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A luxury trophy home at Clontarf is for sale with a $5,999,000 asking price.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-clontarf-123905646">19 Beatrice Street</a> the property is a showpiece of cutting-edge contemporary design with seamless in/outdoor entertainment.
The property soars over four glass embraced levels with lift all floors.
It has a spectacular whole floor parents’ retreat with WIR and ensuite.
The living space has separate dining area and fireplace with glass walls that opens to the waterside terrace including a retractable roof.
The family room flows via bi-folds to poolside terrace and sundeck with the designer kitchen featuring a butlers’ pantry opens through to laundry.
It also features a sandstone courtyard plus tranquil water garden with a C-bus smart system, ducted air conditioning and video intercom.
Balgowlah Heights village is close by along with the marinas, Manly Beach/eateries and city buses.
The property is offered through LJ Hooker agents Glen and Tim Wirth.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Luxury new build at Clontarf for sale

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Residential Newcastle property owners are tapping into their growing equity to utilise investment opportunities, according to Herron Todd White’s latest market report.
The property advisory firm states that people are drawn to taking on renovation projects due to reality TV programs.
“And why not, given that at any point in the year we are all drawn to watching renovation (reality) TV programs, creating that desire to take on a project from start to finish yourself,” the report stated.
Smaller scale development options can include a minor subdivision of a large residential block, allowing for a second dwelling, granny flat or even a knock down and re-build with townhouses. All are appetizing small scale projects for novice investors," the report suggested.
"In our patch of Newcastle and The Hunter, mum- and-dad investors may have difficulty sourcing an investment opportunity for small scale development within a desired budget.
“Given the stronger property market within the confines of Newcastle itself, turning up to Saturday’s open homes and attempting to get through the front door can only be described as being more hectic than the mosh pit of a 1992 Metallica concert in Alabama.
"We also note that this is the same case across every price point within the region with recent sales of blue chip properties upwards of $3 million,” the report stated.
Higher competition between prospective purchasers ultimately reflects higher sale prices, which will influence the end profitability for the investor.
Given this, investors are currently not evident in the Newcastle market, unless the typical mum-and- dad investor is looking to upsize and can secure a property with re-development potential in the long term.
Around Port Stephens, in particular Colette, Salamander Bay and Nelson Bay where there is low supply in any residential land availability, any block that has the potential to provide additional housing is in high demand.
In areas with continuous expansion of residential development such as Fletcher, West Wallsend, Gillieston Heights and Chisholm, mum-and-dad investors seeking to increase their portfolios are looking to grab the corner or wide frontage block that will allow for a duplex pair to be built.
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Mum and dads speculate with extra accomodation development around Newcastle: HTW

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Construction of a major new 787 bed development in Brisbane by student accommodation provider Scape has officially commenced.
Construction company Hindmarsh has been appointed to construct the circa $95 million Vulture Street project.
The development will be ready for student occupation in 2018.
Hindmarsh anticipates that around 2,000 workers will be engaged over the duration of the project.
Scape Brisbane has been designed to have a campus feel with a range of communal areas and additional facilities including quiet study areas, relaxed lounges, a gym and other inspiring spaces.
It is located within easy reach of several universities.
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Construction of Brisbane student accomodation Scape commences

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The REIV is expecting about 1,210 auctions across 338 Melbourne suburbs this weekend.
The top auction locations are set to Reservoir (23 auctions), followed by Glen Iris and Bentleigh East with 17 auctions in each.
Last weekend: 831 auctions (exc. 22 postponed and 18 withdrawn)
This weekend: 1,210 auctions
This weekend last year: 69 percent from 1,453 auctions
Kings Park in Melbourne’s west has the best auction growth in Melbourne this year.
The suburb has tripled its auction levels in 2016, in comparison to 2015, and has the highest clearance rate in the City of Brimbank with 92 percent.
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REIV expects 1210 auctions this weekend

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Before you knock down your kitchen walls to increase the value of your home with an open plan, have a think about this: the closed off kitchen could make a comeback in future years, according to Secret Agents’ latest bulletin report.
Trendsetting architects are returning to pre-war designs where kitchen and entertainment areas are separated. There is an emerging market for this kind of home.
Many parents who have raised their family in an open plan kitchen would understand that, whilst great for inclusion, there are certain drawbacks to a lack of four walls.
