<html><body>
There had been limited rural sales activity in South West Victoria, according to Herron Todd White’s December 2016 report.
The property advisory firm says it was against the backdrop of above usual winter rain and the market for cattle and sheep continuing at high prices.
But there had been limited sales activity when spring is traditionally the busy marketing period for farms.
Agents report the stock of property put to the open market is down on previous years for spring.
The farms in a wetter than usual state and therefore considered not appropriate to market and the increased farm income from continued strong prices for beef cattle and sheep have influenced the reluctance to offer farms to the market.
But the valuation firm noted the market's albeit limited activity "indicates values have firmed."
Grazing property was best summarised as seeing a small number of sales matched by the demand from usually corporate buyers.
"Several large name holdings that are well developed including good infrastructure have recently sold after strong competition from prospective purchasers.
"These properties generally comprise an area in the order of 2,000 to 5,000 hectares and usually attract local buyers.
There is limited stock," the report advised.
The valuers inquiry was stronger where the property is a sound, productive, ready to go farm without need for capital works to improve.
"From this local buyer pool a limited number of sales have occurred for grazing farms ranging in area from approximately 40 to 200 hectares.
"The property which is well developed is more readily saleable compared to a property requiring improvement which is slow to sell unless the price reflects the state of the property."
As a broad benchmark, the value of grazing land is in the range of $7,000 to $8,650 per hectare (ex buildings).
HTW detected recent sales for broad acre grazing property through the Hamilton district pointing to a lesser difference in value compared to similar type properties through the Hawkesdale district.
It also advised, "not surprisingly", the dairy farm market has almost gone into hibernation.
It noted the November auction listing of a 400 acre/162 hectare <a href="https://landmarkharcourts.com.au/Property/647169/LTO3954/326-Cresent-Road" target="_blank">dairy farm at Simpson</a> through Landmark Harcourts Timboon.
It sold for $1,709,000, having been listed on and off over recent years with initial $6300 per acre hopes, then $5000 per acre expectations.
There was also a December offering of a 370 acre <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-dairy-vic-princetown-7866946" target="_blank">dairy farm at Princetown</a> which remains for sale at $4800 per acre.
The district's rainfall was noted as making a big difference in South West Victoria.
"Full reservoirs and flooding to many regions in Echuca saw many worried about water damage to crops rather than turning the mowers into paddocks.
This resulted in significant demand in most districts with the main exception being irrigated properties which were held back mainly by price cuts in the dairy industry and challenges in the horticultural sector.
This has resulted in a significant shift upward in underlying land prices, particularly in the Mallee where modern farming techniques are boosting confidence of producers that a yield is possible even with below average rainfall with good management," HTW advised.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Limited spring 2016 rural sales activity in South West Victoria: HTW

<html><body><div>
One of Perth's most iconic beachfront homes, the recently completed Sandcastles, is set to hit the market next month.
The home was <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-city+beach-124406482" target="_blank">designed by James Shaw</a> from Ecotect Architects and constructed by hand from sold limestone by Perth stonemason Albert Dietz.
Comprising three levels and an elevator, the home has six bedrooms, four bathrooms and a swimming pool.
There's also a separate self-contained apartment on the estate that is set on one of the largest and most elevated parcels on the South City Beach waterfront.
Scott Swinger at Space Real Estate Cottesloe has the listing.
The City Beach residential record has stood since 2012, when a non-waterfront fetched $7.2 million. It was listed in 2015 for $9 million but no buyer emerged.
The most recent big money sale in the area was last June when a five bedroom home by Giorgi Architects &amp; Builders sold for $5.75 million.
</div></body></html>

