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Raine &amp; Horne are set to have over 80 offices by the end of 2016 with 10 to be opened in in Queensland and two in Sydney.
The Queensland-run businesses are in Brisbane Central, Goodna, Ipswich, Springfield, Mackay, Mackay Beaches, Moranbah, Commercial Mackay, Redcliffe and Banora Point.
The offices in Sydney will be located in Kingsford in the eastern suburbs and Lindfield on the north shore.
The announcement was made by executive chairman Angus Raine, who is confident there will be a stronger market towards the end of 2017.
“I am confident there will be a stronger market towards the end of 2017, but a critical shortage of listings around the country will see many businesses facing a challenging six months, with some agencies forced to reduce costs, which may see some amazing talent leave the industry,” he said.
<img src="/images/2016/10/19/Goodna.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="279">
Raine is concerned that the industry itself can be the biggest disrupter, suggesting margins might be reduced by the heavy discounting of commissions.
“Many businesses and salespeople are willing to pay referral fees to lead generators, when the cost of a sale is continuing to increase and business owners are facing the challenge of “sign-on fees” for key staff and some salespeople commanding higher commissions,” he said. 
“If the trend continues, many businesses will not be able to achieve reasonable returns, thus resulting in some being forced to merge or sell.”
<img src="/images/2016/10/19/Mackay.jpg" alt="" width="439" height="329">
Record low interest rates and a high cost of sale are also contributing to the stock shortage.
“Many who may be looking to downsize are faced with the dilemma of paying more for a townhouse or unit, where in the past they had the ability of selling the family home and having the luxury of putting some money aside for a comfortable retirement,” Raine said.
“The shortage of listings is compounding the issue, with many concerned there won’t be a suitable property to buy. Owners are therefore delaying a listing until market levels improve.”
Raine is confident Raine &amp; Horne, the 133-year old business, will be able to take advantage of an eventual change in the market.
“The recent investment in new technology and systems will see the growth in franchise businesses.”
<div> </div>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Raine & Horne tackles disruption head on with growth

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Sydney property investors are better off looking to other state capitals that are earlier in their growth cycle, according to a new research report.
The report by investment advisor Momentum Wealth suggests the days of stellar growth are numbered after Sydney's median house price rocketed.
It has increased 46.7 percent since the start of the current upcycle in January 2012. It now stands at around $880,000
Short-term growth prospects are waning in the Sydney market according to the research report, Property Market Spotlight: Sydney.
It examined the city’s key demand and supply indicators and found that conditions were easing as a well-publicised apartment oversupply loomed.
Properties are now taking longer to sell, according to the report. The number of properties selling has dropped and dwelling approvals have plateaued at record levels.
“It can be acutely detrimental to buy at the peak of a market upcycle as the ensuing downturn can have a severe setback on investors’ finances and investment goals,” Momentum Wealth managing director Damian Collins said.
“While it’s impossible to predict how much longer Sydney’s upcycle will continue, our research report highlights an easing in several key market indicators suggesting the strongest capital growth in the current upcycle has passed.”
Some buyers are being priced out of the market due to the extreme affordability problems.
The threat of an apartment oversupply continues to be at the forefront of the property market conversation.
The research report suggests both of these factors will weigh on short to medium term capital growth prospects.
“While the long-term outlook for the Sydney property market remains positive, the short-to-medium term view isn’t as rosy,” Collins said.
“The research report explains that investors considering the Sydney market are likely to be better off looking at other Australian capital cities that are earlier in their growth cycle, are more affordable and offer higher yields.”
“While Sydney’s time will come again, for the time being better investments can be made elsewhere,” he said.
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Sydney property investors better off elsewhere as strongest growth has passed

