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Aussies want the best of both worlds when it comes to their home loan interest rate, according to new research by Finder.
Finder recently surveyed 1,000 Australians about how they would structure their mortgage if they were to refinance.
The data revealed that 1 in 5 (20%) would opt for a split mortgage, dividing their loan into fixed and variable portions.
Around 19% would refinance to a variable loan, while 17% would prefer to lock in their rate for a set period of time with a fixed-rate mortgage. The remaining 43% said they were unsure if they’d opt for fixed or variable.
Graham Cooke, insights manager at Finder, said that fixed-rate loans come with both risks and benefits.
“With the cash rate set to remain at 0.25% for some time, it’s unlikely the big banks will lower their standard variable mortgage rates any further for now."
“This means fixed-rate loans are back in vogue. For some homeowners, locking in their rate for a year or more may offer greater savings than a variable rate would."
“We’re currently seeing rock-bottom rates across the board with fixed rates as low as 1.95% from Easystreet, and the lowest variable rate even lower at 1.89% from Reduce Home Loans,” he said.
The research found that it’s the younger generations who place the most value on flexibility when it comes to their loan.
Over a quarter of Gen Z (27%) would split their mortgage – more so than any other generation – while Millennials are the most likely to choose a variable loan (23%).
Baby Boomers were more likely to refinance to a fixed rate (19%).
By state, Victorians (23%) are the most likely to choose a variable loan, followed by 1 in 5 NSW residents (20%).
Queenslanders are the most likely to choose either a split loan (25%) or a fixed-rate loan (21%), but the least interested in a variable one (12%).
Would you opt for a fixed rate home loan if you were buying or refinancing?  <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/cc5e9bce699fa1d71a67cf499/images/5e8a692e-f073-4f7e-ba22-75595725eea4.png" data-imagetype="External">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Aussies prefer split rate mortgages: Finder

