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By the end of the June 2016 quarter, there were 212,036 houses and units under construction nationally, consisting of 61,350 houses and 150,686 units; the number of houses under construction fell -3.6 percent and there were -2.1 percent fewer units under construction, according to CoreLogic's latest monthly market report.
The data also showed that although the number of houses and units under construction is lower, historically, they remain at exceptionally high levels.
An analysis of the ABS completion and commencement data by CoreLogic research analyst Cameron Kusher shows that more dwellings were completed over the June 2016 quarter than were completed.
June quarter activity snapshot:
• 29,866 houses and 22,680 units commenced construction compared to 32,207 houses completed and 25,893 units completed.
• The number of houses commenced rose 18.0% over the quarter while unit commencements were down -29.2% and at their lowest level since the December 2014 quarter.
• Quarterly completions totalled 32,207 houses and 25,893 units were completed representing quarterly increases of 39.2% and 71.3% respectively.
<a href="/images/2016/10/13/Quarterly%20number%20of%20houses%20and%20units%20under%20construction%20National.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/Quarterly%20number%20of%20houses%20and%20units%20under%20construction%20National.jpg" alt="">
According to Mr Kusher it was the highest number of unit completions on record over the quarter and 22.1% higher than the previous record high.
He said, “While the data shows rising completions, and given the large pipeline of dwellings under construction, we should expect quite high volumes of completions over the coming quarters.”
“At the end of the June 2016 quarter there was also a record-high number of dwellings which had been approved for construction but hadn’t yet commenced. Nationally, 39,359 dwellings were approved but not commenced, up 15.6% from the previous quarter. This is split between 9,185 houses and a record-high 29,713 units which had yet to commence. Over the past few years there has been a steady upswing in the number of units approved for construction but not commenced and we anticipate that this trend will continue.”
Focusing on state and territory data on houses and units under construction clearly shows where supply of new housing has ramped- up.
The 61,350 houses currently under construction were split between: 16,861 in NSW, 18,861 in Vic, 9,062 in Qld, 4,516 in SA, 9,826 in WA, 1,289 in Tas, 325 in NT and 611 in ACT. The number of houses under construction was lower over the quarter in NSW, Vic, WA, Tas and NT and higher elsewhere. In WA the number of houses under construction is at its lowest level since September 2012 and in NT they are at their lowest level since June 2013.
<a href="/images/2016/10/13/House%20construction.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/House%20construction.jpg" alt="">
The split across the states and territories for the 150,686 units under construction at the end of June 2016 was: 55,682 in NSW, 46,676 in Vic, 31,070 in Qld, 3,386 in SA, 8,396 in WA, 335 in Tas, 751 in NT and 4,390inACT. Qld, SA and ACT were the only states and territories to have a greater number of units under construction over the quarter.
Qld currently has a record-high number of units under construction while in WA units under construction were at their lowest level since June 2014, in Tas they were at their lowest level since March 2014, in NT they were at their lowest level since September 2011 and in ACT they were at their highest level since September 2012.
<a href="/images/2016/10/13/Units%20construction.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/Units%20construction.jpg" alt="">
 Mr Kusher said, “Although commencements and the number of houses and units under construction were lower over the June quarter they still remain at high levels on an historic basis.”
“With a significant amount of housing due to be built over the coming years however, we anticipate that the trend towards a lower proportion of approved stock reaching commencement to continue as a mature construction phase makes it more difficult for developers to achieve sufficient presales to progress to construction.
“Furthermore, a number of these approved developments are probably being shopped for sale and therefore won’t necessarily be constructed during this current phase.”
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Number of homes under construction eases from a record-high: CoreLogic

