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The Secret Agent has updated its price per square metre index for secondary apartments in inner Melbourne.
After adding 406 apartment sales from the last quarter, our index now consists of 1276 apartments sold between 1st January 2016 to 30th September 2016.
The updated average square metre rate for apartments in inner Melbourne is $8,687/sqm.
This figure is beginning to stabilise since our last two reports ($8,679/sqm in Q2 and $8,767/ sqm in Q1).
In this update, we present a more thorough look into the price per square metre rates of apartments by suburb, further categorising sales according to the number of bedrooms.
These results are shown in Table 1.
<a href="/images/2016/10/27/Table%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/27/Table%201.jpg" alt="">
Overall, the three most expensive suburbs to purchase an apartment are Albert Park ($13,276/sqm), East Melbourne ($11,914/sqm) and Middle Park ($10,720/sqm).
These areas have consistently topped our index. The least expensive apartments per square metre can be found in Travancore ($6,563/ sqm), Kensington ($6,869/sqm) and Flemington ($7,079/sqm).
A few things can be observed when considering apartments with a larger accommodation.
In some suburbs, the increase in number of bedrooms is directly proportional to the price per square metre, as seen in the CBD region, Carlton, Collingwood, Clifton Hill and South Yarra.
We can see that most of the inner North and inner West suburbs tend to have decreasing price per square metre rates as apartments grow in accommodation size.
However, note that some of the data may be inaccurate due to the small number of sales available for that particular apartment type.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Albert Park, East Melbourne and Middle Park offer priciest apartments per sqm

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Multiplex has delivered the fourth tower within Walker Corporation’s $2.5 billion landmark Collins Square development located at 727 Collins Street in Melbourne’s CBD.
The 22 level tower comprises just under 40,000 square metres of commercial office space (NLA) over 15 floors, as well as a six level car park providing just over 200 car spaces.
The construction of the tower generated approximately 1000 jobs and used some 13,000 cubic metres of concrete.
It comes with a 50 metre high internal greenwall, 11,000 square metre curtain wall and an internal glazed atrium.
Collins Square is a $2.5 million development spanning a city block and consists of five commercial office buildings providing over 200,000 square metres of net lettable area. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2018.
<img src="/images/2016/11/02/CollinsSq_Aug2016_1.jpg" alt="">
“We are delighted to have delivered the fourth stage of Collins Square. This market leading commercial development responds to the high demand for brand new commercial space in Melbourne CBD and the design complements the surrounding streetscapes,” said Graham Cottam, Regional Managing Director of Multiplex Victoria.
Complexities faced during construction include the time restraint of completing a 14 month construction program with an integrated fitout. There was also the challenge of working with a live site adjacent to two interconnected buildings.
The Collins Square development has a Green Star Design and As Built v3 Rating as well as NABERS Energy 5 Star Rating due to its use of the a Tri-Generation system for producing power; along with the rainwater harvesting system and water efficient fixtures and fittings.
Multiplex has over $800 million worth of residential projects currently under construction in Melbourne including Platinum Tower in Southbank along with Australis, Bella Apartments, Melbourne One and Southbank Grand.
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Fourth tower constructed at Collins Square Melbourne by Multiplex

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Home borrowers may be hit with higher mortgage repayments by the big four banks next year, says one leading financial expert.
ABC News has reported that this is because of the net stable funding ratio – an international regulation to increase financial security of the banks by boosting the amount they hold in deposits.
This will decrease the reliance major banks have on overseas money markets by moving the focus to Australian customer deposits.
Speaking with the ABC, Brett Le Mesurier, banking analyst at Velocity Trade, said that the banks may need to reduce the discount they offer to certain borrowers by close to 2%.
“The banks have a standard variable rate, and then when customers go for a mortgage, they will be offered some level of discount,” he said.
“The discount can be anywhere up to 1.5% or more. It may be manifested by a reduction in the rate of discount that's being offered.”
With banks ultimately maintaining their margins, this will result in higher mortgage repayments for borrowers from as early as next year, Le Mesurier said.
“If they're paying more for their funding, [maintaining] the margin necessarily means that mortgage rates go up.”
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Big four banks could hike mortgage repayments in 2017

