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Investors and owner occupiers continue to seek retail properties in Melbourne’s inner north in big numbers, with another High Street shop and dwelling in Thornbury changing hands under the hammer.
Fitzroys agents Chris Kombi, Ervin Niyaz and Terence Yeh sold 917 High Street for $1.255 million, on behalf of a family that had held the asset for more than 50 years.
An owner occupier purchased the two-storey building of 240sqm, which has a ground floor shop with a short-term lease and first-floor, two-bedroom apartment, on a 224sqm site.
Kombi said the campaign, which attracted more than 120 enquiries, and fierce competition between five bidders at the auction reflected the ongoing demand for assets in the area.
“The building was offered in its original condition, presenting prospective buyers the chance to make their mark on one of inner Melbourne’s fastest-growing retail and lifestyle precincts, or refurbish and capitalise on rental uplifts.”
Shop and dwelling properties on High Street have been trading at healthy numbers. Kombi, Niyaz and Yeh recently sold the 785 High Street corner site for $1.805 million at a 2.4% yield at auction, following a campaign that saw 150 enquiries; as well as 740 High Street for $1.385 million at a 2.9% yield, which netted more than 100 enquiries.
Yeh said ongoing gentrification of Melbourne’s inner north had brought multiple medium and high-density developments, bringing excellent rental growth potential as the immediate residential catchment grows, as well as creating heightened demand for retail services.
“Growth of the immediate catchment has also accentuated the extended trading cycles of these centres, adding to their vibrancy, and Thornbury has enhanced its reputation as a trendy and popular destination for eateries and bars.”
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Fitzroys say blooming prospects for roses among Thornbury

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The former English, Scottish and Australian Bank premises on Camberwell Junction, built in 1885, has been sold for $4.75 million.
The property, at 482 Riversdale Road, is home to The Meat &amp; Wine Co.
The auction started with a $3.9 million bid.
The buyer liked the idea of the trophy property.
It last sold in 2013 at $3.6 million.
The holding, on the Hawthorn East corner, is currently returning $231,164 P.A. and is set on a 250 sqm block.
It is a fully refurbished two storey building with nine secure undercover car parking spaces on title.
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The Meat & Wine Co premises sold on Camberwell Junction

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A development site in Camberwell has hit the market, with Savills Australia’s Jesse Radisich, Julian Heatherich, Nick Peden and Benson Zhou appointed to sell the permit-approved site.
Located at 1052-1058 Toorak Road, they say they are expecting the property to generate significant interest throughout the expressions-of-interest campaign. 
The permit includes 33 apartments and four townhouses designed by C. Kairouz Architects, with more than 105 metres of combined street frontage to Toorak Road and Dickens Street.  
“Securing a corner site of this scale in such a premium location is truly rare, and the opportunity is also likely to appeal to aged care and childcare developers/operators, who will no doubt appreciate the large landholding on offer”, Mr Radisich said. 
“This landmark project will provide a genuine luxury product into one of Melbourne’s most sought after and superior residential locations, with an average unit size of approximately 117sqm,” he added.
The site is within close proximity of some of Melbourne retail precincts, including Hartwell Retail Village, Tooronga Shopping Centre and Camberwell Junction, along with education facilities, parks and recreation facilities and public transport. 
The expressions of interest campaign closes October 16.
 
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Camberwell development site tipped to fetch more than $11.5 million

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An owner occupier has paid $445,000 for a strata office property at Malvern East in Melbourne’s inner east.
The 2004 Malvern Road auction secured $5300 a sqm.
The auction drew several bidders from a crowd of predominantly local owner-occupiers and investors.
The property comprises a fully self-contained, 85 sqm, strata office/retail premises with rear access via a right of way to two secure on-site car spaces and access to ample street parking. 
It was listed for rent as recently as May last year.
The vendor was a local private investor.
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Owner occupier bags Malvern strata office

