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<p>The White Shells penthouse apartment in Marcoola on Queensland's Sunshine Coast has been sold by mortgagees.</p>
<p>It fetched $700,000 when sold by Jay Pashley and Liz Hope from North Shore Reality. </p>
<p>It was last sold at $1,115,000 by the developer, <span>Twaddle Developments in 2007.</span></p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-marcoola-126541826" target="_blank">east facing beachfront apartment</a> with views had been on the market since September.</p>
<p>The penthouse has the direct access to its exclusive roof deck. </p>
<p>The apartment came with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and office nook. </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/2018/1/29/sunshine2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><span>According to CoreLogic, the median price for units in Marcoola sits at $380,000.</span></p>
<p><span>Another White Sheels apartment sold last year at $698,000 to a Netherlands couple who work at their Chinese embassy. Apartment 42 was a three<span> bedroom luxury apartment on the first floor in the South East corner.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>The marketing advised it had "previously been valued at just under one million dollars."</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>It had been sold off the plan in 2007 at $985,000.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>The CoreLogic Pain &amp; Gain report highlights the Sunshine Coast loss-making locality (below).</span></span></p>
<p><span>Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/1/29/painandgain.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a></span></p>
<p><span><span><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/2018/1/29/painandgain.jpg" alt=""></span></span></p>
<p>All 48 apartments have either a north or east-facing aspect. White Shells has four residential levels with lift access to every level and there are three separate entrances into the apartments, making living at White Shells much lower density than most apartments.</p>
<p>On completion there had been very little in the way of brand new beachfront apartments on the coastal side of the David Low Way.</p>
<p>It sits at the corner of Merchants Parade and Seashore Street, Marcoola. </p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

White Shells, Marcoola Sunshine Coast penthouse sold by mortgagee

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<p id="ember1426" dir="ltr"><span id="ember1433">The hardworking Domain senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson has been missing from zealously offering his commentary on property markets for several months.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="ember1433">An official announcement headlined "Dr Andrew Wilson resigns from Domain" came on his LinkedIn on the weekend.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="ember1433">"On October 25th last year, I resigned as Chief Economist for the Domain Group," he advised.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr">He was however noticeably absent from early October.</p>
<p dir="ltr">His predecessors include Matthew Bell, who left in 2010 for Stockland, and Louis Christopher who leads SQM.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="ember1433">"My resignation concluded seven years employed by Fairfax brands Australian Property Monitors and Domain Group. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="ember1433">"Following my resignation notification, Domain enforced the ‘garden leave’ provision of my three month notice period. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="ember1433">"This provision precluded me from having any contact with workmates, clients, the media and the wider community through my various social networks.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="ember1433">"With my garden leave and Domain Group employment finally concluded, I will now activate my role as Australia’s leading independent property market economist," he advised.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr">The background, according to some Fairfax-linked sources, is that Dr Wilson felt unappreciated by Domain's chief editorial and marketing officer, Melina Cruickshank, who has been responsible for the increased trivialisation of property coverage since she joined Domain in October 2014.</p>
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<p>This time last year Dr Wilson anticipated capital city housing markets would see mixed results in 2017, but he advised there would "no surprise" that Sydney and Melbourne were likely to continue to lead.</p>
<p>It was likely that other capitals would remain steady, with price growth generally constrained by low income economies, he said.</p>
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<p>"Lower interest rates in 2017 are likely to continue to bolster housing markets, with an increasingly underperforming national economy almost certain to require further stimulus from the Reserve Bank," he forecast.</p>
<p>House price growth, although remaining positive in most capitals through 2017, would likely track in a narrow range of up to 5 percent annually for the top performers, Dr Wilson tipped.</p>
<p>"The Darwin and Perth markets were set to bottom out in 2017, following a lengthy period of weak activity with prices at three year lows," Dr Wilson forecast.</p>
<p>He tipped that unit markets would continue to be influenced by significant levels of new apartments, acting to push supply ahead of demand.</p>
<p>The Sydney unit market was forecast to remain strong, due to a chronic undersupply of units and solid demand, holding prices strong. </p>
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<p>"Record new apartment supply in the Melbourne CBD will continue to outstrip demand, with downward pressure on prices to continue in that submarket," he suggested.</p>
<p>"Strong demand and lack of supply for suburban units, however, will offset the weaker CBD market.</p>
<p>"This means that overall Melbourne unit prices growth is likely to remain positive over the year," he forecast.</p>
<p>(An earlier version mispelt Melina Cruickshank as Melinda) </p>
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Economist Dr Andrew Wilson formally resigns from Domain Group

