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COVID-19 is challenging many conventions within urban development across the globe.
While the pandemic is seeing Australians adopt unprecedented social distancing measures, potential lockdowns require residents to live, work, learn, and shop for daily needs and undertake passive recreational activities within their own neighbourhoods.
One of Australia’s leading urban planners and designers believes that the crisis will spur governments, urban planners and developers to think more seriously about creating more healthly, resilient, self-sufficient, attainable and liveable communities in 2021 and beyond. 
Globally, since the beginning of 2020, we have witnessed a significant reduction in carbon emission levels in China and the United States due to limited numbers of people comuting to work in cars.
Moreover, employees of an array of businesses are rapidly becoming proficient in video conferencing from home. This has effectively reduced congestion and removed the need for the debilitating daily commute.
Residents now have time in the morning and the evening to walk, run and cycle in and around their neighbourhoods. Two instructive, institutional recreational amenities, Melbourne’s ‘Tan Track’, the 3.8 kilometre uninterrupted recreational trail around the Royal Botanical Gardens, and the walking and cycling Capital City Trail along the Yarra River, both of which prohit access by cars and bikes has, since the pandemic, become a a mecca for walking and jogging.
Mike Day is Co-founder and Director of award-winning Australian urban planning and design practice RobertsDay (<a href="https://www.robertsday.com.au/">robertsday.com.au</a>) and a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia.
He says most of the master-planned communities in Australia that have recently been approved or under construction follow the conventional suburban model of the 1970-1990s in which residential areas are beyond walking distance of shops, jobs and open space areas. Mike believes Australia needs to undergo a complete rethink of community design, one that is aligned with timeless urbanist principles to enable our planners and urbandevelopers to shape and deliver transit based, mixed-use, walkable urban neighbourhoods.
Mike says: “The issue that we see in many Australian cities, especially in the outer suburbs, is the frequent emergence of monocultural suburban housing developments that are not connected or walkable. Many of these areas have limited public transit connections to remote business centres, which compels residents to use a car to get around; and residents have sparse green spaces to share across expansive suburbs. 
Mike cites RobertsDay’s celebrated, Ellenbrook new town, on Perth’s north-eastern fringe as one of the best examples of a self-sufficient and livable community. 
Ellenbrook is Australia’s most awarded new town, with over 30 state and national awards, including the 2015 FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Award from the International Real Estate Federation for the World’s Best Masterplanned Community. 
It is a masterplanned community that will ultimately deliver 11,500 dwellings, approximately 8000 jobs and be home to over 30,000 people when the last phase – Ellenbrook Town Centre – is complete by around 2025.
It is one of the largest and fastest growing new town developments in Australia. Ellenbrook has spearheaded reforms on many fronts, including: the structuring and design of mixed use and connected neighbourhoods, each designed to support local identity, walking/cycling and a genuine sense of place and community, and a town centre that successfully assimilates an open-air, main street mixed-use strip with an enclosed shopping centre environment.
Each neighbourhood has its own discernable civic centre and community hub, a well defined edge, and contains spaces and services that provide resident’s daily needs within talking distance, providing indepence of movement and to help resident’s stay connected.
Mike says that Australia needs to focus on the importance of creating new neighbourhoods in our urban growth areas where essential services – schools, shops, and workplaces – are provided early in the life of these ventures, easily reached from home on foot or by bike, and where the aim is not only to provide housing affordability but also attainable and over liveability.
“Nearly all Australian suburban neighbourhoods priorise vehicles over pedestrians. As the cost of owning and running cars in the growth areas of our capital cities is beginning to exceed the cost of housing, ‘liveability’ – rather than ‘affordability’ – has become the new catch cry.
"In self-sufficient cherished inner city neighbourhoods of our capital cities, where there are often mixed-use developments, such as townhouses and residential apartments, serviced by trams or trains and built above shops, residents can leave their homes to get their groceries on a daily basis – without relying on the car. Coupled with this increased level of walkability, is the need to provide a diverse range of civic spaces and parks, which give these communities a unique sense of, intimacy, identity and soul.” 
He adds: “In light of the deep societal challenges posed by the coronavirus, I predict more mixed-use developments will emerge to create self-contained communities built around pedestrians, cyclists, and ‘light’ modes of public transport, such as e-bikes, trackless trams, and small scale electric buses. Australians in their teens and 20s, in particular, will drive the demand for more compact, connected, mixed-use, liveable neighbourhoods that have these characteristics.”
Mike Day reveals the qualities that make up seven liveable ‘urbanised’ neighbourhoods in Australia’s metropolitan growth areas: 
