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A historic four bedroom homestead in Bungendore, New South Wales, has been listed for sale for the first time nearly 15 years.
The property known as Mingarry sits on a 16 hectare land parcel at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bungendore-125279830" target="_blank">307 Tarago Road</a>, with the original cottage dating back to 1880. It currently operates as a fully functional beef cattle stud.
Bungendore is a picturesque village with a mix of farmers and residents. It is located in the Queanbeyan countryside, just over half an hour from Canberra and around three hours from Sydney. Median price for properties in the area is $600,000. 
The home was purchased by its current owners in 2003, who have since conducted extensive renovations and restorations within its colonial style, including a new wing and updates to the kitchen, bedrooms and two bathrooms.
It comes with an open plan kitchen, dining and formal lounge area, entry hall, master bedroom with ensuite, fitted laundry, mud room and a walk in pantry with wine storage.
The gardens frame an entertaining terrace which has been positioned to view Lake George.
Farm infrastructure such as electric fencing, two fenced dams, a licenced bore, paddocks, cattle yards, concrete water tank for domestic use, two smaller water tanks, cattle grids, and a 2-bay farm shed have all been included.
Ray White Bungendore agents Ellie Merriman and Doug Merriman are currently accepting expressions of interest.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Historic homestead Mingarry listed in Bungendore

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The franchises fee paid to Topshop UK by the local retail outlet, set up by a license agreement, may have triggered the downfall of the UK brand in Australia.
In the latest Money News segment on radio station 2GB, money commentator Ross Greenwood said the local licensee, Hilton Rescan, pays a fee to Topshop UK and buys goods from it which adds cost to consumers and the local operator.
"By contrast, Uniqlo and H&amp;M are owned by their global parents – there is no middleman  – costs are lower, and if they choose cheaper prices can be passed on," he said.
"But many Australian retailers are struggling to survive because they’re not set up that way."
Sean Sands, associate professor of ‎ACRS Research Unit, said the local outlets run their own infrastructure and own cost locally while picking from the Topshop UK product range.
Ferrier Hodgson were appointed voluntary administrators of Topshop/Topman.
The retailer has 760 employees and annual sales of approximately $90 million.
Administrator James Stewart told the Daily Telegraph the company would continue to trade as normal while he works closely with Topshop/Topman’s UK owners Arcadia Group to figure out next steps.
Topshop and Topman are brands of British retailer Arcadia Group. Topshop/Topman is a separately owned and operated Australian franchise. 
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Topshop franchise fees may have triggered local downfall 

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Demand for new land in and around Melbourne continues to grow at record levels with new blocks now selling in less than 50 days, down from nearly 200 days at the end of 2013, according to research by property group Oliver Hume.
The average price for a square metre of new land in Melbourne in the first quarter of this year (three months to March) was nearly $640 up from $575 in the last three months of 2016.
The research shows the average time on market for land in Melbourne in the first quarter of 2016 was just 1.6 months, the lowest ever recorded.
Oliver Hume director Paul Ciprian said land was attracting value hunters from Sydney.
“Over the last couple of years we have seen an ever-increasing number of people priced out of the Sydney market looking to set up their life in Melbourne,” he said.
“If your job and family is transferrable, the decision is pretty simple.”
The median price of land in metropolitan Melbourne reached $262,000 in the first quarter, up 9.6% (or $23,000) from $239,000 in the last quarter of 2016. 
Over the same period the median lot size declined from 416sqm to 410sqm, according to research compiled from analysing thousands of transactions, the stock of lots available and examining trends in projects throughout Victoria.
With the exception of the first quarter of 2015, the average time on market has now fallen or remained steady in every quarter since the third quarter of 2013, after peaking in the current cycle at 6.6 at the end of 2012.
The statistic measures the period from when a piece of land is released for sale by a developer until it is contracted by a purchaser.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/25/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-25%20at%2010.23.38%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/05/25/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-25%20at%2010.23.38%20am.jpg" alt="">
Oliver Hume Research Manager George Bougias said the total number of sales across January, February and March were all significantly up on the same period last year.
“Continuing supply, robust competition and relative affordability compared to many other property markets in Australia means Melbourne residential land is still one of the strongest performing asset classes in Australia at the moment,” Mr Bougias said.
“We expect the market to continue to build momentum throughout 2017 if not well into 2018.
“With buyers having similar access to low interest rates, an improving economic and jobs outlook in Victoria and Melbourne’s relative affordability is ensuring the city keeps coming up the winner,” he said.
For more information visit <a href="https://www.oliverhume.com.au">www.oliverhume.com.au</a>
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Sydney value hunters head to Melbourne for land as time on market drops below 50 days

