<html><body>
<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p>The latest ABS data on housing approvals indicates a fall in NSW compared to an increase in Victoria.</p>
<p>The approval numbers for apartments in New South Wales have dropped at the end of 2017 according to the latest ABS trend data.</p>
<p>We have seen a number of factors combining in the Sydney housing market that are discouraging developers from trying to get planning approvals leading to an approval slowdown.</p>
<p>The banks are continuing to minimise lending for new housing, the investment from China has cooled, many councils are proposing significant levies for affordable housing, there is a growing negative community reaction to new housing and the state government is removing the cap on contribution levels by councils.</p>
<p>When all of these factors combine confidence levels from developers decrease and the risk from new developments increases.</p>
<p>The December figures for NSW housing approvals by trend are 5,268 compared to a robust Victoria performance of 6,570. The number of apartment approvals is falling fast in NSW from 4,326 in July 2016 to 2,888 in December 2017. The Victorian apartment approvals for December 2017 are 3,361.</p>
<p>The NSW Government has been talking about approaches to affordable housing over the last year but expected guidance notes and an expected Housing State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) have not been forthcoming.</p>
<p>This has led to uncertainty amongst the development industry about what extra levies may be added to a new housing project. The recently elected Inner West Council late last year proposed an affordable housing levy of 30% of apartments to be given back to the council from all new apartment developments. If excessive levies like this occur clearly new housing will slow down even further.</p>
<p>Another example of confidence levels decreasing is the pull out by respected developer Mirvac from a large housing project in the Hills Shire due to excessive apartment sizes required by councils above state standards.</p>
<p>Both the council in the Hills Shire and local members of state parliament have been attacking development proposals as being too big relative to existing infrastructure despite a new metro rail line being built by the state government.</p>
<p>While the NSW economy is in good shape compared to other states there are strong signals that confidence is dropping in the housing development sector which is a major employer of jobs.</p>
<p>The NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, has stated that housing supply is the key to housing affordability so the government must do all it can to support more approvals for new homes through the planning system.</p>
<p>See below graphs based on ABS figures: </p>
<p><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/2018/2/1/NSW1.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;"></p>
<p><em><strong>Chris Johnson</strong> is the CEO of Urban Taskforce.</em></p>
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

NSW housing approvals dropping below Victoria: Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson

<html><body>
<p>CoreLogic today released its January hedonic home value index results which, at a national level, revealed a fall of 0.3% for the month, led by a 0.9% fall in Sydney dwelling values.</p>
<p>The difference between Melbourne and Sydney houses according to CoreLogic is $216,000.</p>
<p>The national combined dwellings index posted a modest 0.3% fall in January, taking dwelling values 0.7% lower since their recent peak in September last year. Dwelling value falls were most evident across the capital city regions, with the combined capitals index down half a per cent over the month, while the combined regional areas of Australia continued to see values edging higher, up 0.2% in January. The combined regional markets have now recorded a stronger monthly change in values relative to the combined capital cities over each of the past four months.</p>
<p>Across the capital cities, while broad-based, the softer month-on-month housing market conditions were led by Sydney (-0.9%), with declines also reported in Melbourne (-0.2%), Adelaide (-0.2%), Perth (-0.4%), Darwin (-0.2%) and Canberra (-0.1%) while values in Brisbane were unchanged.</p>
<p>Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/2/1/CORELOGIC%206.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a></p>
<p><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/2018/2/1/CORELOGIC%206.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>The price gap has narrowed between Sydney and Melbourne, according to Domain's research.</p>
<p><span>According to CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless, “Housing market activity is generally more sedate from late December through to late January; a factor which can contribute towards higher volatility in housing market measurements due to the lower number of observations. Our experience has been that this seasonality doesn’t exert much influence over the trend in hedonic valuations.” </span></p>
<p><span>“While January may deliver additional noise in the indices results, the negative monthly result lines up with recent months, which showed a softening trend, particularly in Sydney and, to a lesser extent, Melbourne. </span></p>
<p><span>“In the absence of a catalyst to reinvigorate the market, such as lower mortgage rates or a loosening in credit policies, we expect to see a continuation of softening conditions across these markets,” he said. </span></p>
