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A three bedroom Chatwood apartment with Harbour glimpses recently sold for $2.3 million by mortgagees.
It was listed by First National Real Estate Chatswood.
Perched upon the 37th floor, the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-chatswood-128992202" target="_blank">3701/1 Post Office Lane</a> apartment comes with three bedrooms dining and living areas, sleek open plan kitchen, two chic bathrooms and north facing entertainer's balcony. 
Additional features include video intercom, ducted reverse cycle air-conditioning, and double security parking.
Located in the heart of Chatwood's central business district, it is within close proximity to Woolworths and Chatswood Train Station. 
It last sold at $1.37 million. 
The median price for a unit in Chatswood is <a href="/developments/chatswood-nsw-2067">$1.08 million</a> according to CoreLogic.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Chatswood apartment sold for $2.31 million by mortgagees

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The first CoreLogic Quarterly Rental Review for 2019, which tracks median rents and rental yields across Australia, shows that national weekly rents have risen by 1% during the first three months of the year.
“This seasonally strong first quarter has delivered the highest increase in weekly rents since the corresponding first quarter a year ago,” says Cameron Kusher, Research Analyst for CoreLogic.
“Our regional housing markets are performing marginally better than the capital cities, many of which have been experiencing weaker rental market conditions in recent years due to excess housing supply and growing investor activity.”
“Quarterly rents have increased across all capital cities, bar Sydney and Darwin. Hobart is experiencing notable growth, with rents increasing by 3.6% over the past quarter. However, with a median rent of $582 per week, Sydney remains Australia's most expensive city for tenants by far.”
The Quarterly Rental Review also highlights a national increase in yields over the past three and 12 months. Gross rental yields for the first quarter are 4.10% compared to 3.95% in the previous quarter and 3.77% a year ago.
Darwin has the highest rental yield across the country with an annual median of 6%.
Sydney remains Australia’s most expensive capital city market, with a median weekly rent of $582, despite a decline of -3.1% over the past 12 months. While rents in Sydney remained the same as the previous month, they increased by 0.5% over the past quarter. Sydney also has the lowest rental yields out of all capital cities, at 3.5% over the past quarter.
Key findings – rents and yields
<ul>
<li>Nationally, rents increased by +1% over the March quarter and by 0.4% over the past 12 months. Combined capital city rents were 0.9% higher than the December 2018 quarter but -0.1% lower than the previous March quarter. This is the lowest annual change since CoreLogic started tracking rents in 2005. Regional rents were slightly stronger, with a 1.1% increase over the quarter and a 1.8% increase over the past year.</li>
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<ul>
<li>In the first quarter, rents climbed in all capital cities except for Darwin (-0.3%). Hobart was by far the strongest performer, with a 3.6% increase in rent over the past quarter, followed by Perth (+1.8%) and Canberra (+1.5%). Hobart also experienced the highest increase in rent over the past 12 months (+5.4%) while at the other end of the scale the media rent in Darwin fell by -5.7%.</li>
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<ul>
<li>Nationally, the median rent is $436 per week. The median rent across the capital cities is $465 per week, and $378 per week across the regionals.</li>
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<ul>
<li>Gross rental yields have increased from 3.8% to 4.1% nationally. Across the combined capitals, the average rental yield is 3.8% (up from 3.5%). Regional yields are far higher at 5.1%, up from 4.9% 12 months ago.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/4/8/capital%20city%20rent%20.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/8/capital%20city%20rent%20.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic
The report showed Canberra with a median rental cost of $550 per week, an increase of 1.5% over the past quarter and 3.6% over the past 12 months. Canberra is one of only two capital cities (alongside Darwin) to experience a drop in weekly rent over the past month (-0.1%).
In Melbourne, rents are $454 a week – an increase of 1% over the quarter and 2.1% over the past 12 months. Melbourne also reported the greatest increase in rental yields out of all capital cities, with current rental yields being 3.6%, compared to 3.1% a year ago. Despite the rise in yields, Melbourne has the second lowest weekly rental yield out of all capital cities (after Sydney).
