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Yields in the capital cities are below the 15 year average, according to QBE’s latest housing report.
This can be seen in the chart below, which shows movement in indicative rental yields for houses by capital city. The indicative yield is calculated as the median three bedroom house rent divided by the median house price.
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/Chart%2010.jpg" alt="">
The indicative yield slightly understates actual yields, as the median house price is reflective of the whole market (investors and owner occupiers) while rents are reflective of just properties in the investment market.
Investment properties are more likely to be priced below the median house price of all dwellings, although achieve a typical rent. Nevertheless, movement in the indicative yield should correspond with actual yields.
QBE compared the rental return with the cost of financing by using the measurements for indicative rental yield and the standard variable interest rate respectively.
• In Sydney and Melbourne, indicative rental yields for houses are well below other capital cities, with stronger house price growth in these two capitals over the past three years widening the gap. At June 2016, the indicative rental yield for houses in Sydney was 2.4% and in Melbourne was 2.5%. For Melbourne, this was the lowest yield on record, for Sydney, yields are at their lowest level since 2004.
• In Adelaide and Perth, yields at June 2016 were on par at 3.9%. In Canberra, yields were a little higher at 4.2%. Adelaide’s yield has varied over the past 10 years, while sharp falls in rents in Perth have seen its yield decline. In Canberra, yields rose in the year to June 2016 as the fall in rents stabilised.
• Brisbane’s yields have fallen to 3.7% in 2015/16 as house price growth has been above the minimal rise in rents over the year. This is the lowest level recorded.
• In Darwin weaker rental growth has resulted in a continued decline in housing yields in 2015/16, to 4.6%. Darwin has the highest indicative house yield of the capital cities, just edging out Hobart which had yields relatively stable at 4.6% during the year.
Yields in all capital cities are below the 15-year average. Despite the low yields, the corresponding low mortgage interest rates means the gap between rental yields and interest rates in most capital cities remains narrow.
In some instances, selected properties in individual markets are likely to be positively geared, particularly with the current ability of purchasers to obtain a rate better than the current standard variable rate.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Rental yields in capital cities are below the 15-year average: QBE Housing Outlook

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The most popular price point in the north-west Gold Coast and southern Logan area is the $380,000 and $410,000 price bracket, according to Herron Todd White's latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that over the past two years, this range has been very popular in Yarrabilba with owner occupiers (particularly first home buyers) and investors.
There have been a large number of sales lately in this price range of recently completed houses which have never been occupied.
They are generally good value for money and provide the benefit of buying a new house without the lead in time and perceived stress related to building a home, the report said.
Purchasers of completed house and land products benefit from different lending criteria and the limited paperwork compared to the additional documents and contracts required for construction loans.
In this price range you get a new four bedroom, two bathroom house with double lock-up garage located on lots ranging in size from 290 to 450 square metres and with living areas of between 120 to 150 square metres.
A four bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-yarrabilba-123222694" target="_blank">13 Wildflower Street</a> (above) is for sale for $545,000 at Yarrabilba. It is a former display home.
In contrast to Yarrabilba, there is a limited market for standard housing above $550,000 in areas slightly further west including Jimboomba and the surrounding suburbs.
This area is traditionally a rural residential locality. Buyers have numerous choice from new to second hand dwellings.
A modern house can be purchased for around the $550,000 price point, typically constructed between 2008 and 2012 on around one acre with around 190 square metres of living area.
The HTW report notes these rural lifestyle properties are just that much further away from all amenities, schools, shops etc with longer travel times, however appeal to purchasers seeking a larger property than a standard residential lot.
These property types in the Jimboomba area are almost exclusively owner occupiers or investors who live short distances away.
While prices in these areas have increased, they tend to gain momentum and decline quicker than more centrally located properties with shorter market cycles.
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Yarrabilba has popular pricing for Gold Coast property: HTW

