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National online property agency iBuyNew (IBN) is now trading on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) after its listed parent company Disruptive Investment Group Limited changed its name to iBuyNew Group Limited (ASX-IBN).   The name change was formalised at the Company’s annual general meeting.   The company also announced it has settled its share sale agreement to acquire 100 percent of Melbourne-based property research advisers Nyko Property Pty Ltd (Nyko).
It has delivered new property sales worth $18.1 million in the 2016 September quarter.   IBN, which specialises in off-the-plan property sales, recently launched a new house and land division, but is more active at the moment in apartment sales. IBN’s chief Mark Mendel informed shareholders that while the market for new apartments was well below its peak from the 2015-16 financial year, there has been no rise in buyer defaults. “(This) leads us to believe that the negative sentiment is mostly perception rather than reality at present,” Mr Mendel said.   “Whilst we believe the negative media reporting about the sector has likely contributed significantly to reduced sales, it is our assessment that buyers are mostly taking a wait-and-see approach until the uncertainty passes rather than leaving the market altogether.
"The fundamentals of Australian demographics have not changed in the last nine months.   “IBN is realistic about the current market dynamics.
"Our focus is ensuring that we have a robust business that continues delivering sales, and is well positioned to take advantage when the negative perception passes and stronger demand returns to the market."
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

iBuyNew now trading on ASX

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The Hawthorn home of the late Ian Roach has been sold by his widow Judy for $4.03 million.
It was where in 1985 Roach, then the chairman of the Melbourne Stock exchange, hosted six state stock exchange chairmen and their general managers in a powwow that led to the formation of the Australian Stock Exchange.
The dinner was catered by Maxim's.
The home was designed by architect John Wardle, whose signature use of timber, stone and marble are consistent throughout.
There's a secret door down to a large wine cellar. 
Marshall White selling agent Davide Lettieri secured the Kooyongkoot Road home sale.
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.
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John Wardle-designed Hawthorn home sold

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Flint Hill, the 27 hectare Woodend retreat owned by businessman Sir Roderick Carnegie since 1980, has been listed for November 24 auction.
The historic, <a href="https://kayburton.com.au/properties/view/343460-65-romsey-road-woodend-3442-sale" target="_blank">stately estate with woodland garden</a> has been listed through Kay &amp; Burton agent Gerald Delany in conjunction with John Keating, who assisted the Carnegie's secure the property after its 1979 auction.
On its initial listing in November last year more than $8 million was tipped, but now it will go to auction with a disclosed $7 million reserve price.
Sir Roderick Carnegie, who turns 84 later this month, was a prominent Australian businessman, primarily working in the coal industry, interrupted in the 1960s when he founded the Australian practice of McKinsey in Melbourne. In 1972 he joined CRA Limited (now Rio Tinto) as finance director serving as managing director from 1974 to 1986, and also as its chairman.
The estate was a grand vision beginning in the 1930's by the Brookes family with its original rhododendrons grown from seed from the Rothschilds at Exbury.
Their son John Brookes sold Flint Hill after compiling his gardening memoir, Flint Hill 1922-1955.
When the Carnegie's Rod and Carmen, bought Flint Hill in 1980 the property had become neglected overrun with blackberries.
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section. 
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Flint Hill, Woodend retreat reserve at $7 million

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A one bedroom apartment at Perisher Valley is for sale at a reduced price of $199,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/properties/1-20-candle-heath-road-perisher-valley-2624-new-south-wales" target="_blank">1/20 Candle Heath Road</a> it is situated on the ground floor in the Stables Apartments which is contemporary on-snow accommodation.
Each striking timber and granite chalet/apartment is fully self-contained with furnishings including CD/TV/DVD, full kitchen including dishwasher as well as full laundering facilities with many of the apartments featuring spa baths, underfloor heating and gas flame fire.
The property is offered through Raine and Horne agent Matthew Anstee.
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One bedroom apartment at Perisher Valley for sale

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Apollo Bay is ranked the location in Victoria where it is the slowest to sell a house, according to Investar’s latest market report.
The property investment firm states that an average house at Apollo Bay can expect to be on the market for 632 days before being sold.
This is followed by Mount Beauty at 507 days and Paynesville at 498 days.
<table style="height: 99px; width: 427px;" border="1" align="left"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Suburb</td>
<td>Postcode</td>
<td>Dwelling type</td>
<td>Bedrooms</td>
<td>Days on market</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Apollo Bay</td>
<td>3233</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>632</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mount Beauty</td>
<td>3699</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>507</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paynesville</td>
<td>3880</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>498</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corryong</td>
<td>3707</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>498</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ouyen</td>
<td>3490</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>496</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
 
