<html><body>
The Hodges estate agency has been named winner of the best website award by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV).
Hodges attributed the win to their recent rebranding after a complete rebuild in 2015.
The site’s audience is predominantly mobile, so the design factored in tablets and smartphones. 
The go-digital approach resulted in a significant rise in hits to the website in the past 12 months, with 303,828 views so far in 2015.
“I am incredibly proud to be a part of Hodges leading the industry," Hodges CEO Carmel Baker said. 
In its 21st year, the REIV Awards considered more than 250 submissions, with Hodges in the top three finalists for the Communications Award, Best Website Award, and Residential Property Manager of the Year (Principals).
Under their new CEO Baker, Hodges expects to increase its franchise presence around the bay from Point Nepean to Queenscliff by 50 percent in the next 12 months.
Established in 1856, Hodges is one of Melbourne’s oldest real estate agencies.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Hodges scoops up best website award at REIV event

<html><body>
The annual Spring selection auction by Ray White Surfers Paradise saw more than $22 million in Gold Coast property change hands.
Thirty properties were auctioned with 141 registered bidders.
RWSP group CEO Andrew Bell, who has more than 14,000 auctions under his belt, said competitive bidding drove many sales well over the reserve.
“Collectively, properties that sold under the hammer achieved more than $1.5 million above their reserve prices,” he said. 
The RWSP Group recorded its third highest sales month in history in September, with $96 million in sales across its Gold Coast offices.
“Month after month we are seeing serious and competitive bidding at our in-room auctions which has allowed us to gain momentum heading into peak selling season.”
Previous highs were in the latter part of 2007, at the peak of the Gold Coast’s last property boom.
Bell said this reflected increased market share, resurgence of the local property market and success of the auction format.
“Auctions represent approximately half our sales, but it is this method of sale where we are seeing the most significant price growth,” he said.
Bell said his agency was also seeing the return of the owner-occupier market on the Gold Coast.
While the very top end of the market was slowly gaining traction, the $1-$2 million sector was seeing much activity, he added.
Ray White Surfers Paradise is the largest office in the Ray White Network and services the residential, prestige, commercial, industrial and marine sectors.
</body></html>

Buyers snap up properties worth over $22 million at Ray White's Gold Coast auction

<html><body>
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) has announced Geoff White as its elected president for 2015-16, his second stint after serving in 2003-04.
White is an REIV veteran. He was director of REIV from 1999–2007 and 2014-2015, and has served on numerous REIV committees and as chairman of the auction chapter committee.
He started his real estate career in 1984 and has since managed and sold residential, commercial and industrial property, owned his own real estate offices and served as CEO of a growing franchise group.
White is currently commercial manager and branch manager for Lucas Real Estate's Yarra Edge office.
“The REIV Board is united in its focus to improve our real estate profession and follow the good work of the previous Board,” he said.
Two new office bearers were also elected to office for 2015-16 – Joseph Walton (Senior Vice President) and Frank Hellier (Vice President).
</body></html>

REIV elects industry veteran Geoff White president

<html><body>
The only capital city where rental yields aren’t being compressed is Hobart, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
Weekly rents in Hobart are rising at a faster pace than dwelling values which are down slightly over the past year.
Hobart is now showing the second highest yield profile across the capital cities after Darwin.
"In fact, it may not be long before Hobart overtakes Darwin as the highest yielding capital, considering the pace of rental falls across the Darwin market place," Tim Lawless recently suggested.
Property Observer went looking for rentals in Hobart and found a mix of units and houses in the range $152 to $850 per week.
For units, the lowest came in at $152 per week, while the highest was $850.
1. This neat one-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/rental-properties/49a-emmaline-court-rokeby/Property-Details-rent-residential-9657980" target="_blank">49A Emmaline Court, Rokeby</a> is to be rented out for $152 per week. The listing is by Danica Reeves of Ray White and the unit is available from October 28.
2. This three-bedroom fully furnished apartment at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/rental-properties/5b-117-collins-street-hobart/Property-Details-rent-residential-9687466" target="_blank">5B/117 Collins Street</a> is out for rent for $850 per week. The listing agent is Jan Nielsen of Salamanca Realty.
Among houses, the lowest rental was $250 per week and the highest $650.
1. This three-bedroom home with a garage at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/rental-properties/1-newton-place-bridgewater/Property-Details-rent-residential-9541772" target="_blank">1 Newton Place, Bridgewater</a> is available for $250 per week. Amanda Harvey of LJ Hooker is the listing agent. 
2. At the higher end, this four-bedroom house sitting on the corner of Barrack and Melville Streets at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/rental-properties/2-76-barrack-street-west-hobart/Property-Details-rent-residential-9706860" target="_blank">2/76 Barrack Street, West Hobart</a> has views of the city and River Derwent. It is to be rented out for $650 per week through Carol Bogun of Falls Real Estate.
 
