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Australia's biggest apartment developer, Meriton, is set to release more than 200 high-end brand new apartments.
They are releasing them into the Mascot rental market in response to unrelenting demand from tenants who want to call the suburb home.
The 237 ‘lifestyle’ apartments are spread across three six-level buildings in Meriton’s nearly-completed Signia development at <a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=200+Coward+St&amp;entry=gmail&amp;source=g">200 Coward St</a>, boasting grand outlooks, with district views to the east, parkland vies to the south, and Sydney CBD views to the north.
Signia includes two buildings which house the just-opened 179-suite Meriton Suites Sydney Airport hotel.
The Signia rental apartments will contribute to Meriton this year lifting the number of apartments in its build-to-rent pool past the 3500 mark.
Victor Toscano, Meriton’s head of residential leasing, says Mascot has become a rental hotspot, thanks to its proximity to the Sydney CBD and easy access to Sydney Airport.
He says the Signia apartments are the latest to be completed in a self-funded build-to-rent program that Meriton has been running for more than 20 years.
“The apartments include the very best design features and finishes and are very much right up there with apartments we are marketing to owner-occupiers and investors across Sydney.” Signia will also offer some of the largest apartments in the area with sizes of 50sqm-72sqm internally for a one-bedroom apartment, 73sqm-98sqm internally for a two-bedroom apartment and 92sqm-119sqm internally for a three-bedroom apartment. External space ranges from 8sqm up to 74sqm.
Signia, in which the final building will be completed in July, includes landscaped gardens, an 80-place childcare centre, more than 1000sqm of retail space, and tenant parking for 223 cars.
Meriton owner Harry Triguboff, who founded Meriton 54 years ago, long has been an ardent fan of Mascot and has become the dominant developer in the suburb.
His Mascot Central four-tower project completed in 2016, gave the suburb a new heart, in the form of an alfresco-style retail precinct with a full-scale Woolworths supermarket and 16 specialty and food retailers, including cafes and restaurants.
The latest Meriton projects at Mascot include Kiara and Spectrum, plus the group’s debut Platinum Collection building, VIDA.
In July Mr Triguboff’s grandson, Ariel Hendler, will release Escada, a 12-level building with 104 apartments.
Meriton has retained hundreds of apartments in the suburb, adding them to its build-to-rent portfolio.
Mr Toscano says Meriton’s Mascot projects offer residents great lifestyles by virtue of their landscaped parks, barbecue areas, pools, saunas and gymnasiums.
“Those things are part and parcel of our Signia development.
“They are important to people today, especially to those who want to relax, entertain or workout without having to get in a car and travel.”
Mr Toscano said Meriton, despite its major Mascot rental portfolio, was struggling to meet tenant demand.
“The arrival of the Signia apartments will be like a breath of fresh air to our rental management team.”
Mr Toscano said Signia rents would start at $570 for a one-bedroom apartment without parking and peak at $1000 for a three-bedroom unit with two car spaces.
Signia spans a 1.715ha site bought for $47 million in 2013.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Meriton making major build-to-rent release

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Designed by award-winning architect, Drew Health, the Blackheath Piano House has been scheduled for auction on August 5.
It is being auctioned through Alan Gregory of Ray White.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-blackheath-128778814" target="_blank">Located at 23 Prince George St</a>, the double brick house comes with two bedrooms, spacious kitchen and dining, lounge room with open fireplace, and outdoor deck. 
<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/2018/7/19/balckheath%202.jpg" alt="">
Other highlights include the combination of hardwood and heated polished concrete flooring, custom lighting, bi-fold doors and built-in storage.
Sitting on a 1,075sqm block of land, it also features a low maintenance garden by leading Mountains horticulturist James Masters.
It is within short walking distance to Blackheath village.
<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/2018/7/19/blackheath%203.jpg" alt="">
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Blackheath Piano House scheduled  for auction 

