<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA</a>&nbsp;doesn’t just rise over North Sydney, it redefines it. Now in its final release, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>’s $1 billion architectural statement is not just complete, but already reshaping the way people live, connect and dine in this rapidly evolving harbourside CBD.

Positioned beside the new Victoria Cross Metro Station and boasting panoramic views across Sydney Harbour, Aura’s 386 residences crown a mixed-use precinct designed with unapologetic ambition. The curvaceous sandstone-inspired form by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, paired with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richard Stanisich</a>’s understated interiors, sets a design tone that’s both monumental and intimate.

At its peak, literally, the two penthouses so spectacular they command their own names; La Davina and Il Magnate. The residents are spread across the&nbsp;entire top floor, offering what many consider the most refined residences ever built in North Sydney. Designed by Richard and Kirsten Stanisich, each four-bedroom home is meticulously crafted to evoke calm, space, and permanence.&nbsp;

<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/VB70993aG-I?si=adRBlXQliYmYvaSz" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The kitchens are fully wrapped in natural stone, with integrated Gaggenau appliances, Sub-Zero fridges, concealed sculleries, and even a zip hydro tap delivering boiling, chilled and sparkling water on demand. A linear stone fireplace anchors the open-plan living space, dividing lounge and dining zones with quiet sophistication.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292861]

The master suite, meanwhile, feels more like a private retreat, complete with a custom stone makeup vanity, walk-through dressing area, and spa-inspired ensuite with heated stone floors, a freestanding Villeroy &amp; Boch tub, and timber veneer joinery throughout.

Kirsten Stanisich, Director of Richards Stanisich, said the penthouses offer incredible scale reflective of a single residence.&nbsp;

“We sought inspiration for these remarkable residences from the classic top-floor Parisian apartment," Stanisich said.

"We looked at what made these French apartments so elegant and found it really came down to their scale. It was ultimately this generosity of space that we used for the AURA penthouses, where we’ve designed considered rooms with deep large-scale proportions."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=310337]

Everyday living at Aura feels no less elevated. A dedicated 24-hour concierge, Technogym fitness centre, sky dining terraces, and a resort-style pool serve a lifestyle designed to rival luxury hotels.

At street level, Aqualand’s own hospitality arm, Etymon Projects, curates a precinct of LA-style bistros, Japanese fine dining, and local wine bars, all seamlessly integrated into the building’s sculptural podium.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=310337]

This final chapter, aptly dubbed The Finale, is more than a sales phase, it’s an invitation to two of the most exclusive apartments ever to be built in North Sydney.

With limited residences remaining, buyers can access curated incentives including stamp duty rebates, rental guarantees, legal fee coverage, and even $20,000 towards dining within the precinct.

From generous one-bedders to The Icons, two singular penthouses priced well into prestige territory, Aura’s offerings reflect a scale and calibre rarely seen in urban Sydney. And with move-in now immediate, this is no longer a promise of future luxury. It’s happening.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Staff Writer

Aqualand unveils penthouse collection at AURA By Aqualand in North Sydney

There’s no sign of the development wave that began several years ago slowing along Old Burleigh Road.

Around 10 new apartment developments are either underway or preparing to launch along the 800-metre strip stretching from the southern edge of Surfers Paradise towards the heart of Broadbeach, collectively adding just shy of 1,000 new apartments to the beachfront corridor.

The latest plans propose a further 30 apartments to replace an original six-unit walk-up on a 658 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/20a-old-burleigh-road-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">20A Old Burleigh Road</a>. The 14-storey building has been designed by Ferro Chow Architecture, which recently joined the Elevation Architecture Group.

The developer behind the project is Geoffrey Booth, whose Future Liv In has focused on delivering rental accommodation across regional Australia.

