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The prestige property sector is currently outperforming the remainder of Perth’s property market, according to the valuation firm, Herron Todd White.
 After years of soft market conditions due to a total lack of market con dence, a rebound has nally begun in the desirable western suburbs of Perth, the CBD fringe area and desirable coastal localities. 
The substantial price contraction over the past 3 years has brought many properties to represent apparent “good buying”, resulting in today’s increasing market activity it noted.
In the second half of 2017, upgraders started to gain the required level of confidence to secure homes in areas they never thought they could afford. 
The period of opportunity and/or “fear of missing out” has been identified by a large group of upgraders within a relatively short period of time, causing a substantial uplift in demand which has eventually affected property prices. 
Many sought after areas are recovering while several suburbs have exceeded house value medians witnessed back in 2013 and 2014 when Perth enjoyed stronger conditions.
North Beach and Applecross are two of the top performing suburbs in today’s market with a 25.00% uplift in median value for both suburbs over the last year, according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia’s studies. 
The current median prices re ect a 15.8% improvement in values in North Beach and 9.8% in Applecross, since 2014. 
Supply of quality housing in prestige areas is well below current demand levels, which is also contributing to the improved prices.
Sales volumes are therefore relatively low somewhat restricting the market in several prestige areas, the latest HTW report advised.
Prices appear to still be on the rise, enquiries are increasing and the overall prestige market is expected to continue in this direction throughout 2018.
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As the rare opportunity to get a foot in the prestige market has already sailed for many, well established, upgrader suburbs have become the second best option. 
Rossmoyne along Swan River and Coolbinia near Perth CBD have already started to shoot up with a 14.8% and 29.7% increase in values respectively over the last 12 months.
Land values in excess of one million dollars can generally be described as prestige. Due to the limited stock of prestige housing in upper-end suburbs, there is currently a high demand for properties representing near land value with good views and close proximity to the beach. 
Demolition of existing, modest housing makes room for new prestige housing that is more suitable for the areas. 
"This is becoming prevalent, resulting in solid value increases at entry level stock in many sought after localities," the HTW report added.
Properties falling in the value brand of two to three million dollars fall within the lower end of the “prestige” range. 
"As always, values are heavily influenced by size, age, quality and condition of the home as well as locational aspects including views, proximity to private schools, beach, city and river."
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Mount Pleasant, South Perth, Nedlands, Dalkeith, Cottesloe, Claremont, City Beach Attadale, Subiaco, Trigg, North Beach and Sorrento are all examples of such premium suburbs. It should be noted that there is also modest housing of lesser values in some of these areas.
Properties holding a value of $4 million or above, located in prime af uent suburbs can be categorised as ultra-prestige - arguably required to be located on the river or ocean side. Peppermint Grove, Mosman Park and Applecross fit right into this category.
Apartments worth $1 million and above are typically seen as prestige. The state’s overall apartment market including the prestige sector is currently somewhat stagnant, although there has been good demand for good quality apartment projects in many prestige areas that have long lacked options for downsizing baby boomers.
High income earning professionals who desire large family homes close to private schools and Perth CBD are typical buyers in the prestige areas. Doctors and other health professionals take up a great portion of the prestige areas, especially southern suburbs such as Applecross and Mount Pleasant due to the proximity to the cities growing health district in Murdoch.
Agents have reported increased activity and interest in these areas. Applecross is currently the top-selling suburb in the state as of REIWA’s most recent update. Some of Perth’s most impressive mansions are located along the riverside in Applecross. The median house price is $1,570,000 although; a large portion of the suburb comprises modest dwellings reducing the overall median price substantially. A mansion located along Duncraig Road in Applecross, was sold in March 2018 for $8 million and would be classifed as ultra-prestige. The property was initially listed for $8.5 million in November 2017.
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Peppermint Grove is sitting at the very top of the prestige range, holding a median house price of $3,475,000, well above any other prestige suburbs. The mansions are typically located on quarter acre blocks surrounded by greenery. A fairly recent sale occurring in December 2017 saw the property sold for $11 million after being on the market for 53 days. The seller received the asking price for the property, "something we don’t see very often in today’s market."
Dalkeith is also among the top af uent suburbs in Perth with a median house price of $2.57 million. The suburb comprises residential buildings that are often seen as impressive, with somewhat different architecture. Dalkeith’s riverside along the well- known Victoria Avenue is one of Perth’s most expensive locations. The street is known for taking luxury to a whole new level. Below is a property situated along Victoria Avenue that sold in January 2018 for $5.35 million after being on the market for 145 days. 
Cottesloe is one of the top performing suburbs in Perth’s current market with a 16.9% rise in house median over the last 12 months, landing at $2,127,000. The proposed redevelopment plan of Cottesloe foreshore involving a complete makeover including multi-storey living, restaurants and an ocean side swimming pool is likely to play a part in the increasing demand currently seen. This has been identified by investors and also upgraders hoping for improvement. A property sold for $4,600,000 in March 2018 after only 5 days of proper marketing.
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In the short to medium term, the prestige sector is expected to see a slight increase in price as a result of supply restrictions caused by increasing con dence levels among buyers. Secondary suburbs are also expected to see improved market conditions, an opportunity increasingly identified by investors. 
HTW's valuers have confidently suggested growth or at the very minimum stable market conditions over the coming year, however, the long-term is uncertain as the overall state economy plays an important role in the performance of the property market.
"All we can say is that the economic key measures are tracking in the right direction," the report concluded.
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Perth trophy home market outperforming the rest of the market

