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The Bundaberg residential market has been a steady performer over the past number of years, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
"We don't see that changing in a hurry," the valuation firm said. 
The valuation firm asked their valuers to give an educated outlook on the residential market in their service areas.
The report notes Bargara and the entire coastal strip are seeing some positive signs of investment which has the potential to fuel growth along the coast. 
There are a number of projects happening or proposed that should stimulate interest in the area, such as the redevelopment of the Bargara Hotel, a new tavern near the Stockwell shopping centre, a new eco-friendly residential development at Innes Park/ Bargara South and renovations to the Bargara RSL.
"We see the coastal strip as being the shining star in 2020," the valuation firm said. 
A four bedroom brick house in Bundaberg North has recently been sold for $277,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-bundaberg+north-130630258" target="_blank">32 Fairymead Road</a> (pictured below), the fully renovated home features open living area, modern kitchen and double carport. 
The property last sold for $160,000 in 2018. 
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A current listing is a Bundaberg West three bedroom townhouse priced at $289,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-bundaberg+west-133166554" target="_blank">1/6 Mulgrave Street </a>(pictured below), it comprises 3 bedrooms, open plan living area, modern kitchen and backyard. 
It is located close to private school, CBD, shops and transport. 
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Bundaberg property market to continue to perform steadily: HTW residential 

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The second half of 2019 saw increased levels of activity in the residential property market, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
"2020 is likely to be the litmus test to determine whether we are genuinely into better times or merely experiencing a bubble of post flood activity," the valuation firm said. 
The report suggests Townsville has a strong pipeline of projects proposed for 2020 including a number of developments around the North Queensland Stadium which is nearing completion (to be named Queensland Country Bank Stadium) including the Cowboys Centre of Excellence, a 166-room Double Tree by Hilton Hotels and pedestrian walkway linkages from the city centre and central precinct to the stadium.
 The $71 million Marine Tourism Precinct which will include a four-star hotel, new SeaLink ferry terminal, car parking, new ferry berths and two new high speed ferries is another development proposed for 2020. 
Some other projects include the currently underway Flinders Lane retail development along with a number of proposed mixed use residential and food and drink developments in the inner city and Strand precincts.
"The inner city 4810 postcode had a good level of activity in 2019 and this is likely to continue in 2020," the valuation firm said. 
Suburbs within a five-kilometre radius of the city centre could see increased interest as inner city projects improve the amenity of the area.
"After an absence of sales in flood affected suburbs during 2019, we are likely to see these suburbs coming back to the market, providing a better understanding of the impact on value levels following this event," the valuation firm stated. 
"The balance of the Townsville market will likely remain status quo whilst people monitor unemployment and job security factors.
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"Overall, the outlook for the residential market in 2020 is positive with higher levels of market confidence and improving economic conditions." 
A fully furnished one bedroom apartment in the heart of Townsville City has been sold for $180,000.
The 65sqm apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-townsville+city-132605178" target="_blank">1/2-4 Kingsway Place</a> (pictured below) comes with modern kitchen, carpeted living areas and patio overlooking the complex facilities. 
The apartment is located in the central riverfront development. 
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A current listing is a two bedroom self contained apartment in Townsville priced at $297,500.
The apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-townsville+city-132999474" target="_blank">48/4 Kingsway Place</a> (pictured below) comprises two bedrooms, open plan living, private balcony and undercover car parking. 
Other features include air conditioning, outdoor pool and BBQ facilities. 
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Townsville property market expected to see higher level of confidence: HTW residential 

