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The combined capital city weekend clearance rate remained in the high 70s, despite auction volumes reaching the highest level so far this year
The larger number of auctions was driven by a substantial rise across the Sydney and Melbourne markets, while there was a small decrease across the smaller capital cities.
The strongest clearance rates, based on preliminary data, were in Sydney and Canberra, where 83 per cent and 81 percent of auctions returned a successful result.
Melbourne recorded a strong preliminary clearance rate, with 76 percent of auctions clearing, just below the 77 percent national average.
The preliminary combined capital city clearance rate was higher on the weekend than the 71 percent in same period last year.
The 2,280 auctions held was lower as 2,347 auctions were held over the same time last year.
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Across Melbourne, this week’s preliminary clearance rate was recorded at 76.7 percent, up from 75.9 percent last week and also higher the clearance rate recorded over the same week last year (74.1 percent).
This week, Melbourne was host to 1,103 auctions, higher than the 556 held last week, and only marginally lower than what was seen one year ago, when there were 1,105 Melbourne auctions held over the week.
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This weekend in Melbourne, the number of properties for sale is expected to rise to 1400 with Domain's Dr Andrew Wilson suggesting the listings were big for February when auctions were usually only just starting to build up again.
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Of the Melbourne sub-regions, the highest clearance rate was recorded across the North East region, with preliminary results showing 85.5 percent of the 91 auctions were successful.
Sydney’s preliminary clearance rate this week was 83.5 percent across 661 auction results.
There were a total of 844 auctions held across the city. Looking back at the same weekend last year, 800 auctions were held across Sydney and a clearance rate of 76.5 percent was recorded.
The North Sydney and Hornsby region hosted the most auctions of any Sydney sub-region this week, with 137 properties taken to auction.
"It's another extraordinary result for Sydney," Domain chief economist Dr Andrew Wilson told Domain.
"Next week it could be even bigger with the number of property listings to rise about 30 percent to 900." 
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The preliminary clearance rate for the region is 89.8 percent across 108 results.
Brisbane’s preliminary clearance rate this week was 50.6 percent, decreasing from 53.1 percent last week.
There were 117 Brisbane auctions this week, compared to 131 last week.
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The Gold Coast was host to 59 auctions this week.
Based on the 42 results reported to CoreLogic so far, 50.0 percent were successful.
Adelaide recorded a clearance rate of 68.9 percent across 86 auctions this week, up from 66.7 percent across a higher volume of auctions last week (91).
At the same time last year, 112 homes were taken to auction, with 64.6 percent recording a successful result.
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Perth’s clearance rate of 36.8 percent across 41 auctions is up from the previous week, when 74 auctions were held and a clearance rate of 25.0 percent was recorded.
Over the same week last year, the clearance rate was a lower 41.0 percent, and 42 auctions were held.
Canberra’s preliminary auction clearance rate of 81.5 percent this week is consistent with last week, when the final auction clearance rate was 81.5 percent and higher than the 61.9 percent recorded last year.
Tasmania saw 5 auctions take place this week, 3 results have been reported so far, with 1 sale.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Preliminary auction clearance rate remains in high 70 percent: CoreLogic

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CHOICE, the National Association of Tenant Organisations and National Shelter are calling for governments to prioritise rental security and quality issues, not just housing affordability, as a national study reveals widespread fear and discrimination faced by thousands of Australians.
“Governments across Australia are rightly focused on the issue of housing affordability. Affordability is extremely important to renters.
But it can’t be addressed without also looking at the quality and security of housing.” said Adrian Pisarski, National Shelter’s Executive Officer.
“It’s hard to imagine a product or service this poor in any other sector. As consumers of rental properties, tenants have to deal with major quality issues like mould or flooding and are systematically denied access to a timely remedy,” said Alan Kirkland, CHOICE CEO.
“Worryingly, we found that renters with more experience in the market were less likely to complain when something goes wrong which illustrates the entrenched culture of fear among renters.
This is all the more of a concern when you consider the rising number of long-term renters across Australia,” said Ned Cutcher, National Association of Tenant Organisations spokesperson.
Key findings
- 83 percent of renters in Australia have no fixed-term lease or are on a lease less than 12 months long
- 62 percent of people say they feel like they can’t ask for changes
- 50 percent of renters report experiencing discrimination when applying for a rental property
- 50 percent of renters worried about being listed on a residential tenancy database
- 20 percent of renters have experienced leaking, flooding and issues with mould
- 8 percent of renters are living in a property in need of urgent repairs
“For Australians who don't own a home, renting should be a secure and affordable option free of fear and discrimination.
Unfortunately, the research reveals a significant power imbalance between tenants and landlords, leading to a culture of fear that means many renters stay silent when something goes wrong.
It’s deeply concerning that common features of everyday life like having children, receiving a government payment or owning a pet can be major barriers for renters trying to find a home,” according to Alan Kirkland.
“All too often, we hear that people are reluctant to complain to agents or landlords because they’re worried about rent increases or eviction.
This research shows that this fear is widespread with 50% of renters worried about being listed on a so-called bad tenant database.
When people do raise an issue with a property, landlords and agents can really drag their feet before they fix the problem with 21% of renters waiting over a week to get a response about an urgent repair request,” Ned Cutcher says.
“Tenants are often the last group to be asked about the housing challenges Australia faces.
This research has tenants talking about their experiences of the system in a way that’s not often considered in debates about housing.
Renters face constant insecurity, 83 percent are without a fixed-term lease or are on a lease less than 12 months long.
As more Australians enter the rental market, we need a national plan to boost supply, especially for low-income households, whilst also addressing security, rights and amenity,” Adrian Pisarski commented.
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50 percent of Aussie renters reporting discrimination by landlords

