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Simmon Horauf, co-founder of Play Communications, and his wife, Lisa, have listed their contemporary weatherboard beach house with a price of $3.9 million to $4.25 million. 
It has been offered by David Edwards and Danielle Forde from LJ Hooker Palm Beach. 
Set a two-minute walk from Sandy Point Beach, the beach house situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-palm+beach-129824490" target="_blank">3B Iluka Road, Palm Beach </a>comes with master suite, four additional bedrooms, living area with open fireplace, chef's kitchen, and ample attic storage space.
<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/2018/11/22/palm%20beach%202.jpg" alt="">
Other highlights include lush lawns, saltwater pool, underfloor heating, built-in undercover BBQ and garden shed.
It's within close proximity to Sandy Point beach, Palm Beach boutiques, restaurants and cafes. 
The suburb's median house price sits at<a href="/developments/palm-beach-nsw-2108"> $2.85 million</a>, according to CoreLogic. Prices have dipped in the neighbourhood with 3 Pacific Road sold for $3.05 million, down on its $3.117 million sale in 2017.
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Sandy Point Beach house in Palm Beach listed 

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A Culburra Beach home a stroll from the water has now been listed with a February 2 auction on the cards, if not sold prior.
located at <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/141-the-lake-circuit-culburra-beach-nsw-2540-2014824147" target="_blank">141 The Lake Circuit, Culburra Beach</a> the home features dual street frontages.
Set on 870 sqm the three bedroom two bathroom house has an over-sized double lockup garage.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/6/Culburra.JPG" alt="">
The two story open plan home has multiple living and lounge rooms.
Featuring an upper verandah and a rear yard the house has a separate area fit for a barbecue.
The property is situated near shops, public transport links and schools.
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Culburra Beach home with dual street frontages on offer

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A beachfront Forresters Beach retreat is for sale.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-forresters+beach-130046466" target="_blank">88 Kalakau Avenue, Forresters</a> Beach the home comes without a price guide.
Set on 582 sqm the two bedroom two bathroom house has uninterrupted ocean panoramas over two levels.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/6/Kakkan%203.JPG" alt="">
The open plan design is described as "embracing magnificent ocean views."
Featuring heated floors, stone finished kitchen features and a Jacuzzi the beachfront home comes with a number of alfresco areas.
The home last sold for $2.2 million in 2016.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/12/6/Kakkan%202.JPG" alt="">
Located near shops, cafes, public transport links and Erina fair, the home is set on a tiered parcel of land.
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Beachfront Forresters Beach retreat for sale

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The Blue Dog Beach House positioned at the crest of Tropicana rise has sold.
Taking in full beach and ocean views the four bedroom three bathroom trophy home recently sold for $3.75 million.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-castaways+beach-129275594" target="_blank">20 Tropicana Rise, Castaways Beach</a> the Queensland house was designed by Aboda Design Group.
<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/2018/11/30/Blue%20Dog%203.jpg" alt="">
Inspired by the Hamptons in New York the finishes and design are of high quality.
Featuring French Oak floors, high ceilings and a steam room, the pool is set high so the views are visible during a swim.
Situated 10 minutes from Noosa Main Beach and Hastings Street, the home is outfitted with solar power.
<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/2018/11/30/Blue%20Dog%202.jpg" alt="">
This homes value has more than tripled since 2013 when it sold for $995,000.
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Blue Dog Beach House sold for $3.75 million

