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CoreLogic announces the appointment of Shelley Horton as the new general manager of valuation solutions Australasia. Shelley will bring a new perspective to CoreLogic valuation partners as they navigate an evolving landscape of digital disruption and business transformation.
Shelley started her career as a registered property valuer, has held leadership roles at Genworth, and consulted on valuations operations and strategy to major CoreLogic banking clients. She has unparalleled experience across the real estate, valuation, banking and finance and mortgage insurance industries.
In her new role, Shelley will oversee all aspects of CoreLogic’s valuation solutions, including the panel management function, with the goal of further growing the leadership footprint in Australia and New Zealand by supporting valuation firms to address their day-to-day challenges. One of her main purposes will be to help the valuation industry in its goals to grow, manage risks, and optimise operational performance for our shared clients.
Shelley Horton said, “The valuation industry plays a key role supporting many important sectors of the economy and I am excited about partnering with the industry as it continues to evolve in the information age and to help drive innovation, efficiencies and sound risk management solutions that embrace the use of data, analytics and technology.”
In closing, CoreLogic General Manager, Industry Solutions James Vaughan said, “This is the start of an exciting new era for CoreLogic. We are really looking forward to embark on a journey with our valuation partners and empower them to fulfil their goals. Shelley has a great track record in working in complex multi stakeholder environments and driving outcomes through the power of innovation, data and collaboration.”
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Shelley Horton appointed as general manager of valuation solutions Australasia: CoreLogic

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Australian affordable build to rent developer, Assemble Communities, today announced that AustralianSuper has invested in the company.
Australia’s largest superannuation fund has purchased a 25 per cent share in the company and will have the opportunity to invest in Assemble Communities’ pipeline of projects.
This investment will enable the developer to grow its ‘rent with the option to buy’ property portfolio, known as the Assemble Model, which addresses housing affordability and access to homeownership.
Strategic investment company, MAKE Ventures, which acquired Assemble Communities in 2014, is co-investing up to $50 million and making available the majority of their project pipeline—in excess of 4,000 dwellings and 120,000 sqm of non-residential programming—to be delivered by Assemble Communities.
Assemble Communities Managing Director, Kris Daff, said this significant investment signals the company’s unwavering commitment to affordable housing options is attractive to institutional capital partners, and Assemble now has the ability to scale to meet market demand for affordable housing and build to rent opportunities.
AustralianSuper’s Head of Property, Bevan Towning, said he expected the investment will provide good long-term returns for members while also addressing a significant social issue.
“AustralianSuper is proud to be investing in an Australian company that is innovating in affordable housing,” Mr Towning said.
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Assemble Communities has a growing pipeline of projects including 393 Macaulay Road, Kensington (currently under construction); and 15 Thompson Street, Kensington (with applications currently open)— both delivered under the Assemble Model. The future pipeline includes an additional site in Melbourne’s inner north, with the developer actively considering future sites.
Assemble Communities also completed 122 Roseneath Street, Clifton Hill in 2018.
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AustralianSuper purchased 25% share in Assemble Communities

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The real estate sales and marketing company Oliver Hume has appointed Julian Coppini as chief executive officer to its project marketing division. 
Mr Coppini, 41, is currently chief operating officer of project marketing.
he first joined the company as chief financial officer in 2015. 
As chief executive officer – project marketing, Mr Coppini will be responsible for a team of more than 100 employees managing a portfolio of projects across Victoria and South East Queensland valued at more than $5 billion.
Oliver Hume currently manages sales and marketing for 40 projects on behalf of more than 20 developers across the country. 
Corporation group managing director Michael Duster said the appointment recognised Mr Coppini’s contribution to the business over the last five years.
“Julian has done an outstanding job since joining Oliver Hume in February 2015 and will be focused on leading the Project Marketing team as well as driving technology innovation in the company's systems, processes and workflows,” he said. 
“Julian has provided strong leadership over recent months as the business adjusted to the coronavirus crisis and is the right person to lead us into the future.” 
Oliver Hume specialises in the delivery of new residential property developments throughout Australia. For over 65 years, the company has been offering expert services to the development industry including project marketing, project and corporate advisory, property fund syndication, development site sales and acquisitions and property and asset management. 
Mr Coppini was appointed chief financial officer of the Oliver Hume group in early 2015 before being appointed chief operating officer of the company’s real estate agency business (Project Marketing division) in early 2016.
After graduating from RMIT with a bachelor of business, Julian commenced his career with leading accounting firm KPMG, where he spent seven years in the assurance division primarily focusing on the property industry.
He was appointed group financial controller of listed pharma group Sigma Pharmaceuticals in 2007 before being appointed in 2010 as chief financial officer of Australia’s largest privately owned construction development company, Grocon Pty Ltd.
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Oliver Hume appoints Julian Coppini as project marketing division boss

