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EXPERT OBSERVER 
Looking at a range of measures we track regularly on <a href="http://realestate.com.au/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://realestate.com.au&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1575313750071000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHWGVPMI21fYMWCOxoFkks5Ip6rCw">realestate.com.au</a>, we’ve compared Bondi and Manly to determine which beachside suburb comes out on top.
- Most expensive to buy: For both units and houses, Manly is more expensive (Manly: $2.8 million house, $1.25 million unit compared to Bondi: $2.2 million house, $1.1 million unit)
- Most expensive to rent: Manly is more expensive to rent (Manly: $1,500 pw house, $750 pw unit compared to Bondi: $1,285 pw house, $695 pw apartment)
- Strongest price growth (1 year): Prices have declined a lot in Bondi and Manly over the past 12 months, but Bondi has held its value best over this time period for houses. Manly has done better for units (Manly: -15% house, -8% unit compared to Bondi -10% house, -13% unit)
- Strongest rental growth (1 year): It has been good for renters over the past 12 months with rents declining for most property types in both suburbs. Bondi unit rents have dropped the most while for houses Manly has seen the biggest decline (Manly: -2% house, 0% unit compared to Bondi: -1% house, -5% unit)
- Highest yield: If you are an investor, Bondi units offer the best yield. The lowest yield is for Manly houses (Manly: 2.7% house, 3.5% unit compared to Bondi: 2.8% house, 3.8% unit)
- Highest views per buy listing: Demand from buyers is highest in Manly for houses and for units
- Highest views per rental listing: For renters, houses in Bondi are in higher demand while for units it is Manly
- Most popular with overseas property seekers: Bondi is more popular with property seekers from the US and Canada. Manly is more popular with property seekers from the UK, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Africa, Indonesia, Philippines and Germany. Property seekers from Hong Kong, India, China and South Korea don’t really search either
So, which is better? For renters, Bondi wins – it is cheaper and rents have declined over the past 12 months.
For investors, it is also Bondi – prices have declined but have held value slightly better. And despite the rental decline, yields are generally better.
Buyers, however, show a strong preference for Manly over Bondi. We see higher views per listing and it sees much higher demand from a wider range of countries when it comes to overseas search.
Nerida Conisbee is an <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/author/nerida-conisbee/" target="_blank">economist at realestate.com.au</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Bondi or Manly: Which is better? Realestate.com.au's Nerida Conisbee

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Rugby league legend Jim Dymock has listed in Maroubra­, given his move to take up coaching duties at the Gold Coast Titans.
Dymock, who played six State of Origins from 1996 to 1998, bought the Fitzgerald Avenue four-bedroom house for $720,000 in 1998 when playing with Parramatta Eels.
The 1980s-built home, updated over Dymock’s ownership, spans two levels on its 230 square metre block.
The ground level is dedicated to entertaining, with the kitchen, living and dining space opening to an entertaining terrace and pool.
PRD agent Corrinne Oslen, who has scheduled a December 7 auction, is marketing it as “beautifully appointed throughout with the finest of contemporary finishes and intuitively crafted to maximise the flow of natural light and space”.
Buyers are gleaning it ought to sell under the suburb median which realestate.com.au puts, for a four-bedroom home, at $2.2 million.
Dymock has been travelling back and forth since his appointment as Titans­ senior assistant coach. He was previously assistant coach at Cronulla.
He and wife Leah will initially lease on the Gold Coast rather than buy.
“I am really excited about joining the Titans,” Dymock told Titan fans earlier this month in a club update.
“Everyone knows the Gold Coast is a great city and a great place to live. But I am not going up there for the weather.”
Dymock’s role next season has been jestingly defined as the “Minister of Defence”.
The Titans had the worst defence in the NRL, conceding 27 points per game this year.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.  
 
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League legend Jim Dymock lists in Maroubra

