<html><body>
Industrial tenants are seeking suburbs around the newly opened Dingley Bypass confirming predictions that the new $156 million link road would drive local economic growth.
Savills Director Industrial, Gareth Jackson, said in the 12 months to September 160,000 square metres of leases (1000sqm +) have been recorded while sales have been more than $42 million across the Dingley, Moorabbin, Cheltenham, and Braeside industrial precincts.
"The market’s reaction to the new road both before and after its opening has been phenomenal to say the least. Enquiry since the road opened has especially been strong.
In the last six months alone nearly 100,000 square metres of industrial space has been leased and sold and much of that can be attributed to the primary business rationale that had formerly lured tenants to other areas – improved road infrastructure,’’ Mr Jackson said.
<img src="/images/2016/10/26/Dingley%20Bypass%20aerial.jpg" alt="">
In the latest deals, brokered by Mr Jackson and Director Lynton Williams, an undisclosed tenant has leased a 12,660 square metre distribution centre at 41-51 Mills Road, Braeside while Global Trading solutions has leased 2951 square metres at 31-33 Lakewood Boulevard, Braeside.   
Other recent deals include:
<ul>
<li>355 Warrigal Rd Cheltenham – 1765 square metres;</li>
<li>354 Boundary Rd  Dingley– 2200 square metres; and,</li>
<li>13 Lennox Street Moorabbin – 1000 square metres.</li>
</ul>
The 6.4 kilometre, six lane, Dingley Bypass which links Warrigal Road at Moorabbin and Westall Road at Dingley Village was opened five months ahead of schedule in March, by Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan, with the promise of reduced traffic delays and congestion and improved traffic flow on the road network with more direct road connections.
Mr Jackson said the Dingley corridor industrial precinct had been historically, a tightly held precinct, based on its relatively close proximity to the CBD, via the Nepean Highway, the Moorabbin Airport and affluent ‘sand belt’ suburbs.
However, over the years, tight vacancy levels and road infrastructure improvements in other locations had gradually attracted tenants away from the region, Mr Jackson said.
"I guess you could say the region temporarily fell out of favour as new industrial developments opened up farther from Melbourne along new transport routes, including EastLink, but more recently the tables have turned and the Dingley Bypass has been the catalyst,’’ Mr Jackson said.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Dingley Bypass a boon for local industrial property

<html><body>
A record price for a waterfront property in Cabarita, located on the Parramatta River, has been linked to the development of the WestConnex motorway.
The contemporary double storey, waterfront home, located at 11 Collingwood Avenue was sold at auction by Ross Musso and Dib Chidiac of Raine &amp; Horne Concord for $5.413 million.
It smashed the previous suburb record by $413,000.
“The WestConnex is the largest ever urban transport project in NSW history and buyers are recognising that the infrastructure improvements will halve travel times to the Sydney CBD,” says Mr Chidiac.
The M4 Widening project involves converting the three lane M4 motorway from Parramatta to North Strathfield to four lanes. The M4 will be extended from Concord Road, North Strathfield to the City West Link at Haberfield via a 5.5km tunnel that will have three lanes in each direction under Parramatta Road (‘M4 East’).
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Agents suggest WestConnex helps smash Cabarita waterfront record

<html><body>
An industrial warehouse/office at Clayton South in Melbourne’s south east has been sold by Ray White Commercial Oakleigh.
The vacant property at 196/248-266 Osborne Avenue, Clayton South, was sold for $345,000 to a local owner-occupier by Paul Rizzo of Ray White Commercial Oakleigh on behalf of a local owner.
Mr Rizzo said the property which offered a net lettable area of approximately 252 sqm was sold 24 hours after it was passed in at auction.
“We had a good response to the marketing campaign and more than 15 people at the onsite auction despite miserable weather,” he said.
“We had two bidders but the property was passed in.
"We reached a deal with one of the bidders the day after the auction.”
The building includes approximately 100 sqm of office space on the first floor and there was parking onsite for three vehicles.
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Vacant warehouse/office at Clayton South sold for $345,000