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Robina Group has secured the $2.9 million sale of a 2,621 sqm site purchased by M-Space QLD.
They have plans to deliver a new office and medical facility in CBD Robina.
The site, located at 18 Campus Crescent, was sold by Colliers International’s Special Projects Director Geoff Lamb to Brisbane-based developer M-Space QLD.
M-Space envisage a strata-titled commercial project offering 3,037 sqm of net lettable area over three floors with internal lift access to all floors, 106 onsite car parks and a basement.
He said the building, to be called Vicinity Robina, is due to be completed in the second quarter of 2020.
"The site was appealing because it is surrounded by Robina Public Hospital, Robina Private Hospital, and a variety of specialist medical amenities, so it's really an ideal fit," said Mr Jackson.
“Plans are for this to be a very versatile strata space and the building will have varied uses with space for showrooms and large or small offices.
“We have already had a very strong level of interest from owner-occupiers of various sizes from 65 sqm offices to 1200 sqm users who would take up an entire floor,” he added.
Robina Group’s Development Manager Darrell Irwin said CBD Robina had now established itself as a medical and health epicenter on the Gold Coast.
“This sale is yet another piece in the Robina masterplan adding to the CBD Robina health and medical precinct,” he said.
"The site is adjacent to Queensland Health’s Robina Health Precinct and Primary Health Care recently opened its flagship multi-disciplinary Primary Medical Centre, just 100 metres away.
The project will be available for lease and strata sale, and comprises five ground floor units suitable for office or medical purposes, along with a café opportunity, and a second and third floor, with suites from 65sqm to 225sqm.
The building design incorporates a high percentage of suites in the sub 100sqm size range to capture the active small to medium business enterprises in the Gold Coast market who prefer to be owner-occupiers to manage their occupancy costs.
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$2.9 million commercial land sale in CBD Robina 

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The Gold coast showed continued weakness with a clearance rate of just 35 percent at auction last weekend, a drop of more than seven percent then their performance last week.
Of the 58 residential properties taken to auction only 20 were successfully sold indicating a clearance rate more than 20 percent worse than the combined capital city average, according CoreLogic. 
A clearance rate of 55.5 percent across the combined capital cities was recorded this week, increasing from last week’s final clearance rate of 51.8 percent while over the same week last year the final clearance rate was recorded at 66.2 percent.
There were 2,404 homes taken to auction across the combined capital cities this week, an increase of over 20 percent from 1,983 over the previous week.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/9/24/Gold%20Coast%204.JPG" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/24/Gold%20Coast%204.JPG" alt="">
A property listed for auction on the Gold Coast last weekend was <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-upper+coomera-129165570" target="_blank">44 Yarrayne Valley Drive</a>, Upper Coomera (pictured above).
The home which in 2015 underwent a rebuild worth $250,000 is set on a holding of 1.39 hectares.
It is a 5 bedroom three bathroom home which last sold for $360,000 in mid 2014.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/24/Gold%20Coast%202.JPG" alt="">
Another house listed for auction last weekend on the Gold Coast was <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-coolangatta-129182514" target="_blank">97 Dutton Street</a>, Coolangatta (pictured above).
The three bedroom one bathroom home is now listed at $695,000.
Set on 465 sqm, the home has never been traded before.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/24/Gold%20Coast%203.JPG" alt="">
A Gold Coast home listed for auction after being sold just over a year ago was <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-palm+beach-129043190" target="_blank">1360 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach</a> (pictured above).
The home sold for $740,000 in June 2017, zoned medium density residential and Code Assessable (potentially permitting up to a 9 storey or 29 metres building height).
It is a two bedroom one bathroom house set on 412 sqm.
It remains for sale.
 
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Gold Coast auction market weakest in the country: CoreLogic

