Toorak's dress circle St Georges Road, home to some of the city's priciest homes, is set for a rare new apartment development.

Blood Diamond Group, an entity tied to Tina Brandi, wife of David Brandi who has been a prolific bidder on The Block over the years, has filed plans for an ultra-exclusive development across an amalgamated 3,662 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/104-106-st-georges-road-toorak-vic-3142">104 and 106 St Georges Road</a>.

The proposal would replace two existing homes on the riverfront site with a five-level apartment building cascading down the steeply sloping land toward the Yarra River. Designed by Charles Wright Architects, the development has been carefully shaped around the site’s topography and river environs, with the upper levels stepping back to reduce visual bulk from both St Georges Road and the Yarra corridor.

Planning documents describe the proposal as “a site layout and building typology that is consistent with the emerging character of the area and which provides exceptional amenity for future residents without compromising that of neighbouring properties.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea19a17e-7528-4fa8-b727-05f2f7c025e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20a_0.png?VersionId=rZ2IjdoUL_UrRl1sZ4wZHnQXbYUaEmUQ" />

The scheme comprises 12 apartments, including 10 three-bedroom residences, one one-bedroom apartment, and a substantial split-level five-bedroom penthouse. A 624 sqm communal rooftop terrace will crown the building, while three undercroft levels embedded into the hillside will accommodate apartments and basement parking.

The design leverages the site’s dramatic northern outlook across the Yarra River, with living areas and balconies oriented toward the water. A central atrium running the full height of the building is intended to draw natural light deep into the residences and improve internal amenity.

Landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo Design &amp; Landscape</a> will play a major role in softening the built form, particularly along the river edge where significant setbacks have been introduced. The proposal includes a minimum 30-metre setback from the Yarra River boundary, preserving a substantial landscaped buffer between the development and the waterway.

While a mature English Oak near the front of the site is proposed for removal, the plans retain a large English Elm closer to the riverfront, alongside other established vegetation in the lower section of the property.

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed3bf19b-5bc7-482f-bde7-41f709a13c3a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20b.png?VersionId=SG_kBGu4rOaSPY8FtVcmPJfSCrstuOfg" />

Architecturally, the building adopts strong horizontal forms with expansive glazing and curved balcony edges facing the river. Planning documents note the upper levels “adopt a receding form” to ensure the building responds appropriately to the Yarra River environs overlay controls.&nbsp;

The surrounding streetscape is characterised by large contemporary homes embedded into the hillside, many presenting as modest one or two-storey forms to the street before expanding toward the river frontage below. The planning report notes this established pattern heavily influenced the massing strategy for Toorak Pavilion.&nbsp;

Until the recent sale of the landmark Clendon Road mansion Coonac for around $130 million, St Georges Road held the state's most expensive home, the $80,000,088 derelict "Ghost House" mansion that was bought by crypto king Ed Craven.&nbsp;

Blair House, also on St Georges Road, sold for $74.5 million in 2022.

Joel Robinson

First look: Toorak Pavilions slated for dress circle St Georges Road

Six months after a development site on Kangaroo Point’s Shafston Avenue sold for $6.55 million, plans have been lodged for a 23-storey apartment tower.

A company named JMT Mega Capital, understood to be interstate investors when the 1,222 sqm double block traded late last year through Patona Property, is proposing an 84-apartment development in place of the existing low-rise buildings.

The slender tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/212-220-shafston-avenue-east-brisbane-qld-4169">212–220 Shafston Avenue</a>, overlooking the Brisbane River, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/aplus-design-group">Aplus Design Group</a>. It will comprise a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments above six basement levels, topped by rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e17ba9e-553e-42ef-92b6-22081671521a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_3.png?VersionId=hlVUf99vrOjUs.vhQs0qV0DhOncUy9T8" />

The development has been designed as a vertically articulated tower with recessed balconies, curved façades and planted edges intended to soften its scale within the evolving Shafston Avenue skyline. In the submitted Urban Design Report, Aplus Design Group said the tower had been “shaped with a slender vertical expression, articulated façades, recessed balcony zones, integrated planting and a clearly defined podium relationship, helping to reduce perceived bulk and create a more elegant contribution to the Shafston Avenue streetscape and broader Kangaroo Point skyline.”