The Village in Wellard, Perth. A sustainable master-planned development situated only 30 minutes from Perth’s CBD, The Village has a diverse range of housing types to cater for the growing and varied demographic population mix in Perth, which is moving towards 3.5 million by 2050.[1] With almost 30 hectares of natural bushland and wetlands, it provides a variety of landscape parks, walking trails and nature retreats that encourage residents to walk and ride bikes – as an alternative to driving. Wellard Station Train is central to the urban neighbourhood, and includes a K-12 Anglican community school and early learning centre. The Heart Foundation has produced an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIl970o-zSM" target="_blank">exceptional video</a> of the preventative health benefits of living in The Village at Wellard and <a href="https://www.healthyactivebydesign.com.au/case-studies/the-village-at-wellard" target="_blank">published their findings</a> on the benefits of living in the Village. Mike says: “Liveable outer-suburban neighbourhoods must be connected with sustainable forms of transport – and The Village ticks this box.”
Lightsview in Adelaide. A multi-award-winning master-planned property development by RenewalSA and Peet, Lightsview, which is forecast to be completed next year, is designed on the philosophy that where you live should be inspirational. It brings together a variety of housing options, from townhouses to apartments to studios, which are designed to maximise light and space. Residents also benefit from increased walkability, with extensive parks and reserves within 300m of every dwelling, tennis facilities, and bus routes to encourage residents to use public transport. Additionally, residents have childcare facilities and cafes and restaurants located within the neighbourhood, while shopping centres and schools are within walking and cycling distance.  
Fitzgibbon Chase in Brisbane. Designed by the Urban Land Development Authority/ Economic Development Queensland in consultation with Brisbane City Council, Fitzgibbon Chase is a vibrant, walkable, inclusive community that is set among natural bushland and centred around a multipurpose park. Its 1300 residents have everything they need from local schools, train station and bus routes just minutes away, shopping centres, health and fitness venues, cafes and local clubs – all with the goal of encouraging them to participate in their neighbourhood. 
Rouse Hill Town Centre. Rouse Hill Town Centre, located along Windsor Road in the Baulkham Hills Local Government Area, developed by the GPT Group. The urban hub combines the traditional values and streetscape of a contemporary town centre with the latest, residential, business, shopping, dining and lifestyle choices, and has set a new standard for transit based, sustainable, mixed-use developments. By integrating shops and cafes on the ground level of apartment buildings, residents are within walking distance of these services, and they have developed a sense of community from being closer together. Residents within the Rouse Hill Town Centre are also conveniently located between two metro stations – Tallawong and Rouse Hill – and a public school, both within 2km from the development. This is crucial to liveability. 
Laurimar in Doreen, Greater Melbourne. Mike is firmly of the view that the most liveable neighbourhoods recognise walking as the privileged or preferred mode of transport. This is the concept behind Laurimar – a new Lendlease community in Doreen, 30km north of Melbourne’s CBD. Laurimar was designed with the intention that residents live within walking distance to the Town Centre – this includes a supermarket, medical precinct, bank, gym and day spa, post office, restaurants, cafes and wine bar, and other specialty stores. Laurimar Primary School and Larimar Child Care and Early Learning Centre are also centrally located within the neighbourhood, enabling families to walk with their children to school, community facilities and shops. As a result, Laurimar evokes the friendliness and charm of Melbourne’s traditional ‘high streets’, while maintaining a community country feel. It also has 20km of walking, hike and bike trails.
Harvest Edge, Atwell Perth. Harvest Edge is an award-winning urban neighbourhood set within Landcorp’s Harvest Lakes project – WA’s first large-scale Greensmart community. Bringing the benefits of city living to the suburbs, the defining challenge of this project was to bring the amenity of inner-city living to the southern suburbs of Perth. Rarely achieved in practice, a diverse range of townhouses, maisonettes and apartments were integrated into the existing suburban development. A short walk to both the Harvest Lakes town centre and the Success train station, Harvest Edge demonstrates how well executed transit oriented developments can be a community and commercial success in a greenfield setting. A core part of the project’s success was a unique alliance the State’s urban developer built with a leading Perth townhouse and cottage home builder, and its focus on the quality and diversity of parks and public spaces. 
Cockburn Central West in Perth. The configuration of this mixed-use site, containing 1100 dwellings, by Development WA, has been significantly influenced by the the landscape. Mike says that by embracing walkable urbanism and sustainable transport modes the urban hub has been designed to foster liveability as residents will feel at home in a mixed use urban setting encircled by the natural landscape. Residents have access to a public oval, parks and wetlands, with Cockburn Central West also home to the Fremantle Dockers Football Club. Shops, restaurants and cafes, and businesses have been designed around the sporting hub. Designing buildings that frame and enhance quality public spaces, striving for design excellence and sustainable development – which Development WA is doing – is also an integral part of this new urban community.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

