<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Gardner Vaughan Group breaks ground on first Gold Coast development, Bronze on Chevron

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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A whole floor tenanted strata office investment on Pitt Street, Sydney in Randstad House on the market through Ray White Commercial Sydney’s Christian Minards and Anthony Harris.
The property, Level 4/109 Pitt Street, Sydney, is 930 sqm and has nine separate strata lots with existing leases.
According to Christian Minards the property will return net rental income of $530,000 per annum with a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 3.16 years as of October 2016.
Ranstad House has 20 levels of offices, a public car park for 143 cars and a ground level retail arcadewith direct access to Wynyard’s trains and buses.
<img src="/images/2016/10/24/161024%20109%20Pitt%20St%20Sydney%20Interior.jpg" alt="">
Mr Minards said the Sydney CBD is currently expiring an unprecedented level of capital works being undertaken being a mix of NSW Government and private enterprise investment.
“This is evident with the resumption of numerous office buildings for the Sydney Metro rail, light rail from Circular Quay down George Street and the redevelopment of Wynyard,” he said.
“The private enterprise developments are also gathering momentum with Brookfield set to build their office development above Wynyard Station while AMP will be looking to get moving with their plans for Quay Quarter. Ultimately these projects when completed will truly enhance the Core precinct of the CBD.”
The property will go to auction at 10:30am (AEDT) on Tuesday, October 25, 2016, at the Mezzanine level, 50 Margaret Street, Sydney.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Whole Sydney CBD office level for sale

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
When it comes to investment in infrastructure, there’s no question that the NSW Government has work to do. Decades of under-investment in critical services has left a gaping hole, but recent State Budgets have at last announced substantial plans and funding for road, motorways and even more importantly, better public transport.
It’s good news for property as well.  
Infrastructure is vital to economic development and prosperity. Because it comprises the essential services that underpin growth, its development contributes substantially to employment, productivity and competitiveness.
It’s also a very good thing for property markets. Infrastructure upgrades usually result in strong demand in local markets, because property investors will pay more for locations with good infrastructure, or with infrastructure developments in the pipeline.  Transport infrastructure, in particular, both rail and road, makes areas more accessible, and therefore more attractive. This in turn pushes rental growth and occupancy levels in local commercial sectors.
At the same time, infrastructure projects are generally targeted at high growth areas, so this can be used by property developers and builders to estimate employment growth. They boost the local economy by creating new jobs and attracting more people to a precinct, which in turn leads to other, indirect benefits, such as increased consumer spending and the social benefits associated with community development.
According to the <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-regional-infrastructure" target="_blank">NSW Government</a> $20 billion is now being spent rebuilding NSW, and funding to some of the more critical projects has been accelerated. These include the Sydney Metro (City and South-west), the Parramatta Light Rail, Regional Road Freight Corridor and the Western Harbour Tunnel. A new underground railway station at the Barangaroo development in Sydney has also been announced.  In Sydney city, Stage 1 of the Sydney Metro is the $8.3 billion Sydney Metro Northwest is set to open in 2019. Stage 2, extending metro rail under Sydney Harbour and through the CBD is expected to be open by 2024.
For investors seeking to identify areas likely to grow more quickly than others, an understanding of where infrastructure development will be focused is key. Because the effect can be dramatic.  
In 2000, Centuria purchased two properties in Waterloo Road and Byfield Street in Macquarie Park, for $24 million. At that time, there was little infrastructure in the area, and public transport links in particular were poor. Centuria took the view that the area would benefit from planned infrastructure developments, including the Chatswood to Epping Rail Link and the expansion of the Macquarie Centre, both of which were completed. The Macquarie Park office precinct is now larger than the North Sydney office precinct, and there has been an ensuing strong demand for space.
In 2016, Centuria sold the properties for $101 million providing investors with a fivefold increase on their investment and an internal rate of return of over 20% - a significant total return given the sixteen-year life of the fund.
Chatswood is another example of a precinct set to benefit from improved infrastructure and transport links. Sydney’s North Shore office market is already a strongly performing market and in our view is set to perform more strongly still in the coming years. Commercial office space is being withdrawn for residential conversion, which is reducing supply while pushing rents up and vacancy rates down. We believe that the Metro currently under construction will continue to drive above trend growth over the longer term.    
In May of this year, we partnered with global investment manager BlackRock to purchase the best office building in Chatswood -  the Zenith office complex for $280 million. Our 50% stake is held in the unlisted Centuria Zenith Fund, and our forecast is for a 7.6 percent income return in the first year, increasing to 7.7 percent in the 2018 financial year. As for total returns over the life of the fund, we are confident that active management of the property by our specialist asset management team, which includes $30 million in capital expenditure to make the property best in class will result in excellent total returns for investors over the longer term.
Regardless of research or experience, there are no sure things in investment, in property or any other asset class. However, there are themes and trends which influence returns over time. The link between infrastructure spend and the performance of property markets is one of these.
Infrastructure provides essential services that drive economic growth, employment and productivity, and property in the areas where infrastructure is well-developed, performs better than property in other areas. Given the NSW Government’s focus on infrastructure investment, investors would do well to look at areas where money is being spent, and consider the long term possibilities and outlook for commercial property there. 
Jason Huljich is chief executive officer of unlisted property funds for Centuria, and can be contacted <a href="https://centuria.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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NSW infrastructure spend boosts commercial property markets 

