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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"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/11/30/Miami%203.JPG" alt=""></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 

A mix of Gold Coast locals, fly-in, fly-out purchasers from Sydney and Melbourne, and Brisbane-based families has driven early sales success at Broadbeach's newest apartment tower, Lumara.

The 26-level project, a joint venture between builder-developer 5Point Projects and Bourke Projects, comprises just 37 luxury residences and is attracting a buyer profile that is looking for exclusivity, above the most amenity-rich suburb on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=364156]

Jamie Bourke, Director of Bourke Projects, says every buyer secured so far intends to use Lumara as a lock-up-and-leave residence, combining holiday use with the ability to work remotely when required.

“The size of the apartments, both half- and full-floor options, and the different zones within the floorplans, lends itself perfectly to dedicated home office setups and multi-generational family holidays,” Bourke says.

That flexibility has become a key drawcard for affluent buyers seeking a second residence on the Gold Coast without sacrificing the ability to conduct business away from their primary home base.

The absence of holiday letting within the building has also resonated strongly with purchasers.

“This type of buyer doesn't need to generate holiday rental income,” Bourke says. “They're paying for exclusivity, privacy and certainty around who their neighbours are.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=366491]

The strong demand comes amid broader shifts in the high-end apartment market following the Federal Budget announcements in May.

“We were already seeing strong enquiry from high-net-worth buyers, but that has only accelerated since the policy changes,” Bourke says.

“A lot of those buyers are looking to place more capital into premium lifestyle assets rather than investment-grade stock that has been targeted by the Federal Government.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=366486]

Designed by Cottee Parker, Lumara adopts a slender, sculpted form with an emphasis on natural materials suited to its beachfront setting. The architectural approach draws on coastal influences, with a palette of stone, timber and concrete selected for durability and the ability to weather over time.

Apartments are limited to three and four-bedroom configurations, with a maximum of two residences per floor through the mid-levels and a selection of full-floor and dual-level homes in the upper levels. All apartments are oriented to the north to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and views across the ocean, city skyline and hinterland.

A two-level amenity offering is positioned high within the building on levels 20 and 21, conceived as a sky wellness retreat. Facilities include a magnesium pool, spa, sauna and steam rooms, alongside more social spaces such as a private dining room, resident lounge, workspaces and outdoor barbecue areas integrated with landscaped greenery.

The uppermost levels are reserved for larger-format residences, including several full-floor homes and a dual-level penthouse with its own private wellness features and recreational spaces.

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To give buyers confidence, 5Point and Bourke commenced construction ahead of the apartments launching to the market, a sure-fire way to prove they mean business, and the building will be delivered. They are targeting a 2028 completion date.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150454]

Joel Robinson

Locals, interstate holiday makers, drive early sales at Lumara, Broadbeach's newest luxury apartment tower

Often when it comes to purchasing property, the biggest barrier to entry is the deposit. Buyers of established homes typically aim for a 20 per cent deposit to avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance, while most property transactions require around a 10 per cent deposit when contracts are exchanged.

The off-the-plan market works differently, with buyers typically paying a deposit during construction and settling the balance upon completion. As completion approaches at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/fabbrica-fitzroy-369-gore-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">Fabbrica Fitzroy</a>, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pace-development-group">Pace</a> is making it easier for buyers to secure a residence through a deposit-matching incentive. Purchasers need only contribute a five per cent deposit*, with Pace matching the remaining five per cent.

The offer comes as Pace unveils a completed display apartment and townhouse, now available for inspection by appointment ahead of the project's Spring completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371009]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/winwood-mckenzie-architecture">Winwood Mckenzie</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/acre">Acre</a>, Fabbrica draws on Fitzroy’s industrial and manufacturing history, incorporating references to the former Argyle Shirt Factory and Life Savers Confectionery Company that once occupied the site.

The development comprises 85 residences, spanning low-maintenance apartments through to larger-format townhouses with private street access and double lock-up garages, a relatively uncommon offering in Fitzroy’s higher-density apartment market.

Pace says the project has been designed to appeal to buyers seeking inner-city convenience without sacrificing space, flexibility, or amenity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371016]

Inside the residences, Winwood Mckenzie has focused on adaptable layouts and integrated detailing, with features including custom joinery, and concealed storage solutions. The material palette leans into warm, tactile finishes intended to complement the building’s industrial architectural language.

Fabbrica’s rooftop amenity is a key part of the project offering. Spanning around 800 sqm, the communal rooftop includes a private dining room, communal kitchen, lounge spaces, work-from-home zones, and outdoor dining areas overlooking the Melbourne CBD skyline.

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Landscape architecture studio Acre has introduced a layered rooftop garden designed to soften the urban setting while creating a more communal environment for residents.