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Consumer confidence continues to improve in September. Sentiment has lifted in four of the past five weeks.
Importantly, households are showing increased appetite for making a major household purchase.
In fact, the ANZ-Roy Morgan sub-index measure of whether it was a ‘good time to buy a major household item’ rose by 5.3 per cent to 1.8 points last week – the highest level since late June.
‘Stay-at-home’ Aussies have shown a strong desire to upgrade their homes during the pandemic. CBA credit and debit card spending on household furnishings and equipment over the week to September 11 is up 28 per cent on a year ago. And annual spending is above 30 per cent across all states and territories except Victoria (up 6.1 per cent).
Post-lockdown retail spending has been boosted by greater mobility, government payments and superannuation withdrawals. And household savings and potential tax cuts – along with closed international borders – could see pent up demand from consumers even as stimulus is tapered into year-end.
What do the reports and figures show?
Consumer sentiment – Week ended September 13
The weekly ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence rating rose by 1.4 per cent to 92.4 (long-run average since 1990 is 112.6). Confidence has lifted in four of the past five weeks. Sentiment is up by 41.5 per cent since hitting record lows of 65.3 on March 29 (lowest since 1973).
Four out of five of the major components of the index rose last week:
The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) credit card data – Week ended September 11
According to Commonwealth Bank (CBA), card spending in the week to September 11 was up 4.7 per cent on a year ago, compared to a 5.2 per cent lift for the week ended September 4. Online spending rose 17.4 per cent on a year ago (previous week: +21.9 per cent), but in-store spending was down 0.6 per cent (previous week: -2.1 per cent). Victorian card spending fell by 11.3 per cent on a year ago (previous week: ‑10.3 per cent), but Tasmanian spending was up 16.4 per cent (previous week: +18.2 per cent) compared to a year ago.
CBA noted, “Annual spending growth in all jurisdictions broadly tracked sideways over the past week. Spending on eating and drinking out has firmed over the week. In‑store spending is edging higher nationally and in Victoria it looks to have passed the trough.”
The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) Household Spending Intentions Series (HSI): August
According to the CBA, “The impact of the stage 4 lockdowns in greater Melbourne throughout August are clearly evident in the CBA Household Spending Intentions series for the month. The improvement seen during July in Home Buying, Retail, Travel, Entertainment and Education spending intentions all stalled in August. Health and Fitness spending intentions picked up in August, while Motor vehicle spending intentions continued to edge higher.”
On home buying intentions: “Home buying spending intentions for August retreated from their July highs. While there was a further increase in home loan applications, Google searches related to home buying declined slightly on the month.”
On retail spending intentions: “Retail spending intentions pulled‑back in August, consistent with our high‑frequency CBA credit/debit card spending data.”
On travel spending intentions: “The recovery in Travel spending intentions stalled in August, impacted by the restrictions imposed in Victoria.”
On health &amp; fitness spending intentions: “Health &amp; fitness spending intentions picked up in August. While actual spending was a little lower on the month, Google searches related to health saw an increase.”
On entertainment spending intentions: “Entertainment spending intentions pulled‑back a little in August, led lower by declines in food (eating out) and alcohol spending on licenced premises.”
On education spending intentions: “Education spending intentions were little changed in August, with some softness in spending and in Google searches for the education sector.”
On motor vehicle purchase intentions: “Motor vehicle spending intentions picked up in August and are back in positive territory for the first time since the start of the Covid‑19 pandemic.”
Kepler index of retail sales activity – Week ended September 13
The Kepler index of retail sales reported that aggregate sales fell by 13.2 per cent last week (September 13) to be down 26.9 per cent on the year. Average transaction value rose 0.1 per cent last week to be up 22.6 per cent on a year ago. Passer-by traffic fell 1.9 per cent last week to be down 52.6 per cent on the year. The weekly store shut down rate rose to 29 per cent (prior week: 27 per cent) with Victoria’s rate at 87 per cent.
OpenTable restaurant reservations – Week ended September 13
Australian restaurant reservations were down 9 per cent on September 13 from a year earlier, firmer than the 40.7 per cent drop recorded on September 6, according to OpenTable. Sit down diners fell by 99.7 per cent in Victoria (previous: -99.9 per cent), but were up by 61.6 per cent in Queensland (previous: up 146 per cent) and up 35.2 per cent in NSW (previous: +127 per cent).
Moovit change in public transport demand – Week ended September 13
Demand for public transportation – as measured by the urban trip planning app Moovit – was mixed over the week to September 13 (compared with the pre-pandemic level of January 15) from a week earlier in most of Australia’s biggest cities:
<ul>
<li>Sydney &amp; NSW: -43.7 per cent (previous week: -43.3 per cent)</li>
<li>Perth: -32.7 per cent (previous week: -36.5 per cent)</li>
<li>Brisbane &amp; South-East Queensland: -41.5 per cent (previous week: -41.1 per cent)</li>
<li>Melbourne &amp; Victoria: -83.1 per cent (previous week: -83 per cent).</li>
</ul>
What are the implications for investors?
Consumer confidence continues to improve due to increasing mobility in virus ‘free’ states and territories. Outside of Sydney and Melbourne, Aussies are more confident about going about their daily activities with the virus all but supressed. The notable weakening in sentiment last week in the two biggest cities and virus ‘hotspots’ – Melbourne (down more than 5 per cent) and Sydney (down over 3 per cent) – suggests that consumer caution remains elevated, weighing on the broader economic recovery.
Next week’s standout data release will be much-anticipated preliminary retail trade figures for August. The CBA Household Spending Intentions survey released today suggests that retail spending intentions pulled back in August. High frequency weekly CBA card spending and the Kepler Analytics retail gauge also imply a decline in spending during the month. Of course, Melbourne entered stage 4 lockdown restrictions in August with Victorian retail spending adversely impacted by social distancing measures and temporary retail store closures. But greater mobility in the ‘virus free’ states and territories are supportive of consumption and could yet offset the decline in Victorian spending.
RYAN FELSMAN is a Senior Economis at CommSec
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Consumer spending intentions hit 11-week high: CommSec's Ryan Felsman

