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It is location, aspect and condition that are the key features considered by discerning home buyers in the Clarence Valley, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
"Whether it be a rural, ocean or river view, the Clarence has them in abundance," the valuation firm commented. 
The report suggests that whilst across the board the Clarence Valley has seen a period of capital and rental growth, albeit by varying degrees, it is the Yamba patch within easy walking distance of its beaches that continues to stand out.
"Its sale prices have climbed at a considerably faster rate than its suburban counterpart to the west, easily proving that demand outweighs supply in the current climate.
"However, it may be the more moderate markets of Grafton, Maclean and other semi-rural villages that may see more stable and resilient capital gains in the long-term. Well, that is the question on everyone’s lips!" the valuation firm said. 
A five bedroom riverfront house in Grafton has recently been sold for $650,000.
Set on a 2,742 block, the home at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-grafton-126523858" target="_blank"> 10 Mark Close</a> (pictured below) comprises master bedroom, four other bedrooms, lounge room and large kitchen. 
It's located within close proximity to Corcoran Park boat ramp and jetty, Grafton City centre, schools and playing fields. 
<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/2019/9/9/grafton%20.jpg" alt="">
"The market is most easily arranged into budget buyers/renovators, upgraders and prestige buyers. While they are separate and searching for something different, they all share a common goal – value for money! Across all market segments, everyone wants a deal." 
The renovators are seeking gains, whether it be in future rental income or capital, and are therefore more willing to compromise on condition at the time of purchase.
Upgraders are often seeking a finished product with more space and something that requires little work or effort.
At the uppermost end, prestige buyers are looking for all the conveniences, views and improvements, however not necessarily space or the mowing that extra land involves.
A current listing is a four bedroom family home in Clarence Town with views of the William River with $1.35 million hopes. 
Set on an 8,176 square metre block, the house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-clarence+town-131808470" target="_blank">3 Deptford Close</a> (pictured below) comprises four bedrooms, kitchen, open plan family/dining area, separate lunge and covered alfresco area with river 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/2019/9/9/clarence%20valley%20main.jpg" alt="">
"The Clarence Valley’s current residential property climate is relatively suitable for all buyers and their needs.
"Ultimately, a buyer’s choice all starts with the fortunate choice between sea, river or land," the valuation firm said. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Clarence Valley has seen rental and capital growth: HTW residential 

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Being one of the more affordable regional locations in Australia, Toowoomba and surrounding suburbs offer an opportunity for many different types of home owners, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report notes with various industry and job opportunities, a central hub location, a diverse property market and varying segments, there are many different home owners, whether first home owners, families, upgraders, renovators or prestige buyers.
"Older, smaller property in need of some TLC remains popular with first home buyers as they offer a blank canvas opportunity to add value and are at a much lower price point than a brand new larger house in a newly developed area. Many of these properties are located in the western suburbs and close to the CBD," the valuation firm commented. 
The HTW report provides an example of a 1950s property in the fringe CBD suburb of Newtown that sold in March 2019 for $222,500 (pictured below). 
Situated on a 615 square metre lot, the property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-newtown-130433962" target="_blank">33 Gordon Avenue, Newtown</a> is providing three-bedroom, one- bathroom accommodation in original condition.
<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/2019/9/18/newtown.jpg" alt=""> 
Families generally seek slightly different properties to the first home buyers, with a focus on more space (ie. four bedrooms), bigger back yards and close proximity to schools.
This type of housing is found throughout Toowoomba, Highfields and Westbrook, generally in the sub-$600,000 segment.
The report provides an example of a circa 1900s, renovated, property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-south+toowoomba-129621290" target="_blank">214 Geddes Street, South Toowoomba </a>that sold in October 2018 for $580,000 (pictured below).
The property is situated on a 1,093 square metre lot providing four-bedroom, two-bathroom accommodation and located within 500 metres of Centenary Heights State 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/2019/9/18/south%20toowoomba%20.jpg" alt="">
Renovation has always been popular in the Toowoomba area with the market dominated by owner-occupiers.
The market for potential renovation projects is quite broad across the area.
Older character style homes in the circa 1900s to 1940s range have always seemed popular to buyers looking for a renovation project.
These homes are predominantly character timber with detailed decorating throughout, high ceilings, timber floors and VJ walls.
The majority of this product type will be found in close proximity to Toowoomba’s CBD in areas such as South, East and North Toowoomba and Newtown.
Below is an example of a circa 1930s property in original condition at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-east+toowoomba-129855370" target="_blank">21 Ipswich Street, East Toowoomba</a> that sold in December 2018 for $425,000.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/9/18/east%20toowoomba%20.jpg" alt="">
Suburbs encompassing the prestige sector include Middle Ridge, Rangeville, Redwood, Prince Henry Heights, Mount Lofty and East Toowoomba.
These suburbs are located towards the eastern escarpment of Toowoomba, some enjoying larger lots and valley views as well as being within many of Toowoomba’s private school catchment areas.
The typical prestige property comprises open plan four plus bedrooms, two to three bathrooms and multiple floor levels on large lots.
They are generally large, highly renovated or extended older timber and brick homes, and modern architectural homes with detailed finishes, quality landscaping and some with escarpment views.
The report provides an example of a property at 30 East Street, Redwood that sold in July 2018 for $1.25 million (pictured below).
The property is situated on a 1,722 square metre lot, providing four bedroom, three bathroom accommodation featuring open plan living, a modern kitchen and Lockyer Valley views to the east.
The property is located within 700 metres of Toowoomba Anglican School and Fairholme College.
<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/2019/9/18/redwood.jpg" alt="">
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Toowoomba properties offer plenty of chance to add value: HTW residential 

