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ASIC has now commenced proceedings in the Federal Court against ANZ for misrepresentation and unconscionable conduct.
ASIC will allege that ANZ was not entitled to charge certain periodic payment fees under the bank’s contracts with its customers.
Between August 2003 and 23 February 2016 (the 2003-2016 Period), ASIC alleges that ANZ wrongly charged transaction fees and non-payment fees for periodical payments between accounts in the same name.
They stated, transaction fees were charged when a periodical payment was successful, and non-payment fees were charged when a periodical payment could not be made due to insufficient funds in the customer’s account.
During the 2003-2016 period the transaction fee for periodical payments varied between $1.70 and $4 for business accounts and was either $4 or free for retail accounts. And the non-payment fee for periodical payments varied between $35 and $45 for business accounts and was between $6 and $45 for retail accounts.
ASIC alleges that between 26 July 2013 and 23 February 2016, ANZ unlawfully charged the fees on at least 1,340,087 occasions.
ASIC estimates that the total gross loss to customers during the period 1 January 2008 to 23 February 2016 is in excess of $50 million. ANZ has paid approximately $28 million in remediation to customers to date.
However, ANZ has not paid remediation to customers who have been charged the fees prior to 31 December 2007.
The authority contends that ANZ first became aware there was a risk the bank was not entitled to charge these fees in July 2011. 
However, ASIC will say that ANZ did not:
1. provide written notification of the existence of a possible issue in relation to the fees to ASIC until 14 February 2014; 2. commence notifying affected customers about the issue until at least 23 September 2015; 3. change its terms and conditions to permit the charging of the fees until 23 February 2016; and 4. commence making remediation payments in relation to the unlawfully charged fees until August 2016. 5. At the heart of ASIC’s action is the fact that ANZ continued to charge the fees during the 2003-2016 Period, despite what ANZ already knew.
ANZ first reported the matter to ASIC in February 2014.
ASIC stated, "in September 2018, ANZ contacted ASIC advising that information they had previously provided to ASIC relating to ANZ’s identification of the issue was incomplete. As a result of the new information, ASIC commenced an investigation into ANZ in October 2018."
"ASIC alleges ANZ breached section 912A(1)(a) and (c) the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act) which requires a licensee to ensure that the financial services covered by its licence are provided efficiently, honestly and fairly and to comply with financial services laws because it amongst other things, provided incomplete or misleading information when it reported the issue to ASIC in February 2014."
"ASIC further alleges breaches by ANZ of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 (ASIC Act), including that ANZ engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct, made false or misleading representations and engaged in unconscionable conduct because the bank:"
1. continued to charge the fees when it knew that the fees were unlawful or were at risk of being unlawful; 2. knew that it was highly unlikely that it would be able to remediate all affected customers; 3. failed to inform customers who may have been affected by its unlawful charging until September 2015; and 4. deliberately did not make remediation payments to customers who had been charged the fees between August 2003 to 31 December 2007. 5. The ASIC Act contraventions attract a maximum pecuniary penalty of between $1.7 million and $2.1 million per contravention.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

