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The hockingstuart Yarraville-based estate agency will contribute $45,000 to the Victorian Consumer Law Fund, after it acknowledged contravening Victorian laws relating to the sale of residential properties.
The Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria accepted an undertaking from Hocking Stuart Yarraville and its directors after they acknowledged that the company contravened sections 18 and 30 of the Australian Consumer Law (Vic) and underquoting provisions of the Estate Agents Act 1980.
The worst example was a Footscray property (above) that had sold for more than $1.3 million in March 2014 and then advertised with price guidance in online ads or in emails at "$1,000,000 plus" in November and December of 2015.
It then sold for $2.11 million in December of 2015.
Their trading company L&amp;L Dardha acknowledged:
<ul>
<li>making false and misleading representations about the sale of property, knowing the vendors were not likely to sell the property for the advertised price</li>
<li>advertising properties on the realestate.com.au website at prices likely to mislead potential purchasers because they were in a lower price bracket than the agency’s estimated selling price (ESP) or estimated sales range (ESR) on the sale authority</li>
<li>advertising a price range online or in emails, which was less than the ESP or ESR on the sale authority.</li>
</ul>
The contraventions related to six properties in Altona North, Brooklyn, Footscray, West Footscray and Yarraville.
Acting on an initial complaint in December 2015, Consumer Affairs Victoria’s investigation found that, among other things:
<ul>
<li>three of the six properties did not state the agent’s ESP or ESR on the sales authority</li>
<li>two of the properties were advertised at a price range that was less than the ESR on the authority.</li>
</ul>
On a West Footscray property's signed authority, the agent's ESR of $600,000 to $660,000, yet in email correspondence to prospective purchasers, the advertised price range was listed as "$550,000 plus".
As part of the undertaking, the company has also agreed to:
<ul>
<li>display a notice at its place of business acknowledging the contraventions, and</li>
<li>implement a compliance program, which includes appointing a compliance officer, establishing a complaints handling system and providing regular training for staff.</li>
</ul>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Hockingstuart Yarraville acknowledge underquoting on $2.11 million Footscray home

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A four bedroom home on Tamborine Mountain has been listed for January 29 auction.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-tamborine+mountain-124425598" target="_blank">22-30 Eagles Retreat Place</a>, the property is a contemporary masterpiece inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Attention to detail was vital during the construction of this property from the soaring ceilings to the heated flooring.
With panoramic views from Moreton Bay to Byron Bay, the heart of the house is the Great Room which combines dining, lounge, snooker and games area while remaining in contact with the entertainer’s kitchen, terrace, pool and spa.
The terrace features heated flooring, a 13 meter lap pool, heated spa and giant chess set as well as being connected via a floor to ceiling bifold doors.
Featured in the kitchen are Smeg and Meile appliances, Zeus granite bench tops, Germancraft cabinetry, underfloor heating and panoramic hinterland and coastal views.
Inside the guest wing are three king sized ensuite bedrooms with the master wing having a spa bath, dressing room and study included.
The property is 20 minutes to the M1 and an hour to either domestic or international airport.
The property is scheduled for auction on January 29 through Ray White Prestige agent Josh Thomas.
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Mountain luxury at Tamborine Mountains for auction

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There’s two Portsea bathing boxes for sale set among tea trees on the Shelley Beach foreshore.
Agents expect <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-portsea-124335854" target="_blank">box number 43</a> (above) to fetch about $500,000.
It was number 23 sold for a record price of $615,000 in late 2015 at auction while Boat Shed No.1 on Portsea’s Front Beach received an offer of more than $700,000 last year, before the listing was withdrawn.
“It wasn’t high enough for the vendors to let go of an asset that they know they can never replace,” Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty Sorrento’s Rob Curtain told the local paper.
Dubbed by the agent as the “buttercup boatshed”, no. 43 sits at the foot of the main track to Shelley Beach, near the Hemston Avenue car park.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-portsea-124449762" target="_blank">Number 37</a>, (below) between the car park and Campbells Road stairs, is also on the market for $400,000.
<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/2017/01/17/Portsea-2.jpg" alt="">
There are about 50 on Shelley Beach.
Kay and Burton’s Liz Jensen is the listing agent of no. 43.
The Shelley Beach boat sheds are north facing, and typically sheltered from prevailing winds.
Mr Curtain is the listing agent for no. 37.
 
