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New vertical lift technology is enabling building up rather than out meaning that Sydney's record industrial site prices can be managed more cost effectively. 
Heightened industrial warehousing demand in the past 24 months has driven land values across Sydney to record high levels, according to new research from Savills Australia.
Industrial land values in South Sydney are now at their highest level on record, pushing the $2,000 per square metre mark, while industrial sites in Western Sydney are at more than $600 per square metre.
Sydney’s population increased by 100,000 people in the past year, with 85% made up of overseas migrants. 
Savills Australia’s associate director for capital strategy, Shrabastee Mallik says that the "record high levels of population growth are eating up available land for residential purposes with blocks of land within traditional industrial precincts being sold for residential redevelopment purposes".
"Manufacturing and logistics sector accounts for 10% of NSW’s Gross State Product and projections point to significant growth over the next 30 years,” she said.
“As such, stellar growth in land values in the South Sydney precinct is understandable, which include Port Botany and Port Kembla, with these jointly contributing $4 billion dollars to the state economy". 
She also pointed out “NSW Ports’ 30 Year Master Plan points to these two ports tripling the amount of container volumes processed over the next 30 years”.
New innovations in the form of vertical lift technology enables massive increases in efficiency by building up rather than building out utilising lifts reaching almost 10 metres, which has the effect of reducing warehouse size from 200 square metre to just 14 square metre. These types of technologies have the added advantage of requiring fewer workers, reducing operating costs.
Already, most new warehouse and supply chain environments are making use of such innovations, and the development of Moorebank Logistics Park, in its use of robotics and purpose-built facilities, has attracted significant interest across the warehousing and logistics sectors with Target Australia signing on as the first tenant at Moorebank, with a 10-year lease (plus options) for a new 37,860 square metre warehouse, due for completion in 2019.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Shrinking Sydney drives changes in industrial warehousing developments

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Australians once lax expectations concerning retail delivery times are changing and service providers must adjust, a new survey suggests.
The retail goal posts are shifting, and as a result, businesses need to transform entirely.
CBRE has released a research report about the "Omni-Channel Revolution" the rise of and the importance of melding of shopping, advertising, delivery and payment into one unified buying experience in an increasingly online world.
A shopper’s journey now spans across bricks and mortar stores, social media, apps, desktops and other mobile devices. Constant digital connectivity is a driving force behind evolving customer experience and fulfilment expectations and over 80% of all Australians own a smart phone the newest tool for online shopping.
Online spending in Australia currently accounts for approximately 9% of all retail trade, with this expected to rise to 12% by 2022 accounting for roughly AU$24.4 billion to AU$43.1 billion.
It is estimated that by 2020, a third of in-store retail sales will be in some way influenced by the web. This growth in e-commerce sales will generate demand for an additional 350,000 square metres of distribution space annually. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/6/6/Omni%20Figure%201.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/6/6/Omni%20Figure%201.png" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/6/6/Omni%20Figure%201.png" alt=""></a>
In CBRE’s Asia Pacific Millennial Survey, online shopping was selected as the most frequent method of purchasing goods, with respondents shopping online an average 4.9 days in Australia. However, millennials frequent bricks and mortar stores more than other generations preferring to make a final transaction in-store. This demonstrates the necessity of an omni-channel strategy to attract shoppers.
Retailers benefit from incorporating omni-channel operations into their business with successful omni-channel operations shown to improve loyalty, and repeat visitation to the retailer’s stores increasing up to 23% after strong omni-channel engagement.
Omni-channel engagement provides tailored analytics and by analysing customer data, retailers can more easily target a specific market through the most successful channel.
Greater choice in products and services is also dictating where individuals spend money, as a result shoppers are not as brand-loyal as they used to be so positive experiences for customers are vital for repeat sales and the ability to offer personalised services will prove crucial for both attracting business and building customer loyalty.
A McKinsey study showed that 25% of consumers were willing to pay extra for same day or instant delivery and this is expected to increase in coming years as just over 30% of millennial customers are more likely to choose same-day and instant delivery.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/6/6/Omni%20Figure%202.png" alt="">
However reverse supply chain operations are equally important, with growing costs on both retailers and the environment as the volume of returns results in roughly two billion kilograms of goods being sent straight to landfill each year in the US alone because the cost of processing the return exceeds the cost of disposing of it.
Strong returns policies create customer loyalty and if a returns process is not easy, cheap and efficient, shoppers are not likely to use that retailer again, whereas if it is, 92% of consumers would consider making another purchase through that retailer.
It is estimated that approximately 30% of all goods sold online are returned, and 30% of these returned products never find their way on to a secondary consumer, when observing returns of clothing and apparel is 40%, which in 2017 means $2.32 billion of goods were sent back to retailers costing them 10-20% of their profits. 
Research found that 19% of the Top 250 retailers profitably fulfil omni-channel demand and that 28%. Total transportation cost is in the last kilometre meaning there is a growing competition for companies to secure warehousing and short term storage closer and closer to domestic centres. Particularly as Australian cities are built around ports meaning that industrial sites in these areas will be hotly contested as significant amounts of new logistics space will be required. 
Omni-channel retail and logistics in Australia is still evolving, and the cost of implementing last-kilometre delivery solutions for retailers, combined with Australia’s low population density, means same-day delivery and fulfilment is still a work in progress with the average delivery time in Australia being 3-10 business days, however despite this the convergence of retail and logistics is well underway.
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Retail purchasing facing omni-channel revolution: CBRE