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One of the few remaining commercial-scale grazing properties in the historic Bungendore district has been listed for sale.
It will bring to an end five generations of continuous occupation by the Hyles family.
Woodlands was taken up more than 150 years ago by Richard and Jessie Hyles.
It is being sold now as part of a succession plan by Bruce Hyles and his family.
Meares and Associates will offer the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-livestock-nsw-bungendore-7850266" target="_blank">1157 hectare property at online auction</a> on November 15-16.
It is expected to draw competition from grazing interests, serious investors and lifestyle seekers alike.
Situated eight kilometres south of Bungendore with views northwards to Lake George, Woodlands is under three hours’ drive from Sydney.
Although still managed successfully as a commercial grazing operation, based on Merino sheep, the property has obvious potential for subdivision up to a maximum of 14 lots, to meet the steady demand from Canberra for small holdings. 
More than 200,000 pine trees have been planted, either in a 120ha dedicated woodlot or in strategic shelter belts.
Average rainfall is 640mm and the property is watered by 43 dams, an equipped bore and semi-permanent creeks.
As presently managed, “Woodlands” is operated as a woolgrowing concern, with a self-replacing Merino flock of Hazeldean bloodlines producing adult fleeces of 4.5-5kg and 19-19.5 microns.
In recent years a proportion of the ewe flock has been mated to Border Leicester rams to produce first-cross lambs, the ewe portion of which has commanded ready competition at the annual regional summer restocker sales.
The property’s estimated carrying capacity of 2600-3000 DSE offers considerable upside potential, with further investment in pasture establishment and infrastructure.
Woodlands has a Victorian-style homestead built in the 1870s as a wedding present for Jessie Hyles.
Bidding for Woodlands is expected to reach $2.8 million to $3 million.
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Pastoral Woodlands on Canberra's doorstep

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Woodlands, located at Bungendore on the edge of the ever expanding Canberra, has been listed for online sale.
The sheep/wool farm is being <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-livestock-nsw-bungendore-7850266" target="_blank">offered for sale via Meares Online Auction</a> by Meares &amp; Associates on 15th/16th November, 2016.
Woodlands comprises 1157.81 hectares with 420 ha established improved pastures including phalaris, cocksfoot and clovers.
The property was selectively top dressed with fertiliser up until approximately 2010.
It is a five minute drive from the historic tourist mecca Bungendore, 30-40 minute drive from the nation’s capital Canberra and its international airport and a three hour drive from Sydney CBD.
Woodlands was taken up by the Hyles family over 150 years ago, and has been managed by five generations of the family over that time. 
The property is currently conservatively carrying 2,600 – 3,000 DSE’s.
However agent Chris Meares says there's the ability to produce beef cattle, run a horse or stud operation, as well as viticulture including wine grapes.
The homestead, set in an attractive garden with a decomposed granite tennis court, is an 1870’s styled Victorian abode where renovations and extensions have been carried out over the years,
Ther's a 5 Stand electric woolshed and shearer’s quarters that can accommodate 12.
Its former school house is used for bunk accommodation.
"This offering would ideally suit an existing farmer or an ‘off farm’ investor,” Chris Meares suggests.
Woodlands is expected to sell for around $3 million with offers closing at 2pm 16th November, 2016 AEDT.
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Bungendore's Woodlands for online auction

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The local economic situation in Queensland remains stable with Emerald and Brisbane reporting steady growth, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that the volume of industrial properties being sold remains at a stable rate, although some cities, such as Townsville and Gladstone, are reporting an oversupply of industrial properties.
<a href="/images/2016/10/14/QLD%20industrial.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/14/QLD%20industrial.jpg" alt="">
HTW notes there is significant value differences between quality properties with national tenants and comparable properties with local tenants throughout QLD regions, with the exceptions of Cairns, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Toowoomba which are reporting only a small difference.
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Queensland's local industrial markets remain stable: HTW

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The industrial market in NSW for the most part is a balanced market, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest monthly market report.
However, the property advisory firm says that there are some areas such as Albury, Orange and Newcastle that are reporting an oversupply of industrial properties compared to demands.
<a href="/images/2016/10/14/NSW%20industrial%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/14/NSW%20industrial%202.jpg" alt="">
Many of the areas of NSW's industrial market are starting to recover, with Albury, Wagga Wagga and South East NSW reporting that their industrial markets are now at the bottom.
The local economic situation remains unchanged with most cities reporting little change in their situation, except for Tamworth and the Central Coast regions which are experiencing a steady growth in their local economies.
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Some NSW regions facing industrial property oversupply: HTW

