<p>A new 25-storey apartment tower proposed for Mercer Street would push Geelong’s western gateway skyline higher, with Morphy Birrell Property Group lodging plans for a project directly beside one of the city’s most significant heritage streetscapes.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK</a>-designed development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/65-67-mercer-street-geelong-vic-3220">65-67 Mercer Street</a> has now been referred to Victoria’s Planning Minister. The site sits opposite the Geelong rail corridor and immediately south of the heritage-listed St Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church and Ashby Hall precinct.</p>

<p>Rather than compete with the neighbouring ecclesiastical buildings, the proposal adopts a sculpted podium intended to reference the materiality and scale of the heritage context. Planning documents note the design draws cues from the “dark stone brick” church and surrounding masonry buildings, while the tower above transitions into a softer, curved form oriented toward Corio Bay and the Geelong waterfront.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b797d10c-d4a6-47af-b8df-1aeaa3b382be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/public%20square.png?VersionId=QGIpcz1x1hKB6lQLl2iobyHqb6PS2Ztc" /></p>

<p>The development forms “Stage 5” of Morphy Birrell Property Group’s broader Mercer Street precinct strategy, following the completion of the 21-storey Miramar tower on Cavendish Street and several additional approved redevelopment stages nearby. Planning consultants Ratio said the proposal “represents an exemplary development outcome” aligned with the strategic ambitions for Central Geelong’s continued urban renewal.</p>

<p>The mixed-use project would replace an existing low-rise commercial building and surface parking area on the 3,320 sqm corner site. FK’s urban context report describes the proposal as a residential development comprising apartments, resident amenities, commercial space, and integrated landscaping positioned to maximise bay views and northern sunlight access.</p>

<p>Renders show a deeply articulated tower with curved balconies stepping above a lower masonry podium that frames a landscaped forecourt facing Mercer Street. The design intentionally preserves sightlines toward the adjacent church buildings, with the podium scaled to reinforce the heritage edge before the tower recedes upward.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bdca91e-66f7-4ac7-8baa-2f93bd5b564e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/geelong%20site.png?VersionId=QOhbino4ZgzKYw5dW3QE14E.2yq.Sv87" /></p>

<p>The planning report highlights the site’s strategic location within 400 metres of key Geelong destinations including Cunningham Pier, the Geelong Station precinct, Deakin University, and the convention centre. Bus services run directly along Mercer Street, while the Corio Bay foreshore sits around 100 metres north of the site.</p>

<p>The proposal arrives amid accelerating redevelopment across central Geelong, where planning policy continues to encourage higher-density housing close to transport infrastructure and the waterfront. Mercer Street in particular has emerged as a focal point for taller apartment development due to its proximity to Geelong Station, the bay, and major civic infrastructure.</p>


Joel Robinson

Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct

<p>Development giant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton</a> and joint venture partner Hostplus have revealed the next residential stage of their $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan, lodging plans for 512 more apartments within the precinct on surplus racecourse land at 110 Wilson Street, Moonee Ponds.</p>

<p>The proposed development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trackside-house-110-wilson-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Trackside Gardens</a>&nbsp;in the planning application, follows the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/first-look-exclusive-hamton-and-hostplus-reveal-sixth-stage-of-moonee-valley-park-masterplan">recent unveiling of the sixth-stage Cox Place Precinct</a> and continues the long-running transformation of the Moonee Valley Racecourse into one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects.</p>

<p>Positioned on the north-eastern edge of the racecourse adjacent to CityLink, Trackside Gardens will comprise three residential buildings rising between 61.8 metres and 86.4 metres within a heavily landscaped precinct shaped by Hamton’s Nature Based Cities framework.</p>

<p>The project forms part of the broader Moonee Valley Park redevelopment being delivered by Hamton, Hostplus and the Moonee Valley Racing Club, which is reshaping the 40-hectare racecourse site into a mixed-use neighbourhood with housing, retail, commercial space, hotels, parkland and community infrastructure.</p>

