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The Hawthorn, Melbourne home of fashion designer Virginia Wellington has been listed with $6.9 million to $7.59 million hopes.
The home at 42 Hawthorn Grove was built in 1896.
The Friday Collective designer's Italianate Victorian home was built with a ballroom with its detailed vaulted ceiling.
<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/Ballroom.jpg" alt="">
 
There are formal living and dining rooms, a granite kitchen adjoining a conservatory overlooking the garden at the five bedrooms, two bathroom house.
Abercromby’s Real Estate has the listing.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

1896 Hawthorn home with ballroom

Australians have borrowed a lot to purchase housing: Philip Lowe

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Brunswick, Victoria is set to be the busiest auction suburb this weekend, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data says that auction property numbers are expected to surpass last weeks.
Victoria has all of the busiest suburbs for auction this week, with 23 homes scheduled to go to auction across Brunswick, while Hopper Crossing is set to host 19 auctions, Reservoir with 18 and Northcote and Richmond both with 16 auctions each.
The number of properties scheduled to go to auction this week is expected to surpass last week as the busiest week for auctions since June, with CoreLogic currently tracking 2,592 auctions across the combined capital cities, up from last week when final results saw 2,510 auctions held.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/09/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-21%20at%2010.17.20%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/09/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-21%20at%2010.17.20%20am.jpg" alt="">
Over the same week last year, volumes were lower that what we are currently tracking this week (2,480).
Sydney is set to see a higher volume of auctions this week, with 983 homes scheduled to go to auction across the city, increasing from last week when 916 auction were held.
In Melbourne auction activity will remain relatively steady week-on-week, with 9 fewer auctions scheduled this week (1,256), when compared to last week’s final results (1,265).
Looking at the smaller auction markets, activity is set to rise in Adelaide, Canberra, Perth and Tasmania, while Brisbane will see fewer auctions scheduled this week compared to last.
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brunswick-126304826" target="_blank">4 Collace Street</a>, Brunswick (above) will be sold over the weekend for between $1.1 million to $1.2 million.
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brunswick-126304946" target="_blank">15 Eveline Street</a>, Brunswick (below) will be sold for between $1.6 million to $1.7 million.
Built in 1880 the 278 sqm property last sold for $940,000 in 2011.
<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/2017/09/21/15%20Eveline%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Brunswick, Victoria to be the busiest weekend auction suburb: CoreLogic

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<div id="story-description">
Reserve Bank of Australia chief Philip Lowe said borrowers should “prepare for higher interest rates.”
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Dr Lowe said its “more likely” that interest rates will “go up than down”, in response to a question at a business forum in Perth yesterday.
Dr Lowe said he noted that markets are pricing that interest rates will go up than down.
“I’d agree with that. The second is that it’s some time before an interest rate rise will occur and I’d also agree with that.
"More likely it will go up but it’s not for some time,” Dr Lowe said.
“People should prepare for higher interest rates. They’re rising globally and if things work out well here over time — I’m not saying when — we’d expect higher rates here.
"In my view that would be a positive development for the economy.”
He noted there are scenarios where interest rates would have to be cut.
“People don’t like hearing this but we’d all be better off if the next interest rate move is up rather than down,” he said.
In a speech titled “The Next Chapter,” the RBA governor said caution will need to exhibited by the RBA as soaring household debt levels will require policy makers to act carefully.
The RBA Governor Philip Lowe addressed how Australia deals with the higher level of household debt and higher housing prices, especially in a world of more normal interest rates.
It is likely that higher levels of household debt change household spending patterns, he noted.
"Having increased their borrowing, households are less inclined to let consumption growth run ahead of growth in incomes for too long.
"Higher levels of debt also mean that household spending could be quite sensitive to increases in interest rates, something the Reserve Bank will be paying close attention to.
"To date, households have been coping reasonably well with the higher debt levels," he said.
He noted the aggregate debt-to-income ratio has trended higher, but the ratio of interest payments to income is not particularly high, given the low level of interest rates (Graph 8).
Housing loan arrears remain low, although they have increased a little recently, especially in Western Australia.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/09/22/sp-gov-2017-09-21-graph8.gif" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<div class="image-graph">
<div class="title">Graph 8</div>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/22/sp-gov-2017-09-21-graph8.gif" alt="">
</div>
Over recent times, one issue that the Reserve Bank has focused on is the build-up of medium-term risks from growth in household debt persistently outpacing that in household income.
"Our concern has been that, in this environment, a small shock could turn into a more serious correction as households seek to repair their balance sheets.
"We have been working with APRA through the Council of Financial Regulators to address this risk.
"The various measures are having a positive impact in improving the resilience of household balance sheets."
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RBA Governor says more likely rates go up than down