ASIC sues ANZ for unconscionable conduct over unlawful transaction fees

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Australia has no enduring tradition of having a national urban policy, unlike the UK, from where we sometimes import policies. The Commonwealth government has a long history of intervening in cities, from addressing housing shortages to funding urban infrastructure, but has shied away from a formal national settlement strategy.
Sometimes the Commonwealth claims to have no constitutional case for involvement in city planning. Yet we’re comfortable with spatial planning at the local, metropolitan and regional scale, so planning at the national level makes sense too.
We also seem comfortable with the federal government doing investment deals with individual cities and regions – so-called <a href="https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/index.aspx" target="_blank">City Deals</a>. Why not use this fiscal clout to drive a more systematic program of reform? Reform priorities include how our metropolitan areas are governed and how they finance much-needed investment in infrastructure.
To date, <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/" target="_blank">nine City Deals</a> have been announced. These cover <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/townsville" target="_blank">Townsville</a>, <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/launceston" target="_blank">Launceston</a>, <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/western-sydney" target="_blank">Western Sydney</a>, <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/darwin" target="_blank">Darwin</a>, <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/hobart" target="_blank">Hobart</a>, <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/geelong" target="_blank">Geelong</a>, <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/adelaide" target="_blank">Adelaide</a>, <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/perth" target="_blank">Perth</a> and <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/south-east-queensland" target="_blank">Southeast Queensland</a>. Could this seemingly ad hoc collection of City Deals become part of a more coherent and effective national settlement strategy? And are we up to the enduring challenge of translating these plans and strategies into action?
<h2>Are we alone in this?</h2>
In the UK, urban policy was for many years based on the principle of “<a href="https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C11251433" target="_blank">bending main programs</a>” to focus on areas judged most in need of government assistance. This was sometimes used to justify having little or no new money allocated to urban policy initiatives. However, it also reflected the reality that the main spending programs of national government are often altogether bigger with much more fiscal clout on the ground.
We also need to recognise that there is more to growth and development than investing in hard infrastructure like roads and railways. Schools, hospitals, parks and cultural facilities play a vital role in creating liveable communities at any spatial scale.
When these facilities lag behind the rapid construction of homes, our towns and cities are poorer places to live in. Nor are they places of resilience where we are better able to cope with the environmental changes and technological disruptions of the 21st century.
<h2>Why a national strategy?</h2>
The UN Sustainable Development Goals, and in particular <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg11" target="_blank">SDG 11</a>, recognise that having a national urban policy is an important foundation for achieving sustainable urban development. But in Australia we have not established long-term federal funding agreements for the sustainable development of major cities. Nor are there incentives to reform how we govern and deliver public services and infrastructure at the metropolitan scale.
A strategy of establishing metropolitan governance and financial reforms would assist Australian cities to compete and be successful in a 21st-century, globally connected world. At the same time, it would still enable decisions to be based on local preferences and capabilities. This reform could be the central feature of a national approach to partnership with cities.
This national cities partnership could provide a much better framework in which individual City Deals become more effective. An agreement could include national performance outcomes and help drive reforms to metropolitan governance and financing. It could also provide a platform for a national settlement strategy that finally gets to grips with where our growing population might live and live well.
By focusing on the metropolitan scale, we will also be better placed to answer difficult questions like “who should serve as Australia’s metropolitan leaders?” and “who represents metropolitan communities and works with them to make hard decisions about their future?”.
Currently, we have States and their agencies working at the metropolitan level. We have local governments that, understandably, focus on their local issues. Only occasionally do local councils build cooperative structures at a regional or metropolitan scale. Local government amalgamation is not a solution to this issue, as there remains an important role for local as well as metropolitan-scale institutions.
<h2>What would a national cities partnership look like?</h2>
Australia has five metropolitan areas with populations over 1 million people. When regional cities with populations over 100,000 are also considered, there are 17 major cities and metropolitan areas that could join in developing a national cities partnership agreement.
The core principles for this partnership could be:
<ul>
<li>
collaboration between different levels of government at scales that make economic sense and are socially meaningful – e.g. metropolitan regions for big cities, and perhaps major regional cities and their hinterlands in rural and regional areas
</li>
<li>
reforms to allow for the emergence of city and metropolitan leaders, who can talk on behalf of major urban communities and work with stakeholders such as business and non-government actors
</li>
<li>
working hard to engage the public as well as peak bodies in thinking about the future of their region
</li>
<li>
translating plans into action, through ongoing community support and concerted and coherent Commonwealth investment programs.
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Commonwealth needs to take the lead</h2>
Disengagement at this time by the Commonwealth government would be disastrous, so we wish Minister Alan Tudge well in keeping cities on the government’s policy agenda.
A business-as-usual approach to federal intervention may not make things worse, but it won’t set up the reforms Australian cities need to thrive and grow sustainably.
A strategy to establish a national-city partnership agreement offers a way forward. It would provide a framework to make City Deals more effective. The partnership could enable the emergence of a new breed of metropolitan and city leaders to help elevate public dialogue about the future of our cities and drive financial reforms that would allow them to deliver and be responsible to their communities.
All of this should appeal to those in government who want to see policy evolve and develop and our cities grow into more prosperous, liveable and resilient places.
This article draws on separate presentations made by the authors at the 2019 <a href="https://piacongress19.com.au/" target="_blank">National Congress of the Planning Institute of Australia</a>.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/117839/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paul-burton-5155" target="_blank">Paul Burton</a>, Professor of Urban Management and Planning &amp; Director, Cities Research Institute, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828" target="_blank">Griffith University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/luke-nicholls-756766" target="_blank">Luke Nicholls</a>, Associate, Institute for Public Policy and Governance, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936" target="_blank">University of Technology Sydney</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-patchwork-of-city-deals-or-a-national-settlement-strategy-whats-best-for-our-growing-cities-117839" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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A patchwork of City Deals or a national settlement strategy: what’s best for our growing cities? Paul Burton & Luke Nicholls 

