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>.

The prototype launch coincides with buyer demand for larger apartment living continuing across Sydney’s Hills District.

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.

“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.

"The prototype apartment provides greater clarity and buyer confidence. We expect this will increase sales momentum for Zeste and the Sky Homes in particular.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351878]

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

"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.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351874]

In addition to the two residential buildings, Zeste comprises a single-story community amenity pavilion nestled in the landscape between Essence and Eden.

“The communal pavilion is a distinctive feature designed to foster a deep sense of community, with nature at its heart," Pomroy added.

"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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sekisui recently commenced its pre-construction phase. They are expecting an early 2028 completion of Zeste.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150510]

Joel Robinson

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

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.

Martello™ says the incentive creates a more accessible entry into premium apartment living.

"While incentives in property are nothing new, today’s stamp duty contributions arrive at a particularly important moment," the developer says.

"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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367517]

Aere is one of the more boutique new developments on Chevron Island, with just 33 apartments across 18 storeys on Mawarra Street

The developer has placed a strong emphasis on wellness, briefing architecture firm Raunik Design to embed this philosophy into the project.

<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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=368446]

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.

Martello™ says that in any market cycle, confidence matters.

"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."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367507]

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.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367515]

&nbsp;

"What we are seeing now is a market that rewards readiness," Martello added.

"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.

&nbsp;

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143932]

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

DAH Architecture has led the design of Marrone, which will include more than 330 sqm of communal open space and rooftop recreation areas.

<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." />

Cottee told Apartments.com.au the project reflects a gap in Brisbane’s apartment market.

"It is an area we know well with Atelier, another development which focuses on large apartments, less than 300 metres away," Cottee says.

"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.

"Marrone will offer the same size and scale, but with greater amenity and at a much more realistic price point for the market."

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.

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.

“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.

“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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cottee is expecting Marrone to launch around August with Realm Projects.

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

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<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.

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.

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.
</section>

<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" />

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.

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.

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.

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.

DOMA Group Managing Director Jure Domazet said the aim was to create a precinct that becomes synonymous with Newcastle itself.

“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.

DOMA’s Chris Farrington said the project would fundamentally change how Newcastle is perceived nationally.

“Newcastle Quay is more than a waterfront precinct, it is a national announcement for this city,” Farrington said.

“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.”

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.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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."

DOMA Group unveils 1,000-apartment Newcastle Quay precinct

ASX-listed developer Stockland is continuing to ramp up its return to the apartment market.

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.

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>.

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.

<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" />

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.

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.

The development is being pursued under the Housing Delivery Authority pathway after Stockland’s proposal was declared State Significant Development earlier this year.

<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" />

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.

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.

“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.

“We propose breaking the tower form into two defined volumes rather than a singular form.”

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.

<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" />

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.

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.

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.

<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" />

Bates Smart’s report describes St Leonards as transitioning away from its historical commercial identity toward a more mixed-use urban environment.

“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.

“These projects have increasingly focused on residential accommodation, marking a shift from its purely commercial roots.”

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.

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

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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Lendlease's Barangaroo South has welcomed the precinct’s first retailer, Toby’s Estate in the precinct known once as the Hungry Mile.
Lendlease managing director of Barangaroo South, Andrew Wilson said more than 8.5 million construction hours had transformed the former container wharf into the makings of Sydney’s newest financial services hub and foodie destination.
“What has been achieved at Barangaroo South since the first sod was turned in October 2011 is extraordinary.
Its International Towers Sydney (ITS) will have over 23,000 office workers.
Toby’s Estate is the first of up to 90 retailers on site and is well positioned in the lobby of Tower Two.
In addition, the Barangaroo South foreshore has reopened for public access. The Hungry Mile was the name waterside workers gave to Darling Harbour East in the Depression.
The final fitout for Westpac Group, the anchor tenant of Tower Two, will continue throughout July in anticipation of the first employees joining the precinct from next month.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Hungry Mile turns to Toby's Estate in Barangaroo South tower

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A two level Victorian property with ground floor retail access and a self-contained upstairs living space has been sold to a private investor for $1.55 million.
The property, on 468 Bridge Road Richmond was sold subject to a five year lease with a five year option, returning $5,000 per annum net.
The sale at the Burnley Street end was brokered by Teska Carson agents Matthew Field and Larry Takis.
It sold at $835,000 in 2008.
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Investor buys Richmond retail on 3.8% yield

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Demand for private sector office space rental within the Canberra market is high around the sub, 1,000 square metre market, with tenant representatives, digital media and telecommunications driving demand.
Colliers International director of government services, office services, Michael Ceacis said these ACT sectors all seem to have exposure to the inevitable growth in the Commonwealth Government.
"Whilst the Canberra market appears focused on attracting large tenants, who are largely the Commonwealth, he is witnessing significant activity in the sub 1,000sq m leasing market," Mr Ceacis said.
<a href="/images/2015/07/10/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-10%20at%201.33.38%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/10/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-10%20at%201.33.38%20PM.png" alt="">
 
<a href="/images/2015/07/10/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-10%20at%201.34.42%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/10/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-10%20at%201.34.42%20PM.png" alt="">
 
Source: Colliers International Research
 
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Demand for ACT commercial property on the rise: Colliers International

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Wanda Ridong (Gold Coast) Development today welcomed Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott to the Jewel development site on the Surfers Paradise beach front.
Mr Abbott’s visit to the site of <a href="/expert-insights/buying/construction-begins-at-gold-coasts-wanda-ridong-jewel">the $970 million development</a>, backed by China’s largest property developer, comes just weeks after the two nations signed a Free Trade Agreement.
Wanda Ridong managing director, Weimin Xu, said the Prime Minister’s visit was an indication of the significance of the Jewel project to the Queensland and Australian economies.
 