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EXPERT OBSERVER
We’ve just entered what is traditionally the busiest time of the year for selling and it’s going to be a tough season. Property markets are cooling causing an increasingly tight and competitive market for those looking to sell. To achieve the best possible price in the current environment it is essential that sellers have greater control and visibility over the entire sales process – but how do you do this when you’re not actually in control?
Doing it yourself (DIY), is the best way to position yourself at the centre of a sale, and achieve the best outcome for you. You are actually the best person to sell your home as only you have your best interests at heart.
The benefits of selling, yourself
I’ve often heard that vendors believe they need a professional to facilitate the sale of their largest asset. My response to that is with that much at stake, shouldn’t you, the seller, maintain control? It’s a level of transparency that is very difficult to achieve with an agent, though can be achieved by taking the property to market yourself.
North America and Europe boast a significant portion of the market as DIY sales, with 23% of homes sold privately in Canada, 9% in the USA, and 44% in France. This sees vendors successfully transacting directly with the buyer market, realising the significant benefits of control, visibility and savings on commission. Whether selling yourself or engaging an agent, information is power.
Dedicated service
As the vendor, you are selling one property – your property. You have only one motivator; to sell your property at the best possible price. This means you can choose when you have open for inspections whether it’s during the week, after work, on weekends – it is completely up to you. You won’t need to limit potential buyers to a quick 30 minutes on a Saturday afternoon or the middle of the day when everyone is working.
Property knowledge
Agents will tell you no one knows local real estate like they do, and when it comes time to market the property, vendors are asked to leave their property so as not to “scare off” any potential purchasers. However, no one knows your property and your street like you do. You will always have a knowledge advantage over any agent, whether it be electricity costs, sunniest spot in the garden, or Joe across the road who keeps an eye on the place when you go on holidays – buyers love to hear these insider details from you.
Further, sellers are reliant on agents to tell them how many people attended, how many are interested and how many requested a copy of the sec. 32 etc. You never actually get the chance to engage with interested parties as they’re the property of the agents – agents who are not only responsible for the sale of your home, but the raft of other properties on their books.
Open for inspections continue and interest builds, still, the vendor has no contact with these ‘interested’ parties. The entire sales process is in the hands of the agent, a person who hasn’t slept a single night in the home and doesn’t know the unique benefits and quirks of both the property and the surrounding environment which make for outstanding sales attributes.
Money, money, money
The costs you will need to pay an agent upon the successful sale of your property can vary – often between 1.8 and 3 percent of the sale price. On a $600,000 home, that’s almost $20,000 you need to pay out of the sale of your home, out of your pocket. That’s a lot of money that could go to better use.
Immediate response to buyers
Provided you give them the privacy to look around, buyers appreciate the opportunity to ask questions of the owner directly, rather than filtering through an agent which draws out the process. You can manage open for inspections well by giving a quick outline of the house layout and advising buyers to come to you should they have any questions. Invariably the buyers have queries, whether it’s about recent renovations or a tree in the backyard so best to deal with these efficiently, and honestly.
Negotiation
Negotiation is often the major hurdle between choosing an agent or the DIY path due to the fear factor. However, it isn’t as complicated as it seems. By choosing to DIY you are able to be honest about your needs, and buyers can be honest about their own. In my experience, vendors who have elected to DIY report the process is less combative than it is using agents as the go-between. And when a rapport has been established between buyer and seller, it can make negotiation a pleasant and friendly experience.
If this isn’t for you, then there are services that can be offered where a professional can handle the negotiation component of the sale for you.
Overall, many first time DIY sellers advocate the experience as being a lot of fun. Being complimented on your home as well as achieving an agreement on price provides a huge sense of accomplishment and joy. Not to mention what can be done with the thousands of dollars saved in agent commissions.
Colin Keating is the CEO buyMyplace
 
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Why you are the best person to sell your home: buyMyplace Colin Keating 

