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Australian mortgage franchise Aussie Home Loans has announced a partnership with financial services giant Virgin Money Australia – with the firm’s home loans now on Aussie’s panel of 21 lenders.
“Our link with the Virgin Money brand in Australia brings together two leading challenger brands, both focused on delivering greater competition to the home loan market together with strong customer service,” said James Symond, chief executive of Aussie.
Virgin launched a new mortgage product in May, the Reward Me Home Loan, which offers customers Velocity Frequent Flyer for every $100,000 borrowed at settlement, 1,000 each month for each loan split, plus 30,000 every three years.
“We’re excited to be partnering with Aussie,” said Greg Boyle, chief executive of Virgin Money Australia.
Virgin Money Australia restarted offering home loans through mortgage brokers, taking a page from its success in the United Kingdom in order to make their home loans profitable.
“The mortgages there (in the UK) have worked really well,” said Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson earlier this year.
“Learning from that and asking lots of questions in Australia, the team has launched this product in Australia.”
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Aussie Home Loans partners with Virgin Money

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The REIQ's quarterly vacancy rate reveals that Brisbane’s middle ring experienced a sharp rise in vacancies, while the inner ring remained relatively consistent with the June quarter.
The tightest rental markets in Queensland are Caloundra and Noosa, both 1.2 percent.
The weakest market surveyed is the Burdekin Shire with 9.6 percent. 
Regional Queensland yielded positive news, with consistent falls in vacancy rates for Bundaberg, Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton. 
Brisbane’s inner city (0-5km) vacancy rate for the September quarter has risen from 3.4 percent, to 3.7 percent. The middle ring (5-20km) has risen from 2.3 percent to 4.5 percent.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the surprising result in Brisbane’s middle ring was likely due to a combination of factors.
“Inner-city property managers and landlords are particularly sensitive to the oversupply question at the moment and rents have become extremely competitive, luring tenants from the middle ring into the inner ring,” she said.
“Also, a significant level of development has come online in the middle ring and some agents have reported that without being able sell, many of those properties have been put into the rental pool.
“Another contributing factor is that interest rates are very low and with the State Government’s recent boost to the first-home buyer grant from $15,000 to $20,000, that is influencing people’s decision to own rather than rent,” she said.
<a href="/images/2016/10/25/Vacancy%20rate%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/25/Vacancy%20rate%201.jpg" alt="">
Greater Brisbane’s vacancy rate remained in the healthy range of 3.3 percent.
Brisbane LGA reached 4.1 percent in the September quarter.
Ipswich has eased, lifting from 1.1 percent in June to 2.1 percent in September. This is still classed as a tight market.
Logan has tightened, moving from 2.8 percent to 2.0 percent.
Moreton Bay has eased slightly, going from 1.7 percent in the June quarter to 2.2 percent in the September quarter.
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Middle ring Brisbane vacancy rate rising

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Melbourne architects Chris and Genevieve de Campo have listed Amagansett, their Long Island-inspired Sorrento new-build.
It comes with price hopes of $3.5 million.
They paid $790,000 for the 1066 sqm vacant block in 2014 and went about building the five bedroom home.
Complete in the middle of this year, the home is accessed through the articulated cedar facade.
It forms a separate guest suite and garaging after which the lawned courtyard, swimming pool and entertaining areas are revealed.
The master bedroom, adjacent study, main lounge and dining space make up the living level.
The lower level comprises a further three bedrooms, a second lounge and another two bathrooms.
Chris said the family have enjoyed living in the eco-friendly beach house for the past few months but it's time to start another project on another vacant block on the Mornington Peninsula.
The couple also have a project in Tasmania.
Kay &amp; Burton Portsea agent Liz Jensen has the listing located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-sorrento-123759426" target="_blank">17 Boroondara Road</a>. 
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.
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Architects Chris and Genevieve de Campo list their Long Island-inspired Sorrento new-build