The Fitzroy location also positions residents within walking distance of Brunswick Street, Smith Street, parks, cafés, galleries, and public transport, while remaining only minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. The project has an enviable Walk Score of 96.

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Pace, which is also delivering the project as builder, has developed more than 100 projects across Melbourne over the past three decades. The vertically integrated approach has become increasingly common among developers seeking greater control over construction delivery amid broader market pressures affecting the apartment sector.

The strikingly contemporary Gore Street development is now around 70 per cent complete, with purchasers expected to move into their new homes in Spring 2026. A limited number of residences remain available under the current deposit match offer.

*Conditions apply in relation to the deposit match offer.

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Pace offers five per cent deposit match at Fabbrica Fitzroy ahead of Spring completion

Sydney developer Hyecorp's roots on the Lower North Shore stretch back three generations, and that deep understanding of the market continues to shape where and how it develops today.

From high-rise towers to boutique apartment projects, the family-run developer has built its reputation by focusing on a part of Sydney it knows intimately. Founded by Michael Abolakian in the early 1990s, Hyecorp is now led by his sons Stephen, Troy and Patrick.

Stephen Abolakian, joint managing director alongside Troy, has spent more than two decades in the business, overseeing development, planning, finance, marketing and sales.

Abolakian says the developer's disciplined focus on where it chooses to operate has been, and continues to be, one of Hyecorp's greatest strengths.

“We know the buyer profile exceptionally well,” Abolakian says.

“The demographics between places like Willoughby, Chatswood, St Leonards and Roseville are very similar. There are nuances between suburbs and projects, but culturally and from a buyer perspective, there’s a strong overlap.”

That buyer has historically been overwhelmingly owner-occupier driven.

Unlike many Sydney apartment developers that have traditionally relied heavily on investor demand, Hyecorp’s projects have typically attracted downsizers, upsizers, rightsizers and family owner-occupiers seeking long-term homes rather than short-term investments.

“Historically, investors have been a much smaller portion of our demand profile,” Abolakian says.

“We design for owner-occupiers. We don’t design for yield, we design for comfort, amenity, family living and long-term usability.”

That philosophy extends well beyond apartment layouts.

From landscaping and communal gardens to shared amenities and circulation spaces, Hyecorp’s developments are designed around how people actually live, something Abolakian believes has become increasingly important in Sydney’s apartment market.

“There was probably a period where having an approved project in market was enough,” he says.

“There wasn’t as much competition and if you built it, buyers would come. That’s no longer the case.”

“There’s more supply in the pipeline now, particularly with TOD precincts and low and mid-rise reforms opening up opportunities across Sydney. Buyers have more choice, so if you get the product wrong, they’ll simply go elsewhere.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=311393]

The shift has forced developers to become more sophisticated in how they approach apartment design, particularly as owner-occupier expectations continue to rise.

For Hyecorp, that means thinking beyond who the buyer is today and designing for who they may become in five or 10 years' time.

“People buying now often aren’t moving in for several years,” Abolakian says.

“You might have a young couple buying today, but by the time they move in they may have children, older children, or changing lifestyle needs. You’ve got to think about how families evolve.”

That thinking also shapes Hyecorp’s approach to amenity, which positions wellness at the forefront.

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While resort-style facilities have become increasingly common marketing tools across Sydney apartment developments, Abolakian says the challenge is ensuring amenities are genuinely usable and appropriate for the scale of the project.

“If amenities are done right, they can materially improve the living experience,” he says, adding however that if you&nbsp;overdo it or get it wrong, you can end up with facilities nobody uses that simply create ongoing strata costs.”

That balance is something Hyecorp is aiming to strike with projects like Roseville Avenue, one of the group's upcoming Lower North Shore developments, which Abolakian describes as bringing a resort-style living experience into a metropolitan setting.

“It’s about creating something that feels special without being excessive,” he says.

“Good gardens, quality apartments, thoughtful amenity. Creating that resort feeling in a metro location.”

<img alt="Hyecorp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13c4c0f3-b1b7-44cf-9344-0b3d1d07797a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-02%20at%2012.14.57%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=9OLWjyj2bYkDV35F78WJnyMSPfc2bJ2z" />

The focus on owner-occupier product comes as Sydney’s apartment market continues to navigate a difficult development environment.&nbsp;For Hyecorp, maintaining an in-house operating model across construction, sales, marketing and development management has become increasingly important in navigating that environment.

“We’ve always believed in keeping a lot of the process in-house,” Abolakian says.

“It creates efficiencies, but it also creates quality control. You can make faster decisions and ensure the end product stays aligned with the original vision.”

Despite the challenges, Abolakian believes demand for quality owner-occupier apartments across Sydney remains strong beneath the surface, particularly across established Lower North Shore suburbs where downsizers continue to seek new housing options close to existing communities.