Brisbane rents are starting to climb again, with Brisbane now having a median weekly rent of $436. This is an increase of 0.8% over the past quarter, and 1.4% over the past 12 months.
Perth is the most affordable capital city to rent in with a median weekly rent of $385. However, it is showing signs of growth, achieving the second highest quarterly rate (after Hobart) with an increase of 1.8% over the past 3 months. Over the past year, Perth rents have increased by 2.1%.
Adelaide closely follows Perth to become the second most affordable capital city to rent a property in, with a median weekly rent of $386. Like Brisbane, it experienced a 0.8% rise in rents over the March quarter. Over the past 12 months, rents in Adelaide have risen by 1.2%. Gross rental yields have remained static over the year at 4.4%.
Hobart reported the strongest growth in rents, up 3.6% over the past quarter to $453 per week. Over the past year, rents have increased by 5.4%. Hobart also reports the strongest growth over the past month, with a 1.6% increase in weekly rent. Hobart also reported the second highest rental yield (after Darwin) of 5.1%, which remained the same as 12 months ago.
Darwin has experienced the most significant decline in rent to achieve a median weekly rent of $458. This is down -0.3% over the quarter and -5.7% over the past year. In addition, Darwin also reports a drop of 0.2% over the past month. However, at 6%, Darwin has the highest gross rental yield out of all the capital cities (up 0.1% on the past 12 months).
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Australian capital city rents rise over the first quarter: CoreLogic 

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Merribee, which has been a popular wedding setting for over 15 years at Numbaa, on the NSW South Coast has been listed for sale.
Merribee's <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi-rural-nsw-numbaa-130915254" target="_blank">autumnal gardens</a> were once part of Alexander Berry's 100 sqm mile estate. 
<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/2019/4/8/Mer3.jpg" alt=""> The gardens feature seasonal veggies, herbs and fruits, flowering plants and trees.
Over the last 20 years, the owners have created a landscape reminiscent of a grand estate from Victorian times.
<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/2019/4/8/Mer2.jpg" alt="">
It has successfully hosted continuous weddings and functions for over 15 years and has a full book of business through to the end of 2020. 
It offers the ultimate lifestyle and has a full book of business through to the end of 2020.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Merribee garden estate listed on the NSW South Coast

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Chinese investment in Australia dropped to AUD 8.2 billion in 2018 – down by 36.3% from 2017, according to the latest research from professional services firm KMPG.
KMPG's Demystifying Chinese investment in Australia report, written with The University of Sydney, found that private companies dominated the investment landscape.
They accounted for 87% of deal value and over 92% of deal volume, with an overall trend towards smaller sized deals.
Healthcare was the most popular sector for Chinese investors, with commercial real estate falling to second position. 
Chinese investors still see Australia as a relatively attractive country to invest in, the report notes, with an improving political climate, but they also confirmed that they are finding it harder to get capital out of China, and there are challenges raising capital in Australia.
 Knight Frank contributed data and analysis on commercial real estate transactions.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/4/8/Chinese%20ODI%20to%20Austraia%20.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/4/8/Chinese%20ODI%20to%20Austraia%20.png" alt="">
“Despite Chinese global outbound direct investment actually growing by 4.2% in 2018, Australia has felt the pinch of a significant reduction to our shores, reflecting the impact of policy changes in China," said Doug Ferguson, KPMG's head of Asia and international markets and report co-author.
"Our rate of decline has been accelerating and is now closer to the trend observed in the United States and Canada, where Chinese Overseas Direct Investment dropped by 83% and 47% respectively in 2018.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/4/8/EU%20US%20AND%20AUSTRALIA%20.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
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“While this annual result brings Chinese ODI in Australia back to the second lowest level since the mining and gas driven investment peak year of 2008, there is no reason why Australia can’t return to higher levels of Chinese capital inflow seen historically.”
“2018 need not define a trend of lower Chinese investment in Australia into the future but it is a moment to reflect upon. There are a great many opportunities for Chinese companies to contribute towards the development and internationalisation of Australian industries in the coming years. Australian companies seeking further investment must continue to explore and present unique opportunities that appeal to the key value drivers of targeted Chinese investors,” Mr Ferguson said.