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For the rural service towns of Casino (Richmond Valley Council area) and Kyogle (Kyogle Shire Council), the primary concern of most local buyers is the price point rather than location, location, location, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
"Sure, there are well renovated older style or modern properties with all the bells and whistles within close proximity of the town centre, however the reality is that within both Casino and Kyogle, the radius from the town centre to the fringe of the urban development is well under three kilometres, so most town services available within a small country town are generally nearby," the HTW report said. 
"First home buyers, those looking to dip their toe into the property market, are really price conscious, particularly if they have a limited budget and are at the mercy of tighter lender criteria (hmmmm, but that might be changing in the near future methinks...)."
Fortunately, both Casino and Kyogle are, in comparison to other rural towns and villages of the Far North Coast or Northern Rivers region, are somewhat more affordable with opportunities still available within the sub $250,000 price bracket.
"Yes, they need a bit of work, but provide an opportunity for the industrious first home buyer to put their stamp on the renovation project," the valuation firm added. 
"The majority of properties within Casino and Kyogle linger within the $250,000 to $400,000 price range and are dotted throughout the townships, with the price point primarily affected by condition, presentation, degree of or lack of renovation and functionality (such as number of bedrooms, bathrooms and car accommodation).
"Properties in the upper market category can be generally found in the well-established estates which, interestingly, are further away from the town centre."
For Casino, this would include Gays Hill being approximately four kilometres south-west of Casino CBD.
"Here we find a mixture of recent, modern residential development and well established residential houses from the later 1980s to early 1990s with one feature in common... a larger than average size residential allotment (1,100 square metres).
"It’s a popular spot for up-graders, where sale prices have breached the $500,000 mark in recent years," the valuation firm said. 
The same can be said for the Mayfield Estate (approximately two kilometres north-east by road from Kyogle CBD) and the Geneva (a slightly further 2.5 kilometres west of Kyogle CBD) where some well-heeled properties have quietly punched through the $400,000 price bracket in a relatively tightly held area.
Most of these properties are generally well modernised or new build development with added features of pools, tidy landscaping or having the benefit of views.
There are a handful of residential properties close to town centres that have all the features and generally, for Casino and Kyogle, have been subject to extensive renovation work and include a pool, three-plus bedrooms and have a heritage character element.
"In summary, for rural towns such as Casino and Kyogle, the radius from the town centre is relatively small, so the key factor that tends to dictate all other things is the almighty dollar, so if you are looking to sell, pitch your promotion on a primary price point that persuades the particular people to ponder!" 
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For Casino/Kyogle local buyers, price point is most important: HTW residential 

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The residential recovery will unfold over years, rather than the 2019 spring quarter, according to Lendlease's chief executive for property in Australia, Kylie Rampa.
 "We feel we are in the trough of the residential market. It is bottoming out," Rampa said.
She cited "a dislocation in the credit markets" following the Hayne Royal Commission as a significant factor that had dragged on the market.
She also told Nine Entertainment that the market was hurting from Chinese capital controls, along with increased stamp duty and taxes for foreign purchasers.
Low interest rates and improving affordability were helping the recovery, she said.
"We think it will flow through over a period of time. We're not expecting a full recovery in a quarter.
"You start to get some price growth then you get some more activity, it all starts building. It will take time. Over the next two to three years we think the market will continue to strengthen.
"We always say 'you go up by the stairs and down by the elevator'," she said.
"It takes time for the credit market to come back. It is coming back but it is not back to where it was at the peak of the cycle."
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Property price recovery to take years not months: Lend Lease's Kylie Rampa

