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Home loan lender ME has launched its new Scroogify tool to capture the growing refinance market.
The bank says the tool will help it maintain strong home loan growth after increasing its lending book 1.6 times the market average in the six months to 31 December 2017.
ME home loan settlements hit $3.2 billion for the six months to 31 December 2017, up 54 percent compared to the previous corresponding period.
Head of Home Loans, Patrick Nolan, said industry refinance levels had been steadily increasing as competition between lenders intensifies and borrowers become increasingly aware of the new deals on offer.
However, a large group of borrowers are still disinclined to refinance due to the perceived difficulties in comparing and because they underestimate the amount they can save, despite the fact the majority are with a major bank and are probably paying too much.
"We built Scroogify to be a new type of calculator that in a few seconds quantifies just how much a borrower would save over the life of their loan, in both time and money, if they switched their existing home loan to ME.
"We think Scroogify will shock borrowers out of apathy into action.”
Nolan said ME will support the tool with a major marketing campaign including TV, radio, online, public relations and social media, running nationally throughout 2017.
It will include a nationwide social media campaign to find ‘Australia’s Biggest Scrooge’.
“We reckon everyone has an inner scrooge just waiting to come out. The marketing campaign is designed to encourage borrowers to embrace their inner scrooge and unleash it on their home loan.
Scroogify is available at <a href="https://www.scroogify.com.au" target="_blank">scroogify.com.au</a>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

ME chases refinancers with anti-apathy Scroogify calculator

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Leased space to the education sector in Melbourne's CBD in 2016 rose 200 percent on the previous year with increases in land taxes hitting stock levels, putting upward pressure on rents, according to real estate firm Savills.
The trend is likely to continue in 2017, according to education sector specialist and Savills director Mathew Kent. 
Savills is currently dealing with more than 15 leasing requirements for in excess of 60,000 sqm.
Some of the educators in the market include Monash University (40,000sqm), Think Education (2000sqm), Baxter (3000sqm), and RMIT (10,000sqm).
The total 39,840 square metres leased (deals over 500sqm) in 2016 included 14,222 square metres of prime space as institutions, including the top universities, were forced, in some cases, to take higher grade accommodation in a market limited by the availability of education specific space.
Kent said withdrawal of secondary buildings for residential conversion, a lack of 9B accredited buildings, fit-out costs, and competitors in the same building, were all issues which worked to limit the amount of space available to educators.
"For these reasons the availability of suitable accommodation to meet the demand from education users in Melbourne is now at levels where landlords have been able to demand higher rental and more attractive terms for suitable accommodation,’’ Kent said.
He said the increasing demand for limited space had seen rents rise from a range of $300 sqm to $350 sqm, to $550 sqm plus over the last five years with a corresponding fall in incentives.
Kent said the significant hike in land tax had also had been important in reducing available space.
"The doubling of land tax in low rise buildings may render the current use of a building, in terms of its tenancy profile and rental returns, unviable for some landlords and that has forced them, in some cases, to sell to residential developers,’’ Kent said.
 