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A Victor Harbour four bedroom house with coastal and island views remains listed for sale by mortgagees with a price guide of $1 million to $1.05 million.
The South Australian home is listed by Nathan Fry from Harcourts.
Offers close July 31.
It has been on and off the market over the past two years for over 400 days.
It last sold for $830,000 in October of 2013.
Sit on a 709sqm corner allotment,<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-victor+harbor-128759218" target="_blank"> the 1 Franklin Parade</a> house comes with four bedrooms, spacious family living/dining areas, designer kitchen with stone benchtops, cellar/storage areas, and large balconies on three sides.
Additional features include solar/electric heated lap pool, high ceilings throughout and security system.
The location is close to restaurants, cafes, and the boat ramp.
The suburb's median house price sits at<a href="/developments/victor-harbor-sa-5211"> $330,000</a>, according to CoreLogic.
 
 
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$1 million Victor Harbor home offering by mortgagees

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<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">Findings from an independent survey commissioned by CouriersPlease reveal that only one in four Aussies don’t trust their neighbours enough to let them collect their mail.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">The survey of a nationally representative panel of 1021 Australians asked respondents to think about their past and present neighbours when asked what they would trust their neighbours with.
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">The results found that 74 per cent of respondents would trust their neighbours with responsibilities such as collecting mail and deliveries, looking after pets and plants, and holding a set of house keys while they are away.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/20/Trusting%20Aussies.JPG" alt=""></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">It also found that collecting mail (chosen by 82 per cent of respondents) and allowing couriers to leave parcels with them (69 per cent of respondents) were tasks we’d most trust them with.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">Surprisingly, more respondents would leave their pet with their neighbour while they were away (49 per cent of respondents) than trusting them with their home key (46 per cent of respondents). </div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">When asked how many neighbours they trust, 37 per cent of respondents revealed they only trust one neighbour, while a quarter trust two to three neighbours around them.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">38 per cent trust their neighbours more now than they did 10 years ago.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">The survey also found that Baby Boomers are most trusting of their neighbours than Millennials.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">84 per cent of over 60s trust their neighbour, compared with just 64 per cent of 19-to-29-year olds.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">CP CEO, Mark McGinley, says “It’s heartening to see that Aussie neighbourhoods have remained strong."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">CP has an existing parcel delivery option that enables those receiving parcels to redirect their delivery to a nominated neighbour up to three houses away if they won’t be home to collect it. 
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Three quarters of Australians trust their neighbours