 
This list was produced using live on the market sales listing data.
High average days on market indicates that the market is turning over stock slowly which may indicate that demand is weaker than supply creating a stronger negotiation point for buyers.
Houses for sale at Apollo Bay at the median price of $515,000 include a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-apollo+bay-119192663" target="_blank">15 Murray Square</a> (above) that is for sale for $515,000. It has been for sale since February 2015 when listed with $598,000 hopes. It recently went under offer.
Similarly a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-apollo+bay-121006834" target="_blank">12 Outlook Road</a> (below) is for sale for $525,000.
<img src="/images/2016/10/07/12%20Outlook%20Road.jpg" alt="">
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Apollo Bay is Victoria's slowest selling property market: Investar

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Over the last quarter, Townsville’s retail market has seen a resurgence of local buyers (owner-occupiers and investors) in the sub $1.5 million entry level retail investment sector, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property advisory firm says that the end of 2015 saw a flurry of larger retail sales driven by southern investors including Vincent Village for $16.7 million and Rising Sun Shopping Centre for $9.85 million. There were also a number of other retail properties in the $3 million to $5.5 million range.
The flow-on from this investment along with an increased level of market sentiment has seen the recent sale of several smaller strip commercial and suburban convenience centres.
These properties, some of which have been on the market for an extended period of time, have vacancies and low WALEs.
Local buyers including intending owner- occupiers and investors are potentially seeing the opportunity to realise upswing in this secondary retail product and that coupled with the affordability is making the potential for capital returns enticing.
This resurgence, possibly on the back of recent positive announcements including the Stadium and Waterfront precincts, is indicating a renewed level of confidence amongst local buyers in the market.
The Cairns retail market passed through the bottom of the cycle during the course of 2014 but the limited recovery thus far means that the retail property market remains relatively flat.
It must also be said that retail property sales in Cairns are sporadic, with most sales involving retail property being of mixed use retail and office buildings or tenant buyouts of single premises.
High exposure CBD retail space remains reasonably well occupied, but vacancies are more noticeable in the lesser exposure locations and CBD fringe.
Rents have remained generally stable, showing ranges of $600 to $800 per square metre per annum for prime CBD space and $1,000 to $1,500 per square metre per annum in key tourist precincts such as the Cairns Esplanade.
Blue chip retail located within the main Esplanade tourist strip and CBD show reasonably low vacancies, though there is also limited demand from new businesses.
There remains good investor demand for well leased properties which rarely come onto the market.
There have been no retail property sales of note thus far during 2016, however the Bellview Hotel, which represents a prime hotel and retail redevelopment site on the Cairns Esplanade with significant holding income, has been recently placed on the market.
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Local buyers back Townsville's retail market: HTW

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The mid-north coast of NSW is seeing an increase in dual occupancy style developments, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest market report.
The property advisory firm states that they have noticed a recent significant increase in dual occupancy style developments.
Its become very popular with the small investor predominantly in the new and developing residential areas, particularly within Port Macquarie around the new University and Base Hospital, the report stated.
Investors are generally purchasing off the plan within these new subdivisions and constructing a variety of styles of development.
These range from two attached villa style properties, two attached townhouse style properties or a single dwelling with attached (or detached) granny flat.
These developments are permitted by most councils as part of the original development application.
The price range for this style of development is from about $550,000 to $750,000 depending on the style, size and quality of the construction.
The initial outlay and good rental returns resulting in a good yield are the major benefits of this type of development.
Other fringe benefits include lower stamp duty and higher tax depreciation offsets compared to, for example, buying two older investment properties.
"Another positive feature of these types of properties are that most are able to be strata titled in the future if required," the report said.
"This provides the developer flexibility with their investment, allowing them to sell off one and reduce the mortgage and enjoy the return from the other or sell both off generally for a healthy profit."
The HTW report noted another small project that is becoming more popular with the mum and dad developer is the purchase of an existing dwelling on a larger than average lot within the major towns in the region, and then adding a granny flat (under 60 square metres) to the rear.
"This has the great appeal of a significant return on investment for the flat, with the starting price for flat construction from $100,000 and likely rental in excess of $250 per week," the report stated.
"When this rental is combined with the rental on the original dwelling it can make for a great yielding and generally positively geared investment property.
"We have also noticed an increase in small to medium villa and townhouse developments (four to 10 plus units) and consider that these are best left to developers with experience in these types of developments and not novices, because if these products are not tailored to the specific market or the sales rates are not as expected, there can be expensive holding costs that can erode profits and cause financial pressure on those without extensive cash reserves to call on."
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Dual occupancy style developments increasing in NSW's mid-north coast: HTW

