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A New York inspired penthouse at The Residences in the heart of the Brisbane CBD has seen a price cut of $1.6 million.
The apartment was contracted at $4.5 million in 2014, however the deal didn't complete.
Its most recent marketing now has it pegged at $2.9 million.
It will still be a profit for the New South Wales based owners, who paid $2.1 million in 2009. They have however spent hundreds of thousands on renovations since the purchase.
<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/2017/09/28/Brisbane2.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
Their 2009 buy still stands as the building's most expensive.
Now relocating to Europe, the vendors have tasked Place New Farm agent Ben White with selling the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-brisbane+city-126433534" target="_blank">Adelaide Street apartment</a>.
Spanning 310 sqm, the apartment has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a library.
The Residence block was previously a former Queensland Government building built in the 1940s.
It homed the State's land titles office before being turned into a residential development in the 1990s.  
 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Brisbane's most extreme price cut

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A development site in inner Brisbane on which an apartment tower was planned, is being sold by the mortgagee.
It comes as the city’s oversupply concerns loom large.
The RBA has in recent months voiced its concerns over the apartment oversupply in Brisbane. Thousands of completed apartments are set to hit the market this quarter.
The marketing for <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-qld-woolloongabba-502516766" target="_blank">the 1,012 sqm holding on Carl Street</a> in inner-city Woolloongabba is being handed to Cushman &amp; Wakefield by the lender.
The site is two blocks of three that won development approval from the Brisbane City Council for a 91-apartment tower to be called Dietrich on Carl in 2015, according to The Australian.
Situated in the heart of Woolloongabba, the 91 units were to be spread across 12 levels, with a roof top pool and recreation areas.
Close to transport and shops and with a rich heritage, the property was marketed as offering lifestyle and location benefits that would appeal to both owner/occupier and investor alike.
Unit supply in greater Brisbane is scheduled to grow by 20 per cent over the next two years, with 39,420 apartments and townhouses hitting the market, according to property analytics firm CoreLogic.
With more than 2,200 new apartments remaining for sale, developers are under pressure to settle their stock despite tightened lending conditions for foreigners and investors.
Cushman &amp; Wakefield agent Joe Kennedy said there was reasonable interest in the two sites, which is within Brisbane’s eastern corridor zoned for high-density residential.
“The development site market in Brisbane is not what it was two years ago, with all the doom and gloom, but it is starting to pick up again,” Kennedy said. 
“This is certainly the first (mortgagee-in-possession) site we’ve had. It’s not something I’ve seen a lot of.”
The entire three block site was bought in two purchases for a $5 million total in 2014 by Sandton Pty Ltd, a Canberra company trading as Precision Living. The company could not be reached for comment, according to The Australian.
Developers have deferred around 43 per cent of apartments in major projects across inner Brisbane due to a decline in sales, higher construction prices and tighter lending conditions, a report by Place Advisory’s June Quarter said.
Smaller development sites were still scoring deals, Kennedy said, citing site sales for 12 to 20 units within their office totalling $12 million in the popular western suburb of Indooroopilly.
The oversupply story is true for established Brisbane developers. Metro Property Development last year sold a site on Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley and Montpelier Road in Bowen Hills for a combined loss of $11.2m.
The company later sold their Manning Street site for $13 million, making a loss of $7 million, to Aria Property Development.
Metro has also put the final two stages of its Central Village apartment complex in Fortitude Valley up for sale through JLL.
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Mortgagee Brisbane development site on the market