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" valign="top" width="475">
Select Central Melbourne Education Leases to December 2016
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="50">
Date
</td>
<td valign="top" width="160">
Property
</td>
<td valign="top" width="79">
NLA (sq m)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="185">
Tenant
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="50">
Mar-16
</td>
<td valign="top" width="160">
277 William St
</td>
<td valign="top" width="79">
960
</td>
<td valign="top" width="185">
Danford College
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="50">
Jul-16
</td>
<td valign="top" width="160">
553 St Kilda Rd
</td>
<td valign="top" width="79">
8,052
</td>
<td valign="top" width="185">
Monash University
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="50">
Aug-16
</td>
<td valign="top" width="160">
399 Lonsdale St
</td>
<td valign="top" width="79">
892
</td>
<td valign="top" width="185">
Chisholm Institute
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="50">
Aug-16
</td>
<td valign="top" width="160">
700 Collins St
</td>
<td valign="top" width="79">
2,682
</td>
<td valign="top" width="185">
Open Universities
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="50">
Aug-16
</td>
<td valign="top" width="160">
168 Exhibition St
</td>
<td valign="top" width="79">
3,772
</td>
<td valign="top" width="185">
Acknowledge Education
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="50">
Sep-16
</td>
<td valign="top" width="160">
727 Collins St
</td>
<td valign="top" width="79">
4,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="185">
Deakin University
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="50">
Sep-16
</td>
<td valign="top" width="160">
360 Collins St
</td>
<td valign="top" width="79">
4,000*
</td>
<td valign="top" width="185">
La Trobe University
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="50">
Sep-16
</td>
<td valign="top" width="160">
247 Collins St
</td>
<td valign="top" width="79">
1,664
</td>
<td valign="top" width="185">
Discover English
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="50">
Nov-16
</td>
<td valign="top" width="160">
376 Bourke St
</td>
<td valign="top" width="79">
943
</td>
<td valign="top" width="185">
Brighton Institute of Technology
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" valign="top" width="475">
Source: Savills Research                                                   *Expansion on multiple floors
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
In the most recent deals Melbourne University has taken 6500sqm at 333 Exhibition St, Cambridge (7200sqm at 108 Lonsdale Street), and Charles Sturt University (3000sqm at 601 Bourke Street).
Survey author, Savills’ Associate Director Research &amp; Consultancy, Monica Mondkar, said the education sector accounted for nearly 21 per cent of the 191,484 square metres of office space leased by the Government &amp; Community sector in 2016.
Ms Mondkar said the latest Department of Education figures revealed there were 554,179 full-fee paying international students in Australia on a student visa in 2016 representing a 10.9 per cent increase on 2015 with new enrolments in Victoria up by 12 per cent.
The average annual enrolments growth rate has been 6.5 per cent per year over the last ten years.
She said the Victorian Governments’ $31.9 million investment over four years in the international education sector announced in the 2016/2017 budget would likely underpin further rises in student numbers.
"Student numbers have been increasing year on year and, as Australia’s third biggest export at circa $20 billion, there is little doubt the Melbourne CBD education market will continue to grow and that is reflected in student choice with Melbourne’s international student population at more than 30,000*,’’ Ms Mondkar said.
According to the QS Best Student Cities 2016 index – a ranking of the world’s leading urban destinations for international students by university ranking, affordability, student mix, desirability, and employer activity – Melbourne ranked second behind Paris with Tokyo third followed by Sydney in fourth place.
QS Best Student Cities 2016 
<table style="width: 214px; height: 192px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="170">
Ranking
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
City
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="170">
1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Paris
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="170">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Melbourne
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="170">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Tokyo
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="170">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Sydney
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="170">
5
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
London
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="170">
6
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Singapore
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="170">
7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Montreal
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="170">
8
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Hong Kong
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="170">
9
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Berlin
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="170">
10
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Seoul
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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Education leasing up 200 percent on previous 12 months: Savills

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The combined capital city auction clearance rate was recorded at 75.1% across 1,473 auctions last week, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says this figure is based upon results collected for 87.8% of the capital city auctions held over the past week
Clearance rates increased on lower volumes last week with the clearance rate recorded at 74.6% the previous week from 2,907 auctions.
Although auction clearance rates fell last week, they remain much higher than they were at the same time last year when they were recorded at 64.9%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-16%20at%202.43.02%20pm.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/2017/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-16%20at%202.43.02%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Melbourne’s auction clearance rate rose from 78.4% the previous week to 79.6% last week while auction volumes also fell, down to 385 from 1,459.
In Sydney, clearance rates also increased from 76.0% to 77.8% while auction volumes fell from 950 the previous week to 803 last week.
Each region except for Canberra and Tasmania recorded higher auction clearance rates last week compared to the previous week.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-16%20at%202.44.36%20pm.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/2017/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-16%20at%202.44.36%20pm.jpg" alt="">
The number of newly advertised and total residential properties listed for sale has remained fairly steady over the past week and is now higher than it was 12 months ago, while total stock for sale remains lower.
The 48,673 newly advertised properties nationally is 1.8% higher than a year ago and the 229,325 total properties advertised for sale across the country is 5.4% lower than a year ago.
At a combined capital city level there are 30,519 fresh properties advertised for sale, which is 4.3% higher than a year ago, and 105,034 total properties advertised for sale which is 1.3% lower than a year ago.
The number of newly advertised properties for sale is higher over the year in all capital cities except Adelaide (-5.5%), Perth (-7.8%) and Darwin (-17.1%).
The total number of properties advertised for sale is lower over the year across all capital cities except for Brisbane (-6.1%).
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National auction clearance rates sit at 75%: CoreLogic

