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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<div id="post-body-1941822993323597666" class="post-body entry-content">
<div>The Victorian State Government released an interesting document showing some of the key trends in Victoria's population and household projections out to 2051.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>One of the most notable trends is that Greater Melbourne is attracting younger and aspirational folk.</div>
 <div class="separator"><a href="/images/2016/07/19/VIC2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/07/19/VIC2.jpg" alt=""></div>
 <div>Source: DELWP</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The projections out to 2051 show Greater Melbourne's population exploding to well beyond 8 million, while the regional population growth figures project only a moderate increase. </div>
 <div class="separator"><a href="/images/2016/07/19/VIC.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/07/19/VIC.jpg" alt=""></div>
 <div>If anything, these regional figures look to be potentially overcooked to me, given that they project an ongoing strengthening in population growth despite there being any number of rural areas where the population is actually in decline. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Long term outlook</div>
<div> </div>
<div>One of the challenges facing property investors - and indeed nearly all investors today - is myopia. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>They tend to focus on shorter and shorter term outcomes instead of long term results. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>And given that we are on average living much longer today, almost all of us should be focusing on longer time horizons for investment. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>To explain what I mean, the below figures show the projected population growth over the four decades to the middle of the century.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The population of Greater Melbourne is projected to expand hugely by 3,854,700 over that time to a total of 8,024,000, accounting for 85 per cent of the growth.</div>
 <div class="separator"><a href="/images/2016/07/19/VIC3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/07/19/VIC3.jpg" alt=""></div>
 <div>Geelong, which is located very close to the south-western edge of Greater Melbourne, is also expected to grow by 229,000 persons, accounting for 5 per cent of the growth. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Everywhere else, over time there is going to be less upwards pressure on land values. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Partly that's because smaller cities have more land available for release, acting as a safety valve on rising land prices. And partly it's because absolute regional population growth just won't be very big, even if these relatively bullish forecasts prove to be somewhere close to accurate. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Similar trends are expected in other states. </div>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div class="post-footer">
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

Victoria's population projections: Pete Wargent

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Oonoonba Hotel – a popular pub in Townsville -- has been listed for sale and is expected to attract investors looking for a slice of Queensland’s hospitality industry.
Located in the CBD area, the hotel at 78 Abbot Street comprises a beer garden, a TAB and gaming area, lounge bar and bistro, and eight motel units.
It is being sold through an expressions of interest campaign managed by CBRE Hotels’ Paul Fraser and Glenn Price along with Power Jeffrey &amp; Co’s Peter Power and Andy Nason.
Fraser said the sale would capitalise on the strength of Townsville’s economy.
“Townsville is positioned for major economic growth over the coming years, with more infrastructure projects mooted than in any other regional Queensland city," Fraser said.
Projects slated for Townsville include a new port, a multimillion-dollar airport upgrade and the $250 million Townsville Stadium.
“Ideally the hotel would suit a hands on owner-operator or smaller hotel group. Its practical layout provides for efficiencies in staffing and overall ease of operation," said Power.
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Popular Townsville pub goes to market

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An IGA-anchored neighbourhood shopping centre in the residential pocket of Ellenbrook in Perth is on the market.
Located at 20 Sunray Circle, Woodlake Village comprises an IGA supermarket, 24 specialty stores and a standalone building with three tenancies, including a medical centre and gym.
The centre is up for sale through an offers to purchase campaign. The listing agents are CBRE’s Andrew Woodley-Page and Richard Cash.
Woodley-Page said the centre would be a good investment as Ellenbrook is one of Perth’s fastest growing residential locations.
“With a population of approximately 40,000 people – and substantial year on year population growth - an investment opportunity in Ellenbrook of this quality is expected to attract a strong pool of interest from both interstate and local buyers,” Woodley-Page said.
Cash said the tenancy profile -- IGA, Chemmart, Liquor Barons and Plus 24/7 -- would be a key selling factor because of the income security and scope for further capital return.
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