<img alt="Old Burleigh Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99d393e7-d404-43bc-80cb-6255c39b83d6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2012.28.44%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ZFT8F3mOny4M4ut.kFF3woC9WH9oR5gT" />

The Old Burleigh Road development will comprise 18 two-bedroom apartments, 10 three-bedroom apartments, and a single four-bedroom residence occupying the entirety of level 12. Above, the building will be crowned by a two-storey penthouse with its own private lift, several multi-purpose rooms, and two rooftop terraces — one featuring a puppy lawn and spa, the other offering a private swimming pool, sunset deck, and built-in barbecue.

Resident amenities will be located on the second level and include a pool with adjoining spa, cabana, and pool deck, along with an indoor residents’ lounge featuring a bar and an alfresco barbecue kitchen.

In the architectural statement submitted by Elevation Architecture, the project is referred to as “UMI”, which the firm says has been “inspired by the majestic hinterlands and shaped by the coastal climate”.

“It is an exemplar of how community living can still feel at one with nature, breathable, and deeply connected in place,” the architects noted.

They added that the site benefits from established building separation to adjoining towers, helping to maintain privacy, sunlight, and residential amenity, while still offering direct beach access within an urban setting.

“Drawing inspiration from the Gold Coast hinterlands and the region’s natural landscape, the podium and tower detail highlights the contrasting elements of treetop green and cliff-face peach. The vibrant texture and materiality shaped by time has a richness in depth and character.”

<img alt="Old Burleigh Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3d6c923-a0ab-4d74-86da-177313447e8e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2012.28.38%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=i2fygmoVQM6hWpbATTAW_yTitoMTrnI1" />

Old Burleigh Road has become a hotspot for developers, with the three-tower Jewel development kickstarting a wave of projects up and down the strip when it was completed in 2020.

Currently under construction and approaching completion is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/faro-broadbeach-123-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">FARO Broadbeach</a> by 5Point and Bottega, 21 large-scale half- and full-floor apartments. 5Point is also behind the recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lumara-108-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Lumara</a>, another 37 apartments to add to the pipeline.

Luxury builder GRAYA is progressing construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/enclave-by-graya-118-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Enclave</a>, its first Gold Coast tower, while Polycell remains the most active developer on the street. They are preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sandpiper-broadbeach-155-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Sandpiper</a>, a 50-storey redevelopment of the former Sandpiper Holiday Resort that will deliver around 200 apartments alongside extensive resident amenity. The group also has another 130-apartment project approved nearby, as does <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/dvb-approved-for-second-broadbeach-apartment-development">Dean Gallagher’s DVB Projects</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Old Burleigh Road apartment development wave continues

Sunshine Coast developer Habitat Development Group continues to position itself as one of the region’s largest new apartment developers.

Its latest project is in Maroochydore, where it is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-millwell-2-millwell-road-east-maroochydore-qld-4558">The Millwell</a>. Adjacent to the new 53-hectare Maroochydore City Centre project, Habitat is planning a further 180 apartments on a 3,468 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/132-136-aerodrome-road-maroochydore-qld-4558">132–136 Aerodrome Road</a>. The site was purchased with approval for a smaller 13-storey, 103-unit building.

Habitat will demolish the two existing retail centres, currently home to the Salvation Army Family Store and Neighbours Aid, and replace them with an 18-storey building featuring the significant rooftop amenities that have become a hallmark of Habitat developments in recent years. The rooftop will include both indoor and outdoor spaces, anchored by an infinity swimming pool.

<img alt="Maroochydore" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad434d07-666b-4614-b33e-530ad6a2d261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2010.12.33%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7pyLsPWKQuwv0us3_v.9DmbzEc2VZe9Z" />

There will be a mix of one- to four-bedroom apartments.

The Development Assessment Report, submitted to the Sunshine Coast Council, says the proposal&nbsp;is not speculative, but a response to both zoning intent and demonstrated housing need.

“The proposed development represents an appropriate and logical intensification of the site, consistent with the planning framework and the intended urban outcomes for the locality.”

Across the Sunshine Coast, councils are increasingly scrutinising not just height or yield, but whether new projects genuinely align with the long-term structure plans underpinning growth corridors. The&nbsp;ASTP Planning Report&nbsp;reinforces the approach, noting that the project has been shaped around site responsiveness rather than generic typology.

