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Austlander Developments Pty Ltd has bought an infill development site at Keysborough in Melbourne’s south-east with plans for an industrial estate, paying $5.69 million.
Located at 241 Perry Road, the property comprises a 5.66 hectare allotment zoned Industrial 1 and adjoining Fraser Property’s (formerly Australand) Key Industrial Park.
The deal was brokered by Paul Jones and Kosta Filinis of Savills Australia.
Austlander will seek to subdivide the land into 29 x 1000 square metre and two x 7000 square metre lots.
"This is a prime industrial development site, adjacent to a successful and very popular industrial estate with excellent access to Greens Road and EastLink," Jones said.
He said Austlander was confident an industrial subdivision would attract tenants given the south-east’s status as one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.
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Austlander buys infill development site in Melbourne's Keysborough for $5.69 million

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A residential property with a permit for 10 apartments at Hampton, one of Melbourne's sandbelt locations, will go under the hammer on November 27.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-hampton-501744534" target="_blank">22 Railway Crescent</a> property is expected to fetch more than $1.8 million.
It is a four-bedroom, two-storey home on a 420 square metre site zoned General Residential 2 with frontage to Railway Crescent.
An approved permit allows for the development of a three-storey building containing 10 apartments with roof decks and basement car parking.
The property is located within walking distance of Hampton Village strip shops and railway station, as well as numerous other local amenities, including the Hampton Beach.
It is being sold through Teska Carson’s Adrian Boutsakis and Fergus Evans.
"With a permit in place for an apartment development the property will obviously appeal to developers in what is a highly sought after residential area, but it will also appeal to a family looking for an exceptional home in a prime location within easy commuting distance of the CBD," said Boutsakis.
Evans said an upsurge in the area’s popularity, with its easy access to Melbourne’s CBD and the beach, had driven the development of new, high-profile, residential and commercial projects there.
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Beach site in Melbourne's Hampton with apartment permit to go under the hammer

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Sydney's industrial sector has had a strong 2015 in which the emergence and recovery of the sector throughout 2013 and 2014 has been consolidated, according to the valuation firm Herron Todd White.
Some of the Sydney’s highest performing areas continue to include the South Sydney region which remains the beneficiary of the increasing shift of older style industrial facilities into more high-tech accommodation, the latest HTW report suggests.
"The demand for this type of stock has seen capital rates increase throughout the calendar year, with smaller stock achieving rates up to and above $3,500 per square metre.
"Larger industrial holdings within this precinct benefit from their proximity to the Port Botany precinct, which appears to be one of the main drivers of demand in this sector."
The report goes on to state that the gentrification of industrial precincts in close proximity to the Sydney CBD such as South Sydney, as well as Sydney’s ever steady push to the west is resulting in the emergence of industrial precincts such as Marsden Park, Eastern Creek, Erskine Park and the like developing into strong contenders in the Sydney industrial market.
"Demand levels have increased in these areas progressively over the past few years, though with the ongoing completion of infrastructure in these locations, demand has continued to strengthen in 2015 with a number of national distribution facilities setting up in this region (Woolworths, Linfox, BlueScope Steel)."
The HTW review adds that the Sutherland Shire/St George industrial sector has witnessed capital rate increases over 2015 with torrens and strata title properties commonly achieving rates over and above $2,000 per square metre.
"The strength of this market is driven by a dominant owner occupier sector, with a strong presence of local tradesmen occupying this precinct.
"Generally speaking, industrial yields have fallen, in keeping with all sectors across the Sydney property market."
The report concludes by explaining the fall in yields in consistent with the historically low interest rates and an increase in capital values while rental rates have largely remained stable.
"Larger prime assets are typically achieving yields ranging between 7.5% and 9%, dependent on size, while smaller assets have fallen to the 5% to 7% range."
 
