Too often, heritage buildings become the podium for a contemporary tower. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/623-collins-607-623-collins-street-melbourne-vic-3000">623 Collins</a>, <a>Sterling Global</a> challenged its design team to reverse that process.

The brief to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> was deliberately simple: "Don't design around the heritage. Design from it." It became the philosophy behind a project that draws inspiration not only from two landmark heritage buildings, but from Collins Street itself, a street layered with architectural history and civic significance.

That philosophy has shaped one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a> CBD's most considered residential projects, where the 1924 State Savings Bank and neighbouring Batman's Hill Hotel have become the architectural foundation for 623 Collins rather than remnants preserved beneath a new development.

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Rather than approaching the site as a blank canvas, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sterling-global">Sterling Global</a> saw the existing buildings as the beginning of the story.

"Sites like this rarely become available," the developer said.

"623 Collins wasn't simply an opportunity to develop a prominent CBD site. It was an opportunity to restore and reimagine one of Melbourne's important heritage landmarks while contributing to the continued evolution of Collins Street. For us, the existing buildings weren't constraints. They were the beginning of the story."

Instead of mimicking the ornate heritage architecture, Plus Studio studied the proportions, rhythm and craftsmanship of the original buildings before translating those characteristics into a contemporary 42-storey tower.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145324 project_image_fid=372748]

"The brief challenged us to create a contemporary landmark that respected Melbourne's architectural history without becoming nostalgic," Plus Studio said.

"Rather than mimicking heritage, we sought to understand its proportions, rhythm and material language before translating those qualities into a distinctly contemporary architectural expression."

The practice says the State Savings Bank and Batman's Hill Hotel became the project's primary source of inspiration, allowing the heritage buildings and contemporary architecture to exist "in conversation rather than contrast." Generous planted terraces further soften the transition between old and new, creating elevated green spaces while reinforcing the dialogue between the restored podium and the contemporary tower.

That dialogue continues throughout the interiors, where Melbourne designer Fiona Lynch developed a material palette inspired by the idea of alchemy, balancing contrasting materials that reference both the Neo-Grec detailing of the original bank and contemporary urban living. The result is a series of spaces that feel timeless rather than trend-driven.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145324 project_image_fid=354343]

The project will deliver 316 residences across four collections, Heirloom, Signature, Reserve and the Penthouse Collection, with each responding differently to its position within the building, from the restored heritage podium through to the upper levels of the tower. The Heirloom Residences retain defining heritage elements including original heritage windows, generous proportions and high ceilings, while the tower introduces contemporary homes with expansive layouts and elevated views.

Amenities have likewise been designed to support long-term city living rather than short-stay convenience. Residents will have access to concierge services, wellness facilities including a pool, cold plunge, sauna, steam room and gym, alongside private lounges, entertaining spaces and dedicated resident clubs.

Sterling Global says that approach is resonating with buyers seeking permanence rather than novelty.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145324 project_image_fid=354347]

According to the sales team, purchasers are looking for enduring architecture, generous floorplans, heritage character and long-term value, with many commenting that 623 Collins "doesn't feel like another apartment development" because of the way the architecture has been curated around the site's history.

Situated on the prominent corner of Collins and Spencer streets, the project occupies one of Melbourne's most recognisable gateway sites, marking the western entrance to the city's best-known street. For Sterling Global, it also reflects a broader shift in city-making.

"Rather than maximising development yield, the project embraces adaptive reuse as a design philosophy, allowing heritage to inform architecture, interiors and the overall resident experience," the developer said.

"The result is a building that feels uniquely connected to Melbourne."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145324]

Joel Robinson

How Sterling Global designed 623 Collins from Melbourne's history

Avant Townhomes is adding to Ivanhoe’s family-sized housing options with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/three-82-ivanhoe-382-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Three 82</a>, a collection of just 16 four-bedroom townhomes on Upper Heidelberg Road.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/intrapac-property">Intrapac Property</a> townhome division has taken a contemporary approach to the traditional family home, pairing larger floorplans with the lower-maintenance format of a townhouse.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374394]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/arcadia-studio">Arcadia</a>, with landscaping by Landsite, the homes feature generous open-plan living and dining areas that connect directly to outdoor spaces, with layouts also designed to maximise natural light and privacy.

Natural stone is used throughout the interiors, including in kitchens that pair stone surfaces with bespoke cabinetry, considered storage and SMEG appliances.

The four-bedroom layouts include built-in wardrobes and a main bedroom with its own ensuite, while family bathrooms service the additional bedrooms. Each home also includes a lock-up double garage and intercom entry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374399]

Energy efficiency has been incorporated into the design through solar panels, double glazing and reverse-cycle heating and cooling, with the homes targeting 7-star energy ratings.

Rather than incorporating extensive communal facilities, Three 82 has been conceived around private residential amenity, with the 16-home scale keeping the focus on individual homes and their own indoor and outdoor spaces.

The development is located at 382 Upper Heidelberg Road, around one kilometre from Ivanhoe Village's cafés and retail and a short drive from Eaglemont Station and Ivanhoe Station.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374393]

Several of Ivanhoe's established schools are also nearby, including Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar and Ivanhoe Grammar School. The address also provides access to the suburb's parklands and the wider Yarra River corridor.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/nelson-alexander">Nelson Alexander</a> has been appointed to handle sales.

