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With summer only a couple of months away, now is the perfect time to ensure your property is prepared for the upcoming bushfire season.
Our long, dry summers bring about soaring temperatures that make the state very susceptible to the threat of bushfires. It’s important that whether you’re a tenant, home owner or landlord, you take steps to ensure your property is prepared.
The Department of Fire &amp; Emergency Services (DFES) recommend preparing both your property and your family before bushfire season.
How to prepare your property
It is your responsibility to ensure that your home is prepared for bushfires.
The DFES recommend you:
<ul>
<li>Walk around your property and imagine a bushfire is coming - look for items likely to burn or places where embers could start a fire e.g. through gaps in roofs, walls, evaporative airconditioners and gutters. 
</li>
<li> Remember to install a mesh cover over your evaporative airconditioner and metal fly screens on your windows and vents to keep sparks and embers out. 
</li>
<li> Clear vegetation and rubbish from around your property and create a 20 metre circle of safety to reduce the risk that burning vegetation will spark your house alight. 
</li>
<li> Store firewood away from the building. 
</li>
<li> Ensure any gas bottles on the property are secured and positioned so that it will vent away from the building if it is subject to flame contact or radiant heat.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://reiwa.com.au/uploadedFiles/Public/Content/About_Us/News/DFES_Bushfire_Checklist-Preparing_your_property.pdf" target="_blank">View a full checklist of how to prepare your property for bushfires.</a>
How to prepare your family
It’s also important to ensure your family or housemates are well informed. Spring is the perfect time to have a discussion about what you will do if a bushfire occurs near your home.
The DFES recommend that people (particularly those who live in high risk areas within 100 metres of bush) have an emergency risk kit ready to go in case you are evacuated or cut off during a bushfire.
This kit should include essential supplies, such as;
<ul>
<li>a radio 
</li>
<li>torch 
</li>
<li>spare batteries 
</li>
<li>first aid kit 
</li>
<li>woollen blanket 
</li>
<li>water 
</li>
<li>non-perishable food.</li>
</ul>
Bushfires happen every summer in Western Australia and are unpredictable. They can flare up suddenly and without warning, so it’s imperative to take responsibility for reducing the risks to your house and family.
For more information, visit <a href="https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx">dfes.wa.gov.au</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Property 101: Is your property prepared for a bushfire?

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A South Melbourne office offering has been listed for sale with five levels up for grabs.
The property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-south+melbourne-502061490" target="_blank">190 Coventry Street</a> has a land size of about 120 square metres, with floor areas of between 70 square metres to 120 square metres.
The building is a five level strata office development with rooftop terrace with car parking facilities included.
<img src="/images/2016/10/03/190%20Coventry%20Street.jpg" alt="">
It offers a view of Albert Park Lake and the Melbourne CBD skyline.
It is offered through CBRE agents Tim Last, Nick Lower and Tom Tuxworth.
The building is set to be completed in three months.
Lower recently put an estimated price of $600,000 upwards on each of the floors and suggested owner-occupiers have been looking to purchase through their self-managed super funds.
<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-23428" src="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/news/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/190-coventry-5.jpg" alt="Side cutaway of the 190 Coventry Street building. Photo: Supplied" width="640" height="516">
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Off the plan South Melbourne office levels hit the market

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A 21 square metre office has been listed for sale in the Melbourne CBD for $185,000.
The property is at <a href="https://www.teskacarson.com.au/property.cfm?propertyID=3107126&amp;realestate=430_Little_Collins_Street_MELBOURNE_VIC_3000&amp;menuItemID=" target="_blank">111/430 Little Collins Street</a> in the Normanby Chambers building.
It is offered through Teska Carson agent Gideon Marcus.
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Little Collins Street, Melbourne office for sale

