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Melbourne has yet to catch Sydney as national house price growth halves, according to the official ABS data for the September quarter when the growth gap narrowed.
The weighted average price index for residential properties across the eight capital cities for the September quarter rose 2%, the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed, lower than the 4.7% national growth in the June quarter.
According to the Residential Property Price Indexes, the index rose 10.7% through the year to the September quarter.
Capital city residential property price indexes rose in Sydney (3.1%) in the September quarter, Melbourne (2.9%), Brisbane (1.3%), Adelaide (1.2%), Canberra (1.3%) and Hobart (0.5%). Two cities showed a fall, Perth (-2.4%) and Darwin (-0.4%), it said.
"Annually, residential property prices rose in Sydney (+19.9%), Melbourne (+9.9%), Brisbane (+3.8%), Canberra (+4%), Adelaide (+3.5%) and Hobart (+1.7%) while they fell in Darwin (-2%) and Perth (-3.3%).
"The total value of residential dwellings in Australia was $5 859 824.6 m at the end of September quarter 2015, rising $137,125.0m over the quarter. The mean price of residential dwellings rose $11,900 to $612,200 and the number of residential dwellings rose by 38,600 to 9,572,400 in the September quarter 2015."
<a href="/images/2015/12/15/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-15%20at%2012.06.30%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/15/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-15%20at%2012.06.30%20PM.png" alt="">
For the June quarter, the index rose 9.8% through the year.
"Capital city residential property price indexes rose in Sydney (8.9%), Melbourne (4.2%), Brisbane (0.9%), Adelaide (0.5%) and Canberra (0.8%), was flat in Hobart (0.0%) and fell in Perth (-0.9%) and Darwin (-0.8%)," it noted.
"Annually, residential property prices rose in Sydney (+18.9%), Melbourne (+7.8%), Brisbane (+2.9%), Canberra (+2.8%), Adelaide (+2.7%) and Hobart (+1.5%) and fell in Darwin (-1.8%) and Perth (-1.2%).
"The total value of residential dwellings in Australia was $5,761,607.2m at the end of June quarter 2015, rising $271,939.1m over the quarter. The mean price of residential dwellings rose $26,200 to $604,700 and the number of residential dwellings rose by 38,400 to 9,528,300 in the June quarter 2015."
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Melbourne yet to catch Sydney as national house price growth halves: ABS 

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The REIV is expecting about 1,630 auctions in 374 Melbourne suburbs this week.
The top auction locations this weekend are Mount Waverley (26 auctions),  Reservoir (25 auctions),  and Richmond (25 auctions).
A number of areas have performed well this year in Melbourne’s east, REIV chief Enzo Raimondo said. About $500 million worth of properties has been sold at auction in each of the top three suburbs - Balwyn North, Kew and Camberwell.
For Sydney, Dr Andrew Wilson at APM said auction numbers will be low in Sydney this weekend as the local market winds down before the Christmas break.
Sydney will host a little more than 700 auctions on Saturday compared to last weekend’s 885, well below the 998 listed over the same weekend last year. 
December auction activity in Sydney will be well below last year’s record levels with 500 fewer homes set to go under the hammer over the month. 
Sydney’s south will host the most auctions this weekend with 105 followed by the inner west 101, the upper north shore 81, the city and east 73, the south-west 66, the northern beaches 63, the west 58, Canterbury Bankstown 54, the lower north 50, the north-west 36, the Central Coast 25 and the Blue Mountains with one auction scheduled this weekend.
Leichhardt, Yagoona and Cremorne are the most popular suburbs in Sydney this weekend for auctions, each with nine, followed by Auburn, St Ives and Dee Why, each with eight auctions scheduled.
 
For your free Property Observer eBook from RAMS, 12 tips for first-time buyers, covering everything you need to know when it comes to purchasing property, click here.
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Mt Waverley and Leichhardt head the auction weekend activity in Melbourne and Sydney