Construction is underway and progressing well, with Three 82 currently tracking toward completion in Q2 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152069]

Three 82 brings boutique four-bedroom townhome collection to Ivanhoe

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">Graya</a> has secured a prime Newstead site from fellow developer Fraser, subsequently lodging plans for The Silo, a major mixed-use residential project in Newstead designed around a new public laneway linking the James Street precinct with the wider Gasworks and Newstead neighbourhood.

Proposed for the corner of Chester and Morse streets, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bureauproberts">Bureau^Proberts</a>-designed project places its strongest emphasis at ground level, where retail, landscaping and a new cobblestone pedestrian connection would open the site to the surrounding neighbourhood. The design team describes The Silo as “more than a residential building”, positioning the development as an extension of Newstead’s public realm rather than a standalone apartment tower.

“A new cobblestone laneway and landscaped connection between James Street and Gasworks unlock a missing pedestrian link, improving walkability and stitching together two of Brisbane’s significant urban destinations,” Bureau Proberts said in its Urban Design Report.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ea1b06a-75f5-40a5-b2c5-33c97bc86052" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/silo%20bldg.png?VersionId=KmjsAtNePu57_B31EM_DJ5T6KPJHtcmo" />

The Silo is planned as a mixed-use development incorporating apartments alongside a bar and centre activities including food and drink outlets, indoor sport and recreation, office and retail uses.

Architecturally, Bureau Proberts has conceived the building as a collection of vertically expressed, stepping forms rather than a single uniform tower. The composition rises from an articulated podium before being broken by a triple-height landscaped recreation level, with the upper section becoming more compact before terminating in a landscaped rooftop garden.

The project's name and architectural language draw directly from Newstead's industrial history. Patterned off-form concrete is proposed as the principal façade material, complemented by slender metal rod balustrades and extensive planting. The cylindrical and vertically ribbed elements give the building its silo-like expression, while curved balconies and planted edges introduce a softer subtropical layer.

“The Silo reinterprets its robust forms, scale and materiality through a contemporary subtropical architectural expression, creating a building that acknowledges its industrial legacy, while responding to the way the precinct is occupied today,” Bureau^Proberts said.

The recreation level is one of the defining breaks in the tower. Plans include a lap pool, mature subtropical planting and shared resident facilities within an elevated communal garden. Landscaping continues through the podium and onto the rooftop, where a further garden forms what the architects describe as a “subtropical crown” to the building.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8451036-35a4-49a9-8d88-2ef4438eba3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Silo%20Lane.png?VersionId=h8N31_rYmCEqoNrpt4kbYVQhJGZn60LH" />

At street level, the development has been designed to establish a more permeable block. Retail and hospitality tenancies address the public realm, while landscaped pedestrian spaces lead into the new laneway connection. Renders in the design report show the proposed “Silo Lane” as a substantial opening through the podium, framed by cylindrical concrete forms with cascading planting above.

The Silo continues Graya's move into larger apartment developments after building its reputation across high-end residential projects in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Graya buys Frasers Newstead site, plans The Silo between James Street and Gasworks precincts

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/wickton">Wickton</a>’s completed Linacre Rise development in Hampton is giving Bayside downsizers the opportunity to move into a spacious apartment near the beach, with the developer covering stamp duty for a limited time.

The 27-residence development has been designed for buyers who want to simplify their living arrangements without giving up the space, warmth and quality associated with a long-term family home. Most apartments have already been secured by Bayside locals, leaving a select collection of two and three-bedroom residences and penthouses available.

Two-bedroom apartments are priced from $1.275 million, three-bedroom residences from $2.25 million and penthouses from $3.375 million, with the completed homes available to inspect and move into now.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366760]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/linacre-rise-hampton-8-10-linacre-road-hampton-vic-3188">Linacre Rise</a> occupies an elevated position on one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a>’s quiet, tree-lined streets, around 250 metres from the bay and 500 metres from Hampton’s village centre. Its setting gives residents access to the beach, local cafés, shops and Hampton Train Station while retaining the feel of an established residential neighbourhood.

Architecture and interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a> draw on the warmth and permanence of traditional brickwork, with the building integrated into terraced landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>. Ground-floor apartments are elevated above the street and include private garden courtyards, while several upper-level residences have generous balconies and outlooks toward the bay.

Inside, the residences favour natural materials and generous proportions. Herringbone-pattern European oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, premium joinery and Swiss V-ZUG appliances are among the key inclusions, while integrated storage has been incorporated across kitchens, bathrooms, studies and living areas.

The kitchens have been planned as practical spaces for both everyday use and entertaining, with substantial island benches, detailed cabinetry and adjoining dining and living zones. Full-height wardrobes, plush bedroom carpeting and carefully considered lighting reinforce the residential character Wickton sought to retain for buyers moving from larger homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366769]

A Linacre Rise purchaser said the completed apartment had delivered the space, outlook and construction quality they had been seeking.

“The unit is very light, has views to die for over the bay, all construction materials and fittings are premium quality, we have secure parking for three cars, EV charging at very competitive rates, the neighbours are friendly and there is just a lovely ambiance about the place,” the purchaser said.