The scheme comprises 84 apartments, including 25 one-bedroom units, 34 two-bedroom apartments and 25 three-bedroom residences. A total of 104 car spaces are proposed across six basement levels, including resident, visitor and accessible parking.

Residents will have access to rooftop communal open space and shared amenities, while the development also incorporates deep planting zones and subtropical landscaping throughout the podium and tower levels. The project includes 35 per cent communal space coverage across the site and a 17.5 per cent deep soil zone allocation to support urban greening outcomes.

The application exceeds the mapped building height under the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan and is being assessed under Brisbane City Council’s impact assessment pathway. The design team argues the additional height is supported by the site’s strategic inner-city location, existing high-density zoning, and proximity to transport and employment hubs.

“The design has been developed to make better use of a well-serviced urban site within an established high-density residential setting, while improving the street presentation and overall quality of the public realm interface,” the report states.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ab44b1e-ff45-4bf3-8da8-8aa0cd79db33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_10.png?VersionId=tSxeGekZOqj1e9g3PEn_yFoC3taKDp3U" />

The proposal adds to a growing pipeline of apartment developments reshaping Kangaroo Point ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, with demand continuing to strengthen for new housing supply in well-connected inner-city precincts.

Mosaic has nearly sold out its under-construction <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford by Mosaic</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a>,&nbsp;while Pikos recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye Residences</a> nearby. Pikos is also delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gaia-kangaroo-point-108-lambert-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Gaia</a>, over 230 three- and four-bedroom apartments on Lambert Street.

First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point apartment tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct

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.

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.

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.

<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" />

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.

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.

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.

<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" />

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

<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" />

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.

“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.

“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;

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;

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.

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.

<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" />

A comprehensive landscape strategy would introduce deep soil planting, vertical greening, communal gardens, and new pedestrian links throughout the site.

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;

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.

Hamton has increasingly focused on precinct-scale, nature-led communities across Melbourne’s middle-ring suburbs, with projects spanning Hawthorn, Kew, and Moonee Ponds.

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

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.

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.

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.

Most early purchasers have secured gains of well over $1 million since the project launched in 2021.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172129]

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; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
“Esprit has attracted buyers seeking a combination of quality design, considered amenity and a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate,” said Gedoun.

“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;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172174]

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.

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;

<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;

“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;

“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;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=214819]

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.

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;

S&amp;S Projects is continuing its investment in the area with Radia, a $215 million development currently under construction.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172175]

Gedoun said the completion of Esprit signals continued confidence in the southern Gold Coast market.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen strong interest in well-located, high-quality apartments, particularly in areas where future development opportunities are limited."

“That’s been a key factor in the performance of Esprit and the broader Rainbow Bay market”.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102921]

Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

Prominent New Zealand apartment and hotel operator, <a href="/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>, is offering up a prime investment opportunity for Australians to purchase off the plan in one of the world’s most popular ski destinations.

They recently took to market Mountain Oak Queenstown Apartments, in the growing precinct of Remarkables Park in Frankton, near the airport and at the foot of The Remarkables - the mountain range the locals like to call “The Remarks”.&nbsp;

Sydney investors have shown interest in the one, two and three-bedroom apartments that secure high-season occupancy six months over the year, primarily over summer and winter months.

They average 90 per cent occupancy across their portfolio over January, February, March, August, November and December, while shoulder season months of April, July, September and October are still occupied 70 per cent of the time, with the growing appeal of Queenstown becoming not just a hotspot for the snow, but a lifestyle destination.

