A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Joel Robinson

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

Australia Post is one of the country’s most trusted institutions, powering one of the largest delivery networks in Australia. As online shopping continues to scale, Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online.

That scale of eCommerce activity has fundamentally changed expectations around how and when parcels arrive, and what happens when someone isn't home.

<h3>Problem solved with Parcel Lockers</h3>

The traditional alternatives to home delivery are far from ideal. Buildings can rely on reception teams to manage deliveries, which introduces ongoing staffing costs and liability concerns. Parcels can be left in common areas, which creates security and aesthetic issues. Or residents are redirected to nearby Post Offices for collection, which shifts the inconvenience rather than solving it.

<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/dVG5ChLHf7E?si=D9hQRGCBuzlSQBqK" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The data behind that frustration is significant. Nationally, around 9 per cent of deliveries are carded, meaning the recipient was not home and must collect the parcel from a Post Office. That figure reflects the national average reported between November 2025 and January 2026. In Melbourne, that figure rises to 20 per cent. In high-density living, it climbs again to 28 per cent. In other words, more than one in four deliveries in Melbourne apartment buildings results in a failed first attempt.

<h3>How Parcel Lockers work</h3>

The mechanics are simple. When a parcel arrives, the resident receives a notification either through the Australia Post app or via SMS. They scan a QR code, use their one-time PIN and the compartment opens. The parcel is secure, accessible and removed from the lobby floor.

Located in thoughtfully chosen, easily accessible areas, including external building interfaces, mixed-use precincts or shared communal zones, Parcel Lockers enhance convenience without requiring internal building access or additional operational oversight.

<h3>The scale of the network</h3>

This expansion represents Australia Post's largest investment in parcel infrastructure to date, building on momentum that began in 2011 when the first 24 Parcel Locker sites were introduced.

Today the Australia Post Parcel Locker network spans over 1,400 locations and more than 105,000 individual compartments, with major investment already underway to significantly expand the network further.

<h3>What it means for developers and building operators</h3>

A Parcel Locker bank is free to install and free for residents to use. That removes one of the primary barriers to adoption and shifts the conversation from cost to integration.

Australia Post's preference is to engage with developers during the design phase. That allows Parcel Lockers to be located in a considered, publicly accessible space that works for residents and the broader community. Retrofit is possible, and existing buildings can be assessed, but the strongest results occur when Parcel Lockers are treated as part of the core services plan rather than a bolt-on solution.

While the iconic Australia Post red is widely recognised, Parcel Lockers can also be delivered in more muted palettes such as beige or green to align with architectural intent.

For developers, they offer a tech-forward amenity that meets modern expectations, a reduction in courier congestion and building-management load supporting lower emissions and better ESG outcomes, and a meaningful marketability advantage in high-density, eCommerce-active areas, all at no cost for installation and maintenance, with Australia Post funding the program aside from power access.

<h3>Who's using them</h3>

Generational shopping behaviours show strong, sustained growth across all cohorts. Millennials (27–43) led online spend in 2024, contributing nearly $25 billion. Baby Boomers (60–78) increased their online spend by 17.6 per cent, becoming the fastest-growing adopters. Gen Z (13–26) and Gen X (44–59) continue to lean on delivery services as part of their everyday shopping habits.

Internationally, uptake is even more pronounced. Overseas markets are seeing rapid adoption by both developers and consumers, positioning Parcel Lockers as standard infrastructure in many new residential projects. For Melbourne's development community, this signals a shift in baseline expectations. Just as secure bike storage and dedicated parcel rooms have become more common, integrated Parcel Locker networks may soon be viewed as part of the essential service mix.

<h3>The bigger picture</h3>

Parcel Lockers aren't just a logistics fix. Developers invest heavily in lobby design, materials, lighting and landscaping to shape first impressions. Yet a stack of unattended parcels can undo that effort in an instant. Embedding parcel infrastructure early allows projects to respond to how people actually live today, supporting resident satisfaction, reducing operational strain and aligning with broader community and ESG outcomes.

As Belinda Quinn, Senior Transaction Manager – Retail &amp; Out of Home at Australia Post, puts it, residents increasingly expect delivery solutions that align with real life, are flexible, secure and available whenever they need them.