Sandcastles listed on South City Beach in Perth

<html><body>
De Ville is the Main Beach apartment block in the Gold Coast at the centre of the on-going expenses scandal involving Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley.
Ley, who has stood down from her position after being accused of using taxpayer funded travel entitlements, spent $795,000 on a two bedroom apartment in 2015.
It was claimed her trips to and from the Gold Coast were taxpayer funded.
A one bedroom, in the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-qld-main+beach-123915546" target="_blank">3645 Main Beach Parade building</a>, (above) sold recently for $410,000.
Last traded for $305,000 in 2013, the apartment went back in price after having sold for $360,000 in 2007.
It went for $193,000 in 2002 and just $80,000 in 1984.
Further recent sales in the apartment block suggest Ley isn't likely to make any immediate gain on her purchase.
The apartment next door to Ley's fetched $739,932 in September last year.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-qld-main+beach-123281610" target="_blank">8th floor, 131 sqm apartment</a> (below) had been renovated to the highest standards and has two bedrooms and two bathrooms like Ley's, and an ocean facing balcony.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/12/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-12%20at%201.50.46%20PM.png" alt="">
The property has gone backwards in price, having last traded for $742,000 in 2011.
It also traded in 2005 for $648,500, 1999 for $310,000 and in 1985 for $285,000.
Another <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-main+beach-122172174" target="_blank">two bedroom, two bathroom apartment</a>, (below) this one on the 5th floor, also offering an ocean facing balcony sold for $625,000 back in May.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/12/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-12%20at%201.51.54%20PM.png" alt="">
This apartment too has gone back in price the last two times it's traded.
Last traded for $650,000 in 2012, the apartment also went back from its 2007 price of $770,000, which suggests Ley won't be getting her money back were she to sell.
It previously traded for $250,000 in 1996 and $117,000 in 1980.
Neither apartment tops the big $795,000 price that Ley paid.
Ley's apartment too had gone back in price when she bought it, having last traded for $830,000 in 2006.
It sold for $455,000 in 2002 and $205,000 in 1984.
Ley also used taxpayers money to visit the Gold Coast when bidding on another property, this one on the hinterland, however her offer wasn't accepted.
 
</body></html>

Falling prices inside De Ville apartments at Main Beach on the Gold Coast

<html><body>
As Channel Nine officially start casting for the next contestants for season 13 of The Block, it is reported that St Kilda's grubby Gatwick Hotel could be the heroic site to renovate.
It looks like the show, who worked on the seedy Savills Hotel in season 11, are set to make the Gatwick their biggest layout in the show's history. 
The 64 room hotel had been on the market for a year before being removed from the market in October with an ambitious $11 million asking price.
It has been reported by the local papers that the producers of the reality TV series were in serious negotiations however it is yet to be formally apparent as a done deal.
It would be far and away the biggest price the Block will have paid for a development site and would be over double of the $5,025,000 they paid for the Port Melbourne soap factory for the last series.
The Gatwick Hotel traded for $3.04 million in 1998.
It could be renovated by a fresh batch of contestants, with the ad on <a href="https://www.castasugar.com" target="_blank">www.castasugar.com</a> only appearing in the last few days.
</body></html>

The Block 2017 starts casting contestants as St Kilda's Gatwick Hotel tipped

<html><body>
Business confidence in the WA property sector remains low according to the latest ANZ/Property Council Survey.
The ANZ/Property Council Survey index for WA moved down six points from 104 to 98 for the first quarter of 2017, returning to earlier levels following a slight jump for the final quarter of 2016.
The Australian property confidence index saw a slight increase for the December 2016 to the March 2017 quarter from 130 to 132.
“These results confirm what we know – that’s it’s a long, hard slog back after the end of the mining construction boom,” Property Council WA Executive Director Lino Iacomella said.
“There is however some room for optimism in the survey with retail and retirement living sectors bucking the trend with positive growth expectations.
"This can be explained by the growing focus on delivering diverse housing choices for our ageing population and continued investment in shopping centre redevelopment.
"As focus turns to the March State election, now is the opportune time for all the major parties to commit to a budget stimulus package which puts forward achievable and sensible policy measures which will empower the property industry."
 