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When looking at prestige properties on the Sunshine Coast the one thing you can say is that it has ‘all been happening’, according to the valuation firm, Herron Todd White.
 Buyer demand is strong with the stock levels being low in turn leading to upward pressure being placed on prices, its May report noted.
When defiining the Sunshine Coast prestige market, the $1 million mark has always been considered the starting point. 
Just like lower-priced entry-level properties, the entry levels of the prestige market, between $1 million to $1.5 million have been the most popular.
"As this sector of the market took off we have seen a fuse being lit. 
"Activity has picked up right through the value bands all the way to the three record-breaking transactions that occurred in the space of four months," HTW advised.
The most popular areas in the prestige market have continued to be coastal locations.
When looking at the coast you can break it up by the old shire council regions being Caloundra to the south, Maroochy to the central area and Noosa to the north.
"There is no doubt that beachside and canal front areas have all been performing really well.
"Suffice to say they aren’t making any more of these property types which should hold owners in good stead.
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When looking at the prestige rural residential/ lifestyle market, things are a bit different," HTW advised.
 This market is little hard to gauge as it is very property specific with personal preferences presentation and motivation of both purchases vendor is having an impact on the ultimate sale price. 
Therefore wider market parameters should be expected than those experienced for more traditional residential properties.
An interesting observation in this lifestyle market is that proportionally, values for smaller acreage prestige properties have performed better than the larger acreage counterparts. 
It appears that the cost to run these larger acreage properties have had a bearing on the market that does sometimes struggle to get its ‘head around’ what’s involved.
For units, HTW have seen a flight to larger permanent occupancy style product. 
The main market operating in this area is the ‘empty nester’s that are looking to downsize and have a property where they can ‘lock and leave’ and go travelling etc.
Within the resort/holiday space, we have also started to see the Hasting Street beachfront units come back but still a bit off from the last market peak.
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The improvement in the prestige/higher end properties has historically been driven by a high percentage of interstate investors from Sydney and Melbourne. 
"This is especially the case in the Noosa region. 
"The relative affordability, when you compare Sydney and Melbourne prices to those of the Sunshine Coast, demonstrate pretty good value. 
"It also appears that Sunshine Coast is pretty high on a number of the list of the baby boomers that have started to retire."
There have been three record sale prices that have transacted in the space of four months. 
First off 29 Wyuna Drive, Noosaville sold in October 2017 for $10.3 million (Listed for $11.9 million) which was on the market for 351 days. 
Next was 46 Seaview Terrace Sunshine Beach, which sold for $15.2 million (Listed for $18 million) in January 2018 and was on the market for approximately 581 days.
Finally 21 Webb Road, Sunshine Beach sold in February 2018 for $18 million (Listed for $22 million) after being on the market for only 52 days. 
It is HTW's understanding that the purchases of some of the properties were highly successful business people that had effectively sold large businesses.
The ‘ultra- prestige’ sector is more a matter of timing rather than anything else and tends to be more active during periods of stronger M&amp;A activity.
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"The question that we always get when we looking at the prestige markets is that - is the current growth that we are experiencing sustainable?
"There is no doubt that the prestige market is heavily linked to the wider economy which has been performing well.
"HTW do however have a history of volatility (up to 40% in some cases) in this market given that these properties are ‘wants’ rather than ‘needs.’ I mean, is there anything more discretionary than a multimillion-dollar holiday home?"
The report concluded the big positive at the moment is that the Sunshine Coast appears to be ‘on a lot of people’s lips’ and while the economy keeps performing well and barring any unforeseen incidents, the prestige market should keep chugging along for a little while yet.
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Upwards pressure on prices in Sunshine Coast trophy home market

