<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Retail builder Mainbrace Constructions has been appointed by development manager DMA Partners and owner JMK Retail to construct the new Yamanto Central retail development.
Located in the Ipswich suburb of Yamanto, the Yamato Central development looks to create over 500 jobs during construction.
Set to be anchored by a Coles supermarket and Kmart, the new Yamanto Central will house about 50 stores over 20,000 sqm.
Local infrastructure upgrades including extensive roadworks are a key component of the project, providing access improvements to the centre. 
Yamanto Central will include on car parking for 750 cars.
<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/YTC_Cam7_External.jpg" alt="">
Mainbrace’s involvement in the greenfield project south west of Brisbane and in the high growth area of Ipswich, adjacent to Amberley air base, began in 2017.
The company worked with DMA Partners and JMK Retail in an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) capacity to ensure the concept design is build-ready and within budget.
“The new Yamanto Central will be a state-of-the-art shopping destination which will serve a vital function in the growing local community,” Mainbrace QLD State Manager Duncan McAndrew said.
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Mainbrace has recently signed nearly $90 million of new retail work in the state, with new projects for Charter Hall at Atherton, a new food store at Indooroopilly, Home Co at Springfield and the re-purposing of a former Masters bulky goods property at Everton Park.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Retail builder Mainbrace appointed to construct Ipswich's Yamanto Central

<html><body>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX4 SCXW10198637">
A two store commercial strip investment at Richmond is set for an october auction 
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX4 SCXW10198637">
Located at 142 Bridge Road between Lennox Street and Wustemenn Place, the property comprises a 135 sqm, two level, Edwardian style building. 
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX4 SCXW10198637">
Previously operated as a restaurant, the ground floor comprises a dining area and commercial kitchen and on the first floor mezzanine, a function area.
It also benefits from first floor storage/office space and a rear courtyard. 
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX4 SCXW10198637">
The Commercial 1 zoned site has just under five metres frontage to Bridge Road and secondary access via a laneway at the rear to parking. 
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX4 SCXW10198637">
Teska Carson’s Fergus Evans and Adrian Boutsakis have the listing.  
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX4 SCXW10198637">
"This property will have enormous appeal to investors and owner-occupiers with its close proximity to the $350 million Epworth Hospital redevelopment along with several new developments due for completion in 2020/2021, and on one of Melbourne’s best known and most popular retail strips,’’ Mr Evans said.  
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX4 SCXW10198637">
Mr Boutsakis said the area had enjoyed commercial and residential development in recent years driven by population growth and the first rate amenity in close proximity to the CBD.  
</div>
<div class="BCX4 SCXW10198637">
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX4 SCXW10198637">
He said the location also benefitted from excellent public transport, recreational facilities and close proximity to major arterial routes.
</div>
</div>
The property will be auctioned on Friday, October 11. 
</body></html>

Edwardian style Richmond Hill retail building on market

<html><body>
A landmark building within South Melbourne's office precinct has been listed for sale.
The property, which neighbours Australian Unity’s Albert Road building, is expected to generate interest upwards of $15 million. 
Situated at 71-73 Palmerston Crescent, it offers 4,528 sqm across five levels including 40 basement and ground level car parks.
Servicing the five levels of office tenants and surrounding office and residential buildings is a ground floor café.  
“This landmark freehold is expected to generate significant interest from a diverse range of local and offshore groups due to its premium location, flexibility of future use and the surge in sentiment following the Federal Election and recent changes in fiscal policy,” Mr Wolman said. 
“There are very few remaining opportunities of this scale within the South Melbourne office precinct, as properties of this nature very rarely come to market."
Strategically located in the middle of the Domain and Albert Park precincts, Mr Stagg said the surrounding area remained one of the most popular locations in Melbourne for commercial tenants due to its convenience and accessibility to the CBD. 
Colliers International’s Daniel Wolman, Matt Stagg and Oliver Hay have the listing. 
</body></html>

South Melbourne office landmark listed with $15 million expectations

<html><body>
Peppers Airlie Beach, a resort hotel with ocean views in Whitsundays, Queensland has hit the market.  
It has been offered for sale via an expressions of interest campaign by Wayne Bunz and Hayley Manvell from CBRE Hotels. 
Situated on 1.8 ha, Peppers Airlie Beach at 9A Hermitage Drive, Airlie Beach comprises 59 freehold 1-5 bedroom apartments and villa ranging in size from 79-341sqm. 
The resort facilities include restaurant, bar, infinity swimming pool and gym.  
Other features include Management Letting Rights for up to 106 units in the complex plus the on-site manger's Lot. 
Opened in 2009, the 4.5 star hotel has been operated by Accor under the Peppers brand with vacant possession available.
Expressions of Interest close October 17, 2019
</body></html>

