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The WA State Government announced that they will be proceeding with stamp duty relief of up to $50,000 for off the plan apartment purchases.
The rebate is effective immediately and is applicable to all buyers purchasing off-the-plan apartments including first home buyers, seniors looking to right-size and foreign buyers.
Samantha Reece, Director of WAAA, stated that she had held discussions with both Minister for Transport, Planning and Lands, Rita Saffioti, and Minister for Housing, Veterans Issues, Youth and Asian Engagement, Peter Charles Tinley, in March this year after research results from 3312 apartment owners indicated that only 14% were prepared to purchase off the plan.
“With the future of MetroNet hanging on the balance of apartment pre-sales, this decision by the McGowan Government will ensure that people who have been dissuaded to buy an apartment will now have an added incentive,” Reece said.
“This stamp duty relief will undoubtedly stimulate the apartment market and that is very promising with the Government’s focus to achieve 47% infill targets.
"WAAA lends its full support to this decision and we thank the relevant Ministers for listening to the voting public of Perth."
ABS data indicates that WA only represents 4.7% of total apartments in the nation in comparison to NSW at 47.2%, Victoria 22.8% and QLD 17.4%.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

McGowan Government announces WA stamp duty relief for off the plan purchases

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Internal migration loss has seen Sydney slip behind Melbourne in terms of overall population growth, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at what's bringing new residents to different residential markets or, conversely, driving them away. 
According to the last census, between 2016 and 2017, Sydney’s population grew by 101,600 people, an increase of around 2%.  Of that, an increase of 84,700 came from net overseas migration, 35,000 from natural increase, while net internal migration provided a loss of 18,100 people (source: ABS).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/9/26/abs%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge:
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/9/26/abs%201.jpg" alt="">
Sydney’s population growth has therefore predominantly been driven by overseas migration. 
In fact, the overall total net overseas migration for Australia between 2016 and 2017 was 262,489 (source: ABS), meaning that 38.7% of that growth can be attributed to Sydney.
The HTW report suggests Sydney is a desirable location for overseas immigrants due to employment opportunities, education facilities and other services and the opportunity to move into an area with a population of similar nationality or culture.
The majority of people who leave Sydney for other parts of Australia go to other parts of New South Wales and Melbourne (source: ABS).
Newcastle, Wollongong and regional New South Wales offer plenty of opportunities for those looking for a sea or tree change, either in retirement or for those looking for a more affordable lifestyle, particularly lower cost housing, or to escape Sydney’s bulging transport and road systems.
"Those areas of Sydney that have seen the largest increase in net internal migration are the growth centres in the south-west and north-west of the city, which have experienced massive new housing growth over recent years through land releases," the valuation firm said. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/9/26/abs%202.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/9/26/abs%202.png" alt="">
The report suggests within greater western Sydney there has been a ripple effect of buyers pushing further west in order to secure more property bang for their buck as urban sprawl continues.
"This is evident within the new land release areas on the outer fringes of western Sydney such as Box Hill and Austral, with a number of local young families and upgraders buying affordable house and land packages or building their dream home for a lot less than the equivalent (and also older) products a few kilometres east," the valuation firm added. 
As has been the case over the past few years, infrastructure has been a massive drawcard for many people in north-west Sydney resulting in people moving to the area who may not have considered it before.
Suburbs such as Cherrybrook, which was often in the shadows of its more sought after neighbour West Pennant Hills, is now bucking the more stable market trend as seen with a recent result of $2,336,000 for a quality built, 25-year-old, original dwelling at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-cherrybrook-131573546" target="_blank"> 8 Rothbury Place</a> (pictured below).
The home comprises four bedrooms, timber kitchen, formal lounge, rumpus room and family living area. 
It's located just a short walk to the new metro station.
 <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/2019/9/26/cherrybrook.jpg" alt="">
This infrastructure linking the north-west to Chatswood allows for families to send their children to north shore schools without having to pay north shore prices for houses.
"In the outer west, we’ve seen a number of Penrith residents moving to the lower mountains area and the lower mountains area moving to the upper mountains area and the upper mountains residents moving over the hill to Hartley and beyond.
"We’ve also completed valuations for families selling up and moving to regional towns such as Bathurst. This is becoming more popular as technology is allowing people to work more remotely or even allowing certain occupations to work full time from home," the valuation firm said. 
Another example of population movement is in Werombi, a small tightly held semi-rural village located on the outskirts of metropolitan Sydney.
Local agents have been reporting a trend of buyers shifting further west for rural lifestyle holdings given the more eastern rural fringe areas, such as Rossmore, are part of the Sydney Regional Growth Centres Plan. This has seen a spike in interest and rising values for the better part of the last two to three year period.
Up until 2017, this was popular in the north-west of Sydney with Schofields residents on rural lifestyle holdings being bought out by developers and then moving further out to Oakville and Maraylya to escape the chaos of development and hopefully catch the development wave again decades later.
"The great migration of baby boomers is no more apparent than on Sydney’s north shore.
"Baby boomers occupying larger homes on the upper north shore suburbs such as Wahroonga and Turramurra have been selling up and moving to the lower north shore to settle in smaller luxury two and three-bedroom apartments in suburbs such as Mosman," the valuation firm stated.
The existing dwellings the downgraders leave behind are generally purchased by local upgraders or returning expats with younger families wanting to take advantage of the north shore’s quality schools and quiet neighbourhoods.
Over the years these homes are renovated to suit current demands and no doubt when the time comes these owners too will migrate east to the lower north shore to downsize, keeping the tradition alive.