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Investor activity in Warrnambool is currently strong and is forecast to stay strong into the long term, according to the August Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at investor activity across the nation. 
"Having been crowned Australia’s most liveable region by Ipsos’s annual Life in Metropolitan and Regional Australia report and offering affordable entry into the investment space, especially when compared to other major regional centres, Warrnambool has great prospects moving forward," the valuation firm said. 
Warrnambool provides a bevy of potential investment opportunities, the report suggests. 
Opportunities range from large scale land subdivisions, city infill, renovate and flip, short stay accommodation as well as the relatively affordable new land and house depreciation path. 
"While larger scale development and investment remains dominated by out of town money, the overall investment landscape is still in favour of the local," the valuation firm said. 
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Most recently, Warrnambool has seen a strong investment drive for the acquisition of larger allotments vacant or featuring older, low quality dwellings, the report suggests. 
<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/2020/9/7/warrnambool%201.jpg" alt="">
A prime example of this is the centrally located <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-warrnambool-132326478" target="_blank">53E Lava Street, Warrnambool</a> (pictured above).
It was sold for $442,500 on 13 December 2019. 
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Set on approximately 888 square metres and comprising two titles, this property also featured an older, conite clad, two-bedroom dwelling providing a very basic standard of accommodation.
Also representative of this demand is 212 Merri Street, Warrnambool ($400,000 on 18 May 2020). 
This property is situated opposite the Warrnambool train station and features a two-bedroom dwelling of average condition set on an allotment of approximately 1,541 square metres.
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Warrnambool investor activity to stay strong: HTW residential 

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A home in the north-eastern Adelaide suburb of Windsor Gardens has been listed for mortgagee sale.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home is being offered at $550,000.
Located at 14 Hart Street, the thoughtfully-designed home is set on a 469 sqm block.
Its offerings include a low maintenance yard with a swimming pool and combined spa, and an alfresco entertaining area.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/Screen%20Shot%202020-09-09%20at%202.44.32%20pm.png" alt="">
According to CoreLogic data, the median house price in Windsor Gardens is $468,000.
The property is located less than 10 kilometres to the CBD, vibrant North Adelaide and quality primary and secondary schools.
Boffo Real Estate’s Jimmy Wu and Carlos Carosi hold the listing.
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Mortgagee home in Adelaide's Windsor Gardens listed

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A mortgagee unit in Bruce, ACT has come onto the market.
Set on a 136sqm block, the property offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The home is listed with a price tag of $650,000, well above the median value price for units in Bruce at $442,203, according to CoreLogic.
Situated at 30/101 Kinloch Circuit, the home offers two courtyards, private alfresco area, dark panel flooring and a walk-in pantry.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/Screen%20Shot%202020-09-09%20at%202.27.14%20pm.png" alt="">
The two-storey unit is only one kilometre to the University of Canberra and an eight minute drive to Westfield Belconnen.
The home is listed through the real estate agency buyMyplace.
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Two storey Bruce, ACT mortgagee unit listed

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A mortgagee property in Western Australia’s Greenfields has come onto the market.
The three-bedroom, one-bathroom home has been listed with hopes of between $190,000 and $200,000.
Located at 4 Lorikeet Court, the 703 sqm block is situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac.
The property’s offerings include a large enclosed patio room, storage sheds and decent yard area.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/Screen%20Shot%202020-09-09%20at%202.10.20%20pm.png" alt="">
It last traded for $260,000 in 2014.
The home is in close proximity to the amenities in Mandurah, as well as being less than an hour to Perth.
Acton agent Greg Kent has the listing.
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Greenfields, Western Australia mortgagee home listed for $200,000 