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Frasers Property Australia has released the first stage of its 1,350 lot masterplanned Brookhaven community in Logan City.
The first release at Brookhaven, to be known as Middle Ridge, will comprise 55 lots priced from $156,000 to $220,000 and ranging in size from 250sqm to 510sqm.
Street frontages of 10m to 17m will cater to a variety of home designs, sizes and configurations.
Brookhaven will take shape on a 135ha hinterland-fringed site at Bahrs Scrub, just south of the Beenleigh CBD and 5.4km from the M1 Motorway.
Pitched at growing families, the community will comprise detached housing lots, a 6,000sqm future retail centre, and a variety of parks and green spaces including a junior-sized cricket oval at the sales centre.
Cameron Leggatt at Frasers Property Australia, said the homes will be complemented by extensive green spaces and waterway corridors "that are essentially an extension of residents’ own backyards.” 
Frasers Property plans to start civil construction work onsite at the end of November this year for completion in May, meaning buyers can start building from June 2017.
<img src="/images/2016/10/28/Brookhaven.jpg" alt="">
Brookhaven has received a 5 Star Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, which demonstrates Australian excellence in master planning in the areas of governance, livability, economic prosperity, environment and innovation.
Brookhaven was the third project in Queensland, and Frasers Property’s first Queensland project, to receive this rating.
For more information on the Brookhaven development, visit <a href="https://brookhavenliving.com.au" target="_blank">brookhavenliving.com.au</a>.
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Frasers Property launches Brookhaven at Bahrs Scrub

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The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is seeking feedback on the proposed prices that Sydney Water and Hunter Water can charge for wholesale water and sewerage services from 1 March 2017 to 30 June 2021.
These services are purchased by wholesale customers who provide water and/or sewerage services to end-use (or ‘retail’) customers such as households and businesses.
Wholesale customers are typically new, smaller water utilities licensed under the Water Industry Competition Act 2006 (NSW) to service a specific development area.
The emergence of these smaller water utilities has created competition for end-use customers.
The prices that Sydney Water and Hunter Water can charge their retail customers for water and sewerage services for the period 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2020 have already been set by IPART through separate reviews.
IPART Chair, Dr Peter Boxall, said this is the first time that IPART has reviewed and set wholesale water and sewerage prices.
“Competition is important in encouraging greater efficiency in the supply of water and sewerage services. As competition develops over time, this will deliver benefits to customers,” Dr Boxall said.
“The draft decision is to set system-wide prices to reduce the need for potentially costly scheme-specific reviews, while also allowing parties to seek scheme-specific price reviews from IPART or enter unregulated agreements.”
These system-wide prices would apply to new wholesale arrangements, while the opportunity to seek a scheme-specific price review from IPART or agree to an unregulated agreement would be open to all wholesale arrangements – existing and new.
“The draft decisions are designed to encourage efficient entry and competition in the market, given its early stage of development,” Dr Boxall said. “We are interested in hearing industry and stakeholder views about the proposed approach and prices.”
Stakeholder submissions on the draft decisions are due by 7 December 2016. Copies of the report and accompanying determination are available on <a href="https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank">IPART’s website</a>.
A public hearing will be held on 28 November 2016 at the Wesley Conference Centre in Sydney’s CBD.
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Property 101: Draft Sydney and Hunter wholesale water prices released

