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A Toorak trophy home fetched $7.05 million at weekend auction in the nation's highest sale, in what has been described as the best weekend for auctions since 2017.
There were just two bidders who took the sale price some $400,000 above reserve.
The result ranked as the most expensive Melbourne auction sale so far this year, according to CoreLogic.
Auctioneer Justin Long opened with a vendor bid of $5.9 million having pulled it from its May 18 election day auction given the vendor had had a medical scare the night prior.
The Herald Sun reported the five-bedroom property sold to a young couple. 
The 1930s home (top) on 739 sqm at <a href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/property/19-sargood-street-toorak-784484/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">19 Sargood Street</a> had $6 million to $6.5 million price guidance.
It last sold in 2011 at $4.7 million.
Sydney's top sale was $6 million for a new build at Strathfield.
The six bedroom <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.randw.com.au/property/0000412793" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">10 Chalmers Road, Strathfield</a> mansion (below) was sold by Lawrence Chong at Richardson and Wrench who had offered a price guide of $5 million to $5.5 million.
<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/2019/8/19/10%20CHALMERS%20ROAD%20Strathfield.jpg" alt="">
The home, with an internal lift to all three floors, had full resort-style amenities, including a home theatre, gym, sauna, pool, wet bar, billiards room and an alfresco dining area.
Brisbane's top sale was $1.75 million at Camp Hill, which just edged out a $1.73 million sale of a restored Queenslander at Balmoral.
The <a href="https://www.eplace.com.au/property/QLD-Camp-Hill-R2-1863519" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">42 Koondara Street, Camp Hill</a> offering (below) was a five bedroom home marketed by Place agent Joanna Gianniotis has having a Hamptons style interior.
<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/2019/8/19/42%20Koondara%20Street%20Camp%20Hill.jpg" alt="">
The elevated house on a double block at <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://raywhiteascot.com.au/properties/residential-for-sale/qld/balmoral-4171/house/2145524" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">62 Victoria Street, Balmoral</a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-balmoral-131600146" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable"> </a>last sold for $79,000 in 1984.
Auctioneer Phil Parker took bids from four of the 14 registered bidders after a successful marketing campaign by Ray White agent Damon Warat. 
Brisbane saw a 47 percent success rate.
<div dir="ltr">The other smaller auction markets – Canberra, Perth and Adelaide – performed strongly returning preliminary clearance rates of 81 per cent, 71 per cent and 70 per cent respectively.</div>
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There were 1,221 homes taken to auction across the combined capital cities returning a preliminary clearance rate of 76.6 per cent, up on the previous week that saw 1,111 homes taken to auction returning a final clearance rate of 67.8 per cent.
<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/2019/8/19/CoreLogic%20August%2019.jpg" alt="">
"I expect the final clearance rate across the combined capitals will revise lower, however it will likely hold above 70 per cent which is something we haven’t seen since May 2017," CoreLogic auction analyst Kevin Brogan said.
Over the same weekend last year, auction activity was higher with 1,684 homes taken to auction with a lower clearance rate of 53.3 per cent.
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Melbourne was host to 588 auctions returning a preliminary clearance rate of 78.3 per cent. 
Last week saw 500 homes taken to auction and a final clearance rate of 72.3 per cent.
Over the same weekend last year, a clearance rate of 54 per cent was recorded across 860 auctions.
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The highest reported number of registered bidders was when some 22 registered bidders descended on the semi-rural 2.4ha acreage property at <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/vic/yarrambat/2145314/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">56-62 Ashley Road, Yarrambat</a>, 23 km north-east of Melbourne's CBD.
Ray White Diamond Creek agent Alan King said nine of them were active in the bidding for the property which had the potential to be sub-divided into 1ha lots.
One of the two neighbours bought it for $1.42 million after there was a total of 50 bids.
There had been $900,000 to $990,000 price guidance.
Sydney recorded a preliminary clearance rate of 81.7 per cent across 444 auctions, while final results for the prior weekend showed 76.2 per cent of the 367 auctions were successful.
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"It’s likely that thefinal clearance rate will revise down to similar levels again this week as the remaining results are collected," Brogan advised.
One year ago, 572 auctions were held across Sydney returning a final clearance rate of 51.9 per cent.
A four bedroom penthouse in the Manly apartment complex, Trident fetched $4.55 million.
Over 120 groups inspected the apartment throughout the campaign. 
Over 13 contracts were issued with three registered bidders present at the auction. 
There were two bidders after the $4 million opening bid.
The apartment at <a href="https://www.stonerealestate.com.au/property/4975221-41-62-north-steyne-manly-nsw/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">41/62 North Steyne</a> offered 214 sqm space which had been a $1700 a week rental.
Candice Cattell, of Stone Real Estate Manly, noted every room had ocean views from the 14th floor which clears Manly’s renowned Norfolk pine trees.
The 1970s block is the second tallest on the oceanfront.
The penthouse last sold at $2.9 million in 2011 and at $2.5 million in 2003.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

