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The continuing strength of the apartment development market together with the desire to relocate their offices into the CBD of Sydney has encouraged the CFMEU to list its head office in Lidcombe for sale.
The 6-8 &amp; 10-12 Railway Street offering consists of over 6,000sqm of land.
The vendor will occupy the offices, on a flexible lease arrangement, for up to two years allowing the purchaser time to secure a development approval.
It could exceed 30,000sqm of GFA under the B4 mixed use zoning.
Jon Chomley and Guillaume Volz of Colliers International and John Surian of Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Parramatta have been appointed by the Union as exclusive agents for the marketing and sales process.
The site is only two minutes’ walk from the Lidcombe railway Station, which provides direct access to the Sydney CBD to the east, Parramatta to the West and Liverpool to the south west.
The Lidcombe CBD is opposite the train station and provides a mix of retail amenities including a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.
The site is also close to excellent school facilities, hospitals and a multitude of golf courses, providing extensive amenity for occupiers.
According to Jon Chomley, National Director, Capital Markets at Colliers International it was "an outstanding site within the undersupplied Lidcombe market."
Guillaume Volz, National Director, Development Sites Residential at Colliers International, believes that there will be strong interest in the site from local developers that understand the metrics of the Lidcombe market.
“Lidcombe has had limited development of apartments over the last five years so the market is keen for more opportunities, particularly where there is some level of holding income on the site” he said.
Offers close March 9.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

CFMEU offer Lidcombe development opportunity

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A three bedroom home at Castlemaine has been listed for sale a $679,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-castlemaine-123477394" target="_blank">1 McMeekin Street</a> the property sits on 1 hectare of private bushland.
It features high curved ceilings and floor to ceiling cedar timber windows.
The bespoke timber kitchen features Miele appliances with solid wood heater and timber floors.
There are two bathrooms, two living areas, an outdoor entertainment area and a dam next to the property.
<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/2017/01/22/1%20McMeekin%20Street-2.jpg" alt="">
It also features a water storage, carport and shedding and town water.
The property is within walking distance to Castlemaine Botanical gardens, The Mill complex, train station and town centre.
The property is offered through Cantwell Property agents Genevieve Cantwell and Michael Cantwell.
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Private bushland Castlemaine home listed for sale

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Confidence levels in Mildura’s rural property market have strengthened considerably during the past two years, according to Herron Todd White's latest report.
The property valuation firm says that the improved confidence will be continue to be reflected in both a higher number of property transactions and higher values.
"What is remarkable is that this confidence has spread to almost all of the rural industries found in the region," HTW's latest report suggests.
A lower Australian dollar, improved export access to some key Asian markets, low interest rates and generally good seasonal conditions have seen growers of table grapes, citrus and almonds generate strong cash flows in successive years.
Wine grape growers, after enduring terrible commodity prices for a decade, are expecting prices to improve by around $50 per tonne in the current harvest.
"They are hoping that this will be the start of a steady increase over the next few years.
"With respect to our local horticultural industries, it needs to be remembered that the current stronger conditions follow the very difficult conditions experienced between 2007 and 2013."
Property values fell considerably during this period, and the initial improvement was a bit of a catch up, it advised.
Dryland farmers have just harvested a near record crop.
While grain prices have been dismal, many growers benefited from stronger prices for canola and pulse crops which has helped improve their average per hectare returns.
Graziers in the far west of NSW have continued to benefit from very strong meat and wool prices, with agents reporting strong demand being shown for any grazing properties listed for sale.
The current strong returns are however contributing to a very tight supply of grazing properties being listed for sale.
In the last half of 2016, there were three sales of substantial table grape enterprises.
The buyers were two separate international investment funds and a recently listed Australian agribusiness company.
Analysis of these sales indicates that table grape vineyard values have risen by over 25 percent during the past two to three years.
There has also been significant sales activity in smaller family farm sized table grape vineyards, with buyers being mostly existing growers seeking to expand.
Interestingly though, a number of buyers of these smaller vineyards have been fruit exporters, motivated by a desire for vertical integration.
It will be interesting to see whether this trend continues or these non traditional buyers pull back, wary of also assuming the production risk.
An almond and wine grape agricultural property on 18,135 acres is listed at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-mildura-7695503">1 Thurla Road Mildura</a> (above). The property currently has 565 acres of almonds, 291 acres of premier wine grapes, 16 acres of avocado &amp; 250 acres of commercial Lucerne.
It is listed through John Morris and Michael Everard of Ruralco.
A 23.4 acre property in Merebein, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-acreage+semi-rural-vic-merbein-123205646" target="_blank">149 Channel Road</a>, sold last October. It has 4 acres of Menindee, 3 acres of Red Globe, 2 acres of Crimson and 13 acres of Sultanas. The property features a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home, shed and pickers hut.
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Mildura rural market stronger due to high confidence levels: HTW

