff. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/19/Rankings%20REB%202.JPG" alt="">
4. In fourth place in 2018, also of Marshall White, was Marcus Chiminello based in the Toorak region.
Chiminello secured and sold this year 115 listings and 105 sales, yielding the highest average sale price of $4.2 million.
His homes spent an average of 22 days on the market and sold for a total of $442 million up almost $50 million from last year.
5. Coming in fifth this year was Glen Coutinho, with 30 years of experience working at the Kew based RT Edgar Boroondara with just a single assistant.
The 159 dwellings he sold this year spent an average of 28 days on the market.
The total value of all the homes Coutinho sold was $340 million for an average of $2.14 million up from his average of $1.98 million last year, according to REB. He had sold $329 million in the year before.
6. Swapping places with Glen is Ric Serrao who held the fifth position last year but 6th in the recent year.
Working in North Bondi as an agent at Raine and Horne Double Bay, Serrao secured and sold more listings this year, 161 and 131 respectively compared to 128 and 122 in 2017.
The domiciles he sold spent an average of 25 days on the market and sold for roughly $2.13 million for a total of $280 million.
7. In seventh David Highland of Highland Property, which is based in Cronulla, with 21 years of experience and the highest average on market time of 38 days, he sold 119 dwellings and listed a further 123.
This financial year the average price of a home sold by David was $2.22 million
8. With a higher average property price of $2.89 million but fewer properties sold, 85, comes Timothy Foote of Belle Property in 8th place having jumped up 26 places from last year.
Based out of Mosman with 17 years of experience and the highest amount, 5, support staff his properties average 23 days on the market for a total of $246 million.
9. The 16 year agent Tim Heavyside working at Fletchers servicing the Eastern Melbourne suburbs jumped 11 places this year to 9th, with 148 properties listed and 143 sold for an average price of $1.65 million up $350,000 from last year.
His properties averaged 25 days on the market and sold for $236 million dollars. His year was marred by a court judgement last December involving underquoting. 
10. Rounding out the REB's top ten agents is Peter Chauncey, who with 15 years of experience and half the amount of assistants to his 9th place counterpart, secured 103 listings and sold 112 properties for a total of 2017 million.
The average price for these homes was $1.85 million after averaging merely 15 days on the market, the lowest of any in the top ten.
Honorable mentions that didn't make the elusive top ten include, Peter Chauncy of Strathfield Partners Real estate, placing 11th this year after a 10th place performance last year with one the highest amount of listings secured, at 353, and properties sold, at 299.
As well as Ercan Ersan, new to the top 100, landed in 16th place with 159 listings secured and an additional 147 properties sold.
Gregory Booker ranked 64th had the highest number of total sales and listings secured, with 349 total sales from 493 listings.
Gregory Booker is an agent for LJ Hooker based at Kallangur and the Murrumba Downs in Queensland.
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Alexander Phillip's lead narrows at top of the highest selling residential estate agents

Hostplus named top performing super fund

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Hampton House, the luxury Kiama home, has sold for $3.35 million, the biggest beachside sale in the coastal inlet.
The property, which is said to have been inspired by the Hamptons, was built after it last traded for $1.74 million in 2007.
Lime Builders constructed the four bedroom, four bathroom home, complete with environmentally friendly features such as e-glass energy efficient windows.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-kiama-128078634" target="_blank">Tingira Crescent home</a> on 600 sqm has a number of outdoor spaces including a fully glassed scenic entertainment balcony and private enclosed, professionally landscaped garden courtyard incorporating a water feature, stone floor tiling and bronze statue figurine.
Raine &amp; Horne Kiama agent Steve Pryor sold the home after 59 days.
 
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Hampton House sells for Kiama record

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<div>
<div>
<div>
EXPERT OBSERVER
For the 12 months to 30 June, equity markets posted solid gains both in Australia and offshore, up 13.7% and 15.4% respectively.
Returns were also positive across other asset classes such as direct property and infrastructure, and bond returns, although modest, were much stronger than the previous year.
Overall, global growth conditions helped to drive earnings and although the US Fed continued to raise rates over the past 12 months, monetary policy conditions both in the US and globally remained accommodative.
In this article, we look at what’s been driving these returns and consider the outlook for returns over the medium term.
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</div>
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<div>
<div>
2017/18 was characterised as a year of two halves where volatility featured heavily over the second half.
Equity markets were particularly weak at the start of 2018 due to concern that inflation was emerging in the US and that growth had reached a cyclical peak.
These fears quickly settled, and the markets were able to recover but volatility resumed on the back of rising geopolitical tension, specifically the threat of a global trade war between the US and China.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/18/AMP%20cap%20p1.JPG" alt="">
Looking forward, we are mindful that the market may be underestimating inflation and the threat of additional interest rate increases in the US.
We are coming to the end of a long expansion period and there is uncertainty as to how far interest rates can rise before they become negative for equities and how central banks will respond once inflation shows signs of life.
These factors alongside ongoing geopolitical uncertainty suggest that trading conditions could be less supportive over the year ahead and returns in this environment are likely to moderate.
Volatility will continue to feature over the medium-term and while often viewed in a negative context, it can create trading opportunities for our super portfolios that have a longer-term investment horizon.
That said, we are mindful of building portfolios that can better withstand downside volatility. Not only does investing across a broad combination of assets achieve this but actively managing within and across asset classes can also deliver a better risk and return outcome.
Deborah Alliston is the head of Multi-Asset Portfolio Management for AMP Capital in Sydney, Australia.
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How did property stack up as an investment option this past financial year: Deborah Alliston

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A four bedroom house in Spalding, a northeastern suburb of Geraldton in WA, has been offered by mortgagees for $135,000.
It was listed by Debbie Brittain from Ray White and has been on the market on and off for over the past five years.
It was first listed with $360,000 hopes in 2013.
It was more recently listed with $316,000 hopes in 2017.
It last sold in 2009 for $305,000.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-spalding-128778806" target="_blank">Positioned on an 800sqm block</a>, 173 Anderson St house comes with four bedrooms, good size kitchen, lounge and living room plus double carport.
The suburb's median house price sits at <a href="/developments/spalding-wa-6530">$140,000</a>, according to CoreLogic. 
 
 
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Less than half price for Spalding mortgagee offering

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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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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