There is no escaping the noise from the television, no way of treating cooking as a peaceful experience, and no way to hide the mess that the kids leave on the dining table from plain sight. Further, when guests come over, it is often impossible to get them to move to the living room.
A closed off kitchen allows the user to relax in a calming environment and momentarily retreat from the chaos of raising a family. It is also great for those who don’t want to be on show the entire time when guests come over.
Layout aside, the future kitchen from a technological standpoint is looking bright. We might even begin to see chef-less kitchens. In fact, that future is not too far away.
Moley, the world’s first robotic kitchen, is currently being crowdfunded for a launch in 2018. The company hopes to sell Moley for a price comparable to the average cost of kitchen refurbishment, around $46,000AUD.
“In more realistic terms however, Secret Agent believes that the evolution of the near-future kitchen will be less of a romantic tech fantasy,” the report stated.
Technology will not cook for us, but it will do what it does best for humanity: automate the mundane and menial, while enhancing the core experience. There is still joy to be had in cooking for yourself.
“Expect in-built Apple or Google devices in your kitchen hardware and smarter appliances. Maybe a countertop touchscreen (not voice activated, because let’s face it - we wouldn’t want Siri’s attitude in the kitchen) that retrieves your favourite recipe at your command, prompting instructions according to the preparation time. No more scrolling through recipes on your phone or tablet with your grubby, greasy hands mid-way through preparing food. No more overcooked roast chicken,” the report suggested.
Imagine a more seamless workflow, with taps switching on automatically and fridge doors that open as you approach.
Range-hoods that adjust their setting according to the intensity of your cooking. The less you need to touch, the less there is to clean.
There will be more time for enjoying the food you’ve made and the company around you, and less time required to do the actual cooking.
Many of these technologies already exist. Yet until smart home technology becomes ubiquitous and accessible to every household, it remains a future for most of us.
Humans have been cooking since the beginning of time, and it’s not about to change just because we can make robots cook like a chef.
Perhaps the best version of a kitchen we can look forward to is one that cleans itself. Now, that’s something worth developing.
Kitchen layouts can generally be divided into 4 shapes: I, L, II and U, according to Secret Agent’s latest bulletin report.
“Secret Agent thought it would be interesting to take a sample of properties in a niche market of Melbourne and find out which kitchen layouts were most popular. Since we deal with a lot of period homes within inner Melbourne, 507 Victorian and Edwardian terrace houses from this region were selected for the comparison. The houses were all sold in 2016. Regardless of the layout, on average, kitchens were found to be approximately 12sqm in size. The rest of our findings are shown on the right,” the report stated.
I (Single wall kitchen)
• By far this is the least common configuration amongst terrace houses, only present in about 6% of homes. However, Secret Agent notes that this is highly popular in new one and two bedroom apartments and studios with limited internal space.
• This layout is usually found in dwellings with limited floor space, as it usually shares its circulation path with other areas of the house.
• The work triangle doesn’t exist, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to cook! However, this kitchen type usually accommodates only one person cooking at a time.
<a href="/images/2016/11/08/Single%20wall%20kitchen.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/08/Single%20wall%20kitchen.jpg" alt="">
• Due to the lack of counter space, the dining table often doubles up as additional work room. Mobile kitchen islands are also a convenient alternative.
• The single wall layout may suit those who don’t cook often or spend much time in the kitchen, as it offers the bare minimum utility while occupying the least amount of space. You’ll also have your back to your guests when cooking, which isn’t a very sociable gesture.
• Some of these kitchens are also designed to be hidden behind sliding or pocket doors to minimise visual clutter.
II, or “Gallery” (Parallel benchtops)
• This kitchen layout accounts for just under a fifth of the homes studied. Taking its name from the galleys (kitchens) of ships and airplanes, this layout is common in commercial kitchens for its highly efficient nature.
• Essentially, this is a single wall kitchen with a benchtop island, or two parallel single wall kitchens. The former is a more social option due to the island, with the latter having limited face-to-face interaction with guests.
<a href="/images/2016/11/08/Parallel%20benchtops.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/08/Parallel%20benchtops.jpg" alt="">
• Depending on the size of the kitchen, this II-layout allows more than one person to work comfortably in the kitchen.