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The latest research from Eastern Sydney Cityscope shows that commercial property sales have increased in both number and total sales value in the last quarter, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
For the three months to October 2016, there were 29 sales at a total value of $120.4 million, compared to 26 sales at a total value of $52.5 million for the previous quarter.
The yearly figures, however, have declined, with 125 sales at a total value of $404.8 million for the past twelve months, compared to 191 sales at a total value of $606.2 million for the previous year.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of Eastern Sydney Cityscope.
<a href="/images/2016/10/21/Cityscope%20East%20table.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/21/Cityscope%20East%20table.jpg" alt="">
Notable sales listed in the October 2016 update of Eastern Sydney Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>Angela House, a four-storey office building with retail on the ground floor and parking for 12 cars, at 30-36 Bay Street, Double Bay, which was bought for $20.5 million; 
</li>
<li>A two-storey brick building with retail on the ground floor at 124 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, which was bought for $19.12 million; and 
</li>
<li>A three-storey commercial building with parking for eight cars at 120-124 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills, which was bought for $12 million.</li>
</ul>
<a href="/images/2016/10/21/Cityscope%20East%20graph.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/21/Cityscope%20East%20graph.jpg" alt="">
Properties listed as for sale in the October 2016 update of Eastern Sydney Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>Edgecliff Centre, a seven-storey office building over a two-level shopping centre with a net lettable area of 10,850 and underground parking, connected to the Edgecliff Rail/Bus Interchange, at 203-233 New South Head Road, Edgecliff, available through JLL and Knight Frank; 
</li>
<li>Adams Building, a five-storey building with retail on the ground floor, three floors of office space, and residential on the top floor, at 485-489 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, available through Deans Property; and 
</li>
<li>Briad House, a five-storey commercial building with parking for five cars, at 491-493 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, available through CMS Real Estate.</li>
</ul>
Leasing opportunities listed in the October 2016 update of Eastern Sydney Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>Holdsworth House, a three-and-five-storey former warehouse building, now with retail and office space of 5,719 sqm and parking for 22 cars, at 32A Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, which has office space of up to 4,711 sqm for lease through Colliers International; 
</li>
<li>100 William Street, Woolloomooloo, a 24-storey office tower with basement parking, which has office space of 312 to 1,162 sqm for lease through Colliers International; and 
</li>
<li>Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, a 22-storey hotel with retail on the ground floor, three levels of office space and underground parking, at 26-36 College Street, Darlinghurst , which has office space of 944 sqm for lease through Colliers International.</li>
</ul>
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Commercial property sales increase in East Sydney over the last quarter: CoreLogic