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An hotel at the eastern Riverina town of Henty has been listed for sale seeking offers above $300,000. It went to auction last month, having been previously offered at $375,000.
The hotel is located halfway between Albury and Wagga Wagga on the Olympic Highway.
The two storey brick property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-nsw-henty-501770738" target="_blank">1 Sladen Street</a> has a land area of about 1100 square metres with a floor area of 400 square metres.
The Doodle Cooma is the only hotel in Henty.
The hotel comes with a bar, lounge, TAB and a covered beer garden. It also includes a dining room with a commercial kitchen.
The Doodle Cooma Hotel is offered for sale on a walk in walk out basis, with all trading details available on inspection and discussion with the vendors.
The property has 12 lettable rooms and a one bedroom residence.
There is an average weekly of turnover of $14,000, excluding gaming.
The offering comes with an option to purchase any number of the five poker machines currently operating in the hotel at $125,000 each.
It has been most recently offered through Chapman, Gould and May agent Doug May.
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Eastern Riverina Henty hotel for sale at $300,000 plus

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Industrial lots are up for sale at a Whalley Creek estate in the South East Queensland region of Nambour.
The Whalley Creek lots come with a floor area of 1072 square metres to 2246 square metres. They are fully serviced and ready to be developed.
Several lots have already gone under contract.
The industrial lots are only minutes to Nambour CBD, 10 minutes to the Bruce Highway interchange and 16 minutes to the Sunshine Motorway.
Lots six and seven are up for sale for $195,000 plus GST and $180,000 plus GST respectively. <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-qld-nambour-502061114">They are listed through</a> joint agencies Savills Sunshine Coast agents Peter Capps and Jason O'Meara and Ray White Commercial North Coast Central agents Michael Shadforth and David C Smith.
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Industrial building lots at Nambour listed

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The Reserve Bank has left the cash rate at a record low of 1.50 per cent. The Reserve Bank is expected to await the September quarter inflation data in late October to decide the next move in rates.
What does it all mean?
<ul>
<li>Will the Reserve Bank Cut rates again? Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe raised doubts on future rate cuts when giving testimony just over a week ago. “The global sense is that monetary policy is not working as effectively as it might have in previous years. I think there are three possible responses to that. The one we have been doing is to just do more monetary policy: if it is not working, do a bit more until it does work. This is why we have found ourselves in some countries with interest rates in negative territory and unprecedented balance sheet expansion. You can keep doing more of something in the hope that it finally works, and my judgement is that that has not been particularly useful.”</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>So it is now a case of waiting for the inflation data on October 26. Growth in underlying inflation in the quarter would need to be 0.4 per cent or below for the Reserve Bank to discuss cutting rates again.</li>
</ul>
The Reserve Bank has maintained the neutral policy stance. That means, the Reserve Bank is not leaning in favour of rate cuts or rate hikes.</div>
<div> </div>
<div class="column">There has been some additional text added to the statement, but nothing substantive. Additional information has been provided on the job market, highlighting the strength of part-time jobs compared with full-time positions. In terms of housing, the RBA does note “Growth in rents is the slowest for some decades.” Perspectives on interest rates
<ul>
<li>
  The Reserve Bank has left the cash rate at 1.50 per cent. The previous rate cut was in August 2016 (25 basis points).
</li>
<li>  There have now been 12 rate cuts since November 2011, cutting rates from 4.75 per cent to 1.50 per cent.</li>
<li>  The Reserve Bank had previously lifted rates seven times from October 2009 to November 2010 – a total of 1.75 percentage points, from 3.00 per cent to 4.75 per cent.</li>
</ul>
What are the implications of today’s decision?
<ul>
<li>  Investors need to work on the premise that the low inflation/low interest rate world will be around for a while yet. And this is very much a global phenomenon. Consumers can buy goods whenever they want and wherever they are, keeping downward pressure on prices. So yield is still king when investors are assessing alternative financial assets.</li>
<li>  Note that Reserve Bank may continue to tolerate a low inflation outcome. Remember that the target band is expressed as a medium-term objective: “Both the Reserve Bank and the Government agree that a flexible medium-term inflation target is the appropriate</li>
</ul>
 