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The outlook for 2020 for Mount Gambier is that the housing market will remain stable throughout the year, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
"We are not aware of any obvious indicators that will have a significant impact on the local economy and the property sector," the valuation firm said. 
As seen in the graph below, house sales for 2019 were at similar levels to where they have been since 2014 and it is expected that this trend will continue throughout 2020. 
The report notes the median housing price has increased slightly in recent years, however there is still a large supply of housing and land for sale, which does impact on growth in the region.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/3/9/mount%20gambier%201.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/3/9/mount%20gambier%201.png" alt="">
Source: HTW 
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The graph below shows the number of houses sold within the $400,000 to $500,000 price range for the past 10 years. 
There was a significant drop between 2010 and 2011 when the market declined, however there has been a steady incline in sales since then, with sales within this range now the highest they have been in the past 10 years. This may be something to watch this year to see whether sales within this range continue to increase or we start to see a few more house sales above $500,000.
A three bedroom house in Mount Gambier was sold for $465,000 in December last year. 
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-mount+gambier-130158458" target="_blank">49 Bertha Street </a>(pictured below), the house comes with open living area, kitchen, pergola and heated swimming pool. 
Other features include double garage, rear courtyard and ceiling fans. 
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<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/3/9/mount%20gambier%202.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/3/9/mount%20gambier%202.png" alt="">
Source: HTW 
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"The $200,000 to $300,000 price range is affordable and it’s where the most number of sales occurs," the valuation firm said. 
A house in this range appeals to families and first home buyers and are generally of good quality, including three or four bedrooms, one or two bathrooms, a garage and a pergola area, situated on 600 to 800 square metres.
This is affordable compared to other cities such as Adelaide, where $250,000 to $300,000 will generally get you a small two-bedroom, one- bathroom unit or house situated on a small allotment of around 200 square metres.
A Mount Gambier stone house on a 1,351sqm allotment has hit the market with $285,000 hopes.
The four bedroom, two bathroom house is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-mount+gambier-132832122" target="_blank">9 Duigan Street </a>(pictured below).
It features renovated kitchen/meals, dining area, rumpus room and established garden. 
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Small regional towns are heavily reliant on a small number of industries. These towns should therefore be treated with caution as they are dependent on local employment.
History has shown that decreases in employment will impact negatively on the property market in these regions.
"Overall, we are expecting this year to be similar to last year with no major fluctuations in the local market," the valuation firm said. 
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Mount Gambier housing market to remain stable throughout 2020: HTW residential 

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Slow and steady growth is expected over the course of 2020 in the Gladstone region, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm ask their valuers to give an educated outlook on the residential market in their service areas.
"The market is still being driven by affordability and we will likely see further value increases across 2020," the valuation firm said. 
"We expect rental levels to continue to increase on the back of low vacancy rates (the current vacancy rate sits at about 1.8 percent)." 
A two bedroom apartment in Gladstone Central has been listed for rent with a price of $260 per week. 
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-gladstone+central-411938087" target="_blank">235/75 Central Lane</a> (pictured below), the apartment comes with two air-conditioned bedrooms, open plan living area, kitchen and balcony. 
There is a single undercover car parking. 
<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/2020/3/9/gladstone%201.jpg" alt="">
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The trend in new construction activity is expected to remain steady. 
Builders are currently reporting high enquiry levels, however the supply of land is limited.
The report notes near level, 800 square metre plus allotments are in greatest demand.
A Sun Valley home sitting on 1,283sqm block with harbour views has recently been sold for $710,000.
The five bedroom, three bathroom house is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-sun+valley-126848798" target="_blank">12 Trinity Place </a>(pictured below).
The home comes with large living and entertaining area, kitchen with Miele appliances and heated in ground pool. 
<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/2020/3/9/sun%20valley.jpg" alt="">
There is still an oversupply of small lots in Gladstone.
"We have seen a recent trend of developers combining two or more smaller allotments to create larger lots to suit current demand. We expect to see more of this in 2020," the valuation firm said. 
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Gladstone property market expected to see slow and steady growth in 2020: HTW residential 

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The New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has barred brokers from showing homes, as part of a sweeping ban on activities that risk spreading the coronavirus.
At a press conference Friday, Cuomo announced an executive order mandating all employees of non-essential businesses to stay home from work.
The <a href="https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026" target="_blank">list of essential jobs</a> includes food delivery, doormen and some construction.
It does not include real estate brokers.
The order requires non-essential businesses reduce its in-person workforce by 75 percent by Saturday and by 100 percent by Sunday.
The Real Deal website reported when Cuomo discussed the 90-day ban on evictions, he said, “I don’t know who you think you’re going to rent an apartment to now, anyway, if you kick someone out. 
"By my mandate, you couldn’t even have your real estate agent out showing the apartment.”
Across the other side of America, parts of California’s real estate industry are grinding to a halt because of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s “stay at home” order.
An auspicious beginning of 2020 for L.A.’s top residential brokerages that included record-setting sales has ground to a halt.
The 15,000 L.A.-based realtors represented in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) had been hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
But the governor’s office <a href="https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/" target="_blank">amended his emergency order</a> to designate housing construction as an “essential business” because of the state’s ongoing housing shortage.
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New York stops estate agents showing homes to buyers and renters