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A major Adelaide Hills grazing property at Rockleigh sold last month, without any price disclosure.
The Rocky Hillview is one of the largest landholdings in the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-commercial+farming-sa-rockleigh-501464791" target="_blank">comprising 1,264 hectares across 27 titles</a>.
It is split into two landholdings with the western landholding at 387 hectares and the eastern holding having 877 hectares of land.
The property is 25 kilometres north-west of one of South Australia’s major regional centres Murray Bridge.
It is 80 kilometres east of the Adelaide CBD.
Comprising of predominantly gently undulating to steep grazing country, some areas are suitable for cropping.
Despite no heavy scrub on the property some Mallee-type vegetation exists, but it does not impact on the grazing.
It has sheep and cattle yards.
The property was offered through Colliers International agents Jesse Manuel and Tim Altschwager.
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Rockleigh, Adelaide Hills farm Rocky Hillview, sold

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The December 2016 update for ABS Building Approvals confirms the peak for the cycle has passed, according to the Housing Industry Association.
“While a downward trend in building approvals is firmly entrenched, residential construction activity itself will hold up well throughout 2016/17,” said HIA chief economist, Dr Harley Dale.
“From 2017/18 we will see a sharper decline in new home building activity, primarily due to the medium/high density segment of the market.
"Building approvals peaked in July 2016, but by December last year were only 18 per cent lower than that peak.
"Given approvals reached an all-time high last year that’s a modest fall – we can take that away and bank it as a good outcome for the Australian economy.
"This has been an extraordinary cycle for new home building – the biggest and longest in history."
He said a long tail to the cycle will be helpful for the Australian economy.
Dr Dale said it was important to focus in 2017 on ensuring Australia has the correct longer term policy settings to ensure we adequately house our growing and ageing population.
The recent appointment of Michael Sukkar as Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, with a focus on housing affordability allows the Federal Government to lead from the front in meeting this crucial national objective.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/02/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-02%20at%202.34.22%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/02/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-02%20at%202.34.22%20pm.jpg" alt="">
In December 2016 total seasonally adjusted building approvals fell by 1.2 per cent with detached houses down by 2.2 per cent and ‘other dwellings’ sitting flat at +0.1 per cent.
On a three month annualised basis total approvals remain above the 200,000 threshold at 204,692.
In December 2016, seasonally-adjusted building approvals increased by 19.5 per cent in Tasmania and 17.0 per cent in Victoria, while in trend terms there was an increase of 1.2 per cent in the Northern Territory.
Building approvals fell in Western Australia (-16.3 per cent), New South Wales (-13.2 per cent), South Australia (-5.4 per cent), and Queensland (-0.1 per cent).
In trend terms approvals fell by 2.1 per cent in the Australian Capital Territory.
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Peak of the building approvals cycle has passed: HIA

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An original Victorian-style home in Marrickville has been listed for auction.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-marrickville-124545414" target="_blank">5 George Street</a>, the 860 sqm property has been held by the same family for over 90 years.
It is ready for renovations or redevelopment.
The four bedrooms house has a cast-iron veranda.
There is a long corridor with a chandelier and detailed architraves.
The lounge room has one of four original marble fireplaces.
<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/2017/02/01/5%20George%20Street-2.jpg" alt="">
 
The February 25 auction will be through Oxford Real Estate agents Michael Marano and Matt Marano.
 
