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Brisbane's cheapest recent offering has been a Nundah three-bedroom house listed at $89,900, but that's all you get.
The land it currently sits on is not included in the price.
The sale price of the house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-nundah-127631946" target="_blank">5 Imbros Street, Nundah</a>, does include moving it and installing it onto your block of land, within 100 kilometres.
According to its listing Drake Removal Homes will deliver, and install on new foundations
It has a large central open plan lounge and dining room and polished timber floors throughout.
The property was among the most viewed on realestate.com.au than any other property in Queensland in recent times.
CoreLogic advise it has now been sold.
The land cost $755,000 in 2015 with plans for a $589,000 Clarendon Home now approved.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Brisbane's cheapest home, but without the land

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An original two-bedroom Rosebery home secretly snapped up by Channel Seven last September for $1.25 million, has returned to the market as new home for auction this weekend.
It’s with a guide of $1.6 million through Purplebricks.
The transformation will be aired in the upcoming season of Channel Seven’s hit television show House Rules, the reality show hosted by Johanna Griggs. 
News Local's Southern Courier noted that the Rosebery neighbours began to speculate when they noticed a house at 54 Tramway Street was knocked down and rebuilt in the record time of just seven days. 
Below is the former home, which <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-rosebery-126269874" target="_blank">sold in September.</a>
<div class="wp-caption">
<img class="size-full wp-image-294747" src="https://www.realestate.com.au/blog/images/1600x1600-fit,progressive/2018/03/12000002/capi_44b2abb8db8cf0ad7cdac801ed7a14b1_ad5c8ca5e82165f47e65565cb0dbd0ad.jpeg" alt="54 Tramway Street Rosebery" data-capiid="ad5c8ca5e82165f47e65565cb0dbd0ad">The new home is a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-rosebery-127624758" title="www.realestate.com.au">two-storey, four-bedroom, two-bathroom</a>, ultra-modern sanctuary. 
</div>
The new dual level residence offers open-plan living, dining and kitchen and a spacious outdoor entertainment area.
<div id="celtra_holder_news">The kitchen has the latest designer appliances.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The listing agent Dean Emerson says it presents a creative fusion of subtle warehouse-inspired industrial chic, natural finishes and up-to-the-minute designer style.
</div>
<div>It is being sold fully furnished.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>There have been three development applications for the project totalling $350,000 according to CoreLogic. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Season six of the series was officially confirmed last October.</div>
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Secret House Rules Rosebery auction

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<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Westpac is offering discounts of up to 105 basis points for property investment loans.
The latest round of cuts sees Westpac especially targeting first-time home buyers and rentvestors.
Andy Wright, Westpac head of portfolio management for home ownership, said it had reduced fixed rates for first time buyers by 40 basis points for principal and interest repayments.
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<div class="cq-article-content-media section">The bank is also introducing a five-year introductory variable rate for first-time buyers and abolishing establishment and monthly fees.</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
<div class="adWrapper"> </div>
<div id="article-inline-ad" class="adWrapper">The five-year investment loan of 4.09 per cent includes a discount of 105 basis points.</div>
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<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The "flexi" five-year loan is set at 3.79 per cent, which includes a discount of 80 basis points.
"These changes are designed to help first time buyers at the start of their home ownership journey and a cut in fees means they can put their savings towards purchases for their new home," Mr Wright told Fairfax Media.
"This offer also extends to 'rentvestor' first-home buyers who are looking to purchase their first property to rent out. We're seeing this trend increase, with many first-home buyers purchasing properties to rent in more affordable areas while choosing to live in close proximity to the city."
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">The major bank lenders are aggressively reducing key fixed and investor interest-only rates because they have undershot the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's 30 per cent cap on new lending. </div>
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Westpac cuts rates for FHB rentvestors