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<p>Although 2017 saw the usual worry list – around President Trump, elections in Europe, China, North Korea and Australian property – it was good for investors. Balanced super funds had returns around 10%, which is pretty good given inflation was around 2%. This year has started favourably but volatility may pick up as geopolitical threats loom a little larger and US inflation rises. This note provides a summary of key insights on the global investment outlook in simple dot point form. </p>
<p>Five lessons from 2017</p>
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<li>The global economy is finally emerging from its post-Global Financial Crisis (GFC) hangover. Talk of secular stagnation was overdone. Slow global growth since the GFC largely reflected a typical constrained aftermath from a major financial crisis.</li>
<li>The withdrawal of extreme monetary stimulus won’t cause economic chaos if central banks don’t move too quickly and recovery is entrenched – this is clear in the US where the Fed has now been able to move away from zero interest rates and start reversing quantitative easing.<br><br>
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<li>The Eurozone is far more resilient than many give it credit for – with voters across numerous countries opting for centrist pro-Euro parties as opposed to the populist parties that many said were going to sweep to power./<br><br>
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<li>Turn down the noise – retreating to cash on talk of war with North Korea, worries about Trump, ahead of elections in Europe and perennial talk of a property crash in Australia – would have been costly in terms of missed returns.<br><br>
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<li>Stick to an investment strategy – 2017 had its share of distractions for investors but they would have done okay provided they stuck to an investment strategy that prevented them from getting blown around by various scares.</li>
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<p>Key themes for 2018 </p>
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<p>• Still in the sweet spot for investors – a further rise in global growth to around 3.9%, driving solid earnings growth with continuing low inflation and easy global monetary conditions should keep investment returns favourable.</p>
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<p>• But expect more volatility as US inflation stirs, the Fed hikes more than the market expects, other central banks edge towards less stimulus and political risk increases.</p>
<p>• Apart from the likelihood of more volatility through the year, global shares are likely to trend higher through 2018 on the back of rising earnings and still easy monetary conditions.</p>
<p>• Australian shares are likely to do okay but underperform global shares with returns around 8% with moderate earnings growth. Expect the ASX 200 to reach 6300.</p>
<p>• Commodity prices are likely to push up with global growth. • Low yields and capital losses from a gradual rise in bond yields are likely to see low returns from bonds.</p>
<p>• Unlisted commercial property &amp; infrastructure are still likely to benefit from the search for yield, but it is waning and listed variants are vulnerable to rising bond yields.</p>
<p>• National capital city residential property price gains are expected to slow to around zero as the air comes out of the Sydney and Melbourne property boom and prices fall by around 5%, but Perth and Darwin bottom out, Adelaide and Brisbane see moderate gains and Hobart booms.</p>
<p>• Cash &amp; bank deposit returns to remain poor at around 2%.</p>
<p>• After a short-term further bounce higher, the $A is likely to fall against the $US as the gap between the Fed Funds rate and the RBA’s cash rate goes negative. Solid commodity prices will provide a floor for the $A, though.</p>
<p>Seven things to watch </p>
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<p>• President Trump – the risks around the Mueller inquiry and renewed political pressure from the mid-term elections risks more populist policies (with trade conflict with China and Mexico and a possible escalation with North Korea and Iran high on the list) after the business-friendly policies of 2017.</p>
<p>• How quickly US inflation turns up – a rapid upswing would see a far more aggressive Fed, a strong rise in the $US and bond yields, and pressure on emerging market shares.</p>
<p>• Bond yields – a rapid rise in bond yields would be bad for shares and assets that benefitted from the search for yield.</p>
<p>• The March Italian election – the Five Star Movement is likely to do well, which may create investor angst, but they are unlikely to be able to form government and are less anti- Euro. Moreover, support for the Euro remains high in the rest of Europe so Italy is unlikely to trigger a domino effect.</p>
<p>• Whether China, post the Party Congress, embarks on a more reform focussed agenda, slowing short-term growth.</p>
<p>• The Sydney and Melbourne property markets in Australia – too fast a slowdown could threaten broader growth.</p>
<p>• Global business conditions indicators (PMIs). </p>
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<p>Four reasons why global growth is likely be strong </p>
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<p>The post-GFC hangover has faded with high levels of confidence helping drive stronger investment and consumer spending. Self-sustaining growth has returned.</p>
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<p>Global monetary conditions are still easy. While some fret about a flattening US yield curve, this is unlikely to signal a growth downturn because it’s been driven by rising short rates rather than falling long rates, high demand for long bonds as a portfolio diversifier and continuing QE in Europe and Japan holding down global and hence US bond yields.</p>
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<p>Fiscal austerity has faded, with the US seeing stimulus.</p>
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<p>We have not seen the excesses – massive debt growth, overinvestment, capacity constraints or excessive inflation – that normally precede recessions. </p>
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<p>Three reasons why a grizzly bear market is unlikely</p>
<p>Shares are overdue a decent correction and even a brief (or gummy) bear market (where shares fall 20% but are back up a year after) is possible. But a deep (or grizzly) bear (where shares fall 20% and a year after are even lower) is unlikely: </p>
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<p>A recession is unlikely with growth more likely to accelerate. Most grizzly bear markets are associated with recession.</p>
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<p>Short-term sentiment measures are bullish but longer-term sentiment and positioning suggests investors are far from euphoric. (Some of the euphoria may have even been siphoned off to schemes like Bitcoin!)</p>
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<p>The liquidity backdrop for shares is still positive, with low rates still providing an inducement to allocate to shares. </p>
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<p>Three reasons why risks around Trump may rise a bit</p>
<p>For 2017, we expected Trump the business-friendly pragmatist to dominate, but there are several reasons why we may see a bit more of Trump the populist in 2018:</p>
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<p>Much of his business-friendly policy agenda has been implemented notably tax reform and deregulation. So the good news from these sources is largely behind us.</p>
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<p>The Mueller inquiry is getting closer to Trump. We don’t see the Republicans impeaching Trump unless there is clear evidence of wrongdoing. Even if he is replaced by Vice- President Pence, policy wouldn’t change much – but markets may worry about it and this may be intensified if Trump lashes out and creates populist distractions.</p>
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<p>The mid-term Congressional elections in November (with polling pointing to the GOP possibly losing control of the House) will see a renewed focus on issues around trade (as evident in just imposed US tariffs on solar panels &amp; washing machines) and inequality as Trump tries to boost his base.</p>
<p>But the 2016 fears around Trump are still unlikely to be realised – he has a focus on growth and jobs and won’t want to threaten this. A full ontrade war with Mexico or China is unlikely as a surge in consumer prices won’t go down well with his base. </p>
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<p>Three reasons why the trend in bond yields is likely up</p>
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<p>Deflation risks have retreated and are being replaced by inflation risks as global spare capacity is being gradually used up (led by the US) and commodity prices trend higher.</p>
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<p>Long bond yields remain well below levels consistent with nominal growth of around 3-3.5% in developed countries.</p>
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<p>Bonds are over-loved with a huge post-GFC inflow. </p>
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<p>Three reasons why Chinese growth won’t slow much </p>
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<p>The Chinese Government’s tolerance for a sharp slowing in growth is low given the risk of social instability it may bring.</p>
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<p>Monetary &amp; fiscal policy has not been tightened significantly.</p>
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<p>In the absence of much lower savings (the main driver of debt growth), rapid deleveraging would be dangerous. </p>
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<p>Five reasons Australia won't have a recession (again) </p>
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<p>A downturn in the housing cycle and uncertainty around the consumer are the main risks facing Australia but against this:</p>
<p>• The drag from falling mining investment has faded.<br> • Non-mining investment and infrastructure spending are turning up.</p>
<p>• National income is no longer falling as commodity prices have stabilised or are trending higher.</p>
<p>• Stronger export volumes from resource projects like LNG and stronger global growth will provide an additional boost.</p>
<p>• Interest rates can still fall further if needed.</p>
<p>The next move in Australian interest rates will likely be up, but the RBA will wait for more confidence on growth &amp; that inflation has bottomed before starting to gradually hike later this year. </p>
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<p>Five reasons to expect more share market volatility </p>
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<p>• As US inflation rises it will likely result in a more aggressive Fed than the market is allowing for.</p>
<p>• Geopolitics may be a bit more negative than it was in 2017 if Trump becomes more populist.</p>
<p>• Volatility indexes like VIX are around record lows and net speculative short positions on VIX (bets volatility will fall further) are near record highs, warning of some reversal.</p>
<p>• Low volatility years like 2017 often lead more volatile years. • The US share market is expensive on some measures. </p>
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<p>Three reasons Bitcoin is a bad “investment” </p>
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<p>• It’s impossible to value, generating no income flow – making it highly speculative (as evidenced in extreme volatility) and subject to a crowd-driven mania (as we saw in 2017).</p>
<p>• New supply potential is huge – eg, from other crypto currencies and futures trading which is allowing easy shorting and syphoning away demand.</p>
<p>• Governments are likely to ramp up regulation of it, are unlikely to give up their monopoly of legal tender (and the “seigniorage” they earn from it) and will likely develop their own crypto currencies using block chain. </p>
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<p>Nine things investors should remember </p>
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<p>The power of compound returns – saving regularly in growth assets can grow wealth substantially over long periods. Using the “rule of 72”, it will take 29 years to double an asset’s value if it returns 2.5% pa (ie 72/2.5) but only 9 years if the asset returns 8% pa.</p>
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<p>The cycle lives on – markets cycle up and down and we need to allow for it and not get thrown off by rough patches.</p>
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<p>Diversify – don’t put all your eggs in one basket.</p>
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<p>Turn down the noise – increasing social media and the competition for your eyes and ears is creating much noise around investing that is really just a distraction.</p>
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<p>Starting point valuations matter – for example still low bond yields will mean low medium term bond returns.</p>
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<p>Remember that while shares can be volatile, the income stream from a diversified portfolio of shares is more stable over time and higher than the income from bank deposits.</p>
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<p>Avoid the crowd – at extremes it’s invariably wrong.</p>
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<p>Focus on investments with sustainable, decent cash flows – not financial engineering and schemes like Bitcoin.</p>
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<p>Accept that it’s a low nominal return world – when inflation is 2%, a 10% superannuation return is pretty good (and probably not sustainable at that rate). </p>
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Shane Oliver's Insights - 2018 - a list of lists regarding the macro investment outlook