Peppers Airlie Beach hotel in Whitsundays listed

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Two shops in the South Melbourne Clarendon Centre have been successfully leased, a restaurant and a medical centre.
Max Tsang of Mahjong, on St Kilda’s Fitzroy Street, has leased the 39 sqm space within the Clarendon Centre in South Melbourne, for his new dining venture Miss China.
Fitzroys Associate Director, James Lockwood negotiated the six-year lease for the corner shop at G08, 265 Clarendon Street (pictured above) at $65,000 per annum, equating to $1,666 per sqm.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Another deal Lockwood has secured in the Clarendon Centre was to a new medical centre another on the ground floor opposite Coles supermarket.
Lockwood negotiated the eight-year deal at $150,000 per annum with CityMed Medical Centre. 
A doctor and practice manager, also with existing operations in St Kilda, will be opening their own centre with up to six practitioners.
Lockwood is also currently marketing a first floor space for lease, G20, targeting medical services such as dentists and allied health to complement the new GP clinic.
The Clarendon Centre leases were handled on behalf of Clarendon Property Group.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Two South Melbourne Clarendon Centre shops leased 

<html><body>
A corner property on Parramatta’s Eat Street has been listed for sale via expressions of interest. 
The property at <a href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39QzG/Nyy8oj1MsQ8lDBqOLeGnfqPgIdmzmVW8USMH2yRIkL23sKlvcw9AAv2bvY52GmBAZy16vj3OSgJ7v29V6WvzE2bcX8EecEgcBzPkYRCJ2WreT47NtAr02Xr1HIm70=&amp;rh=ff0051a2b69f54d238f15b7bea4681f7c61e9982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">302 Church Street</a> has been fully let to eight tenants over a total net lettable area of 1,001sqm. 
It boasts three street frontages with high exposure to Church Street and Phillip Street.
Managing Director Peter Vines, Director Joseph Assaf and Associate Director Victor Sheu of Ray White Commercial NSW – Western Sydney have the listing.
Mr Vines said Parramatta’s Eat Street had for years offered Sydneysiders a rich mix of dining, cultural entertainment, retail, nightlife and leisure experiences.
<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/2019/9/16/HiRes-15765_302%20Church%20Street%20Parramatta2006890__678.jpg" alt="">
“The current passing income of the eight tenants sits at $754,390 with potential to increase, with long-term tenants such as Coco Cubano occupying the space," Mr Vines said.    Mr Assaf said Parramatta was at the geographical centre of Sydney and was a focus for employment, housing, recreation and cultural opportunities, with its major revitalisation key
<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/2019/9/16/Digital%20Images%20In%20Design%20Mark%20Ups3.jpg" alt="">   Mr Sheu said on the corner of Church and Phillip Street, ‘302 Church’ occupied a position at the heart of Eat Street. 
“Retail and commercial tenants will rush to service this demand, bent on capitalising on a strong base of consumers spanning from the daily office lunch crowd to the ever-growing residential population in Parramatta CBD," Mr Sheu said.    Expressions of interest close on October 9.
</body></html>

Corner property on Parramatta's Eat Street hits the market

<html><body>
The risks associated with natural disasters for home loans and house prices in Australia are increasing due to the growing frequency of such events, according to the latest report from Moody's Investor Service.
In their report they found this development is credit negative for Australian residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) because it can lead to higher delinquencies and losses in the mortgages backing the deals.
However, the extent of mortgage delinquencies and losses caused by each individual natural disaster is likely to be moderate, given the geographic diversity of RMBS mortgage pools, insurance payouts and financial relief offered by lenders and governments.
Frequency of natural disasters is rising, increasing risks for home loans and RMBS.
Natural disasters can disrupt economic activity and therefore reduce borrowers' incomes, which can in turn lead to mortgage delinquencies and losses.
They can also result in significantly lower property values in affected areas.
Click to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/9/23/Disaster%20RMBS%202.JPG" target="_blank">open in new window</a>:
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/9/23/Disaster%20RMBS%202.JPG" alt="">
Natural disasters hurt the home loan sector, but the impact is moderate and temporary. After recent natural disasters, mortgage delinquencies increased by only moderate amounts.
One example they cited was that shortly after cyclone Debbie, which hit Queensland in late March and early April 2017, the 30+ day delinquency rate for home loans that were in disaster-hit areas and part of the mortgage pools of RMBS  rate increased to 2.3% after the disaster from 2.0% before the event, and dropped to 1.9% eight months afterwards.
Click to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/9/23/Disaster%20RMBS%201.JPG" target="_blank">open in new window</a>:
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/9/23/Disaster%20RMBS%201.JPG" alt="">
There are mitigating factors however which help keep home loan delinquencies moderate.
These mitigating factors include the geographic diversity of RMBS mortgage pools, the presence of insurance and the financial relief provided by lenders and government, Moody's Investor Service found.
</body></html>