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The Swan Hill Mayor Les McPhee has officially opened a new solar farm just outside Swan Hill.
The 19MW solar farm funded and owned by Impact Investment Group's (IIG) second solar fund is expected to provide clean electricity for the equivalent of approximately 6,050 Australian homes, and have a 30-year life span. 
The project was estimated to have cost $36 million in total.
Impact Investment Group's Head of Renewable Energy Infrastructure said: "We're extremely proud of the Swan Hill solar farm, its contribution to the local economy, and Australia's clean energy system, this solar farm will save approximately 155 million litres of water each year.
"As Australia moves away from its old, polluting coal fired power plants, it will need new electricity generators and that transition could mean dozens of projects like this one; we'd love to see a new boom of solar jobs, not just in Victoria, but across the country."
Swan Hill Rural City Council Mayor Les McPhee said this was an important renewable power generation facility for the region.
Victorian Renewable Energy Advocate, Simon Corbell said: "Swan Hill solar farm is directly contributing to the growth of large scale renewable energy in Victoria and will contribute to towards achieving the Victorian Renewable Energy Target of 40% renewable energy by 2025.
"With the Australian Energy Market Operator having confirmed on Tuesday that Victoria is capturing the largest share of renewable energy growth of any jurisdiction, at 38%, we can expect many more projects like Swan Hill solar farm into the future."
IIG have stated: "This is an opportunity for wholesale investors to co-invest with IIG in an unlisted portfolio of up to $180m in Australian solar infrastructure assets, with exposure to the electricity spot market."
The folio was opened in June 2018, and attracted $55 million in its first round of investor commitments.
It remains open for second-round investors.
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IIG opens new Swan Hill solar farm

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An opportunity has arisen to lease office space in the Surry Hills commercial block designed by the late Harry Seidler.
It's been called home by the Australia Council for the Arts since it was completed by Seidler in 1999.
They're exiting the 4,435 square metre space which is available at the end of September. 
Seidler designed the building in 1996 and his development firm spent three years creating the six storey building that was modelled on his own offices in Milsons Point.
Those offices won the prestigious Sir John Sulman Medal.
Each floor of the Elizabeth Street block features column free space and is encased by frameless floor to ceiling glass windows.
There are large north facing terraces on levels three and six and west facing terraces on levels three and five.
The Seidler family still own the building.
Knight Frank's Nick Lau is marketing the commercial space.
There's likely to be more rental opportunities given the demise in Australia of low-commission real estate agency Purplebricks who occupy space on level one.
 
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Space opens in Harry Seidler designed office block in Surry Hills 

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NAB made changes to its home loan serviceability assessment policy, dropping its interest-rate floor to 5.5 per cent and increasing its interest-rate buffer to 2.5 per cent.
The changes are effective for all new home loan applications from 5 August.
The changes came after APRA revised its home-lending guidance, abolishing the 7 per cent interest-rate floor for mortgage assessments and raising the buffer rate to 2.5 per cent.
It is the last of the Big Four to tweak its serviceability policy with the other three announcing revisions and cuts earlier in July.
NAB has matched ANZ’s rate floor of 5.5 per cent.
They beat out their Big Four peers CBA and Westpac, who dropped their floor rates to 5.75 per cent.
<a href="/news/westpac-immediately-relaxes-serviceability-conditions-on-low-risk-owner-occupier-home-loans">Westpac was the first of the Big four</a> to make the cut.
All four increased the buffer rate to 2.5 per cent.
<a href="/expert-insights/finance/macquarie-bank-cuts-interest-rate-floor-2-per-cent-cba-unmoved">Macquarie</a> currently has the lowest interest rate floor at 5.3 per cent.
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NAB last of the Big Four to cut interest rate floor