<html><body>
Victoria’s west has led the way with solid home price growth from Horsham to Geelong, the latest REIV price data shows.
Buyers have been attracted to the surf coast lifestyle in particular, the REIV CEO Geoff White said.
The east of the state, Warragul, Cowes and Bairnsdale has shown strong price growth.
The latest REIV median data shows that while annual growth across the state has been relatively moderate at 2.3 per cent to $348,500, a number of locations are showing far greater increases.
Horsham in western Victoria topped the list for median price growth over the year, increasing almost 20 per cent to a median price of $249,975, Mr White said.
Also making the top five list for median price increases, in the west of the state, were Geelong (up 16.9 per cent to $675,000), Torquay (up 14 per cent to $690,000), and St Leonards (up 13.7 per cent to $426,250).
“The latest research shows that buyers were not only drawn to the west, but largely to locations within commuting distance of Melbourne,” Mr White said. “New infrastructure in the west is enhancing prices.
“The faster train services which have been introduced between Geelong and Melbourne in recent years continue to improve prices in the bayside city.
“And Surf Coast locations, including Torquay, continue to benefit from easy access to the freeway and the Geelong bypass, cutting commuting time into Melbourne significantly.”
Mr White added that the other trend was the significant growth in coastal locations, from Cowes in the east of Victoria to Anglesea in the west.
“Regional Victoria is increasingly attractive to buyers and investors, offering access to quality amenities combined with a relaxed country lifestyle,” he said.
“Continued growth in the Melbourne median house price – which rose three per cent to $740,000 this quarter – also adds to the allure of locations close to Melbourne which are well below the Melbourne median price.”
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" valign="bottom" nowrap width="400">
Top 20 Growth Suburbs (Annual)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
 
</td>
<td width="210">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="83">
Sep-16 Median
</td>
<td width="83">
Annual Change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
1
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="210">
   HORSHAM
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
$249,975
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
19.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
2
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="210">
   GEELONG
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
$675,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
16.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
3
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="210">
   COWES
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
$394,500
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
16.0%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
4
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="210">
   TORQUAY
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
$690,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
14.0%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
5
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="210">
   ST LEONARDS
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
$426,250
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
13.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
6
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="210">
   WARRAGUL
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
$365,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
13.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
7
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="210">
   EAST GEELONG
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
$474,750
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
12.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
8
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="210">
   ANGLESEA
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
$685,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
11.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
9
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="210">
   MERBEIN
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
$197,500
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
11.0%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
10
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="210">
   BAIRNSDALE
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
$254,500
</td>
<td nowrap width="83">
10.8%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</body></html>

Western Victoria leads the way in latest regional medians

<html><body>
Building, construction and carpentry prices across NSW dipped last quarter with the website serviceseeking.com.au suggesting it signalled an early indication the housing market may have peaked.
The cost to hire a carpenter decreased by 8.7 per cent compared to the previous quarter, with building and construction prices also down 5.6 per cent.
“We believe the result suggests an impending downturn in the property market. Fewer property owners and investors are undertaking renovations so consumer confidence might not be as strong as it was last year,” says ServiceSeeking.com.au CEO Jeremy Levitt.
“Investors only renovate for a positive return on investment and if that potential is not there they won’t renovate. Our data shows a relative oversupply of tradespeople to current levels of demand resulting in downward pressure on tradie prices.”
Overall, trade services in NSW across eight major categories have fallen 2.5 per cent quarterly to $59.28. When compared to the Consumer Price Index increase of 0.7 per cent quarterly released today, tradies are feeling the pinch even more.
Of the eight categories in the ServiceSeeking.com.au Tradie Price Index, only one recorded an increase: electricians managed to up their prices by 6.6 per cent in the last quarter despite all other sectors recording downturns.
Year-on-year, a 2.1 per cent decrease was recorded across the eight tradie categories.
The prices were derived by comparing a sample of 52,000 quotes submitted during the FY17 Q1 through ServiceSeeking.com.au, the website for getting any job done from tradies to professional services.
To view price changes across eight popular renovation services around the country, including major capital cities, see <a href="https://www.serviceseeking.com.au/renovations" target="_blank">www.serviceseeking.com.au/renovations</a>
</body></html>

Prices of tradies drop in NSW including carpenters

<html><body>
Mortgage aggregator Finsure Finance &amp; Insurance has recruited its 1,000th broker less than five years since it was founded.
Finsure Managing Director John Kolenda said experienced residential lender Bill Dale has joined the Queensland Finsure team to become the 1,000th broker.
It is one of Australia’s fastest growing aggregation businesses.
“Bill has settled $250 million in the past two years at BOQ Specialist, and he has recently launched his new brokerage BD Professional Mortgages."
Mr Kolenda said the speed of Finsure’s growth, which includes surpassing $1 billion in settlements, had exceeded his expectations.
The company was ranked second overall by BRW Magazine in its 2015 top 100 Fast Starters list and the company was ranked second when the SmartCompany top 50 was named to celebrate Australia’s fastest growing SMEs in 2014-15.
Mr Kolenda said mortgage brokers are becoming increasingly important in the highly competitive home finance market during an unprecedented era of low interest rates.
“More than 50 per cent of Australian home loans are now written by mortgage brokers.”
</body></html>