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Probuild has been revealed as the nation’s most active construction company during 2016/17 in the HIA-CoreLogic Construction 100 Report 2016/17.
The report presents in-depth analysis of the engineering construction, non-residential building, and apartment sectors and ranks the largest 100 companies operating in these sectors.
Victoria-based Probuild has made the most of the apartment boom in Melbourne and Sydney as well as the demand for construction of mixed-used developments including luxury hotels to jump from fifth on the list last year to the top spot amongst Australia’s Construction 100.
The scale of the mining project downturn on the engineering construction side means that levels of expenditure have slowed for three consecutive years between 2014/15 and 2016/17.
The big news in the engineering sector is that in the second half of 2016/17 activity rose by 3.3 per cent compared with the first half of the year.
This is the most encouraging news from this sector for a number of years.
Lendlease held second spot on the Construction 100 for the second year in a row with contracts totalling $5.3 billion awarded during the 2016/17 year, predominantly for civil engineering work, community construction projects and commercial construction.
Multiplex ranked third with $5.14 billion worth of new contracts awarded.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/09/21/1505955060914.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/09/21/1505955060914.jpg" alt="">
John Holland and CPB Contractors benefited from the boost in public sector investment in transport infrastructure in the major capital cities and ranked fourth and fifth on the Construction 100 respectively.
The changing mix of work within the construction sector is clearly evident amongst the activity of firms in the Construction 100.
The nation’s largest construction firms have proven highly capable of adapting their services to meet the demands of current economic conditions and deliver the projects that the market has required.
Looking ahead we expect that the impending slowdown in apartment building will be offset by further growth in public sector investment in infrastructure.
Business confidence is also showing signs of improvement which is a signal that demand for construction from the private sector could also strengthen.
This investment profile should ensure that the construction sector continues to be a significant driver of economic growth.
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Australia’s top construction companies revealed

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There has been a $13.75 million sale in the 1788 Residences development at Double Bay.
Late on Thursday a buyer exchanged on the sub-penthouse on level five of the <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/project/2395/1788-residences-double-bay-nsw" target="_blank">Bates Smart-designed project</a> after an amalgamation of two apartments into a single unit.
It topped the $10.5 million record paid a month ago when a smaller 180-square-metre penthouse sold on the day of the VIP launch. 
CBRE selling agent Ben Stewart said the sub-penthouse 295 square metre amalgamation equated to $46,610 per square metre.
The penthouse equated to a bullish rate of $58,333 per square metre.
The SJD Group development also secured a $9.6 million for an apartment on level three.
Before the 1788 sale spree, Double Bay’s highest apartment sale was $8.9 million, when the penthouse of the Chancellor sold in 2014.
There are 15 apartments left to be sold of the 31 on offer in 1788.
At its late August VIP launch, just 11 of the 31 apartments sold for a total of $55 million.  
It is due to be complete by early 2019.
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Halfway there in Double Bay's 1788 OTP sales

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Fans of the television series Offspring can rent Nina Proudman’s 1900s Victorian-style house in the inner Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy on Airbnb.

The house has been “kidproofed” and can sleep six guests.

The home’s interiors were designed by Melbourne-based host Kali Cavanagh who said it is amazing to be able to open up her home and share it with all kinds of people, now including fans of Offspring also, through Airbnb.

<img alt="" src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/21/2_gyldq4-1024x576.png">

“Whether they’re wanting to experience what it’s like to live like Nina Proudman, to enjoy a curated space or simply explore the amazing cafe and restaurants in the Fitzroy community, it’s always a pleasure to share my home with new people,” she told Domain.

Kavanagh re-designed the bathroom, lounge, dining and kitchen areas with polished concrete floors and benchtops, a double french oven and luxury appliances.

It is available for <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/5850884" target="_blank">$596 per night</a>.

Airbnb have three other homes used as Offspring sets listed.

The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/6609142" target="_blank">designer Fitzroy terrace</a> which featured as a regular set during the first season of the show has been heritage listed and can be booked for $350 a night.

