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TOGA has sold all 13 apartments in its new Double Bay development; ahead of the sales suite opening to the public.
The Hunter is a $50-million boutique-style development located on Cross Street.
The buyers were from its registered database of clients.
They sold within a fortnight of pre-marketing.
TOGA Development &amp; Construction Chief Executive Officer, Fabrizio Perilli said 10 of the 13 apartments sold to owner occupiers.
Double Bay’s newest luxury address will be anchored by a boutique ground-floor retail precinct with a mix of cafes, restaurants and wine bars in a nod to Double Bay’s European character.
The JPR Architects-designed building will feature a contemporary terraced facade with shuttered balconies above the retail precinct to create a European-inspired connection between the private and public domain.
Construction at is scheduled to commence in mid-2017 with completion expected in early-2019.
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TOGA sells out The Hunter at Double Bay

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An estate on Canberra’s Golden Mile Red Hill is up for sale. It last sold a decade ago at $3.65 million.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-124090518">18 Mugga Way</a>, the property dates back the 1920s and 30s as a popular venue for tennis parties.
It is a 5244 sqm property with the house designed by celebrated architect Kenneth Oliphant and Oakley Parkes &amp; Partners.
The house offers a reception hall, a richly detailed lounge and dining rooms both with open fireplaces.
The beautifully designed, light and bright kitchen leads to a spacious meal and family rooms with a substantial games room with sunny aspect.
There is also an elegant study of classical proportions.
It comes with a master suite and an additional four bedrooms and three bathrooms.
The garden includes English Oak, Liquid Amber, Atlantic Cedar and a sensational weeping cherry. Ornamental walnut and additional native species
The property is secured with an electronic security gate with a sweeping circular drive lined with Evergreen Alders to its four car garage.
The property is offered by Berkely Residential agent Bill Lyristakis.
It features a swimming pool with diving board and full-size tennis court.
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Red Hill estate on Canberra's Golden Mile listed

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Home buyers and sellers will now be more informed during the settlement process, thanks to a new online directory that increases accountability and transparency in the conveyancing industry.
Launched by information provider GlobalX, OzConveyancers enables property consumers to locate property settlement professionals, review their experience, compare prices, and access stamp duty information all on one online platform.
GlobalX CEO Peter Maloney said OzConveyancers is Australia’s largest online directory of registered conveyancers, and is completely free.
“OzConveyancers.com.au provides simple, geographically-targeted information to consumers, helping them find the most appropriate, best-priced conveyancer in their local area,” said Mr Maloney.
“It also allows Australia’s 6,000+ conveyancers to list their business online for free, be searchable at any time, and in direct contact with property consumers in their region,” he said.
OzConveyancers Product Manager Nippa Ekanayake said the new website filled a gap for professionals, and buyers and sellers.
“We’ve known for some time that there is a lack of information and accessible technology available for people in the initial stages of buying and selling a home,” Mr Ekanayake said.
“Sure, conveyancers provide valuable information on available searches and help ease the settlement process, but these insights come after someone has engaged a legal professional to represent them.
“The benefit to consumers is <a href="https://ozconveyancers.com.au/" target="_blank">Ozconveyancers.com.au</a> is a one-stop-shop for conveyancing information.
This allows users to easily compare local businesses to find the best deal without any fees, or commissions paid to our organisation.”
OzConveyancers currently profiles more than 2,500 conveyancers who can list their business at no cost for increased market exposure.
“Most Australian conveyancing businesses are very small; they don’t have an online presence nor time for marketing, so, by offering a free listing on the site we’re boosting their accessibility and credibility, as well as delivering more decision-making information to the consumer,” Mr Ekanayake said.
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Property 101: GlobalX launch OzConveyancers

