<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/smith-by-valli-collingwood-224-228-smith-street-collingwood-vic-3066">Smith Collingwood</a> is a new boutique apartment development bringing a refined, design-led approach to one of Melbourne’s most established inner-city neighbourhoods.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pandolfini-architects">Pandolfini Architects</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/lisa-buxton-interiors">Lisa Buxton</a>, Smith by Valli sits on iconic Smith Street and comprises just 22 residences tailored toward owner-occupiers seeking a more considered style of apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367540]

The design of Smith focuses on a north-facing orientation across all residences, a relatively uncommon feature in dense inner-Melbourne settings. Each apartment has been planned to maximise natural light and outlook, alongside a material palette defined by warm tones, custom joinery, and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances.

The development comprises a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with pricing currently ranging from just under $1 million to around $4.85 million for the premium penthouse-level residences, reflecting growing demand for luxury owner-occupier product in Melbourne’s inner urban market.

Residents will also have access to a private rooftop garden designed as an elevated retreat above the city, &nbsp;featuring curated landscaping, veggie boxes, intimate seating areas and spaces for relaxed gatherings. Sustainability has also been integrated into the project through a 7-star energy rating and two secure bicycle facilities for every residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367529]

Smith by Valli sits in the heart of one of Melbourne’s most established retail and hospitality strips, within walking distance of venues such as Falco Bakery, Carnation Canteen and Alimentari, alongside parks and everyday services. With a Walk Score of 99, the location reinforces the project’s positioning toward buyers prioritising walkability and access over car dependency.

With only a limited number of residences, Smith reflects growing demand for smaller, highly curated apartment developments that prioritise design quality, liveability, and connection to neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140747]

Joel Robinson

Smith by Valli delivers a refined collection of luxury residences to Melbourne’s inner north

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>’s 640 Bourke Street stands as a testament to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s ability to bridge its storied past with a bold vision for the future.&nbsp;

Rising above the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley building, the development reflects a broader shift toward adaptive reuse in the city, where historical assets are retained and reinterpreted as part of new residential development.

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> incorporates the Eliza Tinsley building as its foundation, housing a grand gallery and lobby space that serve as both a functional and symbolic centrepiece. The heritage façade informs the tower’s design, creating a connection between Melbourne’s past and its contemporary skyline.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365684]

Above this historic base, the 68-storey tower will deliver just over 600 residences, a notable reduction from earlier schemes, reflecting a deliberate move toward larger-format apartments and a stronger owner-occupier focus.

Unlike traditional CBD developments that prioritised investor stock, 640 Bourke Street has been repositioned to respond to changing buyer expectations.

"The discussion was all around making 640 Bourke Street the best residence to live in, to be much more focused on the people in the building rather than people looking at the building," Marsland explained.&nbsp;

This shift is evident in the development’s interiors, which emphasise practical luxury with spacious layouts, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.&nbsp;

“What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Lauren Sheldon, Far East Consortium’s Director of Sales and Marketing, said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365687]

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang added, "We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."&nbsp;

Amenities spanning more than 3,000 sqm across multiple levels further reinforce this focus on resident experience. These include a pool, gym, co-working areas, and a range of hospitality-inspired spaces such as a whisky lounge, library, and private dining rooms, many drawing reference from traditional bathhouses and Melbourne’s laneway culture.

"We wanted to make both the pool and the gym area to be absolutely destinational, and when you traverse across to these spaces, there is a gentle familiarity to the beautiful notions of the hammams and the Roman baths, a gentle nod to history," Chang noted.

At street level, the project contributes to the ongoing transformation of the western CBD, with upgrades to Langs Lane and the introduction of retail, hospitality, and gallery spaces designed to activate the precinct and strengthen its connection to the surrounding city fabric.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

The location places residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, and the Docklands waterfront, positioning the development within a rapidly evolving inner-city neighbourhood.

"We believe it's the best site left in the city of Melbourne," Craig Williams, Executive Director at Far East Consortium, said.&nbsp;

640 Bourke Street is Far East Consortium’s 14th building in Melbourne’s western CBD.

"A very elegant designed building. It's going to be a Melbourne statement for many, many years to come."

One-bedroom apartments are priced from around $640,000, with 640 Bourke Street targeting completion in 2029.

Renders shown are Artist's Impressions correct as of May 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Heritage-led design anchors Far East Consortium’s 640 Bourke St, Melbourne

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD Group</a> has set a new residential price record in Queensland with the $30 million sale of the penthouse at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-burleigh-88-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">ONE Burleigh</a> development in Burleigh Heads.

The sale equates to around $37,500 per sqm.

The two-level, 800 sqm penthouse, featuring five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five car spaces, and a private infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was acquired by a Gold Coast-based entrepreneur, highlighting continued demand for ultra-premium beachfront product.

