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Due to the decline of the mining sector in Perth, prospective buyers are unwilling to invest in property, according to WBP Property Group's latest report.
The downturn in the Western Australian mining sector has resulted in a "palpable" reduction of consumer confidence as individuals realise the impact of the unfolding crisis.
"Prospective purchasers are unwilling, and in some cases unable, to raise funds to purchase properties, the cautionary approach leading to uncertainty regarding the future direction of residential and commercial real estate markets in Perth and surrounds," the report said.
"This has led to a glut of sale listing in greater Perth and the Peel region, with data estimating around 14,000 home currently for sale, and a further 10,000 properties available for rent.
"This is clear evidence of softened market conditions, which dictates properties of all persuasions must be priced realistically to realise clearance," the report stated.
It suggested there is a high likelihood that property values could decrease further in the short- to medium-term.
“But, it’s not all bad news," the report stated.
"There remains sound demand and buyer activity in well-located inner city areas, particularly those in school catchment areas and near the river, and well-established older suburbs complimented by infrastructure, shopping and retail precincts."
In these areas property values range from $800,000 to $1,500,000.
It noted while value levels remain relatively flat, supply and demand are close to equilibrium.
Meanwhile, the apartment market in Perth is oversupplied, which will be further compounded as developments currently under construction come online over the next two years, many during the same period.
"Unsurprisingly, many properties purchased off the plan during the past 18 to 24 months are struggling to meet current market values," the report stated.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Mining sector decline detering Perth property market investment: WBP

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Greater Brisbane has shifted to better priced options compared to Sydney or Melbourne, according to Knight Frank's latest residential development report.
When Sydney and Melbourne were experiencing significant growth in turnover and value in higher density development sites in 2013/14, Brisbane was seen as a viable option for local and foreign investors priced out of these markets.
Since this time, the southern market has shifted with better priced options available in Australia’s two largest capital cities.
Brisbane CBD saw $16.1 million worth of residential sites suitable for higher density sold in the year to 30 June 2016, with an average indicative rate of $90,000 per apartment.
By 2022, Queen’s Wharf accommodating the new Brisbane Casino, and integrated resort, will breathe new life into the George Street sector of the CBD.
Together with the North region, a total of 29,280 apartments are projected until the end of 2019, with 9,560 currently under construction, 5,885 being marketed and further 13,840 were sitting with DA Approval as at 30 June 2016 (Figure 14).
<a href="/images/2016/12/01/Figure%2014.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/01/Figure%2014.jpg" alt="">
The North region not only dominated the number of apartments projected, but development site sales volume in the year to 30 June 2016.
A total of $513.4 million was sold, with the average rate ranging from $40,000 to $105,000 per apartment (with an indicative average of $70,000 per apartment).
The region will benefit from proposed infrastructure such as the redevelopment of the Herston Quarter, an estimated $1.1 billion mixed-use precinct for health, residential, commercial and recreational activity due for completion by 2027.
The South region saw total sales volume reach $42.1 million in 2015/16 with an average sales rate per apartment of $30,000 to $95,000 (indicative rate of $60,000 per apartment).
<a href="/images/2016/12/01/Figure%2015.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/01/Figure%2015.jpg" alt="">
Approximately 2,845 apartments are under construction in the South region whilst 1,535 are being marketed, potentially completed by December 2019.
Two key infrastructure projects in Greater Brisbane are the Qld Government’s Cross River Rail and Metro Brisbane projected by 2025. Both will play a critical role in ensuring rail and bus networks can meet the city’s future public transport needs.
Once the allocation of key sites along the route is determined and access to funding is sourced, both projects will provide a good injection of stimulus into the Greater Brisbane economy.
<a href="/images/2016/12/01/Brisbane%20high%20density.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/01/Brisbane%20high%20density.jpg" alt="">
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Greater Brisbane's better priced property options for developers: Knight Frank