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Will the Reserve Bank cut rates again? CommSec's Craig James

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NSW Government figures showing new home building in Sydney at a 16-year high have been welcomed by the Housing Industry Association.
HIA Senior Economist Shane Garrett said these figures from the NSW Department of Planning &amp; Environment indicate that 30,191 new homes were completed in Sydney during 2015/16, the highest since 1999/2000.
“This represents a 10.4 per cent increase on the previous financial year, with multi-units now accounting for two out of every three new homes in the Sydney area,” he said.
In 2015-2016, 30,191 new houses and apartments were completed, up 10 per cent year-on-year, figures from the Metropolitan Housing Monitor released to Fairfax Media on Tuesday found. This compared to 30,520 new homes built in 1999-2000, when builders were rushing into the market before the introduction of GST in July 2000.
About 40 percent of the completed houses and apartments were concentrated in six local government areas, including the City of Sydney, Blacktown, Camden, Parramatta, Liverpool and The Hills.
“The output of the residential building industry has provided homes for almost 80,000 people in the Sydney area during 2015/16 alone. It is important that Sydney’s dwelling stock expands in order to accommodate the strong, migration-driven growth in the local labour market," he said.
“The strength of new home building in Sydney over the past few years owes much to the low interest rates in place, as well as the rebound in tourism and skilled services in the city.
“However, obstacles with respect to planning, land supply and the affordable delivery of housing infrastructure all risk preventing the Sydney economy from reaching its full potential over the long term."
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Sydney home building at 16-year high: HIA

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Since the end of 2008, Sydney dwelling values have increased by almost 95 percent and Melbourne dwelling values are up 80 percent, CoreLogic head of research Asia Pacific, Tim Lawless said.
Canberra is the only other housing market where the cumulative capital gain has been greater than 20 percent post GFC.
“While we’ve seen values remain relatively strong, in contrast, rental yields have been in the doldrums due to the fact that residential property values are rising at a faster rate than weekly rents.
"The average gross rental yield across the combined capital city dwelling market has held firm at 3.3 percent over the month, which is at an historic low,” he said.
By a large margin, the lowest yields are now in Sydney and Melbourne where value growth has been the most extreme and caused yields to compress. The typical gross yield on a Sydney and Melbourne house is now 2.8 percent, while the gross yield profile for a Sydney unit is the lowest of any capital city, averaging 3.9 percent.
<a href="/images/2016/10/03/Gross%20rental%20yields%20houses%20and%20units.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/03/Gross%20rental%20yields%20houses%20and%20units.jpg" alt="">
 
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Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra take podium places post-GFC for price growth: CoreLogic

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Brisbane's Mary Lane is a new development integrating a five-star hotel with a collection of luxury residences in the heart of the city.
Mary Lane incorporates the internationally acclaimed five-star hotel, Westin.
It will be a collection of one, two and three bedroom residences and a limited amount of penthouses atop Brisbane’s first Westin Hotel.
Mary Lane Development Manager, Ian Pert, of GMP Management, says that Mary Lane will add a new dimension to the Brisbane CBD living experience.
“While the fusion of five-star hotels and luxury residences has been a successful concept in international cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong and New York, the concept is relatively new in Australia.
“The project will provide an exclusive and ultimate city living experience for Mary Lane residents. Westin guests and residents will have a choice of bars and restaurants fronting Mary Street in an open and green fringed podium.”
Marketed by Colliers International, Mary Lane was the highest selling residential development in the Brisbane CBD for the first quarter of 2016.
Colliers International Director, Andrew Roubicek, says Mary Lane offers a luxurious and quiet city address that provides an easy transition between work and play as well as the ease of a ‘lock and leave’ lifestyle.
Designed by global architecture and consulting firm, Woods Bagot, each residence is embellished with synonymous designer features desired by “next generation” city buyers.
“Woods Bagot created Mary Lane with the amenities on the rooftop skydeck featuring an infinity pool, cardio gym, fully equipped functions room and views across Brisbane.
Residents will also have a separate lobby, secure lift access and access to Westin’s illustrious concierge and hotel amenities on a fee-for-service basis.
One, two and three bedroom residences starting from level 17 are now selling from $460,000.
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Mary Lane, Brisbane's 5-star apartments above the Westin Hotel