How resilient, walkable and self-sufficient communities could be shaped in COVID-19's wake

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
A housing boom that lasted from the mid-1980s with only minor interruptions has added to rising income inequality in Australia. Yet an impending housing market bust, triggered by the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting spike in unemployment, will not restore greater equality. On the contrary, recent history shows housing busts can worsen inequality.
Those who benefit most from a boom are not those who pay the price when it busts. And those harmed by the boom often become even more vulnerable during the bust.
Our analysis highlights the risks for people who bought their first home at the peak of the boom. We estimate 24,000 households are at very high risk because they took out large loans that might soon exceed their home value and also work in sectors with high job losses. Another 135,200 are at high risk and 121,000 are at moderate risk.
Coronavirus has set up a housing bust
Experts have long cited an upsurge in unemployment as the main threat to house price growth. This risk became reality with the coronavirus pandemic. Over the seven weeks from mid-March to early May, jobs fell by 7.3%.
Unless employment rapidly recovers, the housing market is facing a major downturn. In one worst-case scenario released by the Commonwealth Bank, house prices could fall by up to 32%  over the next two years.
Recent first-time buyers are most vulnerable
Households that can hold on to their homes and weather the storm until the market recovers are not substantially harmed. Established owners, who bought their homes before or early in the boom years, have enjoyed the largest increase in their home values, and the largest reductions in their debt. This puts them in a position of relative resilience to a housing market bust.
In contrast, evidence from the 2008 housing crisis in the United States shows which households are most at risk. These were households that bought their first home with no deposit, or a very low one, in the period leading up to the 2008 crash. The crash left these households “underwater”, trapped with an asset worth less than their mortgage debt. Many defaulted on their mortgages, fuelling the housing market’s downward spiral.
The Australian housing market and financial institutions differ from those in the United States in 2008 in fundamental ways. Still, Australian households that bought their houses at the peak of the boom and have now lost their jobs in the coronavirus pandemic are facing the highest risk.
These include 24,000 recent (2014-5 to 2017-18) first home buyers who borrowed over 80% of the value of their home and were employed in industries where jobs have now collapsed. Another 135,200 recent first home buyers with high loan-to-valuation ratios are also at risk of going “underwater”, with homes worth less than their debt. Many of them are also in precarious employment, irrespective of the pandemic. (These figures do not include first home buyers in 2018-19, for which data are not yet available.)
Renters’ relief could be short-lived
Many private renters hope a housing downturn will translate into lower rents and perhaps give them a chance to buy their first home in a more affordable market. However, this is not always the case in a downturn. In the US from 2007 to 2009, despite declining house prices, rental affordability stress has only increased.
In Australia, the sudden decline in international students and short-term rentals has increased long-term rental vacancies in some areas. Reports suggest rents are going down, especially at the upper end of some rental markets.
However, in the longer run, the slowdown in housing construction will create supply shortages, leaving rental vacancies low and rents high. Many landlords, mostly “mum and dad” investors, have taken large loans to finance their property investment. They will need to keep rents high to hold on to their investment properties.
Lower house prices will enable some households to become home owners for the first time, after being locked out of the market during the boom years. These households could benefit from a coronavirus housing bust if the market then recovers. Even so, their gains will do little to change the overall trend of rising inequality made worse by the housing downturn.
We need to flatten out booms and busts
Improved housing affordability is necessary to reduce social and economic inequality. A housing downturn will reduce house prices. But this downturn, when coupled with rising unemployment, will not deliver greater equality, especially if it’s followed by yet another boom.
Australia has flattened the curve of COVID-19 infections. To be successful in reducing inequality, we need to flatten the curve of both booms and busts in the housing market cycle. And only a thorough overhaul of national housing policy will achieve that.
Ilan Wiesel is a Senior Lecturer in Urban Geography at the University of Melbourne
Liss Ralston is an Urban Statistician at the Centre for Urban Transitions - Swinburne University of Technology
Wendy Stone is an Associate Professor at the Centre for Urban Transitions, and the Director of the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute at the Swinburne University of Technology
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Housing boom propelled inequality, but coronavirus bust will skyrocket it