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The Melbourne suburb of Reservoir is host to the highest volume of auctions this weekend, with 12 homes set to go under the hammer, according to CoreLogic.
Next busiest are Brunswick, Craigieburn and Glen Waverley, also in Melbourne, with 9 scheduled auctions each.
This week, the number of auctions scheduled to take place across the combined capital cities is expected to rise, with 1,012 currently being tracked by CoreLogic, increasing from the 896 auctions held last week at final results.
Over the same week, last year a much higher 1,5936 auctions took place across the capital cities.
Both Melbourne and Sydney are expected to see an increase in activity this week, with 480 homes scheduled for auction across Melbourne, while Sydney is set to host 366 auctions, increasing on the 410 and 303 auctions held last week respectively.
Within the smaller auction markets volumes are set to be higher across Adelaide, unchanged in Canberra and lower across Brisbane, Perth and Tasmania over the week.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/25/Reservoir%20Auctions%20-%20July%2025%20-%201.JPG" alt="">
The busy auction weekend in Reservoir sees <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-reservoir-131486362" target="_blank">6 Ida Court</a> (pictured in title) offered.
The property going under the hammer is a three bedroom, one bathroom house with a price guide of $650,000 - $710,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/25/Reservoir%20Auctions%20-%20July%2025%20-%203.JPG" alt="">
Another example of the breadth of auctions taking place in Reservoir is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-vic-reservoir-131468426" target="_blank">4/71 Summerhill Road</a> (pictured above).
The property going under the hammer is a two bedroom, one bathroom townhouse with a price guide of $450,000 - $495,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/25/Reservoir%20Auctions%20-%20July%2025%20-%204.JPG" alt="">
A third property going to auction in Reservoir this week is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-vic-reservoir-130722394" target="_blank">1/57 Yarra Avenue</a> (pictured above).
The property going under the hammer is a two bedroom, two bathroom townhouse with a price guide of $650,000 - $715,000.
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Reservoir set to be the busiest auction suburb this weekend