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The final auction weekend for Autumn sees strong listings in both Sydney and Melbourne.
Domain's Andrew Wilson said nearly 850 homes are scheduled to go under the hammer this Saturday in Sydney which will be close to the May Saturday record.
"Sydney weekend auctions have averaged over 700 this month which is clearly a new record for May," he said.
"The inner west will host the highest number of auctions of the Sydney regions this weekend with 117 followed by the south (92), the upper north shore (87), the lower north (84), the northern beaches (74), the west (67), the south west (61), the north west (60), Canterbury Bankstown (40), and the central coast with 19 auctions listed for Saturday.
"Mosman is the most popular suburb in Sydney this weekend with 12 followed by Maroubra, Drummoyne and Blacktown each with 10, Surry Hills and Newtown each with 9 and Ryde, Paddington and Balgowlah which will each host 8 auctions on Saturday.
"Over 1100 homes are set to go under the hammer in Melbourne this Saturday, which will be similar to the 1120 conducted last weekend but higher than the 1067 listed over the same weekend last year.
"This weekend’s auction numbers will again be close to the record May Saturday set on May 31 2014 and indicates continuing strong seller confidence on the local market.
"Melbourne’s west is again the most popular suburban region for auctions this weekend with 176 followed also again by the inner south (163), the north east (158), the inner east (146), the inner city (136), the outer east (116), the north (108) and the south east with 89 auctions.
"Brighton is the most popular suburb for auctions in Melbourne this Saturday with 18 followed by Hoppers Crossing with 17, Reservoir and Kew each with 16, Hawthorn and Epping each with 15 and Pascoe Vale with 14 auctions listed this weekend."
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Bumper weekend auctions for Sydney, Melbourne: Andrew Wilson

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The owner of the National Basketball League and Melbourne property developer, Larry Kestelman, is the second highest debutant to make it on the Financial Review Rich List.

He is ranked 85 on the list behind the highest ranking debutant, Perth businessman Tim Roberts who is the son of Multiplex founder John Roberts who is ranked 62.

Roberts has an estimated $986 million net worth with Kestelman's worth put at $749 million net worth.

Roberts has a diverse number of investments including funds management and he is part of businesses such as AVWest and Warburton Group.

Kestelman owns various sporting groups, however his main wealth comes from property via his LK Property Groups which he is chief executive.

He also owns 75% ownership of Philippine outsourcing and call-centre company, Acquire BPO.

LK is currently building the Capitol Grand project in Melbourne, which will consist of 500 plus apartments over 50 storeys.

Last year Property Observer reported on the commencement of demolition for the Capitol Grand project in <a href="/news/capitol-grand-south-yarra-set-to-commence-demolition-after-120-luxury-apartment-sales">South Yarra</a>.

In 2013 he sold his company Dodo for $230 million.

Property tycoons dominated this year's Financial Review rich list.

<h2>VIC properties selling now:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24323]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728]
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Melbourne property developer Larry Kestelman the second highest debutant on Rich List