<p><span><strong>The Sydney housing market has now retraced by 3.1% </strong>after dwelling values surged 75% between February 2012 and the recent peak in July last year. With a history of such strong capital gains, the fall in Sydney housing values to date has been mild and the vast majority of Sydney home owners remain in a strong equity position. </span></p>
<p><span><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/2018/2/1/CORELOGIC%201.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>Highlights over the three months to January 2018 </span></p>
<p><span>▶  </span><span>Best performing capital city: <strong>Hobart +3.1% </strong></span><span><br></span></p>
<p><span>▶  </span><span>Weakest performing capital city: <strong>Sydney -2.5% </strong></span><span><br></span></p>
<p><span>▶  </span><span>Highest rental yield: <strong>Darwin 5.9% </strong></span><span><br></span></p>
<p><span>▶  </span><span>Lowest rental yields: <strong>Melbourne 2.9</strong></span></p>
<p><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/2018/2/1/CORELOGIC%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><span><strong>Melbourne’s housing market has recorded two successive month-on-month declines </strong>in dwelling values following a 59% surge in values over the growth cycle. Since peaking in November last year, the cumulative decline is only 0.4%, highlighting Melbourne’s resilience to a downturn in values relative to Sydney, which is likely attributable to better housing affordability, stronger population growth and, up until recently, a faster rate of jobs creation. </span></p>
<p><span>Mr Lawless said, “Focusing on the results over the past three months, the trend in housing market conditions becomes clearer, with the only capital cities to record a decline over the three months ending January being Sydney (-2.5%), Perth (-0.3%) and Darwin (-1.6%). The remaining capitals are generally seeing dwelling values holding firm or showing only a subtle rise. </span></p>
<p><span>“It was the first time since the three months to December 2006 that Sydney recorded the weakest value change of all capital cities.” </span></p>
<p><span>Based on the CoreLogic results, dwelling values remained virtually flat across Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide over the past three months with each city seeing a rise of just 0.1%, while Canberra values are slightly higher at 1.0%. </span></p>
<p><span>Once again, Hobart was the exception; dwelling values are generally rising by around 1% month-to-month. Hobart remains as the only capital city to record double digit growth over the past twelve months, with dwelling values up 12.4%. Hobart’s high rate of capital gains can be partly attributed to low housing prices relative to the larger mainland capitals; Hobart median house values are about 59% ($616,000) lower than Sydney’s and 48% ($401,000) lower than Melbourne’s. With values rising quickly in Hobart and now easing in Sydney and Melbourne, Mr Lawless said “this affordability advantage is being eroded.” </span></p>
<p>In closing he said, “Higher mortgage rates would test the resilience of the housing market, especially considering household debt is tracking at record highs, however, the likelihood of mortgage rates moving substantially higher remains low.” </p>
<p><span>While dwelling values are now easing, both at a macro level and across several of the capital cities, it is clear that Australian housing values aren’t falling off a cliff. National dwelling values are down just 0.7% over the past four months after increasing by 41% during the growth phase. </span></p>
<p><span>CoreLogic cites strong jobs growth and low unemployment, high migration levels and low mortgage rates as the key factors to support a continuation in the housing markets’ soft landing. </span></p>
<p><span>Labour market conditions have generally been improving, with stronger jobs growth spreading outside of Victoria and New South Wales, particularly into Queensland, and, to a lesser extent, Western Australia. </span></p>
<p><span>Mr Lawless said, “Stronger labour markets are likely to help drive confidence and support mortgage demand. If the trend persists, stronger conditions may help to push wages growth off near record lows which would also provide a positive influence on housing market conditions.” </span></p>
<p><span>“We’re also seeing strong population growth contributing to housing demand. Migration rates have been trending higher which is likely to continue into 2018. Overseas migration into Victoria and New South Wales reached record highs in mid-2017 and interstate migration has been on a clear upwards trajectory across Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the ACT.” </span></p>
<p><span>“With financial markets forecasting a 25 basis point lift to the cash rate before the end of 2018, there is an increasing chance mortgage rates may lift this year. </span></p>
<p><span>“Even if the cash rate were to remain stable, there is the potential mortgage rates could be adjusted higher due to increased bank funding costs in the capital markets or in order to fulfil APRA’s local implementation requirements of the now finalized Basel III requirements for regulatory capital held against residential mortgages, particularly elements of the proposals which may lead to higher regulatory capital for some investment loans and high loan to valuation ratio loans. More details in respect of this last element are expected over the coming months” </span></p>
<p><span>In closing he said, “Higher mortgage rates would test the resilience of the housing market, especially considering household debt is tracking at record highs, however, the likelihood of mortgage rates moving substantially higher remains low.” </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span> </span></p>
</body></html>