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Springfield Tower, located at 145 Sinnathamby Boulevard, has been sold in a deal negotiated by JLL’s Christian Sandstrom and Sam Byrne.
JLL sought expressions of interest over a five-week period for the property on behalf of PPB Advisory as appointed receivers.
Located in Springfield Central, Springfield Tower is an impressive ten-storey office building providing large rectangular floor plates which enjoy an abundance of natural light and views over the greater Springfield CBD.
Constructed in 2008 by leading Queensland builder Hutchinson Builders the property provides 9,459sqm (NLA) of office and retail space and is regarded as the most prominent office building in the greater precinct.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/17/main2345.jpeg" alt="">
The asset provides a 50 percent leased building with scope for significant income uplift, with major tenants including: Springfield Land Corporation, The Salvation Army, Department of Housing and Public Works and Northrop Grumman.
“The landmark is ideally situated in the heart of Springfield Central close to the Orion Shopping Centre.
It is within walking distance to the new $1.2 billion rail linking Springfield to all major stations to the Brisbane CBD.
This has had significant impetus to attracting new businesses to the area, especially as it continues to grow,” said Christian Sandstrom.
“The Greater Springfield community is nearing 13 percent completion with over $11.7 billion invested in the project to date; which is estimated to grow to $85 billion by project end.
"Since the commencement of this project, we have noticed a significant increase in the amount of new capital sources looking to capitalise on Springfield’s rapid growth” said Sandstrom
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/17/press%20ad%202%20image.jpeg" alt="">
“Throughout the sale campaign, we fielded interest from a broad range of domestic and off-shore groups that saw potential to unlock the property’s true value through a refreshed leasing strategy,” said Sam Byrne.
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Brisbane's Springfield Tower 10 storey iconic tower sold

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Former Macquarie Bank executive Michael Carapiet and wife Helen have listed their long-held family home in Castlecrag.
The couple have owned the five bedroom home with swimming pool and spa since paying $1,865,000 in 1998.
McGrath Northbridge agents David Howe and Harriet Halmarick have a March 4 auction guide of $5.7 million to $6.2 million.
The couple are off to Northbridge.
Michael is chair of the ASX-listed Link Group. He was a member of Macquarie Group's Executive Committee from 2005 until he retired in 2011.
The veteran investment banker headed Macquarie Capital during Macquarie's rapid growth as an investment bank. 
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Former Macquarie Bank executive lists in Castlecrag

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Foreign investment played a key role in underpinning demand for new housing stock in 2016, according to CBRE’s latest report.
That said, overall levels of offshore capital for residential investment eased in 2016 from the very high levels experienced in 2015, the agency noted.
Higher stamp duties applicable to source local debt, tighter enforcement of monetary caps on Chinese capital outflows and general concerns about apartment oversupply contributed to softer foreign investment in 2016.
Foreign investment sales turnover for the Sydney development site market declined by 50% in the 12 months to June 2016.
Despite the slowdown, Australia remains an attractive long-term proposition for foreign investment.
Foreign buyers, although motivated by rental returns, value other factors such as political stability, personal safety, education and low air pollution when assessing investment locations and Australia ranks very highly on these measures.
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Although 2016 saw a combination of factors that could impede demand from foreign investors, we are not forecasting a material jump in settlement defaults for off-the-plan apartments.
Settlement default has traditionally been low in Australia (sub-2 percent).
A tougher lending environment makes it likely that settlement periods will be extended and some increase in default will occur.
But the emergence of new lenders absorbing foreign buyer debt demand and the substantial cost of default (i.e. forgoing deposits) will limit the number of buyers defaulting in settlement.
Furthermore, conditions in domestic labour markets are unlikely to deteriorate to the extent that settlement defaults will increase markedly amongst domestic buyers.
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Settlement defaults to increase from low occurance in OTP housing market: CBRE