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Laing+Simmons has opened an office in Sydney’s north west at Kellyville.
Sunny Lee (pictured above) and the team behind the former Ray White Kellyville have take on the business.
“Our people understand the local market," Lee said.
"We live here ourselves.
"Kellyville and surrounding suburbs have an opportunity to buck the wider Sydney trend in real estate, with new infrastructure investment, better connections and relative affordability compared to other suburban markets making the north west a real drawcard.
“But vendors need genuine local experience to get the best outcomes, and buyers want to recognise that they’re achieving value for money too. That’s where we come in,” Mr Lee says.
Laing+Simmons managing director Leanne Pilkington noted last year Laing+Simmons celebrated 50 years of leadership at the local market level.
"This year we’re in the process of growing our presence in the key metropolitan and regional locations we’ve identified to ensure this position of local market strength increases,” Ms Pilkington said, adding that its plans in select markets came without losing sight of the boutique model.
Laing+Simmons network growth manager Travis Wentriro says the group’s expansion is aimed at attracting best-in-business operators.
 
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Laing+Simmons opens office in Sydney’s north west at Kellyville

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Butleigh Wootton, a Kew Icon and historical landmark on a 2,836 sqm land has been listed by mortgagees with an indicative selling price of $10 million to $11 million.
It is offered by Clinton Baxter and Nick Peden from Savills.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/%20https:/www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-kew-127655082" target="_blank">Located at 867 Glenferrie Road</a>, the 1880's mansion over three levels comes with seven bedrooms, large commercial kitchen and extensive wine cellaring. 
It is only a short walk from the bustling Glenferrie Road retail precinct with trams, trains and buses nearby.
With 19 on-site car spaces, this property provides unlimited potential and would ideally suit education, medical, hospitality, residential or entertainment/leisure uses.
The suburb's median house price is 2.2 million, according to CoreLogic. 
 
