<html><body>
Behind the white picket fence, a single level, Neil Robertson architect designed home has been listed in Peppermint Grove in Western Australia.
Built in the classic character style, the charming cottage exterior has been maintained over the last 20 years since its construction.
The formal front garden at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-peppermint+grove-126493478" target="_blank">2 Harvey Street</a> was designed in the style of leading Australian landscape gardener Paul Bangay.
There are established fruit trees of mango, citrus, pomegranate and macadamia.
Set on 750 square metres, the home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms. 
The charming cottage exterior belies the size and scale of the interior, the Peter Burns at Mack Hall listing agency said.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Neil Robertson-designed home in Paul Bangay gardens at Peppermint Grove

<html><body>
Interest for childcare centres continues unabated, with more properties under the asset class sold so far in 2017 than previously.
A recent analysis by commercial real estate agency Burgess Rawson of its sales over the past seven years shows 65 properties have been sold in 2017 so far, higher than previously. 
The average yield has risen to more than 5.5%, their report says.
Burgess Rawson, which has nearly three-quarters of the market share for childcare centre sales in Australia, says in a new report that average yields have fallen to 5.84% in the year to date from 7.58% since 2013. 
Burgess Rawson’s director Billy Holderhead was quoted by the Australian Property Journal as saying that unlike other property sectors where a surge in supply would normally result in an oversupply and push yields higher, childcare investment yields have declined further.
Supply increased a massive 550% between 2013 and 2014, yet yields compressed further by 10% from 7.58% to 6.89%.
“The sales history shows that despite increased supply, compression yields and greater price volumes continued. Therefore equilibrium, where demand is met, in our opinion has not been reached,” he said in the article carried on Burgess Rawson’s website.
“We see this trajectory continuing into the foreseeable future.”
Even the collapse of ABC Learning Centres has not dented the popularity of childcare centres, with 96% of all ABC centres now assigned to Goodstart, a consortium of The Benevolent Society, Mission Australia, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and Social Ventures Australia.
Burgess Rawson’s associate director Adam Thomas said childcare centres truly are one of the few remaining “set and forget’’ property investments, with strong similarities to supermarkets in a previous era when leases were more favourable to landlords.
“This shows the core fundamentals are there,” he added.
In the last five years, rents have surged too. Rents range from $1,500 and $6,000 per childcare place, per year, with metropolitan centres sold this year averaging $3,000 per place, according to Burgess Rawson.
Five years back, the metro range was nearly $2,000 and has now climbed to the high $3,000’s.
Earlier this year, a record low yield was set at an auction in Sydney when a 36-place G8 Childcare centre property (picture above) in Vaucluse sold for $4.425 million on a yield of 3.57%.
Another research by Ray White, Between The Lines: WA Child Care, says the child care market as an income producing asset class has grown in appeal across the East Coast for the two years with a push into the Western Australian market has heated up during the second half of 2017.
“It says high supply over the last five years in the East Coast was realised due to the large increases in population and the undersupply of facilities, in more recent times its heavily subsidised income stream has not gone unnoticed by savvy investors,” it says.
The prospects for childcare centres looks secure with the federal government projected to spend $8.8 billion in 2018/19 and as much as $10 billion by 2020, according to Burgess Rawson childcare specialist Michael Vanstone.
The government predicts this investment will return 90,000 parents back to the workforce, which will add $3.1 billion to the economy, adds the Burgess Rawson report.
The Ray White report, which focuses on WA, says the market there is still in its supply phase with a high volume of stock recently entering the market and a pipeline in the works.
Researchers Vanessa Vader and Stephen Harrison say the demand for childcare centres is high as investors can see the value and attractive yields still on offer. Added to that is the ease of funding for child care assets.
</body></html>

Childcare centres one of the few remaining 'set and forget' investments: Burgess Rawson

