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For the second year in a row, Metricon Homes was revealed as the nation’s number one residential builder, at the launch of the HIA-COLORBOND® steel Housing 100 Report in Melbourne this morning.
<a href="https://www.metricon.com.au" target="_blank">Metricon Homes</a> reported a total of 4,367 starts - just two more than last year - across Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.
Of these starts, 3,876 were detached houses and 491 were semi-detached dwellings.
The number of new houses commenced in Australia has fallen over the last year, but the bar for entry into the HIA–COLORBOND® steel Housing 100 Report continues to rise.
The number of starts required to make the list has increased from 96 to 108 – the highest entry hurdle on record.
The HIA–COLORBOND® steel Housing 100 Report shows that:
<ul>
<li>Australia’s 100 largest builders increased their starts by 8.5 per cent to 74,572 during 2016/17, the highest number of starts on record for the Housing 100 group;</li>
<li>The Housing 100 accounted for 45 per cent of all new dwellings started in 2016/17;</li>
<li>Revenue earned from home construction by the Housing 100 increased by 22 per cent to $22.61 billion in 2016/17.</li>
</ul>
The number of new dwellings commenced in Australia declined by 6.9 per cent in 2016/17 but the number of housing starts by the largest 100 Builders in Australia actually increased by 8.5 per cent.
These results show that even in a shrinking market, there are a smaller number of builders that are still growing their business.
The boom in apartments - particularly in Sydney and Melbourne - has been a major factor in this year’s results.
Multi-unit starts have declined this year compared to the previous year, but they still remain at very elevated levels.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/09/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-20%20at%2010.48.02%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/2017/09/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-20%20at%2010.48.02%20am.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.dyldam.com.au" target="_blank">Dyldam Developments</a> is Australia’s second-largest homebuilder with 3,605 starts during 2016/17. All of Dyldam Developments’ starts relate to apartment construction in Sydney.
<a href="https://www.abngroup.com.au" target="_blank">ABN Group</a> defied a slow market in Western Australia to achieve third place on the list.
The biggest mover for a second year in a row was the <a href="https://www.mjhgroup.net.au" target="_blank">MJH Group</a> with an increase of 517 starts in 2016/17.
This is in addition to their growth of 1,034 starts during the previous year escalating them to sixth place on the list of largest builders in Australia.
ACT-based <a href="https://www.geocon.com.au" target="_blank">GEOCON</a> more than doubled its number of starts – with an increase of 492 starts - in 2016/17. This makes them the second biggest mover in the year.
The NSW <a href="https://rilowgroup.com.au" target="_blank">RILOW Group</a> jumped 26 spots on the list to be the 58th largest builder in the country.
There are 17 builders appearing on the list for the first time, which are predominantly from NSW and Queensland.
The prior HIA-COLORBOND® steel Housing 100 Report 2015/16 revealed a fourth consecutive increase in new dwelling commencements for Australia’s largest volume builders, with Metricon topping the latest list.
The total number of HOUSING 100 starts was 69,161 in 2015/16, compared to the previous record of 69,100 in 2003/04 and the ten year high of 68,621 reached in 2014/15.
The report, that ranks Australia’s largest 100 residential builders based on the number of homes commenced each year, found that Metricon Homes was the nation’s number one home builder in 2015/16.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Metricon tops HIA’s Top Homebuilders again

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<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">Residential property prices rose 1.9 percent in the June quarter nationwide according to the ABS.</div>
Price rises in Sydney (2.3 per cent) and Melbourne (3.0 per cent) were partially offset by falls in Perth (0.8 per cent) and Darwin (1.4 per cent). 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/09/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-20%20at%2010.12.38%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-20%20at%2010.12.38%20AM.png" alt="">
Bruce Hockman, ABS chief economist for the ABS, residential property prices, while continuing to rise in Melbourne and Sydney this quarter, have begun to moderate. 
"Annual price movements ranged from -4.9 percent in Darwin to +13.8 percent in Sydney and Melbourne. 
"These results highlight the diverse housing market and economic conditions in Australia's capital cities.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/09/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-20%20at%2010.14.03%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-20%20at%2010.14.03%20AM.png" alt=""> "Through the year growth in residential property prices reached 10.2 per cent in the June quarter 2017. 
"Sydney and Melbourne recorded the largest through the year growth of all capital cities, both rising 13.8 per cent followed by Hobart, which rose 12.4 percent. "The total value of Australia's 9.9 million residential dwellings increased $145.9 billion to $6.7 trillion. 
"The mean price of dwellings in Australia rose by $12,100 over the quarter to $679,100."
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/09/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-20%20at%2010.14.57%20AM.png" target="_blank"> Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-09-20%20at%2010.14.57%20AM.png" alt="">
 