"Interestingly the suburb with the largest negative net internal migration, Parramatta-Rosehill, was the area with the largest positive net overseas migration.
"This would suggest existing residents are moving to other areas, potentially to upgrade from a unit to a house, with new residents from overseas filling the void," the valuation firm said. 
Auburn, Campsie, Lakemba and Kingsford also have a high percentage of unit stock and would indicate that people are looking to upgrade from units to houses but can’t necessarily afford to do that in the suburb in which they currently reside.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/9/26/abs%20.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/9/26/abs%20.jpg" alt="">
"It is no surprise to see that those suburbs with the highest net internal migration are those that have also experienced significant unit construction in recent years.
"This has provided overseas immigrants the opportunity to get more affordable housing in well positioned suburbs, close to major transport links and services," the valuation firm commented. 
Many of these suburbs are also located close to educational facilities which are also a major pull factor for overseas students into these areas.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/9/26/abs%204.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/9/26/abs%204.jpg" alt="">
Chippendale is a small inner city suburb located at the southern end of the CBD and adjoins Redfern to the south.
The suburb was long known for being an older style run down location, however the area has been transformed in recent years, particularly since the opening of the Central Park development by Frasers Property and Sekisui House.
At the 2016 ABS census, there were 8,617 residents in Chippendale with approximately 27% of people born in China and 21% of people born in Australia.
In contrast, at the 2011 census there were 4,057 residents, approximately 38% of which were born in Australia.
During 2016 to 2017, the Chippendale and Redfern area saw a further net overseas migration of 6% (1,418 people) and this trend appears to be continuing.
The report notes a large portion of residents in Chippendale are also students drawn to the area by surrounding educational establishments such as the University of Technology Sydney, University of Sydney, University of Notre Dame Australia and TAFE campuses.
"The essence of the area is changing to supply the demands of the increasing population of students and overseas migrants. This can be seen with the influx of cafés, restaurants and everyday services such as dry cleaning and medical centres," the valuation firm said.
There are some remaining sections of the suburb that still have original terrace style dwellings, however the majority of the suburb has been developed to provide high density style apartment living which is typically required by this younger demographic.
Modern developments such as Central Park usually include common facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, communal areas and concierge services.
Infrastructure and transport routes are established around here with Central train station and multiple bus stops being close by, as are educational facilities, the CBD and other services and amenities.
A current offering is a two bedroom apartment located within Central Park priced at $1.56 million.
The C-803 apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-chippendale-130992034" target="_blank">83 O'Connor Street</a> (pictured below) comes with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living area with timber flooring and 29 square metre balcony. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/9/26/central%20park%202.png" alt="">
The suburb of Chatswood, on Sydney’s lower north shore, has undergone major changes over the past decade.
Chatswood is approximately ten kilometres north of the Sydney CBD and comprises a mix of major commercial development, high density residential development and surrounding detached residential housing on relatively large blocks of land.
Chatswood has a high percentage of Chinese residents, creating a prominent Chinese cultural community.
This is especially evident around its CBD with a vast amount of Chinese businesses, Chinese restaurants and newly developed high-rise developments  predominantly occupied by Chinese residents.
Chatswood is a prime example of a suburb developed to meet the demands of these residents who desire central high density living with access to public transport.
"To meet these demands, we have seen a relatively recent major overhaul of Chatswood train station in conjunction with previously non-existent, high density residential development in and around Chatswood train station.
"In meeting the demands of the demographic in Chatswood, we have seen an increase in population, primarily the consequence of a greater supply of residential units. As Chatswood has continued to develop, demand for housing has been driven not only by the improved infrastructure, but also the desire by the Chinese demographic to be within proximity of the familiarities of the Chinese culture, of which Chatswood has an abundance," the valuation firm commented. 
According to the ABS, as at 31 August 2018, the estimated population growth in the Chatswood (East)-Artarmon area rose by 3.1% over 2016 to 2017.
The estimated population growth in the Chatswood (West)-Lane Cove North area rose by 3.6% over 2016 to 2017.
"Although we are currently seeing less residential development, infrastructure continues to improve to meet the population growth. In addition to the major overhaul of Chatswood train station as mentioned above, Chatswood has a brand new metro station, part of the Sydney Metro Northwest project, connecting Rouse Hill to Chatswood via Castle Hill and Epping.
"The completion of this long-awaited project opens up the southern section of Chatswood and we expect to see this area experience major development in the near future, compounding the already evident population growth in the area." 
A three bedroom apartment located 550 metres to Chatswood station has recently beed sold for $1.41 million.
Located within catchment area of Chatswood Public School, the apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-chatswood-131241814" target="_blank">37/3-5 Freeman Road</a> (pictured below) spreads across two levels with 180 degree views.
It comes with three bedrooms, open plan living and dining area, gourmet kitchen and covered entertaining balcony. 
<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/2019/9/26/chatswood.jpg" alt="">
With Sydney’s population expected to increase to around 6.5 million by 2036 (source: ABS), it is likely that net overseas migration will continue to be the major driver in this growth.
"This population growth will predominantly be in western Sydney but will also see some more established inner suburbs continue to experience urban consolidation through more unit development, as they continue to be the location of choice for those immigrating from overseas.
"This will continue to put further stress on roads, transport and services in established areas while newer areas will require new infrastructure." 
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Which Sydney suburbs are attracting tribes from other suburbs? HTW residential 