“The development has been designed to respond to the physical constraints and opportunities of the site, while delivering a high-quality residential outcome that integrates with the existing and emerging urban context.”

<img alt="Habitat" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a03fc54-4ca5-4868-88d0-eeced70604e2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-05%20at%2010.12.28%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=1pkK3lJrrZjkghTLBReM2zatcas4Nc4B" />

In mid-2025, Habitat, a developer that also builds its own projects, commenced construction on The Millwell, located just over one kilometre from the new proposal. The Millwell will comprise more than 200 apartments across two eight-storey buildings.

Habitat also has two projects on Lake Kawana in Birtinya: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-clair-birtinya-930-931-waterside-retreat-birtinya-qld-4575">St Clair</a>, a 200-unit, two-building development launched last year and set to welcome buyers this year; and Esperance, a 175-apartment project currently progressing through the development approval process.

First look: Habitat continues to bolster Sunshine Coast apartment pipeline with Maroochydore development plans

John Camilleri, the breeder of legendary racehorse Winx, is set to deliver a landmark two-tower beachfront development that would redefine the Surfers Paradise skyline.

Camilleri, who spent around $100 million acquiring development sites across the Gold Coast in 2025, has lodged plans for two new towers on the dress-circle stretch of Garfield Terrace, just two days before Christmas.

In assembling the site, Camilleri's Celestino Developments has effectively acquired the 71 Garfield project by Iris Capital and AALTO by Weiya Holdings, creating an unrivalled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">4,000 sqm beachfront holding along Garfield Terrace</a>.

The proposal comprises two residential towers of 55 and 48 storeys, linked by a dramatic skybridge which will home “exclusive VIP and wellness amenities.”

In total, the development would deliver 275 two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments across the two towers, rising above a shared landscaped podium that incorporates a central green space and a beachfront swimming pool stretching more than 90 metres.

<img alt="DBI" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="097900f3-6bef-4919-b168-b08f2f762876" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.37.58%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=et0SpmcvaPPVrexI_zWi46BVFtZBxAzx" />

Architecture firm DBI, in documents submitted to Gold Coast City Council, said the project at 63–79 Garfield Terrace would “establish a new benchmark for beachfront residential living on the Gold Coast.”

"The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience. Together, the 48-storey North Tower and 55-storey South Tower form a distinctive twin-tower composition whose dynamic silhouette will make a significant contribution to the Surfers Paradise skyline."

DBI said the architectural language draws inspiration from the fluidity and movement of the coastal landscape.

"Each tower is defined by organic, curving forms and continuous balcony ribbons that wrap the buildings, providing deep shading, enhancing environmental performance, and reinforcing the rhythmic, sculptural expression of the façade. These balcony forms also reduce the apparent mass of the towers while maintaining strong visual continuity from podium to summit. Sculpted reflective downturns run along the western spine of both towers, shifting and lifting as they extend upwards to frame service zones and open eastward to maximise ocean views."

<img alt="Garfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2a00ce3-a0e9-45d6-b4b5-b7baed592ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.40%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=DnruWV1dhLrtXOeElwekyd7vPq2gw55t" />

The project’s most striking feature is the skybridge at level 45, which will house executive lounges, formal dining spaces, wellness facilities and panoramic ocean-facing views.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI added.

The podium will host an extensive suite of recreational amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a large open green lawn, and the signature 90-metre pool stretching along the beachfront. The pool is divided into lap, lounge and children’s zones.

The southern end of the podium will accommodate additional wellness facilities, including a gymnasium, plunge pools, treatment rooms and a dedicated yoga lawn.

<img alt="Garfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee1b4f25-231f-4804-83b1-a573a1481962" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.55.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zObzIA3D5w7EwqPsHjr2pKrA4vbB28zL" />

There will be 127 apartments in the North Tower and 148 in the South Tower, including multiple penthouses, while the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages will be activated by a series of food and beverage tenancies.

