<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.

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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 design-led apartments 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

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Australian cities continue to offer the world’s highest quality of living and remain attractive destinations for expatriates on assignment, according to Mercer’s 20th annual <a id="m_6268133976315433249LPlnk333679" href="https://www.imercer.com/content/mobility/quality-of-living-city-rankings" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.imercer.com/content/mobility/quality-of-living-city-rankings.html&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1521672718938000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGzgPb919p4f5qmXOE6SosrcdYguQ">Quality of Living survey</a>. 
However, it was also revealed that cities in emerging markets, though challenged by economic and political turmoil, are catching up with top ranking cities following decades of investing in infrastructure, recreational facilities and housing in order to attract talent and multinational businesses.
This year, Vienna tops the ranking for the 9th year running and is followed by Zurich (2), Auckland and Munich in joint 3rd place.
In 10th place, Sydney ranked highest for Australia, followed closely by Melbourne at 16th place.
Just missing out on the top 20 was Perth at 21, followed by Adelaide (29), Canberra (30) and Brisbane (37).
Simon Kennedy, Mercer’s Market Insights Leader in Australia said that Australian cities continue to rank high due to factors such as stable political and social environment, strong infrastructure, good quality housing and recreational facilities combined with excellent medical and health services which attract international talent and businesses.
“Today’s workplace is rapidly changing as we see more and more companies moving workers abroad,” said Kennedy.
“However, to successfully transition employees to new locations, companies must understand the demands of operating in a contemporary VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) environment. Importantly, companies need to be mindful of not only the costs associated with expatriate postings, but the quality of life provided by the new locations.”
<ul>
<li>All Australian cities within the global top 40; Sydney and Melbourne at 10 and 16 respectively</li>
<li>Vienna ranks highest for quality of living for the 9th year in a row</li>
<li>Mercer’s 20th annual Quality of Living survey provides rankings for more than 450 cities throughout the world; this year’s ranking includes 231 of these cities</li>
</ul>
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Sydney retains 10th ranked in international quality of living survey

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The Australian Prime Property Fund (APPF) Commercial, managed by Lendlease Investment Management, has joined one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, First State Super, to jointly acquire Two Melbourne Quarter, a next-generation office building located in the Melbourne Quarter precinct. 
A development agreement has been signed with Lendlease Development to build the tower.
Two Melbourne Quarter is the second of three commercial towers planned for the precinct. The first tower, One Melbourne Quarter, was acquired by APPF Commercial in 2016. It is 90 per cent leased and on schedule for completion later this year.  
Two Melbourne Quarter has also secured EnergyAustralia as anchor tenant, the largest tenant to date for the precinct. With construction to commence this month, EnergyAustralia has agreed to lease approximately 22,000 sqm of the 50,000 sqm tower, taking up 10-and-a-half levels of the building’s high-rise floors. 
With almost half the Woods Bagot-designed tower now leased, this leaves approximately 12 contiguous floors remaining. The building features flexible 2,000 sqm floor plates and is expected to house up to 4,500 new workers. 
First State Super and APPF Commercial will each hold a 50 per cent interest in the 25- storey tower, which will target leading sustainability outcomes and ratings in energy and water consumption, waste management, and indoor environment quality, including a 6- Star Green Star Design &amp; As Built rating and a 5.5 Star NABERS Energy rating. 
Developed by Lendlease, the Melbourne Quarter precinct will seek to deliver a range of attractive workplace and wellbeing amenities including end-of-trip facilities, business amenities and childcare services. 
APPF Commercial’s investment in Two Melbourne Quarter follows a recent equity raising. 
The fund leveraged its off-market access to Lendlease’s leading office development and urban regeneration capability in acquiring the asset. APPF Commercial is the first Australian fund to be awarded a 6-Star Green Star portfolio performance rating and was also ranked number one in the 2017 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) across all sectors globally. 
 
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Lendlease Fund and First State Super acquire Two Melbourne Quarter 

