<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

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The latest research from Docklands Cityscope shows around 74 sales at a total value of $1.671 billion for the 12 months to January 2018.
It compared to 42 sales at a total value of $306.5 million for the previous year.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of Docklands Cityscope.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/2/6/docklands%201.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/2/6/docklands%201.jpg" alt="">
The commercial property sales activity significantly decreased in total sales value for the quarter to January 2018, when there were 16 sales at a total sales value of $33.2 million, compared to 22 sales at a total value of $386.1 million for the previous quarter.
Its notable sales in the January 2018 update of Docklands Cityscope included:
<ul>
<li>Aurecon Centre at 850 Collins Street, an eight-storey office building with retail space on the ground floor and car parking, with building area 17,337 sqm plus 120 car space lots in property at 852 Collins Street, which were bought for $15.61 million; </li>
<li>Units 211E, Unit 212E, Unit 213E, three first floor retail shops and Unit 214E, a first floor commercial unit located in the Waterfront City at 425 Docklands Drive, which were bought for $5 million and </li>
<li>Unit 118E in the Waterfront City at 425 Docklands Drive, which was bought for $2.5 million. </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/2018/2/6/docklands%202.jpg" alt="">
 
Several properties were listed as for sale in January including:
<ul>
<li>Channel 7 Melbourne Broadcast Centre, 160 Harbour Esplanade, an office/studio building of five storeys plus basement parking for 144 spaces, with a total net lettable area of 7,980 sqm, for sale through Colliers International; </li>
<li>Lot 127 in Lifestyle Working Collins at 838 Collins Street, a 74 sqm commercial unit on level 1, for sale through Jalin Reality Australia Pty Ltd – Melbourne and</li>
<li>1G/439 Docklands Drive in the Waterfront City Stage 1, a 200 sqm retail premises on the ground floor of the west building at the northern end, for sale through No Agent Property – Moorabbin. </li>
</ul>
There were leasing opportunities too including:
<ul>
<li>The V1 residential tower , 8 McCrae Street, a 21 storey building with 13 retail premises to the street frontages and one small first floor office unit, has retail space ranging from 76 to 202 sqm for lease through TT Global – Melbourne; </li>
<li>380 Docklands Drive, an A-Grade, 11-storey office building, consisting of retail space on the ground level, parking on levels 1 to 3, and office space on levels 4 to 10, has office space ranging from 200 to 466 sqm for lease through Colliers International – Melbourne and Knight Frank  and </li>
<li>Aurecon Centre, 850 Collins Street, an eight-storey office building with retail space on the ground floor and car parking, has office space ranging from 440 to 1,790 sqm for lease through Colliers International – Melbourne. </li>
</ul>
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Docklands sees $1.6 billion in 2017 commercial property sales: Cityscope

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Set across the road from the hallowed MCG, the Pullman on the Park hotel has been listed with $200 million plus price hopes.
The hotel, managed by the AccorHotels since 2015, has been under the ownership of the Canada-based real estate firm Brookfield since 2012 when they took over ASX-listed Thakral Holdings.
It had previously been Hilton on the Park, a 419 room landmark hotel on Wellington Parade.
Upgraded last year with a $6 million renovation, it was built on the site of the 1880s Cliveden Mansion alongside Fitzroy Gardens.
<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/2018/2/6/pullman2.jpg" alt="">
JLL Hotels are <a href="http://property.jll.com.au/hotel-sale/east%20melbourne/pullman-melbourne-on-the-park-6015" target="_blank">marketing the property</a> in conjunction with McVay Real Estate's Sam and Dan McVay who are taking expressions of interest until March 15.
The Hilton South Wharf recently fetched $230 million last year; Qatar Airways bought the Sheraton Melbourne from Golden Age at around $135 million and there was the off-the-plan $220 million sale of the new W Hotel to be built at Collins Arch in February to Japan's Daisho.
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Melbourne's Pullman on the Park hotel for sale

