Private equity real estate firm Conquest has entered into a $220 million partnership with Woolworths’ development arm, Fabcot, to deliver its long-awaited Waterloo project on Bourke Street.

The Bourke Street development was first flagged by Fabcot back in 2021 as part of its push into Sydney’s residential market. However, progress has since stalled, with no activity on site amid a number of design revisions in consultation with the City of Sydney.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a>, which is actively planning more than $6 billion worth of new developments, predominantly mixed-use precincts, is now set to move the project forward.

The current plans include between 110 and 120 apartments across two buildings designed by Bates Smart at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/923-935-bourke-street-waterloo-nsw-2017">923 Bourke Street</a>. The scheme will incorporate a portion of apartments reserved for key workers, alongside premium commercial space at ground level, including a full-line Woolworths supermarket.

Construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2026.

Michael&nbsp;Akaawi, CEO of Conquest, said the partnership reflects the firm’s commitment to "convenience-led" urban renewal."

"We are preparing to commence construction in the second half of this year," Akaawi says.

"Along with Woolworths, we look forward to delivering the first major supermarket to the growing Waterloo community, integrated with premium new apartments and specialty retail shops. Our focus is on creating a seamless lifestyle hub where essential services are at the doorstep, saving residents time and enhancing their quality of life."&nbsp;

<img alt="Conquest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8beee83-ef9b-446b-a3b3-1e2fe596512b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-01%20at%2011.08.46%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=raYhGepiLUJfx4InLPRRJduA3ftDJ_kS" />

The news comes just a week after Conquest went to the NSW Government to upsize its plans for Castlecrag's Quadrangle Shopping Centre.

Conquest purchased the site for just shy of $70 million last year, with existing plans in place for a mixed-use residential and retail precinct comprising 38 luxury apartments.

Those plans have now been significantly expanded, with the developer lodging a State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority for 150 apartments across two 11-storey buildings. The apartments will sit above a four-storey podium, incorporating specialty retail tenancies and five levels of basement car parking, on the 5,166 sqm site at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/100-edinburgh-road-castlecrag-nsw-2068">100 Edinburgh Road</a>.

Conquest has been increasingly active in the development space in recent years. The group acquired the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/eastlakes-nsw-2018">Eastlakes</a>&nbsp;Shopping Centre redevelopment, where it plans to deliver more than 1,000 apartments above a new retail precinct, and has also lodged a $900 million State Significant Development Application for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/conquest-unveils-900m-stanmore-village-vision-for-landmark-inner-west-site">mixed-use precinct in Stanmore</a>.

Joel Robinson

Conquest partners with Woolworths to deliver mixed-use Waterloo project

A shift away from Sydney’s industrial past has left parts of the inner south defined by contrast, brick warehouses repurposed into dining precincts, former factory streets softened by landscaping and pedestrian activity.

Rosebery is one of those suburbs. Over the past decade, it has undergone significant gentrification, anchored by The Cannery, which has helped reposition the area as one of the inner city’s most sought-after lifestyle pockets.

What hasn’t kept pace with that transformation is new residential supply, which has remained relatively limited. Builder-developer Deicorp identified that gap early, securing a site in 2019 and delivering what is now one of the suburb’s most architecturally distinctive developments.

To realise the vision, Deicorp engaged Candalepas Associates to design The Rothschild, a project that is immediately recognisable from the street.

Completed in 2025, The Rothschild comprises two buildings across Rothschild and Mentmore Avenues, delivering 176 apartments. The development replaces a former industrial site, retaining a material and structural dialogue with its past while introducing a more resolved residential framework. The scale is deliberate but not monolithic, broken into forms that engage both street frontages, with retail at ground level and two levels of basement parking below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221665]

From the street, the architectural intent is clear. Off-form concrete columns run through the façade, establishing a repeated structural rhythm that gives the building its visual weight. These are paired with deep-set arches and sections of exposed brickwork, creating a layered elevation that reads less like a typical apartment block and more like a reinterpretation of industrial architecture.

The material palette is intentionally restrained, with concrete left exposed and brick used to define mass rather than decoration. The result is a building that stands out through proportion and repetition, rather than height or glazing.

