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Sydney was riding the spring racing fervour, with strong buyer demand evident for the latest off the plan apartment offering at Randwick on Saturday.
And Melbourne's embrace of the 13th season of The Block saw big crowds turn up at the inspections of the five Elsternwick house offerings.
The relocated and extended homes were open for the first time on Sunday with queues extending along Regent Street.
The upcoming October 28 auctions have come with indicative sale prices between $2.4 million and $2.64 million, although market commentators have suggested previously the homes ought fetch $3 million.
The first stage of the Newmarket Randwick project sold out - all 124 apartments mostly to owner occupiers for a $175 million total.
Known as <a href="https://www.newmarketrandwick.com.au/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIr_mc2-Pz1gIVxgRoCh3_zQ9IEAAYAiAAEgJP6fD_BwE" target="_blank">Newmarket Residences</a> (above), the two eight storey proposed buildings were designed by Bates Smart taking inspiration from the nearby heritage Newmarket House and the grand old stable buildings on the site.
Some of the buyers in the conversion of the former Inglis thoroughbred sales complex went onto The Everest race day.
During the four hours sales session, a three-bedroom apartment sold at the top $2.8 million price. Prices for one-bedroom apartments started from $780,000, two-bedroom apartments from $1,200,000 and three-bedroom apartments from $2,200,000. There were 54 x one bedroom apartments, raging between 51sqm- 70sqm; 62 x two bedroom apartments, 73sqm- 93sqm and 12 x three bedroom apartments, 114sqm- 137sqm.
The Cbus Property development will have 642 apartments and terraces on its 2020 completion after the five-hectare site was secured for a reported $250 million in 2015.
The site had accommodated up to 620 horses and included a 1000 person arena used regularly for major horse sales.
William Inglis &amp; Son Ltd, the 150-year-old family business had secured the site for £50,000 in 1917, but sold after shifting to new headquarters near Warwick Farm Racecourse in south-west Sydney.
Meanwhile Sydney’s preliminary auction clearance rate was 69.5 per cent across 916 auctions, after last week saw the final 61.3 percent clearance rate fell to the lowest level since late 2015.
"This is likely to revise lower over the next few days as more results are collected," CoreLogic auction analyst Kevin Brogan said.
This time last year, Sydney auction volumes were similar, although the clearance rate was much stronger at 81.4 per cent.
The Eastern suburbs (81.5 per cent), North Sydney and Hornsby (81.0 per cent) and Northern Beaches (80.7 per cent) had the highest clearance rates.
Sydney's Bronte secured the top weekend sale across the nation with a pre-auction sale of <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-bronte-126425298" target="_blank">a $6.43 million contemporary home</a>.
Architect Michael Folk captured the essence of beach house luxe, selling agent Alexander Phillips at Phillips Pantzer Donnelley said.
But Domain's senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson decreed the boom-time results of recent years have now clearly ended.
"Although home prices are now falling, the underlying drivers of the Sydney housing market remain positive with strong migration, a robust local economy and an underlying chronic shortage of homes," Dr Andrew Wilson, the Domain senior economist added.
The national auction clearance rate held firm, buoyed by stronger results across the Melbourne and Canberra housing markets, according to CoreLogic.
There were 2,497 auctions held across the combined capital cities, up from 2,318 last week.
So far, 2,007 results have been reported to CoreLogic, returning a preliminary clearance rate of 70.6 per cent, increasing from last week when the final clearance rate slipped to 64.4 per cent, the lowest clearance rate since January 2016.
Over the corresponding week last year, auction volumes were similar, with 2,443 properties taken to auction, while the clearance rate was stronger at 76.2 per cent.
Melbourne's 74.8 per cent success rate was the nation's strongest, followed closely by Canberra on 74.5 per cent. 
Melbourne was host to 1,208 auctions and with 1,042 results sits above the prior weekend's final clearance rate of 70.3 per cent.
At the same time last year, Melbourne’s clearance rate was 77.7 per cent across 1,182 auctions.
Of the Melbourne sub-regions, 6 of the 9 regions recorded clearance rates above 75 per cent.
Melbourne's top sale was $6.37 million at Middle Park. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-middle+park-126443678" target="_blank">The 307 Beaconsfield Pde offering</a> was sold without heritage overlay through Greg Hocking Holdsworth agent Simon Gowling.
Both the Inner South and the North West Melbourne regions recorded a preliminary clearance rate of 78.8 per cent this weekend, followed by the Outer East region where 76.7 per cent of auctions cleared.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Race to buy Newmarket Randwick off the plan highlight of weekend sales