Environmental features include solar panels, shared electric vehicle charging stations, rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, double-glazed windows and water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366762]

The development was built by Balmain &amp; Co, with Wickton managing the broader development process through its in-house team.

For downsizers, the project’s completed status removes much of the uncertainty associated with buying off the plan. Purchasers can inspect the finished apartments, understand their outlook and proportions, and move in without waiting for construction to conclude.

The remaining selection includes north-oriented balconies, corner configurations and penthouses with elevated bay views. The developer-paid stamp duty initiative is available for a limited time, with potential savings of up to $200,000 depending on the residence purchased.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95289]

Limited-time stamp duty offer at completed Linacre Rise apartments in Hampton

Luxury apartment buyers have long prioritised design, space and finishes, but increasingly they're placing equal importance on something less tangible: how easily they can live without relying on a car.

At <a>Richmond Square</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> believes that convenience begins beyond the apartment itself, with the mixed-use precinct earning a near-perfect Walk Score of 99.

The development has been planned around the idea that some of the most valuable amenities aren't contained within a building, they're the restaurants, cafés, parks, transport connections and daily conveniences that can all be reached on foot.

Located just behind Swan Street and Church Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/richmond-square-1-wiltshire-street-richmond-vic-3121">Richmond Square</a> places residents within one of Melbo​u​rne's most established lifestyle precincts while offering a quieter residential setting removed from the busiest thoroughfares. East Richmond Station is moments away, trams run along both Swan and Church Streets, and the MCG, Melb​​ourne Park, Yarra River trails and the CBD are all within walking distance. At the same time, the precinct itself will introduce a curated mix of dining, retail, hospitality and wellness offerings, creating a destination that extends well beyond its residential buildings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348530]

For Fortis, that combination of location and scale was what made the site unique.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/richmond-vic-3121">Richmond</a> is one of Melb​o​urne's most established and distinctive inner-city neighbourhoods, with a rare combination of dining, culture, recreation, public transport and proximity to the CBD," the developer said.

"The opportunity at Wiltshire Street was particularly compelling because the site sits slightly removed from the activity of Swan and Church Streets while remaining only moments from everything that makes the area desirable."

Rather than developing a standalone apartment building, Fortis consolidated 15 individual properties to create one of the larger development parcels assembled on Mel​b​ourne's city fringe in recent years. That allowed the team to deliver a genuine mixed-use precinct comprising 107 residences across Wiltshire House and Carmine House, premium office space, hospitality venues, retail, wellness offerings and a future 57-room hotel.

"The scale of the site allowed Fortis to think beyond a standalone apartment building," the developer said.

"Richmond Square could be planned as a complete lifestyle precinct, bringing homes, workplaces, dining, retail, hospitality and wellness together around a series of activated public spaces. The aim was to create a destination that feels connected to Richmond rather than separate from it."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348533]

The emphasis on walkability has also resonated with buyers.

Interest has been strongest from established owner-occupiers, particularly downsizers from Richmond and Melb​ourne's inner east who want to remain close to familiar restaurants, workplaces, family and social networks while moving into a more secure, lower-maintenance home. The project is also attracting Mornington Peninsula and interstate buyers seeking a Melb​ourne residence they can lock up and leave between visits.

Many are looking for generous living spaces, room to entertain, quality finishes and confidence in the project team, but location remains one of the biggest deciding factors.

"For many buyers, Richmond Square provides a way to simplify the practical side of home ownership without reducing the quality of their lifestyle," the sales team said.

"Location is also a major driver of interest. Buyers can remain connected to the CBD, major sporting events, the arts centres, local restaurants, cafes and bars and their family while living in a private and secure residence that is easy to lock up and leave for weekends or longer periods away."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13181 project_image_fid=348549]

The residences themselves have been designed with that buyer in mind. Award-winning architecture practice SJB and interior designers Hecker Guthrie have created spacious two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses that prioritise generous living areas, natural light, bespoke joinery and private terraces. Above, a rooftop sanctuary by Acre includes landscaped lawns, bookable dining rooms, barbecue facilities, wellness spaces and panoramic views across the CBD, the MCG and Port Phillip Bay.

Fortis believes Richmond Square reflects a broader evolution in apartment living, where the surrounding neighbourhood becomes just as important as the residence itself.

"Richmond Square introduces a different proposition: generously proportioned residences within a genuinely mixed-use, hospitality-led destination," the developer said.

"The project's location and Walk Score of 99 further support a lifestyle where residents can complete many everyday journeys without relying on a car."

Fortis has assembled an experienced team that includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/hecker-guthrie">Hecker Guthrie</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/acre">Acre</a> and builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hacer-group">Hacer Group</a>, reflecting the developer's commitment to creating projects with enduring design quality and meaningful connections to the communities in which they sit.&nbsp;

Richmond Square is an expression of that philosophy, bringing together homes, workplaces, hospitality and wellness within one of Me​lb​ourne's most walkable neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

Construction is now almost complete, providing purchasers with growing confidence ahead of its expected September 2026 completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13181]

Walk Score of 99 places Richmond Square at the heart of Melbourne's most connected lifestyle

Prominent New Zealand apartment and hotel operator, <a href="/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>, is offering up a prime investment opportunity for Australians to purchase off the plan in one of the world’s most popular ski destinations.