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
HIA welcomes the release of crucial final touches to the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder scheme. 
The addition of this extra detail will clarify questions builders and home buyers have been asking since the scheme was announced on 4 June.
The HomeBuilder grant has already boosted interest in buying a new home or carrying out a renovation project. Builders are feeling positive about the next six months of activity and equally important is the potential the scheme has to generate activity in 2021. The new details will make this interest even stronger.
The Government has announced three key refinements to HomeBuilder:
<ul>
<li>allowing the necessary time for home buyers to arrange their finance approvals, building approvals and meet other legal requirements before work is required to commence, rather than the fixed three month timeframe initially announced; </li>
<li>clarification that a sales contract for a home purchased off the plan will be eligible in the same way as a building contract, and</li>
<li>aligning the process with the current timing of payments for first home owner grants for new homes. </li>
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These updates will give greater certainty to home buyers and their builders about what projects potentially qualify for the grant. 
Recognising that a fixed three month timeframe to commence building work did not reflect how dependent home builders are on other players, like the banks, the councils and building certifiers, is extremely important and a welcome update.
While the state and territory revenue offices now need to outline the final details of how applicants will apply for the grant and timing of payment, the new information clearly addresses key concerns HIA had raised with Government.
HIA has been working closely with state and territory revenue offices and we look forward to receiving these details soon, which will assist home buyers and builders begin taking full advantage of the grant. 
The HomeBuilder grant provides the incentive and the support needed to maintain housing activity in the second half of 2020.
Kristin Brookfield is the HIA Chief Executive Industry Policy
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Final touches add certainty to HomeBuilder scheme: HIA's Kristin Brookfield

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Exclusive funds management company, CF Property Capital, has announced its Chiodo Diversified Property Fund has hit $50 million in funds under management (FUM), receiving a 5-crown rating from Financial Express.
With over 300 notable investors involved, CF Property Capital started raising funds in late 2016.
CF Property Capital’s Executive Director, Ilya Frolov said, “In the Investment Centre of the Money Management Fund Database, we’re the only 5-crown rated property fund (listed and direct) to be returning a positive return on investment this year."
“This year we’re planning to finalise and complete three projects, which means dividends back to our investors as well recycling the funds into new projects and developers,” says Frolov.
Despite Covid-19 affecting the industry and investor confidence, Ilya is expecting a rebound later this year.
“We’re seeing an impact that sits somewhere between 5 per cent per quarter that is locked down. If the lockdown is released and people can get back to some form of normality, the property prices will stay at the 5 per cent drop."
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“We’re also looking at the immigration situation closely and travel restrictions, which are highly correlated with the demand for new and existing residential properties. Once international travel restrictions and immigration borders are open, we will most likely see a rebound to above pre-COVID-19 figures.”
Principal Paul Chiodo said CF Property Capital has proven itself to be a consistent and fruitful investment option compared to most alternatives, nationally.
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CF Property Capital receives 5-Crown rating forecasting market rebound