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The wandering eye for grandeur and a prestige address in the greater Darwin area leads in one of two directions – water views or acreage, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report suggests long held premium locations of Larrakeyah, Cullen Bay, Fannie Bay and Bayview remain the sought-after water locations with ocean or marina views.
Coming into more prominence are tightly held pockets of Nightcliff that offer Casuarina foreshore views and sections of Stuart Park that overlook Frances Bay and the CBD.
"Knuckey Lagoon still presents as the premium rural residential location of the Darwin market," the valuation firm said. 
"Nearby access to all urban infrastructures balanced with space and country feel are the drivers in this location."
There have been 19 residential sales at arm’s length above $1 million in the 2019 calendar year (to mid-October) for the Darwin, Palmerston and rural residential areas, including a mix of dwelling and strata sales, so a fraction under two per month.
The report notes the market for prestige dwellings in Darwin’s inner suburbs has softened over recent times.
This market has been less volatile than mortgage belt locations and continues to be underpinned by proximity to the CBD and standard of dwelling.
Large allotments and tropical style dwellings have remained popular for purchasers. Without question the ability for owners to hold property in poorer market times has helped these market sections.
"We must highlight that this segment of the market has not been quarantined from the reductions in the wider market; re-sales of the same dwelling have shown reductions in the order of 10 to 15%," the valuation firm said. 
The Darwin prestige market beyond $2 million has been very thinly traded in recent years.
The most activity in the market has been for new builds, where older dwellings have been purchased and demolished.
Notable locations for these projects have included East Point Road in Fannie Bay, Larrakeyah Terrace in Larrakeyah and to the marina in Cullen Bay.
Many of these projects have exceeded land and build of $5 million.
"These projects, while not sale transactions, provide open market evidence to the activity in this market segment and we specifically note this is not uncommon within the local market place which is dominated by owner-occupiers in a very tightly held market segment," the valuation firm said. 
The highest residential sale in the rural residential market this year was achieved in Knuckey Lagoon, an acreage allotment with a number of dwellings and sheds that exceeded $4 million.
The highest strata sale in the Darwin area was for one of the colonial style, stone townhouses at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-villa-nt-darwin+city-130487262" target="_blank">1/78 Esplanade </a>(pictured below) in the CBD.
<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/2019/12/2/78%20esplanade.jpg" alt="">
The sale was negotiated by Seth Chin of Chin &amp; Associates at $2.3 million in April following an open marketing campaign.
Chin said: "The market in Cullen Bay has been active with enquiry levels remaining consistent from local owner-occupiers. With a number of our key listings ranging from $2 million to $3 million we have seen a significant amount of inspections, however given the price point and current broader market conditions these properties require extended marketing periods."
The HTW report also looked at other eye-catching properties on the market. 
"For those looking at inner city living, there are penthouse units available at Evolution, arguably one of Darwin’s best CBD addresses, with extensive common areas and views that capture the whole CBD. Asking prices are $3.5 million with David Booth Real Estate," the valuation firm said. 
Other attractive listings are located on the Marina and Sea Wall at Cullen Bay, including<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nt-cullen+bay-131914310" target="_blank"> 104 Cullen Bay Crescent</a> (pictured below) with Pacific Property seeking offers over $2.95 million, offering uninterrupted sea views and a large, five-bedroom, three-bathroom dwelling.
<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/2019/12/2/104%20cullen%20bay.jpg" alt="">
"It’s certainly not all doom and gloom in the Darwin market. High quality property is still changing hands and premium builders and architects have projects on the drawing board as we see the shape of the prestige market move to modern homes mixed with the essential tropical touch of our neighbourhood," the valuation firm concluded. 
"Without doubt, there will be more to talk about in 2020 as the Darwin market continues to recover and transition to the next stage of the cycle."
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Water views or acreage - the two directions of Darwin's prestige market: HTW residential 

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Things are hotting up in the Red Centre, but sadly that is true only for the weather and the real estate market in Alice Springs remains decidedly cool, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report notes sales numbers continue to show a downward trend and there has been minimal change in median prices for both units and houses.
Demand continues to be somewhat soft and the tightening of bank lending policies in the wake of the Royal Commission has further impacted on a market that is lacking impetus.
"Houses at the lower end of the market ($350,000 to $400,000) continue to move quickly if reasonably priced, with some bargains out there for those not scared of a bit of hard work, but the lack of capital gain in the market place is proving to be a deterrent to flippers," the valuation firm said. 
A recent sale was a four bedroom house in Araluen. 
The home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nt-araluen-128025878" target="_blank">39 Kempeana Crescent </a>(pictured below) comprises four bedrooms, two tiled living areas, open plan kitchen and back veranda. 
<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/2019/12/2/araluen.jpg" alt="">
Older two-bedroom units continue to slide in value, due in part to the recent abundance of new or near new units coming on line in recent years.
A two bedroom room unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-nt-gillen-131546194" target="_blank">25/111 Bloomfield Street, Gillen</a> (pictured below) has been sold for $225,500.
The unit comprises two upstairs bedrooms, open plan living area, and undercover 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/2019/12/2/gillen.jpg" alt="">
This oversupply has seen a number of unit developments stall or be deferred in the absence of sufficient pre-sales.
Locals can expect to see cranes in the skyline in the future however as the tender for construction of a five-level, 70-unit accommodation complex for hospital staff has been awarded.
Construction is believed to be commencing in the first half of 2020.
During construction, the project is expected to provide 240 jobs, which will provide a boost to the local economy, at least in the short term.
Tourism operators have experienced a bumper season, purportedly on the back of a rush of visitors wanting to climb the rock before the Uluru climb was permanently closed in late October.
"The area has gained both positive and negative coverage from the media during this time but in the absence of any catalyst for migration to the area, the population base is expected to remain largely stagnant," the valuation firm said. 
"In the coming months, there seems little to get excited about as far as an upturn in the real estate market is concerned and the market is expected to continue to bounce along at (or near) the bottom in the foreseeable future."
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Alice Springs property sales numbers on a downward trend: HTW residential 