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Capital city dwelling values continued to show a strong headline rate of growth over the September quarter, with the CoreLogic Hedonic Home Value Index rising 2.9 percent over the past three months, according to CoreLogic’s latest market report.
The combined capital city index, which is heavily weighted towards the Sydney and Melbourne markets, recorded a 1.0 percent month-on-month gain, taking capital city dwelling values 41.3 percent higher since the growth cycle commenced in June 2012.
Growth conditions were substantially different from region-to-region. The top performing market was Melbourne where dwelling values pushed 5.0 percent higher over the third calendar quarter, due largely to a strong rise in house values (+5.2 percent) which balanced a softer result for the unit market (+2.9 percent). Canberra showed the second highest rate of growth over the quarter with values up 4.5 percent, followed by Sydney at 3.5 percent.
<a href="/images/2016/10/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-10-04%20at%2011.13.17%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-10-04%20at%2011.13.17%20AM.png" alt="">
 Highlights over the three months to September 2016
• Best performing capital city: Melbourne +5.0%
• Weakest performing capital city: Darwin -4.5%
• Highest rental yields: Hobart houses with gross rental yield of 5.2% and Hobart Units at 5.5%
• Lowest rental yields: Melbourne and Sydney houses with gross rental yield of 2.8% and Sydney units at 3.9%
• Most expensive city: Sydney with a median dwelling price of $785,000
• Most affordable city: Hobart with a median dwelling price of $325,000
In contrast, the weakest housing market over the quarter was Darwin where dwelling values declined by 4.5 percent, to be 11.1 percent lower than the most recent 2014 peak in property values and 13.9% lower than the previous 2010 peak in dwelling values.
Perth dwelling values also slipped 3.2 percent lower over the quarter to take the cumulative decline in values to 10.4 percent since their December 2014 peak, and 5.2 percent below the previous peak in 2010. Brisbane dwelling values also slipped lower over the quarter falling by a marginal 0.3 percent, attributable mostly to larger declines across the unit sector.
Darwin dwelling values are now roughly equivalent to what they were seven years ago, while in Perth, dwelling values have retraced back to 2007 levels.
The combined regional markets of Australia, where the measure of value growth lags by one month, saw house values slip 1.1 percent lower over the three months to the end of August.
While modest declines were recorded across most of the ‘rest of state’ housing markets, the weakest conditions continue to be experienced in regional Western Australia, where house values have fallen 12.4 percent over the past twelve months.
The weak housing market conditions across the regional areas of Western Australia were also highlighted in the recent CoreLogic Pain and Gain report, which showed one third of houses which resold over the June quarter did so at gross loss.
While the headline rate of growth remains positive across most cities, the majority of capital cities have seen their growth trend moderate compared with a year ago. The only capital city markets where the current quarterly rate of growth was higher (compared with the September 2015 quarter) was Hobart, Canberra and Adelaide.
<a href="/images/2016/10/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-10-04%20at%2011.15.33%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-10-04%20at%2011.15.33%20AM.png" alt="">
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<img src="/images/2016/10/04/Screen%20Shot%202016-10-04%20at%2011.16.53%20AM.png" alt="">
The quarterly pace of capital gains in Sydney peaked over the June quarter of 2015 at 7.4% and, similarly, Melbourne’s quarterly rate of capital gain peaked at 7.9% over the same quarter.
Although value growth in Sydney and Melbourne is not as strong as it was at its peak, growth continues to be supported by high auction clearance rates which are now at their strongest levels since the June 2015 quarter.
In Sydney, clearance rates remained above 80% throughout September, while Melbourne clearance rates have consistently been above 75%, albeit on substantially lower volumes than a year ago.
The top three auction markets for spring activity have been: Inner Melbourne (780 auctions over the four weeks of September with a clearance rate of 75%), Melbourne’s Inner South (560 auctions with a clearance rate of 82%) and North Sydney/Hornsby (545 auctions with a clearance rate of 85%).
The most successful auction markets have been Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs where 89% of auctions were successful during September, Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula (88% of auctions cleared) and Sydney’s Ryde (87% of auctions cleared).
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Capital city dwelling values increase 2.9 percent over the September quarter: CoreLogic