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Three properties in Milton owned by the proprietors of Toowong Milton Body Repairs have been sold to two buyers for a total of $9.5million in deals negotiated by JLL’s Christian Sandstrom and Sam Byrne together with Pat George and Philip O’Dwyer from Colliers International.
Two properties - 10 Crombie Street and 38 Cribb Street Milton – were sold for a combined $7.15million.
The 810sqm land parcel situated at 38 Cribb Street was sold to Hong Kong-based Golden Horse Group, the developer behind Icon Milton, a luxury 20 level apartment tower linked by landscaped sky bridges and a rooftop garden.
The property at 10 Crombie Street comprised 405sqm of land improved by a small office and warehouse building and was purchased to expand the group’s development further.
A third property also owned by Toowong Milton Body Repairs at 9 Railway Terrace was also sold to an adjoining private owner for $2.35million.
Toowong Body Repairs plan to relocate to a purpose fit building in a more traditional light industry setting.
Chris Manteit from Toowong Milton Body Repairs said, “We have operated from our Milton site for 40 years, successfully servicing the local and greater Brisbane areas. We will be sad to leave, though look to our future with excitement as we begin construction on our new ‘purpose built’ facility.  We believe this will strengthen our position in the market, and take our business to a new level.”
JLL’s Christian Sandstrom said the formal expressions of interest campaign fielded a wide range of enquiry.
“The offers for sale attracted both local and interstate groups with a particular focus from owner occupiers wanting to capitalise on the change from light industry to medium density residential and commercial development in the suburb,” he said.
“Other interested parties included private investors wanting to refurbish the buildings into alternate uses like bars, cafes and convenience retail; this is a strong reflection the area and of the diversification buyers are considering for the area.”
Located 1.5km from the CBD, Milton also has an established residential population across both low and high density development.
Milton is quickly transforming into a thriving inner-city precinct, fuelled by several mixed-use developments that are considered ‘game changers’ for the suburb – projects that will ignite the area’s population growth.
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Three Milton properties sold for $9.5million

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An opportunity to own a property filled with history and vintage charm is now available in regional Victoria.
It is at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-heathcote-502143410" target="_blank">146 High Street, Heathcote</a>, 30 minutes to Bendigo and 90 minutes to Melbourne.
The brick church is circa 1955 and the wooden hall circa 1850.  Originally the St Andrew’s Presbyterian holding, the 165 year old building is suited for family living and a commercial enterprise.
Located within the bustling heart of Heathcote, buyers could take advantage of Heathcote’s prime position as the gateway to Lake Eppalock with high exposure to passing traffic.
The wooden ‘Hall’ is currently used as an art gallery but the marketing suggests commercial pursuits (STCA) including a small shop or cafe, even dance studio.
It has original features including Baltic pine floor boards, arches and gothic colonial windows.
The building has been re-stumped, re-wired and re-plumbed, has gas heating, split system heating and cooling, and ceiling fans.
This property is being offered through Elders Real Estate agent Martin Skahill for November 18 auction.
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165 year old building in Heathcote for auction

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Management rights is a business wherein a resident manager owns a unit in a complex and is involved in the caretaking and letting of strata titled units within that complex for a salary and an agreed time period.
According to industry body Australian Resident Accommodation Managers Association (ARAMA) there are several parts of the business:
•The resident manager owns a unit in the complex as well as owning the business. Hence they have a financial interest in the scheme and they conduct business from the site.
•The resident manager has a written caretaking contract with the body corporate or owners’ corporation to provide caretaking services for the complex for an agreed salary and for an agreed time period.
•The resident manager has a written authorisation from the body corporate or owner’s corporation to operate a letting business onsite for those investor owners who choose to use their services.
•The resident manager has a written appointment from each owner for whom he/she acts, to provide the services of letting agent for the property.
•The Management Rights model can apply to short term letting which includes holiday letting, corporate letting, groups, conferences and also to long term letting which includes student accommodation and residential tenancies.
To illustrate the business, Property Observer focussed on several management rights offers in Queensland and NSW:
Surfers Paradise opportunity
A management rights business has come up for sale for an <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-qld-surfers+paradise-502141122" target="_blank">asking price of $1.45 million</a>, (above) which includes manager’s real estate.
The property is a high-rise holiday building comprising 15 one-bedroom units in the letting pool and comes with long agreements, expiring 2033.
Other features include indoor and outdoor heated pools, sauna and BBQ.
The manager’s residence is a two-bedroom unit.
The property makes a net profit of $219,000.
The building is next to the light rail and near the centre of Surfers Paradise and the beach.
According to the description, the opportunity would suit first time operators. 
The listing agent is Warren Oliver of MRSales.
 <img src="/images/2016/10/24/700_tweed.jpg" alt="">
Tweed Heads South
Osprey Villas is offering a management rights opportunity in NSW’s Tweed Heads South for offers in the range of $720,000. 
On offer is a 23-plus year caretaking and letting agreement and a business that is profitable, according to the description on <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-nsw-tweed+heads+south-502142050">www.realcommercial.com.au</a> (above).
The property comprises a four-bedroom, two bathroom managers residence with LUG and private courtyard. 
The property is in a beautiful, peaceful setting adjoining a lovely park and close to beaches. 
According to the description, there is opportunity for growth via securing outside agent appointments.
Experienced managers will be around to assist with training and transmission.
The listing agent is Ian Dore of Resort Brokers Australia
 <img src="/images/2016/10/24/Screen%20Shot%202016-10-24%20at%201.39.22%20PM.png" alt="">
Main Beach, Gold Coast
A management rights position is available in a prime location in <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-qld-main+beach-502143702" target="_blank">Main Beach</a> (above) on the Gold Coast for a 16-level high-rise comprising 43 apartments. 
It is a caretaking only operation – no trust account, no computer, no licence, according to the description, with income made up predominately of BC salary, with a small amount of additional income (maintenance etc) 
A refurbished three-bedroom, three-bathroom ground floor apartment is available to the caretaker for $1,035,000. 
There is also a letting agreement in place. The building has nine eternally managed units and 17 lock-ups, offering an opportunity to grow the business. 
The listing agent is Alex Cook of Resort Brokers Australia.
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Queensland and NSW's North Coast offer exciting management rights properties

