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Claiming to know what the local area wants, Melbourne couple Sasha and Julia's apartment has been listed a month out from its auction.
Before the show started the couple had renovated very close by and claimed to know what the buyers want.
The opted to evoke the glamorous golden era of Hollywood Regency for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-port+melbourne-123804214" target="_blank">5/164 Ingles Street.</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/12/Sasha%20and%20Julia%20bedroom.jpg" alt="" width="455" height="250">
The luxury apartment has photogenic interiors, with a large artwork overlooking the living and dining space.
All three bedrooms come with dressing rooms, and the master retreat features a freestanding elliptical bath and double shower.
<img src="/images/2016/10/12/Sasha%20and%20Julia%20bath.jpg" alt="" width="443" height="236">
The kitchen is yet to be revealed on the show therefore doesn't feature in the listing.
North of $1.7 million is to the price guidance put forward by Jeremy Rosens and Daniel Micmacher at Gary Peers &amp; Associates.
Property stylist Julia said the couple love renovating.
"We love renovating and we love The Block," Julia said.
"It's not so much about making the most money it's about creating something really really beautiful."
 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Inside The Block apartments: Sasha and Julia's Port Melbourne renovation

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The apartment of former VFL player Dan Foley and wife Carleen has been listed for auction given the upcoming end to the show.
Just the kitchen reveal remains, hence its absence in the listing.
Overseen by the Block's leading architect Julian Brenchley, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-port+melbourne-123813650" target="_blank">3/164 Ingles Street</a> honours the building's origins and heritage with its decoratively corniced ceilings and original timber doors.
<img src="/images/2016/10/12/Dan%20and%20Carleen%201.jpg" alt="" width="432" height="231">
"The design style will be in keeping with the building but with a twist," the Perth couple said at the start of the show.
The bathrooms channel the Art Deco spirit with shiny metallic finishes and matt black and white feature tiling.
<img src="/images/2016/10/12/Dan%20and%20Carleen%202.jpg" alt="" width="436" height="243">
There's a grandly proportioned lounge and dining areas plus an additional living-dining zone in a lush balcony alfresco room with outdoor kitchen.
The master suite features a double ensuite with dual vanity and double shower and a decadent dressing-room. The other two bedrooms have their own fitted dressing areas.
<img src="/images/2016/10/12/Dan%20and%20Carleen%203.jpg" alt="" width="435" height="237">
A curvaceous hand-crafted "Orbit" dining table takes centre stage, as does the bespoke and restored vintage furniture.
Hodges Brighton agents Julian Augustini and Romana Preston have the listing of the apartment which, according to the price bracket it falls into on realestate.com.au, is expected to easily fetch over $1.5 million.
Dan, 55, and Carleen, 52, are the oldest couple to tackle the show.
Dan said that they will show the baby boomers have still got it and you can always keep up with the youngsters.
 
 
 
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Inside The Block apartments: Dan and Carleen's Port Melbourne renovation

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The ground floor apartment of this year's The Block Port Melbourne, renovated by high school sweethearts Will and Karlie, has officially been listed online.
The Queensland couple have renovated <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-port+melbourne-123805830" target="_blank">1/164 Ingles Street</a> with trimmed timbers and midnight black and rose gold accents.
The whole floor apartment over 205 sqm has three luxurious king-sized bedrooms with a his-and her master ensuite, walk-in wardrobes and two study corners.
<img src="/images/2016/10/12/Will%20and%20KArlie%201.jpg" alt="" width="403" height="193">
The large 64 sqm open-plan living and dining area is at the rear of the unit. There are remote-controlled sheer sunscreens and block-out blinds throughout.
Of course the kitchen's are yet to be revealed on the show and are missing from the listing images.
<img src="/images/2016/10/12/Will%20and%20Karlie%20bathroom.jpg" alt="" width="402" height="216">
Biggin &amp; Scott Port Melbourne agents David Lack and Will Jonas are marketing the home. The sale includes all the interiors, artwork and furniture picked by Will and Karlie.
They are coy on price disclosure but the apartment sits on realestate.com.au for buyers of at least $1.5 million plus. It's November 12 auction will be televised.
Will and Karlie came into the show off the back of buying their first house just a few months ago, however they are yet to get round to a full renovation.
 