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Urban renewal projects, such as the RNA Brisbane Showgrounds redevelopment are changing the face of the Brisbane fringe precinct. 
The Brisbane fringe office market comprises the five precincts - Urban Renewal (Fortitude Valley, Newstead and Bowen Hills, Herston), Inner South (South Brisbane, West End, Woolloongabba, Kangaroo Point, East Brisbane and Greenslopes), Milton, Spring Hill and Toowong and contains approximately 1.2 million square metres of lettable office space, according to Savills latest quarterly briefings.
<a href="/images/2016/11/05/Brisbane%20precinct.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/05/Brisbane%20precinct.jpg" alt="">
There are approximately 135,000 square metres of potential new office stock which could enter the Fringe office market over the next two to three years but for the present, the only office buildings under construction in the city fringe is the Southpoint development and 900 Ann St, totalling around 47,000 square metres.
The table below shows the projects under construction and those that may proceed in the medium term:
<a href="/images/2016/11/05/Brisbane%20office%20development.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/05/Brisbane%20office%20development.jpg" alt="">
Of the two remaining commercial stages planned for the RNA Brisbane Showgrounds redevelopment ‘Kings Street’, K2 remains mooted however construction on K5 is expected to begin in early 2017. In recent months, Lendlease has reportedly secured engineering company Aurecon as a major tenant, who have pre-committed to approximately 6,000 square metres.
The planned 13-level office building K2 remains in early planning stages, with construction mooted to begin mid-2017. Along with K1, the three office towers will total over 50,000 square metres net lettable area.
CDOP7 (Coronation Drive Office Park 7) while still mooted, will be the 7th commercial building within the Milton Office Park with a 12-level commercial tower, including ground level retail and an urban common area. Included in the proposal is the possibility of refurbishing a building (CDOP 09) adjacent to the site.
Tatt’s Group has on sold its 3,254 square metre Newstead site to Charter Hall who plan to build a 15-level commercial building in a joint venture with John Holland.
John Holland have also pre-committed to two floors of the new development which is expected to commence construction in the first half of 2017.
Completion is anticipated to be sometime before 2020, in line with John Holland’s current lease expires in Ann Street.
Urban renewal projects, such as the RNA Brisbane Showgrounds redevelopment are changing the face of the fringe precinct.
Along with numerous residential projects, urban renewal developments bring with them retail and café outlets as well as parks, path- &amp; bike-ways, vastly improving the amenity of the area.
This in turn is making the fringe a more attractive place for businesses to locate.
The overall office footprint of metropolitan Brisbane is also slowly expanding into neighbouring suburbs of the Fringe market, with the likes of the Hamilton Harbour and the Northshore Hamilton Brisbane Technology Park development, offering alternative modern office locations.
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Office footprint of metropolitan Brisbane slowly expanding into neighbouring suburbs: Savills

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Colliers International's national director of workplace strategy and design Peter Black recently participated in a panel discussion about flexible working space at Charter Hall's recent in-house workplace forum held in Sydney.
Here are some excerpts.
1. Core space vs. flexible space
Organisations are looking to minimise the work space they rent. They are now looking at "core space" and "flexible space".
Core space is defined as the minimum required for the business to function efficiently with no excess space for expansion or for specific project or seasonal work.
This is the space they will rent on a longer term lease. Flexible space is space available for their use but only rented on an as-needed basis.
This could be project space, gathering spaces for quarterly or monthly team meetings, meeting space that has specific high tech requirements or collaborative spaces.
It could even be space that is shared with startups or small tech firms that staff are deliberately rotated through to encourage cross pollination and ideas exchange.
The flexible space is located in the same building or precinct and is bookable on a daily, hourly or longer term basis.
A lot of developers are including this sort of space in their buildings. In fact, a lot of occupiers won't consider a building unless it has flexible space available.
2. Real time space adjustment
Do smaller users of space, say sub 1,000 square meter users, really need or even want to permanently rent space?
Or will they just use flexible space fitted out and maintained by a third party?
They can reduce their financial exposure and risk by renting exactly how much space they need, adjusted in real time.
So if someone leaves or only works part time, they give back the space. If someone comes on for a week or two they rent the space for only that time.
3. Shared "come home" space
Will increasing flexible working arrangements and mobile styles of working mean that some organisations will share their "core space" with other like-minded organisations?
An example would be management consultants.
Consultants spend most of their time with their clients and generally will have only one day a week where they "come home" for training, mentoring and maintenance of the corporate culture.
If they have Friday as a "come home day" why not share the space with another organisation that has Monday as a "come home" day and pay half the rent?
Taking this into account, developers and building owners will need to be significantly more flexible about lease terms, how they manage their commercial real estate and the sorts of facilities they offer occupiers.
As flexible space continues to become part of the accommodation brief for occupiers, landlords will need to demonstrate how they meet the occupiers brief for core space and flexible space.
New valuation metrics will have to be developed to account for space that is occupied on a short term basis but adds value to the occupiers of longer term leases.
An increasing number of occupiers are transitioning to a business model that is technology driven and would like to see themselves as tech companies with the same agility as a start-up.
Landlords can help in this transition by providing flexible spaces that are incubators or accelerator spaces with links to universities or other innovation hubs.
Make no mistake, we are in the middle of a profound shift in the way occupiers are looking at their space needs. Landlords that don’t listen to their clients or adapt do so at their own peril.
Colliers will be talking a lot more about flexible working space next year so watch this space.
*The views expressed in this article are of Peter Black and not necessarily Charter Hall's.
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Three thoughts about flexible working space today: Peter Black