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Apart from one standalone area, it is cheaper to buy a house in Greater Sydney than it is to rent, according to RiskWise Property Research.
Ryde is the only SA4 where the interest-only loan repayments for owner-occupiers in all of Greater Sydney are higher than the annual rent. In all other areas interest-only loan repayments are low, and in some cases well below the annual rent. There are also areas where only a small additional amount is required to also cover the ‘full mortgage’, i.e. both the principal and the interest repayments.
Co-founder of Buyers Buyers, an aggregator providing affordable buyer’s agency services to all Australians with its national panel, Pete Wargent said that while there are multiple factors that should always inform a buying decision, the buy versus rent equation has shifted this year due to lower mortgage rates.
“In the current environment prospective buyers need to consider the reliability of their employment and whether they have a reasonable buffer” Mr Wargent said.
“However, it’s clear that without as much from competition from investors many first-time buyers are now looking to get in”.
RiskWise CEO Doron Peleg said ultra-low interest rates had created a unique environment where buying a house in many areas was cheaper than paying rent on one.
He said in many areas, rent money was dead money, and that renters with secure jobs were better off buying a house than continue paying someone else’s mortgage.
“Except for Ryde, interest-only loan repayment amounts for owner-occupiers in Greater Sydney are below the equivalent annual rent, so it often makes sense to take advantage of the current ultra-low interest rates rather than continue to rent,” Mr Peleg said.
“In addition, except for in the Inner West, North Sydney and Hornsby, and Ryde, it's also cheaper to buy than rent for interest-only property investors in the whole of Greater Sydney, despite declining apartment rents in some areas”.
He said for principal and interest loans, owner-occupier repayments were higher than the annual rent of Greater Sydney, however, the monthly difference was less than $500 in five SA4 areas which included the Central Coast, with only a $15 difference, and outer suburbs such as Outer South West, Outer West and the Blue Mountains.
“Areas such as the city’s western suburbs and the Central Coast have enjoyed exceptional capital growth over the past 10 years with further positive projections in the medium to long term, especially as more and more people work remotely and can enjoy a sea or tree-change without having to seek accommodation close to employment hubs, but rather move for lifestyle benefits,” he said.
“If you buy a house you can start building equity, particularly when you take a long-term strategic view and are in a good position to negotiate well and buy a ‘Grade A’ property that will serve your family to many years to come.
“Our research also shows that nationally the interest-only repayments for both owner-occupiers and investors is lower than the annual rental cost of renting in most of the 88 areas at the statistical area level 4 (i.e. SA4s). Therefore, funding costs are lower than rental payments across all states and territories.
“And, except for Sydney and Melbourne, in all other states and territories, even the principal and interest repayments are lower than the annual rent, assuming that you have a 20 per cent deposit.
“No interest rate rises are expected in the foreseeable fortune and the intense competition between the banks is only going to further intensify, meaning buyers are in a very strong position to continue enjoying ultra-low interest rates.”
Mr Peleg said the biggest savings were in the capital cities where rental returns were the highest.
Mr Wargent of Buyers Buyers said “a sustained period of ultra-low interest rates seems almost certain in the foreseeable future and is likely to have a positive impact on the market during 2021. In fact, RBA research has found that for every 1 percentage point reduction to the cash rate, property values may increase 8 per cent over the following two years.”
Ultra-low interest rates have led some lenders to offer introductory home loan variable rates of 1.99 per cent, a move which follows the launch of the first fixed rate of less than 2 per cent.
Over the medium and the long term, Mr Wargent said solid price growth was highly likely for houses, particularly due to a systematic undersupply in the inner and middle rings, and also in the more affordable outer areas with good access to the CBD, such as the western suburbs.
Mr Peleg of RiskWise said “what this all means is now is the time to buy if you are a first home buyer or an owner-occupier as this current slowdown in the property market is only temporary, with houses in popular areas likely to experience solid capital growth in the medium to long term. However, it must be stressed that units carry a higher risk and at this point of time so this strategy should only be considered for houses.
“Once the COVID-19 issue is resolved, most likely in 2021, the traditional connection between low interest rates and increase in dwelling prices is likely to take place."
Mr Wargent of Buyers Buyers said investors with a long-term view could also benefit despite interest repayments for investment properties being slightly higher.
“If the rent covers their monthly interest repayments, they are in a good situation. There is a relationship between low interest rates, low out of pocket expenses and stronger demand and this is very attractive to investors,” he said.
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Cheaper to buy than rent in Sydney everywhere except for Ryde: RiskWise