<html><body>
Recent Macquarie Group updates to clients indicate a continued decline in arrears.
Mortgage arrears figures charted by Macquarie Bank show RMBS arrears at near decade lows across all days in arrears categories.
<img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n2ndcZbNAVA/Wg7pDwx1ycI/AAAAAAAAnEA/lQGvGmAfsA8xOuOWByOVj2RTwZv0a351QCLcBGAs/s640/RMBS.jpg" width="640" height="332" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1279">
</body></html>

Home loan arrears at near-decade low: Macquarie chart

<html><body>
An Austin Maynard Architects designed home at Northcote has been listed for December auction.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-northcote-126852778" target="_blank">The 7 Walker Street four bedroom home</a> comes with $3.2 million to $3.4 million expectations.
It is set in the patch of the suburb known as Westgarth.
The Austin Maynard Architects work is set behind its Gothic Revival facade.
The December 2 auction is through Nelson Alexander agent Peter Stephens.
<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/2017/11/19/f2100d54007b40ab8ffc6b78ef671a4f.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Gothic Revival facade hides Austin Maynard-designed Northcote trophy home

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
Metropolitan planning has a surprisingly long pedigree in Australia. Practices have evolved steadily in response to shifting large-scale urban problems. However, capital cities today present a suite of complex issues that challenge planning systems and demand better alignment between problem and response.
In major cities across Australia, there’s a stark contrast between lofty planning goals and the sprawling reality on the ground. Central to the story of each capital city is the evidence, after three decades of market-driven development, of a divide in access to opportunities and experiences.
In Sydney it has been dubbed the “latte line”. This is the divide between inner suburbs (affluent, dominating knowledge economy jobs, more likely to benefit from urban design initiatives) and outer suburbs (declining manufacturing employment, poor access to services and high car dependency).
The dominance of metropolitan development is not unique to Australia. Metropolitanisation has been described as “one of the most powerful trends shaping worldwide systems today”.
In The Metropolitan Revolution, Bruce Katz of the Brookings Institution notes the fundamental importance of the urban in national affairs. This rests on a “simple but profound truth: cities and metropolitan areas are the engines of economic prosperity and social transformation”.
This global trend has led to calls for a global “Metropolitan Compact” to advance the UN’s New Urban Agenda. These are based on the need to strengthen connections between government, civil society, industry, academia and media.
This has obvious relevance to Australia. The major cities dominate settlement patterns and population growth. Two-thirds of Australians live in a capital city.
Taking stock of urban divides
Some of Australia’s leading urbanists have contributed to a new book, Planning Metropolitan Australia, with essays examining the spatial strategies governments have used to try to manage Australian metropolitan development in the 21st century.
These strategies are set against a dynamic background of economic change, spatial restructuring and a more diverse population with rising social and spatial inequality.
The book identifies a broad planning consensus about making metropolitan areas more compact and resilient. But there is a persistent gulf between the high-level aims of such strategies and our growing understanding of the complexity and diversity of the communities in which most people live.
So, what has been done in recent times?
Recent planning system reforms have been similar in most capital cities. These include:
<ul>
<li>simplified planning instruments across local council areas</li>
<li>reduced rights of appeal</li>
<li>a limited role for local councillors in assessing development proposals</li>
<li>a correspondingly increased role for state agencies or expert professional bodies.</li>
</ul>
As for the achievements of metropolitan plans, these too are increasingly similar. A wider variety of dwellings is being built in a range of locations. High-rise apartments (of variable quality) are increasingly evident in the central and inner city as plans seek higher density targets.
But metropolitan plans have generally failed to provide affordable housing. Most have also fallen short of their aspirations for higher use of public transport. This is largely because of inadequate investment in infrastructure. Where public transport use has increased, this has mostly involved journeys to the CBD or within the better-served inner suburbs (where most increases in walking and cycling are also observed).
Employment in middle and outer suburbs remains sparse. Poor access to job opportunities in these areas has generally added to labour market inequalities.
Rethinking neoliberal governance
In 2006 Clive Forster observed that Australian metropolitan plans were not sufficiently informed by the findings of urban research. He noted: "The existence of parallel urban universes: one occupied by metropolitan planning authorities and their containment – consolidation – centres consensus; the other by the realities of the increasingly complex, dispersed, residentially differentiated suburban metropolitan areas most Australians live in."
In a concluding essay to Planning Metropolitan Australia, Brendan Gleeson picks up the notion of “parallel universes”. He suggests Australian cities under weak metropolitan planning arrangements have made little progress towards long-held aspirations for sustainable resource use, social justice, inclusive and innovative economies, and more compact urban forms.
Rather, under neoliberal governance regimes, other forces have largely shaped our metros this century. These include national immigration, tax and finance policies, disruptive technological innovations, cultural shifts and increasingly dominant market power.
As we move deeper into the “metropolitan century”, more effective, nuanced, evidence-based metropolitan planning and governance arrangements become ever more urgent.
Robert Freestone, Professor of Planning, Faculty of Built Environment, UNSW. 
Stephen Hamnett, Emeritus Professor of Planning, University of South Australia.
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-cities-and-their-metropolitan-plans-still-seem-to-be-parallel-universes-87603" target="_blank">original article</a>.
Photo: The right side of the ‘latte line’ in Sydney, looking across Paddington towards Bondi Junction and the eastern suburbs. R. Freestone, Author provided.
</body></html>