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Leading residential real estate group, McGrath Estate Agents, today announced the opening of a new office in Mansfield Victoria.
McGrath Mansfield will be led Kate McDougall and Allana Neely who were formerly at The Agency Victoria.
McGrath Mansfield will service a large area from Swanpool in the North, to Eildon in the South, Merton in the West to Mount Buller in the East. Key suburbs will include Mansfield, Jamieson, Barjarg, Piries, Merrijig, Tolmie and Ancona.
McGrath moved into Albury/Wodonga earlier this year.
Founder John McGrath has reinforced his view that regional areas in close proximity to large towns and cities will be particularly desirable as people reassess their lifestyle options.
“I believe the ability to work remotely and commute as needed is now a more acceptable part our everyday life and will no doubt impact property choices for many outside the traditional FIFO worker," McGrath said.
"We have long earmarked the growth of regional areas that are attractive for their lifestyle and affordability and anticipate a further migration trend post COVID-19.”
Mansfield Shire, situated in North East Victoria, is in close proximity to Melbourne and other regional centres (Shepparton, Wangaratta and Benalla) and easily accessed – 2.5 hours and 1 hour respectively.
It is equally close to the Albury airport with a two-hour drive that offers accessibility for both the modern commuter or tourist, attracted to its nearby lakes, national parks and ski fields.
Christopher Mourd, head of franchise network for McGrath Estate Agents said the opening was part of the overall strategy to service our clients effectively as they often make a migrational shift around future lifestyle and property choices.
 
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McGrath open new office in Mansfield, Victoria

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The Ray White Rural network has welcomed Chris Goscomb, the owner and one of the senior auctioneers at NASCO Auctioneers.
For Brisbane-based Chris Goscomb, the former stock and station agent from Gunnedah NSW, he was attracted to the broad reach and scale of the fast growing rural network with key business owners in every state and territory of Australia.  
We’ve been on a good healthy growth path over the past six years, Mr Goscomb said. “Customers come to us if they want to buy or sell all kinds of stuff like machinery, vehicles, trucks, boats, tractors, plant and equipment.”  
NASCO conducts monthly auctions in Brisbane with their vendors typically being local and state government departments, finance groups, corporations, agriculture, rental companies, earth-moving and civil companies.  
They prioritise online technology which enables buyers to bid anywhere in the world via their smart device. 
Ray White Rural Managing Director Stephen Nell said he was excited about the potential that NASCO Auctioneers offers the broader agricultural network. 
“NASCO will be natural extension of our business given our company sells a lot of rural property and clearing sales are quite often included in those listings. All our members will now have a referral to assist them when selling their clients farm machinery. For the disposal of fleet, agriculture and machinery items everyone outside of Queensland will know to go to NASCO."
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Ray White Rural welcomes NASCO Auctioneers into the group

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The Burwood Brickworks residential community has reached a new milestone with all four apartment buildings currently under construction officially “topped out” this week.
Frasers Property Australia’s newest community in Melbourne’s east is currently  three weeks ahead of schedule.
Sarah Bloom, General Manager Residential Victoria for Frasers Property Australia says the topping out milestone is great news for residents eager to move in.
“It’s fantastic to see the progress of all four apartment buildings and it means we will welcome the first of our new apartment residents by Christmas,” Ms Bloom says.
The buildings comprise 267 apartments in total and are being constructed by Hacer Group. Hacer Group will now complete the interior of the buildings with the first apartments expected to be completed in December.
The apartments have proven popular with buyers at the mixed-use community, with just two apartments remaining for sale. 
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To date, the apartments have attracted a range of buyers from first-home buyers, to empty-nesters, families and investors. 
The two apartments still for sale are premium two-bedroom apartments and include two bathrooms, two car spaces and north-facing views of the Urban Plaza and village green, priced at $745,000. 
The next and final apartment precinct at Burwood Brickworks is currently in planning stages.
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Burwood Brickworks tops out ahead of schedule