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The NSW Better Regulation Minister Kevin Anderson has suggested displaced residents of Mascot Towers had devised a scheme to secure more taxpayers' money.
The minister said owners had the option of taking out a loan over many years but instead decided at its recent special strata meeting to raise special levies, only to then say they could not afford the repayments.
Owners in the apartment block need to start paying levies of between $5000 and $14,000 a month for the next nine months to stabilise the building.
Mascot Towers owners have said they were "absolutely gutted" after Anderson's suggestion.
Mr Anderson told Parliament on Wednesday that the owners had "flip-flopped" over their options to fund essential remediation work on the cracked building which they evacuated in June.
Since the extraordinary general meeting last month, many owners found banks would not allow them to re-borrow any money.
They are now instead pleading for low-interest loans from the government.
"To say we had a conspiracy to force the government into a corner, or words to that effect, is just absolutely gutting for us," one owner told Domain.
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Labor's spokeswoman for building reform Yasmin Catley said the residents deserved an apology from Mr Anderson after his comments.
"These people have not, under circumstances, sought a hand-out from this government," she said.
"What they have done is ask for assistance purely and simply because they have no other option."
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Mascot Towers residents accused of devising a scheme to secure taxpayers' money

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A Port Douglas tropical chic style home with award winning kitchen has hit the market with $2.3 million hopes.
Nestled on a 1,135sqm block, the residence at<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/%20https:/www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-port+douglas-131946122" target="_blank"> 26 The Sand Estate, Barrier Street </a>features a luxury kitchen with stone island bench, full height cabinetry and Seimens appliances. 
The kitchen has been awarded the Winner of Best Kitchen by Master Builders Queensland and HIA Queensland.
<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/port%20douglas%204.jpg" alt="">
The home comprises master suite, two further bedrooms, living room and media room, dining area, and separate study. 
Almost every aspect from inside leads out to the outdoors with lily pond, entertaining area, swimming pool and garden.
<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/port%20douglas%202.jpg" alt="">
Other highlights of the home include gas fireplace, hidden liquor cabinet, ducted air conditioning and rooftop solar panels. 
Barbara Wolveridge of Queensland Sotheby's International Realty Port Douglas has the listing.
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 Port Douglas trophy home with luxury kitchen listed  

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The Australian dream is seeing first home buyers seek to buy a small apartment and trade up within five years, according to the Genworth First Home Buyer Sentiment Report.
The Report based on a survey undertaken in June and July 2019, of 2,001 prospective first home buyers and 1,008 Recent first home buyers across Australia, reveals that almost three in four prospective first home buyers believe now is a good time to buy their first home, with one in two citing recent “falling property prices” as the primary reason.
Many are keen to capitalise on the 8.4% decline in median house prices since 2017 with three in five (~60%) planning to buy now with a less than 20% deposit compared to just under one in two (47.4%) Recent first home buyers who bought their first property with less than a 20% deposit.
To bridge the deposit gap Genwroth found, three in four (75.1%) are proposing to apply for the Federal Government’s ‘First Home Loan Deposit Scheme’; 27.5% are purporting to ask their parents or family for assistance and 15.8% are planning to use lenders mortgage insurance.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/9/23/Genworth%20FHB%202.JPG" alt="">
They said, "those numbers are in line with many other first home buyers with roughly 70% reporting that they did not fund 100% of their deposit from their own savings."
"The majority (56.9%) of these relied on parental or family assistance (via gifts, guarantees and loans) to supplement their deposit. Lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) was also a popular option with more than one in three (35.6%) Recent first home buyers using LMI to secure a home loan with a less than 20% deposit."
"Whilst parental and family support is understandable, the increasing use of parental guarantees is cause for concern given the “knock-on” effect in the event of a borrower default," Genworth added.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/9/23/Genworth%20FHB%201.JPG" alt="">
One in three (32.3%) prospective first home buyers plan to sell within five years - more than double the proportion of recent first home buyers (15.8%) – reflecting a more pragmatic approach to entering the market sooner by purchasing an “entry level” property and trading up in a few years. 
Download a copy of <a href="http://www.genworth.com.au." target="_blank">The Genworth first home buyer Sentiment Report</a> for September 2019. 
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Three in four prospective first home buyers believe now's a good time to buy: Genworth

