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With median house prices in Queenstown reaching record heights, home buyers and investors are turning to the New Zealand lakeside tourist hotspot Te Anau.
Two hours south of Queenstown, Te Anau has seen demand for section sales increase in 2016 amid the Southern Lakes housing shortage.
Buyers from all over New Zealand have taken to The Delta, a 240 lot lakeside development in the town that acts as the gateway to the popular Milford Sound.
<img src="/images/2016/11/21/An%20aerial%20photograph%20of%20The%20Delta%20development%20in%20Te%20Anau.jpg" alt="">
Delta developer Adam Fairmaid said that they have seen a lot of interest from buyers keen to live or invest in Te Anau.
"Buyers understand that The Delta offers quality entry-level stock, so they’re able to build their own home or holiday retreat within a spacious subdivision that’s located on the edge of a pristine World Heritage Area,” he said.
“With the huge growth in tourism numbers in Te Anau – and the tourism industry’s expected growth – it’s very pleasing to see the market showing strong growth and demand.
"As Queenstown and Wanaka become increasingly busier and development intensifies, New Zealanders are recognising that Te Anau is an idyllic location without the hustle and bustle and high prices increasingly characteristic of the Southern Lakes area.”
<img src="/images/2016/11/21/Th%20Delta%20developers%20Adam%20Fairmaid%20left%20and%20Warren%20Bates.jpg" alt="">
Image: The Delta developers Adam Fairmaid (left) and Warren Bates (right). Source: Supplied
Land parcels ranging from 600 square metres to 1600 square metres have been selling quickly, prompting an increase in price for the minimum sized lot.
Prices originally started at $56,000, however the remaining sections are now priced between $90,000 and $275,000.
“Six sites sold in total during 2015 and we have sold 39 so far this year, with only five of the 50 sites available left in stage two," Fairmaid said.
“Ten sites sold last month, ranging from our entry-level pricing of $62,000 through to $160,000."
"In October alone, more sections were sold than for all of 2015.”
Stage three, comprising 20 prime lakefront lots, will be released to the market in early 2017.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

New Zealanders look to Te Anau's The Delta development as Queenstown prices soar

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South Australia and Tasmania had the highest increase in listing market activity month on month, according to CoreLogic’s latest weekly report.
The property advisory firm says that both South Australia and Tasmania’s listing market activity rose by over 10%.
This is in contrast to Queensland and Victoria where it has declined by 2%.
Other states saw little overall change in listing activity, with NSW and WA recording a month on month increase of 0.9%.
The national rate also barely moved, with only a 0.2% increase in market listing activity month on month.
<a href="/images/2016/11/21/Listing%20market%20activity.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/21/Listing%20market%20activity.jpg" alt="">
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South Australia and Tasmania's listing market activity rises by 10%: CoreLogic

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The Parliament of Western Australia has passed the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2015 and the Licensing Provisions Bill 2015, with amendments being made to the Residential Tenancies Act, the Real Estate and Business Agents Act, and the Auction Sales Act.
This is a result of initiatives put forward by the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA), who has been advocating for these major changes which will create direct savings for the real estate industry.
REIWA chief executive officer Neville Pozzi said the amendments will not only result in a reduction in administrative burden and cost savings for tenants, lessors and real estate agents, but also increase efficiencies that are expected to contribute towards keeping downward pressure on rental costs for tenants.
“REIWA commends the Barnett Government, the Minister for Commerce and the Opposition for passing the bills, which will reduce compliance costs, save the industry money and make it easier to conduct real estate business in WA,” he said.
The proposed amendments will include changes to the following:
Residential Tenancies Act changes:
<ul>
<li>Will simplify the process when a lessor is required to issue a notice of proposed entry to the tenant;</li>
<li>Will enable the service of notices and documents under the act by electronic means</li>
<li>Will remove the requirement for notices of abandoned goods to be advertised in a newspaper circulating throughout the state.</li>
</ul>
Real Estate and Business Agents Act changes:
<ul>
<li>Will remove the prohibition on real estate agents from receiving commission prior to settlement from an off the plan strata sales transaction (as defined by the act).</li>
</ul>
Auction Sales Act changes:
<ul>
<li>Will allow auction licensing renewals to align with other industry license renewal periods, up to three years.</li>
</ul>
Once both bills receive royal assent, are proclaimed and gazetted as acts in the coming weeks, businesses operating within the real estate industry can start implementing these changes into their practices.
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Legislation passed to cut costs for WA real estate industry