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<p>Just weeks in and the Melbourne property market is off to a flying start.</p>
<p>There are $45 million plus hopes for Evans Court Estate, the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-toorak-127427686" target="_blank">4,970 sqm Toorak compound</a> belonging to the Roche family.</p>
<p>It will easily exceed the single dwelling state record of $40 million set quietly last year when Mowbray sold on St George's Road, Toorak.</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/2018/1/29/evans2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>But the offering would need competitive interest to exceed the Australian compound record when a Mosman Park compound fetched $57.5 million on the Swan River in Perth in a 2009 sale by estate agent Willie Porteous.</p>
<p>The six home Toorak compound with Evans Court and Glyndebourne Street frontages last sold without the fanfare in 2015 through Williams Batters.</p>
<p>This time Goldeneye Media have launched an international campaign including drone footage.</p>
<p>Abercromby's agent Jock Langley and CBRE's Mark Wizel have the listing.</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/2018/1/29/evans3.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>The main residence, Windarring, dates back to 1918 when designed for James Russell Butchar by architects Oakden &amp; Ballantyne in what was described as the Craftsman style.</p>
<p>The Derham family, who owned it for decades, undertook renovations which featured in an 1928 The Australian Home Beautiful edition.</p>
<p>The estate was later expanded by the former BP chief executive James Stafford-Fox and wife Moyna, who added its townhouses.</p>
<p>This article was first published in the Weekend Australian property section.</p>
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Toorak's Evans Court Estate listed with record-breaking hopes