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The film maker Ian Darling has bought the Woollahra commercial office premises he'd been renting in the heart of Woollahra's Queen Street shopping precinct.
The off market $10.9 million trade was the highest commercial sale on the pricey retail Queen Street strip.
The only prices higher have been leisure assets including the Woollahra Hotel, which fetched $23,681,000 when sold in 2015, plus the business value which took the reported acquisition costs to around $30 million. 
Real estate agency Goodyer had previous occupied the second level at <a href="http://www.commercialview.com.au/109-queen-street-woollahra-nsw/commercial-for-lease-details-11185296" target="_blank">109 Queen Street</a> which Darling secured recently.
Wholefoods had been a retail tenant. It has been the headquarters of the Pongrass Property Group.
It was sold by the Yared family.
Darling is the founder and executive chair of Shark Island Institute and executive director of its production arm, Shark Island Productions, a documentary company.
His documentary credits as a producer, director and executive producer include Suzy &amp; The Simple Man, The Genesis and The White Blindfold among a number of others.
Last year he was named Australia's Leading Philanthropist by Philanthropy Australia.
The highest price paid for a house on Queen Street is $13 million, set in 2016 when style-setter and former Vogue staffer Rebecca Caratti bought the renocated Clyde Cottage in Woollahra.
Caratti, daughter of Perth earth moving tycoon John Caratti, emerged as the buyer of the home that belonged to one Singapore's richest people, Ronald Anthony Ooi and his wife Erica Han.
They bought it as a run down cottage for $4 million in 2011.
 
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Highest commercial price ever on Queen Street, Woollahra 

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A Melbourne-based developer has secured four permit-approved Cheltenham properties for $6.5 million before they hit the market.
The 2,867 square metre corner allotment, which encompasses 1-2 Moola Street and 4-6 Barker Street, has potential for 49 units.
Savills Australia’s Julian Heatherich brokered the deal on behalf of a local investor, securing a land rate of $2,260 per square metre or $132,000 per unit.
Heatherich said the sale was a positive sign of the year ahead.
“2018 has kicked off with a flurry of activity, with developers back in force looking for their next opportunity,” he said.
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Off-market Cheltenham development site sale

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Electric car industry leader Tesla Australia has leased a Cremorne warehouse in a leasing deal signed over the holiday period.
The near 700 square metre warehouse at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-vic-cremorne-500641183" target="_blank">69 Cremorne Street</a> was leased by the electric car company on a two years lease at $118,000 gross plus GST.
Located on the eastern side of Cremorne Street between Swan and Kelso Streets, the freehold property adjoins Kangan Institute and their Richmond TAFE Campus.
It sits on 870 square metres and has a 15 metre frontage to Cremorne Street.
Gray Johnson agent Rory White, who negotiated the leasing, believes the Tesla occupancy is to complement the existing retail store, service centre and supercharger vehicle loading facility that is nearby at 650 Church Street in Richmond.
White said that the building, which was offered for lease and was vacant, attracted significant enquiry.
“The inner-suburban precinct of Cremorne has become a highly preferred destination for creative and specialist businesses including a number in the automotive sector and professional consultancies no doubt due to its proximity to all that adjoining Richmond offers together with its excellent accessibility to major road and freeway connections.
“Gray Johnson held multiple offers to enter into a lease over this property before the Tesla offer was judged as the preferred tenancy option” White says. 
Tesla has a service and supercharging facility nearby in Richmond. 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Tesla Australia take out lease in Cremorne, Melbourne