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<div>
Singaporean businessman CK Ow has his Vaucluse harbourfront mansion listed with hopes of bettering Sydney's $71 million record price.
Mr Ow, chairman and chief executive of Singaporean hotel owner and developer Stamford Land Corporation Limited, is selling Phoenix Acres, a 3731sq m site with six-bedroom, six-bathroom home at 38B The Crescent.
It was bought 22 years for $7,001,000 from the Braham family.
Tycoon James Packer's non-harbourfront mansion, also in Vaucluse sold for $70 million, and in April this year John B Fairfax family's Elaine estate in Double Bay sold for $71 million.
</div>
<div><img src="https://www.afr.com/content/dam/images/g/z/0/5/n/i/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1507851220721.jpg" alt="The deep water jetty was built for ferries that connected it to Circular Quay before the mansion was built in the 1960s." width="620" data-src="https://www.afr.com/content/dam/images/g/z/0/5/n/i/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1507851220721.jpg"></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Its deep water 80 metre jetty was built for ferries that connected it to Circular Quay before the mansion was built in the 1960s by newspaper tycoon Ezra Norton in the 1960s.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The estate comes with championship tennis court, resort-style pool and an English-style pub.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In 2003 The Australian wrote his four residences - in Sydney, London, Singapore and New Zealand - all have their own English pub.</div>
<div>
 His taste in cars run to a Ferrari 360 Spider and three chauffeured Rolls-Royces with the OW1 registration.</div>
<div>
 Likened by an easily enraptured The Straits Times of Singapore to American Donald Trump, Ow was described as seeming to be a reclusive poster boy for ostentatious excess. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Ow says he is selling Vaucluse because he no longer spends much time there.</div>
<div>
"Sadly, I do not spend sufficient time there to enjoy this jewel of a property as my travels take me to many other far reaches of the world."
<img src="https://www.afr.com/content/dam/images/g/z/0/5/n/c/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1507851256724.jpg" alt="The 'pub' at 38b The Crescent Vaucluse" width="620" data-src="https://www.afr.com/content/dam/images/g/z/0/5/n/c/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1507851256724.jpg">
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
“My Vaucluse home is magical and irreplaceable. It is more than just a waterside home. It’s a sea-side resort, self-sufficient with all country club amenities,” Mr Ow said in a statement.
Stamford Land is building Macquarie Park Village - a mixed use apartment project - at the corner of Herring and Epping Roads in Macquarie Park. It is listed through Ray White agent Craig Pontey. The 1946-born Ow Chio Kiat and wife Katherine Ow have two children, Ow Yew Heng, a chief executive officer with the group, and daughter Ow Yiling Kiat, a former Citibanker, now working at Stamford Land as treasury manager. Ow Yew Heng has a bachelor of Business, Accounting &amp; Management from the University of Technology, Sydney.
Ms Kiersten Ow YiLing holds a Diploma in Mass Communications from the University of Technology, Sydney.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"> </div>
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CK Ow's Phoenix Acres, Vaucluse comes with $70 million record setting hopes

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The historic hillside Brisbane home, Cremorne at Hamilton has been sold by Fone Zone co-founder David McMahon and wife Tracey, following their move to Aspen, Colorado.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-hamilton-123306210" target="_blank">Mullens Street home</a> on its 2400 square metre block fetched $5,975,000 when auctioned through Sarah Hackett at Place Estate Agents.
The couple, who paid $6,625,000 in 2015, were only the third owners.
<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/2017/10/13/Cremorne12.jpg" alt="">
Cremorne, built by a publican, James O'Connor in 1905, sold to the Gunn cattle farming family descendants, Galen and Lynda Gunn..
Galen Gunn is the director of Hawcs, an aerial surveying company that servicespowerlines and utility providers. Their Brisbane move was prompted by schooling opportunities for their two sons.
Designed by architects Eaton and Bates, it comes with a new pavilion extension by BVN Donovan Hill, crafted from imported French zinc and featuring floor to ceilings glass, that received the 2009 Queensland division Australian Institute of Architects Award for residential architecture.
<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/2017/10/13/CREMORNE2.jpg" alt="">
 