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A new concept in commercial property is offering small businesses and investors the chance to enter the commercial market.
The low price of M-SPACE units, being built across Queensland, encourages entrepreneurs and tradies to move their businesses out of their garage or ute.
They get warehouse space plus mezzanine office.M-SPACE units can be used as offices, showrooms or storerooms and most come complete with kitchen and bathroom facilities and private hardstands.
Developments are being rolled out in Greater Brisbane at Wynnum, Cleveland and North Lakes, as well as Townsville.
M-SPACE development manager Hamish Jackson said the units were targeted at a large untapped market, with half the units at Wynnum already under contract.
“Many small business people and tradies struggle to operate out of their garage or the cabin of their ute.
But the high price of commercial property puts them off growing into new premises,” Mr Jackson said.
“Our units are designed and priced specifically for small businesses, start-ups, and mum and dad operators."
It is also tempting investor buyers who can’t afford to enter the residential property market to invest in commercial units instead.
The units are most price from $279,000 through David Gibson of commercial agent Colliers International, <a href="https://www.colliers.com.au/27089/">though some are priced at $120,000</a>. 
Owner of Pure Fresh Water, David James said he bought the largest unit in Wynnum to accommodate his small business.
“I have been paying rent in the shop for six years and now I will pay rent to myself,” Mr James said.
“I will own the unit so there’s a superannuation benefit for me as well.”
For more information visit <a href="https://m-space.worldsecuresystems.com/" target="_blank">https://m-space.worldsecuresystems.com</a>
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Start-ups quit their garages for M-SPACE in Queensland