Sydney house price growth slips back to 0.1 percent per annum: CoreLogic

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p>Since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) there have been a few occasions when many feared inflation was about to rebound and push bond yields sharply higher only to see growth relapse and deflationary concerns dominate.</p>
<p>As a result, expectations for higher inflation globally has been progressively squeezed out to the point that few seem to be expecting it.</p>
<p>However, the global risks to inflation and bond yields are finally shifting to the upside, with investment markets starting to take note as evident in the pullback in global share markets seen over the last few days. But how big is the risk? Are we on the brink of another bond crash that will engulf other assets? </p>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">Inflation and bond yields – some context </div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column">
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">But first some context. In a big picture sense, inflation has been falling since the mid 1970s-early 1980s. </div>
<div class="column"><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/2018/2/1/inflation%201%20.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div class="column">
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p>The fall in inflation over the last 30-40 years reflects: the inflation-fighting policies of central banks; supply side reforms that boosted productivity; globalisation that brought a billion or so workers into the capitalist system; and the benefits of the information technology revolution harnessed by the likes of Amazon and Uber.</p>
<p>The fall in inflation in turn has been the main driver of a super cycle bull market in bonds, with yields trending down since the early 1980s. (Don’t forget, when bond yields fall, bond prices rise.</p>
<p>Suppose the government issues a $100 bond paying $4 pa in interest for an initial yield of 4%. If investors push yields down to 3%, the bond’s price will be pushed up until the 3% yield is achieved with the $4 interest payment.)</p>
<p><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/2018/2/1/inflation%202%20.jpg" alt=""></p>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>The collapse in bond yields into 2016 was accentuated by: worries about deflation; investors </span><span>extrapolating very low official interest rates; worries economic growth will remain slow; safe- haven investor demand for bonds in response to geopolitical concerns and the experience that bonds always rally when shares fall; an increasing demand for income-yielding assets as populations age; and a shortage in the supply of bonds as budget deficits fell when central banks have been buying bonds. But the main driver since the early 1980s has been the fall in inflation. </span></p>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Inflation and other assets </span></p>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>The 35-40-year fall in inflation and bond yields has also underpinned strong gains in most other assets. Put simply: </span></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>
<p><span>the shift to lower in inflation allowed interest rates to fall; </span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>this allowed bond yields to fall (resulting in capital gains); </span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>which in turn allowed shares to be rerated higher (price to earnings multiples rose from around seven or eight times in the early 1980s to around 15-17 times), which boosted share returns over and above what would have been expected from dividend yields and earnings growth alone; </span></p>
</li>
<li>lower interest rates allowed other assets to trade on lower yields boosting both commercial property returns, house prices and infrastructure returns. In particular, residential property gained as lower mortgage rates allowed people to borrow more relative to their incomes. </li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Inflation starting to stir globally, bond yields on the up </p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">Since late 2016, our assessment has been that the super cycle bull market in bonds is over. This remains the case for several reasons. First, deflation risks are receding and gradually giving rise to inflation risks, led by the US: </div>
<div class="column">
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Global growth is now starting to run above potential again and this is leading to a decline in spare capacity and with global growth now accelerating this is likely to have been used up by late next year. Diminishing spare capacity makes it easier for companies to raise prices. </li>
<li>
<p><span>While Europe, Japan and Australia are lag</span>ging (as evident in still low inflation readings recently), the US economy is likely around full capacity evident in unemployment around 4%, increasing anecdotes of labour shortages and rising wages and business surveys pointing to rising selling prices. This will likely drive 4 (or possibly 5) Fed hikes this year whereas the market is only allowing for 2 or 3, with the Fed’s January meeting indicating a bit more hawkishness.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>Commodity prices are rising most notably oil, which will at least boost headline inflation. </span></p>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<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/2018/2/1/inflation%203.jpg" alt="">Second, this is occurring when bond yields remain well below levels consistent with likely long-term nominal growth (see the next table). Over the long-term, nominal bond yields tend to average around long-term nominal GDP growth. </div>
<div class="column">
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><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/2018/2/1/inflation%204.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Thirdly, bonds remain over loved with a huge post-GFC inflow into bond funds in the US. (The same picture applies if ETFs are added in.) This leaves them vulnerable to a reversal if investor sentiment towards them turns really negative. </p>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span><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/2018/2/1/inflation%205.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
<p><span>Finally, central bank buying of bonds is starting to slow. </span></p>
<p>For these reasons, it’s likely that the upswing in bond yields that began in the second half 2016, then paused last year and has since resumed, will continue.</p>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Reasons bond crash/perfect storm fears are overdone </span></p>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Naturally as falling inflation gives way to rising inflation and bond yields head higher many assume the worst – such as a </span></p>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>rerun of the 1994 mini bond crash or some sort of “perfect storm” where inflation takes off but central banks are powerless to stop it because high debt levels mean they can’t raise rates much. While we see bond yields rising, it’s likely to be gradual (like over the last 18 months) and a perfect storm is unlikely</span></p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<p><span>ï </span><span>Historically, bond yields have remained low after a long-term downswing for around several years as it takes a while for growth and inflation expectations to really turn back up. See the circled areas for US and Australian bond yields in the second chart in this note. </span></p>
<p><span>ï </span><span>While the Fed is likely to raise interest rates more than currently expected by the US money market (we expect four hikes and the market is factoring in two or three), the process of rate hikes is still likely to remain gradual. </span></p>
<p><span>ï </span><span>Central banks in Europe, Japan and Australia remain a fair way off starting to tighten so global monetary policy will remain easy for a while yet. </span></p>
<p><span>ï </span><span>Global inflation is unlikely to take off too quickly given spare capacity in labour markets (in Europe and Australia) and technological innovation continuing to constrain inflation. </span></p>
<p><span>ï </span><span>Inflation expectations are anchored at low levels far better than was the case in, say, 1994. </span></p>
<p><span>ï </span><span>Finally, the idea that high debt levels mean that central banks will either have to live with a debt crisis or much higher inflation is nonsense. High debt levels just mean that interest rate increases are more potent than they used to be – so when inflation does start to become an issue, they won’t have to raise interest rates as much to bring spending and inflation back under control than was the case in the past. In fact, high debt levels mean central banks have more power than in the past to control inflation.</span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<p><span><strong>Implications for investors? </strong></span></p>
<p><span>There are several implications from rising bond yields.</span></p>
<p><span>Firstly, expect mediocre returns from sovereign bonds. Over the medium term, the return an investor will get from a bond will basically be driven by what the yield was when they invested. 10-year bond yields of 2.8% in Australia imply bond returns over the next decade of just 2.8% or so! And in the short term, rising bond yields will mean capital loses</span></p>
<p><span>Secondly, higher bond yields will impact share market returns as they make shares more expensive. Shares will be okay if the rise in bond yields is gradual and so can be offset by rising earnings – as we expect this year – but a large abrupt back up in bond yields will be more of a concern. In any case expect a more volatile ride in shares. </span></p>
<p><span>Thirdly, defensive high-yield sectors of the share market are likely to remain under pressure. This includes real estate investment trusts and utilities that benefitted from falling bond yields. With bond yields trending up, REITs and utilities are likely to remain relative underperformers. </span></p>
<p><span>Fourthly, when it comes to real assets like unlisted commercial property and unlisted infrastructure, the search for yield is likely to remain a return driver unless bond yields rise aggressively. Commercial property has lagged listed property in responding to the decline in bond yields and so the gap between commercial property yields and bond yields leaves commercial property still looking attractive. Heading into the GFC, it was only when bond yields rose above commercial property yields that commercial property prices started to struggle. We are a long way from that but as bond yields trend higher the valuation boost to commercial property and infrastructure returns will gradually fade. </span></p>
<p>Key points</p>
<p>&gt;  Rising global growth and rising commodity prices indicate the risks to inflation are gradually moving to the upside. This is most acute in the US with the Fed likely to raise rates more than the market expects this year.</p>
<p>&gt;  This supports the view that the 35-year super cycle decline in bond yields is over.</p>
<p>&gt;  Higher US inflation and a more aggressive Fed will likely boost volatility this year. However, the back up in bond yields is likely to remain relatively gradual, and other countries including Australia will lag the US. </p>
<p><span class="s1"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://plus.google.com/110172465327488162875?rel=author"><em>SHANE OLIVER</em></a></span><span class="s2"><em> is head of investment strategy and economics and chief economist at </em><a href="https://www.ampcapital.com.au/home"><span class="s1"><em>AMP Capital</em></span></a><em> and is responsible for AMP Capital's diversified investment funds.</em></span></p>
<p> </p>
</div>
<p><span> </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