Camilleri emerged as the most active site acquirer on the Gold Coast in 2025. He spent just over $30 million acquiring Pacific Point, a 10-level Surfers Paradise apartment block and an adjoining three-level duplex, from fellow racing identity and Aquis billionaire Tony Fung. Plans are now underway for a 93-apartment, 40-storey tower on the 1,682 sqm site.

He also paid $53.65 million for the 1,500 sqm Garfield Terrace site previously marketed as AALTO by Weiya Holdings, before acquiring the adjoining parcel from hotel billionaire Sam Arnaout’s Iris Capital, the developer behind V&amp;A Broadbeach.

First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge

The Melbourne-based HLA Group is the latest developer to expand into South East Queensland, lodging plans for a unique mixed-use short-term accomodation and apartment building in Taringa, with the building design inspired by the Glasswing Butterfly.

The development application for 10 Morrow Street seeks approval for a total of 232 dwellings, comprising 116 residential apartments and 116 short-stay accommodation units. The build-to-sell residential component is made up of 31 one-bedroom apartments, 67 two-bedroom apartments, 17 three-bedroom apartments, and a single four-bedroom apartment, offering a diverse mix aimed at singles, couples, families, and downsizers.

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33913cd4-9839-4456-b325-d35b3f8b4694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=sLvc7jUrYzDwqPDZBPrXTosKHDSp.qrt" />

Designed by Ellivo Architects, the tower takes strong inspiration from nature, with the architectural language driven by one of Queensland’s most delicate species. As described in the planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council, Ellivo Architects state the design is “inspired by the elegance of the Glasswing butterfly," and mirrors the graceful sweep of its wings, a form that feels light, fluid, and alive.

“Lush subtropical greenery is throughtfull woven throughout, transforming the building into a sanctuary in the heart of the city.”

The proposal positions the building as more than a conventional residential tower, with Ellivo Architects describing 10 Morrow Street as “an urban oasis that blends short term accomodation with residential living. A destination for rest, relaxation, and renewal.”

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="84e9a0ff-464e-4973-bffe-5d5a8fe9f087" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.32%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dhX9eVgUaQE2TvCzJPhF8N8_hzYSKpyK" />

Formally, the building’s massing and floorplate are directly shaped by its butterfly inspiration. Ellivo explain that, “adopting the wings of the Glasswing Butterfly, the tower's plan is divided into four distinct quadrants, each shaped to mirror the wing's segmented geometry and taking the slender ‘veins’ up the facade of the tower.”

"This approach results in a sculpted tower form with articulated façades and a strong vertical expression."

<img alt="Taringa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5947011d-ff6c-4a57-bdc1-9072a472a79c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.40.29%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=nnGqd4WCZM8AOJZY.c3u49BO4LurKRhb" />

The Assessment Report by Human Habitats said the 19-storey tower capitalises on its strategic connectivity and prominence at the entrance of Taringa Village and adjoining the Taringa Station.

"The proposal offers a significant revitalisation of the subject site that integrates architectural excellence, innovation, and sustainable design to directly address long-standing connectivity and safety challenges, housing supply , and diversity together with enhanced streetscape activation and convenient access to major transport corridors."

HLA Group Australia is registered to South Yarra and is currently delivering Adamson No.5, just 15 luxury apartments that start from around $2 million.&nbsp;

The Butterfly Effect: Glasswing butterfly inspires Taringa apartment development

We’ve rebranded Urban to <a href="http://apartments.com.au">Apartments.com.au</a>.

This marks the start of a new chapter—one focused on improving the way Australia’s off-the-plan apartment market works for both buyers and developers.

The core problem we’re solving hasn’t changed: it’s still too hard for buyers to access reliable, easy-to-understand information about new developments. Our platform is the only one in Australia that includes every off-the-plan apartment project, not just the ones that pay to be listed.

But we realised the brand “Urban” didn’t clearly reflect what we do or the impact we want to make.

“Apartments.com.au” is easier to remember, and it says exactly what we’re about: helping Australians find and buy new apartments.