 
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Historic Hamilton Hill home Cremorne sells 

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The latest Millers Point auctions saw seven terrace properties selling under the hammer for a combined $18,741,000.
To date, McGrath has sold 136 properties with a total value of over $415 million, as part of the Millers Point sales program.
Commenting on the continued 100% success rate, McGrath agent Lorraine Crawford said it was a very successful night with competitive bidding across all seven properties.
There were 28 registered parties placing 432 bids on the night.
The sales included:
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/apartment/nsw/sydney-cbd/the-rocks/352262" target="_blank">52 Gloucester Street</a>, The Rocks, NSW
$2,000,000
<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/2017/10/12/52%20Gloucester.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house/nsw/sydney-cbd/millers-point/356664" target="_blank">5 Windmill Street</a>, Millers Point, NSW
$2,400,000
<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/2017/10/12/5%20Wind.jpg" alt=""> 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house/nsw/sydney-cbd/millers-point/356671" target="_blank">63 Kent Street</a>, Millers Point, NSW
$2,530,000
<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/2017/10/12/Kent5.jpg" alt=""> 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house/nsw/sydney-cbd/millers-point/331234" target="_blank">85 Lower Fort Street</a>, Millers Point, NSW
$2,570,000 
<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/2017/10/12/85%20Lower%20Fort.jpg" alt=""> 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house/nsw/sydney-cbd/millers-point/326256" target="_blank">75 Windmill Street</a>, Millers Point, NSW
$2,680,000
<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/2017/10/12/75%20Wing.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house/nsw/sydney-cbd/millers-point/356667" target="_blank">30 Kent Street</a>, Millers Point, NSW
$3,000,000
 <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/2017/10/12/Kent.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house/nsw/sydney-cbd/millers-point/356670" target="_blank">26 Argyle Place</a>, Millers Point, NSW
$3,561,000
<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/2017/10/12/26%20Argyle.jpg" alt="">
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Millers Point terraces sold for $18.7 million total

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At the Property Council WA Annual Golf Classic, property professionals raised $3,000 for the Kids Cancer Foundation.
“It’s great to see the industry stepping up to support the important work Kids Cancer Foundation provides as well as championing the industry’s diversity agenda,” Property Council WA Executive Director, Lino Iacomella said.
The event was a huge success with a record number of participants attending as well as a record number of female participants joining in on the fun.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/15/IMG_5112.JPG" alt="">
The events success was contributed by major sponsor HFM Asset Management along with Airlite Group, Stockland and 3 Oceans Properties and Core Logic.
The overall winners of the tournament were Rowe Group, closely followed by Bankwest and Probuild.
“The property industry embracing the importance of diversity through the including of three women’s golf teams and numerous mixed teams.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/15/IMG_5099.JPG" alt="">
“The golf classic was a fantastic way for the industry to network and grow their business in a unique and informal setting while raising funds and awareness of two very worthy causes,” Mr Iacomella said.
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Property industry swings in to action for Kids Cancer Foundation