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Halcyon, has officially launched its flagship $300 million Halcyon Greens masterplanned community at Pimpama on the Gold Coast.
The over 50s gated golf and residential community, has frontage to an existing 18-hole golf course.
Halcyon Greens is the seventh and largest venture for Gold Coast-based Halcyon.
The development will feature five residential precincts surrounded by natural wetlands, conservation zones, parklands, wildlife and Gainsborough Greens Golf Course.
Halcyon Greens will have 500 luxury homes and is designed by Sanctuary Cove architect Brian Toyota, of ML Design.
Mr Toyota said while Sanctuary Cove introduced the masterplanned community to Australia, Halcyon Greens saw the evolution of the concept for the discerning baby boomer market.
“A lot has changed since the mid 1980s and the notion of the masterplanned lifestyle community has become accepted practice in large developments,” he said.
“Over 50s residential communities, with central clubhouses are one example of a new development model suited to today’s demographics; developments that are designed to offer ‘lifestyle.”
<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/2017/05/18/GG%20interior2.jpg" alt="">
Halcyon joint managing director Bevan Geissmann said Halcyon Greens’ unique offering and central location in a high-growth region had met strong market acceptance with 75 percent of homes sold, worth a total of $28 million in the first and second release.
“We are thrilled with the enthusiastic response to the first stage of Halcyon Greens which is unlike any over 50s lifestyle community in Australia,” he said.
“Halcyon Greens will deliver a country club lifestyle in a safe, idyllic and sophisticated setting which appeals to the discerning baby boomer market.”
The project is ideal for downshifting retirees seeking to free up equity and embrace a more leisurely lifestyle by selling their suburban family homes, as described by leading demographer Bernard Salt in his report ‘Re-imagining the Great Australian Lifestyle’.
Homes now for sale at Halcyon Greens are priced from $424,000 to $750,000.
For more details, go to <a href="https://www.lifebeginsathalcyon.com.au" target="_blank">lifebeginsathalcyon.com.au.</a>
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Halcyon Greens launches at Pimpama

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The designer behind Queensland's Sanctuary Cove residential development heads the team developing the $300 million over 55s Halcyon Greens community on the Gold Coast.
Brian Toyota of ML Design, said a lot had changed since the mid-1980s but creating a lifestyle remained at the core of the masterplanned community concept.
“Over 50s residential communities, with central clubhouses are one example of a new development model suited to today’s demographics; developments that are designed to offer ‘lifestyle’,” he said.
"The ML Design team realised the significance of the Halcyon Greens project when they saw the size of the site and the potential scale of development.
“This was not only a pristine setting surrounded by golf course and nature reserves, it was a much larger property:  more than twice the size of previous Halcyon developments.
“In property development, larger does not necessarily mean better.
“The challenge was to create a plan that took advantage of the positive aspects of a large site by providing more amenities for home owners, while retaining the ‘Halcyon family’ feel for the development.
“We wanted every householder at Halcyon Greens to appreciate the proximity to those things that made the site special: the golf course and nature reserve that defines the perimeter of the site.
<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/2017/05/18/Bevan%20Geissmann%20Donna%20Gates%20%20Paul%20Melville2.jpg" alt="">
"Rather than construct one huge central clubhouse, ML Design’s solution was to develop a ‘campus’ of distinctly themed buildings set into a central parkland stretching almost the length of the site and including a new clubhouse for the Gainsborough Greens Golf Course.
“So, homes around the perimeter of the site enjoy frontage to the surrounding golf course or nature reserve and pedestrian paths and cycle ways.
“But also, in running parkland down the middle of the site, the homes fronting this internal open space enjoy the same open space frontage, so we have effectively doubled the high value frontage.
“The result is that no resident of Halcyon Greens will be located more than a couple of minutes’ walk from open space and amenities.”
“The whole process of developing the masterplan, defining the brief for the amenities, designing the clubhouse buildings and associated landscape treatment was undertaken as a team effort in a series of planning workshops.
“This ensured the ongoing input of those who were working within Halcyon’s existing properties.”
<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/2017/05/18/Bevan%20Geissmann%20%20Paul%20Melville2.jpg" alt="">
“We find it difficult to draw a line between masterplanning and architecture because in our practice, the two processes occur seamlessly together,” he said.
“The layout of the clubhouse buildings at Halcyon and the distinct architectural styling is linked to the concepts and principles developed with the masterplan and supported by the detailed landscape design.
“It is this holistic approach to design that will benefit the residents of Halcyon Greens because, as we’ve always said, ‘it’s all about the lifestyle’.”
For more details, go to <a href="https://www.lifebeginsathalcyon.com.au" target="_blank">lifebeginsathalcyon.com.au</a> and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/mldesign.com.au" target="_blank">mldesign.com.au</a>.
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Masterplanning expert shapes Halcyon Greens

