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Derby, a town in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, has been ranked the nation's second slowest selling location.
Its house listings are typically for sale for 1099 days, according to Investar.
It suggests postcode 6728's median house price sits at $450,000, with 15.7% growth over the past year.
Its median rent sits at $550 per week, which has declined 3.6% over the past year.
The rental yield sits at 6.4%.
A Loch St house on a 2034 sqm block has been waiting over three years for a buyer.
It is being marketed by its owner and is listed for $580,000. It cost $400,000 in 2007.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/%20https:/www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-derby-119463483%20https:/www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-derby-119463483" target="_blank">Positioned at 23 Loch Street</a> (pictured above), the colonial style home features five bedrooms, balcony/patio/terrace, undercover pavilion style carport, and two secure storage sheds. 
Last traded for $400,000 in 2007, the home comes with galvanised steel fence at front and dual access from either side of block from front.
A brand new offering in Derby (below) is set to half in price from its last trade just five years ago.
The four bedroom house, which traded for $950,000 in 2013, is now up for sale at $487,000.
It is offered by Peter Burns from Hutchinson Real Estate. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-derby-128628262" target="_blank">Located at 17 Derby Highway,</a> the house comprises of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, lounge area, and kitchen with timber and exposed brick finishes.
Other features include split system air-conditioning and views of the surrounding gardens.
 <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/2018/6/19/17%20derby%20highway.jpg" alt="">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Derby ranks as the second slowest selling town in Australia

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The former Parramatta Eel captain Nathan Cayless, the new assistant coach of the New Zealand rugby league side, and his wife Erin have listed their five bedroom West Pennant Hills home.
The couple bought the home in 2008, two years before Nathan retired having captained more NRL games than any other player.
Stone Hills District agents Jane Booty and Viv Mylott are marketing the cul-de-sac property as a family entertainer with contemporary excellence.
It sits on 1690 square metres with a heated pool overlooking an alfresco entertaining space with outdoor kitchen.
The renovations to the 1990-built home were done six years ago, two years before Erin joined besties, and busy mums, Lana Taylor and Bonnie Hindmarsh to form the Three Birds renovation team where she is the operations director. 
They are set to stay locally.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph. 
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Former Eels captain Nathan Cayless selling West Pennant Hills home 

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South Nowra, a suburb of Nowra in the Shoalhaven in New South Wales, has been ranked as having the nation's biggest stock increase.
Its sales stock has grown by 252%, from 23 houses this time last year to its current 81 offerings, according to Investar.
It suggests postcode 2541's median house price sits at $566,000, with 14.3% growth over the past year.
Its median rent sits at $430 per week, which has increased 7.5% over the past year.
The rental yield sits at 4%.
A South Nowra four bedroom house has been recently sold for $496,010 (pictured below).
It was sold by Jacqui Grapp from Raine&amp;Horne on May 31.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-south+nowra-127519710" target="_blank">Situated at 7 Barbata Grove</a> (pictured above), the home on a 700 square metre block comes with four bedrooms, open plan kitchen and dining, lounge area and double garage. 
Other features including outside access via sliding doors, timer laminate flooring and rear yard access for the boat. 
Another Caladenia Crescent four bedroom was sold for $555,000 by Megan Liddicoat and Scott Baxter from Ray White on April 30.
It was last traded for $181,500 in 2016 (pictured below).
Located within the Green Orchid estate,<a href="http://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-south+nowra-127874622" target="_blank"> the 50 Caladenia Crescent</a> home comprises of four bedrooms, gourmet kitchen, and open plan living and dining.
Nestled on a 660 square metres, the rear yard is level and freshly turfed with double gates providing side access for boats, caravans and trailers, plus a rear garden shed/ workshop.
<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/2018/6/19/50%20caladenia%20cres.jpg" alt="">
A South Nowra offering currently on the market is a four bedroom house priced at $525,000 (pictured below)
It was listed by Peter Russell and Ashleigh Beaufils from Integrity Real Estate.
Positioned on a 458 square metre block, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-south+nowra-128420022" target="_blank">the 52 Basil Street</a> house contains four bedrooms, separate lounge room, dining and living, and double garage. 
It is located just a short stroll to the local park and a short drive to shops and medical. 
<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/2018/6/19/52%20basil%20st.jpg" alt="">
Another South Nowra four bedroom house has been listed for $545,000 to $565,000 (pictured below).
It is offered by Bohdan Brumerskyj from Professionals Clyde Poulton Real Estate.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/%20https:/www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-south+nowra-128214230" target="_blank">Located at 25 Terralla Grove</a>, the house features four bedrooms, kitchen with gas cooking, three well-sized living areas and two-car electric door garage.
It is only minutes from the centre of Nowra, and close to schools, sporting facilities and state forests.
<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/2018/6/19/25%20terralla%20grove.jpg" alt=""> 
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South Nowra experiencing biggest jump in stock 