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The Outer East region dominates all other regions in Melbourne with the highest auction clearance rate, according to CoreLogic’s latest weekly report.
The property advisory firm says that out of the 78 auctions known to CoreLogic 84 percent were sold under the hammer.
<a href="/images/2016/11/21/Weekly%20clearance%20rate%20Melbourne.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/21/Weekly%20clearance%20rate%20Melbourne.jpg" alt="">
This is followed by the West with 83% and both the Inner South and South East region with 80%.
The region with the lowest auction clearance rate was the North West where only 75% of its 86 known auctions were sold.
<a href="/images/2016/11/21/Melbourne%20sub%20regions.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/21/Melbourne%20sub%20regions.jpg" alt="">
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West region takes second place in Melbourne's auction clearance rate: CoreLogic

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Geelong once again takes top spot as the regional region with the highest auction clearance rate, according to CoreLogic’s latest weekly report.
The property advisory firm says that out of the 34 auctions known in Geelong 85 percent were sold.
<a href="/images/2016/11/21/Regional%20regions.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/21/Regional%20regions.jpg" alt="">
This is followed by Wollongong with 71 percent and the Hunter region with 67%.
The lowest region was the Gold Coast where only 54 percent were sold under the hammer.
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Gold Coast lowest regional region with only 54% of auctions sold: CoreLogic

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The Adelaide industrial markets have continued to see improvements in vacancy over the first half with vacancy falling to 4.8 percent, down from five percent six months ago, according to Colliers International’s latest report.
Leasing enquiry has also continued to improve with several large requirements in the market which are unlikely to be satisfied with current supply.
This is likely to lead to further design and construct activity in 2017 and into 2018.
One of the largest pre-commitments in the Adelaide industrial market for many years was secured and is under construction in Gillman for a 20,000sqm facility for a Multinational Corporate Client.
On the investment side, there has been limited activity in the market above $5 million price bracket with total sales volume of $50.1 million year to date which is about half of the 10 year average for sales.
Sales below $5 million has seen more activity with owner occupiers being the most active purchaser group in the market.
There has also been an improvement in enquiry to purchase industrial property which is likely to lead to higher sales volumes through the last quarter and into next year.
This has been driven by the low interest rate environment and the opportunity to purchase a facility through a superannuation vehicle or through the business.
This shift has impacted leasing activity with a number of leasing appointments transferring to sales campaigns.
The awarding of the submarines contract to DCNS earlier this year and the building of the o shore patrol vessels in the short term has seen Adelaide become the defence hub in Australia.
The total defence spend for the Federal government is over $90 billion, with a signi cant amount of construction of these projects to occur in Adelaide. This has ensured that there is a future for the defence sector in Adelaide for the next decade and beyond.
Although it is still early in the project, it is expected that there will be several requirements for the construction of new facilities for the submarines project.
The Federal government has invested in the Centre for Defence Capability in Adelaide which will drive innovation in the defence sector as well as open up international opportunities for the defence sector.
This centre is based in Adelaide with a 10 year $230 million federal commitment to grow the defence sector. This sector is likely to drive demand with the current facilities unlikely to meet the demand for this project and hence it is likely to result in construction of new facilities, mostly likely in the northern markets.
Vacancy in the Outer North market has recorded the lowest vacancy rate of all of the precincts with a vacancy rate of 2.8 per cent. This is a dramatic turn-around from 12 months ago where vacancy was recorded at 19.9 per cent.
The Outer North market has the highest exposure to the closure of the Holden plant expected late in 2017, and the high vacancy recorded 12 months ago was a result of several suppliers vacating upon the announcement of the closure.
The Outer North has seen five sales transactions over the last three months with two investment sales and three vacant possession sales which were purchased for owner occupation.
The owner occupier sales were originally listed as leasing opportunities.
The Outer North industrial market are offering very competitive rents for a prime grade buildings and is therefore are an attractive option for tenants.
Prime rents have stabilised over the last 12 months and incentives have also remained stable and therefore there is limited change in effective rents over the last 12 months.
The Outer North market has undergone this significant correction in rental and incentives which has impacted on overall vacancy over the last two years and although there is still likely to be some further vacancy when Holden closes, it is unlikely to be as significantly affected as first predicted.
Despite this there are still some head winds in this precinct with the closure of Holden due in late 2017 as they are the largest occupier in the area.
A number of strategic discussions around the closure of the site have mooted several opportunities, however it remains to be seen what will happen with the Elizabeth site and the surrounding area.
It is clear from recent activity and the significant drop in vacancy rates in the precinct that occupiers, landlords and owners are reacting well in advance of the closure benefiting the whole market.
The next two stages of the upgrade of the north south corridor has commenced.
The Torrens to Torrens project addresses the 3.7 kilometre section of South Road between the Torrens River and Torrens River.
The scope of this project includes the lowering of a 2.5 km section of road, an overpass of the Outer Harbor line and upgrades to the to Torrens Road, Hawker Street, Hurtle Street, Port Road, Grange Road/Manton Street and Ashwin Parade/ West Thebarton Road intersections. This road will have no traffic lights and will see three lanes run in both directions and is due to complete in 2018.
The Darlington upgrade project has commenced construction which will address the section of Main South Road between the Southern Expressway and Ayliffes Road. This will connect the Tonsley site to Flinders University with joint federal and state funding to extend the Tonsley line from the current terminus at Tonsley to the Flinders Medical centre and the Flinders University.
The State and Federal governments recently announced joint funding of $985 million of for the Northern Connector project. This will join the Northern Expressway, Port Wakefield Road, South Road Expressway and the Port River Expressway and will bypass six busy intersections along South Road.
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Vacancy continues to fall across all markets in Adelaide