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Most first home buyers in Perth fall into the sub-$500,000 price bracket, bound within Keystart’s $480,000 price cap and their low deposit home loan income thresholds, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report notes from 1 July 2019, these income limits were increased by $15,000 for singles and couples to $105,000 and $130,000 respectively, and increased by $20,000 for families to $155,000 for the metropolitan region.
These increases came “in support of the State Government’s policy to assist more Western Australians into home ownership. By expanding our eligibility criteria, the government estimates that around 11,000 additional households will qualify to apply for Keystart finance.” These increases are temporary and will revert back to the old income limits from 1 January 2020 (Keystart, 2019).
"Mixed in with other factors touched on in previous editions, these increases are contributing to Perth’s current affordability and it is certainly a great time for a first home buyer to get their foot in the door," the valuation firm said. 
The majority of first home buyers are currently purchasing in suburbs on Perth’s urban fringe, including land estates in Baldivis, Wellard, Byford, Caversham, Dayton, Brabham, Aveley, Ellenbrook, Banksia Grove, Alkimos, Eglinton, Yanchep and more.
The median house price for these suburbs ranges from $355,000 (Ellenbrook) to $445,000 (Aveley).
The report suggests a significant proportion of the first home buyer demographic has been choosing to build new dwellings instead of purchasing established property due to the competitive cost of building through house and land packages and the more flexible financing options on offer.
Home builder incentives are rampant at the moment, sweetening the deal on top of the First Home Owner Grant.
In terms of what a typical home looks like for a first home buyer, most properties in these areas are fairly house heavy, meaning the ratio of land value to dwelling value is quite low.
A recent construction valuation on a 360 square metre lot in Baldivis was valued at $338,000 with the estimated proportion of land to improvements at $155,500 and $182,000 respectively – the land only equating to about 85 per cent of the dwelling value.
In comparison, a recent construction valuation on a 719 square metre lot in Leeming came in at $925,000 with the estimated proportion of land to improvements at $525,000 and $400,000 respectively. Here the land is worth 131% of the improvements - a significant difference in ratio compared to Baldivis.
"Of course, that was just one example but house heavy properties are typical for land estates in Perth’s outer metro region," the valuation firm commented.
Most first home buyers in these areas are either couples or young families and the prospect of building a brand new home to their own specification instead of buying something lived in is often at the forefront of their minds.
"This is limiting, as the more you spend on the dwelling, the less budget you can put aside for location and land size.
"Location can be a non-issue for some people who work fly-in-fly-out (FIFO), as the daily commute is not front of mind and for this reason we see a lot of young FIFO workers living in new estates 20 kilometres or more from the CBD," the valuation firm said. 
First home buyers working close to the city with a lifestyle driven towards social events, friends and entertainment look for central locations.
There is an abundance of opportunity in the form of unit developments in suburbs such as Maylands, Mount Lawley, Belmont, Bentley and Queens Park, or medium to high rise apartments in East Perth and Rivervale and often these can be a more affordable option than a cottage block 20 kilometres from the CBD.
This unit at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-wa-maylands-130546898" target="_blank"> 7/83 Caledonian Avenue</a> in Maylands (pictured below) sold for $275,000 in June 2019.
It comprises one bedroom, one bathroom and one car space with 83 square metres of floor area.
<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/2019/9/23/maylands%20.jpg" alt="">
"So how about the upgrader market? We will categorise this as mostly established families who have added or are adding a new family member. These home buyers are often in need of more space and a home closer to work with the amenities that families want to take advantage of," the valuation firm said. 
This includes accessibility to public transport, child care, general practitioners, shopping and entertainment.
Access to major roadways is also helpful for a shorter commute to work and a lower fuel expense.
A major decision factor for parents is where their children will go to primary and high school.
Being within close proximity to good schooling and other amenities is a significant advantage in our time- poor society as saving 20 minutes of driving time each day adds to precious time with the children or extra time to run the household.
Two popular school zones within 13 kilometres of the CBD are Rossmoyne Senior High School and Willetton Senior High School.
These top performing schools placed eighth and 15th respectively in Western Australia for 2018, boasting median ATAR’s of 89.45 and 87.8.
Surrounding these schools is a number of established suburbs including Rossmoyne, Bull Creek, Shelley, Riverton and Willetton.