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Clearance rates remain steady across all major auction markets, according to CoreLogic’s weekly market report.
The property advisory firm says that CoreLogic collected results for 90 percent of the 3,403 capital city auctions which took place last week.
Last week was the second highest number of auctions held so far this year.
Despite the high volume, clearance rates held firm across the major auction markets, with Sydney recording a final clearance rate of 77.1 percent across 1,121 reported auction results.
The figures relate to November 27, not as the chart advised.
<a href="/images/2016/12/01/Capital%20city%20auction%20clearance%20rates.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/01/Capital%20city%20auction%20clearance%20rates.jpg" alt="">
The largest auction market, Melbourne, recorded a clearance rate at 76.1 percent across 1,497 reported auction results.
Interestingly, the Hobart market reported the highest clearance rate at 80 percent, however with such a small number of auctions (five reported results), the statistics can be more volatile.
Next week is likely to mark the peak in auction activity as the market moves into the festive period, when we can expect housing market activity to quieten.
<a href="/images/2016/12/01/Number%20of%20homes%20for%20sale.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/01/Number%20of%20homes%20for%20sale.jpg" alt="">
Listing numbers have accelerated over the last month of spring after the first two months saw listing numbers tracking lower than last year.
Over the 28 days to November 27, there were just under 50,000 newly advertised properties added to the market nationally, which is 2.7 percent higher than a year ago.
Across the capital city markets, 30,832 fresh property listings were added to the market which was 1 percent higher than a year ago.
With new listing numbers rising, total stock levels have also pushed higher, but remain 2.1 percent lower than a year ago nationally.
Across the capital cities, total advertised stock levels are now 2.4 percent higher than a year ago.
However the hottest housing markets (Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra) are still showing stock levels to be lower than last year.
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National clearance rates remain steady despite high volume: CoreLogic

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The Inner South and North East regions of Melbourne had the highest auction clearance rate, according to CoreLogic’s latest weekly report.
The property advisory firm says that both regions had an auction clearance rate of 81 percent as spring turned to summer.
This is followed by the Outer East with 80 percent and the Mornington Peninsula with 78 percent.
<a href="/images/2016/12/01/Melbourne%20sub%20regions.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/01/Melbourne%20sub%20regions.jpg" alt="">
The region with the lowest auction clearance rate was the Inner region where only 70 percent of the known 288 auctions were sold.
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Melbourne's Inner region had lowest auction clearance rate: CoreLogic

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Port Douglas is the top ranked Queensland localities where the median price for homes has been on the rapid improve, according to Investar’s market report.
The property investment firm says that in the past four years Port Douglas’ median price has increased by 17 percent.
This is followed by Coolangatta with 14 percent and Mountain Creek with 12 percent.
<table style="height: 122px; width: 479px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
4 year average annual growth (%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Port Douglas
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
4877
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
17%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Coolangatta
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
4225
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
14%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Mountain Creek
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
4557
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
5
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
12%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Nerang
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
4211
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
5
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
11%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Jacobs Well
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
4208
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
10%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Darra
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
4076
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
10%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Eastern Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
4305
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
10%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
For the median price of $545,000 a buyer can expect to purchase a two bedroom home at Port Douglas such as the one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-port+douglas-122923354" target="_blank">30 Limpet Avenue</a> (above) that was sold for $500,000.
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Port Douglas' median price has risen by 17 percent annually in the past 4 years: Investar

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A Hamilton Hill home sold for $5,385,000 at its recent auction, $1,265,000 over its reserve.
Built in 2011, the imposing five bedroom, five bathroom home on 607 sqm is set against a backdrop of panoramic river views and the city skyline.
The <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/qld/hamilton/1556823/?lang=en" target="_blank">four level home </a>with lift access to all levels features a number of private terraces, a self-contained guest wing, home theatre, swimming pool and rooftop terrace.
The home came with a reserve price of $4.1 million through Ray White Ascot agent Damon Warat.
It last traded for $2 million in 2008, before the house was built.
 
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Hamilton Hill home smashes reserve by $1.2 million

