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A architecturally designed five bedroom Greenvale house on a 462 square metre of land has been sold by mortgagees for $832,000.
It was sold by Lilian Farrugia and Albert Edward from Stockdale &amp; Leggo Gladstone Park on June 2.
It was last traded at $762,000 in 2016.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-greenvale-128229326" target="_blank">Located at 4 Kea Place, Greenvale</a>, in Melbourne's North, comes with five bedrooms, centralised family bathroom, kitchen on a grand scale and tiled alfresco.
Other features include video intercom, CCTV, alarm system, solar panels and double glazed windows. 
According to CoreLogic, the suburb's median house price sits on $692,000. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Greenvale five bedroom home sold for $832,000 by mortgagee

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The Dover Financial Group is set to close leaving the $4 billion dollars of investor funds from around 30,000 clients in the lurch.
It follows news that Dover Financial Group's founder, Terry McMaster has entered the final stages of its agreement with the corporate regulator, Australian Securities and Investments Commission following his recent royal commission appearance that ended in him requiring hospitalisation.
The regulator intends stripping the firm of its operating licence.
The ABC reported McMaster's email announcement to his staff on Friday, where Mr McMaster stated that ASIC, required the firm to "cancel its AFSL [Australian Financial Services Licence] by 6 July 2018" and "terminate the appointment of its authorised representatives". 
 Advisers have to cease giving new advice immediately and stop servicing the clients completely by the first week of July.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has confirmed that its inquiries into the firm were ongoing.
Fairfax Media reported McMaster had sought until the end of the year to wind down his business but that ASIC had told him that his time was up.
The 400 advisers will need to find another licence-holder to work under.
In the period to 1 April 2018 Dover incorporated a document known as the Dover Client Protection Policy into its financial services guides and its statements of advice.
On 22 March 2018 Dover was notified by ASIC that it had reviewed the Dover Client Protection Policy and believed it contained certain provisions which were unlawful and void.
The Dover website noted it does not know of any client adversely effected by those provisions.
"In good faith Dover cooperated with ASIC and immediately withdrew the Dover Client Protection Policy and replaced it with the Dover Client Information Policy, with retrospective effect, and undertook to not rely on the relevant provisions.
"Dover also wrote to each client potentially affected by those provisions."
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Dover Financial Group begins ASIC-forced shutdown

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Melbourne's top weekend auction sale was when a Sydney buyer secured a luxury $2,062,000 Williamstown townhouse.
The <a id="LPlnk408407" class="x_OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.domain.com.au/4-stanley-street-williamstown-vic-3016-2014367621" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">4</a><a id="LPlnk157413" class="x_OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-williamstown-128317538" target="_blank"> Stanley Street</a> three-bedroom home was built two years ago, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the bay towards the city.
<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/2018/6/12/williamstown2.jpg" alt="">
It had been offered by Williams agent Michael Harvey with $1.8 million to $1.9 million hopes.
Williamstown's median house price sits at nearly $1.5 million.
 
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Sydney buyer secures townhouse at Williamstown

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In Fitzroy North, it was buyers from North Queensland who paid $1.3 million post-auction on an award winning two-bedroom home, Casa de Gatos, which translates to house of cats in Spanish. 
The single storey <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-fitzroy+north-128374126" target="_blank">49 Rae Street property</a> had come with $1.2 million to $1.3 million price guidance after its design by WOWOWA Architects.
The home won the <a id="LPlnk696956" class="x_OWAAutoLink" href="http://www.wowowa.com.au/portfolio/casa-de-gatos/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Victorian Australian Institute of Architects 2017 Small Projects Award</a>, expressly designed with the owners two dogs and two cats in mind.
<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/cats2.jpg" alt="">
Husband and wife team Monique and Scott Woodward are the founding directors of WOWOWA – a studio “governed by the metric of happiness”.
Its most striking feature is a curved, carpeted, orange cat wall topped by an aerial cat walkway.
Nelson Alexander agent Rick Daniel told The Age it wasn’t the biggest selling point for the new owners.
 
