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Due to fewer overseas migrants coming the population growth has continued to slow, according to the September.
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<img src="/images/2016/09/06/CoreLogic_Graphs/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-06%20at%201.29.37%20PM.png" alt="">
There was a huge increase in housing approvals during July.
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<img src="/images/2016/09/06/CoreLogic_Graphs/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-06%20at%201.29.45%20PM.png" alt="">
The gap between housing demand and supply continues to narrow.
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The report suggested consumer feelings remains neutral to housing prices.
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<img src="/images/2016/09/06/CoreLogic_Graphs/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-06%20at%201.30.10%20PM.png" alt="">
It noted the unemployment rate falls to 5.7 percent in July.
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<img src="/images/2016/09/06/CoreLogic_Graphs/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-06%20at%201.30.20%20PM.png" alt="">
The official interest rate cut to a record low of 1.5 percent in August.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

CoreLogic's macroeconomic and demographic indicators of the Australian housing market

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Both median house and unit values across the Latrobe – Gippsland region increased over the year to June 2016, with detached house values sitting at $302,407, which is 3.9 percent higher than one year ago, however having fallen from their recent peak in April ($305,509), according to CoreLogic's regional market report.
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<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2012.04.41%20PM.png" alt="">
Across the much smaller unit market, values have risen 0.6 per cent over the year to June to $233,482.
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<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2012.04.46%20PM.png" alt="">
There were 5,504 residential homes sold across the region over the 12 months to May 2016, tracking above the five year average for the region, but indicating slightly less activity across the market when compared to the preceding year.
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<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2012.04.56%20PM.png" alt="">
A typical house is taking an average of 117 days to sell currently, and the average time on market for units is 122 days, slightly lower than one year ago.
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Median house and unit values increases in Latrobe-Gippsland region: CoreLogic

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Former VFL player Dan Foley and wife Carleen have gone from first to last in the betting for The Block 2016 winner.
The Perth couple, who are the oldest contestant the show has ever had, started as $3.20 favourites, however they've drifted to $6.50 with Ladbrokes.
Will and Karlie have moved into the favourites position, offering a $3.20 price, after winning the guest bedroom room.
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Block%20latest%20odds.jpg" alt="" width="484" height="159">
The Block week 2 scores
Will and Karlie: 27/30
Kim and Chris: 26.5/30
Ben and Andy: 23.5/30
Julia and Sasha: 21.5/30
Dan and Carleen: 17.5/30
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The Block contestants Carleen and Dan drop from first to last in the betting

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A Place To Call Home is back on our television screens, and a colouring book has been released to commemorate the occasion.
The book, available for all age ranges, shows the textures and patterns of everyday life in 1954 rural Australia. The 1880s house on the front cover.
It's filled full of old-timey dresses, antiques and pictures from yesteryear.
It's not just children who colour in now either.
Count Andy Faber-Castell told news.com.au that pencils have gone up 300 percent in sales in one year alone for their adult range.
<img src="/images/2016/09/09/Colouring%20book%20JPEG.jpg" alt="" width="234" height="312">
After Channel 7 decided to axe the show, A Place To Call Home fans were relieved when Foxtel picked the Sunday night drama series up for a third and fourth season.
The original cast with Marta Dusseldorp, Noni Hazlehurst and Brett Climo were reassembled, with shooting around the Camelot, Wollondilly shire and Southern Highlands region.
The Camelot property near Camden on Sydney outskirts was the star of the show.
Set among rolling green pastures with well-established cottage-style gardens, and a winding, tree-lined drive, the historic Narellan mansion was built in 1888 for the White pastoralist family.
James White built it having cashed up from his winnings from Chester, his racehorse which had 19 wins - including the 1877 Melbourne Cup.
It comes with the romantic silhouette of turrets and chimney stacks and gables, the backdrop to many a wedding photo session.
The John Horbury Hunt-designed three-storey house is known as Ash Park in the series.
The 55-room fairytale-liked Camelot and its garden have been stunningly restored by the owners, Brendan and Rachel Power.
The property has actually only had four owners with it last selling in 1999 for $2.6 million.
Above pic courtesy of Foxtel.
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A Place to Call Home embraces the colouring in book trend