<img src="/images/2015/07/10/700_abbot2.jpg" alt="">
“We’ve said from the start that Jewel is a $1 billion vote of confidence in the Gold Coast, Queensland and Australian economies,” Mr Xu said.
“We were honoured to have the Australian Prime Minister come to our site and gain an insight into how the project will take shape over the next three years.
When completed in the first half of 2018, Jewel will be Australia’s largest beachfront hotel and residential complex, the Gold Coast’s first absolute beachfront location in 30 years. 
Last year Mr Wang, the Wanda China's chief, gifted Prime Minister Tony Abbott with an authentic Auratic china tea set and some Tong Quing Hao tea which is now in use at the Lodge in Canberra. 
Register interest at <a href="https://sasgroup.net.au/index.php?option=com_acymailing&amp;no_html=1&amp;ctrl=url&amp;urlid=120&amp;mailid=548&amp;subid=8737&amp;Itemid=201">www.jewelgc.com</a>
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Surfers Paradise crystal inspired Jewel project gets Tony Abbott visit

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The number of auctions scheduled across Australia’s capital cities is relatively low this week, again driven by the school holidays.
Across the combined capital cities, CoreLogic RP Data is currently tracking 1,705 auctions this week, slightly higher than the 1,674 last week, but far fewer than the preceding three weeks. Last week, the final auction clearance rate across the combined capitals was 76.8%, remaining steady when compared to the previous week (76.9%). So far this year, the auction clearance rate has been much higher than at the same time last year, with last week being no exception.
Currently, CoreLogic RP Data is tracking 660 Melbourne auctions, only slightly higher than last week, when there were 640 auctions across the city and higher than at the same time last year (567). Last week, 78.6% of the reported auctions across Melbourne were successful; this was the fourth consecutive week in a row where Melbourne’s clearance rate was below the 80% mark.
There are 796 Sydney auctions planned this week, up from 734 last week and much higher than the 580 at the same time last year. For the second week in a row, Sydney’s auction clearance rate was recorded at 82.0% last week.
Across Brisbane, 120 auctions are scheduled this week, after there were 115 Brisbane auctions last week and 118 at the same time last year. Last week, Brisbane’s clearance rate was 63.5%, the strongest result for the city since February, and the second highest clearance rate for 2015.
Much like Sydney and Melbourne, Adelaide’s clearance rate was steady last week, at 69.3%, down only slightly from 69.9% the previous week. There are 66 Adelaide auctions scheduled for the coming week, lower than last week and last year (both 85).
Canberra has 31 auctions set to take place this week, down from 58 last week and 41 last year.
Across Perth 22 homes will be taken to auction over the week, compared to 35 last week and 24 last year.
This week, the highest number of auctions across any one individual suburb will be in the Victorian suburb of Reservoir (15), followed closely by New South Wales’ Blacktown (14) and Queensland’s Surfers Paradise (14).
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Low auction volumes for the second week: CoreLogic RP Data's Shana Miller

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This week whilst finalising some new floor plans for our clients, I started to wonder what we could add to give them a new twist on modern living.  I asked, "do we really need the formal dining area or separate lounge room anymore and what could we replace them with?"  
One of the newer additions to the home is the theatre room which is a space dedicated to watching movies… but could there be other needs we can meet with a specific room?
There's one that comes to mind immediately... the day spa room!  I would love a space that mimicked a day spa, a kind of extension I guess of a luxury bathroom but with a space off it to lounge around and read whilst your face mask weaved it's magic. With speakers filtering new age music filled the air, wafts of calming lavender oil burned and locks on the door to keep the kids out!
What used to be known as a library may now be called a Technology Room, I envisage it as an irregular shaped room with beanbags on the floor or hammocks swung from the roof, where you lounge around, surfing the net or playing the latest online games but still with a cosy reading nook to escape inside a good novel whether it be read from a book or tablet. 
One of the more cooler ideas that my boys came up with was a skate room to hang in. A bedroom with curved walls or a half pipe to go full Caballerial on (you may need to Google this if you don't have young sons).
Outdoor kitchens have been popular and you can extend this to include a backyard cinema with courtyards with fire pits and built in bench seating.  
Of course there is the original Man Cave that has typically been the old shed or garage but the modern man is looking for far more these days and his cave may include a full gym, full cellar or full on recording studio.
Don't forget the She Shed, an area where a female can make a little sanctuary for herself. perhaps a little outdoor shed converted into a luxurious, chandelier hung hideaway.  A space where the outdoors blended with the indoor space with a comfortable lounge, lots of cushions, throws, plants and candles. 
Perhaps an economical addition to the home is a twist on the traditional guest room. These days, you can make a killing by renting out a room in your house on Airbnb or Stayz or to overseas students. So make the guest room a little more appealing and self sufficient by adding items like a bar fridge they can keep fresh snacks and drinks, a small desk they can set up their laptop/tablet and work at including a little sign with your WiFi password so it's easy to find. 
All these ideas led to one extra inclusion in our floor plan and that was a home office. It has now become a feature of all Property Bloom developments as we all need a space to work or study from in the home and so we now have our kitchen supplier design and install a built in desk with storage and shelving and tenants are loving it. 
Jo Chivers is Chief Executive Officer of property development project managers <a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/about" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a>.
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Thinking outside the Square: Jo Chivers