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Adelaide recorded a marginal quarterly decline in house prices, down by 0.3% to $519,517, according to Domain.
Comparatively, however, the 0.3% drop follows five consecutive months of house price increases and the result is up 4.1% year-on-year.
Adelaide was one of the few capital cities to record an increase in median unit prices over the September quarter, jumping 1.6% to $313,074. The quarterly result is 2.6% higher than the same time last year.
Domain quarterly stratified median house prices:
<table border="1" cellpadding="0">
<thead><tr>
<td>
HOUSE
</td>
<td>
SEP 2017
</td>
<td>
JUN 2017
</td>
<td>
SEP 2016
</td>
<td>
QOQ %
</td>
<td>
YOY %
</td>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Sydney
</td>
<td>
$1,167,516
</td>
<td>
$1,190,677
</td>
<td>
$1,079,309
</td>
<td>
-1.9%
</td>
<td>
8.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Melbourne
</td>
<td>
$880,902
</td>
<td>
$869,598
</td>
<td>
$773,399
</td>
<td>
1.3%
</td>
<td>
13.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Brisbane
</td>
<td>
$551,840
</td>
<td>
$552,874
</td>
<td>
$531,767
</td>
<td>
-0.2%
</td>
<td>
3.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Adelaide
</td>
<td>
$519,517
</td>
<td>
$520,846
</td>
<td>
$498,971
</td>
<td>
-0.3%
</td>
<td>
4.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Perth
</td>
<td>
$554,095
</td>
<td>
$561,391
</td>
<td>
$567,314
</td>
<td>
-1.3%
</td>
<td>
-2.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Canberra
</td>
<td>
$723,980
</td>
<td>
$693,962
</td>
<td>
$655,468
</td>
<td>
4.3%
</td>
<td>
10.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Hobart
</td>
<td>
$409,592
</td>
<td>
$392,170
</td>
<td>
$356,916
</td>
<td>
4.4%
</td>
<td>
14.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Darwin
</td>
<td>
$593,329
</td>
<td>
$615,670
</td>
<td>
$610,510
</td>
<td>
-3.6%
</td>
<td>
-2.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
National
</td>
<td>
$819,455
</td>
<td>
$823,381
</td>
<td>
$758,367
</td>
<td>
-0.5%
</td>
<td>
10.8%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The median house rental price in Adelaide remained steady at $360 per week over the September quarter, up 2.9% year-on-year.
However, while house rental prices may have remained flat, Adelaide was the only city to record a positive increase in median unit rental prices – increasing 1.7% over the quarter to $295 per week.
"Second only to Hobart, Adelaide has one of the most affordable median house prices of all capital cities, and the most affordable median unit price," said Domain chief economist, Dr Andrew Wilson.
"Despite experiencing a drop in median house price over the quarter, the solid local market provides investors with growing confidence as it continues to deliver resilient results."
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Adelaide median house price steady: Domain

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After recording strong growth last quarter, Darwin’s median house price dropped by 3.6% over the September quarter, to $593,329, according to Domain.
The result is 2.8% lower than the same time last year.
The median unit price is Darwin also decreased, dropping by 6.8% to $330,354 — 30.5% lower year-on-year.
Domain quarterly stratified median prices:
<table border="1" cellpadding="0">
<thead><tr>
<td>
HOUSE
</td>
<td>
SEP 2017
</td>
<td>
JUN 2017
</td>
<td>
SEP 2016
</td>
<td>
QOQ %
</td>
<td>
YOY %
</td>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Sydney
</td>
<td>
$1,167,516
</td>
<td>
$1,190,677
</td>
<td>
$1,079,309
</td>
<td>
-1.9%
</td>
<td>
8.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Melbourne
</td>
<td>
$880,902
</td>
<td>
$869,598
</td>
<td>
$773,399
</td>
<td>
1.3%
</td>
<td>
13.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Brisbane
</td>
<td>
$551,840
</td>
<td>
$552,874
</td>
<td>
$531,767
</td>
<td>
-0.2%
</td>
<td>
3.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Adelaide
</td>
<td>
$519,517
</td>
<td>
$520,846
</td>
<td>
$498,971
</td>
<td>
-0.3%
</td>
<td>
4.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Perth
</td>
<td>
$554,095
</td>
<td>
$561,391
</td>
<td>
$567,314
</td>
<td>
-1.3%
</td>
<td>
-2.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Canberra
</td>
<td>
$723,980
</td>
<td>
$693,962
</td>
<td>
$655,468
</td>
<td>
4.3%
</td>
<td>
10.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Hobart
</td>
<td>
$409,592
</td>
<td>
$392,170
</td>
<td>
$356,916
</td>
<td>
4.4%
</td>
<td>
14.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Darwin
</td>
<td>
$593,329
</td>
<td>
$615,670
</td>
<td>
$610,510
</td>
<td>
-3.6%
</td>
<td>
-2.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
National
</td>
<td>
$819,455
</td>
<td>
$823,381
</td>
<td>
$758,367
</td>
<td>
-0.5%
</td>
<td>
10.8%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Rental prices for both houses and units in Darwin have remained steady over the quarter, sitting at $520 and $400 per week, respectively.
Both the houses and unit figures remained steady over the last three months, the results do indicate a drop year-on-year – by 5.5% and 5.9% respectively.
"The drop of 30.5% in median unit prices year-on-year is indicative of the oversupply of apartments in the city," said Domain chief economist, Dr Andrew Wilson. 
"This same oversupply is highlighted by the annual decrease in median rental prices and is expected to continue until demand and supply are rebalanced.
"Unfortunately, policies that are designed to restrict investor lending, are also impacting those apartment markets where supply is already well ahead of demand."
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Darwin house prices dipping again: Domain