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Fellow author, Professor Hans Hendrischke, Professor of Chinese Business &amp; Management at the University of Sydney Business School cited a number of factors in the decline.
“The continued reduction in Chinese investment in Australia reflects a combination of factors, including changing drivers of Chinese ODI such as an increased demand for outbound investment in high value-added sectors to ‘bring back’ expertise and high-quality brands and products that can support China’s industrial upgrading and meet the evolving demands of Chinese middle class consumers. 
"As part of this trend, large strategic investments in resources, energy and infrastructure have given way to smaller investments, into projects that are tactical and directly linked to Chinese consumer market demand. 
"This is particularly evident in the targeting of the Australian healthcare sector by Chinese investors.”
REPORT SUMMARY
Investment by Industry
After a steady growth trajectory since 2015, healthcare was the most significant sector for Chinese investment in 2018 representing 41.7% of total ODI, up 111% from 2017 to AUD 3.4 billion; followed by commercial real estate (36.7%); energy/gas and oil (8.8%); and mining (5.6%).
Healthcare saw three mega deals of over AUD 500 million were recorded in 2018 - from CDH Investment and China Grand Pharm into Sirtex Medical; By-Health into Life-Space Group; and China Jianyin’s Investment into Nature’s Care. There were another five other significant healthcare deals completed including a Chinese/Hong Kong consortium investing into IVF and fertility clinic group, Genea.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/4/8/chinese%20investment%20by%20industry.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
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Commercial real estate remained a leading sector for Chinese investment in 2018, accounting for AUD 3 billion of investment (down from AUD 4.4 billion in 2017), continuing to attract a similarly significant proportion (11%) of China’s total global overseas real estate investment. Mixed use development accounted for 40% of total investment inflow, driven by the Yuhu Group’s AUD 1.1 billion acquisition of Dalian Wanda’s property assets in Australia. Investment in the office sector made up 31% of the total, supported by Zone Q’s acquisition of 55 Clarence Street. Residential development sites also continued to account for a significant share (18%) of investment in Australian real estate.
“Australia continues to attract a high level of Chinese investment into commercial real estate, with total investment reaching AUD 3 billion in 2018. While this was 31% down on the 2017 level, the drop was in line with a wider global trend toward lower Chinese outbound investment in other key markets such as the US and UK during 2018. So Australia remains a key destination, taking around 11% of total Chinese outbound real estate investment,” said Ben Burtston, Partner, Head of Research &amp; Consulting, Knight Frank Australia.
“Changing conditions in the residential market have acted to dampen the appetite for large development site acquisitions, although we continue to see a high volume of private investment in the office sector in particular. Looking ahead, we expect to see more Chinese investors venturing beyond Sydney and Melbourne as market conditions improve in the likes of Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.”
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Three deals in 2018 saw Chinese investment in energy (oil and gas) grow 295% to AUD 726 million, however this was primarily driven by ENN’s acquisition of more shares in Santos for AUD 619 million. The other deals were smaller scale investments in Queensland and Western Australia.
The mining sector accounted for 5.6 percent of the total Chinese investment inflow with five mining deals totalling AUD 464 million in 2018, a decrease of over 90 percent from 2017. Chinese mining investment in Australia returned to 2016 levels after a peak in 2017 due to Yancoal’s AUD 3.4 billion acquisition of Rio Tinto’s thermal coal assets.
Renewable energy recorded four new investments in 2018, totalling just under AUD 400 million, which is a similar level to 2016 and an increase over the AUD 124 million recorded in 2017.
Food and agribusiness investment totaled less than AUD 100 million in 2018, while the only infrastructure and construction transaction recorded was John Holland’s (owned by CCCI) acquisition of engineering group RCR Tomlinson’s rail business.