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Australian investors are reducing their exposure to property, with new official data highlighting a pullback in investor home loans, which could help to take pressure off properly prices in 2016, according to the head of new banking business act., Amanda Watt.
However, a decline in first-time buyer numbers is a warning that house prices are still unaffordable for many Australians.
In October, the value of new home loans fell 2% to $32.6 billion, driven by a sharp 6.1% drop in the value of investor home loans to $11.5 billion.
At the same time, the value of home loans for owner occupiers rose just 0.4% to $21.2 billion, according to housing finance data released by the Australian Bureau Statistics (ABS).
The overall number of home loans taken by owner occupiers in October fell by 0.5% to 55,571.
In another sign that the Australian property market is slowing, the number of first-home buyer commitments as a percentage of total owner-occupied housing finance commitments fell to 15.1% in October 2015 from 15.4% in September 2015.
Fixed-rate loans, as a proportion of all new home loans, fell to 9.1%, their lowest level in four years, as investors took advantage of record low variable interest rates.
The average loan size for first home buyers rose $3,900 to $355,700. The average loan size for all owner-occupied housing commitments rose $3,000 to $382,400 for the same period.
“It appears that demand for housing is falling due to two reasons. First, the campaign by Australian financial regulators to take the heat out of property investment appears to be working effectively, with the value of investor home loans dropping sharply in October after prudential regulations were introduced to curb sharp rises in property investment," said Watt.
“Second, first home buyers have pulled in some areas, no doubt due to the very high level of property prices, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, where unaffordability remains a bar to entry to the property market."
In May, banks tightened lending criteria such as loan-to-value ratio (LVR) after the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority’s introduced supervisory measures to cap the growth of investor lending. 
Then, at the end of June, APRA released a temporary directive to five banks requiring them to increase the amount of capital they hold against their residential mortgage exposures.
“We expect the level of property investment to continue to fall in 2016 as higher interest rates on investment home loans begin to take effect,” Watt said.
"No doubt, this will help to take pressure off property prices and give some relief to first time buyers in 2016," she said.
Act. is an innovative banking service that redirects profits back into social projects. For each product act. has, including home loans, act. allocates ‘impact dollars’ – real dollars taken from the profit it earns – and it gives them back to its customers, who can then donate to a project of their choice listed on letsact.com.au.
Act. recently won Money magazine’s 2016 Best of the Best award for Best Innovative Banking Product.
“This award acknowledges that act., which was launched in November 2014, is a world-first banking model which is changing banking for good. act. gives control to each customer to decide when or where their profit allocation is spent.”
“act. blends retail banking with crowdfunding, offering consumers an opportunity to create their own social impact, by choosing how a portion of profits generated from their own banking is distributed to social and not-for-profit projects.”
act. celebrated its first birthday in November, after a strong start. “More than $150,000 has so far been raised for some awesome community projects. We thank our customers and partners so much for their continued effort in supporting act.,” said Watt. 
For your free Property Observer eBook from RAMS, 12 tips for first-time buyers, covering everything you need to know when it comes to purchasing property, click here.
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Investors pull back sharply from property investment

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What’s your property worth?
<a href="https://www.propertyvalue.com.au/" target="_blank">Property Value</a>, launched in July by CoreLogic RP Data, is an online tool for buyers and sellers to estimate the value of a property in Australia, benchmark against comparable properties for sale or rent and even look up the history over the past 30 years to see what that property has previously sold for.
More than 800,000 people have used <a href="https://www.propertyvalue.com.au/" target="_blank">www.propertyvalue.com.au</a> so far, which works out to 66,000 user hours invested.
CoreLogic RP Data is giving away one week free access to Property Value - redeemable at:
<a href="https://www.propertyvalue.com.au/xmas" target="_blank">www.propertyvalue.com.au/xmas</a> (Valued at $49.00 the offer is for one x log in per individual, valid for one week. The offer expires on January 1).
The offer also includes access to new site additions including: local schools with Naplan scores, development approval data for properties, streets and suburbs, scatterplot charting and access to charting the return on a $100 investment for any two suburbs over the past five years.
“Property Value provides more data coverage and decision-making tools than any other offering and it also works brilliantly on mobile,” CoreLogic RP Data head of consumer Paul Argus said.
“It’s a great tool for anyone looking to buy or sell property, particularly investors. Every street and property holds its own profile. Suburbs can be compared side by side and estimated rent and yield scores can be assessed.
“A perfect scenario showcasing the functions and attributes housed in the Property Value site, and included below, is our extraction around picking and comparing the best performing suburbs over time,” he added.
Assisted by CoreLogic RP Data research analyst Cameron Kusher, the data used highlights a few things.
Firstly, while capital city figures tell a broad story, “the experience across individual suburbs can be vastly different,” he said.
This is highlighted by the NSW example. “Most people would have anticipated that a market like Mosman would have outperformed Parramatta, however, this hasn’t been the case. It actually highlights that new investment in a region generally has a positive impact on housing demand and subsequently property values,” Kusher said.
“The data also highlights that picking winners in the market is very difficult which is why investment in the housing market should be a long-term investment not a punt on short-term gains.”
See below - real-time examples broken down as follows:
• NSW – Premium vs. up and coming (Mosman vs Parramatta)
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.16.47%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.16.47%20PM.png" alt="">
• QLD – Brisbane inner city vs Gold Coast (Newmarket vs Southport)
• VIC – Toorak vs Canterbury (premium suburbs)
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.18.12%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.18.12%20PM.png" alt="">
• WA – Battle of the beaches
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.21.02%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.21.02%20PM.png" alt="">
NSW – Premium vs. up and coming (Mosman vs Parramatta)
• Would turn $100 into $185 over 5 years if invested in Parramatta
• Compared to $125 if invested in Mosman
VIC – Toorak vs Canterbury (premium suburbs)
• Toorak was ahead until the last few months where Canterbury growth has increased significantly
• $100 invested in Canterbury in Dec 2010 would yield $135 today
WA – Battle of the beaches
• Returns on Scarborough investment overtook Cottesloe in Dec 2013
• $100 invested in Cottesloe in Dec 2010 would yield $95 today
QLD – Brisbane inner city vs Gold Coast (Newmarket vs Southport) 
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.23.28%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2012.23.28%20PM.png" alt="">
• Neck and neck over last 5 years with Southport experiencing a dip in 2012 followed by recovery in 2015
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Propertyvalue.com.au is giving one-week free access