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Key workers – such as teachers, nurses, ambulance and fire officers and the police – perform essential services.
Across the Sydney some 156,000 workers are employed in these occupations, equating to some six per cent of the workforce.
However, high property prices and high rents are placing barriers to their home ownership which were not experienced by previous generations. 
There is now a serious mismatch between where key workers live and work, according to an important report prepared by Sydney University researchers for the Teachers Mutual Bank, Firefighters Mutual Bank, Police Bank and My Credit Union.
The report found that in the decade to 2016, key areas in Sydney lost up to 20 percent of teachers, nurses, policy and emergency service workers to outer and regional areas, while areas including the Illawarra, Southern Highlands and the Hunter Valley had net gains.
In 2006 more than 20 local government areas were affordable to a police senior constable. By 2016, that number had declined to four. 
The majority of key workers now reside in outer ring suburbs, which the report advised was unlike other world cities, such as London, New York, or San Francisco.
The problem begins with the shortage of affordable rental homes near employment as this undermines the capacity to save for a deposit.
An enrolled nurse with five years experience on $57,000, requiring a one bedroom rental property, would be able to afford a median property in only 9 per cent of middle ring suburbs and in no inner ring suburbs. 
As a consequence, many key workers are commuting long distances to get to work, or are living in unaffordable rental accommodation. 
There's no doubting Sydney needs its Macquarie Street policy makers to improve key worker access to home ownership given the lack of affordable and appropriate homes.
But the report also identified one way to help restore housing options that requires innovative consideration of the plight of challenged home buyers bu the banking and superannuation sectors.
A key suggestion was the implementation of shared equity models that have long been used in the United Kingdom to help low and moderate income earners enter home ownership. 
According to the UK Council of Mortgage Lenders, there are around 200,000 shared ownership homes in the UK where eligible households can purchase a minimum of 25 per cent of a property (and up to 75 per cent) and pay a rent of 3 per cent on the remaining share.
Over time the household can purchase the remaining equity in the property from the affordable housing provider partner (who owns the balance), or repay it when the house is sold. 
We need mortgage lenders to embrace shared ownership.
It needs superannuation funds to joint venture with banks in this product. 
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Banks need to embrace shared ownership concept as way forward for home affordability

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The Red Mountain Resort, designed for Festir ehf, in Iceland has been awarded a commendation in the Retail &amp; Leisure category at the recent 2018 MIPIM/Architectural Review Future Project Awards.
<a href="http://johannestorpe.com/projects/the-red-mountain-resort" target="_blank">The Red Mountain Resort resort </a>promises a sensory escape into breathtaking Icelandic nature resort for the modern spiritual traveler, the judging panel noted.
"Its architecture seduces visitors through an exploration of the interplay between nature and visitor.” 
The designer Johannes Torpe Studios markets itself as an advocate for "an unrestrained and fearless approach to design."
The Red Mountain Resort is the studio’s very first large-scale architectural project. 
<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/2018/3/21/ICELAND2.jpg" alt="">
Situated on the Western peninsula of Snæfellsness, at the point where the river mouth runs out to the sea, the resort faces Seæfellsjokull, a majestic glacier covered stratovolcano. The mountain is home to the Icelandic saga about Barður Snæfellsás, who is said to have left the chaotic world of men behind to live in solitude. 
Snæfellsjökull, a 700,000-year-old glacier covered stratovolcano, inspired Jules Verne who made the volcano the passage way to the centre of the earth in his science fiction novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth from 1864.
The studio's lead architect Kit Sand Ottsen explored the tradition of Icelandic turf houses built by the first Norwegian settlers, experimenting with ways of creating a modern interpretation.
"The emerging idea was to turn the construction inside-out," he explained.
<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/2018/3/21/iceland4.jpg" alt="">
Turf houses are wooden structures insulated by a thick wall of turf - in other words, a light structure with a very heavy base.
The studio inverted this structure by creating a heavy concrete structure enclosed by a light base of glass. As a natural extension, the relationship between positive and negative space has been explored, and throughout the building there is a clear contrast between light-weight and more heavy building volumes.
The building itself is an industrial interpretation of the rocky landscape with heavy geometric shapes shooting up from the ground like sculptural rock formations and tall steam-chimneys that are an architectural take on geysers.
Concrete is chosen as the primary material and is treated with a red pigment that mimics the hue of the surrounding landscape.
The concrete is applied to create layers of contrasting rough and smooth textures and form patterns inspired by those found in the layers of the turf houses. Selected parts of the rooftops are covered with grass like the traditional building techniques of the area.
"This both intensifies the notion of a building that is closely related to the history of the site, and adds to the sense of a hidden destination that discreetly rises from the landscape," the project brief advised.
The use of reflecting glass on the building’s exterior creates a mirror effect, evoking the illusion of a building that disappears into the landscape. Portals and tunnels are additionally dispersed throughout the building to enhance this otherworldly and magical atmosphere.
The local geology is made up of caves, craters, peculiar rock formations, volcanic plugs and the moss covered lava fields.
It replicates wind tunnels, fire baths and ice pools that represent the unpredictable extremes of Icelandic weather.
 