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The NAB has scrapped its forecast for two late 2019 rate cuts.
It now predicts no change until late 2020.
"We have delayed our expectation for the first RBA increase in the cash rate to the second half of 2020," Alan Oster, its chief economist said today.
"While output growth has been largely as expected over the 2018, wages pressure remains weak and hence inflationary pressure has remained low, with the core measures continuing to track below the RBA’s target band.
"We expect that will continue through all of 2019.
"Our forecasts see a moderation in growth back to potential of around 2.3 to 2.5% and unemployment falling a little further to 4.75% and then remaining at that level.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/12/12/NAB4.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
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"Falling house prices suggest a bigger impact on housing construction than previously incorporated and additional concerns about the consumer, though low rates and unemployment are important offsets.
"The past year, despite growth being stronger than expected, the RBA has overall proven more relaxed about current policy settings than we expected – largely as wage growth failed to lift significantly on the stronger growth outcomes - and we don’t see that changing any time soon.
"The Bank will be looking very carefully at the extent of the slowing in house prices – and in particular that the adjustment remains orderly.
"We can see the case for a forward-looking central bank beginning to very moderately start increasingly rates from the second half of 2020.
"As always the exact timing will be data dependent – with a lift in both wages growth and the inflation forecast particularly important in this regard."
It noted that markets have become very concerned and are now toying with the possibility of the risk of an interest rate cut in the next 6-9 months.
"While that is a possibility we would not rate it as more than a 30% probability.
"Indeed the rate cut view underplays the strength currently evident and likely to remain elsewhere in the economy."
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/12/12/NAB2.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
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“While falling house prices have garnered much media attention of late, businesses do not yet suggest they are having a material impact," Oster said.
"Falling house prices in themselves may have a ‘wealth effect’ on households but given the prior large run up the impact of the declines to date is unclear. 
"Also lower turnover of house sales and less housing construction activity is likely to have additional negative impacts on both the consumer and house building” Mr Oster said.
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Based on recent momentum NAB now expect house prices to fall further than previously forecast over the next two years.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/12/12/NAB-dwelling.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
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But its expects the decline to be orderly, with prices still remaining well up on 4 years ago. 
"We now expect peak-to-trough declines of around 15% in both Sydney and Melbourne. 
"We expect more moderate outcomes in the other capitals. 
"The decline in house prices to date represents a significant correction compared with recent housing cycles.
"It is unusual for prices to decline while the unemployment rate is falling and interest rates are low and relatively stable. 
"We believe that these declines have been driven by a number of factors including tighter credit, investor price expectations (which also see lower demand for credit) and weaker foreign demand. 
"It is also likely that with house prices having significantly outpaced the growth in household incomes overs recent years, there is some adjustment occurring to restore this balance," Oster said.
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NAB scraps its two 2019 rate hike prediction - nothing until late 2020 

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A tri-level architecturally designed home on Miami beachfront reserve is for sale.
Located on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-miami-129932406" target="_blank">36 Marine Parade, Miami</a> the listing describes the home as a stunning residence that leaves people spellbound.
Entering the house through the copper entrance door the grand lobby greets, adorned with quality travertine flooring, a tranquil water feature, soaring ceilings and modern architectural staircase the home if fitted out.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/11/30/Miami%202.JPG" alt="">
<div class="tell-me-more tell-me-more--expanded">Located on the ground level are three bedrooms, each with built in wardrobes, including one with private ensuite and another serviced by a two way family bathroom.  Further down the hall is a large media room and wet bar, which opens out to a terrace, private landscaped gardens and a grassed yard.</div>
<div class="tell-me-more tell-me-more--expanded"> The first floor among other things is host to a fully tiled lap pool, pool sundeck &amp; wet Bar, powder room, outdoor kitchen, gymnasium and steam room.</div>
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<div class="tell-me-more tell-me-more--expanded">Set on 567 sqm the home features its own security system and four car lockup garage</div>
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The home is set for a January 22 auction if not sold prior. </div>
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Tri-level Miami, Qld beachfront reserve home for sale

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A former Gold Coast real estate agent has been fined $10,000 and sentenced to a suspended nine months’ imprisonment by the Southport Magistrates Court after charges were brought by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
Helen Elizabeth White, owner of My Realty Gold Coast, was found guilty of 13 charges relating to unauthorised use, withdrawal and misappropriation of trust monies.
Helen White was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for three years, and fined $10,000.
Ms White’s husband Graham John White, also a real estate agent who worked at My Realty Gold Coast, was found guilty of two charges of failing to conduct and lodge trust account audits for the business.
Ms White and Mr White were permanently disqualified from obtaining a real estate agent licence or certificate.
The court heard from July 2015 to November 2016, Ms White wrongly converted and mismanaged trust account monies to a total sum of $316,895.70.
The former agent used the money for a range of business and personal expenses, including to purchase a rent roll of fourteen properties.
As part of the investigation, the OFT froze the trust account operated by Ms White on 9 November 2016. However, Ms White continued to operate the business and signed and issued five cheques from the account totalling $16,874.
The OFT served Ms White with a notice of licence suspension in December 2016, prohibiting her from trading as a real estate agent.
In spite of this, Ms White continued to act as a property agent, using Mr White’s licence, until Mr White’s licence was suspended on 4 January 2017.
In sentencing, Magistrate Howden said Ms White had shown disrespect for the law by the significant misuse of trust monies and breach of trust.
Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer said there was no place in the industry for real estate professionals who misappropriated trust money.
“This obvious disregard for consumers and for the law made it clear that Ms White is not fit to retain her licence,” Mr Bauer said.
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Helen White of My Realty Gold Coast found guilty of trust fund misappropriation 