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Two Portsea beach boxes listed for sale

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The average time that a house in Adelaide stays on the market is 56 days, according to CoreLogic’s latest report, as at early January 2017.
The property data firm says that the average time for a unit in Adelaide is 64 days.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/16/Capital%20city%20time%20on%20market.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/2017/01/16/Capital%20city%20time%20on%20market.jpg" alt="">
Darwin homes takes the longest time to sell with an average of 103 days on the market while units in Perth takes 93 days to sell.
Sydney is the place where properties take the least amount of time to sell with 35 days for homes and 41 days for units.
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Adelaide homes stay on the market for 56 days on average: CoreLogic

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Wentworthville has the highest stock growth for units in NSW, according to Investar’s latest report.
The property investment firm says that the stock growth for Wentworthville had increased by 240 percent.
This is followed by Baulkham Hills with 179 percent and Arncliffe with 113 percent.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Current median price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Stock growth
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Wentworthville
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2145
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$560,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
240%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Baulkham Hills
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2153
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$695,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
179%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Arncliffe
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2205
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$700,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
113%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Rosehill
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2142
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$540,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
107%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Burwood
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2134
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$795,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
100%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Lavington
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2641
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$169,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
80%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-nsw-wentworthville-118235763" target="_blank">203/2 Rawson Road</a> (above) was sold for $558,000.
Similarly a two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-nsw-wentworthville-121310898" target="_blank">106/2 Rawson Road</a> (below) was sold for $560,000.
<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/2017/01/13/106_2%20Rawson%20Road.jpg" alt="">
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Sydney's Wentworthville sees unit stock explosion: Investar

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A waterfront home at Sovereign Islands is listed for January 29 auction.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sovereign+islands-124067090" target="_blank">46-48 Knightsbridge Parade East</a>, the property has a 360 degree view of Broadwater, the city and hinterland.
Designed by Davis Carlson it has been crafted to provide a luxurious contemporary haven.
Built solid with concrete construction, there are four king size ensuited bedrooms along with seven bathrooms with marble/granite tops.
There is a basement carpark big enough to accommodate 10 cars as well as a Kone Lift.
A 12 metre grand void entry with artistic lighting, smart wiring and state of the art media room is also included.
The rooftop has a BBQ and terrace with breath taking views and the sleek kitchen features Miele appliances and bi-fold outdoors servery.
The alfresco dining area feature views, and also a BBQ kitchenette.
There is also a large Infinity edge heated pool with automatic top up water system as well as meeting room/games room, cedar sauna, library/study that features black wood timber floors.
The property also has a generator, underground water tank, irrigation system and lush tropical gardens.
The auction is on 29 January through Prestige Property agents Nick Zhang and Jeffrey Sturgess.
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Waterfront Sovereign Islands home listed for auction

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A Croydon estate agency will contribute $45,000 to the Victorian Consumer Law Fund, after acknowledging contraventions of Victorian consumer and property laws relating to property sales.
The Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria has accepted undertakings from O'Brien Real Estate Croydon Pty Ltd (ACN 150 146 008) and its sole director, Mr Jerry Caleca, for making false or misleading representations about the sale price of a number of properties.
"We commenced an investigation after receiving a complaint alleging that an agent's representative at the company was misleading potential buyers by advertising a property at a price that was less than the vendor's price.
"We found that seven properties in Croydon, Mooroolbark, Chirnside Park and Wonga Park were advertised with a price range lower than what was listed as the vendor's price on the sales authority.
"We also found that four of the properties were advertised at a price that was less than the agent's estimated selling price."
Consumer Affairs Victoria considers that the company has engaged in conduct that was misleading and deceptive, or likely to mislead or deceive, and has contravened the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria).
O'Brien Real Estate acknowledged that it had contravened sections of the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria) and the Estate Agents Act 1980.
As well as the $45,000 contribution to the Victorian Consumer Law Fund, Mr Caleca, 49, of Croydon Hills, offered an undertaking that at its own expense, the company will:
<ul>
<li>establish a compliance program within three months of the undertaking, and maintain the compliance program for three years. Mr Caleca must also provide our Director with a signed affidavit verifying that the compliance program has been implemented</li>
<li>display a public notice stating its contraventions:</li>
<li>on the company website (www.methven.com.au), and</li>
<li>at or near the reception desk of each of its existing or new premises from which the company carries on real estate services.</li>
</ul>
This public notice will be displayed within 14 days of the undertaking and remain displayed for three months.
This enforceable undertaking will be in effect for three years.
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Croydon's O'Brien Real Estate pays $45,000 fine for underquoting