 
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Inside the Block apartments: Will and Karlie's Port Melbourne renovation

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Robina master developer the Robina Group is reinvesting in its own commercial precinct, CBDRobina, with the acquisition of the Robina Professional Centre for around $5 million.
Robina Group will refurbish and extend the vacant three-level commercial building, and then release offices for lease.
Robina Professional Centre currently includes 1,677sqm of lettable area and secure basement parking, on a prime 2,495sqm site at 36 Laver Drive in Robina.
The $5 million sale, which was negotiated by CBRE metropolitan investment properties associate director, Mason Kidman, and office services associate director Nick Selbie.
Robina Group General Manager Hylton Slater said Robina's office vacancy rate was sitting at a very low 5.6 per cent, making it crucial to ensure a continued pipeline of quality commercial space was delivered in the heart of the city.
"The decision to make this significant investment back into our own masterplanned precinct really reflects the interest we are fielding for property in Robina," he said.
Mr Slater said the building would undergo an extensive refurbishment to modernise both the exterior facade and internal space, including the provision of high-speed fibre internet, with the newly created offices to range from 148sqm to 726sqm, including full-floor options.
<img src="/images/2016/09/29/Robina-Professional-Centre-36-Laver-Drive.jpg" alt="">
The spaces will be offered for lease from $350/sqm net per annum through leasing agent, Marcus Weld of Robina Marketing Australia.
Robina continues to be a major growth centre, with a 2016 report by independent analyst, Urbis, showing Robina as the dominant office precinct in Gold Coast City with a workforce increase of 325 per cent and the highest economic growth contribution to Gold Coast City of any precinct between now and 2050.
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Robina Group's $5 million Gold Coast acquisition

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A distinctive 1960s Toowong property has been listed for sale for $1,950,000.
The property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-qld-toowong-502125486" target="_blank">583 Coronation Drive </a>was designed by James Birrell in 1961 as the Toowong Municipal Library.
The Toowong Municipal Library was opened in April 1961 as the largest suburban library in Brisbane and designed to service the western suburbs. 
The design of the timber, glass and steel framed building, a twelve sided externally framed form floating on an organic brick base, was controversial and received much attention when completed.
Birrell was chief architect of the Brisbane City Council in the period from 1955 to 1960. 
Birrell had graduated from architecture at the University of Melbourne in 1951, where he was much influenced by one of his teachers, Melbourne architect Roy Grounds. 
The library was a twelve-sided figure with suggests it had the appearance of a flying-saucer. The building was constructed for about £26 000 by local contractors Stuart Brothers in landscape gardens designed by Harry Oakman. 
Closed since 2001, it has been heritage listed snce 1998 as a good example of the Melbourne School of Roy Grounds and Robin Boyd.
It has a floor area size of 403 sqm with 12 on-site car parks.
It is on a 1,629 sqm corner land parcel.
<img src="/images/2016/10/03/583%20Coronation%20Drive.jpg" alt="">
It is leased to X Radiology at $308,211 gross p.a.
"The one of a kind office space is suitable for office, medical, showroom or retail use," the C Property marketing suggests.
The property is offered through C Property agent Carl Charalambous.
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Modernist flying saucer Toowong commercial trophy property for sale