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Property NSW, on behalf of Family and Community Services, has listed a further seven properties for sale in Millers Point.
The new listings include two apartment blocks and five terraces:
· 42- 44 High Street – 1 block of four apartments (to be sold as a single property)
· 66 Bettington Street terrace
· 46- 48 High Street – 1 block of four apartments (to be sold as a single property)
· 61 Kent Street terrace
· 15 Lower Fort Street – the last terrace to be sold on Milton Terrace row
· 75 Windmill Street terrace (pictured above)
· 36 Argyle Street terrace
The properties will be sold via auction through McGrath Estate Agents on 30 November.
The new listings follow the sale of 3 and 9 High Street, which sold late last week for $3.28 million and $3.44 million respectively.
105 Millers Point properties have sold so far, delivering circa $287 million for reinvestment in social housing across NSW.
Proceeds from the Millers Point sales program will fund 1,500 new social housing dwellings across the State, with more than 600 new fit-for-purpose social housing dwellings funded to date.
All purchasers of properties in the Millers Point sales program are required to adhere to NSW Heritage Council-endorsed Conservation Management Plans (CMPs), which set out in extensive detail the purchasers’ heritage maintenance obligations and the types of works that are permitted on the properties.
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Seven properties at Millers Point for auction

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Kirrawee is the Sydney suburb with the fastest selling units.
Its 39 days is the least amount of time required to be on the market, according to Investar’s latest market report.
This is followed by Cremorne with 40 days and Bronte with 43 days.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Days on market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Kirrawee
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2232
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
39
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Cremorne
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2090
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
40
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Bronte
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2024
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
43
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Queenscliff
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2096
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
44
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Greenwich
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2065
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
44
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
For the average median price of $567,500 in Kirrawee prospective buyers can purchase <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-kirrawee-123867666" target="_blank">19/602 Princes Highway</a>, a two bedroom unit that's listed for between $575,000 to $625,000.
It last traded for $396,500 in 2010.
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Units in Kirrawee taking snappy 39 days to sell: Investar

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There's big difference in prices between the big two capitals.
Sydney's $920,000 to Melbourne's $665,000 for houses.
Sydney's $690,000 to Melbourne's $495,000 for apartments.
Sydney's price growth was strong across both houses and apartments. 
Detached Sydney house prices were up 10.9 percent compared with units at 9.1 percent highlighting the lively supply/demand dynamic that exists across the Sydney region.
In Melbourne however there is a substantial difference in growth rates between houses and units, with house values up 9.6 percent compared with a 5.2 percent increase in unit values over the past year.
Brisbane’s housing market has shown a even larger spread, with house values up 4.7 percent compared with units which have had a 1.4 percent fall in unit values over the year. 
The capital growth for all capital cities have grown by 0.5 percent per month for all dwellings, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
Quarterly the capital growth has grown by 2.7 percent with a total return year on year of 11.2 percent.
The biggest growth per month is at Brisbane – Gold Coast with a reported growth of 1.1 percent per month.
<a href="/images/2016/11/01/Table%201A.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/01/Table%201A.jpg" alt="">
<a href="/images/2016/11/01/Table%201B.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/01/Table%201B.jpg" alt="">
<a href="/images/2016/11/01/Table%201C.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/01/Table%201C.jpg" alt="">
<a href="/images/2016/11/01/Table%201D.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/11/01/Table%201D.jpg" alt="">
However both Adelaide and Hobart’s capital growth per month have declined with Adelaide experiencing a 2.4 percent fall in capital growth while Hobart experienced a 2.1 percent decline.
Sydney has experienced the highest capital growth in houses for year on year with a reported growth of 10.9% which is followed by Melbourne with a growth of 9.6 percent. Throughout all the capital cities capital growth for houses has increased by 7.7 percent throughout the year.
However for total return year on year Darwin experienced a decline by 1.6% as well as experiencing a fall of 2.4 percent for the year to date capital growth for houses.
The median price that can be expected for a unit in Canberra is $418,500 as although Canberra experienced a monthly decline of 0.7 percent in unit capital growth overall for the entire year they have seen a growth of 8.6 percent.
The cheapest unit can be found in Hobart where the average median price for a unit is $285,000. According to data Hobart has seen a quarterly decline of unit capital growth by 4.5 percent despite a healthy year on year capital growth increase of 8.3 percent.
Similarly in Hobart an investor can expect to have a rental yield of 5.6 percent if they invest in a unit there while for houses one could expect a rental yield of 5.3 percent.
Sydney has the lowest rental yield results with a house only receiving 2.8 percent of its rental yield while for units it is 3.8 percent.
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Still big difference in prices - Sydney's $920,000 to Melbourne's $665,000 for houses: CoreLogic