How Australia Post is solving the parcel problem for apartment living

<html><body>
A substantial rezoning and fast tracking of applications has been occurring in Geelong, according to Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy.
Announcing the fast tracking of “job-creating major projects” in Geelong, Guy noted that there would be a number of substantial changes in the area.
These included approving the Armstrong Creek Town Centre structure plan, rezoning the Lovely Banks future growth area to an Urban Growth Zone and the final implementation of reformed residential zones across Geelong.
The Fyansford residential and commercial development has been streamlined, approval given to the Winchelsea-Colac Princes Highway duplication, a sustainable farms agribusiness project at Lara and a retail and logistics precinct at Avalon Airport.
The industrial precincts, including the Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct, will also see fast tracked planning approvals.
“We will put in place fast-tracked approvals for manufacturing, warehousing and logistics projects by July 2015. With this new reform, Geelong’s industrial precincts will be the most attractive in the state for job-generating investment,” Guy said.
“This reform will boost the Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct as an ideal location for investment.”
The residential zone implementation are looking to both protect neighbourhood character and stimulate the construction industry with new infill projects “where appropriate”.
</body></html>

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Geelong rezoning to reform residential zones: Matthew Guy

<html><body>
Stockland has launched a $640 million masterplanned community in the Wyndham growth corridor, 31 kilometres west of Melbourne.
Marketing for The Grove begins 17 November for what will be the first of 2,500 new homes in Tarneit.
The first residents in the 234-hectare community are expected in the second half of 2016. 
The Grove will offer completed homes, house and land packages along with medium density housing.
There will be 54 hectares of parkland on a site bordered by the Werribee River and Davis Creek.
Residents will have easy access to the city via the Werribee train line and the new Regional Rail Link, which is due to open in April next year.
The announcement came a day after Stockland revealed its best residential sales quarter in four years.
Its results were buoyed by improved profits from its residential business which achieved a 12.5% increase in lot sales and ended the year with a record number of contracts in hand. 
The new community at The Grove will include a 3.8-hectare town centre with a neighbourhood shopping centre. 
Stockland will build a retirement village and will set aside land for new primary and secondary schools.
The Wyndham Local Government Area is one of the fastest growing corridors in Australia. In the year to June 2013, the population of the Wyndham corridor increased by around 10,800 people, representing a 6% growth rate.
Stockland general manager residential for Victoria, Mike Davis, said Stockland was well known to most people in the area because of the Allura residential community at Truganina, Point Cook Town Centre and Tarneit Skies Retirement Village.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Stockland launch The Grove in Melbourne's growth corridor

<html><body>
The eight level, 34-room octagonal-shaped Hotel Saville in South Yarra has been purchased by the production company of Channel 9’s The Block.
The $6.25 million sale had been <a href="/expert-insights/investing/the-block-south-yarra-octagonal-hotel-saville-mystery">suspected since June</a>, but confirmed only late last week with the Watercress Production Pty Ltd settlement documents seen by Property Observer.
<img src="/images/2014/10/24/block%20octagonal%20oct%2024%20four.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/10/24/block%20octagonal%20oct%2024%20three.jpg" alt="">
The $6.25 million purchase through Colliers International accompanied the $1.1 million purchase of the nearby 446 square metre vacant block at 270 Punt Road which was used as a hotel car park.
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/on-the-market-hotel-saville-a-piece-of-the-south-yarra-skyline">The property was sold with a permit for 51 apartments</a>, but could be possibly expected to be converted into eight luxe apartments with common areas.
The 3.5 star Hotel Saville of South Yarra, with first floor restaurant, which had been trading under various names since its opened in the early 1970s, closed in August. Quest Windsor was recommended on the sign on the front door.
With 360 degree views, the property is located at<a href="https://rca.colliers.com.au/property-land+development-vic-south+yarra-501125927" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;"> 1-5 Commercial Road</a>, near busy Punt Road.
The property was marketed by Colliers as a "premium opportunity well suited to residential developers, hotel/motel developers, home owners and investors".
There was brief consideration of its conversion into strata apartments in 2005 by PAZ Investments. Apartments were marketed from $149,000. In 2010 Paras Bros had an option to purchase. In 2011 there was a $16 million proposal by Longreach Investments that involved construction of a new SJB-designed 10 storey building comprising 74 dwellings, 77 car parking spaces and 84 bicycle spaces along with a convenience shop and food and drink cafe with 77 seats that did not get approval.
<img src="/images/2014/10/24/block%20octagonal%20oct%2024%20two.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/10/24/block%20octagonal%20oct%2024%20one.jpg" alt="">
Watercress's next series of The Block is on Darling Street, South Yarra.
Their Brenchley Architects plans were lodged for a $2.4 million development application for the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unitblock-vic-south+yarra-116269171" target="_blank">South Yarra</a> property (below). It seems set to be the location of the 10th series which will follow the recent The Block Glasshouse series in Prahran.
The current 12-unit block at 27 Darling Street, South Yarra, will be four luxury triple-storey townhouses.
Watercress paid $5.7 million for the Darling Street site.
<img src="/images/2014/10/24/block%20octagonal%20oct%2024%20five.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Confirmed! The Block makes octagonal South Yarra hotel reservation