Australian cities and their metropolitan plans still seem to be parallel universes

<html><body>
Alex Perry Apartments in Brisbane’s upmarket Fortitude Valley, were designed to be an exclusive address at their launch in 2011 with much fanfare.
Then they ran into problems.
First, the developers of the delayed 11-storey apartment block removed all three-bedroom apartments from the design.
The three-bedders were replaced with one-bedroom apartments as part of a “redefined product”.
One-bedroom apartments were priced from $381,000 and two-bedroom units from $550,000.
However, since the initial sales, asking prices of the units have been steadily falling.
All apartments were designed by Alex Perry in conjunction with Cottee Parker Architects.
A one-bedroom apartment, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-fortitude+valley-125836930" target="_blank">1112/959 Ann Street</a>, spanning 59 sqm is for sale at $425,000.
The apartment has been on the market since July this year.
It previously sold for $463,439 in October 2013, CoreLogic RP Data shows.
A two-bedroom apartment, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/unit-404-959-ann-st-fortitude-valley-qld-4006" target="_blank">404/959 Ann Street</a>, remains listed after 769 days at $527,400. 
CoreLogic RP Data shows it last sold for $589,000 in July 2015.
Similarly, a two-bedroom unit, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-fortitude+valley-125455306" target="_blank">304/959 Ann Street</a>, which sold for $520,720 in  June 2013, is on the market. The description for the 73 sqm unit says “Urgent Sale for any reasonable offer”. But the listing doesn’t indicate a price. 
Another two-bedroom apartment, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/unit-309-959-ann-st-fortitude-valley-qld-4006" target="_blank">309/959 Ann Street</a> is listed for $522,000. It has been on the market for 528 days!
The apartment first sold in 2015 for $570,000.
A two-bedroom apartment, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-fortitude+valley-126124850" target="_blank">1111/959 Ann Street</a>, sold for $540,960 in 2013. It was listed again in March 2016 and is open to offers above $539,000.
CoreLogic records show that developer Chrome Property acquired the site at 959 Ann Street for $6.27 million in March 2010.
Meanwhile, the Australian fashion designer has secured a Sydney investment apartment in Darlinghurst for $1.7 million.
Perry retains an apartment in the FV complex.
</body></html>

Asking prices going backwards in Alex Perry, Fortitude Valley

<html><body>
The Surry Hills office of Uber Eats has been sold by the former Wallaby David Lyons.
The Victorian terrace at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-surry+hills-502100154" target="_blank">98 Foveaux Street</a> is a mixed-use office space.
It changed hands for $3.525 million. It had been bought for $1 million in 2011 with Lyons buying out his syndicate parter in 2016 at $861,000.
The sandstone Victorian terrace has potential for a home/office/showroom.
Nestled between Riley and Crown Street, the property comprises open plan living with options for gallery/office featuring terrazzo tiled floors.
The third level features front and huge rear outdoor terrace areas with potential to extend and enclose subject to council approval.
The zoning is B4 Mixed Use, allowing an array of usage rights.
<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/2017/11/27/UberEats2.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
It is on a land area of 180 sqm. 
The selling agent was Dominic D'Ettorre of D'Ettorre Real Estate.
 