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<p>A new report from US property giant Zillow reveals that Australia’s property obsession extends all the way to the USA.</p>
<p>Zillow calculates more than one million Australians are looking at American real estate on Zillow annually.</p>
<p>Beverly Hills (above) is among the most searched cities, with Los Angeles the most searched region.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Eight of the top 10 most popular U.S. cities for Australian home searches are in the state of California. </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/2018/1/25/zillow%201.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Zillow noted the United States has its own housing affordability challenges, but at a much low median home price of around A$265,696 ($203,400USD)</p>
<p dir="ltr">"Home prices are on the rise in almost every major metro area, and in many markets, buyers are facing stiff competition and bidding wars," the Zillow report advised.</p>
<p dir="ltr">California’s economy is about twice the size of Australia’s, so buying a home in a hot California market can come with a significant price tag.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The median price point for Australian home searches on Zillow is A$704,070 AUD ($539,000USD) with the chances of finding a home within that price range in desirable California cities ranked as slim, especially since, according to Zillow’s data, Australians are primarily interested in standalone U.S. homes.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Up-and-coming metros like Las Vegas, Seattle and Portland, Oregon are gaining attention from Australians. In the Las Vegas metro, the median home costs A$309,320 ($236,800 USD) and is expected to rise another 5.8 per cent in value over the next year.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Los Angeles metro has a median home price of A$804,389 ($615,800 USD) and is expected to gain just 1.1 per cent in value next year.</p>
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<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/1/25/zillow%202.png" alt=""></p>
<p>There are currently almost 100,000 Australians living the U.S., according to The U.S. Census Bureau. The 2016 Australian Census saw net overseas migration (NOM) departures reach 312,200 people from 31 December 2015 - 31 December 2016, an increase of 3.7 per cent year-on-year.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Launched in 2006 and headquartered in Seattle, Zillow is owned and operated by Zillow Group with shares trading on the NASDAQ.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Shares of Zillow Group are currently trading at around US$44. T<span>he market cap is US$5.47 billion.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><span>Caledonia</span><span> Investments, the Australian investment firm run by Will Vicars owns around 22% in US online real estate market leader. Will Vicars was <span>instrumental in James </span><span>Packer's </span><span>original $300 million investment in the US stock in 2013, with the equity now held by his sister, Gretel </span><span>Packer.</span></span><span><br></span></span></p>
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Australians seeking out the US dream via Zillow with more than one million views a year

