<html><body>
Five properties were sold off at the Queensland government’s recent auction of properties marked for the Glendowner Dam project.
More than 200 people attended the event in Beudesert, with registered bidders battling it out for the properties which eventually achieved a total of $7,995,000.
The Stage 2 Glendowner Dam Project auction included properties that are about 60 kilometres from the Gold Coast and 70 kilometres from Brisbane.
It included two blocks of vacant land of 50 hectares, a house on a 4046 square metre block, and two farms with frontage to the Albert River with irrigation licences, houses and sheds.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/8/8/RWR_Glendower_160.JPG" alt="">
Ray White Rural Queensland's Peter Douglas described the auction as one of the best auctions he’s been involved with, and said the two ex-dairy farms sold for $3,530,000 and $2,920,000.
The two vacant blocks of 80 hecatre land sold for $600,000 and $650,000, with the house selling for $295,000. 
"We sold everything under the hammer and didn't pause for anything. It was good strong competition between buyers from Brisbane, Gold Coast, locally and country areas of Queensland," Douglas said.  
"The first stage saw the completed disposal sale of six properties at auction in June.
"Together with Ed Dalton and Andrew Thomson of Ray White Rural Beaudesert, we will offer Stage 3 shortly which will consist of more outstanding grazing and farming country and lifestyle blocks."
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Glendower Dam property sell-off nets almost $8 million

<html><body>
ANZ have announced a new gauge for looking at dwelling prices in Australia using Google search trends.
The ANZ Housing Search Index looks at search terms such as “stamp duties”, “mortgage loan comparison”, “auctions today” and “moving company” to look at market sentiment.
<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/2018/8/8/FIGURE%201.jpg" alt="">
The information is available through Google Trends, which has been operating since January 2014.
It claims that “significant research has shown that this data may correlate with the levels of economic activity in given industries, and thus may be helpful in predicting macro indicators”.
“The (year on year) change in the index can track annual shifts in housing prices, three months in advance.”
<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/2018/8/8/FIGURE%202.jpg" alt="">
ANZ say that it plans to use the tool as an additional information point to assist in its analysis.
It claims that the index is already providing potentially useful information.
“The index suggests Australia’s house prices may stabilise later this year, consistent with the message sent by auction clearance rates,” the report said.  
“It is early days, however, so we aren’t getting too carried away with the signal.”
</body></html>

New ANZ tool analyses Google searches for housing market sentiment 

<html><body>
The $1.2 billion Spirit residential project at Surfers Paradise is targeting the luxury downsizing dollar with its 'super apartments'. 
Developer Foriseland says it is creating apartments with more space than its competitor projects, while coming with some of the touches of a luxury lifestyle.
The 89-storey, 303-metre high tower on the former Iluka site between Hanlan Street, Northcliffe Terrace and Trickett Street, will be Australia’s third tallest residential tower on completion.
The tower will have 479 apartments, with one-bedroom units to have more than 110 square metres of living space.
The building will have pools, bars, a cocktail lounge, banquet room and a wine cellar, while the rooftop level will be reserved for residence access exclusively.
Residents will also have access to butlers upon request, personal grocery shopping and flower arrangement deliveries.
Other service will include car washing and detailing, babysitting, newspaper deliveries, pet vacation care and grooming. 
<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/2018/8/8/Spirit%20hero.jpg" alt="">
Julian Sutherland, of Ray White Projects, an arm of the Ray White Surfers Paradise Group said that Spirit’s ‘super apartments’ will rival any project in the world.
 “We have never seen an apartment project of this quality and magnitude in Australia – it’s an absolute thrill to create such a landmark, on such a scale, that not only retains but enhances its living spaces. It is quite remarkable what the team is creating at Spirit,” he said.
“You won’t see so many over-sized apartments in any project in New York, London, Dubai or Beijing and yet here we are going to see almost 500 superbly appointed, large style homes in the sky right here on the beachfront overlooking Australia’s most famous beach.”
Sutherland says that the apartments will be a genuine alternative to a home.
“There is a strange dichotomy in the Australian market that people want to downsize and move from large family homes to apartments, but developers over the last decade have tended to create smaller living spaces,” he said.
“Spirit is going against this trend. Foriseland’s market feedback is that if affluent people want to downsize, they don’t want to sacrifice on living space.
“Spirit will create opulent, ultra-luxury living spaces that are literally homes in the sky.
“When you add to this the unbelievable facilities that will be incorporated into Spirit, then you literally have a community within a community – one that you rarely have to leave.”
Prices at Spirit start at $1 million.
</body></html>