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Award-winning 'house of cats' home in Melbourne sells

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Perth’s median house price stabilised in May, with reiwa.com data showing a small 0.3 per cent decline in price compared to April.
REIWA President Hayden Groves said the Perth median house price for May 2018 was $520,500, which was down from $522,000 in April 2018.
“This negligible adjustment in price over the month signals house prices are overall very stable, with the minor decline attributed to a small variance in the composition of sales between April and May.
“Importantly, when we compare house prices to three months ago (February), Perth’s median price is actually up 1.1 per cent,” Mr Groves said.
The latest reiwa.com figures are also supported by CoreLogic data, which shows Perth house values increased 0.1 per cent in May and were up 0.5 per cent compared to February.
“What we’re seeing in the Perth market is a slow and steady improvement, which is what REIWA forecast back in December. While we don’t expect rapid house price growth this year, we also don’t expect there will be substantial declines either,” Mr Groves said.
Prices in Perth’s unit market are also holding up well, with reiwa.com data showing the median unit price increased 0.8 per cent to $419,000 during May 2018.
“Similar to the median house price, when we compare Perth’s latest median unit price to three months ago, prices have increased more significantly by 2.9 per cent, which is very encouraging,” Mr Groves said.
“We are seeing similar trends in the house and unit medians, which is good news as it suggests one sector of the market is not recovering at the expense of the other.
“REIWA expects house and unit prices to remain fairly stable for the remainder of the year, however provided the WA economy remains on this path of recovery and consumer sentiment continues to build, we should start to see genuine improvements in price during 2019.”
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Stable prices in Perth signal turning point for the market

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Sydney and Melbourne's house prices could slide by another 9 per cent in the event of Labor's planned property tax changes, according to property consultants.
RiskWise Property Research and Wargent Advisory suggest the impacts would vary around the country, hitting the most vulnerable areas including Darwin, Mackay, inner-city Perth and Townsville, which could suffer falls of up to 12 per cent.
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<div>Labor's long planned initiative would see negative gearing limited to new rental dwellings as well as a halving of the capital gains tax discount from 50 per cent to 25 per cent. 
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<div>It took the measures to the last election amid concerns about housing affordability.</div>
The RiskWise paper utilised Corelogic data to take local factors into account, including rates of unit development, construction, and the recent price falls.
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<div id="article-inline-ad">The shadow treasurer Chris Bowen recently shrugged off suggestions the changes be scrapped because prices are now falling making homes more affordable.</div>
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<div>Bowen said that the changes are about making long-term structural adjustments rather than addressing the short-term property cycle.</div>
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<div>Brisbane-based analyst Pete Wargent, who helped write the report, noted the slide by another nine per cent under Labor's planned property tax changes which would be the equivalent of borrowing costs rising by more than 20 per cent in the Sydney market.</div>
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"It would be a defacto tightening of financial conditions for households, with potential knock-on effects from that," he told The Australian Financial Review.
"While the stated intention of the policy was to cool housing markets – at the time in 2016 that was a hot political issue as in Sydney and Melbourne markets were running away – if you were to introduce it today, it would impact markets that are already struggling."
Modelling by the firms suggest the changes would be equivalent to a sudden 1.15 percentage point hike in interest rates.
Prices in NSW and Victoria for houses would drop by 9 per cent, followed by WA and the Northern Territory with 7 per cent declines, and 6 per cent in South Australia and the ACT. Tasmania's impact would be the least, falling 3 per cent. Unit prices would drop between 10 per cent and 2 per cent.
"The report concludes that while there would be some positive initial impacts on housing affordability, these would only be sustained in the largest capital cities if appropriate policies are implemented to encourage the supply of owner-occupier suitable housing in addition to investment units," the authors say.
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Wargent noted that Sydney and Melbourne's markets would likely find a new equilibrium within two years of the changes.
"Rental yields will come up and one way or another, investors will come back to the market," he said.
"So while prices would decline, it probably wouldn't be catastrophic because demand for housing is high."
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Melbourne prices could fall by 9 percent under Labor policies 

