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The West region of Melbourne had the highest weekend auction clearance rate, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that out of the 107 auctions in Melbourne’s West region 85.1% resulted in a successful outcome.
This is followed by the North West region with 82.3% and the North East region with 79.5%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/15/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%2010.08.41%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/2017/05/15/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%2010.08.41%20am.jpg" alt="">
The South East region had the lowest auction clearance rate with only 67.5% of its 83 auctions cleared.
A three bedroom townhouse at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-vic-maidstone-125292754" target="_blank">4/13 Powell Crescent</a>, Maidstone (above) was sold for $675,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-west+footscray-125276454" target="_blank">25 Tucker Street</a>, West Footscray (below) was sold for $890,000.
<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/2017/05/15/25%20Tucker%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

West Melbourne region scores highest weekend auction clearance rate: CoreLogic

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Geelong scored the highest auction clearance rate over the weekend, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that out of the 45 auctions in Geelong 77.8% resulted in a successful outcome.
This is followed by NSW Hunter region with 74.2% and Wollongong with 73.9%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/15/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%2010.08.52%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/2017/05/15/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%2010.08.52%20am.jpg" alt="">
Gold Coast had the lowest auction clearance rate with only 32% of its 25 auctions cleared.
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-hamilton-125276638">5 Milton Street</a>, Hamilton (above) was sold for $913,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-singleton-124911814">17 Lachlan Avenue</a>, Singleton (below) was sold for $250,000.
<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/2017/05/15/17%20Lachlan%20Avenue.jpg" alt="">
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Hunter region scores strong weekend auction clearance rate: CoreLogic

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A three bedroom townhouse at Richlands has been sold for $280,000 making it Brisbane’s most cheapest weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-qld-richlands-125226690" target="_blank">23/20 Kathleen Street</a> in the Progress Park development, the property was marketed as suitable for investment or first home buyers.
Its price had falled back on its 2009 purchase of $339,000.
The master bedroom of the townhouse has an ensuite, walk-in wardrobe and a balcony.
The open plan living and dining areas opens to a pave outdoor space.
<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/2017/05/14/23_20%20Kathleen%20Street-2.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
The development with a communal swimming pool and barbecue area has seen many of its townhouse's prices go backwards.
One of the most recent sales in the development saw another three bedroom townhouse fall back from $330,000 in 2009 to $275,000.
Its current rental return is between $350 and $360 a week, which would reflect around a 6.8 percent yield.
The home had been on the market for nearly a year before its sale. It came with an asking price of $259,000 after having initial $310,000 hopes last year.
There were two sales last year which both saw prices going backwards.
The body corporate fees sit at around $50 a week.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Richlands three bedroom townhouse Brisbane's cheapest weekend auction sale

