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The calendar year 2016 marked another year of strong performance in property investment markets, according to Savills’ latest report.
In Australia, Savills recorded approximately $27 billion worth of commercial property transactions in the  12 months to December 2016, down from $33.74 billion in the previous year, but much the same as the five year average ($25.6 billion).
A lack of portfolios and a diminishing supply of prime properties for sale continues to weigh on investment volumes.
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Foreign investors were the most active in the investment market in 2016, purchasing 40 percent of stock reported sold or approximately $10.7 billion.
Professional investors, represented by Trusts, Funds and Syndicates, purchased a total of $8.75 billion of commercial property.
Both buyer groups remain keenly interested with ongoing appetite for commercial property investment.
A slowdown in resource demand from China, a reversal of commodity prices and the end of the mining investment boom (coupled with the GFC) saw interest rates in Australia fall to historic lows.
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A subsequent pickup in occupier and investment demand in Melbourne and Sydney followed whilst there was a substantial reversal in fortunes in Brisbane and Perth. Whilst Brisbane has stabilised,
Perth continues to be challenged (more office supply is in the pipeline), Melbourne is meeting both occupier and investment demand with a supply response whilst Sydney remains challenged on the supply front.
An added difficulty in both Melbourne and Sydney is the continual withdrawal of office space and development sites (both in CBD and non-CBD office markets) for conversion to residential or compulsory acquisition for public works.
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Capital markets exhibited greater degrees of volatility throughout 2016 and have finished the year stronger with the ASX200 rising 9 percent over the last six months, the Australian dollar ended up largely unchanged against the US dollar and 10 year bonds yields softened by 90 basis points to approximately 2.9%.
Commercial property investment yields continued to firm across the board (by an average 20 basis points) – a theme we have been writing about for several years now.
Whilst the “bond yield” story has run its course, in some markets, fundamentals are improving rapidly.
“We believe this improvement will lead to further tightening in yields as investment capital starts to price in expectations of future NOI growth. This part of the yield cycle is just beginning,” the report stated.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Strong performance in the Australian 2016 commercial property market: Savills

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A block of 30 apartments located in Sydney's northern suburb of Forestville is on the market.
The block, 781 Warringah Road, Forestville is newly built and has three levels with a basement car park.
Andy Hu, Knight Frank’s director of Asian markets, the property is a high-quality and modern, block of apartments, constructed just one year ago.
“781 Warringah Road presents a strong net passing income of approximately $733,000 per annum with a staggered lease expiry profile, ensuring security of income," he said.
"The property has enjoyed a history of strong occupation, as each apartment is self-contained and fully-furnished with a bathroom, kitchen, stainless steel appliances, air conditioning, flat screen TV and bed.
The majority of the apartments have balconies, with basement car parking available.”
The property is up for sale through expressions of interest closing at 4pm on 30 March 2017.
 
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Block of 30 apartments on market in Forestville

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The first key new housing update for 2017 provides a softer update, says the Housing Industry Association.
“The HIA New Homes Sales Report – a survey of Australia’s largest home builders showed a moderate decline of 2.2 percent in January 2017,” said HIA Chief Economist, Dr Harley Dale.
“This weaker update does follow a relatively decent run home for new home sales in late 2016.
Given that Australia is tailing off from the largest and longest new home building cycle in history, both the total and sub-component profiles for new home sales are still in very good shape,” said Harley Dale.
“There aren’t many sectors punching above their weight in the nation’s economy right now, so the profile for new home sales is also good news for Australia as a whole.
HIA’s latest forecasts for new dwelling commencements will be released on Thursday and they will paint a healthy short term picture for residential construction.
There is nothing to be seen in this latest update for new home sales or from any other recent leading indicator results to deter us from this outlook,” concluded Harley Dale.
The January 2017 update for the HIA’s monthly New Home Sales survey reveals a decline of 1.5 percent in detached house sales following a similar fall of 1.6 percent in December last year.
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Detached house sales fell by a very modest 1.1 percent over the three months to January 2017 to be down by 4.0 percent when compared to the same period 12 months previously.
The sale of ‘multi-units’ dropped by 4.3 percent in January following an increase of 6.4 percent in December 2016.
Over the three months to January 2017 multi-unit sales increased by 4.8 percent to a level 9.0 percent higher than the comparable period a year earlier.
Seasonally adjusted new detached house sales increased by 12.1 percent in Western Australia in January 2017 following a sharp dip of 9.1 percent last December.
In the month of January 2017 detached house sales fell by 6.8 percent in New South Wales, 4.1 percent in Victoria, 2.0 percent in Queensland, and 1.4 percent in South Australia.
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Soft start for new home sales: HIA