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Thornlie, a large outer suburb of Perth, has been ranked as the suburb with the most distressed listings in Western Australia.
Following Lalor Park, Thornlie has been ranked nation's second most distressed suburb across Australia, according to Investar. 
It suggests postcode 6108 has many discount listings.
Its house listings are typically for sale for 217 days.
The suburb's median house price sits at $348,000, which has dropped 15% over the past year.
Its median rent sits at $320%, with no growth over the past year.
The rental yield sits at 4.8%. 
Thornlie is the largest suburb within the City of Gosnells.
Established during the post-war years, significant growth didn't occur until the late 1950s and lasted through to the 1980s.
A slight population increase was experienced during the 1990s, but since has remained relatively stable.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-thornlie-125380630" target="_blank">A recent mortgagee sale</a> (pictured above) took 310 days before its $390,000 sale.
It was initially listed with $500,000 hopes. 
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Thornlie ranks as the most distressed suburb in Western Australia

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A house designed by Alan Thomas, from the renowned Sydney School of architecture, has been sold for $1.5 million.
It sold through Kevin Dearlove of Stone Real Estate Beecroft.
The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-beecroft-127477482" target="_blank">68 Bambara Crescent, Beecroft</a> has a bushland reserve location.
It sits on a 746 square metre parcel.
The home has family retreat spaces plus a home office.
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Beecroft bushland offering with Sydney School design

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Lalor Park, Prestons and Casula have been ranked the suburbs with the most distressed listings in New South Wales.
Lalor Park ranked as the nation's most distressed suburb, according to Investar.
It suggests Lalor Park's has discounted listings which accounts for 60 per cent of the total.
The postcode 2147's house listings are typically for sale for 106 days.
The suburb's median house sits at $680,000, with 6.33 per cent growth over the past year.
Its median rent sits at $430 per week, with 2.38 per cent increase over the past year.
The rental yield sits at 3.3 per cent.
The Preston postcode 2170's house listings are typically for sale for 122 days.
The suburb's median house price sits at $880,000, which has grown by 2.3 per cent over the past year.
Its median rent sits at $650 per week, with 4.8 per cent growth over the past year.
The rental yield sits at 3.8 per cent. 
The Casula postcode 2170's house listings are typically for sale for 175 days.
The suburb's median house price sits at $512,500, which has grown by 6.1 per cent over the past year.
Its median rent sits at $395 per week, with 1.3 per cent decrease over the past year.
The rental yield sits at 4 per cent. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Lalor Park, Prestons and Casula rank as the most distressed suburbs in New South Wales 

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Arcadis, a global design &amp; consultancy firm for natural and built assets, has announced that global rail expert Michel Fleuren has been appointed to lead its Australian rail business.
Fleuren joins from Arcadis in the Netherlands, where he held various roles.
Belinda Virant, Acting Manager Director said that, “Michel brings a wealth of global rail and management experience to our Australian team.
“As we continue to work on city-shaping projects, it’s critical that we use our global network to bring the best minds to Australia,” Virant said.
Michel Fleuren, Business Leader (pictured below) stated that “Arcadis is working on some very big rail projects around the world, from the Grand Paris Metro to Sydney Metro. "
<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/2018/6/20/Michel%20Fleuren.jpg" alt="">
“It’s a very exciting time to join and support the growth of this industry-leading team as we help our clients improve the quality of life for commuters right across Australia,” Fleuren said.
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Arcadis appoints Michel Fleuren as rail business expert

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Urbanest Darling House will welcome its first tenants next month.
A twin bedroom with ensuite will start from $560 per person per week, while a single bedroom with ensuite starts from $646, with prices inclusive of all meals at The Eatery, water, electricity, contents insurance and 100GB of wireless internet per month.
Urbanest is one of Australia’s largest PBSA providers.
Its CEO David Munro stated Urbanest had been at the forefront of this industry since opening the doors on their first property in South Bank, Brisbane almost 10 years ago.
It now has 12 properties throughout Australia.
Urbanest Darling House is the final part of a three-year development of two buildings in the Darling Square precinct, with Urbanest partnering with Lendlease, Buildcorp and AJ+C architects on the projects.
The 664 bed development on Darling Drive is connected via a bridge to the Urbanest Darling Square.
 "We are set to revolutionise traditional student living again with the opening of Urbanest Darling House,” said Mr Munro.
“Urbanest will for the first time provide students with a fully inclusive product that incorporates in-house world-class catering,” said Mr Munro.
Branded ‘The Eatery at Urbanest Darling House’, the new dining space will see a team of top chefs recruited for the in-house operation.
“Our goal is to give students more than just a meal with a focus is on providing safe, secure facilities in a fun environment, supporting both the social and academic needs of students whilst away from home.” said Mr Munro.
Munro noted investment in the Australian Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) market has witnessed major growth over the past decade.
Driving this investment is the value of the international education sector to the economy, which is expected to almost double to an excess of $33 billion by 2025.
 