They recently took to market Mountain Oak Queenstown Apartments, in the growing precinct of Remarkables Park in Frankton, near the airport and at the foot of The Remarkables - the mountain range the locals like to call “The Remarks”.&nbsp;

Sydney investors have shown interest in the one, two and three-bedroom apartments that secure high-season occupancy six months over the year, primarily over summer and winter months.

They average 90 per cent occupancy across their portfolio over January, February, March, August, November and December, while shoulder season months of April, July, September and October are still occupied 70 per cent of the time, with the growing appeal of Queenstown becoming not just a hotspot for the snow, but a lifestyle destination.

Even in the low seasons of May and June, occupancy levels reach around 40 per cent.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Safari’s Safari Hotels arm can also manage the holiday letting for an investor, from the listing on holiday accommodation websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com to the cleaning and maintenance of the investment. They’ve been in the short stay management business for 15 years and offer 24/7 support for investors, an important convenience benefit for any overseas investor

Another major drawcard for Australians is that New Zealand doesn’t have a stamp duty policy - so the entry price of NZ$639,000 (AU$586,000), is all that is payable on completion.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Safari is starting construction of the 141 apartments in Q2 this year, with a two-year build estimated to complete in mid-to-late 2027.<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="15" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXczFpFAb7WuA6f4f9TtKWcqXyNwR8qqtakWv352ERkpqNlP3KwIo8YKxw67jZNHfpjEGIZGv5MQTbnvLZwNt8iu9IVdOrswOjCvBZ4zhSoOOLrpt6etVEZTN1gkBho0r_R72zdHNA?key=yq3daOanqHSb88QFd8jGYKdb" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" />​

The apartments will feature modern amenities and contemporary designs with expansive windows capturing sweeping views of The Remarkables mountain range.&nbsp;

Interiors are equipped with modern finishes, premium appliances, and secure electronic key-locked doors, ensuring a comfortable living experience for residents and guests alike.

With its strategic location near Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort, as well as key retail and dining precincts such as Market Street, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and Remarkables Market, Mountain Oak offers a strong proposition for investors seeking high rental yields and capital appreciation in one of New Zealand’s most sought-after locations.&nbsp;

Queenstown’s sustained demand for visitor accommodation and rental properties is underpinned by a shortage of housing options, attracting both local and international buyers.

Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district

Former Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer and his wife Ruth have listed Two Gates Farm, East Kangaloon in the New South Wales Southern Highlands with&nbsp;$5 million plus hopes.

Set&nbsp;on 40 hectares, the property features a Richard Rowe-designed home in&nbsp;Annie Wilkes-designed gardens.

The&nbsp; four bedroom solar passive home comes with a self-contained guest quarters. There&#39;s a&nbsp;swimming pool and tennis court. Its bordered by lush pastures bordered by dry-stone walls and&nbsp;remnant rainforest.

The couple&nbsp;purchased the land in 2002 for $865,000, shortly before the&nbsp;World Cup winning coach&nbsp;resigned as a rugby coach in 2003.

The down sizing couple have&nbsp;purchased a $550,000 three-bedroom Bowral house, with a view over Bowral gold course,&nbsp;which had been for sale since late 2011 at $670,000.

The property is listed through Drew Lindsay of Drew Lindsay Real Estate.

ntrotman-Et3xWpamVh

Former Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer lists Southern Highlands home

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Many young potential property buyers are willing to forego a first-home owners grant in favour of buying an investment property as opposed to a home, according to a Mortgage Choice survey.
More than 40% of generation Y respondents to the first time property investors survey said that their planned investment property will be their first ever property purchase.
Most generation Y respondents, born between 1980 and 1994, were motivated to purchase their first investment property by the need to set themselves up financially for the future.
"Gen Ys appear to be financially switched-on and are focusing on property investment,” says Mortgage Choice’s Belinda Williamson.
Almost half of respondents said there is a perception that there is more benefit in investments such as property over the share market.
"This younger generation of investors is looking for financial freedom and they see more profit in bricks and mortar investments," Williamson says.
They are willing to make a number of sacrifices in order to realise their purchase though, with 18% of respondents willing to take on another job to make the purchase, while 41% said they would miss out on a holiday.
"Finding the right property is half the challenge for most investors; the other half is saving the deposit and settling on an investment strategy that will help them to achieve their goals," Williamson says.
"Our survey shows 75% of Gen Y first time investors were choosing to make lifestyle sacrifices to help them achieve their property goals. The top five lifestyle sacrifices included cutting back on general day to day spending, eating out less and limiting take-away food, missing out on a holiday, delaying a vehicle purchase and last but not least, cutting back on alcohol related expenses."
Photo courtesy of <a id="yui_3_7_3_3_1376553138701_895" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/pistruiatu/">pistruiatu</a>/ flickr.
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Gen Y willing to skip first-home owners grant to buy an investment property

At Bangalow in the Byron Bay, NSW hinterland, there&#39;s $3.3 million hopes held by&nbsp;David Daniel, co-founder of CanPrint, and his wife, Debbie for their&nbsp;modern Queenslander, Cedargrove.