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EG, one of Australia’s leading real estate fund managers, has acquired the first asset for the High Income Sustainable Office Trust (HISOT). 
The East Block asset is a strategically located heritage asset in the Parliamentary Triangle, Canberra. 
EG will improve the energy efficiency of the building by leveraging technological advances and active asset management under the HISOT mandate. It will form a key part of the future revitalisation of the Canberra precinct.
“EG are pleased to see the compelling sustainable investment fund launch with a strongly placed asset that will benefit from the uplift in energy savings and active asset management strategy,” say EG's Aurelio di Napoli.
The property has a net lettable area of approximately 4,958 sqm and has an eight year WALE following the completion of Lessor works. The current tenant is the National Archives of Australia.
EG’s HISOT fund had its first close in 2016. The fund mandate is to target assets that will benefit from raising the NABERS rating. It is underpinned by a strong ethical and environmental commitment by the unit holders that will reduce the overall impact of a building while driving a significant increase in the asset value.
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation was a cornerstone equity investor in HISOT.
 CEFC Investment Funds Lead Rory Lonergan said the CEFC is delighted to see their investment in HISOT contributing to energy efficiency improvements in this iconic precinct.
"This is another demonstration of the flexibility and suitability of clean energy across our built environment.
"It’s absolutely vital that new buildings are built to the highest energy standards as we move to zero carbon emissions.
"It’s equally important that we make these improvements to existing buildings, extending their life as well as ensuring they benefit from latest technologies which reduce energy costs and lower their carbon footprint.
“Through our investment in the HISOT, the CEFC is keen to see the development and refurbishment of older buildings. 
"Energy efficient buildings have lower operating costs and have the potential to provide higher net operating income with lower vacancy rates, providing clear benefits to building owners, investors and tenants.”
The vendor was Commonwealth of Australia and the deal was brokered by Tony Massaro and the PwC Real Estate Advisory Team in Sydney.
 
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EG pays $15.4 million for central Canberra office asset

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As expected, the Reserve Bank Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 1.5% at its February Board meeting. The Governor’s decision statement indicates that the Bank’s central forecasts for growth and inflation remain unchanged and emphasises that the Board will be patient in assessing progress. Policy is firmly on hold.
The most substantive change is an additional line given prominence in the concluding paragraph stating that: “Further progress in reducing unemployment and having inflation return to target is expected, although this progress is likely to be gradual.” The clear message is that the Bank will not pre-empt things – it is prepared to wait for an improvement in actual conditions to come through before contemplating any changes.
Elsewhere in the statement, the Bank indicates its forecasts are unchanged with growth “to average a bit above 3 per cent” and CPI inflation “to be a bit above 2 per cent in 2018”. Note that the Bank’s current forecasts, from the November Statement on Monetary, have real GDP growth lifting to 3¼% in 2018 and headline CPI inflation lifting to 2¼% (but underlying inflation holding at 1¾%). The Bank will release updated forecasts with the February Statement on Monetary Policy on Friday.
As expected, the Governor’s statement acknowledged the more positive tone from abroad and from some of the domestic data. The global backdrop is now described as a “broad-based pick-up”. China’s growth is described as solid with what seems to be a more positive take on risks (“authorities paying increased attention to the risks in the financial sector and the sustainability of growth”). Global inflation remains low but is now viewed as likely to “increase over the next couple of years”.
On the domestic economy, comments are more mixed with data over the summer viewed as consistent with the Bank’s forecast for growth to pick up but household consumption a “continuing source of uncertainty” given weak growth in household incomes and high debt levels. Commentary around the labour market is largely unchanged from December – strong job gains in 2017 and indicators pointing to solid growth ahead but wages growth low and likely to stay low for a while yet. A new comment that the Bank expects “a further gradual reduction in the unemployment rate” is consistent with its November forecasts but again places the emphasis on shifts being slow to come through.
This slowness is also emphasised in an additional comment on inflation, which is seen as “likely to remain low for some time, reflecting low growth in labour costs and strong competition in retailing”.
Wording on the Australian dollar was unchanged except for a slight qualifier that the view “it remains within the range that it has been in over the past two years” is on a trade-weighted basis. With the AUD/USD cross retracing sharply in recent sessions (currently back to 0.786 USD from well over 0.800 USD) the need to bolster their rhetoric has faded.
Lastly, the Bank again notes that “housing prices are little changed over the past six months” but adds that prices have “recorded falls in some areas” – a slight contrast to the December statement which instead noted “conditions have eased in Sydney” and gave a little less prominence to the observation.
Conclusion
Overall, the February decision and Governor’s statement contained few surprises. The Bank continues to expect a lift in growth and inflation over coming years and, with the improvement expected to be gradual, is signalling that it is prepared to be patient in assessing how conditions are evolving.
The RBA’s ‘patient approach’ ensures policy will remain on hold over the first half of 2018. Westpac continues to see a more challenging year ahead for the Australian consumer and another sub-par year for wider economic growth. As such we continue to expect rates to stay on hold through the remainder of 2018 and in 2019.
Matthew Hassan is senior economist with <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au/" target="_blank">Westpac</a>.
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Matthew_Hassan-HHWHptmrw4