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There are slightly fewer auctions scheduled to take place across the combined capital cities this week, with 2,986 currently being tracked according to CoreLogic’s latest weekly market report.
The property advisory firm says that in both Sydney and Melbourne, the two major auction markets, auction activity will be down week-on-week, with 1,351 Melbourne auctions scheduled and 1,111 homes set to be taken to auction across Sydney.
Overall activity also remains lower than what was seen over the corresponding week last year.
Outside of Sydney and Melbourne, each of the remaining capital cities is set to see a higher number of auctions this week compared to last week.
The exception was Perth, where auction activity is set to remain steady.
<a href="/images/2016/12/01/Weekly%20clearance%20rate.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/01/Weekly%20clearance%20rate.jpg" alt="">
Capital city auctions this week:
• Sydney: 1,111
• Melbourne: 1,351
• Brisbane: 188
• Adelaide: 156
• Perth: 59
• Canberra: 110
St Kilda in Melbourne is the busiest individual suburb for auctions across the nation this week, with 22 residential homes set to go under the hammer.
Reservoir (20), Mount Waverley (19), Craigburn and Glen Waverley (both 17) all of which are in Victoria will also have high numbers of auctions this week.
<a href="/images/2016/12/01/Capital%20city%20auction%20statistics.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/12/01/Capital%20city%20auction%20statistics.jpg" alt="">
The number of auctions increased last week, recording the second busiest week this year, with 3,398 auctions held across the capitals, up from 2,987 the previous week.
The Capital city auction clearance rate remained strong last week despite the increase in auction numbers, final results show 73.0 per cent of auctions were successful.
Last week, Melbourne’s clearance rate was 76.1 per cent, down from 79.4 per cent the previous week.
While for Sydney, final results show that the clearance rate for the city fell to 77.1 per cent from 79.6 per cent the previous week.
Despite that, there were a number of sub-regions where clearance rates came in above the 80 per cent mark.
Across the smaller auction markets, performance was mixed last week, with clearance rates falling in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, but improving in Canberra.
The Hunter region was the busiest non-capital city region last week, with 60 auctions, however Geelong recorded the strongest clearance rate at 76.9 per cent.
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Sydney and Melbourne aucton market declines compared to last week: CoreLogic

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Apartment and unit owners in Victoria are being urged to be on the lookout for a new wave of crime aimed at the $1.2 trillion strata sector.
Recent reports have confirmed letterboxes outside apartment blocks have been targeted by criminals believed to be working for international crime syndicates, in a massive identity theft scheme.
And according to one of Australia’s largest body corporate management companies, it is a problem on a national scale.
Ace Body Corporate Management (Ace) provides body corporate management service to over 60,000 strata property lots nationwide.
They say cases observed by their team around the country, require a vigilant response from apartment and unit owners in Victoria.
Ace chief executive officer Stephen Raff said with the holidays fast approaching, we urge apartment and unit owners to do whatever they can to prevent letterboxes being broken into.
“We are about to come into a period where owners are away for days and weeks on end, leaving mail sitting in their letterboxes, and without a suitable response, the door is open for this issue to worsen.”
Letterbox theft has been a problem for years but NSW Fraud and Cybercrime Squad detectives say they have established direct links between international identity thieves and the large-scale theft of residential mail, and with several cases in hand of this being a national problem, Mr Raff urges authorities in all regions to give the issue proper attention.
“Stolen mail isn’t a new issue for property owners and police to worry about, but it’s the huge impact that identity theft can have in the digital age that should prompt swift action.”
“We put a call out for feedback within our team of body corporate managers around the country, and the response was astounding, as to the scale of the issue.”
“Managers in Melbourne’s Southbank precinct speak of ‘weekly’ occurrences of strange activities being caught on CCTV outside of their property’s mailboxes.
Team members in Perth are currently dealing with one building over 40 lots having their mailboxes secured after a recent break in and the list goes on.”
“There is no doubt in our mind that this should be priority number one for owners corporations in planning for the holiday period ahead, and we hope to see a real push towards seeing this issue investigated by police as well.”
Mr Raff says for an issue with such complicated links, the steps owners corporations can take are rather simple and being vigilant now will save the pain of crime affecting communities later.
“In terms of a plan the SAFER guidelines by Epsilon are the simplest and most effective ways for strata communities to protect their property and occupants from crime.
“Security audits, Adaptive design, Fool-proof planning, Efficient installation and Regular maintenance are the simple, affordable steps in this process and we encourage all communities to consider adopting this plan prior to the Christmas holidays.”
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Property 101: Apartment and unit owners in Victoria urged to boost securty due to email thefts