 
 
 
 
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Butleigh Wootton, Kew seven bedroom house for mortgagee sale 

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Keep Sydney Open is announcing its official registration as a state political party in NSW.
It will contest seats in both houses of Parliament at the 2019 NSW state election, with a focus on seats in the Legislative Council.  
Tyson Koh, spokesperson for the party, by putting lockout laws on the ballot of next year’s election, people have a real choice and a course of action to rescind these laws, wind back the ‘nanny state’ and build a 24-hour city. 
“For more than over four years, our group has represented every person who believes that lockout laws were a knee-jerk reaction. We see with our own eyes that these laws have devastated the both the night-time economy and reputation of what was once a vibrant international city.” 
The KSO campaign claims they have so far achieved: 
·        A 30-minute relaxation of lockout laws and cease of service times for music venues; 
·        A pushback of bottle shop closing times from 10pm to 11pm across NSW; 
·        A lifting of lockout laws for the Mardi Gras parade; 
·        Changes to ‘small bar’ regulations; and 
·        A turning of the state of Sydney’s nightlife into a mainstream issue. 
“We all know that Sydney is a magical place, but the magic has been missing for some time,” Koh said.
“People now recognise that the NSW Government is largely responsible for this. 
“We are the first party in NSW set up to address cultural and youth issues.
"Young people all over NSW who would ordinarily vote Liberal or Labor are looking at those parties’ policies with bewilderment. We feel cheated, and being locked out of social spaces as well as the housing market has led to a generation of disillusioned young adults," he said.
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Keep Sydney Open becomes political party in NSW

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A Vaucluse five bedroom mansion with harbour views on a 777 sqm block has been listed for sale.
It is offered by Monika Tu and Barbora Marcinkova from Black Diamondz. 
<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/2018/6/4/vaucluse%202.jpg" alt="">
It had last sold at $10.2 million in 2005.
<a href="http://www.blackdiamondz.com.au/listing/459_unrivaled-opulence-in-a-blue-ribbon-setting18954954" target="_blank">Situated at 16 Kings Rd, Vaucluse</a>, the house comes with five double ensuite bedrooms, huge marble kitchen, cinema and established 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/2018/6/4/vaucluse%203.jpg" alt="">
Additional features include large swimming pool and spa, underground sauna &amp; bathroom, Lavish bathrooms, dedicated gymnasium, solar panel roof, Wet bar, and ducted reverse a/c. 
<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/2018/6/4/vaucluse%204.jpg" alt="">
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Vaucluse mansion with harbour views for sale

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The online mortgage marketplace, HashChing has partnered with global information solutions company, Equifax, that will provide its brokers with efficient, secure digital access to their clients’ complete 90-day transaction history.
The new service will automatically arrange any income and expense items within into 91 individual categories and flag risk factors, before they start filing for a loan. 
It will enable a more accurate understanding of an applicant’s financial position, allowing brokers to recommend the best loan products for individual borrowers.
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The HashChing chief Mandeep Sodhi, said he anticipated brokers will" feel better supported and have the tools needed to deliver an improved customer experience."
Specifically, they will be able to turn loan proposals around faster, make better and more accurate loan product decisions, identify and avoid fraud, and help borrowers capture all relevant income and expenses.
“This will assist in protecting households from unnecessary mortgage stress by helping ensure they aren’t taking on loans that they can’t repay.”
HashChing anticipates automating the collation of bank statements and categorisation of income and expenditure receipts will save its brokers an average of 45 minutes especially when there are multiple bank accounts and multiple applicants.
The new approach uses state of the art MOGO technology, enabling the automatic collection and categorisation of income and expense receipts in an instant.
HahChing's Sohi had suggested it "had been near impossible to ensure a borrower is complying with regulations by disclosing all income and expenses."
The move follows the current Royal Commission into Australia’s major banks that found that often brokers failed to accurately verify a borrower’s income.
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Accurate credit checks become crucial following Royal Commission: HashChing