“The annual pace of dwelling price growth across Australia’s eight capital cities moved up a gear to 10.2 per cent during the June 2017 quarter,” said HIA Senior Economist, Shane Garrett.
The ABS Residential Property Price Index released today, shows acceleration in the pace of dwelling price growth.
“Dwelling price growth is still strongest in Sydney and Melbourne. Hobart and Canberra also showed robust price growth.
“The markets most affected by the natural resources investment downturn like Perth and Darwin continue to be affected by falling dwelling prices.
“The bottom line is that unabated price increases are putting the dream of home ownership beyond the reach of more and more Australians.
“The ultimate solution to the affordability challenge is to make the delivery of our future housing stock easier and less costly.
“More flexibility in housing supply is the answer,” Mr Garrett concluded.
Between the June 2016 and the June 2017 quarters, Sydney dwellings experienced the largest increase in price (+14.4 per cent) followed by Melbourne (+13.4 per cent) and Hobart (+11.3 per cent).
There were also rises in dwelling prices in Canberra (+8.9 per cent), Adelaide (+5.0 per cent) and Brisbane (+3.5 per cent) over the same period.
Prices declined in both Perth (-3.5 per cent) and Darwin (-5.9 per cent) over the year to the June 2017 quarter.
“Falling Perth house prices are indicative of a weak economy, which is why the State Government must double down on its commitment to driving the State’s growth,” Property Council WA Executive Director Lino Iacomella said. 
“A major focus must be on encouraging population growth through job creation. 
“There is a plethora of major infrastructure projects in the pipeline since the reveal of the State Government’s METRONET plans.
“It is also imperative that the government pushes ahead with its election promise to establish Infrastructure WA, to plan and prioritize infrastructure projects," he said.
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House prices continue to rise with double digit strength

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The King &amp; Phillip Residences in Sydney secured $250 million worth of apartments sell on the first day.    
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</div>
<div class="in-content-ad">Of the 104 apartments on offer in the Galileo Group development 80 per cent sold last Saturday, of which all but two apartments sold to locals, mostly Chinese Australian buyers.</div>
The sub-penthouse sold for $10.1 million
The building’s one-bedroom apartments with study sold for as high as $2 million plus, without any carspace, the two-bedroom apartments sold for between $3 million and $4 million, and the larger three-bedders sold for between $5 million and $6.5 million.
<img class="attachment-full size-full" src="https://static.domain.com.au/domainblog/uploads/2017/09/18155225/3_gxvpx4.jpg" alt="The King and Phillip apartments in Sydney." width="705" height="928">
The 25-storey building designed by Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt) is set to be complete in 2020 on the site of the former University of Sydney law school campus. 
The Galileo Group bought the brutalist-style building from Sydney University in 2015 for $45 million.
 
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$250 million worth of apartments sold in King & Phillip Residences, Sydney

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A sandstone three bedroom College Park house has sold for $1.21 million making it Adelaide’s most expensive weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-college+park-126236718" target="_blank">24 Harrow Road</a>, the 513 sqm property has its own separate studio.
Built in 1900 it last sold for $960,000 in 2015.
It features a room opening to a paved outdoor entertainment area as well as a sitting room with gas heater.
The kitchen features European appliances and is adjacent to the dining 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/2017/09/17/24%20Harrow%20Road-2.jpg" alt="">
Updated features of the house includes gas hot water, roof, mains gas piping, electrical wiring and kitchen.
There is also an established garden with fruit trees available as well as a tool/garden shed.
It is centrally located to local shopping at the Avenues and just minutes from the CBD.
The property was offered through Judy Morris of Klemich.
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Sandstone three bedroom College Park house sold for $1.21 million

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A four bedroom Hawthorn, Adelaide bungalow has been listed for sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-hawthorn-126450330" target="_blank">42 Clifton Street</a>, the 1521 sqm property is marketed as “luxury lifestyle living”.
Built in 1925 it last sold for $823,000 in 2005.
It features both formal and informal living spaces with abundant sunlight in both.
There is also a chef’s kitchen with plenty of preparation spaces as well as another one outdoors with quality European appliances.
<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/2017/09/19/42%20Clifton%20Street-2.jpg" alt="">
There are four bedrooms with the master suite having its own walk-in robe and ensuite.
The formal lounge room has its own fireplace and opens to the side and front verandahs which are next to the formal dining room.
There is also a contemporary open plan casual living/dining area with views of the swimming pool and tennis court.
Expressions of Interest closes on October 12 through Harcourts Williams agents Stephanie Williams and John Williams.
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Luxury triple fronted Hawthorn, Adelaide bungalow listed for sale

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A vacant land at Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland has been listed for mortgagee sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-qld-woolloongabba-502516766" target="_blank">21-23 Carl Street</a>, the 1012 sqm land is marketed as a strategic, boutique development site.
It is within walking distance to public transport as well as Stones Corner retail area.
There is also 20 metres of Carl Street frontage.
The area is a high density zone with a code assessable allowable height of 12 levels.
There are ample parkings available on the property.
Expressions of Interest close today through Cushman &amp; Wakefield agents Andrew Gard and Joe Kennedy.
A 397 sqm block of land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-residential+land-qld-woolloongabba-201795518" target="_blank">29 Bourne Street</a>, Woolloongabba was sold this year.
<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/2017/09/19/29%20Bourne%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Woolloongabba, Queensland vacant land listed for mortgagee sale