This approach continues internally. A central landscaped courtyard sits between the two buildings, anchored by an olive grove that acts as both a visual and spatial focal point. Rather than functioning as residual space, the courtyard is designed as a shared ground plane, where circulation paths, seating areas and planting come together to create a usable communal environment. Its positioning allows natural light to penetrate deep into the site while maintaining separation between residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221666]

Within the apartments, the planning follows a clear and functional logic. Entry points lead directly into open-plan living areas, with kitchens positioned as central elements alongside dining and lounge spaces. These zones extend to balconies or external openings, maintaining a visual connection to either the courtyard or the street.

Kitchens prioritise practicality, with generous bench space, ample storage and European appliances configured for everyday use. Bedrooms are typically set back from the main living areas, creating quieter zones within each residence, with separation achieved through layout rather than material change. Bathrooms are compact but efficient, incorporating mirrored cabinetry and integrated storage to maximise space. Across all residences, the emphasis is on clarity of movement and functional planning.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221669]

At ground level, retail and hospitality uses extend the building’s presence beyond its residential function. A café or restaurant space, alongside communal amenities such as a music room and rooftop areas, positions the development as part of a broader urban network rather than a standalone project. These shared spaces reinforce a lifestyle where the building operates as an extension of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Rosebery’s proximity to Green Square, The Cannery and nearby parklands supports this model of living, where much of daily life is within walking distance. The Rothschild sits comfortably within that network, contributing to the streetscape through its distinctive architecture, while internally organising space around light, structure and communal use.

The Rothschild is now complete and ready to move in, with limited residences remaining.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106843]

The Rothschild reinterprets Rosebery’s industrial DNA into residential form

KTQ has unveiled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/casilia-16-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Casilia</a>, the final residential release within the Kirra Point precinct which really kicked off the boom in the area back in 2019.

The final stage comprises&nbsp;87 residences and marks the culmination of a long-term, family-led vision for Kirra Point, as the precinct moves toward completion in tandem with the development.

Around $100 million in sales have been achieved already, close to 35 per cent of the residences secured ahead of launch. There have been a significant number of buyers returning from the first stage of the development, Miles Residences, securing another property within Kirra Point.

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Selling agent Tim Keenan from Keenan Byrne said the response reflects both the scarcity of the offering and Kirra’s growing reputation as a premium coastal market.

“This is effectively Kirra’s final act, the last release within what has become one of the Southern Gold Coast’s most tightly held beachfront precincts,” Keenan said.

“We’ve seen exceptionally strong pre-sale interest, from VIP waitlists through to off-market enquiry, which speaks to both the quality of the product and the confidence buyers have in the precinct. What’s particularly compelling is the number of buyers returning from Miles, either upgrading or investing again, which is a strong signal of how the precinct has been received."

Keenan adds that at the same time, north-facing beachfront remains exceptionally rare in Australia, limited to places like Noosa, Byron and Kirra, which is underpinning long-term value.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368415]

Positioned along one of Australia’s few true north-facing beaches, Casilia offers a mix of two and three-bedroom residences with pricing ranging from $1.87 million to $7.15 million and two exclusive penthouses. Residences are oriented to capture varying outlooks, from uninterrupted Pacific Ocean views across Kirra Beach to hinterland vistas, with upper levels and shared amenity taking in sweeping perspectives along the Gold Coast coastline.

At rooftop level, a north-facing pool deck captures expansive, uninterrupted views over Kirra Beach and north towards Surface Paradise. The space incorporates a heated resort-style pool, mineral spa, sun lounges and a covered BBQ cantina.

Buyer profiles are broad, typically aged between 40 and 70, with a strong skew toward second-home ownership, drawn by a combination of lifestyle, relative value, proximity to Gold Coast Airport and lower congestion compared to more established markets such as Byron Bay and Noosa.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368414]

The project is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ktq-group">KTQ Group</a>, a family-owned Australian property group with a diverse portfolio spanning residential, hospitality and commercial developments. The group has delivered a number of notable projects across sectors, including the award-winning Elements of Byron resort, demonstrating its depth of experience across both hospitality and residential development.

Known for its long-term approach to place-making, KTQ Group retains a vested interest in its projects, often holding assets within its portfolio, which has also helped build trust among buyers and reinforced confidence in both the vision and delivery certainty of the precinct.

“Casilia represents the final opportunity to secure a residence within Kirra Point and brings to market the last release within our long-term vision for the precinct," KTQ Group's Jeremy Holmes said.

"Kirra Point has been more than a decade in the making, and that timeframe reflects the care behind each decision, it takes listening, balance and vision to arrive at something that feels right for the location.