</body></html>

Uber Eats HQ sold in Surry Hills

<html><body>
The attention on Brisbane apartment oversupply has been on the newly completed off the plan settlements.
But many established apartments in Brisbane's inner city suburb of Fortitude Valley have quietly notched up resales below their previous sales prices.
Here's a list of some apartments that Property Observer has spotted selling below their first sale prices:
1) <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/unit-509-25-connor-st-fortitude-valley-qld-4006" target="_blank">509/25 Connor Street</a> Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006
The one-bedroom apartment in the M&amp;A apartment block (above) sold for $320,000 in January 2017, well below its last sold price of $359,660 in 2013, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
It was on the market for 71 days, and was offered for $339,000 earlier in 2016 as well, when it was advertised as the “best deal in Fortitude Valley”.
It was listed for renting for $380 per week in August 2015 and then again a year later in September 2016 for $395 per week.
2) <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-fortitude+valley-124571858" target="_blank">504/25 Connor Street</a>, Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006
This two-bedroom apartment with an area of 74 sqm sold for $425,000 in April 2017 after being on the market for 74 days.
It sold below its previous sale price of $492,000 in 2015. The apartment first sold for $519,000 in 2013, when it was built, CoreLogic RP Data shows.
3) <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-qld-fortitude+valley-122526038" target="_blank">306/25 Connor Street</a> Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006
This one-bedroom apartment close to the CBD spanning 61 sqm sold for $315,000 in March 2017, according to CoreLogic RP Data. The apartment was on the market for 337 days.
According to its advert, Ray White agent said it was returning $395 per week.
It previously sold for $371,000.
4) <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-fortitude+valley-125515742" target="_blank">305/25 Connor Street</a> Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006
Another one-bedroom unit in the same apartment development - right next door - sold below its previous price.
The latest sale in August 2017 fetched $298,000, well below its previous sale in 2010 at $361,000, CoreLogic RP Data shows.
It was on the market for 188 days.
The unit was advertised for rent at $370 per week.
5) <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-qld-fortitude+valley-125980430" target="_blank">212/25 Connor Street</a> Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006
This two-bedroom unit, built in 2013, sold recently for $370,000 after being on the market for just 12 days. However, the sale price was well below its initial sold price of $499,000, CoreLogic RP Data shows.
Even rents have fallen. First advertised for rent in February 2016 for $495 per week, the asking rate was dropped to $480 within a week and earlier this year it was advertised for $450 per week.
6) <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/unit-1016-8-church-st-fortitude-valley-qld-4006" target="_blank">1016/8 Church Street</a> Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006
This two-bedroom unit in Mosaic Apartments last changed hands for $425,000 in November 2107.
The unit dropped significantly in price from its previous sale in 2012 when it fetched $542,225, CoreLogic RP Data shows.
Asking rents have fallen too from $500 per week in 2015 to $440 by April 2017.
7) <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/unit-5-125-robertson-st-fortitude-valley-qld-4006" target="_blank">5/125 Robertson Street</a> Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006
This two-bedroom apartment was built in 2000 fetched $400,000 at its recent sale in July 2017, just marginally above its previous selling price of $394,000 in 2010, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
The unit fetched $305,000 in 2006.
It was last advertised for rent at $400 per week. Asking rents have, however, been falling. It was on the market for $475 per week rent previously in 2010.
8) 10/53 Warry Street Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006
This two-bedroom unit sold for $319,000 in July 2017. Curiously, it sold for $318,000 earlier this year in January. But overall, it has appreciated from its sale in 1998 for $115,000, CoreLogic RP Data shows.
It was last advertised for rent at $380 per week.
 
