<html><body><div title="Page 1">
<div>
<div>
McGrath Estate Agents has recruited Kevin Mendes and Imran Hamidi to join its sales team in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, specialising in the key suburbs of Paddington, Woollahra and Bondi.
Mendes brings with him more than 30 years of industry experience. He began his career as an independent, later becoming a franchisee and director at boutique real estate brand Laing + Simmons in 1996. In 2001 he opened Laing + Simmons Mascot/Alexandria followed by Laing + Simmons Woollahra in 2009.
Mendes is a member of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), Sydney Football Stadium and Sydney Roosters.
Hamidi also joins McGrath from Laing + Simmons Woollahra.
Mendes and Hamidi secured the recent sale of a Federation block of six large apartments in North Bondi which sold for $6.33 million.
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

McGrath recruits two eastern suburbs agents from Laing + Simmons

<html><body>
South Launceston experienced the biggest stock decrease in Tasmania over the past year according to Investar.
Investar suggests stock for sale has decreased by 66 percent, from 59 houses this time last year to its current 20 offerings. 
One three bedroom house currently on the market is an Eastbourne Street offering which is priced at $339,000.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-south+launceston-122514694" target="_blank">2A Eastbourne Street</a> house came with three bedrooms and a living room with full-length sliding glass doors.
 It is within close proximity of local shops and conveniences, and a short drive from the LGH and CBD.
Another offering is a two bedroom house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/263-wellington-st-south-launceston-tas-7249" target="_blank"> 263 Wellington St</a>, priced at $260,000 to $280,000 (pictured below).
<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/2018/2/20/launceston.jpg" alt="">
This cottage came with double car garage. 
LGH, Dr Surgeries, Charles St restaurant strip and the CBD are within short walking distance. 
Another three bedroom house has been recently sold for $385,000. It was sold by David Parry and David Burgess from Parry Property. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-tas-south+launceston-127178918" target="_blank">The 2/3-7 Chungon Crescent </a>house came with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and undercover carport. It is also within minutes walk of the LGH, Charles Street cafe precinct and the CBD.
Investar puts it the suburb median rental at $300. 
The median house price sits on $279,500, according to CoreLogic. 
 
 
 
 
</body></html>

South Launceston faces big stock decrease in homes for sale

<html><body>
McGrath Limited has announced the appointment of two new, non‐executive and independent directors, Andrew Robinson and Peter Lewis.
Lewis has taken on the role of non‐executive chairman. He is currently Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and an advisory board member of Anacacia Capital and Gravity Media Group Ltd. 
He previously worked as Chief Financial Officer for the Seven Group of companies. 
Andrew Robinson (below) established his legal practice in 1982 with specialisations in tax disputes, corporate re‐constructions and commercial negotiation. 
<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/2018/2/20/lewis.jpg" alt="">
His best known client was Paul Hogan. Robinson has been involved in the property sector over many years as either a manager or investor.  
Andrew has been a long term supporter of various not for profit and charity groups, including Tour de Cure and The Mater/St Vincent’s Hospitals.
Lewis said he was very excited to join the leadership team "as we stabilise the group after a challenging period for both it and the industry”. 
Mr McGrath and the new board are now developing a new corporate plan for the group, including the senior management structure, and an announcement to the market will be made in due course.  
It needs to appoint a chief executive.
</body></html>

Lawyer Andrew Robinson joins McGrath board

<html><body>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The Rich List property developer Paul Little has quit multi-unit Melbourne apartment construction.
He will instead start construction on hotel and student accommodation projects.  
Little was last year ranked 64th on the Financial Review Rich List with an estimated wealth of $927 million.
Little Projects will continue to develop smaller townhouse projects targeted at owner-occupiers.
But Little told the AFR he was being "very cautious" in the residential area and unlikely to start larger projects.  
"We've effectively removed ourselves from the high-rise market currently and focussed on areas such as a hotel in the city and student accommodation," Little said.  
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">Little noted investors were now "effectively walking away" and Asian buyers were looking to places other than Australia. </div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
"Our change in direction occurred probably 12 months ago," Mr Little said.
"It was pretty obvious the residential market was going to become more difficult and we changed our strategies around different products".
"Developers that haven't changed their 'sweet spot' are probably going to be doing very little or struggling."
</div>
</body></html>