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For the week ending the 14th October there were 27 reported commercial auctions with a 48.1 percent clearance rate, compared to the previous week’s 45 reported at 44.4 percent, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
This is almost half the reported volume as the same period last year, with a total of 53 auctions recorded and a 64.1 percent clearance rate.
<a href="/images/2016/10/21/Clearance%20table.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/21/Clearance%20table.jpg" alt="">
Over the four weeks ending 14th October, there were 132 commercial auctions reported with 71 results reported as sold.
The total value of the 43 sold results reported with a price was just short of $90.3 million.
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Commercial auction clearance rate in Sydney improves: CoreLogic

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<div>A bit of early disclosure: I'll admit here straight away that I had a few gripes with the Grattan Institute during the recent election campaign when I felt they were twisting 'facts' to suit their arguments. For example:</div>
<a href="/images/2016/10/24/Grattan.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/24/Grattan.jpg" alt="">
 
<div>Over years of experience in housing markets, I've literally never heard of anyone paying a huge lump of stamp duty only to sell their investment property because the rents had become too high (before buying another loss-making investment property, and incurring yet more stamp duty). Would never happen in a month of Sundays.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Anyway, I generally don't bear grudges, so we can let bygones be just that! Let's move on from that to today's op-ed from Grattan, which recommended that other states follow the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) lead in phasing out stamp duties for a broad based property tax. 
</div>
<div>Land tax in the ACT</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In theory, phasing out stamp duty - a pro-cyclical levy which discourages labour force mobility (if, for some unknown reason, not landlord churn!) - in favour of higher recurrent property taxes is a sound economic principle.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Of course, one always fears that new and additional taxes raised will be frittered away on infrastructure white elephants, while those of us that have already paid their stamp duties are naturally inclined to be grouchy (in the same way that I'm bound to think that Chartered Accountants shouldn't have open book exams, because we didn't 'back in my day'). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Overall, I tend to agree with most of Grattan's points, with stamp duties being an inefficient if extraordinarily lucrative levy. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In fact, I wrote a piece myself for Property Observer back in 2013 which discussed precisely the potential benefits of introducing a progressive and recurrent property tax (i.e. not necessarily a straight land tax). </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/10/24/ACT4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/24/ACT4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div>
 Canberra housing
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>That said, five years in to the experiment, there was no analysis provided by Grattan of the impact of the tax reforms to date on the housing market in the nation's capital itself. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>As always, of course, it's impossible to isolate the impact of shifts in property taxes. We can't after all run a parallel universe wherein another version of Canberra sticks with the old regime as a control experiment (Lord knows, just the one Canberra existing in our own Universe is plenty!).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In any event, here's a quick look at what's been going down.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The ABS Residential Property Price Indexes to 30 June 2016 showed established house prices rising by +8.0 per cent, and a +6.0 per cent increase for all dwellings - rates of price growth which in a healthy market should be resulting in a strong supply response. Anecdotal evidence suggests that house prices have been going a bit silly in parts of Canberra, though I do worry about the outlook for the new apartment market in the city.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Investor loans have understandably declined due to the inevitable uncertainty of change. This may in part be due to tighter lending restrictions introduced by APRA in 2015, and in any case many would argue that lower investor loan activity is on balance a good thing.  </div>
<a href="/images/2016/10/24/ACT1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/24/ACT1.jpg" alt="">
 Less thrillingly, detached house approvals have tanked.
<a href="/images/2016/10/24/ACT1-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/24/ACT1-1.jpg" alt="">
<div>The trend in monthly new house commencements has basically crashed in the ACT, down by more than 50 per cent since the beginning of 2011. Attached dwelling commencements, on the other hand, have held up much better, perhaps reflective of record low interest rates, a structural shift towards attached dwellings, as well as strong pre-sales to offshore investors. Long lead times Whatever the causes, with the long lead times for apartments there are presently more than 5,000 dwellings under construction in the ACT, of which only 600 or so are detached houses. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>As a result of the above dynamics, vacancy rates in the capital have nosedived from 2.5 per cent in 2014 to just 1.1 per cent, even though population growth in the entire territory is tracking at just 5,000 per annum.</div>
<a href="/images/2016/10/24/VR.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/10/24/VR.jpg" alt="">
 