“Our approach has always been to deliver Kirra Point as a destination in its own right, a connected coastal neighbourhood integrating residential, hospitality and wellness, rather than a standalone project. It’s a vision that respects place, pace and permanence, and contributes to a sense of community that feels authentic to Kirra.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368411]

Once complete, the Kirra Point masterplan will incorporate a mix of dining establishments, bars and cafés, alongside the Kirra Point Health Club and a future 91-room independent resort hotel, creating a walkable, integrated lifestyle precinct.

Architecutue and interiors at Casilia have been designed by the experienced design houses of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/little-boat-projects">Little Boat Projects</a> and O’Neil Architecture &amp; Interior Design, The design moves beyond the conventional coastal apartments, instead taking cues &nbsp;from the surrounding landscape - layering natural materials, soft curves and warm textures to create spaces that respond to light, airflow and the rhythms of coastal living.

Residences are designed with an array of floorplates, generous proportions and intuitive flow, while at ground level Casilia connects into the broader precinct, where future laneways, retail and hospitality offerings will contribute to a neighbourhood defined as much by how people live day-to-day as its beachfront position.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152295]

The final residential release within the Kirra Point masterplan is set to launch, as strong pre-sales signal sustained demand for the Southern Gold Coast

A decade in the making: KTQ launches Casilia at Kirra Point

South East Queensland developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a>’s entry into the Gold Coast apartment market has progressed from pipeline to market, with its Chevron Island project Bronze on Chevron now formally available to purchase ahead of a planned 2029 completion.

The 119-apartment development on Mawarra Street marks the Brisbane-headquartered builder-developer’s first residential play in the Gold Coast, following its expansion south from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> comprises a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, with pricing starting from just over $1.5 million. The project is being delivered under Gardner Vaughan’s fully integrated model, with the group acting as both developer and builder, a structure it has consistently applied across its South East Queensland portfolio.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367182]

Architecture has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jeremy-ferrier-landscape-design">Jeremy Ferrier</a>. The building presents as a single-tower scheme, with a focus on maximising outlook across both the Surfers Paradise skyline and the Nerang River.

Apartments have been planned with open-plan living zones extending to generous balconies, a response to the site’s dual-aspect positioning between river and ocean. Interiors follow a restrained coastal palette, with two colour schemes offered, and an emphasis on natural light and cross-ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367181]

Resident amenity is concentrated across more than 1,250 sqm and includes a resort-style pool, gym, yoga lawn and rooftop entertaining areas. A function space with catering facilities forms part of the upper-level offering, alongside north- and south-facing outdoor areas.

Ground level will incorporate two retail tenancies, intended to extend the existing village character of the surrounding streets.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367200]

The project sits within walking distance of Thomas Drive’s established dining strip, while maintaining proximity to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a> beach and broader Gold Coast amenity. The location, positioned on Chevron Island between the river and coastline, has increasingly attracted mid- to high-density development in recent years as the precinct evolves beyond its low-rise origins.

Gardner Vaughan’s move into the Gold Coast was first signalled in 2025, with the group identifying the region as a natural extension of its operations. Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge described the expansion as both “strategic and natural”, citing demand for well-designed apartments in lifestyle-driven markets.

Construction is expected to complete in early 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

Gardner Vaughan brings Bronze on Chevron to market as Gold Coast debut

One of the penthouses at Lily Lane, the latest stage of Carrington Place by Ellipse Property, has set a new local apartment price record.

The four-bedroom residence, purchased by a local downsizer, sold for $5.75 million—around 75 per cent higher than the previous record of $3.3 million.

Over 40 per cent of the first release of apartments at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lily-lane-at-carrington-place-castle-hill-32-carrington-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Lily Lane</a> have already been snapped up just six weeks since it launched to the market.

&nbsp;

Located at 32 Carrington Road, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a> and designed by award-winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ptw">PTW</a>, Lily Lane is directly opposite the Hills Showground Metro station. It offers a total 213 units over two 12-storey towers - a mix of 67 one-bedroom, 100 two-bedroom and 46 three-bedroom apartments - with a ground-floor retail offering.

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Blake Schulze, National Director – Residential at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>, says around 44 per cent of buyers are&nbsp;owner occupiers, with 35 per cent being investors and 21 per cent first homebuyers.

“Developments of this calibre are very rare in the Hills District, and Lily Lane’s sales success demonstrates the depth of demand for over-sized apartments that genuinely compete with freestanding homes," Schulze says.