Investment by Geography
Chinese capital was again focused in NSW in 2018, with the state accounting for over half (53%) of all investment: AUD 4.4 billion. Victoria saw a drop from 36% of total investment in 2017 to 27% in 2018. Investment in South Australia rose to AUD 640 million from AUD 455 million, with the state attracting 8% of total inflows. Queensland investment fell to AUD 396 million in 2018, compared to AUD 667 million last year. Tasmania accounted for 4% of total investment, with deals worth AUD 342 million, while Western Australia saw inflows of AUD 263 million.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/8/investment%20by%20state.jpg" alt="">
Investment by Deal Size
The trend toward smaller deals continued in 2018 with an average deal value of AUD 111 million, down from AUD 130 million in 2017. The number of deals also dropped to 74 from 100. 85% of deals fell below the AUD 100 million mark. This reflects more deals being done in mid-sized Australian markets in health, technology, services and real estate sectors.
Investment by Ownership
Private investors accounted for 92% of the Chinese deal volume and 97% of deal value in 2018, up from 83% in number and 60% in volume in 2017.
Investment by State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) dropped to just over AUD 1 billion – representing 8% of deal volume and 13% of deal value.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/4/8/investment%20by%20ownership%20.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/8/investment%20by%20ownership%20.jpg" alt="">
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Chinese Investors in Australia Survey
The Chinese Investors in Australia Survey involved surveys and interviews with senior executives from 56 Chinese-invested companies located in Australia on their perceptions of the Australian investment climate and key challenges they face in Australia. The research was undertaken in February 2019.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/4/8/survey%20.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/8/survey%20.jpg" alt="">
Source: KPMG
Commenting on the survey results, Professor Hendrischke said the investment climate for Chinese companies in Australia was mixed in 2018. While Australia remains a preferred investment destination relative to other countries, Chinese executives are finding it harder to get investment approvals and capital out of China.
“Our local survey also revealed mixed sentiment amongst the perceptions of Chinese investor," Hendrischke noted.
"There was an increase in the number of Chinese executives who told us they feel welcome to invest in Australia - up to 38 percent, compared to 35 percent in 2017. However there was also an increase in the percentage of respondents who feel unwelcome, from 15% to 19%. 
"One area of note is the improving perceptions around Australia’s political environment regarding China, with the number of respondents saying that past year’s political debate has made them more cautious to invest falling to 59%, compared to 70% in 2017.”
“Our survey and interviews with Chinese investors indicate a level of concern around the costs of doing business. Australia continues to be seen by Chinese investors as a more expensive country to operate in than the UK, US and Canada, with challenges noted in areas such as obtaining finance, low profitability, government approvals, finding qualified staff and building relationships with local Australian management,” added the Professor.
Outlook
“Looking forward, it seems Australia’s investment links with China may be increasingly affected by global, rather than purely bilateral dynamics. At the same time, the recent decline in Chinese investment in Australia provides an opportunity to reflect on the role that future Chinese investment should play in Australia’s long-term domestic economy and our economic integration into the Asian region. This should be done with clear focus on the new opportunities for foreign investment which are expected to continue to open up in the China market, including with the implementation of the new Foreign Investment Law and related rules and regulations,” said Mr Ferguson.
“There is still a long journey ahead for many Australian industries that have the potential to receive much greater sums of Chinese investment – but there is much that must be done on both sides to improve the perception of the Australian market to Chinese investors,” he concluded.
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Chinese investment in Australia falls 36.3 percent in 2018

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Dentist Nasser El Hage and his cosmetic surgeon wife Dr Alia Nasser had their Paddington property passed in at yesterday’s onsite auction, but it sold soon after at an undisclosed price, reportedly $7.7 million.
The Caledonia Street holding (above and below) cost $4,779,000 in 2013, along with a further outlay for a one bedroom with car spot across the street.
<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/2019/4/8/Cal1.jpg" alt="">
The couple had just sold their futuristic Renaldo Gaiety-designed home in Sans Souci for a then suburb record of $3,025,000.
The Agency’s Ben Collier saw only the one bid of $7.625 million secured by the struggling auctioneer who sought shade from sun under the glorious olive tree in the private courtyard on the 450sqm property.
<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/2019/4/8/CAL3.jpg" alt="">
A nearby offering is being auctioned next week by Basil Mcilhagga, the Hong Kong-based CEO of gold miner Stibium, who has $5.5 million hopes through BradfieldCleary agents Bob Guth and Georgie Cleary.