Selling agent Freddie Tehle of PRD Burleigh Heads said the result reflects tightening supply of high-quality, large-format apartments in Burleigh.

“There’s very limited opportunity to secure this level of scale and absolute beachfront position in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Burleigh Heads</a>,” Tehle said.

“Buyers are increasingly seeking apartments that genuinely replace a standalone home, and this penthouse delivers that with its size, privacy, and direct ocean frontage.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323057]

The sale comes as construction progresses on ONE Burleigh, a boutique development of 17 full-floor residences at 88 The Esplanade, scheduled for completion in early 2027.

Developed by MAYD Group and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mas-architecture-studio">MAS Architecture</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/sici-design">Sici Design</a>, the project has been positioned as a collection of house-sized beachfront apartments, each occupying an entire floor with around 381 sqm of internal and external living space.

When construction commenced, MAYD director Todd Mould pointed to the long-term resilience of premium coastal real estate as a key driver behind the project.

“Real estate, particularly at the premium end, remains one of the most resilient and proven long-term investment avenues,” Mould said.

“Our ambition is that anyone who buys a MAYD-built product can genuinely feel the care, craftsmanship and commitment we bring to every detail.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323055]

Each residence has been configured with four bedrooms, multiple living zones, a private office, and expansive ocean-facing terraces. Interiors draw on a restrained material palette, including travertine stone, timber joinery, and integrated premium appliances.

Interior designer Sici Design said the approach was to reflect the project’s coastal setting through both materiality and spatial planning.

“ONE Burleigh is our vision of luxury living, designed to bring the essence of Burleigh Heads' vibrant coastal beauty into an unparalleled residential experience.”

Residents will have access to a suite of wellness-focused amenities, including pools, sauna facilities, and dedicated relaxation spaces, reflecting a broader shift toward lifestyle-driven apartment design on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323052]

The project occupies a southern Esplanade site with uninterrupted beachfront frontage, an increasingly rare offering in Burleigh Heads, free from the Norfolk Pines that line much of the coastline and often limit direct ocean outlook.

Mould said the design intent was to balance that outlook with a sense of retreat.

“Living at ONE Burleigh is about how your day naturally unfolds, morning light across the ocean, coffee on the balcony, and being in Burleigh but elevated above the noise.”

The result further reinforces Burleigh Heads’ emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held and supply-constrained beachfront markets, where boutique, owner-occupier-focused developments are increasingly setting new price benchmarks.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146358]

MAYD Group sets Queensland record with $30 million penthouse sale at ONE Burleigh in Burleigh Heads

Apartment developers in the Gold Coast are finding new, creative ways to differentiate themselves from competing projects, as new supply starts to flow through up and down the Coast.

Developer BIG Projects brought in the renowned Sydney-based design studio YSG Studio to craft the interiors for The Frederick, BIG Projects' new Mermaid Beach project and YSG Studio's first move into the multi-residential development space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5346]

It was a strategic move for BIG Projects to bring in a Sydney eye to the development.

“Our role is to give our design partners the space and freedom to explore,” says Matt Barrett, Director of BIG Projects.

“We wanted YSG Studio to capture the essence of Nobby’s, to design a building that embraces life, light and connection, while creating a genuine sense of place.”

There are only 39 apartments in The Frederick, including a striking beach house, just 100 metres from the booming Nobby Beach precinct.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5347]

Yasmine Ghoniem, Director of YSG Studio, says their vision&nbsp;for The Frederick "reinvents coastal living."

“Nobby’s has such an iconic energy, it’s one of those rare pockets of the Gold Coast where the community, the beach, and the streets all feel connected,” Ghoniem says.

"Responding to the neighbouring coastline, soothing curves add a relaxing regional overlay, while unique detailing really sets it apart. It’s a place that feels lived in from the moment you step inside.”

A standout feature of The Frederick is its rooftop terrace, an uncommon inclusion for a boutique, low-rise building, where amenity is typically concentrated at ground level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5360]

Positioned to capture panoramic views from the hinterland to the ocean, the rooftop has been designed as a series of intimate zones. It includes a pool, sauna, sun decks, workspaces and dedicated entertaining areas.

“The rooftop was conceived as a collection of spaces where residents can unwind and connect, an extension of the Nobby’s lifestyle,” Barrett says.

Architecture for the project was led by Plus Studio, with landscape design by LDG Landscape Architecture.

SRQ Projects Director Nick Clydsdale, who is handling sales at The Frederick, says the majority of enquiry is coming from South East QLD and Victorian buyers who have been actively searching between Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach for some time.

"They’ve reviewed a number of projects, however this one has stood out for its unique detailing and compelling design,"&nbsp;Clydsdale says.