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Ever since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) there has been an obsession with looking for the next recession.
In this regard, over the last year or so there has been increasing concern that a flattening yield curve in the US - ie the gap between long-term bond yields and short-term borrowing rates has been declining - is signalling a downturn and, if it goes negative, a recession in the US.
This concern naturally takes on added currency given that the current US bull market and economic expansion are approaching record territory in terms of duration and given the trade war threat.
The increased volatility in shares seen this year, including a 10% or so pull back in global shares earlier this year, adds to these fears.
Whether the US is about to enter recession is critical to whether the US (and hence global) bull market in shares is about to end. Looking at all 10% or greater falls in US shares since the 1970s (see the table in Correction time for shares?), US share market falls associated with a US recession are longer lasting and deeper with an average duration of 16 months and an average fall of 36% compared to a duration of 5 months and an average fall of 14% when there is no recession.
Similarly, Australian share market falls are more severe when there is a US recession.
So, whether a recession is imminent or not in the US is critically important in terms of whether a major bear market is imminent.
The long US economic expansion and bull market The cyclical bull market in US shares is now over nine years old.
This makes it the second longest since WW2 and the second strongest in terms of percentage gain.
And according to the US National Bureau of Economic Research the current US economic expansion is now 109 months old and compares to an average expansion of 58 months since 1945.
See the next two tables. So, with the bull market and the economic expansion getting long in the tooth it’s natural to ask whether it will all soon come to an end with a major bear market.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/20/Oliver%20Graph%201.JPG" alt="">
The yield curve flattens – but it’s complicated 
The yield curve is watched for two reasons. First, it’s a good guide to the stance of monetary policy. When short-term interest rates are low relative to long-term rates it indicates businesses can borrow short and lend (or invest) long &amp; this grows the economy.
But it’s not so good when short rates are above long rates – or the curve is inverted. And secondly an inverted US yield curve has preceded US recessions. So, when it’s heading in this direction some start to worry.
However, there are several complications. First, which yield curve?
Much focus has been on the gap between 10-year bond yields and 2-year bond yields which has flattened to just 0.3%, but the Fed has concluded that the traditional yield curve based on the gap between 10-year bond yields and the Fed Funds rate is a better predictor of the economy and it has flattened but only to 1%
. based on the gap between 2-year bond yields and the Fed Funds rate predicted past recessions like the longer yield curves but has actually been steepening in recent years which is positive.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/20/Oliver%20Graph%202.JPG" alt="">
Second, the yield curve can give false signals – the traditional version flattened or went negative in 1986, 1995 and 1998 before rebounding – and the lags from an inverted curve to a recession can be long at around 15 months.So even if it went negative now recession may not occur until late 2020.
Third, various factors may be flattening the yield curve unrelated to cyclical economic growth expectations including still falling longterm inflation and real rate expectations, low German and Japanese bond yields holding down US yields and higher levels of investor demand for bonds post the GFC as they have proven to be a good diversifier to shares in times of crisis.
Fourth, a flattening yield curve caused by rising short term rates and falling long term rates is arguably more negative than a flattening when both short and long term rates go up like recently.
Finally, a range of other indicators which we will now look at are not pointing to an imminent US recession.
Watch for exhaustion, not old age
A key lesson of past economic expansions is that “they do not die of old age, but of exhaustion”.
The length of economic expansions depends on how quickly recovery proceeds, excess builds up, inflation rises and the central bank tightens.
The US economic recovery may be long, but it has been very slow such that average economic and employment growth has been around half that seen in post WW2 expansions.
So as a result it has taken longer than normal for excesses to build up.
Apart from flattening yield curves one area where the US is flashing warning signs is in relation to the labour market where unemployment and underemployment have fallen about as low as they ever go warning of a wages breakout and inflation pressure.'
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/20/Oliver%20Graph%203.JPG" alt="">
However, there is still arguably spare capacity in the US labour market (the participation rate has yet to see a normal cyclical rise) and wages growth at 2.7% remains very low.
The last three recessions were preceded by wages growth above 4%.
Secondly, while US GDP is now back in line with estimates of “potential”, what is “potential” can get revised so it’s a bit dodgy and more fundamentally, industrial capacity utilisation at 78% is still below normal of 80% and well below levels that in the past have shown excess and preceded recessions.
Thirdly, cyclical spending in the US as a share of GDP remains low. For example, business and housing investment are around long term average levels as a share of GDP in contrast to the high levels in one or both seen prior to the tech wreck and GFC.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/20/Oliver%20Graph%204.JPG" alt="">
Finally, while the rising Fed Funds rate and flattening traditional yield curve is consistent with tightening US monetary policy, it’s a long way from tight.
Past US recessions have been preceded by the Fed Funds rates being well above inflation and nominal economic growth whereas it’s still a long way from either now. See the next chart.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/20/Oliver%20Graph%205.JPG" alt="">
US likely to see overheating before recession 
Apart from the amber lights flashing from the flattening yield curve and very low unemployment our assessment is that a US recession is still some time away as it will take time for excesses to become extreme and US monetary policy to become tight.
Looked at another way, the US is still more likely to overheat before it goes into recession.
We have been thinking recession is a 2020 risk.
The end of the current fiscal stimulus around then would also be consistent with this. However, given the current slow pace in terms of building excess, that 2020 is a presidential election year – do you really think Trump will allow the US to go off a fiscal cliff then? – and with 2020 being the consensus pick for a downturn, the risk is that it comes later.
Of course, an escalating trade war could mess things up earlier, although we still see a negotiated solution.
The rising US budget deficit is a concern but it’s more of an issue for when the economy turns down as this is when investors will start to worry about its sustainability. And of course a 1987 style share market crash cannot be ruled out but probably requires a share market blow off before hand.
In the meantime, the Fed has more tightening to do and while share market volatility is likely to remain high as US inflation and short rates rise, excesses gradually build and given risks around Trump and trade, with recession still a way off the US and global share bull market likely still has some way to go.
Dr Shane Oliver is the Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist for AMP Capital.
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Obsession with the next recession: Shane Oliver 