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Housing affordability has become a key concern in Australia, according to CBRE’s latest report.
Housing price growth over the past few years in markets such as Sydney and Melbourne have been well in excess of rent growth and household income growth.
Historically low interest rates have facilitated this strong price growth and consideration should be lent to the potential impact on pricing when interest rates rise again.
"Our modelling indicates that Sydney households would experience an 8ppt increase in mortgage repayments (as a proportion of median household income) if interest rates increase by 1ppt," the report advised.
The impact is less in other markets (figure 21) but considerable nonetheless.
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"We expect that when interest rates do begin to rise (unlikely before 2018) that price growth in Sydney and Melbourne is likely to slow the most, partly closing the price gap that has expanded over other markets in recent years," the report stated.
Sydney building approvals are expected to decline in 2017 as more supply enters the market.
However, the housing construction boom should last longer than in other states because dwelling approvals are holding up better and the market isn’t oversupplied.
The outlook for Melbourne and Brisbane inner city markets is similar: soft rental markets due to new supply will result in sharper reductions in building approvals than nationally and prices for apartments will soften in response to high supply.
Perth remains constrained by softening population growth and weak statewide economic performance.
Oversupply will remain a feature of the Perth rental market during 2017 but price declines are expected to be less than 2016 levels.
Adelaide building approvals are likely to decline as a soft employment outlook limits the potential for population growth.
Canberra building approvals are expected to ease in 2017 as tougher lending conditions impact investor demand.
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Housing affordability still a key concern for Australia: CBRE

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Australia’s leading property investment event, the Property Buyer Expo, debuts in Victoria next week with industry gurus sharing where property markets are heading plus their insights and shortcuts to best take advantage of current market conditions.
Property Observer has complimentary tickets to give away. 
Visit <a href="https://www.propertybuyerexpo.com.au" target="_blank">www.propertybuyerexpo.com.au</a> using the code POVIP via 'purchase tickets' to secure your spot.
Some of the hot panel topics and presenters across the three days include:
<ul>
<li>Toorak on a shoestring! How you can buy your first investment property from just $2,500 without borrowing by using fractional property investment - Arthur Namoudis, DomaCom</li>
<li>Parents (and grandparents) can be key to helping young Victorians break into the housing market – and it may not cost them anything! - Chris Gray, Your Empire</li>
<li>Snare your perfect property before it goes to auction - Frank Valentic, Advantage Property Consulting</li>
<li>Look beyond your own backyard! Insights into current and future market opportunities in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and beyond…Then a deep dive into Melbourne’s market – not only which suburbs the brilliant RiskWise tool suggests carry the highest and lowest risk, but right down to the detail of what type of property in these suburbs carries the least risks and potentially highest returns – Doron Peleg, RiskWise Property Review</li>
</ul>
Australian property experts on hand also include Nerida Conisbee, chief economist at REA Group; Effie Zahos, editor of Money Magazine; Margaret Lomas, managing director of Destiny Financial Solutions; and Ben Kingsley, chief executive officer of Empower Wealth.
Kylie Mayer, organiser of the Property Buyer Expo, says being such a dynamic industry, it’s important that we remain at the forefront of the issues and opportunities facing property buyers, hence our unrivalled line up of industry-leading speakers and extensive list of exhibitors to give attendees tools, tips and insights to help them build wealth through property.
“With so many leaders, decision-makers and influencers under one roof, the Property Buyer Expo is a must-attend event for those wanting to either break into the market, increase the value of their home or build extra wealth through property investment,” she said.
The extensive exhibitor list includes specialists in residential communities, townhouses, off-the-plan developments, house and land packages, as well as builders, conveyancers, home loan providers, accountants, real estate agents, financial planners, insurers, tax depreciation, concierge services, buyers’ agents, industry associations and government departments.
For further information about the event and to book tickets, priced at $20 per day or $50 for all three days, visit <a href="https://www.propertybuyerexpo.com.au" target="_blank">www.propertybuyerexpo.com.au</a>.
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Property Observer Ticket Giveaway - Melbourne Property Buyer Expo February 2017 