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Urbanest Darling House to open in Darling Square precinct 

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Water’s Edge at Warners Bay has been given the green light for construction within weeks.
Water’s Edge, which will comprise 112 apartments, most with lake or pool deck views, is being developed by the construction company BLOC.
PRDnationwide agent Mark Kentwell says Water’s Edge has sold quickly since its release in September last year.
“More than 70% of the apartments have now sold off the plan," he said.
He is now selling the remainder and inviting expressions of interest for the ground floor commercial spaces.
“Warners Bay has been such a well-kept secret for so long, but thanks to the recent foreshore rejuvenation and the opening of so many great cafes and restaurants, we understand why Water’s Edge has proven so popular.
The $80 million project will also incorporate some retail and commercial spaces on the ground floor.
Construction is expected to be finished by early 2020 at the site adjoining King Street and the Esplanade.
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$80 million Warners Bay residential development, Water's Edge now 70 percent sold

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The registration of Justin James Cadman as a registered liquidator was cancelled on 13 June 2018 following orders made in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, which resulted in Mr Cadman being declared bankrupt.
On 19 June 2018, ASIC appointed replacement liquidators to the fifteen (15) vacant external administrations previously administered by Mr Cadman.
ASIC Commissioner John Price said, ‘ASIC has moved quickly to exercise the new powers under the insolvency regime to appoint a replacement liquidator and appreciates the assistance of the replacement liquidators Ms Moira Carter of BRI Ferrier NQ and Mr Todd Kelly of BDO (Nth QLD).’
Below is a list of the external administrations and replacement liquidator’s contact details should creditors have any concerns.
Ms Moira Carter of BRI Ferrier NQ Phone (07) 4037 7000
<ul>
<li>Australian Vocational Learning Institute Pty Ltd ACN 097 453 828</li>
<li>Cairns Accident Repair Centre Pty Ltd ACN 077 729 367</li>
<li>Medisurg Pty Ltd ACN 113 077 982</li>
<li>MOJB Pty Ltd ACN 128 137 806</li>
<li>Phone Hospital Pty Limited ACN 112 320 386</li>
<li>Sinopoli Holdings Pty Limited ACN 107 341 499</li>
</ul>
Zanzoo Tiles Pty Ltd ACN 142 521 695
Mr Todd Kelly of BDO (Nth QLD) Phone (02) 4046 0000
<ul>
<li>Aborigines and Islanders Alcohol Relief Service Ltd ACN 010 064 374</li>
<li>Margach Builders Pty Ltd ACN 078 363 729</li>
<li>Barrier Leasing Pty Ltd ACN 104 014 002</li>
<li>Barrier Air Charter Pty Ltd ACN 108 788 147</li>
<li>Barrier Air Services Pty Ltd ACN 104 014 011</li>
<li>Barrier Aviation Pty Ltd ACN 056 643 531</li>
<li>Davryl Holdings Pty Ltd ACN 108 502 165</li>
<li>Lip-Air Pty Limited ACN 068 117 537</li>
</ul>
Background
Cairns-based Mr Cadman operated an insolvency and accounting practice firstly through a company called Mclaren Knight Pty Ltd (in liquidation), then later through another company called Mclaren Knight International Pty Ltd.
Mr Cadman had been a registered liquidator since August 2005.
Under section 40-20(1) of Schedule 2 (Schedule 2) of the Corporations Act 2001, a liquidator’s registration as a registered liquidator is automatically cancelled if a person becomes an insolvent under administration. Under section 40-111 of Schedule 2, ASIC may appoint another liquidator if a liquidator’s registration is suspended or cancelled. These new laws came into effect on 1 March 2017.
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Cairns liquidator Justin Cadman loses registration

Ron Bakir's Homecorp has sold more than 75 per cent of the apartments in its wellness-driven Florence Residences in Surfers Paradise following its first weekend release.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">26-storey project on Monte Carlo Avenue</a>, which commenced construction earlier this year, has seen a flurry of buyers secure their slice of the Gold Coast's latest wellbeing-focused offering in one of the nation's most competitive property markets.