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Revelations by the AFR that Purplebricks agents pushed clients into cutting their asking prices to win a prize from the low commission estate agency are being referred to the NSW Office of Fair Trading by the REINSW.
Its agents had clients cut their asking prices by as much as 20 per cent to potentially win a $5000 cash prize offered by its co-founder Kenny Bruce.
The Real Estate Institute of NSW president Leanne Pilkington said the vendor discounting competition left her "horrified and speechless". 
"Estate agents are paid to act in their clients' best interests by law. How can this be in their best interests?" said Ms Pilkington.
"This is an awesome opportunity to get our customers homes realigned with the market place and make sure we get the job done for them," said the Puplebricks email to agents.
The email advised agents with stock that had been on the market for more than 30 days "needed to realign pricing the most".
The company, founded by brothers Michael and Kenny Bruce, initially threatened to go to court to get an injunction to prevent publication of the newpaper's story about its "NSW Raffle", but has since defended its practices as "entirely normal".
More than 100 NSW Purplebricks vendors cut their asking prices. A seller in Panania agreed to cut their asking price from $1.2 million to $1 million. A Condell Park vendor cut their price from $1.4 million to $1.2 million.
Among the requirements of the NSW Property, Stock and Business Agents Act 2002 (the Act) and the Property, Stock and Business Agents Regulation 2014 (the Regulation) is that an agent "must act in the client's best interests always, unless it would be contrary to the Act, the Regulation or otherwise unlawful to do so".
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However the heightened perception that Purplebricks's fixed-fee model is not working in Australia assisted in its UK share price tumbling to an 18-month low of £2.226
They peaked at £5.145 in August last year.
However Anthony Codling from broker Jefferies International pinpointed last week's decision by Purplebricks to halve the immediately payable upfront commission fee and the rest on settlement as a major catalyst for its share dip.
It also came as major UK estate agency Connells shut down its own hybrid agency Hatched because it was not "economically viable".
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Purplebricks defends reduced asking price competition as working in vendors' interest

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One Wellington, St Kilda, a new project by property developer, LAS Group Developments and capital partner, Qualitas was launched last week.
It comes with 181 apartments in two towers to be constructed at the triangle of Punt Road, Wellington Street and St Kilda Road.
The development will comprise the east tower with 10 levels and the west tower with 25 levels.
<img src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/b67f167ae4c8a65c807a7fb5a/images/4c4d59bc-4a8b-433b-9ee9-a5168af2bf39.png">
Set at St Kilda Junction, One Wellington will allows purchasers to personalise both the design and space of their apartments.
Stephen Javens, Director at design firm K.P.D.O., said they are providing three very strong schemes and buyers can then select from the extensive range of beautiful finishes.
Les Smith, Managing Director at LAS Group, said he and the team we want purchasers to become far more involved in the design of their apartments.
"We want people to come and tell us what they want, not ask what we have. If you're a family with three teenagers, we can give you a four-bedroom plan with two living areas. If you're a couple who likes to entertain, we can give you indulgent living spaces," he said.
<img src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/b67f167ae4c8a65c807a7fb5a/images/982c1910-8cf5-4ec8-a10c-221a1c0036bf.png">
Prices for the one-bedroom apartments range from $465,000 to $620,000; two-bed from $695,000 to $1.35 million; three-bed from $1. 9 million to $3.725 million; and the penthouses from $2.45 million to $5.8 million.
 Completion is suggested as mid 2021 through Capital Property Marketing agent Bryce Patterson.
Apartment interiors at One Wellington can be personalised through the flexibility of three different schemes – Minimal (top), Chromatic (above) and Dark (below).
<img src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/b67f167ae4c8a65c807a7fb5a/images/2c34438c-55d7-4d1e-ac16-f06e2a0c3fdc.png">
"Apartments can easily be amalgamated to produce personalised floor plans that work.
"When a customer wants to put two or more apartments together, it can be done without compromising the floor plan," Mr Smith said.
The project will house 200 apartments and include a pool, spa, sauna and gym with its design overseen by fitness guru and former Bachelor star Sam Wood.
There will also be a cinema, residents’ lounge, a roundthe-clock concierge and dry and coolstorage at ground level for grocery deliveries. 
One Wellington will be next to The Icon, at 6 St Kilda Road, St Kilda, also known as “the Lego tower”, given it resembles stacked cubes. 
Interested parties can <a href="https://onewellington.com/" target="_blank">register online</a>. 
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One Wellington, St Kilda commissions Sam Wood to design its gym