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Stand up comedian Jimeoin McKeown has listed his neglected Byron Bay hinterland retreat for sale.
The Melbourne based comedian -  marketing himself as Ireland's Witruvian Man - and wife Catherine Arena paid $1.35 million for the three hectare estate in 2003.
It was briefly up for sale in 2008 at $2.5 million. 
Perched highly on the tightly-held <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-coorabell-124084506" target="_blank">Coolamon Scenic Ridge</a>, the empty Ewingsdale three bedroom home features an outdoor entertaining deck and a saltwater swimming pool.
Byron Bay LJ Hooker agent Liam Annesley is taking offers up to December 17. High in Byron Bays' lush hinterland, it comes with far-reaching valley to ocean views.  "Currently the home is ready for your own touch, while you work on your grand plan to showcase an architecturally designed home of your choice," the marketing says.
Born to Irish parents in England, Jimeoin moved to Australia at the age of 22, gaining work as a gardener after working on building sites in London for four years.
He both starred in and co-wrote two Australian feature film comedies, The Craic (1999) and The Extra (2005).
He had his own comedy television programme, the eponymous Jimeoin, which ran for three seasons.
In 2010 he aired Jimeoin: Over the Top when he was travelling across northern Australia doing stand-up routines recorded at towns along the way.
Jimeoin also hosted SBS's primetime comedy programme The Full Brazilian during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. 
His forthcoming Renonsense Man tour takes him from Cootamundra next weekend to England's Southend-on-Sea next February.
The closest the tour gets to Byron is Ballina in January for the comedian who once described Byron as his favourite place in the world.
"Full of rich people, poor people, and best of all, Swedish backpackers," he said.
He was last spotted earlier this year spending time at Bluesfest.
This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Comedian Jimeoin lists Byron Bay hinterland retreat

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A Toorak mansion has become one of the most expensive Melbourne residential sales of the year after it sold for more than $14 million.
A local Chinese family bought <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-toorak-123618934" target="_blank">32 Albany Road</a> which was listed as seeking interest of between $12 million to $13 million through Kay &amp; Burton, who have been the selling agent three times in 36 years including its sale in 1987 which was advertised in the sketched style of the times.
It was sold by the Goldbloom, who lived at the property for more than 20 years.
The Art Deco home with tennis court and swimming pool on 1,831 sqm comprises six bedrooms.
The property listing from 1987 when Kay &amp; Burton were again the listing agents.
<img src="/images/2016/11/16/32Albany.jpg" alt="" width="324" height="486">
There were five offers made on the property.
Chinese interest is still prevalent in Toorak.
A Chinese family paid $6.25 million for a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-toorak-123620166" target="_blank">17 Albany Road</a> last month. 
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Toorak mansion sells for more than $14 million

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The third stage of Parkland Estate will soon launch with 213 new apartments in the landmark Rouse Hill development.
PRDnationwide Norwest and Ray White Castle Hill have been appointed as the project marketers for Capital Corporation.
Designed by the architectural firm Turner, the six to nine story apartment development, has received DA approval.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2017.
Construction of the first stage of the development, which includes 62 terrace homes, is already underway and is expected to be completed in late 2017.
In total, more than 700 dwellings will be built within the $500 million development. 
Capital Corporation is a Baulkham Hills based developer.
The company has a strong presence in the local area, having developed 45 projects alone in the Norwest Business Park and various other commercial and residential projects in the local area.
Capital Residential Developments Development Manager Joel Wood said Parkland Estate was a transformative development for the North West area.
"We didn’t want to just build a housing and unit development, we wanted to build a new community,” he said.
“There was the opportunity to build significantly more apartments on the site, but we chose to prioritise liveability and design.
"We are providing more than 5000sqm of green space for the project and a number of communal facilities which will encourage social interaction and foster a neighbourhood community.
"This is how people want to live today.
"They want the convenience of being close to major transport networks and retail precincts, but also desire access to parks and other amenities.”
The Central Park area of the project, which will be completed in 2018, includes a 17m lap pool, playground facilities, grass areas, a tennis court, communal rooms and a BBQ pavilion.
PRDnationwide Norwest Director David Inkster said it was the biggest residential development currently taking place in the Rouse Hill area.  
“The first stage of the project was very successful, with all terrace houses selling out very quickly and 75% of the first release of the apartments already sold.
The site is located within short walking distance (300m) of the future Cudgegong Road Train Station which will be part of the $8.3billion North West Rail Link.
Situated in the booming North West Growth Corridor, Parkland Estate is close to several schools, shopping precincts, numerous restaurants and entertainment venues.
Median prices for the first stage of Parkland Estate range from $500,000 for a one bedroom apartment through to $800,000 for a three bedroom apparent.
The next stage of the project comprises 75 one bedroom, 100 two bedroom and 38 three bedroom apartments. 
Those interested in Parkland Estate can register at <a href="https://parklandrousehill.com.au/" target="_blank">https://parklandrousehill.com.au/</a>
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Rouse Hill's $500m Parkland Estate project enters next phase