"We are seeing particular demand from downsizers who want to remain in the area but transition into spacious, high-quality apartment living."

On the penthouse sale, it says it shows buyers&nbsp;are prepared to pay a premium for scale, quality, and direct access to the Metro.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=368351]

One-bedroom apartments are sized from 50-72 sqm with prices starting at $745,000, while two-bedrooms are priced from $990,000 with sizes from 75 to 132 square metres. Three-bedroom floorplans are sized between 97 and 182 sqm,, with prices starting at $1,395,000.&nbsp;

The three remaining penthouses, spanning up to 262 sqm, are priced from $2.9 million.

Over 75 per cent of apartments include dedicated studies, multipurpose rooms or family rooms, with select layouts offering walk-in pantries and laundries. Apartments are appointed with premium Miele appliances including ovens, washing machines, dryers, gas cooktops and dishwashers, while larger residences also incorporate integrated Miele microwaves, Fisher &amp; Paykel integrated refrigerators and five-burner Miele cooktops.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360285]

Lily Lane will be constructed by award-winning iCIRT-rated builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode Group</a>, with construction to commence in mid-2026 and expected to complete early 2029.

Carrington Place comprises more than 800 apartments and is being delivered across multiple stages, with completion expected in 2032. Integrated with neighbouring bushland, the project will feature over 20,000 sq, of outdoor recreational area, including a one-kilometre boardwalk to Fred Caterson Reserve.&nbsp;

The Hills Showground Metro Station is just a two-minute walk away, offering fast connectivity to Sydney’s CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood, Macquarie Park and Norwest Business Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151821]

Ellipse sets Castle Hill apartment record with $5.75 million Lily Lane penthouse sale

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

Nearly a year after purchasing the former Leo's Fine Food &amp; Wine supermarket in Kew for a reported $52 million, Melbourne developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/orchard-piper">Orchard Piper</a>, in a consortium with billionaire James Packer, has filed development plans for the site.

The proposal includes just under 200 apartments on the 6,835 sqm block, which spans <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/26-36-princess-street-kew-vic-3101">26-36 Princess Street and 11-15 Brougham Street</a>. Approval is being sought through the Department of Transport and Planning’s (DTP) Development Facilitation Program (DFP).

The buildings, designed by Wardle, will vary in scale and rise up to 18 storeys. One-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments will be offered, along with townhouses. Ten per cent of the total dwellings will be allocated to key worker housing.

The development will also include 19 new retail premises, comprising a mix of shops, restaurants and cafés, including a dedicated space for a high-quality produce offering similar to Leo’s.

<img alt="Kew" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="67cc85a5-a9d8-4eaa-95ae-fd93762d3297" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%208.15.07%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_p57VJNE2w16xNXB4ISvu3mnVHDDk86R" />

Orchard Piper noted the development is "designed to revitalise the Junction with high-quality housing and retail, while also improving the public realm."

"Assembling an expert team, we've been working with leading architects Wardle and landscape architects Oculus on a site-sensitive design. Wardle is one of Australia's pre-eminent architectural practices, and its founder, John Wardle, is a former long-term Kew resident with an intimate knowledge of the area.

"After close to a year refining the plans, our current opposition embodies Kew's unique character and meets the community's needs, including detailed consideration of the surrounding building design, streetscape conditions and broader planning context."

On top of the extensive retail component, the opportunity to deliver offsite public realm works, involving the council owned land to the south, would include a comprehensive new landscaped laneway strategy that connects Athenaeum Place into the site, a new public park, and the relocation of the public parking currently on the site to the adjoining council land.

<img alt="Kew" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02da73ff-e9d9-4e6a-8b6c-75c6f4cb3b01" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%208.15.12%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NXlzip8H0suSqc.X2H6nLKZr6LB1joJ." />

Orchard Piper, led by Luke Mckie and Rick Gronow, is currently delivering The Carter building on St Kilda Road and One Toorak Place in Toorak village.