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The Wellington in East Brisbane has achieved a 100% settlement rate for their off-the-plan apartment sales.
The EPV Developments project, which is being marketed by TOTAL Property Group, has just 16 of the total 127 apartments still for sale.
The prices range between $339,000 and $560,000, within the nine-storey mixed-use development.
The newly-completed development comprises one and two bedroom units, as well as a rooftop pool and entertainment area, complete with a podium level garden and recreation area.
<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/2018/3/8/east2.jpg" alt="">
There's a boutique retail and dining precinct on the ground floor.
TOTAL Property Group managing director Adrian Parsons, who handled the marketing for the apartments, said the perfect settlement rate for The Wellington was a notable achievement, particularly in the current market. 
“We credit the high settlement rate of off-the-plan apartment purchases to our sales strategy, the quality of The Wellington development and our sales focus on the local domestic market,” he said. 
TOTAL Property Group worked with EPV Developments in the initial stages, making some changes to the floor plans, the building design and interior finishes to suit the targeted local market. 
The Wellington’s central East Brisbane address attracted a range of local buyers, from young professionals to mature downsizers.
EPV Developments director Karl Jameson said the perfect settlement rate was testament to the idea that if you build a high quality, well-priced product in a good location, demand would be strong. 
“TOTAL Property Group understands the apartment market and what we have delivered at The Wellington is stylish, luxury owner-occupier liveable space,” he said. 
“We are very pleased to see our overall vision for The Wellington come together seamlessly, with the high-quality onsite facilities, apartments with contemporary design finishes, and tenants on the ground floor retail precinct beginning to open for business.” 
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No OTP defaults at The Wellington in East Brisbane

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GUEST OBSERVER
The regeneration of inner-city areas is a global challenge. Inner cities in France certainly have their problems, but the nation also has a good record of successful major urban regeneration projects. We have analysed three of these initiatives to understand what factors contribute to good regeneration outcomes.
Urban regeneration can be defined as a holistic approach to revitalise under-used areas of the city. It’s commonly associated, however, with the related challenges of gentrification, rising property values, and displacement of low-income groups. And these projects do not always achieve a sense of place.
French cities have much higher densities than Australian cities. For instance, Paris has 10,000 inhabitants per square kilometre, which is more than five times the population density of Sydney’s 1,900/km2. Higher density and more accessibility to public transport are important for successful urban regeneration. But this is not the only explanation for its success in France.
With the post-industrial society, new approaches are emerging to solve planning challenges in France. Since the nation began decentralisation in 1982, local authorities have gained more power to implement planning strategies.
At the same time, the multiplicity of urban stakeholders makes decision-making difficult. Since the 1990s, legal obligations to consult with residents have increased. Regeneration projects have to follow general planning principles but must also allow some flexibility to enable the local community to have an input.
Lyon Confluence
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/209493/original/file-20180308-30972-1h709c3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/209493/original/file-20180308-30972-1h709c3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
The Lyon Confluence area comprises 150 hectares between the Rhone and Saône rivers. <a class="source" href="http://www.lyon-confluence.fr/ressources/flipbooks/DossierPresseJuin2015/GB/files/assets/basic-html/page-2" target="_blank">Lyon Confluence</a>
Lyon Confluence is the largest urban regeneration project in Europe with 150 hectares of land having been redeveloped since 2003. The project is led by public redevelopment company SPL Lyon. It is 89% owned by Greater Lyon, a metropolitan institution made up of 59 local authorities.
SPL Lyon is able to set up strict planning and urban design principles. Developers are required to integrate these principles into their designs to be part of the project.
SPL sells the land to developers at a fixed rate. Developers need to win design competitions to be part of the project and not just offer the best price for the land.