<html><body>
When you’re listing a residential property, there’s usually plenty to run with.
A beautiful front façade image in the dim light with all the porch lights on? Gorgeous.
An outdoors verandah near the pool where you can place a, debatably effective, bottle of wine? It has been done.
But what do the experts opt for when it’s just a simple block of land? We decided to have a look.
This first offering – <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-nsw-inverell-7687479" target="_blank">Monatana in New South Wales’ Inverell</a> – is a series of blocks offered through Landmark Harcourts. They’ve done a great job at the opening photo (below), with an evocative picture of a boat on the river, and use their gallery to show off the features of the land blocks. Dams, scrub and even a tent feature in the images.
<img src="/images/2014/10/27/inverell%20oct%2027.jpg" alt="">
Meanwhile, Spencer Woods Real Estate – Northcote are advertising <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-estate-vic-wallan-200739767" target="_blank">the last three blocks of land in a Wallan estate</a>. They include just one picture – of generic grass (below).
The land, priced from $105,000 to $115,000 for over 500 square metre offerings, can also be bought together but advertise themselves to first home buyers.
<img src="/images/2014/10/27/wallan%20oct%2027%20one.jpg" alt="">
Wilson Property RCI – Traralgon, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-estate-vic-traralgon-200442679%20" target="_blank">now selling stage five</a>, has another approach. Providing an overhead image of the lots available (below), and the masterplans and all associated information, it appears they’re aiming for detail rather than evoking the dream.
<img src="/images/2014/10/27/traralgon%20oct%2027%20one.jpg" alt="">
Some of the “cheapest land” in South Australia’s Terowie – at $3,500 for a 1,000 square metre block – <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-sa-terowie-201003947%20%20" target="_blank">is up for sale</a>. The images share a somewhat drying looking block (below), but also provide a shot of the plan and aerial imagery.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-sa-terowie-201003947"><img src="/images/2014/10/27/terowie%20oct%2027%20one.jpg" alt=""></a>  
Other common ways to advertise land or land releases include an image of the sign of the development, a map of the masterplan, or a generic stock photo of a family either on play equipment, at a café or at the park.
{mijopolls 58}
</body></html>

The best way to advertise blocks of land: Poll

<html><body>
The 65 acre, 820-lot masterplanned development Habitat on Davis Creek will launch this weekend.
Located in the western Melbourne suburb of Tarneit, the development will feature 14 hectares of open space.
Habitat on Davis Creek will be the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/satterley-property-group-launches-two-new-developments-in-melbourne-s-west">second residential development launched this month from Satterley Property Group</a> in Melbourne’s west, following Upper Point Cook’s release three weeks ago where 35 lots sold within the first three hours of launching.
Habitat on Davis Creek will launch on Sunday 26 October with house and land packages available from $300,000, to upwards of $450,000. The sale is on a first come first served basis, with 38 lots to be released.
Satterley’s Victorian general manager said that the development provides affordable housing and will be at the forefront of the Riverdale Precinct Structure Plan, including a proposed Riverdale town centre, future train station, school and local town centre.
“The precinct plan outlines the vision and delivery of new infrastructure and how Tarneit will support the expected population increase of 25,000 new residents over the next 20 years,” he said.
“The proposed new suburb or Riverdale will see 12,000 new homes, as well as a raft of new infrastructure projects, such as a transit-ready major town centre, sporting facilities, more than twenty neighbourhood parks, three primary schools, and a secondary school injected into the area.”
</body></html>

