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There are fewer auctions scheduled to take place across the combined capital cities this week, with 2,010 currently being tracked according to CoreLogic’s latest weekly report.
In Melbourne, auction activity is much lower week-on-week, with 563 auctions scheduled. In Sydney, activity is set to be higher with 968 auctions currently scheduled.
This activity also remains lower than what was seen over the corresponding week last year.
Across the smaller cities, auction activity is increasing significantly over the week in Adelaide, Canberra and Perth, while it is lower in Brisbane.
<a href="/images/2016/10/27/Capital%20city%20weekly%20clearance%20rate.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/27/Capital%20city%20weekly%20clearance%20rate.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic
Capital city auctions this week:
• Sydney: 968
• Melbourne: 563
• Brisbane: 179
• Adelaide: 153
• Perth: 51
• Canberra: 88
Mount Waverley in Melbourne is the busiest individual suburb for auctions across the nation this week, with 16 residential homes set to go under the hammer. Mosman (NSW), Craigieburn (VIC) and Reservoir (VIC) follow on from Mount Waverley with 13 auctions each.
<a href="/images/2016/10/27/Capital%20city%20auction%20table.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/27/Capital%20city%20auction%20table.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic
Final auction clearance rates across the combined capital cities rose to their highest level since early June of last week.
The auction clearance rate was recorded at 78.1% last week across 2,680 auctions which was a higher volume than over the previous week.
In Melbourne, the auction clearance rate rose along with volumes with clearance rates recorded at 80.6% across 1,377 auctions.
Sydney’s clearance rate also increased to 82.6% last week although volumes were slightly lower with 897 auctions held.
Most regions of both Sydney and Melbourne recorded auction clearance rates above 80% last week.
Across the smaller auction markets, performance was mixed last week, with clearance rates improving in all cities except for Perth and Canberra.
The Hunter region was the busiest non-capital city region last week, with 62 auctions, however Geelong recorded the strongest clearance rate at 87.5%.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Auction activity decreasing in Melbourne, increasing in Sydney: CoreLogic

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A rundown Redfern shack, has sold for $2.7 million before its scheduled auction, but at substantially less than initial hopes.
It hit the market with $3 million price hopes early last month but these were later revised to $2.5 million.
The sale follows a quick burst of activity in the run down housing market.
Recently a dilapidated Paddington terrace sold for $1.19 million, $190,000 more than it traded for in eight months.
A Rozelle home with no rear wall has been listed for $1.4 million.
The Georgian house, known as Dascombe Cottage at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-redfern-123747590" target="_blank">46-48 Burnett Street</a> sits on a rare 507 sqm land parcel, almost five times larger than other lots in the suburb.
Most of Redfern's slim terraces are squashed into blocks of about 100 sqm.
Extra stories cannot be added to the home and the front facade can only be altered if the new owner is restoring the original features.
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/Redfern1.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="274">
The mid-Victorian-era home dates back to at least the mid-1850s and is part of the original estate of William Redfern, the suburb's namesake.
The Burnett Street property sold through BresicWhitney. 
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/Redfern3.jpg" alt="" width="472" height="267">
Most of the inquiries came from developers looking to subdivide and locals looking to build, with the potential to put a new home alongside the existing building.
 
 
 
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Heritage-listed Redfern shack fetches $2.7 million pre-auction

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Melbourne pub baron Bruce Dixon has taken control of six of Sydney's most popular bars, but has no interest in buying Jamie's Italian.
Following the demise of Keystone Group, Dixon Hospitality Group have acquired Bungalow 8, Cargo Bar, The Rook, The Winery, Manly Wine and Kingsley's Woolloomooloo.
However, Dixon has decided against buying the celebrity chef's six restaurants from the Keystone Group, suggesting the restaurant doesn't fit with the core strategy of the business.
He also decided against buying Chophouse in Sydney for the same reason, the Daily Telegraph advised.
Any sale of the six Jamie Oliver's restaurants cannot go ahead until it is approved by the celebrity chef himself.
Dixon already boasts an impressive portfolio that includes 26 venues in Melbourne, three pubs in the Riverina and a bar in Brisbane.
He now has 13 venues in Sydney after adding the most recent six. He has two venues at Barangaroo and The Norfolk Hotel and Forresters in Surry Hills.
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No sale of Jamie's Italian outlets just yet