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Development Victoria’s latest residential development, the Rothelowman-designed CIRQ Point Cook townhouse project, has achieved more than 50 per cent sales, with nearly three quarters going to local buyers.
Development Victoria fast-tracked the release of the second collection of homes after the launch of stage one attracted strong interest. 
In its first weekend more than $11.5 million worth of homes sold in May. 
CIRQ Point Cook Stage Two featured 14 two and three-bedroom townhouses. 
Development Victoria’s general manager Development and Construction, Peter Southwell said the response to the project had been extremely strong. 
Southwell said the success of the project was a result of bringing the right type of products to the market at the right time, and ensuring easy access to the town centre and neighbouring wetlands. 
“Development Victoria has been involved in developing Point Cook since 1998,” he said. 
“We have facilitated the delivery of a range of different housing types that meet the needs of individuals and families, and improve affordability.” 
Paul Ciprian, director of Oliver Hume which is marketing the project, said the sales rush reinforced the demand for high quality architectural designs that combine proximity to amenity, livability, innovative design and light-filled spaces framing views to nature. 
“CIRQ residents will have access to Point Cook’s main retail and commercial centre, library, cycle paths, kindergarten and community centre, along with four schools and colleges and three childcare/early learning centres, which are all located within a few minutes’ walk of these great new homes,” Ciprian said.
Many locals have purchased with the view to downsize from an established home in Point Cook, the most popular dwellings being the townhouses fronting the park, which feature large windows and terraces out toward the wetlands and park.
The first release forms part of 104 new homes in the first medium-density housing project for Development Victoria, which launched in April 2017 as the Victorian Government’s new agency responsible for urban renewal and development and civic projects, following the merge of Places Victoria and Major Projects Victoria. 
CIRQ is located on the corner of Lawler Street and Murnong Street, Point Cook VIC, and the display suite is open daily from 11am-5pm 
CIRQ Point Cook features two, three and four bedroom townhouses, designed by architects Rothelowman.
CIRQ has also recently achieved the Silver Standard of Livable Housing Australia Guidelines certification.
The Silver Standard assesses developments on a range of performance levels and design standards, including accessibility and adaptability.
<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/2017/09/11/IMG_0437.jpg" alt="">
A number of home designs at CIRQ meet these performance standards through its inclusion of appropriate front door width specifications, ground floor toilets, and bathroom designs that support long-term occupancy.
“Achieving Silver Standard certification for Point Cook highlights the quality and contemporary design standard of the homes on offer,” Mr Southwell said.
“The certification addresses important factors such as accessibility to help residents stay in these new homes in the long-term.” 
The CIRQ development is the first medium-density housing project for Development Victoria, which launched in April 2017 as the Victorian Government’s new agency responsible for urban renewal, property development and civic projects.For more information, visit <a href="http://cirq.com.au" target="_blank">cirq.com.au</a>.
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New homes in CIRQ Point Cook selling to local buyers

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West Gladstone ranks among the most affordable suburbs to rent a unit in Australia, according to Real Estate Investar’s latest report.
The property investment firm says that the median rent for a unit at West Gladstone is $130.
This is followed by Millicent with $135 and Chinchilla with $140.
<table style="width: 355px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
State
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
Median rent
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
West Gladstone
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
4680
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
$130
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Millicent
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
SA
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
5280
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
$135
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Chinchilla
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
4413
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
$140
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Deniliquin
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2710
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
$150
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Moe
</td>
<td valign="top" width="47">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
3825
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
$160
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-west+gladstone-409111235" target="_blank">1/32 Boles Street</a>, West Gladstone (above) is available for $99 per week.
Another two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-west+gladstone-407135141" target="_blank">2/12 Murray Street</a>, West Gladstone (below) is available for $145 per week.
<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/2017/07/19/2_12%20Murray%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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West Gladstone units can be rented for $130 per week: Investar