<img alt="" src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/21/2_gyldqg-1024x576.png">

The apartment in the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/2084207" target="_blank">heart of Fitzroy</a> overlooks the shopfront used as the set for Proudman’s Real Estate.

And the fourth component of the Proudman property portfolio, the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/3845375" target="_blank">penthouse owned by the late Darcy Proudman</a>, can also be booked for $279 a night.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3565]
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Rent Nina Proudman’s Offspring house on Airbnb 

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A three bedroom Tannum Sands, Queensland house in the Gladstone region has been listed for mortgagee sale for $259,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-tannum+sands-126247534">13 Winnecke Road</a>, the 738 sqm property is 2 kilometres from the beach.
Built in 1981, it last sold for $515,000 in 2012.
It features three bedrooms all with their own built-in robes and fans while the main bedroom has its own ensuite.
The timber kitchen has a double sink, dishwasher, glass cooktop and large pantry.
A covered outdoor entertainment area is next to the flat yard space and there is also an in-ground swimming pool with separate spa.
Other features includes a double lock up garage as well as a large single carport.
The property is offered through Elders Real Estate agent Luke Watts.
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Three bedroom Tannum Sands, Queensland house listed for mortgagee sale

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The owners of Noosa’s renowned Sails Restaurant have listed their prime waterfront site, with expectations of $11 million.
Lyndon Simmons has listed the restaurant and wedding venue on Hastings Street through agent Tom Offermann, according to The Australian.
The two-storey restaurant tucked in a protected corner of Noosa’s Main Beach was developed on freehold land more than two decades ago.
The operation will continue with a 10-year lease in place and three possible five-year extensions.
“It’s not your usual commercial property and it’s not going to appeal to the hard-nosed commercial investor looking purely at immediate return on investment," Tom Offermann said.
“The person to whom it will appeal will be the investor who can see this location will always have a tenant because there will always be restaurateurs wanting one of the best restaurant sites in the country, and someone for whom a legacy property appeals.”
Trading conditions for businesses and tourism have been strong over the past three years in line with visitor numbers increasing.
Herron Todd White reported an upgrade to Hastings Street about four years ago improved foot traffic and there has been ­little retail vacancy since the amenity boosts.
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Noosa's Sail Restaurant listed with $11 million hopes

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The Federal Opposition has formally signalled it will be opposing any appointment of former banker, John O’Sullivan, as the new chairman of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Both the Shadow Treasurer, Chris Bowen and the Shadow Minister for Financial Services, Senator Katy Gallagher said the party would not be support O’Sullivan’s appointment were it to be formally put forward by the Government.
“Labor makes it very clear, we will not support Mr O'Sullivan's appointment, should it proceed,” Bowen and Gallagher said in a statement.
The term of current ASIC chairman Greg Medcraft expires in November.
Mr O'Sullivan is currently chairman of Credit Suisse's local investment bank. He was previously General Counsel of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and a partner at Freehills.
“Labor does not do this lightly," their statement said.
"We do this in light of our most serious concerns and our respect for the importance of ASIC's independence.”
It said the reputation of the corporate regulator and its leadership team had to be beyond reproach.
The mooted appointment emerged in June this year when canvassed by the Rear Window column in The Australian Financial Review.
“On 24 June this year, in response to earlier reports that this appointment was receiving serious consideration by the Turnbull Government, Federal Labor provided a clear warning on appointing such a partisan figure linked to the Utegate affair which clearly tainted Malcolm Turnbull, to such an important economic institution.”
“There were emails released as part of the investigations into the Utegate affair which showed contact between Mr O’Sullivan, then Chairman of Credit Suisse’s Australian investment banking operations, and disgraced Treasury official Godwin Grech,” the statement said.
“Mr O’Sullivan has been a Liberal Party member in Mr Turnbull’s electorate, a President of the Liberal Party’s Wentworth federal electoral conference and previously donated to Mr Turnbull’s Wentworth Forum.”
“Australia has well-respected economic regulators based on a tradition of non-partisan appointments,” the joint statement said.
“The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has a vital role to play in regulating financial conduct and protecting Australian consumers and the last thing it needs is this sort of controversy fixing itself upon ASIC’s leadership team.”
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Utegate divisions loom over John O'Sullivan's mooted ASIC chairmanship

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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