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Investors continue their love affair with Australia’s retail property with sales of more than $8.4 billion nationally in the year to September, $1.3 billion over the five year average, as yields continue to tighten, according to Savills Australia’s latest research.
The buyer profile varies across the states however trusts and foreign buyers again figured prominently with each accounting for 30 percent of total purchases nationally while private investors also took a large chunk with 20 percent of purchases. 
According to Savills National Head of Research, Tony Crabb, Brisbane lead the capital city markets with sales of $2.39 billion just ahead of Sydney ($2.3 billion) and Melbourne ($2.1 billion) while Perth recorded sales of $989 million and Adelaide $649 million. While some totals were down on the previous corresponding period all were up on the five year average.
Yields for enclosed centres continued to firm with Regional centres in the most populous states of New South Wales and Victoria as low as 4.75 per cent, while Neighbourhood centres were as low as 7 percent in Melbourne and up to 8.5 per cent in Perth.
Shop yields were again lowest in Melbourne with 3.5 percent and Sydney (4 percent) for CBD malls and up to 9 per cent for strips in Perth while bulky goods sales again reflected the strong housing market with $1.13 billion in sales up 31.5 percent on the five year average of $857 million.
"Retail property continues to attract significant investment dollars and while foreign investment has again been very strong, local buyers, institutional and private, have also figured prominently in snapping up any opportunities that are put to the market,’’ Mr Crabb said.
The figures include a number of major September quarter transactions including:
<ul>
<li>Adelaide – Hilton Plaza - $19.2 million - Fort Street Capital.</li>
<li>Brisbane - Annandale Central Shopping Centre - $33.5 million - SCA Property Group</li>
<li>Melbourne – Bentons Square - $38.25 million (50 percent share) – Vicinity Centres</li>
<li>Perth - Subiaco Square Shopping Centre - $38.35 million - private investor</li>
<li>Sydney - Campbelltown Mall - $197 million -  Charter Hall</li>
</ul>
By far the largest transaction in the quarter was South African retail giant Woolworths Holdings Ltd’s sale of the David Jones Sydney store (pictured above) for $360 million to Scentre Group and Cbus Property.
In Sydney, Savills’ National Director Retail Investments, Steven Lerche, said the availability of  retail assets for sale continued to diminish and while the amount of money chasing retail remained huge, yields would continue to tighten.
"Yield compression can only go so far, eventually it is going to taper off. The question is when do yields become so tight that private investors are tempted to sell? We may see some evidence of that soon as privates capitalise on the tight market and look at selling.
Timing is important here because it is only going to be when they see that the market is on the cusp of turning, and they are going to realise absolute full value for their assets, that they will feel comfortable making that move,’’ Mr Lerche said.
In Melbourne Savills Associate Director Retail Investments, Pat De Maria, agreed that both the number of properties on the market and yields were falling in unison leading investors chasing yield to a broader retail offering.
He said there was evidence that the bigger players were increasingly being forced to look at the smaller end of the market for opportunities.
"Six per cent is now seen as a reasonable return and, what you might call alternative sectors of the market such as petrol stations, are attracting increasingly greater scrutiny,’’ Mr De Maria said.
He said what had been a frenetic retail market looked set to continue for the foreseeable future.
<a href="/images/2016/11/02/Retail%20property%20sales%20buyer%20profile.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/02/Retail%20property%20sales%20buyer%20profile.jpg" alt="">
Retail sales, 12 months to September 2016, at a glance:
Adelaide
$649m up from $514m to September 2015 and up on the $466m five year average
Perth
$989m up from $525m to September 2015 and up on the $755m five year average
Melbourne
$2.1b down from $2.64b to September 2015 and up on the $1.86b five year average
Sydney
$2.3b up down from $2.9b to September 2015 and up on the $2.1b five year average
Brisbane
$2.39b down from $2.74b to September 2015 and up on the $1.93b five year average
Totals
$8.428b down from $9319b to September 2015 and up on the $7.11b five year average
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Retail property sales remain above long term average: Savills

