<p>A full-scale Sky Homes prototype apartment for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/zeste-at-the-orchards-norwest-104-fairway-drive-norwest-nsw-2153">Zeste</a> has been opened by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a>, offering buyers a look at the final residential release within The Orchards masterplan in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/norwest-nsw-2153">Norwest</a>.</p>

<p>The prototype launch coincides with buyer demand for larger apartment living continuing across Sydney’s Hills District.</p>

<p>David Lee, Sales Manager, Apartment &amp; Mixed-Use Developments at Sekisui House Australia said it was evident from the preceding four stages at The Orchards that a large number of buyers were local owner occupiers or downsizers specifically looking for oversized apartments with additional living spaces.</p>

<p>“The majority of buyers prefer to touch, feel and physically sight a full-scale completed apartment, rather than imagining the living spaces from floor plans," Lee says.</p>

<p>"The prototype apartment provides greater clarity and buyer confidence. We expect this will increase sales momentum for Zeste and the Sky Homes in particular.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351878]</p>

<p>Positioned within Stage 5’s Zeste project, the Sky Homes form part of the final opportunity to purchase within the award-winning master-planned community, which will ultimately deliver approximately 1,300 apartments.</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, Zeste comprises two residential buildings, Essence and Eden, providing 209 apartments surrounded by extensive landscaping, resort-style amenities and community spaces.</p>

<p>Ben Pomroy, Principal at Rothelowman said Zeste explores a reinvention of the traditional house, in the orchard, synthesising the nostalgic story of the orchard homestead of yesteryear with a contemporary aesthetic inspired by the landscape.</p>

<p>“Natural light and ventilation are key to the design, contributing to a higher quality of life at the human scale. Across all Rothelowman projects, our ethos of ‘a generous eye for life’ drives our consideration of the human experience as the central point of focus of our design process.”</p>

<p>Pomroy says a&nbsp;notable design element is the cathedral glass light boxes incorporated in the joinery, inspired by the idea of wandering the orchard homestead with a lantern in hand, something familiar and nostalgic.</p>

<p>"We took this narrative and gave it a contemporary twist that is both beautiful and functional, creating unique features that unify the kitchen and bathrooms design.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351874]</p>

<p>In addition to the two residential buildings, Zeste comprises a single-story community amenity pavilion nestled in the landscape between Essence and Eden.</p>

<p>“The communal pavilion is a distinctive feature designed to foster a deep sense of community, with nature at its heart," Pomroy added.</p>

<p>"Whether it is watching the football grand final or hosting a family BBQ, the pavilion is designed as a place where residents can create memorable moments with friends, family and neighbours.</p>

<p>Since launching Essence, the first building within Zeste, buyer demand has remained strong with more than 30 per cent of residences already sold. Sky Homes have accounted for nearly 40 per cent of all sales achieved since launch.</p>

<p>“Purchasers are responding positively to the oversized layouts, diverse apartment configurations and the vast range of community facilities that will be available at completion,”David Lee noted.</p>

<p>Zeste Sky Homes represent approximately 35 per cent of the entire Stage 5 offering and are available across both Essence and the yet-to-launch Eden building. Prices for the Sky Homes range from $1,135,000 with one car space through to $1,500,000 for two car spaces.</p>

<p>Apartments across the broader Zeste release start from approximately $715,000, with generous floorplans ranging from 59 to 144sqm. Select residences also feature integrated ‘Max’ spaces, designed to function as flexible areas for home offices, children’s playrooms or additional storage.</p>

<p>Zeste also continues Sekisui House Australia’s sustainability partnership with Altogether Group, delivering integrated water, power and data services alongside passive design initiatives including cross-ventilation, landscaping and water features.</p>

<p>Early purchasers are currently able to access a selection of premium upgrade options, with VIP buyers receiving one complimentary upgrade package. A 2.5 per cent deposit is available for a short time.</p>

<p>Sekisui recently commenced its pre-construction phase. They are expecting an early 2028 completion of Zeste.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150510]</p>


Joel Robinson

Zeste Sky Homes prototype opens as buyer demand surges for oversized apartment living

<p>Having recently announced its entry into the booming Gold Coast new apartment market with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aere-chevron-island-18-20-mawarra-street-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Aere Chevron Island</a>, developer Martello™ is offering generous stamp duty savings for buyers before June 30.</p>

<p>Martello™ says the incentive creates a more accessible entry into premium apartment living.</p>

<p>"While incentives in property are nothing new, today’s stamp duty contributions arrive at a particularly important moment," the developer says.</p>

<p>"Buyers are not only seeking quality homes and strong locations; they are also looking for smarter financial entry points. Reducing or offsetting stamp duty can represent tens of thousands of dollars in savings - funds that can instead be directed toward furnishing a home, reducing mortgage pressure, or simply providing peace of mind during the transition into ownership."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367517]</p>

<p>Aere is one of the more boutique new developments on Chevron Island, with just 33 apartments across 18 storeys on Mawarra Street</p>