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Auction markets are now showing a clear and fairly rapid cooling, the Westpac senior economist Matthew Hassan has noted.
Preliminary unadjusted clearance rates were in the mid to low 60s compared to the mid to low 70s last week.
Uncertainty around COVID-19 has seen the preliminary clearance rate take a hit on the weekend, falling to 61.3 per cent across the combined capital cities.
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Despite the escalating health crisis and economic fallout related to coronavirus, the past week was the second busiest for auction activity so far this year with 2,539 homes taken to auction.
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The coronavirus scare prompted Sydney’s auction market success rate to tumble into the 60s.
Saturday's 68 percent success rate is down on 82 percent a fortnight ago and the 74 percent clearance rate last weekend, according to the preliminary realestate.com.au data.
It was Sydney's lowest clearance rate in what has been an exceptionally strong year.
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Domain and CoreLogic put the Sydney rate at even lower, at 64 percent.
There were just over 400 results tallied from the 750 auctions held in Sydney.
Estate agents had feared that some of their buyers would stay away amid the current contagion health scare.
But there are also looming concerns that the likely loss of workers' income across almost ever industry along with jobs losses will further dampen buyer enthusiasm.
"I expect price falls ahead," Shane Oliver, the AMP Capital chief economist said.
"Coronavirus social distancing and rising uncertainty about the economic outlook look to be impacting," he said.
Sydney remains the strongest capital city auction market.
The national clearance rate has dropped to 62 percent, down from 75 percent two weeks ago.
Sydney agents now head into the busy pre-Easter auction period which is traditionally one of the busiest fortnights of the year.
Search activity on realestate.com.au has slowed, Nerida Conisbee, the realestate.com.au chief economist noted last earlier this month.
The top sale under the hammer was a three-bedroom Tofts Monks, Elizabeth Bay apartment (pictured top) for $4,225,000 to an expatriate buying when the Australian dollar was down near 18 year lows. 
The auction was brought forward by the fortnight given heightened demand.
Auction clearance rates dropped in Melbourne.
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In Melbourne, a preliminary auction clearance rate of 62.7 per cent was recorded across 1,317 auctions, while last week there were 1,201 auctions returning a final clearance rate of 65.6 per cent. One year ago, the clearance rate was 55.1 per cent across 814 auctions.
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Melbourne’s most expensive sale was a five-bedroom, five-bathroom house in Albert Park at $9,010,000.
CoreLogic described the weekend results as a “turning point in buyer and seller sentiment.” 
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“The latest results highlight the housing market is being impacted by the social distancing measures and weaker confidence related to the coronavirus pandemic,” CoreLogic auction analyst Kevin Brogan said.
“To date there is no evidence of reduced housing values, however it is clear that transactional activity will be temporarily disrupted [over the] coming weeks and months.”
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Prices will fall as coronavirus scare prompts auction success rate tumble into the 60s

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ANZ is the only bank in the big four to cut variable home loan rates in this latest cut.
They reduced rates by 0.15 basis points.
As a result of today’s changes, ANZ’s variable rate home loan customers will save approximately $34 a month or $406 a year. This is based on an owner occupier with a $400,000, 30-year loan paying principal and interest on the discounted variable rate on the minimum repayment.
The move follows on the back of the recent RBA rate cut during their emergency March 19 meeting where they reduced the cash rate to a record low 0.25%.
ANZ have also introduced a two-year fixed rate of 2.19% p.a for owner occupiers paying principal &amp; interest.
Like NAB they have made it possible to request a deferral of home loan repayments for up to six-months.
ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott said the package aimed to support Australian business and the people who work for them.
"We understand the impact this crisis is having and ANZ will play a major role in backing Australia's economy and our customers through these challenging times," he said.
"We have been working with both the Federal Government and our regulators to keep money flowing through the economy and we'll do all we can to keep businesses afloat and Australians employed, as well as reducing the financial pressure on households."
"Our decision to reduce variable home loan and small business rates is the right thing to do for our existing customers, particularly the significant number of our home loan customers who are self-employed and managing the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on their own businesses."
"The highly competitive fixed-rates being offered will provide customers certainty over repayments with our lowest fixed-rates on record."
RateCity.com.au research director Sally Tindall said the bank was providing relief for most of its borrowers.
"It's great to see ANZ has stepped up and delivered something for the majority of its borrowers to help them through these turbulent times," she said.
"In this economic climate, every dollar counts.
"When these changes come into effect, ANZ will have the lowest ongoing variable rate from the big four banks at 2.72 per cent," she said.
"Now three of the four big banks are offering fixed rates as low as 2.19 per cent, we're likely to see other lenders chase after them, potentially cutting fixed rates even further," she said.
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ANZ the only big four bank to cut variable home loan rates