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Darwin apartment median time on market remains the greatest outlier out of any capital city, according to CoreLogic data.
As a general rule, median time on market for houses and apartment are within 20 days of each other and in some cases, Sydney Hobart and Melbourne for example, the difference in median time on market is just a single day.
Not only does Darwin stand out in that regard but listings in Darwin see the largest discount between the listed price and the sale price. Across both types of residential property the median discounted amount is above -10%.
Another outlier in CoreLogic's findings is that apartments in Melbourne see a median discount of -4.9% as compared to houses' -5.5%. There is a 0.6% difference in the median discount.
In comparison most capital cities, in particular Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide see very minor differences, just 0.1% when comparing the discount on listing values between apartments and houses.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/10/21/OCT%2021%20Median%20time%20and%20Discounting%20stats.JPG" alt="">
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Darwin apartments remain on market the longest and see the largest discounts

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New capital city listings remain down year on year - everywhere bar Adelaide, which has seen a minor increase.
The city with by far the sharpest drop in new listings is Darwin at -31.3%, according to CoreLogic.
Following close behind are Melbourne and Hobart, both down -18%, a significantly larger fall than Sydney's -6.6%.
In terms of overall listing numbers, a similar scene is being played out with the only significant changes being the -21% fall in Sydney listings, plus Perth joining Adelaide with increasing listing volumes.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/10/21/OCT%2021%20Listing%20Stats.JPG" alt="">
In contrast to these numbers, auction activity is set to rise across the combined capital cities this week with 2,436 homes scheduled to go under the hammer, making it the busiest week for auctions so far this year.
The busiest auction suburb this week is Reservoir with 21 homes set to go under the hammer, followed by Port Melbourne (19), and Kew (18).
The increase in auction activity is largely due to Melbourne, where vendors are rushing to auction prior to the Melbourne Cup week slowdown. The city is currently expecting around 1,435 auctions this week, the busiest week Melbourne has seen since this time last year, when 1,709 homes were taken to auction.
Sydney is set to see auction volumes remain relatively steady week-on-week, with 729 homes set to go under the hammer this week, while one year ago, 798 auctions were held across the city.
As for the smaller auction markets, Adelaide and Tasmania will see auction volumes increase week-on-week, while Brisbane, Canberra and Perth will see fewer auctions, according to CoreLogic data.
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Adelaide bucks the falling listing trend: CoreLogic

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Nevada, part of the Park Ridge masterplanned community in the booming Logan growth corridor south of Brisbane, has seen its first stage of house and land packages nearly all snapped up.
In just over 20 years, Logan’s population is predicted to grow more than 50 per cent to around 548,000 residents, according to Logan Office of Economic Development.
Local award-winning builder Choice Homes are <a href="https://www.choicehomes.com.au/estate/nevada" target="_blank">offering home packages</a> starting from $427,220, with just four of the 42 lots remaining in stage one.
Their <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.choicehomes.com.au/house/5835389" target="_blank">biggest home is the Torino</a> (pictured top), which comprises four bedrooms, two living rooms and two bathrooms across its two levels.
The Winchester is <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.choicehomes.com.au/house/3874268" target="_blank">another four bedroom, two bath home</a> but spread across one level (below).
<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/2019/10/15/Winchester%20Choice%20Homes.jpg" alt="">
Choice Homes also offer two three bedroom home styles, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.choicehomes.com.au/house/7191516" target="_blank">The Hindmarsh</a> and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.choicehomes.com.au/house/7196968" target="_blank">The Ibis</a>.
Nevada is part of the wider 80-lot land development Park Ridge Estate, in the heart of the Park Ridge Master Planned area, a priority development zone.
<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/2019/10/15/Choice%20Homes%20Nevada%201.jpg" alt="">
There will be a Woolworths shopping centre nearby, as well as a second neighbourhood shopping centre and the Logan Reserve State School.
The estate is 10 minutes to Logan Highway.
Logan has seen heavy investment in recent years, with more than $18 billion of publicly funded projects underway to support the growing population.
Earlier this year, a $1.2 billion agreement, the largest of its type by any government in Australia, was signed by local authorities and private developers to build essential infrastructure in Logan’s Priority Development Areas Yarrabilba and Greater Flagstone.
 
 
 
 
 
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Logan's masterplanned community Nevada Park Ridge nears stage one sell out