Its set on a&nbsp;4.5 hectare holding.

With an easterly aspect, the four-bedroom house has a wrap-around verandah with 300 degree views of the&nbsp;hinterland.

<a href="https://www.uniqueestates.com.au/Sales-Detail.aspx?id=ue321&amp;wlid=7bef62d1-289d-442f-a931-fe100f418c99" target="_blank">The&nbsp;2008&nbsp;home </a>has a home theatre.

The estate includes two spring-fed dams suitable for swimming, plus&nbsp;an infinity lap pool with an outdoor entertaining area and a resort-style cabana.

Nicolette van Wijngaarden of Unique Estates holds the listing.

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Cedargrove, Bangalow listed with $3.3 million hopes 

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Two retail units in Victoria’s Falls Creek ski village have been offered for sale with marketing towards owner occupiers or investors.
The first is a 952 square metre shop leased to Falls Creek Ski Lifts on a nine year lease worth $450,000 a year plus GST.
<img alt="falls_creek_aug_28_one" height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/08/falls_creek_aug_28_one.jpg">
It houses a ski hire shop, a board lounge and the Apres Vous ski apparel shop.
The second is two ground floor lots totalling 105 square metres being sold in one line.
The units are part of the St Falls Quay West Development in the Falls Creek village.
They are being sold by Christa Zirknitzer of RT Edgar Alpine in conjunction with Ray White Commercial.
“The two units are ideally situated in the ski in, ski out public traffic zone of the retail ski village, offering exposure and positioning for retail activities,” Zirknitzer says.
Zirknitzer did not disclose any price guide for the <a href="https://www.fallscreekretail.com.au/">properties</a> which are being sold by tender ending September 2.
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Two retail offerings in the Falls Creek ski village 

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Expectations that the Melbourne property market will enter a period of sustained downturn after being one of the strongest performing capital city housing markets, post-GFC, have not come to fruition.
The most recent RP Data-Rismark report to the end of July has Melbourne dwelling values up 6.8% since the housing market bottomed out in May last year.
While concerns remain for certain sectors of the market, such as the oversupplied Docklands apartment market and house and land estates on the fringe, the overall trend appears upwards.
Housing trends:
Indeed the market is performing better than most predicted, though the extent of the improvement depends on where you source your data.
The most recent report released by Australian Property Monitors (APM) has the Melbourne median house price up 5% over the June quarter to $554,000 and 6.1% year-on-year.
Unit prices have grown more modestly, up 3.7% over the June quarter and 4.2% year-on-year to a median price of $412,000.
Putting this into context, both sectors of the residential market have already far exceeded APM’s own forecast of between zero and 3% for Melbourne over the entire calendar year.
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria recorded a 2.4% increase in Melbourne house prices over the June quarter to $562,000 – 8.4% up on the same quarter last year with unit prices up 2.8% and 5.7% respectively to $464,500.
July figures from RP Data- Rismark (one month ahead of the other providers) has Melbourne house values up 2.5% over the July quarter to $530,000, and up 4.4% over the previous 12 months with units up a more modest 1.2% for the quarter and 3.1% year-on-year with a median value of $435,000.
Removing the dissonance in the data due to different methodologies the clear trend is of an upward momentum in the Melbourne housing market.
Commenting on the APM figures, senior economist Andrew Wilson says of the Melbourne housing market that it “continues to benefit from low interest rates and restored confidence, with solid buyer activity continuing this year”.
“Sales activity continues to be generally spread between price sectors and regions, with investor activity also on the rise."
“An increase in first-home buyer activity was generated by the recent changes to the state government grant, which expired for the purchase of established properties at the end of June, bringing forward significant demand."
Other property data also points a strong market with the auction clearance rate in June at 69% compared with 55% a year ago, and the average discount to secure a sale falling from 7.7% to 6.6% over the past 12 months to June.
RP Data records that it takes 44 days for a Melbourne house to sell and 51 days for a unit to sell – a little bit longer than Sydney (33 days and 31 days respectively) but quicker than it takes to sell a house or unit Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart or Darwin.
Other figures also suggest a modest upswing with 4% home loan growth over the first five months of the year to owner occupiers, above the national average of 2.5%, according to seasonally adjusted ABS data.
But putting this into context, NSW recorded a 13% rise in housing finance from January to May while Queensland managed 9.1%.
The most recent dwelling approvals data recorded a 24% fall over June, though this may be due in part to changes in first-home buyer grants favouring those buying new homes only from July 1 - though the overall longer term trend is a declining one for units with Melbourne coming off its peak apartment development phase in areas like Docklands, the city and Southbank.
Hotspotting.com.au’s Terry Ryder says the figures coming out of Melbourne are “no indication” of a real estate boom but that the market is rising at a steady and sustainable pace.
 