Natural disasters are growing risk for home loan sector: Moody's

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
In all Australia’s capital cities, average share-house rents in the inner suburbs (where <a href="https://theconversation.com/rapid-growth-is-widening-melbournes-social-and-economic-divide-117244" target="_blank">jobs are concentrated</a>) leave people without enough money for food and other basics, new research shows.
This research, for a forthcoming report by the authors, proves there is a rental housing crisis for people on Newstart (and other low-income earners) everywhere in Australia.
The analysis was based on Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) <a href="https://reia.asn.au/product-category/individual-data-purchase/" target="_blank">data</a>, using common indicators such as housing affordability and stress. Housing stress for people on low incomes is <a href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/policy/ahuri-briefs/3040-indicator#targetText=The%20'30'%20in%20the%2030,to%20be%20in%20housing%20stress." target="_blank">defined</a> as when rent costs more than 30% of their income.
For example, the dataset for Victoria (the third-most-expensive rental market and broadly representative of the nation) shows rent for a share house in Melbourne averages 70% of income for a single person receiving <a href="https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/newstart-allowance/how-much-you-can-get" target="_blank">Newstart</a> (A$277.50 per week) and <a href="https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/rent-assistance" target="_blank">Commonwealth Rent Assistance</a> (A$45.74 per week). This leaves people with A$98 a week to live on. That’s less than half the <a href="http://unsworks.unsw.edu.au/fapi/datastream/unsworks:46141/binaaacbcf3-915f-40bc-a70f-2052746ab643?view=true" target="_blank">A$216 a week</a> that experts calculate is a healthy base level of income for a single unemployed person.
After paying rent, people on Newstart have just A$14 a day to cover food, utilities and the costs of job seeking such as mobile phone plans and travel cards (<a href="https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/fares/metropolitan-fares/" target="_blank">A$4.40 a day in Melbourne</a>).
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/292976/original/file-20190918-187957-hzokjt.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/292976/original/file-20190918-187957-hzokjt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Author analysis based on REIV data, Author provided
While it was assumed rent for people on low incomes eats up much of their benefits, this analysis shows just how bad the situation has become in all capital cities. It is worst in Sydney. As the chart below shows, median weekly rent in Sydney is A$550, which when split between two renters amounts to A$275 each. This leaves a renter on Newstart with the princely sum of just A$48.24 a week – A$6.89 a day – to live on.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/293088/original/file-20190918-187991-14slgpp.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/293088/original/file-20190918-187991-14slgpp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Affordable rent points compared to median rents in capital cities. Author analysis using REIV data, Author provided
What about living in cheaper areas?
Another worrying aspect of the data is it suggests high rents are compelling people on Newstart payments to relocate from inner cities to the outer suburbs and satellite towns with worse labour markets and higher transport costs. And even in these towns, the data paint a bleak picture.
In Victorian regional cities like Bendigo and Ballarat the rent for sharers exceeds the commonly accepted 30% benchmark for housing stress. Here they would be paying A$130 a week – almost half their Newstart payments. With Rent Assistance, that would leave them with A$192 – still A$24 less than the healthy benchmark.
There are only two regions in all of Australia where single unemployed people would have any hope of meeting rents. These are northern Tasmania and outer Hobart, where the <a href="https://www.rdatasmania.org.au/news/tasmania-ranks-high-in-youth-unemployment-hotspots/" target="_blank">youth unemployment rate is 16%</a>. You can add about another <a href="http://bilbo.economicoutlook.net/blog/?p=22954" target="_blank">10 points to the unemployment rate</a> to get a real sense of the challenges of getting jobs in these places.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/293089/original/file-20190918-187935-wq63n8.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/293089/original/file-20190918-187935-wq63n8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Affordable rent points compared to median rents for regions. Author analysis using REIV data, Author provided
Benefit increases are essential
So what is affordable for people on Newstart? For single people receiving Newstart and <a href="https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/rent-assistance" target="_blank">Rent Assistance</a>, share-house rents would have to be A$87.
While the table below shows A$97, that would be the affordable rent if maximum Rent Assistance were paid. But it does not actually kick in until <a href="https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/rent-assistance/eligibility-payment-rates/how-much-you-can-get" target="_blank">weekly rent exceeds A$61</a>. So low-rent places do not attract as much of a subsidy from Rent Assistance as higher-rent properties.
This points to the need for Rent Assistance to kick in at a lower income point. It also needs to be increased to avoid housing stress.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/293091/original/file-20190918-187985-ykep1q.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/293091/original/file-20190918-187985-ykep1q.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Author provided
The federal government’s response to this kind of evidence always relies on an argument that Newstart is intended as a <a href="https://www.financeminister.gov.au/transcript/2019/07/22/abc-radio-%E2%80%93-am" target="_blank">“transitional” payment</a>. The unemployed are told they should “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jul/29/unfunded-empathy-scott-morrison-pushes-back-on-growing-calls-to-lift-newstart-rate" target="_blank">get a job</a>”.
But it is very clear this is not as easy as it sounds. That is because there are increasing numbers of people on Newstart <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/200-000-australians-with-a-disability-struggling-to-get-by-on-newstart-report-20190916-p52rt6" target="_blank">with disabilities</a> and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-25/mature-workers-on-newstart/10195296" target="_blank">over 55 years old</a> – the majority of <a href="https://theconversation.com/are-most-people-on-the-newstart-unemployment-benefit-for-a-short-or-long-time-120826" target="_blank">long-term unemployed</a> are now mature-age job seekers.
There are also <a href="https://theconversation.com/these-job-snob-claims-dont-match-the-evidence-121429" target="_blank">far more applicants than job vacancies</a>. It’s worse in regional areas where there are fewer jobs to begin with.
Many welfare agencies are preparing submissions to a <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/Newstartrelatedpayments" target="_blank">Senate inquiry</a> into Newstart and related payments in time for the September 30 deadline. These submissions are expected to contain even more compelling analysis showing it is impossible to survive on Newstart.
The Australian Council of Social Service (<a href="https://www.acoss.org.au/about-us/" target="_blank">ACOSS</a>) and several other agencies are demanding that <a href="https://raisetherate.org.au/" target="_blank">Newstart be raised by at least A$75 a week</a>. Even this badly needed increase will not fully alleviate housing stress, which is the <a href="https://www.acoss.org.au/housing-homelessness/" target="_blank">main cause of homelessness among low-income people</a>.
Simone Casey, Research Associate, Future Social Service Institute, RMIT University
Liss Ralston, Urban Statistician, Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology
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/city-share-house-rents-eat-up-most-of-newstart-leaving-less-than-100-a-week-to-live-on-123772" target="_blank">original article</a>.
</body></html>