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Alexander Phillips of Phillps Pantzer Donnelley, located in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, has been ranked the nation's top selling agent for the third consecutive year.
He sold 184 properties for a total value of $530 million with an average 20 days on market time. His previous annual tally was $432 million, reflecting a huge spurt in sales commission heading his way. Phillips, who leads what the local paper, The Wentworth Courier dubbed the "wonder" team, spent some this year on an <a href="/news/roche-family-member-sells-for-11-million-in-vaucluse">$11 million Vaucluse home.</a>
But Michael Clarke at Clarke and Humel, this year's runner up in the REB awards, narrowed the gap for the mantle which accepts self nominations from estate agents who wish to participate.
The total sales difference between the top two shrunk to just $27 million over the past year. The gap in the prior year when James Tostevin was second had been $105 million.
Clarke (pictured below), from Sydney's northern beaches, moved up two positions in REB's rankings securing the highest number properties sold in the top 10 in 2018 with 185 sales.
With 13 years of experience and three assistants, Clarke's 185 properties sales sold in around 18 days on the market for an average of $2.72 million.
It was up to a total of $503 million, up from $362 million in the prior year.
<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/2018/7/19/Clarke.jpg" alt="">
The ranking is determined by the calculation of several factors, the precise formula is not disclosed by the REB publishing group, Momentum Media who indicate the metrics used to generate the REB Top 100 Agents ranking include the number of properties sold, total dollar volume of properties sold and the average sale value. Each agent is ranked comparatively across these three metrics, with the combined comparative score used to determine the top-ranked agents in the country..
3. James Tostevin, who was second placed in the 2017 top 100, and the 2016 list, sat in third place this year. He was top placed in 2014 and 2015.
The former number 2 with 33 years of experience, the most of any agent in the top 10 this year, is based in Hawthorn at Marshall White where he secured 180 listings this year and sold 155 residential properties, higher than 146 and 139 respectively in the prior year.
His average sale price is 2.5 million.
Phillip's average sale price for 2018 was $2.88 million compared to $2.25 million in the prior year. Phillips comes with 16 years experience, and a reported three support staff. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/19/Rankings%20REB%202.JPG" alt="">
4. In fourth place in 2018, also of Marshall White, was Marcus Chiminello based in the Toorak region.
Chiminello secured and sold this year 115 listings and 105 sales, yielding the highest average sale price of $4.2 million.
His homes spent an average of 22 days on the market and sold for a total of $442 million up almost $50 million from last year.
5. Coming in fifth this year was Glen Coutinho, with 30 years of experience working at the Kew based RT Edgar Boroondara with just a single assistant.
The 159 dwellings he sold this year spent an average of 28 days on the market.
The total value of all the homes Coutinho sold was $340 million for an average of $2.14 million up from his average of $1.98 million last year, according to REB. He had sold $329 million in the year before.
6. Swapping places with Glen is Ric Serrao who held the fifth position last year but 6th in the recent year.
Working in North Bondi as an agent at Raine and Horne Double Bay, Serrao secured and sold more listings this year, 161 and 131 respectively compared to 128 and 122 in 2017.
The domiciles he sold spent an average of 25 days on the market and sold for roughly $2.13 million for a total of $280 million.
7. In seventh David Highland of Highland Property, which is based in Cronulla, with 21 years of experience and the highest average on market time of 38 days, he sold 119 dwellings and listed a further 123.
This financial year the average price of a home sold by David was $2.22 million
8. With a higher average property price of $2.89 million but fewer properties sold, 85, comes Timothy Foote of Belle Property in 8th place having jumped up 26 places from last year.
Based out of Mosman with 17 years of experience and the highest amount, 5, support staff his properties average 23 days on the market for a total of $246 million.
9. The 16 year agent Tim Heavyside working at Fletchers servicing the Eastern Melbourne suburbs jumped 11 places this year to 9th, with 148 properties listed and 143 sold for an average price of $1.65 million up $350,000 from last year.
His properties averaged 25 days on the market and sold for $236 million dollars. His year was marred by a court judgement last December involving underquoting. 
10. Rounding out the REB's top ten agents is Peter Chauncey, who with 15 years of experience and half the amount of assistants to his 9th place counterpart, secured 103 listings and sold 112 properties for a total of 2017 million.
The average price for these homes was $1.85 million after averaging merely 15 days on the market, the lowest of any in the top ten.
Honorable mentions that didn't make the elusive top ten include, Peter Chauncy of Strathfield Partners Real estate, placing 11th this year after a 10th place performance last year with one the highest amount of listings secured, at 353, and properties sold, at 299.
As well as Ercan Ersan, new to the top 100, landed in 16th place with 159 listings secured and an additional 147 properties sold.
Gregory Booker ranked 64th had the highest number of total sales and listings secured, with 349 total sales from 493 listings.
Gregory Booker is an agent for LJ Hooker based at Kallangur and the Murrumba Downs in Queensland.
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Alexander Phillip's lead narrows at top of the highest selling residential estate agents