Paul Little confirms he's out of Melbourne apartment high rise construction

<html><body>
Residential accommodation options in middle Sydney have hit a five year high, according to the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.
The January 2018 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey saw availability in middle Sydney up 0.3 percentage points to 2.9%.  “This is the highest level since August 2012 when the vacancy rate for middle Sydney was at 3.0%, REINSW President Leanne Pilkington said.   “The area has seen a significant increase in available stock and a decline in applications,” she added. 
In inner Sydney vacancy rates rose 0.1 percentage points to 2.1%, while outer Sydney slipped 0.1 percentage points at 2.2%. The vacancy rate across metropolitan Sydney rose 0.1 percentage points at 2.3%. 
The Hunter is also seeing vacancy rates of more than five years ago, although this time at the lowest levels, after it fell 0.2 percentage points at 1.5%.
Newcastle led the decline with a drop of 0.4 percentage points at 1.3%, a level last recorded in November 2012 when the rate was at 1.2%. 
In the Illawarra, vacancy rates rose 0.2 percentage points to 1.9%. Wollongong was up 0.8 percentage points at 2.5%. 
Across regional areas, New England and Coffs Harbour rose 0.5 and 0.7 percentage points respectively to 2.5%, while Northern Rivers fell 0.1 percentage points at 0.8%.
</body></html>

Middle Sydney sees vacancy rate at five year highs

<html><body>
A Hope Island waterfront house sold for $5.05 million.
Rita Na at Hope Island Resort Reality sold the home that last traded for $900,000 in 2009.
Privately positioned, the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-hope+island-127615510" target="_blank">Virginia Drive home</a> features large scale entertaining area with outdoor built in BBQ kitchen overlooking swimming pool and 14 metre pontoon.
It has four bedrooms, a kitchen with European appliances and fully equipped media room.
According to CoreLogic, the suburb's median house price sits on $640,000.
</body></html>