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Australia's financial and banking regulators should be prepared for a hard landing in the housing market, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
It says the housing market poses a risk to the nation's economic growth going forward.
But the Paris-based group said in a report released on Monday that the market is on track for a soft landing.
"Financial supervisors and bank regulators should be prepared in the event of a hard landing in the housing market," the report states.
The agency suggests Australia's long span of economic growth - 27 consecutive years - was likely to continue.
"Life is good, with high levels of well being, including health, and education," the group said in its latest Australian economic survey.
"Robust economic growth is set to continue," it said.
"High indebtedness of households remains a risk.
"Unexpectedly large corrections in house prices could reduce household wealth and consumption, and impact the construction sector.
"New capacity coming on stream in the resource sector will support exports and business investment will pick up.
"Growth of wages and prices will rise gradually, while the unemployment rate will edge lower.
"Output growth will moderate slightly in 2020 as capacity constraints tighten, export-market growth slows and households become less willing to draw down savings to fuel consumption.
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"Monetary policy tightening will be required as the pick-up in wages and prices gathers pace. 
"Risks from the housing market and high household indebtedness warrant continued vigilance. 
"The government is projected to reach a budget surplus in 2019, giving sufficient room to support activity and protect the incomes of vulnerable groups in the event of an unexpected downturn."
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Regulators should also turn their attention to ensuring accountability, transparency and competition among financial institutions after the banking royal commission, the OECD has recommended.
Aside from the housing market, the agency said risks to the growth outlook include uncertainty around export demand - due to rebalancing in China - and the potential escalation of global trade tensions.
Challenges in boosting productivity - which involves increasing the value derived from the work and resources put into the economy - are also a risk.
The OECD, which has 36 member nations, has called for interest rates to be gradually lifted as growth continues and inflation slowly rises.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the official cash rate at its record low of 1.5 per cent since August 2016.
The OECD said if the economy stays robust and avoided a downturn, the RBA should raise the overnight cash rate.
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Property market on track for soft landing in 2019, but regulators should be prepared incase of hard landing: OECD