Hostplus named top performing super fund

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Hampton House, the luxury Kiama home, has sold for $3.35 million, the biggest beachside sale in the coastal inlet.
The property, which is said to have been inspired by the Hamptons, was built after it last traded for $1.74 million in 2007.
Lime Builders constructed the four bedroom, four bathroom home, complete with environmentally friendly features such as e-glass energy efficient windows.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-kiama-128078634" target="_blank">Tingira Crescent home</a> on 600 sqm has a number of outdoor spaces including a fully glassed scenic entertainment balcony and private enclosed, professionally landscaped garden courtyard incorporating a water feature, stone floor tiling and bronze statue figurine.
Raine &amp; Horne Kiama agent Steve Pryor sold the home after 59 days.
 
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Hampton House sells for Kiama record

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<div>
<div>
<div>
EXPERT OBSERVER
For the 12 months to 30 June, equity markets posted solid gains both in Australia and offshore, up 13.7% and 15.4% respectively.
Returns were also positive across other asset classes such as direct property and infrastructure, and bond returns, although modest, were much stronger than the previous year.
Overall, global growth conditions helped to drive earnings and although the US Fed continued to raise rates over the past 12 months, monetary policy conditions both in the US and globally remained accommodative.
In this article, we look at what’s been driving these returns and consider the outlook for returns over the medium term.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
2017/18 was characterised as a year of two halves where volatility featured heavily over the second half.
Equity markets were particularly weak at the start of 2018 due to concern that inflation was emerging in the US and that growth had reached a cyclical peak.
These fears quickly settled, and the markets were able to recover but volatility resumed on the back of rising geopolitical tension, specifically the threat of a global trade war between the US and China.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/18/AMP%20cap%20p1.JPG" alt="">
Looking forward, we are mindful that the market may be underestimating inflation and the threat of additional interest rate increases in the US.
We are coming to the end of a long expansion period and there is uncertainty as to how far interest rates can rise before they become negative for equities and how central banks will respond once inflation shows signs of life.
These factors alongside ongoing geopolitical uncertainty suggest that trading conditions could be less supportive over the year ahead and returns in this environment are likely to moderate.
Volatility will continue to feature over the medium-term and while often viewed in a negative context, it can create trading opportunities for our super portfolios that have a longer-term investment horizon.
That said, we are mindful of building portfolios that can better withstand downside volatility. Not only does investing across a broad combination of assets achieve this but actively managing within and across asset classes can also deliver a better risk and return outcome.
Deborah Alliston is the head of Multi-Asset Portfolio Management for AMP Capital in Sydney, Australia.
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How did property stack up as an investment option this past financial year: Deborah Alliston

