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A luxury Mosman estate with unobstructed harbour views has been sold at auction.
The property's price guide last year was $23 million.
The residence was designed by architect, Susan Rothwell, while the interiors were designed by Leanne Smeallie and Siobhan Rothwell.
The impressive 1,792 sqm block has unobstructed views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, and is home to a range of resort-style amenities. 
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-mosman-132836706" target="_blank">28 Ruby Street</a>, the estate features a championship tennis court, pool, and gym, as well as elegant formal and informal entertaining spaces. 
The six bedroom home has six bathrooms, and six car parking spaces. The ensuite master suite has a dressing room with a freestanding stone bath tub.
There is also a secluded guest accommodation with a kitchenette. 
The property is fitted with oversized concertina doors which flow to alfresco areas. 
The exterior features manicured lawns, sandstone walls whilst the interior is paved with timber floors. 
The house also has soaring high ceilings with crystal chandeliers.
The kitchen features Calcutta marble and has a butler's pantry. 
It last sold for $7.55 million in 2008.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Grandiose Mosman family estate with Harbour Bridge and Opera House views sold 

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A brand new luxury residence in Sans Souci was sold for $3.3 million at auction last weekend.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-sans+souci-132779778" target="_blank">9 Newcombe Street</a>, the property was sold by Stone estate agent, Ray Fadel.
The holding was previously sold for $1,305,000 in 2018. The current abode was constructed in 2020.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/1_FRONT.jpeg" alt="">
The four-bedroom home features two levels with five bathrooms, built in wardrobes, vacuum systems, and air-conditioning throughout. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/1_WALKIN.jpeg" alt="">
The master suite has access to a private balcony.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/1_BEDROOM.jpeg" alt="">
The home's design is sleek and fresh. It has an open layout for in/outdoor living, and flexible dining and entertainment. 
This is ensured with the level access to a covered dining patio, outdoor entertainment space, landscaped garden, and swimming pool.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/1_OUTDOOR.jpeg" alt="">
The swimming pool features spa jets and a waterfall which can be admired from the dining area.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/1_ENTERTAINMENT.jpeg" alt="">
For indoor entertainment, there is a separate theatre room with high quality equipment, and a lounging room with an open fireplace. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/1_THEATRE.jpeg" alt="">
The kitchen features stone benchtops and a butler's pantry.
The residence is also secured with an alarm system, video intercom, CCTV cameras, data cabling system, and parking space for two cars.
The home is of walking distance to the waterfront, local shops, cafes and transportation to the city. 
A similarly designed five-bedroom residence at Marx Avenue, Beverley Park was recently sold for $2,738,000.
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Luxury Sans Souci trophy home sold for $3.3 million at auction

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REA Group has reported a 6% decline in half year revenue to $440 million despite the rebound in house prices over the last few months.
Its management warned that it is the listing volumes that remain challenging, for them and intending buyers.
REA noted that Australian residential volumes were down 13 percent in January, with declines of 7 percent in Sydney and 5 percent in Melbourne.
It came after national residential listings declined in the second half of 2019 by 14 per cent, with a 17 per cent dip in Sydney and 16 per cent in Melbourne. New project commencements declined 30 per cent over the half-year period.
REA Group’s net profit from core operations sat at $152.9 million, a 13 percent decline on the prior corresponding period.
The company’s CEO, Owen Wilson indicated he was pleased with the resilience of the REA Group business.
“Our results demonstrate the underlying strength of our business given the unprecedented market conditions.
"We now have a record number of customers committed to our premium listing products across both buy and rent.
"Customers see clear value in our product offerings, designed to deliver the highest quality leads to help their businesses grow.”
The REA CEO remains optimistic on the future.
“Key indicators show that the Australian property market is recovering.
"We anticipate that more favourable listings conditions in the second half of FY20 will deliver a stronger revenue outcome,” Mr Wilson advised.
<h2> </h2>
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REA Group report continued listings decline into 2020

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A Coolum Beach trophy home has been listed for sale without a price guide.
The four bedroom, three bathroom house holds panoramic ocean veiws that stretch from Noosa’s Laguna Bay to the lookout at Point Cartwright.
Described in the listing as "real estate nirvana," the four level home features a living space on every floor.
Situated at 88 Grandview Drive, Justin Voss and Myles Blackwell of Blue Moon Property are marketing the property.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/12/17/Beach%203%20-%202.JPG" alt="">
Set on 718 sqm, the abode was constructed in 2011.
It has been released to the market for the first time in 25 years and the first time since this current house was built
The home was last sold for $155,000 in 1994.
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Four level Coolum Beach trophy home with panaromic views listed

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Utopia, set above Catseye Bay on Hamilton Island has been listed with a $4.2 million price guide.
The trophy home is comprised of five bedrooms and four bathrooms spread across three seperate bungalows.
It was designed by the award winning Chris Beckingham.
Described as a tribute to indoor-outdoor living, Liam Kearney of Hamilton Island Real Estate is marketing the property.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-hamilton+island-132651206" target="_blank">14 Melaleuca Drive</a>, the 400 sqm home sits on a 1 acre block.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/12/17/JAN%20Beach%202%20-%203.JPG" alt="">
The home is integrated around the central indoor-outdoor balcony and pool area featuring stunning views around the Whitsundays.
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Utopia in Catseye Bay, Hamilton Island listed