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A new $120 million luxury boutique hotel to be built in Sydney CBD’s Castlereagh Street has been announced.
AccorHotels has teamed up with real estate developer Shanghai United with an official signing ceremony for the project held on Wednesday 24 May.
The $380 million mixed-use 36-storey tower on the corner block of 110-118 Bathurst and 203 Castlereagh Streets will include a 121 room hotel on levels one to nine with 131 residential apartments above on levels 10-34.
The MGallery by Sofitel hotel is designed by the award-winning Candelapas &amp; Associates architects.
Apartments will interweave the existing 1870s heritage-listed Porter House Hotel adjacent to the tower.
It will feature four levels of additional facilities, including lobby, pool and fitness centre, two restaurants, a fourth floor bar with roving art gallery, meeting and private dining facilities and a business centre.
<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/2017/05/25/The%20Porter%20House%20MGallery%20By%20Sofitel%20render%20guestroom%20-%20low%20res.jpg" alt="">
 “We are thrilled to develop a new strategic partnership with Shanghai United on this landmark development for Sydney’s CBD,” said AccorHotels’ chief operating officer for the Pacific region, Simon McGrath.
“The Sydney hotel sector is the strongest in Australia with consistent occupancy levels in the mid-high 80% range and average rates growing sharply.
“This new MGallery by Sofitel hotel will stand to greatly benefit from the tourism and infrastructure boom we are currently seeing with projects such as the International Convention Centre and light rail development.
“A new boutique hotel such as this will provide both business and leisure travellers with a new luxury boutique experience in Sydney, whether they visit for conferences, events, cultural or sporting events.”
Xu Yangdong, Shanghai United’s CEO, said it marks a new area of luxury hotel and apartments in the Sydney CBD area.
“WithsService contents delivered by the MGallery by Sofitel, Shanghai United will provide residents and guests an extraordinary array of amenities to enjoy,” said Xu.
Construction on The Porter House Hotel, MGallery by Sofitel will commence in early 2018 with completion expected in December 2020.
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New luxury hotel set for Sydney CBD

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A beachfront five bedroom house at Casuarina, NSW has been listed for $2.1 million.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-casuarina-125207014" target="_blank">4 Eclipse Lane</a>, it is known as ‘Four Eclipse Lane’ by the residents and was designed by architect Adam Pope.
It is owned by Brisbane lawyer Peter MacGregor and his wife Leonie.
Over two levels, the floor plan has been designed into three areas to accommodate both residents and guests.
A self contained, two bedroom unit with exterior entrance and private outdoor covered deck is also available.
<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/2017/05/23/4%20Eclipse%20Lane-2.jpg" alt="">
There is an additional two secondary bedrooms as well as a large bathroom and living area downstairs.
An indoor kitchen leads to the outdoor kitchen and BBQ area with a wraparound deck.
Osteria Café and the Casaruina Rec Club are within close proximity, as are restaurants, shops and cafes.
The property is offered through LS Properties agents Lorna Savage and Brent Savage.
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Beachfront Casuarina house listed for $2.1 million

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A mid-century classic Pascoe Vale South house has been sold for $939,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-pascoe+vale+south-125251546">33 Ward Grove</a>, it was designed by architect Neil Clerehan.
The buyers had been looking for a long time and will move in as owner-occupiers.
Maintained in mint conditions it has been owned by the original owners for sixty years atop Coonans Hill.
The three-bedroom brick home was part of the Small Homes Service scheme in the 1950s, which was headed by Robin Boyd.
Boyd drew up the first designs, then architectural colleagues submitted others. Neil Clerehan, who took over from Boyd as director of the service in the 1950s, once said it was a successful idea for its time.
The cheap way for Melburnians to build a distinctive new house was launched in Melbourne in 1947, with backing from the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects and The Age.
Built in the early 1950s, the Pascoe Vale house had been well-maintained by its single owner and still features an original tiled open fireplace, retro kitchen cabinetry, hardwood floors and striking wallpaper.
Featuring a lounge and formal dining space with original, fully tiled open fireplace.
Kitchen features a side-by-side electric stove, breakfast nook and servery window.
Three double bedrooms have their own built-in robes.
<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/2017/05/25/33%20Ward%20Grove-2.jpg" alt="">
There is the potential to further extend the property (STCA).
Close proximity to Shore Reserve, shops, cafes, amenities and public transport.
The property was offered through Brad Teal agents Greg Kofoed and Ursula Saba.
For five quid biers could chose from a range of architect's plans, complete with working drawings and specifications, then they found a builder to build it under the Small Homes Service.
The same house plans, 25 in the Melbourne suburbs and 25 in the country, were offered to other buyers. 
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Neil Clerehan 1950s Pascoe Vale designed home sold