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Toowoomba’s housing market is starting to decline, but price growth is still apparent for current vendors.
According to Herron Todd White’s latest report, the property valuation firm says that in the past month Toowoomba’s housing market was beginning to decline and now it is set to continue declining.
Despite Toowoomba’s residential market being past it’s peak it can also be described as multi speed.
There is currently an oversupply of residential products, particularly units, that emerged during 2016.
As a result vacancy rates have increased while rental rates and investor interest has reduced.
“While properties in the sub $400,000 market have showed some signs of regression in value and rental rates, it appears that higher end property above $600,000 and even the $1 million plus price point have enjoyed a good level of interest with some strong sales being achieved,” the report stated.
Herron Todd White says that properties in the mid-range has also moved along steadily with a good level of interest from owner occupiers.
“Market performance appears to be particularly property type and location specific.
Higher priced established properties in the eastern suburbs appear to be enjoying strong interest from owner occupiers (third and fourth home buyers), while interest in the western suburbs, which largely appeals to first home buyers and investors, has softened,” the report commented.
Herron Todd White says that despite major projects occurring in the area, the residential values are anticipated to remain stable this year.
“The vacancy rate at slightly above 3% combined with recent interest rate increases for investors is likely to keep the lower end of the market subdued.
The market will be positively influenced through the creation of long term sustainable employment opportunities, which may be generated by the flow on effects of the transport infrastructure projects underway, in planning and completed (TSRC, Wellcamp Brisbane West Airport and Inland Rail).
Investment activity may be reignited if major lenders were able to focus the current tightening of lending criteria on the major capital city markets only, while supporting investment in regional markets,” the report stated.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/03/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-03%20at%201.30.24%20pm.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/2017/05/03/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-03%20at%201.30.24%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Meanwhile Ipswich’s housing market is now currently beginning to recover.
Sydney now is steadily rising once again.
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-withcott-125452658" target="_blank">61 Parkridge Drive</a> in Withcott, Toowoomba (above) has been listed for over $519,000 having last traded for $110,000 in 2004.
A three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-rockville-125320666" target="_blank">5 Kettle Street</a> in Rockville (below), just outside of the Toowoomba CBD is under offer having been listed for $249,000.
<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/2017/05/12/5%20Kettle%20Street.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-east+toowoomba-124494894" target="_blank">79 Herries Street</a>, East Toowoomba (below) was sold last week for $529,000. It last sold for $300,000 in 2013.
<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/2017/05/12/79%20Herries%20Street.jpg" alt="">
A four bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-rockville-124326502" target="_blank">158 Tor Street</a>, Rockville (below) was sold in last week for $345,000. It last traded for $295,000 in 2006.
<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/2017/05/12/158%20Tor%20Street.jpg" alt="">
Last month Property Observer reported that NSW regions were at the top of the property clock for houses.
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Toowoomba housing market set to decline as Sydney rises: May HTW Clock

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Reality TV renovators Joe and Fil sold their Maribyrnong house which was transformed on the Channel 7 show, House Rules.
Listed so they can move on to their next project, the pair had added a fourth bedroom and third bathroom to <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-maribyrnong-125216890" target="_blank">the house at 12 Grandview Avenue</a>.
Rendina Real Estate, Kensington agent Richard Rending told The Herald Sun prior to auction the buyer interest had been in the vicinity of $1.3 million.
The House Rules contestants Joe and Fil sold for $1.27 million after it was passed in at $1.11 million.
Rendina Real Estate, Kensington agent Richard Rendina recently said buyer interest had been in the vicinity of $1.3 million. The Tootgarook house of House Rules contestants Claire and Hagan passed in at recent auction for $580,000.
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House Rules sale in Maribyrnong

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A renovated Nundah house has been sold for $2.46 million making it Brisbane’s most expensive weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-nundah-125274330" target="_blank">33 Oxford Street</a>, the property captures bay breezes and city skyline due to its elevated position.
The two storey house with pool and tennis court was offered through Ray White having last sold at $1,905,000 in 2009.
Its first level features a chef’s kitchen including gas cooktops and large butler’s pantry.
It also has an open plan dining and living area along with verandahs and outdoor kitchen for indoor/outdoor living.
Ground level features large open plan rumpus room and large kitchenette/laundry room.
<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/2017/05/14/33%20Oxford%20Street-2.jpg" alt="">
Five generously sized bedrooms are available each with their own walk-in robes with two out of the three bedrooms also having dual access to a full sized ensuite bathroom.
Other features includes a three car garage, solar heated pool and tennis court. The CBD, cafes, parks and transports are all within close proximity of the property.
The property was offered through Ray White agents Lisa Pearse-Sargeant and Janelle McKenna.
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Renovated Nundah Queenslander house sold for $2.46 million

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A five bedroom house at Kew has been sold for $4.515 million making it Melbourne’s most expensive weekend auction result.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-kew-125252722" target="_blank">8 Mawson Street</a>, the property is situated in the sought-after Sackville Ward.
The property is designed for relaxed indoor/outdoor living and entertaining.
Featuring study or downstairs guest (6th) bedroom with ensuite access along with a sitting room or potential theatre room.
Its state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen features a large walk-in pantry, CaesarStone benchtops, integrated dishwasher and Technika staineless steel stove.
A northern aspect covered deck overlooks the leafy garden with room for a pool.
<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/2017/05/14/8%20Mawson%20Street-2.jpg" alt="">
Upstairs is the large family retreat and bathroom with five bedrooms, two with ensuites and walk-in robes, as well as a main bedroom with balcony.
Other features includes double garage with workshop/storage and internal access.
The property is within close proximity to Glenferrie Road’s shops.
The property was offered through Marshall White agents Mike Beardsley and Scarlett Hang.
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Five bedroom Kew house sold for $4.515 million