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<p>Caydon's $1 billion redevelopment of Melbourne’s landmark 1960s Nylex clock site is a step closer after the developer secured Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal approval for its second stage.</p>
<p>It includes a revised plan for a 15-storey apartment building to be erected at the Gough Street Cremorne mini-suburb site.</p>
<p>A 14-storey building will also be built, with the total redevelopment to consist of three significant buildings.</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/2018/1/25/nylex0.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Nine of the site’s original 16 silos will be retained as part of the redevelopment, including adaptation for use as a hotel, art gallery, wellness centre and a visitor centre.</p>
<p>The iconic Nylex clock will tell the time once again after it is restored and reinstated over the new development with what has been dubbed the Malt District.</p>
<p>Caydon's Joe Russo has welcomed the decision.</p>
<p>The VCAT decision referred to the proposal as a “seductive, sophisticated and subtle design."</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/2018/1/25/nylex3.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>It was 2014 when the set was purchased by Caydon for $38 million.</p>
<p><span>Caydon owned next door, once occupied by Beaver Plastics, taking their holding to around 1.6 hectares.</span></p>
<p>The site has been part of Melbourne’s brewing history since the late 1800s.</p>
<p><span>The 11,340 square metre site had previously attracted interest from developers when restoration projects were proposed in 2002 and 2004. </span></p>
<p><span>The Nylex Clock featured in Paul Kelly’s late 1980s song 'Leaps and Bounds', with the band filmed performing on top of the tower.</span></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/2018/1/25/nylex.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>This week the City of Yarra Mayor Daniel Nguyen said it was disappointing that Council’s concerns about the scale of the Nylex site development were not reflected in VCAT’s final decision.</p>
<p><span>Stage one is progressing with prices in </span>the <a href="http://maltdistrict.caydon.com.au/coppins-corner/" target="_blank">Coppins Corner</a> building starting from $496,000 for its one bedroom apartments; two bedroom apartments from $660,000, three bedroom apartments from $1,242,000 and SOHO apartments from $1,570,500.</p>
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Nylex site finally gets chance to proceed in leaps and bounds

<html><body>
<p><span>A Maylands, Adelaide property has been listed with $1.45 million to $1.55 million price expectations.</span></p>
<p>The<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-maylands-127345778" target="_blank"> low-maintenance family home</a> was built in 1998 by Alan Shepherd Constructions.</p>
<p>Divided into two wings with three bedrooms and two bathrooms to one side of the entry foyer and living areas on the other, the single-level property at 5a Augusta Street has been recently refurbished.</p>
<p>It comes with 10kw of solar power and battery back-up.</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/2018/1/25/adelaide%20trophy.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>"<span>A staggering 10kw of solar power has been added, along with battery back-up for guaranteed power," advised the marketing.</span></p>
<p>There’s a stone kitchen with Ilve appliances and both formal and informal dining areas.</p>
<p><span>The large living room is complete with an oversized ceiling fan in the concave ceiling.</span></p>
<p>Cynthia Sajkunovic of Ouwens Casserly is seeking offers by February 8.</p>
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Battery backup at solar powered Maylands, Adelaide home offering