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Residential construction plays a vital role in supporting jobs both on and off building sites across Australia.
It has the second largest economic multiplier of the 114 industries that make up the Australian economy, according to new analysis.
Nine jobs are supported across the economy for every $1 million spent on residential construction, the report, Building Jobs: How Residential Construction Drives the Economy, found.
The data came from the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation’s (NHFIC) research unit which found residential construction contributes around five per cent to annual gross domestic product (GDP) accounting for about 134,000 jobs.
Of the total of nine jobs, around four can be considered on-site jobs, while the remaining five can be considered off-site, people who supply materials and other off-site services.
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The average cost of building a home in Australia is around $320,000.
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Commenting on the research, NHFIC CEO Nathan Dal Bon said this meant that every new home built generated an average of three jobs throughout a range of industries, based on the average dwelling construction cost.
“Understanding how residential construction activity may affect jobs and flow through to the broader economy is increasingly important and timely, given the impact of COVID-19,” Mr Dal Bon said.
It comes at a time when data shows substantial job losses have already occurred in the construction industry following the onset of COVID-19.
Recent ABS payroll data showed that employment fell by 5.8 percent between March and May.
The NHFIC’s research unit, established this year by the Federal Government, has dual roles. It is to undertake independent housing related research and also to monitor housing demand, supply and affordability across Australia.
The Building Jobs report, which draws on the most recent available data from the 2017-18 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) input-output tables released last month, found that $1 million of output in residential construction supports around $2.9 million of industry output and consumption across the broader economy.
Relative to other industries, residential construction activity has strong economy spillovers in terms of economic output and jobs, particularly when there is spare capacity. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/6/19/4_Construction.png" alt="">
The employment impact on construction services such as plumbing, electrical, bricklaying and carpentry is almost four times that of any other industry connected to the residential construction industry, the report found.
Recent insights from internal discussions within the Reserve Bank of Australia highlighted its such a vitally important industry in the Australian economy in terms of its contribution to jobs and economic growth.
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Demand for new housing remains weak. 
Builders of detached housing expect the recent weak demand to weigh on construction activity and cash flow beyond their current pipeline of around four to nine months.
The pipeline of residential construction work in the major east coast markets is at the longer end of this range, the RBA noted.
Builders and developers report that domestic banks and non‐bank financiers have become more conservative in their lending. 
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It assumed 20 per cent of the labour force in the construction sector will be unable to work at some point in the June and September quarters.
The RBA economist Richard Evans anticipated the negative confidence shock higher than that experienced in the global financial crisis.
There was a late April RBA memo indicating demand for new housing had declined substantially since mid-March and was expected to decrease further.
"There have been sharp falls in sales, enquiries and foot traffic following the introduction of stricter containment measures," it noted.
There were increases in contract cancellation rates, particularly for new detached houses and greenfield land, so financial risks had increased for builders and developer as a result of the decline in demand for new housing.
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Residential construction is vital to the Economy: NHFIC

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Ray White Group managing director Dan White and Loan Market executive Chairman Sam White took to the virtual stage last night to explain why current market activity should give customers confidence to sell now rather than wait.     The webinar, that has been watched by more than 3,000 viewers, followed on from the success of the most recent Landlord Information Webinar and addressed property owners looking to sell in the next year.   “At a time when there’s so much conflicting commentary and confusion about the state and outlook of the property market, we wanted to talk directly to our customers about what’s happening now,” Mr Dan White said.  " “The one thing we have been reminded about over the past few months is the deep resilience of the Australian property market and the great love Australians have for it."   “People looking to sell need to know that the real estate industry has remained very active despite restrictions starting two to three months ago."
“During April and May, we served nearly 9,000 Australian families and businesses, representing over $4.4 billion of property. We also conducted 1,025 online auctions, with a better auction day clearance rate than the same months last year – prices also remained strong."   “When you look at our suite of office sites, they’ve had 9,640,000 – more than a third of the Australian population – visit, and that’s up 24 per cent on last year."    “The competition for property is as strong as ever – and with demand very much outstripping supply right now – there’s never been a better time to list your property." “Addressing the question of whether to sell now or wait, given the conditions we're seeing now and the potential risks in the market later this year, it seems hard to see why anyone would wait."
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/6/19/27_Webinar%20Ray%20White.jpg" alt="">   Loan Market Executive Chairman Sam White said buyers were confident and that was driven by the finance market and the support given to buyers from Australian banks.    “Banks and other major lenders have generally been very aggressive in trying to attract customers. We’ve seen this through very low-interest rates and specials, as well as banks offering customers cash incentives to refinance existing loans to them,” he said."   “Interest rates are at historical lows. For owner-occupied loans, we’ve seen variable rates from 2.63 per cent."
“Fixed rates are even lower, with rates starting from 2.09 per cent, a figure you can lock in for two years. It's important you understand all the conditions that go with a fixed rate as restrictions may exist on your ability to make additional payments, as an example."   “Longer-term, there seems broad agreement that Australia’s fundamentals post-COVID-19 should remain strong. Property investment has, and will always be, a long-term investment.”
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Ray White believe the time to sell is now