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Entrepreneur's 41st Annual Franchise 500 Ranking ranks RE/MAX as the No. 1 real estate brokerage franchise.
While Dunkin Donuts tops the <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">2020 Franchise 500® survey</a>'s overall ranking, RE/MAX topped the real estate brokerage franchise ranks for the eighth consecutive year.
“The Franchise 500 is considered the oldest and most comprehensive franchise ranking in the world,” RE/MAX Australia managing director Michael Davoren said, “where companies are judged by the same criteria, including costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength and financial strength, and stability.”
From a single office that opened in 1973 in Denver, Colorado, RE/MAX has grown into a global real estate network with more than 125,000 sales associates in more than 110 countries and territories.
“RE/MAX Australia and RE/MAX New Zealand are highly respected master franchises in the global RE/MAX scene, and like the RE/MAX LLC team at the brand’s global headquarters in Denver, we are focused on selling franchises, adding agents, and helping the current membership be even more productive,” Mr Davoren said
Entrepreneur is a US-based magazine and website focussed on business and entrepreneurship. The magazine was first published in 1977 with the first Franchise 500® ranking released in 1980.
More than 1,100 franchisors applied to be included in this year's Franchise 500. RE/MAX was selected as the top real estate brokerage franchisor based on various factors including unit growth, financial strength, stability and brand power.
RE/MAX has outranked competitor brands in the survey for nearly a decade.
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RE/MAX tops Franchise 500 again among estate agencies

RBA Governer Philip Lowe's discusses the year ahead

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The National Australia Bank (ABS) has released its Online Retail Sales Index December 2019.
The report shows a continued month-on-month growth in December (+0.2 per cent), and a continued year-on-year growth (+13.3 per cent y/y s.a.).
The latter continuing to outpace broader ABS retail sales series. 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_1.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_1.jpeg" alt="" width="662" height="125" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> 
 
NAB chief economist, Alan Oster said the index data indicated that, while slowing slightly, growth continued in December.
"In contrast, our broader estimate of retail trade indicates significantly weaker overall sales.
"Looking through the month-to-month volatility, sales growth seems to have accelerated in year-on-year terms."
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_2.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_2.jpeg" alt="" width="719" height="243" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
All categories, except fashion, recorded sales growth in month-on-month growth terms. The largest sales category, homewares and appliance (1.5 per cent mon, s.a.), continued to grow at a rate lower than the overall. 
Mr Oster notes, "The smallest sales category, takeaway food, continues to lead growth, followed by second smallest category, games and toys, with rapid growth also for larger sales category, department stores."
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_3.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_3.jpeg" alt="" width="692" height="255" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Grocery and liquor sales accelerated in the month (+1.2 per cent mon, s.a.), and is approximately 17.8 per cent larger compared to the same period in 2018. 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_4.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_4.jpeg" alt="" width="698" height="303" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
All states and territories except Tasmania recorded sales growth in the month of December."The three most populous states represent just over 80 per cent of all online sales, slightly above their share of the population", Mr Oster continues.
"A rebound in monthly sales growth puts Queensland in the lead for the large sales states, with ACT leading the smaller sales areas. Victoria continues to lead in year-on-year terms.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_5.jpeg" alt="" width="725" height="278" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
 
"Representing about two-thirds of all online sales, metropolitan areas recorded growth in line with the overall result, while regional area growth was much slower. 
"In year-on-year terms, Queensland led metro growth, while Victoria leads regional areas on the same basis."
Click here to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_6.jpeg" target="_blank">enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_6.jpeg" alt="" width="739" height="332" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
 