$7.05 million Toorak auction result topped the weekend results

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Star Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan’s Clyde North family home was sold for $935,000 in post-auction negotiations after its Sunday auction. 
The opening batsman’s 2012-built house at 6 Forest Drive had been listed with an $850,000 to $935,000 price guide.
OBrien Keysborough agent Darren Hutchins said more than 200 groups had toured the ex-display home during its campaign.
The 446 sqm home had passed in at $911,000, the Herald Sun reported.
Its listing went viral on realestate.com.au, with more than 64,000 views, well above the suburb’s average of 83 visits per property.
The home had previously sold at $730,000 in 2015 and $789,000 in 2013.
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Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan sells Melbourne home

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Ray White TRG, The Rubinstein Group, have secured their first recruit since opening their new Woollahra office.
They've appointed the Ray White Double Bay agent Evan Williams as an associate director.
Williams, who worked alongside Gavin Rubinstein at the Double Bay office, told the Wentworth Courier it was Gavin who introduced him to Ray White Double Bay initially.
“I’m looking forward to being the ‘family man’ in the most progressive real estate outfit in the country," Williams, who left RW Double Bay last month, said.
Williams is married to Kashaya, a wedding planner, and they have three sons, James, 14, Aston, 9, and Jasper, 5.
Before joining Ray White Double Bay Williams was at Ray White's more established Woollahra office. He was a sales executive and auctioneer.
He had previously been a sales PA at First National Double Bay and later a property consultant at Laing &amp; Simmons Woollahra.
Williams was part of the $33.25 million, 2017 sale of Eynesbury, the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/eynesbury-the-tightly-held-art-deco-edgecliff-apartment-block-sold-for-33-25-million">tightly held art deco apartment block</a> in Edgecliff.
He also sold the <a href="/news/vaucluse-lighthouse-keepers-cottage-sells">landmark Lighthouse Keepers Cottage</a> in Vaucluse for $7.5 million in 2016. 
Williams is a Cranbrook School alumni.
Rubinstein <a href="/news/gavin-rubinstein-departs-ray-white-double-bay">departed Ray White Double Bay in late April</a> however was later retained by Ray White.
He <a href="/news/gavin-rubinstein-heading-to-queen-street-woollahra-under-ray-white-banner">opened a Woollahra office</a>, the second in the pricey suburb, with The Rubinstein Group, made up of agents Cae Thomas, Oliver Lavers and Bradley Plos, operations manager Jerome Srot and executive assistant Remi Quinlivan.
 
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Evan Williams joins Ray White's The Rubinstein Group 