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The new year began on a strong footing with capital city clearance rates at auctions generally tracking in the high 70% to mid-80% range from week to week, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says the results of ‘Super Saturday’ last week saw an unprecedented number of auctions for February; clearance rates reached a new high for 2017 despite the large number of auctions held.
Advertised listing numbers remain low across the hottest housing markets, with total residential advertised listings in Sydney tracking 11.3% lower than the same period a year ago, Melbourne total listings are 5.1% lower than last year, Hobart listings are down by 35% and Canberra advertised stock levels are 6.2% lower than a year ago.
CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless said, “Low levels of advertised stock for sale at a time when buyer demand remains strong is creating a sense of urgency among buyers, which is adding to the upward pressure on prices.
"This helps to explain why clearance rates are so high, and private treaty sales are so rapid across the strongest markets.”
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Overall, the latest results from the CoreLogic Hedonic Index highlights the performance diversity across Australia’s housing market, he added.
"The continuation of the capital gains rebound is likely to create further discomfort among policy makers, particularly in light of the growing debate around affordability and the high level of demand from investors.”
“I remain of the view that housing market conditions will moderate during 2017 due to affordability constraints impacting on housing demand, as well as higher supply levels and an eventual slowing of investment demand brought about either through changed policies from Australian lenders or via regulatory changes aimed at slowing credit growth across the investment sector.”
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2017 auctions start off with a strong footing: CoreLogic

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UK-based advisory firm Oxford Economics has acquired a controlling stake in leading Australian analytics and forecasting firm BIS Shrapnel for an undisclosed sum, which the former says will make it the largest independent economics research firm in the world. 
The new organisation will be named BIS Oxford Economics and will see the merger of BIS Shrapnel  with the Australian arm of Oxford Economics. BIS Shrapnel generally focuses on the building, construction, property and mining sectors.
“This investment by Oxford Economics sees the merging of BIS Shrapnel’s deep knowledge of the Australian and New Zealand economies with Oxford Economics’ detailed understanding of the global economy,” said Robert Mellor, managing director, BIS Oxford Economics.
The new firm will be better able to assess market trends and quantify the impacts for its clients at the global, national and city levels, said a media release.
“The acquisition brings together Oxford Economics’ rigorous global modelling and analytical framework with BIS Shrapnel’ expertise across the Australian economy, in particular in forecasting investment cycles,” said Adrian Cooper, chief executive officer and chief economist, Oxford Economics.
“This agreement expands the Oxford Economics Group to more than 300 staff globally, making it the largest independent economics research firm in the world, and allows us to support our clients in understanding economic trends and their impacts both domestically and globally.”
Highlighting this, Mellor added that “major political, social and economic events in nations abroad have profound global impacts – look no further than Brexit or Trump”.
The new entity will operate from BIS Shrapnel’s existing offices in Australia. Robert Mellor will lead BIS Oxford Economics, with Dr Frank Gelber to remain Chief Economist and Director.
All of BIS Shrapnel's staff will be retained.
 
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Oxford Economics buys controlling stake in forecaster BIS Shrapnel