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Generation-Y first home buyers are helping drive a population surge in the northern Gold Coast’s Pimpama, which was also Australia’s fastest-growing regional suburb.
Pimpama recorded the fastest growth rate of any area outside of an Australian capital city between 2014 and 2015, with the number of residents growing by 20% in that period, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Compared with Pimpama, Greater Brisbane witnessed an increase of 1.6% while it was 1.2% for the whole of Queensland.
According to QM Properties general sales manager Damien Ross, first home buyers accounted for almost a quarter of buyers at its Pimpama-based Pacific Cove development, which will add 507 new homes to the suburb on completion.
“104 sites of between 400 and 800 square metres have sold at Pacific Cove since launching to the market nine months ago, with 28% of our first home buyers aged under 30 and another 56% aged between 30 and 40,” Ross said.
“The owner-occupier focus has been a major drawcard, particularly for those buyers wanting to make their first home their forever home, with room to grow and start a family in an estate with a real sense of community.”
Prices for a 402 sqm land lot start at $239,500, while a four-bedroom home and land package costs $399,000. The relative affordability has also made the prospect of leaving the rental market for the first time a real possibility for first home buyers, added Ross.
“Buyers are also excited about the new infrastructure planned for the area, including new schools and the nearby Coomera Town Centre shopping hub.”
QM Properties’ current investment in the Gold Coast region includes more than 2,500 home sites across five estates – Pacific Cove, Coomera Retreat, Coomera Waters, Coomera Quays and the soon-to-launch Tuxedo Junction at Maudsland.
Across the portfolio, 61.7% of buyers have come from the Gold Coast, with 7.5% from Logan City and 5.3% from Ipswich.
“Located 40 minutes to the Brisbane CBD and 20 minutes to Surfers Paradise, both Pimpama and Coomera have proven popular suburbs with those seeking the flexibility to commute to either local or city-based work,” Ross said.
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First home buyers drive Australia’s fastest-growing regional suburb

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Townsville investors are more attracted towards housing products than units, according to a recent Herron Todd White report.
The property data firm says that the rental market continues to see an oversupply.
“Over the past few years, local and out of town investors have typically been more attracted to housing product over unit stock as the rental market, particularly for units, remains in oversupply along with ongoing buyer aversion due to high body corporate expenses.
“Local investors appear to be typically attracted to entry level stock in the sub $300,000 price bracket, whilst out of town investors are generally in the $300,000 plus price bracket.
“The rental market is continuing to indicate an excess of supply with the vacancy rate for houses as at June 2017 standing at 4.75% and units at 6.50%.
“This excess supply of property available in the rental market relative to demand over the past three to four years has been filtering through to on-going trend reductions in the level of median rents,” the report stated.
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-douglas-126259270" target="_blank">20 Curtin Place</a>, Douglas (above) has been listed for $349,000.
Built in 2000 it last sold in 2003 for $363,000.
Another three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-condon-126248602" target="_blank">13 Rosella Court</a>, Condon (below) was listed for $279,000. It is under contract now.
Built in 1980, it last sold for $20,000 in 1988.
<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/2017/08/25/13%20Rosella%20Court.jpg" alt="">
Median rents have fallen by 11% compared to levels in 2012, Herron Todd White warns.
“In trend terms median rents in March 2017 for both houses and units are 11.7% below their corresponding levels in March 2012.
“Investors in the current market appear to be seeking capital gains.
“With both the median house price and median rents at soft levels, this puts investors in a good position to capitalise on the upswing in market conditions.
“The latest federal budget has tinkered with property market settings to address housing affordability including the implementation of changes to residential investment property depreciation.
“These changes along with tighter financial controls for investors appear to be one size fits all adjustments applied to correct Sydney and Melbourne markets, however they have the potential to negatively affect regional markets such as Townsville, where the primary concern is consolidating a recovery process, not affordability,” the report said.
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Townsville investors more attracted to houses than units: HTW

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JLL has been named Property Service Provider under the Whole of Australian Government (WoAG) property procurement tender.
JLL will provide integrated facilities management services to 34 government agencies, spanning more than 3.6 million square metres across more than 3200 leased and owned properties.
Steve Mackintosh, JLL’s Head of Government Business, said JLL has been providing property services to Australian Federal Government Departments for over twenty years.
“JLL was selected for this latest significant Government property portfolio following a competitive tender and this appointment reinforces our strong position in the government sector in Australia," he said.
“The appointment will also showcase the specialised skills of JLL in a comprehensive range of property management services, including contractor management, lease acquisition and administration, facility management services, procurement, help desk, environmental management, financial services and reporting.”
Chris Hunt, JLL’s Managing Director, Integrated Facilities Management, Australasia, said these major new Federal Government contracts build on the firm’s strong platform of Government clients.
“The Whole of Australian Government property procurement tender has allowed us to aggregate work and put much more efficient teams together to work across major departments.”
Evolve FM—a joint venture with PSG Holdings where JLL is the minority stakeholder —has also been appointed as a provider.
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JLL to hold large Federal Government property portfolio in Australia after major wins