Site demolition is slated for this month, with construction commencing soon after. BIG Projects is targeting a late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110588]

Sydney’s YSG Studio makes Gold Coast multi-residential debut with BIG Projects at The Frederick

Melbourne-based property developer ALTA Property has this week achieved planning approval for the adaptive re-use of a former commercial tower into a $200 million, 169-apartment project at 10 Queens Road, one of the last developable sites along the Albert Park Lake-fronting boulevard.&nbsp;

Set within one of Melbourne’s most sought-after precincts and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser and Partners</a>, the illustrious building will offer unparalleled views across Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne CBD.&nbsp;

The mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom residences will be complemented by a ground-floor amenity featuring private dining, a lounge bar, gym and wellness spaces, co-working, outdoor communal gardens, and retail.&nbsp;

The 17-storey building is a masterclass in adaptive re-use, with the existing commercial building’s façade, shell and internal structure to be retained, before high-end residences are built from the ground up in a newly built Albert Park facing addition to the building.&nbsp;

Sitting atop the building will be two 320+sqm penthouses with private rooftop terraces, which are expected to be priced between $9 - $11 million.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa11211b-5581-43f9-940c-fc84d30a0e61" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/C_04.png?VersionId=Yhf5p_1EgGDu_zOIMFgvA8Ug8j3sTFQs" />

Architecturally, the building will feature a curved, geometric façade that celebrates and elevates the existing structure, with warm, muted tones which were selected to extend the materiality of the existing building rather than contrast it.&nbsp;

Interiors will bring together three metre high ceilings with waffle concrete in some spaces, natural timber, granite and Australian materials, culminating in crafted, generous and considered spaces that are defined by authenticity.&nbsp;

The adaptive re-use means that the Queens Road project will be a sustainability led, high-quality finished product, with a 62% saving in carbon emissions by re-using the existing structure rather than knocking it down and rebuilding.&nbsp;

ALTA Property was launched by Nigel Givoni in 2023, bringing over 25 years of experience in multi level residential delivery.&nbsp;

Melbourne’s property market growth is currently led by apartments. According to RPM VIC Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report (April 2026), units are outpacing houses, especially in the middle ring suburbs where median prices hit $757,500 – a four-year high that represents 2.9 percent growth quarter-on-quarter.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="647e13d7-b4bc-433a-9bc9-fe3c3dd4f2ec" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/V_06.png?VersionId=ou4NUCWUgA3NAy.6CQJlEdKX50j3dOk6" />

For ALTA Property Founder Nigel Givoni, this performance speaks to the confidence he has in the Melbourne market.&nbsp;

“Queens Road represents a rare opportunity to continue to shape our presence in the Melbourne market.,"&nbsp;Givoni says.

"With a considered project team and a premier site along one of the city’s most sought-after boulevards, we look forward to contributing to the fabric of this established address.

“Other Australian markets are getting a lot of attention, but I believe the depth of value in Melbourne is being overlooked. The fundamentals are strong, population growth is steady and, based on our preliminary conversations with a leading builder, construction costs are beginning to normalise, creating further opportunity."

Givoni says the project is a&nbsp;highly considered example of adaptive re-use, delivering quality, high-end residences, premium hotel-inspired amenities and an architecturally striking façade, all achieved without the need to remove the existing structure.

"We are really looking forward to the market’s response,” he said.&nbsp;