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Sydney house prices have risen in more than half of the city’s regions in the June quarter, new Domain data shows.
But overall Sydney house and unit price did decline by 0.4 percent.
It was the smallest quarterly fall since December 2017, according to Domain’s June House Price Report. 
<div class="in-content-ad">The median house price dropped to $1,032,338 – back to early 2016 levels while the median unit price has dropped to $688,652, back to mid-2015 levels.</div>
“It’s likely that prices have bottomed out in Sydney recently,” said Domain economist Trent Wiltshire.
 “This is the biggest downturn in property prices since the 1980s …  it looks to be at least close to an end.”
Sydney’s median house prices
<table style="width: 731px;">
<thead><tr>
<td width="87"> </td>
<td width="136">MEDIAN PRICE</td>
<td width="87">QOQ CHANGE</td>
<td width="87">YOY CHANGE</td>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="87">Blue Mountains</td>
<td width="136">$650,100</td>
<td width="87">0.29%</td>
<td width="87">-3.69%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">Canterbury Bankstown</td>
<td width="136">$825,000</td>
<td width="87">-1.20%</td>
<td width="87">-12.23%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">Central Coast</td>
<td width="136">$605,000</td>
<td width="87">-0.82%</td>
<td width="87">-6.92%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">City and East</td>
<td width="136">$2,125,000</td>
<td width="87">-5.87%</td>
<td width="87">-8.44%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">Inner West</td>
<td width="136">$1,448,750</td>
<td width="87">3.48%</td>
<td width="87">-7.72%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">Lower North Shore</td>
<td width="136">$2,300,000</td>
<td width="87">4.55%</td>
<td width="87">-4.96%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">North West</td>
<td width="136">$1,170,000</td>
<td width="87">1.74%</td>
<td width="87">-7.87%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">Northern Beaches</td>
<td width="136">$1,610,000</td>
<td width="87">-3.01%</td>
<td width="87">-6.40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">South</td>
<td width="136">$1,050,000</td>
<td width="87">1.69%</td>
<td width="87">-11.76%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">South West</td>
<td width="136">$671,000</td>
<td width="87">0.15%</td>
<td width="87">-7.54%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">Upper North Shore</td>
<td width="136">$1,600,000</td>
<td width="87">1.59%</td>
<td width="87">-3.03%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">West</td>
<td width="136">$675,000</td>
<td width="87">-1.46%</td>
<td width="87">-6.90%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4">
Source: Domain House Price Report, June Quarter 2019
 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Wiltshire said the recovery was skewed to higher-priced areas: lower north shore house prices recorded the strongest growth of 4.55% to $2.3 million in the June quarter.
It was followed by the inner west, up 3.48% to $1,448,750.
The upper north shore median increased 1.59 per cent to $1.6 million in the quarter ending in June.
Over the quarter, Melbourne median house prices rose 0.3%.
The best performer was Canberra, who saw their median house price over the quarter jump 1.5%.
It was followed by Hobart whose house prices rose 0.7%.
Capital city median house prices
<table><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="193" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.022826086956521774}'> </td>
<td width="215">Median house price</td>
<td width="136">QoQ</td>
<td width="87">YoY</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sydney</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Sydney"}'>$1,032,338</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"$1,032,338"}'>-0.4%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.004}'>-9.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Melbourne"}'>Melbourne</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"$818,237"}'>$818,237</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.003}'>0.3%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.077}'>-7.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Brisbane"}'>Brisbane</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"$559,167"}'>$559,167</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.014}'>-1.4%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.018}'>-1.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Adelaide"}'>Adelaide</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"$540,473"}'>$540,473</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.001}'>-0.1%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.014}'>1.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Perth"}'>Perth</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"$528,186"}'>$528,186</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.02}'>-2.0%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.054}'>-5.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Hobart"}'>Hobart</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"$474,423"}'>$474,423</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.007}'>0.7%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.039}'>3.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Canberra"}'>Canberra</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"$741,947"}'>$741,947</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.015}'>1.5%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.001}'>-0.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Darwin"}'>Darwin</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"$502,521"}'>$502,521</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.023}'>-2.3%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.029}'>-2.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Darwin"}'>
Source: Domain House Price Report, June Quarter 2019
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Sydney’s median unit prices
Sydney's median unit prices didn't perform as well as houses over the June quarter in the same areas.
The worst performer was the Central Coast, whose 7.37% June quarter change took its year on year change to over 10%.
The worst performer year on year is the Canterbury Bankstown area which saw declines over 16.6%.
<table style="width: 826px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="87"> </td>
<td width="136">Median price</td>
<td width="87">QoQ change</td>
<td width="87">YoY change</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">Canterbury Bankstown</td>
<td width="136">$500,000</td>
<td width="87">-3.10%</td>
<td width="87">-16.67%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">Central Coast</td>
<td width="136">$440,000</td>
<td width="87">-7.37%</td>
<td width="87">-10.39%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">City and East</td>
<td width="136">$910,000</td>
<td width="87">1.11%</td>
<td width="87">-7.61%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">Inner West</td>
<td width="136">$740,000</td>
<td width="87">2.07%</td>
<td width="87">-5.73%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">Lower North Shore</td>
<td width="136">$852,000</td>
<td width="87">-7.89%</td>
<td width="87">-9.36%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">North West</td>
<td width="136">$660,000</td>
<td width="87">-2.22%</td>
<td width="87">-9.47%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">Northern Beaches</td>
<td width="136">$780,000</td>
<td width="87">-2.50%</td>
<td width="87">-11.11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">South</td>
<td width="136">$640,000</td>
<td width="87">-4.48%</td>
<td width="87">-10.65%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">South West</td>
<td width="136">$438,000</td>
<td width="87">-2.67%</td>
<td width="87">-10.61%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">Upper North Shore</td>
<td width="136">$723,000</td>
<td width="87">0.42%</td>
<td width="87">-6.10%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="87">West</td>
<td width="136">$520,000</td>
<td width="87">-5.45%</td>
<td width="87">-11.26%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" width="87">
Source: Domain House Price Report, June Quarter 2019
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Across the capitals Melbourne was the only one with an increase in the median unit price, up 2%.
Darwin continued its damaging decline, a further 4.8% to be 10.4% down on the year.
Capital city median unit prices
<table style="width: 631px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="193" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.029}'>City</td>
<td width="215">Median unit price</td>
<td width="136">QoQ</td>
<td width="87">YoY</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Sydney"}'>Sydney</td>
<td>$688,652</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"$688,652"}'>-0.40%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.072}'>-7.20%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Melbourne"}'>Melbourne</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"$501,009"}'>$501,009</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.02}'>2.00%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.007}'>-0.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Brisbane"}'>Brisbane</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"$368,382"}'>$368,382</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.031}'>-3.10%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.089}'>-8.90%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Adelaide"}'>Adelaide</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"$310,642"}'>$310,642</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.002}'>-0.20%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.006}'>0.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Perth"}'>Perth</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"$342,930"}'>$342,930</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.016}'>-1.60%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.077}'>-7.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Hobart"}'>Hobart</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"$356,751"}'>$356,751</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.064}'>-6.40%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.015}'>-1.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Canberra"}'>Canberra</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"$448,737"}'>$448,737</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.014}'>-1.40%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.019}'>1.90%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Darwin"}'>Darwin</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"$298,438"}'>$298,438</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.048}'>-4.80%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":-0.104}'>-10.40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Darwin"}'>
Source: Domain House Price Report, June Quarter 2019
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</body></html>