The rebrand is also about scale. We want to make a bigger impact—unlocking more housing supply by making the process more transparent, and by helping quality developers connect with serious buyers.

This change doesn’t affect your experience as a subscriber. In fact, it’s part of our ongoing investment in better technology, smarter content, and more powerful tools to support your property journey.

We’re just getting started.

Michael Bird

Why we rebranded Urban to Apartments.com.au

Commercial Property Hub is a user-friendly digital platform that streamlines the process of finding suitable commercial properties in the City of Yarra and the City of Port Phillip.

&lt;iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D43Ldrb12rs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;

It offers an extensive database of commercial properties details, including details about zoning, overlays, and demographic information.

With this platform, businesses and individuals can identify properties that align with their specific needs and requirements.

The platform also provides links to council business concierge programs, which offer additional support to businesses to ensure their smooth operations.

Commercial Property Hub is a one-stop solution for businesses and individuals looking for hassle-free access to comprehensive information on commercial properties in the City of Yarra and the City of Port Phillip.

Commercial Property Hub is a user-friendly digital platform that streamlines the process of finding suitable commercial properties in the City of Yarra and the City of Port Phillip. 

Commerical Property Lookup Hub | City of Yarra of Port Phillip

The Charter Hall Group has been awarded WELL Certification at the Gold level for its landmark Adelaide office tower GPO Exchange, by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).

GPO Exchange &ndash; recognised as one of the most innovative and technologically advanced smart buildings in Australia &ndash; is the first ever project in South Australia to achieve WELL Certification.

This accolade was awarded through IWBI&rsquo;s WELL Building Standard, which is the premier global building standard to focus on enhancing people&rsquo;s health and wellness through&nbsp;buildings.

GPO Exchange was recently awarded a 5.5 Star NABERS Energy rating, 5 Star NABERS Water rating and 5&nbsp;Star NABERS Indoor Environment ratings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2407 project_image_fid=77658]

The following initiatives were introduced to lift GPO Exchange&rsquo;s WELL rating from Silver to Gold:

<ul>
	<li>Introduction of a green cleaning protocol focusing on the use of non-toxic cleaning materials to maintain healthy indoor air quality for occupants</li>
	<li>Attention to the design of high touch surfaces to enable them to be deep cleaned regularly to mitigate transmission of bacteria and viruses</li>
	<li>Introduction of specific cleaning equipment and storage of chemicals to enable the highest degree of cleanliness in the building</li>
	<li>Ongoing testing of building water quality</li>
	<li>Introduction of food policies that support the use of healthier eating choices</li>
	<li>Introduction of food policies that require nutritional information to be provided to occupants so that healthy eating choices are more easily made</li>
	<li>End-of-trip facilities enabling cycling to work and running during lunch breaks to support the physical health of occupants</li>
	<li>A report highlighting biophilic design features incorporated into the building to support the health and wellbeing of occupants</li>
</ul>

&ldquo;GPO Exchange is raising the bar for commercial sustainability in South Australia and has set a new benchmark for workplaces in this State. This incredible milestone is recognition of that,&rdquo; said Charter Hall Development Executive Mr George Roussos.

GPO Exchange was recently awarded a 5.5 Star NABERS Energy rating, 5 Star NABERS Water rating and 5 Star NABERS Indoor Environment ratings

jordan_55689

Charter Hall’s GPO Exchange achieves first Gold WELL Certification in South Australia

HIA has announced the appointment of its new national Vice President, Ms Debbie Johnson. Debbie is the second female to be elected to this position.

Debbie is a highly experienced and regarded building designer and builder based in Queensland bringing a strong portfolio of skills to the role having run her business for 35 years and being involved in a diverse range of industry and government boards throughout her career.