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Strong interest has emerged overnight in Australia's first-ever 30-year bond.
Demand has pushed past the $13 billion mark, although the size of the offer is likely to be less.
The new bond, which matures 21 March 2047, was launched on Tuesday.
It is expected to be finalised today by the Australian Office of Financial Management. 
Traders told the Australian Financial Review the demand is likely to have come from insurance companies eyeing globally attractive long-term rates paid by a triple-A rated borrower, and short-term traders and funds looking to buy securities that will gain in value if a slowdown in China forces further Reserve Bank of Australia rate cuts.
As of late Tuesday, the AOFM had almost $11 billion of orders and was guiding towards a yield of 3.24 per cent. 
The Australian Office of Financial Management said the historic transaction would be of 'benchmark' size'. 
Traders had anticipated 100 to 107 basis points over the implied yield of the 10-year bond futures contract.  
ANZ, Citi, Commonwealth Bank, Deutsche Bank, UBS and Westpac managed the issue.
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Huge interest in Australia's inaugural 30-year government bond

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Breen Property has announced that its Shearwater Landing residential estate at Greenhills Beach, has sold out.
<a href="https://shearwaterlanding.com.au/" target="_blank">The 13 hectare North Cronulla house and land development site</a> in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire was marketed through Savills.
Tom Breen, executive chairman of Breen Property said that the site had been remediated, re-contoured and re-engineered to produce 160 large, environmentally sensitive, master-planned home sites, with 27 enjoying views over the Pacific Ocean.
Selling prices for the 160 home sites were from just under $1 million to $3.4 million per lot with the lots ranging in size from 550 sqm to over 1,000 sqm.
The beach front sites were all in excess of 785 sq m.
Savills director of residential projects, Nigel Napoli, said throughout the sales process there had been over 5,000 enquiries for the 160 home sites. 
“From the fencing around the site being erected, to opening the doors of the display suite for the first time, buyers have been queueing up to secure their chosen home-site for their future dream home,” said Mr Napoli.
<img src="/images/2016/10/12/image001.jpg" alt="" width="568" height="758">
More than 90 percent of purchasers were local to the Shire.
“Most of the purchasers grew up in the area, and now that they have young families, they want to build their dream home, right by the beach, in the area they grew up in,” added Peter Coulton, Savills selling agent.
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Savills secure sellout of Shearwater Landing, Sutherland Shire land offering

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A Chinese development company has snapped up a Clayton South mixed-use site for $10,980,000.
CBRE negotiated the sale of 1380-1388 Centre Road on behalf of Elco Foods.
The 6,378sqm site is an industrial building utilised by the food importer.
The sale price represents a land rate of $1,722 per sqm – a strong result linked to growing demand for strategically located landholdings capable of townhouse or mixed-use development.
There were nine offers at the conclusion of the campaign, five of which were from Asian parties.
CBRE noted larger scale townhouse development opportunities are extremely popular in the market at present, driven by the big four banks’ willingness to provide funding for this sector and the rapid growth in median house prices in the middle and outer suburbs placing affordability pressures on free standing dwellings.
Cedar Woods is completing a significant townhouse development called Jackson Green in Clayton South.
Abacus Property Group has recently sold a major landholding on Browns Road for $51.5 million to a Chinese buyer.
Director of Elco Foods, Emmanuel Kotis had a valuation in May 2015 at $4.9 million.
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Chinese developer secures Clayton South townhouse site

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Around three quarters of all residential sales in Bathurst are between $300,000 and $500,000, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm noted a correlation between the sale price and the average income in the area.
It advised the majority of home owners are able to service mortgages at these prices.
The size to which dwellings can be built is determined by this limitation in relation to the cost of construction.
In this bracket properties range from slightly dated 60 year old three bedroom, one bathroom dwellings to modern brick veneer four bedroom dwellings with an en suite.
At $500,000 such a dwelling could comprise over 200 square metres of living area alone.
An example would be a four bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bathurst-123592886" target="_blank">6 McLean Street</a> (pictured above) that is for sale for $519,000.
HTW noted a new limitation is then reached in that there is a point when a dwelling can be too large for practical purposes.
"That corresponds with why the majority of properties at $600,000 or more comprise small acreage," the report said.
At the moment anything under $300,000 is being snapped up as soon as it is available. The reason that there are not as many sales in this price bracket is because fewer become available. Although new dwellings continue to comprise a large percentage of sales, this is influenced by the lack of listings that are currently becoming available in established areas.
"This would also skew the areas of higher activity, but not necessarily the level of change in value," the HTW report said.
"This is further influenced by the personal circumstances of purchasers determining the time frame available to allow location to be as important a determinant as the need for accommodation."
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Property supply lacking as demands increase in Bathurst: HTW