 
 
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Iceland spa project for the modern spiritual traveller scoops MIPIM 2018 commendation

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Footscray’s Spice ‘n’ Grocery premises has been sold at auction to a local private investor for $2.65 million.
More than 100 people turned up to watch four bidders contest for the 390sqm property at <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/49-51-leeds-street-footscray-vic-3011-2014162599" target="_blank">49-51 Leeds Street.</a>
The bidding started at $1.7million.<a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/49-51-leeds-street-footscray-vic-3011-2014162599" target="_blank"></a>
Savills Australia’s Julian Heatherich and Mark Stafford brokered the deal in conjunction with Trimson Partners’ John Verduci and Philip Mazzella.
“Selling for 47 per cent above reserve, this was a particularly hotly contested auction, demonstrating the burgeoning demand for retail assets in Melbourne’s inner-west,” Mr Heatherich said.
“The 2.21 per cent yield also highlights buyer appetite.”
Heatherich said the buyer recognised the value of the current six-year lease, which is returning $58,710sqm.
Stafford said the property presented “significant future upside” based on its Activity Centre zoning and location beside the Footscray Market and 100 metres from the train station.
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Savills secures the sale of Footscray's Spice 'n' Grocery 

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Clayton Coles in Melbourne's south east has sold for $17,115,000, record a new record yield of 2.57 percent.
The previous record was held by Woolworths Middle Brighton which sold for $32 million on a 3.8% yield, and more recently Dan Murphys, Alphington which sold for $22.5 million on a yield of 3.2% via CBRE’s Premium Property Portfolio Auction Platform.
CBRE agents Mark Wizel, Justin Dowers, Kevin Tong and Dylan Kilner negotiated the sale on behalf of the deceased estate, which had been owned by the same family for over 20 years.
It was a local private investor who beat out a host of high profile investors, Asian investors and developers.
Coles Clayton was the first Victorian supermarket offered to the market in 2018.
The property on the corner of Centre Road and Cooke Street has a freestanding, 2850 sqm supermarket which has been trading since 1998.
It was sold subject to an estimated net annual income of $440,552.
CBRE's Mark Wizel said whilst the vendors had every intention of taking the property to auction, the offer was compelling enough for the estate trustee to sell prior.
“Although there was over 15 years of tenure to Coles, the buyer took a longer term view on the opportunity of owning a prominent Commercial 1 Zoned allotment within Metropolitan Melbourne,’’ Mr Wizel said.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Coles Clayton sells for new supermarket record yield

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Stockland has confirmed the imminent arrival of global, fashion retailer, H&amp;M to Stockland Green Hills, opening in the Maitland district in May.
The new 2,300 square metre store will be set over two levels, located within the centres new fashion mall.
The store will offer the full H&amp;M offering, with apparel, underwear and accessories for Men, Women, Kids and Baby as well as H&amp;M Home. 
John Schroder, Stockland Group Executive and CEO Commercial Property said the opening of H&amp;M will follow Stockland’s $414 million transformation of the shopping centre into the premier lifestyle, fashion, entertainment, health and dining destination for the region.
The grand opening of Stockland Green Hills on March 22 will also see the opening of Mecca Maxima, Seed, Decjuba, Tigerlily, Bonds, Harris Scarfe and first new format David Jones store in the Hunter - taking the centre to around 74,000 square metres.
H&amp;M at Stockland Green Hills will be Stockland’s fourth store for the portfolio, following the opening of H&amp;M’s Sydney flagship store at Glasshouse on Pitt Street Mall in 2015 and last year’s openings at Stockland Townsville and Stockland Rockhampton. 
H&amp;M now has 26 stores across Australia and more than 4,700 stores globally.
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H&M to open at Stockland Green Hills 

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Big W has left Broken Hill following closure of its store in Westside Plaza, owned by the shopping centre Sentinel Property Group.
Its managing director Warren Ebert said Sentinel had offered numerous solutions to Big W but the retailer decided not to take up an option to extend its long standing lease. 
“We offered to reduce their rent, decrease their space and numerous other solutions but they just didn’t want to talk to us.
“Big W has gone and left the regional centre of Broken Hill in the lurch with its decision to close its store.”
Mr Ebert said Sentinel has received significant interest from other national retailers in taking over the space.
Westside Plaza is part of the Sentinel Countrywide Retail Trust, having cost $33.7 million in 2015. Acting on behalf of Federation Centres, Steven Lerche, Rino Carpinelli and Peter Isaksson of Savills Retail Investment Sales sold the centre following a national expressions of interest campaign to Sentinel.
Westside Plaza in Broken Hill was Sentinel's second sub-regional shopping centre purchase.
It features a total lettable area of 17,400sqm. It had a 98% occupancy rate on acquisition dominated by national tenants including Woolworths, Big W, Dick Smith, Best &amp; Less, Priceline, Prouds, NAB, McDonalds
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Big W quits Sentinel's Broken Hill property