The risk for property from higher global inflation and bond yields: Shane Oliver

<html><body>
<p>Dean Semler, the Oscar winning cinematographer, and Annie, his actor wife, have sold in Balmoral.</p>
<p>They bought the Sante Fe style home in 1980 for $140,000, now with a part ownership by the daughter Ingrid.</p>
<p>There were $3 million to $3.3 million hopes for the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mosman-126855954" target="_blank">Botanic Road home</a> through Adam Vernon at Vernon Partners. It comes with pedestrian access only. </p>
<p>Semler, who has worked on more than 70 feature films, won a 1991 Oscar for the Kevin Costner film <em>Dances with Wolves</em>.</p>
<p>He has been the cinematographer for <em>Mad Max 2,</em> <em>Bodyline, </em><em>Nutty Professor II, Deadcalm and </em><em>The Longest Yard.</em></p>
<p>The home away from home for the South Australian has been on the Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles.</p>
</body></html>

Oscar winning film maker Dean Semler sells in Balmoral

<html><body>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
<p>Fairfax Media is looking for new Sydney headquarters after agreeing to Google to take its remaining space at Pyrmont.</p>
<p>After almost a decade in the Mirvac-owned building at 1 Darling Island Road, Fairfax has assigned over its remaining 9000 square metre lease over three floors to Google, who had been<span> subletting since 2013, a demoralising physical sign of the massive shift amid the digital age. </span></p>
<p>Fairfax's lease was to run until 2027.</p>
<p>Google has already taken several floors in the 22,000 square metre building from Fairfax which signed up to the deal under its late chairman Sir Ron Walker.</p>
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
<p>Fairfax has about 950 staff at Darling Island.</p>
<p>It is seeking between 8000 square metres and 10,000 square metres.</p>
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
<p>Google is still looking for new long term headquarters as well.</p>
</div>
</body></html>

Fairfax cedes Darling Island to Google

<html><body>
<p>The former world champion boxer Barry Michael has become an estate agent, listing his mate’s Patterson Lakes pad in what he says is the start of a new career. </p>
<p>The Australian National Boxing Hall of Fame inductee said he’d previously worked on large-scale subdivisions through his business Barry Michael Property Group, but had now decided to concentrate on selling homes across Melbourne. </p>
<p>Michael has just listed 96 North Shore Drive for private sale, with a price guide of $1.8 million, The Herald Sun advised. It has a 50m boat berth that’s worth $125,000 itself, he said.</p>
<p>The 62-year-old was best known for winning the International Boxing Federation super featherweight title over Lester Ellis in 1985.</p>
</body></html>

Former boxer Barry Michael lists first property as estate agent

<html><body>
<p>A two-storey townhouse in Redbank Plains has been sold by mortgagees for $200,000.</p>
<p>The sale price was lower than it last three sales - $225,000 in 2015; $270,000 in 2010 and $205,000 in 2007.</p>
<p>It was sold by Tracey Siccama from One Agency. </p>
<p>This<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-redbank+plains-126468618" target="_blank"> Henty Drive townhouse</a> came with three bedrooms, a large open planned living, dining and kitchen area, a separate laundry and single lock up garage.</p>
<p>Redbank Plains Town Square Shopping Centre and Redbank Plains High school are within walking distance.</p>
<p>It had been up for rent this time last year at $310 a week.</p>
<p>According to CoreLogic, the median Redbank Plains house price sits on $333,000. </p>
</body></html>

Redbank Plains mortgagee sale at less than a decade ago

<html><body>
<p>The Trocadero and Académie de Musique, a Victorian Fleming-style commercial building at 69-77 King Street, Newtown, has been sold.</p>
<p>The non profit cancer charity, CanTeen has paid $13 million to the Moore Theological College, which bought the property in 1974.</p>
<p>CanTeen has been the anchor tenant in the heritage-listed building since 2014, occupying most of the 1700 square metres of internal space.</p>
<p>There were more than 250 inquiries, and more than 50 inspections.</p>
<p>The agents were quoting more than $10 million, offering comparables including the historic Chippendale warehouse, which the University of Technology Sydney bought for $11.25 million last March.</p>
<p>Built during the 1880s boom, the Trocadero was one of 25 roller skating rinks in Sydney.</p>
</body></html>

Cancer charity CanTeen buys Newtown building for $13 million

<html><body>
<p>A Brisbane warehouse offering in vibrant Fortitude Valley has been listed for sale as a trophy home blank canvas.</p>
<p>It is set over <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-qld-fortitude+valley-502632310" target="_blank">three expansive open plan levels</a> with approvals for a fourth level.</p>
<p>There is 377 square metres of internal floor area per level.</p>
<p>Access is via two street frontages, Wickham and Little streets.</p>
<p>The brick walls have that wear and tear too them that only time can render, Belle listing agent Ivo Kornel said.</p>
<p>"Build your dream New York Loft, walk out the front door and enjoy the buzzing nightlife," he suggests.</p>
<p>But likely options potentially include a night club, hotel and or a place for work.</p>
<p>It last sold in at $1,825,000.</p>
</body></html>

