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A Caltex service station in the north-western Sydney suburb of Kellyville has sold for $9.4 million.
JLL believes the price achieved represents a new record for the sale of a freestanding service station in NSW since March 2011. According to market sales tracked by JLL transactions have ranged between $6 million and $7 million.
JLL agent Dylan McEvoy said the record sale price equated to a yield of around 5%.
The 2,634 square metre property located at 662 Windsor Road is leased to Woolworths Limited under a new 12-year net lease with two five-year options.  
The property was sold on behalf of Pioneer House Pty Ltd at auction.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Caltex service station in Kellyville sold for record $9.4 million

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Construction has commenced on the next stage of the $152 million industrial estate New Base in Brendale, Queensland.
Moreton Bay-based AVID Property Group general manager Bruce Harper turned the first sod on Stage 7B at the site.
“In the last 12 months, we have seen good activity from both investors and owner occupiers with 100% of lots sold at New Base,” Harper said.
“The demand for land continues, so we expect the lots released in this next stage to perform just as well.”
New Base marketing agents Dillon Murphy from CBRE Industrial and Mark Horgan from Knight Frank said lots in the area were being sold as quickly as they were being constructed.
“Industrial is currently one of the strongest performing sectors in the commercial property market,” said Murphy.
“Industrial land sales are up from this time last year, which are reflected by peak rates close to those of pre-GFC days. 
“We’ve also seen a 25-30% increase in take up rate of stock in the last 12 months and there’s every sign that this will continue well into the future.”
Horgan said spiking sales were being driven by a number of factors, including A-class stock, location and low interest rates.
“More and more businesses are performing corporate business activities from their industrial facilities than they have before. Businesses are quite discerning in their appearance and are seeking more desirable buildings to portray their corporate image, so the days of older, low height metal clad sheds are now becoming obsolete,” he said.
“These are state-of-the-art facilities with fit-outs that rival some inner-city offices, with some tenants investing up to $1 million on interior office component alone.
“And it’s not just about looks – tenant and owner-occupiers are now seeking more efficient spaces, with increase in warehouse heights to accommodate importing requirements and racking capabilities as well as improved access to facilitate easier truck movements.
“We’ve also had businesses reporting improved staff retention, a reduction in staff travelling time and fewer sick days due to relocation in areas like Brendale.”
Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland said construction on the next stage of New Base reinforced the Moreton Bay Region’s status as Queensland’s strongest economy.
“You only have to look at the businesses that already call New Base home, like Super Retail Group, Aldi and VISY, to see how strong our region’s economy is,” he said
“This is an exciting project that will generate more than 100 local jobs during construction, and once complete is expected to provide vital long-term employment opportunities for residents throughout the region.”
Sutherland said stage 7B would add another element to the existing economic opportunities in Brendale and had no doubt it would be a sought after location with its close proximity to major transport and trade corridors like the 12km Redcliffe Peninsula Line as well as the new Mill at Moreton Bay university precinct just 5km away.
Set on 85 hectares of land and comprising 107 lots, civil construction of Stage 7B at New Base has commenced.
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Brendale’s $152 million industrial estate fast-tracked

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CRONE has won a design excellence competition for a new residential and hotel tower at 230 Sussex Street, Sydney.
Its design integrates the existing heritage-listed Foley Brothers warehouse with a new 115-metre hotel and residential tower.
The warehouse will be adapted to host a striking heritage courtyard and hotel lobby, creating a focal point and activated heart of the Meriton development.
CRONE design director Niall Durney said the tower’s strong connection to the existing heritage warehouse together with references to the surrounding streetscape were the winning qualities of the design.
“The tower sits on a sandstone podium with proportions taken from the adjacent heritage building,” he said.
Construction of the new 230 Sussex Street precinct will commence in April 2017 with completion expected October 2018.
<img src="/images/2016/10/06/230%20Sussex%20Street%20lobby.jpg" alt="">
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CRONE wins 230 Sussex Street hotel design competition

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The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia has assisted in the introduction of new codes of conduct for real estate agents, sales representatives, settlement agents and land valuers which support industry best practice and provide consumer protection.
REIWA president Hayden Groves thanked the Minister for Commerce, the Hon. Michael Mischin MLC, and the Department of Commerce for carrying out a detailed consultation process and working closely with the institute to develop the new codes.
“We congratulate Minister Mischin for working closely with REIWA and other industry stakeholders to ensure the codes benefit all those involved with buying, selling or leasing property,” Groves said.
“It’s important that there are measures in place to ensure the industry maintains high standards of practice and service.”
The Code of Conduct for Agents and Sales Representatives 2016 comes into effect this month with a two month transition period.
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REIWA recognises new codes of conduct for WA property