<p>Trackside Gardens sits separately to the recently proposed Cox Place Precinct, a five-building stage comprising around 1,100 residences, two build-to-rent buildings, two build-to-sell towers, retail, office space, and a hotel overlooking the racetrack. Together, the projects continue to accelerate housing delivery across the precinct.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fc1941e-52d3-41c6-abc4-0f13fe8ae5ea" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/DA%20Edits%20%281%29.png?VersionId=7qwRHq5dcvXWNot2hNOgoQhN2GIWudNK" /></p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> with landscape architecture by Tract, Trackside Gardens has been conceived as a botanical-style residential precinct prioritising canopy planting, communal green space, and vertical landscaping.</p>

<p>“The architectural vision for the proposed development centres around buildings in a botanical park setting that champions the important role of nature,” the planning submission states.</p>

<p>“The proposal incorporates principles of biophilic design, with landscape and environmentally sustainable development influencing the ultimate design response of the buildings and prioritising the ground plane to ensure a high amenity for both occupants and visitors.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trackside Gardens will deliver 512 apartments across the three buildings, alongside 518 basement car spaces and 523 bicycle spaces. Around 20 per cent affordable housing is proposed across the broader North East Precinct, equating to around 158 dwellings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The affordable housing component will be concentrated within the Wilson East building, while the remaining apartments are expected to be delivered as build-to-sell residences.</p>

<p>Trackside Gardens has been designed around Hamton’s Nature Based Cities initiative, founded by Executive Chair Paul Hameister OAM in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Urbis, Ark Resources and Tract. The initiative promotes integrating higher-density urban development with significant biodiversity, tree canopy and landscape outcomes.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89353449-7b3c-42fd-8fd8-8bf64a5ef80f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_4.png?VersionId=X8jRt0P2L7fIWjLhfX6gPknXToXIBeLj" /></p>

<p>A comprehensive landscape strategy would introduce deep soil planting, vertical greening, communal gardens, and new pedestrian links throughout the site.</p>

<p>Planning documents state the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating, a 7.5-star average NatHERS rating, and “Exemplary” Nature Based Cities certification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The proposal joins an expanding pipeline of approved and proposed buildings within Moonee Valley Park, including the recently launched Eveline apartments and the approved Grandstand North and South towers.</p>

<p>Hamton has increasingly focused on precinct-scale, nature-led communities across Melbourne’s middle-ring suburbs, with projects spanning Hawthorn, Kew, and Moonee Ponds.</p>


Hampton unveils Trackside Gardens, latest stage of $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan

<p>The Paul Gedoun-led <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Group</a> has achieved another milestone in its $1 billion transformation of Rainbow Bay on the southern Gold Coast with the completion of the company’s third project in four years, the $160 million <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a> residences.</p>

<p>Delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a> and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a>, Esprit buyers have now moved into the 94 apartments across two interconnected buildings at 217-227 Boundary Street.</p>

<p>The successful settlement of Esprit marks another astounding chapter in the S&amp;S story, which launched its highly successful Flow apartments three years ago and created its own ultra-luxury branded fingerprint on an area craving new luxury residences.</p>

<p>Most early purchasers have secured gains of well over $1 million since the project launched in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172129]</p>

<p>S&amp;S Projects Founding Director Paul Gedoun said the completion of Esprit reflects sustained demand for premium apartments in tightly held coastal locations.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
“Esprit has attracted buyers seeking a combination of quality design, considered amenity and a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate,” said Gedoun.</p>

<p>“We identified some years ago that Rainbow Bay is a unique market where supply of luxury residences is limited, and we see the settlements in Esprit further underpinning this thinking - that for both owner-occupiers and investors.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172174]</p>

<p>A key feature of the development is ‘Club Esprit’, a 1,000sqm residents-only rooftop level combining wellness and recreation, believed to be a first for the Gold Coast, and which is fast becoming a signature of the S&amp;S brand.</p>

