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The room type that your property has will determine how much it costs per square metre, according to Secret Agent's latest report.
This section of the index breaks down properties into individual rooms to determine how much value each adds to the house.
Factors that had a significant impact on sale prices for both terraces and townhouses include location (suburb), time of sale, number of car spots and whether the house had a cellar.
Table 7 shows the expected price per square metre by room type, controlling for the abovementioned factors.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/Table%207.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/2017/06/Table%207.jpg" alt="">
Note that the price per square metre for indoor space in both terraces and townhouses are lower than the first part of the study, which was a simple average analysis.
Overall, indoor space in terraces is worth about $2,600/m2 more than in townhouses on average, while outdoor space attracts a $450/m2 premium for townhouses over terraces.
Bedroom space was most valuable for terraces in our sample, at about $14,700/m2, just ahead of bathrooms ($14,000/m2).
Extra living space added the least value at $6,900/m2.
However, this does not mean that replacing living area with extra bedrooms is always a good idea: a functional balance is required.
Terrace homes with too many bedrooms and not enough bathrooms were expected to sell for a lot less than more balanced homes: $74,000 less if there were two more bedrooms than bathrooms, and $205,000 less with three more bedrooms than bathrooms.
This is compared to homes with one more bedroom than bathroom.
For townhouses, bedroom space ($6,200/m2) was worth significantly less on average than for terrace houses.
This is only slightly higher than expected value of living area ($5,900/ m2).
On the other hand, bathrooms, including ensuite and powder rooms, had the biggest impact on expected sale price, valued at $19,400/m2 on average, which is about $4,000/m2 more than for terraces.
The average total bathroom area for townhouses was 10.5m2, larger than the 8.3m2 average for terraces.
It is likely that bathrooms are more expensive per square metre for townhouses than terraces because these are nearly always new and therefore made of higher quality fittings and fixtures.
For developers, the data seems to suggest that buyers are looking for townhouses with a good balance between bedrooms and bathrooms, so adding a second bathroom to a two bed one bath townhouse is expected to yield the greatest returns.
Dining and kitchen areas added the least value in townhouses.
This could be because most kitchens in townhouses are of similar size and quality, meaning buyers take these as a given and do not value extra space as highly.
Other considerations
• As part of their study, Secret Agent looked at just about every conceivable room arrangement (central bathroom, living room, kitchen/dining, bedrooms on one end, bathrooms on both ends, etc.), and found that when it comes to layout, this did not have any significant impact on the average sale price in our sample. Whilst there is no doubt different buyers will prefer certain layouts, on average our data suggests that there is no dominant layout commanding a premium.
• The number of levels (ground, first, second) had no impact on average sale price of either terraces or townhouses.
• For terraces, whether the property was single or double- fronted made a difference, with double-fronted homes expected to sell for more.
For more information from Secret Agent, <a href="https://secretagent.com.au/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

How extra bedrooms add to how much your property is worth: Secret Agent

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There is a balanced market of units in Hobart, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property valuation firm says that Hobart has a steady rental vacancy trend with a fair demand for new units.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-13%20at%2010.22.08%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/2017/02/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-13%20at%2010.22.08%20am.jpg" alt="">
This is supported by a steady trend of units being constructed as well as volume of units being sold.
Hobart’s unit market is rising with new properties almost never sold at prices that exceed their potential resale value.
A unit the one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-tas-hobart-122158326" target="_blank">4/166 Bathurst Street</a>, Hobart (above) was sold for $416,000. This is $19,000 below the median price of Hobart units.
Similarly a two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-tas-hobart-121867742" target="_blank">7/37-39 Campbell Street</a>, Hobart (below) was sold for $420,000.
<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/2017/02/15/7_37-39%20Campbell%20Road.jpg" alt="">
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Balanced unit market in Hobart as demands increase: HTW

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A freehold commercial property in Sydney’s Chatswood has been listed for sale with price expectations of about $25 million.
The 754 Pacific Highway, Chatswood property has a net lettable area of 3,825 square metres. 
The property sits within an area currently zoned for future retail, commercial or mixed use developments, subject to council approval.
The property is being sold via an international expressions of interest and select tender campaign closing March 1 through selling agents Henry Burke of Colliers International and Hugh Anderson of Sutton Anderson.
“We experienced a huge amount of demand for freeholds and expect this trend to continue well into 2017,” Burke said.
There was a record sales result for 282-284 Victoria Avenue for $46.25 million, which represented a net yield of 3.9% and a rate per square metre of $8,300 for two C grade commercial buildings.
15 Help Street sold for $43.8 million, representing a net yield of 5.62% rate per square metre of $8,118 for a B grade office building in the core CBD of Chatswood.
The major result for Chatswood in 2016 was the sale of The Zenith Centre by Dexus &amp; GPT to Centuria and Blackrock for $279 million.
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Commercial property in Sydney's Chatswood listed with $25 million hopes