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The biggest sale across the country last week was in the Gold Coast where a five bedroom home sold for $7.7 million, according to CoreLogic.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-surfers+paradise-124029274" target="_blank">Admiralty Drive riverfront</a> (pictured above and below) last traded for $7 million in 2007, sits on 678 sqm and features Juliet balconies and graceful arches.
<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/2017/01/17/Admiralty1.jpg" alt="" width="411" height="250">
There's a home cinema, executive study and an entertaining terrace with teppanyaki bbq that overlooks the infinity pool and the river.
Michael Kollosche at Kollosche Prestige agents secured the sale after over 640 days on the market.
The second most expensive property in Queensland was a three bedroom <a href="https://www.ultraproperties.com.au/properties/4301-71-eagle-street-brisbane-city/" target="_blank">Brisbane sky home</a> that sold for $2,562,000.
A Northbridge home at 52 Coolawin Road topped the New South Wales biggest sellers, going for $4.85 million.
Black Diamondz property agent Tim Le secured the sale of the substantial five bedroom family home (below).
 
<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/2017/01/17/Northbridge.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="251">
The second biggest seller in the state was a 157 sqm Kent Street apartment that sold for $3.05 million.
The three bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-sydney-108425391" target="_blank">2007/183 Kent Street</a> last traded for $892,500 in 2001.
Victoria's biggest sale came from Park Orchards where a four bedroom home built just two years ago. It sold for $3,107,000.
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Mermaid Beach Gold Coast trophy home tops sales with 10 percent growth over 10 years

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Gold Coast superstar Gary Ablett has listed his luxury Ashmore waterfront which is sure to respark the rumours he'll leave the Suns at the end of 2017, having not departed over the 2016 summer break.
The versatile midfielder has two years left on his current $1 million-a-season contract, however there's regular suggestions the 32 year old will finish his career on the Gold Coast.
Ablett paid <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-ashmore-124479490" target="_blank">$1.8 million for the home</a> upon his arrival at the Gold Coast in 2011 having left boyhood club Geelong, whom he reportedly asked whether he could be traded to during last year's AFL trade period.
Set on 3342 sqm of landscaped grounds, with mature tropical trees and plants ensuring privacy, the home comprises four en-suited king size bedrooms and a self-contained guest quarters.
<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/2017/01/17/Ablett2.jpg" alt="" width="428" height="310">
There are Bali huts and an outdoor entertaining area accompanying the full size floodlit tennis court and the lagoon style pool.
<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/2017/01/17/Ablett3.jpg" alt="" width="429" height="255">
The home offers 65 metres of river frontage with a floating pontoon.
Ray White Surfers Paradise agent Marek Ancypa is seeking expressions of interest.
<a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/afl-star-garry-ablett-to-be-dumped-as-gold-coast-suns-skipper-amid-family-drama/news-story/6731c5e3760a985feeccf43c50e6a285" target="_blank"> </a>
<div class="w_ad w_unruly">
<div id="ad-block-3011828955-3" class="w_unruly ad-block ad-custom unruly_insert_native_ad_here" data-ad-size="4x4" data-ad-tar="pos=1" data-google-query-id="COXWm8STyNECFdRwvAodRJMJIQ"> </div>
</div>
 
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Suns superstar Gary Ablett lists Ashmore home after departure rumours

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Perth has the biggest decline of home values for the year to date, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that Perth’s home value has declined by 1.6% in 2016.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/16/Capital%20city%20home%20values.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/2017/01/16/Capital%20city%20home%20values.jpg" alt="">
This is followed by a 6% decline of home values over the last 12 months.
Melbourne had a slight increase in home value by 0.9% for the year to date followed by a 13.6% increase over the last 12 months.
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Perth home values decline by 1.6% in 2017: CoreLogic

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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