<p data-end="695" data-start="463">The developer has placed a strong emphasis on wellness, briefing architecture firm Raunik Design to embed this philosophy into the project.</p>

<p data-end="1094" data-start="697"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a>&nbsp;has positioned Aere as a continuation of its human-centric development approach, with a focus extending beyond amenity to the fundamentals of layout, natural light, and spatial planning.</p>

<p data-end="1094" data-start="697">[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=368446]</p>

<p data-end="1094" data-start="697">To bring a heightened level of confidence to the project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a>&nbsp;has already appointed Promax Construction to build the tower. They are expected to start construction in the coming months.</p>

<p>Martello™ says that in any market cycle, confidence matters.</p>

<p>"Buyers who may have been waiting on the sidelines are now reassessing their timing as developers and vendors introduce meaningful incentives designed to support decision-making. For owner-occupiers, it creates an opportunity to secure a premium residence with reduced upfront costs. For investors, it can improve the overall acquisition equation at a time when rental demand remains exceptionally strong across many key markets."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367507]</p>

<p>Aere offers a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, the latter of which occupy half a flor. These layouts prioritise separation between living and sleeping zones, along with increased privacy and storage, features more commonly associated with detached housing than traditional apartment product.</p>

<p data-end="2059" data-start="1790">Aere’s private resident amenity spaces centre on wellness. A rooftop level will incorporate a heated swimming pool, sauna and spa, alongside a residents’ lounge, dining areas and barbecue spaces, while additional shared facilities throughout the building include a gym and yoga area.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367515]</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What we are seeing now is a market that rewards readiness," Martello added.</p>

<p>"Buyers who are informed, financially prepared, and willing to act decisively are finding opportunities that may not exist once conditions shift again. Incentives such as stamp duty contributions are typically limited in duration and allocation, particularly within tightly held developments where demand remains high.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Offer available on selected residences at Aere Chevron Island only. Stamp duty contribution provided by the developer at settlement and cannot be exchanged for cash or combined with any other offer unless approved by the developer. Offer valid for contracts signed on or before 30 June 2026. The developer reserves the right to amend or withdraw the offer at any time without notice. Terms and conditions apply.</em></p>

<p><em>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143932]</em></p>


Martello™ offers limited time stamp duty concessions at Aere Chevron Island

<p data-end="200" data-start="0">New development specialists Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgleish have unveiled their new development firm, Dalcott, following several successful projects delivered under the Pyco banner across the region.</p>

<p data-end="376" data-start="202">Pyco is currently delivering Atelier in nearby West End, Nouveau in Albion, and Onde at Kirra, its debut Gold Coast apartment development in the booming Kirra Beach precinct.</p>

<p data-end="583" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="378">Its first plans under the new Dalcott banner are in South Brisbane, which has been Brisbane’s most enquired-on suburb so far in 2026, while neighbouring West End has also continued to record strong demand.</p>

<p data-end="1091" data-start="626">The developer already has approval for an 11-storey building with 65 apartments on Browning Street, however has recently acquired the adjoining 910 sqm site at the rear, creating a combined 2,746 sqm footprint that will now allow for two 11-storey buildings with 92 large-scale apartments, a configuration Cottee and Dalgleish have focused on across their local portfolio.</p>

<p data-end="1244" data-start="1093">The project, known as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a>, will comprise 84 three-bedroom apartments, 16 of which will include an additional multipurpose room, and just eight two-bedroom residences.</p>

<p data-end="1383" data-start="1246">DAH Architecture has led the design of Marrone, which will include more than 330 sqm of communal open space and rooftop recreation areas.</p>

<p data-end="1383" data-start="1246"><img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7eeea1a0-be23-47c8-80fb-3409428241fd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-21%20at%209.36.38%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pZW7o.tB7oJovYCRIFSxrZbMr6QdpHy." /></p>

<p data-end="1473" data-start="1385">Cottee told Apartments.com.au the project reflects a gap in Brisbane’s apartment market.</p>

<p data-end="1571" data-start="1475">"It is an area we know well with Atelier, another development which focuses on large apartments, less than 300 metres away," Cottee says.</p>

<p data-end="1824" data-start="1573">"There's limited supply of large-scale apartments of this size in a single building in Brisbane. The majority of apartments in this category are in considerably smaller buildings, on the water, and are only really accessible to the deepest of pockets.</p>

<p data-end="1953" data-start="1826">"Marrone will offer the same size and scale, but with greater amenity and at a much more realistic price point for the market."</p>

<p data-end="2256" data-start="1955">The architectural approach reflects the continued evolution of South Brisbane’s higher-density residential character. Renders show a heavily landscaped façade composition with curved balconies, textured brickwork, deep recesses, and integrated planting aimed at softening the scale of the twin towers.</p>

<p data-end="2486" data-start="2258">The revised proposal builds on the design narrative established in the original scheme. In the earlier submission, Gatehouse Architects described the project as a continuation of Browning Street’s long-term urban transformation.</p>

<p data-end="2691" data-start="2488">“The proposal echoes the spirit of early developments like Watson Terrace (built in 1888), by contributing to the growth and diversification of the local population,” the original design statement noted.</p>