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Tumbarumba is ranked the NSW location where it is the slowest to sell a house, according to Investar’s latest market report.
The property investment firm states that an average house at Tumbarumba can expect to be on the market for 1028 days before being sold.
This is followed by Glenn Innes 653 days and Tea Gardens at 605 days.
<table border="1" align="left"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Suburb</td>
<td>Postcode</td>
<td>Dwelling type</td>
<td>Bedrooms</td>
<td>Days on market</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tumbarumba</td>
<td>2653</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>1028</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Glenn Innes</td>
<td>2370</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>653</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tea Gardens</td>
<td>2324</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>605</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tumut</td>
<td>2720</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>552</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jindabyne</td>
<td>2627</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>538</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
This list was produced using live on the market sales listing data.
It is also calculated at both a dwelling type and bedroom number level. It is designed to identify the slowest moving suburbs based on the average days a listing spends on the market at a suburb and property type level.
High average days on market indicates that the market is turning over stock slowly which may indicate that demand is weaker than supply creating a stronger negotiation point for buyers.
Houses for sale at Tumbarumba at the median price of $212,500 include a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-tumbarumba-123562838" target="_blank">10 Power Street</a> (above) that is for sale for $215,000. It has been for sale since September, but had been up for sale for much of 2014. It last sold at $175,000 in 2010.
Similarly a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-tumbarumba-123157482" target="_blank">23 Bell Street</a> (below) is for sale for $210,000. It was listed in July.
<img src="/images/2016/10/07/23%20Bell%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Tumbarumba is NSW's slowest selling housing market: Investar

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A whole floor tenanted strata office investment on Pitt Street, Sydney in Randstad House on the market through Ray White Commercial Sydney’s Christian Minards and Anthony Harris.
The property, Level 4/109 Pitt Street, Sydney, is 930 sqm and has nine separate strata lots with existing leases.
According to Christian Minards the property will return net rental income of $530,000 per annum with a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 3.16 years as of October 2016.
Ranstad House has 20 levels of offices, a public car park for 143 cars and a ground level retail arcadewith direct access to Wynyard’s trains and buses.
<img src="/images/2016/10/24/161024%20109%20Pitt%20St%20Sydney%20Interior.jpg" alt="">
Mr Minards said the Sydney CBD is currently expiring an unprecedented level of capital works being undertaken being a mix of NSW Government and private enterprise investment.
“This is evident with the resumption of numerous office buildings for the Sydney Metro rail, light rail from Circular Quay down George Street and the redevelopment of Wynyard,” he said.
“The private enterprise developments are also gathering momentum with Brookfield set to build their office development above Wynyard Station while AMP will be looking to get moving with their plans for Quay Quarter. Ultimately these projects when completed will truly enhance the Core precinct of the CBD.”
The property will go to auction at 10:30am (AEDT) on Tuesday, October 25, 2016, at the Mezzanine level, 50 Margaret Street, Sydney.
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Whole Sydney CBD office level for sale

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The latest research from Eastern Sydney Cityscope shows that commercial property sales have increased in both number and total sales value in the last quarter, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
For the three months to October 2016, there were 29 sales at a total value of $120.4 million, compared to 26 sales at a total value of $52.5 million for the previous quarter.
The yearly figures, however, have declined, with 125 sales at a total value of $404.8 million for the past twelve months, compared to 191 sales at a total value of $606.2 million for the previous year.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of Eastern Sydney Cityscope.
<a href="/images/2016/10/21/Cityscope%20East%20table.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/21/Cityscope%20East%20table.jpg" alt="">
Notable sales listed in the October 2016 update of Eastern Sydney Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>Angela House, a four-storey office building with retail on the ground floor and parking for 12 cars, at 30-36 Bay Street, Double Bay, which was bought for $20.5 million; 
</li>
<li>A two-storey brick building with retail on the ground floor at 124 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, which was bought for $19.12 million; and 
</li>
<li>A three-storey commercial building with parking for eight cars at 120-124 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills, which was bought for $12 million.</li>
</ul>
<a href="/images/2016/10/21/Cityscope%20East%20graph.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/21/Cityscope%20East%20graph.jpg" alt="">
Properties listed as for sale in the October 2016 update of Eastern Sydney Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>Edgecliff Centre, a seven-storey office building over a two-level shopping centre with a net lettable area of 10,850 and underground parking, connected to the Edgecliff Rail/Bus Interchange, at 203-233 New South Head Road, Edgecliff, available through JLL and Knight Frank; 
</li>
<li>Adams Building, a five-storey building with retail on the ground floor, three floors of office space, and residential on the top floor, at 485-489 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, available through Deans Property; and 
</li>
<li>Briad House, a five-storey commercial building with parking for five cars, at 491-493 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, available through CMS Real Estate.</li>
</ul>
Leasing opportunities listed in the October 2016 update of Eastern Sydney Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>Holdsworth House, a three-and-five-storey former warehouse building, now with retail and office space of 5,719 sqm and parking for 22 cars, at 32A Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, which has office space of up to 4,711 sqm for lease through Colliers International; 
</li>
<li>100 William Street, Woolloomooloo, a 24-storey office tower with basement parking, which has office space of 312 to 1,162 sqm for lease through Colliers International; and 
</li>
<li>Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, a 22-storey hotel with retail on the ground floor, three levels of office space and underground parking, at 26-36 College Street, Darlinghurst , which has office space of 944 sqm for lease through Colliers International.</li>
</ul>
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Commercial property sales increase in East Sydney over the last quarter: CoreLogic