<h2 id="expandedAddress_icons"> </h2>
</body></html>

Up to $120,000 cheaper: eight loss making established apartment resales in Fortitude Valley 

<html><body>
The NSW foreign investor land surcharge will increase to 2 percent per annum (from 0.75 percent per annum) with effect from 31 December 2017 for the 2018 land tax year.
The land tax surcharge was introduced in NSW with effect from 1 January 2017 to be imposed on owners of residential land who are 'foreign persons'.
The surcharge also extends to trusts that own residential land which have beneficiaries that are 'foreign persons'.
The land tax surcharge provisions are very broad and will catch discretionary trusts if the trust deed has a broad definition of beneficiaries, which is typical of most discretionary trust deeds.
Lawyers Meyer Vandenberg have warned "in this global age, given the wide class of beneficiaries," there is a high chance that a family member includes someone of international origins who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen.
If any of these potential family members themselves meet the definition of 'foreign person' or invest in a company that meets the definition of a 'foreign person', and the trust owns residential land in NSW, then the trustee is liable for the land tax surcharge.
"Our federal politicians are having to re-look at their family origins (though to confirm their eligibility for holding office!)," Meyer Vandenberg told its clients.
"It is a timely reminder to also consider reviewing your discretionary trust deed and your family situation.
"If the trust owns residential land in NSW or is considering owning residential land in NSW in the near future, it is worthwhile getting advice."
</body></html>

NSW foreign investor surcharge increased from December 31, 2017

<html><body>
JGL Properties has sold 95% of its new $40 million development the Grange Residences.
The two-bedroom and three-bedroom townhomes range in price from $625,000 to $1.6 million. 
Set in Brisbane's inner north, The Grange Residences have a low site coverage across the 1.15-hectare infill site.
North-east-facing over Kedron Brook, the project comprises 39 townhouses and two houses designed by architect Arkhefield.
It is under construction by Hutchinson Builders. 
The project is fully funded by Suncorp and Thakral Capital Australia.
</body></html>

JGL's Brisbane townhouse project Grange Residences selling well

Sydney developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-element">Central Element</a>&nbsp;is doubling down in Drummoyne, lodging plans for a boutique apartment development on St Georges Crescent, only one-kilometre down the road from its first Drummoyne development, Bianca.

The new project at 15A-21 St Georges Crescent,&nbsp;a&nbsp;1,701sqm north-facing site overlooking Iron Cove, will have 45 apartmnts across 10 levels. Eight of the units will be dedicated to affordable housing.

The site sits within walking distance of Drummoyne Village, Birkenhead Point, ferry services and the Bay Run, and offers harbour views towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge and CBD skyline.

Designed by MHN Design Union, the development will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside resident amenity including a gym, landscaped communal open space and three levels of basement parking.

The project has been lodged under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, with Drummoyne Village identified as a town centre capable of accommodating additional housing supply.

Central Element acquired the site earlier this year as part of its continued expansion across Sydney's eastern suburbs, lower north shore and inner west.

The developer's current pipeline includes luxury apartment projects Pearl Bondi and a separate development on Lamrock Avenue in Bondi, a residential project in Barry Street, Neutral Bay, and a mixed-use seniors living community in Greenwich.

Central Element Managing Director Nathan Chivas said the project would address a shortage of new owner-occupier housing opportunities in Drummoyne.

"While we're seeing a significant shift across Canada Bay as major infrastructure investment, population growth and planning reform drive a new chapter for the region, in suburbs like Drummoyne there remains a genuine shortage of new boutique luxury housing opportunities for owner occupiers," Chivas said.

"Sites of this nature are increasingly difficult to secure, particularly those that combine a north-facing aspect with direct water outlook. Our St Georges Crescent project responds directly to the market demand, offering a level of exclusivity, outlook and lifestyle in the highly sought after suburb."