<p data-end="2918" data-start="2693">“Just as Watson Terrace played a role in the area’s early gentrification, this development continues that trajectory, delivering contemporary housing that addresses the evolving needs of South Brisbane’s expanding community.”</p>

<p data-end="3297" data-start="3024">The updated proposal, designed by DAH Architecture, spans a 2,746 sqm corner site with frontages to Browning and O’Connell Streets. The development will comprise two 11-storey residential buildings delivering 92 apartments, replacing the previously proposed 65-unit scheme.</p>

<p data-end="3673" data-start="3299">The apartment mix has shifted further toward larger owner-occupier residences, continuing Dalcott’s established strategy across South East Queensland. The plans include 68 three-bedroom apartments, 16 three-bedroom apartments with multipurpose rooms, and eight two-bedroom residences. Two basement levels will provide 142 car spaces, alongside bicycle parking for 115 bikes.</p>

<p data-end="3950" data-start="3675">The larger Marrone proposal arrives amid sustained redevelopment momentum across South Brisbane and the wider Kurilpa precinct, where developers are increasingly targeting owner-occupiers seeking larger apartments close to the CBD, cultural precincts, and riverfront amenity.</p>

<p data-end="4211" data-start="3952">The site sits within walking distance of South Bank, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane State High School, and several major transport connections, while nearby Fish Lane and West End continue to drive demand for higher-end inner-city apartments.</p>

<p data-end="4458" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="4213">Cottee is expecting Marrone to launch around August with Realm Projects.</p>


Exclusive: Dalcott doubles down on South Brisbane with twin-tower Marrone plans

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:9894702f-d5ab-4186-930d-8f794421c3c4-0" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:9894702f-d5ab-4186-930d-8f794421c3c4-0" dir="auto">
<p data-end="437" data-start="182"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/doma-group">DOMA Group</a> has unveiled plans for Newcastle Quay, a major waterfront precinct set to reshape Newcastle’s harbourfront and further cement the city’s evolution into one of Australia’s fastest-growing urban destinations.</p>

<p data-end="707" data-start="439">Positioned on a prominent site within the Honeysuckle Precinct, Newcastle Quay will span both sides of Honeysuckle Drive, connecting directly to the Foreshore Promenade and sitting within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange.</p>

<p data-end="1068" data-start="709">The mixed-use precinct is planned to include around 1,000 apartments, more than 28,000 sqm of commercial office space, 6,000 sqm of retail, and a 180-room hotel anchored by a 500-seat conference and exhibition centre, a move expected to significantly lift Newcastle’s ability to attract major business and tourism events.</p>
</section>

<p><img alt="DOMA Group unveil Newcastle’s future with transformative Newcastle Quay Precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0642ca09-67cc-4920-8a7e-d18df9729b4e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/%3D.png?VersionId=CnDmZxQnOV5LN0ePu7jaFBXC9tPGTrWm" /></p>

<p data-end="1381" data-start="1070">The proposal builds on DOMA’s growing Newcastle pipeline, where the developer has already delivered 866 apartments and more than 19,000 sqm of commercial and retail space since entering the market in 2013. A further $2 billion pipeline is also in the works across the city.</p>

<p data-end="1756" data-start="1383">The masterplan and executive architecture are led by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, with building concepts developed alongside Stewart Architecture, Architecture AND and Curious Practice, and landscape design by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/turf-design">Turf Design Studio</a>. More than 11,000 sqm of open space is planned, including a new waterfront park known as Honeysuckle Green, upgrades to Tree of Knowledge Park, and new pedestrian and cycling links throughout the precinct.</p>

<p data-end="2022" data-start="1758">At the centre of the development will be the heritage-listed Wickham School of Arts, which DOMA plans to reposition as the civic and cultural heart of the precinct through restaurants, bars, events and public gathering spaces.</p>

<p data-end="2254" data-start="2024">The broader vision is to create a genuine day-to-night precinct, blending residential, hospitality, retail, commercial and cultural uses in a way Newcastle has yet to experience at this scale.</p>

<p data-end="2407" data-start="2256">DOMA Group Managing Director Jure Domazet said the aim was to create a precinct that becomes synonymous with Newcastle itself.</p>

<p data-end="2644" data-start="2409">“Our vision is to create a precinct that not only delivers high-quality commercial, residential, and cultural spaces, but also defines Newcastle’s waterfront for generations to come,” Domazet said.</p>

<p data-end="2752" data-start="2646">DOMA’s Chris Farrington said the project would fundamentally change how Newcastle is perceived nationally.</p>

<p data-end="2868" data-start="2754">“Newcastle Quay is more than a waterfront precinct, it is a national announcement for this city,” Farrington said.</p>

<p data-end="3111" data-start="2870">“A world-class Conference and Exhibition Centre will open Newcastle and the Hunter Region to a national and international audience for the first time, delivering something this city has long deserved.”</p>