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A two bedroom Blacktown apartment has sold for $411,000, making it Sydney’s cheapest weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-blacktown-126407666" target="_blank">22/16 Oxford Street</a>, the property occupies a corner position within ‘The Marc’.
Built in 2005, it last sold in 2015 for $420,000. It was offered with a price guidance of $400,000 to $420,000.
It sold at $305,000 in 2005 on its completion.
It features an open plan living area with fresh interior updates and leads to a balcony. It has 67 square metres of internal space.
The kitchen has stone features and stainless steel, while the two bedrooms have built-in mirrored robes and the master an ensuite as well.
Other features includes car space in garage and visitor parking.
Public transport, shops and restaurants are a short walk away.
The property was offered through John Kastellorios of Laing + Simmons.
It had been offered as a $390 a week rental in early 2017, having been a $350 a week rental in 2014.
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Sydney's cheapest weekend auction saw price fall at Blacktown to $411,000

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A four bedroom Crace house has sold for $1,157,000, making it Canberra’s most expensive weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-crace-126349522" target="_blank">30 Ivory Street</a>, the 555 square metre property includes high-end inclusions and finishes.
It last sold in 2013 for $336,000.
It features four bedrooms, with the master bedroom having its own ensuite and walk-in robe.
There are three designer bathrooms included all with stone benchtops.
The kitchen came with 40 millimetre Calcutta caesarstone benchtop, two SMEG ovens, 900 millimetre Miele Induction Cooktop, 900 Miele Rangehood, Bosch dishwasher and soft-close drawers.
There is also a walk-in pantry finished with 40 millimetre Calcutta caesarstone benchtops and mirrored splashbacks.
<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/2017/10/08/30%20Ivory%20Street-2.jpg" alt="">
The Ultraluxe alfresco has a ceiling fan, two outdoor heaters and built-in speaker system while the outdoors has a built-in BBQ area with custom cabinets, BBQ, storage, sink and wine fridge.
A huge concrete space is available to the side of the property making it perfect for trailer, boat or caravan.
Crace shops, Gungahlin Town Centre and Canberra Centre are a short drive away.
The property was offered through Luton agents Jason Roses and Adrian Giampietro.
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Four bedroom Crace house sold for $1,157,000

<html><body>
A five bedroom house at Chapel Hill has sold for $1.95 million, making it Brisbane’s most expensive weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-chapel+hill-126156922" target="_blank">68 Tristania Road</a>, the 2000 square metre property is marketed as “reminiscent of a charming country lane”.
Built in 2013, the block last sold for $1.55 million in 2011.
It features five bedrooms along with a retreat and two bathrooms, with the master having its own ensuite.
It is flanked by a private creek with open spaces as well as a fire pit and climbing trees complete with a tree house.
A large stone kitchen overlooks the entertainment and pool areas along with open meal, formal spaces and separate media or multipurpose room.
<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/2017/10/08/68%20Tristania%20Road-2.jpg" alt="">
An alfresco area is available along with a solar heated infinity pool and high end sauna which includes its very own shower.
Other feature includes a double lock up garage.
Brisbane CBD is 9 kilometres away from the property with public transport within walking distances.
Local shopping areas, as well as cafes, are just moments away from the property.
The property was offered through Brisbane Real Estate agents Benjamin Smith and Kel Goesch.
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Five bedroom Chapel Hill house sold for $1.95 million

One of Brisbane's last major riverfront redevelopment opportunities has taken a significant step forward, with Lendlease selected as the Queensland Government's preferred development partner for the former Visy site in South Brisbane.

The seven-hectare industrial site, positioned between South Bank and West End and 1.3 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, will be transformed into a mixed-use precinct expected to deliver more than 4,000 new homes alongside extensive public open space and riverfront parkland.

The project is one of the largest urban renewal opportunities currently planned in Brisbane and is expected to play a key role in accommodating the city's growing population ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Plans for the precinct include a network of riverfront promenades and boardwalks, new public plazas, parkland, amphitheatre-style gathering spaces and shared pedestrian and cycling links designed to reconnect the long-isolated site with the Brisbane River.