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The latest results take the current housing growth cycle into its 58th month, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that since capital city dwelling values started to rise in June 2012, dwelling values have increased by a cumulative 47.3 percent, ranging from a 74.9 percent capital gain in Sydney, to a net rise of 6.0 percent in Perth.
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Sydney, and to a lesser extent, Melbourne, have remained at the top of the capital gain tables over the past two cycles.
Since the beginning of 2009, Sydney dwelling values have more than doubled, rising by 104.5 percent while Melbourne values are 87.7 percent higher.
The next best performing capital city over the same period was Canberra where dwelling values have risen by a comparatively modest 37.4 percent.
Mr Lawless said the strong growth conditions across Sydney have provided a substantial wealth boost for home owners, "however, the flipside is that housing costs are becoming increasingly out of reach.
"This is especially true for price-sensitive segments of the market such as first time buyers and low income families.”
“Affordability challenges are most pronounced across the Sydney housing market where, based on September 2016 data, dwelling prices are almost 8.5 times higher than gross household incomes.
The second most expensive capital city, Melbourne, has a dwelling price to income ratio of 7.1.”
In contrast, the February results show that the cities with greater exposure to the mining downturn have continued to record weak housing market results.
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Dwelling values slipped lower in Perth and Darwin over the month, taking the cumulative decline in values since these markets peaked in 2014 to 10.0 percent and 11.5 percent respectively.
Brisbane also recorded a fall in dwelling values over the month, however values have been slowly trending higher despite the negative monthly result.
As a consequence, housing affordability has shown a marked improvement in these regions, with the dwelling price to income ratio tracking at 5.7 in Brisbane, 5.5 in Perth and 4.5 in Darwin based on September 2016 data.
While dwelling values continued to rise, weekly rents remained comparatively soft. As a result, downward pressure has been placed on rental yields.
The average dwelling yield across the combined capital cities fell to 3.2 percent over the month, which is a new record low.
Five years ago, the average capital city yield was a full percentage point higher at 4.2 percent.
Sydney has shown the most significant compression in rental yields over the past five years, with the average gross yield reducing by 150 basis points to reach 2.9 percent (2.7 percent for houses and 3.7 percent for units).
Mr Lawless said despite the record low rental yields on offer, investor demand remains high, suggesting investors are likely to be relying on a negative gearing strategy to compensate for their cash flow losses.
"It also indicates that investors are speculating on future capital gains.”
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“The latest housing finance data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates that investors comprise approximately 57 percent of new mortgage demand across New South Wales (excluding refinanced loans).
This is substantially higher than the long run average, which is slightly above one third.”
Commenting overall on the February results, Mr Lawless said, “The renewed strength in the housing market is corroborated by a range of other data points such as auction results, low advertised stock levels and rapid selling times.”
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Investors speculating growth will continue as Sydney hits 104 percent spike since GFC: CoreLogic

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The annual growth trend in capital city dwelling values reached a new cyclical high with an increase of 11.7 percent over the twelve months ending February 2017, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that the monthly CoreLogic Hedonic Home Value Index reported a further rise in the value of capital city dwellings in February, with values rising 1.4 percent over the month.
The strong capital gain over February was led by Canberra (+3.2 percent) and Sydney (+2.6 percent), with Melbourne (+1.5 percent) and Hobart (+1.0 percent) also returning significant increases.
In contrast, dwelling values were down over the month across Darwin (-4.3 percent), Perth (-2.4 percent) and Brisbane (-0.4 percent).
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Tim Lawless, CoreLogic head of research, said prior to capital gains accelerating half way through last year, the growth trend had been moderating, reaching a cyclical low point over the twelve months ended July 2016 when the annual change in capital city dwelling values slowed to 6.1 percent.
He said the February results mark "a new high point in the current growth cycle," with capital city dwelling values increasing by 11.7 percent over the past twelve months.
“The annual growth rate across the combined capitals hasn’t been this strong since the twelve months ending June 2010," he said.
“In Sydney, where the annual rate of growth is now 18.4 percent, this is the highest annual growth rate since the twelve months ending December 2002 when the housing boom of the early 2000’s started to slow.”
Canberra had the highest February price growth.
At around the median price of $635,000 a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-act-amaroo-124657490" target="_blank">11 Cooloola Street</a>, Amaroo (below) was sold last week for $635,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-act-kambah-124457326" target="_blank"> 8 Sholl Place</a>, Kambah (above) was sold yesterday for $609,000. It last sold for $439,000 in 2004.
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At around the median price of $405,000 a two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-act-watson-124626206" target="_blank">49/23 Aspinall Street</a>, Watson (below) was sold last week for $401,500. It last sold for $165,000 in 2008.
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Similarly a two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-act-belconnen-124227770" target="_blank">309/80 Chandler Street</a>, Belconnen (below) was sold two week ago for $402,000.
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New high point in national property price growth cycle: CoreLogic's Tim Lawless