Kew has been a popular suburb for new development in recent years. The likes of Piccolo, ANGLE, and Carpe are delivering projects in the area.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

First look: Orchard Piper, James Packer's Kew development revealed

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<div>
An expatriate Neighbours fanatic living in the UK paid $867,000 to secure his second 'Ramsay Street' house at weekend auction.
</div>
Andrew Whitney, who directs a private jet and helicopter charter flight company in the UK, outbid seven for the Pin Oak Court, Vermont South offering.
Also known as 30 Ramsay Street, the home of Jarrod 'Toadie' Rebecchi, it was offered through <a href="https://www.barryplant.com.au/property.cfm?propertyID=2272561" target="_blank">Barry Plant Real Estate</a>.
The former Blackburn North resident bought another Pin Oak Court house 16 years ago before moving to the UK.
Mr Whitney told the Herald Sun that he knows the street better than anyone.
"I record every episode of Neighbours," he said.
It was sold by the downsizing vendor Faye Pierce, with the buyer able to join the other court residents who are paid a substantial annual fee by the show's producers in agreeing to avoid changes to their facades without consultation and allowing external regular filming.
<a href="/news">The four-bedroom home was built with her husband in 1973</a> with its expansive covered rear deck having elevated views over Billabong Park.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Neighbours fanatic buys second 'Ramsay Street' house

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There's three serious highrises now competing for buyers in Melbourne.
None are struggling for attention as they are all the highest in their own right.
It follows the late 2012 go-ahead for CEL Australia’s $170 million Tower Melbourne which will boast 555 apartments (and townhouses) across 71 storeys.
The 220-metre tower will be the tallest residential building in the central business district, though not the tallest in Melbourne.
The proposed plan for the corner of Bourke and Queen streets has an an expected completion date in 2016. 
The Tower Melbourne skyscraper (pictured below) has been designed by local architects at Elenberg Fraser and features thin, undulating glass construction. The building is set to be just shorter than the iconic blue glass Rialto Tower, which rises to 250 metres at the Southern Cross station end of Collins Steet.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/03/towermelbournemarch1.jpg" width="470" height="460" alt="towermelbournemarch1">
Architect Callum Fraser from Elenberg Fraser describes Tower Melbourne as “a city-defining project” in a marketing video.
Already Tower Melbourne has been heavily marketed to “cashed-up Chinese investors”, who consider Melbourne a safe place to park new-found wealth.
The developer CEL Australia, a subsidiary of Singapore-based Chip Eng Seng Corporation Ltd, is using real estate agents with networks in the Chinese investor market.
Sunny Lu from Professionals City told The Age her customers in China viewed super-high-rise buildings as prestigious.
Property Observer reported on the Tower Melbourne project back in October last year, when Melbourne lord mayor Robert Doyle called the Singaporean developer “a bit cheeky” after it began marketing before the project was approved.
Doyle, labeling it “too big”, opposes highrise for the sake of high rise records.
The lord mayor was back in the news this week labelling the ambitious Australia 108, the touted tallest highrise in the southern hemisphere, as too high.
Raising concerns it could overshadow the Shrine of Remembrance, Cr Doyle, a Shrine trustee, said the mooted 108-storey Southbank apartment and hotel tower exceeded the city council's height limits. The council's Future Melbourne committee is to consider a report on Australia 108 next Tuesday.
Architects Fender Katsalidis, who designed the nearby Eureka Tower, are behind the Australia 108 project, which would be the world's 18th tallest building at 70 Southbank Boulevard.
On its November unveiling, Property Observer noted its had <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/australia-108-has-a-few-hurdles-to-overcome-before-its-the-southern-hemisphere-s-highest/2012111157754" target="_blank">a few hurdles to overcome </a>before fruition.
It's scheduled for mooted late 2015 completion and it doesn't actually have planning approval, but the developers of the Australia 108 tower (picture below) in Melbourne's Southbank precinct are inviting buyer registrations at $1,000 a pop. Prices are already been released starting at $425,000 for one-bedroom apartments and from $575,000 for two-bedroom apartments. Its three bedrooms are priced from $775,000.
<img alt="australia108march1" height="478" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/03/australia108march1.jpg">
<a href="https://australia108.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The 108-storey project</a> will be 388-metre skyscraper high above Melbourne's Yarra River.
At the northern end of town, the developer Brady Group is currently marketing its proposed 226-metre tower at 500 Elizabeth Street, near Queen Victoria Market.
The proposed 72-level tower gained approval for its current design in April last year. 
Marketing for the 524-apartment complex is in full swing, with advertisements being placed online and at the site. Prices for apartments ranged from $381,000 to $3 million. Vision (pictured below) has mostly three-bedroom apartments and penthouses with only a small number of one-bedroom apartments.
<img alt="visionmarch1" height="940" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/03/visionmarch1.jpg">
The Eureka Tower in Southbank is Melbourne’s tallest tower, rising to 297 metres.
“When Tower Melbourne is completed it will be just one of 12 buildings above 200 metres in the central Melbourne area. Thus any suggestion of it being too tall is somewhat perplexing,” suggested minister Matthew Guy earlier this year.
For more on the allure of Australian property to Asian buyers, <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-australias-allure-for-asian-residential-property-investment" target="_blank">download our free eBook. </a>The eBook is also available for<a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/australias-allure-for-asian-residential-property-investment-free-ebook" target="_blank"> free download in Chinese.</a>
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Melbourne CBD’s tallest residential tower crown tussle