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Photographer Mark Morffew has sold his ultra bright designer pad overlooking Bondi Beach, securing a stellar $4.5 million.
It's been billed as a record price for a beachside two bedder.
Accessed through an expensive private front courtyard, the two bedroom, two bathroom apartment comes with interiors by Lawless &amp; Meyerson.
The walls are lined with photographic works.
The living and dining areas flow onto an ocean-facing terrace.
The master bedroom offers terrace access and the second bedroom opens to a rear entertaining courtyard.
Morffew paid $2.9 million for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-bondi+beach-123870394" target="_blank">the 94 square metre Notts Avenue apartment</a> in May last year.
Belle Property Double Bay agent Albert Sassoon secured the price auction sale. 
One of the blocks most recent sales came in May when other two bedroom apartments sold for $3.8 million and at $4.2 million. 
The Pacific Terraces development was undertaken in the early 1980s by veteran developer Bill Shipton with financing from the late Kerry Packer.
This article first appeared in The Sunday Telegraph. 
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Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach two bedder sells at $4.5 million

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Retired Parramatta Eels star Eric Grothe Jr - who was named winger of the year at the 2005 Dally M Awards - has sold his Sutherland Shire investment for $1.2 million after it failed to find a buyer at its auction last month.
Pulse Property agent Rochelle Mills had issued $1.1 million price guidance for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-caringbah-123713122" target="_blank">the Caringbah property</a> that cost Grothe Jr $565,000 in 2007.
It now comes with a 2009-built four bedroom home on the 525 square metre lot. It was listed in 2011 when the auction bidding reached $980,000.
The property was advertised as "a great opportunity to redevelop and build your dream home".
Grothe, who also offloaded a two bedroom Cronulla apartment in 2012 for $472,000, is splitting his time between Sydney and the Gold Coast, where model, actress and singer girlfriend Sophie Monk has just set up camp.
She's just spent $1.1 million on a five bedroom waterfront in Helensvale, round the corner from her parents' house.
Outside of footy Grothe Jr is a keen musician and continues to showcase his musical talents as a regular member of the band on Channel Nine's The NRL Footy Show.
This article first appeared in The Sunday Telegraph.
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Eric Grothe Jnr sells in Sutherland Shire

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The home of Port Pirie’s only Hungry Jacks outlet is being offered to the market.
CBRE has been appointed to sell the 2,967 square metre landholding at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-sa-port+pirie-502177686" target="_blank">32 Main Road, Port Pirie</a>.
It comprises of a single story 187 square metre retail fast-food outlet leased to the Possingham Family Pty Ltd as a franchisee for Hungry Jacks
Positioned along the main thoroughfare into the Port Pirie township, the property is currently leased on a 15-year term, with two five-year options available, for an annual net income of approximately $193,000.
CBRE’s Ben Heritage advised there were 12 years remaining on the initial 15-year lease.
“Surrounded by a number of well-known national retailers including Supercheap Auto and McDonald’s, this property is strategically positioned on one of the city’s most popular retail strips – a factor which is expected to attract strong investor interest during the sales campaign,” Heritage said.
The property is being offered via auction on December 8.
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Port Pirie Hungry Jacks for sale

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An office in the Melbourne CBD is for sale.
The office at 412 Queen Street has light from three sides.
The 343 square metre space offers a vacant position with a fully self-contained office, including comprehensive fit-out, bathrooms, kitchen, reception area, direct street access, balcony and outdoor area with potential future residential conversion.
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-melbourne-502152814" target="_blank">The property</a> has been marketed as suitable for SMSF purchase.
It has three secure basement car spaces.
Expressions of interest close November 24 through CBRE.
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Melbourne CBD office for sale on Queen Street

<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.

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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.

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From Candela, residents can access cafés, grocers, wine bars, restaurants and essential services on foot, while Ivanhoe Station and Darebin Station provide direct connectivity across Mel​bour​ne. The development is also surrounded by some of the suburb's best-known lifestyle destinations, including Pinkie, Laurent, Enni, Docasa and Woodfire Pizza e Cucina, alongside Ivanhoe Plaza, Woolworths, pharmacies and specialty retailers.