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A glamorous Tamarama modern home secured the nation's highest weekend sale, as auctions limped towards the extended summer break.
The top sale was when medicinal-cannabis industry chief Matt Cantelo sold his ultra cool Tamarama home for $8.4 million.
It was $200,000 under his reserve, but higher than the buyer's pre-auction offer.
The four-bedroom Neesen Murcutt-designed home on <a id="LPlnk538428" class="x_OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/12-carlisle-st-tamarama-nsw-2026" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">Carlisle Street </a>(above and below) came with ocean views.
It was built for Michelle O’Brien, director of golf and leisure wear label Birdee Sport.
<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/2018/12/10/Tam2.jpg" alt="">
Cantelo, the chief of Australian Natural Therapeutics Group, bought it for $5,350,000 in 2012, then adding a cubby house and water slide in the garden below.
The Sunday Telegraph reported he was already committed to a $19,525,000 Vaucluse acquistion.
At 48 percent Sydney was the strongest capital city auction market, with all other capital cities having clearance rates below, dipping as low as 30 percent in Brisbane, according to CoreLogic.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/12/10/CL-Dec10.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<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/2018/12/10/CL-Dec10.jpg" alt="">
AMP Capital economist Shane Oliver described the weekend results as "very weak."
He said it was result of a "perfect storm" of tight credit, supply surge, fall in foreign demand, the conversion to interest only loans to principle and interest, along with the fear of tax changes.
Oliver also said the market was seeing the impact of the transition from the “fear-of-missing” out mentality to a “fear-of-not-getting-out” anxiety..
Nationally there were 2,614 homes taken to auction over the week, down just slightly from the previous week when 2,749 auctions were held.
It was considerably lower than the same week last year when 3,371 auctions were held across the combined capital cities. 
The preliminary results show a clearance rate of 45.3 per cent, up on last week’s 41 percent final clearance rate, although as final results are collected  CoreLogic expect to see the clearance rate revise down below 45 per cent for the sixth consecutive week.
Melbourne was host to 1,283 auctions with preliminary results showing a clearance rate of 46.1 per cent, increasing from last week when the final clearance rate was a lower 42.7 per cent across 1,378 auctions. 
Over the same week last year, the auction clearance rate was significantly higher with 65.4 per cent of the 1,833 auctions returning a successful result.
A development site was Melbourne's top sale when a 1970s house at <a id="LPlnk159079" class="x_OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/13-19-old-aqueduct-road-diamond-creek-vic/property-details-buy-residential-12246662/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">13-19 Old Aqueduct Road, Diamond Creek,</a> fetched $4.225 million (below).
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/12/10/Diamond.jpg" alt="">
The 12,042-square-metre townhouse development site easily surpassed its $2.3 million to $2.5 million quote.
The top house sale was a four-bedroom house on 4682 square metres at <a id="LPlnk256426" class="x_OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/8-sarah-crescent-templestowe-vic/property-details-buy-residential-12224357/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">8 Sarah Crescent, Templestowe</a> (below) for $2.9 million, up on the $2.5 million to $2.75 million price guide quote.
<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/2018/12/10/Temp.jpg" alt="">
It came with cascading Italian Murano glass chandeliers.
The property last sold at $77,000 in 1978.
The AFL Magpies midfielder Levi Greenwood failed to sell his South Melbourne single-fronted terrace (below) which passed in at auction at $1.125 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/2018/12/10/Bank.jpg" alt="">
There was only one bidder on the <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/97-bank-street-south-melbourne-vic/property-details-buy-residential-12237983/" target="_blank">97 Bank Street offering</a> which has been renovated in a black and white theme since purchased in 2016 at $920,000.
It now comes with a $1.275 million asking price.
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria have advised some 1060 auctions next week, then some 150 auction on the weekend prior to Christmas. 
There were 853 auctions held in Sydney with preliminary results showing a 48 per cent clearance rate, up from 41.6 per cent across a higher volume of auctions last week (937), although as usual this will revise lower as final results are collected.
Over the same week last year 1,007 homes were taken to auction across the city returning a clearance rate of 52 per cent.
Domain Group updated last weekend’s Sydney clearance rate to just 35.8 per cent following the counting of late-reported results.
Across the smaller auction markets, Canberra saw auction volumes fall week-on-week.
<div class="x_page" title="Page 1">With a 43 percent success rate, Canberra's top sale was <a id="LPlnk965287" class="x_OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-yarralumla-129896110" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">64 Banks St, Yarralumla</a>, a four bedroom house in Harris Hobbs-designed gardens which sold for $1,735,000.</div>
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Cool Tamarama home home sells at weekend auction

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A new $260 million residential project, S Pagewood by Silkari has announced the availability of the last stage of apartments.
Located at 32 Page Street, the 256 dwelling project is from property developer Visionary.
<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/2018/11/19/160815_PAGE_ST_V16_LOOKING-OUT_FINAL-5000-2_resized.jpg" alt="">
The final release – SILKWOOD by Silkari – launched mid-October, consists of 60 dwellings.
It is located about 8 kilometres south of the Sydney CBD.
<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/2018/11/19/VIG_Pagewood_Podium_32_07_resized_2.jpg" alt="">
Townhouses range in price from $1.61 million to $1.87 million.
One-bedroom apartments will range from $694,000 to $804,650; two-bedrooms from $886,000 to $1.18 million; and three-bedrooms between $1.28 million and $1.98 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/2018/11/19/VIG_Pagewood_Roof_256_DOF_07_resized.jpg" alt="">
Visionary’s Director of Sales Benny Song said the project has family appeal.
“Pagewood today is of a bygone Sydney era –wide streets, low set houses and kids riding bikes up and down the quiet streets," he said. 
“It’s peaceful and it just feels family friendly.
“The suburb has quite even terrain, so it’s extremely pram and bike friendly, and there are a number of parks and playgrounds throughout the suburb that offer space for the kids to kick a ball.
“It’s an eastern suburb gem minus the stress of thousands of people living on top of each other and no parking – and all within minutes to the beach and the CBD.”
The median house in Pagewood currently priced at $1,725,000, according to realestate.com.au.
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Last release in $260 million Pagewood development available 

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.

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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.

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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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