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Within the greater Hobart region, the most favoured price point among buyers at present is within the $300,000 to $400,000 range.
The majority of these sales come from the middle Hobart suburbs, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that home buyers at this price point in these mid suburbs include up-graders and downsizers along with some investors.
The majority of recent sales and listings within this price bracket came from Howrah, Kingston, Lutana and Moonah, all of which are within a 15 kilometre radius of Hobart’s centre.
"Within this price range in Howrah you would typically be able to purchase a smaller sized, approximately 125 square metres of living area, modern home or a larger (from 175 square metres) older style home," the report said.
"In Kingston, to the south west of Hobart and the most rapidly growing area within the greater Hobart region, you can expect to pick up an older style home offering 140 to 180 square metres of living area for between $350,000 and $400,000.
"For those who prefer unit living, in Kingston for between $300,000 and $350,000, a two to three bedroom unit with a living area of around 100 to 130 square metres can be purchased within one of the newer subdivisions."
The $300,000 to $400,000 range is mostly favoured throughout Moonah and Lutana due to the attractive rental return for investors.
Typically an older style, three or four bedroom home in original condition can be purchased at around $350,000 and could be expected to achieve a gross yield between 4.5% to 6%.
One example would be a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-moonah-123751390" target="_blank">4 Clifford Street</a> (pictured above) that has been for sale for $335,000.
In the north of the state the most favoured price point among buyers appears to be within the $250,000 to $350,000 price range. South Launceston, West Launceston, Newstead and Invermay have recorded multiple sales within the past few months in this price range.
An older style, renovated home offering between 100 and 150 square metres of living area in west or south Launceston can be picked up within this $250,000 to $350,000 bracket. For the same price range in Newstead you can get an older style home in original condition with a living area ranging between 120 and 180 square metres. All of these suburbs are within two to four kilometres of Launceston’s centre.
The north and north-west of the state have a similar demographic of purchasers within their respective favoured buyer price points. Second home buyers appear to be in the majority and are either upsizing or downsizing.
North-west Tasmania is seeing a favoured price point within the $200,000 to $300,000 range. Devonport, East Devonport, Sheffield and Port Sorell have had a relatively stronger presence for both sales and listings.
Recently in Devonport and East Devonport purchases of modern or renovated homes that offer 125 to 200 square metres of living area have been made within this price bracket.
Both the north and north-west of the state paint a similar picture for investors as that of the south with gross yields of between 5% to 6% being achieved.
Throughout Tasmania the slowest price point appears to be within the $100,000 to $170,000 range.
The majority of properties within this range in the south can be found in Clarendon Vale, Bridgewater, and Gagebrook all of which are within approximately 30 kilometres or a 30 minute commute to the Hobart CBD, the report said.
These properties are mostly single level, brick veneer, three bedroom, one bathroom houses ranging from 90 to 120 square metres of living area and were previously state housing.
Buyers within this range are often investors looking for a strong rental return with rents ranging between $200 and $300 per week. Many of these homes require repairs prior to being made available for rent.
"Due to required repairs these homes generally have extended selling periods and do not appear to be in strong demand," HTW advised.
"Rocherlea and Waverley are suburbs in the north where similar types of properties are available for purchase but demand is likewise limited.
"While these suburbs offer low barriers of entry and good gross yields for investors their potential for future capital growth should also be considered,\."
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Attractive rental returns draw Tasmanian investors to Moonah and Lutana: HTW 

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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