Green space is another defining feature of the suburb. Darebin Parklands, Ivanhoe Park, Nellie Ibbot Park and the Yarra River trail network provide extensive opportunities for recreation, while Ivanhoe Golf Course and Ivanhoe Tennis Club continue to underpin the area's long-established lifestyle appeal.

The suburb's education offering further strengthens demand. Ivanhoe Grammar School, Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School, Mary Immaculate Primary School and Ivanhoe Primary School have helped establish the area as one of Melbou​​rne's most sought-after schooling precincts, attracting families and downsizers alike who want to remain connected to the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357510]

While location was the priority for Marita and Chris, the project itself also needed to meet their expectations.

"Whilst location was paramount, I was also looking at design of the environment and Candela ticked every box," Marita said.

"We're just thrilled with our choice."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=336455]

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>, Candela Ivanhoe has been designed to complement its village setting, with an emphasis on generous floorplans, natural light and practical everyday living.

Residents will have access to a range of shared amenities, including a communal rooftop garden and dedicated residential lounge, complemented by a ground-floor café and lifestyle wellbeing centre, helping foster the sense of community already emerging among future owners.

That approach has resonated strongly with the market. More than 90 per cent of purchasers at Candela Ivanhoe are owner-occupiers, with buyers ranging from downsizers and second-home buyers to young families and first home buyers, creating a genuinely multi-generational community of grandparents, parents and children. It reflects a broader shift across Melbo​​urne's apartment market, where buyers are increasingly prioritising neighbourhood quality, lifestyle amenity and long-term liveability.

Currently under construction by Ironside, Candela Ivanhoe comprises 58 apartments. Candela Ivanhoe is scheduled for completion in the coming months, and residents can move in from September. One to four bedroom residences, prices from $649,000 and limited opportunities remaining.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Location and lifestyle drive demand at Candela Ivanhoe

As apartment buyers increasingly look beyond the four walls of their residence, the quality and depth of shared amenity has become a defining factor in how developments are designed and experienced, particularly in the high-rise, new apartment development space.

In Southbank, where high-density living continues to evolve, developers are placing greater emphasis on creating environments that support wellbeing, connection, and convenience as part of everyday life.

That approach sits at the heart of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aura-at-melbourne-square-7-hoff-boulevard-southbank-vic-3006">AURA</a>, the latest residential tower in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/osk-property">OSK Property</a>’s $3.5 billion Melbourne Square precinct. Rising 67 storeys above Hoff Boulevard, the 673-apartment development has been conceived around what OSK describes as a “vertical wellness ecosystem”, a layered collection of amenities that extends throughout the building rather than being confined to a single podium level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=370263]

The amenity offering begins on the seventh level within the AURA Club, a dedicated resident hub focused on health, relaxation, and daily convenience. Here, residents will have access to an indoor swimming pool, cold plunge, spa, sauna, and steam room, alongside a fully equipped gym, reformer Pilates studio, and yoga room.

The wellness facilities are complemented by a range of spaces that acknowledge the changing ways people live and work. Work-from-home lounges and co-working areas sit alongside a library, music room, games room, cinema facilities, and open-air terrace spaces, providing residents with flexible environments that can adapt throughout the day.

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Beyond the internal amenity, AURA introduces a series of Japanese-inspired gardens that form a quieter counterpoint to the tower’s social spaces.

Landscaped retreats feature curated outdoor dining, tranquil courtyard seating, fire pit, and a tea house pavilion. Rather than functioning as simple recreational areas, the gardens have been designed as places for reflection and informal gathering, drawing on principles of balance, nature, and calm that underpin the project's broader design philosophy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367810]

The social amenity continues to evolve as residents move higher through the building. Levels 49 and 50 house the Meridian Club, where a lounge bar, conservatory spaces, and private dining rooms take advantage of elevated city views. At the summit of the tower, the exclusive Cumulus Club spans Levels 66 and 67, offering additional lounges, private dining, and meditation and treatment rooms positioned above Melbourne’s skyline.

For OSK Property, the extensive amenity offering reflects a broader focus on wellbeing as a core component of apartment living rather than an added feature.

“Aura stands tall as an exemplar of holistic wellness – its focus on social, physical and mental health culminate in a building that is calming, restorative and relaxing, where residents will have their own sanctuary within the well-connected and sought-after Southbank,” says OSK Property CEO Chong Boon Woon.

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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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