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The buyers agency Secret Agent has updated its price per square metre index for secondary apartments in inner Melbourne.
After adding 406 apartment sales from the last quarter, its index now consists of 1276 apartments sold between 1st January 2016 to 30th September 2016.
The updated average square metre rate for apartments in inner Melbourne is $8,687 per square metre.
The agency noted the figure is beginning to stabilise since its last two reports ($8,679 per square metre in Q2 and $8,767 per square metre in Q1), the report stated.
<a href="/images/2016/11/08/Table%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/08/Table%201.jpg" alt="">
Overall, the three most expensive suburbs to purchase an apartment are Albert Park ($13,276 per square metre), East Melbourne ($11,914 per square metre) and Middle Park ($10,720 per square metre).
These areas have consistently topped the index, it advised.
The least expensive apartments per square metre can be found in Travancore ($6,563 per square metre), Kensington ($6,869 per square metre) and Flemington ($7,079 per square metre).
A few things can be observed when considering apartments with a larger accommodation. In some suburbs, the increase in number of bedrooms also leads to an increase in price per square metre, as seen in the CBD region, Carlton, Collingwood, Clifton Hill and South Yarra.
Secret Agent noted they can see that most of the inner north and inner west suburbs tend to have decreasing price per square metre rates as apartments grow in accommodation size.
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Average inner Melbourne apartments price sits at $8,687 per square metre

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October has been one of the strongest months the inner Melbourne property market has seen all year, according to Secret Agent’s latest bulletin report.
It may be an indicator for a strong finish to the end of 2016.
"However, it may also just be a short term fluctuation. Only time will tell," the report stated.
Although, house prices this quarter compared to last are down about 2%, this shows a trend reversal and again highlights the importance of not misinterpreting short-term changes as indicators (noise versus signal), the report argues.
Listings are also up for all property types this month, which (coinciding with higher sale prices) again highlights that demand for Melbourne property is still strong.
Townhouses in inner Melbourne continue to hover around a median of $900,000 and remain well above house prices per square metre: $8,118 compared to $6,852 for houses.
However, in terms of value for money, townhouses almost always have a higher house-to-land ratio, making each square metre more valuable.
“A backyard is probably one of the most valuable assets to possess in inner Melbourne at the moment,” the report advised.
Comparing real (inflation adjusted) house and townhouse prices this month to 12 months ago, prices in all inner regions are well above their previous levels.
Last rolling quarter, median apartment prices decreased by 1.7%.
Again, October has pushed the trend in the other direction; this rolling quarter, apartment prices in the inner suburbs have stabilised (unchanged over the past three months).
Listings are up by over 5%, which is a substantial increase in the otherwise rather stable supply of apartments.
Only Collingwood apartments have managed three consecutive rolling quarters of price increases, while South Melbourne, Brunswick East, Parkville and Prahran have all experienced two or more consecutive rolling quarters of price declines.
CBD apartments in October reached their highest sale prices in real terms so far this year, the report noted.
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October a strong month for inner Melbourne: Secret Agent

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Spring time sees more property settlements and transactions across Australia than any other season, according to leading conveyancing technology experts, GlobalX.
GlobalX CEO Peter Maloney said from September to November the grass is greener, gardens are in full bloom and the weather is comfortably warm, making for optimal house selling conditions.
<a href="/images/2016/11/08/image006.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/08/image006.png" alt="">
Maloney said spring sales were often driven by the desire for a new beginning, with individuals, couples and families preferring to move before the end of the year.
“Buyers who have children prefer to get settled ahead of the new school year, and a spring sale means relocation can take place near or over the holiday period, allowing ample time for unpacking,” he said.
“Similarly, investment properties can be renovated in time for the January-February period, which sees many people searching for rental properties before universities and training institutions begin the academic year.”
This year’s spring sales are off to a strong start, with auction clearance rates over the past nine weeks above 75%, according to CoreLogic’s November market report.
“That puts them at their strongest level in more than a year and only marginally under a five-year high,” Maloney said.
Over the past 12 months, combined capital city home values have increased by 7.5% which is trending up from a recent low of 6.1% at the end of July.
Nationally, capital city home values rose by 9.1% over the first 10 months of 2016, with only two cities, Perth and Darwin, recording falling values over the past quarter.
Annually, home value increases have been strongest in Sydney (10.6%), Melbourne (9.1%) and Canberra (7.9%), Hobart (5%), Adelaide (2.5%) and Brisbane (4.1%), while falls were recorded in Perth (down 3.7%) and Darwin (down 3.8%).
“It’s also worth noting that the average level of discount (to a property’s listed or reserve price) on homes has eased from 6.1% a year ago to 5.8%, so home sellers are coming away with more cash from their sales,” Maloney said.
“It is the same for unit owners, with the average discount reducing slightly from 6.1% a year ago to now 5.5%.”
In a market where Australian residential real estate is worth around $6.7 trillion, six out of every 10 new home listings are currently located in capital cities. However, while the nation’s total mortgage debt of $1.59 trillion represents around 23% of the value of residential real estate; just over half the average Australian’s household’s wealth is invested in housing (51.5%).
“To put the nation’s accumulated mortgage debt into context, the total value of Australia’s residential real estate market is more than three times the funds held in the nation’s superannuation accounts, and just under four times the amount held in Australian listed stocks,” Maloney said.
In the past year, more than 451,000 properties changed hands, with the average house price sitting at $600,000 nationally and the average unit price at $510,000.
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Spring property selling season off to a strong start