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Potential first home buyers can crack the market if they use the mindset of an investor according to Brenton Tidow, founder of Abakus Apps.
He said while it may take some time to restore the market balance, first home buyers, including young Australian’s in their 20s and 30s who are earning an average full-time income – can crack the property market if they are serious and approach the process with an investor mindset.
"It is concerning that an increasing number of first home buyers are now in their 40s," he said.
"For many buyers, the dream of purchasing a property may seem out of reach, and this is understandable as prices rise and competition intensifies.
"While the prospects of being a lifelong renter are very real, this does not need to be the case."
Brenton offers five tips for new buyers to use as a guide as they prepare to enter the market:
Start small
“I encourage new buyers to consider properties that are not their first, second or even third choice, and to look for properties that fit your initial budget – this could be $200k or $700k it doesn’t matter, as long as you buy with a strategy for growth," he said.
"While I advise buyers to purchase properties that they can see themselves comfortably living in, your first purchase is rarely your last. If you wish to enter the market and climb it, you may need to forgo some of your ideals about what a property should or shouldn’t have.”
Get serious about saving
“Regular saving can make a huge difference," he said.
"For instance, if you plan to purchase a property valued at $375,000, you may need to save around $500 each week for 24 months in order to have enough savings to pay a 10 per cent deposit plus cover any fees – such as lender mortgage insurance, stamp duty, and legal costs (which can cost $20,000 or more).”
Look beyond your horizons:
"To successfully find properties in your price range and in high growth areas, you may need to get comfortable searching for properties in areas that you would not usually live in, including properties in other cities and states on the cusp of growth," he said.
“I bought my first property in Wattle Grove in Perth in 2012 – a three-bedroom house and land package – for $380,000 and earned around $100,000 in equity in 12 months. I’ve also researched and bought into upcoming areas in Newcastle NSW, and the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Sometimes you need to venture far from ‘home’ to find the right deal.
“Whether you plan to be an investor or owner-occupier, new developments in outer suburban areas can be very attractive for new buyers, and can also be a great stepping stone to your next property. If you’re looking to buy in and around Sydney, areas to consider are Mt Druitt or Newcastle."
Get your loan structure right:
"Getting your loan structure wrong can seriously hamper your ability to buy your first property – and any future ones," he said.
“This is why it is essential to speak to a specialised mortgage broker who understands property investment and who can advise you on the best way to structure a loan that fits your needs and your budget.
“Remember, banks generally lend between 80-90 percent of a property’s purchase price to a first time owner or investor, based upon the lender’s valuation of a property before granting a loan. With this in mind, I suggest buyers give themselves a financial buffer – which may require an additional $10,000 in savings or more. Ideally you want to have this buffer sitting there for as long as you have property. You never know when something unexpected may happen. You can place this money in a 100 percent offset account and reduce your interest paid each month."
Check your eligibility for first home buyer incentives:
"First home owner grants vary between states. For instance, in New South Wales and Victoria, you may be eligible for a $10,000 grant if you are buying or building a new home valued at up to $750,000," he said.
"In Queensland, depending on the date of your contract, you may be able to apply for a $15,000 to $20,000 grant to use towards buying or building a new house or townhouse.
“If buying property is a life goal, then make this a priority. Start saving and seek out a financial advisor and property mentor to get you started – it’s ideal to do this while you start saving, even if you don’t plan on entering the market right away.
“If you’re in your late 20’s or 30’s, don’t be embarrassed to share a house or find cheap rental options – maybe even living with family for a short time could be the answer to saving that deposit quicker. At the end of the day, paying large rent for someone else’s mortgage is only going to set you back from potentially paying for your own."
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A myth first home buyers can’t buy property in today’s market: Brenton Tidow

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Government grants and current low interest rates are helping first home buyers get into the Brisbane property market.
Alex Veal, Mint Residential Principal said more than 60 percent of the recent buyers at Vantage Lutwyche, have been new to the market.
"The increased First Home Owner Grant to $20,000 and stamp duty concession under $500,000 means they can purchase a new property with minimal savings and lock in an interest rate at circa four percent to give them certainty in payments at the front end of their mortgage," he said.
"When you add all those factors together, there really has not been a better time for purchasers to enter the market for some time - and they are increasingly recognising this."
Vantage Lutwyche fetures 55 one and two bedroom apartments across six residential levels, a 160sqm roof terrace and pavilion.
Buyers also get  a year's supply of coffee at local cafe Coddle and Co., an annual gym membership and quality blinds.
One bedroom apartments at Vantage Lutwyche start from $324,000 and two bedroom apartments from $439,000.
Loretta Reinke, and Hasitha Samaratunga, each purchased an apartment off-the-plan in Vantage Lutwyche
Ms Reinke said she was looking at apartments that were up to 10 years old, and they were no cheaper and offered a similar level of space.
"So I figured why not buy new, where I did not have to worry about how other people had treated the apartment," she said.
"The extra $20,000 I would receive for buying new was certainly very handy."
An on-site display is now open at the corner of Isedale Street and Lutwyche Road, Lutwyche between 4.30pm and 5.30pm on Wednesday, 10.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday or by appointment.  For further information call 1300 789 959 or visit <a href="https://www.vantagelutwyche.com.au" target="_blank">vantagelutwyche.com.au</a>
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Market conditions in Brisbane give first home buyers advantage

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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