Debbie was appointed as the Queensland Regional President in 2013 and to the National Board in 2017.&nbsp;

Debbie was integral in the establishment of HIA&rsquo;s Building Women awards in Queensland which will celebrate their 7th annual event later this year. She supported the expansion of the program nationally and has shared her career journey speaking at many regional Building Women events over the last five years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94542 project_image_fid=160734]

Ms Johnson has expressed her desire to carry on the good work of her predecessors and represent the HIA core values.

&ldquo;I am proud to be a HIA member and will always promote the Housing Industry Association at every level,&quot;&nbsp;said Ms Johnson.

&ldquo;I want Australians to have confidence in our industry, in the products and materials we use and the homes we deliver every day for thousands of families. The industry is proud of our knowledge, experience and our skills and the Association will continue to work hard to develop the next generation of building professionals,&rdquo; she concluded.

HIA has announced the appointment of its new national Vice President, Ms Debbie Johnson

HIA appoint new national Vice President

ASIC has cancelled the Australian credit licence (ACL) of Dominique Grubisa&rsquo;s company Master Wealth Control Pty Ltd (Master Wealth Control), effective from May 2021.

ASIC cancelled the ACL on the basis that Master Wealth Control has not engaged in the credit activities authorised by its credit licence.

Since February 2020, the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 allows ASIC to cancel a credit licence if the licensee has not engaged in the credit activities authorised by the credit licence within a specified 6-month period.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2881 project_image_fid=148737]

Master Wealth Control held an ACL from 29 March 2011 to 3 May 2021 (number 400712). During this time, ASIC found that Master Wealth Control did not engage in any authorised credit activities under its credit licence in the period commencing 18 February 2020.

At ASIC&rsquo;s request, Ms Grubisa has also removed statements on the website claiming she was an &lsquo;ASIC licensed debt specialist&rsquo; and held an &lsquo;ASIC Financial Services Licence&rsquo;.&nbsp;

Neither Ms Grubisa nor her companies currently hold any authorisations or licence to provide financial services, ASIC advised.

ASIC&rsquo;s investigation into Ms Grubisa remains ongoing, it added.

Master Wealth Control may apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) for a review of ASIC&rsquo;s decision.

Master Wealth Control can apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) for a review of ASIC’s decision

jchancellor

ASIC cancels Dominique Grubisa’s Master Wealth Control credit licence

<html><body>The property sector was now emerging from the COVID-19 crisis with cautious optimism, according to the latest annual Avdiev Property Industry Remuneration Report.

"Almost without exception, survey participants reported their businesses are doing moderately to very well," Debra Moloney, principal of remuneration consultants Avdiev Report noted.

“2020 was a terrible year that will be forever etched in our minds as the year of COVID-19. 

"It appears that the worst is behind us. 

"Government stimulus packages, which have helped consumer spending, are also helping buoy the property and construction sectors.”

The Avdiev Property Industry Remuneration Report is a formal, Australia-wide survey of property, investment, construction employers and design and construction related consulting companies. 

It was the report’s 35th edition.
The results show property businesses went to great lengths to keep staff on, and teams leaned on each other for support. 

“Cost management strategies early on in COVID-19 ensured we were able to keep the majority of employees.” 

The survey revealed that working from home is here to stay. 

"Lockdowns, cancelled projects, the lack of face-to-face time, uncertainty, job losses, stress, change, pay freezes - and COVID-19 - were given as the main negatives in a difficult year," she noted.

"Not surprisingly, pay increases were minimal in 2020. 

"Nearly half of businesses (43%) imposed a pay freeze in their latest round of remuneration reviews.

"But businesses were more optimistic looking forward to their next remuneration review, with 71% planning on increasing remuneration during 2021."

Around half of the businesses advised they have taken on new staff in the last six months due to new business, however 21% reported headcount was lower than this time last year.

“The property sector, with its ability to adapt, has proven it is able to withstand even the most challenging conditions. 

"The outlook for remuneration is positive and indicates that the sector‘s recovery is well underway,” commented Debra Moloney.
</body></html>

The property sector's remuneration is positive and indicates that the sector‘s recovery is well underway.