Even in the low seasons of May and June, occupancy levels reach around 40 per cent.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Safari’s Safari Hotels arm can also manage the holiday letting for an investor, from the listing on holiday accommodation websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com to the cleaning and maintenance of the investment. They’ve been in the short stay management business for 15 years and offer 24/7 support for investors, an important convenience benefit for any overseas investor

Another major drawcard for Australians is that New Zealand doesn’t have a stamp duty policy - so the entry price of NZ$639,000 (AU$586,000), is all that is payable on completion.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Safari is starting construction of the 141 apartments in Q2 this year, with a two-year build estimated to complete in mid-to-late 2027.<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="15" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXczFpFAb7WuA6f4f9TtKWcqXyNwR8qqtakWv352ERkpqNlP3KwIo8YKxw67jZNHfpjEGIZGv5MQTbnvLZwNt8iu9IVdOrswOjCvBZ4zhSoOOLrpt6etVEZTN1gkBho0r_R72zdHNA?key=yq3daOanqHSb88QFd8jGYKdb" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" />​

The apartments will feature modern amenities and contemporary designs with expansive windows capturing sweeping views of The Remarkables mountain range.&nbsp;

Interiors are equipped with modern finishes, premium appliances, and secure electronic key-locked doors, ensuring a comfortable living experience for residents and guests alike.

With its strategic location near Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort, as well as key retail and dining precincts such as Market Street, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and Remarkables Market, Mountain Oak offers a strong proposition for investors seeking high rental yields and capital appreciation in one of New Zealand’s most sought-after locations.&nbsp;

Queenstown’s sustained demand for visitor accommodation and rental properties is underpinned by a shortage of housing options, attracting both local and international buyers.

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

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The lazy half-a-million offers a range of property options in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, with a three-bedroom house in the outer east to four-bedroom houses on 500 sqm of land a little further on the south-eastern side. 
This is the inference from valuation firm Herron Todd White’s July 2016 residential market report, which discusses properties in the sub-$500,000 range.
Outer Eastern Suburbs 
Within the outer eastern suburbs, $500,000 can in general enable investors to purchase either a two- or three-bedroom house with a rental yield between 3.5% and 4%. In Bayswater for example, a two-bedroom house can be purchased for on average $456,000 (www.realestate.com.au) and achieve a weekly rental of $310 per week. Similarly, Boronia and Moorolbark still have two-bedroom houses with an average selling price of $482,500 and $462,500 respectively. In comparison, in the newly established Harcrest Estate, located in Wantirna South, sub-400 square metre lots are selling for just below the $500,000 mark or $1,300 per square metre. 
For investors looking to benefit from higher returns, Monbulk which has an average purchase price of $500,000 is perhaps one of the more profitable options, with average rental yield of 4% and demand for properties remaining high. The reason for this is the generally lower supply of properties available in the suburb as well as its reputation as a leafy family- friendly suburb, also popular with retirees. 
Units are perhaps another area to consider for investors wanting to strong arm their way into suburbs which have arguably a better location and are closer to amenities and access to public transport. For example, in Croydon, unit and townhouse prices are on average $465,500 and rents achieved approximately $350 per week, resulting in a gross yield of 3.9%. However, once service charges and other costs are taken into consideration, this figure is likely to be somewhat reduced. 
Units in Ringwood are also on average selling for $500,500 and rent for $343 per week. Given the extent of development that has taken place within the suburb in recent years, most notably the redevelopment of Eastland Shopping Centre and the train station, investors may regard this as a good investment for future capital growth, especially with annual growth for units for the period 2014-2015 being 10.6%. 
Property Observer found a three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-croydon-122900742" target="_blank">24 Broughton Avenue, Croydon, Vic 3136</a> which sold recently for $485,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/07/26/Melb%20east%201.jpg" alt="">
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South Eastern Suburbs 
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If you are willing to sacrifice proximity to the city then head to the outer south east, where $500,000 will get you quite far. Suburbs such as Cranbourne, Officer, Pakenham, and Clyde North provide many options for buyers with a $500,000 budget. 
In these suburbs this budget will cover a newly built four-bedroom home on roughly 500 square metres of land in one of the newly released estates. 
“A new wave of double-story townhouses on smaller blocks in Cranbourne is just starting to hit the market. One of these will set you back around $350,000,” say HTW in the report.
“Original double-brick dwellings in Frankston North have seen growth over the past six months and $500,000 will buy you plenty of house on a decent sized block, with close proximity to the beach.”
Between Hampton Park and Langwarrin there are plenty of opportunities to purchase either a house, townhouse or parcel of land in this price bracket.
Property Observer found a three-bedroom townhouse on www.realestate.com.au at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-vic-cranbourne-120898661" target="_blank">75/1030 Cranbourne-Frankston Road, Cranbourne</a> for $360,000.
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