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Perth’s dwelling values rose by 0.2% and over the last three months they rose by 2.1%.
However, over the past 12 months it has declined by 3.2%, according to CoreLogic’s latest video.
For more information click <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/housing-update/#indices-perth" target="_blank">here</a> to see the video.
{qtube vid:=MlUsBqc7SfA}
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Perth dwelling values rise by 2.1% in three months: CoreLogic video update

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A Chinese investor has picked up a corner site in Melbourne’s tightly held Glen Waverley for $2.38 million via private sale.
The 206 square metre retail site at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-glen+waverley-502182570" target="_blank">15 Railway Parade North</a> comprises a single-level brick building of around 150 square metres. The sale price reflected a land rate of $11,387 per square metre.
The deal was brokered by Fitzroys agents Chris Kombi and Terence Yeh along with Peter Sprekos and Damien Sweeney of JLL.
Kombi said the property was offered with vacant possession and Commercial 1 zoning.
He said the property offers future development potential, being subject to proposed amendments to the Monash Planning Scheme that if approved would see the maximum height for the site increased to between eight and 10 stories.
“The offering received interest from investors, owner occupiers and developers alike, all looking to capitalise on the vibrant surrounding Kingsway shopping, dining and entertainment area.”
Kombi said the commercial offering of the area includes The Glen Shopping Centre nearby, which has over 207 specialty retail shops. Nearby are eateries, a cinema multiplex and other entertainment options.
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Corner site in Melbourne's Glen Waverley nets nearly $2.4 million

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Residential vacancies fell nationally in January for a national vacancy rate of 2.4 percent, down from December's 2.8 percent according to SQM Research.
According to SQM Research all capital cities recorded falls in January.
Louis Christopher, SQM research managing director said Sydney's vacancy rate fell to 2.0 percent from 2.4 percent in December, while Melbourne's vacancy rate fell to 2.0 percent from 2.5 percent, which could pressure rents higher in both cities.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-22%20at%2011.16.38%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/2017/02/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-22%20at%2011.16.38%20am.jpg" alt="">
"Perth continues to record the highest vacancy rates for any capital city at 4.8 percent and asking rents are still falling there," he said.
"Hobart now has the lowest vacancy rate of just 0.7 percent, reflecting very tight rental conditions which are also been experienced in other parts of Tasmania (Launceston is at 1.6 percent).
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Vacancy rates fall while rent rises: SQM Research

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Residential property group McGrath Ltd, hit by recent high-profile exits, reported a 72 percent fall in its pro-forma net profit after taxes (NPAT) for the half-year ended December 31, 2016 from the previous year, with both sales and overall property listings down.
Its shares hit a 60 cents record low in morning trading. 
The company had issued a profit warning in January with McGrath Estate Agents telling shareholders that the second half results would be materially weaker than the first half given “fewer agents and the continued low listing landscape”.
It gave out a similar message in its outlook, saying, "Challenging market conditions expected to continue, as seen through lower listing volumes." Stock listings fell 20 percent in the six months to December, amid a tightened listings landscape across the major capital cities.
Chief executive Cameron Judson said in the ASX release that the company had “commenced a strategic review with a renewed focus on improving productivity and performance of each of our existing segments and McGrath is exploring new revenue opportunities.” 
As at 31 December 2016 the network comprised 28 Company owned offices and 68 Franchise offices with 648 agents operating within those offices.
The spread of offices is across the Eastern seaboard with a high concentration in New South Wales.
The Company entered the Victorian market in the prior year, a stated objective and strategic move to bolster the national market share.
The total number of offices in Victoria currently stands at 8, and the contribution was $0.5bn in sales value for the 6 months to 31 December 2016.
Total agents has increased marginally over the period to 648.
Agents in the Franchise offices increased 7 percent to 405 however agents in the company owned offices decreased 8% to 243. 
Although statutory NPAT rose $0.4 million to $2.7 million, the company said pro-forma NPAT was down 72 percent to $2.4 million. The earnings included an impairment charge of $2.2 million. 
Pro forma revenue down 11 percent to $67 million while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) fell 37 percent to $9.3 million. 
Company-owned sales fell to $3.5 billion from 2,544 deals during the period from $3.9 billion and 2,866 sales in 1H FY16. Meanwhile, franchise services reported 4,222 sales during the period with a value of $3.8 billion. 
It opened three offices during the six months, all in New South Wales; Forestville, Wahroonga and Blacktown, and has plans to open offices in Yarraville (Victoria) and San Souci, Berowra and Toukley, all in NSW. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/23/McGrathRev.png" alt="">
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/23/McGrathEBITDA.png" alt="">
The company declared a fully franked dividend of 1 cent per share to be paid out on March 28.
 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/23/McGrathMktShare.png" alt="">
The stock price has dropped to a third from its IPO price of $2.10 in 2015. It last traded at 64 cents per share.
The company is trying to halt the exodus of agents with its ‘McGrath Future’, a programme that offers incentives to high performing agents. 
Property Observer reported earlier that veteran agents who recently quit the McGrath Estate Agency are set to launch as The Agency.
The latest departure is Philip Waller.
McGrath told its shareholders that its market share had risen amid the tightened listings landscape.
It calculates its market share nationally is now 3.6 percent.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/23/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-23%20at%2011.32.55%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/2017/02/23/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-23%20at%2011.32.55%20am.jpg" alt="">
The McGrath Estate Agency's Oxygen Home Loans department settled $443 million in mortgages during the period for the half year ending 31 December 2016 .
The number of rental properties under management at McGrath's company-owned offices has increased to 7,498 as of 31 December 2016.
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Despite expansion, McGrath listings down by 20 percent as exits take a toll