Mcilhagga’s initial purchase was a 300sqm corner terrace costing $540,000 in 1992, then adding next door for $360,000 in 1999.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph. 
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Caledonia Street, Paddington street record set from 450 spm offering

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Weekend auction reports were at odds on the status of a sale in Melbourne prestige Malvern East property market.
Nine Entertainment carried two conflicting stories on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-malvern+east-130656822" target="_blank">a 1920s Malvern East home sale result</a>.
One report had Kay &amp; Burton's Michael Armstrong noting that buyer confidence was "coming back to the market citing an auction at 56 Clarence Street, Malvern East, selling for about $3 million."
However The Australian Financial Review disputed Domain when referencing the view of buyer's agent Emma Bloom who has provided regular Monday morning negative market commentary ever since quitting her estate agency job at Kay &amp; Burton last year.
Bloom noted the 1920s five-bedroom residence at 56 Clarence Street passed in after a vendor bid but sold soon after for $2.76 million, which was lower than its $3.2 million official valuation.
There had been $2.8 million to $3 million pre-auction price guidance given by the K&amp;B agents Gerald Delany and Mark Mckenzie.
Bloom became an estate agent in 2012 in sales with Kay &amp; Burton South Yarra after nine years with women’s fashion brand Portmans, which was owned by her father Norman and uncle Barry until its sale to Just Jeans.
The property, nestled on the fringe of the Gascoigne Estate, sits on 775sqm. 
Admired for its elegant period façade, the existing five bedroom, three bathroom family home presented an opportunity to secure a site for a luxury new home.
It sold for $65,000 in 1978.
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Different spin on Malvern East auction outcome 

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GUEST OBSERVATION
You’re smiling as your e-scooter whispers along the riverside path. Without the helmet, the wind can blow through your hair – and it looks good! You hear a shout, “Pull over!”, and turn to see police heading towards you with your helmet in hand.
Police conducted a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-30/electric-scooters-riders-fined-safety-breaches-brisbane-qld/10956110" target="_blank">blitz on safety breaches</a> by eletric scooter riders in Brisbane over the weekend. And employees of operator Lime tell us safety issues have been persistent in <a href="https://theconversation.com/limes-not-lemons-lessons-from-australias-first-e-scooter-sharing-trial-108924" target="_blank">Australia’s first trial of a shared e-scooter scheme</a>.
How do we educate users about helmets and safe riding behaviour? And how can helmets be distributed cost-effectively?
As with other disruptive tech companies with mass appeal, the safety and regulatory issues raised by e-scooters – including <a href="https://theconversation.com/electric-scooters-on-collision-course-with-pedestrians-and-lawmakers-99654" target="_blank">rider and pedestrian safety</a> and being <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-e-scooters-solve-the-last-mile-problem-theyll-need-to-avoid-the-fate-of-dockless-bikes-102633" target="_blank">left in inappropriate places</a> – are attracting attention. A closely related issue is helmets and their role in rider safety.
Scooter operators have come under <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/better-helmet-compliance-needed-for-lime-scooters-lord-mayor-says-20190212-p50xcs" target="_blank">pressure to encourage riders to wear helmets</a>. The RACQ has <a href="https://live.racq.com.au/2019/03/majority-of-scooter-riders-going-too-fast/" target="_blank">called on Lime</a> “to ensure every scooter put out has a helmet attached”.
A day in the life of a helmet
Ultimately, responsibility for public safety and compliance with civic cleanliness rests with the individual mobility provider. Lime accepts this and has announced it will <a href="https://www.li.me/respect-the-ride" target="_blank">distribute 250,000 helmets</a> worldwide.
Each day fully charged scooters, with helmets, are placed on footpaths. At the end of each day, the tally of scooters and helmets does not add up. This is known in the industry as helmet churn – the constant loss and replacement of helmets. Unlike the scooters themselves, which have smart tracking technology, helmets are kept cheap to minimise the cost of these losses.
Let’s try to unpack the issue of helmet churn.
It is agreed that not wearing a helmet plays a part in the problem. Some riders simply leave it behind. Aside from being unsafe, this separates the helmet from the scooter, so it becomes unavailable for the next scooter user.
