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Olympic rower Bryan Curtin and his wife Minhee are downsizing from their Woolwich home, Eversley, which has been listed with $11 million plus hopes.
Curtin, who rowed for Australia with his brother Richard in the 1972 Munich Games, has been in Woolwich since 1986 when he bought the north-facing waterfront block with private jetty and 12-metre pool for $1.6 million.
McGrath’s Tracey Dixon is seeking offers until March 8 for the 1500 square metre property.
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Former Olympic rower Bryan Curtin lists Woolwich villa Eversley

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The tightening in lending standards over the past year was not the cause of the recent decline in housing credit growth, the RBA has suggested.
Liaison with banks, other lenders and mortgage brokers suggests that the demand for housing loans has declined. 
"Liaison also reported that most people who apply for a housing loan can still obtain one, though they have to provide more documentation, answer more questions and wait a few days longer to be approved."
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/8/RBA%20Graph%2034.JPG" alt="">
The new landscape sees higher competition between lenders to issue new loans to low-risk borrowers, the RBA advised.
"Liaison with mortgage brokers and banks suggests that lenders are competing vigorously to attract borrowers with high-quality credit profiles that are applying for owner-occupier P&amp;I loans. "
"In particular, owner-occupiers with low loan-to-valuation ratios who can demonstrate the ability to service their loan are being offered quite low interest rates."
"Liaison also suggests that borrowers with these characteristics who have had a home loan for some time and want to refinance can often obtain a lower interest rate from another institution or convince their existing lender to lower the rate that they are paying." 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/8/RBA%20Graph%201.JPG" alt="">
There has been a slowing in credit growth, primarily for investors, as the credit given by major banks to investors contracted, consistent with a decline in investor housing loan approvals by these banks.
The RBA noted, "However, this had been partly offset by a pick-up in investor credit growth at a number of other ADIs and non-ADIs."
"The slowing in credit growth is consistent with reduced demand for housing finance, particularly from investors."
"Indeed, liaison with major banks and mortgage brokers indicates that they have been receiving significantly fewer loan applications over the past year or more."
"Also, liaison with the banks and mortgage brokers indicates that most loans are still being approved; banks reported that the conversion rates of applications to approvals were stable at high levels in 2018."
The fall in housing prices in major markets appears to have reduced the demand for credit, particularly from investors, not the other way round as has been previously suggested.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/8/RBA%20Graph%202.JPG" alt="">
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Tightening in lending standards not the cause of housing credit growth decline: RBA

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LandMark White Limited recently became aware that a dataset containing property valuation and personal contact information has been leaked.
LMW stated, "We have engaged leading external cyber security and privacy experts to undergo a forensic investigation into the incident, as well as the circumstances of the disclosure of the dataset."
"We have also engaged leading privacy experts to assess the scope and impact of any information disclosed, so that we can assess who may be impacted by this incident."
"In addition to this, we will be monitoring all of our systems to ensure that there is no ongoing data security risk," they added.
LMW believe that the source of disclosure which took place on February 4 has now been closed and that there is no ongoing data breaches or leaks.
An initial statement was released February 5 on the breach, and they have a FAQ website that is being <a href="https://www.lmw.com.au/faqs" target="_blank">updated as new information</a> becomes available.
The data at risk was contained, property valuation and some personal contact information of home owners, residents, and property agents, including first and last name, residential address, and contact numbers."
They have stated, "we are in the process of reviewing the dataset to understand the scope and impact of the incident, and the number and profile of individuals whose information is contained in the dataset."
"We reiterate that there is no evidence of misuse of any personal information, although this remains under close review."
 