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">Graya</a> has secured a prime Newstead site from fellow developer Fraser, subsequently lodging plans for The Silo, a major mixed-use residential project in Newstead designed around a new public laneway linking the James Street precinct with the wider Gasworks and Newstead neighbourhood.

Proposed for the corner of Chester and Morse streets, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bureauproberts">Bureau^Proberts</a>-designed project places its strongest emphasis at ground level, where retail, landscaping and a new cobblestone pedestrian connection would open the site to the surrounding neighbourhood. The design team describes The Silo as “more than a residential building”, positioning the development as an extension of Newstead’s public realm rather than a standalone apartment tower.

“A new cobblestone laneway and landscaped connection between James Street and Gasworks unlock a missing pedestrian link, improving walkability and stitching together two of Brisbane’s significant urban destinations,” Bureau Proberts said in its Urban Design Report.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ea1b06a-75f5-40a5-b2c5-33c97bc86052" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/silo%20bldg.png?VersionId=KmjsAtNePu57_B31EM_DJ5T6KPJHtcmo" />

The Silo is planned as a mixed-use development incorporating apartments alongside a bar and centre activities including food and drink outlets, indoor sport and recreation, office and retail uses.

Architecturally, Bureau Proberts has conceived the building as a collection of vertically expressed, stepping forms rather than a single uniform tower. The composition rises from an articulated podium before being broken by a triple-height landscaped recreation level, with the upper section becoming more compact before terminating in a landscaped rooftop garden.

The project's name and architectural language draw directly from Newstead's industrial history. Patterned off-form concrete is proposed as the principal façade material, complemented by slender metal rod balustrades and extensive planting. The cylindrical and vertically ribbed elements give the building its silo-like expression, while curved balconies and planted edges introduce a softer subtropical layer.

“The Silo reinterprets its robust forms, scale and materiality through a contemporary subtropical architectural expression, creating a building that acknowledges its industrial legacy, while responding to the way the precinct is occupied today,” Bureau^Proberts said.

The recreation level is one of the defining breaks in the tower. Plans include a lap pool, mature subtropical planting and shared resident facilities within an elevated communal garden. Landscaping continues through the podium and onto the rooftop, where a further garden forms what the architects describe as a “subtropical crown” to the building.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8451036-35a4-49a9-8d88-2ef4438eba3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Silo%20Lane.png?VersionId=h8N31_rYmCEqoNrpt4kbYVQhJGZn60LH" />

At street level, the development has been designed to establish a more permeable block. Retail and hospitality tenancies address the public realm, while landscaped pedestrian spaces lead into the new laneway connection. Renders in the design report show the proposed “Silo Lane” as a substantial opening through the podium, framed by cylindrical concrete forms with cascading planting above.

The Silo continues Graya's move into larger apartment developments after building its reputation across high-end residential projects in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Joel Robinson

Graya buys Frasers Newstead site, plans The Silo between James Street and Gasworks precincts

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/wickton">Wickton</a>’s completed Linacre Rise development in Hampton is giving Bayside downsizers the opportunity to move into a spacious apartment near the beach, with the developer covering stamp duty for a limited time.

The 27-residence development has been designed for buyers who want to simplify their living arrangements without giving up the space, warmth and quality associated with a long-term family home. Most apartments have already been secured by Bayside locals, leaving a select collection of two and three-bedroom residences and penthouses available.