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The former Today show host Matt Lauer can keep his New Zealand ranch.
The NZ authorities concluded last week there wasn't enough evidence he'd breached a "good character" condition after sexual misconduct accusations saw him depart the broadcaster NBC last November.
His termination triggered an investigation by New Zealand authorities, who require foreign buyers of important assets to be of good character.
The provision is broad and includes criminal convictions as well as anything else that authorities decide reflects poorly on an owner's integrity.
Lauer last year purchased a lease for the Hunter Valley Station, a 10,750 hectare farm with lakeside ranch near Queenstown
The property runs 13,000 cattle and merino sheep.
It runs alongside a river that's filled with trout and salmon.
New Zealand's Overseas Investment Office (OIO) said that as part of its investigation, it had taken sworn statements from Lauer and had been in touch with NBC.
"Mr. Lauer has not been charged with any offence, nor convicted, and the evidence available to the OIO at this time does not establish that Mr. Lauer is unfit to continue to hold the asset," said Lisa Barrett, an official at Land Information New Zealand, in a statement. "However, in reaching this position, we do not condone the inappropriate way that Mr. Lauer has behaved."
Last year, Lauer and wife Annette Roque said in a statement they'd be visiting New Zealand for several years, and "every time we visit, we feel lucky to be in a place of such endless beauty, inspiration and adventure."
 
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Matt Lauer can keep New Zealand ranch after OIO investigation

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Robert Shand, who has recently stepped down as managing director at asset management giant Blue Sky, has sold his Queensland home.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-pullenvale-128381338" target="_blank">rural Pullenvale property</a> was scheduled for weekend auction.
The property is held in his wife's name.
<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/2018/6/12/shand2.jpg" alt="">
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The five bedroom Woodfield Road house is set on 2.4 acres with a pool, a dam and tennis court.
Around $1.5 million was expected for the home bought for $993,000 back 2013.
Fairfax Media indicated Shand, who stepped down from the role of chief executive of Blue Sky in April, been looking for another home in Brisbane's west. 
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Departed Blue Sky boss Robert Shand sells at Pullenvale

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Large fish species are rapidly declining around Australia, according to the first continental diver census of shallow reef fish. Contrary to years of sustainability reports, our study indicates that excessive fishing pressure is contributing to decline of many Australian fish species.
In areas open to fishing, we found that exploited populations fell by an average of 33% between 2005 and 2015. This rate closely matches the 32% downward trend in total Australian fishery catches through the same period.
In contrast, in marine parks where fishing is prohibited, the same species increased by an average of 25%. Other species not targeted by fishers showed a small downward trend (11% decline in fished zones; 16% decline in no-take marine reserves), indicating that recent marine heatwaves off southeastern and southwestern Australia have probably adversely affected marine life over a wide area.
Citizen science
Our audit of 531 study sites was made possible by combining data from 50-metre long transects repeatedly surveyed by Australian Institute of Marine Science and University of Tasmania research divers, and by highly trained volunteers participating in the citizen science Reef Life Survey program.
After the collapse of some high-profile fisheries in the 1990s, such as gemfish, orange roughy and southern bluefin tuna, federal and state agencies took a more conservative approach to fish capture. Australian fisheries are now regarded as among the most sustainable worldwide.
Regardless, the prevalence of downward population trends in our investigation indicates that a reduction in fishing pressure and additional caution is needed. Otherwise, more Australian fisheries may not be economically viable if this trend continues.
Our analysis identified a variety of issues that affect fishery management practices, many of which are also evident overseas, including:
<ul>
<li>little relevant data for decision-making related to ecological issues</li>
<li>a lack of no-fishing reference areas to scientifically assess impacts of fishing</li>
<li>poorly documented stock assessments with limited public accessibility</li>
<li>management decisions made by committees dominated by industry-aligned members</li>
<li>short-term catch maximisation prioritised over precaution</li>
<li>fishery models that rarely consider species interactions or climate impacts</li>
<li>wider effects of fishing on ecosystems and their resilience to multiple pressures are overlooked</li>
</ul>
No-fishing reserves work
Our study indicates that a highly effective but underused tool in the manager’s toolbox is expanded rollout of no-fishing “marine reserves”. Despite receiving wide public support, most Australian marine reserves are small and located in areas with few fishery resources. They consequently house few mature, egg-producing females and do little to assist in the rebuilding of overfished stocks. Nor are they likely to help much in the recovery of important ecosystem functions, as needed for fished-species populations to rebound after climate shocks and other pressures.
The July rollout of Australian Marine Parks, in particular, represents a lost opportunity that may prove a significant problem for fishers. Although covering 2.76 million square kilometres – the largest marine park in the world – it is of limited conservation value.
Through three rounds of public submissions, each largely aimed at minimising any remaining overlap with current fishing activities, the final zoning plans affect very few stakeholders. The outcome is neither an efficient nor effective solution to the actual problem of protecting the oceans.
For example, the Temperate East Zone covering waters from the Victorian border to southern Queensland includes no new “no-take” reserves shallower than 1,000m depth, although these waters are where virtually all fishing impacts occur in this region.
The widespread declaration of marine parks that allow current fishing to continue is perhaps useful when harmful fishing practices for ecosystems are excluded. However, our study indicates that this basic assumption does not apply to Australian Marine Parks.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/97689/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">The environmental and economic debt for future generations is both huge and unfair.
Graham Edgar, Senior Marine Ecologist, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania
Trevor J Ward, Adjunct professor, University of Technology Sydney
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-commercial-fish-populations-drop-by-a-third-over-ten-years-97689" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Australian fished populations drop by a third over 10 years, study finds