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Melbourne and Sydney have long been the engine rooms of Australia’s property market, with Sydney traditionally leading the way, according to McGrath’s latest report.
But the southern capital is looking more appealing than ever before due to its superior value for money and glowing reputation as the world’s most liveable city for the past six years, the agency suggests.
The McGrath reported noted Melbourne’s relative affordability is contributing to record high net interstate migration, as well as strong net overseas migration, making it Australia’s fastest growing capital city with an average of 1,760 people moving in per week in FY2015, according to the ABS.
Although Sydney outshone its southern cousin in the boom with 64% growth in home values compared to 44% since 2012, Melbourne arguably offers greater prospects for growth in the future.
It’s median house price is $287,000 cheaper and a projected population surge from 4.61 million in 2016 to 7.91 million in 2053 will see it overtake Sydney as the most populous city in Australia.
Melbourne’s median house price rose by a modest 8.6% in FY2016 to $608,000, with the median apartment price up 2.5% to $485,000.
However, some areas experienced much stronger price growth due to a lack of supply in 2016.
According to CoreLogic RP Data, Melbourne’s top 10 suburbs for house price growth in FY2016 all experienced more than 25% gains in value.
The dominant buyers in Melbourne today are upsizing families, most of whom are targeting the catchment zones of top performing public schools to avoid private school fees.
This trend is so strong that new REIV research shows there is now a significant price difference between homes located within top catchments and those that border them.
In Parkville, homes within the catchment for University High have a median house price of $1,395,000 compared to $799,000 for homes that are 1 km outside the zone.
Similarly, homes in the catchment for McKinnon Secondary College have a $305,000 premium over those outside the zone.
With interest rates continuing at record lows, young buyers are stretching their budgets to get into premium areas.
They’re targeting small inner ring cottages with a bit of character and paying well over reserve to secure a piece of prime land while they can.
Some vendors are leveraging strong selling conditions to upgrade to larger homes in more affordable areas with change to spare.
For example, vendors in Doncaster, Mitcham, Blackburn and Box Hill are selling in the early $1 millions and buying in Croydon for $800,000-$900,000.
Given Melbourne’s tight supply and rising prices, we are seeing the ripple effect in many areas.
It advised uyers priced out of the highly desirable Bayside area are purchasing next door in Bentleigh and McKinnon, leading to several sales above $2 million this year – a price level not thought possible just a few years ago.
APRA restrictions have impacted investor demand but we are still receiving enquiries from Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and ex-Melbourne locals living overseas.
Many investors have now put Sydney into the ‘too hard box’ due to affordability and switched focus to Melbourne.
<a href="/images/2016/10/31/Melbourne.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/31/Melbourne.jpg" alt="">
The southern capital has long been the favoured destination of off shore Chinese buyers but demand has softened this year following changes to lending criteria for foreigners and forced sales of properties purchased in breach of Foreign Investment Review Board regulations.
Despite this, Melbourne’s prestige market remains strong with a new house price record for the city set in Toorak at $24.1 million and Victoria’s highest residential sale ever occurring in South Yarra with the exchange of three homes in one line for $33 million – both this year.
Sales above $25 million are expected for the penthouses in South Yarra’s glamorous Capitol Grand development, which would break the national apartment record.
Melbourne is facing an oversupply of apartments, which currently represent 49% of stock for sale compared to 42% a year ago and 29% in 2011.
CoreLogic RP Data figures show a pipeline of 80,500 new apartments due for completion over the next two years when only 61,500 apartments (old and new) are usually sold over this timeframe.
This presents a great opportunity for owner-occupiers with a long term view but they need to choose wisely.
<a href="/images/2016/10/31/Audi%20Melbourne.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/31/Audi%20Melbourne.jpg" alt="">
John McGrath’s top picks:
1. Windsor
A hidden gem neighbouring Prahran, Windsor was once considered the grungy end of Chapel Street but now the hipster crowd is moving in.
"We see great potential for this trendy pocket, which has easy access to trains and shops and is conveniently close to the CBD," the report stated.
2. Oakleigh South
Change is on its way with a noticeable uplift in buyer demand over the past 12-18 months. This suburb is full of mid-century homes on big blocks with plenty of potential for knockdown/re-builds and development. Downsizers are capitalising on a 10-15% jump in land values over the past few years and selling to young families and developers.
3. Wheelers Hill
Wheelers Hill has a median house price that is $250,000 less than its neighbours of Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley, yet it is only 5-10 minutes away. Buyers are increasingly looking for better value here and we anticipate solid price growth as a result.
4. Northcote
Just 6 km north of the CBD, Northcote has undergone major change and is now a destination suburb for young professionals and families. High Street village offers many restaurants and the tram runs straight through to the city with a train station also close by. Local schools including Northcote High and Santa Maria College are increasingly popular.
5. Abbotsford
This inner city precinct less than 3km from Melbourne’s CBD has been though significant gentrification over the past decade. With an abundance of leisure and lifestyle amenities, it also has cycling and running routes alongside the Yarra River. Young professionals and families enjoy its walkability and accessibility well serviced by trams and trains, while cashed up downsizers are now discovering this gem.
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Melbourne property market more appealing due to superior value for money and good reputation: McGrath