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Auction markets have remained resilient, with both volumes and the preliminary clearance rate rising week-on-week, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that the strong auction results added some complexity to speculation that the housing market is moving through its peak rate of growth.
"At face value, auction markets are continuing to indicate continued strength in selling conditions across Sydney and Melbourne, however it’s harder to know whether vendors are adjusting their reserve pricing in order to clear their property," Corelogic auction analyst Kevin Brogan said.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-14%20at%2011.15.12%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/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-14%20at%2011.15.12%20am.jpg" alt="">
There were 2,376 auctions held across the cities this week, with a preliminary auction clearance rate of 76.2 percent.
Last week, a final clearance rate of 73 percent was recorded across 1,689 auctions.
Auctions are still up on the corresponding period last year, in auction volumes of 1,876 properties and the clearance rate of 69.5 percent.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-14%20at%2011.15.26%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/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-14%20at%2011.15.26%20am.jpg" alt="">
Melbourne had the highest number of auctions this week, with 1,092 properties going to market, with a lower preliminary rate of clearance week-on-week (76.8 percent), however Sydney saw the largest increase in volumes over the week, with 938 auctions held across the city, increasing from last week’s 592.
Final auction clearance rates are published on Thursday and it will be important to monitor whether preliminary clearance rates undergo some revision as more data flows through.
In Melbourne, Australia’s largest auction market, a preliminary auction clearance rate of 76.8 percent was recorded across 1,092 auctions this week.
Last week, Melbourne’s final clearance rate was recorded at 77.5 percent across 792 auctions, while this time last year, 871 properties were taken to auction across Melbourne and a clearance rate of 71.3 percent was recorded.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-14%20at%2011.15.41%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/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-14%20at%2011.15.41%20am.jpg" alt="">
The busiest Melbourne sub-regions this week were Melbourne’s Inner region and the Inner South region, where 217 and 163 auctions were held respectively.
In Sydney, 938 auctions were held this week, up from 592 over the previous week.
The preliminary clearance rate of 79.4 percent is up from 73.8 percent last week, and also higher than this time last year, when a clearance rate of 76.2 percent was recorded across 647 auctions.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-14%20at%2011.15.52%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/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-14%20at%2011.15.52%20am.jpg" alt="">
Looking at the sub-regions of Sydney, the Northern Beaches region recorded the strongest clearance rate of 91.4 percent across 94 auctions, while the North Sydney and Hornsby region had the highest volume of auctions (148).
There were 127 Brisbane homes taken to auction this week, with 76 results reported so far.
The preliminary clearance rate for the city is 61.8 percent, up from 59.6 percent last week and higher than one year ago, when just 49.3 percent of the 151 properties taken to auction were successful.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-14%20at%2011.16.04%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/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-14%20at%2011.16.04%20am.jpg" alt="">
Across the Gold Coast 25 results have been reported so far, with a success rate of 32.0 percent.
This week, Adelaide saw a preliminary clearance rate of 71.8 percent, with 71 reported results across a total of 100 scheduled auctions.
In comparison, over the previous week Adelaide’s clearance rate was 62.5 percent and 66.3 percent one year ago.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-14%20at%2011.16.19%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/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-14%20at%2011.16.19%20am.jpg" alt="">
There were 31 Perth auctions this week and so far 14 results have been reported, with 42.9 percent selling.
Last week there was a 43.8 percent clearance rate for Perth.
Across Canberra a total of 79 auctions were held this week, compared to 58 last week and 52 at the same time last year.
Canberra’s preliminary clearance rate of 75.8 percent is higher than it was the previous week (64.7 percent).
Of the 4 Tasmanian auction results reported so far this week, 2 sales have been recorded.
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Mid-May 2017 auction market remains resilient: CoreLogic