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The Victorian government has stepped in to protect real estate agent commission payments after agents were using non-compliant contracts sold by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) that had been approved by Consumer Affairs Victoria.
The faulty contracts were Exclusive Sales Agreement (ESA), legally binding documents that give an agent the right to sell a vendor's home and be paid for their services. 
The Victorian government said it would amend the Estate Agents Act 1980 to "protect agent commissions after contracts with incomplete rebate statements were used".
Amendments will be introduced into the Victorian Parliament after <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/residential/vic/estate-agents-commissions-under-threat-after-real-estate-institute-of-victoria-blunder-20180511-h0zyb6">a Ray White St Albans agent was ruled ineligible for commission</a> on a land sale because the County Court ruled the ESA form was non-compliant.
In April, Victoria's Court of Appeal upheld the initial 2017 County Court ruling that denied the Ray White agent his commission.
There has been another case yet to be heard where a vendor, Marika Sutherland, seeks a ruling preventing agents Globe Real Estate from collecting an $82,000 commission on the 2017 sale of her Beaumaris home.
Despite speculation of a likely flood of claims against both the REIV and CAV, the situation has not escalated but no agent who used these forms will be penalised because of an error in the paperwork, said Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz.
"We're fixing this problem, giving agents who acted in good faith reassurance their commissions will be protected by law," she added.
The changes would not apply to disputes over commissions already dealt with by the court.
The property law expert Robert Hay, QC, warned there was no legal defence for those agents who are challenged over commissions.
"As it stands, there's not much they can do. There could be lots of innocent agents, who could be disgorged of their commissions,'' he told Fairfax Media.
Lawyers acting for Sutherland will seek $138,500 – the 10% deposit paid on the $1,385,000 sale of her home at 37 Oak Street, Beaumaris, in February 2017 – from Globe Real Estate, plus interest and legal costs.
The deposit, of which $81,616 is due to be paid out in commission, remains held in the trust account of Globe Real Estate's lawyers Marsh &amp; Maher following a dispute over payment. The property settled in April last year.
In August, Sutherland's solicitor Bill Gioutlou filed a motion in the Supreme Court seeking a declaration that the ESA form used by Globe Real Estate did not comply with section 49A of the Estate Agents Act of 1980 and because of this, Globe Real Estate is "not entitled to retain any commission or money ... in respect of the sale of the property". 
Bentleigh-based Globe Real Estate, which is owned by Yufang "Kiki" Jiang, opposes the motion.
In October last year, Globe Real Estate joined the REIV as a third party to the proceedings alleging the REIV was ultimately responsible for any non-compliance.
This would entitle Globe Real Estate to claim from the REIV relief, including any costs, losses or damages that arise out of the legal proceedings.
It is understood the REIV, which in its filed defence denies any negligence in providing the ESA form and notes it was approved by Consumer Affairs Victoria, lobbied the state government to retrospectively amend real estate laws.
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Victorian government steps in to protect agent commissions from non-compliant contracts

The Gold Coast economy has grown by 25 per cent since 2020/21 to surpass $55 billion, but perhaps the more significant story is what sits behind the headline number.