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Melbourne’s Chapel Street, Prahran and Bridge Road, Richmond are following a downturn, previously seen in Sydney’s Oxford Street, Paddington and Brisbane’s James Street New Farm, according to Gunning agent Malcolm Gunning.
He said in Sydney fashion brands and food demand has been driven by the community, not weekend tourism and shop tops are being split from the retail area and are now in high demand as fashionable flats - a situation soon to be replicated in Melbourne.
“The more established boutique brands have relocated into the Melbourne CBD just as they did in Sydney with the redevelopment of the CBD and opening of Bondi Junction," he said.
“What we are seeing now is that Oxford Street, Paddington has reinvented itself. Rents have come down because of high and prolonged vacancy rates, attracting a new breed of businesses, which has ultimately enabled ‘life after death’.
“Paddington has evolved into a service, restaurant, and provedore area with young fashion brands entering the scene.
“The pubs are undergoing a transformation with Justin Hemmes and his group entering the area, the Paddington Inn, Bellevue in Hargrave Street and The Royal at Five Ways have been renovated. Other venues, best described as gastropubs, are moving towards a focus on food.
“There are also places like Saint Peter, a high end sea food restaurant, which previously would not have been there under the high rents.
“Melbourne will experience the same thing. Chapel Street and Bridge Road, tend to be a tourist destination. As the rents go down the area will evolve too and locals will need to be serviced.
“James Street, Brisbane which is between Fortitude Valley, Teneriffe and New Farm reinvented itself from its industrial business into an area which services the needs of a vibrant local community. It has established brands like Sass &amp; Bide, Camilla, Nudi Jeans well as upcoming designers and high quality food options such as Jocelyn’s Provisions.".
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Key Melbourne retail locations mirroring previous Sydney downturn

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A modern retail investment in Carlton has been sold for $575,000.
The 140 Rathdowne Street property was sold by Fitzroys agents Terence Yeh.
The inner-city strata retail sale price reflected a tight 5.5 percent yield.
<img src="/images/2016/10/25/FTZ_140_RATHDOWNE_0493.jpg" alt="">
Yeh, who acted on behalf of the developer, said a private investor with experience in developments purchased the property.
It was sold with a five-year lease to café Bloom Coffee Bar with two five-year options, returning $32,000 per annum plus outgoings and GST.
The property is on the ground floor of a boutique mixed-use development completed late last year.
The three level complex comprises six ground floor shops and thirteen apartments.
<img src="/images/2016/10/25/FTZ_140_RATHDOWNE_0514.jpg" alt="">
Yeh said the property offered an experienced tenant, long secure lease, excellent exposure and prospects for tax benefits.
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Carlton retail investment sells for $575,000

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A 1930s Dimboola shop located centrally at the main street is for sale for $65,000, the same price it traded for in 2005.
The 290 sqm property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-dimboola-123838510" target="_blank">112-114 Lloyd Street Dimboola</a> is positioned next to a chemist shop.
It is marketed as an ideal location for the owner occupied or retail commercial investment property.
The shop comprises of a good sized showroom, lunch room and two toilets.
The property is currently leased until December 2016 at $110 per week.
It is offered through Coller Rathgeber agent Garry Price.
<img src="/images/2016/10/18/4%20High%20Street.jpg" alt="">
Recently a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-dimboola-121766206" target="_blank">4 High Street</a> (above) was sold for $85,000.
A play written in 1968 by Australian author Jack Hibberd brought attention to the Victorian town of Dimboola.
The play, called 'Dimboola', makes fun of a wedding breakfast gone wrong where everything from sectarian issues to tensions among the family of the groom, Morrie, and the bride, Maureen.
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Dimboola main street shop for sale 

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One of Wollstonecraft's largest privately held holdings has been listed for sale with hopes of $9.3 million.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-wollstonecraft-123901906" target="_blank">1905 built Niddrie</a> has been owned by Matthew Levins, who heads up risk consultancy Eirdin Consultin, and wife Sonia for over 20 years.
They paid $1.29 million for the home that was previously owned by the late barrister and pastoralist Frank McAlary.
Set on 2076 sqm, the classic Federation is surrounded by well maintained grounds that features a tennis court, swimming pool and cabana.
<img src="/images/2016/10/28/Wollstonecraft2.jpg" alt="" width="488" height="276">
There's five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a home office. 
It's located across the road from the long-held home of former prime minister John Howard and wife Janette.
Christie's International agents Martin Ross and Darren Curtis are asking $8.5 million to $9.3 million.
The Levins are off to their $2.8 million three bedroom apartment in The Bay Residences in Double Bay.
 
 
 
 
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Niddrie for sale in Wollstonecraft