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EXPERT OBSERVER
A Greenpeace <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=357699401718122" target="_blank">video</a> of me plugging a trackless tram that went viral with 4 million hits has caused a few eyebrows to be raised over whether I think light rail is dead. So let me be clear: light rail remains the gold-standard technology for providing high-quality, rapid, zero-emissions public transport along a street corridor.
There is a strong case for using light rail in many cities with sustained all-day ridership. This includes Sydney, where <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/a-fantastic-milestone-as-first-tram-in-60-years-rolls-along-george-street-20190625-p52192" target="_blank">trials of a newly built light rail system</a> have begun.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fQJ9QMeIoGY?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" frameborder="0" width="440" height="260"></iframe> Trials of Sydney’s light rail network began in June.
Light rail also has a clear ability to attract quality urban development.
So why am I <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-trackless-trams-are-ready-to-replace-light-rail-103690" target="_blank">promoting trackless trams</a>? My interest is in cities and places that lack the population density or capital funding necessary for light rail (or heavy rail). Just because you live in Hobart, Liverpool or Fremantle doesn’t mean you aren’t entitled to something that is “more than a bus” for your daily commute.
How can we provide those communities with the same quality of public transport as light rail provides? Trackless trams may be an option that can help urbanism flourish around stations along corridors limited until now to cars or buses.
<h2>What sets trackless trams apart?</h2>
This research interest took me to the world’s largest manufacturer of railway stock, <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Companies/CRRC-Corp.-Ltd" target="_blank">CRRC</a>, in Zhuzhou, China. CRRC has produced Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART), or what <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://m.scirp.org/papers/89661" target="_blank">I call the trackless tram</a>.
The trackless tram seeks to replicate the light rail experience. The differences are that optical guidance systems replace rails, with rubber tyres on railway-type bogeys replacing steel wheels. Many of the track-laying and utility relocation costs of light rail construction can be avoided.
The capital cost of Sydney’s light rail has risen to <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-light-rail-cost-blows-out-to-at-least-2-7b-after-settlement-20190603-p51tvc" target="_blank">around A$210 million per kilometre</a>. For a <a href="https://sbenrc.com.au/app/uploads/2018/10/TRACKLESS-TRAMS-MANUAL-GUIDE_email.pdf" target="_blank">fraction of that cost</a>, as little as A$4m/km, trackless trams can be introduced very quickly on a road of acceptable quality. Traffic engineers advise us good-quality road base is sufficient.
Optical guidance delivers very precise ride quality, without the sway of buses. Multiple carriages offer greater capacity – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_Rail_Rapid_Transit" target="_blank">up to 500 passengers</a> – than buses.
The first, four-stop trial <a href="http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201805/09/WS5af2687fa3105cdcf651ce27" target="_blank">began in Zhuzhou</a> in 2017. Trackless trams have since been launched in <a href="http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-07/17/c_138234419.htm" target="_blank">Yongxiu and Yibin</a>.
<h2>Cities around the world are interested</h2>
The trackless tram is <a href="http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-07/17/c_138234419.htm" target="_blank">attracting interest</a> from cities <a href="https://www.lovemoney.com/gallerylist/74915/30-jawdropping-innovations-that-show-why-chinas-leading-the-world" target="_blank">worldwide</a>. <a href="http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201907/16/WS5d2d4057a3105895c2e7dab7" target="_blank">Trials have begun in Qatar</a> in advance of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ibjr3KV40wQ?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" frameborder="0" width="440" height="260"></iframe> Qatar is the latest site of trackless tram trials.
I am leading a <a href="https://sbenrc.com.au/research-programs/1-62/%5D" target="_blank">team at Curtin University</a> to investigate how various levels of government in Australia (and New Zealand) can support trialling and testing of this technology and, if appropriate, introduce it in a controlled way. We have been approached to help cities in Africa, Europe, Asia, the US, Australia and New Zealand.
Among other things we need to be sure the technology is reliable, provides the promised level of service, doesn’t damage road surfaces and complies with regulations required for safety and sustainability.
We also need to be certain construction and long-term operations can produce the promised cost savings. Not all public transport innovations, such as <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327709647_Why_Do_Some_BRT_Systems_in_the_Global_South_Fail_to_Perform_or_Expand" target="_blank">bus rapid transit</a>, have lived up to their promise.
<h2>Complementing light rail</h2>
Some people are concerned the trackless tram might be a stalking horse for ideological opponents of light rail who wish to reduce investment in public transport.
In my case, I would point to my record in attracting rail investment in Perth. I started the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-03/fremantle-train-protests-turkey-sweat-russian-war-and-angry-mob/10767962" target="_blank">Friends of the Railways 40 years ago</a> to save our train. We now have a system where at the last Western Australian state election money was <a href="https://www.afr.com/politics/wa-election-labor-win-stops-roe-8-in-its-tracks-20170313-gux6da" target="_blank">taken from the Roe 8 freeway proposal and put into the MetroNet heavy rail package</a>.
People are also concerned that we risk being left with a poorer public transport service if we replace a proven technology such as light rail with a less proven technology such as the trackless tram. These concerns are fair, which is why I see continued advocacy for light rail as a critical part of the trackless tram story. But the trackless tram might enable us to build the same quality service and a lot more of it.
Both technologies are likely to play complementary roles. In Sydney, for example, light rail makes sense for Parramatta into the city. The trackless tram may stack up for lower-density areas such as connecting Liverpool to the new Western Sydney International Airport.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3jLSRvqWgVo?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" frameborder="0" width="440" height="260"></iframe> Parramatta City Council has expressed interest in a local trackless tram system.
In Perth, we certainly need such a service in many inner and middle suburbs, or for connecting major outer suburban centres to the new MetroNet lines.
Smaller and less well-off communities as well as outer suburbs are now in focus for the trackless tram. A lack of public transport means these areas have a reliance on private car use which is now not acceptable.
To avoid <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1525/cmr.2011.54.1.64" target="_blank">greenwashing</a>, and ensure we remain on a pathway to sustainability, we need a strategy underpinned by a thorough understanding of the technology. The aim is to achieve high-quality, zero-emissions, reliable and affordable public transport that can help reshape our cities.
The tram once ruled our cities as the preferred public transport mode from the 1890s to the 1940s. Through a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Motors_streetcar_conspiracy" target="_blank">calculated campaign</a> trams were denigrated in favour of the bus and car. Cities around the world tore up their tram tracks.
 