The Queensland Government is targeting delivery of the first homes and key public spaces before the 2032 Games, allowing the precinct to begin contributing new housing and public amenity well before the broader masterplan is complete.

The redevelopment is also expected to support more than 3,000 jobs across planning, construction and ongoing operations.

For Lendlease, the appointment adds another major urban regeneration project to its Queensland portfolio. The developer has operated in the state for more than 70 years and has delivered a number of large-scale mixed-use precincts in partnership with government.

Lendlease Development CEO Claire Johnston said the project represented one of Brisbane's most significant redevelopment opportunities.

"The transformation of the former Visy site represents a rare opportunity to reimagine one of Brisbane's most significant riverfront locations, deliver thousands of much-needed homes, and create long-term legacy," Johnston said.

"In partnership with the Queensland Government, we have the opportunity to create a new riverside destination that will help shape Brisbane's growth and how people experience the city for decades to come.

"This is exactly the type of large-scale, city-shaping development that will provide lasting benefits for Queensland, bringing together housing, jobs and world-class public spaces."

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the riverfront transformation would deliver a thriving new community precinct.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering this golden opportunity to unlock a riverfront jewel for all Queenslanders,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment to reshape a significant slice of Brisbane and deliver lasting benefits – thousands of new homes, and public spaces for all Queenslanders to enjoy well beyond the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – unlike Labor’s plan which would have delivered zero benefits and zero new homes.

“Queensland is well and truly open for business and through partnership with the private sector, we are accelerating delivery while ensuring strong housing, community and economic outcomes."

Early works on the precinct are expected to commence in April 2027.

Joel Robinson

Lendlease selected to deliver transformative South Brisbane riverfront precinct

Eddy Haddad's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/level-33">Level 33</a> is levelling up its approved Wollongong development, as the coastal city south of Sydney continues to prove popular in the high-density development space.

Level 33, a longtime developer in the Wollongong area, has gone through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority to upsize its approved two-tower development on the corner of Crown Street and Gladstone Avenue, just 100 metres from Wollongong Station.

The developer currently has approval for 252 apartments across two buildings rising to 19 storeys. It is now seeking approval for 33 and 38-storey towers that would deliver 467 apartments, including 67 affordable homes.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bka-architecture">BKA Architecture</a>, the development would comprise apartments above a three-level podium with around 1,100 sqm of retail space, along with basement parking for 448 vehicles.

According to the Urban Design Report by BKA, the proposal has the capacity to "reinforce the precinct's identity by strengthening links between health, education, and transport services, while also contributing to Wollongong's ongoing evolution as a key regional centre."

Wollongong is somewhat in vogue. Between Level 33 and Urban Property Group, the two developers have several thousand apartments planned across the city.

Level 33 is currently delivering Easterly Wollongong, one of its most boutique projects to date with just 21 high-end apartments, as well as Atchison &amp; Kenny, a 329-apartment development due for completion later this year.

The developer plans to redevelop the 13,088 sqm WIN Grand megasite into <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crown-square-216-238-keira-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Crown Square</a>, a new $500 million precinct with nearly 600 apartments. It also has more than 900 apartments planned for the former Bunnings Warehouse site at the intersection of Gipps and Flinders streets.

Urban Property Group is also playing a major role in the city's transformation. Its five-tower Keira Place precinct will deliver more than 800 homes, and it has recently lodged plans for a further 300 apartments near Wollongong Station.

First look: Level 33 upsizes Wollongong apartment towers

Just a week after filing plans for the final stage of its major Keira Place masterplan, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has unveiled another significant housing proposal in Wollongong, this time targeting a prominent site opposite North Wollongong Station.

The developer has lodged a State Significant Development Application for a 38-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-4a-flinders-street-north-wollongong-nsw-2500">4-4A Flinders Street</a>, around one kilometre north of the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place precinct</a> currently taking shape on the edge of the CBD.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b6428f1-6405-4038-8476-897de440e90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium.png?VersionId=QLqEvK0OuCEwRC47oHNftrw2B1YqaHF8" />

Designed by Studio.SC, the proposal comprises a 38-storey mixed-use development containing 303 apartments, including 45 affordable housing units, alongside 174 co-living residences. The scheme also includes ground-floor retail space, extensive landscaping and public domain improvements.