$500,000 can buy you a townhouse in Melbourne's outer east, south-east: HTW 

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Where would you park a lazy half million dollars in the South West of Western Australia? Property valuation firm Herron Todd White explores the options in its July 2016 residential market report. 
A good option for medium to long-term capital growth in the south west is along the coastal strip on the northern side of Bussell Highway traversing the suburbs of Busselton, West Busselton, Broadwater and Abbey. This coastal strip is nearly 500 metres in width and runs for approximately 10 kilometres along the Geographe Bay. 
“As the City of Busselton continues to grow at a strong rate, this well located section of land will continue to grow in desirability and affluence as the urban sprawl continues to be pushed further away from the coast line,” says the HTW report. 
“This consequently will result in good capital growth over the medium to long term as an increase in population will lead to stronger demand for product that has limited scope to increase in supply. As such this well positioned and limited coastal strip would represent a good option for a prospective purchaser looking to invest $500,000.”
Entry point into this market is $500,000, which would secure a very basic residence with the vast majority of the value being in the land. While the rental return of the investment would be weak, purchasing within this coastal strip would provide a strong opportunity for capital growth over the medium to long term. 
Moving 50 kilometres north from the City of Busselton lands the prospective purchaser in Bunbury. Throughout South Bunbury and East Bunbury there have recently been some zoning changes which are encouraging higher development within these areas. Properties of 700 to 900 square metres which were previously single residential now have duplex or triplex potential. As these zoning changes are introduced, now would be a good opportunity to invest $500,000 for medium to long-term capital growth. 
A third option would be to invest in Dunsborough which is a very well sought after and renowned coastal town positioned in the south west. Dunsborough is located within Geographe Bay and attracts a higher number of tourists given its beaches and proximity to the world renowned Margaret River wine region. 
More specifically we see the coastal strip that runs from north of Caves Road to the beach as being a good area to invest. Generally this pocket has residential dwellings positioned on good sized lots of 800 square metres and above and located in very close proximity of the ocean, stimulating demand. Entry point for this market is $500,000 which would secure a very basic residence with the vast majority of the value being in the underlying land. 
“If these properties were to be purchased with a view to being held for the long term, good capital growth could be expected as the area historically has performed well,” say HTW.
The costal strip in the City of Busselton, Dunsborough and development sites within South and East Bunbury are just a number of options among many opportunities within the south west to invest $500,000. 
As a case in point, Property Observer found a three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-busselton-121367426" target="_blank">41 Brown Street, Busselton, WA 6280</a> that recently sold for $440,000.
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

$500,000 in South West WA buys you a three-bedroom place, long-term growth: HTW

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How do you solve a problem like traffic, noise and pollution in our growing cities? For the Spanish city of Barcelona, the answer could lie in the creation of ‘superblocks’.
Under the plans, the Catalan capital intends to restrict traffic to a number of big roads, creating pedestrianized, small communities within the city’s grid system. It’s hoped that doing so could reduce traffic by 21 percent as well as free up around 60 percent of the city’s streets.
“The aim is to improve the quality of life for people in the city’s inner suburbs,” says JLL’s Luis Guardia Torres, JLL director, General Cataluña. “Superblocks should lead to a more sustainable, greener environment with greater productivity within these communities.”
Impact on retail and rents
The areas identified for superblocks are on a grid system – streets containing residential apartment blocks on upper floors, with retail space on the ground floor.
More people circulating at street level should be good news for the area’s retailers, who have been particularly hard hit by the rise of online shopping. Unlike the city’s malls or high streets, they’ve never been able to offer the attraction of a day out or shopping experience.
Guardia is hopeful. “We have seen in the past that, where streets are pedestrianized, more retailers want to take on leases,” he says. “The real estate becomes a more interesting proposition. And if we see an increase in good tenants coming into these areas, with strong competition for this kind of retail space, rents may rise and they’ll attract investors.”
Without noise from traffic, these areas will become nicer places to live and this will impact residential prices, too. “We don’t have the forecasts yet because these changes will be slow but in time there’s likely to be an increase in rents,” Guardia says.
“In the very long-term you could even see small hotels moving out, given the proposed changes in the law to restrict the number of hotels in the city centre. But that’s a way off because these laws have yet to be finalized,” he says.
A model for other cities?
Guardia even suggests that this model could impact cities beyond Barcelona. “Many cities look to Barcelona for ideas and inspiration. It’s become one of the top five tourist destinations in Europe, largely because of City Hall interventions in the wake of the 1992 Olympic Games. Other cities will be watching the superblocks and wondering if they can adapt this model.
“After all, all cities need solutions for traffic and pollution, plus they need to maintain a high quality of life for inhabitants and create a thriving retail environment.”
Barcelona’s reputation for bringing about successful urban change is strong. The city has turned an industrial area into a mixed-use residential, office and technology quarter, and created a mixed-use waterfront area with several beaches from a former port. Perhaps superblocks are the natural next step for this innovative city.
This article featured in JLL Real Views
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Can the idea of superblocks improve city living?