<p>Positioned to capture views across Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay and the Tweed River, the rooftop includes a 25-metre lap pool, gym, yoga lawn, sauna and steam facilities, ice bath, private dining spaces, outdoor cinema and landscaped areas for residents.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> Director Jayde Pezet, who led the sales campaign for Esprit and S&amp;S’s Flow and Awaken apartments, said the project’s performance reflects both the strength of the product and the depth of demand for premium apartments on the southern Gold Coast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In some cases, we’ve seen values double since launch, which is a clear reflection of how tightly held Rainbow Bay has become and the level of demand for well-executed projects in this market,” said Pezet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Buyers recognised early what S&amp;S Projects was delivering here, and that conviction has been rewarded as the project has progressed towards completion.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=214819]</p>

<p>Esprit offers a mix of two- three and four-bedroom apartments and sits within walking distance of the beachfront, cafés and local amenities, reinforcing its appeal as both a lifestyle and investment destination.</p>

<p>The project is the third completed by S&amp;S Projects in Rainbow Bay, following Flow Residences and Awaken Residences, which together have contributed to the suburb’s emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after coastal pockets. &nbsp;</p>

<p>S&amp;S Projects is continuing its investment in the area with Radia, a $215 million development currently under construction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172175]</p>

<p>Gedoun said the completion of Esprit signals continued confidence in the southern Gold Coast market.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’ve seen strong interest in well-located, high-quality apartments, particularly in areas where future development opportunities are limited."</p>

<p>“That’s been a key factor in the performance of Esprit and the broader Rainbow Bay market”.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102921]</p>


Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

<p>Few developers can boast a portfolio across South East Queensland's luxury markets quite like <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic Property Group</a>.</p>

<p>The builder-developer, founded in 2004 by Managing Director Brook Monahan, has projects in planning, on the market, and under construction, from Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach to Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane.</p>

<p>With a pipeline exceeding $2 billion, Mosaic remains highly selective when it comes to development sites, having spent years refining its strategy around feasibility research and product planning. The group is set to continue growing into 2026 and beyond.</p>

<p>In Brisbane, Mosaic currently has three projects in the market. It is in the final release stage at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford</a> in Kangaroo Point, which is approaching complete sellout ahead of its late 2027 completion.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328123]</p>

<p>Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, The Bedford comprises 128 two- and three-bedroom residences. A selection of ultra-luxury Masterpiece Series Skyhomes, positioned across the top levels, offer expansive floor plans and sweeping views of the river and city.</p>

<p>High-end inclusions, such as natural stone benchtops, bespoke cabinetry, and Miele appliances, feature throughout all apartments, alongside the Rooftop Recreation &amp; Retreat Sky Terrace. This includes a resort-style pool with sun deck and loungers, spa, cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room, private dining room with a full kitchen, residents' lounge, multiple barbeque and relaxation zones, an outdoor viewing deck, and landscaped gardens with water features, all oriented to sweeping city and river views.</p>

<p>A gym with indoor and outdoor zones, and a golf simulator, further enhances recreational choice within the building.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328119]</p>

<p>A defining feature of the development is its integrated mixed-use component, which will deliver Kangaroo Point's first major supermarket, alongside a café and liquor store, bringing long-awaited convenience to the peninsula.</p>

<p>Monahan says The Bedford represents the culmination of a near-decade-long journey, after first identifying the A-grade Prospect Street site in 2016. While they came close to acquiring it at the time, the site was ultimately purchased by Woolworths' development arm, Fabcot. The opportunity resurfaced in 2024 when the site, vacant for nearly three decades, was brought back to market.</p>

<p>Monahan says Mosaic projects often begin years before any formal plans are drawn. Their new South Brisbane development is no exception, with the site first earmarked in 2018.</p>

<p>"We aren't opportunistic," Monahan says. "Every site purchase is carefully considered. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we're looking at now that we may not secure for several years."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=141711 project_image_fid=353495]</p>