Since the pandemic, the Gold Coast's population has grown by more than 11 per cent, a rate approximately four times faster than Sydney's, driven largely by lifestyle changes and interstate migration. While buyer activity has moderated in some markets nationally, demand for newly built dwellings on the Gold Coast continues to gain momentum as purchasers increasingly prioritise lifestyle, amenity, wellbeing, liveability and long-term investment potential.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372743]

Homecorp CEO Ron Bakir says buyers today are looking for more than just a home.

"What we are seeing is a shift in how people define value in property," Bakir says.

"What attracts residents to new developments is a desire for more than just a residence. They are looking for a place that complements their lifestyle, supports their wellbeing and reflects the way they want to live into the future.

"Lifestyle, longevity, proactive health, wellbeing, connection and a sense of community are increasingly shaping purchasing decisions, particularly on the Gold Coast, where these factors continue to be a major drawcard."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372744]

Bakir says Homecorp is responding to this shift through an approach that places greater emphasis on design, amenity and experience working together to create places that feel considered, connected and enduring in value.

Inspired by Eastern European design, Florence Residences will comprise 120 apartments alongside a private residents-only wellness club featuring a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium, and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.

The development will also feature a residents-only lounge with private dining facilities and a rooftop bar, premium outdoor entertaining areas, a hotel-style lobby lounge, generous bike parking, and pet-friendly amenities including a heated dog wash.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372742]

A limited number of apartments remain available, with an exclusive collection of four-bedroom sub-penthouses set to be released in the coming months.

Florence is one of the latest additions to Homecorp's expanding multi-billion-dollar property portfolio, which also includes plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/homecorp-lodges-plans-for-260-million-moroccan-bathhouse-inspired-tower-in-budds-beach">$260 million development in Budds Beach</a> tailored to the growing wellness market.

A development application has been lodged for a 27-storey, 156-residence tower at 8–10 Acacia Avenue and 25–27 Oak Avenue, featuring a residents-only Moroccan spa-inspired sanctuary.

Apartments at Florence Residences are priced from $1,249,000, with construction expected to be completed by late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150414]

Joel Robinson

Buyers rush to Homecorp's Florence Residences as Gold Coast wellness trend gains momentum

The NSW Government has expanded its $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program, broadening access for affordable housing providers and smaller residential developments as it seeks to accelerate housing delivery across the state.

The Minns Government says the program has already helped bring forward more than 600 homes across Sydney and regional NSW since launching in September 2025, with similar models now adopted in South Australia and Western Australia.

The latest changes, announced by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, are designed to improve access to finance for projects that have planning approval but are struggling to secure funding.

Among the key changes is an expansion of support for community housing providers. The program will now support up to 100 per cent affordable housing projects valued at up to $30 million when delivered by not-for-profit providers, while support for larger affordable housing developments will increase for projects worth up to $80 million.

The government says the changes will help accelerate the delivery of housing for low-income workers, older people, people living with disability, and those at risk of homelessness, while reducing reliance on direct grants or subsidised loans to bridge funding gaps.

The eligibility criteria for smaller residential developments have also been broadened. The previous $5 million minimum project value threshold has been removed and replaced with a requirement that projects deliver at least four homes.

Support has also increased for projects delivering fewer than 20 homes, with the guarantee now able to cover up to 75 per cent of dwellings in a development, capped at $30 million per project.

The changes are expected to particularly benefit smaller-scale and regional developments, which often face greater challenges meeting pre-sale requirements imposed by lenders.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the scheme demonstrates how government can use its balance sheet to stimulate housing supply without relying solely on taxpayer-funded grants.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee shows how this Government is using its balance sheet to reduce risk and unlock private investment, enabling new homes to move from design to construction faster," Mookhey said.

"This landmark reform allows us to deliver homes for working families at a lower cost to taxpayers, while also maintaining strong financial discipline."

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the program had already proven effective in bringing stalled projects to market.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has already proven it can unlock stalled projects and accelerate housing delivery by giving lenders the confidence they need to back good developments," Scully said.

"These changes will allow more affordable housing and smaller developments to access support so more homes can be built faster where communities need them most."

Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the expansion would help community housing providers overcome financing barriers that often delay projects.

"We know community housing providers are ready to build more homes, too often they're held back by barriers to finance," Jackson said.

"Expanding the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee helps remove those barriers so more affordable homes can get off the ground sooner."

The announcement was welcomed by the Property Council of Australia, which has long advocated for measures aimed at improving project feasibility and access to finance.

Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson described the expansion as a practical intervention that addresses one of the most immediate constraints on housing delivery.