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The number of loans to owner occupiers for established homes fell by 6.3 per cent during April 2020. 
The ABS today released monthly data tracking lending activity including lending within the residential property market – for both new and existing homes purchased by owner occupiers, investors and businesses.  
Home loans approved in April largely reflect loan applications initiated in previous months. The modest decline in finance approvals in April reflects processing delays due to COVID.
Housing finance across the market fell by 5.0 per cent in the month of April. While activity in the housing market slowed considerably in April the housing finance data remained elevated as lenders worked through the backlog of loan applications.
Loans for the purpose of constructing a new home are yet to be affected by COVID, increasing by 2.9 per cent in April. Full finance approval is one of the final steps for homebuyers who would have made the decision to build a new home as far back as 2019.
The value of loans to investors fell by 4.2 per cent during April, and investor lending in the three months to April 2020 was 6.6 per cent lower compared to the previous three months.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/6/10/chart-housingfinanceapr2020.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/6/10/chart-housingfinanceapr2020.jpg" alt="">
Despite a small decline in lending to first home buyers during April, first homes buyers continue to represent 37 per cent of the owner occupier market. This is the largest proportion since 2009.
The volume of residential building activity is expected to decline throughout the rest of the year. The Government’s HomeBuilder scheme, First Home Loan Deposit Scheme and the various state stimulus programs will be important in mitigating the extent to which this downturn weighs on the post-COVID economic recovery.
Across the states, the value of loans to owner-occupiers during the three months to April 2020 was higher than the previous three months in Tasmania (4.0 per cent), New South Wales (1.2 per cent), and Victoria (0.2 per cent). Lending declined over this period in Queensland (-3.8 per cent), South Australia (-4.9 per cent), Western Australia (-1.7 per cent), the Northern Territory (-0.3 per cent) and the ACT (-2.2 per cent).
TIM REARDON is HIA’s Chief Economist
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COVID-19 yet to fully impact ABS finance data: HIA's Tim Reardon

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A Burwood, Victoria unit has been listed for mortgagee sale after an unsuccessful auction on May 23. 
The two-bedroom two-bathroom apartment, located at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-burwood-133452522"> G14A/399 Burwood Highway</a>, is perfect for downsizers and investors. 
It is currently seeking $439,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/Screen%20Shot%202020-05-14%20at%202.43.39%20pm.png" alt="">
Within close proximity to the No.75 tram and Deakin University, this property will be ideal for students. 
The large entertaining balcony enjoys a Westerly view and the home features an open plan kitchen. 
Harcourt’s Vasil Metelovski holds the property listing. 
The median unit price for Burwood is $752,000, according to data from CoreLogic. 
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Mortgagee unit in Burwood relisted after unsuccessful auction

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One of Brisbane's oldest residences in Kangaroo Point, Silverwells, is seeking expressions of interest.
Enveloped in classic Georgian charm, this heritage landmark property, located at <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://rwnf.com.au/properties/residential-for-sale/qld/kangaroo-point-4169/house/2319903">267 Main Street</a>, was built 1860. 
The four-bedroom, four-bathroom is privately positioned across the Brisbane River from Eagle Street Pier and capitalises on CBD views.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/122640-WebRes-WebRes-3.jpg" alt="">
Silverwells offers a powder room, three open fireplaces, home office and private study. 
Other features include the glass mosaic-tiled heated swimming pool and crystal ball chandeliers. 
The National Trust-listed property has been magnificently restored, enhanced by recent improvements such as a riverside pool terrace and substantial four-car basement garage.
Ray White's Matt Lancashire and Josh Brown hold the listing. 
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Silverwells, heritage property in Kangaroo Point listed

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Australia’s newest super-skyscraper – Australia 108 – is officially the tallest residential tower in the Southern Hemisphere from floor to roof, spanning a colossal 319-metres tall or 100-storeys.

Located in the inner-metropolitan Melbourne suburb of Southbank, Australia 108 has been officially ‘topped out’ with its roof complete and its glass façade now reaching its highest levels.