</body></html>

Low confidence in Western Australia property industry as election looms

<html><body>
The NSW property industry is kicking off 2017 with nation leading levels of confidence, according to the latest ANZ/Property Council Survey released today.
“NSW had a strong 2016 and the next twelve months are looking positive with high expectations for growth, investment and hiring across the state,” Property Council NSW executive director Jane Fitzgerald said.
“NSW industry confidence leads the nation at 149 index points, up from 142 last quarter and is at near six year highs.
"Over the twelve months to March 2017, confidence in NSW is up 11 index points indicting a strong lead in to the new year.”
Staffing level expectations across the industry are also strong and is leading the nation this quarter which means the industry will continue to provide jobs for the state’s growing population.
“The survey shows that the NSW industry is strong across all sectors in terms of capital growth expectations with office, industrial, retail, retirement and hotel property sectors all expecting a strong 2017,” she said.
“But residential sentiment is softening across the nation and has been for the past 12 months or so which means we need to do all we can to strengthen the housing supply pipeline in NSW."
"We must cut stamp duty for families trying to get a foot in the property market, scrap the foreign investment tax and continue steps towards streamlining the planning system so that we can continue to build the NSW of the future."
</body></html>

NSW property industry starts 2017 leading the nation in confidence

<html><body>
A postcard perfect beach box at Mount Eliza is for sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-mount+eliza-121659562" target="_blank">34 Ranelagh Beach</a> the property is a clean and peaceful, picturesque cove.
With 35 sqm of floor space there are ample bench space, storage and room to sit.
There is ample unrestricted public car parking 80 meters away with public toilets, taps and shower blocks at the rear 100 meters away.
It also comes fully furnished, decorated and renovated. Everything sold as presented.
The iconic Ranelagh Club and boat storage is available and the Mt Eliza Village is only 5 minutes away and the city 1 hour.
The property is offered by McEwing Partners agent Adam Hanley.
</body></html>

Postcard perfect Mount Eliza beach box listed for sale

<html><body>
A Paul Clout designed tropical Noosa Waters home sold recently for $3.75 million.
Set among private courtyard gardens on 765 sqm, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-noosa+waters-119384955" target="_blank">18 Topsails Place</a> has a floor area of 380 sqm and was built with a texture of sandstone, slate and timbers.
A water edge courtyard and boardwalk lead to the four bedroom, four bathroom home with home office, that has a private route to the pool complete with barbecue station and entertaining area.
The grand master bedroom opens to a wide private terrace overlooking the curved 30 metre waterfront that includes a jetty with electric boat lift.
Shane McCauley and Frank Milat at Richardson &amp; Wrench Noosa Heads secured the sale.
It last traded for $3.75 million in 2015.
Another four bedroom waterfront with swimming pool in the cul-de-sac fetched $1.85 million just a few days before.
 
 
</body></html>

Paul Clout designed Noosa Waters home sold

<html><body>
A cutting edge home at Port Douglas is for sale.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-port+douglas-123625950" target="_blank">L28 'Beachfront Mirage' Cocos Palms Avenue</a> the 850 sqm property has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a swimming pool.
It is built with natural materials.
Each room overlooks the water gardens.
The home features polished concrete flooring.
The property has a private parkland directly to the rear and access that cuts through to the beach.
The property is offered by Tony McGrath Real Estate agent Callum Jones.
</body></html>

Cutting edge Port Douglas home for sale

<html><body>
Nambucca Heads has the fastest median unit growth in New South Wales, according to Investar’s latest market report. The property investment firm says that median unit prices in Nambucca Heads has increased by 62 percent annually.
This is followed by North Ryde with 58 percent and Woolooware with 50 percent.
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Suburb</td>
<td>Postcode</td>
<td>Bedrooms</td>
<td>Median current price</td>
<td>Median price growth</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nambucca Heads</td>
<td>2448</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>$480,000</td>
<td>62%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>North Ryde</td>
<td>2113</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>$855,000</td>
<td>58%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Woolooware</td>
<td>2230</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>$810,000</td>
<td>50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Penrith</td>
<td>2750</td>
<td>Studio and one</td>
<td>$370,000</td>
<td>48%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Woonona</td>
<td>2517</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>$392,500</td>
<td>34%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shoal Bay</td>
<td>2315</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>$520,000</td>
<td>33%</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-nambucca+heads-115633203" target="_blank">2/28 Wellington Drive</a> (above) is for sale for $475,000.
</body></html>

Nambucca Heads scores NSW's fastest median unit price growth: Investar

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

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News