• Foot traffic in galley kitchens can be disruptive, depending on the distance between both counters. Ideally, it should be between 1.2m to 1.6m, with greater widths making it inconvenient to walk back and forth. Anything narrower than the minimum suggested would restrict movement with more than one person in the kitchen, particularly when opening drawers and ovens.
L-shaped
• Just under a fifth of the homes observed had this kitchen layout.
• The work triangle does not have any obstructions in the path, and can comfortably fit two persons cooking.
• Similar to the I-layout, the L also commonly shares its circulation space with the dining area or a corridor. It is a more flexible option that suits any room size, while offering an improved workflow from the simpler I-layout.
<a href="/images/2016/11/08/L%20kitchens.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/08/L%20kitchens.jpg" alt="">
• In open plan homes, it lacks the social connection with the living and dining areas, as you will still have your back to your guests.
• Instead of adding an island (turning this into a U-layout), some may prefer to have a regular dining table nearby. This way, it provides an all-round dining surface, as opposed to an island which only provides seating on one side.
U-shaped
• This is the most common kitchen type, making up two- thirds of all the terraces we looked at. We have also included what most would call the “G-shape” or “L-shape with island” as part of this group for simplicity, as it has the same wrap-around, three-sided layout.
• The U-shape offers the most flexibility and variation, on top of being a highly social configuration. It suits both smaller and larger homes, in both open plan and closed plan layouts.
• This kitchen type is divided into zones (casual dining, preparing, cooking, cleaning), as opposed to a proper work triangle, allowing multiple people to work in the kitchen at any one time.
<a href="/images/2016/11/08/U%20kitchens.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/08/U%20kitchens.jpg" alt="">
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Closed off kitchens may make a comeback in the home

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Residential mortgage lending constitutes the largest credit exposure in the Australian banking system and, for many ADIs, well over half their total credit exposures.
This concentration of exposure necessitates APRA’s close scrutiny of ADIs’ lending practices.
In November 2014, APRA released Prudential Practice Guide APG 223 Residential Mortgage Lending (APG 223) to provide guidance to ADIs on sound risk management practices for residential mortgage lending.
APG 223 outlines prudent practices in areas, such as sound loan origination criteria, appropriate security valuation methods, the management of problem loans, and monitoring relevant risk data. APRA is currently consulting on updates to APG 223, as outlined on the APRA website.
ADIs currently report residential mortgage lending data to APRA on reporting forms under the Financial Sector (Collection of Data) Act 2001 (FSCOD Act), and in response to ad hoc information requests pursuant to APRA’s general powers under the APRA Act.
One key source of information is Reporting Standard ARS 320.8 Housing Loan Reconciliation (ARS 320.8), made under the FSCOD Act.
This reporting standard requires ADIs with more than $1 billion in residential term loans to report 99 data items each quarter on Reporting Form ARF 320.8 Housing Loan Reconciliation (ARF 320.8), using the Direct-to-APRA (D2A) reporting software each quarter.
ADIs must report information on ARF 320.8 on their housing lending activity, including information on loan purpose (either owner-occupied or investment loans), balances of existing loans, new
loan approvals and features of loans. ARF 320.8 collects this information on loans on the domestic books for banks and licensed books for non-bank ADIs.
ARF 320.8 was introduced in 2008 and has not been updated since then. There is now a significant gap in APRA’s ability to monitor the credit risk and lending practices of ADIs. Only 31 of the 109 locally incorporated ADIs are required to submit ARF 320.8.
Many of the loan characteristics that are factors for assessing credit risk (as outlined in APG 223) are not covered, such as portfolio loan-to-valuation ratio LVR breakdowns, loan performance, security type and borrower serviceability.
ADIs report loans only on a domestic books basis and exclude certain types of borrowers under ARS 320.8, such as non-resident households, household trusts and self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs), meaning some relevant lending activity is not captured.
Furthermore, some of the data items reported on ARF 320.8 are no longer relevant to APRA’s supervisory needs.
These information gaps in the D2A reporting mean APRA must request additional information on residential mortgage lending to undertake meaningful analysis for individual ADIs and the ADI industry as a whole.
The additional data received are not subject to APRA’s formal data quality assurance processes, they are not stored in APRA’s centralised data warehouse and may not be of publishable quality.
These ad hoc requests can impose an increased regulatory burden on entities. Due to their variable scope and requirements, it can be difficult for ADIs to allocate resources and provide ongoing quality assurance.