New insights are emerging as we begin to study this phenomenon. Reasons for helmet churn are linked to a reluctance to share them – we believe some riders worry about hygiene – and it being a disposable product. It seems there may even be feelings of ownership, with some perceiving the helmet to become their property through paying for the ride.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/264308/original/file-20190318-28483-1pxl1jp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/264308/original/file-20190318-28483-1pxl1jp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Assumed reasons for helmet churn. Peter Townson/QUT Chair in Digital Economy
Limits of deterrence
Two main compliance mechanisms are in place to discourage riders from contributing to helmet churn: police and Lime.
In Queensland, the <a href="https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/wheeled-devices/personal-mobility-devices" target="_blank">fine for not wearing a helmet is A$130</a>. In <a href="https://www.rsc.wa.gov.au/Rules-Penalties/Browse/Cyclists" target="_blank">other</a> <a href="https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-rules/penalties/fines" target="_blank">states</a> and <a href="https://police.act.gov.au/road-safety/traffic-fines" target="_blank">territories</a> fines range from as little as <a href="https://nt.gov.au/driving/driving-offences-and-penalties/cycling-penalties" target="_blank">A$25</a> to as much as <a href="https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/go-together/faqs" target="_blank">A$337</a>.
<a href="https://eprints.qut.edu.au/110376/" target="_blank">Research into deviant consumer behaviour</a> tells us this tactic of appealing to fear of punishment extends only to riders wearing helmets. It does not have an effect on the broader issues of vandalism and theft.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/267495/original/file-20190404-131434-s370no.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/267495/original/file-20190404-131434-s370no.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
The penalty for not wearing a helmet in each state. Peter Townson/QUT Chair in Digital Economy
The <a href="https://eprints.qut.edu.au/110376/" target="_blank">research</a> also suggests the “fear of punishment” approach makes two critical assumptions:
<ol>
<li>that people agree the behaviour is wrong (“yes, this is dangerous”)</li>
<li>riders think there is a real risk of being caught (“catch me if you can”).</li>
</ol>
Given this is not always the case, a risk-based approach to deterrence is limited.
Lime also plays a part in curbing helmet noncompliance. Its current strategy, aside from providing the helmets, is the <a href="https://www.li.me/respect-the-ride" target="_blank">Respect the Ride</a> education program. It aims to foster a community and culture of safe mobility, underpinned by a personal pledge each rider is encouraged to make.
This approach is appropriate for trying to change the behaviour of not wearing a helmet. It does not target people who are taking advantage of publicly available helmets.
These measures still do not fully solve a pervasive problem.
You have a disruptive mobility company in the spotlight because of safety concerns. The company has a duty of care to supply helmets and ensure riders are safe. Riders are disregarding, disposing of, defacing and destroying helmets.
How do we solve this tough, intractable, social problem?
A shift in thinking – ecosystem view
If helmet churn exists for Lime scooters, then it exists for all other ride-share operators in that area. If a helmet isn’t available, riders will often borrow from other services such as share bikes.
Helmets are sometimes considered “free for grabs” across different mobility providers. Should the duty of care that requires helmets be provided rest on each mobility service operator, when the noncompliance of one undermines them all?
While these personal transport providers are in competition with one another, they have an opportunity to relinquish their individual burden of helmet churn by working together on the problem.
A shift in thinking – personalised view
If the one constant across various mobility services is the rider, we should also consider a “bring your own helmet” approach. This approach possibly started in technology companies (“bring your own device”, allowing employees and customers to use their own devices to interact with an organisation) and has spread to other areas. For instance, environmentally conscious coffee lovers bring their own cups, while still having the option of using a paper cup.
Could a similar option work for helmets? <a href="https://www.ecohelmet.com/" target="_blank">Disposable helmets – made of cardboard – are being tested</a> as a concept. And personalised helmets that look and feel like a beanie can be <a href="https://antiordinary.co/" target="_blank">pre-purchased from a start-up created by QUT students</a>.
Cyclists still carry their own helmets when they commute on their own bikes, so the acceptance of this BYO approach should be simple. The difference is users need only provide a helmet, without having to worry about finding safe parking and storage places for the day or overnight.