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A new masterplanned community, Winterfield, has been announced in the Ballarat region.
Located in the new suburb of Winter Valley, six kilometres from Ballarat’s town centre, Winterfield will include a primary and secondary school, a retail precinct, medical centre and cafes and is opposite a brand new shopping centre
The project by developer Goldfields will comprise just over 1,100 lots, 32 of which were released for sale on Saturday 11 March.
Winterfield’s existing creek and grasslands will be landscaped by Chelsea Flower Show winner Wes Fleming, of Fleming’s Nurseries, with six front gardens for purchasers to select for their own home.
Director of selling agents Hocking Stuart in Ballarat, Tim Valpied, said Winterfield provides first home buyers with a attainable and modern design that reflects the area they grew up in.
“Winterfield offers a great opportunity for people who have grown up in the area and are looking for their ‘forever home’ in a place they know and love, at an affordable price,” Valpied said.
“We’ve already received a high level of interest, proving the demand for great product, is there.”
Winterfield’s developer, Marco Gattino, said conservation of the indigenous flora and fauna that surrounds the area was carefully considered before being integrated into the masterplan.
“Winterfield is an exclusive community, like no other in the area. From the beautifully designed streetscapes through to amenity and connectivity, residents have everything right at their fingertips,” Gattino said.
“We’re thrilled to see the State Government supporting growth in the region with the recent announcement about the First Home Buyers Grant doubling to $20,000 and stamp duty being abolished.
“Winterfield couldn’t have come at a better time for first home owners and we’re excited to launch this weekend.”
Lot sizes in sales release one range from 544 square metres to 615 square metres and are priced from $125,000 to $145,000.
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New masterplanned community Winterfield comes to Ballarat

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CBRE is launching a new supply chain consultancy service in the Pacific region and have hired a senior director to oversee the venture.
Christine Miller been appointed as a senior director in CBRE’s advisory and transaction services, industrial and logistics business.
Miller was most recently director, international supply chain and major infrastructure, for XAct Solutions and will be based out of CBRE’s Western Sydney office in Parramatta.
The firm claims that the appointment is a natural extension to CBRE’s global supply chain practice group, which has existing operations in the USA and Europe.
CBRE senior managing director Matt Haddon said the firm was delighted to have someone of Miller onboard.
“Adding a supply chain consulting capability to our existing market leading business further strengthens our platform and the services we can provide our industrial and logistics clients in the Pacific region,” Haddon said.
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CBRE launches new consultancy service for Pacific region

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Interest rate cuts and the return of lending to investors over the past year have been the catalyst for increased investor interest, according to CoreLogic.
The property data firm says that it was confirmed in the January 2017 housing finance data released last week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
According to CoreLogic research analyst Cameron Kusher: “Pairing the housing finance data with the Reserve Bank’s (RBA) lending aggregate data provides deeper insight into housing investor behaviour.”
Over the month of January, the data confirmed that housing finance data showed that investors committed to a total of $13.8 billion in finance for investment properties – this represents a 4.2% rise over the month and a 27.5% increase year-on-year (the largest annual increase since August 2014).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-16%20at%202.28.46%20pm.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/2017/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-16%20at%202.28.46%20pm.jpg" alt="">
The value of investor housing finance commitments remains below its previous peak but has ramped-up significantly over the past 12 months.
“In fact, the value of investor housing finance commitments in January 2017 was just -5.3% lower than its historic peak in April 2015,” Kusher said.
“Investor housing finance commitments is clearly flowing to established homes rather than new homes.
“This isn’t really a surprise when you consider that the amount of established housing stock is substantially greater than new stock and new housing typically has a price premium over existing stock.
“Over the month, $1.2 billion in commitments were for new construction compared to $12.6 billion for established housing stock.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-16%20at%202.28.54%20pm.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/2017/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-16%20at%202.28.54%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Data published by the RBA on investor housing credit, represents the total amount outstanding to mortgage lenders for the purposes of investor housing.
In January 2017, investor credit expanded by 0.6% to be 6.6% higher over the year. The monthly change was actually the lowest it has been in four months while the annual change was the highest it has been in 10 months.
“Much like the housing finance data, the credit data shows the impact of APRAs recent curbs to investor credit growth which have slowed growth however, more recently credit has once again started to expand,” Kusher said.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-16%20at%202.29.02%20pm.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/2017/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-16%20at%202.29.02%20pm.jpg" alt="">
At the end of January 2017, the RBA reported that there was $572.2 billion in investor credit outstanding to Australian lenders, CoreLogic said.
This figure accounted for 34.9% of all housing credit outstanding ($1.637 trillion) and 21.5% of total outstanding credit.
“This shows a significant rise in investor housing credit, in fact, two decades ago investor credit represented 21.8% of total housing credit and 8.7% of all credit,” said Kusher.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-16%20at%202.29.11%20pm.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/2017/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-16%20at%202.29.11%20pm.jpg" alt="">
“With the substantial increase in dwelling values in Sydney and Melbourne over recent years, home owners are able to utilise the equity in their principal place of residence to purchase investment properties.
“However, while investor activity is rising, the proportion of total housing finance commitments to owner occupier first home buyers is at an historic low.
“Over the coming months we expect to see further tightening of lending policies to investors with some lenders approaching APRAs 10% speed limit.
“Should this occur it is likely to result in a moderate slowing of demand from the investment segment, at least temporarily like we saw in mid-2015 and early 2016.”
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Investor activity continues to surge: CoreLogic