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Key investors at LoanDolphin, Australia's leading loan bidding platform, have raised $1.1 million to expand its presence in major capital cities.
Strategic investor Barry Lambert provided the bulk of the total, giving $1 million. The rest came from finch investment firm H2 Ventures.
Lambert made his money by selling Count Financial, a company he founded in 1980, to Commonwealth Bank in 2011 for $373 million.
The company are hoping to claim a stake in Australia’s $1.5 trillion home loan market.
LoanDolphin is a free online platform that allows people to refinance or obtain new home loans at rates not advertised by banks or lenders.
<img src="/images/2016/11/03/LoanDolphin.jpg" alt="" width="545" height="182">
Launched in February 2016, LoanDolphin have delivered average savings of $5,254 per year to home owners.
They offers customers a simple and efficient way to get the lowest interest home loan rates for free.
In August, LoanDolphin reached more than $100 million worth of home loans auctioned on its platform.
It takes around three minutes for customers to (anonymously) upload their home loan requirements before mortgage brokers, lenders and banks start bidding to offer them the best home loan rates which are never advertised.
“We are extremely excited by the capital boost which will help us accelerate our growth plans,” LoanDolphin CEO Ranin Mendis said.
“Barry’s involvement is extremely valuable to LoanDolphin and strong validation of our model and market opportunity,” Mr Mendis said.
LoanDolphin will use the funding to reach more customers, develop the team and to introduce new features to the platform.
“LoanDolphin’s bidding platform is the next generation in mortgage broking efficiency and borrower savings,” Lambert said.
“It is a much more efficient prospecting tool for mortgage brokers and therefore enables them to pass on those savings to borrowers.
“The system has been written by bankers who understand the mortgage broking industry and therefore understand the real issues for borrowers, brokers and banks,” Mr Lambert said.
He added that LoanDolphin understands exactly where substantial financial and time efficiencies could be achieved while dramatically increasing a borrower’s user satisfaction.
 
 
 
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Leading loan bidding platform receives $1m seed funding to disrupt market

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Burwood is the fastest rental growth in Sydney for units, according to Investar’s latest market report.
The investment firm states that Burwood’s rental price has increased by 17 percent to $470.
This is followed by Canterbury at 16 percent to $535 and Artarmon at 16 percent to $465.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Median rent
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
1 yr change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Burwood
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
2134
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$470
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
17%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Canterbury
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
2193
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$535
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Artarmon
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
2064
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$465
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Bondi Junction
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
2022
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$580
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Wollongong
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
2500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$300
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
15%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Neutral Bay
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
2089
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$975
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
14%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Bellevue Hill
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
2023
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$520
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
14%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
An example would be a one bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-burwood-417910482" target="_blank">19/316 Parramatta Road</a> (above) where the weekly rent is $490 per week.
Similarly a one bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-burwood-419548406" target="_blank">165/1 Railway Pde</a> (below) has a weekly rent of $500.
<img src="/images/2016/10/24/165_1%20Railway%20Pde.jpg" alt="">
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Burwood takes top spot as fastest rental growth suburb in Sydney with a 17% increase: Investar

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Sydney art conservator David Stein has listed his Darlinghurst creative space for the first time in more than 20 years.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-darlinghurst-502138602" target="_blank">32b Burton Street</a> the property has a corner position.
The three storey property has permits for mixed-use building residential, retail, commercial and short term accommodations pending council approval.
It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a single space for a car.
During vacancy it was the former home of Stein’s art restoration business David Stein and Co which has been cleaning and retouching Sydney artworks for museums, galleries, auction houses and high profile art dealers.
Stein is selling to move to a purpose-built studio in Alexandria.
The property is offered through CBRE agents Gemma Isgro and Michael Khouri on November 5 auction.
It last sold for $251,500 in 1993.
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David Stein's Darlinghurst creative space for auction for first time in two decades

