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<p>Malvern had the top Melbourne home sale at auction on the weekend.</p>
<p>The priciest trophy home was at 8 Staniland Avenue, Malvern which sold for $3.5 million.</p>
<p>Its price guidance had been $3.2 million to $3.5 million through Marshall White.</p>
<p>It was a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-malvern-128473518" target="_blank">four bedroom, two bathroom Federation home</a> marketed as having perennial appeal.</p>
<p>It was "largely untouched" behind its tessellated return verandah.</p>
<p>The wide reception hall features high ceilings, leadlight windows and timber detailing.</p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Malvern trophy home tops Melbourne's weekend auctions

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<p>The RMS is appealing the NSW Supreme Court “landmark judgement” handed down in favour of Desane on 1 May 2018.</p>
<p>The validity of the proposed compulsory acquisition by the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) of the Desane Group Holdings Limited 5,274m2 flagship property, located at 68-72 Lilyfield Road, Rozelle, is set to be heard this week in the NSW Court of Appeal on the 28th and 29th of June 2018.</p>
<p>Desane will argue in the Court of Appeal that</p>
<p>"Firstly, the Proposed Acquisition Notice (“PAN”), issued by RMS in respect of Desane’s property at 68-72 Lilyfield Road, Rozelle on 26 May 2017 failed to comply with the requirements of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 (NSW) by reason of a number of disconformities with the approved form of proposed acquisition notice, which invalidated the PAN."</p>
<p>"Secondly the PAN failed to state the specific purpose for which RMS may lawfully exercise its powers to acquire the Property compulsorily under the Roads Act 1993 (NSW), invalidating the PAN."</p>
<p>"Thirdly, that the RMS, in issuing the PAN did so for a purpose which was extraneous to its powers to acquire land conferred to it under S177 of the Roads Act because, at the date of the PAN, RMS’s substantial purpose for the proposed acquisition was to provide part of a new 10 hectare “Rozelle Park” on the property, which was not a purpose authorised by the Roads Act.</p>
<p>Last month <a href="/news/desanes-darryl-kerrigan-wins-case-against-low-value-westconnex-compulsory-acquisition-by-nsw-government">Desane won the court case</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
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Desane to fight once more against the RMS in Court of Appeal

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<p>Sekisui House have secured approvals for Westin Coolum, the first five-star resort developed on the Sunshine Coast in more than three decades.</p>
<p>The Sunshine Coast Council has signed off on the seven-storey Westin Coolum Spa and Resort after alterations to the Yaroomba Beach proposal.</p>
<p>The 220-room Westin hotel, along with the larger resort comprising 148 serviced apartments, 753 residential apartments, 98 two- to three-storey homes and a 2,770sq m retail village will be on a .the 19-hectare site.</p>
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<div>
<source srcset="https://media.theurbandeveloper.com/assets/images/73aa6f53-e8d4-496e-8fb5-b972359f3920/73aa6f53-e8d4-496e-8fb5-b972359f3920-960.webp" sizes="(min-width: 721px) 960px" type="image/webp"></source><div>Architecture firm Hassell was appointed to undertake <a href="https://www.yaroombabeach.com.au" target="_blank">the masterplan</a> (pictured below) with the first stage delivering the hotel and the public components.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/6/27/Westin%20Coolum%20Hotel%203.JPG" alt=""></div>
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<div>The 6-star Green Star rating project comes with a 2021 likely completion.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“We’re honored to be working with Starwood Hotels &amp; Resorts to bring the Westin brand and its unique approach to well-being to Australia’s Sunshine Coast,” said Toru Abe, CEO &amp; Managing Director, Sekisui House Australia.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Our vision is to provide visitors to this popular family holiday destination with a relaxing, five-star wellness retreat and the Westin brand is an ideal fit for both the location and the development.”</div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/6/27/Westin%20Coolum%20Hotel%202.JPG" alt=""></div>
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<br>The Westin Coolum Resort &amp; Spa will be a five minute drive north of the Sunshine Coast Airport, which offers direct flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, and which has just received State government approval for the addition of a new international runway to be completed by 2020.</div>
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Sekisui secure approvals for Westin Coolum