Finsure reaches 1000 broker milestone

<html><body>
The recent change of government with Labor taking hold of the reigns in the August election have improved conditions in Darwin for people trying to enter and exit the property market, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that the past two years has seen Darwin’s property market continually slow with decreasing prices and lower sales volumes across the board.
First home buyers were only offered incentives for brand new properties in those two years and established properties subsequently received limited interest.
Since 1 September the market has sprung to life again as the new first home owner incentives for existing properties came into play.
First home buyers are now eligible for up to $24,000 in stamp duty concessions, with the first $500,000 of the purchase being stamp duty free and the incentive being capped at $650,000.
As many of the properties now being targeted by first home buyers will be relatively old, a further incentive of $10,000 to be utilised for renovations including up to $2,000 on household goods will further encourage people to buy existing properties. The incentive of $26,000 for building or buying a new property remains in place.
The new concessions have only been effective for three weeks and agents are reporting increased activity with numerous contracts executed in the short existence of the initiative.
"Many prospective purchasers were waiting to see the election results before making any serious offers and have been quick to take advantage of the new benefits, some fearing it might push prices back up, particularly at the entry level," the report noted.
As the incentive is capped at $650,000, all established properties on the market under that range are expected to attract more interest.
One example would be a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nt-darwin-122535794">20/12 Dashwood Place</a> that is for sale for $575,000.
The northern suburbs in particular will be a popular area for young buyers and all the older Palmerston suburbs should benefit also.
Herron Todd White noted how the scheme might affect the property market.
"The biggest loser from the scheme may be the already suffering new estates, as new home buyers will now shift away from building and focus on the established market. particular Zuccoli and Muirhead are the two estates with the most land left to release and project builders may have to bring their build contract prices down to compete with existing stock.
The increased activity in the market will help move properties quicker and the flow on effect will help people buy up an asset class from their existing property.
HTW still thinks there are still many negative economic factors surrounding Darwin and as the population continues to fall the basic supply and demand principles would suggest that prices won’t be drastically spiked by these new incentives.
"The greatest benefits will be more sale transactions, shorter marketing periods and more opportunities for people to enter the property market."
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Darwin property market may improve with new first home buyer scheme: HTW

<html><body>
Backpacker accommodation right opposite Bondi Beach, on Campbell Parade has been listed for sale.
It is the <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-nsw-bondi+beach-502144966" target="_blank">Bondi Backpackers property</a>.
Craig Pontey of Ray White Double Bay, who is taking the property to auction, say it has 52 rooms accommodating 138 guests in configurations from single rooms to 6-person dormitory rooms.
There’s additional income from two prime retail tenancies that also front Campbell Parade: Bavarian Bier Café and Backpacker World Travel.
"Total income from the property is currently in the order of $1.364,989 per annum, and as an ideal owner-operator business," he said.
"I believe that there’s considerable potential to increase income," he said.
The site area is 448 sqm with a 12m frontage to Campbell Parade.
</body></html>

Bondi Backpackers on Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach for auction

<html><body>
Geelong has regularly taken the top spot for Victorian regions with the highest auction clearance rates, according to CoreLogic.
Last week the region had an auction clearance rate of 80 percent amid its 52 auctions.
Now Leopold, Corio, Norlane and Lara have joined the top 30 suburbs where Terry Ryder has predicted house prices will take off this spring.
Hotspotting founder Terry Ryder listed Geelong suburbs Corio, Lara, Leopold and Norlane in his top rising markets in his spring Price Predictor Index.
Ryder recently described Geelong as the superstar of the Victorian property market.
The local paper, the Geelong Advertiser noted expansion of Leopold’s Gateway Plaza shopping centre, including Bunnings, Kmart and Aldi, was a catalyst for interest in the suburb, Allpoints agent Janet McIntosh said.
“People see us as a suburb with lots of extra facilities that’s got the potential to keep growing to become like another Waurn Ponds,” Ms McIntosh said.
New land estate Estuary sold out early this year, increasing demand in the suburb, Ms McIntosh said
“It’s very hard to get any houses under $300,000 now,” she said.
Leopold and Lara’s median house price is $380,000, the report shows.
<img src="/images/2016/10/27/14%20Teesdale%20Court.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-lara-122910142" target="_blank">14 Teesdale Court</a> (above) was recently sold for $380,000.
Ryder sees Geelong as an affordable alternative to Melbourne.
Corio and Norlane, which were in July’s survey, have median prices of $240,000 and $222,000 respectively.
Overall Hotspotting listed eight Geelong suburbs that were rising steadily and another 12 suburbs were sales volumes were steady, outranking any council area in Melbourne.
<a href="/images/2016/10/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-10-27%20at%2012.59.42%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-10-27%20at%2012.59.42%20PM.png" alt="">
 