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A classic beach house on the Sunshine Coast has been snapped up by a local buyer for $4 million.
The 3 Wilson Avenue property at Caloundra’s Dicky Beach comprises four bedrooms and is set on a 1,249 sqm site over two adjoining lots. It was sold after 33 years of ownership.
The elevated position combines sweeping views north to Point Cartwright and south to Moffat Beach with beachfront access.
The marketing campaign was conducted by Peter Neale of Savills Residential.
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Neale said Wilson Avenue at Dicky Beach is among the most tightly held of all beachfront addresses on the Sunshine Coast.
“These types of properties just don’t come to market very often,” he said.
“The established beach house provides a relaxed setting to enjoy the prime beachfront location and lifestyle with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas and an expansive deck running along the back of the house to enjoy the amazing ocean views and sea breezes,” he said.
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Sunshine Coast beachfront property nets $4 million sale

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A townhouse development on the historic former Hawkins Garden Centre site at Albany Creek in Brisbane’s north has been launched by Unison Projects.
Construction has started on the 74 townhouse project at 623 Albany Creek Road, Albany Creek.
Unison Projects’ Matt O’Driscoll said the $37 million estate spread on 3.2 ha has been named Preston Point, chosen after a competition among Albany Creek State High School students who were invited to suggest a name. 
“There were many entries with lots of brilliant ideas but the successful entry came from students Madalyn Martin, Kirra Young and Stephanie McBean,” O’Driscoll said.
“Their inspiration came from the history of the parcel of land.  It was originally purchased on 1 December 1865 by John Preston. The girls won $100 each.” 
The Preston Point Residences offers a creekside urban retreat. Features include a swimming pool with wrap around deck, BBQ area, fire pit, bocce court, communal vegetable garden and a lawn.
The townhouses come in two, three and four-bedroom designs, all featuring 2.5 bathrooms and two car garage. 
“With 18 varieties of terrace designs and numerous facades to choose from, there’s a new home to suit all tastes,” O’Driscoll said.
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Townhouse project commences on former garden centre site near Brisbane CBD

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The infrastructure executive, Netflow managing director Phil Dreaver has bought the Towers Road, Toorak mansion from rich listers Daniel and Danielle Besen.

The New Zealand-born Dreaver has been with one of Australia’s most successful infrastructure investors since 2005. Plenary and Cintra have recently combined to create a joint venture business, Netflow to compete in the Australia and New Zealand road infrastructure market.

As the chief investment officer for Plenary Australia, the 2005 founding director of Plenary Group North America relocated to Australia in 2015.

He had previously worked as a director in ABN AMRO Bank's Infrastructure Capital Group in Sydney, Toronto and Vancouver.

The $26.25 million deal, reported by The Australian, set Melbourne’s record residential price, bettering the $24.1 million set in July 2015 when Tony and Jennifer Smorgon sold their Robertson Street, Toorak home.

Daniel and Danielle Besen, who reportedly separated last year, are members of the billionaire family which founded retail chain Sussan.

<div class="story-image secondary-asset landscape zoomable zoom-on" data-pswp-uid="2"><img alt="The Wood Marsh-designed home was marketed as representing the pinnacle of modern residential design." height="366" src="https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/1f40a3ee60b9c0a40162bfe630a93768" width="650"></div>

<div class="story-image secondary-asset landscape zoomable zoom-on" data-pswp-uid="2"> </div>

<div class="story-image secondary-asset landscape zoomable zoom-on" data-pswp-uid="2">The Wood Marsh-designed home, marketed as representing the pinnacle of modern residential design, was never occupied by the Besen’s.</div>

The Besen’s put the Towers Road property on the market in October through Marshall White director Marcus Chiminello.

The property is set on a 2300 square metre block.