<p data-end="3360" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="3113">The project is expected to generate more than 4,000 full-time equivalent jobs and act as a major economic driver for the Hunter region through tourism, business events, hospitality and commercial investment.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the final parcel of harbourfront land will be a "true mixed-use precinct destination that includes housing, hospitality and entertainment, commercial spaces, retail, economic and social outcomes."</p>


DOMA Group unveils 1,000-apartment Newcastle Quay precinct

<p data-end="262" data-start="143">ASX-listed developer Stockland is continuing to ramp up its return to the apartment market.</p>

<p data-end="451" data-start="264">In late 2024, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/stockland">Stockland</a> announced it would resume apartment development after a 13-year absence, launching with Stanton Place in Rosebery, a 144-apartment project now under construction.</p>

<p data-end="560" data-start="453">Last week, the developer unveiled plans alongside the NSW Government for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-nsw-gov-unveils-plans-for-3-300-home-waterloo-south-renewal">3,300-home precinct in Waterloo</a>.</p>

<p data-end="797" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="562">Now, Stockland has shifted its focus in St Leonards, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to replace an approved 42-storey office tower with a 52-storey residential development comprising more than 500 apartments.</p>

<p><img alt="Stockland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8979095e-9072-432b-a7da-58b180cf994d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-20%20at%204.27.36%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=_jbRXYOafCSHjwsz.yQCNIymMyCj8zkF" /></p>

<p>An existing 14-storey commercial office building would make way for a 264.5-metre tower designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>. The project would deliver 538 apartments, including 30 affordable housing units, alongside retail and commercial uses at the podium and ground plane.</p>

<p>It will rise from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">601 Pacific Highway</a>, a prominent 2,844 sqm triangular site adjoining Mitchell Plaza and fronting Pacific Highway.</p>

<p>The development is being pursued under the Housing Delivery Authority pathway after Stockland’s proposal was declared State Significant Development earlier this year.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Stockland plans 52-storey mixed-use tower with 538 apartments in St Leonards" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="67f40f35-0458-47ab-80c0-a4e98a31838a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%201.png?VersionId=rxXe3njr.auuGDuiR0k42uI8Zr4K.gZA" /></p>

<p>The apartment mix includes 217 one-bedroom apartments, 191 two-bedroom apartments, 122 three-bedroom apartments, and eight four-bedroom residences. Six basement levels would accommodate 300 car spaces, bicycle parking, loading areas, and building services.</p>

<p>Bates Smart said the project has been shaped around a series of urban design principles intended to improve the pedestrian experience and respond to the evolving character of St Leonards.</p>

<p>“With a boundary length of almost 75m along Pacific Highway and 70m along Atchison Street to the north, complying simply with the LEP envelope and required setbacks would result in a very wide tower form on the skyline,” the architects noted in the Design Report.</p>

<p>“We propose breaking the tower form into two defined volumes rather than a singular form.”</p>

<p>The podium has similarly been articulated into separate forms to reduce perceived bulk and create a finer-grain response to Mitchell Plaza and Atchison Street. Retail tenancies would activate the lower levels, while commercial space is proposed across the podium floors.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Stockland plans 52-storey mixed-use tower with 538 apartments in St Leonards" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="90149990-0551-40d2-bd48-14b69a015d12" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%202.png?VersionId=MJC2KIIWFvU9FPGr3IVq09gkRN_gX3m8" /></p>

<p>The design also places a significant emphasis on communal amenity and environmental performance. Residents would have access to landscaped terraces, wellness areas, flexible workspaces, and rooftop communal facilities, while the all-electric building is targeting an average 7-star NatHERS rating. Bates Smart said the project incorporates passive design measures including natural ventilation, integrated shading, and lightweight façade systems.</p>

<p>Planning documents note the site is around 350 metres from St Leonards Station and 400 metres from the metro entrance, placing it within one of Sydney’s most connected emerging residential precincts.</p>

<p>The project arrives amid a wave of large-scale redevelopment proposals reshaping the St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline. Several nearby sites have recently been approved, lodged, or declared under the Housing Delivery Authority pathway as the precinct absorbs significant residential density uplift tied to transit-oriented development policies.</p>

<p><img alt="Stockland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7805bd7c-dfd7-4b35-8e15-ec4a8bf8e61b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-20%20at%204.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=iY12K2m2bQ6EeDnshqfZC9rbLx_oEugP" /></p>

<p>Bates Smart’s report describes St Leonards as transitioning away from its historical commercial identity toward a more mixed-use urban environment.</p>

<p>“In recent years, the character of St Leonards has started to evolve, driven by new development trends along the Pacific Highway corridor,” the report said.</p>

<p>“These projects have increasingly focused on residential accommodation, marking a shift from its purely commercial roots.”</p>

<p>Sekisui House Australia is currently selling Waterstone down near Newlands Park, in a pocket being branded "St Leonards South." Hyecorp recently completed Audrey in the same pocket.</p>


First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower

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


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

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<div>Markets played around with the idea of the easing cycle being over for a while.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Not any more, though, as the yield curve inverts once again.</div>
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<div>Still only a low probability of a cut in September. </div>
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<div>However, another rate cut is fully priced in for December, with the implied yield on August 2016 contracts sagging as low as 1.61%.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/08/26/ASX.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/08/26/ASX.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
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<p><span> </span></p>
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Interest rates to fall: Pete Wargent