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Sydney remains strong in industrial property sector: Herron Todd White

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Investors are playing a key role in the property market on the southern Gold Coast and in the Tweed Shire, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White.
"We noted investors are very active in the sub million dollar market, in particular in beachside locations", the month in report highlighted.
"Investors in the market place are a mixture of both local and interstate, in particular from Sydney and Melbourne.
"Typical investors are interested in properties with a steady or good rental return with low overheads."
The report added that the price points for localities such as Burleigh Heads, Burleigh Waters, Miami and Palm Beach is around $500,000 to $550,000 for established housing.
"Duplexes and units in these localities are around $365,000 and $400,000.
"We believe that investor activity at its current level is not sustainable over the medium term in the property market."
The report concluded by suggesting that if investor demand did start to drop, it would have negative implications for the market on the southern Gold Coast and in the Tweed Shire as investors are prevalent.
"The demand for property would slow and prices would likely fall due to more stock being available to purchase.
"The types of properties investors have purchased recently include Melbourne investors purchasing a rural lifestyle property, local investor from Bonogin purchasing a townhouse unit and Melbourne investor purchasing a unit." 
 
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Sydney and Melbourne investors playing key role in southern Gold Coast: HTW

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Perth private treaty days on market has extended to a required 123 days before sale, according to APM.
Sydney is still the fastest selling market, but now sitting at 41 days.
<a href="/images/2015/11/9/APM_days-on-market.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Perth private treaty days on market extends to 123 days: APM

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Investors have traditionally made up a considerable portion of buyers in the Mildura region.
They have been buying modern stand alone dwellings in the $250,000 to $350,000 price bracket, says valuation firm Herron Todd White.
In their November review they suggested the demand from local investors has been relatively stable during the past few years, while demand from out of town buyers was higher than normal during the period from around 2010 to early 2015, boosted by the activity of several promoters who were selling house and land packages, often at prices not supported by local evidence.
"Demand from out of town buyers appears to have slowed during 2015, partly affected by a strengthening in land prices and a resulting shortage of affordable land. It is also possible that this pool of buyers has reduced, due to the slowing economy in the resource states," HTW said.
"We expect local investors to remain active, despite some tightening in lending criteria and concerns that interest rates may rise."
The report added homes that are attractive to investors typically contain 3 or 4 bedrooms and are less than 20 years old, thereby providing depreciation allowances and less maintenance issues.
"Low vacancy rates have contributed to rents for this type of property increasing by around $20 per week in the past two to three years.
"This has helped keep gross yields between 5.5% and 6%.
"Yields for small units are higher, however these traditionally have shown less capital gain."
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Mildura investment remains stable: Herron Todd White

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Investors in the Ballarat residential market have been increasingly active over the past five years to the extent they would now make up around 20% to 30% in the price bracket from $100,000 to $300,000, valuation firm Herron Todd White have concluded.
The HTW November report described the demographic of the typical Ballarat investor as anyone from locals over 30 years old with a home and some disposable income to invest, to baby boomers from Melbourne and other capital cities.
"They are however all attracted to the market by the same three property investment pillars of affordability, capital growth and rental returns.
"As the Melbourne market bounded ahead over the past three years with record low interest rates, many investment properties have become out of the price range of many investors."
This has left many investors searching farther and wider for more affordable properties that deliver a more palatable rental return, closer to 6%, with the opportunity for capital growth, the HTW month in review highlighted.
"We are of the opinion that the activity in the investor market at present is sustainable in the medium term, particularly in the established and period housing markets.
"This is primarily due to the affordability of the properties which occupy this segment and the nature of the people purchasing them.
"As an example of the impact if banks raise investment loan rates, we note that an investor purchasing a $250,000 Edwardian dwelling in Golden Point with a loan to value ratio of 80% would see an increase in monthly repayments of around $30 per month.
"This would not discourage an investor.
"However in the event lending criteria tightened in such a way that a more conservative loan to value ratio of say 70% was required, an impact would be felt in the market as prospective investors would be required to compile a greater deposit to enter the market."
The report ended in saying that if investor demand dissipated we would see an increase in selling periods initially which would be followed by a softening in capital values.
The sectors hardest hit would be those where there is already a strong supply verging on an over supply.
In Ballarat this section of the market is new villa units and townhouses. 
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Property investment yields in Ballarat hover around 6%: HTW