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Apartment king Harry Triguboff has renewed plans for a high rise in Surfers Paradise.
The 90-level beachfront skyscraper will replace a 22-level 1960s building on The Esplanade.
The highest apartments in the yet-to-be-named tower will look down on the units in the Gold Coast’s current tallest building, the 78-floor Q1 super tower.
The project also exceed in terms of floors, the 89-level Spirit building planned by Hong Kong’s Forise group.
Triguboff’s Meriton group has agreed to buy the International Beach Resort, originally the Apollo, for $58 million.
It will start demolition next month.
Meriton has selected a design submitted by SJB for the 3833sq m site, which is expected to have around 270 serviced apartments and 300 residential apartments.
Triguboff said a development application would be lodged by the end of February.
The Meriton tower would be split vertically into three distinctive tiers, each defined by coloured glass panels.
Circular halo effects atop each tier would be lit at night, creating a beacon along the foreshore.
Meriton is buying the International Beach Resort from Singapore businesswoman Gertrude Guok, who bought it for $11.4 million in 1993.
“The Surfers site is the best in town — the sort of property I’ve always dreamed of having on the Gold Coast,” said Mr Triguboff.
“The city’s displaying verve and vibrancy like I haven’t seen for years and it’s given me the confidence to make a big investment.
“With a site like this one, the sky’s the limit and we will do the Gold Coast proud.”
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Harry Triguboff seeks beacon-inspired Gold Coast tower with record 90 floors

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The average time on the market for new land in Melbourne’s growth corridors has dropped below 60 days as the current upswing continues to gather pace, according to research by property group Oliver Hume.
The research, compiled from analysing trends at nearly 200 projects throughout Victoria, shows the average time on market for land in Melbourne in the final quarter (three months to end of December) of 2016 was just 1.9 months, the lowest ever recorded.
Demand for land is also pushing prices higher and making lots smaller, with the average price per sqm of land in the city’s growth corridors now exceeding $570/sqm in the December quarter 2016.
The median price of land reached $239,000 in the final quarter of 2016, up over 8% from $221,000 in the September quarter 2016. 
Over the same period the median lot size declined from 427sqm to 416sqm.
With the exception of the first quarter of 2015, the average time on market has now fallen or remained steady in every quarter since the third quarter of 2013, after peaking in the current cycle at 6.6 at the end of 2012.
The statistic measures the period from when a piece of land is released for sale by a developer until it is contracted by a purchaser.
Oliver Hume Research Manager George Bougias said affordability, record population growth and continued low interest rates remained the key drivers of demand.
“Despite the increases we have seen over recent years Melbourne is still below many other regions in Australia,” he said.
“With buyers having similar access to low interest rates, an improving economic and jobs outlook in Victoria and Melbourne’s relative affordability is ensuring the city keeps coming up the winner.”
Mr Bougias said Victoria’s population growth was a key underlying factor in the demand for land.
Figures recently-released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that Victoria’s population is now larger than ever before and looks set to continue growing strongly.
In the year to 30 June 2016, the state’s population grew by over 123,000 people (2.1%).
Victoria recorded the fastest population growth of all states and territories, adding more people than any other jurisdiction.
This robust population growth is expected to continue with Victoria’s population projected to hit 7 million by 2024.
Mr Bougias said the market had now spent essentially three years below the 3-5 months that Oliver Hume considers ‘equilibrium’, where supply is largely meeting demand.
Oliver Hume Director Paul Ciprian said while competition had kept prices in check from 2012 to 2015, the last 12 months has seen demand impact prices and average size.
“With prices and sizes going in different direction we have seen a sharp kick in the average price per square metre, up over 11% in 12 months and over 23% in the last two years,” he said.
“These price increases may moderate demand in the medium term but we do not see any macro issues that will impact the trend in the short term,” he said.
“So we expect prices to continue rising throughout 2017.”
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Melbourne building block land boom gathers pace

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Propertylink Group (ASX:PLG) has exchanged contracts for the sale of two manufacturing warehouses in Rydalmere for $27.5 million.
The sale price represents a 25 per cent premium to book value.
The property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-nsw-rydalmere-502196770">10-12 Pike Street</a>, Rydalmere, NSW, is 21km west of the Sydney CBD and 4km east of the Parramatta CBD.
It comprises a net lettable area of 20,022sqm that is currently 100 per cent leased to scaffolding and framework provider, Waco Kwikform Ltd, with an expiry date of June 2018.
The asset is held on the Propertylink Group balance sheet and was valued at $21.9 million in June 2016.
With just over a year to run on the lease, its sale will support the uptick of the weighted average lease expiry of Propertylink’s total portfolio to 4.4 years.
Peter McDonald, the head of property said the Sydney industrial market is very strong with very little vacancy.
"Accordingly we are seeing examples of frustrated occupiers paying big premiums to book value.”
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Propertylink sells Rydalmere site at 25 percent premium to book value

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."

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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."

[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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