Spirit at Surfers Paradise makes a super play for the luxury downsizing dollar

<html><body>
The architect David Maughan is selling his Tooborac home, Somerset Park.
It has been listed by Brian Lawry from Ray White.
It now has price hopes of $1.7 million.
Nestled in the foothills of the McHarg Ranges, Somerset Park at 215 Tooborac Baynton Road is set on 80 acres.
It was designed by architect David Maughan.
<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/2018/7/25/tooborac%202.jpg" alt="">
The home features four bedrooms with BIR's, two bathrooms, two offices, lounge room, dining room, wine cellar, large laundry/mud room, and light filled kitchen.
Other extras include two carports, tennis court, floor heating, fireplace and air conditioning.
Surrounded by mature gardens, it comes with fully lined workshop, two bay hay shed, studio and four stables.
Cattle handling facilities include stock-yards with crush, reticulated water to all paddocks and extensive electric fencing.
It is just one hour from Tullamarine Airport, and close to popular tourist destinations including the renowned Heathcote wine growing district.
<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/2018/7/25/tooboorac%203.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Architect David Maughan lists Somerset Park in Tooborac 

<html><body>
Property Exchange Australia (PEXA) has expanded the capabilities of its e-conveyancing platform in response to recent legislative changes concerning payment of GST at settlement.
The change, effective 1 July 2018, now requires property purchasers to pay GST on the price of new residential premises or potential residential land directly to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Previously, developers were responsible for this payment.
The introduction of this new legislation is primarily designed to reduce the $1.8 billion owing in GST payments to the Federal Government, and to eliminate the practice of ‘phoenixing’, a process by which a company declares insolvency, but reforms under a new name to avoid paying debts and taxes.
PEXA executive Mike Cameron,said the visibility for all parties is a major benefit of a more streamlined, digital process.
"The PEXA platform provides transparency for all parties and added assurance that the new process has been adhered to," Cameron said. 
"The ability to complete GST at settlement through an e-Conveyancing transaction provides certainty for all involved in property exchange."
Australian Institute of Conveyancers (AIC) national president, Shane Jacob, said through PEXA "we have the clarity we don’t get in the paper-based world that the GST for relevant properties had been captured".
 
</body></html>

PEXA streamlines GST payments on new property purchases

<html><body>
Construction company Multiplex has been appointed as the builder for Beulah International’s $200 million CBD development Paragon, located at the former Celtic Club site.
Multiplex joins an enviable line up with internationally acclaimed architects Fender Katsalidis and landscaper Paul Bangay, collaborating with Beulah International to build the mixed-use development, comprising of 227 luxury apartments across 48 levels.
Situated at 318 Queen Street, Paragon will include a three story elevated indoor urban forest in an Australian first, while in a nod to the site’s historical significance, the design is set to feature artisan metal worked with a geometric Celtic-inspired pattern across curtains of glass.
Clever in design, the architecture also maximises views, allowing the majority of residences prized corner vistas by limiting density to between four and six residences per floor.
Multiplex was awarded the construction contract following a competitive tendering process, selected for its ability to deliver a project of this scale with the required quality standard and timeframe.
“This is the first time Beulah International has worked with Multiplex and we chose to collaborate on Paragon due their strong industry reputation globally accurately reflecting the premium nature of this project,” said Jiaheng Chan, Managing Director of Beulah International.
“Having recently taken out the Australian construction industry’s most prestigious honour, the Australian Construction Achievement Award, combined with the fact that they are one of the largest contractors globally with over half a century of experience in large-scale development projects, we have the confidence that the creative vision of Paragon will be delivered on time and to the highest quality,” he said.
“Multiplex select our clients carefully and we are very excited to have Beulah International on board. They are a leading developer and constantly push the boundaries in design and innovation.” said Graham Cottam, Regional Managing Director of Multiplex.
A truly unique project to the Melbourne property market, Paragon was launched in mid 2017 with approximately 90 percent of the apartments purchased during the registration of interest campaign.
Awarded the Best Residential High-Rise Development for Australia at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2018-2019, Paragon is slated for completion towards the end of 2020, with Multiplex having already officially commenced construction on the tower.
</body></html>