Fortitude Valley warehouse is a trophy home blank canvas

<html><body>
<p>GUEST OBSERVATION</p>
<p>New technologies offer new possibilities for planning and designing cities. 3D urban modelling and simulation can give a real sense of the outcomes of planning decisions. However, incorporating these technologies into planning practice has its challenges.</p>
<p><strong>The possibilities of 3D modelling</strong></p>
<p>A virtual 3D city model is a digital model of urban areas. It represents terrain surfaces, sites, buildings, vegetation, infrastructure and landscape elements, and other related objects belonging to an urban space.</p>
<p>This technique can be used to spatially design and visualise development in relation to the existing urban environment. It can also be used to compare different urban design strategies. These can be evaluated against measures such as land use, population and housing densities, building height, floor area ratio, and development costs.</p>
<p>Planners can use 3D modelling to analyse and communicate the impact of both existing and new (re)development plans. They can look, for example, at overshadowing, sunlight exposure, view corridors, compliance with zoning regulation, traffic gravity and solar potential of buildings – to name a few.</p>
<p>The 3D models also offer a new platform to involve citizens in urban planning. It is imperative that public concerns, needs and values are part of government decision-making.</p>
<p><strong>How are cities using 3D models?</strong></p>
<p>Local government and the private sector are increasingly using 3D city models to assist planning. An example is Virtual Brisbane. Brisbane City Council uses this computer-generated 3D model for strategic planning, development assessment and community engagement.</p>
<p>Singapore is launching Virtual Singapore, a 3D replica of the city-state in July 2018. This platform will offer new possibilities for urban planners.</p>
<p>Both Detroit in the US and Munich in Germany see realistic 3D modelling as important for planning their future.</p>
<p>Companies like Dassault Systems are partnering with different cities to use digital tools to develop more responsive cities. The 3DExperienceCity project allows urban planners to digitally test ideas and better consider the impact of urbanisation.</p>
<p>These techniques also integrate people, enabling a more personalised approach to planning to be developed.</p>
<p><strong>Integration into planning education</strong></p>
<p>The increasing demand from industry for spatially adept planners adds to the importance of introducing new ways of teaching and training built-environment professionals.</p>
<p>The University of Queensland is leading a project where researchers design and implement a sequential learning curriculum in its Bachelor of Urban and Town Planning program. By developing virtual 3D models students develop their spatial skills.</p>
<p>Students learn to use ESRI’s CityEngine, an industry-standard software to develop 3D city models. This enables them to visualise, plan, assess and communicate existing and new developments. Most students in our experiment were enthusiastic about this new learning opportunity to hone their spatial skills, particularly in the earlier stage of the learning process.</p>
<p>However, they were constrained by the limited time available to learn to use the technology. And the joy of learning and skill development is also challenged by the need to go beyond their comfort zone to secure a good grade in the course. Nonetheless, students became fully aware of the technologies and recognised the importance of spatial skills for their professional development.</p>
<p>The emergence of geodesign is at the intersection of geography, urban design and geospatial technologies. It helps inform when, where and how students develop spatial thinking capacities and skills.</p>
<p>These capabilities are critical to managing, visualising, representing and navigating a data-based world. It also purposefully exposes students to innovative learning environments that allow them to visualise design scenarios and so better manage uncertainty.</p>
<p>The use of interactive digital mapping in higher education is an effective instructional strategy to teach and practise critical spatial thinking.</p>
<p>Augmented reality technology offers students a new way to visualise urban landscapes. It develops their map-reading skills and allows them to interpret landscape representations. This enhances their ability to understand the physical and digital aspects of urban places.</p>
<p>The rise of geospatial technologies, sensor networks and the “Internet of Things” is transforming the urban planning curriculum, design and pedagogy. It provides students with new ways of learning critical spatial thinking skills and improves the training of spatial planners to better equip them for the age of co-creation.</p>
<p>It also improves their spatial literacy to co-design the built environment. This can help them become better planners, become more relevant to design practice and increase their overall competency and employability when they enter the workplace.</p>
<p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/88635/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">3D modelling and simulation certainly offer new possibilities in designing planning solutions. City dwellers must be included in this process to develop strategies that are more responsive to sustainability challenges such as urban population growth.</p>
<p><em>Yan Liu, Associate Professor, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland; Iderlina Mateo-Babiano, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, University of Melbourne, and Sebastien Darchen, Lecturer in Planning, The University of Queensland</em></p>
<p><em>This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-virtual-3d-modelling-and-simulation-can-help-us-create-better-cities-88635" target="_blank">original article</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Main photo: <em><span class="caption">Example of students’ work using ESRI’s CityEngine program.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Author supplied</span></span></em></em></p>
</body></html>

How virtual 3D modelling and simulation can help us create better cities

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mrcb">MRCB International</a> has commenced construction on its latest Gold Coast apartment development, Maris, on the site of the former Sundale Motel in Southport.</p>

<p>The start of construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">Binah</a> follows an exceptionally strong sales campaign, with more than 90 per cent of apartments sold since launch. Every purchaser has been local, an&nbsp;indicator of confidence in both the development and Southport's evolution into a thriving CBD.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maris-southport-20-queen-street-southport-qld-4215">Maris</a> will deliver 192 residences across 20 levels. The project forms part of MRCB's Australian and New Zealand development pipeline now exceeding $1.6 billion in gross development value, alongside a growing portfolio of projects globally.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350663]</p>