ALTA Property to deliver $200 million Queens Road apartment tower

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

<html><body>
SPONSORED POST
The Melbourne CBD recorded the greatest yield compression throughout the past three years across CBD office markets globally, as reported by Savills latest Impacts report. 
In Impacts, Savills global thought-leadership programme, Savills explores the link between office yields and borrowing, and concludes that the relationship has become more tenuous as investors’ profiles have changed and fewer investments have been predicated on finance from bank borrowing. 
According to Savills, a rise in interest rates in any domain (which is looking increasingly improbable) is unlikely to result in a corresponding rise in prime office yields so they are likely to remain stable or continue to fall in many markets. 
Looking at the level of yield compression across key CBD markets globally, Melbourne led the charge, with prime yields falling 174 basis point since 2015, followed by Beijing (-132 basis points) and Berlin (-120 basis points). 
Savills Australia’s CEO, Paul Craig, said that while Australian cities were still off the 3.0 percent mark hit by other CBD markets worldwide, “It would be prudent to assume that yields Down Under will fall in a similar trend in the next five years”. 
“This is even more so the case given the Melbourne CBD’s status as a regional gateway city and the Sydney CBD’s status as a global gateway city,” he said.
CBD prime office market yields are now sub-3.0 percent in Hong Kong (2.43 percent), Frankfurt (2.9 percent), Tokyo (2.9 percent) and Berlin (2.9 percent), in a reflection of the new benchmarks being set globally. Savills report forecasts that the Paris (3.0 percent) and Amsterdam (3.5 percent) prime CBD office markets could see market yields harden to under 3.0 percent by the end of 2019.
“Throughout the past three years, we have seen growing investor demand from both foreign and domestic investors drive yields down to record low levels,” Savills Australia’s Director for <a href="https://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/sales-and-investment/capital-transactions.aspx" target="_blank">Capital Transactions</a> in Victoria, James Girvan, said.
“Investors are drawn to the Victorian capital, not only because of strong demand drivers and nation-leading economic indicators.
“The risk-adjusted return for Melbourne CBD remains among the highest recorded across all office markets globally (according to latest available data from the MSCI IPD).”
Positively, as a result of record low interest rates, and thus record low long-term bond yields, the yield premium throughout the 10-year bond rate remained elevated at 305 basis points, according to Savills data in March 2019.
“We are seeing more and more investors, both domestically and internationally, recognise the investment potential in Australia, which will likely drive yields further down, particularly with interest rates likely to remain low in the short to medium term,” Savills Australia’s Director for <a href="https://www.savills.com.au/research/australian-research.aspx" target="_blank">Research &amp; Consultancy</a>, Shrabastee Mallik, said.
“We are not only seeing our peers abandoning tightening monetary policies globally, but domestically, there is also a growing consensus that the RBA will likely bring the cash rate down further this year. 
“We are seeing swap markets pricing interest-rate cuts for the remainder of 2019, which will add more downward pressure on 10-year bond rates, keeping the yield premium elevated and in favour of commercial property.
“Based on global data, yields in Australia remain elevated, compared to comparable investment destinations, providing the impetus for foreign investors to invest in Australian office markets. 
“In the past six months, we have seen increasing foreign investor activity in recovering markets like Perth and Brisbane, as they look to capitalise on relatively higher yields.”
Savills Australia’s Director for <a href="https://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/sales-and-investment/capital-transactions.aspx" target="_blank">Capital Transactions</a> in Western Australia, Nick Charlton, said the prime yield differential between Sydney and Perth was at historical highs, with an approximate 170-basis-point spread encouraging international investors to look more closely at counter-cyclical investment opportunities in the Perth CBD office market.
“Investors are confident the spreads are too wide and set to narrow in the short to medium term,” he said.
“Interest in the CBD office market has been further heightened by the prospect of net effective rental growth in prime office buildings forecast to be at 9.0 per cent per annum between now and 2021, with the lack of new stock and tightening vacancy rates, which are now at sub-5.0 percent.”
Mr Charlton went on to say that Perth was “a distinctly two-tiered market”, with the premium and upper A-grade segment behaving very differently to the lower-quality A and B Grade stock, which were seeing persistently high vacancy rates. 
“Investors see this is where the opportunity lies, finding functional, well-designed and well-located buildings that can be re-purposed to capitalise on the lack of new supply and the forecast net effective rental growth,” he said.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/5/1/Savills-yields.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/5/1/Savills-yields.jpg" alt="">
Mat Oakley, Head of Commercial Research for UK and Europe at Savills, says: “While the link between real estate yields and base rates has become less strong, it is by no means broken. Investors who look across a multitude of asset classes, particularly those searching for long-term secure income, will reach a point where the yield on sovereign bonds becomes attractive enough to prompt them to choose them above real estate. For the foreseeable future, however, prime offices in the world’s global cities will remain attractive, with competition fierce for the best assets.”
Simon Smith, Head of Asia Research at Savills, comments: “With the threat of a US-China trade war easing and the Fed signalling that it is unlikely to raise rates at the time of writing, we have seen a resurgence in demand for prime offices in Asia-Pac after activity weakened in the latter half of 2018. 2019 is therefore unlikely to see any movement outwards in yields.” 
Savills is a leading global real estate service provider offering the full spectrum of services from strategic advice to managing assets and projects and transacting deals. To learn more about Savills, visit <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/" target="_blank">savills.com.au</a>.
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Melbourne leads CBD markets globally in yield compressions for past three years: Savills