 
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What are Landmark White doing about property valuations data breach

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The RBA has acknowledged the decline in housing turnover over the past year had "weighed on demand" for items such as household appliances and furnishings that are more likely to be purchased when moving into a new home.
"More generally, the decline in household wealth associated with falling housing prices has likely put some downward pressure on consumption growth," the February RBA statement of monetary policy noted.
"However, these recent falls have followed several years of very strong growth in prices," the RBA suggested.
"If households take a longer- term perspective of their wealth, they may look through the recent declines; even if they do react, it is unclear how quickly this might occur," the central bank advised.
The bank also noted the high level of household debt also remains a key consideration for household consumption. 
"In general, more indebted households are likely to be more sensitive to changes in their expected income growth and household wealth; consumption growth may be weaker for a time if households become concerned about their debt levels and choose to pay down debt more quickly. 
"It is also possible that households that are highly indebted or credit-constrained will be more sensitive to falling housing prices than to rising prices.
"Weaker housing construction and prices could have pervasive economic effects, it said.
The statement n monetary policy also noted there are a number of channels other than consumption through which housing market conditions can affect economic activity. 
"These channels have been incorporated into the central forecasts, but the effects are uncertain, particularly when there is uncertainty about the outlook for housing prices.
"The decline in housing prices will have a direct effect on dwelling investment but the timing and magnitude of the effect is uncertain. 
"The pipeline of work to be done is large and is expected to support dwelling investment for some time even though residential building approvals have already declined considerably.
The extent of the support from the pipeline could be more protracted than currently expected.
"But there is a risk that dwelling investment declines sooner and by more than currently forecast.
"This would have flow-on effects to the outlook for employment and household income.
"Very weak conditions in the earlier stages of residential development identified in business liaison point to further downside risk to dwelling investment in 2020 and beyond.
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There are also a number of indirect channels through which a decline in housing prices could affect the economy. 
"Lower housing prices could limit how much small businesses can borrow when using housing as collateral."
The report noted the decline in housing market turnover associated with the decline in housing prices has implications for business and household services, such as real estate and legal services.
"Changes in housing prices and turnover can also affect public demand through their effect on state government stamp duty revenue."
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Uncertainty on house prices set to impact on demand for appliances and furnishings: RBA 

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Overall listings in Australia are down 3% over the past six months with Sydney driving the overall decline, according to the latest HY2019 financial report of the digital website, Realestate.com.au. 
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In January 2019 overall residential listings were down 11% with Sydney down 19% and Melbourne down 13%. 
The update to shareholders advised January is seasonally a low listings month therefore movements are not typically representative of the longer term. 
As previously advised, the rate of revenue growt.h is expected to exceed the rate of cost growth for both the second half and the full year, however, this will not be the case in the third quarter, it foreshadowed
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The report noted, that in the second half of FY19 listings may be impacted by federal and state elections.
Despite "unfavourable market conditions" REA profits were up 16% in Australia and 15% overall.
REA Group shares also had strong outcomes in HY19 with earnings per share were up 20%.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/8/REA%20GROUP.JPG" alt="">
The report also referenced ongoing declines in dwelling commencements.
REA Group reported monthly visits to realestate.com.au rose to 73.4 million, meaning it has nearly tripled views of its nearest competitor, Domain.
The new REA Group CEO, Owen Wilson said it was "an exceptional start to the year."
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In Australia, where revenue grew 15% to $443.2m for the half, the results were driven by an increase in revenue from the residential business of 16% to $302m and the inclusion of the Hometrack business.
"The result was delivered in unfavourable market conditions with national listings decreasing 3% (including listing declines of 10% in Sydney and 1% in Melbourne over the half). 
The revenue growth reflected the price changes which took effect from 1 July 2018.
The commercial and developer businesses achieved 10% revenue growth despite the continued decline in new project commencements, driven by an increase in project profile duration.
Tighter lending conditions and the uncertainty from the Financial Services Royal Commission on broker recruitment resulted in flat underlying revenue growth in its financial services business.
"These conditions are likely to continue for the remainder of the financial year further reducing settlement volumes and impacting revenue growth in the second half," Wilson said.
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Ryan O’Hara steps down from the REA Group Board, having been appointed to the board as a nominee of majority shareholder News Corp Australia in 2017.
The former CEO Tracey Fellows will remain on the REA board representing News Corp.
REA shares were down 3.95% this morning to $74.86.
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Real estate listings down 3% led by Sydney: REA Group