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ABC Melbourne radio broadcaster Libbi Gorr and her TV producer partner Stewart Burchmore doubled their money when they secured $3.23 million for their redundant Sydney home at its weekend auction.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-north+bondi-125279338" target="_blank">The three bedroom North Bondi auction offering</a>, (above) which has been a $1350 weekly rental earner over the past four years, cost $1,605,000 in 2007.
Phillips Pantzer Donnelley had four bidders - all above the signalled $2.9 million reserve - on the offering which was marketed as as having potential to live in, renovate or completely rebuild.
Gorr, growing up in Murrumbeena, got her big break with Andrew Denton's ABC sports comedy program Live and Sweaty, where her satirical character Elle McFeast emerged in 1991.
By coincidence nearby Glen Huntly saw the nation's cheapest weekend result when <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-vic-glen+huntly-125226550" target="_blank">a one bedroom apartment</a> (below) sold for $260,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.09.20%20AM.png" alt="">
Having recently had a makeover, Woodards agent Ruth Roberts got a sale having previously sought unsuccessfully to secure $310,000 when it was scheduled for 2013 auction.
The first floor 131 Grange Road property traded last in 2005 at $175,000. The 44 sqm 1965-built apartment was advertised in 2015 for a $275 a week rental.
Auction markets have remained resilient, with both volumes and the preliminary clearance rate rising week-on-week, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that the strong auction results add some complexity to speculation that the housing market is moving through its peak rate of growth.
"At face value, auction markets are continuing to indicate continued strength in selling conditions across Sydney and Melbourne, however it’s harder to know whether vendors are adjusting their reserve pricing in order to clear their property," Corelogic's auction analyst Kevin Brogan said.
Sydney returned to be the capital city with the highest clearance rate - and it also secured the top sale when records fell in Strathfield, with an $8.8 million sale by Sanity boss Ray Itaoui and wife Rachel. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-strathfield-125164754" target="_blank">Their Frank Lloyd-Wright inspired mansion</a> (below) that cost them $5 million in 2010 sold through Georges Ellis &amp; Co agent Joseph Georges.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.10.27%20AM.png" alt="">
The suburb record has been set four times in the past year.
There were 2,376 auctions held across the capital cities over the week to Saturday, with a preliminary auction clearance rate of 76.2 percent.
Last week, a final clearance rate of 73 percent was recorded across 1,689 auctions.
It was a better performance that the corresponding period last year, auction volumes were lower at 1,876 properties taken to auction and a clearance rate of 69.5 percent.
Melbourne had the highest number of auctions with 1,092 properties going to market, with a lower preliminary rate of clearance week-on-week at 76.8 percent, down on the 77.5 percent across 792 auctions.
This time last year, 871 properties were taken to auction across Melbourne and a clearance rate of 71.3 per cent was recorded.
Melbourne's top sale was a five bedroom house at Kew that sold for $4.515 million.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-kew-125252722" target="_blank">8 Mawson Street</a> (below) property offered through Marshall White agents Mike Beardsley and Scarlett Hang.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.11.25%20AM.png" alt="">
Reality TV renovators Joe and Fil sold their Maribyrnong house which was transformed on the Channel 7 show, House Rules.
Listed so they can move on to their next project, the pair had added a fourth bedroom and third bathroom to <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-maribyrnong-125216890" target="_blank">the house at 12 Grandview Avenue</a> (below).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.12.15%20AM.png" alt="">
Rendina Real Estate, Kensington agent Richard Rending told The Herald Sun prior to auction the buyer interest had been in the vicinity of $1.3 million.
The House Rules contestants Joe and Fil sold for $1.27 million after it was passed in at $1.11 million
In Sydney, 938 auctions were held this week, up from 592 over the previous week, with 700 plus held on Saturday.
The preliminary clearance rate of 79.4 percent was up from 73.8 percent last week.
It was higher than this time last year, when a clearance rate of 76.2 percent was recorded across 647 auctions.
The Northern Beaches region recorded the strongest clearance rate of 91.4 percent across 94 auctions.
There were 127 Brisbane homes taken to auction with the preliminary clearance rate for the city at 61.8 percent, up from 59.6 percent last week and higher than one year ago, when just 49.3 percent of the 151 properties taken to auction were successful.
A three bedroom Brisbane townhouse at Richlands sold for $280,000, making it Brisbane’s most cheapest weekend auction result. It sold at $339,000 on its 2009 completion
Located at 23/20 Kathleen Street, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-qld-richlands-125226690" target="_blank">the Progress Park property</a> (below) was marketed as suitable for investment or first home buyers when offered through MTR Property Group agent Marilyn Thurtell.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.16.27%20AM.png" alt="">
Brisbane's dearest sale was a renovated 1910 Nundah house at $2.46 million. The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-nundah-125274330" target="_blank">33 Oxford Street</a> (below) property captures bay breezes and city skyline. The two storey house with pool and tennis court was offered through Ray White having last sold at $1,905,000 in 2009.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.17.22%20AM.png" alt="">
Adelaide saw a preliminary clearance rate of 71.8 percent, with 71 reported results across a total of 100 scheduled auctions.
In comparison, over the previous week Adelaide’s clearance rate was 62.5 percent and 66.3 percent one year ago.
A four bedroom house at Trinity Gardens sold for $1.47 million making it Adelaide’s most expensive weekend auction result.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-trinity+gardens-125273854" target="_blank">115 Ashbrook Avenue</a>, (below) the property sits on a 841 sqm block of land. The 1900 home last traded at $505,000 in 2004.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.18.23%20AM.png" alt="">
The property was offered through Klemich Real Estate agent Steve Alexander who had advised $1.25 million expectations.
There were 31 Perth auctions this week and so far 14 results have been reported, with 42.9 percent selling.
Last week there was a 43.8 percent clearance rate for Perth.
Across Canberra a total of 79 auctions were held compared to 58 last week and 52 at the same time last year.
Canberra’s preliminary clearance rate of 75.8 percent is higher than it was the previous week's 64.7 percent.
A modern two-storey house at Deakin sold for $1.694 million making it Canberra’s most expensive weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-deakin-125275538" target="_blank">13 Newdegate Street</a>, (below) the four bedroom property offered through LJ Hooker who had a $1.5 million price guide.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.19.41%20AM.png" alt="">
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Radio's Libbi Gorr doubles money in weekend auction sale