<html><body>
Melbourne developer Welsh Group has purchased an additional site in the Victorian suburb of Armstrong Creek.
The site at 500-540 Surf Coast Highway completes the Welsh Group ownership of over 40 hectares of landholdings at the mixed-use Armstrong Creek Town Centre.
Construction of the site, which has now received planning approval, is due to commence in the coming weeks.
Stage 1 of the development comprises of a Coles supermarket along with supporting specialty retail.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/5/31/IN1.jpg" alt="">
Andrew Welsh, Managing Director of Welsh Group, said Stage 1 of the Town Centre is scheduled to open in 2020.
“Stage 1 will initially service approximately 58,000 people, and provide in excess of 1,100 ongoing jobs, with the suburb set to rapidly increase to over 110,000 residents by 2036,” Welsh said.
“The Welsh Group has a strong investment within the Geelong region through its residential homes division, Welsh Homes.
“The Armstrong Creek Town Centre will be the first major commercial project in this region delivered by Welsh Group, and will include a range of retail, leisure and entertainment, residential and community facilities; bringing an array of services and employment opportunities to the growing community.”
Colliers International has been appointed as exclusive leasing agents with Mike Crittenden and Adam Lester set to manage the leasing campaign.
“The initial off market campaign in securing the anchors, has already generated significant local and national retail interest for the soon to be launched specialty tenancies,” Crittenden said.
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Welsh Group buys another site at Armstrong Creek with construction set to commence

<html><body>
Construction is about to commence shortly on a new health and wellness centre at 101 Collins Street.
The commercial tower, which is managed by AXA Investment Managers – Real Assets, will be home to  two studios with sprung floors and heated ceiling panels, equipped for a range of activities including yoga, pilates, barre, meditation, HIIT and a range of cardio-based classes.
The studios will be located alongside three specialist consultation rooms offering services such as physiotherapy, osteo therapy, chiropractic’s and remedial massage. 
The wellness centre, designed by Australian architects Gray Puksand, will be for the exclusive use of 101 Collins Street tenants.
Construction of the facility is slated to commence in April, with completion expected in October 2019. 
The wellness centre is the second phase of a comprehensive strategic asset plan, said Brett Dillon, Head of Funds Management at AXA IM-Real Assets.
“For almost three decades, 101 Collins Street has held the position as Melbourne’s pre-eminent office address, but we can’t afford to be complacent,” said Dillon.
“Our team is focused on responding to evolving tenant needs, new trends in technology and innovation, so our projects will continue to set new benchmarks in the premium space market.
“Wellness offerings are an essential element of today’s modern workplace, so we are excited to announce that construction will shortly commence on this industry-leading amenity at 101 Collins Street.”
Tenants at the 57-storey 101 Collins include Herbert Smith Freehills, Allens Linklaters, Goldman Sachs, and J.P Morgan.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

New wellness centre for 101 Collins Street tenants starts construction 

<html><body>
Australia’s banking sector is in recover mode after being hit by the perfect storm of influences, according to a new industry survey from Stamford Capital. 
Due to the effects of APRA restraints, the Royal Commission and resulting Hayne Report, pre-sale criteria continues to constrict residential development, according to Stamford Capital’s Real Estate Debt Capital Markets Survey 2019.
The survey found lenders are looking to size up loan books and scramble to develop new products for the changing market and many anticipate an interest rate decrease.
More than 100 active lenders participated in the national survey from major trading banks and non-bank lenders to super funds, foreign banks, private financiers and second-tier trading banks. 
Stamford said the survey aims to be a barometer of lending sentiment and an early identifier of market trends.
Overwhelmingly, the sentiment is that the residential apartment and housing market is in decline, according to the survey.
85% of respondents believe the residential markets are in decline, up from just 50% in 2018.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/11/MICHAEL_MG_0430.jpg" alt="">
“The pre-sales hurdle is now a barricade in the market and this is where we are witnessing one of the biggest divides between bank and non- bank lenders. It is no surprise that non-bank lenders are continuing to gain momentum in this market,” said Stamford Capital Executive Director Michael Hynes (pictured above).
The Stamford Capital Survey reveals that while 84% of major and second-tier banks require pre-sales of between 60 to 100%, 34% of non-bank lenders have no pre-sale commitment requirement.
Survey respondents also forecast an interest rate decline in 2019 which could prop up the residential sector - with 29% believing rates would drop, up significantly from just 3% in 2018.
Interest Cover Ratio (ICR) has replaced Loan Value Ratio (LVR) as the preferred metric for bank credit assessments and 60% of term-debt lenders see an ICR of 1.5 times for investment lending with banks seeking at least two times ICR.
“Lenders are definitely looking to find their feet in this rapidly changing landscape and typically the non-bank lenders are nimbler at this as they are not governed by APRA,” said Hynes.
A third of respondents revealed concerns are limited to specific locations and market sectors with the top three identified for risk:
<ol>
<li>Inner-city residential apartment oversupply in inner-urban areas of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane;</li>
<li>Pre-sales settlement defaults in new residential projects; and</li>
<li>Under-performing retail assets</li>
</ol>
Despite weakening market sentiment and rigid lending criteria for banks, the survey revealed that 73% of respondents are looking to increase the size of their loan book, down from 92% last year.
A whopping 90% of non-bank lenders expect to increase or maintain their loan book size with 62% indicating they expect increasing by 15%.
“Non-bank lenders are growing in terms of volume and appetite in this market, while the banks have pared back - adding further fuel to the fire in an already dynamic commercial finance sector this year,” said Executive Director of Stamford Capital, Domenic Lo Surdo.
However, the non-bank sector may soon face greater restrictions on lending criteria reducing their competitive edge – with 65% of Stamford Capital Survey respondents saying they expect APRA to increase oversight.
But while lenders remain cautious about market risks, Stamford Capital’s survey revealed many are developing innovative ways to cater to investor demand with 41% of respondents looking to introduce new products in 2019-2020.
Build-to-rent is a firm favourite new product with more than half of respondents looking to introduce loan facilities catering to this market, with 36% focusing on investment loan products and 34% on stretched senior debt investment products.
Crowdfunding is unlikely to make an impact in Australia with only 9% of respondents viewing it as a credible commercial lending option.
The outlook is not entirely bleak with increasing flexibility for investors who conform to criteria.
“All lenders are competing for quality investment applications to replace their construction loan books so investors are tipped to come out on top and those who tick the boxes will get competitive finance deals,” said Lo Surdo.
Non-banks however will have an increased appetite for investment and construction lending, transacting construction deals that don’t meet the banks criteria.
75% of survey respondents anticipate non-bank investment loan appetite will increase with 36% predicting investment margins will also increase.
Further, 67% of respondents anticipate non-bank appetite for construction loans will increase with 48% forecasting an increase in construction margins.
</body></html>