Buying into a masterplanned community often means committing to a vision still years from taking shape. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>, that vision is already visible.

Residents have moved into the completed first stage, landscaped spaces are established, and the next chapter is now underway. Stage 1 has been completed and settled, with Stage 2 now selling off-the-plan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> combines attainable apartment living with sustainability initiatives rarely seen at this price point, including rooftop solar, battery storage and a resident EV-sharing program.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6RNt3AvtBpI?si=JUhuCV2ZRXsYaoJZ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Located on Schofi​elds Road, just moments from Tal​lawong Metro Station and Schof​ields Train Station, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been designed to appeal to a broad mix of buyers, from first-home purchasers looking for a foothold in Sy​dney's property market to downsizers seeking a connected, low-maintenance lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been conceived as a thoughtfully planned masterplanned community that will evolve over multiple stages, with buyers now able to secure one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a neighbourhood that is already beginning to establish its identity.

One of the project's defining features is its focus on sustainability. Solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure have been incorporated throughout the development, reflecting a long-term approach to both environmental performance and everyday convenience.

Sustainability sits at the centre of the development's vision, with solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure integrated throughout the community.

That emphasis on future-ready living extends beyond the technology. Landscaped communal gardens, outdoor gathering spaces and plans for a future retail precinct aim to create a neighbourhood where residents can access daily conveniences without travelling far from home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351027]

The apartments themselves have been designed with liveability front of mind. Rather than chasing maximum density, the focus has been placed on creating practical homes with generous natural light, usable layouts and strong connections to outdoor space.

Importantly, these design principles have been applied consistently across the one, two and three-bedroom apartment offerings.

The appeal of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> is also closely linked to its location within Syd​ney's rapidly evolving north-west growth corridor. Over the past decade, major infrastructure investment has transformed the area, with new transport links, business precincts and community facilities reshaping suburbs like Talla​wong and Schofiel​ds.

The agent says buyers are increasingly recognising the area's long-term potential.

"Typical buyers that we're finding across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> especially are your first-home buyers, your investors, your upsizers as well as your downsizers," Hawes says.

Connectivity remains one of the project's strongest drawcards. Residents have access to both Tallaw​ong Metro Station and Schofi​elds Train Station, providing links to the Sydn​ey CBD, Norw​est Business Park, Macquari​e Park and other major employment hubs. Retail centres including Rous​e Hill Town Centre and Sch​ofields Village are also nearby, alongside schools, parks and future healthcare infrastructure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351031]

For Stage 1 resident Roji, it is the balance between convenience and comfort that has defined the experience of living at Kew.

"For me, it's a balance of quality and convenience," she says. "Everything I need is right here."

"If I wanted to catch the train, Scho​fields Station is just around the corner. Tallaw​ong Metro connects me to the city."

More importantly, she says, the development has delivered something that cannot be measured in floorplans or specifications.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> feels like home."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351024]

As Stage 2 enters the market, that lived experience may be one of the project's strongest selling points. Buyers are not purchasing into an untested concept or a future promise. They are joining a community that is already taking shape.

Ongoing investment in transport, retail, healthcare and public open space continues to strengthen the appeal of Syd​ney's north-west growth corridor, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>'s established first stage provides buyers with a tangible sense of the community's future direction.

