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Townsville agent Julie Mahoney not only conducted her first online auction but also managed to become the first Townsville office to sell property via online platform.
Two properties were snapped up on Monday night, 7 Townsend St, Mysterton (pictured above) sold for $450,000 and 116-118 Martinez Avenue, West End went for $545,000.
Office principal and selling agent Julie Mahoney said the auctions drew a large range of bidders including locals, those from interstate and even a few international viewers translating to some great results on the night.
Ms Mahoney said, "most of the bidders were local but the demographic was quite interesting."
“We had bidders who were aged from 70 plus online and one of my vendors who will be auctioning later in the month watched from England."
A local first home buyer couple were the winning bidders on 7 Townsend St, Mysterton which they said was the first auction they’ve participated in.
“We were very nervous, however it was an easier process than what we thought it was going to be and not being able to see the competition actually made it easier,” they said.
The couple had been looking for several months and the four bedroom home was exactly what they were after.
Calling the auctions was Ray White Queensland chief auctioneer Mitch Peereboom who said he is thrilled to see both buyers and sellers embracing the new technology.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Townsville's first successful online auction sale

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With unanimous support from the City of Melbourne's Future Melbourne Committee in March, the Victorian State Government has officially given the green light to the $2 billion Southbank by Beulah project. 
The 270,000 sqm mixed-use vertical village is considered one of Melbourne's most ambitious and forward-thinking projects to date.
Led by award-winning Melbourne developer, Beulah, the announcement is a welcome relief amid current economic uncertainty, with the project set to generate more than 4,700 construction jobs via the provision of a $1 billion additional investment stimulus to the Melbourne construction market. 
Upon complete of the. build, 3,250 new ongoing direct jobs is expected to be generated across multiple industries including office, retail, entertainment, hospitality and child care, ultimately growing the working population of Southbank by eight per cent. 
On track to become Australia's talent tower at 365 metres high, approval from the Minister for Planning, Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sally Capp said, "This is a huge vote of confidence in our city at a time when we are going through a period of economic uncertainty."
Conceptualised alongside acclaimed Dutch firm, UNStudio, and local firm, Cox Architecture, the permit will now allow Beulah to officially transform the current BMW site into an unprecedented, world-class vertical village spanning a total of 270,000 sqm. 
Cox Architecture director Philip Rowe said, "Southbank has laid somewhat dormant for many years. Our collaborative concept has the ability to truly uncover its potential, improving the urban amenity while seamlessly unifying the suburb with Melbourne's CBD. 
"The architectural and cultural impact Southbank by Beulah will leave on Melbourne is an exciting prospect and will undoubtedly set a benchmark both locally and globally, both now and well into the future."
An extensive process to date - including the initial Southbank by Beulah global architecture competition - Beulah managing director, Jiaheng Chan said the project team has been overwhelmed by the support from the official government bodies. 
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“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to both the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne for their endorsement of ​Southbank by Beulah​, which we hope will play a significant role in Melbourne’s economic recovery over the coming years.
“​Southbank by Beulah​ will transform the way Melburnians work, live, learn, revitalise and play — it will set a global benchmark for an unprecedented lifestyle hub that caters to present and future generations and will assist in the future growth of Melbourne and its vision to become a truly global smart city.
“Discussions have already begun with leading global brands in the hospitality, retail and cultural sectors who are looking for a transformative project of this calibre.”
Lodged in August 2019, the approved application outlines plans to offer users an unprecedented connectedness to nature within an urban environment.
"It's not just about the height", said Nicholas Reece, the chair of the City of Melbourne's Planning Portfolio, "so much thought and effort has gone into the design and the green space."
Envisioned as a vertical mini-metropolis, ​Southbank by Beulah​ will comprise four distinct collections of private residences, public and green spaces, rooftop sky garden, town hall, commercial offices, a five-star urban resort, childcare centre, a health and wellness precinct, arts and culture spaces and programs, as well as world-class experiential retail, all within two twisting terraced forms.
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The spine twists into a series of outdoor spaces and green devices along the façades of the two towers, paying homage to Melbourne’s title of The Garden City, symbolically bridging the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens with Melbourne’s Arts Precinct.
Pocket parks will be a focal point throughout the building, connecting neighbourhoods within the residential tower, providing residents with a sense of community and a place to relax, before culminating in a landscaped journey to the publicly accessible ​rooftop sky garden.
Construction is forecast to commence next year and will take approximately five years to complete.
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Southbank's green spine gets Melbourne planning approvals