Masterplanned development in Tarneit, Melbourne to launch this weekend

<html><body>
The Grand Designs Live Home Show begins tomorrow in Melbourne at the Convention and Exhibition Centre, luring fans of the show, renovators and home improvement aficionados.
Areas at <a href="https://granddesignslive.com.au" target="_blank">Grand Designs Live</a> include kitchens, bathrooms, interiors, outdoors, sustainability, building and technology.
The Lifestyle Channel Grand Theatre will host talks from Kevin McCloud, Peter Maddison, Shaynna Blaze, Andrew Winter, Veronica Morgan, Bryce Holdaway and Charlie Albone.
Blaze will cover decorating in small spaces, Winter will be discussing how to sell your home for the right price and Holdaway will be presenting his top seven tips for buying at auction.
Book signings and prizes will be up for grabs.
</body></html>

Grand Designs Live Melbourne begins tomorrow

<html><body>
The Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 looks to improve standards, introduce a new dispute resolution procedure and create a Building Consumer Protection Fund to protect property buyers from insolvent or dodgy builders.
The Victorian Parliament has been urged to pass these new laws by Consumer Action chief executive Gerard Brody.
Currently, those who have an issue with a builder are covered under the home building warranty insurance scheme.  However, this scheme only covers them in the case of an incomplete or dodgy build if the builder is dies, disappears or becomes insolvent. It does not cover them for if they are deregistered, have their registrations suspended or when a rectification order is issued.
This new Bill aims to cover the shortfall, explained Brody, noting that the law has been in development since 2012.
“Home building warranty insurance has long been referred to as junk insurance because it’s so hard to claim. Not only do consumers have to spend thousands of dollars to be successful at VCAT, they then have to take action to wind up a builder before any claim can be made,” he said.
“The proposed new fund would ensure consumers have a remedy when there is uncompensated loss as a result of a building dispute.”
The success of the proposed law depends on the Victorian Building Authority’s (VBA) willingness to take enforcement action.
“The proposed law would mean independent inspectors from the VBA could make binding Rectification Orders to settle disputes. This should mean that consumers don’t have to go to VCAT, which has proven to be an expensive and inappropriate forum for many building disputes,” he said.
“The current system is broken—dodgy or insolvent builders can leave families with unsafe or unfinished homes and there is very little that can be done about it. Often they’re tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket and are left with an uninhabitable house.”
</body></html>