RBA's patient approach will see rates on hold through to 2019: Matthew Hassan

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<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The Harry Café de Wheels owner Michael Hannah and his co-owners are selling the home of Hannah's Pies in Ultimo at March 1 auction.
The <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/562-576-harris-street-ultimo-nsw-2007-2014137555" target="_blank">Harris Street site</a> is tipped to fetch about $20 million through Colliers.
It is made up of a warehouse and adjoining terraces. 
<div class="related-quotes section">It is adjacent to accommodation provider Urbanest's Darling Square.</div>
Hannah's Pies, which sells pies over the counter at Harris Street, is the sole supplier to Harry Café de Wheels outlets.
The sale of the property comes as the pie cart business launches in China, with up to 300 of its carts to be rolled out across the country over the next 15 years.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"><img class="lazy620x0" src="http://www.afr.com/content/dam/images/h/0/m/8/u/v/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1516592915083.jpg" alt="The site at 562-576 Harris Street, which is made up of a warehouse and adjoining terraces, has been put up for sale by ..." width="620" data-src="http://www.afr.com/content/dam/images/h/0/m/8/u/v/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1516592915083.jpg"></div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"> </div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">"Its proximity to both the revitalised Darling Harbour and International Convention Centre is going to be a huge drawcard for both local and offshore groups," Colliers International's Miron Solomons said.</div>
<div class="related-quotes section"> </div>
<div class="related-quotes section">He expects interest from student accommodation providers given its proximity within Sydney's university precinct including the University of Technology Sydney and University of Sydney.</div>
<div class="related-quotes section"> </div>
<div class="related-quotes section">The offering is expected mirror the sale of the nearby vacant site at 142-152 Broadway which the University of Notre Dame bought for for $21 million or $40,000 a square metre, Colliers International said.</div>
<div class="related-quotes section"> </div>
<div class="related-quotes section">The pie group has now expanded to more than 10 locations throughout Sydney and more recently into Asia.
</div>
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Hannah's Pies premises listed in Ultimo

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When investors are looking for good places to buy, consistency is a quality worth seeking. And the factor where consistency matters the most is in sales activity.
Some markets deliver steady levels of home sales, regardless of the booms or busts going on around them.
In each quarterly edition of The Price Predictor Index published by Hotspotting, we have spotlight the consistency markets – and we nominate a location as a nation’s most consistent market.
We have a strong focus on consistency markets because these are solid places for both home-buyers and investors.
The places we call the consistency markets sit in the middle of the spectrum, between the growth regions and the declining ones.
These are locations which record a consistent rate of sale, quarter after quarter, regardless of external events.  They represent safety for investors. 
And while they are often not boom markets, places with this high level of even performance usually produce solid price growth over time. 
They’re the housing market’s version of the “slow and steady wins the race” story.
In our new Summer edition of The Price Predictor Index, our award for the nation’s outstanding consistency market goes to Ulladulla in the Shoalhaven LGA in regional New South Wales.
It has sold between 43 and 58 homes in each of the past 13 quarters. Few locations in the country achieve that level of steadiness.
Ulladulla has a median house price of $510,000, after a 15 percent rise in the past 12 months.
To further illustrate the kind of growth that can happen in these steady performers, the winner in our Spring 2017 edition - Echuca in Victoria - had a 7 percent annual rise, while in the Winter 2017 edition our “most consistent market” - Sunbury  on the northern fringe of Melbourne - had a 10.4 percent annual increase. 
Generally in this report we look for locations where sales activity is rising, as these places are likely to deliver price growth. But the figures presented here for Ulladulla, Echuca and Sunbury show that steady market performers can achieve solid price growth as well.
As it’s not just short-term growth. Lalor Park in Sydney’s western suburbs, another noted consistency performer, has a long-term growth average (average annual growth in median house prices over 10 years) of 10 percent for year.
Greystanes in Sydney, which consistently sells 70-75 houses per quarter, averages 8.5 percent a year in median price growth.
Camp Hill, a suburb of Brisbane, has been averaging 7 percent per year.
Caroline Springs, a very steady sales market in western Melbourne, has averaged 7 percent per year. Frankston, which is both consistent and prolific in south-eastern Melbourne, has averaged 8 percent.
Some investors chase boom markets, seeking exponential short-term growth, and often end up with disappointing results.
There’s a lot to be said for the steady performers, which provide both safety and good long-term capital growth.
Very often, the tortoise out-performs the hare. 
Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au
<a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au">ryder@hotspotting.com.au</a>
<a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">twitter.com/hotspotting</a>
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Lalor Park price growth highlights importance of consistency for investors