Waterfront Hope Island trophy home sold for over $5 million

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
Australian urban design has historically focused on providing and improving access to public green spaces. As cities increase in density, this is a crucial part of creating healthy, engaged communities. But Australian urban designers often fail to consider the “other half” of public space – the town square.
Public squares or plazas were, and are, the centres of daily public life in many European towns and cities. Today they still influence the perception of place and help shape local identity. In Australia, Federation Square is an outstanding example of a space where Melbourne comes together.
However, public plazas need not be limited to the city centre. Social isolation is a major health concern in both suburbs and cities. Public spaces that offer opportunities for incidental interactions help build healthier and less isolated communities.
There’s more to public space than green space
In Australia, priority is given to green space – sporting grounds and parks. These are often segregated from the “flow” of a community. Of course, green spaces provide a necessary escape and respite, but they should not be considered the only way to provide community space in our suburbs.
When done right, plazas are nodes of vibrancy. Places like this are needed alongside green open spaces to accommodate unexpected and planned events and enrich the everyday life of communities.
Plazas accommodate a broad variety of activities, bringing people together without separating them from the street. Successful plazas encourage people to travel across them. This is achieved by embedding them within the street network.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/204970/original/file-20180206-14067-b0mjbg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Many European plazas, like this one in Como, Italy, are approached through narrow streets, offering a welcoming open space to mingle. Dina Bacvic, Author provided
Especially evident in historic European towns, the approach to a plaza may be through windy, tight streets with limited direct sunlight. This makes the open, sunlit space of the square a welcome change. At entry, a momentary slowdown and a catching of breath occurs as the diluted intensity offers relief from the busy streets just passed and often teeming with tourists.
Plazas are a visual and psychological marker within the street network. They help us navigate the city and contribute to the identity of an area.
And by acting as neighbourhood living rooms, these shared spaces offer a place for residents to sit and meet, sometimes incidentally. A sense of community and belonging is fostered slowly in these spaces as formal and informal connections grow.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/204969/original/file-20180206-14072-e0bfqv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
A good plaza serves as a neighbourhood living room where people feel comfortable spending time together. This one is in San Gimignano, Italy. Dina Bacvic, Author provided
What makes a good plaza?
Characteristics of successful plazas vary, but a set of basic conditions exists.
Influential architect and design theorist Christopher Alexander suggests that squares should be made much smaller than first imagined. This maxim holds true in many modern cities where overly large squares become empty, windswept voids, such as Praça dos Três Poderes in Brasilia.
Designers need to consider a balance between accommodating large gatherings and the likely number of occupants at most other times. Providing for relative intimacy will ensure that spaces are inviting and feel lively.
As Jan Gehl notes, for a neighbourhood square to function, faces need to be recognisable. Face recognition occurs from a distance of about 70 to 50 metres. At 25m, facial expression and details are understood.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/204975/original/file-20180206-14104-hrw1cz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
The contained, human-scale plazas of places like Como, Italy, are more inviting than large empty expanses. Dina Bacvic, Author provided
Locating a square at a confluence of streets will ensure that it is connected to the surrounding area and is a desirable thoroughfare.
The edges of the space are critical in supporting a lively atmosphere. Ground floors of surrounding buildings should house various attractions to provide pockets of activity. A mixing of functions will ensure activity from morning through to late in the evening.
Protection from negative sensory influences, such as sun, traffic or rain, is important for creating a pleasant and comfortable environment in which people wish to remain. Formal and informal seating, such as steps or building ledges, should also be provided.
Alongside elements, such as fountains and play areas, that provide a focal point, varied shop windows, building materials and design can provide visual complexity. All these elements help create a rich, inviting and memorable place.
The recently completed Greville Street upgrade in Prahran, Melbourne, shows a change in attitude within Australia’s approach to suburban development. Greville Street has become a shared zone with a new small square connected to Grattan Gardens.
The square offers a variety of convenient places to sit and people-watch, as well as respite without disconnection. When the fountain is running, children and pets playing with water jets provide entertainment for all.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/204972/original/file-20180206-14093-320hoo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
The creation of Greville Street square shows a shift in the planning of suburban public space in Australia. Dina Bacvic, Author provided
Gehl observes: "Whether people are enticed to walk around and stay in city space is very much a question of working carefully with the human dimensions and issuing a tempting invitation."
This invitation holds the key to improving physical and mental health, and increasing civic pride. Within these inviting shared spaces, incidental interactions – the momentary glances and shared moments between strangers – can decrease feelings of loneliness and increase a sense of belonging to a community. This is important for general societal wellbeing, especially considering the prevalence of loneliness today.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/91065/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Successful neighbourhood squares allow for incidental encounters. They encourage lingering and interaction. Most importantly, they bring an area to life and give the community a space in which everyone is invited to participate and belong.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/205434/original/file-20180208-74470-7s3yjn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
A successful plaza, like this one in Venice, is a place where people naturally linger. Dina Bacvic, Author provided
Dina Bacvic, Architect and Urban Designer, Plus Architecture, and Tutor, University of Melbourne
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/neighbourhood-living-rooms-we-can-learn-a-lot-from-european-town-squares-91065" target="_blank">original article</a>.
Main photo: Public spaces that encourage people to sit and linger, as seen here in San Gimignano, Italy, promote social activity. Dina Bacvic, Author provided
</body></html>

Neighbourhood living rooms – we can learn a lot from European town squares: Dina Bacvic