This area on the left half of the map above is very popular in the upgrader market as it boasts quick access to major roads such as Leech Highway, High Road, Kwinana Freeway and South Street. These roadways accommodate great public transport routes and facilities with Murdoch Station and Bull Creek Station nearby.
There is also plenty of shopping around with neighbourhood shopping at Stockland Bull Creek Shopping Centre, Southlands Boulevarde and Stockland Riverton and regional shopping at Garden City Booragoon and Westfield Carousel, both within a six kilometre radius.
The redeveloping Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct is close by, as well as a number of child care and general practitioners.
Within this area are many more schools including All Saints College and eight primary schools. Murdoch University and Curtin University are both within five kilometres.
Beyond the amenities, this area is also known to be very safe so you can see why it is revered as a great place to raise children from birth through to university-age.
These suburbs have median house prices ranging between $650,500 (Riverton) and $1.05 million (Rossmoyne) and would suit a variety of different residents.
This two-storey property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-willetton-130226610" target="_blank">9 Chancery Crescent, Willetton</a> (pictured below) sold for $778,000 in May 2019.
It was built in 1979 and comprises five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a pool on a 698 square metre allotment.
<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/2019/9/23/willetton.jpg" alt="">
On the right half of the map above is the Lynwood Senior High School catchment area. 
Lynwood SHS has improved significantly over the past decade, now having some of the highest attendance rates of Western Australia’s public high schools. In 2018, Lynwood SHS received the Department of Education’s Western Australian Secondary School of the Year award and achieved a median ATAR of 80.55.
Suburbs in this area include Parkwood, Lynwood, Ferndale and Langford.
The median house price in these suburbs ranges from $328,344 (Langford) to $436,500 (Parkwood).
Note the significant difference in median house price for the Lynwood SHS zone compared to that of Willetton SHS and Rossmoyne SHS. There are a few reasons for this.
Firstly, it is slightly further away - neither Leach Highway nor Roe Highway traverse any of these suburbs, lengthening travel time to the amenities mentioned above as well as the CBD.
Secondly, the expansive waters of the Canning River end before Parkwood and Ferndale where it turns into wetlands so there are no significant views to help increase the median house price in these suburbs.
Thirdly this area has a lower socio-economic profile. This being said, Parkwood at a median of $436,500 represents a great alternative to neighbouring Willetton ($686,000) in terms of value for money.
This property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-parkwood-130198602" target="_blank">3 Newsam Close, Parkwood </a>(pictured below) sold for $463,000 in March 2019.
It comprises four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a double garage on a 682 square metre allotment.
<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/2019/9/23/parkwood.jpg" alt="">
Churchlands is an affluent suburb located just seven kilometres west of the CBD. Surrounded by Floreat, Woodlands, Doubleview, Wembley Downs and Wembley, this catchment includes Churchlands Senior High School as well as private Hale School and Newman College.
On top of this there are six primary schools within a two-kilometre radius of Churchlands and the coast is only three kilometres to the west.
The median house price in these suburbs ranges from $900,000 (Woodlands) to $1.35 million in Floreat and Churchlands. Part of the big price tag in these suburbs relates to their proximity to both the CBD and coastline. There are also plenty of top quality cafés in this catchment and no real lack of other amenities either.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-churchlands-130959650" target="_blank">This property at 9 Appleberry Street, Churchlands</a> (pictured below) was part of a small land development in 2012.
It sold in June 2019 for $1.415 million.
The circa 2014 build comprises four bedrooms and three bathrooms over two storeys on a 340 square metre allotment.
<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/2019/9/23/churchlands.jpg" alt="">
In terms of prestige home buyers, they are generally looking for properties that are either close to the coast or close to the river, paying large premiums for their chosen suburb’s reputation and views which come with the location.
"We all analyse a large combination of characteristics in the search for our perfect new home no matter what we’re looking for.
"The main attributes that we have covered (proximity to shops, schools, transport, child care, the CBD, coast or river etc) relate directly to any land parcel’s underlying value.
"This includes what can be done with the site, its shape, contour and level etc. The fundamentals will always be king – location, location, location!" the valuation firm added. 
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First home buyers in Perth active in urban fringe: HTW residential 