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A former inn at Murrurundi in the Upper Hunter Valley has been listed with an asking price of $610,000.
It is now a three bedroom home that has recently been renovated.
Haydonton Inn at 2 Mayne Street is named after Thomas Haydon, who subdivided a large block of land in 1840 which later became the town site of Murrurundi.
<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/2018/9/11/Haydonton%20Inn%20Murrurundi.jpg" alt="">
It has been listed through David Carter of Professionals Crown Property &amp; Livestock at Scone.
Carter said Mayne Street has several buildings that are listed on the National Trust register; including a cottage that bushranger Ben Hall resided in.
“The inn was built in 1852,” he said.
“It was one of the original accommodation houses in the region and it comes with an amazing history.
“Murrurundi has a growing arts community and is popular with visitors who are interested in the heritage of the area.
“I could see the property being used as a bed and breakfast but I think it the most likely buyers will be somebody looking for a family home or rural retreat.”
Carter said the home sat on 3.7 acres backing on to the Pages River.
“The home has undergone restoration over recent years and now combines beautiful original features with modern convenience,’’ he said.
“The home has three bedrooms, a modern kitchen, a formal sitting room, a study, formal dining room and a spacious living area.
”For the horse lover, the property has two safely fenced paddocks, a set of three stables designed with a central cathedral roof and a functional feed/tack room. The property also boasts an equipped registered well in addition to local town water supply.”
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Former Haydonton Inn in the Hunter Valley listed

An entity directed by HSN's Rafi Assouline and Rebel Property's Allen Linz has filed plans for an impressive new precinct in Woolloomooloo.

The major mixed-use development would transform a prominent William Street site into a new residential village anchored by affordable housing and a large public park.

The proposal, submitted as a State Significant Development Application, covers 164-172 and 174-194 William Street, a 6,398 sqm site between Forbes Street and Dowling Street on the southern edge of Woolloomooloo.

Designed by fjcstudio in collaboration with Bangawarra, Studio Bright and Tribe Studio Architects, the scheme would deliver 227 apartments across four residential buildings ranging in height up to 18 storeys, alongside retail space, public domain improvements and a new publicly accessible park.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0eb59b7c-914a-4a5c-b849-3a56749f5e93" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.18.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=mxM6EEqeoLjrCiTlCzTKTvzpKuh6kSkH" />

It's another design scheme for Rebel, who took <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-rebel-property-group-takes-woolloomooloo-precinct-to-nsw-government">concept plans to the NSW Gov late last year</a>.

The latest plans will be a mix of 167 build-to-sell apartments and 60 affordable apartments, with the affordable housing component representing 15 per cent of the project's gross floor area. The apartment mix includes 12 one-bedroom, 53 two-bedroom, 89 three-bedroom apartments and 13 penthouses, while the affordable housing component would comprise 42 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b3d4553-8a8c-4af5-aa8c-519ffb1e28c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.20.12%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_Yb6ibN7eDnOtQjCNDK2eviORa4qzgv." />

Rebel Property is seeking to take advantage of the NSW Government's infill affordable housing bonus provisions under the Housing SEPP, which provide additional floor space and height in exchange for the delivery of affordable housing for a minimum of 15 years. The planning pathway allows a 30 per cent increase in floor space ratio and building height where 15 per cent of the development is dedicated to affordable housing.

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At the centre of the development is a 1,356 sqm sunlit public park designed to become a new community gathering space at the gateway to Woolloomooloo. The park would be complemented by a network of pedestrian laneways connecting William Street with the surrounding streets, improving permeability through what is currently a largely impermeable block.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="257af931-a393-4007-8c6d-7219796df58d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.20.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KAHy94GrhaReFsWTGDKfy39EDJ8gEEv4" />

The design team says the public domain has been heavily influenced by the site's topography and Aboriginal cultural heritage, drawing on the escarpments, gullies and landscape characteristics that historically defined the area before urbanisation. The landscape design has been developed in partnership with First Nations consultancy Bangawarra.

The project would be delivered across four separate buildings. The William Street East and William Street West buildings, designed by fjcstudio, would contain the majority of the apartments. Melbourne-based Studio Bright has designed the Forbes Street building, while Tribe Studio Architects is responsible for the Dowling Street building.

Rebel had secured approval for the concept plans late last year.

Joel Robinson

First look: HSN, Rebel, advances Woolloomooloo precinct plans

A locally heritage-listed furniture showroom on Water Street is set to become the centrepiece of a new mixed-use residential development as local developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/keylin-group">Keylin</a> seeks approval for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lotus-on-water-street-290-water-street-fortitude-valley-qld-4006">Lotus on Water Street</a>, a 15-storey project on the Fortitude Valley side of Spring Hill.