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REIV President Leah Calnan says the Victorian Property Market achieved record-breaking growth prior to the outbreak of Coronavirus.
During the March Quarter metropolitan, houses soared to a new record height, eclipsing $890,000 for the first time, a 3.7 % growth on the previous December 2019 quarter.
Metropolitan Units followed this strong trend reaching over $640,000.
Records were smashed in the Outter Melbourne region with both Houses and units reaching new high values.
While Inner and Middle Melbourne, the price of units grew to new heights and even outperformed the growth of houses in those regions.
Growth continued evenly across regional Victoria with gains in both units and houses. Greater Bendigo has fared very well featuring five suburbs in the list of top 20 suburbs for quarterly growth for regional Victoria.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/4/24/Melb%201.JPG" alt="">
REIV President Leah Calnan said the March Quarterly Medians shows that the Victorian property juggernaut was in peak form before the outbreak of Covid-19
“2020 has been an amazing year for real estate; property values have reached new heights across the state during January, February and March.” Ms Calnan said.
“Investors in the Victorian property will be thrilled with these figures, units and houses have soared in value; our market is in red hot form.”
“Our local market is strong and resilient; buyers from across the globe are have shown great interest in Victoria.”
“Everybody wants to get in on the action; we were regularly getting over 1000 homes sold at auction over a weekend, competition for houses in Victoria remains strong.”
“In chaotic times such as we are battling now, it is a much welcome relief to be able to see some good news, Victorian real estate is in great condition.”
“Our industry is strong, and we will survive Coronavirus, the desire for Victorian real estate is high when this over we look forward to more fantastic results,” she concluded.
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Victorian property market was in peak form pre-coronavirus: REIV

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Demand for agricultural property is up, Ray White found with Brymay at Lot 8 Tumut Plains Road, Tumut, NSW the latest example.
The holding attracted 11 registered bidders and sold for $185,000 over reserve at online auction.
It was a competitive auction seeing 34 bids before finally selling for $785,000.
"I've been in the real estate game for 21 years and I can honestly say the last week has been the second busiest in terms of sales that I've ever had," said Ray White Tumut Principal Ray Piper.
"Agricultural land is becoming more and more popular, and even though this property wasn't presented as the best, buyers could see beyond the mess because of the potential and the fact it's in a high rainfall area.
"Despite the restrictions and limited access to the property, we still attracted 21 people to private inspections, and over half of them registered to bid.
"The auctioneer Alex Pattaro was excellent because he took the time to sit down and take us through how the online auction platform worked.
"We logged on as the whole team one evening to run a mock auction so we really understood the process and could ask/answer any questions ahead of the auction.
"It's a great tool for future business and our office actually sold two from two today using the online auction platform."
Ray White NSW Chief Auctioneer Alex Pattaro (above) said this was an excellent result and there was a sense of growing positivity around online auctions.
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Brymay, Tumut agricultural holding sold 30% over reserve at online auction

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Actress Olympia Valance has listed her one-bedroom Southbank apartment for sale.
It comes with price guidance between $500,000 and $550,000 through Marshall White agent Bradley Steinbach.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-southbank-133409354" target="_blank">7/114 Dodds Street, Southbank Gardens apartment</a> was bought in 2018 for $480,000, and subsequently renovated. 
<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/2020/4/22/Vallance%20southbank%202.jpg" alt="">
There's now a modern kitchen with black tapware and an updated bathroom.
The open plan living kitchen and dining space opens to a courtyard.
Vallance recently bought a cottage in regional Victoria with her partner, the AFL star Tom Bellchambers.
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Olympia Valance lists one bedroom Southbank apartment