<div class="story-image secondary-asset landscape zoomable zoom-on" data-pswp-uid="3"><img alt="The home has four bedrooms and five bathrooms." height="366" src="https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/96d0b8b8157b8aa4afc206876118dc0c" width="650"></div>

<div class="story-image secondary-asset landscape zoomable zoom-on" data-pswp-uid="3"> </div>

<div class="story-image secondary-asset landscape zoomable zoom-on" data-pswp-uid="3">Dreaver recently confirmed that Sydney’s WestConnex was a significant opportunity for the new business and would attract Netflow’s initial focus.</div>

<div class="story-image secondary-asset landscape zoomable zoom-on" data-pswp-uid="3"> </div>

<div class="story-image secondary-asset landscape zoomable zoom-on" data-pswp-uid="3">Plenary Group is an independent, long-term investor, developer and manager of public infrastructure with 41 projects worth more than A$29 billion across Australia, Canada and the US.</div>

<div class="story-image secondary-asset landscape zoomable zoom-on" data-pswp-uid="3"> </div>

<div class="story-image secondary-asset landscape zoomable zoom-on" data-pswp-uid="3">Plenary is currently developing some of Australia’s largest transport projects including the A$1.6 billion Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, the A$3.7 billion Sydney Metro Northwest and the A$2 billion High Capacity Metro Trains project in Melbourne.</div>

<div class="story-image secondary-asset landscape zoomable zoom-on" data-pswp-uid="3"> </div>

<div class="story-image secondary-asset landscape zoomable zoom-on" data-pswp-uid="3">Related Projects:</div>

<div class="story-image secondary-asset landscape zoomable zoom-on" data-pswp-uid="3">[smartcode_project:default project_id=600]</div>

<div class="story-image secondary-asset landscape zoomable zoom-on" data-pswp-uid="3">[smartcode_project:default project_id=4807]</div>
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Toorak record price paid by Plenary's Phil Dreaver

Kew has long been regarded as one of Melbourne's premier residential suburbs. It's a location defined by its grand period homes, leafy streets and some of the city's most prestigious schools, yet it has often sat just outside the spotlight cast on neighbouring Hawthorn and Camberwell.

Increasingly, however, buyers are recognising that Kew offers much of what draws people to those suburbs, with a quieter residential setting, exceptional amenity and long-term owner-occupier appeal.

Within a few minutes' walk, residents can access Kew Junction, one of Melbourne's most established village centres. Cafés, bakeries, restaurants, supermarkets, boutique retailers and everyday services are all on the doorstep, with local favourites including Centonove, Adeney Milk Bar Cafe, and Frank &amp; Harri creating the type of walkable lifestyle that has become increasingly difficult to find in Melbourne's inner east. Beyond the immediate neighbourhood, Glenferrie Road's renowned shopping and dining precinct in Hawthorn and the retail, dining and entertainment offerings of Camberwell Junction are both just a short drive or tram ride away.

The suburb is equally well connected. Tram routes 48 and 109 provide direct access to the CBD, while High Street and Cotham Road connect residents to the wider inner east.&nbsp;Nearby access to the Eastern Freeway also places the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne Airport within easy reach, adding another layer of convenience for weekend travel.&nbsp;It's a rare combination of connectivity and tranquillity, where quiet residential streets sit just moments from some of Melbourne's most established shopping and lifestyle precincts.

For families, Kew remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held addresses. Carey Baptist Grammar School, Xavier College, Methodist Ladies' College, Trinity Grammar, Ruyton Girls' School and Genazzano FCJ College are all nearby, while the Yarra River parklands, walking trails and sporting clubs provide another layer of lifestyle appeal.

It's within this established pocket that developer Ricdanic is delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wimba-ave-kew-9-11-wimba-avenue-kew-vic-3101">Wimba Ave</a>, a boutique collection of just 13 residences across two buildings named after its location on the tree-lined Wimba Avenue,&nbsp;within one of Kew's most prestigious pockets where homes have been known to sell up to and above $8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=354809]

The residences prioritise the space that buyers are increasingly searching for but struggling to find in established suburbs. Living areas extend beyond five metres in width, ceiling heights range from three to five metres, and apartments open onto private gardens averaging around 125 sqm. Selected residences also feature balconies of approximately 60 sqm, while premium inclusions include Miele appliances, double-glazed windows, EV readiness, fully electric systems and a 7.2 NatHERS energy rating.

Architect Chris Idle says opportunities to deliver homes of this scale within established suburbs have become increasingly uncommon.