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A Far North Queensland mansion being marketed as the Cairns districts' finest residence has been relisted for sale.
The Whitfield home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-whitfield-129107062" target="_blank">21 Knott Court </a>inland from the popular tourist spot sits in the foothills of the Whitfield Range.
Adjoining the Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, the six bedroom, seven bathroom home's 1,440 sqm of living space split into east and west wings sits under terracotta roofing.
<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/2019/9/18/whitfield%202.jpg" alt="">
It comes with gymnasium, wine cellar, timber panelled offices, lounges with views of the City, kitchen and self-contained guest apartment. 
There's a music room with hand painted dome ceiling in the home with columned facade inspired by the Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio.
<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/2019/9/18/whitfield%204.jpg" alt="">
<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/2019/9/18/whitfield%203.jpg" alt="">
The 7,000 sqm Knott Court gardens feature a 17 metre pool with Versace style mosaic tiles, overlooked by a loggia, along with a seasonal creek.
Colliers International Cairns agents Tom Quaid and Jay Beattie have an October 4 auction.
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Far North Queensland trophy home relisted for sale

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GUEST OBSERVATION
In Australia, renewable energy is growing at a per capita rate ten times faster than the world average. Between 2018 and 2020, Australia will install more than 16 gigawatts of wind and solar, an average rate of 220 watts per person per year.
This is nearly three times faster than the next fastest country, Germany. Australia is demonstrating to the world how rapidly an industrialised country with a fossil-fuel-dominated electricity system can transition towards low-carbon, renewable power generation.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/292952/original/file-20190918-187974-8j0coj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/292952/original/file-20190918-187974-8j0coj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Renewable energy capacity installations per capita. International capacity data for 2018 from the International Renewable Energy Agency. Australian data from the Clean Energy Regulator., Author provided
When the <a href="http://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/About/Pages/News%20and%20updates/NewsItem.aspx?ListId=19b4efbb-6f5d-4637-94c4-121c1f96fcfe&amp;ItemId=683" target="_blank">Clean Energy Regulator accredited</a> Tasmania’s 148.5 megawatt (MW) Cattle Hill Wind Farm in August, Australia met its <a href="http://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/RET/Pages/News%20and%20updates/NewsItem.aspx?ListId=19b4efbb-6f5d-4637-94c4-121c1f96fcfe&amp;ItemId=683" target="_blank">Renewable Energy Target</a> well ahead of schedule.
We have <a href="https://energy.anu.edu.au/files/Renewable%20energy%20target%20report%20September%202019_1_0.pdf" target="_blank">analysed</a> data from the regulator which tracks large- and small-scale renewable energy generation (including credible future projects), and found the record-high installation rates of 2018 will continue through 2019 and 2020.
<h2>Record renewable energy installation rates</h2>
While <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-has-met-its-renewable-energy-target-but-dont-pop-the-champagne-122939" target="_blank">other analyses</a> have pointed out that investment dollars in renewable energy fell in 2019, actual generation capacity has risen. Reductions in building costs may be contributing, as less investment will buy you the more capacity.
Last was a record year for renewable energy installations, with 5.1 gigawatts (GW) accredited in 2018, far exceeding the previous record of 2.2GW in 2017.
The increase was driven by the dramatic rise of large-scale solar farms, which comprised half of the new-build capacity accredited in 2018. There was a tenfold increase in solar farm construction from 2017.
We have projected the remaining builds for 2019 and those for 2020, based on data from the Clean Energy Regulator for public firm announcements for projects.
A project is considered firm if it has a power purchase agreement (PPA, a contract to sell the energy generated), has reached financial close, or is under construction. We assume six months for financial close and start of construction after a long-term supply contract is signed, and 12 or 18 months for solar farm or wind farm construction, respectively.
This year is on track to be another record year, with 6.5GW projected to be complete by the end of 2019.
The increase is largely attributable to a significant increase in the number of wind farms approaching completion. Rooftop solar has also increased, with current installation rates putting Australia on track for 1.9GW in 2019, also a new record.
This is attributed to the continued cost reductions in rooftop solar, with less than A$1,000 per kilowatt now considered routine and payback periods of the order of two to seven years.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/292954/original/file-20190918-187985-r9h3yc.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/292954/original/file-20190918-187985-r9h3yc.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Current (solid) and forecast (hashed) installations of renewable electricity capacity in Australia. Author provided
Looking ahead to 2020, almost 6GW of large-scale projects are expected to be completed, comprising 2.5GW of solar farms and 3.5GW of wind. Around the end of 2020, this additional generation would deliver the old Renewable Energy Target of 41,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) per annum. That target was legislated in 2009 by the Rudd Labor government but <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/BriefingBook45p/RenewableEnergy" target="_blank">reduced to 33,000GWh</a> by the Abbott Coalition government in 2015.
<h2>Maintaining the pipeline</h2>
There are strong prospects for continued high installation rates of renewables. Currently available renewable energy energy contracts are routinely offering <a href="https://reneweconomy.com.au/snowy-says-cost-of-firm-wind-and-solar-significantly-below-current-base-load-prices-76846/">less than A$50 per MWh</a>. Long-term contracts for future energy supply have an average price of more than A$58 per MWh. This is a very reasonable profit margin, suggesting a <a href="https://www.asx.com.au/products/energy-derivatives/australian-electricity.htm">strong economic case</a> for continued installations. Wind and solar prices are likely to decline further throughout the 2020s.
State governments programs are also supporting renewable electricity growth. The ACT has completed contracts for 100% renewable electricity. Victoria and Queensland both have renewable energy targets of 50% renewable electricity by 2030. South Australia is expecting to reach 100% by 2025.
The main impediment to continued renewables growth is transmission. Transmission constraints have resulted in bottlenecks in moving electricity from some wind and solar farms to cities.
Tasmania’s strong wind resource requires a new connection to the mainland to unlock more projects. The limitations of current planning frameworks for this transition were recognised in Chief Scientist Alan Finkel’s review of the National Electricity Market, with strong recommendations to overcome these problems and, in particular, to <a href="https://www.energy.gov.au/publications/independent-review-future-security-national-electricity-market-blueprint-future" target="_blank">strengthen the role of the Australian Energy Market Operator</a>.
Now we need state and federal governments to unlock or directly support transmission expansion. For example, the <a href="https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/energy/initiatives/poweringqueensland#targetText=The%20Powering%20Queensland%20Plan%20sets,and%20secure%%2020supply%20of%20electricity" target="_blank">Queensland government</a> has committed to supporting new transmission to unlock solar and wind projects in the far north, including the Genex/Kidston 250MW pumped hydro storage system. The New South Wales government will expedite planning approval for an <a href="https://www.transgrid.com.au/news-views/news/2019/Pages/Project-EnergyConnect-deemed-critical-infrastructure-in-NSW.aspx">interconnector</a> between that state and South Australia, defining it as “critical infrastructure”.
These investments are key to Australia maintaining its renewable energy leadership into the next decade.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/123694/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/matthew-stocks-335116" target="_blank">Matthew Stocks</a>, Research Fellow, ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877" target="_blank">Australian National University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/andrew-blakers-3328">Andrew Blakers</a>, Professor of Engineering, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877" target="_blank">Australian National University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ken-baldwin-11848" target="_blank">Ken Baldwin</a>, Director, Energy Change Institute, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877" target="_blank">Australian National 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/australia-is-the-runaway-global-leader-in-building-new-renewable-energy-123694" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Australia is the runaway global leader in building new renewable energy