</body></html>

Hobart house rentals rising faster than any other capital city: What investors will yield

<html><body>
Ausin Group (Ausin) has opened two new offices in China to cash in on the growing demand from China buyers for new Australian properties.
The offices are based in Dalian and Chengdu, which takes its total number to 15 offices in China.
Ausin employs over 500 staff working across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland and London.
“In the past 12 months, Ausin has witnessed an increasing appetite for new Australian properties from investors in tier two cities which are those considered to have high growth potential," said Joseph Zaja, the group's managing director.
“Ausin is expanding into growing cities which are the engine rooms for development in the future. China’s middle class is growing and much of that progress can be seen in tier two cities.”
Chengdu has the most number of universities and research institutes in southwestern China with 49 colleges and universities. In 2010, over 140,000 students graduated from these institutes.
According to a nationwide appraisal by the National Bureau of Statistics, Dalian ranks eighth among Chinese cities in terms of overall strength. The city’s main industries include machine manufacturing, petrochemicals and oil refining, and electronics.
“Australian property is looking very lucrative to Chinese buyers for several reasons. These include the growing middle class seeking safe havens outside China to invest their money, the clean livability of the cities and world-class universities which are in close proximity to CBD areas. The value of the Australian dollar against the yuan also makes the country a favourable investment destination.”
Ausin sells premium investment properties for Australian property players including Stockland, Mirvac, Lendlease, Intrapac, Cedar Woods and Setia.
This month a new joint-venture was unveiled by Villa World to deliver a residential community in the fast-growing suburb of Rochedale, on Brisbane's southside in partnership with Ausin.
Villa World had previously purchased a number of land parcels in Rochedale to form a 8.7 hectare site which it planned to develop as a land-only offering.
As part of a joint venture arrangement with Ausin Rochedale Pty Ltd ATF Ausin Rochedale Trust, Villa World will build the 148 premium residences planned for the site, to be offered under traditional progress-payment contracts.
</body></html>

Ausin opens new China offices to sell Australian property

<html><body>
Frank Lowy has announced he will retire as chairman of the ASX-listed Scentre Group at the company's annual general meeting in May 2016.
The Scentre board has appointed deputy chairman Brian Schwartz to succeed Lowy.
Lowy said it was the right time to announce his retirement from Scentre Group given that it had successfully completed its establishment phase following the restructuring of the Westfield Group in June 2014. 
"The transition to new leadership has been carefully planned and I have the utmost confidence that Brian Schwartz as the incoming chairman, and CEO Peter Allen, will make the most of those opportunities," he said.
“Frank has been one of the outstanding business and community leaders of the past 50 years,” Schwartz said.
Lowy said the Lowy Family Group would continue with its investment in Scentre Group.
He will continue in his role as chairman of Westfield Corporation.
Steven Lowy will continue to be a non-executive director of the Scentre Group.
</body></html>

Frank Lowy to retire as chairman of Scentre Group

<html><body>
Melbourne’s spring market bonanza on October 24-25 is on track to challenge an auction record when 1,683 homes go under the hammer.
The majority of the auctions – 1,550 - are on Saturday.
The weekend is expected to go close to, and possibly exceed, the all-time auction record for a Melbourne weekend. The record was set on the corresponding pre-Melbourne Cup weekend last year (October 25-26) when 1,682 auctions were held.
While the number might go close to the all-time weekend auction record, it may fall just shy of the Saturday record - on October 25 last year - when more than 1,600 auctions were held.
“The high auction levels reflect the strength of the local market and continuing buyer demand for homes across the city,” REIV chief executive officer Enzo Raimondo said. 
“This level of auction activity cements the city’s reputation as Australia’s auction capital.” 
Raimondo said the strong spring season began in mid-August this year, several weeks earlier than last year, and has remained high since then.
Scheduled auctions for the Melbourne Cup weekend are the highest on record, up more than 100 over the same period last year.
The following weekend of November 7- 8 is also gearing up to be a Super Saturday.
Raimondo said these solid auction numbers follow last weekend’s strong results which had 1,080 auctions with a clearance rate of 74 per cent.
Auctions are also gaining in popularity in areas traditionally the domain of private sale. In Melbourne’s outer suburbs, numbers are up 19 per cent on the same period last year, while auction sales are up 37 per cent.
“Melbourne has some of the highest auction numbers not only in Australia, but worldwide. In the current buoyant housing market, buyer demand is encouraging more vendors to sell their home under the hammer,” Raimondo said.
 Melbourne Auction Wrap – For 24/25 October 2015 
This weekend: Total number of auctions this weekend: 1,600+ auctions
This year: Total number of auctions (to 18 Oct): 31,679 @ 77% clearance rate
Previous record auction weekend: 1,682 auctions on week ending 25-26 Oct 2015
Top auction suburbs in Melbourne - this weekend:
<table class="t1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
Suburb
</td>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
Number of Auctions
</td>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
 