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<div class="wp-caption">An $182,000 sale in Brisbane's Ipswich region was the nation's cheapest weekend auction result.</div>
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<div class="wp-caption">It last sold at $199,000 in 2013.</div>
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<div class="wp-caption">The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-brassall-128100166" target="_blank">5 Melbourne Street, Brassall offering</a> was three bedrooms on stilts on an 810 sqm block.</div>
"It's big, ugly and neglected but very recoverable and could be a real steal," was the marketing pitch.
The Raine &amp; Horne agent had notified interested parties that council planning indicates that some flood water did come onto a portion of the block in 2011 - about ankle deep at the lowest point of the block. 
Council records indicated that the flood water was 5.2 meters below the eaves of the home which had sold at $199,000 in 2013.
The official land value was recently put at $125,000.
 
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Ipswich house sale at a loss

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One of Sydney’s most exciting and iconic retailers has bid farewell to the once thriving fashion destination of Surry Hills as the suburb continues its transformation to a food destination. 
Gunning leasing agents, Anthony Tsapicounis and Alberto Da Grava said the iconic retailer Wheels &amp; Doll Baby called it quits after 30 years in the prominent location of <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-surry+hills-502609750" target="_blank">259 Crown Street, Surry Hills.</a>
“A combination of factors has contributed to the change in focus for the area,” they said. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/5/14/wheels2.jpg" alt=""> “Surry Hills has seen a shift from what once was a working class industrial suburb, into a technology and media hub, with specialist food precincts attracting a diverse mix of people.
“The gentrification of the inner city has changed consumers needs and wants. Fashion retailers and in particular the on-street boutique retailers have been severely impacted by the rise of online shopping as well as the renovation of Pitt Street Mall and Bondi Junction. 
“A new 5 x 5 lease to a superfood café chain at a gross rental of $1,000 sqm at 259 Crown Street, Surry Hills cements this trend,” they said.
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Food outlets rule as Wheels & Doll Baby says goodbye to Surry Hills

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Rugby league commentator Mark 'Piggy' Riddell and wife Karlie have listed their Silverdale family home, as they seek out a sea change option.
They are headed to Shellharbour.
He won't be leaving the 2GB rugby league Continuous Call Team, but will face the longer commute.
From Silverdale, the Pyrmont HQ is around 70 kilometres west. Shellharbour is close to 100 kilometres. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-silverdale-128300690" target="_blank">home, newly constructed by G J Gardner</a>, has five bedrooms and three bathrooms, but it comes with his fields of dreams. It's own football field paddock.
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The listing advises it is set on one of the most sought after acre lots in the peak of the Greenhills Estate where house and land sales recently hit $1.91 million.
Elders Real Estate agents Damien Sexton and Aimee Mitchell have a June 2 auction. 
The foyer leads to open plan kitchen, family room with fireplace and dining rooms which overlook the outdoor entertaining area with swimming pool.
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Riddell says the family have always talked about moving.
"We are making the sea change because we have always talked about it and have always loved the south coast for years," Riddell told me.
"With 3 young kids we felt if we didn’t do it now we never would! 
"So we said bugger it, let’s do it! "We absolutely love our house we are selling, but just wanted that sea change and to stay out of Sydney.
Riddell has already eyed up his and wife Karlie's next purchase, which has recently gone under contract after having $1.1 million hopes through Ray White agent John Kay.
Riddell was a goal kicking hooker who spent most of his career at St George Illawarra and the Eels, before a brief stint in the English Super League and then ending his career at the Roosters.
He won the 2010 Super League Grand Final with Wigan Warriors in 2010. 
 