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<div>
The Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has concerns Australia 108, the touted tallest highrise in the southern hemisphere, could overshadow the Shrine of Remembrance. 
</div>

Cr Doyle, a Shrine trustee, said the mooted 108-storey Southbank apartment and hotel tower exceeded the city council's height limits. The council's Future Melbourne committee is to consider a report on Australia 108 next Tuesday.
<img height="421" width="316" src="/images/stories/2012/11/australia108.jpg" alt="australia108">
"There are a couple of things that are sacrosanct - one is the Shrine and the other is the Yarra - and there are rules in the planning scheme to prevent that sort of overshadowing," Cr Doyle told The Herald Sun.
"If something is getting that big that it's overshadowing the Shrine, you'd really have to say, 'What are we gaining through that height?' "
Architects Fender Katsalidis, who designed the nearby Eureka Tower, are behind the Australia 108 project, which would be the world's 18th tallest building at 70 Southbank Boulevard.
On its November unveiling, Property Observer noted its had <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/australia-108-has-a-few-hurdles-to-overcome-before-its-the-southern-hemisphere-s-highest/2012111157754">a few hurdles to overcome </a>before fruition.
<img height="306" width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/11/australia1083.jpg" alt="australia1083">
But today's report has the Shrine CEO Denis Baguley saying he has no concerns after the Planning Department provided images of shadows moving across the city on Anzac Day and at the winter solstice.
"From my observation, I don't believe there are issues of overshadowing that will concern us," he told the Herald Sun.
"In our view, the effect is minimal - no more than (from) existing buildings and our own trees, and (it's) only late in the day, when there are no services," he said.
"I'll be advising my trustees of that."
<img height="324" width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/11/australia1082.jpg" alt="australia1082">
Planning Minister Matthew Guy, who has final approval, has previously been positive about the tower, saying that it underlined a confidence in Melbourne and showed that Australia was "coming of age".
But Cr Doyle said: "It's no good just saying that height equals landmark. Some of the finest buildings in the world, some of the finest architectural solutions, are not great big towers."
<img height="264" width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/11/australia1081.jpg" alt="australia1081">
The Victorian planning minister Matthew Guy, who has final approval, has previously been positive about the tower, suggesting the proposal underlined a confidence in Melbourne and showed that Australia was "coming of age".
But Cr Doyle told the Herald Sun: "It's no good just saying that height equals landmark. Some of the finest buildings in the world, some of the finest architectural solutions, are not great big towers."
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Shrine of Remembrance overshadowing concerns arise from Australia 108 tower proposal

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Alannah Hill, a star among the Melbourne fashionocracy, is selling her South Yarra abode, Risby.
The chic 1880s Victorian residence sits within the Domain precinct across from Fawkner Park.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2013/02/hillfeb27one.jpg" alt="hillfeb27one" width="470" height="351">
It is expected to fetch $4 million-plus when auctioned next month, before Hill's intended bayside move.
The two-storey house with retained period features has been listed through Marshall White agent Marcus Chiminello.
The boom-style terrace with three bedrooms and a formal lounge, wraparound terrace, double garage and pool, cost a reported $4.31 million in 2010.
It was sold in 2010 by Virginia Monahan, who imports fine cashmere from Scotland to make into sweaters, and her husband Brad who'd listed it with $3.5 million-plus hopes.
<a href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=2279301" target="_blank">The auction is scheduled for March 2</a>.
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Alannah Hill lists South Yarra boomtime terrace, Risby