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A quality standalone building at 7 Redland Drive, Mitcham was has been sold by CVA to a local investor for $2,300,000.00, equating to a building rate of $2, 575.59 per sqm.
The property was leased at a rental of $135,000 pa representing a yield of just under 6 percent.
The property comprised a total lettable area of 893m2, with clear span warehouse and office.
Its truck access was from Redland Drive, just off Mitcham Road, allowing easy access to Canterbury Road, Whitehorse Road and Eastlink.
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Quality standalone building at Mitcham sold

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A substantial industrial facility at 89 Lewis Road, Wantirna South was sold by CVA in conjunction with Appleby Real Estate by a deadline sale for $6,450,000.
A number of offers were received from both local and offshore prospective purchasers, with a successful offer being accepted from a Hong Kong based investment group, representing a yield of 6.82 percent.
Comprising a total building area of 7,912m2 and situated on a huge site area of 1.8 hectares, the property provides a generous 90 metre frontage to Lewis Road and features substantial industrial improvements, incorporating a large power supply, hard stand area and multiple RSD.
The property is leased to two well known tenants Australia Post and Silvan Australia returning a combined annual rental of $440,283.50 pa net. In addition it also features further upside with the potential to develop into a business park in the future STPA.
Providing easy access to major roads including Stud Road, Burwood Highway and Mountain Highway, the subject property is located 5kms to Eastlink, under 2kms to Westfield Knox and just metres to Lewis Park.
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Substantial industrial facility at Wantirna South sold