The proposal spans 290 Water Street and 137-141 Warry Street, combining several properties into a 2,869 sqm site that sits between Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill and the rapidly evolving Victoria Park precinct. Keylin's plans would deliver 132 apartments alongside new retail, hospitality and commercial space, while retaining and repurposing the historic Brunswick Home Furnishers Showroom that fronts Water Street.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/jackson-teece">Jackson Teece</a>, Lotus on Water Street comprises a 12-storey residential tower rising above a three-storey podium and communal rooftop terrace. The development includes 76 apartments classified as multiple dwellings and a further 56 units proposed as short-term accommodation, designed to be flexibly used as either accommodation or permanent residences. The apartment mix comprises six one-bedroom, 54 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom homes.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9822bb79-6c49-49c9-95ba-319e8c8d81c3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20front.png?VersionId=ioW8zbN4UVebbLetTFuv92t.HkdgfR5e" />

Residents would have access to an extensive rooftop recreation level spanning more than 1,200 sqm of communal open space. Plans include a pool, gym, sauna, infrared sauna, yoga area, library, private dining room, barbecue facilities and landscaped entertainment spaces, making the rooftop the project's largest shared amenity offering.

At street level, the proposal focuses on the adaptive reuse of the heritage buildings along Water Street, where 518 sqm of retail and commercial space is planned across shop, office and food and drink outlet uses. A permeable residential lobby would be positioned between the retained heritage buildings, creating a pedestrian connection between the historic streetscape and the new tower behind.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="269cf3e0-7d13-48bf-a318-05a00deb5c10" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20podium.png?VersionId=DLXmTCLsp6GOcLpQ0h.0z7wKCw59EhN_" />

The heritage retention strategy is central to the scheme. The development application notes that the Brunswick Home Furnishers Showroom and adjoining heritage buildings will remain, with only non-significant structures on the site earmarked for removal under a previously issued Heritage Exemption Certificate. Levels one and two of the new podium are recessed behind the heritage façades to maintain their prominence within the streetscape.

Jackson Teece has drawn inspiration from the site's manufacturing history when designing the podium. The planning documents state that the façade incorporates perforated metal screening that references the woven and rattan furniture historically produced on the site. Cascading and climbing plants are integrated throughout the podium to soften the building's presentation and screen parking levels behind. The landscape strategy also informs the project's name, Lotus on Water Street, drawing on the historic Spring Hollow waterholes that once ran through Spring Hill and the blue water lilies associated with Meeanjin, Brisbane's traditional name.

The proposal also incorporates the neighbouring property at 141 Warry Street, currently occupied by a healthcare service. The existing building would remain, with nine dedicated parking spaces allocated within the new development to support its ongoing operation. In total, Lotus on Water Street proposes 117 car spaces, including 110 resident spaces and seven visitor bays, alongside 100 bicycle spaces.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70cf07bc-4fd8-4e70-92dd-be8b21c4e4f0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20site.png?VersionId=txlxrJImM0Sm_vTzHVKh5DDUkyL_CiiA" />

The site sits within the Spring Hill East Precinct of the Spring Hill Neighbourhood Plan and is positioned around 650 metres from both Fortitude Valley Station and Exhibition Station. It is also within walking distance of the King Street precinct, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston Quarter and Victoria Park, which is earmarked to become a major venue precinct ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Planning documents describe the location as a key gateway between Spring Hill and Fortitude Valley and highlight the area's increasing importance as new transport infrastructure and Olympic-related investment reshape Brisbane's inner north. The development team argues the project will contribute additional housing supply while activating a section of Water Street that has historically received less investment than other parts of the Valley.

Keylin has become increasingly active across Brisbane and southeast Queensland, assembling sites in strategic inner-city locations. They are currently selling and delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/oria-spring-hill-447-gregory-terrace-spring-hill-qld-4000">Oria Spring Hill</a>, just over 140 apartments due for completion in 2027.

Keylin plans heritage-led Lotus on Water Street apartment development in Fortitude Valley

Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Staff reporter

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