</td>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
GLEN WAVERLEY
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
30
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
MOUNT WAVERLEY
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
27
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
GLEN IRIS
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
24
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
RESERVOIR
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
24
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
HAWTHORN
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
22
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
SOUTH YARRA
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
22
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
PRAHRAN
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
22
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
ELWOOD
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
20
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
ST KILDA
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
20
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
BENTLEIGH EAST
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
19
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
BALWYN NORTH
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
19
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
HAWTHORN EAST
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
19
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
CAMBERWELL
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
19
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
DONCASTER EAST
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
18
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
PRESTON
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
18
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
ST KILDA EAST
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
17
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
BRIGHTON
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
17
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
NORTHCOTE
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
16
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
KEW
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
16
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
RICHMOND
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
16
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td1" valign="middle">
 
</td>
<td class="td1" colspan="3" valign="middle">
 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
Source: <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/" target="_blank">REIV</a>
 
</body></html>

Photo finish in Melbourne's bonanza auction weekend: all time REIV record looms

<html><body>
Melbourne property developer Mohan Du has won the Australian Property Institute’s Young Achiever of the Year award for Victoria.
The founder and managing director of Capital Alliance Investment Group has a seven-year pipeline of projects worth nearly $1.2 billion.
And Mohan is 28 years old. 
Du's notable achievements last year included the near completion of M Docklands – a 19-level mixed-use tower featuring the Docklands’ first five-star hotel.
“Winning this award puts the icing on the cake on what has been a very enjoyable and successful year for Capital Alliance," Du said.
“As a passionate Melburnian, my vision is to turn the world’s most liveable city into an international beacon for beautifully designed, innovative, supremely liveable and workable landmarks."
API Victoria president Aldo Galante said the judges recognised Mohan Du’s considerable drive, vision, work ethic and commendable community mindedness.
</body></html>

Mohan Du wins Australian Property Institute achiever award

<html><body>
Demand for CBD office space nationally grew slightly in the third quarter of 2015, with Melbourne and Adelaide leading the way, according to Colliers International’s Q3 Office Demand Index.
It showed a small increase of one percent in national office enquiry to 534,226 square metres in the third quarter from 527,226 square metres in the previous quarter.
Enquiries for 3,000 square metre-plus office space, however, rose 20% over the previous quarter. 
Melbourne saw its largest demand in one quarter since the beginning of 2009, with a total of 239,594 square metres, 59% more than the same period last year. 
“We are seeing the evolution of the modern workplace, including the growing trend towards flexible and activity-based working, acting as a key driver for tenant demand in Melbourne,” said Simon Hunt, Colliers International managing director of Office Leasing.
He said business confidence was also on the rise. 
Adelaide saw an increase of 25% to 50,704 square metre in the third quarter compared with the second and a 2% rise year-on-year. 
“We expect Q4 this year to bring a significant amount of tenant decision in Adelaide, with the likes of NEC (3,000 square metres), the Department of Social Services (3,500 square metres) and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (1700 square metres) all in the market to relocate."
One of the most active components of the market was the sub-500 square metres sector, he added, with most businesses trying to increase workplace efficiency. The majority of tenants in the current market are working on an employment density of between 10-12 square metre per person.
Enquiries in Sydney, however, fell a sharp 15% in the third quarter to 173,150 square metres from the second. This figure was still well above the average demand for Sydney since 2009.
Simon Crouch, Colliers International national director of Tenant Representation, said IT companies continued to lead the demand for office space.
“We have seen a shift by these companies, in focussing on Sydney CBD A Grade and CBD Fringe assets, driven by the need to attract the best talent, superior public transport and amenity,” Crouch said. 
</body></html>

Melbourne, Adelaide lead tepid demand for office space in Q3 

<html><body>
Seacrest, a designer home at 44 Idaline Street in Sydney's Collaroy Plateau is up for grabs at an asking price of $2.25 million plus. 
Built over 324 square metres, Seacrest has three levels and offers ocean <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-collaroy+plateau-121012666" target="_blank">views over Collaroy’s coastline</a>.
The luxury residence has four bedrooms, a Caeserstone gas kitchen flowing to dining and living and an internal lift from the basement garage to all the floors.
It also has a terraced rear garden, suitable for child play and entertaining.
The basement garage can fit four cars. It is currently used as a work space and home gym. 
The abode is owned by Patricia Westall, a conveyancing practitioner and her partner.
The listing agents are Deborah Cullen and Richard Sholl of Unique Estates.
</body></html>

Designer home Seacrest at Collaroy Plateau for sale 

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351031]

For Stage 1 resident Roji, it is the balance between convenience and comfort that has defined the experience of living at Kew.

"For me, it's a balance of quality and convenience," she says. "Everything I need is right here."

"If I wanted to catch the train, Scho​fields Station is just around the corner. Tallaw​ong Metro connects me to the city."

More importantly, she says, the development has delivered something that cannot be measured in floorplans or specifications.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> feels like home."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351024]

As Stage 2 enters the market, that lived experience may be one of the project's strongest selling points. Buyers are not purchasing into an untested concept or a future promise. They are joining a community that is already taking shape.

Ongoing investment in transport, retail, healthcare and public open space continues to strengthen the appeal of Syd​ney's north-west growth corridor, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>'s established first stage provides buyers with a tangible sense of the community's future direction.

For a limited time, buyer can secure a new home at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> with just a $10,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149637]

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]

Staff reporter

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News