Apartment buyers in New South Wales are set to gain a decade of insurance-backed protection against major building defects, after the NSW Parliament passed the Fair Trading and Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2026.&nbsp;

The Bill establishes decennial defect insurance, known in the market as Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), as an alternative to the existing two-year strata building bond. It cleared the Legislative Council with amendments on Tuesday evening (August 4, 2026), with the Legislative Assembly agreeing to those amendments shortly after.

Under the reform, eligible developers can satisfy their statutory bond obligation by taking out an approved decennial-style policy that gives owners 10 years of cover for major structural defects from completion, claimable directly, without first having to pursue developers or builders through costly legal action.&nbsp;

The change forms the final tranche of amendments arising from the 2021 statutory review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and related legislation.

Resilience Insurance, which originated the cover in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022, welcomed the passage and credited the NSW Government for delivering it.

“This is protection apartment buyers have needed for a long time, and the credit for delivering it belongs to the NSW Government,”&nbsp;said Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into. Reform like this is what good, evidence-based regulation looks like.”

Resilience has delivered LDI in NSW since 2022, protecting thousands of apartments, giving the State, and now the country, real-world evidence of how decade-long, no-fault protection works in practice.

The reform also places NSW within a wider national shift.

NSW is the third jurisdiction to put decennial cover into law. The ACT legislated for it in 2024, with the scheme taking effect in late 2025, and Victoria passed its own framework on 17 June. Between them, the three cover the majority of Australia's apartment market.

The reform commences once the legislation is proclaimed, which is expected in the coming weeks. From that point, developers of Class 2 residential apartment buildings can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial policy in place of the bond.

Buyers who purchased into projects that took out the cover early are among the first in the country to take keys to apartments carrying decade-long structural protection.

“With the legislation passed, the focus now turns to making it work for buyers,”&nbsp;Nugent said.

“There are already thousands of apartments in NSW covered by this insurance, bought by developers who moved early. The question every buyer should be asking in a display suite is a simple one: does this building come with 10-year defect cover, and who stands behind it?&nbsp;

“We look forward to working with the Government and the Building Commission in coming weeks as the framework moves to implementation, and to sharing what we have learned over the past four years so the protection reaches owners as smoothly and quickly as possible.”

Other states are working through their own reform programs. Western Australia has indicated that decennial cover is within consideration a later stage of its reform sequence, and Queensland has been examining the settings as it looks at the development pipeline ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

Resilience Insurance acknowledges the NSW Government’s continued focus on strengthening consumer protection while supporting housing delivery across the State.

Fast Facts: What the reform means

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Proven at scale:&nbsp;Decennial cover has operated in NSW since 2022, protecting thousand of apartments.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">10 years of cover:&nbsp;Protection for major structural defects runs for a decade from completion, claimable directly and with no legal action required.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">An alternative to the bond:&nbsp;Eligible developers can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial-style policy in place of the 2% strata building bond.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Part of a national shift:&nbsp;The ACT has had decennial provisions in force since 2025 and Victoria passed its framework in June. NSW now joins them.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">No-fault, first resort:&nbsp;Owners corporations claim directly from the insurer without first having to establish who is liable for the defect.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost-competitive:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the 2% bond while offering broader, longer protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market position:&nbsp;Resilience originated LDI in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022.</li>
</ul>

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI):&nbsp;Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Consumer-first:&nbsp;Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost advantage:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market leader:&nbsp;&nbsp;Resilience Insurance originated LDI in Australia and is the national market leader.</li>
</ul>

Joel Robinson

NSW parliament passes 10-year defect insurance laws for new apartment buyers

Builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mcnab-developments">McNab</a> has wasted little time reshaping one of South Brisbane's most significant undeveloped apartment sites after acquiring the property earlier this year.&nbsp;

McNab has lodged plans to scrap an existing approval for two 30-storey towers and instead deliver a single 28-storey residential building, preserving part of the site for a future development opportunity.