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Economic trends:
Broader factors – economic growth unemployment, population growth, retail spending - all impact on demand or appetite for residential property.
In this regard, Victoria is performing adequately on some measures while poorly on others.
Importantly, the state’s population – a key driver of housing demand - is expanding by 1.8% per annum in line with the national average.
Victoria’s unemployment rate increased from 5.4% in May to 5.8% in June, just above the national figure of 5.7% and above that of NSW (5.4%) and Western Australia (4.6%) but lower than Queensland (6.4%), South Australia (6%) and Tasmania (8.9).
Annual retail sales growth is weak, up 0.8% in Victoria compared with 2.9% nationally while the Victorian economy is only expanding at 0.9% per year compared with 3.7% national GDP growth.
Putting this all together suggests there are some factors positively impacting on demand for housing and others reducing demand – supporting a moderately improving scenario.
Hits and misses:
Property market analyst Catherine Cashmore calls Melbourne an “unbalanced market” noting that the biggest gains in price have been recorded in the inner and middle regions of the city – principally, the auction-dominated terrains – with the outer suburbs remaining stable.
“It’s not quite the rampant atmosphere experienced in 2007 during which the lending frenzy leading up to the GFC was pushing excessive amounts of easy credit into the market. Prices are still well below their peak and results patchy,” she says.
Cashmore believes a number of economic and social factors have combined to push it well and truly into a sellers' domain.
Figures compiled by APM show that growth in the Melbourne market has been far from uniform with growth ranging from just 1.9% in the far south east to 9.3% in the over the past financial year.
Other strongly performing regions of Melbourne were the inner city (7.3%), west (7.2%) and inner east (6%).
Weaker returns were in the inner south east (3.5%) and north (3.7%)
However, the idea pushed by many market commentators and estate agents that investing in the inner city offers the best prospects for growth is not true, according to Terry Ryder.
He points out that most of the top performing suburbs over the past 10 years are outer Melbourne suburbs led by <a target="_parent" href="/news">Waterways</a> (median house price of $695,000 up 11.8% per annum) and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Narre Warren North</a> (median price of $763,000 up 9.3%) while the weakest markets were <a target="_blank" href="/news">Docklands</a> (median of $618,000 up 2.3%), <a target="_blank" href="/news">Parkville</a> ($606,000, up 2.4%) and <a target="_parent" href="/news">East Melbourne</a> ($655,000, up 3.1%).
 
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Should you avoid buying an inner city apartment?
Terry Ryder cautions against investing in an apartment in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Docklands</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Southbank</a> or in the city due to an oversupply of new apartments, which he says is only going to get worse.
The vacancy rate in Docklands stands at 7.6%, it’s 8.9% in Southbank and 6.5% in the CBD compared with a Melbourne-wide vacancy rate of 2.9% according to SQM Research data.
Ryder says there are currently 300 apartment projects being marketed in these locations with 35,000 units planned.
“Developers are offering free marina berths, stamp duty rebates, furniture packages to entice buyers,” he says.
Similarly views are held by valuers at Herron Todd White, who in their latest monthly review write that “evidence continues to emerge of an over-supply of units in the development pipeline, particularly in the metro area.
“A large proportion of the demand is coming from overseas. Most foreign buyers are only able to buy off-the-plan, so when it comes to selling your market pool has shrunk considerably.”
So where are the hotspots in Melbourne?
Ryder suggests more affordable locations further out from the city with growing populations, good transport connections to the city and with good employment opportunities.
His recommendations include <a target="_blank" href="/news">Frankston</a>, an affordable Bayside suburb with a median house price of around $330,000 and units at $260,000. The suburb has rail links to the CBD as well a good motor link connections following the opening of the Peninsula Link. Property prices are rising by around 7% per annum.
He also picks the Epping precinct including <a target="_blank" href="/news">Lalor</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">South Morang</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Thomastown</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Craigieburn</a> due to their affordability, railway and motor links and job opportunities.
Another good option is <a target="_blank" href="/news">Berwick</a>, which has lower vacancy rates, average growth in house prices of 6.5% per annum and with Casey Hospital, Monash University and TAFE campus providing good employment prospects.
“Steer clear of the inner city apartment market and concentrate on affordable housing markets in the middle and outer ring suburbs,” says Ryder.
Picture of Melbourne courtesy of eGuide Travel.
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Melbourne in the housing spotlight: Are there any spring 2013 hotspots?

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Two businesses have been caught out by the Australian Communications and Media Authority for breaching the do not call register, with businesses warned by the regulator for being “sloppy”.
Investigations by ACMA revealed telecommunications provider Teleus and holiday accommodation deals promoter Flexi Marketing Solutions made calls to numbers on the register.
Both Teleus and Flexi Marketing have accepted enforceable undertakings from the communications watchdog, which stipulates the companies keep comprehensive records of all telemarketing calls they, or call centres, make.
Flexi Marketing has also undertaken to include a term in all future contracts with call centres requiring that they comply with the Do Not Call Register Act.
ACMA investigations manager Julia Cornwell-McKean said that by accepting these undertakings it shows the companies are going to actively ensure they no longer call the disallowed numbers.
“When we get offered an enforceable undertaking it’s up to a business to decide what they wish to offer.”
“In the case of these businesses, they’ve guaranteed to ensure no more calls will be made to people on the do not call register and they will keep comprehensive records. This is really important because they’re going to make the records available to the ACMA whenever we want them to check they’re compliant,” she says.
Almost nine million people have signed up to the act since it came into effect in 2007. In the past year, approximately one million more people have joined the list.
Within this time, ACMA has <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/advertising-and-marketing/053592-call-centre-which-operates-do-not-call-register-cops-110-000-fine-for-breaching-the-register-2">investigated more than 50 businesses</a>, issued 26 formal warnings, accepted 24 enforceable undertakings and issued 13 infringement notices.
Cornwell-McKean says in the past year the watchdog has received 20,000 complaints, but generally most businesses are compliant.
“Of the ones we warn, very few end up as the subject of an investigation.”
“It’s not a new law now, but I think in these cases we’re talking about sloppiness, rather than a lack of awareness. These businesses weren’t watching things as closely as they ought to be and this is also a common thing across the Spam Act,” she says.
In April this year the register sign-up time was <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/advertising-and-marketing/055145-do-not-call-register-extended-for-eight-years-despite-complaints-about-inaccuracies">extended for another eight years</a>, despite complaints about inaccuracies.
Cornwell-McKean says businesses need to actively ensure they are using the most up-to-date lists, as they’re updated every 30 days, or risk reputational damage.
“If you don’t make the calls yourself, make sure you also have control over the third party that does. Make sure you know what they’re doing and can access the calls they mark and maybe even audit them.”
This articel originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Flexi Marketing Solutions, the holiday accommodation deals promoter caught breaching the do not call register