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
Customers are good at troubleshooting the small stuff and research shows when they come to customer service staff they expect complex problem solving, options or answers - not apologies.
My research used video recordings of interactions between airline staff and customers to analyse the behaviour of both the staff and the passengers. I examined the non-verbal cues of the airline staff in more than 100 interactions and found that when they made effusive apologies it actually diminished their ability to be effective problem solvers.
Businesses have been trying to be better at customer service since it was invented. But unfortunately it seems like they aren’t making much progress.
A 2017 study showed that 62 million families in the US are estimated to report at least one service problem a year. This left 56% customers in a “rage” or extremely upset.
According to the same study, only 25% of the customers were able to resolve the service problem in one contact with the company. In fact, 19% reported having to contact the company more than seven times to resolve the problem. Despite this, 80% of the customers remained unhappy even after the resolution.
Cost of ineffective problem solving is estimated at US$313 billion in sales for US businesses alone.
But below par customer service is not unique to US businesses. One Ernst-Young survey showed that Australian consumers fare no better. 56% experienced unacceptably poor service in a 12-month period and 57% of those who complained were very or fairly dissatisfied with the way the problem was resolved. Also, 47% upset customers posted their complaint on social media but in 75% of the cases, the company didn’t respond.
The loss to Australian businesses from these problems: A$720 for every negative customer experience, and A$40 billion per year.
How customers are changing
Over time, the nature of customer’s problems have changed with the internet and social media.
Now customers prefer to solve simple and typical problems on their own using online resources provided by companies. My research shows they increasingly reach out to companies with complex, unexpected and urgent problems.
Customers are also now connected to a community of consumers who actively vocalise and report their service problems on social media. This community are increasingly aware and confident about the what (outcomes) and how (process) of problem solving.
A 2017 market research survey of consumers in North America, found that consumers actively and increasingly use a range of self-service channels including FAQs (60%), online community forums (38%), online virtual agents (37%), mobile apps (35%) and chatbots (32%). Many of these options did not exist just a few years ago.
According to this same report, intelligent assistants like Google Assistant, Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa will make it easier for customers to use self-service options.
Leading service organisations are developing and prototyping new artificial intelligence tools to respond to these trends. For instance, Vanguard, an investment advisor group, is piloting an artificial intelligence project to assist customer service staff answer questions and problems posed on inbound calls from customers.
Vanguard’s plan is to have customers engage directly with this bot and transition customer service staff to handle more complex activities.
What customer service providers should be doing
My research shows customer service staff should only empathise or apologise to customers in the first five to seven seconds before moving on to creative problem solving. We found customers view “small” talk in customer service interaction as a sign of ineffectiveness.
If customers are presented with options to solve their problem, my research shows, it gives them a sense of control over the difficult situation. In an experiment we conducted, customers were shown two scenarios, both of which were identical in nature. The problem involved a lost bag that contained materials and clothing for an important job interview.
The first scenario provided a single solution, while in the second scenario there were three reasonably comparable alternative solutions for the customer. At the end, the customer chose the same solution in both scenarios.
Our research found customers expressed greater satisfaction with the multiple choices of the second scenario. It’s the quality and quantity of the solutions given to customers that’s the crucial difference.
Yet in many companies, service agents are directed, trained and monitored only to connect with customers and make them feel comfortable. This training is intuitive, easier to script, amenable to supervisory monitoring and suitable for standardised training.
By contrast, creative and problem solving is not intuitive or easy to train. This is the challenge for service companies.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/91646/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Businesses must forgo the easy route to customer problem solving and take a more counter intuitive approach. By overcoming this challenge, business could see substantial payoffs and stem the financial losses that spring from bad customer experiences.
Jagdip Singh, Professor of Marketing, Case Western Reserve University
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/customer-service-staff-need-to-be-problem-solving-not-apologising-91646" target="_blank">original article</a>.
</body></html>