The proposal, lodged over <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-peel-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">64 Peel Street and 9 Cordelia Street</a>, is for a residential-led mixed-use development comprising 124 apartments above a landscaped podium, alongside a boundary realignment that preserves part of the land for a future residential project.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="743bf564-3f8f-45fc-b8d3-bbf18f5b628f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20Peel%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=EhCxGrVn_VFH3qTbKnI4WppGwaMnOn0t" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a>, the development will deliver 119 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom apartments across 23 residential levels. A five-level podium will accommodate 135 car spaces, while the ground floor will include a 66 sqm commercial tenancy, an activated residential lobby with work-from-home spaces, and a publicly accessible landscaped plaza linking Cordelia and Peel streets.&nbsp;

Communal amenities will span Level 6 and the rooftop, including indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, a swimming pool, barbecue facilities, kitchen and dining areas, lawn space, sauna, steam room and yoga facilities.

The application also proposes a boundary realignment to create a standalone 1,290 sqm development lot while retaining an adjacent parcel for future redevelopment, allowing the balance of the site to contribute additional housing over time.

Hayball said the architecture has been shaped by the site's elevated corner position at the intersection of Peel and Cordelia streets and Brisbane's subtropical climate.

The design incorporates generous landscaped setbacks, a masonry podium wrapped with planting, large north-facing balconies, and a slender tower profile intended to maximise natural light, cross ventilation and long-range views. The rooftop has been conceived as a wellness-focused retreat overlooking Brisbane, with amenities positioned to capture views towards Mount Coot-tha and the CBD.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5f99e84-6ad8-4a87-82d1-869685b754d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20tower%20perspective.png?VersionId=Gw0IuJaSAlk.tvGBxInhZOcQAdIB..2b" />

The planning submission positions the proposal as a response to both changing market conditions and Brisbane's Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning reforms.

McNab acquired the site after the previous approval was granted, with the existing scheme no longer reflecting current residential market demands, economic conditions, construction challenges, construction efficiencies or the quality of development outcome now being pursued, the planning report noted.

McNab continues to expand its residential development pipeline across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The developer recently launched The Tannery in West End, securing more than 60 per cent of apartments before the project's public release. It is also delivering Elements Budds Beach in Surfers Paradise and Lucia Highgate Hill, an eight-apartment boutique development overlooking the Brisbane River.

McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower

A steeply sloping Bellevue Hill site is set to accommodate a new mid-rise apartment development, with plans lodged for 20 homes that respond to the site's dramatic topography.

The proposal for the consolidated land at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/138a-140-bellevue-road-bellevue-hill-nsw-2023">138A-140 Bellevue Road</a> has been designed by Sydney architecture practice Common Office, which has used the site’s substantial fall to distribute the building’s scale and unlock 20 apartments without presenting the full height to the street.&nbsp;

“The unique design strategy leverages the site’s substantial topographical fall to facilitate increased density, presenting a seven-storey profile to Bellevue Road while rising to 10 storeys at the rear,” Common Office said in its architectural design report.

The apartment mix spans one, two, three- and four-bedroom residences. Four two-bedroom apartments are designated as affordable housing, while the plans also include two adaptable dwellings. The mix is majority three-beds, with the typical three-bed apartment offering around 144 sqm internally, with balconies of around 15 sqm.

The affordable housing component represents 15 per cent of the residential floor area and allows the project to access additional height and floor space under the NSW Government’s in-fill affordable housing provisions. The site also falls within the inner area of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy because it is within 400 metres walking distance of Double Bay Town Centre.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1230d0f-3bfa-4a11-abaf-0928c66ef345" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da.png?VersionId=dZeMK3P.OutGjN8ycjsxm8uNsj_QFWQv" />

Common Office has arranged the building around a masonry podium and a lighter upper volume, drawing on two recurring elements of Bellevue Hill’s established architecture: sandstone bases and the vertical proportions of local Inter-war Art Deco apartment buildings.