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Ray White will complete its first ever horse sale with an event on the mid north coast of New South Wales this weekend.
Around 400 horse enthusiasts are expected to attend the three-day Ray White EPIC Horse Sale event at Kempsey Showground to bid on the 80 registered stock and quarter horses.
There will be 38 mares, 40 geldings and two stallions for sale at the event which commences on Friday with a campdraft and concludes on Sunday with the auction.
The move marks the firm’s latest diversification move after prior expansions into commercial real estate, hotel sales, livestock, rural property and marine transactions.
Chairman of Ray White rural and livestock, Paul White, says the event is a natural evolution for their growing rural and livestock network of agencies across Australia.
“Horses have long been important for stock management in Australia, and this sale is a fitting evolution for our rural sales activities,” White said.
“[Event organiser, Ray White Rural Kempsey principal] Mark Haywood has shown a great deal of initiative to bring the EPIC horse sale to life. We have no doubt it will be a huge local success.”
Pre-works commence Saturday 18 March at 1pm and the horse sale will run from 10am Sunday 19 March.
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Ray White bolts out of the gates with first horse auction

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Some 21 lots have sold so far in the Gold Coast's Empire Industrial Estate in Yatala for a total of $16.5 million, with nine lots remaining in stage four.
The sites available are finished to level one compaction, ready for NBN connectivity and costed from approximately $270 to $325 per sqm.
The sites sold ranged from 2,200sqm to 6,221sqm. 
Paul Bates of Coldwell Banker, saidYatala still represents excellent value for money in comparison to other industrial areas on the Gold Coast, such as Ashmore and Molendinar, where land prices have reached around $450/sqm over the past 12 months.
"We have had a number of buyers secure a site for their own business and then decide to purchase a second lot for investment purposes, not only for the higher investment yields when you compare industrial property to other types of assets, but also because they have embraced the overall vision of this estate " he said.
"The upside to an industrial investment is the tenant is responsible for paying the outgoings and maintaining the premises.
<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/2017/03/09/Aerial%20of%20stage%20four%20with%20work%20progressing%20on%20site.jpg" alt="">
Empire Industrial Estate is being developed by The Stephens Group, spearheaded by Gold Coast locals Tony and Phillip Stephens.
Tony Stephens said the estate has not only attracted local Gold Coast businesses, but also companies from greater Brisbane and  interstate involved in manufacturing, material handling and distribution.
"Access and connectivity are the two key drawcards for our purchasers," he said.
"We have invested a lot of time and resources into the design of this estate with all roads being rated for B-Double access, and the whole site is serviced by a network of 23 metre wide link roads, double width footpaths and bike lanes.
"Later this year we are aiming to establish a new commercial precinct within Empire Industrial Estate, complete with a service station and cafe to add to the convenience of working here."
"Designs are now being finalised for buildings in stage four, which are expected to start in April and be completed in the last quarter of 2017.
"We can offer a turn-key design and construct service through our building partner WILKOR Developments, so purchasers can secure a lot, brief our builder on their requirements and have a fully operational premises delivered within just four to six months."
For more information visit <a href="https://www.empireestate.com.au" target="_blank">empireestate.com.au</a>
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Lots remaining in Gold Coast's Empire Industrial Estate