Two-bedroom apartments are priced from $1.275 million, three-bedroom residences from $2.25 million and penthouses from $3.375 million, with the completed homes available to inspect and move into now.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366760]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/linacre-rise-hampton-8-10-linacre-road-hampton-vic-3188">Linacre Rise</a> occupies an elevated position on one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a>’s quiet, tree-lined streets, around 250 metres from the bay and 500 metres from Hampton’s village centre. Its setting gives residents access to the beach, local cafés, shops and Hampton Train Station while retaining the feel of an established residential neighbourhood.

Architecture and interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a> draw on the warmth and permanence of traditional brickwork, with the building integrated into terraced landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>. Ground-floor apartments are elevated above the street and include private garden courtyards, while several upper-level residences have generous balconies and outlooks toward the bay.

Inside, the residences favour natural materials and generous proportions. Herringbone-pattern European oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, premium joinery and Swiss V-ZUG appliances are among the key inclusions, while integrated storage has been incorporated across kitchens, bathrooms, studies and living areas.

The kitchens have been planned as practical spaces for both everyday use and entertaining, with substantial island benches, detailed cabinetry and adjoining dining and living zones. Full-height wardrobes, plush bedroom carpeting and carefully considered lighting reinforce the residential character Wickton sought to retain for buyers moving from larger homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366769]

A Linacre Rise purchaser said the completed apartment had delivered the space, outlook and construction quality they had been seeking.

“The unit is very light, has views to die for over the bay, all construction materials and fittings are premium quality, we have secure parking for three cars, EV charging at very competitive rates, the neighbours are friendly and there is just a lovely ambiance about the place,” the purchaser said.

Environmental features include solar panels, shared electric vehicle charging stations, rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, double-glazed windows and water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366762]

The development was built by Balmain &amp; Co, with Wickton managing the broader development process through its in-house team.

For downsizers, the project’s completed status removes much of the uncertainty associated with buying off the plan. Purchasers can inspect the finished apartments, understand their outlook and proportions, and move in without waiting for construction to conclude.

The remaining selection includes north-oriented balconies, corner configurations and penthouses with elevated bay views. The developer-paid stamp duty initiative is available for a limited time, with potential savings of up to $200,000 depending on the residence purchased.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95289]

Limited-time stamp duty offer at completed Linacre Rise apartments in Hampton

Luxury apartment buyers have long prioritised design, space and finishes, but increasingly they're placing equal importance on something less tangible: how easily they can live without relying on a car.

At <a>Richmond Square</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> believes that convenience begins beyond the apartment itself, with the mixed-use precinct earning a near-perfect Walk Score of 99.

The development has been planned around the idea that some of the most valuable amenities aren't contained within a building, they're the restaurants, cafés, parks, transport connections and daily conveniences that can all be reached on foot.

Located just behind Swan Street and Church Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/richmond-square-1-wiltshire-street-richmond-vic-3121">Richmond Square</a> places residents within one of Melbo​u​rne's most established lifestyle precincts while offering a quieter residential setting removed from the busiest thoroughfares. East Richmond Station is moments away, trams run along both Swan and Church Streets, and the MCG, Melb​​ourne Park, Yarra River trails and the CBD are all within walking distance. At the same time, the precinct itself will introduce a curated mix of dining, retail, hospitality and wellness offerings, creating a destination that extends well beyond its residential buildings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348530]

For Fortis, that combination of location and scale was what made the site unique.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/richmond-vic-3121">Richmond</a> is one of Melb​o​urne's most established and distinctive inner-city neighbourhoods, with a rare combination of dining, culture, recreation, public transport and proximity to the CBD," the developer said.

"The opportunity at Wiltshire Street was particularly compelling because the site sits slightly removed from the activity of Swan and Church Streets while remaining only moments from everything that makes the area desirable."

Rather than developing a standalone apartment building, Fortis consolidated 15 individual properties to create one of the larger development parcels assembled on Mel​b​ourne's city fringe in recent years. That allowed the team to deliver a genuine mixed-use precinct comprising 107 residences across Wiltshire House and Carmine House, premium office space, hospitality venues, retail, wellness offerings and a future 57-room hotel.

"The scale of the site allowed Fortis to think beyond a standalone apartment building," the developer said.

"Richmond Square could be planned as a complete lifestyle precinct, bringing homes, workplaces, dining, retail, hospitality and wellness together around a series of activated public spaces. The aim was to create a destination that feels connected to Richmond rather than separate from it."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348533]

The emphasis on walkability has also resonated with buyers.

Interest has been strongest from established owner-occupiers, particularly downsizers from Richmond and Melb​ourne's inner east who want to remain close to familiar restaurants, workplaces, family and social networks while moving into a more secure, lower-maintenance home. The project is also attracting Mornington Peninsula and interstate buyers seeking a Melb​ourne residence they can lock up and leave between visits.