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The combined capital city clearance rate remains above 70 percent, despite auction volumes trending higher, according to CoreLogic’s latest weekly report.
The property advisory firm says that there were 2,950 auctions held across the combined capital cities, with week-on-week results showing an increase over the 2,897 reported capital city auctions last week.
With the number of auctions tracking at the highest level since March, there has been no indication that clearance rates are starting to ease as we approach summer.
<a href="/images/2016/11/21/Capital%20city%20auction.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/21/Capital%20city%20auction.jpg" alt="">
However, when compared to last year, auction volumes continue to track lower with vendors still seemingly reluctant to place their properties on the market despite such strong selling conditions.
There were 3,166 auctions reported over the corresponding week last year, with a clearance rate of 59.5 percent, which is a substantially lower rate of clearance when compared to the higher rate that has remained consistent since July.
<a href="/images/2016/11/21/Weekly%20clearance%20rate.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/21/Weekly%20clearance%20rate.jpg" alt="">
This week’s preliminary clearance rate remains over 70.0 percent (75.6 percent), decreasing slightly over last week’s final clearance rate of 75.8 percent.
<a href="/images/2016/11/21/Weekly%20clearance%20rate%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Combined capital city clearance rate remains above 70 percent: CoreLogic

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The city, Inner South, North Sydney and Hornsby all had high auction clearance rates in Sydney, according to CoreLogic’s latest weekly report.
The property advisory firm says that all of these regions had an auction clearance rate of 90 percent plus.
<a href="/images/2016/11/21/Weekly%20clearance%20rate%20Sydney.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/21/Weekly%20clearance%20rate%20Sydney.jpg" alt="">
This is followed by both the Eastern Suburbs and Inner West with 89% and Northern Beaches with 88%.
<a href="/images/2016/11/21/Sydney%20sub%20regions.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/21/Sydney%20sub%20regions.jpg" alt="">
The region with the lowest clearance rate was the South West where only 54 percent of the 44 auctions known to CoreLogic were sold.
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90 percent of weekend auctions in four Sydney regions sold under the hammer: CoreLogic

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> have celebrated the topping out of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf,</a> marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of Syd​ney's most anticipated waterfront communities.

Located on Sydney's harbourfront at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a>, the project has now reached its highest structural point, with construction progressing strongly towards completion in 2027. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240] 
&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will deliver a mix of waterfront residences and terraces, complemented by a private 36-berth marina, waterfront dining opportunities and a revitalised foreshore designed to reconnect the community with the river's edge. 
&nbsp; 
Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said the project represented a rare opportunity to create the next chapter in Sydn​ey's long history of successful waterfront precincts. 
&nbsp; 
"Throughout Sydney, some of the city's most sought-after addresses have emerged from carefully considered waterfront precincts such as Woolloom​ooloo Wharf, Walsh Bay and Breakfast Point," Brown said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362566] 
&nbsp; 
"What makes these places so successful is that they become much more than residential developments," Brown said.

"They bring together homes, hospitality, marina facilities, public spaces and a strong sense of community in locations where future supply is incredibly limited."

Brown has long described absolute waterfront land in Sy​dney as "finite."

"Once these opportunities are developed, they are rarely replicated. That's why Syd​ney's waterfront precincts have consistently demonstrated strong demand and long-term value growth over many decades. 
&nbsp; 
"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is one of the few remaining opportunities to secure a residence within a masterplanned waterfront community that combines direct water access, marina ownership opportunities and a genuine village lifestyle just moments from the Sy​dney CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362564] 
&nbsp; 
PERIFA Founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the project reflected a shared commitment to delivering exceptional places that create long-term value for residents and the broader community. 
&nbsp; 
"The topping out milestone is a significant achievement for the Versatile Group and a testament to the collaboration between all project partners, consultants and contractors involved," Perilli said. 
&nbsp; 
"Beyond the residences themselves, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will establish a new waterfront destination that celebrates the history, character and lifestyle of this unique location while creating a lasting legacy for future generations."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291195] 
&nbsp; 
Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile">Versatile Construction</a>, with structural works now substantially complete across the precinct. Attention will progressively shift to the construction of the waterview terraces, apartment façades, services and interior fit-out works over the coming months. 
&nbsp; 
With limited residences and marina berths remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> continues to attract strong interest from owner occupiers and downsizers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle within close proximity to Putne​y Village, Rh​odes, Top Ry​de and the Syd​ney CBD. 
&nbsp; 
As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen, PERIFA, top out Putney Wharf harbourfront precinct

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]

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.

Staff reporter

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