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Lendlease has moved into its new global headquarters in Barangaroo South’s International Towers Sydney.
Around 2,000 employees occupy levels 8 to 19 of Tower Three’s 39 floors, with Lendlease chief executive officer and managing director, Steve McCann said the company’s iconic new headquarters was a significant milestone.
<img src="/images/2016/07/26/thumbnail_160721_Barangaroo%20LL%20Fitout_020_Low.jpg" alt="" width="443" height="296">
“Our new home brings innovative thinking to the challenge of the 21st century workplace. It combines the best of both traditional workplace strategies and new ways of working - connecting people, knowledge and teams to deliver more seamless communication and better results,” he said.
<img src="/images/2016/07/26/_27barangaroo.jpg" alt="" width="631" height="947">
“Our people now have access to a wide range of spaces - whether inside the workplace or enjoying the new Barangaroo precinct at one of the many cafés or special spaces.
<img src="/images/2016/07/26/700_LEase_MD.jpg" alt="">
CEO and managing director, Steve McCann above
Levels 13 and 14 feature a six-metre high wall with over 5,000 plants with employees provided with nutrition options, standing desks and green spaces.
<img src="/images/2016/07/26/thumbnail_160721_Barangaroo%20LL%20Fitout_001_Low.jpg" alt="" width="548" height="366">
Tower Three received a 6 Star Green Star Office Design v3 rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
 <img src="/images/2016/07/26/thumbnail_160721_Barangaroo%20LL%20Fitout_022_Low.jpg" alt="" width="318" height="476">
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Lendlease showcases new international headquarters at Barangaroo

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A new $70 million business park in Melbourne's technological precinct of Notting Hill is being marketed by CBRE for sale and lease.
Uni Central at 19-53 Duerdin Street is a two-stage development comprising office and industrial spaces. Construction of Stage One has just completed and ready for occupation.
The business park comprises single-storey buildings, an on-site café and conference centre. Stage One has 28 office suites ranging from 40 sqm to 164 sqm, with about 65% presold.
Among the early occupants, hardware product merchandiser Strikeforce has pre-leased 800 sqm of office and 500 sqm of warehouse space in Stage One, while medical equipment firm Mediquip has purchased an off the plan turn-key solution.
CBRE's Elise Betts and Bryce Pane have been appointed for leasing the units.
“The park offers quality construction and premium finishes, built by Bryson Group, a proven developer. Uni Central is in the technological precinct of Notting Hill and is built to an integrated masterplan, it also benefits from convenient access via major arterials," said Betts.
The office to warehouse ratio in both stages is 30/70.
“Owner occupiers, such as trades, import/exporters, e-commerce and design companies are likely to show the most interest in the units,” Pane said.
Stage two is under construction and offers 12 office/warehouses in sizes from 263 sqm to 525 sqm.
Six hi-tech units with 60% office and 40% storage also form part of Stage Two, aimed at attracting occupiers with a large workforce who benefit from the close proximity to Monash University, CSIRO and the Synchrotron.
“Occupiers in the medical, computer, research, tech and communications industries are amongst the most likely end users,” Pane added.
Stage Two is expected to be delivered in Q2 2017.
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$70 million business park in Melbourne up for sale or leasing