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The June quarter has brought a very modest lift in wage inflation.
In the quarter the Wage Price Index (WPI) lifted 0.6% vs market expectation for a 0.5% rise and up slightly from the 0.5% rise in the March quarter. This held the annual rate flat at 2.3%yr which is a modest lift from the low of 1.9% in 2017 but can hardly be described as a breakneck pace.
We still expect wage inflation to drift higher from here - our forecasts have it peaking around 2¾%yr in 2020 - but given how well contained wage inflation is across the nation, and between sectors, even this modest increase looks optimistic and the risks to this forecast remain more to the downside than upside.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/8/14/wage%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/8/14/wage%201.jpg" alt="">
In the March quarter, total hourly wages ex bonuses rose 0.6% compared to a market median (and Westpac) expectation for 0.5%.
The print was 0.61% at two decimal places with a 0.54% rise in private sector wage rates and a very solid 0.82% rise in public sector wages, the largest quarterly rise in public sector wages since Q1 2014.
But it should be noted that this followed the smallest quarterly rise in public sector wages since March 2000 of 0.45% rise in the last quarter highlighting a bit more volatility in this series than what is normally the case. It appears that state governments have released the purse strings, a little, for wages.
In the quarter, the largest increase in public sector wages was in Victoria (1.5%) with a more average rise in Queensland (0.5%) and a below average rise in NSW (0.2%).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/8/14/wage%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/8/14/wage%202.jpg" alt="">
Private sector wages printed 0.54% in the last two quarters. The annual pace eased back to 2.3% from 2.4% as the March 2018 quarter print of 0.55%, the fastest pace since December 2014, dropped out of the equation.
Public sector wage inflation lifted a little to 2.6% from 2.4% over the year to be back on par with the recent peak of 2.6% in September 2018.
So while an annual pace of wages growth of 2.3% is a modest lift from the 2.1% held from December 2017 to September 2018 which, in itself, was an improvement from the record low of 1.9% in the four quarters before 2017 Q3, it does not suggest any reason to suspect a “wages breakout” is hiding in the wings as wage inflation is well contained and remains under the historical average.
Since 2018, Westpac watched the rapid fall in the Victorian unemployment rate, and because of this, we have been looking an acceleration in Victorian wage inflation.
In the June quarter, Victorian wages lifted 0.7%, stronger than the 0.5% gain in March but a moderation from the 0.8% gain in both Q3 and Q4 of 2018.
The annual pace of Victorian wage inflation has lifted to 2.9% - the fastest pace by any state and the fastest pace in that state since September 2013.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/8/14/wage%203.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/8/14/wage%203.jpg" alt="">
Contrast that with NSW, where wage inflation was flat at 2.3%yr. Here there has been a longer history of a tighter labour market and yet it has failed to generate wage inflation as it has in Victoria.
We are closely watching how far the lift in Victorian wages extends. If it continues into 2020, it should lead to modest wages pressures in other states (particularly in NSW) as employers start competing for labour.
But we would not overstate this as we expect the overall impact to be modest given that the improvement in the national labour market, as measured by the fall in underutilisation, has not been as significant as it is has been in Victoria.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/8/14/wage%204.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/8/14/wage%204.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/8/14/wage%205.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/8/14/wage%205.jpg" alt="">
Private sector wages including bonuses continues to run at a faster pace than the measure excluding bonuses (2.4%yr vs 2.3%yr respectively) but the pace has slowed from a recent peak of 2.7% in Q4 2018.
The faster pace growth of growth in variable compensation, which tends to be positively correlated with the economic cycle, was pointing to some upside risk for wages.
However, as the pace of economic activity slows, this modest pressure is easing, suggesting the pressure on variable compensation is unlikely to be transferred to fixed compensation.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/8/14/wage%206.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/8/14/wage%206.jpg" alt="">
By industry, the fastest gains in wages are still in what we consider to be non-cyclical sectors such as heath care (3.3%yr), arts &amp; recreation (2.8%yr), public administration (2.5%yr), education &amp; training, other services and professional &amp; scientific (last three all on 2.4%yr).
The slowest wage growth remains in the cyclical industries such as wholesale trade (1.7%yr), retail trade and construction (both 1.9%yr) with manufacturing at just 2.0%yr.
Even in mining, where there is talk of a modest recovery in investment and talk of emerging shortages of skilled labour, wages are growing just 2.2%yr.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/8/14/wage%207.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/8/14/wage%207.jpg" alt="">
Overall, today’s WPI print is a disappointing update and one that will make us take a closer look at our forecast for wage inflation to get back to around 2¾%yr in 2020.
Click here to see the <a href="https://westpaciq.westpac.com.au/wibiqauthoring/_uploads/file/Australia/2019/August/Q2Wages-FI.pdf" target="_blank">full chart pack</a>.
JUSTIN SMIRK is ‎a senior economist for Westpac,
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Wage inflation modest, but upside surprise does not change weak fundamentals: Justin Smirk 

