<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 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

<html><body>
The transformation of one of Australia’s most iconic former prisons into a new age urban village will commence this month, with construction work to begin on the 167-year-old Pentridge Prison.
Pentridge Coburg developer Shayher Group will start work on the construction of the 6,000 square metre site’s large retail hub first, which will deliver cinemas and a new supermarket for Coburg when competed in late 2019.
The retail precinct will feature a shopping centre as well as a 15-screen Palace Cinemas.
The shopping centre is the centrepiece of Shayher Group’s vision to transform the former Pentridge Prison into a vibrant mixed-use urban village comprising cafes, restaurants, a hotel, shopping facilities as well as apartments and public open space.
<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/2018/2/22/pent2.jpg" alt="">
Spanning approximately 6.7 hectares, Pentridge Coburg will create more than 8000 jobs, including more than 1200 permanent jobs across retail, hospitality and hotel industries.
Shayher Group spokesperson Anthony Goh said construction commencement aimed to give future tenants and the local community confidence that the project is on track.
“This is an important milestone for the revitalisation of Pentridge Prison and its transformation into a vibrant community asset, driving economic and employment growth locally,” he said.
“The construction process will be sensitive to the existing heritage of the prison and undertaken in a manner that will ensure the heritage elements live on for many decades to come.
“For our future retail tenants, Palace Cinemas, Zero95 Wood Fire Pizza Bar and Adina, the construction commencement marks the beginning of our journey in making Pentridge Coburg a place for the local community to experience and enjoy.”
Pentridge Coburg’s retail precinct has generated strong interest from Melbourne’s hospitality and retail industry, which sees the potential a project of this size has to reinvigorate the local Coburg economy and turn the area into the next inner-city hotspot.
In addition to Palace’s support for the project, Adina has signed on to operate a 120-room hotel on site.
Pentridge is on the Victorian Heritage Register, which is overseen by Heritage Victoria. 
Shayher Group has invested more than $2 million through various restoration works, including restoring the iconic guard towers.
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Construction to commence on former Pentridge Prison transformation