Pre-sale criteria continues to constrict development: Stamford Capital

<html><body>
A Melbourne based investor has paid $6.5 million on a 6.3% yield for a Campbellfield industrial facility with Hume Highway frontage.
Dawkins Occhiuto directors, Chris Jones and Walter Occhiuto brokered the deal.  
Located a short distance from the Metropolitan Ring Road, the 1608 Hume Highway property comprises a total building area of 4,949 square metres covering only 25% of the 16,550 square metre site.
It is leased to multinational tenant, Komatsu, on a seven year term expiring August 2020, at a current passing net rental of circa $411,000 per annum. 
Mr Jones said the Expressions of Interest campaign drew a strong field of local, interstate and off-shore buyers based on the property’s exceptional investment credentials.  
He said, “this property offered an excellent location and exposure right on the highway, a secure lease to a blue chip tenant, buildings and hardstand in very good condition and of high utility, high underlying land value, and significant future development upside with a low site coverage. It was hard to beat." 
“We are seeing strong yield compression, particularly for the best located, modern, industrial facilities with secure lease covenants, and that is likely to continue while industrial yields remain comparatively attractive vis-à-vis retail and office property, and while alternative assets classes are offering lower and/or more volatile return prospects,’’ Mr Jones added. 
The vendor was an interstate syndicator.
</body></html>

Campbellfield Industrial facility fronting the Hume Highway sold for $6.5 million