Customer service staff need to be problem solving, not apologising: Jagdip Singh

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
Emerging transport disruptions could lead to a series of nightmare scenarios and poorer transport systems unless we have sensible and informed public policy to avoid this. Of course, some foresee a utopian scene: self-driving electric vehicles zipping around our cities serving all our transport needs without road accidents or exhaust fumes. But the shift to this transport utopia might not be as straightforward as some think.
In a newly published paper, we explore some potential problems linked to vehicle electrification, autonomous vehicles, the sharing economy and the increasing density of cities. We examined what could happen if these four trends are not all properly managed together.
Much has been written about the potential benefits of these disruptions:
<ul>
<li>
electric vehicles powered by renewable energy could cut costs and fossil fuel emissions, and eliminate the significant impacts of pollution on public health and the environment
</li>
<li>
shared vehicles could reduce transport costs and traffic
</li>
<li>
autonomous vehicles could eliminate traffic accidents, reduce congestion and increase mobility for everyone
</li>
<li>
increasing urban density could bring significant economic benefits through growth and efficiency gains when people and businesses are closer together.
</li>
</ul>
However, the interplay between these trends could also result in nightmare scenarios. We developed a Future Mobility Disruption Framework to investigate what could happen if even one of these trends is not actively managed.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/204545/original/file-20180202-162063-2feaqu.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
The interactions of transport disruptions need to be anticipated and managed together. Kane &amp; Whitehead 2018, Australian Planner, Author provided
Four nightmare scenarios
Our research identified four potential nightmare scenarios.
Nightmare 1: vehicle electrification + autonomous vehicles + increasing urban density
If policy fails to support and manage a shift away from private vehicle ownership towards car-sharing, several negative impacts are likely. In this scenario, electric cars will be cheaper to run and still privately owned. This could encourage more people to drive and create more traffic.
The convenience of self-driving cars with low operating costs might also encourage a shift away from traditional public transport and could even cause its collapse.
Nightmare 2: autonomous vehicles + increasing urban density + shift towards sharing economy
If people shift from private car ownership towards shared, autonomous vehicles, significant transport cost savings could be possible. By replacing public transport systems, shared vehicle services could arguably provide cheap transport for all.
While these benefits are obvious, without vehicle electrification, the use of fossil fuels would significantly increase emissions. Though a reduction in emissions is plausible with a shift away from private vehicle ownership, the low cost and convenience of shared vehicles could lead to higher demand and more trips, thus increasing emissions. This pollution would increase rates of premature deaths and diseases in our cities, and worsen the impacts of climate change.
Nightmare 3: increasing urban density + shift towards sharing economy + vehicle electrification
We would again see a shift away from private vehicle ownership towards shared, electric vehicles. This would reduce transport and pollution-related health costs However, in this scenario, the vehicles would not be autonomous.
The shared vehicle fleet would require human drivers. This would result in higher costs, less efficiency and more accidents. Ultimately, this would be a barrier to the long-term sustainability and widespread use of shared vehicles.
Nightmare 4: shift towards sharing economy + vehicle electrification + autonomous vehicles
So what would happen in the face of three of the transport disruptions occurring without increasing urban density? Electric and autonomous vehicles would significantly reduce transport costs. Combined with the availability of shared services, this would lead to a substantial shift away from private vehicle ownership towards shared, electric, autonomous vehicles (SEAVs).
These vehicles would be efficient, safe and convenient, with minimal environmental impacts. At first this would seem like the ideal scenario to aim for. However, it ignores the potential impacts on urban form and density.
Without policies supporting urban density and public transport, a shift towards SEAVs would probably encourage sprawling, car-dominated cities as people would have fewer reasons to live close to work. SEAVs would be cheap and convenient. They could pick people up from their front door and drop them directly at their destination. People would likely not be as concerned with road congestion as they could carry out other activities during the trip – even working during the drive.
If people feel less restricted in where they choose to live, they might opt for larger houses and lots, further away from cities. This would not only place additional demands on infrastructure but also have a significant impact on the natural environments surrounding our cities.
This form of lower-density living would discourage active transport options, like walking and cycling, which would have negative health impacts. Urban sprawl could also have negative economic impacts as people and businesses spread out and lose the benefits of being close together.
Managing disruptions as a whole
Each of these four trends could independently yield many benefits. However, examination of these nightmare scenarios reveals that, without holistic planning and policy support for all four disruptions, negative unintended consequences are likely. Planners and policymakers must consider how these disruptions will interact.
As detailed in our paper, a range of possible policy interventions is available for managing the risks associated with these trends. These include reform of road taxation, supportive regulation and integrated planning.
Only a holistic approach to managing these disruptions will enable us to arrive at a future transport utopia.
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/90920/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">You can read more about these transport disruptions in a forthcoming book, Three Revolutions.
Jake Whitehead, Research Fellow, The University of Queensland 
Michael Kane, Director, Innovation and Economic Strategies, Economic Development Queensland; Research Associate, Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, Curtin University
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/utopia-or-nightmare-the-answer-lies-in-how-we-embrace-self-driving-electric-and-shared-vehicles-90920">original article</a>.
</body></html>

Utopia or nightmare? The answer lies in how we embrace self-driving, electric and shared vehicles

<html><body>
A Brighton East four bedroom house has been listed for sale by mortgagees with $1.75 million to $1.93 million price guidance. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton+east-126916210" target="_blank">The Glencairn Avenue house</a> comes with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and open plan kitchen.
Its additional features include remote double garage with internal access, hydronic heating, reverse cycle cooling, security camera and alarm.
It was initially listed in 2016 with $1.75 million plus hopes.
According to CoreLogic, the suburb’s median house price sits on $1.83 million.
</body></html>

Four bedroom Brighton East mortgagee sale

Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK Property Group</a>&nbsp;has enlisted renowned architecture firm Koichi Takada Architects to design its latest new apartment development.