<html><body>
<p><span>China's Wanda</span><span> Group headed by the tycoon Wang Jianlin has </span><span>sold its One Circular Quay development, along with</span> its Gold Coast Jewel development.</p>
<p><span> Wanda Australia's managing director, John Wei, negotiated the sale of the </span><span>Circular Quay</span><span> site (above).</span></p>
<p><span><span>Wanda</span><span> started demolishing the Gold Fields tower at No.1 Alfred Street for a mixed-use scheme incorporating a five-star </span><span>Wanda</span><span> Vista Hotel, 190 exclusive private residences, and boutique retail premises last November having paid $425 million three years earlier.</span></span></p>
<p><span>It had been seeking prestige apartment buyers at One Circular Quay since last October, but the display suite has been closed to most inquiry over the Christmas break.</span></p>
<p>The Jewel (below) sales had been slow since 2015 at the project which Ridong has also sold out of this week.</p>
<p>Dalian Wanda Group announced the sale of their two Australian property projects as the Chinese firm looks to lessen financial strains caused by a major acquisition spree. </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/2018/1/25/GC%20WANDA.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>China’s regulators last year told banks to stop providing funding for several of the conglomerate’s overseas acquisitions, sources have said, prompting a string of asset sales by Wanda, whose businesses range from real estate to football and cinemas, including Hoyts. </p>
<p>The two high-end residential and hotel projects under development have been sold at around cost. </p>
<p>No buyer has been revealed, although The Australian newspaper reported last week that property developer Yuhu, which is backed by Chinese investors, had entered into exclusive talks with Wanda to buy the assets in a deal at around A$1 billion. <span>Yuhu</span><span> has consistently denied its involvement in any purchase.</span></p>
<p>Shares in Wanda Hotel Development Co Ltd, which owns the projects, are in a trading halt.</p>
<p>The sale of the Australian projects comes after Wanda’s announcement last week that it had agreed to sell its interests in the high-profile London luxury development project, One Nine Elms, for 59 million pounds ($81 million).</p>
<p>The Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group advised last weekend its revenue dropped for a second consecutive year, by 10.8 percent in 2017.</p>
<p>It reported 227.4 billion yuan in revenue, while net profit remained flat compared with 2016, according to a statement posted on the company’s website. It did not reveal the profit figure. </p>
<p>In middle of 2017, Wanda came under the scrutiny of China's banking regulator for posing "systemic risks" to domestic lenders with its overseas deals.</p>
<p>The Chinese authorities viewed some of its acquisitions as "irrational" and a method for moving capital out of the country.</p>
<div>
<div class="object- fb">
<div class="object-">
<div class="image-side">
<p class="img-caption">Wang Jianlin, chairman of Dalian Wanda Group claimed that only 7% of Wanda's assets were located overseas.</p>
<p class="img-caption">"Wanda Group will never have any default globally," Wang, a former soldier, said.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
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Gold Coast Jewel and Sydney's One Circular Quay development sold by Wanda

<html><body>
<p><span>Olivia Wokes - who bills herself as a <span>results-focused consumer marketing professional - </span>has quit the McGrath estate agency.</span></p>
<p><span>She was the head of marketing for the veteran agent John McGrath for the past year and seven months.</span></p>
<p><span>Her departure to Deloitte, the global management consultancy, was announced today by John McGrath's older brother, Matt McGrath, who has been Deloitte's c</span>hief marketing officer since last May.</p>
<p><span>Wokes joined the McGrath agency in July 2016 from Channel 10 where she worked with Matt McGrath, who was also a marketing </span>adviser for his brother's business for 27 years until late 2016.</p>
<p><span>Her appointment to McGrath came a month prior to McGrath's current chief executive Cameron Judson, who is soon to depart.</span></p>
<p><span>Judson came </span>onboard at McGrath in August 2016 to replace the seven year <span>chief operating officer </span><span>Geoff Lucas</span><span> who was off to become the chief operating office at the artisan bread maker and café group </span><span>Sonoma, which he lead for one year and one month.</span></p>
<p><span><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/2018/1/24/Olivia.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Wokes, with experience in television, print and digital brands, bills herself has having an intrinsic understanding of advertising strategy and consumer marketing.</p>
<p>Her two year time at the Network Ten saw Wokes "spearhead" a strategy that resulted in market share growth for the television company which is freshly out of its days in administration.</p>
<p>For the prior two years, Wokes had been the marketing manager at the now axed <span>FAMOUS, the weekly magazine published by Pacific Magazines.</span></p>
<p> </p>
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John McGrath's senior marketing executive hired by McGrath's brother 