</body></html>

Geelong outranks Melbourne in Hotspotting property location list

<html><body>
Sydney house median price jumped 2.7 percent over the September quarter to a record $1,068,303, Domain calculations suggest.
The growth can be attributed to investor activity, according to Domain Group chief economist Andrew Wilson.
“The growth is raging back into Sydney … we have auction clearance rates in the mid-80 per cent range, and there were two interest cuts in August and May this year,” Dr Wilson said.  
The lower north shore was the strongest Sydney region over the 12 months as it increased by 12 percent in a year however apartments only increased by 1.1 percent to a median of $685,865.
Median houses prices in Australia capitals:
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
September 2016
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
June 2016
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
September 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$1,068,303
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$1,039,947
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$1,046,539
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$773,669
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$750,407
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$708,816
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$521,152
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$525,954
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$505,171
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$494,911
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$496,436
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$481,282
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$556,609
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$578,444
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$588,890
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Canberra
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$661,912
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$659,229
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$630,858
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Hobart
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$338,703
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$331,207
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$333,619
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Darwin
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$595,466
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$616,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$661,395
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
National
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$752,879
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$740,630
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$727,170
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
The inner west was the strongest performer over the quarter despite the lower north shore outpacing every other region this year.
The apartment market has shown signs of slowing down in some areas such as Canterbury Bankstown, the south and the west recording modest price declines in the quarter.
 
Median unit prices in Australian capitals:  
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
September 2016
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
June 2016
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
September 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$685,865
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$678,244
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$679,456
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$466,779
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$446,609
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$442,348
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$367,518
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$378,327
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$382,219
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$301,939
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$305,886
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$294,481
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$364,752
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$367,632
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$388,767
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Canberra
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$403,775
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$398,728
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$409,052
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Hobart
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$251,073
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$276,544
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$284,417
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Darwin
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$448,418
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$448,417
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$431,600
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="64">
National
</td>
<td valign="top" width="149">
$536,294
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$529,386
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$529,950
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
The biggest Sydney regional drop was in Canterbury Bankstown where apartments declined by 4.7 percent to a median of $505,000.
Apartments across Sydney have increased by 0.9 percent in the 12 months to September.
</body></html>

Sydney house median peaks over $1m again, but units turning into negative

<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. 
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"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. 
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"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] 
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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. 
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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. 
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As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.

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Joel Robinson

Abadeen, PERIFA, top out Putney Wharf harbourfront precinct

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

"For me, it's the location." That was the first thing Chris pointed to when reflecting on why he and his wife Marita decided to purchase at Candela Ivanhoe, the under-construction new apartment development by Salter Brothers in the heart of the north-eastern M​elb​ourne​ suburb. ​

"We've lived here before… everything is here," Chris said.

"Our doctor is around the corner, there's dentists, pilates, everything we need, restaurants, fast food places, two train stations, Ivanhoe and Darebin, both in walking distance. You don't need anything else."

<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.

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From Candela, residents can access cafés, grocers, wine bars, restaurants and essential services on foot, while Ivanhoe Station and Darebin Station provide direct connectivity across Mel​bour​ne. The development is also surrounded by some of the suburb's best-known lifestyle destinations, including Pinkie, Laurent, Enni, Docasa and Woodfire Pizza e Cucina, alongside Ivanhoe Plaza, Woolworths, pharmacies and specialty retailers.

Green space is another defining feature of the suburb. Darebin Parklands, Ivanhoe Park, Nellie Ibbot Park and the Yarra River trail network provide extensive opportunities for recreation, while Ivanhoe Golf Course and Ivanhoe Tennis Club continue to underpin the area's long-established lifestyle appeal.