"There are very few opportunities to do these kinds of developments in leafy, established suburbs," he says. "To get this level of amenity, natural light, and architectural freedom in such a setting is extremely rare."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=366267]

The architecture draws on Kew's established character through the use of handmade Krause bricks, while landscaping by John Patrick introduces 23 plant species, including nine native varieties, creating an environment which focuses just as much on nature as it does the building.

Construction on Wimba Ave is well underway by renowned high-end builder Sinjen, with completion expected in late 2027. Prices start from $2.22 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140755]

mikah.m@urban.com.au

The enduring appeal of Kew's tree-lined streets and village lifestyle

"For me, it's the location." That was the first thing Chris pointed to when reflecting on why he and his wife Marita decided to purchase at Candela Ivanhoe, the under-construction new apartment development by Salter Brothers in the heart of the north-eastern M​elb​ourne​ suburb. ​

"We've lived here before… everything is here," Chris said.

"Our doctor is around the corner, there's dentists, pilates, everything we need, restaurants, fast food places, two train stations, Ivanhoe and Darebin, both in walking distance. You don't need anything else."

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Just 10 kilometres from Melbo​urn​e's CBD, Ivanhoe combines direct city connectivity with the amenity of an established village community. Residents have access to highly regarded schools, expansive parklands, public transport, and a thriving retail and hospitality precinct centred around Upper Heidelberg Road, all within a neighbourhood that has retained its leafy character despite its proximity to the city.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela Ivanhoe</a> sits within the heart of this established landscape, positioned just moments from Ivanhoe Village and within walking distance of many of the suburb's most sought-after amenities.

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From Candela, residents can access cafés, grocers, wine bars, restaurants and essential services on foot, while Ivanhoe Station and Darebin Station provide direct connectivity across Mel​bour​ne. The development is also surrounded by some of the suburb's best-known lifestyle destinations, including Pinkie, Laurent, Enni, Docasa and Woodfire Pizza e Cucina, alongside Ivanhoe Plaza, Woolworths, pharmacies and specialty retailers.

Green space is another defining feature of the suburb. Darebin Parklands, Ivanhoe Park, Nellie Ibbot Park and the Yarra River trail network provide extensive opportunities for recreation, while Ivanhoe Golf Course and Ivanhoe Tennis Club continue to underpin the area's long-established lifestyle appeal.

The suburb's education offering further strengthens demand. Ivanhoe Grammar School, Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School, Mary Immaculate Primary School and Ivanhoe Primary School have helped establish the area as one of Melbou​​rne's most sought-after schooling precincts, attracting families and downsizers alike who want to remain connected to the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357510]

While location was the priority for Marita and Chris, the project itself also needed to meet their expectations.

"Whilst location was paramount, I was also looking at design of the environment and Candela ticked every box," Marita said.

"We're just thrilled with our choice."

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Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>, Candela Ivanhoe has been designed to complement its village setting, with an emphasis on generous floorplans, natural light and practical everyday living.

Residents will have access to a range of shared amenities, including a communal rooftop garden and dedicated residential lounge, complemented by a ground-floor café and lifestyle wellbeing centre, helping foster the sense of community already emerging among future owners.

That approach has resonated strongly with the market. More than 90 per cent of purchasers at Candela Ivanhoe are owner-occupiers, with buyers ranging from downsizers and second-home buyers to young families and first home buyers, creating a genuinely multi-generational community of grandparents, parents and children. It reflects a broader shift across Melbo​​urne's apartment market, where buyers are increasingly prioritising neighbourhood quality, lifestyle amenity and long-term liveability.

Currently under construction by Ironside, Candela Ivanhoe comprises 58 apartments. Candela Ivanhoe is scheduled for completion in the coming months, and residents can move in from September. One to four bedroom residences, prices from $649,000 and limited opportunities remaining.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Joel Robinson

Location and lifestyle drive demand at Candela Ivanhoe

As apartment buyers increasingly look beyond the four walls of their residence, the quality and depth of shared amenity has become a defining factor in how developments are designed and experienced, particularly in the high-rise, new apartment development space.

In Southbank, where high-density living continues to evolve, developers are placing greater emphasis on creating environments that support wellbeing, connection, and convenience as part of everyday life.