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Total housing loan approvals are heading back towards record heights of above $20 billion as Aussies pile back into real estate.
There have been a few reports of the Sydney market going "ballistic" this weekend and silly prices being paid for standard properties (even more so than usual, I mean) at way above reserve prices.
This is not good news for anyone really, unless you're a Sydney vendor who has decided to move to the bush or take a 'seachange'.
Note in the chart below how the increase in housing loan approvals is being driven by investors and repeat buyer owner-occupiers.
The level of first homebuyer (FHB) activity has remained subdued to date.
If market prices continue to increase without a pick-up in FHB activity, this will not be a happy outcome and home ownership levels will naturally decline.
With people tending to move dwelling more frequently than in the past, some younger buyers may elect instead of buying a place of residence, to rent and buy an investment property.
This has the advantage of reducing transaction costs as you don't have to pay stamp duty each and every time you move house, and also allows younger investors to capitalise on Australia's negative gearing tax legislation (although any potential first homeowners grant may be foregone if the property is not lived in by the purchaser).
Younger buyers can be tempted to undertake this strategy in order to get a foot on the housing market ladder.
The downside effect on market forces is that the housing market gradually has a proliferation of investors with a buy-and-hold mindset, which can 'clog up' the existing housing stock for potential homebuyers and possibly push prices upwards.
 <img style="padding: 5px; border: 1px solid #ebebeb; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;" src="https://www.rba.gov.au/chart-pack/images/5-6-household-sector/6br-hla-small.gif?accessed=2013-08-17-06-35-06" alt="Housing Loan Approvals graph">  
Yet another year of wages growth in Australia has been reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The slightly slower growth mirrors the slower overall growth in the economy in recent quarters.
As expected, the mining sector effectively led the way with wages growth (although some other sectors such as healthcare also did well, and in the public sector electricity, gas and waste services likewise), while wages in retail trade, education and training and real estate services remained weak.
<a imageanchor="1" href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwcaDLnj5kM/UgsaXHD4BdI/AAAAAAAAKEE/q94IENOeU3U/s1600/wages.png" style="text-decoration: none; color: #7f7f7f; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="138" width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwcaDLnj5kM/UgsaXHD4BdI/AAAAAAAAKEE/q94IENOeU3U/s400/wages.png" border="0" style="border: 1px solid #ebebeb; padding: 5px; position: relative; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a>
Source: ABS
In fact, the ABS numbers don't take account of bonuses, so the mining sector is likely to be stronger still.
There are plenty of projects at or approaching the end of the construction phase for which very healthy completion bonuses are handed out (bonuses are not captured by the ABS data which is designed to represent the ongoing trend).
Private sector wages growth of 3.0% year-on-year was slightly higher than public sector growth of 2.9% year-on-year.
Wages growth of 3.0% is not particularly strong, but it is still growth.
As sure as night follows day, there will be people who cite examples of pay rises not being awarded over the last year or two, which obviously misses the point of ABS data.
The ABS selects a representative sample of employees and extrapolates the results to measure changes in the price of wages and salaries in the Aussie labour market. It doesn't expect to recognise that someone's brother's cousin's ex-boyfriend got a pay freeze since June 2011 (except insofar as that is representative of the norm).
So, wages growing at a reasonable enough clip of 3.0% which will continue to push things along nicely.
Pete Wargent is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com" target="_blank">blogger</a>.  His new book '<a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>' is released on 1 September 2013. 
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Silly auction prices not good news for anyone other than Sydney vendors: Pete Wargent

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Consumer confidence was higher in August, according to the Westpac-Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index, which rose 3.5% as lenders cut mortgage rates.
The result was close to 10% up on a year ago, though still seven per cent below 2010 levels when household respondents were initially optimistic the 2007-2008 global financial crisis had passed.
The latest August 6 rate cut led to a bounce in the outlook for people deciding to possibly buy a dwelling, Westpac's chief economist Bill Evans noted.


The overall 3.5% jump in sentiment was accompanied by a 3.7% rise in those surveyed saying it was a good time to buy a home.