<p>A similar story unfolded at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a> in Kangaroo Point, opposite The Gabba. Like The Bedford, it is also approaching sellout of its 125 two- and three-bedroom apartments. The majority of sales are attributed to returning customers and referrals, with a balanced mix of investors and a strong majority of owner-occupiers.</p>

<p>BDA Architecture was again engaged to design the 22-storey building, which will feature a suite of wellness and lifestyle amenities, including a golf simulator and cinema, a commercial-grade gym, and a rooftop recreation level with a pool, steam room, sauna, cold plunge, teppanyaki bar, private dining spaces, and landscaped terraces.</p>

<p>Construction is on track for completion in mid-2027.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]</p>

<p>Mosaic's latest offering is its most ambitious yet, boasting a rare, north-facing riverfront position on Montague Road in South Brisbane.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-riversdale-by-mosaic-south-brisbane-91-montague-road-south-brisbane-qld-4101">The Riversdale by Mosaic</a> is a 39-storey tower comprising just over 200 residences and Masterpiece Series Sky Homes. Designed in partnership with Bureau Proberts, it will feature nearly 3,000 sqm of genuine, internationally benchmarked six-star, hotel-style amenities, including a wellness precinct, pool, gym, massage and treatment rooms, cinema, golf simulator, and extensive outdoor dining areas across a two-level rooftop deck.</p>

<p>Early works are underway, with full construction expected to commence in the second half of 2026, and an anticipated late 2029 completion.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]</p>

<p>Since 2012 alone, Mosaic has completed more than $2 billion in projects and is set to deliver another $2 billion worth of developments, comprising hundreds of luxury apartments, each defined by Mosaic's signature standards of quality, detail, and delivery.</p>

<p>"We never arrive, there is no finish line," says Monahan. "Our ambition is to keep evolving what luxury means, creating design- and lifestyle-led residences in incredible locations, places people genuinely aspire to and want to live, homes that are loved deeply and endure long beyond their moment."</p>


Mosaic's Midas Touch

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> (Urban) has broken ground at Keira Place, its new major mixed-use residential precinct in the heart of Wollongong CBD.</p>

<p>Held at 120-122 Smith Street, the groundbreaking marked the commencement of construction on Stage 1 of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, with the opening of the new display suite.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Keira Place is a State Significant Development that will deliver new housing supply, affordable homes and inclusive living options within walking distance of Wollongong’s CBD, coastline, transport, hospital and education precincts.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369868]<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Stage 1 is now under construction and will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, along with activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the groundbreaking represented a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected Urban’s long-term commitment to regional cities.</p>

<p>“Today’s groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong’s city centre,” Elias said.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
“Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369869]<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Member for Wollongong said Keira Place is exactly the kind of development Wollongong needs – delivering new homes close to transport, employment and services, while supporting the continued growth and renewal of the CBD.</p>

<p>"This project reflects the Minns Labor Government's commitment to increasing housing supply in well-located areas."<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Wollongong Lord Mayor Cr Tania Brown said Keira Place would deliver lasting community benefits for the city.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"Keira Place is a welcome addition to Wollongong's CBD delivering new housing, affordable homes and activated street-level spaces that will benefit our community for years to come," Brown said.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"Urban Property Group's investment reflects the confidence that quality developers have in Wollongong's future, and I look forward to seeing this precinct come to life."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369867]<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>, with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/dko">DKO,</a> Keira Place prioritises liveability and long-term performance, with landscaped shared spaces, generous apartment layouts and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape along Smith Street.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Residents will have access to landscaped podium areas, communal rooftop amenities with views to Mount Keira and the Wollongong skyline, and convenient ground-level retail.</p>

<p>The development will have 10-year Latent Defects Insurance by Resilience Insurance.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144442]</p>


Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Even in the low seasons of May and June, occupancy levels reach around 40 per cent.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.<span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><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" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span>​</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p>The apartments will feature modern amenities and contemporary designs with expansive windows capturing sweeping views of The Remarkables mountain range.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interiors are equipped with modern finishes, premium appliances, and secure electronic key-locked doors, ensuring a comfortable living experience for residents and guests alike.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>Queenstown’s sustained demand for visitor accommodation and rental properties is underpinned by a shortage of housing options, attracting both local and international buyers.</p>


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

<html><body>
<p>Historic Hordern House at Potts Point has been sold.</p>
<p>It fetched $5.75 million having been listed with $6.5 million hopes.</p>
<p>The 1880s Victoria Street terrace house was last sold back in 1985 when the rare book dealers Anne McCormick and Derek McDonnell paid $438,000.</p>
<p>That was around a decade after the battle for the preservation of the delightful street was fought against developers.  </p>
<p>Anne McCormick has been involved in rare books, manuscripts, paintings and prints since the 1970’s first in business in Paddington. They will be moving to new premises.</p>
<p>The freestanding terrace has a 19 wide street frontage, spanning three levels over 561 square metres.</p>
<p>The marketing suggested it was ready for adaptation to a "large, stunning and private residence with at least 4 bedrooms."</p>
<p><em>This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.</em></p>
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Historic Hordern House, Potts Point sold

<html><body>
<p>The Gold Coast’s retail rental vacancy situation is at a balanced market, according to Herron Todd White’s latest market report.</p>
<p>The property advisory firm says that the rental vacancy trend is tightening at the Gold Coast with a stable to increasing rental rate trend.</p>
<p>There is a increase to steady volume of properties being sold with Gold Coast approaching the peak of its market.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/11/04/Qld%20retail.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/11/04/Qld%20retail.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>The local economic situation is steadily growing with small value differences between quality properties with national tenants and comparable properties with local tenants.</p>
<p>The only other region approaching the peak of its market is Brisbane, according to HTW.</p>
</body></html>

Gold Coast has an increase to steady volume of retail properties being sold: HTW

<html><body>
<p>The most recent Statement on Monetary Policy (SOMP) suggested that several housing market indicators have eased.  </p>
<p>If the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is more relaxed, then that's generally good news for homeowners.</p>
<p>There have also been loads of macro and share market analysts calling the peak of 'the market', whatever that means, but then again they do that every year, so I don't pay any attention to those. </p>
<p>Certainly, the RBA's private sector credit growth figures show that housing credit is growing less quickly than it was. </p>
<p>That said, housing credit is still growing at a sprightly enough +6.4 percent, and recent months have shown that investors are well and truly on the march again. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></p>
<div id="post-body-1440311867462880964" class="post-body entry-content">
<div><a href="/images/2016/11/08/RBA2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><img src="/images/2016/11/08/RBA2.jpg" alt=""><br><br><div>Another issue with the theme of slowing credit growth is that the figures cannot easily account for debt relating to off-the-plan purchases which have yet to settle.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>And there are lots of these!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The figures to the end of June showed that there were more than 212,000 dwellings under construction, including about 150,000 units, apartments, and townhouses.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/11/08/RBA1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/11/08/RBA1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br><div class="separator">Without knowing how many of these dwellings have been bought by non-residents and how many are off-the-plan purchases it's impossible to say what the impact on credit growth will be for certain, but it may be non-trivial.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">Of course, there are about 9.75 million dwellings in Australia it's certainly not the RBA's job to set monetary policy for every housing market sector in Australia. </div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">However, another sticking point for the 'easing' theory is that inner Sydney's housing markets aren't easing.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">A simple look through the weekend's auction results tells you that prices have jumped again in recent weeks.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">Having copped oodles of stick for reporting double digit price growth in Sydney, CoreLogic may yet prove to be ahead of the pack, and see the other data providers follow suit. </div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">The eastern suburbs market is insanely strong (Paddington, Surry Hills, Bondi), suburbs on the city fringe to the inner west are clearly smoking records when viewed through a hedonic pricing lens, and the harbour city's lower north shore is on fire. </div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">Meanwhile, the northern beaches are probably the hottest suburbs of the lot.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">I don't really have the time or inclination to follow the suburbs further out too closely, so can't really comment with any authority on that.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">The high volume of apartments under construction will have an impact eventually, although mostly these are pre-sold. </div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">I also note in passing that Sydney's median auction price last week was $1,337,000. </div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">It's never been higher.</div>
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<div class="separator"> </div>
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<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
</div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Housing market indicators have eased