Not every old tram route can have a new light rail. The trackless tram presents an opportunity to rebuild high-quality public transport along major road corridors and connect suburbs with poor linkages. I would hope for a more sophisticated approach to planning transport networks, recognising that both light rail and trackless trams could play important roles.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/125134/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-newman-1858" target="_blank">Peter Newman</a>, Professor of Sustainability, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873" target="_blank">Curtin University</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/trackless-trams-v-light-rail-its-not-a-contest-both-can-improve-our-cities-125134" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Trackless trams v light rail? It’s not a contest – both can improve our cities

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Despite global wealth growth of 2.6% during the past year, Australia's wealth per adult fell $USD 28,670, largely due to exchange rate effects and the falling Australian dollar, according to the latest Global Wealth Report from Credit Suisse.
They found that the composition of household wealth in Australia is skewed toward non-financial assets, which average $USD 275,420 and form 58% of gross assets. The high level of real assets reflects a large endowment of land and natural resources relative to the population, but also high property prices in the largest cities.
Therefore due to the recent fall in property values, that has in turn caused a decline in the per capita wealth of Australians, when factoring in exchange rates it is close to its 2011 level of $USD 384,640.
Despite the exchange rate effects, Australia’s wealth per adult is fourth highest in the world in US dollars. In terms of median wealth, it ranks second after Switzerland.
However the decline in average wealth in Australia still resulted in 124,000 fewer millionaires.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/10/22/Aussie%20Wealth.JPG" alt="">
Credit Suisse said, "the proportion of those with wealth above USD 100,000, at 66%, is one of the highest in any country and about six times the world average. With 1,307,000 people in the top 1% of global wealth holders, Australia accounts for 2.6% of this top slice, although it is home to just 0.4% of the world’s adult population."
"Household wealth in Australia grew quickly between 2000 and 2012 in USD terms, except during 2008. The average annual growth rate of wealth per adult was 12%, with about half due to exchange-rate appreciation against the US dollar. The exchange-rate effect went into reverse after 2012, with the Australian dollar declining 33% relative to the US dollar."
"Notably only 7% of Australians have net worth below USD 10,000. The latter figure compares with 17% in the United Kingdom and 27% in the United States," they concluded.
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124,000 fewer Australian millionaires due to property dip and the lower $AUD

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About 25% of Lismore’s population lives in rental accommodation with the median rent now being $395 per week for houses and a median rental yield of just under 4.7%, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at the rental yields across the country to dissect where to find best returns in residential markets. 
The official population of Lismore City as at 30 June 2018 was 43,843 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The median rent for units in the Lismore area is $275 per week, with a median rental yield of just over 5%.
With a low vacancy rate relative to many regional centres of 1% and the ability to buy a four-bedroom, two-bathroom dwelling for under $400,000, Lismore and its surrounding suburbs represents an opportunity to invest in property without going into debt up to the eyeballs.
"The trade-off for this relative stability is normally lower capital growth, however for the first time investor, building a stable base for a property portfolio is important," the valuation firm said. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/10/21/lismore%20median%20sale%20price.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/21/lismore%20median%20sale%20price.jpg" alt=""> 
Source: HTW 
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Lismore's median rental yields just over 5%: HTW residential 