Studio.SC noted in the proposal it "outlines a vision for a landmark transit-oriented mixed-use development centred around North Wollongong Station, designed to support the city’s future growth while responding to the NSW Government’s housing and planning reforms."

The architecture firm said the proposal responds to the opportunities and constraints shaping future growth within the 400-metre catchment of the station and represents "a coordinated and future-focused approach to urban intensification, contributing to the long-term evolution of North Wollongong as a connected, walkable and high-density station precinct."

The site occupies a strategic corner bounded by Flinders Street, Station Street, Stafford Street and the Princes Highway, directly opposite North Wollongong Station.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7863adad-1f71-4022-b850-f44b252738fd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium%20a.png?VersionId=WsU7av0g8_8R2tGHWxgHeFSlhu7yeY1V" />

The proposal follows Urban Property Group's recent submission for the second and final stage of Keira Place, which would deliver a further three buildings comprising 657 homes opposite Beaton Park. It builds on the first stage, which features 150 apartments across two towers and recently commenced construction.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said breaking ground on the first stage marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/urban-property-group-unveils-trio-of-towers-for-next-stage-of-new-wollongong-precinct-keira-place">Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place</a>

First look: Urban Property Group plans next major Wollongong tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/arada">Arada</a> has wasted little time expanding its ambitions in Campsie, lodging plans for a second major project in the rapidly transforming town centre just months after unveiling its three-tower One Campsie proposal on Beamish Street.

The UAE-backed developer has now taken aim at one of the suburb’s most strategically positioned sites, filing a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/10-north-parade-campsie-nsw-2194">33-storey mixed-use tower</a> at 10 London Street and 43 North Parade, directly opposite the future Campsie Metro Station. The proposal is currently on public exhibition and represents another significant vote of confidence in Campsie's emergence as one of Sydney’s key transit-oriented growth centres.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the development would deliver 156 apartments above a podium containing retail and commercial space, creating a new residential and commercial gateway to the town centre. The scheme also includes a four-level above-ground parking podium and a dedicated residential amenity floor featuring wellness and recreation facilities. At least 10 per cent of the apartments would be allocated as affordable housing for a period of 10 years.

The proposal occupies a 1,631 sqm site bounded by London Street, North Parade and Dispensary Lane, immediately adjoining the future Metro station precinct and just metres from Beamish Street’s retail and dining strip. According to the Urban Design Report, the project seeks to deliver "a great place that prioritises human-scaled experience and provides spatial improvements to the area."

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="175a8324-015b-4856-abe3-ce6f23199fa7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium%20campsie.png?VersionId=742UGwXFhFBX4GEl6wX4PYIWREAgn6il" />

Woods Bagot describes the tower as a key marker within Campsie's next phase of growth.

"Located directly opposite the new Campsie Metro Station on North Parade, 10 London Street is a thoughtfully composed 33-storey mixed-use tower that contributes to the ongoing transformation of the town centre," the Architectural Design Report states. The report says the project is intended to provide "high-quality homes within a vibrant, connected urban environment, while helping define Campsie's future skyline."

A strong emphasis has been placed on the public realm. The ground floor incorporates over 500 sqm of retail space and active frontages along both London Street and North Parade, while the podium is wrapped by extensive landscaped planting intended to soften the building's scale and strengthen the pedestrian experience. The development would also widen surrounding footpaths and improve connections between the Metro station and the broader town centre.

Above the podium, residents would have access to more than 1,400 sqm of communal amenities, including a pool, gym and landscaped recreation spaces. A distinctive green-wall treatment extending across four podium levels forms a major architectural feature, helping differentiate the project within the emerging high-density precinct.

The tower's design is closely tied to the broader Campsie Town Centre Master Plan and the arrival of Sydney Metro. The Urban Design Report notes the proposal "directly supports the Campsie Town Centre Master Plan by delivering new homes in a location explicitly identified for growth, improved accessibility, and high-quality urban renewal." It adds that the project contributes to the master plan's vision for a strengthened town centre supported by thousands of new homes around the future Metro station.