House prices rise in more than half of Sydney’s regions in 2019 June quarter: Domain 

<html><body>
Over the past six months, there has been a continuing slow decline in the south-eastern Melbourne property market, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report suggests that values have continued to drop and it is likely the market is yet to bottom.
For the inner suburbs such as Bentleigh East and Hampton, there are still a vast amount of townhouse developments popping up despite the large fall in prices over the past year.
"These higher value suburbs are often hardest hit in declining markets," the valuation firm stated. 
On the peninsula, estate agents are getting creative with their sales tactics.
The report notes that this was evident in a sale via auction on 4 May 2019 at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-dromana-130838386" target="_blank">16 Jetty Road, Dromana</a> (pictured below). 
The real estate agent employed an unusual tactic to ensure the best result.
He announced the owner’s reserve price prior to the auction, which resulted in the auction lasting only 60 seconds, with the winning bid being the $1.25 million reserve, according to source: realestate.com.au.
<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/2019/6/27/dromana%20.jpg" alt="">
The purchaser was from the eastern suburbs, suggesting a sea-change or perhaps an intention to use the property as a holiday home.
Vacant land has not fared well over the past 12 months as there is an oversupply and purchasers are struggling to obtain finance.
Many developers are offering incentives such as offering to pay building deposits.
"In contrast, the unit market has remained resilient in the outer south-east and the peninsula," the valuation firm said. 
"This is largely due to units being at the lower end of the market and appealing to investors and first home buyers."
On the peninsula, there are a few properties which are managing to buck the trend.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-mornington-130630550" target="_blank">8 Mills Beach Close, Mornington</a> sold for $200,000 more than its 2017 purchase price and sold within two weeks of being placed on the market for $1,575,000.
The purchaser resided in Shepparton and purchased the property for a sea-change.
<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/2019/6/27/mornington%20.jpg" alt="">
A recent report named the suburbs that banks consider to be the riskiest in terms of lending (based on unsuccessful loan applications).
"The majority of high risk suburbs were located in the outer south-east being: Clyde North, Clyde, Cranbourne, Botanic Ridge, Tooradin, Blind Bight and Warneet.
"This can potentially lead to the banks selling up the properties or vendors being forced to accept a lower offer to avoid becoming bankrupt," the valuation firm said. 
</body></html>