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<p>The largest mixed-use project at St Leonards is for sale.</p>
<p>Located at <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/nsw/st-leonards/1553297/" target="_blank">88 Christie Street</a>, the property has an uninterrupted view of the Sydney Harbour and the city skyline.</p>
<p>There is approval for B4 mixed-use zoning.</p>
<p>The property has the potential to have 777 residential apartments, as well as a supermarket. It is also suitable for speciality retail and commercial investments.</p>
<p>It has a general floor area of 71,127 square metres with a site area of 4,556 square metres.</p>
<p>It is located opposite St Leonards train station and has a PTW Architects-designed scheme.</p>
<p>Expressions of interest close on November 18 through Ray White agents Stephen Moses, Ben Wicks and Matthew Meynell.</p>
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St Leonards residential apartment project for sale

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<p>Melbourne’s inner city apartment market continues to strengthen, with the $3.375 million sale of a development site in Glen Iris.</p>
<p>The auction of <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-glen+iris-502115138" target="_blank">the 29-33 High Street property</a> attracted both local and offshore bidders to compete for the 664 square metre site.</p>
<p>The property has permit approval for a boutique apartment development consisting of 25 apartments and two ground floor retail shops.</p>
<p>A locally based, first time Chinese developer secured the site at a land rate of $5,083 per square metre through CBRE. </p>
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Glen Iris apartment development site sells at $3.37 million

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<p>Houses in Newcastle, the NSW Central Coast and Coffs Harbour are now at the peak of the market according to Herron Todd White's houses property clock for November.</p>
<p>The clock puts houses in the Gold Coast, South East NSW, and the Sunshine Coast as approaching peak of the market.</p>
<p>Houses in Bundaberg, Townsville, Emerald and South West WA sit at the bottom.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/11/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-07%20at%2010.32.18%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/11/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-07%20at%2010.32.18%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Industrial property in Brisbane and Melbourne was approaching the peak of market place in Herron Todd White's October 2016 industrial property clock.</p>
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Houses in Newcastle, Coffs Harbour and NSW Central Coast at peak, Gold Coast nearing top: HTW property clock

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<p>The penthouse on the 86th floor of Eureka, one of the tallest buildings in the southern hemisphere, has hit the market.</p>
<p>And there's whispers that the 85th floor empty shell is soon set for imminent JLL listing. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.rtedgar.com.au/property/424157/8601-7-riverside-quay-southbank/" target="_blank">The 86th floor</a> is a lavish New York style Art Deco inspired apartment listed by entrepreneur Anthony Podesta.</p>
<p>Perched almost 300 metres above Riverside Quay, Southbank, the 660 sqm, whole floor apartment fitout was two years in the making.</p>
<p>It comes with four ensuited bedrooms, a library, large entertaining space, theatre room and even has Eureka Towers only gas fireplace.</p>
<p>There are designer imported fittings, with French oak parquetry flooring and hand crafted Art Deco ceilings. Italian marble is used throughout the apartment.</p>
<p>Podesta, a former high school teacher, made his fortune by founding McMillan Shakespeare, Australia's largest provider of salary packaging and notated leasing.</p>
<p>RT Edgar agents Tim Wilson and Anthony Grimwade are seeking offers over $18 million in conjunction with Melbourne Sotheby's agent Greg Herman.</p>
<p>For the more establishment buyer there's the 99 Spring Street penthouse offering which has been listed by Greg Hargrave. </p>
<p><em>This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section.</em></p>
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Eureka penthouse hits the market