<html><body>
Homes located within the catchment for some of Melbourne’s best public schools are achieving six-figure premiums, compared to neighbouring properties which fall just outside the zone.
The latest REIV data shows the median house price in highly sought after public school catchments is up to $400,000 more expensive than homes within a one kilometer radius of the zone.   
In the year to December 31, homes zoned for some of the city’s best primary schools recorded the largest price difference, with South Yarra Primary School leading the way. Homes within the South Yarra Primary School zone had a median price of $1,930,000 while properties bordering the zone had a median of $1,520,000 – a difference of $410,000.
Vendors of homes within the catchment area for Altona Primary School could also expect higher sale prices than those located just outside the zone. The median house price for those within the zone was $1,225,000 while neighbouring homes bordering the zone fetched $325,000 less.
In Bentleigh East, homes zoned for Valkstone Primary School were almost $250,000 more expensive than those within one kilometer of the school zone.
REIV President Richard Simpson said access to quality public schools remains a key factor for many buyers, which is delivering significant capital gains for homes located in these catchments.
“Parents of school-aged children are investing in the family home by buying into areas zoned for some of the city’s best public schools, rather than paying the equivalent in private school fees.”  
Camberwell High School experienced the largest price difference for secondary schools, with a difference of $289,000 recorded between those in the zone and those bordering the zone.
Homes located within the catchment of McKinnon Secondary College also achieved  significantly higher prices than those just outside the zone. The median house price for homes within the zone was $1,690,000 while those bordering the zone had a median price $235,000 less.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS
<table>
<colgroup>
<col width="228">
<col width="106">
<col width="140">
<col width="150">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
12 months to Dec17
</td>
<td>
In School Zone
</td>
<td>
Bordering School Zone (1km)
</td>
<td>
Difference
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
South Yarra Primary School
</td>
<td>
$1,930,000
</td>
<td>
$1,520,000
</td>
<td>
$410,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Altona Primary School
</td>
<td>
$1,225,000
</td>
<td>
$900,000
</td>
<td>
$325,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Valkstone Primary School
</td>
<td>
$1,630,000
</td>
<td>
$1,385,000
</td>
<td>
$245,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Fitzroy Primary School
</td>
<td>
$1,635,000
</td>
<td>
$1,400,000
</td>
<td>
$235,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Hampton Primary School
</td>
<td>
$2,050,000
</td>
<td>
$1,860,000
</td>
<td>
$190,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Llyod Street Primary School
</td>
<td>
$2,000,000
</td>
<td>
$1,870,000
</td>
<td>
$130,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Preston West Primary School
</td>
<td>
$1,045,000
</td>
<td>
$952,000
</td>
<td>
$93,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Hartwell Primary School
</td>
<td>
$2,001,000
</td>
<td>
$1,950,000
</td>
<td>
$51,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Templeton Primary School
</td>
<td>
$997,500
</td>
<td>
$965,500
</td>
<td>
$32,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Regency Park Primary School
</td>
<td>
$920,000
</td>
<td>
$903,000
</td>
<td>
$17,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
<table>
<colgroup>
<col width="237">
<col width="96">
<col width="150">
<col width="141">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
12 months to Dec17
</td>
<td>
In School Zone
</td>
<td>
Bordering School Zone (1km)
</td>
<td>
Difference
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Camberwell High School
</td>
<td>
$2,399,000
</td>
<td>
$2,110,000
</td>
<td>
$289,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
McKinnon Secondary College
</td>
<td>
$1,690,000
</td>
<td>
$1,455,000
</td>
<td>
$235,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Frankston High School
</td>
<td>
$778,400
</td>
<td>
$650,000
</td>
<td>
$128,400
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Box Hill High School
</td>
<td>
$1,425,000
</td>
<td>
$1,335,000
</td>
<td>
$90,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Mount Waverley High School
</td>
<td>
$1,407,000
</td>
<td>
$1,328,500
</td>
<td>
$78,500
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
A three bedroom house in South Yarra Primary School Zone has been sold for $3.5 million earlier this month (pictured below).
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-south+yarra-127443318?cid=pdp:recent-sales" target="_blank">Located at 48 Fawkner Street</a>, the Victorian home is only 0.28 kilometres from the South Yarra Primary School.
It comes with three bedrooms, open plan kitchen and dining, and a sizable balcony.
Additional features include a sitting room, study, under stair storage lush courtyards and rear right of way parking access for two cars.
<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/2018/2/27/south%20yarra%20primary.jpg" alt="">
A Stodart Street five-bedroom house, which is 0.66 kilometres from Camberwell High School, was sold for $5.5 million last year (pictured below).
Built in 1928, the 12 Stodar Street home comes with five bedrooms, a well-appointed Miele kitchen, informal living and dining rooms and private garden with heated pool and spa.
Willison station, parks, trams and schools, including Camberwell Primary School, Camberwell High School and Canterbury Girls Secondary College are within short distance.
<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/2018/2/27/12%20stodart%20st.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Camberwell tops school zones value benefit: REIV

<html><body>
The Melbourne food and beverage operator Beacon 88 has secured a five-year lease for its Albert Park premises.
It is a 160 sqm retail space on the ground floor of the residential complex at 88 Beaconsfield Parade.
Beacon 88 will open a high-end eatery leased at a net annual rent of $593 a square metre.
Knight Frank agent Paul Pellegrino brokered the deal for landlord, Pentas Property Investments.
<a href="http://88beaconsfield.com/vision" target="_blank">The building </a>was designed by Omiros One Architecture with a 4th floor lap pool and sun deck, overlooking the Melbourne CBD skyline, and provide a space accessible to all residents to enjoy the Port Phillip Bay view.
</body></html>