Property industry remuneration coming out of 2020 pay freeze: Avdiev

<html><body>
Australian homeowners are skeptical about receiving unbiased advice from a bank when it comes to refinancing a home loan, according to research commissioned Mortgage Choice.

The research reveals two out of five (38%) homeowners are either in the process of refinancing or are considering making the move to a new loan.

However, 53% of homeowners are wary that if they speak to a bank they won’t be advised if they could get a similar or better home loan deal elsewhere. One in two (49%) homeowners feel that banks don’t always have their best interests at heart.

High levels of trust for mortgage brokers 

The survey results confirmed that a significant majority (94%) of Australian homeowners say they trust the loan recommendations made by a mortgage broker.

For half (55%) of the respondents surveyed, the number one benefit of partnering with a mortgage broker during the refinancing process is professional support comparing loan options, rates and features. For 45% of refinancers, a mortgage broker streamlines the process, “saving time and hassle”.

“Faced with what can be an overwhelming choice of home loans, homeowners want to be confident they are making the move to a loan that will improve their financial wellbeing through a lower rate, improved loan features, or both," Susan Mitchell, CEO of Mortgage Choice said.

“While banks can provide information on their own product suite, they do not have an in-depth understanding of competitors’ products. That is why I urge borrowers in the market for a better deal to engage the help of an experienced mortgage broker to learn what other options they have,” she added.
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Mortgage Choice found 53% of homeowners are wary that if they speak to a bank they won’t be advised if they could get a similar or better home loan deal elsewhere

urban.com.au

Australians are skeptical about receiving unbiased refinancing advice from banks

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Aussies say taking out a home loan is a process shrouded in mystery for many first home buyers, and 71% would like more help choosing a loan, according to the latest research by mortgage broker Mortgage Choice. An independent survey conducted by CoreData on behalf of Mortgage Choice, found that across all the stages of a buying a home, applying for a loan is the aspect where first home buyers (49%) are most likely to need the support of others.

One in two (57%) first home buyers report being ‘highly’ or ‘reasonably’ confident that they understand the home loan features best suited to their needs, however one in three (32%) have ‘minimal’ confidence. However more than one in ten (11%) have no confidence at all in their ability to distinguish which home loan is right for them. 

The top five challenges first home buyers identified in securing a home loan include:

<ol>
<li>47% Understanding how the whole process works</li>
	<li>46% Making sure they are getting the best deal possible</li>
	<li>45% Making sure they qualify for the loan amount and property they want to buy</li>
	<li>41% Establishing what they can afford to comfortably pay back</li>
	<li>37% Understanding what (if any) government support they qualify for.</li>
</ol>
Unsurprisingly, 71% of first home buyers say they wish they had more support to make decisions around choosing their first home loan. Among these first homeowners, 39% rank ‘someone to help guide me through’ as the top source of support they wish they had, 26% just want someone to help build their knowledge and confidence.

“Home loan interest rates are at historic lows, which is great news for first home buyers. But the research suggests that the biggest challenge many first home buyers face right now, is not financial – rather it’s uncertainty about how the buying process works," Susan Mitchell, CEO of Mortgage Choice, said.

When it comes to seeking support, the survey found one in two (50%) first home buyers rely on family, friends and work colleagues, 46% turn to a mortgage broker, and 36% rely on online information.
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More than one in ten first home buyers have no confidence at all in their ability to distinguish which home loan is right for them. 

71% of first home buyers wish for more support choosing their home loan

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A partnership between AVID Property Group (AVID) and RPS Group (RPS) have created an industry first, putting new masterplanned communities officially on the map.

The goal of new and improved street mapping services is boosting safety, convenience and liveability at communities. Mapping services such as Google have traditionally lacked the resources required to upload residential address data, taking up to five years to put new communities on the map.

RPS identified the roadblock in the delivery of connected communities, offering a service that bypasses the typical process and delivers digitally mapped communities in up to three weeks – a service that was quickly adopted by AVID for its Harmony community on the Sunshine Coast.