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Even more apartments are planned for Parramatta, but the battle between developers has now morphed into which project has the best sky-high cocktail bar.
A 54 storey residential-hotel high-rise at Parramatta will be sold off the plan next month.
As Sydney's second CBD sees dramatic changes to its skyline, Coronation Property had Woods Bagot design the 8 Phillip Street tower to include a rooftop bar, subject to final approvals.
The five star hotel with rooftop bar will sit above 35 levels of apartments that sit above the existing heritage St Andrew's Church and St Andrew's Hall.
"We are deeply committed to delivering world-class architecture and creating a home that all the local community loves," said Coronation Property managing director Joe Nahas.
"Wood Bagot’s design for ‘8 Phillip St’ will set the benchmark for mixed-use apartment projects not only in Parramatta, but internationally."
"Australia is very fortunate to have some of the world’s best architectural creatives who understand our local culture and bring international expertise to the project.”
There's already another Sky Bar bar planned for Parramatta atop V by Crown (pictured above), the nearby $309 million mixed residential-hotel development which is nearing completion.
The sky bar will open next February.
Designed by Sydney-based Allen Jack + Cottier and Koichi Takada Architects, the V by Crown bar will offer views of the Blue Mountains, Sydney CBD and back to the Sydney harbour.
The internal bar area with direct lift access spreads across 275 sqm of internal space and a 90 sqm outdoor terrace, Crown Group director of sales, Roy Marcellus said.
“There is a huge demand for bars like this in Parramatta; offering luxury style in a relaxed atmosphere," he said.
Developed by Iwan Sunito and Paul Sathio, the 590 luxury apartment block has studios for sale from $550,000, one bedrooms from $729,000, two bedrooms from $920,000, and a three bedroom apartment for sale at $1.2 million.
On the planning horizon, the veteran Lang Walker is developing Aspire tower, a 90-storey block which will need development approval by the aviation authority due to its height.
Bates Smart has been selected to design the $700 million tower which will be Sydney's tallest if completed to plan.
The Parramatta River is also changing face, as the $550 million development, The Promenade is launching its third and final stage of apartments.
Construction has already commenced with completion expected in early 2018. 
A CommBank Property Insights report calculated 1500 unit completions in Parramatta in 2017.
Parramatta and its surrounding suburbs are expected to accommodate 60-70 percent of Sydney’s growth over the next 25 years.
When he was the Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Paul Garrard said the development taking place in Parramatta totals $12 billion worth of projects in the pipeline.
"It’s very exciting to see large projects such as this nearing completion and offering new housing to Parramatta’s ever increasing workforce and population.”   
Parramatta’s population is forecast to grow 24 per cent by 2036, from a total of 190,495 to 236,864.  
Estate agent John McGrath recently described Parramatta's property market as on 'serious turbocharge'.
He indicated one of the reasons was the activation of the river which had "for many years been a forgotten waterway."
It's not just the skyline thats been changed but also the street scape, Neil Perry being the latest chef to head out west and join the likes of Jamie Oliver in opening up eateries.
(The architect impression is level 26 at V by Crown)
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Sky-high cocktail bars aplenty in Parramatta

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The number of auctions scheduled across the capital cities is virtually unchanged over the week, with CoreLogic currently tracking 1,895 residential auctions, just four fewer than last week.
The difference in weekly activity is more prominent on a city- by-city basis, with the number of auctions scheduled in Melbourne rising this week, from 830 last week to 915 this week, compared to a fall in Sydney auction volumes, from 747 last week to 672 this week.
Outside of Sydney and Melbourne, auction activity will remain steady across Brisbane (137) and Perth (27), while more auctions are expected in Adelaide this week (84), however less across Canberra (56).
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<img src="/images/2016/09/08/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-08%20at%2012.33.19%20PM.png" alt="">
Capital city auctions this week
<ul>
<li>Sydney: 672</li>
<li>Melbourne: 915</li>
<li>Brisbane: 137</li>
<li>Adelaide: 84</li>
<li>Perth: 27</li>
<li>Canberra: 56</li>
</ul>
This week there are three individual suburbs across Australia where more than 15 auctions will be held and each is located in Melbourne.
The busiest suburb is Reservoir, with 17 auctions, followed by Glen Waverley and St Kilda, each with 16 homes scheduled for auction.
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<img src="/images/2016/09/08/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-08%20at%2012.33.28%20PM.png" alt="">
Summary of last week’s results:
Last week, CoreLogic collected a total of 1,723 auction results across the capital cities, with a final auction clearance rate of 77.1 per cent, the highest clearance rate for the year to date, and the highest reading since June last year (77.3 per cent).
Last week’s clearance rate of 77.1 per cent was moderately higher than the previous week (74.5 per cent). Last week, Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide each recorded their highest year to date clearance rate.
Sydney’s clearance rate hit the 80 per cent mark last week, at 80.7 per cent, while Melbourne’s clearance rate came in just below, at 79.3 per cent, both representing week-on-week improvements for the cities.
Across the individual sub-regions of the two major auction markets, the strongest clearance rate was across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs (90.7 per cent) and Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula (94.1 per cent).
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<img src="/images/2016/09/08/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-08%20at%2012.33.41%20PM.png" alt="">
Outside of the capitals, the strongest performing regional markets last week, based on clearance rate, were Wollongong (76.7 per cent) and Geelong (89.5 per cent), however auction activity across these regions remains low.
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Early spring auction market preview: CoreLogic