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Signs of slowing have emerged in Sydney property markets after the four major banks increased their standard variable interest rates to be slightly higher for investment loans over owner occupier loans to meet the APRA requirements, according to valuation firm Herron White Todd.
The banks had also introduced tougher loan-to-value standards in response to a move by regulators to rein in the riskier corners of the country’s house price boom, the HTW November review advised saying there was now often a maximum of 80% loan to value ratio for investors. 
"We have not seen the full effect this will have on the property market as yet, however we are seeing signs of slowing." 
The 80% was providing a significant buffer for the banks "however it becomes harder for an individual to actually save the 20% deposit or to use the existing equity in their primary dwelling or portfolio for the deposit.
"With fewer people able to access the 20% deposit, there will be fewer investors in the market," the valuation firm advised.
It suggested that this could lead to less demand and more supply which directly affects the value of a property. 
"There are signs that the market may be cooling," the report added noting there had been a continual decline in auction clearance rates in Sydney from low 80% in July 2015 to mid 60% in October 2015 according to Corelogic RP Data. 
"This is a combination of the record number of auctions listed (so volume sold as a percentage is decreased), the expectations of vendors to exceed prices that were being achieved by neighbours no more than three months ago and a decrease in the pool of purchasers as we enter into a new wait and see phase of the property cycle." 
The review indicated that it is fair to say that much of the growth in Sydney in the past eighteen months has been fuelled by the investor market.
"On the ground, completing the mortgage valuations, we have seen that this has been a combination of local buyers such as baby boomers using the equity in their main dwelling to purchase additional property for their superannuation, interstate investors who have heard the get rich quick scenarios and are banking on quick capital appreciation and overseas investors looking to build a property portfolio."
The report went on to say that given that the recent APRA changes took effect mid year, it was "too soon" to say what the full impact of the tightening of bank regulations has been on the property market but indications are that the regulations appear to be working.
"This change in criteria could have a positive impact on the first home buyer market which traditionally competes heavily with entry level investors and could open up opportunities for the owner occupier."
The review concluded by suggesting Herron Todd White believe the investor market in NSW will remain stable over the medium term as the banks have not made it impossible to buy an investment property, they have just tightened their criteria.
"These changes will not exclude people from entering the market as investors but force them to be in a more secure financial position before entering into any agreements."
The November review also suggested that in the past few years Sydney has also had the benefit of many new developments partially due to a change in approval policy; partially due to the underlying demand and supply imbalance in the market and partially due to the demands of the overseas investment market that is regulated by government to the purchase of new property only. 
"This product is appealing to investors and owner occupiers as developers and the government offer benefits such as reduced or no stamp duty, monetary incentives and non-monetary incentives. 
"We have seen new developments or off the plan purchases become the most popular because of the combination of incentives received and, due to the heat in the market, the assured capital appreciation from purchase to settlement.
"To date we have not become aware of any changes in these policies and can only assume they will remain for the foreseeable future however doubt over immediate capital appreciation may see some investors withdraw."
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Signs of slowing in Sydney after APRA's property bubble crackdown: HTW