<html><body><div class="m_-139402656832923387gmail-td-post-content m_-139402656832923387gmail-td-pb-padding-side">
The Pumpkin Patch receivers have begun closing the company's stores, with seven in New Zealand first to go.
The collapsed children's clothing retailer was placed in voluntary administration having debts of $NZ46 million ($43 million).
Pumpkin Patch was operating 43 stores in New Zealand before the closures in Posonby, Takapuna, Henderson, Te Rapa, Wanganui, Coastlands (branded as Charlie &amp; Me), and Hornby.
The 57 employees who lost their jobs will receive entitlements to the gross value of $NZ22,160. The stores will wind up trading by November 8.
Pumpkin Patch operates 117 stores in Australia, which are all continuing to trade on a business as usual basis.
Receiver Brendon Gibson said on Friday no stores closures in Australia have been confirmed.
Gibson previously suggested to SmartCompany the receivers will “be looking at accelerating” stores closures.
The receivers are seeking expressions of interest in the Pumpkin Patch business and its assets by November 8.
Included in the sale are the business’s trading activities, inventory, customer list, websites and intellectual property.
 
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Pumpkin Patch stores closing in New Zealand

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Redcliffe ranks among the highest Queensland suburb for the fastest growing suburb to purchase a unit, according to Investar’s latest market report.
The property investment firm states that Redcliffe has grown by 42% in one year. It does appear overly high.
This is followed by Labrador with a growth of 25% and Varsity Lakes with a growth of 19%.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Median listing price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
1 year change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Redcliffe
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$647,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
42%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Labrador
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$320,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
25%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Varsity Lakes
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$537,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
19%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Bargara
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$580,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Noosaville
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$747,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
15%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<img src="/images/2016/11/02/Investar.jpg" alt="" width="638" height="358">
A three bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-redcliffe-123678850" target="_blank">39/17 Marine Parade</a> (above) is for sale for $649,000.
It previously traded for $420,000 in 2012, showing a 10.99 percent price growth.
 
 
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Redcliffe takes top spot as Queensland's fastest growing suburb for units: Investar

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An investment property at Leeton leased to ANZ bank has been sold for $965,000.
The property at <a href="https://www.burgessrawson.com.au/buying/NSW/Riverina/Leeton/Retail/2P1285#.WBPbZNxJtyw" target="_blank">63-69 Pine Avenue</a> comes with a secure lease until 2018 with options to extend until 2028.
The ANZ branch has been a long term tenant since 1989.
It is a substantial 1,012 sqm site with a quality 271 sqm one storey building.
In 2008 the building underwent a $1,400,000 building upgrade and it’s prime CBD location means that it’s surrounded by other major banks and national retailers.
The tenant pays all usual outgoing fees and there is an annual rent increase as well.
The net income from the property is $50,722 + GST.
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ANZ Bank at Leeton sold

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A grand former Rushworth fire station has been listed for sale at $105,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/11-moora-road-rushworth-vic-3612-2013069765" target="_blank">11 Moora Road</a> the former fire stiation has been one of the towns’ landmarks.
It sits on 1,942 sqm land with main road frontage.
Features includes a large 12m X 12m storage and truck area featuring polished hardwood panelling.
There is also an office area along with a large games room.
The property is approved for Zoned Township which offers possibilities including residential, depot for storage, business or even converted into a function room.
It is listed by Hinchliffe &amp; Greed Real Estate John Lilford.
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Former Rushworth landmark fire station for auction

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The Brisbane home of the mining magnate Peter Bond and wife Louise has been listed for sale.
Rivergum Retreat in Fig Tree Pocket was the 1.2 hectare riverside estate they bought for a cut price $9.5 million in 2009 after it had spent over two years on the market.
It had initially been listed for $12 million by Zoe Cheihk, wife of developer George Cheihk.
<a href="https://www.adcockprestige.com.au/16846855#1" target="_blank">The homestead</a> encompasses a vast 1956 sqm of floor space and has seven bedrooms, nine bathroom and three home offices.
The luxury aspects continue with a 12 seat gold class cinema room.
Offers close December 2 through Adcock Prestige agent Jason Adcock.
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.
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Mining magnate Peter Bond lists Rivergum Retreat, 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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