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Maritime engineering group OMC International has leased a 996sqm office in Melbourne's Abbotsford in a decade-long deal.
The building has had a full refurbishment and includes a large outdoor deck looking out to Dights Falls on the Yarra River and a solar farm with 320 solar panels.
The office was leased at $355 per square metre per annum net plus GST on behalf of the Australian Education Union (AEU) through Fitzroys agents Stephen Land, Peter Weatherby and Martin Huang.
Land said the AEU owner occupies the majority of the building and had identified the space as surplus to its accommodation needs.
“OMC have a long association with Abbotsford and wanted to remain in the immediate area," he said.
"They were drawn to the premises due to the high quality of the space and services the building offered, the ample on-site car parking."
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OMC International docks at riverfront space

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The new Home + Life Robina Centre on the Gold Coast is on track for August completion with leasing space still available.
The Reject Shop, Pet Stock, Toys &amp; Babies R Us and Kitchen Connection have so far signed leases in the 14,770sqm retail complex.
Remaining leases are sized between 304sqm and 3,000sqm.
Damian Crocetti from CBRE said existing showroom locations in surrounding areas of Southport, Bundall, Ashmore/Nerang and Burleigh Heads give retailers little choice in terms of new quality showroom space, with some markets quite fragmented and intermixed with more industrial type users that are not complementary for certain brands.
“The Home + Life Robina Centre will create exciting new opportunities for retailers looking to expand their existing footprint in Queensland, or for new brands keen to secure their first outlet in an established and growing market,” he said.
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Home + Life Robina Centre, Gold Coast, slated for August completion

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hyecorp-property-group">Hyecorp</a> has completed construction of Audrey, its parkside apartment development in St Leonards South, becoming the first residential project within the St Leonards South Precinct to reach completion.

Residents are expected to begin moving into the Canberra Avenue development at the end of June, making Audrey the first opportunity for buyers to take up residence within the emerging precinct.

Positioned at the highest point on Canberra Avenue, directly opposite Newlands Park, the project enjoys protected parkland outlooks and district views that cannot be built out as the precinct continues to evolve.

Unlike many of the larger developments planned across St Leonards South, Audrey comprises just 102 residences, making it one of the more boutique offerings within the precinct. The smaller scale has enabled Hyecorp to place a strong focus on owner-occupier design, resident amenity, and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=368333]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, Audrey comprises a mix of three-bedroom apartments and a double-storey five-bedroom townhouse, with many residences positioned to capture views toward the Sydney CBD and Harbour Bridge. The project has been underpinned by a strong focus on design continuity, with Hyecorp working alongside interior designers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/jackson-teece">Jackson Teece</a> and landscape architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/site-image">Site Image</a> to shape both the private residences and shared amenity spaces.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/audrey-st-leonards-13-19-canberra-avenue-st-leonards-nsw-2065">Audrey</a>’s interiors feature open-plan layouts, floor-to-ceiling glazing, oak timber flooring, bespoke joinery, and large-format stone finishes throughout the kitchens and bathrooms. Integrated Miele appliances, brushed metal tapware, and concealed cabinetry detailing were specified across the residences, reflecting Hyecorp's emphasis on quality and owner-occupier appeal.

The upper levels of the building are home to the Tiffany Collection, a premium offering occupying Levels 12 to 15. The residences include upgraded appliance packages, fluted standalone bathtubs, heated bathroom flooring, custom walk-in robes, and larger internal layouts ranging from 155 to 159 sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=367164]

Backed by a 30-year legacy, Audrey reflects the experience of Hyecorp, an Australian family-owned developer with an award-winning track record across Sydney. As locals, Hyecorp understands the needs of local communities, creating homes and precincts designed for long-term liveability, connection, and lifestyle.

Despite its boutique scale, Audrey delivers an extensive suite of amenities typically associated with much larger developments. Residents have access to an indoor lap pool and spa, personal training studio, private cinema, music room, rooftop entertaining terrace, residents lounge, and private dining room overlooking the Sydney skyline.