Oversupply of vacant land on Mornington Peninsula: HTW residential 

<html><body>
Across the Clarence Valley, median prices remain strong, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report suggests that most localities are still recording median price increases across all property types, however some are beginning to show early signs of stabilising.
For instance, Grafton has shown a 6.2% rise in median house price from 2018 to 2019, while Maclean and Yamba remain steady.
"Recently, the rate of sales has slowed with some speculation surrounding the election," the report noted. 
Rural residential properties have remained popular with considerable interest being recorded, particularly those with multiple dwellings and the possibility for additional income.
Similarly, the prestige housing market has proved resilient with market leading sales being recorded in sought after positions in Yamba.
"As predicted, the significant majority of sales recorded recently remain in the $300,000 to $500,000 price point and it is likely the second half of 2019 will mirror the first two quarters," the valuation firm said. 
<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/2019/6/20/grafton%201.jpg" alt="">
A Grafton three bedroom house located just metres to the Clarence River has recently been sold for $315,000. 
The fresh painted house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-grafton-128285790" target="_blank">18 Oliver Street</a> (pictured above) comprises three bedrooms, tiled rumpus, timber kitchen and level garden. 
Additional features include ceiling fans and reverse cycle air conditioning.
<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/2019/6/20/maclean%20.jpg" alt="">
Another four bedroom house perched high on Maclean Hill with views of the Clarence River and hinterland has been sold for $442,500.
Set on a 1,308 square metre block, the house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-maclean-130342214" target="_blank">25 Clarence Street </a>(pictured above) comes with four bedrooms, media room or fifth bedroom, open plan living, and kitchen with views.
Other highlights include cupboard space throughout, double carport and large deck on both levels. 
</body></html>

Clarence Valley median price remains strong: HTW residential 

<html><body>
There are certainly opportunities in the current 2019 market to pay less than the last price.
But is there really such a thing as buying a bargain when it comes to property? And where are they?
This series of articles looks are specific examples of sale price or asking price falling. 
We take a look at where and if possible why this is happening.  
We came across this property for consideration.
A Mackay Harbour, Queensland apartment has slashed its listing $450,000 and is still yet to find a buyer.
Originally listed in 2008 the unit sought $1.8 million.
11 years down the track the vendors are now seeking just $1.35 million, a $450,000 reduction from what was originally sought.
Hermina Vickers of Vickers Group is currently marketing the property.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-mackay+harbour-104686637" target="_blank">1/5 Megan Place</a>, the property is a four bedroom, three bathroom apartment.
Set on 429 sqm, the abode comprises 210 sqm of balcony and 219 sqm of internal area.
Featuring a balcony on the front side and back, the unit features views of the international marina as well as the ocean and Coral Sea Islands.
It is located on the terrace level of the Admiralty Towers.
The holding includes two secure car park spaces and access to complex facilities such as the pool, spa, sauna and BBQ area.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/24/Admiralty%20towers%202.JPG" alt="">
<div class="image-wrapper">Property Observer advise that it is up to you to determine if the offering is a truly beneficial bargain.</div>
<div class="image-wrapper">
Remember buying at the bottom of the cycle is fraught – as you can't really precisely pick the bottom nor know just how long until you see some price growth.
Be aware you could be buying a poor quality property in an area with ongoing issues of oversupply of stock.
The oversupply could be also putting downward pressure on rents.
Other price declines could be because the vendor needs a quick sale or paid way over the top on its last purchase chase.
Property Observer suggests property purchasing really does need to be a very well considered proposition with a long term mindset.
As a part of this series, we've already had a look at properties in <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-at-mount-eliza-home-at-2-million-discount">Mount Eliza</a>, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-in-central-geelong-sale-price-dips-after-one-year">Central Geelong</a>, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-in-east-perth-near-new-apartment-makes-150-000-loss">East Perth</a> and <a href="/expert-insights/buying/bargain-property-in-sydney-olympic-park-apartment-listed-at-180-000-value-discount">Sydney Olympic Park</a>.
</div>
</body></html>

Bargain property in Mackay Harbour? Apartment listing slashed $450,000 remains unsold

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Joel Robinson

Iwan Sunito secures approval for $1.9 billion Five Dock mixed-use precinct

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]

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]

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