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Darwin has the highest median time on market out of all capital cities, according to CoreLogic’s latest weekly report.
On average, a house at Darwin can expect to be on the market for 104 days, while units take 113 days to sell.
The average vendor discount in the city is the highest, with an 8% discount for homes and a 9% discount for units.
<a href="/images/2016/10/31/Capital%20city%20median%20time.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/31/Capital%20city%20median%20time.jpg" alt="">
This is in contrast to Sydney, where the average home will sell after being on the market for 28 days, while units will sell after only 27 days.
Similarly, the average vendor discount in the harbour city is low – 4% for both a home and a unit.
Western Australia has the highest month on month change for mortgage activity with a recorded 4% increase to 101.2 on the index value.
However, this still represents a decline in the month on month trend line by more than 4%, as the city's market attempts to recover form a post mining boom slump.
<a href="/images/2016/10/31/Mortgage%20market%20activity.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/31/Mortgage%20market%20activity.jpg" alt="">
Tasmania had the highest decline for month on month (4%), resulting in an index value of 84.8.
South Australia has seen the highest growth in listing market activity with an increase of 6% month to month with a seasonal change increase of 1%.
<a href="/images/2016/10/31/Listing%20market%20activity.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/31/Listing%20market%20activity.jpg" alt="">
Overall, the listing market activity for all capital cities have declined by 1% despite a seasonal increase of 1% to balance it out.
The biggest decline was in Tasmania, where the month to month change declined by 9%.
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Darwin's median time on market exceeds 100 days for houses and units: CoreLogic

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Clive Palmer has reportedly sold his Gold Coast waterfront mansion to a confidant soon after beginning its marketing.
It was bought by former Deloitte chief executive Domenic Martino, who's also listed as a director of the Palmer Foundation.
He's paying the same $1.75 million price that Palmer paid in 2011.
Set on 790 square metres and only built in 2004, the Paradise Point home has five bedrooms, a theatre room, wine cellar, executive home office and a swimming pool.
Palmer snatched the home for a steal five years ago when he bought it from Fred Taplin, who had paid $2.45 million in 2007.
Talpin, a former Gold Coast Galaxy chief executive, later went up against Palmer's Gold Coast United FC on a rival bid for the region's first A-League franchise, a battle which Palmer won.
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Clive Palmer sells waterfront mansion on Gold Coast

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

Joel Robinson

Abadeen, PERIFA, top out Putney Wharf harbourfront precinct

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

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

"For me, it's the location." That was the first thing Chris pointed to when reflecting on why he and his wife Marita decided to purchase at Candela Ivanhoe, the under-construction new apartment development by Salter Brothers in the heart of the north-eastern M​elb​ourne​ suburb. ​

"We've lived here before… everything is here," Chris said.

"Our doctor is around the corner, there's dentists, pilates, everything we need, restaurants, fast food places, two train stations, Ivanhoe and Darebin, both in walking distance. You don't need anything else."

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X8K0Bozug7A?si=Puwc6vx_ZO0qQZF8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Just 10 kilometres from Melbo​urn​e's CBD, Ivanhoe combines direct city connectivity with the amenity of an established village community. Residents have access to highly regarded schools, expansive parklands, public transport, and a thriving retail and hospitality precinct centred around Upper Heidelberg Road, all within a neighbourhood that has retained its leafy character despite its proximity to the city.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela Ivanhoe</a> sits within the heart of this established landscape, positioned just moments from Ivanhoe Village and within walking distance of many of the suburb's most sought-after amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=364553]

From Candela, residents can access cafés, grocers, wine bars, restaurants and essential services on foot, while Ivanhoe Station and Darebin Station provide direct connectivity across Mel​bour​ne. The development is also surrounded by some of the suburb's best-known lifestyle destinations, including Pinkie, Laurent, Enni, Docasa and Woodfire Pizza e Cucina, alongside Ivanhoe Plaza, Woolworths, pharmacies and specialty retailers.