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There are fundamental factors one must address when purchasing a property, including location, configuration, construction type, size and proximity to local amenities, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report suggests Northern Territory residential market is no different. Arguably in its weakest state for years, there is ample opportunity in all aspects of the Darwin residential market.
"With the population outflow following the wind down of several mining projects still continuing, the Northern Territory is approaching what could be considered towards the bottom, however there are some signs of gradual improvement in the form of house prices largely stabilising and an increase in the number of approvals," the valuation firm said 
Rental yields are as strong as ever coupled with interest rates at a historical low of 1.25%. Darwin property remains attractive for investors and home buyers alike.
Looking specifically at the Darwin CBD and inner- city suburbs, units are currently at some of the lowest prices seen in the past 15 years. This type of property would greatly appeal to first home buyers looking to first enter the market and wishing to be close to the city.
The report notes an entry level option available starts at approximately $150,000 for a dated one-bedroom studio apartment located in the CBD.
At a slightly higher price point, two-bedroom, one-bathroom units can start from $250,000. These units are generally the primary configuration for apartment style accommodation and provide adequate living space for small families, couples and singles.
A two bedroom unit opposite the water in Nightcliff has been sold for $270,000.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-nt-nightcliff-131587722" target="_blank">5/144 Casuarina Drive </a>unit (pictured below) comes with two bedrooms, one bathroom, internal laundry and courtyard.
It's walking walking distance to cafes and community facilities. 
<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/2019/9/25/nightcliff%20.jpg" alt="">
This area is well serviced by schools, shopping facilities, restaurant amenities and within close proximity of major social events.
The report suggest for prestige or higher end buyers in this segment, a modern three-bedroom unit can be purchased for $550,000, ranging up to $1 million for a penthouse apartment in the highly sought after location of the Esplanade.
"This luxury level segment of the market is characterised by expansive ocean views over Darwin Harbour and all the amenities of the Darwin CBD," the valuation firm said.
Moving towards the suburbs on the fringe of the CBD, semi-detached units such as townhouses are far more common. This type of property offers the benefit of a small yard and land on title for families that require extra space for growth.
Suburbs such as Parap and Stuart Park have entry level semi- detached units beginning at $330,000.
Dwellings with large residential allotments between 800 and 1,300 square metres are also available.
The report suggests entry level dwellings in this segment can be purchased from as low as $450,000 in Ludmilla to approximately $600,000 in the more popular Stuart Park.
These types of properties are generally dated, three bedroom configurations and constructed circa 1970s and 1980s, offering opportunities for those looking to renovate whilst staying within close proximity of the city.
The highest end section of the Darwin market is evident here, with ocean- side suburbs such as Fannie Bay, Larrakeyah and Bayview.
A pre-Cyclone Tracy dwelling of standard three to four bedroom, one-bathroom configuration begins at approximately $600,000 in Fannie Bay.
A there bedroom villa at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-villa-nt-fannie+bay-131042182" target="_blank"> A/3 Hinkler Crescent, Fannie Bay </a>(pictured below) has been recently sold for $865,000. 
The ground floor villa comprises three bedrooms, study, large living/dining area, double garage and tropical garden.
It's close to East Point nature reserve, primary school and high school. 
<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/2019/9/25/fannie%20bay.jpg" alt="">
On the other end of the spectrum, house prices can reach up to $1.6 million in the same suburb.
"These prestige dwellings are erected on large allotment sizes and are fully renovated or built to a high quality," the valuation firm said. 
Cullen Bay, Larrakeyah’s prestige segment on the marina, also comprises similar quality dwellings in a comparable price range. This location is serviced by several restaurants in the Marina and enjoys ocean views and direct marina access.
Within a short driving distance of the Darwin CBD, Cullen Bay offers many features which secure its spot in the prestige section of the Darwin market.
The next suburb segment, the northern suburbs, comprises the majority of the Darwin residential properties.
First looking at units, the north coastal section contains the majority of apartment style living.
Suburbs such as Coconut Grove, Nightcliff and Rapid Creek are all within close proximity of the ocean, a key factor when purchasing a unit in this locality.
Higher values are attributed to those with views over the Foreshore. An attached two-bedroom unit in this area can be purchased from approximately $350,000, depending on its views and proximity to the water.
"This part of the market is experiencing a sustained drop in both sales volumes and prices, with a substantial over- supply and lack of demand," the valuation firm noted. 
Rental yields remain high at approximately 6.6%, however, this reflects the higher risk associated with the market and an elevated vacancy level.
Again, this is a reflection of the overall soft conditions of the market and general population decline in Darwin. We expect this sector to lag behind the detached housing market in terms of stabilising and see some tough times still ahead in 2019.
For dwellings, a standard ex-government housing three-bedroom dwelling can be purchased from $590,000. These dwellings come in ground level and elevated construction types and at this price point, are quite dated.
This area is well serviced by schools, shopping and local sporting facilities such as the Marrara sporting complex.
Further inland, the bulk of the northern suburbs is made up of standard three-bedroom one-bathroom dwellings constructed in the 1980s.
Allotment sizes are of an adequate 800 square metres, with the exception of the newer suburbs Lyons and Muirhead.
The price point for an average detached house in this segment is $450,000.
At this price, the dwelling would generally be ground level, partly updated and likely to have a pool or spa.
An entry level semi-detached two-bedroom unit can be purchased for approximately $200,000 in the suburb of Karama.
The northern suburbs have a significant amount of services available such as sporting facilities, schools, the Casuarina shopping precinct and the Royal Darwin Hospital which makes this area ideal for young families or first home buyers looking to enter the housing market.
Palmerston City is the last locality on our agenda, located 21 kilometres from Darwin comprising 18 suburbs.
Recently known as the fastest growing city in Australia, Palmerston offers substantially more affordable housing options for those willing to live away from the ocean.
An entry level two bedroom unit can be purchased for $175,000 in Woodroffe, while a three-bedroom dwelling of similar calibre in Moulden can be obtained for $240,000.
At the prestige end of the market, the suburbs of Farrar, Durack and Zuccoli offer the best choice.
For approximately $750,000, a modern four-to-five bedroom property on the Palmerston Golf Course can be purchased in Durack.
This area is serviced by the newly built Gateway Shopping Precinct, schools and parklands and is within a short drive of downtown Palmerston.
"When regarding fundamentals of a home, location, configuration and quality are all important factors at the right price point. However, knowing the vendor is another key factor in terms of reaching a successful sale.
"In this current softened market, potential purchasers are in an excellent position to take advantage of the excess supply across all segments of the market. With vendors now acknowledging the new lower price points, an increase of transactions can be expected, however we expect this weak state to continue in the short and medium term," the valuation firm said. <img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/fc53f393-69e7-4736-8a84-6d903625c127" alt="page63image3783792" width="0.500000" height="0.500000" style="font-size: 12.16px;"> <img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/ba7ef730-5880-4a62-9d4d-7181babff10c" alt="page63image5831440" width="0.500000" height="0.500000" style="font-size: 12.16px;"> 
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Knowing the vendor is a key factor in Darwin property market investment: HTW residential 

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The recently completed three level Gotham Grill and Rooftop Bar is set for November 14 auction.
Situated in Runaway Bay at 6 Bayview Street, the asset comes with a 554 sqm site area.
There is 302 sqm NLA.
The property is being marketed and sold by Ray White Commercial Gold Coast agents Michael Willems and Jackson Rameau.
Mr Willems said the property was a multi-level modern style purpose-built building with excellent exposure and access.
“The premise is leased for a term of 10-years plus 2x5-year options commencing 16 March 2018 and produces a net income of $212,695* p.a. plus GST,” Mr Willems said.
The ground level also provides car parking for 13 open bay car parks.
The upper two levels are allocated for restaurant use. All levels are available via an elevator.
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Gotham Grill and Rooftop Bar, Runaway Bay premises set for auction

Two years after completing one of the newest developments in North Sydney, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> is turning its attention to the rapidly evolving St Leonards apartment market.