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Three properties in Milton owned by the proprietors of Toowong Milton Body Repairs have been sold to two buyers for a total of $9.5million in deals negotiated by JLL’s Christian Sandstrom and Sam Byrne together with Pat George and Philip O’Dwyer from Colliers International.
Two properties - 10 Crombie Street and 38 Cribb Street Milton – were sold for a combined $7.15million.
The 810sqm land parcel situated at 38 Cribb Street was sold to Hong Kong-based Golden Horse Group, the developer behind Icon Milton, a luxury 20 level apartment tower linked by landscaped sky bridges and a rooftop garden.
The property at 10 Crombie Street comprised 405sqm of land improved by a small office and warehouse building and was purchased to expand the group’s development further.
A third property also owned by Toowong Milton Body Repairs at 9 Railway Terrace was also sold to an adjoining private owner for $2.35million.
Toowong Body Repairs plan to relocate to a purpose fit building in a more traditional light industry setting.
Chris Manteit from Toowong Milton Body Repairs said, “We have operated from our Milton site for 40 years, successfully servicing the local and greater Brisbane areas. We will be sad to leave, though look to our future with excitement as we begin construction on our new ‘purpose built’ facility.  We believe this will strengthen our position in the market, and take our business to a new level.”
JLL’s Christian Sandstrom said the formal expressions of interest campaign fielded a wide range of enquiry.
“The offers for sale attracted both local and interstate groups with a particular focus from owner occupiers wanting to capitalise on the change from light industry to medium density residential and commercial development in the suburb,” he said.
“Other interested parties included private investors wanting to refurbish the buildings into alternate uses like bars, cafes and convenience retail; this is a strong reflection the area and of the diversification buyers are considering for the area.”
Located 1.5km from the CBD, Milton also has an established residential population across both low and high density development.
Milton is quickly transforming into a thriving inner-city precinct, fuelled by several mixed-use developments that are considered ‘game changers’ for the suburb – projects that will ignite the area’s population growth.
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Three Milton properties sold for $9.5million

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An opportunity to own a property filled with history and vintage charm is now available in regional Victoria.
It is at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-heathcote-502143410" target="_blank">146 High Street, Heathcote</a>, 30 minutes to Bendigo and 90 minutes to Melbourne.
The brick church is circa 1955 and the wooden hall circa 1850.  Originally the St Andrew’s Presbyterian holding, the 165 year old building is suited for family living and a commercial enterprise.
Located within the bustling heart of Heathcote, buyers could take advantage of Heathcote’s prime position as the gateway to Lake Eppalock with high exposure to passing traffic.
The wooden ‘Hall’ is currently used as an art gallery but the marketing suggests commercial pursuits (STCA) including a small shop or cafe, even dance studio.
It has original features including Baltic pine floor boards, arches and gothic colonial windows.
The building has been re-stumped, re-wired and re-plumbed, has gas heating, split system heating and cooling, and ceiling fans.
This property is being offered through Elders Real Estate agent Martin Skahill for November 18 auction.
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165 year old building in Heathcote for auction

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For the week ending the 14th October there were 27 reported commercial auctions with a 48.1 percent clearance rate, compared to the previous week’s 45 reported at 44.4 percent, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
This is almost half the reported volume as the same period last year, with a total of 53 auctions recorded and a 64.1 percent clearance rate.
<a href="/images/2016/10/21/Clearance%20table.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/21/Clearance%20table.jpg" alt="">
Over the four weeks ending 14th October, there were 132 commercial auctions reported with 71 results reported as sold.
The total value of the 43 sold results reported with a price was just short of $90.3 million.
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Commercial auction clearance rate in Sydney improves: CoreLogic