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Global fashion label H&amp;M is to open its second Melbourne store at Eastland shopping centre.
QIC Global Real Estate has secured H&amp;M for their eastern suburb centre at Ringwood.
Selling affordable and sustainable apparel, H&amp;M’s existing Australian stores are at Melbourne’s GPO, Sydney’s Macquarie Centre in North Ryde, and the two Brisbane locations, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre as well as a Queen Street, Brisbane site.
Australia's first H&amp;M fashion store opened in Melbourne's GPO building in the Bourke Street mall.
The chain has about 3,182 stores in 53 countries, opening a further 375 this year.
It took around three years to find the initial outlet sites in Australia, including the distribution warehouse at Eastern Creek in Sydney.
It has plans for a third Brisbane store and a Perth store.
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H&M for Ringwood's Eastland

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High demand for office space in Sydney and Melbourne is being quickly met, with the Brisbane market weakening and Perth and Canberra recording negative demand.
Underpinning the demand is the property and business services sector, which includes computer system design, engineering, technical services and architectural services.
BIS Shrapnel Senior Project Manager Maria Lee said that there has been a marked improvement in underlying demand since the depths of 2013 and that net absorption—which is already positive—will go higher. 
“We shouldn’t use recent history as a benchmark of what’s to come over the next few years," Ms Lee said.
"As demand comes through, the company forecasts higher rents will follow. But it’s a two speed economy and there is considerable variation city by city."
According to BIS Shrapnel, office space in Sydney and Melbourne accounted for 860,000 square meters of demand.
 
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Sydney, Melbourne hungry for office space: BIS Shrapnel

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Further developments into possible legislation tightening foreign investment in residential real estate have been made with stakeholders invited to make a submission into the substantive Bills making up Treasury's Exposure Draft into implementing foreign investment reform.
Treasury are asking for submissions into the Fees Imposition Bill, with the eventual reforms will be given effect by the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Legislation Amendment Bill 2015, the Register of Foreign Ownership of Agricultural Land Bill 2015 and the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Fees Imposition Bill 2015.
According to the submission the government aims to promote greater transparency through a lands register, implement a simpler foreign investor framework, transfer all residential real estate functions to the ATO and enforce stricter penalties for illegal foreign investment.
CoreLogic RP Data's senior research analyst Cameron Kusher recently stated that while housing may be looking expensive to locals, the declining Australian dollar means that it may be looking more attractive to foreign buyers.
The Exposure Drafts and Regulatory Impact Statement of legislation designed to tighten foreign investment rules can be read <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/ConsultationsandReviews/Consultations/2015/Implementing-Foreign-Investment-Reforms" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">here</a>, with submissions open up until Friday 17 July.
 
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Government calls for foreign investment reform submissions

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<div>Halifax released its House Price Index for the month of June 2015 which showed the average house price passing £200,000 for the first time.</div>
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<div>After a long slow recovery nationally, the average UK house price has also finally eclipsed its August 2007 peak.</div>
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<div>The index moved 1.7% higher in June to be up 3.3% over the quarter and 9.6% over the year.</div>
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<div>This represents a clear acceleration on the annual growth rate recorded in May of 8.6%.</div>
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<div>Homes sales increased by 1% in the month of May to 98,540, despite a tight market.</div>
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<div>The housing shortage and population pressures in South East of the country continue to be major market drivers.</div>
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<div>Nationally the price per square metre has increased by 18% since 2010 from £1,179 to £2,010 in 2015, according to Halifax research.</div>
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<div>Unsurprisingly the strongest performing market on this metric since 2010 has been London (+45%) with the next best performing region being the adjacent South East (+22%).</div>
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<div>By comparison the North (+3%) and Scotland (+5%) have recorded very little growth over the past half decade.</div>
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 Supply remains tight in the South East with rents in the Home Counties reportedly soaring by 5.4% in the six months to June 2015.</div>
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<div>While mortgage approvals dipped in the May, the seasonally adjusted three month rolling figures show approvals up by 6% on the three months to February result according to <a href="https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bank of England </a>data.</div>
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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>.
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