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<div>
<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">APRA </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">released</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> its latest property exposures figures for the June 2015 quarter today, which confirmed an ongoing surge in new housing loans. </span>
</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>As at June 2015 the total of residential term loans to households held by all institutions (ADIs) was $1.33 trillion. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>In total this represented an increase of +$31.8 billion (+2.4%) from the prior quarter, and a solid increase of +$97.1 billion (+7.9%) over the year to June.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>There were a total of 5.4 million loans outstanding, with an average balance of $243,000.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Investment loans surging higher</span></strong></span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>Investment loans totalled $518.3 billion, an increase of +$17.7 billion (+3.5%) from the March quarter and massive +$81.1 billion (+18.6%) from one year ago.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>That's huge, and well ahead of the rate that the regulator would or should be comfortable with.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>Interestingly while loans held by the major banks increased by +7.5% over the past year to $1,076 billion, loans held by other domestic banks increased by a much faster +18.8% pace to $155 billion.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div>The major banks still accounted for close to 80 per cent of the domestic new housing loan market, however, with the remainder of the market comprising other banks, credit unions and particularly building societies.</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div>
<span>It should be noted that there have been a few issues relating to the reclassification of loans between owner-occupied and investment loans, with material revisions (&gt;10%) pushed through for the September 2014 to March 2015 quarters relating to ANZ and National Australia Bank.</span><br><span><br></span><span>You can see the jump in the chart below. </span><br><span><br></span><span>This has had the impact of accentuating the rate of increase in investment loans while dampening the growth in owner-occupier loans. </span>
</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>In any case the trend in <strong>total </strong>loans outstanding since March 2008 has been more than clear, with total residential term loan exposures captured by this data more than doubling over that time.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>This is at least partly because the investor segment of the market often opts to amass new debt rather than paying loan balances down, particularly because Australia has prevailing tax legislation which encourages this behaviour.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/08/26/APRA1.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2015/08/26/APRA1.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>The data revealed that the overwhelming majority of new housing loans in the quarter at 89.3 per cent of new loans were of a loan to value ratio (LVR) of 90 per cent or lower. </div>
<br><div>As denoted by the pink area in the chart below there has been a surge in the number of borrowers using 20 to 40% deposits, now accounting for more than half of new housing loans in the last quarter.<br><br>This may imply that "cashed up" property owners with deep pools of equity are buying investment property at the expense of first time buyers who must save their deposits. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>More than one fifth of new loans in the quarter had a very low loan to value ratio of just 60% or lower.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/08/26/APRA2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/08/26/APRA2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>Higher risk "low doc" loans continued to represent only a tiny fraction of the Australian mortgage market in the June quarter at 0.4 per cent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Market risks</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>With very few low doc loans written and the overwhelming majority of loans being written with deposits ranging from 10 to 40 per cent, where lies the risk?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>After all, it is hardly as though the market is highly leveraged in aggregate with aro<span>und <span>~</span>$1.4 trill</span>ion of debt sitting against a stonking $6 trillion residential housing market.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>For my money, in terms of the residential mortgage market the answer is that the risk lies in the very high percentage and concentration of interest only loans, whereby typically no repayments are made against the principal in the first five years. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>It is true that loans with offset facilities are continuing to flourish, but nevertheless a whopping 45.8% of new housing loans written in the June 2015 quarter were of the interest only variety.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Although only 4% of new housing loans in the June quarter were written outside serviceability, it would not be a surprise to see APRA looking more closely at the elevated percentage of interest only loans with renewed interest.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
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<div> </div>
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Investment loans power on: Pete Wargent

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<div>The latest APRA figures showed that loans with redraw and offset facilities have continued to flourish and become more popular than ever before. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>But check these two charts out below. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Firstly, a massive $44 billion of loans of $96 billion new residential housing loans written in the June quarter were accounted for by interest only products.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/08/26/IO2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/08/26/IO2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>And secondly, to put this in its recent historical context, $44 billion reprsents an incredible 45.8 per cent of new loan exposures written.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/08/26/IO1.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2015/08/26/IO1.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator">In summary, it is true that offsets and redraw facilities are included in new loan products more than has ever been the case before.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">However, with somewhere now approaching half of new loans written not requiring immediate repayments against the loan principal there appears to be an increasingly heavy reliance on borrowers managing their personal finances responsibly.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
</div>
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Interest only loans boom: Pete Wargent