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AMP Capital’s Real Estate business has been realigned along specialist sectors, with new and expanded roles taken up by its leadership team.
It includes the creation of two new managing director roles for retail and office and logistics, accountable for fund, investment, property and development management for their specialist sectors.
Brett Williams has been appointed to the new role of managing director, retail.
Currently fund manager for the AMP Capital Diversified Property Fund (ADPF), Williams will lead AMP Capital’s entire retail platform including the shopping centres asset management platform as well as the wholesale pooled funds with retail exposure, the AMP Capital Shopping Centre Fund (ASCF), as well as ADPF.
Mark Kirkland will work closely with Williams under the new title of Head of Retail and will continue to be responsible for leading the retail asset management platform including the delivery of the retail development pipeline.
Luke Briscoe will take on the new and expanded role of Managing Director, Office &amp; Logistics.
Briscoe will be accountable for the whole office and logistics platform including the AMP Capital Wholesale Office Fund (AWOF), and the investment, property, leasing and development management functions, as well as of some of real estate’s shared functions including Sustainability, EWHS and Asset Technology which work across the entire office, logistics and retail business platform.
Other changes to the Real Estate Leadership team include Merran Edwards appointed to the new role of Chief Financial Officer, Real Estate, where she will lead the finance, global strategy, business planning, strategic partnerships and risk functions.
Kylie O’Connor’s COO role will shift to be fund management focused which will see her taking on fund operations and governance, while leading one of the largest separate account businesses in the market, as well as private investor funds. To reflect this change, her title will change to Chief Operating Officer &amp; Managing Director, Separate Accounts.
John Dynon will take on the role of Head of Origination &amp; Capital where he will be accountable for sourcing new opportunities and placing capital for new and existing clients as well as overseeing the real estate transactions and distribution teams.
Global Head of Real Estate Carmel Hourigan said the new integrated sector specialisation structure and bolstered client focus will best enable AMP Capital to deliver for its clients and achieve its growth strategy.
As the overall business structure is now sector aligned, there have been some leadership changes and the role of Head of Real Estate Funds Management held by Chris Judd is no longer required.
Judd has had a distinguished career at AMP Capital and made a significant contribution to the business over the past 13 years. 
He has played a fundamental role in the governance, growth and management of the pooled fund and New Zealand portfolios and will work closely with the team on this transition and remain as a director on Precinct Properties until early 2020.
These changes will be effective 16 August 2019, and all of the above roles on the Real Estate Leadership team will report to Global Head of Real Estate &amp; Chief Investment Officer, Carmel Hourigan.
AMP Capital is one of the largest and most experienced direct real estate fund managers in the Asia Pacific, with more than $28 billion in funds under management as at 30 June 2019.
AMP Capital offers institutional and private investors access to real estate equity and debt opportunities globally through a range of wholesale funds and separately managed solutions.
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AMP Capital repositions real estate business along specialist sectors

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One of few institutional grade heritage assets in Brisbane’s CBD has hit the market. 
The property at 308 Queen Street and 88 Creek Street has been listed for sale via expressions of interest campaign. 
 JLL’s Seb Turnbull and Luke Billiau have been appointed sell the property. 
“Demand for quality CBD assets remains at an all-time high in Brisbane. Sub $100 million opportunities are rare in the Golden Triangle and assets on the most prominent corner in the Golden Triangle are even rarer,” JLL’s Seb Turnbull said. 
“Brisbane has been the most active commercial market in 2019, primarily due to its relative value proposition compared to the southern states, as well as the strong leasing market outlook underpinned by the $12.7 billion infrastructure spend in the CBD alone.”
The building was built in 1885.
It underwent a major repositioning in 2008, which included the addition of the boutique A-Grade tower at 88 Creek Street, bringing the asset’s total NLA to 4,501 square metres. 
The property has only been offered to the market once before.
JLL’s Luke Billiau noted that the asset is underpinned by a diverse mix of income from a number of quality tenants in both the retail and office accommodation.  
The building is close to the Queen Street Mall. 
308 Queen Street has the benefit of the integrated 88 Creek Street that offers modern A-Grade standard of accommodation.
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Brisbane CBD heritage building listed for sale  