Multiplex awarded contract on Beulah's $200 million CBD development

<html><body>
The impact of Melbourne’s West Gate Tunnel Project on dwelling prices will be positive for some but negative for others, according to the latest analysis by RiskWise Property Research.
The $6.7 billion project, under construction since January and due to open in 2022, is touted as being a 'game-changer' when it comes to the way people move around the congested city, which is projected to have a population explosion to five million by 2021 and eight million by 2050, according to demographer Bernard Salt.
While the tunnel’s construction will, according to Transurban, reduce peak travel time by up to 20 minutes, take about 28,000 vehicles off West Gate Bridge and 22,000 vehicles off Bolte Bridge daily, generate 6000 new jobs and remove more than 9000 trucks from local streets, not all its effects on the property market will be positive, says RiskWise CEO Doron Peleg.
“There are many positive aspects to the construction of the West Gate Tunnel especially as it is expected to provide a $11 billion boost to the Victorian economy,” Peleg said.
“Dwellings that are well located and in good proximity to transport hubs will have much greater access to the CDB and this means they are projected to have solid capital growth, at least for houses.” 
He said this was particularly the case for houses in Yarraville and Footscray, which already enjoyed strong demand and would deliver outstanding capital growth in the long term. 
“Overall house price growth in Greater Melbourne has decelerated to 2.2% in the past 12 months, however, the five-year capital growth in the city’s western suburbs was 69.1% and this area is projected to deliver a solid long-term capital growth,” he said. 
“What we are seeing is that the inner-city suburbs of Melbourne are following the same demand and capital growth patterns of Sydney's inner-west suburbs where proximity to the CBD, relative affordability (five years ago) and gentrification saw demand increase with very strong property capital growth of 92.7% over five years and solid capital growth predicted in the medium-to-long term.  
“The western suburbs of Melbourne are following the same pattern. Add to that major ‘transformation projects’, and the capital growth is projected to be very good in the long term.
“It is important to note though that the same cannot be said for units in Melbourne which suffer from significant oversupply.  Our research shows that areas with a high level of stock and an elevated number of approvals and units in the pipeline suffer from poor and often negative capital growth, and this significantly increases the settlement risk for units purchased off-the-plan, particularly in larger developments. 
“In Footscray there are 2280 units in the pipeline for the next 24 months, which equals an addition of 41.3% to the current stock.
“Oversupply of apartments in some cases leads to voluntarily lending restrictions by the major lenders, such as lower loan-to-value ratio (LVR) mortgages for new units. These lending restrictions are in addition to broader lending restrictions that have been set by APRA to significantly reduce investor activity."
He said while unit oversupply was a concern, the new infrastructure would likely improve demand, and this could mitigate the risk to some extent.
Peleg said another consideration when it came to any negative consequences of the tunnel was that some dwelling prices could be impacted because they were too close to high-traffic areas which meant they could carry a higher level of risk due to poor demand, and this was the case for both houses and units.
“Major infrastructure can often result in negative outcomes for some properties in the sense that people are excited by it yet tend to forget that some properties will be negatively impacted,” he said.
“About 350 houses will sit above the tunnel, which will run at least 18m beneath the ground, and while the state government has promised compensation to those whose properties are damaged by underground boring, it is likely to reduce demand and prices for those affected.”
</body></html>

How Melbourne's West Gate Tunnel will impact property prices

<html><body>
With a northerly aspect and nestled into a private bushland setting adjacent to reserve, a Spence four-bedroom-plus-study residence was sold at auction on August 4.
It was offered by Phyllis Tidmarsh from Ray White - Canberra.
The house sold for $807,000.
Built in 1974 as a project home, renowned Canberra architect Robert Warren was engaged by the current owners to design an extension for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-spence-128824086" target="_blank">61 Somerville Street</a> in the mid 1990's.
<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/2018/7/31/spence%202.jpg" alt="">
Set on a 1403sqm elevated and north facing block, the single-level home comes with four bedrooms, light-filled living space, original quality timer kitchen, and separate formal dining area.  
Additional features include double carport under roofline, rear garden, three paved courtyard areas, and abundant storage.
It is within walking distance to Mt Rogers nature reserve and walking tracks. 
The suburb's median house price sits at <a href="/developments/spence-act-2615">$577,250</a>, according to CoreLogic. 
 <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/2018/7/31/spence%203.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Spence four bedroom house in bushland setting sold at auction 