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<p><span>Commercial property and office landlords are starting to pamper their employees who take a more fitness based approach to their daily commute to and from the workplace. </span></p>
<p><span>Office buildings need to be more bike-friendly to keep tenants happy, according to recent research by Colliers International.</span></p>
<p><span>“On-site bike racks, changing rooms and shower facilities are becoming increasingly popular with tenants and there is now greater focus on this by business owners,” writes Colliers national director of research Nerida Conisbee.</span></p>
<p><span>“Having sufficient bike racks, changing rooms and shower facilities was seen as less important than having on-site secure car parking in 2005; however by 2010, both factors were seen almost equally as important.”</span></p>
<p><span>Installations specifically dedicated to the wind down exercise that comes after the 9 to 5 shift have become very popular in office towers, featuring hotel room style showers, bathroom facilities you'd typically find at a 5 star resort and yes...even grooming stations.</span></p>
<p><span>These 'End of Trip' facilities can now be found in a number of typical office blocks all over the city and are proving to be lucrative, worthwhile investments as the desire for bike storage starts to surpass the need for car spaces.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>151 Clarence Street Sydney, NSW</strong></span></p>
<p><span>Investment and development group, Investa are launching a new $110 million office building set to tower over the new Barangaroo district. After being cleared for development by the Sydney Council, Investa intends to call the tower 'Barrack Place' with one very specific mention being an extensive End of Trip Facility being built into the property. The tower will boast 'modern' end of trip facilities including showers, lockers and changerooms. To top it off, and a clear sign that Sydney property is starting to care more about two wheeled transportation over the traditional four wheels, the building will also accommodate 190 bike spaces.</span></p>
<p><img src="https://www.architectus.com.au/sites/default/files/sa-com-151-clarence-st-01.jpg" width="940" height="500"></p>
<p><span><strong>88 Phillip St, Sydney NSW </strong></span></p>
<p><span>Aurora Place is the name of the award winning office and residential block situated on Phillip street. The complex recently opened a premier End of Trip facility back in December 2014 that rivals the luxuries of most resorts in this country. The facility caters for and encourages the building’s users to ride/walk/run to work, with a storage capacity for 200 bikes. It also houses Hilton inspired bathrooms, with the combination of both overhead and handheld showers. Tenants can also straighten and dry their hair using GHD products and charge smartphone and tablets in a charging station. Bike riders can ride through an entrance with neoflex flooring and use the on site bike repair kit to do any DIY fix up jobs to their vechicles.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.1599998474121px; line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="https://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/sites/default/files/styles/heroimages/public/DES14_SO_0025.jpg?itok=Q0Ozp_Ok" width="423" height="248"></span></p>
<p><span><strong>9 Castlereagh Street Sydney, NSW</strong></span></p>
<p><span>Construction and property development giant Schiavello also undertook the role of supporting sustainable commuters by converting an existing space in the basement and sub-basement areas of 9 Castlereagh st to accommodate 40 security bike racks, pump and water stations, plus shower and change room facilities. On top of this, the designers added a custom joinery including prefabricated lockers, laundry storage, towel bins and vanity units.</span></p>
<p><span><img src="https://www.schiavello.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/1515_small_09-590x393.jpg" width="347" height="231"></span></p>
<p><span><strong>400 George Street Sydney, NSW </strong></span></p>
<p><span>Not one to pass on emerging trends, Telstra's new End of Trip Facility includes drying cupboards, ironing facilities and a towel service on top of the usual amenities.</span></p>
<p><img src="https://www.senseprojects.com.au/assets/bulkUpload/400-GEORGE-STREET-Image-2.jpg" width="325" height="216"></p>
<p><span><strong>225 George Street Sydney, NSW</strong></span></p>
<p><span>The iconic Grosvenor Place unveiled their take on luxury for the fitness oriented as well this past week showcasing End of Trip facilities that are second to none. The $9.3 million upgrade is part of a broader vision to revitalise the building to meet the changing habits of today’s workforce. Cyclists have access to 230 bike racks, a universal bike repair kit, 54 lockers and a lycra spinning machine designed to dry the material in a flat 8 seconds. Continuing the trend of lavishness, the facility now sports shower cubicles with its own room, complete with full length mirror and marble seats which extends into the shower. The floor to ceiling sub-dividing walls and glass shower screens provide a private sanctuary, allowing users to step into separate dry area for dressing. </span></p>
<p><span><img src="https://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/i/s/j/a/o/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gis7q8.png/1438783064022.jpg" width="425" height="240"></span></p>
<p><span><strong>838 Collins Street Melbourne, VIC</strong></span></p>
<p><span>Established as a central focal point in the heart of the emerging Victoria Harbour district, the Lifestyle Working Collins building is an architectural sight to behold.<strong> </strong>The building is a fresh take on sustainability whilst maintaining the idea of professional office space design principles. Fuelled by new age innovation, the property boasts WIFI throughout the building including in it's common rooms, free to use electric scooters, water harvesting technology and state of the art End of Trip facilities, complete with bike storage.</span></p>
<p><img src="https://www.victoriaharbour.com.au/work-here/~/media/Developments/AU/VH/Images/Commercial/Commercial_LWCS_ExteriorfromCollins_1280px.jpg" width="436" height="287"></p>
<p><span><strong>580 George Street Sydney, NSW </strong></span></p>
<p><span>Premium End of Trip facilities were recently installed in the HSBC centre on George st. in the Sydney CBD. It's 3000 occupants now have access to 72 bike rack storage units (future proof expandable due to increase in demand), air compressor for tire inflation, drying units and ensured security via 24/7 swipe card systems in place. </span></p>
<p><img src="https://www.hsbccentre.com.au/core/images/template/jll/HSBC/images/slide1.jpg" width="395" height="162"></p>
<p><span><strong>161 Castlereagh Street through to 242 Pitt Street Sydney, NSW</strong></span></p>
<p><span>Around 3500 staff work at the high profile brands including ANZ and The Boston Consulting Group that have offices situated in the Liberty Place venue. More than 100 staff members ride bikes to work and are enjoying the high standard amenities that have been installed for their usage. There are 230 bike spaces on offer, 29 showers in the basement of the complex (on top of some tenants having their own floor showers) and change rooms with ironing equipment and hair dryers and straighteners.</span></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://fjmtstudio.com/images/projects_cs3/cs3_05.jpg" width="379" height="373"></strong></p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Bike friendly offices a focus of CBD landlords