Lyon Confluence has attracted foreign investors, such as Japan’s NEDO, and became a model for smart positive energy buildings, which produce more energy than they consume.
<h2>Île de Nantes</h2>
The Île de Nantes regeneration project aims to transform a 337-hectare industrial area into a sustainable living and working environment. There is a strong emphasis on preserving the industrial character of the area.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/209479/original/file-20180308-146700-1xpdxgv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/209479/original/file-20180308-146700-1xpdxgv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
The Île de Nantes project has transformed warehouses into places for cultural events. <a class="source" href="http://www.iledenantes.com/en/projets/63-the-warehouses" target="_blank">Île de Nantes</a>
Another objective is to attract creative industries firms to a creative arts district to replace the local shipbuilding industry, which closed in 1987.
A public redevelopment company known as SAMOA oversees the Île de Nantes project, which will be completed in 2037. Innovative placemaking strategies are being developed to create a sense of place connected to the area’s industrial past. The project includes a lot of consultation with urban stakeholders.
Paris Rive-Gauche
The Paris Rive Gauche project is one of the most important regeneration project in the city. The 130-hectare site is located in the east of Paris, on the banks of the Seine. Paris Rive Gauche means Paris Left Bank and refers to the Paris of an earlier era.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/209472/original/file-20180308-146661-1bn0my7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/209472/original/file-20180308-146661-1bn0my7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Work on the Paris Rive Gauche redevelopment began in the early 1990s and is now halfway through. The aim is to create a mixed-use neighbourhood around landmarks such as the national library and Paris Diderot University. <a class="source" href="http://www.parisrivegauche.com/Les-quartiers-et-leurs-projets/Tolbiac-nord" target="_blank">Paris Rive Gauche</a>
The aim is to redevelop industrial wasteland located around the Austerlitz train station. A publicly owned local development company, SEMAPA, manages the project.
The concerted development zone, or ZAC (zone d'aménagement concertée), was launched in 1991. Works included the construction of the François Mitterrand National Library (BNF), which began in 1991 and was completed in 1995.
Despite being overseen by one leading agency, the project is based on strong public involvement and the program has been modified. Powerful local associations went to court as there was not enough public space and the density was too high. In 1997, to prevent further revisions, SEMAPA developed a meaningful public involvement process to ensure the intentions of community stakeholders are incorporated in this large-scale project; developers are obliged to integrate these intentions.
The role of the development agency is to select developers through a competitive process to achieve the best design outcomes. Paris Rive Gauche is not just another business district like La Défense, but a real urban neighbourhood developed around existing urban landmarks. It combines a mix of uses (offices, housing, local retail and services, green spaces) and good access to public transport.
What do these projects have in common?
The three regeneration initiatives presented here are all led by a single development agency financed with public money. This type of governance allows for clear leadership, which is essential to complete projects with a 30-year lifespan.
Development agencies ensure through a public involvement process that these initiatives reflect local community aspirations. The creation of the ZAC as a planning instrument allows for the project’s objectives to be modified as it evolves.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/91652/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Development agencies have the financial capacity to sell the land below market prices and to subsidise housing for low-income households. The French planning instruments and financing mechanisms associated with public involvement in decision-making contribute to successful urban regeneration. This approach is known as “transactional urbanism”, reflecting the increasing negotiations between the development agency and the community.
Sebastien Darchen, Lecturer in Planning, The University of Queensland 
 Gwendal Simon, Assistant Professor of Planning and Urban Planning, Université Paris-Est Marne-la-Vallée (UPEM)
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/france-has-a-unique-approach-to-regenerating-inner-cities-what-can-we-learn-from-its-success-91652" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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France has a unique approach to regenerating inner cities – what can we learn from its success?