Many are looking for generous living spaces, room to entertain, quality finishes and confidence in the project team, but location remains one of the biggest deciding factors.

"For many buyers, Richmond Square provides a way to simplify the practical side of home ownership without reducing the quality of their lifestyle," the sales team said.

"Location is also a major driver of interest. Buyers can remain connected to the CBD, major sporting events, the arts centres, local restaurants, cafes and bars and their family while living in a private and secure residence that is easy to lock up and leave for weekends or longer periods away."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348549]

The residences themselves have been designed with that buyer in mind. Award-winning architecture practice SJB and interior designers Hecker Guthrie have created spacious two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses that prioritise generous living areas, natural light, bespoke joinery and private terraces. Above, a rooftop sanctuary by Acre includes landscaped lawns, bookable dining rooms, barbecue facilities, wellness spaces and panoramic views across the CBD, the MCG and Port Phillip Bay.

Fortis believes Richmond Square reflects a broader evolution in apartment living, where the surrounding neighbourhood becomes just as important as the residence itself.

"Richmond Square introduces a different proposition: generously proportioned residences within a genuinely mixed-use, hospitality-led destination," the developer said.

"The project's location and Walk Score of 99 further support a lifestyle where residents can complete many everyday journeys without relying on a car."

Fortis has assembled an experienced team that includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/hecker-guthrie">Hecker Guthrie</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/acre">Acre</a> and builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hacer-group">Hacer Group</a>, reflecting the developer's commitment to creating projects with enduring design quality and meaningful connections to the communities in which they sit.&nbsp;

Richmond Square is an expression of that philosophy, bringing together homes, workplaces, hospitality and wellness within one of Me​lb​ourne's most walkable neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

Construction is now almost complete, providing purchasers with growing confidence ahead of its expected September 2026 completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13181]

Walk Score of 99 places Richmond Square at the heart of Melbourne's most connected lifestyle

<h3 data-end="19" data-section-id="1dvgwoe" data-start="0">Summary</h3>

<ul data-end="634" data-start="21">
	<li data-end="170" data-section-id="1o77v31" data-start="21">Walker Corporation has lodged plans for a second major residential development in the Maroochydore City Centre, a 29-storey tower known as Celeste.</li>
	<li data-end="327" data-section-id="1lb0y6t" data-start="171">The Plus Studio-designed proposal at Lot 30 Sunshine Coast Parade would deliver 208 apartments, including four four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.</li>
	<li data-end="487" data-section-id="za720" data-start="328">The application comes as Walker doubles down on Maroochydore following the strong sales campaign at SOL by Walker, where the first tower is nearing sell-out.</li>
	<li data-end="634" data-section-id="5sovec" data-start="488">Walker is a key partner in the transformation of the Maroochydore City Centre, which is expected to ultimately deliver at least 4,000 new homes.</li>
</ul>

Walker Corporation is doubling down on Maroochydore following the successful sales campaign at its first residential project in the emerging CBD.

The national developer has filed plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celeste-30-sunshine-coast-parade-maroochydore-qld-4558">Celeste</a>, a new 29-storey apartment tower at Lot 30 Sunshine Coast Parade, just metres from its under-construction SOL by Walker development.

The plans, prepared by Plus Studio, would see 208 apartments delivered across a 100-metre tower on the 2,376 sqm site, which fronts Sunshine Coast Parade, First Avenue and Future Way within the Maroochydore Priority Development Area.

<img alt="Walker" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="17038209-6fea-4ed2-855d-fd4df65b3d02" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-10%20at%2010.24.16%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=iZD.oVXcQn.aLpUytDAW.CWjxP4puWMy" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 36 one-bedroom apartments, 48 two-bedroom apartments, 72 two-bedroom apartments with an additional multipurpose space, and 48 three-bedroom apartments.

The upper levels would be capped by two four-bedroom sub-penthouses and two four-bedroom penthouses, taking the total apartment count to 208. The preliminary yield study also provides 262 car spaces, 114 resident bicycle spaces and storage for each apartment.

It represents Walker's next major residential move in the new Maroochydore CBD after the success of SOL by Walker, its $220 million two-tower project nearby.

SOL launched to market in early 2025 and has since seen strong demand, particularly from local owner-occupiers. By February this year, Walker said the first SOL tower was nearing sell-out, with a strong waitlist also emerging for its recently released penthouse collection.