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A four bedroom house in Spalding, a northeastern suburb of Geraldton in WA, has been offered by mortgagees for $135,000.
It was listed by Debbie Brittain from Ray White and has been on the market on and off for over the past five years.
It was first listed with $360,000 hopes in 2013.
It was more recently listed with $316,000 hopes in 2017.
It last sold in 2009 for $305,000.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-spalding-128778806" target="_blank">Positioned on an 800sqm block</a>, 173 Anderson St house comes with four bedrooms, good size kitchen, lounge and living room plus double carport.
The suburb's median house price sits at <a href="/developments/spalding-wa-6530">$140,000</a>, according to CoreLogic. 
 
 
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Less than half price for Spalding mortgagee offering

Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/azure">Azure</a> is has been greenlit for its $115 million residential project within the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct in Southport

Following the acquisition of the site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/1-clarke-street-southport-qld-4215">1 Clarke Street</a> in October 2025 with development application Lodgement in January 2026, Azure has been granted approval for the 114 terraces which will form the final stage of the wider Lumina development.

“It’s a fantastic milestone for us to receive the green light on our second Gold Coast project,” said Trent Keirnan, Founder of Azure.

“The Gold Coast continues to evolve, with demand for considered, high-quality residences at an all-time high. This project has been thoughtfully shaped to respond to that demand.

“We’ve worked closely with Economic Development Queensland to bring this project forward, and the collaboration has been both proactive and highly considered. Their shared commitment to quality housing outcomes has enabled a streamlined approvals process and a strong result for the precinct.”&nbsp;

Appealing to a wide demographic, the project will deliver a range of two- and three-storey designs comprising a collection of three-bedroom terrace homes as well as one- and two-bedroom apartment-style residences. The designs by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>&nbsp;focus on&nbsp;“urban coastalism”.

Residents will have access to an array of lifestyle amenities, including a resort-style pool with multiple lounging zones and landscaped gardens.

The residential offering will support the thriving Health and Knowledge Precinct, which includes Griffith University, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast Private Hospital and the new RDX Lumina and Proxima Towers, which are home to a range of health, education and research tenancies, including a 200-place childcare centre.

Azure aims for an off-market release for the project in the third quarter of this year, at the same time as construction is anticipated to start.

Joel Robinson

Azure approved for new townhouse development in Southport

Fortis has secured approval for a 57-room hotel at Richmond Square, marking another milestone in the delivery of the $330 million mixed-use precinct in Melbourne's inner east.

The hotel will occupy Levels 1 and 2 of Carmine House and forms part of Fortis' vision for Richmond Square, a precinct that will bring together apartments, hospitality, wellness and lifestyle offerings between Richmond and Cremorne.

Once complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/richmond-square-1-wiltshire-street-richmond-vic-3121">Richmond Square</a> will comprise 107 residences across Wiltshire House and Carmine House, alongside the hotel, hospitality venues, wellness facilities and a range of services aimed at both residents and visitors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348529]

The approval adds another layer to what Fortis is creating at Richmond Square, as developers increasingly look beyond standalone apartment buildings and towards mixed-use precincts that provide amenity and activation beyond the front door.

Jordan Winada, Head of Acquisitions (Commercial) Victoria at Fortis, said the approval was an important step in delivering the broader vision for the project.

"Richmond Square has always been about creating a destination rather than simply delivering residential apartments," Winada said.

"As buyer expectations continue to evolve, we're seeing increasing demand for developments that offer convenience, connection and access to high-quality experiences and amenity as part of everyday life.