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The local industrial economic situation in Tasmania and Victoria is reported to be flat, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that the volume of property sales have been steady with the exception of Gippsland, which is declining, and Ballarat which is improving.
The volume of property sales is increasing in Ballarat, while the rental vacancy trend is steady. HTW remark that the local economic conditions are for steady growth.
<a href="/images/2016/10/14/VicTas%20industrial.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/14/VicTas%20industrial.jpg" alt="">
Overall there is a mixture of a balanced market and some regions that are experiencing an oversupply of industrial properties.
This is despite the rental vacancy trend reported to be steady throughout the Tasmanian and Victorian regions.
Photo of Ballarat courtesy of WikiCommons. 
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Ballarat industrial property market on the improve: HTW

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The industrial market is either approaching or at the bottom of the market despite the number of industrial properties remaining at a steady rate, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that the exception were Perth, Darwin and South West WA where the numbers of industrial properties are declining.
<a href="/images/2016/10/14/NT%20industrial.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/14/NT%20industrial.jpg" alt="">
There is also a large value difference between quality properties with national tenants, and comparable properties with local tenants in all of the regions with the exception of Alice Springs and South West WA which has reported small value differences.
There is also an oversupply of industrial properties throughout all of SA, WA and NT, resulting in a flat local economic situation.
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Industrial market in NT, SA and WA declining: HTW

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Retail space is for sale for $799,000 in The Boehm development in Adelaide's CBD.
It is a premium ground floor retail/office space of 50 square metres.
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-sa-adelaide-502142994" target="_blank">Lot 02, 150 Wright Street</a> is situated in the front north-west corner with modern floor to ceiling glass, dual access and stunning views that overlook the lush green park.
The new residential building markets itself as having state of the art facilities.
The Boehm offering is through Lin Andrews Real Estate agent Karen Andrews.
<img src="/images/2016/10/17/Lot%2002.jpg" alt="">
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Retail space on offer in Adelaide's The Boehm development

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The underlying demand for new dwellings is driven largely by the increase in households, underpinned by population growth, according to QBE's latest housing report.
The balance between underlying demand and supply has an impact on vacancy rates, rents, prices and construction.
Chart 15 shows the forecast average underlying demand for additional dwellings by state in the next three years compared with current supply, with supply indicated by total new dwelling starts in 2015/16.
<img src="/images/2016/10/14/Chart%2015.jpg" alt="">
New dwelling starts in 2015/16 in all states are on track to be higher than forecast annual underlying demand over the three years to 2018/19.
The boost to new dwelling supply will move all the states into oversupply, with the exception of New South Wales, where the accumulation of a high dwelling deficiency will take some time to be absorbed.
The states where commencements are now highest relative to forecast underlying demand are Australian Capital Territory (86% above), the Northern Territory (69% above) and Western Australia (61% above).
Chart 16 shows dwelling stock deficiency by state as a percentage of forecast annual underlying demand as at June from 2016 through to 2019.
<a href="/images/2016/10/14/Chart%2016.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/14/Chart%2016.jpg" alt="">
A large dwelling stock deficiency has accumulated in New South Wales and is currently the highest of all states at June 2016. This is evidenced by its low vacancy rate. With dwelling starts now eclipsing annual underlying demand; being 49% higher, the dwelling stock deficiency in New South Wales is beginning to be absorbed and is projected to fall below one year’s worth of underlying demand from 2017/18.
Record highrise apartment construction activity in the inner city areas of both Melbourne and Brisbane is taking supply above underlying demand. In Victoria, dwelling starts were 40% above underlying demand, while in Queensland it was 59% higher.
As a result, the small dwelling stock deficiencies in each state at June 2016 are anticipated to erode and become a dwelling stock surplus by June 2017. The stock surplus in each state is forecast to increase with the surplus likely to be most concentrated in the apartment sector.
With Western Australia’s commencements being 61% higher than underlying demand in 2015/16, a small stock surplus has already emerged, which is evidenced by Perth’s high vacancy rate.
With much of Western Australia’s temporary skilled migrants living in camps onsite and in temporary accommodation during periods of not working, it is likely that the surplus dwelling stock is higher than indicated.
As the Western Australian economy continues to slow and temporary migrants return to their country of origin, the oversupply is expected to become more acute over the next three years.
In the Northern Territory the current dwelling surplus is illustrated by Darwin’s high vacancy rates and falling rents, and the surplus is expected to persist throughout the forecast period.
Similarly, in Tasmania and South Australia, based on current and forecast construction levels, the current dwelling surplus in both states is forecast to rise through to 2018/19 and be higher than a year’s underlying demand.
The Australian Capital Territory has been consistently overbuilding, culminating in a growing surplus of dwellings over the next three years. This is characterised by falls in rents, and until recently, high vacancy rates.
There has been a marked shift toward new unit development since 2012/13, which includes villa units, townhouses, semi detached dwellings, terraces, flats and apartments. The rising demand for new units has partly been underpinned by demographic trends, with an increase in preference by some of the population to live in smaller dwellings.
<a href="/images/2016/10/14/Table%204.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/14/Table%204.jpg" alt="">
However, the largest driver of the shift has been the strong investor demand in this period, with units typically favoured by investor purchasers. Units have accounted for 46% of total dwelling approvals in Australia between 2012/13 and 2015/16. This compares with a 33% share in the 10 years to 2011/12.
The largest increase in unit development has been in Victoria (from 30% share in the 10 years to 2011/12, to 47% over the past four years) and Queensland (33% share rising to 46%). While over half of new dwelling approvals in New South Wales, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory are units, unit building activity has always accounted for a high share of new dwelling activity in this state and these territories. Gains in unit development have been less pronounced in the other states.
With the increase in unit construction being higher than for house construction over the past four years, it is likely that oversupplies in the states will be most prevalent in the unit sector. In Victoria and Queensland, where the greatest increases in unit dwelling building is occurring, the projected surpluses will be most heavily concentrated amongst apartments in the inner city markets.
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New dwelling supply will result in oversupply: QBE Housing Outlook