 
 
 
 
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Mark 'Piggy' Riddell lists at Silverdale to move south

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A private island 90 minutes from Canberra has been given an official $600,000 to $650,000 price guide after failing to sell at recent auction.
The 91 hectare island is priced less than Canberra's $727,000 median house price.
Wade Island on Lake Burrinjuck, beside the historic village of Wee Jasper, last sold for $485,000.
Its only inhabitants currently are the wildlife, mostly kangaroos and wallabies.
Wade Island comes with approval for self-sufficient holiday cabins.
It can only be accessed by a land bridge - and only when they water is low.
Despite the lure of island life, sales campaigns for private islands typically can take years to complete.
There's the Port Stephen's Garden Island which sold six years after its initial listing.
Back in 2012 it was asking $6 million, before being advertised last April with $4 million hopes.
This was reduced to $2.75 million before its recent sale through McGrath Terrigal's Adrian Culpin.
The 1.4 hectare island was mostly overgrown when traded for $480,000 in 2001.
Award winning architect Philip Pratt was commissioned to design a home with a mix of Australian rural architecture and Japanese Modular design.
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Private island near Canberra listed for cheaper than city's median house price

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<h1>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/au/team#jenni-henderson" target="_blank" style="font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.16px;">The Financial Services Royal Commission has </a><a href="https://theconversation.com/the-financial-services-royal-commission-highlights-the-vulnerability-of-many-older-australians-93359">exposed some irresponsible lending</a><a href="https://theconversation.com/au/team#jenni-henderson" target="_blank" style="font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.16px;"> by Australia’s biggest banks.</a>
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Some of the revelations from the commission <a href="http://www.afr.com/business/banking-and-finance/financial-services/westpac-hit-outs-at-hayne-inquirys-release-of-mortgage-report-20180507-h0zqw2" target="_blank">have affected certain banks’ share prices</a> but not their profits.
The question is whether the information brought to light by the commission will further push down property prices?
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/218408/original/file-20180510-184630-1ac5082.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
<h2>Three out of five experts said yes</h2>
Here are their detailed responses:
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/infographics/270/f98f31e4afcd21aa7d12f014580e8f1594d876cf/site/index.html" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
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Disclosures:
Grattan Institute began with contributions to its endowment of $15 million from each of the Federal and Victorian Governments, $4 million from BHP Billiton, and $1 million from NAB. In order to safeguard its independence, Grattan Institute’s board controls this endowment. The funds are invested and contribute to funding Grattan Institute’s activities. Grattan Institute also receives funding from corporates, foundations, and individuals to support its general activities as disclosed on its website.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/96349/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Cameron Murray is a senior economist at The Australia Institute and member of the Sustainable Australia political party.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/au/team#jenni-henderson" target="_blank">Jenni Henderson</a>, Section Editor: Business + Economy, <a href="http://www.theconversation.com/" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-asked-five-experts-will-the-banking-royal-commission-push-down-property-prices-96349" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Will the banking royal commission push down prices? Five experts offer opinion

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The Crookwell district farm, Maidstone Downs, a 446ha (1102ac) grazing property has been listed by Elders.
Situated between Binda and Laggan, Maidstone Downs is being promoted as a lifestyle property with a grazing dimension along with scope for development.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-nsw-binda-7962522" target="_blank">The property</a> has been listed by Jo-Anne and Ian Dickson, who run a Merino flock with Poll Hereford cows.
They bought it in 1987 following an earlier move to an adjoining property, Chain-of-Ponds, by Mrs Dickson’s late father, Alan Webb. 
Mr Webb was one of a number of former dairy farmers from the Southern Highlands who sold their high-priced farms and moved to broader acres in the Crookwell district in the 1960s and ‘70s, The Land noted.
Sally Carson of Elders Crookwell has listed the property for May 25 auction.
It is expected to attract interest from tree-changers and young couples seeking an entry-level property with upside.
The homestead garden harvests vegetables and fruit with the family virtually self- sufficient, sharing extra produce with neighbours and the local farmers markets at Laggan.
About 90ha of the property is retained natural timber, with about 80 per cent clear for grazing.
The country is well suited to finewool production (the main fleece line from the last shearing fetched 1581c/kg).
They have run 500 merino sheep and 170 plus Hereford cattle.
It comes with a 400 m airstrip.
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Binda farm Maidstone Downs listed