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The Gold Coast City Council has purchased a vacant 85 ha block of land in Yatala for $12.8 million with plans to convert it into sports and recreation fields.
The substantial landholding is located at 396 Stanmore Road and was owned by the Enkelmann family since the 1800s, when they relocated into the region as one of the early European settlers.
It was taken to market via an Expression of Interest campaign through Colliers International on behalf of Joe Welch of Hickey Lawyers, as the executors of the deceased estate.
Daniel Coburn, Director of Industrial at Colliers International who marketed the property said the campaign generated interest from a range of developers and occupiers considering the land was zoned future low impact industry, is on the periphery of Yatala Enterprise Area and surrounded by rural and residential properties.
“The unique selling points of this cleared land parcel is that it had 1.3km of road frontage and as well as 900m Albert River frontage in the northern Gold Coast corridor which is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia in terms of population growth,” Mr Coburn said.
The proceeds of the sale will be used in a charitable foundation to benefit local charities and in memory of the Enkelmann family.
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Gold Coast City Council bought vacant 85 ha Yatala block for $12.8 million

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Experts predict the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will take unconventional measures to stimulate the economy in 2020, according to the latest survey data from Finder.
In their most recent <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/rba-cash-rate" target="_blank">Finder RBA Cash Rate Survey™</a> – 33 experts and economists weighed in on future cash rate moves and economic indicators, including wage growth and housing affordability.
While economists almost universally expected no cut in December, many experts are forecasting a cut in February. This may be the last for a significant period, with three-quarters (73%) of economists saying a 0% cash rate is unlikely.
RBA Governor Phillip Lowe recently insisted that the federal bank had ‘no appetite’ for quantitative easing (QE), a process where the central bank creates new cash to decrease – or ease – the cost of borrowing.
But nearly half (46%) of experts said it was likely we’d see QE in 2020.
Graham Cooke, insights manager at Finder, said “The RBA said they may look to alternative stimulus methods once the rate hits 0.25%."
“We’re only two cuts away from that, and the three cuts of 2019 have failed to stimulate anything beyond the housing market,” Cooke said.
Click <a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/02a-7JJna6IjqWtAijhZ6rm8W27bou3occx5_PFIeSABS_nb_aiZDZrQrSHUO-dztGbQ2TqccNgDB2tW8J3bBb67RMGMAEcBcM0Kcv6rE9az54GkaxiuiPqsohHaKb_fW7NyRYjm" target="_blank">here</a> to enlarge:
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/02a-7JJna6IjqWtAijhZ6rm8W27bou3occx5_PFIeSABS_nb_aiZDZrQrSHUO-dztGbQ2TqccNgDB2tW8J3bBb67RMGMAEcBcM0Kcv6rE9az54GkaxiuiPqsohHaKb_fW7NyRYjm">
On the bright side, a recession looks increasingly unlikely in 2020, with 89% of experts not expecting an economic decline and 88% thinking it unlikely that house prices will fall.
Three quarters of experts (76%) don’t foresee a significant rise in mortgage defaults, 64% think a US-China trade deal is likely and 52% say it is likely that house prices will fully recover.
Cooke said the positive outlook on China is significant because the fate of the US-China trade deal was cited as economists’ number one economic concern in the August survey this year.
While nearly all experts and economists predict a hold in December (97%, 32/33), two-thirds (66%, 22/33) expect the cash rate to drop to 0.50% in February 2020. This figure reflects the 64% of experts who predicted February would be a cut in last month’s survey. 
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Nearly half of surveyed experts forecast quantitative easing in 2020: Finder