For a limited time, buyer can secure a new home at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> with just a $10,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149637]

Joel Robinson

Kew Tallawong: A growing community taking shape in Sydney's north-west

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a> has received development approval for its 51-storey mixed-use tower at 153-157 Walker Street, North Sydney, set to be one of the tallest mixed-use residential-led buildings in one of Sydney’s most sought-after commercial and residential addresses.

Lodged as a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) through the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway and approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure following a comprehensive public exhibition and submissions process, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/153-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">the project</a> will deliver 296 apartments, alongside a 170-room, luxury hotel, activated retail and significant public domain improvements.

Situated just 200 metres from Victoria Cross Metro Station, on one of the largest developable sites in North Sydney, the development will rise to 234 metres, making it one of the tallest buildings in the suburb. With an end value of approximately $1.5 billion, the project responds directly to the NSW Government’s mandate to accelerate housing delivery in well-located, transit-connected areas.

<img alt="Freecity gets green light for mixed-use residential and hotel tower in North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="192ec455-94bf-4e01-83ef-922b1b269d67" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Freecity%20-%20Walker%20Street%20North%20Sydney%201%20RESIZED%20.jpg?VersionId=Bzqp0SBHCDvLAHjA4QXkjuGoOEIh73Jl" />

The apartment mix will cater to a broad range of buyers, with 65 studio and one-bedroom apartments, 139 two-bedroom residences, 35 three-bedroom apartments, 48 four-bedroom homes, and nine penthouses. Residents will have access to a dedicated amenity level on Level 33, featuring a swimming pool with views towards the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and North Sydney CBD, as well as a gym, library, shared kitchen, lounge and outdoor entertaining areas.

The hotel will occupy the lower six levels of the building and include meeting and function spaces, a wellness centre with gym, yoga studio, swimming pool and sauna, further strengthening North Sydney's growing hospitality offering.

At ground level, the development has been designed to improve pedestrian connections through the precinct. More than 700 sqm of retail space will activate the street frontage, while a landscaped through-site link connecting Walker Street, Little Walker Street and Doris Fitton Park will provide new public open space with seating, paving and extensive native landscaping.

Freecity Group Co-Founder and Joint CEO Tony Sun said the project represents one of the most significant development opportunities currently available in North Sydney.

"This is one of the most significant development sites in North Sydney and it comes at a pivotal moment for the precinct," Sun said.

"North Sydney is undergoing a genuine transformation, and this project will contribute housing the city urgently needs while creating a landmark destination."

Executive Director of Development Michael Romano said demand for both residential and hotel accommodation would continue to strengthen as the Metro precinct matures.

"The structural demand for high-quality housing and hotel accommodation in North Sydney is compelling, and will only grow as the precinct continues to evolve around the new Metro station," Romano said.

Architectus has designed the tower, orientating the apartments to maximise views towards Sydney Harbour while introducing a sculpted façade intended to respond to light, wind and the surrounding skyline.

Architectus Principal Marko Damic said the design sought to create a tower that contributes to the public realm as much as the skyline.

"We wanted to design a tower that doesn't just sit in the skyline but actively participates and contributes to city life," Damic said.

First look: Freecity gets green light for mixed-use apartment and hotel tower in North Sydney

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> have celebrated the topping out of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf,</a> marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of Syd​ney's most anticipated waterfront communities.

Located on Sydney's harbourfront at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a>, the project has now reached its highest structural point, with construction progressing strongly towards completion in 2027. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240] 
&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will deliver a mix of waterfront residences and terraces, complemented by a private 36-berth marina, waterfront dining opportunities and a revitalised foreshore designed to reconnect the community with the river's edge. 
&nbsp; 
Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said the project represented a rare opportunity to create the next chapter in Sydn​ey's long history of successful waterfront precincts. 
&nbsp; 
"Throughout Sydney, some of the city's most sought-after addresses have emerged from carefully considered waterfront precincts such as Woolloom​ooloo Wharf, Walsh Bay and Breakfast Point," Brown said.

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&nbsp; 
"What makes these places so successful is that they become much more than residential developments," Brown said.