Green space is another defining feature of the suburb. Darebin Parklands, Ivanhoe Park, Nellie Ibbot Park and the Yarra River trail network provide extensive opportunities for recreation, while Ivanhoe Golf Course and Ivanhoe Tennis Club continue to underpin the area's long-established lifestyle appeal.

The suburb's education offering further strengthens demand. Ivanhoe Grammar School, Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School, Mary Immaculate Primary School and Ivanhoe Primary School have helped establish the area as one of Melbou​​rne's most sought-after schooling precincts, attracting families and downsizers alike who want to remain connected to the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357510]

While location was the priority for Marita and Chris, the project itself also needed to meet their expectations.

"Whilst location was paramount, I was also looking at design of the environment and Candela ticked every box," Marita said.

"We're just thrilled with our choice."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=336455]

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>, Candela Ivanhoe has been designed to complement its village setting, with an emphasis on generous floorplans, natural light and practical everyday living.

Residents will have access to a range of shared amenities, including a communal rooftop garden and dedicated residential lounge, complemented by a ground-floor café and lifestyle wellbeing centre, helping foster the sense of community already emerging among future owners.

That approach has resonated strongly with the market. More than 90 per cent of purchasers at Candela Ivanhoe are owner-occupiers, with buyers ranging from downsizers and second-home buyers to young families and first home buyers, creating a genuinely multi-generational community of grandparents, parents and children. It reflects a broader shift across Melbo​​urne's apartment market, where buyers are increasingly prioritising neighbourhood quality, lifestyle amenity and long-term liveability.

Currently under construction by Ironside, Candela Ivanhoe comprises 58 apartments. Candela Ivanhoe is scheduled for completion in the coming months, and residents can move in from September. One to four bedroom residences, prices from $649,000 and limited opportunities remaining.

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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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=370263]

The amenity offering begins on the seventh level within the AURA Club, a dedicated resident hub focused on health, relaxation, and daily convenience. Here, residents will have access to an indoor swimming pool, cold plunge, spa, sauna, and steam room, alongside a fully equipped gym, reformer Pilates studio, and yoga room.

The wellness facilities are complemented by a range of spaces that acknowledge the changing ways people live and work. Work-from-home lounges and co-working areas sit alongside a library, music room, games room, cinema facilities, and open-air terrace spaces, providing residents with flexible environments that can adapt throughout the day.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367468]

Beyond the internal amenity, AURA introduces a series of Japanese-inspired gardens that form a quieter counterpoint to the tower’s social spaces.

Landscaped retreats feature curated outdoor dining, tranquil courtyard seating, fire pit, and a tea house pavilion. Rather than functioning as simple recreational areas, the gardens have been designed as places for reflection and informal gathering, drawing on principles of balance, nature, and calm that underpin the project's broader design philosophy.

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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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367796]

AURA’s amenity strategy extends beyond the tower itself through its integration with the wider Melbourne Square precinct.

Residents will have direct access to Kennedy Park, Southbank’s 3,745 sqm landscaped public park, alongside a full-line Woolworths supermarket, childcare centre, hospitality venues, and approximately 1,600 sqm of additional retail planned within AURA’s lower levels. Together, these elements create a highly connected residential environment where daily needs, recreation, and wellness are woven into the fabric of the community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=370253]

As Melbourne’s apartment market continues to mature, developments are increasingly judged by the lifestyle they provide beyond individual residences.

Through its combination of wellness facilities, landscaped retreats, social clubs, and precinct-wide amenity, AURA represents a shift toward a more comprehensive model of vertical living, one where shared spaces play as significant a role as the homes themselves.

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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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