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

Joel Robinson

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

&nbsp;

Developer GURNER™ Group has revealed $1.65 billion in residential sales nationally across the 12 months to December 2025, driven largely by the continued momentum of its Docklands wellness-focused precinct, Elysium Fields.

The sales result was generated across seven projects in Victoria and New South Wales, headlined by Elysium Fields, GURNER™’s $2.75 billion mixed-use precinct planned for Harbour Esplanade in Docklands.

The project has recorded more than $500 million in sales across the first three towers, equating to around 580 apartments sold.

The first tower, Helios, has now sold out of its 240 private residences, with GURNER™ preparing to release a premium penthouse collection comprising 15 three-bedroom penthouses in coming weeks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370975]

Elysium Fields is being developed on the long-held 20,000 sqm Docklands site at 208-226 Harbour Esplanade, which had remained undeveloped for more than two decades prior to GURNER™ taking over the project around four years ago.

Construction has now commenced across four towers ranging between 18 and 30 storeys, with Hamilton Marino and Maxcon appointed as builders.

Once complete, the precinct is expected to comprise around 1,100 residences, alongside retail, hospitality and public realm uses integrated throughout the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370981]

Designed by Fraser &amp; Partners in collaboration with GURNER™ Design House, the project has been positioned around the developer’s broader focus on wellness-led residential living.

“We don’t sell apartments. We create a true luxury lifestyle that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the market today,” Founder and Executive Chairman Tim Gurner said.

“To deliver that requires an extraordinary level of detail, coordination and discipline across multiple verticals, from design and hospitality through to wellness and service.”

“We’ve always believed that living extends far beyond the physical residence. It’s about how you feel the moment you arrive, how you live day-to-day, and the ecosystem that supports that.” 
[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370977]

The project’s design places a heavy focus on landscaping, wellness amenities and biophilic design principles.

Plans include around 3,700 sqm of landscaped gardens and open space throughout the precinct, alongside a retail and dining offering spanning approximately 5,000 sqm.

The broader public realm strategy centres around what GURNER™ describes as the “Path of Life”, an urban forest and landscaped pedestrian environment intended to connect the various buildings and wellness spaces across the precinct.

The apartments themselves will incorporate a range of wellness-focused inclusions, including purified air and water systems, circadian lighting, antimicrobial surfaces, and optional in-home wellness upgrades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370980]

Gurner said the company’s experience through its Saint Haven wellness clubs had directly informed the residential offering now being incorporated into Elysium Fields.

“We’re seeing a clear global shift toward longevity, performance and proactive health,” Gurner said.

“Our role is to deliver that in a way that feels seamless, highly private and beautifully resolved within the environments we create.”

A large component of the wellness offering is planned through the resident amenity and health facilities proposed within the precinct.