"They bring together homes, hospitality, marina facilities, public spaces and a strong sense of community in locations where future supply is incredibly limited."

Brown has long described absolute waterfront land in Sy​dney as "finite."

"Once these opportunities are developed, they are rarely replicated. That's why Syd​ney's waterfront precincts have consistently demonstrated strong demand and long-term value growth over many decades. 
&nbsp; 
"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is one of the few remaining opportunities to secure a residence within a masterplanned waterfront community that combines direct water access, marina ownership opportunities and a genuine village lifestyle just moments from the Sy​dney CBD."

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&nbsp; 
PERIFA Founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the project reflected a shared commitment to delivering exceptional places that create long-term value for residents and the broader community. 
&nbsp; 
"The topping out milestone is a significant achievement for the Versatile Group and a testament to the collaboration between all project partners, consultants and contractors involved," Perilli said. 
&nbsp; 
"Beyond the residences themselves, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will establish a new waterfront destination that celebrates the history, character and lifestyle of this unique location while creating a lasting legacy for future generations."

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&nbsp; 
Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile">Versatile Construction</a>, with structural works now substantially complete across the precinct. Attention will progressively shift to the construction of the waterview terraces, apartment façades, services and interior fit-out works over the coming months. 
&nbsp; 
With limited residences and marina berths remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> continues to attract strong interest from owner occupiers and downsizers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle within close proximity to Putne​y Village, Rh​odes, Top Ry​de and the Syd​ney CBD. 
&nbsp; 
As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.

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Abadeen, PERIFA, top out Putney Wharf harbourfront precinct

Kew has long been regarded as one of Melbourne's premier residential suburbs. It's a location defined by its grand period homes, leafy streets and some of the city's most prestigious schools, yet it has often sat just outside the spotlight cast on neighbouring Hawthorn and Camberwell.

Increasingly, however, buyers are recognising that Kew offers much of what draws people to those suburbs, with a quieter residential setting, exceptional amenity and long-term owner-occupier appeal.

Within a few minutes' walk, residents can access Kew Junction, one of Melbourne's most established village centres. Cafés, bakeries, restaurants, supermarkets, boutique retailers and everyday services are all on the doorstep, with local favourites including Centonove, Adeney Milk Bar Cafe, and Frank &amp; Harri creating the type of walkable lifestyle that has become increasingly difficult to find in Melbourne's inner east. Beyond the immediate neighbourhood, Glenferrie Road's renowned shopping and dining precinct in Hawthorn and the retail, dining and entertainment offerings of Camberwell Junction are both just a short drive or tram ride away.

The suburb is equally well connected. Tram routes 48 and 109 provide direct access to the CBD, while High Street and Cotham Road connect residents to the wider inner east.&nbsp;Nearby access to the Eastern Freeway also places the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne Airport within easy reach, adding another layer of convenience for weekend travel.&nbsp;It's a rare combination of connectivity and tranquillity, where quiet residential streets sit just moments from some of Melbourne's most established shopping and lifestyle precincts.

For families, Kew remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held addresses. Carey Baptist Grammar School, Xavier College, Methodist Ladies' College, Trinity Grammar, Ruyton Girls' School and Genazzano FCJ College are all nearby, while the Yarra River parklands, walking trails and sporting clubs provide another layer of lifestyle appeal.

It's within this established pocket that developer Ricdanic is delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wimba-ave-kew-9-11-wimba-avenue-kew-vic-3101">Wimba Ave</a>, a boutique collection of just 13 residences across two buildings named after its location on the tree-lined Wimba Avenue,&nbsp;within one of Kew's most prestigious pockets where homes have been known to sell up to and above $8 million.

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The residences prioritise the space that buyers are increasingly searching for but struggling to find in established suburbs. Living areas extend beyond five metres in width, ceiling heights range from three to five metres, and apartments open onto private gardens averaging around 125 sqm. Selected residences also feature balconies of approximately 60 sqm, while premium inclusions include Miele appliances, double-glazed windows, EV readiness, fully electric systems and a 7.2 NatHERS energy rating.