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<p>New rules introduced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) are designed to stop households being left without any access to telecommunications services during their migration to the National Broadband Network.</p>
<p>The new <a href="https://www.acma.gov.au/theACMA/service-continuity-standard-your-obligations" target="_blank">Service Continuity Standard</a> is the latest in a slate of regulatory measures taken by the ACMA.</p>
<p>It seeks to improve end user experience during and after transition to the NBN.</p>
<p>The standard takes effect on 21 September.</p>
<p>Where feasible NBN and telecommunications providers must not disconnect existing fixed-line services unless a new NBN connection is working and if there is a problem during the migration, legacy copper-based services need to be reconnected where possible or an alternative service offered while the problem is resolved.</p>
<p>The ACMA redrafted the standard following consultations with Communications Alliance, industry stakeholders, and consumer groups including the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network.</p>
<p>The revised standard includes the concept of an “NBN backup service” that is not based on the new network nor on the legacy copper network.</p>
<p>There may still be a small number of cases where, despite these new rules, a consumer’s old network service is disconnected before they have a working NBN service. In these cases, the NBN retail CSP has three working days to get the NBN service working properly.</p>
<p>If the NBN retail CSP can’t get it working properly in this period, and they also supplied the old network service to the consumer, they must, in most cases, reconnect the consumer’s old network service within three working days.</p>
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NBN rollout rules to stop households being left without telecommunication services

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<p>A two bedroom house in Western Australia's Ferndale has been listed by mortgagees. <br><br>It is priced at $260,000 having been under offer two months ago without proceeding to exchange.</p>
<p>It was listed by Roger Golos at Professionals Property Plus Real Estate.</p>
<p>It last sold at $405,000 in 2014.  </p>
<p>The <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/4b-dampiera-way-ferndale-4060668/" target="_blank">4b Dampiera Way, Ferndale</a> house is a two bedroom, one bathroom duplex half on a big spacious block.<br><br>It has a freeform living area with the roomy kitchen adjacent.</p>
<p>The kitchen features stainless steel appliances including a gas cooker, canopy range hood, dishwasher and an abundance of bench and cupboard space including overheads.<br><br>The laundry is fitted out with a bench and cupboards and the good sized rear yard has a patio.<br><br>The suburb's median house price sits on $411,000  according to CoreLogic.</p>
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$260,000 Ferndale house listed by mortgagee

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<div>Douglas Driscoll CEO of Starr Partners estimates there are likely further fall in property prices, as some areas cool, but firmly believes the market will not crash.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>He has been seeing a slowdown in the market in some areas as is to be expected, but other areas are still doing extremely well, and he believes reports of a crash are being blow out of proportion.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Mr Driscoll said that “There has been talk of the market slowing, but 4.4 per cent over 12 months isn’t much and if I were being cynical, it’s not inconceivable that property prices might fall another 10 per cent."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"The ingredients just aren’t there for a market crash, Whether they’re buying or selling, owner occupiers shouldn’t necessarily hold off."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Fearmongering certainly doesn’t help and ultimately creates a wait-and-see mentality”, commented Mr Driscoll.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Douglas says that a crash simply wont happen because of a number of factors.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Housing stock levels are strong, interest rates are low, and it is only a matter of time before they rise.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>APRA has relaxed measures for investors, immigration levels are high and the skilled workers that are arriving will want to get their foot on the property ladder.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>He added that he believes the current fear-mongering is more about the potential lack of profits that property might deliver over the next few years.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>John McGrath agrees the <a href="/news/sydney-and-melbourne-property-markets-wont-crash-in-2018-john-mcgrath">Sydney and Melbourne property markets won't crash in 2018</a>.</div>
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Douglas Driscoll, real estate CEO says property market is not headed for a crash

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<p>Fewer leasing transactions are occurring at Coffs Harbour.</p>
<p>The office market in Coffs Harbour features a slight but reducing oversupply, limited enquiry for leasing at stable rental levels and incentives for new leases, according to the latest report from Herron Todd White.</p>
<p>There are a number of office project developments that have commenced after pre-leasing agreements.</p>
<p>These projects range from smaller strata title office projects to larger developments.</p>
<p>The financial valuers found that the eastern precinct of the CBD remains prime with rental levels at $330 to $400 per square metre.</p>
<p>There is a strong pre-lease to a major tenant for the office component of the new Gowings development.</p>
<p>The impacts of reduced government spending, limited availability of grants and the retraction policies are clearly evident in the Coffs Harbour regional office market.</p>
<p>Rental levels remain sensitive at from $200 per square metre for lower quality to $280 per square metre for average secondary located space.</p>
<p>There is a lack of sales and leasing transactions within the office sphere of the market.</p>
<p>The valuers found that yields within Coffs Harbour remain firm based on the prevailing low interest rate climate.</p>
<p>Leasing activity is restricted with serious owners offering lease incentives or rent free periods to attract tenants.</p>
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Fewer leasing transactions within Coffs Harbour: HTW 