Some ADIs have informally expressed a preference for reporting requirements to be collected through D2A wherever possible, and for all reporting requirements to include a clear statement of purpose and instructions.
ARF 320.8 is due 20 business days after each reference quarter. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) also uses data reported on ARF 320.8 in the development of policies to promote financial stability, and to monitor the transmission of monetary policy.
ADIs currently report information on the balance on loans that are impaired or past-due in Reporting Form ARF 220.0 Impaired Facilities. This does not include any loan characteristics other than a split between owner-occupied and investor.
ADIs using the Standardised Approach to calculating credit risk capital requirements also report some information about residential mortgage lending on Reporting Form ARF 112.1A Standardised credit risk - On-balance sheet assets, ARF 112.2A Standardised credit risk - Off-balance sheet exposures, while ADIs using the internal- ratings based (IRB) approach report some information on and ARF 113.3A IRB Retail – Residential mortgages. Only limited detail on characteristics of the loans is reported on these forms.
To better enable APRA’s supervisory monitoring and oversight of residential mortgage lending, and reduce the reliance on ad hoc information requests, APRA proposes to introduce a new reporting standard under the FSCOD Act, Reporting Standard ARS 223.0 Residential Mortgage Lending (ARS 223), and a new form, Reporting Form ARF 223.0 Residential Mortgage Lending (ARF 223.0).
These changes will enable APRA to maintain its supervisory intensity of residential mortgage lending and address emerging risks, while removing some unnecessary reporting burden on ADIs.
All locally incorporated ADIs will be subject to ARS 223.0 and required to submit ARF 223.0, 28 calendar days after the end of each calendar quarter.
While smaller ADIs are currently not required to submit ARF 320.8, residential mortgage portfolios typically make up the majority of their balance sheet.
Comprehensive supervisory monitoring of the credit risk of these ADIs is therefore dependent on obtaining information about their residential mortgage lending.
APRA expects that much of this information will already be available by ADIs for their own internal monitoring purposes.
ARF 223.0 will collect information on both the portfolio stock and the new lending activity each quarter. ADIs with a Level 2 group will need to complete ARF 223.0 on a Level 2 basis, and other ADIs on a Level 1 basis.
Depending on their level of residential mortgage lending activity in Australia, branches of foreign banks may also be required to submit ARF 223.0 each quarter, as directed by APRA.
The proposed reporting standard, form and reporting instructions are available on the APRA website.
In order to accurately assess the risk profile of the residential mortgage loan portfolio of an ADI or the industry as a whole, APRA needs to have relatively detailed information on residential mortgage loan portfolios.
ADIs currently report outstanding loan balances to households and some loan characteristics on ARF 320.8, split by purpose of the loan. ADIs currently report the balance on impaired or past-due loans in ARF 220.0, split between owner-occupied and investor loans with no further detail.
The proposed ARF 223.0 will capture loans to households as well as borrowers which have similar risk profiles to households, such as loans to family trusts and SMSFs and to non-residents.
ADIs will be required to report new information including: facility limits; a more detailed breakdown by LVRs; loan vintage; loans subject to lenders mortgage insurance; loans secured by property overseas; and loans secured by a unit or apartment.
The definitions used in ARF 223.0 have been streamlined to better align with ADIs’ own internal information management systems.
For example, the definitions of an owner-occupied loan and an investor loan have been updated. These changes should make it easier to report and therefore reduce the ongoing reporting burden.
More detail about problem loans will be required than is currently reported on ARF 220.0.
ADIs will be required to report past-due loans according to risk characteristics (such as loan type, origination channel and LVR), mortgage loans with hardship arrangements, mortgagee in possession loans, loans less than 90 days past due and new non- performing loans in the quarter.
In addition to portfolio metrics, information on the risk profile of new loans is essential for analysis of ADIs’ credit risk.
ADIs currently report limited information on new loan approvals on ARF 320.8, including breakdowns on purpose, some loan features and LVRs. Revolving credit is not captured on ARF 320.8.
ARF 223.0 will require ADIs to report loans originated during the quarter, rather than loans approved, as this is a better and more reliable measure of loans affecting an ADI’s risk profile.
Details on new loan originated to trusts operated by households, such as family trusts and SMSFs, will be included in reporting, as well as loans to non-residents. Originations of revolving credit facilities will also be reported.