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New South Wales has taken top spot in a new report by real estate forecaster Australian Construction Insights (ACI).
The summer 2015 edition of the ACI Construction Monitor provides analysis and insights into conditions within Australia's non-residential building and engineering construction sectors.
“In terms of geography, the Construction Monitor’s state rankings show New South Wales has finally taken out top spot," said Geordan Murray, the economist who worked on the report.
In the Construction Monitor rankings NSW has been held out of top spot...until now. After a series of seconds and thirds, the latest analysis shows NSW has finally reached the top of the table, narrowly edging out Victoria which holds down second spot ahead of the Northern Territory.
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2010.58.23%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2010.58.23%20AM.png" alt=""> 
 
"The recent performance of the state’s residential building sector has been has been well documented, however, the resurgence of the state’s non-residential construction sectors have not attracted the same level of attention,” Murray added.
Despite the overall top spot, NSW ranked second to Victoria for best performing jurisdiction in non-residential building, and was runner-up to the Northern Territory for best performing jurisdiction in engineering construction. 
Beyond the top three, there is a reasonably large gap to Tasmania and Western Australia in fourth and fifth places, respectively. South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory are a little further off the pace holding down sixth and seventh, while Queensland has dropped into last place.
“The gradual winding down of construction work related to the expansion of mining operations over the last few years is the most pervading factor affecting the overall level of non-residential and engineering construction activity nationally,” Murray said.
“Our forecasts show this is likely to remain the overarching dynamic for the next few years.”
“However, the large scale of the change in mining related work is concealing the countless variations in conditions affecting all the other segments of non-residential building and engineering construction.
“In an aggregate sense, falling expenditure on non-residential construction will be a weight in the saddlebag for Australia’s economic growth, lasting as long as it takes for mining sector expenditure to normalise.
Murray said the forecast showed growth in total non-residential construction is expected to return in 2017/18, but it does not need to take that long.
"If we see more favourable currency conditions and interest rates remaining low, we could see investment in non-residential construction make a positive contribution to economic growth sooner,” he concluded. 
<a href="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2010.58.33%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/12/11/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-11%20at%2010.58.33%20AM.png" alt="">
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NSW takes top spot on construction league table