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An 1880's, solid brick Railway Station master’s residence in the Northern NSW town of Tenterfield has been listed following a recent restoration.
Located in the historic railway precinct, the Railway Station Masters Residence features late Victorian architecture, classic chimneys, polished timber floors and insulated decorative plaster ceilings.
The State Government auctioned off the home<a href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZG2TfKiocVWbjUYw78ZThSFgOgKVVA/YCUO+cTaK4qukE0RZn3qQIV/A==&amp;rh=ff00469c3d7d0b8ff373265db647aeeec8b10c6e" target="_blank"></a> in 1989, with the home undergoing some updates before the current vendor paid $260,000 it in an off-market deal in 2011. “The owner before me did a lot of external work such as adding a garage and courtyard, and making it liveable,” vendor Barbara Lewin said.
The three bedroom, two bathroom home at <a href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZG2TfKiocVWbjUYw78ZThSFgOgKVVA/YCUO+cTaK4qukE0RZn3qQIV/A==&amp;rh=ff00469c2e9f82434e25f15e854fac976dba9d7e" target="_blank">6 Railway Avenue</a> has an asking price of $475,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/5/Station%20master%202.JPG" alt="">
Featuring four rooms with double chimneys, a modern kitchen and a combustion heater, the home's bathrooms have all been renovated to a modern standard.
Within the breakfast room is an open fire place and french doors leading to an enclose courtyard with cottage gardens.
Ray White Rural Tenterfield’s Libby Sharpe said the local market has fared well of late, and she is expecting buyers to come from local regions as well as from locales as far north as Brisbane.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/5/Station%20master%203.JPG" alt="">
The State Government auctioned off the property in 1989, with the home undergoing some renovation before being secured it in an off-market deal in 2012.
For the first time in 30 years this property is being offered to the market.
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Historic 1800's Tenterfield station master's residence restored and listed

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Australia’s financial inequality gap has narrowed for the first time in seven years, with most households feeling better about their finances, according to ME Bank’s 15th bi-annual Household Financial Comfort Report.
The report found this to be the case despite significant falls in residential property and share markets.
Consulting Economist for ME, Jeff Oughton, said “The comfort gap between property owners and renters, as well as between very high income earners and other income brackets, has narrowed."
“We’ve seen a correction for wealthier, older property-owning Australians who’ve been riding the hot property and bull share markets for much of the past seven years, while middle and lower-income households have begun to benefit from an easing in living cost pressures and income gains."
“Cooling housing and share markets haven’t yet dented the financial outlook of most Australian households, and many residential property owners remain positive: only 13% of home owners and 11% of investors expect the value of their properties to fall in 2019,” he concluded
The report found, "financial comfort of renters, while still significantly lower than other tenures, was up 8% to 4.78 out of 10, its highest in four years, reflecting improving rent conditions, while the overall financial comfort of households who own a home mortgage-free fell 3% to 6.27 out of 10, its lowest point since the survey began."
Financial Comfort
<ul>
<li>Those earning over $200,000 pa fell by 6% to 6.79.</li>
<li>Those earning $75,000-$100,000 pa increased by 7% to 5.87</li>
<li>Those earning under $40,000 pa increased 2% to 4.52</li>
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In the six months to December 2018, the report’s overall Household Financial Comfort Index increased by 2% to 5.56 out of 10, the highest in the past 5 surveys (30 months).
Slightly above the historical average of 5.45 out of 10 since the survey began in October 2011.
 ‘Changes to my income’ was also the most common reason cited for improvements to one’s financial situation.
Another contributing factor to the overall increase in household financial comfort was an improvement in how households felt about their ‘ability to pay regular expenses’, which increased 3% to 6.60 out of 10 – albeit the cost of necessities remains the ‘biggest worry’ about their household finances.
Mr Oughton said, “we’re still seeing some geopolitical effects, with households concerned about the world economy up two points to 29%, and combined with domestic property and share market corrections, many Australians are beginning to tighten their belts to build financial resiliency."
“If above average cash savings and reduced spending behaviour continues during 2019 it could significantly slow economic growth and in turn may lead to smaller job and income gains.”
Increased savings has flowed through to greater financial resilience with an improvement in households’ ability to handle a financial emergency (up 1% to 4.83, the second highest level since the report began).
Almost half of households with a mortgage (49%) continue to pay above the minimum in repayments. 
The report found a decline in households being unable to meet debt servicing commitments in the last year, with just 12% unable to meet a personal loan or credit card repayment.
Furthermore, only 7% missed a mortgage payment due to lack of funds in this time. 
Financial comfort in Queensland jumped markedly to a record level in December 2018 – up 8% to 5.68, the highest across Australia.
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Australia’s financial inequality gap narrows for the first time in seven years: ME Bank