Longstanding Gold Coast and Canberra developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/morris-property-group">Morris Property Group</a> is continuing to roll on with its Glitter Strip apartment pipeline, seeking to return to Mermaid Beach with a new 68-apartment development.

Morris, founded by Barry Morris in 1978 and one of the Gold Coast’s most prolific apartment developers over the past two decades, has filed plans for a 12-storey mixed-use building at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-seabeach-avenue-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">34-36 Seabeach Avenue</a>, on the prized eastern side of the Gold Coast Highway.

The 1,227 sqm site occupies a prominent corner position at Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway, opposite the Mermaid Plaza retail and office precinct and around 140 metres walking distance from the future Mermaid Beach South light rail station.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a> has designed the project, which will comprise 68 apartments across a mix of 48 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom residences.

The building will rise 12 storeys, reaching a maximum height of 36 metres, with the apartments accounting for a total of 156 bedrooms. The development application also seeks approval for short-term accommodation across the 68 apartments, while two office tenancies are proposed at ground level.

The plans show 108 car spaces across the development, with parking accommodated at ground level and within a three-level basement accessed from Seabeach Avenue.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2175c99-12fd-4a3c-9be1-89bbf258a90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.41%E2%80%AFPM_0.png?VersionId=iNLzWcE6gaAE76rafhEXfHve.4g4Se0p" />

Resident amenity will be concentrated on level two, where Fraser &amp; Partners has designed a recreation deck with a swimming pool, 90 sqm pool terrace, outdoor barbecue area and gym.

The broader communal offering will also incorporate landscaped spaces, with the planning documents noting the amenity has been designed to provide areas for recreation, social interaction and outdoor living.

The proposal would continue the transformation of the Gold Coast Highway corridor through Mermaid Beach ahead of the arrival of the light rail.

The site is zoned Neighbourhood Centre and sits within the Mermaid Beach/Broadbeach Light Rail Corridor neighbourhood plan. While the prescribed building height is 24 metres, the site is identified within an Urban Neighbourhood context providing for a 50 per cent height uplift to 36 metres.

Planning documents describe the stretch of the Gold Coast Highway between Broadbeach and Nobby Beach as increasingly characterised by medium and high-rise development, with the proposed Morris tower joining projects including Ventura, The Alfred, Oceans and Otto.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="911f193f-e381-4a55-be08-58be87fcf978" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.48%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=oxVvLJaY.SOXEdXrIcogfyEXDfvCmmpM" />

The development would mark Morris Property Group's latest investment in Mermaid Beach, where it has already delivered two apartment projects.

Otto, at 1 Bondi Avenue on the western side of the Gold Coast Highway, comprises 70 apartments across nine storeys. The project was completed in 2019 and includes a residents' gym, recreation deck and swimming pool.

Morris also developed Oceans at 46 Ocean Street, a nine-storey, 70-apartment build-to-rent development completed in 2019. Oceans was the group's first build-to-rent project and incorporates commercial space at ground level.

The two existing Morris projects sit further north along the same Gold Coast Highway corridor as the proposed Seabeach Avenue development. Fraser &amp; Partners' planning analysis specifically identifies both Otto and Oceans among the established built-form precedents surrounding the site.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14925119-7b71-4812-8149-340317512c7c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%203.00.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=aEJqYuw_nTCjcin17BSD0piB1EFotTlj" />

Mermaid Beach represents only part of Morris' considerable Gold Coast footprint.

The family-owned developer has been particularly active in neighbouring Broadbeach, delivering projects including Sierra Grand, Eclipse, Synergy, Qube, Koko, Opus and Malo, while its current pipeline includes Maison and the two-tower Crest development.