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One third of Australians spend over five years saving for a deposit, according to new research commissioned by finder.com.au.
The 2,006 person survey also found the majority of people take 3.7 years to save a deposit on average.
Would-be home buyers from Queensland and New South Wales take nearly four years, or 47 months, to save for a home deposit on average, the highest across the states and territories.
Home buyers in Victoria come in at third place, taking an average of 45 months to save for a deposit.
The median apartment price nationally is $545,000 and most borrowers need a minimum 10 percent deposit, the equivalent to $54,500.
<a href="/images/2016/11/02/State%20by%20state%20breakdown.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/02/State%20by%20state%20breakdown.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="460">
Men take slightly longer than women to save for a deposit, according to finder.com.au money expert Bessie Hassan.
On average, women take 43 months (3.6 years) to save for a deposit, while men take 45 months (3.8 years).
Over 11% of Aussies have saved for 10 years or more to have enough funds to complete a deposit.
Prospective home buyers in South Australia take the least time to save for a home deposit, with almost three quarters (72.27%) taking under five years.
“With interest rates at a historic low of 1.5%, first home buyers are madly saving to pursue the Australian dream and break into the property market," Bessie said.
“Although saving for a deposit can require financial discipline and personal sacrifices, it’s not unattainable.
“Set yourself a savings goal and come up with actionable ways to achieve your goal.
"For example, you can boost your savings by cutting back on unnecessary costs such as entertainment or travel expenses, or by consolidating any existing personal debt that you have,” Hassan said.
<a href="/images/2016/11/02/Generation%20breakdown.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/02/Generation%20breakdown.jpg" alt="" width="404" height="459">
“For a full documentation loan, however, you should aim to save at least 20% of the purchase price so you don’t have to pay lenders mortgage insurance,” she says.
There are a range of other costs to account for when it comes to buying real estate including legal fees, inspection costs, stamp duty, home loan application or establishment fees, and insurance.
“It’s definitely not a short-term goal for most.
"You have to trim expenses and make sacrifices for many years.
“The next generation of home buyers should be realistic about the length of time it takes to save a deposit as well as the financial commitment required to hold and maintain a property.
“As well as a deposit and upfront costs of purchasing a property, there are also several ongoing charges including periodic mortgage repayments, repairs and maintenance, cleaning, and taxes,” she says.
 
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One in three first home buyers stuck saving for a deposit for over five years

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John James' RL57, the creators of the iconic James Street precinct in Fortitude Valley, have been commissioned to create another food destination in Brisbane's Gasworks precinct.
It will be set on the ground floor of Newstead's new luxury apartment tower Haven, which is currently under construction by developer HCAP Developments.
RL57 has already secured three high profile occupiers, Betty's Burgers &amp; Concrete Co, Salt Meats Cheese and Jocelyn's Provisions.
Each of the groups have identified Haven as their preferred location within the precinct.
<img src="/images/2016/11/02/VW%2015_Draft%2003_H.jpg" alt="" width="495" height="229">
Betty's Burgers, which opened its first restaurant on Hastings Street in Noosa in 2014, has taken an eight-year lease of a 150 sqm space.
Salt Meats Cheese first opened in Sydney's Alexandria in 2012 and now has four more restaurants in Sydney and one in Surfers Paradise.
They have taken a nine-year lease over 170 sqm of space.
A little closer to home is Fortitude Valley's iconic cake, pastry and bread shop, Jocelyn's Provisions, which has a five-year lease deal for 60 sqm of space.
The new venture will be known as Newstead Provisions and will add to the retailer's existing James Street store.
All tenancies, which will be a mix of food and beverage, retail services and showrooms, will all overlook either Waterfront Park of the Gasometer public space.
It will cater to more than 5,000 new residents and the estimated 9,000 office workers expected to take up space in the Newstead area. 
The remaining four tenancies aren't expected to sit on the shelves for long and will be snapped up soon.
CBRE's Anna Dunworth and Chesters Real Estate's Greer Gittoes are handling the leasing.
“RL57 is applying the same knowledge and expertise that made James Street such a success to Haven,” Dunworth told the Australian Financial Review.
Set to be completed mid next year, Haven's retail space will comprise over 1,100 sqm beneath the 25-storey apartment tower.
All of Haven's 220 luxury apartments have already sold out. The penthouse collection was one of the leading premium owner occupier sales projects in Brisbane during 2015.
 