Architect Chris Idle says opportunities to deliver homes of this scale within established suburbs have become increasingly uncommon.

"There are very few opportunities to do these kinds of developments in leafy, established suburbs," he says. "To get this level of amenity, natural light, and architectural freedom in such a setting is extremely rare."

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The architecture draws on Kew's established character through the use of handmade Krause bricks, while landscaping by John Patrick introduces 23 plant species, including nine native varieties, creating an environment which focuses just as much on nature as it does the building.

Construction on Wimba Ave is well underway by renowned high-end builder Sinjen, with completion expected in late 2027. Prices start from $2.22 million.

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The enduring appeal of Kew's tree-lined streets and village lifestyle

"For me, it's the location." That was the first thing Chris pointed to when reflecting on why he and his wife Marita decided to purchase at Candela Ivanhoe, the under-construction new apartment development by Salter Brothers in the heart of the north-eastern M​elb​ourne​ suburb. ​

"We've lived here before… everything is here," Chris said.

"Our doctor is around the corner, there's dentists, pilates, everything we need, restaurants, fast food places, two train stations, Ivanhoe and Darebin, both in walking distance. You don't need anything else."

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Just 10 kilometres from Melbo​urn​e's CBD, Ivanhoe combines direct city connectivity with the amenity of an established village community. Residents have access to highly regarded schools, expansive parklands, public transport, and a thriving retail and hospitality precinct centred around Upper Heidelberg Road, all within a neighbourhood that has retained its leafy character despite its proximity to the city.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela Ivanhoe</a> sits within the heart of this established landscape, positioned just moments from Ivanhoe Village and within walking distance of many of the suburb's most sought-after amenities.

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From Candela, residents can access cafés, grocers, wine bars, restaurants and essential services on foot, while Ivanhoe Station and Darebin Station provide direct connectivity across Mel​bour​ne. The development is also surrounded by some of the suburb's best-known lifestyle destinations, including Pinkie, Laurent, Enni, Docasa and Woodfire Pizza e Cucina, alongside Ivanhoe Plaza, Woolworths, pharmacies and specialty retailers.

Green space is another defining feature of the suburb. Darebin Parklands, Ivanhoe Park, Nellie Ibbot Park and the Yarra River trail network provide extensive opportunities for recreation, while Ivanhoe Golf Course and Ivanhoe Tennis Club continue to underpin the area's long-established lifestyle appeal.

The suburb's education offering further strengthens demand. Ivanhoe Grammar School, Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School, Mary Immaculate Primary School and Ivanhoe Primary School have helped establish the area as one of Melbou​​rne's most sought-after schooling precincts, attracting families and downsizers alike who want to remain connected to the area.

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While location was the priority for Marita and Chris, the project itself also needed to meet their expectations.

"Whilst location was paramount, I was also looking at design of the environment and Candela ticked every box," Marita said.

"We're just thrilled with our choice."

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Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>, Candela Ivanhoe has been designed to complement its village setting, with an emphasis on generous floorplans, natural light and practical everyday living.

Residents will have access to a range of shared amenities, including a communal rooftop garden and dedicated residential lounge, complemented by a ground-floor café and lifestyle wellbeing centre, helping foster the sense of community already emerging among future owners.

That approach has resonated strongly with the market. More than 90 per cent of purchasers at Candela Ivanhoe are owner-occupiers, with buyers ranging from downsizers and second-home buyers to young families and first home buyers, creating a genuinely multi-generational community of grandparents, parents and children. It reflects a broader shift across Melbo​​urne's apartment market, where buyers are increasingly prioritising neighbourhood quality, lifestyle amenity and long-term liveability.

Currently under construction by Ironside, Candela Ivanhoe comprises 58 apartments. Candela Ivanhoe is scheduled for completion in the coming months, and residents can move in from September. One to four bedroom residences, prices from $649,000 and limited opportunities remaining.

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Staff reporter

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