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<p>The first BankSA branch is for sale in Port Adelaide.</p>
<p>The heritage-listed property is currently being used as a home, but has functioned as a serviceman’s club for WWII soldiers, Formby's restaurant, after its early days as a bank branch.</p>
<p>The five bedroom, two bathroom premises have a grand entrance leading into a ballroom-sized hall. It has original timberwork, ornate ceilings and leadlight.</p>
<p>Ray White Port Adelaide agent Nick Psarros says the 1906 property has potential as a live-in business.</p>
<p>It has a commercial kitchen with the old vault being used as a wine cellar.</p>
<p>It has $750,000 hopes.</p>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

BankSA branch at Port Adelaide for sale

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<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<div id="post-body-5860701746523950073" class="post-body entry-content">
<div>When it comes to property investment I generally favour the largest capital city housing markets, which in Australia tend to have more diversified economies, the greatest population and employment growth, tighter supply, and less prime location land available for release. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>One of the <em>regional</em> success stories of the past half decade has been a town - or a "city" as you would say in Australia - that I went to visit this weekend.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>With a population of around 162,000 it is the 16th largest city in Australia, and the largest inland city after the nation's capital, Canberra...</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><span>The city I am referring to, of course, is <strong>Toowoomba</strong> in Queensland, to the west of Brisbane.</span></div>
<div><span><br>Queensland is the one state in Australia which has a number of sizeable regional cities, and there are four others that are larger again than Toowoomba: Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, and arguably Cairns (depending upon where you draw the boundary). </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div class="separator"><span>The <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/x" target="_blank">Grattan Institute</a> found in a 2014 study that Australia's capital cities have become vital to economic activity, driving most of the economy in every state .</span></div>
<div class="separator"><span> </span></div>
<div class="separator"><span>For regional centres, Grattan found that it is their proximity to the CBD which largely drives their fortunes and thus their respective rates of economic growth. </span></div>
<div class="separator"><span> </span></div>
<div class="separator"><span>According to Grattan's research, regional centres stationed less than 150km from the CBD are growing at a considerably faster pace than those located further away.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>This in turn suggests that the best placed regional centres over the long term might include cities such as Toowoomba which is positioned approximately 125km from Brisbane. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>Other centres which sit close to their respective capitals include Geelong (around 75km from Melbourne), Newcastle &amp; the Hunter (Newcastle is located approximately 160km from Sydney), and Wollongong (85km to the south of Sydney). </span></div>
<div><span><br>The end of the mining construction boom will lead to desperate times for some regional centres, but the unemployment rate in Toowoomba has remained relatively low thanks to its diversified economy, which includes defence, agriculture, food processing, energy resources, retail and construction.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>There are some ongoing wages cuts disputes happening in the region, but overally the economy has held up relatively well. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div>
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
</div>
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Toowoomba a regional success story: Pete Wargent