“The proposal is governed by a holistic design language that reconciles the solid horizontal masonry of the neighbourhood’s podiums with the elegant verticality of its Art Deco heritage,” the architect said.

“The building maintains a consistent rhythmic logic utilising deep recesses and a sophisticated material transition to break down the 10-storey scale into a series of articulated, human-scale volumes.”

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0147f503-1af1-4d51-97fb-c2f1cba63a9d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20bldg.png?VersionId=GoW7q3NlK67OpnePXhk7zvklrlKb72Qc" />

Large-format sandstone tiles will define the lower levels, establishing a robust base that negotiates the change in elevation from Bellevue Road. Above, red-tinted precast concrete frames, recessed balconies, anodised aluminium screens and expanded metal details will create a more vertically expressed façade. Integrated planter beds will introduce greenery across balcony edges and recessed sections of the building.

The elongated northern façade has been divided into three recessed vertical masses to reduce its perceived length. Triangular window elements and metal privacy screens reference the geometry of nearby Art Deco buildings while controlling overlooking toward surrounding homes. The southern elevation will incorporate further privacy screening, landscaped edges and deep balconies to maintain light and ventilation.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8679cf1-18bc-4447-8a0f-0052b94ab83c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da%20rooftop.png?VersionId=5SQqQqRFf76rvE2p1TbxJSweMN70AIbc" />

Private and communal landscaping is distributed throughout the development. A landscaped garden apartment is positioned within the lower portion of the site, while a communal terrace on Level 5 will include a central timber deck, barbecue facilities, resident planting plots and areas for outdoor dining and informal gatherings.

Common Office described the terrace as an elevated sanctuary designed to capture district views and sunlight. Its planting strategy incorporates endemic species associated with the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, extending the landscape vertically through the building and providing habitat for local flora and fauna.

A second communal outdoor area is proposed at roof level, with built-in seating, paved gathering areas and perimeter planting.

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction. Positive Investment Enterprise is delivering the 16-apartment Kew Palm House on Birriga Road, while Chanine Developments is also under construction at Florian, a 36-apartment project on Banksia Road.

&nbsp;

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction.

First Look: Apartment development pitched for Bellevue Hill, Double Bay fringe

South Brisbane's apartment pipeline continues to build momentum, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK Property Group</a> lodging plans for a 161-apartment tower on Montague Road as developers accelerate investment across the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

The proposal for 176–186 Montague Road would replace an existing office building with a 20-storey residential tower designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, adding to a growing pipeline of high-density projects reshaping one of Brisbane's fastest-evolving inner-city precincts.

The project has been conceived as a "living building", featuring a flowing tower form, extensive vertical landscaping, and generous communal spaces that respond to the evolving Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

TRK Property Group Development Director Matt Kan said the project reflected the confidence developers have in South Brisbane's long-term future.

"South Brisbane is entering an incredibly exciting period, and we see Montague Road sitting right at the heart of that evolution," Kan said.

"With the former Visy site directly opposite us and significant investment planned throughout the broader Kurilpa precinct, there is a real sense of momentum around this part of the city and what it will become over the coming years.

"For TRK, this is an opportunity to be part of that next chapter and deliver a project that responds to where the precinct is heading, while contributing to the continued evolution of Brisbane's river edge."

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="590fe1ad-f892-4446-a679-80e33a16d029" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20tower%20facade.png?VersionId=uOJStrcKpyHFcPE1w6_9SMAFzVMCcZll" />

The scheme includes a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, incorporating multi-purpose rooms in selected residences to provide additional flexibility for home offices or expanded living areas. The proposed mix comprises 15 one-bedroom, 13 one-bedroom plus MPR, 73 two-bedroom, 26 two-bedroom plus MPR, 30 three-bedroom, and four four-bedroom apartments.

Rather than adopting a conventional rectilinear tower, COX Architecture has developed a sculpted form inspired by the movement of the Brisbane River.

"The proposal has been designed by COX Architecture as a 'living building' that responds to the site's riverine setting, floodplain history and evolving urban context within the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct," the planning report states.

"The architectural form draws from the fluid nature of the Brisbane River, with a curved and undulating tower form that creates a varied architectural edge and avoids a conventional rectilinear tower expression."