City share-house rents eat up most of Newstart, leaving less than $100 a week to live on

<html><body>
Units in agricultural property trust Rural Funds Group fell last week, after the circulation of another critical report.
A Hong Kong-based report accused the RFG manager, Rural Funds Management, of running a Ponzi scheme.
The damning report, by advisory firm Bucephalus Research, followed the <a href="/news/rural-funds-group-under-attack-from-bonitas-research-short-selling-hit">activist short-seller Bonitas Research's earlier attack on Rural Funds Group</a> and its manager Rural Funds Management.
RFF units fell 12% on Thursday, closing at $1.71, then dropping to $1.62 on Friday, and back to $1.70 in Monday trade.
They were trading at $2.35 before the Bonitas report was released on August 6.
RFM advised the fresh report had similar claims to the earlier report.
Rural Funds Management says Bonitas' allegations have been "slavishly repeated by Bucephalus".
It is not ruling out legal action.
RFM is already suing Bonitas in the NSW Supreme Court.
It owns around $1 billion worth of farms, including cattle stations, feedlots, almond and macadamia orchards and water rights.
Bucephalus and Bonitas believe the assets are overvalued, enabling RFM to collect higher fees.
RFM collected $8.5 million in management fees in the 2019 financial year, up from $6.3 million in the prior year, the Australian Financial Review reported.
</body></html>

Rural Funds Group accused of running a Ponzi scheme

<html><body>
Spring Hill, an inner suburb of Brisbane, has witnessed a 3.2 percent increase in its median house price since 2014, according to realestate.com.au.  
Buyers who bought in this area early at the median price of $891,500 in 2014 now own a house with a median price of $920,000. 
<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Median house price 2014</td>
<td>Median house price 2019</td>
<td>Price difference</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> $891,500</td>
<td> $920,000</td>
<td> $28,500</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
However, the suburb's median unit price dropped from $421,250 to $397,500 from 2014 to 2019.
<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Median unit price 2014</td>
<td>Median unit price 2019</td>
<td>Price difference</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> $421,250</td>
<td> $397,500</td>
<td> -$23,750</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
For those who didn’t buy in Spring Hill five years ago, should they buy in Spring Hill now?
It is important to check the median price regularly to ensure you are not missing the best opportunity of buying a new home.
To learn all you need to know about Spring Hill, from median asking rents to average hold period, <a href="/developments/spring-hill-qld-4000">click here</a>. 
According to Microburbs, Spring Hill is an 9/10, with 10/10 in its convenience score and 9/10 in its family score. 
 
 
</body></html>

What if you bought in Spring Hill five years ago?

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Joel Robinson

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 52-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 52-storey tower, which has just shy of 250 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Staff reporter

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News