ADIs will be required to report more detailed data on loans originated during the quarter than is required on ARF 320.8, including information on borrowers, loan-to-income ratios, collateral type and location and a more granular breakdown by LVR.
Most of the existing detail on loan approvals reported on ARF 320.8 will continue to be reported for originations on ARF 223.0, such as loan purpose and loan features.
ADIs will also be required to report information on the average variable interest rate and average loan serviceability assessment rate of loans originated during the quarter. These data will be used to analyse changes in serviceability parameters.
APRA’s needs for regular statistics on mortgage lending activity will be largely met by the proposed ARF 223.0.
However, the RBA relies on the information reported on ARF 320.8 to perform its role.
The RBA will become the primary user of ARF 320.8 and has requested that APRA continue to collect the form on its behalf from ADIs with over $1 billion of residential mortgage term loans each quarter.
The RBA is currently reviewing ARF 320.8 and intends to consult ADIs on revised reporting requirements in late-2016. Both APRA and the RBA are working together to minimise reporting burden by limiting the overlap between collections, and by streamlining concepts and definitions.
After considering the feedback received in response to the discussion paper, APRA expects to issue a response paper and finalise the content and format of ARS 223.0 in the first half of 2017. The new reporting requirements would commence for the quarter ending 31 December 2017.
To improve the quality of regulation, the Australian Government requires all proposals to undergo a preliminary assessment to establish whether it is likely that there will be business compliance costs. In order to perform a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis, APRA welcomes information from interested parties.
As part of the consultation process, APRA requests respondents to provide an assessment of the impact of the proposed changes and, specifically, the marginal compliance costs ADIs are likely to face.
Given that APRA’s proposed reporting requirements may impose some compliance costs, respondents may also indicate whether there are any other requirements relating to ADI reporting that should be improved or removed to reduce compliance costs. In doing so, please explain what they are and why they need to be improved or removed.
APRA also requests feedback on the proposed reporting requirements, the extension of reporting on residential mortgage lending to ADIs with less than $1 billion in residential mortgage loans, and the ability of ADIs’ data source systems to align to the concepts and definitions in the proposed data requirements.
APRA welcomes any suggestions for changes to definitions that will improve data quality and reduce reporting burden.
Specifically, APRA seeks feedback on the proposed definitions in the reporting instructions for owner-occupied loans, investor loans, household trusts and newly originated loans.
The proposed reporting requirements, like all reporting requirements under the FSCOD Act, will utilise XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) and the Standard Business Reporting (SBR) taxonomy.
ADIs that use XBRL and the SBR taxonomy to map or tag their financial information can streamline their reporting processes and reduce the manual intervention required.
There are several concepts on the proposed form that overlap those of other APRA reporting, allowing for the re-use of existing SBR taxonomy tagging on source data systems.
APRA requests feedback on the cost incurred in responding to past information requests regarding residential mortgage lending.
APRA expects the introduction of ARF 223.0 to reduce the frequency and detail of these requests for the majority of ADIs.
Feedback on compliance costs under the proposed changes can be provided to APRA using the template for costings available on the APRA website <a href="https://www.apra.gov.au/adi/Documents/Template-for-%20cost-savings-2015.xlsx" target="_blank">here</a>
The template is designed to capture the relevant costs in a structured way, including a separate assessment of upfront costs and ongoing costs.
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Property 101: APRA's residential mortgage lending reporting requirements

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A home with an ocean view at Cottesloe, the Anchorage, is for sale at $11 million.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-cottesloe-123896646" target="_blank">property</a> has a 180 degree view of the Indian Ocean, all the Islands and Fremantle Port and is made of stone, crafted wood and glass.
The Anchorage benefits from a 1029 sqm corner lot.
The original building has recently been extended with a re-fit by a Fremantle architect.
Four bedrooms are located on the ground floor or three bedrooms and a study.
A new family entertaining area extends from the gallery space towards the lap pool and outdoor area complete with a view of the Rottnest and reef line.
The property is offered through Shellabear's agent Chris Shellabear.
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Cottesloe ocean view home, The Anchorage, for sale

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An apartment at Port Melbourne designed by Block contestants Carleen and Dan will be auctioned this weekend.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-port+melbourne-123813650" target="_blank">3/164 Ingles Street</a> the property features three bedrooms and a study area with the overall renovation overseen by architect Julian Brenchley and topped by David Franklin’s city-view skygarden.