"By merchant location," Mr Oster explains, "international retailers grew at a much slower rate than the overall index, with domestic retailers slightly fast. While fashion growth broadly contracted, this key source of sales for international retailers continued to grow.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_7.jpeg" alt="" width="746" height="275" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
"International retailers also outpaced domestic retailers in the personal and recreational category. Growth for the largest sales category, homewares and appliances, was dominated by domestic retails, with international slightly contracting. While a small share of spend, international retailers also seem to be in retreat in the grocery and liquor category."
 Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_8.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_8.jpeg" alt="" width="720" height="287" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
NAB estimates that Australians spent $30.53 billion on online retail in the 12 months to December. This is a level that is around 9.3 per cent of the total retail trade estimates (November 2019, Series 8501, Australian Bureau of Statistics), and about 9.7 per cent hight than the 12 months to December in 2018. 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_9.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_9.jpeg" alt="" width="690" height="344" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Mr Oster emphasises, "our definition of a domestic online retailer can include those merchants whose parent organisation might be overseas with an Australian subsidiary. Solely using GST as a key defining characteristic of domestic and international is no longer appropriate given changes made in July 2018".
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_10.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_10.jpeg" alt="" width="375" height="334" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<h2>A heat map view of average online spend by local government area </h2>
Online spending varies depending on where people live. The map shows average spend for each online transaction. Not all the top average spend areas are in capital cities, nor are they all in remote areas. 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_12.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_12.jpeg" alt="" width="616" height="396" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<h2>The impact of the combined Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales event</h2>
The growth in December was boosted by the weekend continuation of the Black Friday sales event into the Cyber Monday period.
In NAB's November report, the effect of the first day of the Black Friday to Cyber Monday sales event were studied. As the sales event crossed between the end of November and the start of December, additional data is now included. This data may help explain the December divergence in growth rates for online relative to broader cashless. 
For this analysis, NAB looked at the four key days of the sales event and compared it to the same sales event day in previous years. 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_13.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_13.jpeg" alt="" width="720" height="240" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
From a shaky start earlier in the decade, this sales event day appears to be growing. Chart 17 shows sales on Black Friday through to Cyber Monday for online retail categories increased about 48 per cent on the corresponding four day sales event in 2018. As a four day block, this sales event has been gaining momentum since 2016. 
Chart 18 shows that by category, compared to the event period 2018, by far the largest growth was recorded for sales in takeaway food at 146 per cent growth. However, while the spend share for this category has grown from 2013, in NAB data, it still represents only about four per cent of sales in the four day period.  
Given their share of sales, they key category drivers of the overall growth figure were homewares and appliances, department stores and personal and recreational goods. 
Growth in the fashion category, which represents a significant share of sales is in the event period (14 per cent), was more subdued (20 per cent you, n s.a.).
It appears that these sales events are shifting the period of when sales occur, without adding to total sales. NAB data shows that the first two days of the event, Black Friday and Saturday, represented around 17 per cent of total November online sales. Sunday and Cyber Monday, which followed in December, represented over 15 per cent of December sales. In the comparable period of 2013, these values were 10 and 11 percent respectively.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_14.jpeg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/2/5/11_14.jpeg" alt="" width="755" height="261" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
All these factors contribute to the changing patterns of spending within months, and across months.
This is problematic for the seasonal adjustment process, contributing to swings in the monthly retail sales data.
For online retail sales, while November remains the largest sales month, chart 19 shows that the large sales for the first two days of December have slightly increased the seasonal importance for that month.  
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NAB Online Retail Sales Index continues to grow

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Yesterday, the NSW Government announced six months of council rates relief for those who have lost their home or small business in the recent bushfires. 
To relieve those impacted by the recent bushfires of financial burden, residents that have lost their homes and small businesses will soon be able to take their council rates notice to a Service NSW centre with the Government will covering the costs. Those that have already paid their rates will receive a refund. 
Deputy premier and minister responsible for Disaster Recovery, John Barilaro, and minister for local government, Shelley Hancock, said the funding is part of the NSW Government's commitment to do all it can to help local communities recover and rebuild from the devastating bushfires. 
Mr Barilaro says, "Bush fire affected communities will not have to pay rates on a home which has been lost in the fires."
"The last thing our communities need right now is more financial stress, which is why the NSW Government is doing everything to ease the burden by funding council rates and picking up the bill for the clean-up, at no cost to owners," he explains.
"Regional communities, emergency services, volunteers and our farmers have been outstanding throughout the fires, and we need to be as vigilant in recovery as they are in the face of disaster."
Mrs Hancock said the NSW Government will cover the full cost of council rates for the third and fourth quarters of this financial year for residents and farmers who have lost their homes, and business owners whose properties have been destroyed beyond repair by bushfires.
Mrs Hancock syas, "The impact of the bushfires is truly unprecedented with the tragic loss of more than 2, 400 homes in NSW
"That's why the Government will fund council rates relief for anyone who has lost their home or small business in the bushfire crisis."
 
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Council rates relief for bushfire affected communities

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Global commercial real estate services and investment management firm, Colliers International has announced the appointment of John Kenny as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | Asia Pacific, effective immediately.
Mr. Kenny (pictured below) has been at the helm of the Australia &amp; New Zealand business since 2006.
He brings plenty of industry and institutional experience having previously held leadership positions in commercial and industrial transactions, corporate real estate and real estate technology within the company.
“I am truly honoured to step into the Asia Pacific Chief Executive Officer role as we continue to build momentum," Mr Kenny said.
<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/2020/2/5/John%20Kenny.jpg" alt="">
“Colliers is the fastest growing real estate and investment management services company globally and accelerating our success in Asia Pacific, one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding regions in the global economy, is very exciting,” said Jay Hennick, Global Chairman &amp; CEO.
“I’m confident John will take our business from strength to strength as he consolidates our recent acquisitions in India and China and continues to build industry-leading positions in some of the most important markets in the world. I wish David Hand, who is stepping away from his post for personal health reasons, a speedy recovery and we look forward to welcoming him back to the organization as soon as possible.”
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John Kenny appointed CEO of Colliers International - Asia Pacific

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

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Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

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More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

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Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

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