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<p>Almost 100% of the market analysis and media focus in real estate is devoted to the capital cities. But in two major states the regional markets are outperforming their capital cities.</p>
<p>And they’re not just any old cities that are being outdone by their country cousins. Sydney is one of them, which will amaze many people, and Brisbane is the other one.</p>
<p>I explained in a recent column why Sydney has passed its peak and is slowly losing its heat. You won’t be reading about it in mainstream media because journalists lack expertise and are reliant on press releases from research companies. And those research companies base their market analysis on median price movements. And median prices are six months behind the market.</p>
<p>The real story of markets is told by sales volumes. And sales activity has been gradually falling across metropolitan Sydney – to the extent that I count just 36 growth suburbs (compared to 114 six months ago).</p>
<p>Regional New South Wales has almost double the number of growth markets of Sydney. The momentum that started with regional areas close to the state capital – like Wollongong and Gosford – has spread throughout the state.</p>
<p>The Gosford LGA remains the most buoyant regional NSW market, followed by nearby Wyong. The Newcastle region – where the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock and Port Stephens LGAs all have multiple growth suburbs – is also on a positive trajectory.</p>
<p>The Southern Highlands market has more recently sprung to life, with Moss Vale, Bowral and Mittagong all looking strong.</p>
<p>Further afield in NSW, Port Macquarie looks really good and the Tweed region at the Queensland border is joining the growth party. At the opposite end of the state, the twin cities of Albury and Wodonga on either side of the Victoria border are attracting growing attention from investors.</p>
<p>Dubbo continues to be one of the strongest regional economies in the state and the nation, while Goulburn and Orange also look good.</p>
<p>Everywhere I look in New South Wales there are markets percolating, without (with the exception of Gosford) having delivered price growth of Sydney proportions.</p>
<p>Brisbane is still producing plenty of growth markets, although the limelight has switched from the north to the south. While the Brisbane City Northside precinct was the first to burst into life with elevated activity and good price growth in 2014, the leading markets are now Brisbane City Southside and, a little further south, Logan City.</p>
<p>But there busy markets across Brisbane, with upwardly-mobile suburbs springing up in the Redland, Ipswich and Moreton Bay LGAs around the periphery of the metropolitan area.</p>
<p>And regional Queensland is matching the Greater Brisbane area for the number of growth locations. The regional action is headed by the Gold Coast, which continues to gather momentum and has now overtaken Logan City to be the No.1 LGA in Australia, in terms of the number of growth suburbs.</p>
<p>Fortunately, most of the growth markets in Gold Coast City are genuine residential markets – i.e. inland housing markets, rather than the high-rise precincts along the glitter strip. Let’s hope that’s where investors focus their attention, because the new mega towers will return the Gold Coast to its grand tradition of apartment over-supply.</p>
<p>The Sunshine Coast, which continues to progress as a more well-rounded regional city, is the next biggest growth market, while resurgent Cairns is still featuring strongly. </p>
<p>But there’s a new contender – the Fraser Coast region based on Hervey Bay is now producing more growth suburbs than Cairns and almost as many as the Sunshine Coast. Townsville is slowly spluttering back to life.</p>
<p>Toowoomba, which was the first regional city in Queensland to get on a growth path, looks to have had its run. This is demonstrated by the high number of “plateau” markets among the Toowoomba suburbs. The big infrastructure investment happening in and around the city should keep its market solid, but sales activity has undoubtedly tapered off in Toowoomba.</p>
<p>No other states have regional markets as prominent as NSW and Queensland, although there are good possibilities for investors in Victoria and Western Australia – but that’s another story.</p>
<p><em>TERRY RYDER is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a></em></p>
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Capital cities outdone by country cousins: Terry Ryder

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<p><span>Builders Brookfield Multiplex has reached a significant construction milestone with the completion of stage two of the $222 million redevelopment of Stockland's Wetherill Park Shopping Centre.</span></p>
<p><span>Located at 561-583 Polding Street, the centre is becoming one of Western Sydney’s biggest and most popular retail and lifestyle precincts.</span></p>
<p><span>Stage 2 features approximately 5,600 square metres of new retail space comprising a 800 seat indoor / outdoor food court with 14 food outlets, three mini-majors and 20 specialty shops.</span></p>
<p><span>In addition, the stage creates a new basement level carpark and three rooftop levels of car parking, providing an additional 750 spaces.</span></p>
<p><span>Stage 2 also comprises a new Coles supermarket, located within the existing centre.</span></p>
<p><span>The redevelopment commenced in September 2013.</span></p>
<p><span>Construction of the overall redevelopment is scheduled for completion by early 2016.</span></p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/08/25/wetherill_park_artis1360030109.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
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Wetherill Park shopping centre construction continues

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<p><span>The redevelopment site located at 134 Lennox Street in the inner west Sydney suburb of Newtown has been listed for sale.</span></p>
<p><span>Victor Kelly of Kellys Property estimates expressions of interest to fetch beyond $3 million.</span></p>
<p>This marks the first time the extra <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-nsw-newtown-501659769" target="_blank">large 505sq m block of land</a> has been listed on the market.</p>
<p><span>Development opportunities are varied considering the space but Kellys Property expects buyer interest to come from property developers looking to construct boarding houses, student/affordable accommodation and recreation and community halls.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/for-sale/134-lennox-st-newtown-nsw-2042-2012171782" target="_blank"><img src="https://b.domainstatic.com.au/w800-h600-w4600-h3067-2012171782_1_pi_150811_060643" width="521" height="347"></a></p>
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Newtown development site offering

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<p>Bupa Australia has taken a rental lease at Newspaper House, the seven level retail and office building at 247 Collins Street Melbourne.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">The iconic Newspaper House was purchased in June <a href="/expert-insights/investing/newspaper-house-collins-street-sold-to-subdividing-singaporean-investor">for around $23 million</a>. </span></p>
<p>The lease includes 275sqm of space leased at more than $800,000 per annum on an eight year term through an <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">off-market deal brokered by Savills Australia and Vantage Property Investments.</span></p>
<p>Savills’ Victorian Retail Director, Michael Di Carlo said <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">the lease was brokered off-market prior to the new landlord having completed settlement.</span></p>
<p>Bupa will relocate from The Block Arcade at 292 Collins Street. </p>
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