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The NAB will allow borrowers to pause mortgage repayments for up to six months, it announced this morning.
NAB will also cut 200bps from rate on new loans as well as reductions of up to 60bps on fixed rate home loans.
The other three of the big four banks have yet to reveal any response to alleviate mortgage repayment obligations for residential home loan borrowers.
It is predicted the banks will allow existing loan payments at principle and interest to be lowered by swinging borrowers over to interest only loans.
The move would require regularly approvals since there have been limits on IO lending for several years.
The banks have though, it seems almost entirely, decided not to cut home loans rates following the RBA emergency decision.
Of the big four only ANZ cut variable home loan rates, they were reduced 0.15 basis points.
Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh today announced a small business relief package from Australia's banks.
Australian banks will defer loan repayments for six months for small businesses who need assistance because of the impacts of COVID-19.
Ms Bligh said the assistance package will apply to more than $100 bn of existing small business loans and depending on customer take up, "could put as much as $8 billion back into the pockets of small businesses as they battle through these difficult times."
Banks have developed this Small Business Relief Package following discussions with APRA and ASIC to provide the appropriate regulatory treatment.
"The package is subject to authorisation by the ACCC," she said.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told Sky News the government is working on a second stimulus package, "which is about cushioning the blow for so many of those Australians who may lose their job."
"Our focus is on targeted measures using the existing tax and transfer system and making it as simple and as easy as possible for Australians to get that support," the treasurer said.
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IO loans set to be offered in big banks' response to coronavirus crisis

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Noosa real estate agency Reed &amp; Co. Estate Agents have released a wave of new online virtual home tours as part of their effort to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The tours are live and in 360 degrees for a full viewing experience.
Reed &amp; Co. owner and principal, Adrian Reed, said his company offers buyers the ability to freeze frame, zoom in, and ask questions to the agent in real-time at any time of the day, all from the comfort of their home.
Mr Reed predicts that some would feel the pull of Noosa, "as people start to really assess where they want their best days to be spent."
"We have been creating beautiful property films with the support from Luke Soanes Media for years. They play a critical role when you are selling prestige property. This is the next step to enable a virtual experience in the current environment," he said
"Given we have only started rolling out virtual inspections in the last 24 hours and we have booked 7 private virtual inspections, it is safe to say that there is an appetite from the market to find their dream home."
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While the housing market is set to experience a turbulent time over the next few months, Reed &amp; Co. expect this to have an excellent take-up by both buyers and sellers alike.
An example can be seen here in this <a href="https://youtu.be/xUS8bFACFQ4" target="_blank">introductory video produced by Luke Soanes</a>.
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Reed & Co. Estate Agents release virtual reality home tours to curb coronavirus

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Opteon has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, launching a zero-contact virtual property valuation solution for the Australian market.
Their solution is a new Virtual Valuation that uses a combination of visual verification aides and a guided interview.
The independent property advisory said that the Virtual Valuation comprises the same quality of data and accuracy as the onsite valuation that lenders are required to obtain to manage risk to their portfolios. 
Opteon’s CEO Chris Knight said, “Opteon wants to enable lenders to keep operating as normally as possible, and we know we can help them manage their risk profile with this solution."
"Lenders can be assured that this solution meets all regulatory requirements so that they can continue to approve mortgages with confidence.” 
“We’re proud that we’ve been able to bring a zero-contact valuation solution to the market so quickly, and that we’re able to fully support our customers and the broader property industry through this pandemic,” Knight concluded.
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Opteon launch zero-contact property valuation to combat COVID-19

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

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For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

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Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

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Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

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The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

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.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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>.

Staff reporter

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