That includes plans for bathing and recovery facilities spread throughout the towers, incorporating mineral pools, saunas, steam rooms, flotation therapy, red light therapy and wellness lounges.

The developer is also seeking approvals for what it describes as a “reverse ageing medical clinic” within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370978]

According to project information released by the group, the proposed facility would include cryotherapy, IV infusion therapy, infrared and dry saunas, PEMF beds, MRIs, DEXA scans, brain scans and blood analysis services.

Within the first tower, Helios, residents will also have access to a dedicated amenity offering known as the Sky Private Club.

The upper 15 levels of the building will include private lounges, dining spaces, rooftop amenities and optional private wellness studios integrated within residences.

The Helios tower itself comprises 260 apartments ranging between 60 sqm and 300 sqm, including a collection of penthouses.

That includes a planned two-storey penthouse spanning around 600 sqm with uninterrupted bay views.

The Elysium Fields precinct is being delivered in partnership with Digital Harbour Holdings, a consortium that includes the Liberman family, which controls the development rights across the Docklands site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370979]

The sales result comes as GURNER™ continues expanding its national development pipeline beyond Victoria.

“We have a strong pipeline across Australia and are now focused on scaling into key markets including New South Wales and Queensland, while continuing to build on our Melbourne base,” Gurner said.

“We currently have more than $3 billion in the market, growing to over $5 billion by October, and expect to materially outperform last year in the 2026 calendar year.”

The result also reflects the continued strength of the upper-end apartment market in Melbourne, particularly for owner-occupier-focused product with large-scale amenity and lifestyle offerings.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144441]

Record result anchored by the Group’s “utopian” Elysium Fields precinct – defying market headwinds in Docklands.

Elysium Fields drive Gurner to $1.65 billion in apartment sales over 2025

National Australia Bank (NAB) will fund <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera</a>, a $1 billion, 52-level luxury residential tower being developed by Central Equity in one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held coastal locations at Northcliffe.

The project, launched recently by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a>, one of Victoria’s largest private residential developers, comes at a time when construction funding for large residential developments has become increasingly competitive as lenders tighten exposure to the sector.

Multiplex has been appointed the builder, and construction is now underway.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365784]

Since its first project, Central Equity has delivered more than 85 residential developments with a combined end value exceeding $8 billion.

Palmera reflects Central Equity’s growing focus on the Gold Coast luxury apartment market and continues a relationship between Central Equity and NAB that dates back to the late 1980s, when the bank funded one of Melbourne’s earliest inner-city residential towers at a time when high-rise apartment living in the CBD was largely unproven.

“NAB’s funding of Central Equity’s $36 million CBD development in the late 1980’s to the financing of the billion-dollar tower today highlights the long-term relationship between the two organisations in delivering major residential projects” said Central Equity Founder and Chairman Eddie Kutner.

He said NAB’s early support was instrumental in helping establish the company’s development model.

“When we commenced our first residential tower in the late 1980s the concept of funding off-the-plan apartments was still largely untested in Australia,” Kutner said.

“NAB recognised the opportunity early and supported the project when others were uncertain. That relationship has now continued for more than 37 years across many developments.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Central Equity was established in 1987 when Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank precinct were still dominated by warehouses and commercial buildings. Fewer than 100 residents lived in Southbank at the time, and large-scale residential development in the inner city was not widely considered.

Recognising changing demographics and lifestyle preferences, the company began developing high-rise residential projects designed to bring permanent residents into the city centre.

Central Equity has provided accommodation for approximately 40,000 residents across Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank, while also incorporating supporting infrastructure including essential lifestyle facilities like retail spaces, childcare facilities and neighbourhood activity centres.

Central Equity has spent many years assembling the Palmera development site on the corner of Garfield Terrace and Frederick Street in Northcliffe, creating a supersite of around 3,300 sqm.

The developer said the Palmera apartment tower reflects its long-term view of the Gold Coast as a growing and increasingly diversified economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365768]

Supported by infrastructure including the light rail network, major road upgrades expanded education, hospital and medical facilities and continued expansion at the Gold Coast Airport with more international and domestic flights.

Positioned in the tightly held Northcliffe precinct, the 52-level tower will deliver 347 apartments, targeting buyers seeking a high-end coastal lifestyle, from downsizers to interstate investors.

Designed by Marchese Partners with interiors by DBI, Palmera has been conceived as a next-generation residential offering, featuring a collection of oversized apartments, with premium three-bedroom residences offering sweeping northern views stretching from Surfers Paradise through to Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

NAB funds $1 billion Surfers Paradise apartment development, Palmera

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.

Staff reporter

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