Further south, Morris has also developed a string of projects in Burleigh Heads, including Element, Boardwalk and Sandbar, while Essentia expanded its footprint north into Surfers Paradise.

The Seabeach Avenue application has been lodged by PMM Broadbeach Pty Ltd and seeks a development permit for a Material Change of Use for multiple dwellings, short-term accommodation and office uses. Zone Planning Group prepared the planning application, with Fraser &amp; Partners commissioned as architect.

The project comes as the developer continues to expand its Gold Coast pipeline while retaining a significant presence in Canberra. Morris now has more than $2.5 billion of development in its national pipeline and has delivered more than 7,000 homes during its near five-decade history

Joel Robinson

First look: Morris Property Group returns to Mermaid Beach with new Seabeach Avenue apartment development

<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hvFB2uWTRfEyEcpTSnnK9" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis" target="_blank">Fortis</a>&nbsp;is continuing its stronghold on Sydn​ey’s eastern suburbs apartment market, launching&nbsp;in September&nbsp;its latest boutique&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GI5S9-wNeiLUnM-d1uYkw" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">Double Bay</a>&nbsp;development,&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2YNouJQcFjiTTgVHbgDLA-" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">55 William</a>.

55 William presents&nbsp;just eight north-facing&nbsp;two-bedroom, three-bedroom and full-floor&nbsp;residences to the market, priced from $4.5 million.

The upcoming launch comes just weeks after Fortis secured approval for the $80 million development, its third eastern suburbs approval in two months. Construction is already underway, with completion targeted for 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376250]

55 William adds to a growing concentration of Fortis projects in and around Double Bay, a market the developer has become increasingly active in over recent years.

Fortis previously completed the nine-residence Marmont on New South Head Road, while it is currently developing a mixed-use residential and retail project at 12 Cross Street. Its wider Double Bay footprint also extends into commercial and retail development.

The developer's broader Sydney residential pipeline is particularly concentrated across the eastern suburbs, with projects spanning Doub​le Bay, Ro​se Bay, Wo​ollahra, Dar​ling Point, Poi​nt Piper and Eli​zabeth Bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376253]

At 55 William, Fortis has again turned to MHN Design Union, the architecture practice behind several of its eastern suburbs projects, while London-based 1508 London has been appointed to handle the interiors and Wyer &amp; Co the landscaping.

The six-level building will comprise a combination of two and three-bedroom apartments, including a garden residence, full-floor apartments, a sub-penthouse and penthouse. Each residence will have secure basement parking and private outdoor space.

A rooftop terrace for all residents, along with select apartments, enjoys views across Double Bay Harbour and toward the Sydney skyline.

Ceiling heights will reach up to three metres&nbsp;in select residences, while the kitchens will feature natural stone and integrated Gaggenau appliances.

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The boutique nature of the project reflects the type of stock Fortis has increasingly targeted across Sydney's eastern suburbs, where larger apartments and smaller buildings are being pitched primarily toward local owner-occupiers and downsizers.

Fortis Group General Manager Ed Eve said the developer continues to see demand from buyers wanting to remain in the eastern suburbs but move into newer, lower-maintenance housing.

“We're seeing continued demand from local owner-occupiers and downsizers looking for high-quality homes that allow them to remain in the eastern suburbs, close to the lifestyle and community they know,” Eve said.

55 William is also one of the early projects to respond directly to the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms. Fortis had previously secured approval for just two townhouses on the 599 sqm site before revising the scheme to eight apartments following the planning changes.

Situated one street back from Double Bay's water's edge, the project enjoys an enviable harbourside setting within walking distance of Double Bay Village and the ferry wharf.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376252]

Fortis has increasingly made the eastern suburbs a major focus of its Sydney pipeline. Beyond Double Bay, it recently completed the 14-residence Piper in Point Piper and has projects underway or planned across Rose Bay, Woollahra and Darling Point.

The developer recently secured approval for Verano in Rose Bay, a six-level development comprising 21 two, three and four-bedroom apartments, also designed by MHNDU.