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RBA board members noted that conditions in commercial property markets were deteriorating.
This followed several years of commercial property price growth in excess of growth in rents.
Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, parts of the retail property market were facing challenging conditions owing to weak consumer spending and heightened competition.
Following the outbreak, some retail tenants had been seeking suspensions in rent payments or large rent reductions.
Members noted that the risks in commercial property markets warranted close monitoring.
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Commercial property markets deteriorating: RBA

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The recent economic contraction, uncertainty and social distancing measures were likely to result in very little turnover in the housing market, according to the latest RBA minutes.
"It remained unclear how this would affect residential property prices," the board advised.
Most households with mortgages had significant buffers of accumulated prepayments, with around half of these loans having prepayments that exceeded six months of payments, it noted.
The share of mortgages that may not have a buffer of liquid assets was around 15 per cent.
Measures of household financial stress had been at relatively low levels prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the latest board minutes had noted.
Members were informed that, at the time of the April meeting, banks had reported that around 5 per cent of households had enquired about deferring mortgage repayments.
It noted that the risks from residential property markets had diminished over the course of the preceding year as increases in housing prices in Sydney and Melbourne had led to a reduction in the share of households at risk of having negative equity on their housing assets.
Nationally, around 3 per cent of mortgages had negative equity positions, with most of these in Western Australia.
The bank noted for households, a large proportion of the monetary policy easing since May 2019 had flowed through to mortgage rates paid. 
Lenders had reduced their interest rates on variable rate housing loans by 25 basis points following the reduction in the cash rate on 3 March. 
"While most lenders did not reduce their standard variable rates following the further cut in the cash rate on 19 March, they had announced a reduction for interest rates on fixed rate loans and measures to defer interest and loan payments for distressed households," the minutes noted.
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Unclear how very little turnover will affect residential property prices: RBA

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Neighbours star Olympia Valance, 27, and her AFL star boyfriend Thomas Bellchambers have purchased a cottage in country Victoria.
It is a two-bedroom Glenlyon home near Daylesford in Victoria, that was settled on Valentine's Day.  
They jointly purchased the six acres for $587,000.
<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/2020/4/22/Vallance%202.jpg" alt="">
The home was promoted as offering spectacular views of the district.
It was also offering its owners to experience ‘off grid’ living in style. 
Vallance has since listed her one bedroom apartment in Southbank, asking between $500,000 and $550,000.
 
 
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Olympia Valance and Thomas Bellchambers buy Victorian weekender

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The RBA boss says it is highly probable that the severe shocks we are now experiencing will change the mindsets of some people and businesses.
"Even after the restrictions are lifted, it is likely that some of the precautionary behaviour will persist," Dr Philip Lowe said in a speech today <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2020/sp-gov-2020-04-21" target="_blank">giving an economic update</a>.
"In the months ahead, we are likely to lose some businesses, despite best efforts, and some of these businesses will not reopen.
"There will also be a higher level of debt and some households might revaluate the risks of having highly leveraged balance sheets.
"It is also probable that there will be structural changes in the economy.
"We are all learning to work, shop and travel differently.
"Some of these changes will probably stay with us, requiring a rethinking of business models.
"So the crisis will have reverberations through our economy for some time to come," Dr Lowe said.
"On the optimistic side, the restrictions could be lifted more quickly, with the virus being contained.
"In that case, a stronger recovery could be expected, particularly in light of the very large monetary and fiscal support that is in place.
"On the other hand, if the restrictions stay in place longer, or they have to be reimposed, the recovery will be delayed and interrupted.
"In that case, the loss of incomes and jobs would be even more pronounced.
"Whatever the timing of the recovery, when it does come, we should not be expecting that we will return quickly to business as usual.
"Rather, the twin health and economic emergencies that we are experiencing now will cast a shadow over our economy for some time to come."
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RBA says households to revaluate the risks of having highly leveraged balance sheets