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A multi-level property perched high above the Marina in Hamilton Island, Queensland has hit the market with $3.95 million hopes.
Nestled on an 805sqm block, the holiday home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-hamilton+island-132559714" target="_blank">Apostle Bay/13 Marina Terrace</a> features views of Whitsunday Passage, Dent Island and Hamilton Island Yacht Club.
Lynn Milsom of Hamilton Island Real Estate has the listing. 
The home comprises 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, multiple entertaining zones and double garage. 
<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/2019/12/2/hamilton%20island%203.jpg" alt="">
The state of the art kitchen overlooking the infinity wet edge pool is equipped with European Miele appliances and boasts Corinne benchtops.
The master suite features freestanding bath and outdoor shower, surrounded by lush greenery with views across the marina. 
<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/2019/12/2/hamilton%20island%201.jpg" alt="">
Other highlights of the home include ducted air-conditioning, spacious balconies, separate living wings, and electric blinds and shades on windows. 
The property is situated within an easy walk to restaurants, shopping, Hamilton Island Marina, and just a stone’s throw from the airport.
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Hamilton Island multi-level trophy home hits the market 

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A tropical resort-style home in Broadbeach Waters with panoramic views of the Surfers skyline has hit the market with $9.95 million hopes. 
Occupying the largest north-facing block in Broadbeach Waters, the family home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-broadbeach+waters-132555106" target="_blank">131-135 Monaco Street </a>sprawls across 2,302sqm of land. 
Michael Kollosche of Kollosche Broadbeach has the listing.
The home comprises five bedrooms, formal lounge and dining, gourmet kitchen, media room, family room, and large study. 
<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/2019/12/2/broadbeach%20waters%202.jpg" alt="">
Outdoor features entertaining pavilion with BBQ, deck area overlooking heated pool, and three draped cabanas. 
There is a self-contained nanny's unit with own kitchen. 
<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/2019/12/2/broadbeach%20waters%203.jpg" alt="">
Additional highlights of the home include marble fireplace, games room with bar, mini theatrette and basement garage with parking for up to 10 cars. 
It's located five minutes’ from the café strip of Broadbeach and within easy access of elite schools, the beach and the M1.
 
 
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Broadbeach Waters tropical resort-style trophy home listed 

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A Tudor style residence in Peppermint Grove, Western Australia has hit the market with $5.95 million hopes. 
The home at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-peppermint+grove-132552150" target="_blank"> 33 McNeil Street</a>, restored just 5 years ago, is now a showpiece example of heritage listed architecture.
Justin Davies of Space Real Estate Cottesloe has the listing. 
Set within a sought after street lined with Peppermint trees, the home features gabled roof characterising its Tudor style and front façade draped in vine leaves.
<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/2019/12/2/pepermint%20grove%203.jpg" alt="">
It comprises traditional den study, gourmet kitchen, formal and informal living, master suite and two self-contained guest lodgings.
The recently added loft space is large enough to incorporate a lounge setting and bedroom suite. 
<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/2019/12/2/peppermint%20grove%202.jpg" alt="">
Other highlights include manicured garden, solar heated pool, decked patio alfresco area, and double garage plus additional parking.
The home is within walking distance to elite private schools and shopping centre. 
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Peppermint Grove restored historic home hits the market 

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Camelot, a riverfront home anchored on a tranquil bend of the Brisbane River has hit the market.  
Occupying a 3,593sqm parcel of north-facing land, the property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-tennyson-132543362" target="_blank">121 King Arthur Terrace, Tennyson</a> spreads across three titles. 
Glenn Gracie of Queensland Sotheby's International Realty Brisbane has the listing. 
Inspired by American coastal classic aesthetics, the three-level main dwelling comprises 5 bedrooms, formal and informal living spaces, dining room, cinema and gourmet kitchen. 
<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/2019/12/2/tennyson%202.jpg" alt="">
The alfresco area features outdoor kitchen, spa, as well as river and golf course views. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/12/2/tennyson%203.jpg" alt="">
The first floor master suite comes with ensuite, walk-in robes and river facing balcony. 
The guest residence comprises 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, full kitchen, dining area, lounge, patio and private access. 
The third residence offers home office, multipurpose entertainment room, bathroom, and separate access to the main and guest house.
<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/2019/12/2/tennyson%204.jpg" alt="">
Other highlights of Camelot include outdoor kitchen, manicured gardens, resort-style pool, tennis court, jetty and pontoon, and riverside pavilion. 
Positioned less than 100m from golf clubs and tennis centres, Camelot is located less than 10 minutes from Indooroopilly Shopping Centre.
 
 
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Tennyson riverfront trophy home across three titles hits the market 

The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

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>

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

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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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

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