The apartment features much of its original timber doors and period cornices with the home’s floorplan set in the modern day with lounge and dining areas plus an additional living-dining zone in a balcony alfresco-room with outdoor kitchen.
The grand master ensuite features a vast double ensuite with dual vanity and double shower with a decadent dressing room, the apartment also features a secondary bedroom with their own fitted dressing areas and a custom-built study beyond the impressive entry lobby
The kitchen features every Bosch appliances while a butler’s pantry adds a second dishwasher and more sleek storage.
Bathrooms channel the building’s Art Deco spirit with shiny metallic finishes and matt black and white feature tiling.
Every room has its own individual climate control with a wireless Bose sound system, automated blinds and generous double-glazing.
The dining table is hand crafted and takes centre stage with the apartment combining fine leather dining and occasional seating.
However the apartment’s most notable features include the original Art Deco lighting that matches the fine wallpaper, a sparkling multi-facet mirror centred in the lobby and precious object d’art including an angular Christofle tea set and sinuous bronze panther.
The property is secured by video intercom, keypad entry, lift access and auto-gated undercover parking with artisan-restored terrazzo and timber detailing through reception and access areas.
It is minutes walk to the CBD and just 800 metres from the Convention Centre with the Port Melbourne Football Club directly opposite the property.
The property is offered through Hodges agents Julian Augustini and Romana Preston
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Block contestants Carleen and Dan's apartment at Port Melbourne for sale

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Will and Karlie’s apartment from the block at Port Melbourne is for auction this weekend.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-port+melbourne-123805830" target="_blank">1/164 Ingles Street</a> the property is former J. Kitchen and Sons Art Deco soap factory that has been spectacularly transformed. It is a massive 205 sqm ground floor residence which boasts a hand-perfected custom interior, soaring 3.75 meter ceilings as well as a 2.7 meters internal doors and an exclusive one-of-a-kind artwork/furniture package.
It has trimmed precious timbers, midnight black and rose gold accents, along with three luxurious King-sized bedrooms with a stunning his-and-her master ensuite, walk-in wardrobes, two study corners as well as a huge 64 sqm open-plan living/dining area at a rear complemented by a state-of-the-art Neff kitchen and premium wall-integrated gas appliances.
The property features an exquisite artwork and one-of-a-kind furniture package included along with remote-controlled sheer sunscreen and block-out blinds throughout.
There is also advanced double-glazing all around with gorgeous designer light features.
There are also motion-activated LED ceiling lights plus “Halo” background lightning with video intercom entry with online streaming and unlocking via mobile devices and centralised digital climate control.
Trendy “Satin” power points plus Foxtel, free TV, internet and USB outlets in all the living spaces. The bathrooms also have heated towel racks. There is also convenient lift access and off-street parking for one car.
It is only 1.5 kilometers to the CBD’s first-class cosmopolitan lifestyle and it is only a leisurely stroll to South Wharf’s world-class eateries and shopping plus the renowned Crown entertanment precinct nearby.
The property is also close to premier sports grounds, parklands, South Melbourne Market and the crystalline beaches of Port Melbourne with buses and high-frequency trams just a stone’s throw away.
The property is offered through Biggin and Scott agents David Lack and Will Jonas.
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Block contestants Will and Karlie's Port Melbourne apartment for sale

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One of Australia’s finest waterfront residence, the Mandalay House, at Airlie Beach remains for sale.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-airlie+beach-120281949" target="_blank">The house </a>sits on a 4241 square metre north-west facing block backed by a national park.
Featuring six king-sized bedrooms and nine bathooms, all with ensuites.
The oceanfront pavilion comes with a climate controlled cellar at the bottom which can host up to 12 people.
A separate fully self-contained caretaker/staff cottage is also included while the property is secure with a monitored security with CCTV and 24 recording.
The property also includes a cinema, gymnasium and pool room along with a self-contained office with secretarial space and multi-zone air conditioning throughout the house.
A private 22.5 metre marina berth with all-weather rock wall plus two jet ski docks and boat shed are included as are five car garages as well as a private helipad.
Fine dining, shopping, six star resorts and golf are just a short trip away.
The property is offered through Ray White agent Mark Beale.
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Airlie Beach waterfront residence the Mandalay House for sale

<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.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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