Adapting to disruption
The meaning of a helmet has shifted significantly from individual property to a shared utility, as has the meaning of many modes of transport, including bikes and scooters. There are two paths from here: ecosystem, with ubiquitous helmets available for everyone; and personalised, with riders bringing their own helmets.
Either of these is different from the world we know today. The bigger picture is a collaborative effort to achieve the goal of rider safety.
Peter Townson, Senior Designer, Chair in Digital Economy, Queensland University of Technology
Marek Kowalkiewicz, Professor and Chair in Digital Economy, Queensland University of Technology
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/helmet-churn-adds-to-challenges-of-e-scooter-disruption-113754" target="_blank">original article</a>.
Main photo: Lime is working on ways to overcome the problem of ‘helmet churn’ on its e-scooters. Marvin Fox Photography, Author provided
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Helmet churn adds to challenges of e-scooter disruption

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GUEST OBSERVATION
On the night the 2016 <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/2049.0" target="_blank">census </a> was taken, more than 116,000 Australians were homeless. This was a 30% increase from the decade before.
What has driven this increase is difficult to pin down, but research points to a lack of affordable housing, poverty and personal vulnerabilities such as trauma, mental illness and substance misuse as key factors.
We recently published a paper in the <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10940-019-09407-y" target="_blank">Journal of Quantitative Criminology</a>, exploiting a rich dataset derived from tracking 1,600 disadvantaged respondents over approximately three years.
And we found people who have been incarcerated are at a greater risk of becoming homeless. But interestingly, the reverse isn’t true – homeless people are not at greater risk of incarceration.
Identifying similarities
Like the homeless population, Australia’s prison population has increased by <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4512.0?OpenDocument" target="_blank">56%</a> in the past decade, from 25,968 to 40,577 people.
Social researchers and policymakers have long been aware of a strong association between incarceration and homelessness. Local and international <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1375/acri.39.1.20" target="_blank">studies</a> consistently report the homeless are over-represented in prison and ex-prisoners are over-represented among the homeless.
That such a strong association exists should come as no surprise.
Both populations share many similar characteristics – lower education levels, high rates of mental and physical illness and substance misuse, as well as high rates of economic disadvantage.
Yet, despite numerous studies, the question of whether this association reflects causal relationships has proven surprisingly difficult to answer.
One reason for this is that researchers have had to rely on samples of either prisoners or the homeless, and these samples are not suited to addressing questions of causality.
Are homeless people more likely to be imprisoned?
Our paper used data from <a href="https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/journeys-home" target="_blank">Journeys Home</a>, a study uniquely suited to shedding light on the relationship between incarceration and homelessness. Launched in 2011, Journeys Home not only tracks people exposed to homelessness and housing insecurity over time, but also it captures important information on their housing circumstances and contact with the justice system.
There is no universally agreed definition of homelessness, so we tested two different approaches – broad and literal.
Our broad definition included people sleeping rough, people in emergency accommodation, in boarding houses, couch surfing and people staying temporarily in a hotel or caravan park. This aligns with the way homelessness is commonly defined in Australia.
We found that homelessness, broadly defined, does not increase the risk of incarceration.
Being “literally” homeless is a more limited definition commonly used in the USA. It restricts the definition to those who were on the streets, in squats or staying in emergency or crisis accommodation.
Based on <a href="https://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1118&amp;context=spp_papers" target="_blank">previous research</a>, we expected this form of homelessness would be linked to a higher risk of incarceration.
To our surprise, it wasn’t. Being literally homeless also has no effect.
Why might this be the case?
When we examined forms of contact with the justice system, we found being homeless does not increase the risk of being apprehended or held overnight by the police or sent to court.
This suggests homelessness does not lead to incarceration because it does not increase any type of contact with the justice system usually preceding incarceration.
Are ex-prisoners more likely to become homeless?
The answer is yes, but the immediate effect is modest.
Our research shows the risk of ex-prisoners becoming homeless increases significantly six months after release, and this increased risk persists for nearly another year.
Responding to the delayed and persistent effect of incarceration is important.