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From learning a wide range of agri-sector business practices to practical experience on-farm, a previous recipient of the Agribusiness Australia Tertiary Education Scholarship is amazed at the opportunities that it has provided.
Molly Ashby, who is in half way through her Degree in Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University, is grateful to Agribusiness Australia for assisting her financially over the last three years.
She said it has allowed her to focus on her studies and to maximise other opportunities, like travelling further abroad to learn about the sector that she is so passionate about.
“I have been able to get a fantastic insight into the agri-sector from a range of perspectives. I’ve spent a total of 12 weeks working in different businesses (beef, chicken, pig, sheep and dairy) - learning management practices and marketing as well as practical experience on-farm.
“It’s great to first learn the theory in class and then get out to really experience and appreciate it,” Molly said.
Outside of her Uni studies, Molly is also maximising her opportunities at University like working with a like-minded team, setting up a mental health based program for Veterinary students.
Not one to stand still, Molly is also on the organising committee for the 2018 Australian Veterinary Association student conference.
Each year Agribusiness Australia encourages final year high school students, like Molly to undertake studies in agriculture to ensure that the sector, worth more than $500 billion to the Australian economy, continues to prosper.
Agribusiness Australia, Chief Executive Officer, Tim Burrow, said with Agribusiness being such a critical pillar of the national’s economy it was a privilege as an association to support a student into the exciting sector.
Each year a recipient is selected from a different State or Territory, with the successful recipient receiving $1000 per year for three consecutive years of study, with continuous enrolment in a university related degree.
This year, the scholarship which opens in May, will be available to eligible students based in Western Australia.
Further information will be posted on Agribusiness Australia’s <a href="https://www.agribusiness.asn.au/" target="_blank">website</a>. 
</body></html>

Scholarship opportunities in the agri-sector

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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