Construction is already underway on SOL, with the first tower expected to be completed in late 2027 and the second to follow in early 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=319846]

<h2 data-end="2518" data-section-id="1b2dyo5" data-start="2459">Celeste to rise 100 metres over Maroochydore City Centre</h2>

Celeste would take a different form to the twin 19-storey buildings at SOL.

Plus Studio has designed a single 100-metre tower above an activated podium, with the architecture responding to the site's prominent position and three street frontages.

The podium would incorporate commercial tenancies and public art, with sweeping façade elements wrapping the street edges. The scalloped concrete podium has been inspired by the patterns created in sand at low tide, while extensive landscaping would continue vertically through the tower.

The ground level plans show three commercial tenancies addressing Sunshine Coast Parade alongside the residential lobby and landscaped public realm. The podium would then accommodate several levels of car parking before the residential tower rises above.

<img alt="Celeste" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="121f77b1-71c5-46d7-9b36-0a7d474211ca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-10%20at%2010.24.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=MGrg9Hb7HgzLN0Lelq_xrXNAruVl77ia" />

Plus Studio said the tower had been designed to maximise views from each apartment, taking in the Maroochy River, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Cotton Tree and Maroochydore Beach and ocean.

Those views have also shaped one of the project's key features, with Walker proposing to put the primary resident amenity on Level 29 rather than lower within the building.

The rooftop would feature a 284.9 sqm pool area with an infinity edge, along with a cold pool, spa, sauna, 93.2 sqm gym, sunset lounge, BBQ and dining areas, pool deck and private dining space. Cabanas and day beds are also shown across the recreation level.

The two penthouses would extend across the upper levels and each feature private terraces and plunge pools.

<h2 data-end="4202" data-section-id="v5f4ix" data-start="4160">Walker's growing Maroochydore footprint</h2>

Celeste further reinforces Walker's commitment to the transformation of Maroochydore City Centre.

Walker is one of the key partners delivering the new CBD alongside Sunshine Coast Council and SunCentral Maroochydore, with the broader 62-hectare Priority Development Area occupying the former Horton Park Golf Course and surrounding land.

The precinct is ultimately expected to accommodate at least 4,000 new homes as Maroochydore evolves into the Sunshine Coast's principal commercial and residential centre.

When SOL secured approval in February 2025, Walker Managing Director and CEO David Gallant described it as the "first of many residential projects" the company planned for the Maroochydore City Centre.

Celeste now provides the clearest indication yet of what comes next.

The site sits immediately within the new CBD, with the design report identifying Sunshine Plaza and surrounding parkland within walking distance and Maroochydore Beach around a five-minute drive away.

For Walker, the timing of the application comes as its first residential bet on the new CBD appears to have been vindicated.

SOL has progressed from planning approval to construction while its first release has approached sell-out, giving Walker confidence to push ahead with another 208 apartments and take its residential pipeline in the Maroochydore City Centre to around 450 dwellings across the two projects.

Celeste remains subject to planning approval, with the architectural material describing the scheme as a preliminary yield study that may change through the assessment process.

Walker doubles down on Maroochydore with 29-storey Celeste apartment tower

For most Australians, buying an apartment is one of the biggest financial decisions they'll ever make

The location, floorplan and price are often the first considerations, but in recent years another question has become increasingly important: who is actually delivering the project?

A series of high-profile builder collapses, construction delays and defect concerns have fundamentally changed how many Victorians approach buying off the plan. The collapse of Porter Davis in 2023, which reportedly left around 1,700 homes unfinished, became one of the most visible examples of the risks that can emerge when a construction company fails. <a href="https://www.equifax.com.au/sites/default/files/lpassets/pdf/Final-Business-Market-Pulse-June-Sector-Deep-Dive-Report-2.pdf">Similar challenges across the broader construction sector</a> have left buyers asking more questions before signing a contract.

As Victoria continues encouraging higher-density housing to address supply shortages, transparency is becoming just as important as location or price.

One tool increasingly entering the conversation is the <a href="https://icirt.com/">Independent Construction Industry Rating Tool (iCIRT)</a>, an independent assessment framework designed to help buyers better understand the developer or builder behind a project. Originally developed by Equifax in consultation with government and industry as part of NSW's Construct NSW reforms, the system has since expanded nationally.

<h2 data-end="1519" data-section-id="7nmx3" data-start="1492">What is an iCIRT rating?</h2>

Most Australians are familiar with independent ratings in everyday life.

We compare ANCAP safety ratings before buying a car. We look at Health Star Ratings in supermarkets. Banks rely on credit assessments when lending money.

Until recently, however, there has been very little independent information available to help apartment buyers assess the business responsible for delivering a residential project.

That gap is what iCIRT was designed to address.