Policy interventions such as <a href="http://www.corrections.vic.gov.au/home/release/transition+programs/" target="_blank">Reconnect</a>, a transition and post-release support program, provide assistance for a short period (up to 12 weeks) following discharge. While this is clearly warranted, our results suggest the need to broaden and extend existing interventions.
Many ex-prisoners rely on family and friends in the immediate period following release. Many appear to enjoy a “<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J076v43n01_05" target="_blank">honeymoon</a>” period of six months or so.
At that point, ex-prisoners’ housing starts to breakdown. Many start to couch surf or live in boarding houses, where there is limited housing security and they are exposed to poor living conditions.
Clearly, families provide important social support to ex-prisoners, but they often have limited resources. Based on our research, we feel that policy initiatives should consider ways of engaging and supporting ex-prisoners’ families, as well as funding extended settlement support programs delivered through a range of supported housing arrangements.
A focus on assisting families and extending settlement support programs is the next step in developing policy approaches. These would more effectively mitigate the extended risk of homelessness and housing instability that our research shows ex-prisoners experience.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/113570/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;">
Guy Johnson, Professor, Urban Housing and Homelessness, RMIT University
Julie Moschion, Senior Research Fellow, Melbourne Institute, University of Melbourne
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/ex-prisoners-are-more-likely-to-become-homeless-but-the-reverse-isnt-true-113570" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Ex-prisoners are more likely to become homeless but the reverse isn’t true

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JLL’s new Brisbane headquarters, Central Plaza, has earned a 6 star Green Star Interiors v1.1 rating.
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) placed the tenancy, on levels 39 and 40 at 345 Queen Street (pictured), in the World Leadership category.
6 stars is the highest rating that the GBCA can award in Australia.
The JLL Brisbane fitout, for which used its own in-house expertise rather than external consultants, is one of the only two fitouts to be rated a 6 star under Green Star interiors v1.1.
JLL’s Managing Director – Queensland, Geoff McIntyre, said: "this great achievement reflects the collaboration of so many different parts of our business from project management through to sustainability services. We have set a new internal standard, and we can roll out all future projects using this model."
JLL's Head of Energy and Sustainability Services – Asia Pacific, Matt Clifford, said: “this project is a clear demonstration that with the right approach, and the right leadership, achieving world-class levels of sustainability doesn’t need to be hard or costly. Rather, it can be simple, cost-effective and good for the environment, while delivering a fantastic place for our staff to work." 
“The use of LED lighting and timed sensors in the JLL Brisbane office has reduced the consumption to 33 per cent of recommended Australia Standards for lighting, which is expected to result in significantly lower electricity costs," he concluded.
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JLL Brisbane headquarters achieves 6 star Green Star rating

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New South Wales-based property developer Capital Bluestone is set to align itself with global development firm Aoyuan International.
Headed by Steve Grant and Ben Fairfax, Capital Bluestone has been operating for more than 28 years.
Capital Bluestone have completed six projects across five sites including the award-winning Woolooware Bay Town Centre.
The move will see them continue as a division of Aoyuan International, working together across a portfolio of 16 projects in metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW markets.
Aoyuan International has built 10 projects including apartment and land sub-division sites in Sydney’s CBD, East, Inner West, North Shore and Southern Highlands since arriving in Australia
It most recently delivered the $380 million, 138-apartment luxury development One30 Hyde Park (pictured above) overlooking Hyde Park at the corner of Elizabeth and Liverpool Streets in the Sydney CBD.
Aoyuan International also has interests in Canada and Hong Kong.
Capital Bluestone Executive Chairman Steve Grant said: "the beauty of this arrangement is that in a challenging time with the banking sector and accessing finance, Aoyuan International’s capital markets expertise and strength puts us in the box seat to become a highly competitive, major force in the Australian property industry for a long time to come."
“We have a high regard for Capital Bluestone’s capability and reputation in the market and feel they’re a very good fit for our current portfolio and team,” he added.
Capital Bluestone Managing Director Ben Fairfax said cultural fit and focus had been a key consideration for both businesses.
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Capital Bluestone to partner up with Aoyuan International

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <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>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

Staff reporter

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