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Respondents to a new survey from the Australian Property Institute believe residential property in Sydney and Melbourne is reaching the top of the property cycle and markets will remain in a similar position in Melbourne for a further 12 months and in Sydney for another two years.
The majority of respondents believe that interest rates will remain at similar levels for the next year, and be higher in 3 years. They also believe that foreign investment will be at similar levels for the six months, but uncertain of levels over the longer term.
<a href="/images/2016/12/07/Chart-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/07/Chart-1.jpg" alt="">
Mike Zissler, API chief executive officer, said a common view among respondents is that overall, demand is outperforming supply, ensuring residential markets remain strong.
<a href="/images/2016/12/07/Chart-2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/07/Chart-2.jpg" alt="">
“Ninety-two per cent of survey respondents see low interest rates as a significant to very significant driver of Sydney residential property demand and prices," he said.
"The second most significant driver is supply, with 91 percent seeing it as significant to very significant.
<a href="/images/2016/12/07/Chart-3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/07/Chart-3.jpg" alt="">
“In Melbourne, the two main drivers for residential property demand and prices are low interest rates (with 95 percent of respondents seeing them as a significant to very significant driver) and foreign investment (with 91 per cent of respondents seeing it as a significant to very significant driver).
<a href="/images/2016/12/07/Chart-4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/07/Chart-4.jpg" alt="">
“Brisbane is similar to the Sydney market, with 95 percent of respondents seeing low interest rates as significant or very significant, and therefore the main driver of demand and prices in the city. Supply is considered the second most significant driver, with 80 per cent seeing it as significant to very significant.
“We also asked respondents about the drivers of demand in Perth. Low interest rates are again considered the most significant driver of demand and prices, however this view is not as strong as in the other cities, with 80 per cent seeing it as a significant or very significant driver.
“Results were split for Sydney, with 58 percent of respondents indicating residential property is in or is entering a bubble, while 42 percent indicate it is not in a bubble.
“Respondents were fairly certain of a bubble in the Melbourne market, with 86 percent of respondents indicating residential property is in or is entering a bubble, while 14 percent believe it is not in a bubble.
<a href="/images/2016/12/07/Chart-6.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/07/Chart-6.jpg" alt="">
“For Brisbane, 42 percent of respondents indicate that residential property is not in a bubble, 52 percent indicate that it is in or is entering a bubble and 5 per cent are unsure.
<a href="/images/2016/12/07/Chart-7.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/07/Chart-7.jpg" alt="">
"For Perth, respondents are more certain, with 90 percent indicating residential property is not in a bubble."
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Prices staying at top of property cycle: Australian Property Institute's property directions survey 

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Raby, Surry Hills, Mount Annan. It's not just harbourfronts that set fresh price records across Sydney during the blockbuster spring selling season.
Stellar prices have been paid in suburbs north, south, east and west, all caught in the wave that sees Sydney's annual price growth at 13 percent higher than the same time last year.
Another record price seems likely tomorrow when a lavish Abbotsford home goes to auction having been listed by spiritual healers Mina and Yvon Attia.
Waterfront homes continue to carry the required cache for record prices, but they needn't look out onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 
A six bedroom waterfront at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-sans+souci-123847178" target="_blank">Sans Souci</a> smashed the suburb record when it sold last month for $9,105,000, bettering the previous record by over $3 million.
McGrath agent Liam Tsaprazis secured the sale of the home, complete with boating facilities including a slipway.
The four level home with views of Kogarah Bay features a state of the art cinema. Plus pool and spa.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-mount+annan-123959490" target="_blank">Mount Annan</a> has just seen its first sale over $1 million.
<img src="/images/2016/12/07/Mount%20Annan.jpg" alt="">
The six bedroom home opposite Mount Anna Botanic Gardens fetched $1.07 million when it sold last month.
A granny flat sits on the large 1,187 sqm parcel.
A grand family residence with six living areas in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-acreage+semi-rural-nsw-raby-123754354" target="_blank">Raby</a> has fetched $1.36 million, its first sale since 1986 when it traded for $64,000.
Set on a vast 5,356 sqm block, the grand family residence has six bedrooms, three bathrooms and a salt water swimming pool. 
Of course Altona, one of Sydney's most iconic trophy homes, fetched just over $60 million in a recent deal, beating its own prior suburb record when it sold for $52 million in 2013.
It ranks as second place in Australia's most expensive homes, behind James Packer's hillside Vaucluse home, La Mer, that sold for $70 million last year.
A <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-drummoyne-123306226" target="_blank">Drummoyne</a> waterfront set a suburb record when it sold for $8.05 million in September.
The four bedroom home, that last traded for $1.5 million in 1998, was advertised by Ward Partner's agent Matthew Ward for potential buyers to "start preparing to host a New Year's Even party."
North of the bridge the Berlin-bound Justin Reizes, who recently retired as head of equities giant Kohlberg Karvis Roberts, set the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-northbridge-123307134" target="_blank">Northbridge</a> record again when he sold his home for $15.25 million.
He set the record in 2008, which has stood until its recent sale, when he bought the six bedroom, five bathroom home for $9.08 million. 
The Coolawin Road home is set on a private beach with a boatshed and pontoon on 1700 sqm. 
It's actually the third time the home has set the record, having sold for $7.13 million in 2003 by the Salteri family.
Not far away a five bedroom luxury home in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-middle+cove-123750414" target="_blank">Middle Cove</a> broke the suburb record when it sold under the hammer for $4,315,000 through local agent Mark O'Brien.
The 2010 build with a heated swimming pool and sunken eight person spa is the first in the suburb to surpass the $4 million mark, blitzing the previous $3,575,000 set in 2008.
There were no suburb records for Mosman this spring, however they did achieve their highest auction sale ever when a Morella Road home sold for $14.5 million.
Set overlooking Chowder Bay home on Sydney's lower north shore it was bought for $14.5 million by a Chinese-origin buyer with residency. 
Non-waterfront homes are also setting records across the city.
A home in Kyle Bay broke the suburb record for a non-waterfront when it sold for $3.78 million.
Set on 1,012 sqm, the five bedroom home captures a vista across <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-kyle+bay-123482798" target="_blank">Kyle Bay</a> from its three levels and infinity pool.
<img src="/images/2016/12/07/Kyle%20Bay.jpg" alt="">
Strathfield saw two record setters within a month, the first equalling the record, the second blowing it out of the water.
A four bedroom Newton Road home sold for $6.8 million in August, a joint record price that had stood since 2014.
But less than a month later the $6.8 million sale was smashed by a vast eight bedroom Llandilo Avenue grand manor with swimming pool that sold for $7.3 million. 
The Belrose record is set to be broken with the listing of Kameraigal which has a price guide of $8.75 million.
It appared in the fifth season of the television series Underbelly starring Jonathan LaPaglia being shot in the house in 2012.
A Kurraba Point record was broken earlier this week when a renovated three bedroom Penshurt Avenue home sold for $4,275,000, breaking the suburb's townhouse record.
It was sold by Flavour of India founder Lola Crossingham who will now move onto another property project.
The first spring Saturday saw a record warehouse sale in Surry Hills, where The Carriageworks sold for $7.95 million, which bettered the prior record of $7.55 million set in 2015.
The mid 19th century warehouse was reinvented by renowned designers Hare &amp; Klein comprises three levels, four bedrooms and an artist's studio.
This article appeared in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Record price in Sans Souci and across Sydney