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Australia’s biggest bank, CBA, has today announced a no interest credit card – the second of its kind in as many days.
The CommBank Neo card won’t be available for customers until late 2020. It will have credit limits of $1,000, $2,000 and $3,000 with no interest and no late or currency conversion fees.
The card includes a monthly fee based on the credit limit, however, there’s no fee if you don’t use the card, and have a $0 balance throughout any given month.
Last night big four bank NAB launched the StraightUp no interest credit card with near identical terms and conditions.
With buy now, pay later services like Afterpay and Zip Pay attracting more than 5 million customers between them, the big banks have come up with a credit card to compete.
RateCity.com.au research director Sally Tindall said, “These new cards signal it’s game on between the big banks and buy now, pay later.
“Hopefully this competition will bring more low cost, consumer-focused credit options to the table,” she said.
While CBA’s card is eerily similar to NAB’s, aside from the small variation in monthly fees, there are two key differences.
“The main difference between the two cards is NAB is asking customers to pay back more of their debt each month, which will see them clear it faster,” she said.
“The second difference is CBA offers shopping perks, but only if customers spend at certain stores."
“Customers should be wary: if they start buying things in a bid to claw back their monthly fee, then they’ve probably been had."
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CBA follows NAB's lead, announces Australia’s second no interest credit card

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There was a 64 percent weekend auction success rate in Sydney, with sales including the controversial chef Pete Evans and his wife Nicola Robinson securing $3.366 million for their Malabar home.
The five-bedroom home (above) sold through NG Farah for $166,000 above reserve.
Melbourne recorded just two sales from just a dozen of so homes listed for auction. Domain advised the same weekend last year saw a 72 percent success rate from 797 auctions.
The nation's top advised sale was $3.4 million in Manly when RED Property sold 48 Osborne Road (below).
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/9/14/48%20Osborn%20Manly.jpg" alt="">
There was a $3.15 million sale in Canberra with the sale of 63 Mugga Way, Red Hill.
The Bronte home of global cancer specialist GenesisCare founder Dan Collins and his wife, Cassandra, passed in on a vendor bid of $16.5 million, according to the Wentworth Courier.
PPD Real Estate agent Alexander Phillips had three registered bidders for the five-bedroom, four-bathroom Miramar Avenue home.
Adelaide had the nation's cheapest sale when $370,000 was paid for 4 Indora Avenue, Ingle Farm.
CoreLogic noted the combined capital city preliminary auction clearance rate held firm relative to last week across a lower volume of auctions.
There were 823 homes taken to auction over the week, down from 866 over the previous week and 1,639 this time last year.
Of the 657 results collected so far, 67.3 per cent were successful, roughly equivalent to lastweek’s preliminary figure of 67.5 per cent which laterrevised down to 60.5 per cent at final collection.
Over the same week last year, a final clearance rate of 72.8 per cent was reported across the combined capitals.
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Sydney was host to 606 auctions this week, similar to last week when 608 auctions were held, although higher than this time last year when 585 homes were taken to auction. 
Of the 507 auction results collected so far, 70.4 per centwere successful, up slightly from last week’s preliminaryresult of 69.5 per cent which revised down to 62.3 per cent at final results. This time last year, Sydney recorded a final auction clearance rate of 76.0 per cent.
Across the smaller markets, Canberra recorded the highest preliminary clearance rate of 83.0 per cent, across 47 auction results, followed by Adelaide with a preliminary clearance rate of 75.9 per cent across 29 results.
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Pete Evans sells as Sydney weekend auctions remain strong

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After 16 years heading Marshall White's Boroondara office, James Tostevin is opening an office in the Mornington Peninsula.
He'll be staying with Marshall White, opening Marshall White Mornington Peninsula, the real estate agency's sixth office.
The opening was delayed due to COVID-19.
The Marshall White veteran will be joined by former Lupton Ferguson agents Louise Lupton and Chelsey Gibson, and former Joel Hood Property agent Adrian Calcedo, who all join as directors.
Not joining the office is Tostevin's son Charlie. He'll be staying with Marshall White's Boroondara office.
James and the rest of the family relocated to Mt Eliza last year.
He is the group's top seller, and has been an Australia-wide Top 100 Agent for the past 15 years.
 
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James Tostevin opens Marshall White branch in Mornington Peninsula

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

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Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Staff reporter

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