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One of Melbourne's leading residential real estate project marketing agencies says owner-occupiers outnumbered investors three-to-one in its 2012 apartment sales.
CBRE Residential Projects' managing director Andrew Leoncelli says the average sale price of apartments sold last year by CBRE was $589,000.
"The split between owner occupiers and investors was approximately 75/25, as local owner-occupiers made a quality product offering their number one search criteria," he said.
<img height="305" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/cbrefeb27one.jpg" alt="cbrefeb27one">
Mr Leoncelli cited <a target="_blank" href="https://www.emporialiving.com/">Emporia in Commercial Road, Prahran</a> (pictured above) and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.studioninerichmond.com.au/">Studio Nine, Richmond</a> (picture below) as success stories for CBRE in 2012.
<img height="271" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/cbrefeb27two.jpg" alt="cbrefeb27two">
"These two projects offered a level of finish not seen for many years across the local market.”
Andrew Rice, of Property Development Analysis, says investor locations - such as the CBD and Southbank - are measured with a different set of requirements than their local precinct counterparts such as those in Prahran, Richmond, Fitzroy and South Yarra.
In such areas, he says, owner-occupiers are typically attracted by the closeness to services and amenities which compliment lifestyle and workplace.
"Buyers have been patiently waiting for projects with a certain level of quality before they buy," Mr Rice said.
"Projects that offer a unique level of finish through design and use of superior materials not only set themselves apart from the rest of the market but have enjoyed great results in 2012 and we expect this trend to continue into 2013."
Mr Leoncelli says the early part of 2013 has been promising for property trends, with online enquiries up 40% from this time last year and strong interest in all of CBRE’s currently advertised projects.
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gdwyer-vyxhMDDW5L

Owner-occupiers outnumber investors in CBRE Melbourne apartment sales 

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The AXF Group, which began developing property in Australia in 2005, ranks among the busiest developers in Melbourne's outer eastern suburbs.
“Such has been the demand for CBD residential development opportunities that many offshore buyers have turned their attention to suburban residential hotspots such as precincts in Doncaster and Box Hill,” Clinton Baxter from Savills Australia recently noted.
The AXF Group, founded in Shanghai, is currently marketing <a href="https://www.axfgroup.com.au/2010/08/sovereign-point-doncaster/" target="_blank">Imperial at Doncaster</a>, and is soon set to build the tallest apartment complex in Box Hill.
Imperial (pictured below) is a 96 apartment complex consisting of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Completion of Imperial is anticipated towards the end of 2014.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/axffeb26one.jpg" alt="axffeb26one" width="470" height="186">
Located on Sovereign Point Court, Imperial will be 10 storeys high, built to a design by the Buchan Group architects positioned directly across from Westfield Doncaster.
In 2011 AXF Group completed The Berkeley project, a 116-apartment project in Doncaster.
All of the Berkeley apartments sold off the plan in 2009, and majority of buyers were of Chinese descent.
The 33-storey apartment Station Street Box Hill development will be another landmark.
At 109 metres tall it will preside over Box Hill, 14 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD. Known for its Asian culture, the residents of Chinese descent in Box Hill account for about 27% of the population.
AXF Group will redevelop a 2,417-square-metre car park into the 275-apartment complex.
Sitting across from the Centro Box Hill shopping centre, the $135 million development will incorporate the major transport interchange at Box Hill station.
The podium level will contain a high-end retail complex and a varied range of dining experiences, from Asian-style street food markets to fine dining restaurants.
A proposal for a 38-storey development on the site was put forward but was refused in 2010 by then planning minister Justin Madden as it did not conform with the Whitehorse Planning Scheme.
The median house price in Box Hill is $800,000 and the median unit price is $380,000, according to RP Data.
Separate houses account for almost 59% of dwelling types, with units and apartments accounting for almost 24%, but increasing in number.
Box Hill South was Melbourne’s best-performing suburb for units in November 2012, with a median unit price of $486,000, according to RP Data.
Just over a year ago, AXF completed Dorking Gardens, a nearby $7 million townhouse development in Box Hill North.
Located at 231 Dorking Road, the complex comprises nine double-storey townhouses plus one single-storey townhouse.
Landscape designer and host of  Gardening Australia John Patrick worked on the garden concept for the townhouses. 
Scott Jessop from AXF says many of the townhouses were sold to local Asian buyers.
In 2011 AXF Group completed The Berkeley project, a 116-apartment project in Doncaster.
All of the apartments had been sold off the plan in 2009, and majority of buyers were of Chinese descent.
Richard Gu of the AXF Group bought Total House last August, a site on the corner of Russell and Little Bourke streets, in the heart of Chinatown, for $39.5 million.
For more on the allure of Australian property to Asian buyers, <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-australias-allure-for-asian-residential-property-investment" target="_blank">download our free eBook. </a>The eBook is also available for<a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/australias-allure-for-asian-residential-property-investment-free-ebook" target="_blank"> free download in Chinese.</a>
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ntrotman-Et3xWpamVh