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North Gosford units have been pinpointed as the fastest selling market in NSW.
Recent examples of sales include a two bedroom security apartment, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-north+gosford-122946378" target="_blank">31/212-220 Gertrude Street North Gosford</a> (above) which sold for $400,000 and a two bedroom , <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-north+gosford-123149318" target="_blank">19/8 Range Road North Gosford</a>, which sold for $365,000.
At Engadine recent unit sales at around the median included an open plan two bedroom apartment, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-engadine-122328626" target="_blank">30/39-41 Railway Parade Engadine</a> which sold for $557,500 and two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-engadine-121004702" target="_blank">8/7-9 Railway Parade Engadine</a> which sold for $533,000.
Below are the top five fastest selling suburbs in NSW, according to realestateinvestar.com.au:
Suburb                  Type  Beds  Days to sell  Median  Year growth
NORTH GOSFORD  Unit      2         43         $477,500    32.63%
ENGADINE            Unit      2         46         $552,500    12.98%
BALGOWNIE  Townhouse   3         47         $599,000     15.19%
BARRACK HEIGHTS House 3          49      $490,000     30.84%
W. WOLLONGONG House   3           49        $590,000     19.19%
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The five fastest selling suburbs in NSW

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Since late 2014, Gold Coast home values have been steadily trending upwards as the Gold Coast’s tourism market has improved, according to CoreLogic's regional market report.
Over the year to June 2016 house values increased 7.4 per cent, from $533,571 one year earlier to $572,827, while unit values rose 5.0 per cent from $359,284 in June 2015 to $377,154.
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<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.36.17%20AM.png" alt="">
Sales activity over the year ending May 2016 was virtually unchanged compared to the previous year, however current activity is 17.8 per cent higher than the five year average for the region.
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<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.36.26%20AM.png" alt="">
Notably, sales activity over the year to May 2016 (19,081) is 67.4 per cent higher than at its recent low point in May 2012 (11,400).
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<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.36.34%20AM.png" alt="">
Across the rental market, rents are rising, however yields have remained flat over the year for units and fell slightly for houses.
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Tourism helps boost home values in Gold Coast region

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Based on data to June 2016, the median house value across Geelong was $452,657, which is 5.6 percent higher over the year, rising faster than unit values, which were up 3.4 percent over the 12 month period, to $332,864, according to CoreLogic's regional market report.
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Longer term, detached housing has outperformed the smaller unit market across the region, with the median house value now 21.4 per cent higher than it was five years ago, compared to a more moderate 9.8 per cent rise over the past five years for units.
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<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2011.52.15%20AM.png" alt="">
Both house and unit rental markets have recorded a similar performance over the 12 months ending June 2016, with rents rising 3.0 per cent and 3.6 per cent respectively, while units (4.9 per cent) are expected to offer greater returns to investors than detached houses (4.5 per cent) across the region.
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Median house value rising faster than unit values in Geelong region: CoreLogic

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Over the year to June 2016, sales activity across the Richmond – Tweed region rose by 2.5 percent, bringing current activity almost 20 percent above the five year average for the region, according to CoreLogic's regional market report.
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<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.24.39%20AM.png" alt="">
Since 2014, the number of residential homes selling across the region has been trending upwards, yet still hasn’t reached the same levels that were seen back in 2002, when over the 12 months ending May 8,398 homes sold.
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<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.24.46%20AM.png" alt="">
Home values across the region have also risen over the past year, up 8.4 per cent for both houses and units to $482,674 and $367,571 respectively.
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<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.24.54%20AM.png" alt="">
Across the rental market, rental rates for both houses (+4.8 per cent) and units (+5.6 per cent) have also risen over the year, however not at the same rate as home values, thus rental yields have fallen slightly.
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Rental yields falls slightly in Richmond-Tweed area: 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.

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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. 
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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.

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<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. 
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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. 
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"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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"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. 
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"<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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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. 
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"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. 
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"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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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. 
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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. 
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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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