This milestone has taken five years after piling work started in November 2015. 

The entire 100th floor of Australia 108 sold at record equaling $25 million asking price to a Chinese businessman in April 2015.

After one month, Australia 108 was marketed as 90% plus sold.

In September 2015, less than 30 Cloud residences were still remaining unsold as Brookfield Multiplex was appointed to to construct the residential tower. Three months later, the construction of Australia 108 was commerced. 

In June 2018, the first residents moved into the super-skyscraper. 

In November 2019, Australia 108 completed construction of its landmark Starburst's external facade. In the same month, the international property developer of skyscraper Australia 108 has been questioned by the Singaporean stock exchange about the tower’s structural soundness.

Builder Multiplex will now complete the remaining apartment interiors as well as the building’s Starburst amenity spaces, which includes two infinity pools cantilevering 210 metres above the street.

The building will be fully completed by the end of quarter three of this year.

Chief Executive at developer, World Class Global, David Ng said the topping out of Australia 108 was a special moment for Melbourne’s skyline.

“Australia 108 is already a familiar landmark and has cemented itself on Melbourne’s iconic skyline as it has risen over the past five years." 

Karl Fender, founding partner of the project’s architect Fender Katsalidis, said this milestone marked another satisfying achievement for the firm.

“The arrival of Australia 108 on Melbourne’s skyline is another defining moment for our city and of course one which we are extremely proud to have contributed to.”

Construction at the new Melbourne landmark has been led by Multiplex, which utilised new techniques developed specifically for the project. 

Multiplex created purpose-built platforms from which builders worked safely on to install the golden panels of the Starburst that were delivered by crane during the middle of the night.

Multiplex Regional Managing Director, Graham Cottam, said the build from many metres below ground to the top had required innovation and had proceeded without any major issues.

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One consideration the build team successfully addressed prior to topping out at Australia 108 is how the structure copes with gale force winds up to 140km/h which blow in from Port Phillip Bay. To combat this, underneath level-100 of the tower has been fitted with a 300,000-litre damper tank to act as a counterbalance.

Multiplex said the tower crane at Australia 108 would come down over the coming months. A special purpose recovery crane will be installed to the top of the building roof to recover the final tower crane. This recovery crane then breaks apart and is able to lift itself down from the roof to the ground.

Residents started moving into Australia 108 from 2018 as part of a staged handover of lower level apartments.

The building’s premium Cloud Residences – luxury apartments from levels 72 – are the latest residents moving into their new apartments, the majority of which are perched higher than most of Southbank’s surrounding buildings, offering panoramic 360-degree views of Melbourne.

More than three-quarters of apartments have been completed, with construction workers now focused on finishing the remaining premium Cloud Residences at the top of the building.

They will also focus on completing the amenity within the Starburst – the protruding golden structure from levels 70 and 71 which pays homage to the Commonwealth Star on the Australian flag.

Here, within the 2,800 square metre Star Club, residents can enjoy infinity pools, dining rooms, gyms and lounge areas, with residents living above the Starburst enjoying their own private VIP zones and exclusive pool.

A limited selection of 3-bedroom Cloud Residences are still available for sale at Australia 108. Exclusive one and two-bedroom Sky Rise Residences up to level 67 are ready to move into. 

 
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Australia 108 officially becomes the tallest residential tower in Southern Hemisphere

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An architecturally designed torrens title duplex house in Randwick has been sold for $2.55 million through Century 21 estate agents Nick Papas and Clay Chigwidden.
The 4 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-duplex+semi-detached-nsw-randwick-133078958" target="_blank">Waratah Avenue duplex home</a> features sleek open plan living and dining which is lit by a glass ceiling area, a gourmet stone kitchen with gas appliances, and entertaining deck surrounded by high tree canopy.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/5/27/5_Randwick%20Outside.jpg" alt="">
The four-bedroom, three-bathroom property has built-in wardrobes, two ensuites, and a loft master suite occupying the entire third floor with a private terrace. 
It was undertaken by the Dilles family.
The neighbouring townhouse set on 185 sqm at 4a was sold for $2,690,000 in December 2019. 
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Brand new designer home in Randwick sold for $2.55 million