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<p><span>A super-prime trophy investment in Ivanhoe’s tightly-held Upper Heidelberg Road has sold under the hammer for $5.225 million.</span></p>
<p><span>The highest price paid for a retail freehold in the busy shopping strip.</span></p>
<p>Fitzroys senior manager Chris James and director Chris Kombi sold the property at <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/137-139-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079-2014360180" target="_blank">137-139 Upper Heidelberg Road</a>, which was offered to the market for the first time in 60 years.</p>
<p><span>The iconic two-storey building of 505 sqm comprises two shops and a first-floor gym on a 263 sqm site, with a wide frontage of around 13.33 metres.</span></p>
<p><span>James said the strong enquiry throughout the campaign led to fierce competition between six bidders at auction, and the sale price reflecting an exceptional land rate of $20,000 per sqm and tight 4.1% yield.</span></p>
<p><span>“The record result demonstrated the pent-up demand to acquire commercial property in this tightly-held market,” he said.</span></p>
<p><span>The ground level retail spaces have new five-year leases to longstanding tenants Romano’s Restaurant and French-style Laurent Bakery, and a five-year deal to first-floor tenant Vision Personal Training.</span></p>
<p><span>Zoned Commercial 1, the property is located just metres from the entrance of Ivanhoe Plaza.</span></p>
<p><span>Kombi said the offering presented a rare opportunity to secure an iconic Ivanhoe property with an excellent tenant profile and significant passing income.</span></p>
<p><span>“The property is brilliantly positioned on Upper Heidelberg Road and abutting Ivanhoe Plaza, and is home to key traders that, combined with national tenants including Woolworths and major trading banks along with popular local businesses, give the thriving Upper Heidelberg retail strip a unique village-style quality,” he said.</span></p>
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<p><span>According to Fitzroys research, Upper Heidelberg Road currently features less than 1% retail vacancy, which Kombi said is a further testament to the strength of the strip.</span></p>
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Super-prime trophy investment sets Ivanhoe record

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<p>The Greek Orthodox Community NSW, owners of 1-11 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst/Paddington are sounding out the City of Sydney with hopes for a hotel conversion.</p>
<p>The church community has been long criticised for the mostly dormant premises over the past decade or so.</p>
<p>The initial hopes are for a six story hotel, which would sit behind its historic three storey facade.</p>
<p>The council has received a pre-development application approach.</p>
<p>The hotel would be welcomed by landlords who have nearby retail, the relatives of those hospitalised nearby, and attendees at events at the SCG.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/1-11-oxford-street-paddington-nsw-2021-12206319" target="_blank">Two years leases</a>are being currently offered through Gunnings for the empty historic building which was once known as the Grand Pacific Blue Room</p>
<p><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/2018/6/27/greek5.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>It sits on one of Sydney's best known and busiest intersections, the point where Oxford Street meets South Dowling Street, Victoria Street and Barcom Avenue.</p>
<p>The precinct is known by locals as Three Saints Square, a five-way intersection on Oxford Street that covers two suburbs, Paddington and Darlinghurst and it is controlled by two councils, the City of Sydney and Woollahra Municipality.</p>
<p>The building included the former Academy Twin premises which operated between 1974 to 2010.</p>
<p>It reportedly opened with Roman Polanski's Macbeth and quickly became one of Sydney's best-loved arthouse cinemas.</p>
<p>It was closed by Palace Cinemas in June 2010 when it was unable to reach a new lease agreement with the building's owner, the Greek Orthodox Community of Sydney.</p>
<p> </p>
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Greek Orthodox Community seek hotel conversion of Oxford Street, Paddington landmark building