<html><body>
Seven individual Metro Petroleum service stations spread across NSW, VIC and QLD are headed to auction, at the same Sydney in-rooms event.   Sites at Broken Hill and Cootamundra in NSW, Bonnie Doon, Rutherglen, Cann River, Great Western in VIC and Texas in QLD are all going to be under the hammer on May 16.   The sites are marketed by Ray White Commercial NSW Director Michael Ajaka, Commercial VIC Director Paul Waterhouse and Commercial QLD Director John Dwyer.   Mr Ajaka said the portfolio of service stations, currently head-leased to Dib Group (trading as Metro Petroleum and a Shell service station at Cann River), offered investors exceptional opportunities to purchase premium investment properties.   “'Metro Petroleum' is a major petroleum brand with approximately 250 service stations and convenience stores across Australia’s east coast, including Western Australia and South Australia,” he said.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/19/PRINT_Shell_Cann_River_133_7.jpg" alt="">
“Servicing a large base of wholesale customers nationwide, it makes the company one of Australia’s largest independent service station franchises.   “Service stations really are a solid investment and banks are still financing investors to buy them, which makes them particularly appealing in the current market.   “The operators have good sustainable businesses such as the fuel sales, convenience stores, and with some having cafes they also run on-site.   “These opportunities will appeal to a number of people, from mum and dad investors as part of their superfund portfolios, to high net-worth individuals with interest expected to come from locals, nationals and offshore investors   “Leases on the sites run until 2028, 2029, 2030 with options, with an annual rent increase of CPI as per lease, and tenants paying outgoings as per lease (excluding land tax and building insurance).'"
Service station location and details:   NSW – Ray White Commercial NSW Director Michael Ajaka   <a id="LPlnk195651" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGRRfjY0I8EBuIExwxzbeVsbuhKX/r1pFevSn3VIfLmZU=&amp;rh=ff004a5e3f2a188bb6f86effce4a835efc129c4d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">·         571 Beryl Street, Broken Hill, NSW 2880</a> Lease term with options 10 years + five years + five year + five years Commencement date 1 December 2018   <a id="LPlnk412210" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGJKCadd8OMjqFleKKoVl5m7x81vYjdkXNBSL8tPGFBNo=&amp;rh=ff004a5e3f2a188bb6f86effce4a835efc129c4d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">·         111 Sutton Street, Cootamundra, NSW 2590</a> Lease term with options 10 years + five years + five years Commencement date 1 August 2017   VIC – Ray White Commercial Vic Director Paul Waterhouse   <a id="LPlnk579059" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZG9u9uZGomxbBu/2zFzDXsPeRSu23KUkTqOjJu7F/J4b0=&amp;rh=ff004a5e3f2a188bb6f86effce4a835efc129c4d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">·         1 Jones Street, Boonie Doon, VIC 3720</a> Lease term with options 10 years + five years + five years + five years Commencement date 1 July 2017   <a id="LPlnk3678" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGKfkRMUK57/KKEeAipBpXadv0lKwGi61PfPh6+f37vxw=&amp;rh=ff004a5e3f2a188bb6f86effce4a835efc129c4d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">·         155-163 Main Street, Rutherglen, VIC 3685</a> Lease term with options 15 years + five years + five years + five years Commencement date 1 December 2015   <a id="LPlnk816553" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGqdp6twqTXLIFaqGm1FdnTPChqLN9nmAFjtuyCnva7Tg=&amp;rh=ff004a5e3f2a188bb6f86effce4a835efc129c4d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">·         28 Princes Highway, Cann River, VIC 3890</a> Lease term with options 12 years + five years + five years + five years Commencement date 1 August 2017   <a id="LPlnk758652" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGfBzxsG4gjnMLhKlnt7GjZksdw4ouA5SBw3X3puuh0j4=&amp;rh=ff004a5e3f2a188bb6f86effce4a835efc129c4d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">·         116 Main Street, Great Western, VIC 3374</a> Lease term with options 11 years + five years + five years + five years + five years Commencement date 1 April 2018   QLD – Ray White Commercial QLD Director John Dwyer   <a id="LPlnk361010" href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39R+6hBQZ7yXMt0Z3VIjNMZGC0xdXocb+cXytLqjXtn/jPUq9RmQXcp2&amp;rh=ff004a5e3f2a188bb6f86effce4a835efc129c4d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">·         37 Greenup Street, Texas, QLD 4385</a> Lease term with options 15 years + five years + five years + five years + five years Commencement date 1 December 2015 
</body></html>

Seven Metro Petrol service stations set for auction

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The final three retail assets in Central Park Retail, in Sydney CBD's downtown precinct are being offered for sale in one line.
Central Park Retail is Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House’s award-winning $2 billion mixed-use Central Park development. 
With the flagship 12-year project now nearing completion, the joint venture is divesting the remaining three retail assets – Central Park Mall, DUO Retail and Park Lane Retail – in one line.This transaction is the final component of the partnership’s divestment strategy.
Internationally recognised for the vertical gardens and heliostat, it was transformed from a former brewery site into a mixed-use precinct with retail, commercial, hotel, education, student accommodation and residential uses.
“Central Park has redefined urban living in Sydney and Central Park Mall is the natural heart of this community. The precinct has won multiple awards in design and liveability and we are searching for the right buyer to keep the retail offer evolving,” says Mick Caddey, Development Director, Frasers Property Australia.
“These retail assets serve a large and growing catchment from a highly prominent and easily accessible location; surrounded by universities and education precincts with over 115,000 students within walking distance of the centre."
“Neighbouring Central Station is less than a 500 metre walk and is Australia’s largest and most frequented railway station. Central Station is currently undergoing a $955 million upgrade, with an estimated 270,000 commuters passing through the station daily,” says Mr Caddey.
Colliers International’s Head of Retail Investment Services, Lachlan MacGillivray, has been appointed to sell the CBD retail assets via an International Expressions of Interest campaign commencing in early May.
The Central Park Retail offer comprises Central Park Mall, DUO Retail (eight retail outlets) and Park Lane Retail (six retail outlets) in one line.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/16/COLL_Central_Park_Mall_Grounds_4025.jpg" alt="">
Central Park Mall opened in late 2013. 
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Its comprised of 14,600 sqm of gross lettable area set across five levels.
“The Central Park precinct continues to go from strength to strength and customers are voting with their feet and wallets with customer traffic and sales having grown 33 percent and 56 percent respectively since 2014,” says Mr MacGillivray.
This transaction represents the first significant opportunity since 2013 to acquire a 100 percent interest, with management, in a high calibre retail centre in Sydney’s CBD.
Recent sales of Sydney CBD retail assets highlight strong investor demand for a tightly held asset class, with a 25 percent interest in MidCity Centre transacting at a yield of approximately 4.0 percent and Pitt Street’s Soul Pattinson Building sold for $95 million at 4.0 percent. 
Central Park Retail is expected to transact in excess of $170 million.
Mr MacGillivray anticipates Central Park Retail will receive keen interest from domestic and international, private and institutional purchasers, given its quality and profile.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Final three Central Park Retail assets hit the market