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Wolfdene’s AVA II townhouses in Melbourne have received the Award for Excellence in the affordable housing category at the recent Urban Development Institute of Australia’s 2015 Annual Awards.
Located in the South East near Cranbourne suburb, the two and three bedroom townhouses offer value for money and a low-maintenance alternative to standard house and land.
“Housing affordability is a big issue in the Melbourne market, this award is recognition of Wolfdene’s commitment to providing housing diversity in the urban growth areas,” said Jon Atchison, the director of Wolfdene.
<div>AVA II are six-star energy rated and designed in collaboration with SJB, who also designed Sydney's Casba project, which recently won the World Architecture Festival Award for Mixed Use Completed Buildings.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“With a flowing open plan design and an abundance of natural light, AVA II is a value for money and low maintenance alternative to standard house and land,” said the UDIA judging panel.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Quality medium density product that mixes design and function with affordability is essential to providing a viable option for price sensitive first home buyers, key workers and downsizers," said Atchison.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“We are committed to rolling out additional MD sites throughout our full portfolio of master-planned communities.” </div>
<div> </div>
<div>AVA II offers 10 two and three-bedroom townhouses, ranging from $310,000 to $360,000.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Get into the housing market soon: Free RAMS eBook. </div>
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Wolfdene's AVA II wins UDIA award for affordable housing

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The Byron Bay ridgeline estate, Villa Benventano has been listed with $5 million plus hopes.
Last traded in 2004 for $4.18 million, the five bedroom Tuscan style home commands an enviable position with views over Lennox Head and the Byron Bay hinterland.
The 22.44 hectare property features a three bedroom guest wing, a newly built library, a double sided stone fireplace and a 4000 bottle wine cellar.
The eastern courtyard includes a hand built stone pizza oven and the western courtyard a new swimming pool. 
Both are met by landscaped gardens with vegetable gardens, various fruit trees and 5300 macadamia trees for primary producer status.
There is also a large fully equipped shed and recently upgraded de-husking facilities which ensure the farm operations are professional and easy to manage. 
The current owners spent over $120,000 extending Villa Benventano in 2008 which included the addition of the infinity edge pool.
The property is a 20 minute drive from Byron Bay and has been on the market for 888 days.
Noel Outerbridge of Century 21 has the listing of <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/277-friday-hut-road-brooklet/Property-Details-buy-residential-9354040" target="_blank">277 Friday Hut Road</a>.
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Byron Bay's Villa Benventano listed with $5m plus hopes

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Technical services provider Jacobs has finalised the biggest leasing transaction in North Sydney this year after committing to occupy 6,872 square metre of space in 177 Pacific Highway.
The $413-million building is being developed by CIMIC Group through Leighton Properties on behalf of Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust (Suntec REIT).
The 40,000 square metre project is the largest commercial development in the North Shore.
Under the lease agreement, Jacobs will relocate its headquarters to 177 Pacific Highway from its nearby premises in St Leonards.
Nearly 600 Jacobs’ staff will be involved in the move to <a href="https://177pacific.com.au" target="_blank">177 Pacific Highway</a>.
The building will incorporate state-of-the-art design elements, large floor plates, harbour views, full end-of-trip facilities and green credentials.
 “Jacobs’ commitment demonstrates increased activity from tenants wanting to relocate to North Sydney, with this being one of the largest commitments in the area in many years," said Peter Flint, CBRE head of office services for NSW. 
The Jacobs agreement follows a series of recent deals in the project’s food precinct, with Naked Duck Restaurant and Café, and Sushi Jones to occupy the retail space in the Garden Plaza, which is designed as the centrepiece of the 177 Pacific Highway development.
The ground floor will feature the indoor, all-weather Garden Plaza protected by a 15-metre high glass façade and provide a place for tenants, surrounding workers and other members of the surrounding community to relax and enjoy a variety of culinary experiences.
The 30-level office tower designed by Bates Smart will be complete in 2016.
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Jacobs to move into office tower in North Sydney's largest lease deal for 2015

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A commercial piggery in South Australia has sold for $2.7 million amid increased interest in the sector, driven by a rise in pork prices.
GROWventure piggery at Brownlow, near Eudunda in South Australia, was bought by an existing SA-based piggery operator.
“The increase in the pork price over the past six months has resulted in surge of enquiry for piggeries, particularly farrow-to-finish assets that have long-term contracts with processors,” said Colliers International’s Jesse Manuel, who along with Tim Altschwager sold the property. 
“An increase in the consumption of both pork and chicken as people move to these more affordable meats is the main reason for the price increase and this is flowing on to farm values as demand for the assets has also increased.”
With its regular and consistent cash flow, existing management structure and possible expansion potential through the acquisition of a neighbouring property, Manuel said the GROWventure asset represented an attractive prospect to increase a company's footprint in the sector.
He said the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-livestock-sa-eudunda-7679119" target="_blank">GROWventure piggery</a> was a high quality intensive livestock operation that complied with industry and government regulations. 
It has been described by an industry auditor as “the cleanest piggery in Australia,” said Manuel.
The piggery is near the major regional centre of Gawler and an hour’s drive from Adelaide.
GROWventure comprises both breeder and grower complexes with a combined total land area of nearly 228.48 hectares.
“The two operations are in close proximity of one another and produce high quality porker and baconer pigs under contract with one of Australia’s largest supermarket chains.”
The breeder complex is a 500-sow operation consisting of a farrowing shed, weaning shed, mating shed, three dry-sow sheds, feed mixing shed, AI laboratory and effluent ponds.  
The property includes a four-bedroom stone cottage for a manager.
The grower complex consists of four grow-out facilities and a capacity to hold up to 3,600 pigs. 
“The farm is modern compared to many other piggeries recently offered to the market, and is very well located within close proximity to the Port Wakefield Primo abattoir,” said Altschwager.
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Piggery GROWventure sold to South Australian operator for $2.7 million