<p>The company also commenced construction on its $600 million 26 Vista residences in Surfers Paradise last year, following strong sales momentum, with over 70 per cent of residences sold.</p>

<p>Maris has been designed to meet evolving buyer demand, offering architecturally designed layouts suited to long-term liveability. The approach reflects a growing preference for quality and adaptability among Gold Coast buyers.</p>

<p>Positioned next to the Broadwater in the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southport-qld-4215">Southport</a> CBD, Maris sits directly opposite the Broadwater Parklands light rail station and within easy reach of retail, dining and lifestyle precincts, placing residents at the centre of one of the Gold Coast's most connected and rapidly maturing urban centres.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372756]</p>

<p>Maris will offer a full suite of resort-style residential amenities, including a pool, gym and sauna, along with a rooftop level featuring decks, lounges and dining and yoga areas that command sweeping views across the Broadwater and out to the ocean.</p>

<p>Binah, a New South Wales headquartered company co-founded by Amen Zoabi and Khalil Hafza in 2008, has expressed its excitement at establishing its first partnership with MRCB.</p>

<p>Binah's Managing Director Khalil Hafza said partnering with MRCB on Maris is a significant moment for Binah.</p>

<p>"MRCB's financial strength and a track record that speaks for itself give this project a solid foundation, and this marks the beginning of what will be a long and successful relationship.</p>

<p>"With the right people, systems and partnerships behind it, Maris is set to become a significant addition to the Gold Coast's premium residential market."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350664]</p>

<p>MRCB International CEO Ravi Krishnan said the project's progression to construction reflects both sustained demand and tightening conditions across the apartment sector, as well as MRCB's continued confidence in the Gold Coast market.</p>

<p>"Commencing construction at Maris is a significant step and reflects the depth of demand for quality apartments in well-connected urban locations," said Krishnan.</p>

<p>"Across Southeast Queensland, new apartment supply remains constrained, particularly in established precincts with infrastructure and amenity already in place. Projects like Maris are increasingly critical in meeting that demand, especially on the Gold Coast and in the city's CBD precinct."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372761]</p>

<p>Krishnan said Southport's ongoing transformation, supported by infrastructure investment and long-term planning, was underpinning renewed buyer confidence.</p>

<p>"We're seeing a clear shift back towards well-located urban centres where infrastructure, connectivity and amenity are already established," said Mr Krishnan. "Southport is evolving into a more mature CBD environment, and that is being reflected in buyer behaviour."</p>

<p>Construction at Maris is anticipated to be completed in 2029.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134403]</p>


Joel Robinson

Construction commences on MRCB’s $200m Maris Residences in Southport

<p>Moonee Valley Park’s latest residential release <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveline-at-moonee-valley-park-moonee-ponds-100-thomas-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">The Eveline</a>, has achieved a new benchmark for off-the-plan apartment sales in the suburb, with the sale of The Alexandra penthouse selling for $5,435,000.</p>

<p>Positioned on the top floor of a 16-level residential building, the three-bedroom, three and-a-half-bathroom penthouse features uninterrupted city skyline views across the future Valley racetrack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The landmark sale comes as momentum at the precinct continues to build, with the Moonee Valley Racing Club progressing works on its new racetrack ahead of the 2027 Cox Plate. The transformative development will see MVRC reimagine the beloved Valley as a vibrant year-round entertainment and lifestyle destination.</p>

<p>Alongside a world-class racing experience, the historic precinct will be activated with events, hospitality and public green spaces designed to attract broader audiences, while breathing new life into one of Melbourne’s most iconic destinations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372786]</p>

<p>Development partners <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton Property Group</a> and Hostplus have delivered five residential stages over the past four years, the most recent in November 2025 with Trackside House and Stonepine House. The flourishing community is now home to almost 500 families.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest residential release, The Eveline, has recorded strong demand since launching publicly last July, securing more than $200 million in sales to date, satisfying its pre sales hurdle for construction to commence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hamton Founder and Executive Chairman, Paul Hameister OAM said, the sales&nbsp;team have been overwhelmed by demand for these unique homes in this unique project.</p>

<p>"Buyers continue to be predominantly hyperlocal and attracted by the 40 hectare botanic masterplan in Melbourne’s inner north west," Hameister said.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372788]</p>

<p>Hamton’s Sales and Marketing Director Fergus Humphries said the team has achieved more than 70 sales over the past eight weeks, including the penthouse purchase by a local buyer.</p>

<p>"These results reinforce that, even in a challenging market, purchasers continue to be drawn to quality projects that offer more than just a home, they offer a lifestyle.”</p>

<p>Designed by Cera Stribley, the penthouse has been created with entertaining in mind, spanning close to 400 sqm of indoor and outdoor living space, including multiple terraces designed to capture sweeping views across Melbourne’s skyline, the new Valley racecourse and sunset views over Moonee Ponds.</p>

<p>Moonee Valley Park is one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects, transforming the iconic racecourse site into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood integrating homes, parklands, retail, racing and community amenities.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142519]</p>


Moonee Valley Park penthouse sets suburb record as sales surge clears construction benchmark

<p>A company linked to one of Australia's largest privately owned cattle businesses has lodged plans for a new residential tower in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newstead-qld-4006">Newstead</a>, continuing the rapid transformation of one of Brisbane's most sought-after, inner-city precincts.</p>