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Located in Mt Isa's suburb of Healy, a four bedroom house has gone under contract.
The Queensland offering been listed by the mortgagee for sale for $299,000 by City &amp; Coutry Reality for the past month.
It last sold at $420,000 in 2011.
It sold at $209,000 in 2005.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mount+isa-127504006" target="_blank">The 19 Stubbings Avenue</a> house comes with four carpeted bedrooms.
There was a divided kitchen with bench and storage space and internal laundry located off the kitchen.
Other features include an in-ground pool and undercover entertaining area on the 969 square metre block.
Schools and shops are within a five minute walk. 
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Mount Isa mortgagee in possession property sold

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A Surry Hills 300 square metre office plus single level warehouse conversion has been listed for sale for $1.75 million to $3.5 million by DB Property.
The property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-surry+hills-502700186" target="_blank">6-7, 50 Reservoir Street</a> features 168 square metres to 335 square metres of office/showroom space, kitchen, shower and bathroom amenities, as well as timber floors.
It can be sold separately or in one line.
The short-term lease expires end of July 2018.
The current outgoings are approximately $28,995 per annum, including strata levy, council and water rates.
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Surry Hills whole floor warehouse conversion for sale

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The Canberra office market has been historically characterised as having one of the strongest supply pipelines nationally.
Over the past few years it has delivered high levels of stock, against a background of strong net absorption.
In the 12 months to December 2017, Savills Research identified approximately $571.7 million worth of office transactions (greater than $5 million) in the Canberra office market.
However, as a result of falling leasing demand from the Commonwealth leading up to, and following from, the election of the Coalition to Government in 2013, the speculative development phase that had been experienced in Canberra ended in 2015-2016, Savills said.
Over 2015/2016, developers were largely reluctant to build speculatively, following weaker economic conditions and moderating leasing demand driven by cost cutting measures initiated by Commonwealth tenants.
But following two years of negative net supply, 2017 saw new additions amounting to 51,364 square metres. Improving market conditions and a strengthening economy are providing the impetus for an increase in developments.
According to the latest research report from Savills Australia, the commencement of two new speculative developments in the CBD will add approximately 35,000 square metres of new accommodation in the 2019/20 period.
A further 20,000 square metres of space in the CBD and 15,000 square metres in Dickson have been pre-committed by the ACT Government and are due to be completed over the same period.
Anecdotal evidence from current leasing campaigns on these developments suggest a significant upward revision of rents.
Andrew Stewart, managing director of Savills ACT said this level of activity is well beyond the 10 year average of $416 million and can be traced to a single transaction; the sale of 50 Marcus Clarke Street, City. 
“The asset was sold for $321 million to South Korean asset management firm, Mirae Asset Global Investments at an equated yield of 5.75% by Malaysian vendor CIMB Trust &amp; Malaysian Employees Provident Fund. It is important to note that traditionally, these larger assets are tightly held with only four trading in the past five years," said Stewart.
“Demand for Canberra assets are being driven by domestic and foreign investors focused on secure income streams and long Weighted Average Lease Expiry’s (WALEs) owing to the majority of office space being leased by Government tenants.” 
Stewart said that large funds and trusts that rely on both income growth as well as capital growth are certainly attracted to the Canberra market. 
“We are also seeing a trend towards more privatisation which has led to a greater diversity in tenant base as more consulting firms relocate to Canberra for jobs that are being outsourced by the Federal government off the back of cost cutting measures implemented by the Liberal government.”
There was a notable increase in local institutional funds and private investors purchasing office assets in Canberra.
One noteworthy transaction was the sale of 44 Sydney, Forrest in November 2017 for $64.70 million on an equivalent yield of 6.24%, purchased by Australian based fund manager Charter Hall.
Anecdotal evidence is suggestive of increasing demand for new or new-near buildings with long-WALE’s, with current owners of such properties reluctant to divest themselves of their properties.
According to Shrabastee Mallik, Senior Analyst - Capital Strategy at Savills Australia, market yields in Canberra Civic, as at December 2017, are estimated to range between 5.50% and 7.25% for A grade, and between 7.50% and 10.50% for B grade buildings.
“The average yield for A grade office buildings in the quarter to December 2017 is 6.40%, representing a 35 basis point firming over the year.
“Capital values in the Civic precinct in Canberra, as at December 2017, are estimated to range from $5,265 per square metre to $8,350 per square metre for A grade buildings, and between $3,500 per square metre and $5,400 per square metre for B grade buildings” she said.
Ms Mallik believes that fewer projected public service job cuts and a more relaxed budget looks likely to lead to a resurgence in office leasing demand and an increase in developments.
“Rents for new and near-new ‘A’ Grade stock have been maintained at a stable level, with a small level of face rent growth at the top end of the market” she said. 
Pip Doogan, Director of Office Leasing at Savills ACT said the level of incentives on offer for this class of property have stabilised, and are trending down gradually in those areas with low vacancy rates, which should result in a rise in effective gross rents in this market sector.  
“Net face rents in the Canberra Civic precinct range from $340 to $400 per square metre per annum for A Grade and from $290 to $325 per square metre per annum for B Grade, as of Dec 2017”.
 
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Investors looking to Canberra office market for long-WALE's: Savills

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An old 1950s Outward Bound property set in the Hawkesbury region has been listed for sale.
It last sold 17 years ago when bought by its next-door neighbour 17 years ago, Ian Gowrie-Smith.
The 3.2-hectare block at Fishermans Point on Berowra Creek has about a dozen buildings in original condition, including a 26-bedroom boarding house capable of sleeping 120 people, and a commercial kitchen and recreational facilities.
It has a price guide of between $4.4 million and $4.8 million through LJ Hooker Terrigal agent Tim Andrews, who expects it to appeal to buyers seeking a resort or health retreat.
The property was run as a Knox Grammar school camp before it was bought by its current owner.
Outward Bound Australia started its camping and adventure activities there in 1956 until 1974.
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Former Outward Bound camp in the Hawkesbury region listed

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The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) has welcomed the appointment of experienced professional town planners to the new Independent Hearing Assessment Panels (IHAPS) being implemented across the greater Sydney and Wollongong regions.
Of the 41 chairs allocated to the IHAPS by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, 18 are accredited planners and PIA members.
The panels became operational on 1 March.
PIA chief executive David Williams said that many eminent NSW planners had been successful, who will bow help to grow the NSW government’s partnership with councils, local communities and environmental groups.
PIA represents over 5000 planners nationally, and each year engages with nearly 10,000 planners working in the public and private sectors.
Planners who are PIA members have undertaken accredited planning degrees and gained professional experience working in diverse areas of planning ranging from the neighbourhood to the national level.
They also adhere to a comprehensive Professional Code of Conduct.
Experienced planners understand the complexity of legislation that impacts Australia’s diverse urban environments and appreciate the critical role played by community in the planning process, Williams said.
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Professional planning experts to play critical part of IHAPS

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372225]

While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146717]

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6395]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=353235]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“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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