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Sydney has lived with an affordability ratio in the high range for a decade and a half, without dire things happening, Phil Ruthven, the founder of IBISWorld recently noted.
Ruthven, recognised as one of Australia’s foremost business strategists and futurists, agreed that Sydney prices seem to be well over trend compared with Melbourne.
He concludes that although the Sydney economy and that of NSW are doing well - "indeed the best in the nation" - that it may not protect it from a dwelling price correction in the year or so ahead, or a longish period of prices flat-lining until incomes catch up to restore equanimity.
He told readers of <a href="https://cuffelinks.com.au/" target="_blank">CuffeLinks</a> website that Australia’s economy is not threatened by its world-leading dwelling prices.
Sydney has "lived with an affordability ratio in the high range (3½-4 times household incomes) for a decade and a half, without dire things happening."
"Yes, Australia’s household debt (mainly mortgage debt) as a share of GDP is one of the highest in the world, but manageable.
"And our corporate and government debt as a share of GDP are among the lowest, if not actually the lowest.
"Overall, we are not living too far above our means compared with most other developed nations."
But he signals Sydney as the stand-out loner among our capital cities.
<a href="/images/2016/10/20/PR-Figure5-211016-768x559.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/20/PR-Figure5-211016-768x559.png" alt="">
Sydney is the odd-one-out given its prices are so far ahead of the second priciest market Melbourne. The two charts below suggest the degree to which Sydney prices seem to be well over trend compared with Melbourne.
<a href="/images/2016/10/20/PR-Figure6-211016-768x573.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/20/PR-Figure6-211016-768x573.png" alt="">
<a href="/images/2016/10/20/PR-Figure7-211016-768x573.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/20/PR-Figure7-211016-768x573.png" alt="">
He noted the difference was even more marked when comparing just apartments.
<a href="/images/2016/10/28/PR-Figure1-211016-768x534.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/28/PR-Figure1-211016-768x534.png" alt="">
But he noted Sydney had been under-supplied for nearly a decade, whereas Melbourne had gone into overdrive, leaving Sydney over the past year a sellers-market (prices over-trend by 12-13%) and Melbourne the opposite: a buyers-market, with prices 7-8% under-trend.
He concluded that the indications are that price growth is abating as we head into 2017. 
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Futurist Phil Ruthven on whether the housing market is in bubble territory

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A former fire station in Broadmeadow, the Newcastle suburb, is up for November 5 auction.
Located at <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/9-belford-street-broadmeadow-nsw-2292-2013116438" target="_blank">9 Belford Street</a> it has a land area of 910 sqm with a floor area size of 320 sqm.
It is at the intersection of Belford Street, Samdon Street and Dixon Street with close proximities to the dining and entertainment precinct of Beaumont Street.
Built in 1925 it is prominently positioned within the inner city suburb of Broadmeadow, it has local heritage significance as the red brown brick building is symmetrical and balances former truck garaging with administration areas and residential living quarters.
As it is in original condition, the building celebrates and maintains many heritage items including open fireplaces, pressed metal ceilings and ornate timber windows. It is ideally facing north, the building is a R4 High Density zoned land and is suitable for residential, childcare, retail or commercial purposes with close proximity to public transport.
The auction is on November 5 and is offered through Colliers International agents Nick Christensen and Matt J Kearney.
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Former Broadmeadow fire station for auction

<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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Location and lifestyle drive demand at Candela Ivanhoe

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

AURA elevates amenity living at Melbourne Square

Builder-developer Scion is the latest to target Sydney's booming Hills Showground Metro precinct, filing plans for more than 100 apartments within walking distance of the station.

Scion has lodged a concurrent rezoning and State Significant Development Application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/27-33-middleton-avenue-castle-hill-nsw-2154">27–33 Middleton Avenue</a>, where it plans to replace four existing homes with an 11 and 14-storey mixed-use development comprising 109 apartments, six affordable housing dwellings, and a ground-floor café.

Designed by BHK Architects, the proposal includes three levels of basement parking with 174 spaces, more than 1,200 sqm of communal open space, and extensive landscaping across the 3,791 sqm site.

The development has been designed as two buildings connected by a recessed wintergarden spine, with the 14-storey building positioned to the south and the 11-storey building to the north.

<img alt="Scion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64dc359d-736b-43b8-87a8-70a8285cab47" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-25%20at%208.47.01%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=PXh.m8id_aevBPHEckPf88wQ2RQThPos" />

The apartment mix has been weighted towards owner-occupiers, with 13 one-bedroom apartments, 55 two-bedroom residences, 31 three-bedroom apartments, six three-bedroom lofts, and four four-bedroom homes. Six apartments will be dedicated as affordable housing in line with the NSW Housing SEPP.

According to the Architectural Design Report by BKH, the proposal seeks to create "a place-responsive architecture" inspired by the natural landscape surrounding Cattai Creek, while strengthening the public domain through landscaping, active frontages and a neighbourhood café.

Atlas Urban, in its Urban Design Report, says the proposal takes a different approach to increasing density around Hills Showground Station by favouring a more slender, vertically articulated built form over a conventional mid-rise outcome. The report argues this allows for greater deep soil planting, improved solar access and a better public domain outcome, while still delivering additional housing close to rapid public transport.

The site sits around 500 metres from Hills Showground Metro Station, within a precinct earmarked for significant residential intensification following the opening of the Sydney Metro Northwest line. Planning documents accompanying the application note that Greater Sydney's population has grown by more than one million people since planning for the precinct first began, reinforcing the need to accelerate housing delivery around existing transport infrastructure.

Scion is expanding its development pipeline which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/chatham-west-ryde-2-6-chatham-road-west-ryde-nsw-2114">Chatham in West Ryde</a>, 62 apartments which are approaching completion. They also have a State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/96-anzac-avenue-west-ryde-nsw-2114">145 apartments on Anzac Avenue</a>, also in West Ryde.

Staff reporter

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