That approach sits at the heart of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aura-at-melbourne-square-7-hoff-boulevard-southbank-vic-3006">AURA</a>, the latest residential tower in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/osk-property">OSK Property</a>’s $3.5 billion Melbourne Square precinct. Rising 67 storeys above Hoff Boulevard, the 673-apartment development has been conceived around what OSK describes as a “vertical wellness ecosystem”, a layered collection of amenities that extends throughout the building rather than being confined to a single podium level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=370263]

The amenity offering begins on the seventh level within the AURA Club, a dedicated resident hub focused on health, relaxation, and daily convenience. Here, residents will have access to an indoor swimming pool, cold plunge, spa, sauna, and steam room, alongside a fully equipped gym, reformer Pilates studio, and yoga room.

The wellness facilities are complemented by a range of spaces that acknowledge the changing ways people live and work. Work-from-home lounges and co-working areas sit alongside a library, music room, games room, cinema facilities, and open-air terrace spaces, providing residents with flexible environments that can adapt throughout the day.

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Beyond the internal amenity, AURA introduces a series of Japanese-inspired gardens that form a quieter counterpoint to the tower’s social spaces.

Landscaped retreats feature curated outdoor dining, tranquil courtyard seating, fire pit, and a tea house pavilion. Rather than functioning as simple recreational areas, the gardens have been designed as places for reflection and informal gathering, drawing on principles of balance, nature, and calm that underpin the project's broader design philosophy.

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The social amenity continues to evolve as residents move higher through the building. Levels 49 and 50 house the Meridian Club, where a lounge bar, conservatory spaces, and private dining rooms take advantage of elevated city views. At the summit of the tower, the exclusive Cumulus Club spans Levels 66 and 67, offering additional lounges, private dining, and meditation and treatment rooms positioned above Melbourne’s skyline.

For OSK Property, the extensive amenity offering reflects a broader focus on wellbeing as a core component of apartment living rather than an added feature.

“Aura stands tall as an exemplar of holistic wellness – its focus on social, physical and mental health culminate in a building that is calming, restorative and relaxing, where residents will have their own sanctuary within the well-connected and sought-after Southbank,” says OSK Property CEO Chong Boon Woon.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367796]

AURA’s amenity strategy extends beyond the tower itself through its integration with the wider Melbourne Square precinct.

Residents will have direct access to Kennedy Park, Southbank’s 3,745 sqm landscaped public park, alongside a full-line Woolworths supermarket, childcare centre, hospitality venues, and approximately 1,600 sqm of additional retail planned within AURA’s lower levels. Together, these elements create a highly connected residential environment where daily needs, recreation, and wellness are woven into the fabric of the community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=370253]

As Melbourne’s apartment market continues to mature, developments are increasingly judged by the lifestyle they provide beyond individual residences.

Through its combination of wellness facilities, landscaped retreats, social clubs, and precinct-wide amenity, AURA represents a shift toward a more comprehensive model of vertical living, one where shared spaces play as significant a role as the homes themselves.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151921]

AURA elevates amenity living at Melbourne Square

Builder-developer Scion is the latest to target Sydney's booming Hills Showground Metro precinct, filing plans for more than 100 apartments within walking distance of the station.

Scion has lodged a concurrent rezoning and State Significant Development Application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/27-33-middleton-avenue-castle-hill-nsw-2154">27–33 Middleton Avenue</a>, where it plans to replace four existing homes with an 11 and 14-storey mixed-use development comprising 109 apartments, six affordable housing dwellings, and a ground-floor café.

Designed by BHK Architects, the proposal includes three levels of basement parking with 174 spaces, more than 1,200 sqm of communal open space, and extensive landscaping across the 3,791 sqm site.

The development has been designed as two buildings connected by a recessed wintergarden spine, with the 14-storey building positioned to the south and the 11-storey building to the north.

<img alt="Scion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64dc359d-736b-43b8-87a8-70a8285cab47" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-25%20at%208.47.01%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=PXh.m8id_aevBPHEckPf88wQ2RQThPos" />

The apartment mix has been weighted towards owner-occupiers, with 13 one-bedroom apartments, 55 two-bedroom residences, 31 three-bedroom apartments, six three-bedroom lofts, and four four-bedroom homes. Six apartments will be dedicated as affordable housing in line with the NSW Housing SEPP.