Chinese developer ASX Property selling Imperial, the crown of Doncaster

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Number 35 St Vincent Place, Albert Park, a terrace that sits on 289 square metres, sold post-auction for an estimated $3.3 million plus after four bidders participated in the weekend auction.
Marshall White's John Bongiorno conducted the auction, which opened with a vendor bid of $2.9 million and was passed in at $3.28 million.
It comes with four bedrooms, formal sitting and dining rooms and is set opposite St Vincent Gardens within the iconic double storey row, Rochester Terrace.
<img height="312" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/stvincentfeb25one.jpg" alt="stvincentfeb25one">
It has a wide entrance hall with Baltic pine floors and ornate high ceilings.
Focused around an original kitchen fireplace, the casual dining room and well-equipped kitchen open out to a side deck and paved entertaining courtyard. Out the back is a two-storey self-contained apartment with entry from Bevan Street
It had been tipped to fetch in excess of $3 million - a bit under the strip's record $13,590 per square metre according to James Buyer Advocates - through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.35stvincentplacesthalbertpark.com/home">Marshall White agent Oliver Bruce</a>.
It had been last traded in 2008 when bought by the Kelly family from the gardener Clive Blazey at $3.005 million. Blazey, whose father founded Hortico, began the Digger's Seeds business in the 1970s putting seeds into envelopes with his wife Penny around the kitchen table of their then Albert Park home.
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St Vincent Place, Albert Park sells post-auction

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Actor Madeleine West secured $500,000 for her redundant Richmond apartment which she bought towards the conclusion of her four year role as Dione Bliss on Neighbours.
It's the second successful property transaction in the month for West, who also sold the Kensington family home she shares with chef Shannon Bennett.
The two-bedroom, art deco-style apartment cost $297,000 in 2003. It had fetched $132,000 in 1994.  
Its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-richmond-112482639">Hocking Stuart Richmond agent Daniel Atsis </a>was quoting $450,000 to $490,000 during the recent marketing campaign.
The ground floor Lennox Street apartment features, thanks to Bennett's role as an ambassador for Miele, some impressive kitchen appliances.
Their <a target="_blank" href="/news">Kensington </a>property sold after being listed with price hopes of $1.5 million to $1.65 million was even more of  <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/chef-extraordinaire-shannon-bennett-lists-home-for-%2415-million-plus/2013013159077?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=latestnews">a chef’s dream</a>.
The reason behind the listings came evident when it emerged the chef Shannon Bennett and his wife, Madeleine West, had snapped up <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/shannon-bennett-and-madeleine-west-buy-the-1881-south-yarra-mansion-barwon/2013021859417">an 1881 South Yarra property last December</a>.
 
 
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Actor Madeleine West secures $500,000 Richmond apartment sale

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It is more expensive to rent office space in Mumbai’s financial district than in the Melbourne or Brisbane CBD, according to the latest global office report from Cushman &amp; Wakefield.
The report refers specifically to Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), a planned commercial complex in India’s financial capital.
It consists of a number of commercial buildings with tenants including Dow Chemicals, ICICI Bank and Citibank, as well as being home to the Mumbai Cricket Association's cricket ground and the United States Mumbai Consulate.
Annual rents in Mumbai are around US$80 per square foot per year, compared with around $70 per square foot per year in the Melbourne CBD.
Mumbai ranks as the eighth most expensive Asia Pacific location to rent office space with Brisbane ranking ninth and Melbourne 10th.
 <img alt="mumbai-melbourne_offices" height="470" width="642" src="/images/stories/2013/feb21/mumbai-melbourne_offices.gif">
Photo by Deepak Gupta, courtesy of Flickr
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Mumbai hits Melbourne for six on office rents: Cushman & Wakefield

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The luxury Southbank penthouse of the Olympic swimmer Grant Hackett and his estranged wife pop-singer Candice Alley has been listed for sale.
More than $2.7 million is being sought through RT Edgar, according to Fairfax Media.
The 57th floor apartment is in the Freshwater Place tower.
It comes with three-bedrooms and three-bathrooms.
The apartment cost $2.755 million in 2009.
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