IGA-anchored shopping centre in Perth's Ellenbrook up for sale

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A freehold property in Melbourne’s inner suburb of Windsor has been snapped up by a Melbourne-based investor for $3.94 million at auction.
The 7 Duke Street property was offered to the market for the first time in 60 years and the purchase price exceeded the reserve by more than $200,000.
Zoned Commercial 1, the property comprises a two-level, 480 square metre building on a 377 sqm site. The purchase price reflected a land rate of $10,464 per square metre.
Selling agent Teska Carson’s Matthew Feld said the fact that the property had not been on the market for 60 years reflected “the tightly held nature of the local market and the strong result’’. 
It is close to the CBD and a stone’s throw from the bayside precinct of St Kilda.
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Building in Melbourne's Windsor sold for $3.94 million in first deal in 60 years

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Melbourne-based developer Tabak Group has listed a modern industrial complex in south-east Melbourne’s precinct of Dandenong with expectations of around $20 million.
Located within the sold out Dandenong Logis Estate, the 16,069 square metre industrial complex has access to Eastlink via Greens Road and the Dandenong Bypass.
The brand new complex comprises a 15,109 square metre high clearance warehouse and 960 square metres of corporate office space.
It is being sold through Savills’ Paul Jones sale via expressions of interest closing August 11.
The property is close to cafes, petrol stations and Dandenong Railway Station.
"We expect strong interest from companies upgrading their existing facility and looking to take advantage of the location, while investors will also be attracted to the underlying land value on one of Victoria’s most desirable estates,’’ Jones said.
Places Victoria’s 154 hectare, circa $500 million Logis Estate, which was created as Victoria’s first integrated eco-industrial business park, set records for the value of industrial land in Melbourne's south-east. It is now sold out, according to a media release.
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Industrial complex in Melbourne on sale through Savills for $20 million 

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Quatius Logistics has agreed terms on a new lease over a Frasers Property-owned new office and warehouse complex at Eastern Creek in Sydney’s west.
The lease is for a five-year term at a rental of circa $112.50 per square metre per annum net, said Savills’ Ray Trimboli and Darren Curry, who brokered the deal.
Located at Lot 5 Kangaroo Avenue in Stage 4 of Fraser’s Eastern Creek Business Park, the property gives Quatius access to the M4 and M7 Motorways.  
The 9,612 square metre facility includes a high clearance warehouse of 9062 square metres and 516 square metres of office space.
Curry said the deal underlined the strength in demand for quality industrial space in the region.
"Demand for quality industrial space like this is strong in the west at the moment and that’s an encouraging indication that the market is continuing to improve,’’ he said.
The deal follows Fisher &amp; Paykel’s pre-lease agreement for a 13,400 sqm facility, also brokered by Savills late last year. 
 
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Savills helps Quatius Logistics move into Frasers-owned complex in Sydney's West 

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A standalone retail and residential property in Melbourne’s north-west suburb of Kensington has fetched $1.225 million at auction.
The 513 Macaulay Road asset sold $125,000 over the vendor’s reserve to a Melbourne-based investor.
Selling agent, Teska Carson’s Anthony Choi said the “property was located in a tightly held strip with a low vacancy rate in an area earmarked for intensive urban revitalisation under the Arden-Macaulay structure plan”.
Located in the retail strip between Bellair and Epsom streets, the property comprises a solid brick shop and dwelling of 136 square metres on a 103 square metre site zoned Commercial 1. The retail and upstairs components have the potential to be accessed separately, thus the opportunity for separate tenancies.
Evans said Kensington was a sought-after suburb with demand driving a gentrification process.
“The property is well placed to benefit from the inevitable growth in capital values as demand for city fringe property increases,’’ he said.
The property was sold with vacant possession by a private investor.
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Shop and dwelling in Melbourne's Kensington fetches $1.225 million at auction