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<p>The Sydney CBD is facing a potential shortage of office supply at the end of the current development cycle, according to Colliers International.</p>
<p>“If white collar employment continues to grow at the forecast rates, we could realistically see longer term vacany rates fall back to historically low levels as the supply of new office space tapers off after the current pipline is delivered.</p>
<p>“New South Wales’ infrastructure boom has transformed the Sydney CBD into a vibrant and connected city. It’s now a vibrant and active city, almost unrecognisable from five years ago. </p>
<p>“The NSW Government has initiated more than 40 infrastructure projects, with major developments such as the Sydney Light Rail and Sydney Metro train project set to catapult Sydney to a world class status.”</p>
<p>Colliers International research has found more than one million square metres of office space could be required in the Sydney CBD to satisfy white collar employment growth over the next 25 years. (See Graph 2).</p>
<p>“Counter-balancing the delivery of new office buildings between now and 2025, several existing office buildings will be withdrawn from the market and not returned as office towers in the next cycle, particularly in the precinct around Hyde Park where there will be a significant amount of conversion to hotel and residential use,” Mr Woodward said.</p>
<p><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/2018/6/13/picture%201.jpg" alt=""></p>
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<p><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/2018/6/13/picture%203.jpg" alt=""></p>
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<p>Based upon this information, Colliers International forecasts the Sydney CBD vacancy rate may peak at only 6.7% in January 2025. (See Graph 3)</p>
<p>“There is limited new supply mooted for 2025 and beyond, and history has demonstrated that it can take 10-plus years to amalgamate significant land holdings, obtain the required planning consents and then tenant pre-commitment levels that feasibly allow a new development to commence,” Mr Woodward said. (See Graph 4).</p>
<p>“The developments at 200 George Street and 161 Castlereagh Street took over a decade to move from conception to delivery, and current projects such as Wynyard Place, Quay Quarter Tower and Circular Quay Tower are further examples of the long lead times to deliver new buildings.</p>
<p>“Our top tier institutional asset managers and developers are acutely aware of this longer term situation and are preparing now for the future.</p>
<p>“For example, Lendlease has amalgamated a ‘mega site’ on Spring and O’Connell Streets, adjoining 1 O’Connell Street. Many other developers and asset managers are seeking similar income-producing land banks to position themselves for the future.</p>
<p>“As a result of these conditions, and despite the fact the Sydney CBD has already reached record low yields and capital value peaks, purchasers are are still investing with a high conviction that the market will deliver strong returns moving forward. </p>
<p>“We have never witnessed such a deep and diverse pool of global investors competing with our domestic fund managers and pension funds. Sydney is genuine global gateway city, and is the number one investment destination for international fund giants, sovereign wealth and pension funds and private investors alike, who all see long term value in the Sydney CBD office sector.”</p>
<p>Cameron Williams, Colliers International National Director of Office Leasing, said Sydney’s infrastructure boom had the potential to create a new future hot spot in the CBD office market as supply tightened in traditional precincts. </p>
<p>“Currently, development is concentrated in the northern/core precinct but given the Sydney CBD commercial market is constrained along its eastern and western borders – and that vacancy is expected to remain low for the foreseeable future,” Mr Williams said. “The southern CBD corridor – south of Goulburn Street, to Central Station and beyond – is the likely next geographic location that can supply the CBD of Sydney with a significant amount of office space in the next 10 years. </p>
<p>“With infrastructure projects such as Sydney Metro and Sydney Light Rail currently underway, those locations will become more connected and much more acceptable from a productivity perspective, not to mention easy to access for commuting staff.</p>
<p>“We see the potential for Central Station to become the next Barangaroo, to potentially to supply hundreds of thousands of square metres of office space to the market in 10 years or so.</p>
<p>“The southern precinct of the Sydney CBD is likely to be the next office hot spot from 2025 and beyond, with the potential to deliver more affordable space and provide an alternative location for organisations perhaps considering decentralisation to western Sydney.”</p>
<p> </p>
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Sydney's Central Station to be the city's next Barangaroo

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]</p>

<p>Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]</p>


Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]</p>

<p><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.</p>

<p>"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.</p>

<p>WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.</p>

<p>"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]</p>


Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

<p>When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.</p>

<p>But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.</p>

<p><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></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p><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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that's concrete and glass with not a blade of grass.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.</p>

<p>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?</p>

<p>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.</p>


Staff reporter

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