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Jeff Xu’s Golden Age is pushing ahead with its $500 million luxury residential tower on the eastern edge of Melbourne’s CBD.
But he has redesigned the Spring Street project for top-end owner-occupiers.
There are 145 apartments proposed for the 39-storey building.
Surrounded by heritage-listed buildings and overlooking Parliament House, the project has an end value of approximately $500 million that will add a significant bow to Golden Age’s $4.2b portfolio.
The 85 Spring Street project was bought from Grocon who had approval for 225 apartments, after trimming its earlier proposal from 305 apartments over 44 levels when it had failed to gain the green light from Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne.
Golden Age has a $4.2 billion residential and commercial portfolio.
Its suggested prices ranging from $698,000 for a one-bedroom up to $8 million for the top three-bedroom in the Bates Smart designed project.
“When undertaking this project we looked at the existing product mix and completely redesigned it for our target market,” Mr Xu told The Australian.
“We set about reducing the number of apartments and making each more spacious with a dedication to additional living, dining and leisure rooms.”
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Golden Age's Spring Street project redesigned for top-end owner-occupiers

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AMP Capital has listed a third interest in its 50 Bridge Street property, which is part of the group's $2 billion Quay Quarter Sydney development at Circular Quay.
AMP Capital has appointed JLL and Macquarie Bank to advise on the sale, Fairfax Media advised.
It is expected 50 Bridge Street will attract capital from domestic and international investor
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-27%20at%2012.02.45%20PM.png" alt="">
The NSW government's planned $200 million upgrade at Circular Quay coincides with the projects by AMP Capital, Lendlease, Mirvac and Wanda at the northern end of the CBD.
AMP Capital confirmed recently to The Australian it will kick off the office component of its $2 billion Quay Quarter Sydney development next January after selling close to $400 million worth of luxury apartments in the broader harbourside precinct it is overhauling.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-27%20at%2012.02.54%20PM.png" alt="">
The office tower is being started as the financial services group has pre-committed to take about 40 per cent of the office space and inquiry on the project is strong.
“We remain on track to commence development in January next year,” AMP Capital managing director, office and industrial, Luke Briscoe said.
Meanwhile AMP Capital’s Wholesale Office Fund (AWOF) will take a stake in Brookfield’s Wynyard Place development in Sydney, agreeing to acquire a 25 per cent interest in the completed development. 
AMP Capital’s separate account client UniSuper has also committed to a 24.9 per cent interest in the completed development. 
A private real estate fund managed by Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM) has appointed a local subsidiary of Brookfield Property Partners L.P. (NYSE:BPY) to undertake the development of Wynyard Place, which will be a significant mixed use precinct bounded by George Street, Margaret Street and Carrington Street at Wynyard in Sydney’s central business district. 
Wynyard Place’s centrepiece is a 67,000 sqm, 27-level premium grade commercial tower, which is 45 per cent pre-committed by National Australia Bank (NAB).
The development will also include restoration of the historic Shell House and 285 George Street.
In addition, 3,500 sqm of high-end retail will be created together with a revitalised Wynyard Lane and a major upgrade to Wynyard Station’s George Street entrance connecting to a grand transit hall and public concourse.  
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AMP Capital has listed a third interest in its 50 Bridge Street property

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A three bedroom Winwill rural property has sold for $240,000 making it Queensland’s cheapest weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-qld-winwill-126218594" target="_blank">97 Back Ma Ma Road</a>, the property has views across the valley to the mountains beyond.
It features an outdoor area at the rear that overlooks the paddock while the open plan living area has views of the surrounding area.
All the bedrooms have built-ins while the kitchen has built-in cupboards and ample bench space.
Other features includes a two car bay shed with roller doors as well as two horse shelters.
Toowoomba is 20 minutes drive from the property.
The property was offered through LJ Hooker agent Jan Lewis.
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Three bedroom Winwill rural property sold for $240,000

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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