Beacon 88 lease deal on Albert Park promenade

<html><body>
The hamburger restaurant Milky Lane has agreed terms on a two-year lease with options at Parramatta in Sydney's west.
It is for the ground floor 385sq m retail space at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-parramatta-500849035" target="_blank">20 Macquarie Street</a>.
The agreed gross annual rent is $380 a square metre, with a 4.5 per cent annual rental review.
Khoury Partners' Jon Race handled the leasing negotiations.
With a complete update of both the lobby and common areas, 20-22 Macquarie Street occupies a central position, only metres to Parramatta Train Station Station and Bus Services. 
The tower provides six levels of B-Grade office accommodation. Retail opportunities included ground floor retail featuring full commercial kitchen and seating for 213 diners. 
</body></html>

Milky Lane lease in Parramatta

<html><body>
The architecture firm The Buchan Group, has designed a retail hub located in the heart of a new Northern Territory master-planned suburb, Zuccoli at Palmerston.
Zuccoli plaza, which is now completed, comprises 3400 sqm of retail space with additional covered areas.
The shopping centre features 14 shops including a supermarket, gym, medical centre, chemist, local MP office, liquor store, newsagent, land sales office and cafe. It is located on the corner of Zuccoli Parade and Crosby Street.
The Buchan Group was appointed by The RR Morriss Group to provide master-planning, architectural, interior, graphics branding and signage design services to the project.
Buchan Group architect Rhys Maxwell said Zuccoli Plaza was "a village plaza which connected, integrated, and extended the adjoining park into the site."
“It seemed logical to integrate the surrounding parkland into the site to complement the Zuccoli masterplan concept of providing a natural edge to village life.
“A flowing and open park transition with flanking arbour structures connects the adjoining WKJ Memorial Park to the plaza to provide shade and cover to the pedestrian walkways."
 <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/2018/2/28/Buchan%20Group%20Zuccoli%20Plaza%20Darwin%202.jpg" alt="">
The centre was opened by the family of the late Guido Zuccoli, after whom the suburb was named. A design competition was held for local artists to paint a mural in Mr Zuccoli’s honour, on the park-facing side of Zuccoli Plaza.
 
 
</body></html>

Buchan Group's design of Zuccoli Plaza, Darwin

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
A Little Collins Street space in Melbourne’s CBD has attracted strong demand from a range of operators. 
Fitzroys agent Terence Yeh leased the 38 sqm Shop 3, 188 Little Collins Street to Little Temperance café on a 5+5-year deal at $90,000 per annum net, with 4% annual increases. 
Yeh said the typical rate for a similar space would be around $1,800 per sqm, but a rate of $2,368 per sqm was achieved. 
“More than 60 enquiries were received from hospitality, fashion and service retail operators, looking to capitalise on the CBD worker population and the rapidly growing residential catchment in central Melbourne,” he said. 
Yeh negotiated the deal on behalf of a private investor. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/2/26/P1160019.JPG" alt="">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

 Little Temperance cafe leases Little Collins Street space 

<html><body>
Mirvac Group's A-grade office development 664 Collins Street in Melbourne is 100 per cent pre-leased following the signing of leading energy provider, AGL. 
AGL has committed to over 6,000 square metres across two floors.
It joining tenants, Pitcher Partners and Fujitsu in the 26,000 square metre office tower. 
Mirvac’s Campbell Hanan said, “664 Collins Street is now 100 per cent leased ahead of practical completion this year."
“The changing forces of work and employee experience are demanding more from the built form than ever before. 
"Mirvac is working with tenants to create workplaces and assets, like 664 Collins Street.
He said <a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=644+Collins&amp;entry=gmail&amp;source=g">644 Collins</a> was designed to incorporate leading smart technology and real-time data collection to improve workforce utilisation and efficiencies, "while creating an intuitive working environment.” 
The executive general manager group Operations at AGL, Doug Jackson said AGL was utilising this space to accommodate our digital transformation projects and Melbourne-based operations. 
At 664 Collins Street, Pitcher Partners will occupy over 9,000 square metres across 3.5 levels, with a 12-year lease commencing in June 2018. 
Fujitsu and AGL will take up occupancy in September 2018. 
Upon practical completion, which is expected mid this year, 664 Collins Street will be the final stage of the Southern Cross Station complex. It will target a 5 Star Green Star Design and 5 Star NABERS Energy rating.
In June last year, Mirvac successfully sold down 50 per cent of the building to an investment vehicle sponsored by Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing (MSREI).
</body></html>