<p>Bottletree Holdings, an entity associated with Stanbroke Managing Director Brendan Menegazzo, has submitted a development application for a 28-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/9-longland-street-newstead-qld-4006">9 Longland Street</a>, a site that made headlines last year when it changed hands in an off-market transaction that reportedly set a benchmark land rate for the suburb.</p>

<p>The proposal would replace an existing two-storey commercial building on the 1,510 sqm corner site with a Bureau Proberts-designed tower comprising 76 apartments, ground-floor retail, office space and a suite of resident wellness amenities.</p>

<p><img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c710a836-568e-4382-bc91-3c34b8e80a8b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Vy.mQWBc7GA_a.vIBdxKqRC9XGjWalo2" /></p>

<p>According to planning documents lodged with Brisbane City Council, the development would comprise a mix of 36 two-bedroom apartments, 24 three-bedroom apartments and 16 four-bedroom residences, positioning the project firmly at the premium end of the market. The apartments would sit above a podium containing retail and commercial space, with three levels of communal recreation facilities spread throughout the tower. The proposal also includes 198 car spaces and 95 bicycle spaces.</p>

<p>Bureau Proberts has drawn heavily on Newstead's industrial heritage in developing the architectural response.</p>

<p>"Occupying a prominent corner in the heart of Newstead, the proposal draws from the area's industrial lineage of robust brick warehouses to deliver a distinctly contemporary response," the architects said in the design statement.</p>

<p>"It is conceived as a subtropical sanctuary and elevated private retreat embedded within one of Brisbane's most vibrant lifestyle precincts."</p>

<p>The design seeks to reinterpret the traditional Queensland vernacular through wraparound verandahs, deep shading elements and permeable facades that respond to Brisbane's subtropical climate.</p>

<p><img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25524f59-395c-4825-8fad-9b639822fa8a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.09%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=dlWlbpCc_g3Y6yTLGqRVKvGJvO2ubMJ3" /></p>

<p>Planning documents describe the building as embodying the principles of "buildings that breathe", a design approach increasingly favoured in Brisbane's apartment market as developers focus on natural ventilation and outdoor living spaces.</p>

<p>The tower itself would rise above a heavily landscaped podium designed to reference the woolstore architecture that helped define Newstead and neighbouring Teneriffe for generations. At ground level, fine-grain retail tenancies would activate Longland Street, Wyandra Street and the existing Wyatt Street laneway, further extending the pedestrian network that has become a hallmark of the Gasworks precinct.</p>

<p>The application notes that more than 54 per cent of the site would be dedicated to landscaping and deep planting, while approximately 1,750 sqm of communal recreation space would be delivered across multiple levels.</p>

<p><img alt="Planning" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fed3b189-1054-4b68-af5f-b0befc4a66e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.19%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=gqeE3cjsbnLAfeTUKA1HtPZfqDs6S4Xa" /></p>

<p>Bottletree paid $22 million for the 1,510 sqm development site, equating to more than $14,500 per sqm, a reflection of the strong demand for development opportunities in Newstead. The suburb continues to attract both developers and buyers, underpinned by the ongoing evolution of the Gasworks and Teneriffe precincts into some of Brisbane's most sought-after lifestyle destinations.</p>

<p>Brisbane City Council's Sustainable Growth Strategy and Inner City Strategy both identify Newstead as a priority growth precinct capable of accommodating additional housing density due to its proximity to employment hubs, public transport and lifestyle infrastructure.</p>

<p>The proposed tower joins a growing pipeline of high-end apartment developments in the suburb. Fortis recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a>, a 65-apartment owner-occupier-focused development on Kyabra Street, while Consolidated Properties Group is preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a 227-apartment waterfront project on Skyring Terrace.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, builder-developer BPG is planning its own Newstead project on Maud Street, comprising just over 100 apartments and more than 1,380 sqm of dedicated wellness and resident amenity spaces, further highlighting the shift towards lifestyle-driven apartment developments in Brisbane's inner-city market.</p>


Newstead apartment boom continues with Longland Street tower plans

<p data-end="429" data-section-id="10un7uv" data-start="348">ALAND has taken the next major step in delivering its vision for Leppington Town Centre, lodging State Significant Development plans for a $549 million residential precinct that would bring more than 1,200 new homes within walking distance of Leppington Station.</p>

<p data-end="1007" data-start="665">The proposal, now on public exhibition, forms the Residential Core Precinct of the broader Leppington Town Centre masterplan and would transform a 4.3-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/156-166-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">156-166 Rickard Road</a> into a high-density mixed-use neighbourhood comprising nine residential buildings rising between six and 25 storeys.</p>

<p data-end="1007" data-start="665"><img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc20982d-a0a9-4989-8fb3-680ca9fdcd10" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=l5EEyS6Dkf_SLDQkwDeyAU2nXkSZP2RW" /></p>

<p data-end="1233" data-start="1009">The development has been designed by Rothelowman and is being pursued through a State Significant Development Application alongside a concurrent rezoning request under the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.</p>

<p data-end="1655" data-start="1235">If approved, the project would deliver 1,206 dwellings, including 784 build-to-sell apartments, 208 build-to-rent apartments, 189 affordable housing units and a nine-storey serviced apartment building containing 112 rooms. The proposal also includes around 7,400 sqm of non-residential floor space, new public open space, communal recreation areas and a new internal street network.</p>

<p data-end="1655" data-start="1235"><img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4f80d3b-cb05-4068-8a87-808317807a99" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KfPqh1JBuxc53IWntEzGHAeBaCLmRmum" /></p>