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<p>Sam Arnaout, who runs the Sydney-based pub group and developer Iris Capital, is tipped to have expanded his Hunter Valley holdings following the sale by the Kirby family of its Hungerford Hill boutique winery and vineyard in Pokolbin for more than $6 million. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-viticulture-nsw-pokolbin-7840066" target="_blank">Hungerford Hill Property </a>Pty Ltd was registered recently with Arnaout the sole director and shareholder.</p>
<p>Earlier this year Arnaout bought the prized nearby 48 hectare Sweetwater, Hunter Valley vineyard estate.</p>
<p>The Sweetwater Mediterranean-style weekender had been listed at around $12 million by Duncan and Lyn Hardie having come with initial hopes of $30 million.</p>
<p>Arnaout, who entered the hotel industry in 1995, has a whole-floor penthouse in the Bennelong apartment complex which was bought from Margaret Maloney, the widow of the hotelier Cyril Maloney for $18 million in 2015.</p>
<p>Established in 1967, Hungerford Hill Wines is an architectural icon, designed by architect Walter Barda on the Hunter’s most coveted gateway corner location, where 1.4 million visitors pass annually. </p>
<p>The Kirby family acquired the premium Hungerford Hill brand from winemaker Southcorp in 2002. </p>
<p>James Kirby developed the 22 hectares of land, mature vineyard, 300 tonne winery/cellar door, wine sales business, leased restaurant, brands and IP. It is a James Halliday 5-star winery.</p>
<p>Iris Capital owns some of Sydney's best-known hospitality venues including the Clovelly Hotel, The Bourbon in Potts Point and The Grand at Bondi Junction and a month ago snapped up the Colombian Hotel on Oxford Street from publican David McHugh for more than $15 million.</p>
<p>He has recently listed the popular Clovelly Hotel in Sydney's eastern suburbs having sold The Crest Hotel in Potts Point and the Crown Hotel Parramatta last year.</p>
<p><em>This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.</em></p>
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Kirby family sells Hungerford Hill