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With life expectancy now over 80 for both men and women, the way people are planning for retirement is changing, especially for the first wave of Baby Boomers now aged between 50 and 69 years old.
Financial security is the key factor in decisions about when people can retire, particularly for being able to maintain the same lifestyle before retirement.
With low interest rates, it is now almost impossible to live from savings alone, which is leading to a shift in how people are thinking about investments, with more seeking high yielding options.
Jason Huljich, chief executive officer for Unlisted Property Funds, Centuria said, “With the lowering of the government cash rate, it is near impossible to live on savings alone and when comparing investments many are leaning towards unlisted property funds -- which over time have managed to outperform government bonds, the ASX and Australian Real Estate Investment Trusts.”
Traditionally, Australians have sought safety in bricks and mortar in residential property using negative gearing to grow their investment portfolio. However, commercial real estate is becoming more accessible as an investment for all Australians through unlisted property funds, which can provide attractive monthly income, tax breaks and also potential for capital gains.
“When investing in commercial real estate, investors should explore how certain suburbs may increase in demand due to new transport links and other infrastructure, the lack of development sites, increasing amenity and how the office workforce is becoming decentralised from CBDs due to lower rental costs and easier commutes,” Huljich said.
“It’s equally important to properly assess the property’s tenants to help gauge the strength of an investment. Tenants such as government organisations and ASX-listed companies are preferable to smaller private companies and these larger tenants tend to have longer lease periods.”
A recent report by BIS Shrapnel has found that the metropolitan office market in Sydney has begun a strong upward swing and by 2018 the vacancy rate is forecast to fall to four percent across the city and stay low until at least the end of the decade. The same report expects that it will take at least until 2020 for new office space to meet demand which is likely to raise rental rates and will, in turn fuel investor expectation of capital growth and see significant price escalations from now until the anticipated cycle peak in 2021.
“The BIS Shrapnel report forecast that suburbs such as Chatswood in Sydney will see commercial rents rise by over 38 percent in the next six years and buildings such as The Zenith, which is part of a new Centuria unlisted property fund, are likely to benefit significantly from this forecast over the next decade.”
The Zenith, a property strategically located in the geographic heart of Sydney’s dynamic economic hub of Chatswood is being acquired by Centuria Property Funds and is available for private investment until 20 July 2016.
This article reflects the views of unlisted Centuria Property Funds and its CEO Jason Huljich. Centuria Property Funds manages $1.2 billion across 13 unlisted property funds.
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Retirement planning: The unlisted property fund option 

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Sydney's 420 George Street topped the list of major commercial investment transactions tracked by Savills in its Asia Pacific Investment Quarterly (Jan-March 2016) with a deal value of $442.5 million. 
Savills note the purchase of 420 George Street by Investa Property Group for $442.5 million in March 2016. With a reported initial yield of 5.30 percent, the transaction reflected one of the tightest yields for an A Grade asset purchased by a local post GFC.
The list comprises nine deals, with second position going to Adelaide's Rundle Place, 80 Grenfell Street at $400 million, followed by 1 Woolworths Way in NSW's Bella Vista for $336.5 million. Incidentally, all three are office spaces.
Interestingly, Melbourne's 1 Collins Street was at the bottom with a transaction value of $125 million.
<a href="/images/2016/07/18/Savills%20July%2020%20Chart.png" target="_blank"> Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/07/18/Savills%20July%2020%20Chart.png" alt="">
 
 
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Sydney CBD office deal tops investment transactions in Jan-March 16: Savills 

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The South Australia-based Hairdressers’ Co-operative Society Limited (Hair Co-op) has put its landmark Adelaide CBD property on the market after nearly seven decades.
The Hair Co-op bought the 237 Grote Street property in 1950 for £3,200 pounds, with the building’s official opening in March 1952 making headlines, according to a media release.
The property stands on a land area of 790 sqm and has a floor area of 757 sqm.
CBRE’s Will Brown, Ben Heritage and Harry Einarson have been appointed to sell the property through an expressions of interest campaign closing August 4.
“237 Grote Street is a CBD landmark and its sale unlocks an exciting opportunity to capitalise on its prime underlying real estate,” said Brown.
The sale decision comes in the wake of the group's decision to relocate its operations to a suburban location on the outskirts of the CBD.
The Hair Co-op was established in 1944 and is the only known Hair and Beauty Co-operative in the world. The Hair Co-op is a member-based organisation managed by a CEO and reporting to a board of member-directors.
Hair Co-op chief executive Victoria Lewis said the move marked a new direction for the group.
“At the centre of our plan is the creation of a larger, improved showroom and education centre to replace our city headquarters. The sale of Grote Street will enable us to strategically relocate, while also reinvesting capital back into the business,” she said.
The group has five wholesale outlets throughout Adelaide and services the needs of hair and beauty salons throughout South Australia and the Northern Territory.
The property is zoned Capital City allowing for development up to 53 metres subject to Council approval. It is expected to attract strong buyer interest.
The holding income from the property is $130,000 pa net.
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