Builders, developers and other construction professionals with an iCIRT rating have demonstrated high-trust characteristics through an independent, evidence-based assessment across six criteria: Character, Capability, Conduct, Capacity, Capital and Counterparties. This involves a rigorous review of financial health, past project track record, and ethical conduct. Crucially, an iCIRT rating could help provide property buyers with confidence that they are working with a professional who has demonstrated the capability, capacity, and willingness to return and rectify issues.

Importantly, iCIRT is not a recommendation to purchase a particular property, nor is it a traditional credit rating. It is an independent assessment framework designed to provide objective information about a construction business using a <a href="https://icirt.com/sites/default/files/2025-08/iCIRT-Methodology-Issue1-May-2021.pdf">published methodology</a>.

The system has been widely adopted in New South Wales, where more than one-third of medium and large residential builders and developers now hold an iCIRT rating, representing over two-thirds of the state's residential building market by value as of 2025/26.

<h2 data-end="3126" data-section-id="h6ohtj" data-start="3084">Why buyers are doing more due diligence</h2>

For many buyers, particularly those purchasing off the plan, the biggest risk isn't whether they'll like the kitchen finishes.

It's whether the project will be delivered on time, to the expected quality, and by a company capable of completing the development.

<a href="https://icirt.com/sites/default/files/2026-07/iCIRT%202025%20Consumer%20Survey%20Report%20v05.pdf">Consumer research commissioned by iCIRT</a> found more than half of respondents believed current protections do not adequately safeguard buyers from builder insolvencies or defective projects. Other research found 88 per cent of prospective buyers would seek independent ratings or due diligence before purchasing, while 90 per cent said trust in construction professionals is essential.

That doesn't mean buyers should rely on a single rating alone.

Independent legal advice, understanding the contract, and seeking financial advice all remain important parts of the due diligence process.

However, an independent assessment can provide another source of information alongside those traditional checks.

<h2 data-end="4138" data-section-id="pquzxc" data-start="4094">Trust is becoming a competitive advantage</h2>

The conversation isn't only changing for buyers.

Developers are also recognising that trust has become an increasingly important part of the sales process.

Five years ago, purchasers typically asked about floorplans, finishes and settlement dates.

Today, sales teams are increasingly being asked about the developer's experience, financial stability, previous projects and construction partners.

For companies with strong governance and established delivery records, an independent iCIRT rating provides another way to demonstrate those credentials before buyers even visit a display suite.

According to Equifax, the assessment can also help businesses drive sales and <a href="https://icirt.com/resources-for-business/icirt-rating-helps-scion-secure-high-value-projects">secure high-value projects</a>, as well as identify operational improvements and <a href="https://icirt.com/resources-for-business/mirvac-reinforces-brand-trust-and-quality-independent-icirt-rating">attract top talent</a>.

<h2 data-end="4962" data-section-id="1j54ng5" data-start="4912">Beyond buyers: lenders are paying attention too</h2>

The influence of independent construction ratings is also extending beyond consumers.

According to Stamford Capital's Real Estate Debt Capital Markets Survey, an increasing number of lenders now incorporate iCIRT ratings into their due diligence processes when assessing residential development finance applications.

The survey found lender adoption has continued to rise, with many respondents saying independent assessments provide additional insight into governance, counterparties and delivery capability beyond traditional financial analysis. Some lenders also reported declining funding applications where businesses had poor or no ratings.

As construction costs remain elevated and access to development finance becomes more selective, demonstrating credibility is becoming increasingly valuable.

<h2 data-end="5801" data-section-id="1qazuxs" data-start="5772">What it means for Victoria</h2>

Victoria's apartment market is entering a new phase.

The state is seeking to accelerate higher-density housing while simultaneously introducing reforms aimed at improving confidence in residential construction.

For buyers, that means there are more tools available than ever before to research the businesses behind a project.

For developers, it signals that transparency is becoming another point of differentiation in an increasingly competitive market.

Buyers are asking more questions than ever before and increasingly expecting independent information, not just marketing material, before making one of the biggest financial commitments of their lives.

Find out how to get iCIRT rated <a href="https://www.icirt.com/sites/default/files/2025-08/iCIRT-Infographic-Assessment-Process-Final.pdf">here</a>.

<hr data-end="6469" data-start="6466" />
The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal, financial, legal or tax advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstances before acting on it and, where appropriate, seek independent professional advice.

This article contains links to third-party websites. These links are provided for convenience only. Equifax Australia does not control and is not responsible for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of external sites.

Copyright © 2026 Equifax Australia Information Services and Solutions Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

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