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A Melbourne-based syndicator has secured two North Queensland retail centres in a combined deal worth $23.75 million.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-qld-townsville+city-501646325" target="_blank">Rising Sun Shopping Centre</a> in Townsville and the Town Plaza centre in Charters Towers were sold through an expressions of interest campaign by Savills.
The blended initial yield works out to be around 7.5%.
The 9,393 square metre Rising Sun Shopping Centre at Mundingburra, six kilometres from Townsville CBD, is anchored by a 2,243 square metre Coles supermarket, with 11 specialty shops including Subway, Brumby’s Bakery and Chemist.
The 7,782 square metre Town Plaza Shopping Centre in Charters Towers, 137 km from Townsville, has a 2,579 square metre Woolworths supermarket with nine specialties including Suncorp, Millers and Rockmans.
The deal was brokered by Peter Tyson and Jon Tyson of Savills for MAB Funds Management Ltd. 
Fawkner Property purchased the properties, bringing the total assets under management to more than $150 million.
The information memorandum forecast 100% tax-effective distributions of 7.5% for the 2106 financial year.
"The market liked the strong economic background story associated with the Townsville Region given the diverse employment generators of the region which includes defence, education, mining, tourism and grazing," said Jon Tyson.
"This backdrop coupled with the Coles and Woolworths anchors and relative affordable price point of the assets generated wide ranging buyer interest."
“Property syndicates are especially attractive to the trustees of self-managed superannuation funds, looking for steady monthly income,” said Fawkner MD Owen Lennie.
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Two North Queensland retail centres sold for $23.75 million through Savills

ASX-listed developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/stockland">Stockland</a>&nbsp;is continuing its push back into the new apartment market, filing plans for a prominent gateway site between Collingwood and East Melbourne.

The development giant, which moved back into the new apartment space when it announced Stanton Place in Sydney's Rosebery and have since filed plans for a 50-storey tower, are jumping into the off the plan Melbourne market.

They are hoping to create a mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/79-81-victoria-parade-collingwood-vic-3066">79-81 Victoria Parade</a>, replacing an existing commercial building with a scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/john-wardle-architects">Wardle</a>&nbsp;for 478 apartments,&nbsp;ground-floor retail, new public open spaces and a publicly accessible pedestrian laneway.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72dbbca9-3918-4073-afad-a0c0c35be8e7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20pers.png?VersionId=bzMVUKKxvwuNK1m0v_td126Rgct32uk_" />

The design report identifies the public realm as a central driver of the proposal.

"Collingwood has limited access to high-quality parks and public open space, and the proposal delivers valuable new areas for respite, social interaction and fine-grain retail activity."

The development would deliver a diverse mix of housing, including studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside townhouse-style residences. Two basement levels are proposed beneath the development, providing resident and retail parking as well as extensive bicycle facilities.

Wardle's design draws heavily on Collingwood's industrial character, using articulated building forms, brickwork and robust materials inspired by the suburb's warehouse and manufacturing heritage. The built form has been broken into a series of smaller volumes to better respond to the surrounding streetscape while extensive communal gardens, rooftop amenities and shared resident spaces are integrated throughout the project.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b2135ed-65df-4253-ad53-f216f06bd467" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20podium.png?VersionId=l1B6Hqn8zs772VxH6L1fDPg0KHshan9v" />

The planning documents describe the existing office building as offering little engagement with the public realm, with the redevelopment intended to create a more permeable and active neighbourhood destination.