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A 1913 home at Claremont is up for sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-claremont-124147466">22 Parry Street</a>, the property has Federation Queen Anne architectural features.
From its 1300 sqm position on Claremont Hill it has views towards the hills from the upper level. It last sold in 1995 at $888,000.
The Claremont Quarter, Swanbourne and the Swan River foreshore is within walking distance with Cottesloe and Swanbourne beaches just minutes away.
Modern renovations blend with its original character which includes high ceilings, wraparound verandahs, intricate ceiling roses, arched hallways and polished jarrah floors.
The contemporary open plan spaces features honed granite, marble and stainless steel in the five bedroom, four bathroom house.
The gardens are filled with winding paths, roses, north facing olive grove, rolling lawns.
There are secret hideaways under the shade of an ancient tree plus a swimming pool with entertaining terrace.
It comes with a self contained garden studio.
The December 14 auction is through through LJ Hooker agents John Hunter and Vivien Yap.
There was a $2.5 million sale last month on the street of a four bedroom 1902 house on 910 sq m, having been initially listed in October last year at $2,995,000.
There was also a four bedroom 1910 house on a 900 sq m block on the street that sold recently for $2.05 million.
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Elegant 1913 Claremont home for sale

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The number of total listings in Sydney has declined compared with this time last year, according to CoreLogic’s latest weekly report.
The property data firm says that the number of total listings in Sydney has declined by 10 percent to 21,470.
This is despite the number of new listings increasing by 5 percent over the past 12 months.
<a href="/images/2016/12/05/Capital%20city%20properties%20listed.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/05/Capital%20city%20properties%20listed.jpg" alt="">
Brisbane has the highest increase of total listings having an increase of 14 percent compared to Hobart decline of 31 percent.
Canberra’s number of new listings over the past 12 months has increased by 19 percent, the highest out of all the capital cities.
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Sydney's total listings decline by 12 percent from 12 months ago: 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.

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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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