<html><body>
Following its mixed-use development in Parramatta, Crown Group was awarded the 2018 UDIA NSW Mixed-Use award for its 514-apartment tower V by Crown Group at the annual Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW Awards for Excellence last weekend.
Crown Group Chairman and Group CEO Iwan Sunito said the prestigious award recognised the company’s dedication to create an iconic residential development for the site.   Positioned in the heart of Parramatta, and referred to by local media as Parramatta’s “Vertical Village”, V by Crown Group includes a private pool, gym, sauna, conference facilities, music room, theatrette, library, state-of-the-art archaeological showcase and level-26 bar; plus a boutique hotel and ground level retail-and-dining plaza.   "This award is a recognition of the unique design of V by Crown Group, a development which reflects the past, present and the future," Sunito said.   Iwan, who is also an architect, has often expressed his desire to use innovative designs rather than to simply follow designs of the past.   "We strive to push the boundaries of conventional design, to create revolutionary breakthrough developments," Sunito said.   "After more than 20 years of growth, we continually strive to create award-winning architectural designs across Sydney’s skyline." 
<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/2018/8/8/V%20by%20Crown%20Group%20Lobby.jpg" alt=""> Designed by international architects Allen Jack + Cottier (AJ+C) in collaboration with the Japanese born architect, Koichi Takada, V by Crown Group includes two large V-shaped columns, each standing a striking three storeys tall; highlighting its main entrance on the corner of Macquarie and Marsden streets Parramatta.   The development involved the preservation of a number of key elements of Parramatta’s historical and cultural past, including the remains of a convict hut found during excavation and uniquely displayed for public view in a purpose-built display centre located on-site.
Named the “The Philip Ruddock Heritage Centre,” the public showcase was officially opened to the public by NSW Premier Gladys Berejikilian along with Mayor of Hornsby and former member for Parramatta, Philip Ruddock and Crown Group CEO Iwan Sunito in December 2017.   V by Crown Group is also home to the first Skye Hotel Suites; Parramatta’s first five-star hotel offering 72 luxury suites catering for domestic and international visitors to Parramatta.   At ground-level, V by Crown Group’s modern retail precinct is home to Husk + Vine Restaurant and Bar, The Shed Café among other eateries and retail outlets.   V by Crown Group’s second tower was completed in 2017.
</body></html>

Crown Group wins design award for Parramatta mixed-use development 

<html><body>
Aussie Home Loans boss James Symond believes home buyers will enjoy better buying conditions in the 2018-2019 financial year, with housing affordability improving on the back of weaker property prices.
The Aussie chief executive says that while sluggish wages growth and ever-tightening lending conditions are still cause for concern, the easing or reversal of price growth in some markets will be a welcome change.
 <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/2018/8/3/TRENDS%201.jpg" alt="">
Souce: CoreLogic
“The Housing Industry Association’s recent report showed easing property prices have improved affordability in five of Australia’s capital cities in the June 2018 quarter, with Hobart, Adelaide and Melbourne the exceptions," Symond said. 
“Perth continues to be Australia’s most affordable capital city and represents excellent value for first home buyers and investors. I expect we will see a return to growth in that market very soon as buyers capitalise on its market conditions."
<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/2018/8/3/TRENDS%202.jpg" alt="">
Symond pointed to Aussie’s recent <a id="m_3069420768199052246LPlnk39779" href="http://www.aussie.com.au/25years" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://www.aussie.com.au/25years&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1533340884865000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHtnWg1otE9jLxq9MhZpUaipuIh1g">25 Years of Housing Trends report</a> which showed loan serviceability levels have improved over the last 25 years.
The proportion of annual household income required to service a mortgage (based on a 20% deposit) is currently tracking at 36%, up from 27% in 2001, but down from its peak of 51% of annual income in June 2008.
“A new report released this week by Deloitte Access Economics shows that mortgage brokers make mortgage markets work better, providing information and improving choice and competition for borrowers. It’s for these reasons and more that there’s never been a better time for a borrower to use a mortgage broker," he said. 
"Brokers intimately know the various lending criteria and policies of different lenders, and so can help borrowers secure the right loan faster and easier than going it alone.”
<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/2018/8/3/TRENDS%203.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Housing affordability improving for buyers in new financial year: Aussie Home Loans 

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.

&nbsp;

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

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News