The suburb's education offering further strengthens demand. Ivanhoe Grammar School, Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School, Mary Immaculate Primary School and Ivanhoe Primary School have helped establish the area as one of Melbou​​rne's most sought-after schooling precincts, attracting families and downsizers alike who want to remain connected to the area.

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While location was the priority for Marita and Chris, the project itself also needed to meet their expectations.

"Whilst location was paramount, I was also looking at design of the environment and Candela ticked every box," Marita said.

"We're just thrilled with our choice."

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Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>, Candela Ivanhoe has been designed to complement its village setting, with an emphasis on generous floorplans, natural light and practical everyday living.

Residents will have access to a range of shared amenities, including a communal rooftop garden and dedicated residential lounge, complemented by a ground-floor café and lifestyle wellbeing centre, helping foster the sense of community already emerging among future owners.

That approach has resonated strongly with the market. More than 90 per cent of purchasers at Candela Ivanhoe are owner-occupiers, with buyers ranging from downsizers and second-home buyers to young families and first home buyers, creating a genuinely multi-generational community of grandparents, parents and children. It reflects a broader shift across Melbo​​urne's apartment market, where buyers are increasingly prioritising neighbourhood quality, lifestyle amenity and long-term liveability.

Currently under construction by Ironside, Candela Ivanhoe comprises 58 apartments. Candela Ivanhoe is scheduled for completion in the coming months, and residents can move in from September. One to four bedroom residences, prices from $649,000 and limited opportunities remaining.

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Location and lifestyle drive demand at Candela Ivanhoe

As apartment buyers increasingly look beyond the four walls of their residence, the quality and depth of shared amenity has become a defining factor in how developments are designed and experienced, particularly in the high-rise, new apartment development space.

In Southbank, where high-density living continues to evolve, developers are placing greater emphasis on creating environments that support wellbeing, connection, and convenience as part of everyday life.

That approach sits at the heart of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aura-at-melbourne-square-7-hoff-boulevard-southbank-vic-3006">AURA</a>, the latest residential tower in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/osk-property">OSK Property</a>’s $3.5 billion Melbourne Square precinct. Rising 67 storeys above Hoff Boulevard, the 673-apartment development has been conceived around what OSK describes as a “vertical wellness ecosystem”, a layered collection of amenities that extends throughout the building rather than being confined to a single podium level.

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The amenity offering begins on the seventh level within the AURA Club, a dedicated resident hub focused on health, relaxation, and daily convenience. Here, residents will have access to an indoor swimming pool, cold plunge, spa, sauna, and steam room, alongside a fully equipped gym, reformer Pilates studio, and yoga room.

The wellness facilities are complemented by a range of spaces that acknowledge the changing ways people live and work. Work-from-home lounges and co-working areas sit alongside a library, music room, games room, cinema facilities, and open-air terrace spaces, providing residents with flexible environments that can adapt throughout the day.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367468]

Beyond the internal amenity, AURA introduces a series of Japanese-inspired gardens that form a quieter counterpoint to the tower’s social spaces.

Landscaped retreats feature curated outdoor dining, tranquil courtyard seating, fire pit, and a tea house pavilion. Rather than functioning as simple recreational areas, the gardens have been designed as places for reflection and informal gathering, drawing on principles of balance, nature, and calm that underpin the project's broader design philosophy.

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The social amenity continues to evolve as residents move higher through the building. Levels 49 and 50 house the Meridian Club, where a lounge bar, conservatory spaces, and private dining rooms take advantage of elevated city views. At the summit of the tower, the exclusive Cumulus Club spans Levels 66 and 67, offering additional lounges, private dining, and meditation and treatment rooms positioned above Melbourne’s skyline.

For OSK Property, the extensive amenity offering reflects a broader focus on wellbeing as a core component of apartment living rather than an added feature.

“Aura stands tall as an exemplar of holistic wellness – its focus on social, physical and mental health culminate in a building that is calming, restorative and relaxing, where residents will have their own sanctuary within the well-connected and sought-after Southbank,” says OSK Property CEO Chong Boon Woon.

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AURA’s amenity strategy extends beyond the tower itself through its integration with the wider Melbourne Square precinct.

Residents will have direct access to Kennedy Park, Southbank’s 3,745 sqm landscaped public park, alongside a full-line Woolworths supermarket, childcare centre, hospitality venues, and approximately 1,600 sqm of additional retail planned within AURA’s lower levels. Together, these elements create a highly connected residential environment where daily needs, recreation, and wellness are woven into the fabric of the community.

[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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