Victorian Parliament urged to pass domestic building consumer protections

<html><body>
Tasmanian brothers Simon and Shannon Vos took out the $100,000 prize at the auctions of The Block Glasshouse.
With a $1.9 million sale, the duo earned $335,000 over their adjusted reserve of $1.565 million.
All five of the apartments at The Block sold at auction, though they didn't approach the bullish results at the Albert Park warehouse in The Block Fans v Faves earlier this year.
Rookies Chris and Jenna, who had the largest floor space of any of the six apartments, came in second place with a $1.81 million price.
The full results:
<ol>
<li>Simon and Shannon, 2/125 High Street: $1.9 million ($335,000 over reserve)</li>
<li>Chris and Jenna, 2/121-127 High Street: $1.81 million ($310,000 over reserve)</li>
<li>Maxine and Karstan, 3/121-127 High Street: $1.71 million ($40,000 over reserve)</li>
<li>Michael and Carlene, 1/125 High Street: $1.39 million ($10,000 over reserve)</li>
<li>Deanne and Darren, 6/121 High Street: $1.38 million ($10,000 over reserve)</li>
</ol>
Yet again, it seemed that the auction order played a role in the final results. This time, the highest priced apartment went under the hammer second, Chris and Jenna's was auctioned first, and sales price dwindled from there.
Michael and Carlene chose to go last. Deanne and Darren, who had second choice, did went as late as they could, choosing to go to auction fourth.
Simon and Shannon nominated to go second, while Max and Karstan decided to go third. Chris and Jenna were stuck with first place after the other couples determined their order.
The contestants had no doubt hoped to repeat the formula established on The Block Fans v Faves, where the hammer prices escalated with each auction as buyer desperation took hold.
But in a lesser location, with lesser properties and fewer interested buyers, they instead saw the buyer pool dilute as each apartment sold.
The discounts received by the contestants after completing the sixth "secret" apartment did indeed impact the final result.
Maxine and Karstan had the biggest reserve price due to the size and aspect of their apartment, had an initial reserve of $1.7 million. Their winnings earned them a $1.67 million adjusted reserve.
After Deanne and Darren's final apartment winnings, their $1.6 million reserve was cut to $1,370,000.
Michael and Carlene's reserve was discounted by $20,000, giving them a final reserve of $1.38 million.
Simon and Shannon received a $10,000 discount on their $1,575,000 reserve, with a final reserve price of $1,565,000.
Chris and Jenna did not get placed in the top three at either stage of the challenge, and so missed out on a discount, and had a $1.5 million reserve.
The proceedings began with Chris and Jenna's auction overseen by Anton Wongtrakun of Dingle Partners, which saw three bidders initially compete for the windowless unit. After bidding seemed to snag at the $1.5 million reserve mark, a fourth bidder entered the race, restarting the momentum.
Two bidders battled it out from $1.5 million upwards: what appeared to be a young couple and the other a rather emotive buyer's agent, pushed the price to up to $1.81 million, with the apartment going to the client of the agent.
When Simon and Shannon's apartment went on the block, host Scott Cam announced that Block regular  Damien Cooley was a "very good auctioneer, this bloke". After just two bids, from Frank Valentic and another buyer's agent who bid at The Block Fans v Faves auctions, the home was up for $1.7 million.
The young couple who bid on Chris and Jenna's apartment popped up again, pushing the price up further, before a profusely sweating Valentic placed a $1.9 million bid, securing the apartment.
The subsequent auctions proceeded at a markedly slower pace.
Karl Gillon of Buxton kicked proceedings for Max and Karstan's apartment began proceedings with a number of vendor bids, pushing the price up to $1.68 million. The young couple appeared yet again, putting in a $1.69 million bid. Gillon worked overtime placing vendor bids, acting as the only competitor to the young couple. The apartment sold for $1.71 million to the young couple, resulting in a $40,000 profit for Max and Karstan.
Not quite the wedding gift the disappointed Max and Karstan were expecting. Nor were many other punters, with judge Shaynna Blaze predicting their apartment would <a href="/expert-insights/building/shaynna-blaze-picks-max-and-karstans-apartment-as-the-top-seller-in-the-block-glasshouse">sell for the highest price</a>.
A deflated Deanne and Darren were up next, with their apartment going under the hammer with Russell Cambridge of Biggin &amp; Scott. It seemed that Dee's provincial luxury stylings, which were feared would alienate some buyers, at least brought in some interest from bidders who had not appeared at the previous auctions.
However, things stagnated just after they passed their reserve, with a number of $10,000 bids put the price of their apartment at $1.38 million. The couple ended up with just a $10,000 profit after three months of work. Had they not received their reserve discount prizes, their apartment would have been passed in below reserve.
Michael and Carlene's apartment was auctioned last. The auction, said to have stretched out for an excruciating 45 minutes, saw Matt White of Ray White try to squeeze interest out of the rather small buyer base. Bidding opened at $1.2 million.
A few bidders who had not yet appeared at the previous apartments popped up, but it wasn't much use to Michael and Carlene. Things stalled below reserve at $1.36 million for some time.
Some whispers were exchanged among potential buyers at the $1.36 million mark while White and his fellow agents consulted with Michael and Carlene.
They agreed that the apartment should be passed in should it just reach reserve, as a reserve price sale would result in zero profits for Michael and Carlene.
White returned to let the couple know that a bidder was willing to put in a $1.39 million bid, which White would be forced to accept in accordance with Victorian laws. And so the bidder purchased at $1.39 million.
All in all, the disappointing Block Glasshouse results reflected the market's interest in a bizarre office conversion located on an inner city main street.
 