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A Georgian style building built in 1842 is up for lease in Sydney's CBD through Tom Buxton of Colliers International.
The three story building, <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/171-173-macquarie-street-sydney-nsw-2000-11300593" target="_blank">171-173 Macquarie Street</a> has just undergone a full refurbishment has just been completed with new services and bathrooms. 
Naming and signage rights are available (subject to council approval).
Horbury House is a combined pair of 3 storey terraces with a basement, originally part of a terrace of seven residences extending from the corner, and part of a continuous streetscape of terraces. 
They are the last residential terraces in Macquarie Street (apart from No. 145) and are located between a 1970s office development and a 1940s office building. 
Only the facade and some roof framing survive from the 1842 building constructed for Ousley Condell.
It was named after Horbury, an area in England.
From the 1890's its access to Sydney Hospital made the terrace an ideal site for surgeon's professional rooms. More recently, as the medical character of the street changed, it has been used as company offices.
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Historic Macquarie Street building for lease

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Melbourne’s eastern suburb of Camberwell is witnessing a flurry of commercial transactions.
A commercial building on Toorak Road leased to National Australia Bank has been snapped up before auction for $3.48 million, while a mixed-use investment property on Camberwell Road has changed hands for $960,000.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-camberwell-502478002" target="_blank">1397 Toorak Road</a> property is a double-fronted brick building of 551 sqm on a 446 sqm site.
The Commercial-1 zoned property sold with a four-year lease to NAB with two further two- year terms, with a current passing income of around $141,000 per annum plus all outgoings and GST, reflecting a circa 4% yield.
The selling agents were Chris Kombi and Chris James of Fitzroys.
The sale comes just weeks after a Bendigo Bank site at 4 Prospect Hill Road in Camberwell sold for $7.03 million under the hammer on a 4.2% yield.
Kombi said the Toorak Road property’s tenancy profile and strong position were key drivers of demand, as well as the increased level of residential development in the wider area that has underpinned significant improvement in retail activity along this section of Toorak Road.
“This strip centre is a boutique commercial hub which incorporates major trading banks, an IGA Supermarket, Australia Post, various eateries and local traders and is further supported with the excellent car parking facilities directly behind the subject property,” he said.
Meanwhile, the building at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-camberwell-502492894" target="_blank">627 Camberwell Road</a> was sold post-auction to a local owner-occupier by Brett Diston of Ray White Commercial.
It was passed in at auction, but the highest bidder bought it later, Diston said.
The gross yield for the 135 sqm building was 4.65 per cent.
It last changed hands in 2015 for $738,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
The property comprises a freehold ground floor office and a five-bedroom/two-bathroom residence on the upper level.”
The lower floor is leased to an accountancy firm and the property was returning net rental of $44,640 per annum.
“When fully let this property, which is on a land area of approximately 157 sqm, can return net rental of $51,920 per annum,” he said.
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Camberwell NAB nabbed before auction

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A three bedroom Wavell Heights, Brisbane, Queensland house has been listed for mortgagee sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-wavell+heights-126278414" target="_blank">57 Corowa Street</a>, the 663 sqm house is marketed towards first home buyers, renovators or investors.
It features an updated kitchen and three bedrooms along with carpeted floors.
The property is fully fenced and includes a laundry and secure storage area.
Westfield Chermside Shopping Centre is only five minutes away by car and public transport are within walking distance.
The property is offered through Zac McHardy of Harcourts Real Estate.
This property is being sold by auction and therefore a price guide can not be provided.
A three bedroom townhouse at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-qld-wavell+heights-125733590" target="_blank">1/42 Julia Street</a>, Wavell Heights (below) was recently sold for $482,500.
Built in 2006 it last sold in 2007 for $459,000.
<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/2017/09/12/142%20Julia%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Wavell Heights, Queensland house listed for mortgagee sale

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Adam Gandel, the 28 year old grandson of billionaire property developer John Gandel, and new wife Amira Jacobson, have spent $4.1 million on a 1900s home in Armadale.
It was a quick flip by former Collingwood forward turned property developer Chris Tarrant and wife Lauren, who paid $2.1 million for the home only last year.
The Toorak based couple transformed the classic solid brick Edwardian known as Wattleglen.
Set on 560 sqm, the home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a sitting room and a study.
Glass sliders open from the open plan kitchen living and dining area to a covered bluestone terrace and private garden.
Marshall White agents John Manton and Fiona Ansell-Jones sold the home.
Adam is senior analyst at accounting firm William Buck, having spent a number of years at Deloitte.
Amira is the co-founder at activewear company Talbot Avenue. They wed at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds earlier this year.
This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian Mansion Australia section.
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Adam Gandel buys 1900s home in Armadale

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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