"This is exactly the kind of practical intervention we need right now, focused on getting projects out of the ground, not just approved," Stevenson said.

"It builds on a model the Property Council has worked closely with government to develop following calls for such a scheme ahead of last year's NSW Budget, so it's great to see it being expanded."

Stevenson said the reforms would help unlock projects that are ready to proceed but have been delayed by financing challenges. However, she noted that broader feasibility issues remain a significant barrier to increasing housing supply.

"The biggest challenge in NSW housing today is delivery. Too many projects have planning approval but are simply not financially viable to proceed under current settings," she said.

Speaking at the Property Council's NSW Housing Summit, Housing Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged that feasibility and financing pressures continue to constrain housing delivery, while reaffirming the government's commitment to work with industry on solutions.

Stevenson said the government's recognition of those challenges was encouraging ahead of next week's state budget.

"It's positive to see the government clearly recognising that feasibility pressures are now a binding constraint on supply," she said.

"With the Budget just days away, the focus must be on backing delivery, making sure projects stack up, finance can flow, and more homes can move from approval to construction."

The expanded Pre-sale Finance Guarantee forms part of the NSW Government's broader housing agenda, which also includes planning reforms, the NSW Housing Pattern Book, and a series of rezonings intended to increase housing capacity across the state.

NSW expands Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to unlock more affordable and regional housing

Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372212]

Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372225]

While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146717]

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6395]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

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A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

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“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

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The Walden pairs house-scale living with North Sydney connectivity

The ACT will become the first jurisdiction in Australia to abolish stamp duty for all first home buyers, with no income caps and no property price thresholds from 1 July.

The move, announced as part of the ACT Budget, completes a key election commitment from the Barr Government and removes what Chief Minister Andrew Barr described as one of the biggest barriers to entering the housing market. The reform forms part of the ACT's long-running transition away from transaction taxes and towards a broader-based property tax system.

"This budget marks a major milestone in our long-term tax reform program," Barr said, adding that the government had maintained a sustained focus on removing barriers to home ownership. He said stamp duty had long been one of the largest upfront hurdles facing buyers and that from July, "that barrier is gone" for first home buyers in the Territory.

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The changes come alongside a range of measures designed to encourage new housing supply, including support for the delivery of so-called "missing middle" housing such as terraces, townhouses and low-rise multi-unit developments.

The announcement has renewed debate around whether the ACT's approach could provide a blueprint for improving housing affordability nationally.

New research from OurTop10.com.au, conducted by Primara Research, suggests the Territory's decade-long reform agenda has produced outcomes unmatched elsewhere in Australia.

While stamp duty costs have increased by an average 67 per cent nationally over the past decade, the ACT has recorded growth of just 15 per cent, the lowest increase of any jurisdiction.

The Territory has also emerged as one of the strongest performers on housing delivery. Based on population-weighted housing targets, the ACT is sitting less than one per cent behind its target. Victoria is the next closest at seven per cent behind, while the national average sits 25 per cent below target. New South Wales is tracking 39 per cent behind.

The latest reform removes one of the final barriers facing first home buyers in Canberra.

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The average Australian home buyer currently pays $61,714 in stamp duty. In the ACT, that figure is $38,399 despite the Territory having the third-highest median house price in the country.

Until now, the ACT's first home buyer concession scheme only applied to purchases up to $1.02 million, around $51,000 below Canberra's median house price of $1.071 million. In practical terms, many first home buyers were unable to access the median-priced home without losing the concession.

From July, those restrictions disappear.

Every first home buyer in the ACT will pay no stamp duty, regardless of income or purchase price.

Canberra remains one of Australia's most expensive housing markets, with dwelling values increasing 82 per cent over the past decade. However, that growth ranks only 11th among Australia's 15 major housing markets, suggesting affordability pressures have been less severe than in many other parts of the country.

Simon Ma, CEO of OurTop10.com.au, said the latest reforms recognise that many first home buyers have simply outgrown thresholds set years ago.

"Many first home buyers aren't just looking for a way onto the ladder, they want a home their family can actually live in," Ma said.

"In a market where the median house price is over a million dollars, a concession scheme that cuts out at $1.02 million was never going to get them there.

"Removing the ceiling entirely means ACT first home buyers can now pursue the home they actually want, rather than limiting themselves to a price point designed for a very different market."

Whether other states follow remains to be seen. But at a time when most jurisdictions are struggling to improve affordability while also increasing housing supply, the ACT has quietly become the national test case for both.

15% stamp duty growth. Just 1% off the national housing target. Zero stamp duty for FHBs. Is the ACT the blueprint for the great Australian dream?

Staff reporter

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