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Six years back when RBA governor Glenn Stevens spoke at the Economic and Social Outlook Conference in Melbourne, the title was the ‘Road to Recovery’, which focussed on managing the downturn in the Australian economy in the backdrop of the global slowdown.
This time, Stevens was addressing the 'Path to Prosperity', and noted that the path didn't seem much different today from six years ago. Macroeconomic policies provide a measure of counter-cyclical stabilisation, but they couldn't serve as a magic bullet to achieve sustained growth in living standards, he said.
In the six years, the Australian economy's exposure to China had increased, so China's prospects mattered more, he said.
"The current rate of growth of the Chinese economy is uncertain, as is its future growth rate. It is likely that the marginal steel intensity of China's growth will be lower in future than in the past. At the same time, the marginal propensity of the Chinese people to consume services is rising noticeably.
"So the challenge for Australian resource producers to be the most efficient suppliers in a world of slower growth in demand for resources will co-exist with greater opportunities for other firms to offer value added in services."
He said the decline in resources sector capital spending was now roughly at the halfway stage, but nonetheless over the past year the non-mining side of the economy had generated a good number of jobs.
"The rebalancing is occurring. It isn't as seamless as it would be in an ideal world, but we don't live in such a world," he said.
"Monetary policy is contributing to that rebalancing, consistent with its mandate, with a very accommodative stance. It seems likely that an accommodative stance will be appropriate for some time yet. Were a change to monetary policy to be required in the near term, it would almost certainly be an easing, not a tightening. The rate of CPI inflation is clearly no impediment to easing.
"The housing market may be calming, lessening risks from that source, though by how much and how persistently we cannot yet know."
He said the Reserve Bank Board was faced with the question that whether the recent changes in mortgage rates result in an effective set of financial conditions that is too tight for the economy.
Over the course of 2014 and 2015, effective rates on most loans tended to decline by more than the cash rate, reflecting both declining funding costs and increased competition to lend.
"For fixed rate mortgages and many business loan rates the fall was quite marked. The average rate on outstanding business loans, for example, fell by over 90 basis points during a period in which the cash rate fell by 50 basis points. Even for floating rate mortgages, rates had fallen a bit more than the cash rate.
"The actions of those banks that have lifted mortgage rates over recent weeks reverse a little under half of this year's decline for floating rate mortgages for owner-occupiers and have no effect, at this stage, on the 15 percent of loans with fixed rates.
"For investors in housing, these actions and those a month or two earlier reverse the effects of this year's monetary policy easing but, of course, this was the lending that had been growing most quickly. 
He also said a significant proportion of owner occupier households was ahead of schedule on mortgage repayments – in large part because these households did not lower their payments as interest rates fell. Most of these households are unlikely to need to part with extra cash each month as a result of the recent interest rate changes. 
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RBA's Glenn Stevens says accommodative policy to stay for some more time

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The RBA is unhappy with banks' data relating to owner-occupier and investor housing loans, with RBA deputy governor Philip Lowe saying it has complicated its understanding of Australia's housing market. 
Speaking at a FINSIA regulators' panel in Sydney on Thursday, Lowe reinforced the need for thorough regulatory oversight after an additional $50 billion of property investor loans was found on the books of banks. 
"Over the past six months there have been very large upward revisions to the value of investor loans outstanding, with offsetting downward revisions to owner-occupier loans," he said.
"The cumulative effect of the upward revisions has been to increase the stock of investor credit outstanding by around $50 billion, or 10 percent. According to these new data, investor loans now account for 40 percent of total housing loans outstanding, not the 35 percent reported earlier in the year."
He said the data problems have emerged as lenders have taken a closer look at their housing loans following increased regulatory scrutiny. He highlighted two issues specifically.
While the reasons for some of these earlier errors have been identified, in other cases the reasons are unclear and lenders have not been able to provide comprehensive back data. As a result, when calculating growth rates for investor and owner-occupier credit, the RBA has had to make adjustments for what are effectively breaks in the series, he said.
The second issue was with lenders reporting that some loans previously recorded as investor loans were really loans to owner-occupiers.
"This is partly because, when faced with the higher interest rate on investor loans, some borrowers have indicated to their bank that they are not an investor, but rather an owner-occupier, and so should not have to pay the higher rate.
"Taken at face value, the data suggest a very sharp slowing in growth in investor credit and a sharp pick-up in owner-occupier credit. However, if we make adjustments for these reclassifications then the changes in growth rates are much less pronounced.
"These various data problems have reinforced our view that the supervisory focus on investor lending has been entirely appropriate. And it is disappointing that some lenders' internal systems have not been up to the task of reporting accurate data on the split between investor and owner-occupied housing loans.
He said it has been decided that APRA, the RBA and the Australian Bureau of Statistics will, next year, undertake a thorough review of the data collected from authorised deposit-taking institutions regarding their domestic books.
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RBA concerned at inaccuracy of housing lending data by banks

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.

<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.

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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."

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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.

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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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