The developer, which completed AURA by Aqualand on North Sydney's Walker Street, has lodged plans for a 5,918 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/33-37-herbert-street-st-leonards-nsw-2065">33-37 Herbert Street, St Leonards,</a> seeking approval for a pair of residential towers rising above a shared podium opposite Royal North Shore Hospital.

The proposal forms part of the broader transformation underway across the St Leonards-Crows Nest precinct, where former industrial and commercial sites are increasingly being redeveloped into high-density mixed-use projects tied to major transport infrastructure.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cc428cf-fe70-4cac-9cd5-264ad53af62c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=otKSnHtbjAvAddOnovyXQMgcAwE6DMe1" />

According to the planning documents, the site sits “within the St Leonards–Crows Nest Strategic Centre, identified by the NSW Government as a key area for accommodating future jobs and housing across Sydney.”

The proposal has been designed by fjcstudio, formerly FJMT Studio, and is being progressed through the State Significant Development pathway due to its scale and affordable housing provision.

The scheme would comprise 413 apartments, including 46 affordable housing units, alongside retail and commercial uses fronting Herbert Street. The project would also include communal open space, landscaping, a swimming pool, gymnasium, children’s play areas and podium-level resident amenities.

Planning documents show the development would consist of a part-13, part-39 storey tower form positioned above a four-storey podium.

“The development comprises a unified podium that activates the street interface, and two setback towers to accommodate new housing supply while maintaining an appropriate human scale at ground level,” fjcstudio noted in its Design Report.

The northern and southern towers have been shaped to respond to the surrounding skyline while also limiting overshadowing impacts to nearby public open space, particularly Talus Reserve.

The design report said the differing tower heights were intended to “contribute to a varied skyline while responding to the surrounding built form context and solar access considerations.”

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36da62dc-ff9e-41f2-a7e3-7be38373751c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.45%E2%80%AFAM_0.png?VersionId=Mo6Rp2r.XRLTzIfg_PEEpw8NepDH8UBs" />

The site sits directly opposite Royal North Shore Hospital and within walking distance of both St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

While the site itself sits just outside the formal Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development boundary, the planning documents repeatedly reference its alignment with the broader TOD objectives reshaping the Lower North Shore.

“The site is located adjacent to St Leonards Station and in close proximity to Crows Nest Metro which is within the Crows Nest Transit Orientated Development Accelerated Precinct which has been identified by the NSW Government to support housing delivery,” the Design Verification Statement noted.

According to fjcstudio, the project has been designed to respond to the broader transition occurring across St Leonards, where increasing residential density is being concentrated around transport infrastructure and employment hubs.

“The broader precinct is undergoing significant change, with a mix of existing mid-rise buildings and newer high-density developments,” the report stated.

“Recent and approved projects indicate a consistent shift toward taller built form, typically organised as tower-and-podium typologies with more active ground levels.”

The proposal includes close to 6,000 sqm of retail and commercial space across the ground floor and podium levels, designed to create a more activated street edge along Herbert Street.

Aqualand’s plans would also introduce a landscaped podium shared between the two towers, with communal open space in the form of a podium rooftop designed to support resident interaction and improve urban greening outcomes. The scheme would also introduce pocket parks at the northern and southern ends of the site, including a landscaped area at the corner of Herbert and Ella streets designed to improve pedestrian amenity and soften the streetscape.

&nbsp;

The proposal is being progressed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, which was introduced to accelerate housing supply across the state. The application was declared State Significant Development in April 2025 following an expression of interest process.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faf6d97d-2671-454f-b85a-fe1c6a7be608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=diVd28OBVr5.YV.7prrOz.uAanwwwm7a" />

St Leonards has been particularly active with new developments in recent weeks. Developer SP Setia’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-sp-setia-targets-st-leonards-skyline-with-40-storey-tod-tower">plans for a new 42-storey tower</a> recently went on exhibition through the same pathway, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">Stockland’s 52-storey tower proposal</a> was also recently unveiled.

Aside from the St Leonards project, which is expected to take around nine months to move through the approvals process ahead of a potential 2027 launch, Aqualand is also preparing to launch Boronia, a new apartment project in Roseville comprising around 111 apartments on Larkin Street.

The developer also has approvals in place for the next stage of the Barangaroo precinct, which will feature new residential, retail, hospitality and community uses, alongside a new metro entry across the five-hectare site.

More than 50 new retail destinations are planned for Central Barangaroo, alongside a 270-metre-long boulevard connecting Hickson Park to Nawi Cove. Together with Harbour Park, more than 50 per cent of the precinct will comprise public open space and parkland.

Joel Robinson

First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-5" data-turn="user" data-turn-id="e65dbe94-e3b6-47f7-b62a-9cbb30c9bf79" data-turn-id-container="e65dbe94-e3b6-47f7-b62a-9cbb30c9bf79" dir="auto">Time &amp; Place’s plans to transform the former David Jones factory building in Surry Hills into a mixed-use residential precinct have gone on exhibition through the NSW Government’s In-fill Affordable Housing pathway.</section>

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-6" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:f4d533b7-64a5-413d-86fd-5c99649c2b73-2" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:f4d533b7-64a5-413d-86fd-5c99649c2b73-2" dir="auto">
The Marlborough House proposal, lodged for the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marlborough-house-47-97-marlborough-street-surry-hills-nsw-2010">47-97 Marlborough Street</a> site, would see the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed warehouse building alongside the construction of new residential additions and a separate apartment building on the northern portion of the site.