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Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne will push for a nationwide ban on combustible cladding at the Commonwealth building ministers’ meeting in ­Hobart today.
The consideration comes as the residents of the NEO200 building in Melbourne’s CBD face more than a fortnight of not being able to return to their homes after a cladding fire on Monday.
The Neo200 building in the CBD was evacuated when a discarded cigarette butt caused a cladding fire.
Following the blaze, Melbourne City Council's building surveyor issued an emergency order that said the building could not be occupied for 48 hours, but this was extended on Wednesday with most residents unlikely to be able to return home until February 20.
"Two additional Emergency Orders and a Show Cause Notice were issued by the Municipal Building Surveyor this afternoon to specify that the building should be vacant for up to a further 14 days," the council said.
The Australian reported Wynne was forced to concede that he was yet to appoint a state building inspector, 14 months after pledging to do so as part of a raft of measures aimed at ridding buildings of dangerous flammable cladding.
The cladding — which was responsible for the fatal Grenfell Tower fire in Britain in 2017 — remains in thousands of Victorian buildings.
Mr Wynne said he would call on state, territory and federal governments to support the ban.
“The Andrews Labor government has led the country in taking action against combustible cladding — introducing changes last year to give the Minister for Planning powers to ban the use of aluminium composite cladding on new multi-storey buildings and provide a low-cost financing ­option to help owners remove dangerous combustible cladding from their properties,” Mr Wynne said.
“The Victorian Cladding Taskforce, the Victorian Building Authority and local governments have also worked with building owners and residents to make buildings safe by completing emergency works such as removing cladding around fire exits and installing smoke alarms.”
Opposition planning spokesman Tim Smith said Mr Wynne’s number one priority was to remove the “dangerous, flammable cladding from existing buildings around Victoria”.
“There are 360 buildings in the most concerning category from the Andrews Labor Government’s cladding audit, and yet they still have not guaranteed that every single resident in those buildings has been informed that their home is at risk,” he said.
Designed by Hayball Architects for Becton, the building is distinguished by its yellow podium lights presenting to Spencer and Little Bourke Streets and its distinctive golden curvilinear foyer.
The building’s construction was completed in 2007 by LU Simon builders and was awarded the 2008 Master Builder Association’s – Excellence in Construction Award.
There was a small fire on New Year's Eve in 2015.
 
 
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Still no return possible for residents after Neo200, Spencer Street Melbourne cladding fire