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Rare Victorian-style Marrickville home listed for auction

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Mirvac and the Brisbane Racing Club’s $950 million residential precinct at the Eagle Farm Racecourse is off and racing with the developer announcing that construction has now started.
It is on Ascot Green’s first residential tower, Ascot House.
Mirvac has sold more than 60 per cent of the nine- storey, 91-apartment tower since launching the development to the public in July 2016.
Mirvac's Warwick Bible said Ascot Green’s civil works including external road works, site preparation and basement excavation are now well underway, and the foundations commenced in December 2016.
"We expect heightened interest in Ascot Green in the coming months as our vision for the project takes shape.”
<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/2017/02/02/160413%20-%20Ascot%20Green%20-%20V13%20-%20Balcony%20-%20FINAL2000.jpg" alt="">
The historic Eagle Farm catchment will see an architecturally-designed new precinct with works approved for public parklands, bike paths, open green spaces and plans for public art to be exhibited in the communal outdoor areas.Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the residential development and overall revitalisation of the Eagle Farm precinct would help put the area on the map as a premier recreation and residential destination in Brisbane.  
<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/2017/02/02/MIR007-AG-V05_v7.jpg" alt="">
“The Eagle Farm Master Plan and Mirvac’s Residential Precinct are welcomed additions to our city, and will provide a vibrant and innovative hub where people can live, work and relax,” Cr Quirk said.
“It is an exciting time for Brisbane, as construction commences on this landmark development which will provide approximately 1,000 trackside apartments as well as retail and commercial buildings that tie in with the area’s rich heritage.
“The Eagle Farm and Doomben Racecourse precincts contribute to tens of millions to Brisbane’s economy each year, and this residential precinct will be the centrepiece for the reinvigoration of the Eagle Farm site.”
<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/2017/02/02/Neville%20Bell%20LM%20Graham%20Quirk%20and%20Warwick%20Bible%201.jpg" alt="">
Brisbane Racing Club Chairman, Neville Bell, said there were plans in place for premium retail facilities and building of a new childcare centre is currently underway.
“We’ve recently submitted a development application for a new shopping precinct in the area which would include eleven specialty retail stores and a major supermarket, further bolstering the area’s appeal,” Mr Bell said.
“In addition, we currently have a new childcare centre on Lancaster Road under construction, and we are taking expressions of interest for an aged care facility in the area.
<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/2017/02/02/Neville%20Bell%20LM%20Graham%20Quirk%20and%20Warwick%20Bible%202.jpg" alt="">
Stage One of Ascot Green boasts two towers, Ascot House and Tulloch House, each of which contains a selection of one, two, three and four bedroom apartments. 
The nine and 12 storey buildings will feature rooftop terraces where residents and guests can enjoy views of the historic Eagle Farm racecourse and city beyond.
Apartments start at $460,000 for a one bedroom in Tulloch House, with this tower to be released to the public in early 2017.
 
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Brisbane's Ascot House construction starts after 60 percent sold off the plan

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The performance of house and unit resales across Canberra has continued to diverge over the past quarter, according to CoreLogic's Pain and Gain report.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/30/Corelogic-10.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/2017/01/30/Corelogic-10.jpg" alt="">
The property data firm says that 9.6% of all dwellings resold at a loss over the quarter, split 3.4% of houses and 25.5% of units.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="70">
 
</td>
<td colspan="4" valign="top" width="194">
Gross loss-making sales, Sept 16 qtr
</td>
<td colspan="4" valign="top" width="185">
Gross profit-making sales, Sept 16-qtr
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="70">
Profit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="35">
% of all sales
</td>
<td valign="top" width="40">
Median hold period
</td>
<td valign="top" width="51">
Median loss
</td>
<td valign="top" width="68">
Total value of loss
</td>
<td valign="top" width="35">
% of all sales
</td>
<td valign="top" width="40">
Median hold period
</td>
<td valign="top" width="46">
Median profit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
Total value of profit
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="70">
Unincorporated ACT
</td>
<td valign="top" width="35">
12.2%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="40">
5.4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="51">
-$25,700
</td>
<td valign="top" width="68">
-$5,240,229
</td>
<td valign="top" width="35">
87.8%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="40">
9.3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="46">
$170,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
$189,216,296
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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Canberra apartment resale losses soar: CoreLogic Pain and Gain

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An administrator has been appointed to fashion brands David Lawrence and Marcs amid deteriorating sales in Australia and New Zealand.
Administrator Rodgers Reidy's director Geoffrey Reidy said the two brands would continue to trade.
He said their operations were being reviewed ahead of a planned sale of the businesses.
The sole director of the companies operating the labels, Malcolm Webster, said it was necessary to appoint voluntary administrators because of deteriorating sales, market conditions and poor cash flow.
The companies operate the labels Marcs and David Lawrence across 52 stand alone stores.
There are over 140 concession stores operating out of Australia and New Zealand.
The companies employ 1,130 staff with around half employed on a casual basis.
In a statement, the administrators said:
• employee wages have been paid up until 30 January 2017.
• superannuation has been paid up until 31 December 2016
• all existing gift cards and returns will be handled in accordance with the companies' existing policies.
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David Lawrence and Marcs appoint administrator after deteriorating clothing sales