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Storage and racking specialist Meca has secured a new office/warehouse in Melbourne's Derrimut for $3.6 million to accommodate its expanding operations. 
The 3,620 sqm property at 49 Calarco Drive comprises a brand new office warehouse with exposure backing onto the Western Highway. 
The building has a two-level office and high clearance warehouse accessed by multiple on grade doors and a recessed loading dock. 
CBRE’s Harry Kalaitzis and Todd Grima negotiated the sale on behalf of a private vendor. 
 
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Storage firm Meca buys warehouse in Melbourne's Derrimut for $3.6 million

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A local owner-occupier has paid $8.6 million for an office/warehouse complex at Hornsby in Sydney’s north-west in an off-market deal brokered by Savills Australia.
The 29-33 King Road property comprises 4,697 square metres of industrial office and warehousing across three buildings, including 3918 square metres of warehouse and insulated cool room space and 779 square metres of office space. 
The property — one of the largest industrial facilities in the Hornsby Industrial Precinct — was sold subject to a short-term lease to integrated ovens and baking systems maker, Auto-Bake. 
Selling agent Leigh Burges of Savills said the buyer was seeking a spacious and well-presented facility with an efficient layout, including cranes and truck marshalling areas, in a good location.
The King Road location offers quick access to the M1 and M2 motorways, Burges said.
The vendor was a private investor.
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Owner-occupier pays $8.6 million for warehouse in Sydney’s Hornsby through Savills

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Healthcare recruitment agency Heath Staff Solutions has agreed terms on a sub-lease in DEXUS Property Group’s One Margaret Street building in Sydney.
The two-year sub-lease will see HSS take 153 square metres at an annual rental of circa $115,000 net.
The 18-level A Grade office tower is in the western corridor of the Sydney CBD overlooking Barangaroo.
"Health Staff Solutions required a suite which was appropriate to the firm’s corporate image," said Savills agent Chris Rowe, who brokered the deal along with Knight Frank’s Seann Cash.
"One Margaret Street is a quality building with impressive services and an excellent energy rating in one of the CBD’s best locations,’’ Rowe said.
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Healthcare recruiter takes lease in Sydney CBD 

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A tavern in Queensland's ‘sugar capital’ of Mackay is being offered for sale by Ray White Hotels Australia.
The Andergrove Tavern at 64 Andergrove Road includes a public bar, sports bar, gaming room with 45 gaming machines, a bistro and dining area with a commercial kitchen and a drive-through bottle shop.
Marketing agents Tony Bargwanna and Leon Alaban of Ray White Hotels Australia are running an expressions of interest campaign till September 8
Bargwanna said the tavern is operated under management and has undergone a $4 million refurbishment. The land area is nearly 1.96 ha and has development potential subject to council approval, he added.
Mackay, nearly 970 km north of Brisbane, is known for being a major sugar producer and higher prices have helped the regional economy.
Alaban said other positives for Mackay include its proximity to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.
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Tavern for sale in Queensland's 'sugar capital' 

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A seven-storey office tower fully leased to the federal government in Canberra CBD has been put up for sale by Credit Suisse Real Estate Investment Management.
The A-grade building at 62 Northbourne Avenue is being marketed by CBRE’s Mark Hansen, Andrew Stewart and Richard Butler through an international expressions of interest campaign.
“Canberra is a classic, safe haven investment, which has always attracted offshore money,” Hansen said.
“Because of the stability of tenure, fixed reviews and long-term leases that the Commonwealth government provides, we expect this property to attract the interest of a number of investors seeking security."
The building has a 5 star NABERS rating and is adjacent to a proposed light rail project.
Stewart said the Canberra market was benefitting from an influx of investors looking outside of Melbourne and Sydney.
“Canberra has seen some significant yield compression in the past two years, with it seen as the next go-to-market – offering a stable economy and strong tenancy profile in many assets,” he said.
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