After AGL Mirvac¹s 664 Collins Street 100 percent pre-leased

<html><body>
A housing affordability report has found WA is the most affordable state in the country for tenants and home-buyers. Only the two Territories - the ACT and Northern Territory - are more affordable.
It’s one piece of a multi-faceted equation which equals recovery in the Perth property market.
While media continues to obsess over Sydney and has extrapolated the wind-down in its market into a national downturn, other scenarios are playing out in different parts of this complex nation.
Perth has been running counter-cyclical to Sydney for the past five or six years and this continues. In 2012, when Perth prices were rising strongly, Sydney was doing very little; as Sydney got on its growth path from 2013 onwards, Perth was heading into reverse; and now, as Sydney runs out of steam, Perth is recovering and moving forward.
Improved affordability after four years of price decline is one of the factors giving Perth momentum.
The Real Estate Institute of Australia and Adelaide Bank, in their latest Housing Affordability Report, have found that affordability in WA’s housing and rental markets has improved markedly.
According to the report, the proportion of income required for tenants to pay their rent had decreased from 19.2% in late 2016 to 17.4% in late 2017.
For those looking to buy their first home, the proportion of income required to meet home loan repayments decreased from 23.8% in 2016 to 22.4% in 2017.
The result reflects the decline in property values and rentals in Perth and other parts of WA in recent years, exacerbated by the end of the resources investment boom, which pushed up residential vacancies.
But the Perth property market generally ended 2017 on a positive note, with December Quarter data from the REIWA showing improvements in median prices, sales activity, listing levels and average selling days.
Supporting that is Domain figures for the December Quarter, which show small quarterly rises in the median prices for both houses and apartments, although the annual figures are still a little negative.
In addition, the latest SQM Research figures show small monthly rises although, again, the annual data is still in the negative.
All this is making Perth “the land of opportunity” and it’s the main reason I’m heading to Perth to do a seminar presentation on 15 March.
REIWA president Hayden Groves says it bodes well for Perth that all key indicators improved over the latest quarter.
“The Perth market found its floor and stabilised in the back half of 2017,” he says. “We now appear to be entering a recovery phase, though REIWA remains cautious about expectations of rapid growth in the next 12 months.”
Perth’s preliminary median house price increased 1.2% to $516,000 in the December Quarter - but once all sales have settled, REIWA expects the final December Quarter median to lift to $520,000, which would be a notable rise on the September Quarter median of $510,000.
Perth’s median unit price is $405,000 for the December Quarter which is a 1.3% increase on the September Quarter.
There were 4,946 dwelling sales in Perth in the December quarter. Groves says this figure is expected to lift to 6,700 once all sales have settled, putting it significantly above the September Quarter sales figure.
“Traditionally, the September Quarter outperforms the December Quarter, but that wasn’t the case in 2017. The December Quarter is on track to record 14% more sales than September,” Groves says.
The primary reason for the revival in the Perth property market is the recent improvement in the state economy.
Further confirmation of WA’s revival comes from Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe, who says the state economy has “turned the corner”.
Lowe says while the national economy is gaining strength, WA is not being left behind, with signs of a lift in mining investment through the State.
“We’re starting to see more self-sustaining investment growth in WA in the mining sector and that’s picking up conditions in Perth,” Lowe says. “It’s not a boom again but there’s more sustainable investment going on and that’s helping the WA economy.”
Outside the mining sector, Lowe cites the lift in public infrastructure projects as one of the reasons the economy is improving.
 
Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au
<a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au">ryder@hotspotting.com.au</a>
twitter.com/hotspotting
</body></html>

terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Perth's counter cyclical property market is now moving forward: Terry Ryder

<html><body>
CommSec has analysed all results from ASX 200 companies. Traditionally brokers or analysts focus on smaller subsets of results. And some merely focus on just whether companies have met or fallen short of “market expectations”.
So far 125 of the ASX200 have reported half-year earnings. The earnings season effectively ends on February 28.
Some of the key results:
<ul>
<li>In aggregate, revenues are up 7.0% on a year ago; expenses are up 8.2%; profits are down by 1.5%; dividends are up 9.5% and cash is up 5.3%.</li>
<li>Excluding BHP, CBA and Telstra, profits are up 3.2% on a year ago.</li>
</ul>
The following points relate to those companies that have reported half-year results (HY reporting companies).
<ul>
<li>On revenues, 81% reported increases and 19% reported declines.</li>
<li>On expenses, 78% reported increases and 22% reported declines.</li>
<li>On profits, 94% reported a profit.</li>
<li>57% reported a lift in profit and 43% a decline (long-term average 61.4%).</li>
<li>Of those reporting a profit, 57% lifted profits and 43% reported a decline.</li>
<li>Of all HY reporting companies, 86% have issued a dividend and 14% haven’t.</li>
<li>Of those reporting a dividend, 75% lifted the dividend, 8% cut and 17% left dividends unchanged.</li>
<li>Of all companies reporting half-year earnings, 57% lifted cash holdings over the year and 43% cut cash levels.</li>
<li>Cash holdings of both full-year and half-year reporting companies stood at $112 billion at December 31, up 4.4%.
</li>
</ul>
The trends
<ul>
<li>Surveys conducted of the business sector over the past six months have generally been positive. The NAB business conditions index hit record (21-year) highs in October 2017. Using rolling averages, business conditions are at decade highs.  
</li>
<li>So it makes sense that companies are making money. In fact all but seven of the 125 ASX200 companies reporting for the six months to December, reported a profit. The 94.4% of companies recording a profit matches the record high proportion in the 2017 interim reporting season a year ago. 
</li>
<li>But aggregate profits aren’t soaring. In fact aggregate profits are down 1.5% on a year ago. Stripping out heavyweight companies, a small lift in aggregate profit was achieved. 
</li>
<li>In addition, if you look at the proportion of companies able to lift profits, it was only 57% – the smallest share in five years. 
</li>
<li>So where have the funds gone? Aggregate revenues lifted 7% over the year but expenses posted a stronger 8.2% increase. Some companies have chosen to invest more into their business. Others may have lifted marketing expenses to stay competitive. Still others may have faced higher costs – certainly energy bills have continued to lift along with other commodity prices. 
</li>
<li>Cash levels are still healthy, up 5.3% on a year ago for half-year reporting companies. But in the year to June 2017 cash levels were up by 23.5%. 
</li>
<li>As a result of decisions or circumstances that have led to a lift in expenses, thus restraining profits, a smaller proportion of companies have issued dividends. 
</li>
<li>For some time this had been expected – companies had to reach a point where they needed to spend more on the business. So the 86% of companies issuing a dividend was the smallest proportion for three years.  
</li>
<li>The important point is that for those companies paying a dividend, the desire has been to lift or maintain the dividend. In fact almost 92% of the dividend payers, elected to lift or maintain dividends – the highest share in the 16 reporting seasons we have tracked. 
</li>
<li>In aggregate, dividends per share were up 9.5% on a year ago. 
</li>
</ul>
What are the implications for interest rates and investors?
<ul>
<li>Corporate Australia remains in strong shape. All but seven of the half-year reporting companies recorded a profit for the period despite stronger growth in expenses. 
</li>
<li>Corporate Australia is solidly in the black. But the bottom-line profits aren’t rising like they were in the recent past. And that is understandable. The base level of corporate profits is higher; global competition continues to lift; companies are investing more; and there was a solid lift in energy costs in the second half of 2017. 
</li>
<li>Looking ahead, the Australian economy is expected to grow at a faster pace over the coming year. A near record number of homes are being built although fewer new projects are likely to be started over the coming year, especially in Sydney and Melbourne and the Brisbane apartment market. 
</li>
<li>A growing number of infrastructure projects will support prospects of construction, industrial and transport sectors. 
</li>
<li>Resource companies and other companies with substantial operations overseas will benefit from stronger global economies. The challenge will be to restrain costs, particularly energy costs. 
</li>
<li>US sharemarkets have been volatile over February as investors weigh up high valuations and the prospects for higher interest rates. The Australian sharemarket will be affected like other sharemarkets should the volatility continue. But the Australian sharemarket is attractively valued with the lagged price-earnings at 15.79, only slightly above the long-term average. 
</li>
<li>CommSec expects the All Ordinaries to be trading in a 6,250-6,650 point range by the end of calendar year 2018 with the ASX200 around 100 points lower than the stated range.</li>
</ul>
 <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/2018/2/26/CI%205.jpg" alt="">
<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/2018/2/26/CI%206.jpg" alt="">
Craig James is chief economist at CommSec.
</body></html>