“There are definitely people waiting,” he says.

“Once some of the broader uncertainty settles, whether that’s the global environment or some of the local economic noise, I think the right projects will perform very strongly.”

Hyecorp currently has three residential developments on the market across Sydney’s Lower North Shore.&nbsp;Audrey, St Leonards, positioned opposite Newlands Park, is nearing completion and preparing to welcome its first residents, with the project now almost sold out.

Hyecorp has also recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celine-chatswood-37-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Celine Chatswood</a>, an architectural tower, while continuing to deliver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet Roseville</a>, a more boutique scale of development with just 34 apartments.

Why Hyecorp continues to back Sydney's Lower North Shore apartment market

South East Queensland’s apartment market is entering a new phase defined by rising prices, constrained affordability, and mounting pressure on the construction pipeline, according to RPM Group’s latest SEQ Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report.

The May 2026 report highlights a widening divide between what buyers can afford and what developers can viably deliver, with detached house prices continuing to push more buyers toward apartments across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

RPM says Brisbane’s median house price has reached around $1.5 million, accelerating the shift toward higher-density housing as buyers are increasingly priced out of the detached market.

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Median unit prices rose across all three major SEQ markets in the March quarter. Brisbane City recorded the strongest annual growth, with median unit prices climbing 21 per cent to $862,000, while the Gold Coast reached the highest overall median at $950,000, up 17 per cent year-on-year. The Sunshine Coast followed at $870,000, representing annual growth of nine per cent.

RPM noted the affordability gap between houses and units remains significant, with detached homes commanding premiums of 67 per cent in Brisbane and 68 per cent on the Gold Coast relative to apartments.

The report suggests this price disparity is increasingly consolidating buyer demand within the apartment market, particularly among downsizers and owner-occupiers.

“Demand is real. Supply is moving. But they’re operating on different timelines and the gap between what’s being built and what buyers can afford is the defining tension in this market right now,” RPM Queensland and NSW Managing Directors Peter Neale and Clinton Trezise said in the report.

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While approvals and commencements are strengthening, RPM argues the delivery pipeline remains constrained by construction costs, labour shortages, and extended build timelines.

Apartment approvals across Queensland increased 86 per cent over the year to February 2026, reaching 12,682 approvals, the highest level recorded since 2016. Brisbane overtook the Gold Coast as the state’s most active apartment approval market, with nearly 5,000 apartments approved over the past 12 months.

Unit commencements also strengthened considerably, rising 48 per cent year-on-year to 5,453 commencements in the December 2025 quarter, the highest level since 2018.

However, RPM’s research found apartment delivery timeframes have expanded sharply compared to the previous cycle. Projects are now averaging around 30 months from approval to completion, compared to roughly 20 months a decade ago.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367515]

The number of units under construction has climbed to approximately 31,530 dwellings, nearing the previous 2016 peak, though projects are remaining in the pipeline for considerably longer.

Construction costs continue to weigh heavily on feasibility. RPM found the average apartment construction cost in Greater Brisbane reached $630,000 per dwelling in 2025, exceeding both Sydney and Melbourne. Coastal Queensland markets, including the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, were even higher at an average of $817,418 per apartment due to the prevalence of larger premium product.

The report also points to increasing pressure from Olympic-related infrastructure spending ahead of Brisbane 2032, with labour competition expected to intensify over the next several years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370960]

ANZ Associate Director of Property Daniel Gradwell said the underlying demand drivers across South East Queensland remain strong, supported by interstate migration, downsizers, and population growth.

“The challenge is bringing enough supply to market to meet that demand, and nothing on the horizon makes that straightforward,” Gradwell said.

RPM’s analysis found the affordability challenge is becoming more pronounced in the new apartment market itself, with only three per cent of surveyed new apartments priced below $1 million.

Instead, the market is increasingly concentrated in higher price brackets, with the most common new apartment price band across SEQ sitting between $1.5 million and $1.75 million. Around half of all new apartment stock surveyed is priced below $2 million.

The report suggests developers are not necessarily avoiding lower price points by choice, but because current construction economics make delivering affordable apartments increasingly difficult at scale.

Rental conditions also remain tight across the region. Median rents for one-bedroom apartments rose 12 per cent in Brisbane over the past year to $580 per week, while Gold Coast one-bedroom rents increased nine per cent to $630.

Despite rising rents, RPM noted bond lodgements have generally trended downward over the past five years, indicating more apartments are being absorbed by owner-occupiers rather than retained as investor-held rental stock.

Looking ahead, RPM expects projects targeting the mid-market owner-occupier segment between $1.25 million and $2 million to remain the most viable part of the market, while premium projects in highly constrained coastal or riverfront locations continue to attract demand.