For decades, the Gold Coast has been viewed through the lens of tourism, lifestyle and population growth. The latest State of the City Report suggests that perception is increasingly out of step with reality.

Released by Invest Gold Coast, the report ranks the Gold Coast as Australia's largest non-capital city economy and, perhaps more notably, second nationally behind Sydney for Economic Complexity, a measure that assesses the diversity and sophistication of an economy.

It's a result that places the Gold Coast ahead of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, highlighting the extent to which the city's economic base has broadened beyond its traditional industries.

Today, the Gold Coast supports more than 350,000 jobs, is home to over 83,000 businesses and generates $19 billion in annual exports. Manufacturing now accounts for 62 per cent of international export growth, while sectors including health, education, advanced manufacturing, technology and professional services are becoming increasingly important contributors to the local economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the report confirmed the city's evolution into one of Australia's most significant economies.

"The Gold Coast economy continues to grow at an incredible pace. This is no surprise to those of us who have watched the evolution up close," Mayor Tate said.

"As one of the most entrepreneurial, investment driven and opportunity focused economies in the country our ambition has been realised and possibilities are endless.

"The Gold Coast has built a reputation as the city that says yes. We say yes to investment, yes to opportunity and yes to people who want to build something.

"It's this mindset helping us drive major growth across health, advanced manufacturing, screen production, marine, technology and the knowledge economy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360975]

While population growth has been one of the defining stories of the past decade, the report points to a broader economic transformation taking place.

The city's knowledge economy now contributes $7.9 billion annually and supports around 31,000 jobs, while the health and wellbeing sector contributes $5.2 billion and employs more than 42,000 people. Together, the six priority sectors identified in the report account for almost $24 billion in economic output and more than 145,000 jobs.

One of the strongest examples is the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct at Southport. The 200-hectare precinct now contains more than $5 billion worth of health, education, research and innovation infrastructure and supports over 16,000 jobs.

The report also highlights the growing role of advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace, defence and modular construction.

Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies recently became the first Australian commercial company to attempt an orbital launch, while companies including Modscape and ModnPods are helping establish the Yatala-Stapylton corridor as one of Australia's fastest-growing advanced manufacturing hubs.

The city's entrepreneurial culture is also translating into business growth.

Since 2019/20, the number of businesses operating on the Gold Coast has increased by 22 per cent, while firms employing more than 200 people have grown by 80 per cent. The report suggests the next challenge is converting more local start-ups and medium-sized businesses into nationally significant companies.

Development activity remains another key indicator of confidence.

There are currently more than $23 billion worth of major projects underway across the Gold Coast, supported by a record 75 active cranes, a figure that now exceeds Brisbane and represents a 150 per cent increase since 2016.

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Importantly, the report notes the next phase of investment will need to extend beyond residential development.

While 93 per cent of crane activity is currently tied to housing, Invest Gold Coast argues future investment will increasingly need to focus on cultural, civic, infrastructure and industry-enabling projects that strengthen the city's long-term economic resilience.

Invest Gold Coast Chair Will Hodgman said the city was now benefiting from years of economic diversification.

"What is happening on the Gold Coast is the result of the city's economic base broadening, fuelled by industries with long-term, high-growth potential," Mr Hodgman said.

"This is no longer a secondary Australian economy, the Gold Coast is becoming a globally connected city with deeper capability across health, knowledge and creative industries, advanced manufacturing, technology and exports."

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Looking ahead, the Gold Coast's population is projected to exceed one million residents by 2046.

For a city that was once largely defined by tourism and lifestyle, the latest figures suggest the Gold Coast is becoming something more significant, one of Australia's most diverse and economically sophisticated urban economies, and increasingly one that national and international investors can no longer afford to overlook.

Joel Robinson

75 cranes, $23 billion pipeline and a $55 billion economy: Inside the Gold Coast economic boom

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.

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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]

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

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