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After hitting the market with an indicative price guide of $3 million, a rundown cottage in Redfern has had its price guidance revised to $2.5 million.
The Georgian house, known as Dascombe Cottage at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-redfern-123747590" target="_blank">46-48 Burnett Street</a> sits on a rare 507 sqm land parcel, almost five times larger than other lots in the suburb.
Most of Redfern's slim terraces are squashed into blocks of about 100 sqm.
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/Redfern3.jpg" alt="" width="472" height="267">
The cottage is steeped in history and any buyer would need to incorporate the heritage listed home into any development.
Extra stories cannot be added to the home and changes cannot be made to the front facade unless they are restoring the original features.
The mid-Victorian-era home dates back to at least the mid-1850s and is part of the original estate of William Redfern, the suburb's namesake.
<img src="/images/2016/10/13/Redfern1.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="274">
The Burnett Street property through BresicWhitney's William Phillips and Shannan Whitney goes to auction November 5.
William said he had never seen a property like it before telling Fairfax Media: “Never. Not of this age, not on a block of land this big.”
“We have had around 20 groups through so far.” 
Most of the inquiries so far have come from developers looking to subdivide and locals looking to build, with the potential to put a new home alongside the existing building.
He said the house was habitable in its current state: “It’s liveable – it’s just very tired.” 
He suggests any plans that buyers had for the property would need to be discussed with council.
 
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Rundown Redfern cottage price revised to $2.5 million

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Flemington is ranked the Melbourne suburb with the fastest selling houses, according to Investar’s latest market report.
The property investment firm calculates houses listed by private treaty in Flemington sell in 39 days.
This is followed by Kensington at 40 days and Caulfield South at 42 days.
<table border="1" align="left"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Suburb</td>
<td>Postcode</td>
<td>Dwelling type</td>
<td>Bedrooms</td>
<td>Days on market</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Flemington</td>
<td>3031</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kensington</td>
<td>3031</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Caulfield South</td>
<td>3162</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elsternwick</td>
<td>3185</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brunswick</td>
<td>3056</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>43</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
 
 
This list was produced using live on the market sales listing data.
It is also calculated at both a dwelling type and bedroom number level. It is designed to identify the fastest moving suburbs based on the average days a listing spends on the market at a suburb and property type level.
Low average days on market indicates that the market is turning over stock quickly which may indicate that demand is stronger than supply.
Houses for sale at Flemington at the median price of $850,000 include a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-flemington-123684630" target="_blank">17 Sturt Street</a> (above) that was offered for auction with price guidance between $850,000 to $900,000.
It fetched $1,237,000 at weekend auction.
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Flemington takes top spot in Melbourne's fastest selling houses: Investar

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a> has received development approval for its 51-storey mixed-use tower at 153-157 Walker Street, North Sydney, set to be one of the tallest mixed-use residential-led buildings in one of Sydney’s most sought-after commercial and residential addresses.

Lodged as a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) through the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway and approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure following a comprehensive public exhibition and submissions process, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/153-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">the project</a> will deliver 296 apartments, alongside a 170-room, luxury hotel, activated retail and significant public domain improvements.

Situated just 200 metres from Victoria Cross Metro Station, on one of the largest developable sites in North Sydney, the development will rise to 234 metres, making it one of the tallest buildings in the suburb. With an end value of approximately $1.5 billion, the project responds directly to the NSW Government’s mandate to accelerate housing delivery in well-located, transit-connected areas.

<img alt="Freecity gets green light for mixed-use residential and hotel tower in North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="192ec455-94bf-4e01-83ef-922b1b269d67" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Freecity%20-%20Walker%20Street%20North%20Sydney%201%20RESIZED%20.jpg?VersionId=Bzqp0SBHCDvLAHjA4QXkjuGoOEIh73Jl" />

The apartment mix will cater to a broad range of buyers, with 65 studio and one-bedroom apartments, 139 two-bedroom residences, 35 three-bedroom apartments, 48 four-bedroom homes, and nine penthouses. Residents will have access to a dedicated amenity level on Level 33, featuring a swimming pool with views towards the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and North Sydney CBD, as well as a gym, library, shared kitchen, lounge and outdoor entertaining areas.