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Philippe Starck has revealed plans for a 14-storey hotel in the French city of Metz, with an 18th-century-style house on the roof.
Metz mayor Dominique Gros, the internationally acclaimed creator <a href="http://www.starck.com/en?i=maison-heler-an-out-of-scale-phantasmagoric-architecture-in-the-dynamic-city-of-metz" target="_blank">Philippe Starck</a> and Hilton unveiled their plans for the distinctive, <a href="https://maison-heler.com" target="_blank">Maison Heler Metz</a>, Curio Collection by Hilton at last week's MIPIM.
Located on Metz’s former freight station, Maison Heler Metz is the most ambitious urban planning development launched in the region for a century. 
 The 14-story hotel has secured a €22.5 million investment led by Yvon Gérard and a consortium of investors. 
“Maison Heler Metz is a unique property, the design of which perfectly captures the spirit of our handpicked Curio Collection by Hilton hotels. 
"This will be Metz’s first high-end hotel opening in a number of years, and an impressive addition to our portfolio in France, which continues to be the most visited country in the world,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton. 
Curio Collection by Hilton is made up of hotels selected for their unique character. 
Maison Heler Metz joins more than 20 Curio Collection by Hilton hotels, trading or under construction properties in Europe.
In the heart of the newly developed Quartier de l'Amphithéâtre, Maison Heler Metz will be the first hotel entirely created and developed from the ground up by the famed French creator.
<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/2018/3/20/starck.jpg" alt="">
 
Starck imagined a habitable, surreal and poetic work of art, which he antiquates becoming a strong symbol for the region. 
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“This project is an ‘out-of-scale’ phantasmagoric architecture,” said Philippe Starck.
“It's a game about uprooted roots, a symbolic construction of the Lorraine region.”
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The monolithic and monochromatic building will be topped by an 18th century traditional Alsatian home. 
The house atop the 14th floor will include a rooftop terrace and garden, peppered with local trees.
The house will hold a restaurant and lounge bar. 
There will be 119 guest rooms and suites. 
“Philippe Starck is a pioneer of international design and we are very proud to be working with him on this project,” said Yvon Gerard, co-founder of Maison Heler and leader of the project. 
The hotel is part of the social, ecological and economic development of Metz, in a new neighborhood dedicated to culture, housing and business. 
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Philippe Starck's first hotel for France

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An office in Adelaide’s CBD is being transformed into co-working space after sitting vacant for four years, highlighting the changing needs of South Australian businesses.
<a href="http://www.savills.com.au/">Savills Australia’s</a> Natasha Bertram and Adam Hartley have been appointed to lease 800sq m of shared office space at 12 Pirie Street after suggesting a co-working fit-out to the landlord.
“Several offices in Adelaide have been sitting vacant for several years, which is a frustrating situation for landlords,” Mr Hartley said.
“It was time to offer local businesses a fresh, up-to-date option, on par with some of the redevelopment going on in Melbourne and Sydney.
“We saw huge potential in creating co-working space at 12 Pirie Street, which has a large enough floorplate to be split into a number of small office suites to suit a variety of tenants’ needs.”
The office is being redeveloped by LDSa Pty Ltd to include individual or grouped workstations and offices, a shared boardroom and meeting rooms, hot desks and shared kitchen facilities, and is due for completion in May.
“Whether it’s a single work station or a small office suite with up to 14 workstations, the spaces come furnished with desks, storage units and task chairs,” Mrs Bertram said.
“Each tenant will have full access to the expandable board room, multiple meeting rooms and quiet rooms.”
Mrs Bertram said the co-working space would appeal to start-up businesses, entrepreneurs and companies seeking the flexibility that came with a shared working environment. “12 Pirie Street presents a simple, fast, affordable, professional and collaborative option for businesses looking to relocate but don’t require entire floors,” she said. “We’re looking forward to seeing which businesses take advantage of the opportunity to grow their business organically on such flexible lease terms. 
“This space will create a hub of activity, and may inspire other landlords to follow suit.”
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. Adam Hartley is Director of <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/leasing/office-leasing.aspx">Office Leasing</a> and Natasha Bertram is Executive of <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/leasing/retail-leasing.aspx" target="_blank">Retail Leasing</a>. To learn more about Savills, visit <a href="http://www.savills.com.au" target="_blank">savills.com.au</a>.
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