According to the Architectural Design Report by BKH, the proposal seeks to create "a place-responsive architecture" inspired by the natural landscape surrounding Cattai Creek, while strengthening the public domain through landscaping, active frontages and a neighbourhood café.

Atlas Urban, in its Urban Design Report, says the proposal takes a different approach to increasing density around Hills Showground Station by favouring a more slender, vertically articulated built form over a conventional mid-rise outcome. The report argues this allows for greater deep soil planting, improved solar access and a better public domain outcome, while still delivering additional housing close to rapid public transport.

The site sits around 500 metres from Hills Showground Metro Station, within a precinct earmarked for significant residential intensification following the opening of the Sydney Metro Northwest line. Planning documents accompanying the application note that Greater Sydney's population has grown by more than one million people since planning for the precinct first began, reinforcing the need to accelerate housing delivery around existing transport infrastructure.

Scion is expanding its development pipeline which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/chatham-west-ryde-2-6-chatham-road-west-ryde-nsw-2114">Chatham in West Ryde</a>, 62 apartments which are approaching completion. They also have a State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/96-anzac-avenue-west-ryde-nsw-2114">145 apartments on Anzac Avenue</a>, also in West Ryde.

First look: Scion plots Castle Hill apartment development near Hills Showground Metro Station

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>&nbsp;has unveiled its scaled-back plans for a pair of towers rising up to 49 storeys directly opposite Bella Vista Metro Station.

The builder-developer will deliver 674 apartments and a new mixed-use hub at the gateway to the station precinct.

The State Significant Development Application has been lodged under the Housing Delivery Authority pathway for the 6,979 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/9-11-mawson-avenue-bella-vista-nsw-2153">9-11 Mawson Avenue</a>, with the apartments sitting above a mixed-use podium. Initial plans were for closer to 900 apartments across two 40-storey towers.

Located around 30 metres from the Bella Vista Metro Station entrance, the development is intended to act as a catalyst for the long-planned Bella Vista Station Precinct, transforming a vacant site into a transit-oriented residential and commercial destination.

Planning documents describe the project as delivering "a high-density mixed use destination that combines housing, retail and community-serving uses in a highly accessible setting."

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 674-apartment Bella Vista towers opposite Metro station" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21c08216-589e-490d-ad08-2d88b6fa62d9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bella%20vista%20podium.png?VersionId=3TnwjjQCNwTsmyQRaWnFrLTSAF0CJeka" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">Turner</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, the project comprises 674 apartments, including 102 affordable housing dwellings representing 15 per cent of the residential floor space. The housing mix spans studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of townhouse-style residences integrated into the podium levels. The development also includes specialist disability accommodation and an elevated provision of adaptable and liveable housing.

The mixed-use podium has been designed to create an active urban centre around the Metro station, incorporating a 1,423 sqm supermarket, a 3,029 sqm gym, specialty retail spaces, a 100-place childcare centre and a publicly accessible "city room" community space. A secondary laneway, active frontages and landscaped public areas are intended to improve pedestrian connectivity through the site and strengthen links between the station precinct and surrounding neighbourhood.

In the project's design report, Turner said the proposal responds to Bella Vista's emerging role as a higher-density centre within Sydney's north-west growth corridor.

"The project transforms a strategically located site into a high-density mixed use destination that combines housing, retail and community-serving uses in a highly accessible setting," the report states.

"Active frontages, a publicly accessible city room, a secondary laneway and a mix of uses including a local supermarket, child care centre and gym create a more complete and socially useful urban environment for residents, workers and the wider community."

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 674-apartment Bella Vista towers opposite Metro station" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0fde6220-82de-4f6a-9b63-d0fd8157acc9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bella%20vista%20da.png?VersionId=7hEmuSutH8plTd_RqqdmPu055F6qe554" />

Urban Property Group has been one of the busiest developers across Greater Sydney this year.

The developer is progressing around 1,000 apartments across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-urban-property-group-plans-next-major-wollongong-tower">two projects in Wollongong</a>, with several thousand more homes in the pipeline across Newcastle, Castle Hill, Little Bay and Penrith.

Staff reporter

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