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Auction volumes were up to 1,848 across the nation this weekend, according to CoreLogic, up from 634 last week.
Clearance rates however were similarly low across the nation with hundreds pulling out of auctions especially in Sydney and Melbourne.
Of the auctions scheduled 852 were withdrawn across the nation, 500 from Melbourne and 314 in Sydney, according to Domain's findings.
CoreLogic data showed preliminary clearance rates reached 40% in Sydney and Melbourne with 73.2% of the successful Melbourne auction properties actually sold prior to the scheduled auction date.
A similar showing occurred in Sydney where 60.2% were sold prior to the scheduled auction event.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/4/20/CL%20auctions%20April%2018th.JPG" alt="">Across the smaller cities, Canberra continues to outperform the remaining capital cities with a 66.7% preliminary success rate and the lowest rate of withdrawn auctions (25%).
The existing challenges around new policies banning onsite auctions and inspections are still impeding on activity across the auction market.
As confidence remains low and circumstances uncertain, it’s expected that fewer vendors will elect auction as their preferred method of sale and either convert to private treaty method or hold off on selling all together and scheduled volumes will likely decrease over the coming weeks.
Online auctions have helped take some of this strain off but as evidenced by the 50% pullout rate, many people would rather hold their cards close to their chest than trust in online auctions and marketing.
One standout home bucked this trend attracting competition from nine registered bidders at 199 Military Road, Dover Heights (pictured in title).
Featuring sweeping Sydney City, Harbour Bridge and Opera House views, the home, which has been owned by the same family for over 60 years, sold for $3.86 million.
The winning bidder told Ray White “I’ve been looking for the perfect property for six months... I plan on moving in first and then seeking DA approval to rebuild because it offers me a great opportunity to build the property of my dreams."
The three bedroom, one bathroom property sits directly opposite Dudley Page Reserve and is close to schools, bus and ferry transport.
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Majority of weekend 'auction sales' took place prior the scheduled auction 

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

Joel Robinson

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Capella to launch Brisbane's first branded residences at Shafston House, Kangaroo Point

Lewis Land's latest apartment release within its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan is targeting one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing buyer groups, with almost a third of apartments at Solis priced below $1 million.

The seven-storey building at Biggera Waters will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 one-bedroom residences starting from $778,000, a price point Lewis Land says is aimed squarely at first home buyers struggling to enter the Gold Coast market.

<img alt="Harbour Shires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7486e37-22f6-4c92-b212-9b0622070b8f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=W8MJwJUCf6HkIyl_EVSksnd.QI6MZryY" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the developer deliberately allocated a significant proportion of the project to more affordable apartment types.

"First home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and we saw a clear opportunity to address this and play our part in a longer-term housing solution," Long said.

"That's why 24 of the 91 apartments being delivered at Solis have been designed and priced for the city's next generation of homeowners, quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room to maximise space and flexibility.

"This approach places 30 per cent of apartments in Solis under $1 million, and with close proximity to Harbour Town's future light rail extension connecting residents to the city's major employment and knowledge hubs, it's a win for buyers looking to secure their first property."

<img alt="Sores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="550526d3-73ba-4710-9739-c5f4294a30ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cQQdXHt9wS0UXwZEm5Py5bH_3kAmzyhu" />

Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with residences ranging up to 232 sqm. Apartments feature generous balconies and contemporary finishes, while residents will have access to Harbour Shores' lagoon pool, clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

The focus on first home buyers resonated with purchaser Holly Humphreys, who said she and her boyfriend spent more than a year searching for their first property before shifting their attention from houses to apartments.

"We fell in love with the first house we bid on and got our hopes up, but after repeated knockbacks we learned not to get too attached," Humphreys said.

"We offered at the high end of price guides, but sales kept going even higher. That's where we really struggled and we needed to re-evaluate our budget and our expectations. Standalone houses were off the table, and we pivoted to apartments and townhouses."

Humphreys said it was encouraging to see developers recognising the growing demand from first home buyers.

"There's a growing number of young buyers looking to enter the market earlier because they understand that getting in now can make a real difference as prices continue to rise," she said.

"It's fantastic to see a developer recognise this and then actively take measures to deliver an apartment with us in mind."

Solis is the first development planned within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, with early works expected to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land targets first home buyers at latest Harbour Shores release, Solis

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

Staff reporter

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