RPS Service Line Leader Urban Design Peter Egerton, who has worked on the Harmony by AVID Property Group project since 2007, said he was excited to see the community become the earliest adopter of the new service. 

AVID General Manager Queensland Bruce Harper said the convenience of digital mapping was a luxury that was often taken for granted “Having visitors easily find your house and getting deliveries to your doorstep is a simply luxury new developments often miss out on,” Mr Harper said. 

RPS spent a day in the field to capture data which then took a week to upload and an additional week and a half to for Google to vet the data and upload to their system – totalling a maximum of three weeks. RPS has completed the first round of 1,200 blocks, home to around 3,500 residents and includes the Harmony Café will continue to roll this service out as each stage of the development is completed.

Located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, Harmony is AVID Property Group’s $3 billion flagship development in South-East Queensland and is the largest masterplanned community underway in the Palmview area.

Set on 378 hectares, Harmony will deliver more than 4,800 homes for 12,000 future residents, catering to a diverse range of buyers – all enhanced by 100 hectares of open space and the future delivery of a new town centre. 

<h2>Other developments by AVID Property Group</h2>

<h2>The Rathbone</h2>

Address: 23-47 Flinders Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/rathbone.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="300" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/rathbone.png?itok=XxbflGfS" width="580"></a></figure>Set for completion in 2022, only 33 one, two and three bedroom single apartments and double storey bespoke terrace apartments will be offered.

Prices range from $1.295 million to $2 million.

The Surry Hills development was designed by Scott Carver and constructed by Deacon Construction
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Mapping services such as Google have traditionally lacked the resources required to upload residential address data, taking up to five years to put new communities on the map. 

AVID Property and RPS partner to put new masterplanned community Harmony, on the map

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The Australian estate agent Ken Jacobs has joined the launch of Forbes Global Properties, a curated consumer marketplace that connects high networth buyers directly to the world’s finest homes.

Forbes, one the world’s most-recognizable business media brand, announced the launch of Forbes Global Properties last week.

Established as an invitation-only consortium of leading real estate firms, the start-up will capitalize on Forbes’ engaged audience of 140 million monthly global visitors to connect, inform, and inspire high-net-worth potential homebuyers and sellers about the finest properties for sale around the world.  

It is entering the arena occupied by Global Mansion, operated within the News Corp group as a marketing platform. 

But spearheaded by Jeff Hyland, co-founder and president of Hilton &amp; Hyland, and Bonnie Stone Sellers, an accomplished real estate industry veteran, Forbes Global Properties is primarily broker owned and led.

Forbes is also invested in the initiative.

Hyland and Sellers have appointed Alex Lange, an industry veteran who most recently served as the CEO of UpstreamRE, as its chief executive.

Jacobs is on the board of directors, though his recently established entity Private Property Global. He retains the Christie's International Australian affiliation through his Prestige Homes of Australia office in Double Bay.

“Unlike other branded real estate groups, Forbes Global Properties is not merely a listing tool for agents — it offers direct and measurable access to potential high-net-worth buyers through Forbes’ worldwide media penetration,” Hyland suggests.

Membership in the network is reserved for 100 elite brokerage firms with homes being presented to potential buyers across Forbes and Forbes Global Properties print, digital, and social media channels.

The current membership spans more than 75 locations across the U.S., Asia and Europe with the network accepting new member brokerages in the coming months "after a rigorous vetting process." 

Founding member brokerages are established leaders in their local luxury property markets and have offices in more than 75 locations across the U.S., Asia and Europe. The network will begin accepting new member brokerages in the coming months after a rigorous vetting process.

The Forbes Global Properties brand also has another Australian connection — the founders tapped Tracey Atkins of Australian-run firm Goldeneye Media to make the launch film, available here. 

Reserved for luxury properties, forbesglobalproperties.com currently showcases thousands of high value homes available for sale around the world, including homes priced above USD$160 million.

More than 200 homes are priced above USD$10 million, but none yet from Australia.
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Forbes, one the world’s most-recognizable business media brand, announced the launch of Forbes Global Properties last week

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