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Racecourse Lane Vineyard, a boutique vineyard property set on 29 acres in Pokolbin of Hunter Valley, has hit the market with $1.75 million hopes. 
It has been listed by Cain Beckett and Alan Jurd of Jurd's Real Estate Cessnock. 
Surrounded by shade trees, the property at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-viticulture-nsw-pokolbin-700047218" target="_blank"> 28 Racecourse Lane, Pokolbin</a> offers views across the neighbouring vineyards to the Brokenback Range. 
Racecourse Lane Vineyard also offers water from three dams and PID irrigation from the Hunter River. 
<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/2019/8/15/pokolbin%202.jpg" alt="">
The homestead has been recently renovated with travertine floors.
It comprises three bedrooms, two new bathrooms, new kitchen with stone tops and wrap around verandahs with opening roof. 
<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/2019/8/15/pokolbin%203.jpg" alt="">
Other features of the home include water-garden, machinery shedding, and insulated wine storage facility. 
Race Lane Vineyard is two hours from Sydney and surrounded by restaurants, vineyards and concert venues. 
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Pokolbin vineyard with renovated home listed for $1.75 million

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A 1920s designer style building located in the heart of Bendigo, Victoria has hit the market with $2.4 million to $2.6 million hopes.
It has been offered by Amy Sim from McKean and McGregor Real Estate.
Once the tallest building in Bendigo, the building at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-bendigo-130394334" target="_blank">31 View Street</a> was built in 1925 and was originally the offices of T&amp;G Mutual Life Assurance.
With approval for both commercial and residential titles, it offers panoramic views and heritage features in a mixed zone package. 
<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/2019/8/15/bendigo%202.jpg" alt="">
The ground floor, with an existing tenant, features open plan space and rear terrace leading to the garden.  
Above the shop are four bedrooms, formal living areas, concrete swimming pool, garden and terrace. 
<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/2019/8/15/bendigo%203.jpg" alt="">
Other features of the building include ceiling fans, custom-built cabinetry, automatic water system in rear garden and double garage. 
It is within close proximity to the historic Alexandra Fountain.  
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Bendigo 1920s building hits the market 

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A four bedroom house constructed of stone and timber in Forest, Tasmania is on the market with a price guide of $360,000.
It has been listed by Duncan Spinks from Spinks Property Services.
Nestled on 1.56ha, the home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi-rural-tas-forest-130549410" target="_blank">171 Backline Road</a> is set on two levels. 
The ground level consists of two bedrooms, living room, kitchen and bathroom.
<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/2019/8/15/forest%202.jpg" alt="">
The octagonal-shaped dining room comes with 10 seater dining table and carved log lounge seat.
Upstairs comprises two bedrooms, rumpus room, and balcony area with views of the creek and bush. 
<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/2019/8/15/forest%203.jpg" alt="">
Additional features of the home include wood heater, carport space for 4 vehicles and separate workshop.
It's only a 10-minute drive to the beaches at Stanley.
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Stone and timber home in north west Tasmania listed 

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A three bedroom Eglinton, Western Australia home has been listed by mortgagees for $285,000.
John Douglas of Professionals holds the listing. 
Nestled on a 290 sqm allotment, the 2014 built home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-eglinton-131126606" target="_blank">87 Cinnabar Drive</a> comes with open-plan living/dining area, home theatre/formal lounge, modern kitchen, carpeted master bedroom and two other bedrooms. 
Other features include internal laundry, reverse cycle air conditioning and rear access to double lock up garage. 
The house is situated opposite a park.
It was previously listed with a price guide of $339,000 and $369,000 back in June 2018 which was reduced to $329,000 by the end of November 2018 when the property was taken off market again.
More recently, in May 2019, the abode sought $325,000.
Last sold in 2013 the previous home traded for $193,000.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><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/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
According to CoreLogic, the annual change in median price in <a href="/developments/eglinton-wa-6034">Eglinton</a> over the past 10 years is -2.8%.
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Eglinton, WA mortgagee home listing slashed again to $280,000

The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

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]

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 41-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 41-storey tower, which has 229 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]

Staff reporter

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