The new 34-storey tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/57-berwick-street-fortitude-valley-qld-4006">57 Berwick Street, Fortitude Valley</a>,&nbsp;will have 189 apartments, complete with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/byculprit">byCULPRIT</a>. The upper levels&nbsp;capturing views across the Story Bridge, city skyline, ranges, bay and river.

Residents will have access to a rooftop amenity floor with facilities including a pool, spa, sauna, hot and cold treatment, meditation garden, gym, yoga studio, private dining, BBQ, games lounge, wine display wall, work library, meeting rooms and outdoor work areas.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK</a> Founder and Managing Director, Arpan Kohli, said it will be a project "Brisbane hasn't seen before."

&nbsp;

"To deliver a project of this calibre, you need the right people involved," Kohli said.

"Koichi Takada Architects and byCULPRIT set the benchmarks for design excellence, and this project reflects that - a building of genuine architectural significance in one of Brisbane's most coveted locations, sitting between Howard Smith Wharves and the James Street precinct."

TRK recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/laya-residences-taigum-203-beams-road-taigum-qld-4018">LAYA Residences in Taigum</a>, 88 three-bedroom townhouses starting from $1,495,000. They have another apartment site in Indooroopilly, at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/140-central-avenue-indooroopilly-qld-4068">140 Central Avenue</a>. That will have 131 apartments.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

TRK proposes Koichi Takada-designed apartment development in Fortitude Valley

Perth development giant Finbar Group has completed its acquisition of the prominent 236 Railway Parade site in West Leederville, a year after first flagging plans for the transit-oriented development that will become its next major apartment project in Perth's inner west.

The ASX-listed apartment developer has secured the 4,997 sqm mixed use-zoned landholding opposite West Leederville Train Station for around $15 million, paving the way for the proposed Rosslyn Quarter development. The project is expected to deliver <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/236-railway-parade-west-leederville-wa-6007">around 240 apartments across two towers</a>, alongside ground-floor commercial space.

The acquisition effectively concludes a process that began in mid-2025 when Finbar announced it had entered into a contract to purchase the site, subject to development approval and the finalisation of planning settings under the West Leederville Precinct Structure Plan. At that time, the company outlined plans for a pair of 18-storey towers with an estimated end value of around $200 million.

The site sits within the emerging Rosslyn Quarter precinct, approximately two kilometres from the Perth CBD and directly opposite the West Leederville Train Station. The location also places future residents within walking distance of the West Leederville Shopping Centre, Leederville's hospitality strip, and the neighbouring Subiaco activity centre.

Finbar CEO Ronald Chan said the acquisition builds on the developer's previous experience in the suburb, where it delivered the Motive Apartments project in 2017.

"We have previously enjoyed great success in developing in the West Leederville area given its excellent existing amenity and close proximity to the CBD, Leederville, Subiaco, and the West Leederville train station," Chan said.

He said the scale of the site would allow Finbar to deliver a well-located apartment project while strengthening its long-term development pipeline.

"The substantial scale of this site, with proposed potential for two eighteen-storey towers, will allow the Company to obtain scale benefits which will underpin the delivery of a medium-cost, well-located project," Chan said. "Importantly, this acquisition diversifies and strengthens our long-term development pipeline across metropolitan Perth, enabling us to time our product delivery strategically in line with market conditions."

According to Sterling Property, which brokered the transaction, the site was one of the most significant development opportunities to come to market in Perth's western suburbs in recent years.

Sterling Property Managing Director Brian Neo said opportunities of this scale in established inner-city locations remain tightly held.

"Sites of this scale and calibre, directly opposite a train station and within two kilometres of the CBD, are rarely offered to the market. When they are, they attract serious capital," Neo said.

The acquisition comes as Perth's apartment market continues to contend with limited development-ready sites in established suburbs, particularly those benefiting from both existing transport infrastructure and supportive planning frameworks.

With the West Leederville Precinct Structure Plan now adopted, Finbar can move forward with design development and the development approval process for what is expected to become one of the largest new apartment projects proposed in the suburb.

Finbar completes West Leederville site acquisition for Rosslyn Quarter project

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.

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.

Staff reporter

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News