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Lawyers acting for Victorian vendors have successfully argued in the County Court that an estate agent was not entitled to the commission payment because the Exclusive Sales Authority (ESA) form used "did not comply" with the Estate Agents Act.
In August 2017 the County Court of Victoria found that a Consumer Affairs approved rebate statement did not comply with the Act as it did not contain each and every word of the prescribed warning.  Last month, a year later, the Supreme Court of Victoria – Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the County Court of Victoria.
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The case involved a Ray White St Albans agent who had unsuccessfully sued the vendors for a $385,000 commission payment following the $8.8 million sale in 2016 of a six-hectare industrial site at 382 Greens Road in Keysborough.
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The ruling opens the possibility of claims by unhappy vendors against estate agents who used a non-compliant ESA form which were supplied by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) where the commission has yet to be paid.
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The industry body, which represents around 5000 estate agents in Victoria, sold the ESA forms as a legally binding vendor contract giving the agent the authority to sell a vendor's home and be paid commission and any other outgoings including marketing and advertising costs.
Two versions of the contract were available for agents to buy from the REIV. The longer version with the full wording of the rebate statement as stated in section 49A of the act, whereas the shorter version did not.
The REIV's ESA form included an altered statement on rebates that was approved by state's consumer watchdog, but it was different from the exact wording of the Estate Agents Act
The form, which was amended around six years ago, did not comply with section 49A of the Act.
The issue erupted last week on the Lexology website where lawyers at <a href="https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=cd8c102a-e9eb-4b79-8cf7-f787a5084ed9" target="_blank">Logie-Smith Lanyon</a> noted it was "now incumbent upon the Victorian Parliament to immediately provide a legislative solution to rectify an obvious administrative error in the Consumer Affairs forms."
They noted while a legislative solution had been mooted, it is yet to be put before the Victorian Parliament.
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The REIV chief executive Gil King said in a statement provided to Fairfax Media that "upon being made aware of the issue late last year, the REIV took immediate steps to ensure all authorities were compliant."
"At this stage, the extent of the issue is not clear," Mr King noted. 
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It has emerged there is one case where Amy Sheggerud-Woods, a partner at Marsh &amp; Maher Lawyers, is acting for an estate agent in proceedings involving the agent's entitlement to commission.
"Not only will the Supreme Court decision have far-reaching consequences for real estate agents who have used the Exclusive Sales Authority forms, but also for vendors, for the REIV (which has supplied the forms to real estate agents), and perhaps for Consumer Affairs Victoria (which approved the short form rebate statement)," <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/real-estate-agents-commission-risk-victoria-amy-sheggerud-woods/" target="_blank">Ms Sheggerud-Woods wrote on LinkedIn last month.</a>
In the Keysborough case Augustin Pty Ltd (the Respondent) owned the property at 382 Greens Road, Keysborough and in signing an exclusive sale authority, engaged Advisory Services Pty Ltd (trading as Ray White St Albans) (Applicant) for the sale of the property.
The Respondent sold the property however the purchaser defaulted under the contract.
The Respondent then engaged another agency to assist in selling the property once more, which the applicant claimed was during the period of the exclusive sale authority.
A dispute arose and the applicant sued the respondent for commission on both sales, totalling $385,000.
Lawyers ML&amp; K Legal facebooked in early May that <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://classic.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/cases/vic/VSCA/2018/95?stem=0&amp;synonyms=0&amp;query=st%20albans" target="_blank">the judgement</a> was "a must read for real estate agents!"
The Ray White estate agency was represented by R Hay QC briefed by Alderuccio Solicitors while the property owner engaged I W Upjohn briefed by Webb Korfiatis.
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Commissions at risk after REIV estate agent commission form bungle 

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An Armadale architect’s own home sold for $3.052 million with three bidders pushed price<a id="LPlnk195042" class="x_OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-armadale-128152634" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a>$82,000 past reserve at a Marshall White auction.
The <a id="LPlnk783454" class="x_OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/19a-valentine-grove-armadale-vic/property-details-sold-residential-11807405/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">19A Valentine Grove house</a>, offered by Jessica Liew, was short-listed for the architectureau.com Houses Award in 2013, and received a high commendation in the 2013 Think Brick Australia Recycle, Reuse and Restore Award category.
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The Herald Sun reported a South Melbourne family winning the keys.
Liew, a director at Plus Architecture, paid $762,000 for the 370 square metre property in 2010 with her husband Cavan.
Built with timber slatted walls and vast expanses of glass, the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-armadale-128152634%20%20%20%20" target="_blank">Valentine Grove property</a> has dark grey polished concrete floors.
There's three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a library overlooking a tranquil central fish pond and a temperature controlled 1,200 bottle wine room.
A walled north east garden is lined by blackboard style walls, complete with a commissioned mural.
The home has been regularly featured in magazines.
Marshall White agents Fraser Cahill and Madeline Kennedy had a price guide of between $2.5 million and $2.75 million.
The couple, now with a young child, are looking for their next project.
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Armadale architect secures $3.052 million

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.

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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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