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<div>One of the easier trades you'll ever come across, with inflation missing market expectations yet gain. Money for jam, here. Rate hikes never were on the cards any time soon - as well documented here often enough - but that's even more obvious now with inflation missing (yet again!). 
</div>
<div>Both of the core measures came in at just +0.4 per cent for the December quarter.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>While underlying inflation rate ticked up to +1.9 per cent, the 6-month annualised pace is incredibly weak at just +1.6 per cent. Inflation has now missed the 2-3 per cent target on the downside for 9 consecutive quarters, and the pulse looks to have weakened again. </div>
 
<div><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlzLIPRQpu4/WnEZzIZqnVI/AAAAAAAAoJU/rzj9H0OJ5NUP_8uwQveXyc47vGd8NtzuQCLcBGAs/s640/A1.jpg" width="640" height="388" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1359"></div>
 Tradables prices picked up a bit in the December quarter, but were negative over the year. 
<div><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kxw_kvG6T8g/WnEZzNT9e7I/AAAAAAAAoJQ/v0T7c3gZZmc6pjln-mpGi6LhcMFX1ryUACLcBGAs/s640/A3.jpg" width="640" height="392" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1346"></div>
<div> </div>
<div>The headline result of +0.6 per cent for the quarter and +1.9 per cent for the year was pumped by a jump in fuel and fruit prices (someone needs to look up whether avocados and capsicums are fruits or vegetables, I have no idea). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Overall, though, this was once again very weak underlying inflation, though importantly the result was not under the Reserve Bank's forecast for the end of the year.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>So that basically means that interest rates will be left on hold for a record length of time, barring a shock of some kind.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Rents off the mat</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Rents began to rise moderately again in 2017, mainly thanks to Sydney (+2.4 per cent).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Rents were negative in the December quarter in Brisbane, while in Perth rents are some 16 per cent below their peak. </div>
 
<div><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J1Hs5n8pTqQ/WnEZzEsmQuI/AAAAAAAAoJY/eC-Oyr-Y9sAcEVWZFcCAcaZ0rol-BOElQCLcBGAs/s640/A2.jpg" width="640" height="374" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1398"></div>
 Sydney rents (+52 per cent) have doubled the of inflation (+27 per cent) over the past decade.
 
<div><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8w2l0xyyCI/WnEZzng4KmI/AAAAAAAAoJc/fbvJr9MBycYnJXjOM2wyCEImtv1Gv0T_QCLcBGAs/s640/A4.jpg" width="640" height="374" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1411"></div>
 
<div>The wrap</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Reserve Bank's models already seemed to suggest that underlying inflation wouldn't get back to the mid-point of the target range at 2.5 per cent for years to come (possibly about 4 years!). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>And now this result has missed market expectations too, for the fifth consecutive quarter. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The main takeaway is all the talk of imminent rate hikes was little more than wishful thinking. Indeed, given the Reserve Bank's stated mandate, logically either the next move in rates should be down or the economy should returning to full employment. Either way, there was little to fear in these numbers for mortgagees and housing market fanatics.</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>
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