The development application has been lodged with the City of Canada Bay Council, with the project expected to launch to market in early 2027.

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Central Element seeks second Drummoyne apartment development

The NSW Government has unveiled plans that could deliver around 1,300 new homes across Nowra and Kiama, continuing its push to unlock housing in well-located regional centres along the South Coast.

The proposals, now on public exhibition, would pave the way for around 830 homes in Nowra and a further 450 homes in Kiama, while also introducing affordable housing requirements and increased building heights in key locations.

The larger of the two proposals is centred on Nowra, where the NSW Government is seeking to rezone land within the Mandalay and Riverfront precincts.

The Mandalay sub-precinct, located close to Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital, Nowra Library and the city's aquatic centre, could accommodate around 530 new homes. Around 30 per cent of housing delivered on Homes NSW-owned land would be dedicated to social and affordable housing, equating to roughly 100 homes. Building heights would increase from the current two-storey limit to between three and six storeys.

A separate rezoning proposal for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct would unlock a further 377 homes while creating stronger connections between the Shoalhaven River and the CBD. The plans include building heights ranging from five to 12 storeys, floor space ratios of up to 2:1 and a requirement for two per cent affordable housing.

Together, the two proposals would deliver more than 900 homes across the broader Nowra area, reinforcing the city's role as one of regional NSW's key growth centres.

The housing push builds on previous infrastructure commitments in the Shoalhaven, including government funding aimed at supporting thousands of future homes in West Nowra through upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure.

Further north, the NSW Government is also progressing plans for the former Kiama Depot site, a two-hectare parcel near Kiama's town centre.

The rezoning proposal would transform the former industrial site into a residential community capable of delivering up to 450 homes. Buildings would range between six and eight storeys, with at least 10 per cent of homes allocated as affordable housing. The proposal also includes approximately 600 parking spaces and improved walking and cycling connections.

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the proposals are designed to increase housing supply in locations close to jobs, transport and services.

"For too long, families have struggled to find somewhere to live, and activating underutilised sites allows us to deliver the new homes these families need," Scully said.

"The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of unlocking well-located sites close to transport, jobs, and town centres and building the homes our communities need.

"These rezonings are about removing barriers to housing delivery and making sure land is put to better use so more people can find a place to call home within the communities they choose."

The latest rezonings form part of the Minns Government's broader strategy to accelerate housing delivery across NSW, particularly in established centres where existing infrastructure can support additional population growth.

Community consultation on the proposals is now underway, with feedback set to inform the final planning controls before the rezonings are determined.

Around 1,300 new homes earmarked for Nowra and Kiama as NSW Government pushes housing supply

<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.

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.

<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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350663]

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.

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.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372756]

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.

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.

Binah's Managing Director Khalil Hafza said partnering with MRCB on Maris is a significant moment for Binah.

"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.

"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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350664]

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.

"Commencing construction at Maris is a significant step and reflects the depth of demand for quality apartments in well-connected urban locations," said Krishnan.

"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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372761]

Krishnan said Southport's ongoing transformation, supported by infrastructure investment and long-term planning, was underpinning renewed buyer confidence.

"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."

Construction at Maris is anticipated to be completed in 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134403]

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

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.

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;

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.

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;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372786]

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;

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;

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.

"Buyers continue to be predominantly hyperlocal and attracted by the 40 hectare botanic masterplan in Melbourne’s inner north west," Hameister said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372788]

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.

"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.”

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.

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142519]

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

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.

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.

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.

<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" />

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.

Bureau Proberts has drawn heavily on Newstead's industrial heritage in developing the architectural response.

"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.

"It is conceived as a subtropical sanctuary and elevated private retreat embedded within one of Brisbane's most vibrant lifestyle precincts."

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.

<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" />

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.

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.

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.

<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" />

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.

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.

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.

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.

Staff reporter

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News