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An ocean-view sub-penthouse in Broadbeach sold for $2.3 million last month through Kollosche estate agent Rob Lamb. 
The<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-qld-broadbeach-133260414" target="_blank"> 129 Surf Parade</a> Belle Maison sub-penthouse was listed after the owners of 16 years decided to downsize. 
It was previously sold for $1.6 million in 2004. 
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is positioned on the 31st floor with 360 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Nerang River and the city skyline. 
The 307 sqm floor plan allows for multiple living spaces including a light-filled formal lounge, an elevated dining area, and a large north-facing terrace for entertaining. 
Adjacent to the TV living room is another alfresco terrace complete with BBQ and outdoor dining space. 
The master suite have built-in and walk-in robes, and an ensuite, while the two bedrooms share a two-way bathroom. 
The Belle Maison also provides such amenities as two tennis courts, a gym, a large heated pool, indoor and outdoor spa, sauna, library and billiards room. 
Broadbeach is situated 500 metres from the property.
 
 
 
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Ocean-view sub-penthouse in Broadbeach sold for $2.3 million

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An elevated six-bedroom, five-bathroom luxury house in Shailer Park perched up high on a hill on Brisbane’s Southside is for sale through Ray White agents Phillip Harrigan and Marion Sheerman. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-shailer+park-133572974" target="_blank">118 Boxer Avenue property</a> was built by high-end commercial builder, Christi Tufis of Pride Homes eight years ago with no expense spared. 
“The kids have all now grown up but it’s been a great family home, with lots of parties over the years. This is the best house to isolate in with its tennis court, home cinema and spa,” Mr Tufis said.
The home was built to a high standard with its signature 20mm pure white quartz tiles used throughout plus 3.6m high ceilings and double glazed windows.
The 5,284 sqm parcel of land offers three levels of living and incorporates two homes with the other two story house providing a good second rental income. 
“There’s vast entertaining spaces including a covered alfresco with outdoor kitchen and beautiful balconies with breathtaking views. A choice of perfectly executed living zones, each with soaring high ceilings and glossy tiled flooring,” the pair said.
“Hidden and private, this bushland retreat is bordered by sub-tropical gardens, each property overlooking the spectacular resort-style swimming pool and full-sized north-south tennis court.
“An entertainer's dream, this home offers an expansive alfresco with outdoor kitchen and incredible balconies with breathtaking views.”
The owners are downsizing into an apartment in the city while considering their next project. The property has a lot of fruit trees - mangoes, apples, avocados, a coffee tree, bananas, oranges, mandarins and limes to name a few.
The house is close to the shops and good schools like John Paul College.
Secure and gated, this residence adjoins Kimberley Grove Park and Cornubia Forest Nature Refuge. At just 20km to the Brisbane CBD and 45mins to the Gold Coast, it’s a great location on top of the hill with a lot of wildlife such as parrots and Mr Tufis has even spotted a white kangaroo in the bush reserve.
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Elevated six-bedroom trophy home in Shailer Park for sale

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GemLife has purchased the balance of ‘The Heights Estate’ in Pimpama, Gold Coast, for $29,700,000 and plans to deliver an over 50’s lifestyle resort on the substantial site.   The subdivision site, that offered around 46.41ha in land size, came with preliminary approval for 267 detached residential lots.   The asset was marketed and sold by Ray White Special Projects Queensland Executive Directors Matthew Fritzsche, Mark Creevey and Tony Williams.   Mr Fritzsche said the expressions of interest campaign demanded very strong enquiry and serious interest from groups.   “There's limited developable land on the Gold Coast of this scale and quality, and it showed in the strong number of enquiries we had throughout the campaign,” he said.   “It formed part of the master-planned ‘The Heights estate’ – which is a very well curated and presented estate by Sunland – on the northern Gold Coast.
“The Heights is 20 minutes* from the central Gold Coast and [approximately] 40 minutes from the Brisbane CBD. It’s in an elevated position within the estate, offering Gold Coast skyline views.   “The target list comprised local, interstate and international groups, and interest was predominantly from the residential and retirement/manufactured home estate sector.”   Mr Creevey said the sale highlighted that even in testing times, development sites with an element of approval would always be appealing.   “This really is an exciting project and we’re looking forward to seeing GemLife deliver yet another quality project,” he said.   “This is one of South East Queensland’s most recognised land estates - in a market with rapidly diminishing forward land supply.   “It's a high-quality estate with a significant entry statement, boulevard roads and footpaths, landscaping throughout and features central parkland.”
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GemLife pays $29.7 million to build Pimpama over 50's lifestyle resort

Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Joel Robinson

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]

Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

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Staff reporter

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