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The busiest capital city suburb for auctions this weekend is Footscray with 8 homes set to be auctioned.
Manly (NSW) and Craigieburn (Vic) follow closely with 7 scheduled auctions each.
The combined capital cities have an addition 338 auctions taking place this week, with 874 homes set for auction.
While this is 60% more than the 536 homes auctioned last week, volumes are down 40% year on year (1,470).
The most substantial increase in volumes this week are across the two largest auction markets of Melbourne and Sydney, where over double the number of homes are expected to go to auction over the week.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/7/CL%202-7.JPG" alt="">
Melbourne will see 331 homes taken to auction this week, while Sydney has 302 auctions scheduled.
Brisbane and Canberra are the only auction markets were fewer homes are scheduled for auction this week compared to last.
Compard the same week last year, volumes are down across every capital city: Canberra (- 43.8%), Melbourne (-46.5%), Perth (-34.6%), Sydney (-42.1%), Tasmania (-45.5%), Adelaide (-5.1%), Brisbane (-25.2%).
One such property going under the hammer in Footscray this weekend is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-footscray-130057846" target="_blank">46 Cross Street</a> (pictured top).
The property comes with a price guide of $795,000 - $860,000.
Set across two levels this three bedroom two bathroom home features split-system heating and cooling, ceiling fans, panel heaters and a security system.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/7/Footscray%202.JPG" alt="">
Another home going to auction in Craysfoot this weekend is 35 Essex Street.
Described in the listing as a "spacious Californian bungalow" it is a three bedroom one bathroom house.
The property comes with a price guide of $900,000 to $990,000.
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February auction volumes picking up but still down on 2018 levels

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No curves yet but the facade of the new Melbourne apartment development Premier Tower is beginning to emerge.
Its distinctly curved architectural design was advised as being inspired by US pop singer Beyonce.
It had secured 60% off the plan pre-sales in its 2015 stage one launch with a selection of one bedroom, one bedroom-plus-study and two bedroom configurations.
Around half went to offshore buyers seemingly galvanised by the new Victorian Government stamp duty on foreign buyers that began July 1.  
The Singaporean property magnate Koh Wee Meng and his family will keep a suite of apartments at the very top of the high-rise CBD tower that his Fragrance Group is developing.
<a href="http://www.premiertower.com.au" target="_blank">Premier Tower</a> is a mixed-use tower located at the corner of Spencer Street and Bourke Streets, opposite Southern Cross Station consisting of 780 residential apartments over 68 levels.
It replaces the Savoy Tavern on Spencer 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/2019/1/11/Beyonce%202.jpg" alt="">
There will also be a boutique hotel housed in the podium levels hosting 175 rooms. 
“We are excited to be launching our first Melbourne development project and are thrilled with the strong response from the market in these early stages,” Fragrance Group's Adrian Lim said in a press release issued by Colliers International.
The Elenberg Fraser-designed project is being marketed by Colliers International.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/11/Beyonce%203.jpg" alt="">
Residential amenities will include grand ground level entry foyer, swimming pool, gym, residential lounges, concierge services, a garden lounge, outdoor fitness zone, sauna and steam room, games and golf area and fully equipped catering kitchens.
Premier apartment residents will also have access to the Premier Club and other exclusive amenities such as a library, private dining rooms and kitchen facilities, a theatre, billiard room and karaoke and media room.
<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/2015/07/10/700_premier.jpg" alt="">
The company media release officially said: "For those more on the art than science side, we will reveal that the form does pay homage to something more aesthetic – we're going to trust you've seen the music video for Beyonce's Ghost." 
Since the headline grabbing press release unveiling its curvaceous computer-generated image in 2015, the developer made a significant admission.
Koh Wee Meng, the executive chairman of Singapore-listed Fragrance Group, is not a Beyonce fan.
In fact, Singapore’s 26th richest person, hadn’t even seen Ghost, the video clip with a stocking-clad, writhing superstar that inspired the bootylicious building design.
“No,” Dr Koh said starkly, when asked by Nine Entertainment if he was a fan of the US singer.
Reade Dixon, the lead architect on the project also said at its 2015 sod turning that the building did not set out to mimic the former Destiny’s Child lead singer.
“It’s not conceptually conceived out of the Beyonce position,” said Mr Dixon, a principal of architecture firm Elenberg Fraser.
“It uses the fluid curves in the corners of the building to disseminate the wind. That’s the key challenge to build height in such small sites. It’s just that there’s been lots of carry forward with that relationship to Beyonce.”
 
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Fragrance Group's Beyonce inspired tower emerges on Spencer Street 

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."

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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>.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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<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.

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Staff reporter

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