<html><body>
<p data-reactid="56">The car racing property developer, Ash Samadi allegedly owes 19 tradies and businesses more than $900,000 from work on his Surry Hills residential/hotel project, Botanik.</p>

<p data-reactid="56">Samadi, who races a $680,000 Audi, <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/2018/01/23/18/32/high-flying-developer-owes-nearly-one-million-dollars-tradies-claim" target="_blank">was exposed on last night's A Current Affair</a>, who spotted him coming out of Bunnings Clovelly wheeling a wheel barrow needed for one of his latest projects.</p>

<p data-reactid="56">Builders, carpenters, electricians, and pavers are among those who say Samadi owes them collectively a $911,200 at Surry Hills.</p>

<p data-reactid="56">[smartcode_project:default project_id=89193]</p>

<p data-reactid="56">The liquidator's report advises that the company advised there were cost overruns on the project, "with a former director making unauthorised approval of a number of contract variations who had ignored the protocol of pre-seeking the consent to cover overruns from the Samadi Immobilier Trust."</p>

<p data-reactid="56">Ash Samadi was described by the liquidator as a "shadow or de facto director."</p>

<p data-reactid="56"><img alt="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/1/24/sam0.jpg"></p>

<p data-reactid="91">Confronted by <em>A Current Affair</em>, Samadi said the alleged complaints would have to be settled in court.</p>

<p data-reactid="91">Rather than head off in his Mecedes Jeep, he alighted a bus towards the Junction, albeit without an Opal card.</p>

<p data-reactid="91">One business did take on the Samadi Trust in court and won a judgement for $29,000, however, the Immobillier company where Samadi was a former director has been placed into liquidation and the money owed never paid.  </p>

<p data-reactid="91"><img alt="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/1/24/wheel.jpg"></p>

<p data-reactid="91">The Samadi Group have four projects in Surry Hills, three next door to each other on Elizabeth Street, and the other nearby on Foveaux Street.</p>

<p data-reactid="91">Samadi lives in a $16.5 million home in Sydney's Point Piper, which was briefly listed for sale last year. It was passed in at $16.5 million. It was bought in his mother's name.</p>

<p data-reactid="91">The Samadi Immobilier company has made loans to Samadi, with a loan from his mother totalling just over $5.55 million. </p>

<p data-reactid="91">There is accordingly $5.95 million owing to creditors arising from the liquidation of the Samadi group.</p>

<p data-reactid="91"><img alt="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/1/24/bus%20samadi.jpg"></p>

<p data-reactid="91">The liquidator noted the complex arrangements, suggesting that as far as he was aware, there is no formal contract between the company and the owners of the Surry Hill development properties.</p>

<p data-reactid="91">"Despite this the company may have a 'quantum meruit' claim against those entities. Quantum meruit is an action for payment of the reasonable value of services performed where there is no formal contract," liquidator Gavin Morton at Morton's Solvency Accountants told creditors.</p>

<p>Established in 1988, the Samadi group was formed as a small family business. </p>

<p>Designed by Brenchley Architects and Quattro Interiors, the Botanik building was listed last year for sale through Miron Solomons, Gus Moors and Matt Pontey of Colliers International with a price guide of over $25 million.</p>

<p>Last year the SMH reported <span>Apartment Hotels had signed a 10-year lease in the new development at 533-535 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills.</span></p>

<p><img alt="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/1/24/sam2.jpg"></p>

<p>It comprised 22 high-end apartments comprising a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and two ground-floor retail tenancies and a rooftop terrace area with 15-metre pool and other facilities.</p>

<p>The operators have also committed to spending a further $1.7 million on furniture and fit out in the newly developed building, the newspaper reported.</p>

<p>It is next to the apartment block where the Samadi Trust cancelled its off the plan sales to prior buyers. </p>

<p>Some of the apartments are currently <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-surry+hills-126103530" target="_blank">for sale through BresicWhitney.</a></p>

<p> </p>
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ACA exposes Ash Samadi allegedly owing nearly $1 million on Surry Hills project

<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>


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