<div>According to SQM Research, after a lag asking rents have soared lately, up by +12.3 per cent over the past year for houses, while even apartment asking rents have ripped +9.3 per cent higher. And this through a period when nationally rental growth is tracking at two decade lows.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Granted this vast increase in asking rents is yet to be reflected in the ABS consumer price indexes, which lag significantly. The figures for Q3 2016 will be released next week. But in any case, when the 5,000 dwellings under construction eventually hit the market, rents for apartments at least should eventually return to flat or falling in real terms. <div class="separator"><a href="/images/2016/10/24/Z1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/24/Z1.jpg" alt=""></div>
</div>
The wrap
<div>No strong conclusion either way here. As noted, we can't readily know the counter-factual, while some of the prevailing housing market dynamics in Canberra may be related to restricted land release, in particular the lack of responsive detached housing supply. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>On taxes, my view is that homeowners shouldn't have to pay twice, and that will no doubt be the view of most other homeowners too. Therefore in the real world the most populous states would find it extremely difficult to phase in such a tax with the required long exemption period for existing homeowners, due to the initial revenue shortfall (look at the unprecedented stamp duty windfalls being delivered in New South Wales, for example).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I'd also be very wary of declaring the ACT experiment an unqualified success while even in a low density market such as Canberra with moderate population growth asking rents for houses are rising at more than twelve times the rate of inflation!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Nevertheless, it looks to me as though the rental market will probably correct itself in time with a flood of new apartment stock in the supply pipeline.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
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>. 
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>.
</div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Asking rents soaring in Canberra, but why? Pete Wargent

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A vacant Brunswick East retail property has been listed for November 19 auction.
It comes with a land area of 190 sqm with a floor size of 100 sqm.
It is listed with a price guide of between $870,000 to $950,000.
The property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-brunswick+east-502143014" target="_blank">400 Lygon Street, Brunswick East</a> (above) is approved for Commercial 1 zoning.
It has a frontage of 6.25 metres on one of Melbourne’s most tightly held retail strips.
The property offers the right of way at the rear and it includes a car park space.
This property is offered through Nelson Alexander agent David Hutchinson.
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Vacant Lygon Street, Brunswick East retail space for auction

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Merri Community Health Services has recently snapped up a substantial Coburg building for $4.075 million.
Reflecting the current strength of Melbourne’s retail investment market, CBRE in conjunction with Gross Waddell negotiated the sale of the retail and office asset.
Located at 83-91 Bell St and 491-495 Sydney Rd, Coburg, the 1,250sqm corner building is located nearby the Pentridge Prison site.
It was put to market as a value-add opportunity, with Activity Centre zoning allowing future development upside.
Merri Health Chairperson, Carlo Carli, said the recent acquisition will allow Merri Health to provide a one-stop-shop for health services in Melbourne’s northern region.
“We are planning to construct a multi-level building on the site, which will see the integration and expansion of key health services in one location, giving northern residents access to advanced health support in their community. This will provide better opportunities for our community as we anticipate further job prospects and extended service,” Mr Carli said.
The sale price translates to a yield of nearly 3.4%, with over 130 enquiries received.
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