<html><body>
Liminal, part café, part wine store, part event space, part market place, is set to open in May this year.
It is the latest project from Melbourne hospitality outfit The Mulberry Group.
Liminal will be located on the ground level of 161 Collins Street and is a new direction for the group who sold their signature cafés, Top Paddock, Kettle Black and Higher Ground, in December last year.
Situated Adjacent to the lobby atrium in the art deco T&amp;G Building.
The 400 sqm space was designed by The Stella Collective. .
Executive Chef Martin Webster (Jackalope, Montalto) has created breakfast and lunch menus. 
We’ll be changing them regularly depending on what produce comes through from the market.” says Webster.
The wine store offers customers the opportunity to select a bottle to enjoy in house or pick up one to take home.
Liminal will also feature a private board room.
It will operate Monday – Friday 7am – 6pm.
</body></html>

Mulberry Group's latest Melbourne CBD project Liminal opens May

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
There has been a mish-mash of infrastructure charges across Sydney’s growth areas with some of the highest growth areas being hit with big charges and a poor system for determining costs, according to new research from the Property Council of Australi
The research, originally conducted by Elton Consulting and supplemented with recently released population data from the ABS, claims areas of high growth need a better system for funding infrastructure with the charge placed on one dwelling taking up to 27 mortgage repayments to pay off.
“Sydney is growing and needs infrastructure, but we haven’t got the right funding system for delivering it. Currently communities in high growth areas are paying high infrastructure costs on their homes and this is not sustainable or equitable,” Acting Property Council NSW Executive Director William Power said.
“These areas are quickly developing and so there is often a layer cake effect to the charges – some charges coming from the State Government, others from local government – money drawn from multiple sources for much needed infrastructure.
“The blame for this scenario does not lie with any particular level of government, but rather in a lack of focus and line of site of what is being charged, for what infrastructure and for what community outcomes. This is made worse by the fact that some Councils are trying to administer up to 8 different contribution plans.
“At the moment, no one has a complete view of what is being charged and for what outcome across Greater Sydney and this is resulting in higher charges in some areas than others - It needs a rethink, and our recently elected state government needs to tackle this issue as one of their top priorities.”
The Property Council believes the State Government needs to:
<ul>
<li>Conduct an audit and create an online record of all infrastructure charges across Sydney</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Create an infrastructure charges calculator that tells the community or industry what the infrastructure charge on each dwelling will be in a suburb.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Give IPART (Independent Pricing and Regulatory Authority) greater resourcing and remit to review more contribution plans, review and edit the essential infrastructure list and ensure the community is getting the right infarstrcure to support growth from these contributions</li>
</ul>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
“Planning Reform and infrastructure charges must be the top two priorities for Minister Stokes and thenew Department of Planning and Industry to ensure Sydney is growing well," Mr Power concluded.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Infrastructure funding for Sydney needs big rethink: Property Council Australia

<html><body>
The Canterbury League Club, which started life as a small community hall in 1957, has just unveiled its new renovated venue.
Commencing in 2014, the $106 million redevelopment was designed with the goal of creating a 5-star premier hospitality venue, featuring cafés, lounges, bars, restaurants, gourmet food and drinks, entertainment, shows, a play area and a 24 hour health club.
The Club, whose members now number over 62,000 aims to be a ‘gathering place’ for the local community and a true ‘foodie hub’.
Along with two new restaurants, The Bakehouse Café, which is open 24-hours, and The Bistro, which can  seat 700 guests, and Lavico, the traditional Italian eatery, there is also a new bar, The Atrium Bar, 10 levels of underground parking featuring nearly 1,300 parking spaces and a newly created LED lightshow.
All of this is supported by an underground services area, which includes an underground loading dock and production kitchens that feature cutting-edge facilities.
This area also boasts sustainable features including an elevated loading dock, a Wi-Fi connected garbage compactor that can book its own waste pick up and the revolutionary Orca system which can turn waste into water.
The Club is set for more expansion with a hotel and residential apartments set for the top of the Club in the planning.
</body></html>

Latest Investing Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Investing Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News