“Construction costs are rewriting the feasibility rulebook across Greater Brisbane, and with little relief in sight, only projects in the right price band, right location, and with presales secured early will make it through,” the report concludes.

SEQ apartment demand outpacing affordable supply as construction timelines stretch: RPM

Camberwell Junction has long been the epicentre of amenity in Melbourne’s Boroondara region.

For nearly a century, it has drawn both locals and visitors, anchored by the Camberwell Sunday Market, which first operated in 1929 and quickly became a fixture of the suburb’s identity. Over time, the Junction evolved into one of Melbourne’s most established retail and lifestyle precincts, now comprising more than 400 stores and over 300 commercial businesses.

Despite that depth of amenity, one thing has remained notably limited: the supply of new apartments.

In a suburb defined by its heritage streetscapes and tightly held residential stock, new development opportunities have been scarce, particularly within the core of the Junction itself. That lack of supply has left a gap in the market for larger, design-led apartments suited to downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in the area.

Boutique developer Above Zero identified that gap when it secured a prime site on Burke Road, in the heart of Camberwell Junction.

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The site has a long planning history. Various proposals have been put forward over more than a decade, many of which were knocked back by the City of Boroondara, with initial applications dating back to 2015. Above Zero acquired the site in 2022 and returned with a revised scheme, refining both the building’s height and its ground-level interface to better align with Council expectations.

That process has culminated in approval for Camberwell House.

The Cera Stribley-designed development will deliver 57 residences on a 1,950 sqm site within the Camberwell Activity Centre, placing it directly within one of Melbourne’s most established retail and transport hubs.

It is expected to be one of the only new apartment developments to launch in the Junction in recent years, reinforcing the rarity of new supply in the precinct. Currently, there are just a handful of projects on the market in Camberwell, underscoring the significance of a development of this scale and positioning.

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Camberwell House has been conceived with a clear focus on larger-format apartments. The project will offer a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, alongside a limited number of penthouses, targeting owner-occupiers seeking scale rather than volume-driven product.

The building’s vertical presence will also set it apart.

Positioned on Burke Road, the development is set to become one of the taller buildings in its immediate context, allowing for elevated outlooks across Melbourne’s CBD skyline and toward the Dandenong Ranges. In a precinct characterised by lower-scale built form, that height provides a point of differentiation, particularly for buyers seeking outlook and natural light.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4896 project_image_fid=368568]

Architecture has been led by Cera Stribley, with interiors by GOLDEN and landscape design by Florian Wild. The design approach centres on material consistency and restraint, with residences oriented to maximise light, ventilation and connection to outdoor spaces.

Full-height glazing and generous terraces form a key part of that strategy, allowing apartments to extend beyond their internal footprint and engage with the surrounding environment.

Beyond the private residences, a significant component of the project is its amenity offering.

Above Zero has positioned Camberwell House as a “complete living environment”, incorporating a full floor dedicated to resident facilities. At the centre of that is a wellness zone, including a 12.5-metre lap pool, spa, sauna and treatment spaces, alongside a gym and recovery-focused amenities.

This level of amenity is more commonly associated with inner-city developments, rather than established middle-ring suburbs like Camberwell.

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Additional shared spaces include a private library lounge, dining and entertaining areas, and an indoor golf simulator. A self-contained guest suite has also been incorporated, allowing residents to accommodate visiting family or friends without impacting their primary living space.

The inclusion of these facilities reflects a broader shift in buyer expectations.

As more downsizers look to transition from larger family homes into apartments, there is increasing demand for developments that offer not just a residence, but a lifestyle. That includes access to wellness, social and entertaining spaces within the building itself, reducing the reliance on external amenity while still maintaining proximity to established precincts.

Camberwell House is positioned to benefit from both.

Its location places it within immediate walking distance of Camberwell Junction’s retail and dining offering, as well as public transport connections, including tram and train services. That combination of internal amenity and external convenience is central to its appeal.

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Jellis Craig Projects Director Stephen Bowtell is handling sales for the project and says Camberwell House offers a rare entry point into one of Melbourne’s most tightly held markets.

“Buyers are recognising that Camberwell House offers something they simply haven’t seen before in Boroondara,”&nbsp;Bowtell&nbsp;says.

“It combines a level of resident amenity and service typically associated with Melbourne’s premium inner-city developments, while being positioned right in the heart of Camberwell Junction.

“The response to the concierge offering has been particularly strong. Buyers appreciate not only the convenience, but also the sense of security and peace of mind that comes from having a dedicated presence in the building every day.

“When you combine that with the wellness facilities, the exceptional arrival experience, and panoramic views across both the CBD skyline and the Dandenong Ranges, it creates a lifestyle proposition that is genuinely unique within the local market.”
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Staff reporter

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