The rooftop terrace and communal lounge spaces were conceived as extensions of residents' homes, supporting a lifestyle-focused environment that encourages wellbeing, flexibility, and community connection.

The project also incorporates a ground-floor café and an integrated daycare centre, adding to the growing mixed-use character emerging across the St Leonards South precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=198680]

Audrey arrives as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/st-leonards-nsw-2065">St Leonards</a> continues its transformation into one of Sydney's most strategically located urban renewal areas. The precinct's proximity to Royal North Shore Hospital and the broader health, research, and commercial corridor has made it increasingly attractive to medical professionals, healthcare workers, and owner-occupiers seeking housing close to employment and transport infrastructure.

Residents are within walking distance of St Leonards Station and the Crows Nest Metro, while nearby retail includes Mall 88, Forum Plaza, Woolworths, and the recently opened Coles supermarket. Nearby green spaces including Newlands Park, Gore Hill Oval, and Naremburn Park further reinforce the area's lifestyle appeal.

As the first completed project within the precinct, Audrey demonstrates the direction of St Leonards South's evolution, combining higher-density living with generous amenity, strong transport connectivity, and access to green space.

A limited collection of premium residences remains available, including spacious three-bedroom apartments, a four-bedroom townhouse and a selection of penthouses.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110379]

mikah.m@urban.com.au

Hyecorp completes Audrey, first project to welcome residents in St Leonards South Precinct

A trio of Queensland property groups have unveiled plans for a $300 million mixed-use redevelopment of the former Noosa Bowls Club site, a proposal that would deliver more than 200 new homes in one of the Sunshine Coast's most supply-constrained markets.

Kilter Property, Frank Developments and Calile Malouf Investments are behind the plans for the 1.8-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-noosa-drive-noosa-heads-qld-4567">99 Noosa Drive</a>, which would transform the long-vacant site into a new residential precinct featuring 208 apartments, retail, hospitality and public space.

The proposal comes as Noosa continues to grapple with housing affordability and a shortage of permanent accommodation, particularly for key workers. The site's location in Noosa Junction, close to shops, public transport and employment, aligns with the direction of Noosa Council's Housing Strategy, which encourages higher-density housing within established activity centres rather than continued urban expansion.

The draft plans include 48 affordable-by-design apartments and 48 rooming accommodation units aimed at key workers. Around 2,000 sqm of ground-floor retail and food and beverage space would activate the street frontage, alongside a new public town square and landscaped open space.

<img alt="Noosa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dd02f53-1360-4e51-801e-bfd61a6c980e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-26%20at%208.44.34%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=x1iNs3BSMN6Jy7YUwaBZMHRrrKX2hMpy" />

&nbsp;

Frank Developments Founder and Director Frank Licastro said the development would continue the company's focus on architecturally-led residential projects while addressing one of the region's biggest challenges.

"Not only will this project exude a sense of luxury, it will also enhance not only the built environment but also the surrounding community," Licastro said.

"Noosa's success relies on the people who live and work here. Providing well-designed accommodation for key workers is critical to supporting the local economy and ensuring the Shire can continue to thrive."

Kilter Property Co-Founder Huw Williams said the focus was on delivering additional permanent housing while creating a mixed-use destination that benefits both residents and the wider community.

"Our focus is on delivering a well-considered mixed-use project that provides more permanent housing options, supports local workers and businesses, and delivers an exceptional product for the local market," Williams said.

"The redevelopment vision aligns with the long-term evolution of Noosa Junction as a vibrant activity centre, creating a destination that enhances the area's character while delivering significant economic and community benefits."

Calile Malouf Investments, best known for its role in Brisbane's James Street precinct and The Calile Hotel, will bring its place-making experience to the project. The company recently commenced construction on The Calile Noosa hotel and says the residential development will complement its growing investment in the region.

CMI Director Cal Malouf said the aim was to create a walkable precinct combining housing, retail and hospitality while remaining true to Noosa's character.

"We see a similar opportunity in Noosa to deliver a vibrant, walkable destination that combines exceptional housing, hospitality and retail in one integrated project," Malouf said.

Brisbane-based Cavill Architects has been appointed to design the project.

Joel Robinson

Noosa Bowls Club to be redeveloped into mixed-use apartment precinct

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.

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>

Staff reporter

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