"The hotel approval allows us to further realise that vision and create a precinct where residential living is complemented by hospitality, services and amenity in a way that is rarely seen in Melbourne's CBD and city fringe."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348530]

The hotel will also support a range of optional services for residents of Carmine House, including housekeeping and linen refresh programs, laundry and dry-cleaning services, in-residence food and beverage delivery, grocery and pantry stocking services, and concierge assistance.

The approval comes as owner-occupiers continue to dominate Australia's new apartment market, with buyers increasingly seeking developments that offer convenience, flexibility and lifestyle amenity alongside their homes.

Winada said buyers are now placing greater emphasis on the broader precinct and surrounding amenity when making purchasing decisions.

"Residential amenity is no longer limited to what sits within an apartment building. Buyers are increasingly assessing the broader lifestyle ecosystem surrounding their home and the ways in which a precinct can support their day-to-day needs.

"Richmond Square has been designed to provide that experience through a carefully curated mix of residential, hospitality and lifestyle offerings that work together to create a more connected way of living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348534]

The hotel is expected to open in early 2027, with the operator to be announced later this year.

Further hospitality, retail and lifestyle tenants are also expected to be revealed in the coming months as Fortis continues to shape the offering at Richmond Square.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13181]

Fortis approved for hotel component of Richmond Square precinct

Having successfully expanded into a new region with its Caloundra apartment development, Sunset by Dusk Group, growing South East Queensland developer Dusk Group is again venturing into new territory.

The developer has lodged plans for a 70-apartment project in the Moreton Bay region, to be known as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sunrise-on-sutton-25-sutton-street-redcliffe-qld-4020">Sunrise on Sutton</a>, named after its prime Sutton Street location, just one street back from Suttons Beach.

<img alt="Sutton" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88a9f9ee-6ace-47f5-a0c6-8fb134b27e98" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-15%20at%209.20.42%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=iMXmJ7_BNZAmCt.jjupMSLdV_Qa9zJAK" />

Dusk Group Directors Huw Feeney and Anthony Short seized the opportunity to acquire the near-1,800 sqm amalgamated corner site at Sutton and Ella Streets for their first project in the area.

They have again enlisted MAS Architecture Studio, the architects behind Sunset by Dusk, to design the new eight-storey development.

The building will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and has been designed to maximise views towards Suttons Beach, Margate Beach and Moreton Bay.

Pending approvals, the project could launch before the end of the year.

<img alt="Dusk" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="90c0c26c-096c-4ceb-8c58-f8303aea542f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-15%20at%209.20.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=nw8bqQtpOrf5nA95tuYhtqdB59YUzmO0" />

The development will provide 111 car parking spaces and 40 bicycle spaces.

Positioned within walking distance of Suttons Beach, Bluewater Square, Redcliffe Hospital and the Redcliffe Paceway, the development will sit within one of the peninsula's increasingly urbanised coastal pockets.

Redcliffe's new apartment market remains exceptionally tight, with Gardner Vaughan Group's One Redcliffe currently the only new apartment development actively being marketed in the beachside suburb.

It's another beach-focused development for Dusk Group, who has seen considerable success at its Caloundra apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sunset-by-dusk-group-caloundra-5-7-bombala-terrace-caloundra-qld-4551">Sunset by Dusk Group</a>.

Over 80 per cent of the 36 apartments have sold ahead of its early 2027 completion.

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First look: Dusk Group targets Suttons Beach precinct with 70-apartment Redcliffe proposal

Leading Brisbane developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group (CPG)</a> has completed and settled $450 million worth of apartments at Monarch Residences in Toowong, marking one of Brisbane’s most significant and prestigious riverfront residential completions in recent years.

The final apartment at Monarch sold at auction on the 30th May for $4.1m.&nbsp;

The milestone has been marked at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/monarch-residences-toowong-600-coronation-drive-toowong-qld-4066">Monarch Residences</a>, with Cr Penny Wolff highlighting the importance of completing major residential projects to boost the city’s much-needed housing supply.