The podium has also been designed as an architectural feature rather than a conventional parking structure, with cascading planting, screening and natural-toned materials softening its appearance. Resident parking is elevated above ground level to address the site's flood constraints, while habitable apartments sit above flood planning levels. Upper-level communal facilities are designed to accommodate shelter-in-place arrangements during major flood events.

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01fa15d0-90df-46c7-9555-7941fc45373c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20podium.png?VersionId=mHyua.w1pHGBt9qEdWzrlsv.leztUCwO" />

Communal amenity is a major focus of the proposal. Around 1,815 sqm of shared resident space is proposed across the ground floor, level 19 and the rooftop, including co-working areas, indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, wellness facilities, dining and gathering areas, lawn spaces, a rooftop pool and spa, and extensive landscaping. At street level, a landscaped forecourt and approximately 345 sqm of publicly accessible open space along Montague Road are intended to improve the pedestrian experience while activating the building's frontage.

The development will provide 163 car spaces, including 152 resident bays and 11 visitor spaces, together with 144 bicycle spaces incorporating resident storage, visitor parking, bicycle maintenance facilities and e-mobility charging infrastructure.

The site sits within one of Brisbane's fastest-changing inner-city precincts, less than two kilometres from the CBD and within easy reach of South Bank, West End, the Queensland Cultural Centre and extensive public transport connections. The Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning framework is encouraging higher-density residential development to help meet Brisbane's housing supply targets while supporting walkable, transit-oriented neighbourhoods.

TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans

Article summary

<ul data-end="785" data-start="311">
	<li data-end="459" data-section-id="5hbcyr" data-start="311">Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at Skye Kangaroo Point, headlined by a two-storey sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm.</li>
	<li data-end="561" data-section-id="1p7lq8n" data-start="460">Early buyer interest suggests the residences could set a new Queensland apartment price record.</li>
	<li data-end="667" data-section-id="1y70z0l" data-start="562">The collection includes four move-in ready penthouses and the highly customised Skye One residence.</li>
	<li data-end="785" data-section-id="yvm0y1" data-start="668">The release caps one of Bri​sbane's most ambitious luxury apartment developments overlooking the Brisbane River.</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="790" data-start="787" />
Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye by Pikos</a> development in Kangaroo Point, with early buyer interest indicating the flagship residences could eclipse every apartment sale previously recorded in Queensland.

The collection crowns the luxury riverfront development with five residences, including four completed penthouses and Skye One, a two-level sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm that will be tailored to its eventual owner.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374075]

Wanting to offer a fully customisable home, Pikos is offering Skye One as a blank canvas, allowing the buyer to work alongside the developer's design team to customise the home's layout, finishes and internal spaces.

The residence will feature a 247 sqm private rooftop terrace with its own swimming pool, sauna, steam room, outdoor kitchen and multiple entertaining areas overlooking the Brisbane River and CBD skyline.

The remaining four penthouses have been completed and are ready for immediate occupation, each offering four bedrooms, expansive open-plan living areas, soaring ceilings and private lift access.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374059]

One of the defining features throughout the project is its use of Roman Classic Travertine, with more than 20,000 sqm of the natural stone imported from Italy after being personally selected by Pikos Group Founder and Executive Director Pedro Pikos, interior designer Julie Williamson and third-generation stone specialist Mario Caucci.

Pikos said the penthouse collection represented the culmination of the company's long-term vision for Skye.

"True legacy isn't measured by what we build today, but by what endures tomorrow," Pikos said.

"Our ambition is to create places that become more valuable with time, enrich the lives of generations, and stand as timeless landmarks long after we've stepped away."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374060]

Williamson said the interiors were inspired by the natural character of Kangaroo Point and the Brisbane River rather than international design trends.

"Materiality tells the story of a place," Williamson said.

"We looked to the movement of the Brisbane River, the texture of the cliff face and the warmth of the surrounding landscape to create interiors that feel understated, enduring and unmistakably Brisbane."

Positioned above the Kangaroo Point cliffs, Skye places residents within walking distance of Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank and James Street while offering uninterrupted river and city views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=90059]

Staff reporter

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