 
 
 
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Haven to become Brisbane's newest centre of foods

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Seccull House, the modernised, acclaimed Guilford Bell designed home in Brighton has been listed by the Kay &amp; Burton agent Darren Lewenberg.
Offers in excess of $9 million are being sought for the home of cardiologists Martin Hiscock and Silvana Marasco.
The couple were only the third owners of the home.
It was built for William and Elaine Seccull in 1972.
Considered one of Bell's most important works, Seccull House was renovated by Martin and Silvana with the help of Bell's younger business partner Graham Fisher.
Bell's iconic full-height, uninterrupted glazed windows allow the home to open to the outside.
Martin Hiscock recently led the team seeking a revival of fortunes at Richmond Football Club.
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.
</body></html>

Seccull House, the Guilford Bell-designed Brighton home listed by cardiologists

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The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released for consultation revisions to Prudential Practice Guide APG 223 Residential mortgage lending to incorporate measures either announced by APRA in December 2014 or communicated to authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) since.
APRA’s proposal to increase the monitoring of risk and lending practices should ensure the highest professional standards and independence of the valuation process for residential mortgages, according to the leading valuation professional bodies, the Australian Property Institute (API) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
The market expects that valuations are reliable, independent and authoritative. 
Both the API and RICS accredit professionals and require them to follow International Valuation Standards in the preparation of valuation advice to Authorised Deposit-taking Institutes (ADIs). 
We call on APRA to ensure that any changes made to valuation practices are not inconsistent with international standards.
The two organisations share a strong preference for a full on-site valuation, which includes a physical inspection and all relevant enquiries being undertaken. 
A physical inspection is considered a must and should be sufficiently comprehensive to enable valuer to complete their report in accordance with accepted valuation practice.
Lesser forms of value assessments such as a ‘drive-by’ which has an external inspection only and with very limited enquiries or a ‘Desktop Assessment’ which has no physical inspection, no formal enquiries and limited reporting carry greater risk and should only be adopted in very low-risk circumstances.
We also support the proposal confirming that the ADI’s risk management teams, rather than the procurement or panel management staff, should make determinations regarding risk management and the appointment of suitably qualified, professional and accredited valuers.
The API and RICS work closely with the finance industry, which requires that their Panels are comprised of API and RICS qualified valuer members.
The API and RICS are supportive of all measures, which enshrine the independence of the valuer in the residential mortgage process and the valuation process generally. 
Additionally, sound risk management practices by the banks will assist in ensuring that valuations are undertaken in accordance with both International and Australian valuation standards, as prescribed by both the API and RICS. 
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Property 101: APRA revisions to Prudential Practice Guide APG 223 Residential mortgage lending

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Australia’s largest Ronald McDonald House will be officially opened by the Governor General on November 5.
It is located opposite the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital and the Mater Mother’s Hospital in South Brisbane.
The “House” has thirteen floors and will initially provide 70 and in the future 112 rooms to accommodate families from rural and regional Queensland whilst their children are receiving treatment at the nearby specialist hospitals.
The design, according to Mark Grimmer, BVN Principal, was aimed to provide a quiet retreat from urban inner city Brisbane with a feeling of a “home away from home” for regional parents and children”.
Mr Grimmer pointed out how the design is underpinned by four key principles associated with home, they are; garden; hearth; house and roof with these ideas being realised through:
<ul>
<li>A range of beautiful landscaped gardens for escape, play and relaxation;</li>
<li>The central hearth, this is a communal space that wraps around the lift core on every level with facilities where residents can gather, drink tea and connect;</li>
<li>Individual “houses” wrapped around the northern courtyard to bring the families together;</li>
<li>The large wrapping roof to shelter the house and signify this is a welcoming home.</li>
</ul>
The selection of materials and detailing decisions are all based on those common to houses, such as textured brickwork, metal roof sheeting and cladding that is also metal but has the appearance of weatherboards.
As well as the ‘hearth’ communal spaces on every floor of the building there is a large main lounge and dining area that is clearly visible from the main entry.  There are also children’s play areas, communal kitchens and a special events space that is located on the top level to take advantage of the expansive views across South Bank to the city.
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Largest Ronald McDonald House to be opened in Brisbane

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

Joel Robinson

Abadeen, PERIFA, top out Putney Wharf harbourfront precinct

Kew has long been regarded as one of Melbourne's premier residential suburbs. It's a location defined by its grand period homes, leafy streets and some of the city's most prestigious schools, yet it has often sat just outside the spotlight cast on neighbouring Hawthorn and Camberwell.