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The number of rental properties under management at McGrath's company-owned offices has increased to 7,498 as of 31 December 2016.
It franchise office have a further 23,102 properties under management. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/23/McGrath-1.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/2017/02/23/McGrath-1.jpg" alt="">
 
 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/23/McGrath-2.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/2017/02/23/McGrath-2.jpg" alt="">
As of 1H 2016 the company owned offices secured $9,218,000 worth of property management revenue, which increased in 1H 2017 to $10,042,000.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/23/McGrath-5.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/2017/02/23/McGrath-5.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/23/McGrath-6.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/2017/02/23/McGrath-6.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/23/McGrath-7.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/2017/02/23/McGrath-7.jpg" alt="">
As at 31 December 2016 the network comprised 28 Company owned offices and 68 Franchise offices with 648 agents operating within those offices.
The spread of offices is across the Eastern seaboard with a high concentration in New South Wales.
The Company entered the Victorian market in the prior year, a stated objective and strategic move to bolster the national market share. The total number of offices in Victoria currently stands at 8, and the contribution was $0.5bn in sales value for the 6 months to 31 December 2016.
Total agents has increased marginally over the period to 648.
Agents in the Franchise offices increased 7% to 405 however agents in the company owned offices decreased 8% to 243.
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Number of rental properties under management by McGrath increases

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The McGrath Estate Agency's Oxygen Home Loans department settled $443 million in mortgages during the period for the half year ending 31 December 2016 .
The latest update revealed it was slightly down on the prior year (3 percent).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/23/McGrath-3.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/2017/02/23/McGrath-3.jpg" alt="">
The book value of loans under management has increased 21 percent year on year to $2.6bn.
At 1H FY17, there were 32 brokers supporting the network.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/23/McGrath-4.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/2017/02/23/McGrath-4.jpg" alt="">
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McGrath's Oxygen Home Loans settlement activity dips

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From its elevated vantage point the Oxford Central will have views of the Sydney CBD, North Sydney and Chatswood on completion.
Award-winning Marchese Partners has designed Oxford Central’s two towers: Centrale and Vista.
The seventeen story mix use development comprises 254 units over ground level commercial, retail and three levels of basement car park being developed by Greaton.
Attention to detail has been essential in the design of Oxford Central’s apartments with elegant oak floorboards, Casearstone benchtops and warm accents.
Accompanying these details are state-of-the-art Miele appliances and Parisi tapware along with single or double secured parking.
The interior of the apartment have clean lines, bespoke craftsmanship and the choice of either light or dark colour scheme.
A residents’ garden transitions you into a private outdoor space, featuring a yoga area, gathering zone and outdoor BBQ, while a public plaza creates a lively focal point surrounded by boutique retail spaces and an alfresco cafe.
It is being marketed as residents being able to relax or keep active via the parkland and leisure attractions nearby to the property such as the golfing course and the gym.
Alternatively they can go to Lane Cove National Park for a picnic.
A lively shopping precinct is just a stroll away from Oxford Central, where dining options and the essentials can be found.
For more information, <a href="https://www.oxfordcentral.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Oxford Central now available in the heart of Epping

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]

Joel Robinson

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."

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X8K0Bozug7A?si=Puwc6vx_ZO0qQZF8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=364553]

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=336455]

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]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367468]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367810]

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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