The index had a big jump immediately following the Reserve Bank's easing taking the cash rate to a record low of 2.5%.
"The rate cut is likely to have had a solid positive impact on sentiment," said Mr Evans. 


Westpac expect another rate cut in November.
"Further evidence of the positive response can be found in the response of those folks with a mortgage with their confidence lifting by 7.4%," Mr Evans said.

Responses on spending intentions were mixed as the index of whether it was a good time to buy a major household item dropped 5.5%.
 
 
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Confidence boosted with good time to buy a home outlook rising 3.7% cent: Westpac-Melbourne Institute sentiment index

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Chef Mary Ellis’ The Barn and Cliffys in Daylesford are scheduled to go under the hammer next month.
Cliffys Emporium at 30 Raglan Street has been part of the Daylesford streetscape since the 1860s but has operated as a café, wine bar and produce store since 2001.
The 183-square-metre property (pictured below)  is currently leased until June next year and returns approximately $24,000 per annum – a 4.8% rental yield.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/08/aug14day2]}
Located directly behind Cliffys is The Barn, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom bed and breakfast created by Mary Ellis 10 years ago.
Located at 1 Wombay Street, The Barn (pictured below) is situated on 362 square metres and offers a business opportunity or a private residence.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/08/aug14day1]}
A bedroom in The Barn can be booked from $460 for two nights.
Both properties were part of a larger nursery, which was subdivided in July 2008.
The properties will be sold one after the other, with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.abercrombys.com.au/buying_search_results.aspx?GID=520&amp;tp=520SearchResults&amp;Sub=Daylesford,&amp;Order=suburb&amp;Con=S">both properties listed </a>with a price guide each of around $500,000.
Listing agent Jock Langley says a couple of people have been interested in buying both as a package.
Langley says Cliffys has become a bit of an icon in Daylesford and is likely to be retained as a business.
The two properties will go under the hammer on September 8 through Jock Langley and Sam Goddard of Abercromby’s Real Estate.
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Daylesford's iconic Cliffys and The Barn to go under the hammer

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When I first started analyzing the property market more than 20 years ago the poor old villa unit was viewed as the ugly duckling of property. The drab 1970’s units were primarily the domain of old people who were one step away from a nursing home.
But this opinion has well and truly changed as many buyers now view them as a highly prized investment.
There was an extraordinary result last weekend when a villa unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-villa-vic-hawthorn+east-114319547" target="_blank">15 Grandview Grove Hawthorn East</a> (pictured below) sold for $676,000.
 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-villa-vic-hawthorn+east-114319547"></a><img src="/images/stories/2013/08/hawthorn_east_aug_14.jpg" alt="hawthorn_east_aug_14" width="470" height="353">
The last sale in the block sold just 5 months ago for $595,000. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-hawthorn+east-113123267" target="_blank">This property</a> (pictured below) was virtually identical and has achieved almost 14% growth in less than 6 months.  
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-hawthorn+east-113123267"></a><img src="/images/stories/2013/08/hawthorn_east_aug_14_two.jpg" alt="hawthorn_east_aug_14_two" width="470" height="353">
A huge crowd turned up to the auction and given the previous sale the reserve was correctly set at $600,000 on the day. Once this price was reached the property was announced on the market and the bidders did the rest.  
Sometimes you see an auction result that is a spike in the market meaning two buyers get emotional and bid to irrational levels. In this case however the property was extremely well supported with around 10 bidders in total putting their hands up throughout the auction. In fact there were still multiple bidders competing in excess of $650,000.  
Many buyers walked away from this auction shaking their heads and I am sure a few of them cursed the agent for under quoting but when a market begins to move it is very hard for anybody to pick where it will stop.  
In this case it was the diversity of the buyers that pushed up the price and there were three kinds of buyers in the crowd:
 
Baby boomers - The oldest baby boomer’s turn 67 this year and the majority of them started their families when they were around 24 years old which means their children have now well and truly left home. Many baby boomers are now empty nesters looking to downsize.  
These buyers are cashed up from the sale of their family homes and the villa units in Grandview Grove are exactly what they are looking for. Low maintenance, ground floor units close to family and friends.  
Investors - Savvy investors view these properties as solid investments. The location is within walking distance to shops, transport and restaurants, which means they are highly sort after by tenants.  
Further these properties have very good underpinning land value. This property sits on a block of land of around 1500 m2 yet only has 8 units on the block. This ensures the investor with more reliable capital growth outlook.  
Home investors – These guys are a relatively new breed of property buyer. Traditional homebuyers searched for their dream home right from the outset and stayed there until their kids were grew up.  
Today home investors see things a bit differently. They focus on property that will give them the lifestyle they need now but will also be a springboard onto bigger and better things. They compromise on the size of a property to ensure they get into a better investment location. Although these guys tend to be equity poor they are cash flow rich and want to use this cash flow to generate tax-free wealth.  
The culmination of these buyers has created a very powerful property market force. Properties that appeal to all these groups will continue to be star investment performers in years to come.  
Mark Armstrong is a director of <a href="https://www.ipropertyplan.com.au/" target="_blank">iProperty Plan</a>, which provides independent analysis and tailored advice to investors and homebuyers.
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