"The proposed scheme presents a significant opportunity to deliver a vibrant retail plaza and a local neighbourhood hub serving both existing and future Collingwood residents."

The 79–81 Victoria Parade site occupies a strategic location about 1.5 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD, at the threshold between Collingwood and East Melbourne. It is well served by tram services along Victoria Parade and sits within walking distance of St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy Gardens, the Fitzroy activity centre and a broad range of employment, retail and hospitality destinations.

Joel Robinson

Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site

An 1880s timber cottage that has survived Kangaroo Point's transformation from riverside suburb to high-density apartment precinct is set to become the centrepiece of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/zephyr">Zephyr Group</a>'s proposed Banksia development.

Rather than see the locally heritage-listed Alpha Cottage as an obstacle to navigate, plans integrate the landmark home into a new 18-storey residential tower, giving one of the suburb's oldest surviving residences a new role as the project's communal hub.

The development application covers a 1,177 sqm amalgamated site at 127-133 Lambert Street and 30 Shafston Avenue, where Zephyr Group plans to deliver 64 apartments above three basement levels. Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/joe-adsett-architects">Joe Adsett Architects</a>, the proposal carefully weaves the retained heritage cottage into a contemporary residential scheme, with the tower elevated above the historic building to preserve its presence within the Lambert Street streetscape.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9dc5bdb-d691-4c60-bf2b-c3ed405a3e75" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Banksia.png?VersionId=Jh4bjlewU.o8HXWt0V4KaFA_lPcF7KWM" />

Named after the native Australian Banksia flower, the project draws inspiration from its distinctive form through curved balconies, sculpted planter boxes and cascading subtropical landscaping that soften the building's profile.

As the design report explains: "The tower's identity is defined by its feature facade, drawing direct inspiration from the Banksia wildflower. The building departs from traditional rigidity through the use of elegant, GRC-moulded planter boxes that appear as if shaped by the breeze."

Plans propose 64 apartments, comprising 32 two-bedroom and 32 three-bedroom residences, across an 18-storey tower. Residents would have access to rooftop amenities including a swimming pool, spa, gym, sauna, private cinema, dining spaces and landscaped recreation areas, while more than half the site is dedicated to planting and open space.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16041b5f-033e-47fa-8fbe-9886e072c1f2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pool.png?VersionId=kpx5w4EbLx0_TdWfDoD1vrSs0_cZ5Ao1" />

The heritage component is the defining feature of the proposal. Constructed in the early 1880s and occupied from at least 1883, Alpha Cottage is recognised by Brisbane City Council as an important surviving example of Kangaroo Point's nineteenth-century residential development and as a representative transverse-gable timber cottage. Despite extensive redevelopment across the peninsula, the building has retained a high degree of its original form and internal fabric.

As part of the redevelopment, the cottage will be carefully relocated a short distance within its original allotment to facilitate construction before being returned to a prominent position along Lambert Street. Original verandah elements will be dismantled, catalogued and reinstated, while significant internal features, including timber flooring, wall linings, joinery, doors, windows and hardware, will be retained. Later additions, including the enclosed rear verandah, will be removed to better reveal the building's original form.

Once restored, Alpha Cottage will accommodate the building manager's office, mail room and parcel facilities, providing an active everyday use that supports its long-term conservation rather than preserving it as a static display. The heritage strategy also maintains landscaped space around the building, allowing it to remain visually distinct beneath the new tower.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43b027e1-576e-4624-a66c-7cc54ea8b7be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/banksia%20tower.png?VersionId=2W6E2yfkj2AQlWlLeV986grA5zB9f817" />

The Heritage Impact Assessment concludes that "the proposal secures the ongoing occupation, maintenance and conservation of Alpha Cottage," finding the development would result in "no more than a minor impact on the cultural heritage significance" of the building while ensuring its long-term future.

Joe Adsett Architects have designed the tower to sit above the heritage building rather than overwhelm it, creating a clear visual separation between old and new. The development's flowing balconies, integrated planting and organic façade respond to Brisbane's subtropical climate while complementing the restored cottage below.

Banksia occupies a prominent corner in Kangaroo Point within walking distance of the Kangaroo Point Bridge, Brisbane River, ferry services, QUT, the CBD and the Woolloongabba precinct. The site also benefits from direct access to active transport infrastructure and sits within an area earmarked for continued higher-density residential growth.

Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362566] 
&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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362564] 
&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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291195] 
&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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]

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