The proposal seeks approval for 172 apartments across three buildings, including 15 per cent affordable housing managed by a community housing provider for at least 15 years from occupation.

<img alt="Marlborough" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5d1d3c2a-bf13-47d6-a335-7c01102cdee1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.29.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cjMYrbR.BLUlWH4dar0RVDDo0bG.u2YT" />

Interior view from the Northern Building Penthouse overlooking the park

&nbsp;

The redevelopment is planned for the prominent 3,413 sqm site bounded by Marlborough Street, Goodlet Street and Lansdowne Street, directly opposite Eddie Ward Park and around 200 metres from the Surry Hills light rail stop.

Time &amp; Place acquired the former David Jones building in 2024, marking the first time the property had changed hands in around 50 years.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal centres around the adaptive reuse of the former David Jones factory, originally constructed between 1913 and 1935 in the Inter-War Chicagoesque architectural style.

Wardle noted in its Architectural Design Report that the building “occupies a significant place in the industrial and cultural history of Surry Hills” and at its peak was “the largest department store manufacturing facility in Australia, employing over 800 people and fuelling the growth of Sydney’s fashion and retail industries.”

The practice said the project positions itself “not as an isolated intervention, but as a contributor to the civic, social, and architectural grain of the precinct.”

The proposal would deliver 75 apartments within the retained southern heritage building, 59 apartments within the central addition, and a further 38 apartments within the new northern building fronting Lansdowne Street.

Planning documents show the scheme would comprise a mix of heritage apartments, new-build apartments, townhouses and penthouses.

<img alt="Marlborough" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="57758518-40a3-4b83-958c-d06e96a2cffa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.29.42%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VerlX9ST5xgBi8.1_YRsqdWTJeT6ygjs" />Interior View of the Heritage Building Apartment

The development would also include a ground-floor retail tenancy on the corner of Marlborough and Lansdowne streets, rooftop communal open space, a landscaped pedestrian link along the western edge of the site, and basement parking accessed from Lansdowne Street via a car stacker system.

&nbsp;

The scheme emerged from a competitive design process run by Urbis, with Wardle ultimately selected as the winning architect ahead of FJC Studio, TZG, Architectus and Wilkinson Eyre.

The Design Integrity Panel later described several aspects of the Wardle scheme as fundamental to the project, including “the stepped character of the new addition to the north of the site”, the landscaped western pedestrian link, and the “garden arrival” experience separating the original Marlborough House from the heritage addition.

Wardle’s design heavily references the site’s industrial and heritage history, while also responding to the surrounding Surry Hills streetscape.

The Architectural Design Report describes Surry Hills as “a finely grained neighbourhood with beautiful and expressive brickworks throughout the suburb,” with the proposal introducing a material palette intended to sit comfortably alongside the existing warehouse fabric and neighbouring terraces.

The report also outlines the project’s relationship with Eddie Ward Park and the broader landscape context of the area.

“Marlborough House occupies a site of deep cultural memory and the neighbouring Eddie Ward Park is of local ecological significance, where natural systems, topography, and stories have long shaped human experience,” Wardle noted in the report.

The architects said the proposal sought to “rebind built form to Country” through landscape, materiality and the adaptive reuse of the heritage structure.

<img alt="Marlborough House" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ae3f2f9-c85f-477a-a6f8-b43f6cb97c41" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.29.53%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=B.qUCLqRvJOR.n9CvYcTpaknIX9LuqKZ" />

The project is also being progressed under the NSW Government’s in-fill affordable housing provisions, allowing developments that include affordable housing to access additional height and floor space incentives.

Under the plans, 2,593 sqm of the project’s floor space would be dedicated to affordable housing, slightly exceeding the required 15 per cent threshold.

In its Design Excellence Strategy, Urbis said the project aimed to “sensitively adapt and enhance the heritage-listed building on site through alterations and additions that preserve its historical significance” while delivering “high-quality market and infill affordable housing development in Surry Hills.”

Time &amp; Place has been one of the most active developers nationally in the last 12 to 24 months. Late last year they completed&nbsp;The Queensbridge in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>, a mixed-use tower with 353 apartments and a hotel. They are currently selling Park Modern, 246 apartments near the famous Botanic Gardens in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a>, and have future projects, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-wilmot-173-burke-road-28-hope-street-glen-iris-vic-3146">The Wilmot</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>, the redevelopment of the Northcote Plaza, and another tower in South Melbourne.

The developer broke into Sydney just a few years ago with Two Tides in Manly. They have another project nearby, which is at the ultra-luxury end of the market on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/shoreline-manly-beach-89-90-north-steyne-manly">North Steyne</a>, fronting the beach.

It is also continuing to work through the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-time-place-settles-on-design-for-the-chimes-potts-point-redevelopment">redevelopment of The Chimes building</a> on Macleay Street in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/potts-point-nsw-2011">Potts Point</a>, as well as a project on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/time-place-to-take-on-mosman-apartment-market">Mosman's Redan Street</a>.
</section>

First look: Time & Place unveils Marlborough House redevelopment designs for former David Jones warehouse in Surry Hills

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.

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.

Staff reporter

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