cjames-5S2v74qSNK

Bottom-line profits of corporate Australia are rising like the recent past: CommSec's Craig James

<html><body>
<div>Like many getting-a-bit-long-in-the-tooth Sydneysiders, I've increasingly been having recurring daydreams about selling a place at Bondi or in the inner west and trading it for a mansion at Maroochydore (or sometime it's a mooring at Mooloolaba). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Probably about once a fortnight I have these fantasises, on average, I reckon. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>And then reality bites.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I wake up and find that Infrastructure Australia (IA) has released another report, which always brings me back to earth and reminds me why I invested in inner-Sydney property in the first place. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>As ever, IA's Future Cities report presents a range of scenarios.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>There's a decentralised scenario which incorporates acres of building and hundreds of thousands of new homes in the south-west.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>And then there's a centralised scenario where everyone crams like crazy into zones close to the Central Business District (CBD), and to a lesser extent Parramatta.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>And then there's the medium-density scenario, which is a realistic mixture of the two, incorporating population growth across the city and on balance the most likely outcome. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The scenarios have one thing in common: none of them envisages a Sydney in 2046 with a population of under 7.34 million. </div>
 
<div><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PdMnCv6NaPM/WpCTHx3DIuI/AAAAAAAAoic/PKX5PyrObPwoXRjOHlN760TUpD5B47wUwCLcBGAs/s640/A3.jpg" width="640" height="240" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1324"></div>
 
<div>Although people are expected to live all over Sydney, the share of employment will remain heavily skewed to the CBD and city fringe, and to a secondary extent Parramatta. </div>
 
<div><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHGJZcD-GmI/WpDsUCuGnlI/AAAAAAAAois/t4fM1LPGEfcej_ytStllHGeERXSVygGMgCLcBGAs/s640/A1.jpg" width="640" height="450" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1010"></div>
 
<div>And there's a great deal of consideration of how people will get around with millions of extra people in essentially the same amount of space (as an investor, I've always gone for train links to the City or walking distance from the Sydney CBD). </div>
 
<div><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYjMyB370L0/WpDsgFvkAAI/AAAAAAAAoiw/tW2NMZ_pFIYAhZF5E69vfdV5TCOc_-q-ACLcBGAs/s640/A2.jpg" width="640" height="456" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="658"></div>
 
<div>Nobody can predict the future, but one thing I will hang my hat on is a massive ongoing demand for rentals close to the middle of Sydney. </div>
From the horse's mouth...
Between 2017 and 2046, Australia’s population is projected to increase by 11.8 million people. 
<div>That’s equivalent to adding a new city, roughly the size of Canberra, each year for the next 30 years. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>About 75% of this growth will occur in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Population growth is a central driver of this change. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In the next 30 years, Sydney’s population is projected to increase by 2.4 million people, growing to be a city of 7.4 million. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Over the same period, Melbourne is projected to grow by 2.7 million people, to be a city of 7.3 million. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Between now and 2046, Brisbane is projected to grow by 1.6 million people and Perth by 2.2 million people, delivering cities of just under 4 million and 4.3 million, respectively.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This means the Brisbane and Perth of tomorrow will become cities the size of Melbourne and Sydney today. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>While Melbourne and Sydney will become cities comparable to the current size of some of the world’s most significant urban economies, operating more like the Hong Kong, New York and London of today.'</div>
<div> </div>
<div>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.</div>
</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