55 William&nbsp;is soon to be release to the market with VIP appointments commencing early September,&nbsp;with residences priced from $4.5 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152579]

Fortis continues eastern suburbs push with 55 William launch

UAE-based developer Arada has unveiled plans for a $2 billion twin-tower apartment development in Broadbeach, marking its first move into Queensland as it continues its rapid expansion across Australia.

Arada will develop 952 apartments across two towers on a prominent site opposite the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the project targeted for completion ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The project represents Arada's largest commitment to the Australian market since arriving in the country in 2024 and significantly expands a local pipeline that has now grown to eight projects and more than 5,000 homes.

It will also be the first major Queensland project delivered by Roberts Co since the tier-one contractor was acquired by Arada Group in 2025.

Plus Studio has designed the Broadbeach development, which will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two towers connected by a landscaped podium.

A significant resident amenity offering will include lagoon and lap pools, a gym, sauna and steam room, alongside a mist room, infrared room and salt scrub facilities. Communal terraces, private dining areas, a library, residents' lounge and work-from-home spaces are also planned. Around 1,200 sqm of retail and hospitality space will occupy the ground floor.

The site puts Arada in one of the Gold Coast's most active apartment markets, directly opposite the convention centre and within walking distance of Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and Broadbeach's dining and retail precinct.

It also has immediate access to the Gold Coast light rail network and sits just a few blocks from the beach.

Arada Group Chief Executive Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said Broadbeach represented an opportunity for the developer to expand beyond its initial NSW pipeline.

“Broadbeach is a world-class address that gives us the canvas to create a community of exceptional design and lifestyle quality that genuinely enriches the daily lives of the people who call it home,” Alkhoshaibi said.

“This is our first development outside New South Wales, and it reflects our growing ambition to grow in key urban markets around the country.”

Alkhoshaibi said bringing Roberts Co into the project would give Arada greater control over the development and construction process.

“Delivering this project through Roberts Co, our own tier-one construction business, means we can bring the quality, pace and accountability that our buyers expect.”

The move into Broadbeach comes as Arada accelerates its Australian expansion following its entry into the market two years ago. The developer has assembled a pipeline of eight projects comprising more than 5,000 homes, while the acquisition of Roberts Co last year gave the group its own Australian construction capability.

Globally, Arada has a development portfolio valued at $50 billion comprising more than 55,000 homes across the UAE, United Kingdom and Australia.

The Gold Coast is emerging as the next major market for the developer, with strong population growth and infrastructure spending ahead of the 2032 Games continuing to underpin significant apartment development across the coastal strip.

Arada plots $2 billion Broadbeach towers in major Queensland move

Sydney’s downsizer market is changing, with a growing cohort of buyers prioritising the right home over simply finding a smaller one.

Coronation Property Head of Sales Cam Porter says the traditional idea of downsizing does not necessarily reflect what many buyers are now looking for, particularly those moving from established family homes across Sydney.

Instead, he says they are increasingly becoming “right-sizers”, seeking lower-maintenance homes without sacrificing the space, amenity or quality they have become accustomed to.

“We are increasingly seeing buyers who are not motivated by the idea of simply moving into a smaller property,” Porter says.

“They are right-sizers. They want a home that is easier to manage and better connected, but they still expect generosity, quality and a floorplan that supports the way they live.”

It is a subtle but important distinction in a market where apartment developers are increasingly targeting established owner-occupiers.

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For many of these buyers, moving from a house to an apartment is not driven by a desire to dramatically reduce their living space. Instead, the appeal is in removing some of the maintenance associated with a larger home while retaining generous living areas, storage and enough flexibility to accommodate family and friends.

Coronation’s sales team is seeing buyers place particular importance on natural light, practical storage and additional rooms that can be used as guest bedrooms, home offices or secondary living spaces.

Kitchens and dining areas are also playing an increasingly important role, particularly for buyers who regularly entertain or have children and grandchildren visit.

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“These buyers still want their home to feel generous,” Porter says.

“They may want less maintenance, but they are not looking for less life.”

The challenge for the broader housing market is providing enough of the right stock to encourage that move.