The hotel will occupy the lower six levels of the building and include meeting and function spaces, a wellness centre with gym, yoga studio, swimming pool and sauna, further strengthening North Sydney's growing hospitality offering.

At ground level, the development has been designed to improve pedestrian connections through the precinct. More than 700 sqm of retail space will activate the street frontage, while a landscaped through-site link connecting Walker Street, Little Walker Street and Doris Fitton Park will provide new public open space with seating, paving and extensive native landscaping.

Freecity Group Co-Founder and Joint CEO Tony Sun said the project represents one of the most significant development opportunities currently available in North Sydney.

"This is one of the most significant development sites in North Sydney and it comes at a pivotal moment for the precinct," Sun said.

"North Sydney is undergoing a genuine transformation, and this project will contribute housing the city urgently needs while creating a landmark destination."

Executive Director of Development Michael Romano said demand for both residential and hotel accommodation would continue to strengthen as the Metro precinct matures.

"The structural demand for high-quality housing and hotel accommodation in North Sydney is compelling, and will only grow as the precinct continues to evolve around the new Metro station," Romano said.

Architectus has designed the tower, orientating the apartments to maximise views towards Sydney Harbour while introducing a sculpted façade intended to respond to light, wind and the surrounding skyline.

Architectus Principal Marko Damic said the design sought to create a tower that contributes to the public realm as much as the skyline.

"We wanted to design a tower that doesn't just sit in the skyline but actively participates and contributes to city life," Damic said.

Joel Robinson

First look: Freecity gets green light for mixed-use apartment and hotel tower in North Sydney

<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]

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.

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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."

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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."

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Just 10 kilometres from Melbo​urn​e's CBD, Ivanhoe combines direct city connectivity with the amenity of an established village community. Residents have access to highly regarded schools, expansive parklands, public transport, and a thriving retail and hospitality precinct centred around Upper Heidelberg Road, all within a neighbourhood that has retained its leafy character despite its proximity to the city.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela Ivanhoe</a> sits within the heart of this established landscape, positioned just moments from Ivanhoe Village and within walking distance of many of the suburb's most sought-after amenities.

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From Candela, residents can access cafés, grocers, wine bars, restaurants and essential services on foot, while Ivanhoe Station and Darebin Station provide direct connectivity across Mel​bour​ne. The development is also surrounded by some of the suburb's best-known lifestyle destinations, including Pinkie, Laurent, Enni, Docasa and Woodfire Pizza e Cucina, alongside Ivanhoe Plaza, Woolworths, pharmacies and specialty retailers.

Green space is another defining feature of the suburb. Darebin Parklands, Ivanhoe Park, Nellie Ibbot Park and the Yarra River trail network provide extensive opportunities for recreation, while Ivanhoe Golf Course and Ivanhoe Tennis Club continue to underpin the area's long-established lifestyle appeal.

The suburb's education offering further strengthens demand. Ivanhoe Grammar School, Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School, Mary Immaculate Primary School and Ivanhoe Primary School have helped establish the area as one of Melbou​​rne's most sought-after schooling precincts, attracting families and downsizers alike who want to remain connected to the area.

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While location was the priority for Marita and Chris, the project itself also needed to meet their expectations.

"Whilst location was paramount, I was also looking at design of the environment and Candela ticked every box," Marita said.

"We're just thrilled with our choice."

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Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>, Candela Ivanhoe has been designed to complement its village setting, with an emphasis on generous floorplans, natural light and practical everyday living.

Residents will have access to a range of shared amenities, including a communal rooftop garden and dedicated residential lounge, complemented by a ground-floor café and lifestyle wellbeing centre, helping foster the sense of community already emerging among future owners.

That approach has resonated strongly with the market. More than 90 per cent of purchasers at Candela Ivanhoe are owner-occupiers, with buyers ranging from downsizers and second-home buyers to young families and first home buyers, creating a genuinely multi-generational community of grandparents, parents and children. It reflects a broader shift across Melbo​​urne's apartment market, where buyers are increasingly prioritising neighbourhood quality, lifestyle amenity and long-term liveability.

Currently under construction by Ironside, Candela Ivanhoe comprises 58 apartments. Candela Ivanhoe is scheduled for completion in the coming months, and residents can move in from September. One to four bedroom residences, prices from $649,000 and limited opportunities remaining.

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Location and lifestyle drive demand at Candela Ivanhoe

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