Increasingly, however, buyers are recognising that Kew offers much of what draws people to those suburbs, with a quieter residential setting, exceptional amenity and long-term owner-occupier appeal.

Within a few minutes' walk, residents can access Kew Junction, one of Melbourne's most established village centres. Cafés, bakeries, restaurants, supermarkets, boutique retailers and everyday services are all on the doorstep, with local favourites including Centonove, Adeney Milk Bar Cafe, and Frank &amp; Harri creating the type of walkable lifestyle that has become increasingly difficult to find in Melbourne's inner east. Beyond the immediate neighbourhood, Glenferrie Road's renowned shopping and dining precinct in Hawthorn and the retail, dining and entertainment offerings of Camberwell Junction are both just a short drive or tram ride away.

The suburb is equally well connected. Tram routes 48 and 109 provide direct access to the CBD, while High Street and Cotham Road connect residents to the wider inner east.&nbsp;Nearby access to the Eastern Freeway also places the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne Airport within easy reach, adding another layer of convenience for weekend travel.&nbsp;It's a rare combination of connectivity and tranquillity, where quiet residential streets sit just moments from some of Melbourne's most established shopping and lifestyle precincts.

For families, Kew remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held addresses. Carey Baptist Grammar School, Xavier College, Methodist Ladies' College, Trinity Grammar, Ruyton Girls' School and Genazzano FCJ College are all nearby, while the Yarra River parklands, walking trails and sporting clubs provide another layer of lifestyle appeal.

It's within this established pocket that developer Ricdanic is delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wimba-ave-kew-9-11-wimba-avenue-kew-vic-3101">Wimba Ave</a>, a boutique collection of just 13 residences across two buildings named after its location on the tree-lined Wimba Avenue,&nbsp;within one of Kew's most prestigious pockets where homes have been known to sell up to and above $8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=354809]

The residences prioritise the space that buyers are increasingly searching for but struggling to find in established suburbs. Living areas extend beyond five metres in width, ceiling heights range from three to five metres, and apartments open onto private gardens averaging around 125 sqm. Selected residences also feature balconies of approximately 60 sqm, while premium inclusions include Miele appliances, double-glazed windows, EV readiness, fully electric systems and a 7.2 NatHERS energy rating.

Architect Chris Idle says opportunities to deliver homes of this scale within established suburbs have become increasingly uncommon.

"There are very few opportunities to do these kinds of developments in leafy, established suburbs," he says. "To get this level of amenity, natural light, and architectural freedom in such a setting is extremely rare."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=366267]

The architecture draws on Kew's established character through the use of handmade Krause bricks, while landscaping by John Patrick introduces 23 plant species, including nine native varieties, creating an environment which focuses just as much on nature as it does the building.

Construction on Wimba Ave is well underway by renowned high-end builder Sinjen, with completion expected in late 2027. Prices start from $2.22 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140755]

The enduring appeal of Kew's tree-lined streets and village lifestyle

"For me, it's the location." That was the first thing Chris pointed to when reflecting on why he and his wife Marita decided to purchase at Candela Ivanhoe, the under-construction new apartment development by Salter Brothers in the heart of the north-eastern M​elb​ourne​ suburb. ​

"We've lived here before… everything is here," Chris said.

"Our doctor is around the corner, there's dentists, pilates, everything we need, restaurants, fast food places, two train stations, Ivanhoe and Darebin, both in walking distance. You don't need anything else."

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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.

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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.

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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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