While much of the discussion around Sydney’s housing shortage has centred on the number of homes being delivered, Porter says the diversity of those homes is equally important.

Older homeowners can remain in large family houses for longer when they cannot find an appropriate alternative in the neighbourhoods where they have built their lives.

“The decision is rarely as simple as wanting fewer bedrooms,” Porter says.

“People are weighing up their connection to a neighbourhood, the space they need for family, the quality of the home and whether it will continue to work for them over the long term.”

It also has implications beyond the downsizer market. Providing suitable apartments for smaller households can free up established houses for families who need the additional bedrooms and land, creating greater movement through the housing market.

<h2>Lillian targets the next stage of apartment buyer</h2>

It is a buyer Coronation is targeting at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lillian-erskineville-9-metters-street-erskineville-nsw-2043">Lillian</a>, its new collection of apartments, terraces and penthouses at Erskineville Village.

Designed by Silvester Fuller, Lillian has been shaped around larger living spaces, natural light and flexible floorplans, alongside landscaped areas, wellness amenity and communal spaces for residents.

The development will form part of Coronation’s broader Erskineville Village precinct, which will combine new homes with green space, retail, hospitality and new pedestrian connections.

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McPherson Park will sit at the centre of the precinct, creating a significant new green space alongside the project’s retail and hospitality offering.

For Porter, the opportunity is to give buyers another housing option without forcing them to leave the part of Sydney they already know.

“People should be able to change the type of home they live in without having to change their entire life,” he says.

“For many buyers, Lillian offers the opportunity to remain connected to the Inner West and the city, while gaining access to a more convenient, walkable and considered way of living.”

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Coronation will explore the changing <a href="https://lillianresidences.com.au/news/lillian-x-space-x-downsizers-event-27-august/">right-sizer market at an event on August 27</a>, bringing together experts across property, design and lifestyle.

Held in partnership with SPACE, Poliform and Downsizer.com.au, the event will include a property market outlook from economist Michael Blythe alongside discussion around the considerations facing buyers planning their next move.

Attendees will also be able to learn more about the residences and amenity planned at Lillian Erskineville.

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From downsizing to right-sizing: What Sydney buyers want from their next home

Family-owned builder and developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/omaya">Omaya</a> is bringing its 27-storey The Maybelle development to market, with the 229-apartment tower rising alongside Ismay Reserve near North Strathfield.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-maybelle-21-parramatta-road-homebush-nsw-2140">The Maybelle</a> will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with its height providing elevated outlooks towards the Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge, while other residences will look across neighbouring Ismay Reserve.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/squillace-architects">Squillace Architects</a>, the tower combines its parkside setting with proximity to the established retail, dining and transport amenity around North Strathfield.

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Residences will feature open-plan living spaces and a choice of two interior schemes, while communal amenity is spread across two elevated levels of the building.

Level 8 will be home to the Garden Pavilion, a full-floor resident space incorporating communal entertaining and breakout areas, seating and recreation spaces. Further up the tower, a landscaped Sky Terrace on Level 14 will provide another communal area with panoramic views towards the Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline.

At ground level, the development sits directly alongside Ismay Reserve, where lawns, walking paths, children's play areas, picnic spaces and recreational facilities extend the green space available immediately around the project.

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The Maybelle is also within walking distance of North Strathfield and the Bakehouse Quarter, which provides a mix of cafés, restaurants, shops and everyday services.

Existing rail and bus services provide connections across Sydney, while the future North Strathfield Metro and access to the M4 will add to the transport options available around the precinct. Walking and cycling routes also extend via Powells Creek towards Sydney Olympic Park and its sporting, entertainment and parkland precincts.

Families are also well positioned for access to a broad selection of established schools and education options across Strathfield and the surrounding Inner West.

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Omaya has operated in Sydney for more than 35 years, managing projects from acquisition and design through to construction and delivery. The family-owned company is both developer and builder of The Maybelle.

Apartments start from $560,000, with the development protected by 10-year Latent Defects Insurance.

Construction is well underway, with completion expected by the end of 2026 and move-in anticipated from Q1 2027.

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