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Australia's second richest person, Harry Triguboff, has suggested Australia's bank had become "shell shocked."
But "there is nothing wrong with our banks, I promise you," Mr Triguboff told The Australian Financial Review.
"I assure you they make mistakes, so do we all. But there is nothing wrong with them. They are shell shocked and if affects all of us."
He attacked their new stronger borrowing tests saying using expenses to help justify if and how much a person could afford to borrow was "the dumbest thing to do in the world".
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Triguboff argues just because someone spends a set amount each month doesn't mean this will continue when they have a mortgage as borrowers will divert spending to repay their mortgage.
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"All this is very dumb when you have a falling market...it's playing dumb."
Triguboff says tighter lending was adding to the softening market, which was also being hurt by fewer Chinese buyers entering the market<a href="https://www.afr.com/real-estate/chinese-property-buyers-have-disappeared-20180116-h0j2wb" target="_blank">.</a>
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Meriton national sales director James Sialepis said there were instances of borrowers going to the same bank and branch but instead of being able to get a $1 million loan three months ago, it was now $750,000 to $800,000.
"Obviously the royal commission has had a huge impact on people being assessed."
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Mr Sialepis said the banks "used to assess people on a fixed number of monthly expenses".
"Now, every single receipt needs to be looked at and the point Harry (Triguboff) makes is great.
"If I haven't bought a house and I have a disposable income and I have extra money in the pocket I'll go and spend that but once I get into a mortgage, that's it I made the sacrifices," he said.
"There's no more going out, there's no more footy memberships, I need to start concentrating on paying that mortgage off and at the moment I think the banks are looking in the rear view mirror too much."
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Harry Triguboff says new bank lending rules are too tough

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Yarra Council has approved Salta Properties plans for its $390 million plus mixed use project. 
Salta Properties plans to explore a build-to-rent model at the project, which comprises of 426 dwellings with a mix of one, two and three bedrooms over the five separate apartment buildings.
They were one of first Australian developers to announce a build-to-rent model with 16 floors of residential stock at 699 La Trobe Street in Docklands in early 2017.
Salta Properties welcomed the City of Yarra’s unanimous decision approving its development plans for a more than $390 million mixed-use project across a 14,766 sqm site adjacent to Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre in the heart of Richmond.
Designed by the architects at Rothelowman and located on the south-west corner of Victoria Street and River Boulevard, the prime location led Salta to design a project comprising residential, commercial office and retail spaces across five buildings ranging from seven to 13 storeys.
The stand-out development boasts a unique 3,000 square meter linear park designed by landscape architects, ASPECT Studios to provide a pathway between buildings.
Salta seeks to bring the entry of the existing Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre to the River Boulevard, as well as providing an additional 775 carparks across four basement levels, a medical centre, childcare facility and restaurant precinct.
“In close to proximity to Melbourne’s CBD and the tranquil Yarra River, this development sits in the heart of Richmond, making it an unrivalled site for Salta Properties to offer a design solution that will become the very best place to live, work and shop,” said Sam Tarascio, Managing Director at Salta Properties.
Since the precinct has a strong commercial leasing environment and low vacancy rate, Salta Properties says it will seek to immediately offer the three level 3,500 sqm office and 5,500 sqm restricted retail to the market.
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Build-to-rent plans as Salta Properties secures approvals at Victoria Gardens, Richmond

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Novotel Geelong is undergoing a $3.5 million dollar renovation, which will see all 109 rooms in the four star hotel upgraded.
ErdiGroup built the Novotel Geelong and opened the property in 2001. 
The Eastern Beach hotel is located in the heart of the Geelong waterfront.
ErdiGroup Chief Executive Ricky Jeffs said the upgrade was needed to maintain Novotel’s position as ‘the best hotel in Geelong.’
“We need to continue to have a product that our guests return to and one that our new guests are keen to discover,” he said.
The multi-million dollar upgrade is being staged, with one floor with 22 rooms completed to date.
The refurbishment is scheduled to be completed in October, 2018.
Harris HMC has been appointed as construction partner, with Elsie + Betty Design responsible for the refreshed layout.
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Novotel Geelong gets $3.5 million revamp

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=343235]

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365786]

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.

&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]

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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[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."

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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.

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