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The latest research from Chatswood Cityscope shows that commercial property sales in the areas covered have decreased in both sales volume and total value, according to CoreLogic's latest report.
For the quarter to September 2016 there were 22 sales at a total sales value of $94.2 million, compared to 29 sales at a total value of $371 million for the previous quarter. The yearly figures have increased, however, with 126 sales at a total value of $591.7 million for the 12 months to September 2016, compared to 113 sales at a total value of $358.8 million for the previous year.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of Chatswood Cityscope:
<a href="/images/2016/09/23/Chatswood%20Score%20Card.jpg" target="_blank">Click to open in new window</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/23/Chatswood%20Score%20Card.jpg" alt="">
Notable sales in the September 2016 update of Chatswood Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>A 10,630 square metre lot of vacant land at 2 Campbell Street, Artarmon, which was bought for $34.5 million; 
</li>
<li>A two-storey building with parking for nine cars at 50 Strathallen Avenue, Northbridge, which was bought for $14.46 million; and 
</li>
<li>A two-storey warehouse with a high-clearance loading dock and parking at 1 George Place, Artarmon, which was bought for $6.45 million.</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2016/09/23/Chatswood%20Quarterly%20Sale%20Chart.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic
Properties listed as for sale in the September 2016 update of Chatswood Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>Chatswood Chambers, a 14-storey office building with two levels of basement parking for 104 cars, at 815 Pacific Highway, Northbridge, available through Knight Frank Sydney; 
</li>
<li>Nirad House, a seven-storey building with retail, commercial and two levels of parking, 282 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, available through Colliers International; and 
</li>
<li>A three-storey building with retail on the ground floor and office space on the upper floors at 284 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, available through Colliers International.</li>
</ul>
Leasing opportunities listed in the September 2016 update of Chatswood Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>Two 13-storey office buildings with three levels of basement parking for 366 cars, at 495 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, which have office space of 850 to 5,500 square metres for lease through Cadigal Office Leasing and Colliers International North Sydney; 
</li>
<li>Sage Micropay Building, an A-grade, 20-level office tower with basement parking for 199 cars, at 67 Albert Avenue, Chatswood, which has office space of 630 to 3,800 square metres for lease through Cadigal Office Leasing and JLL North Sydney; and 
</li>
<li>Artarmon Business Court, a two-storey commercial/industrial building at 43 Herbert Street, Artarmon, which has industrial space of 591 to 1,678 square metres for lease through CBRE.</li>
</ul>
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Fewer commercial property sales at Chatswood: Cityscope

<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.

[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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