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfd17654-253e-489a-bade-6278d63db412" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/base%20campsie.png?VersionId=3roJPMQGs36dazpkhvpvbDDP73Ld.Ica" />

The application follows Arada's recently lodged One Campsie project at 124–142 Beamish Street and 16–18 Ninth Avenue, where the developer is seeking approval for 346 apartments across three towers rising 24, 32 and 39 storeys. Together, the two proposals would cement Arada as one of the most influential developers shaping Campsie's future urban form.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-arada-files-for-trio-of-apartment-towers-in-campsie-town-centre">First Look: Arada files for trio of apartment towers in Campsie town centre</a>

Arada entered the Australian market in 2024 and has rapidly assembled a significant development pipeline across Sydney. Alongside its Campsie holdings, the developer is soon to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wattle-green-2-fishburn-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Wattle Green</a> in Castle Hill, and has expanded its local operations following its acquisition of construction firm Roberts &amp; Co.

Located around 14 kilometres south-west of the Sydney CBD, the site sits at the centre of one of Sydney's fastest-changing middle-ring precincts. The Metro conversion of Campsie Station, combined with Canterbury-Bankstown Council's master planning framework, is driving significant residential intensification around Beamish Street and North Parade, with thousands of new homes expected over coming decades.

First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans

For the first time in a long time, Australia's inflation story is starting to look more like a landing than a fight.

The latest Consumer Price Index figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed annual inflation eased to four per cent in May, down from 4.2 per cent in April. On the surface, that might not seem like a major move. Inflation remains above the Reserve Bank's target range and some categories continue to record stubborn price growth.

But the significance of this result lies less in where inflation sits today and more in what it means for where interest rates are likely heading next.

The biggest takeaway is that inflation continues to move in the right direction.

Markets had been bracing for another sticky result after a period where progress appeared to stall. Instead, headline inflation came in softer than expected, helped by falling fuel prices and easing transport costs. Annual transport inflation halved from 6.6 per cent in April to 3.3 per cent in May, while automotive fuel prices fell 11.9 per cent during the month following lower oil prices and the impact of reduced fuel excise measures.

While petrol prices don't solve Australia's affordability challenges, they are one of the most visible and immediate costs for consumers. Falling fuel costs feed through the economy quickly, helping ease pressure on household budgets and business operating expenses.

The ABS data also showed headline inflation is now sitting at its lowest annual level in several months, reinforcing the broader trend that price growth is gradually moderating.

That trend is important because it aligns with what many economists and lenders have been saying for the last month.

Prior to this week's inflation data, ANZ, NAB and Commonwealth Bank had all shifted their forecasts, now believing the Reserve Bank had likely reached the peak of the interest rate cycle. Following the May inflation release, ANZ reaffirmed that view.

In its latest economic update, ANZ said it expects quarterly trimmed mean inflation to come in at 3.7 per cent for the June quarter, slightly below the Reserve Bank's forecast of 3.8 per cent. Importantly, the bank said that outcome, when combined with slowing economic activity, "supports our view that the cash rate has peaked".

The Reserve Bank has spent the better part of three years attempting to bring inflation under control through higher interest rates. If Australia's major banks are correct and rates have now peaked, the conversation shifts from how much higher rates could go to when they might begin coming down.

Westpac's caution comes from underlying inflation. The trimmed mean, the measure most closely watched by the Reserve Bank, increased from 3.4 per cent to 3.6 per cent annually. Housing inflation remains elevated at 6.5 per cent, reflecting ongoing increases in rents, electricity costs and new dwelling construction.

Electricity prices remain particularly problematic, rising 21.1 per cent over the past year following the removal of government rebates.

Housing construction costs are also showing signs of renewed pressure. ANZ noted new dwelling costs rose 0.9 per cent in May and are now running at an annualised pace of 8.6 per cent over the past three months. Builders continue to face higher labour, fuel and material costs, a reminder that inflationary pressures have not completely disappeared.

Housing affordability has deteriorated largely because of higher interest rates rather than higher property prices alone. Even modest reductions in mortgage rates would improve borrowing capacity, increase buyer confidence and reduce repayment pressure on existing homeowners.

While August is far from a certainty, the latest inflation result has strengthened the view that the next move in rates is more likely to be down than up. For borrowers, buyers and the development sector, that alone represents a significant shift from the conversation that dominated much of the past two years.

Staff reporter

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