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Queensland's rental market ended 2016 on a steady note, according to REIQ chief executive officer Antonia Mercorella.
She said signs were good that 2017 would bring improving conditions to regional Queensland.
“The data has shown that supply and demand in the rental market is fairly evenly matched in the southeast corner," she said.
"The vacancy rate in inner Brisbane has fallen to 3.6 per cent, which is very close to the healthy range and this is good news for both landlords and tenants.
"When vacancy rates are within the healthy range it means landlords can secure tenants comfortably and it also means tenants have the opportunity to secure appropriate and suitable rental accommodation.
"With the exception of the September 2016 quarter, Brisbane City has remained within the healthy range (2.5 percent - 3.5 percent) since December 2013, indicating the rental market is steady and well-balanced between supply and demand.
"Greater Brisbane’s vacancy rates have held steady in the healthy range for five quarters, falling to 3 percent this quarter.
"The Logan rental market weakened over the December quarter, reaching a vacancy rate of 3.3 percent, which is still within the healthy range."
Tourism Centres
<ul>
<li>After 13 quarters operating in the tight range, the Gold Coast rental market operated within the healthy range for the December quarter, reaching a vacancy rate of 2.5 percent.</li>
<li>Maroochy Coast was the tightest rental market in Queensland with a vacancy rate of 1.1 percent for December.</li>
<li>Noosa vacancy rates remained relatively steady with vacancy rates of 1.4 percent. This market has operated in the tight range for the past four years (since September 2012).</li>
<li>Rentals of medium to high density living in Noosa follow a cyclical performance with a market peak during the summer and holidays period. Vacancy rates of units in Noosa reduced from 3.2 percent in June to 1.4 percent in December.</li>
<li>The Cairns rental market remains generally healthy with vacancy rates at 2.4 percent for December.</li>
<li>Fraser Coast has experienced some volatility over the past eight years, however, it continues to operate in the healthy range, rising to 3.3 per cent in the December quarter.</li>
<li>Maryborough rental market recorded the largest increase in vacancy rates over the quarter of 3.2 percent, reaching vacancy rates of 5.6 percent, primarily due to new housing construction in the region.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-01%20at%2010.36.34%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/2017/02/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-01%20at%2010.36.34%20am.jpg" alt="">
Regional Centres
<ul>
<li>Toowoomba vacancy rate increased from 2.3 percent for September to 2.8 per cent for December. This market has operated within the tight and healthy range since the REIQ began reporting vacancy rates in 2008.</li>
<li>With the exception of Toowoomba, Gympie, Scenic Rim, Southern Downs and Tablelands, the rental markets in regional centres are weak with consistent low demand.</li>
<li>Southern Downs recorded the largest vacancy rate fall, dropping 2.2 percent, from 5.3 percent in September to 3.1 percent in December.</li>
<li>Vacancy rates in Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Townsville improved between 0.3 percent and 0.7 percent, but these markets are still weak.</li>
<li>Banana recorded the highest vacancy rate in the State of 15.2 percent in the December quarter.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-01%20at%2010.36.49%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/2017/02/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-01%20at%2010.36.49%20am.jpg" alt="">
She said signs were good that 2017 would bring improving conditions to regional Queensland.
“The State Government is focusing its jobs-creation programs on centres such as Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay and Townsville.
"Also, it is well-known that jobs and rental markets go hand-in-hand.
"When workers are made redundant they are often forced to leave town to search for work elsewhere and we are seeing many move to southeast Queensland.
"But the low Australian dollar will bring visitors to our tourism centres such as Cairns and Mackay and hopefully the rising coking coal price will benefit the mining centres such as Gladstone, Rockhampton, and Townsville, as well as western Queensland mining towns.
“A boost to employment figures will benefit the state’s housing market enormously.
"We have seen this at the Sunshine Coast, where the unemployment rate of 4.7 per cent (for September) sits well below state and national levels and it’s no coincidence that the vacancy rates on the Sunshine Coast are the lowest in Queensland,” she said.
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Queensland rental market improves over December quarter: REIQ

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.

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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.

[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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