<h2 data-end="1990" data-section-id="s6350" data-start="1941">A key piece of Leppington's future town centre</h2>

<p data-end="2306" data-start="1992">The site sits around 250 metres from Leppington Station, which opened in 2015 as the terminus of the South West Rail Link and has long been earmarked as the catalyst for the suburb's transformation from a rural fringe location into a major strategic centre for Western Sydney.</p>

<p data-end="2585" data-start="2308">Leppington has become increasingly important following the announcement of the Western Sydney International Airport and the emergence of Bradfield City Centre, with government planning identifying the precinct as a significant location for future housing and employment growth.</p>

<p data-end="2585" data-start="2308"><img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ca0f098-affc-48c0-80d3-468ea090a20c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.26%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=o3mwgBFT6H9YUllI0JR.JfLsUYQy1CTa" /></p>

<p data-end="2727" data-start="2587">According to Rothelowman, the proposal responds directly to Leppington's unique position between its agricultural past and its urban future.</p>

<p data-end="3106" data-start="2729">"The site offers an opportunity to weave together multiple layers of history, from its ancient connections to Country along the ridgeline between two waterways and its origins as part of the Cumberland woodland, to its more recent agricultural uses, and its future as a new residential community," the architects said in the design report.</p>

<p data-end="3274" data-start="3108">The architects said the project aims to establish a high-density residential typology that combines apartment living with extensive landscaping and public open space.</p>

<p data-end="3483" data-start="3276">"The design responds by establishing a high-density typology that combines the convenience and amenity of contemporary apartment living with a renewed native landscape."</p>

<h2 data-end="3541" data-section-id="1ko88s2" data-start="3485">Nine buildings arranged around parks and public space</h2>

<p data-end="3659" data-start="3543">The proposal has been designed around a landscape-led framework rather than a traditional podium-and-tower approach.</p>

<p data-end="3985" data-start="3661">Across the site, approximately 7,500 sqm of public open space would be delivered through a network of north-south and east-west linear parks, connecting into the wider Leppington Town Centre open space network. A further 8,000 sqm of communal open space would be provided for residents.</p>

<p data-end="3985" data-start="3661"><img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5113abf-5440-4610-9cdc-60a0d41a407e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=k8zLMj4yZS4hStmGzZJfosjj5iArwIek" /></p>

<p data-end="4120" data-start="3987">Rothelowman said the design seeks to maximise landscaping at ground level by concentrating development into compact tower footprints.</p>

<p data-end="4357" data-start="4122">"Buildings are carefully lifted and distributed to minimise disturbance to the natural terrain, allowing the ground plane to remain open, permeable, and led by landscape," the design report states.</p>

<p data-end="4501" data-start="4359">Rather than creating a continuous podium edge, the design team has focused on allowing landscaping to extend beneath and around the buildings.</p>

<p data-end="4682" data-start="4503">"The ground plane is conceived as an extension of the surrounding environment, allowing landscape to flow up to and beneath the built forms."</p>

<p data-end="4920" data-start="4684">The architectural language also draws on the area's natural landscape, with Rothelowman describing a material palette influenced by local gum trees, bark textures, creek systems and sandstone tones.</p>

<h2 data-end="4971" data-section-id="s69utu" data-start="4922">Affordable housing and build-to-rent component</h2>

<p data-end="5064" data-start="4973">One of the more significant aspects of the proposal is the diversity of housing typologies.</p>

<p data-end="5304" data-start="5066">In addition to traditional apartments for sale, the scheme includes a dedicated 25-storey build-to-rent building with 208 apartments and a 22-storey affordable housing building containing 189 homes.</p>

<p data-end="5438" data-start="5306">The affordable housing component represents almost 16 per cent of the total dwellings proposed within the Residential Core Precinct.</p>

<p data-end="5438" data-start="5306"><img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f87e6808-e462-44c6-bfa8-a3de1816f2e3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.33.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WTsRKiUAyWw18S5S98yQB5oVuDcnJTxB" /></p>

<p data-end="5895" data-start="5440">Community consultation undertaken ahead of the lodgement found support for additional housing in the area, particularly given ongoing affordability challenges across South West Sydney. Survey work conducted with local residents found housing affordability was one of the poorest-rated aspects of living in Leppington, while a majority of respondents were open to additional housing within the local government area.</p>

<p data-end="6138" data-start="5897">The site's proximity to Leppington Station was identified as the most positively viewed aspect of the proposal, while public open space and affordable housing provisions also received majority support.</p>

<h2 data-end="6184" data-section-id="1ngkie4" data-start="6140">Part of Leppington's broader expansion</h2>

<p>ALAND will be a significant contributor to the broader vision for Leppington Town Centre, which is expected to accommodate more than 25,000 residents as the precinct evolves over the coming decades.</p>

<p>Located within Sydney's South West Growth Area, the 440-hectare Leppington Town Centre has been identified by the NSW Government as a strategic centre spanning both the Liverpool and Camden local government areas.</p>

<p>In 2023, Liverpool City Council and Camden Council, supported by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, prepared a draft planning proposal to rezone land and amend development controls across a number of sites within the town centre.</p>

<p>The proposal outlines a new vision for Leppington Town Centre, reducing the amount of land allocated for business park uses while increasing land zoned for commercial development, housing and open space. The changes are designed to optimise land use across the precinct and support the delivery of a more walkable, transit-oriented centre anchored by Leppington Station.</p>

<p data-end="6715" data-start="6440">&nbsp;</p>


ALAND plots 1,200-home Leppington masterplan

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"To deliver a project of this calibre, you need the right people involved," Kohli said.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Staff reporter

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News