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<p>With housing affordability now front and centre, it will be a very interesting meeting next week when the Housing Ministers meet to explain what they are doing to address these anomalies to the Treasurer Scott Morrison.</p>
<p>In NSW for example ,there are two very big property elephants about to enter the room in November and December that most don’t know about and they will have massive impacts in the clear majority of Sydney suburbs.</p>
<p>The first are the unprecedented reforms to strata laws which commence on November 30, 2016. Presently with strata properties a developer can’t acquire the entire block without the owners being in 100 per cent agreement, but from November 30, the 100 per cent has been reduced to 75 per cent. Now most who live in a house may well say – no big deal there. There is much, much more that home owners need to know, as property developers will start cherry-picking older style small strata blocks with the view to developing the entire site and they will be much higher than what is there now.</p>
<p>In late 2015, the Baird Government set up what is known today, as the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC), headed by Lucy Turnbull who has been tasked with delivering 680,000 new homes by 2031. Local councils have no say in what the GSC approve as they determine what was previously known as Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Business Control Plan (BCP).Your traditional local council today, merely collects rates, issues parking fines, mows lawns and trims trees, the local planning side of the equation now rests with the GSC.</p>
<p>In December, the GSC will announce nine corridors across Sydney which have been approved for high – density developments. I’m told the nearest to me will be North Sydney/Crows Nest to get the ball rolling and the GSC is smart in that it won’t announce areas that are presently identified as no – go – zones with the lenders.</p>
<p>Now 680,000 new homes are clearly the biggest roll – out in NSW history where every suburb will have a role to play in some shape or form. This would explain why the NSW Government has just rubber stamped a $2 billion allocation to construct the much-awaited tunnel from the northern beaches to the Sydney CBD. Along all the major roads you can expect high-rise where previously local councils have protected historical architectural building merit, although that now appears to have been lost with the forming of the GSC.</p>
<p>Whilst it would be fair and reasonable to suggest that the major roads are the perfect fit for new high density developments I am much more concerned about the property developers cherry – picking the smaller apartment blocks as these are located off the main roads. You don’t change strata ownership laws where a block only requires 75 per cent approval now to sell to developers – for good reason without an explanation – which has not been forthcoming. These significant changes could see property developers running amok in suburbs across Sydney as the ownership ratio reduction reeks of property developers lobbying to get this through to make the acquisition process much easier.</p>
<p>The unknown part of this is that nobody (aside from developers and the GSC) know just how much of the air space above the current roof lines they will be permitted to subdivide?</p>
<p>Of course, the NSW Government is the major winner here as they will collect billions of dollars in stamp duty and land tax on a scale never seen before. This also all but guarantees a strong economy for NSW for quite some considerable time to come so that needs to be given fair consideration also.</p>
<p>The days of a single property owner holding out against a property developer are soon to be over for some of 2,000,000 people in NSW who reside in an apartment. We need to focus on the 680,000 new homes so allow me to put that into perspective – over the next 24 months approximately 230,000 brand new apartments in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will be completed so that 230,000 is approximately just one third of what Sydney needs to produce over the coming 15 years.</p>
<p>This will affect everyone in NSW with Sydney copping the brunt of this building bonanza. So, when Scott Morrison meets with the Housing Ministers next week no doubt he will be smiling along with every property developer in NSW.</p>
<p>Keep an eye out for the GSC announcement in December which should be made public on Christmas eve or sometime after Christmas and before New Year’s Eve – as we all know how Governments work when it comes to handling and announcing such sensitive matters.</p>
<p>MOSMAN – 2088<br>Number of houses on the market this time last year – 75<br>Number of houses on the market last week – 63<br>Number of houses on the market this week – 59<br>Number of apartments on the market this time last year – 60<br>Number of apartments on the market last week – 47<br>Number of apartments on the market this week – 45</p>
<p>CREMORNE – 2090<br>Number of houses on the market this time last year – 6<br>Number of houses on the market last week – 9<br>Number of houses on the market this week – 7<br>Number of apartments on the market this time last year – 17<br>Number of apartments on the market last week – 23<br>Number of apartments on the market this week – 21</p>
<p>NEUTRAL BAY – 2089<br>Number of houses on the market this time last year – 6<br>Number of houses on the market last week – 8<br>Number of houses on the market this week – 5<br>Number of apartments on the market this time last year – 30<br>Number of apartments on the market last week – 23<br>Number of apartments on the market this week – 26</p>
<p><em>ROBERT SIMEON is a director of </em><em><a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/" target="_blank" title="RWM" rel="nofollow">Richardson Wrench Mosman and Neutral Bay</a> </em><em>and has been selling residential real estate in Sydney since 1985. </em></p>
<p><em>He has also been writing real estate blog </em><em><a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" target="_blank" title="Virtual Realty News" rel="nofollow">Virtual Realty News</a> </em><em>since 2000.</em></p>
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Sydney has a new property face – you’ll be either happy or angry

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<div>Australia's banks are mostly funded by domestic deposit these days, at nearly 60 percent of their funding composition.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Equity accounts for a fair share of the remainder too. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>But what about their debt funding costs?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Last week's Statement on Monetary Policy took a short look at this. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>And the answer is that debt funding costs have kept on falling in 2016.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>And what's more they will continue to do so in the near future. </div>
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<div><span>After cuts to the cash rate May and August, the major banks’ debt funding costs also declined. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>The cost of short-term debt is now under 2 per cent (down from well above 6 per cent in 2007).</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>Meanwhile, the marginal cost of long-term debt is a bit above 3 per cent.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>It is true that since the beginning of the year, these costs have declined by a little less than the cash rate.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>This was mainly because of changes to term deposit rates. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>But overall the difference was not material.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>And now funding costs are expected to fall further, since the cost of new wholesale debt remains below the cost of outstanding debt. </span></div>
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<div>
<div>
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
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