The 224 apartments, delivered across two 15-level towers, are now officially in the hands of owners, including Brisbane downsizers, families and professionals who have traded traditional houses for apartment living. The completion underscores sustained demand for absolute riverfront living in Brisbane’s inner west.

<img alt="$450M Monarch Residences sells out as Brisbane riverfront demand surges" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="56ae05e9-092f-41f0-98a1-a10984fdd171" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ROBNN_MONARCHLAUNCHEVENT-131.jpg?VersionId=p76J6weGZqseNrE6aOAjmAHUah.y65Gd" />

Monarch Residences was planned and delivered over four years on a 1.2-hectare parcel with more than 130 metres of direct frontage to the Brisbane River, occupying one of the last remaining true riverfront sites of its scale and orientation within close proximity to the CBD. The site has been transformed from an underutilised, derelict block of land, into a thriving residential precinct with Middenbury House at its centre.&nbsp;

Consolidated Properties Group CEO and Chairman Don O’Rorke says the project’s completion represents the culmination of years of careful planning, design collaboration, market conviction and outstanding team delivery.

“We announced Monarch Residences in late 2021 and it’s been one of the most strongly received residential projects in our 45-year history,” Mr O’Rorke said.

"We are incredibly grateful to the outstanding team who helped bring Monarch Residences to life. A special thank you to Hutchinson Builders and their hardworking labour force for delivering a development of exceptional quality that our residents will be proud to call home for many years to come.

“Brisbane City Council and Titles Queensland also played a huge role in getting residents into their homes early through the pilot programs they ran to speed up the approval processes. They understand the challenges of the housing industry and are doing something about it.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113455 project_image_fid=211466]

Consolidated Properties Group Head of Residential, James MacGinley said Monarch Residences showed what could be achieved when private industry and government worked together to deliver new housing for Brisbane.

“Monarch Residences has delivered more than 200 new apartments in Brisbane’s inner-west at a time when additional housing supply is critically important,” MacGinley said.

“It’s fantastic to see residents now moving into this landmark riverfront development, which reflects the strength of collaboration between Council and the project team throughout delivery.

“All government agencies played a significant hand in achieving a fast-tracked outcome for Monarch Residences with Brisbane City Council, Urban Utilities, Energex and Titles Queensland assisted to remove hurdles to achieve settlements.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113455 project_image_fid=302326]

With Monarch Residences now complete, CPG has launched River Living, a bespoke on-site property management service designed to enhance the resident experience. The service will support all future CPG residential projects, including the recently announced <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> in Yeerongpilly and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a> in Newstead.

The completion also marks the opening of a prized leasing opportunity at the heritage-listed Middenbury House, built in 1865 and which has been carefully restored and integrated into the broader masterplan.&nbsp;

CPG said the adaptive reuse of the landmark riverfront residence presents an opportunity to introduce a complementary boutique tenancy that respects the site’s historic significance while activating the riverfront frontage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113455 project_image_fid=211495]

Colliers Director of Residential Andrew Scriven said the move-in phase highlights continued demand for completed premium riverfront apartments in Brisbane.

“Residents are now experiencing firsthand the scale, craftsmanship and irreplaceable riverfront position that Monarch offers,” Scriven said.

“Opportunities to secure a brand-new, completed residence on Brisbane’s absolute riverfront are exceptionally rare. Combined with the proven track record of Consolidated Properties Group and Hutchinson Builders, combined with a design vision brought to life by some of Australia’s leading architects and designers, Monarch represents a unique opportunity to purchase a home of enduring quality and prestige.”

Monarch Residences was designed in collaboration with Melbourne-based architect Wardle Studio, alongside leading national practice Cottee Parker, with construction delivered by Hutchinson Builders.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113455]

Consolidated Properties Group sells out Monarch Residences as Brisbane riverfront demand surges

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.

Staff reporter

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