 
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Smashing win for Simon and Shannon in The Block Glasshouse auctions results

<html><body><ol>
<li>
Functional and stylish – don’t forget both elements There’s no point making something beautiful if it can’t be used in the way intended. Renovators should consider how a room is used as well as how it looks. Storage, access and use are just as crucial as giving something a contemporary, high end and luxury look. 
</li>
<li>
Be firm with your suppliers Many couples in The Block Glasshouse were faced great difficulty trying to get materials, such as cabinetry, from their suppliers, leaving some installing it 45 minutes before completion time. Some strict words did assist with speeding up the process. It’s crucial to let your suppliers know your expectations. Leave plenty of time as a buffer for any delays. 
</li>
<li>
Budget While many of the teams do well with budgeting, in The Block Glasshouse's office episode Carlene managed to max out their credit card earlier on in the piece by overspending on pricey fabric and making other extravagant purchases. Budget ahead of time, know where the bang for your buck items are. Think smartly about your spending choices. Some DIY furniture saved Michael and Carline in the end, using timber that was on site, however it could have worked out far worse. 
</li>
<li>
Find a focal point The couples that did the best knew to focus on a “wow” factor, and focus the room around that point. Those that missed out dressed either all of their room too much (such as Chris and Jenna with too many plants) or not enough. Think of the point of difference – a clever skylight, or a canopy bed – and enhance this with your styling. 
</li>
<li>
Teamwork Communication and strong team work are crucial when you’re suffering from lack of sleep, structural issues and a short time period. Many couples were unable to make decisions between them, or to trust each other to make choices. It’s crucial to stay in touch, to know whose is responsible for which task and to choose who will do what. 
</li>
<li>
Fitout may fade, but aspect is forever. While Steve and Chantelle’s renovating skills in The Block Fans v Faves may have left a lot to be desired at times, their street-fronting apartment had that all-important north facing aspect. With windows all along their western wall and huge arched windows at the north, their apartment was flooded with light. Should they wish to, changing the apartment’s furnishings will cost the buyers relatively little. 
</li>
<li>
Use the building’s natural features. Contestants in The Block Fans v Faves were lucky enough to makeover one of the most interesting buildings in Albert Park, the former Dux Picture Theatre. With townhouses and apartments in the suburb already in high demand, the rarity of The Block’s warehouse conversions were a huge pull for buyers and audiences. All four teams took advantage of this fact, playing up the industrial elements of their properties with complimentary timber work and exposed red brick. 
</li>
<li>
Location matters, even in TV land The Block’s producers have an impressive track record now of picking buildings in blue chip inner city suburbs, where demand runs hot and residences are hard to come by. As buyers’ advocate Frank Valentic noted, the couple who purchased the winning apartment this series had been seeking a home in Melbourne’s inner south for some time. With The Block Glasshouse taking part in Prahran, it's clear they have continued this trend. 
</li>
<li>
Treat your tradies well Trouble with tradies is a running theme across many of The Block seasons, as is those with the best tradie-relationships securing the best results. Poor planning meant that teams at times had to re-do their work with different tradespeople, while disputes in The Block Fans v Faves sees Alisa and Lysandra ditch one of their employees. 
</li>
<li>
Reno smart, sell smarter With the least experience and the least money, The Block Fans v Faves' Steve and Chantelle relied on strategy, channelling their energies into the kitchen and living spaces and their master bedroom, two of the most valuable areas for buyers. But it was their clever choice to go last in the auction proceedings that was the couple’s best play, with high demand and low supply the perfect ingredients for a winning price.</li>
</ol></body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

10 novice renovator tips from The Block

<html><body>
The Block Glasshouse judge Shaynna Blaze predicts Maxine and Karstan's apartment will attract lots of bidders, perhaps putting it ahead of the competition at tomorrow's auction.
Blaze, or "Shaynna from Wantirna" to some, told TV Week that the aspect and size of the apartment apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-prahran-117846863" target="_blank">3/121-127 High Street Prahran </a>will appeal to buyers.
"I think there are going to be more people bidding for Max and Karstan's apartment due to the size of it, and it's north facing," she said.
Max and Karstan's apartment has 237 square metres of space. In The Block Glasshouse, first time renovators Chantelle and Steve took out the competition with their <a href="/news/substance-over-style-as-chantelle-and-steve-win-the-block-2014-fans-v-faves">north facing apartment</a>.
While Blaze thinks Max and Karstan's apartment will draw in buyers, she admitted that Carlene and Michael's styling made their apartment her favourite.
"I absolutely love it," she told TV Week.
“Just to walk in to it as a family home – I think that’s what they’ve done beautifully."
Do you agree with Shaynna that Michael and Carlene's is the apartment with the best renovation?
{mijopolls 52}
</body></html>

Latest Building Insights

How Australia Post is solving the parcel problem for apartment living

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Building Insights

How Australia Post is solving the parcel problem for apartment living

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News