Melbourne developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pdg-corporation">PDG</a> has unveiled its vision for the former Water Tank Site in Ivanhoe, which would see it transformed into a thriving residential neighbourhood, complete with a 2000 sqm public park.&nbsp;

Delivered in partnership with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/development-victoria">Development Victoria</a>, the proposal would transform the prominent corner of Bell Street and Upper Heidelberg Road into a connected community comprising two residential buildings, generous public open space and shared amenities.&nbsp;

The vision includes 287 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with a minimum of 10 per cent allocated to affordable housing, alongside a 2,000-square-metre publicly accessible park featuring a children's playground, activity lawn, indigenous planting, timber climbing logs, seating areas and a rock gathering circle.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a>, the proposal draws on the site's industrial heritage, using a robust architectural language that references the former water tank through expressive structural elements and durable, self-finished materials.&nbsp;

Extensive landscaping has been woven throughout the development, creating a living landscape that strengthens connections to nature while responding sensitively to the surrounding neighbourhood. Two residential buildings ranging from three to 12 storeys are linked by a landscaped forecourt, creating a welcoming arrival experience and improving pedestrian connections through the site.&nbsp;

Residents would also enjoy more than 1,000 square metres of communal open space, including barbecue and dining facilities, vegetable gardens, landscaped seating pavilions and a dedicated coworking space.&nbsp;

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the vision reflected an opportunity to transform one of Ivanhoe's most recognisable sites into a place that balanced housing, community and landscape.&nbsp;

"This is an opportunity to reimagine an important site and create a neighbourhood that delivers lasting benefits for Ivanhoe," Giuliano said.&nbsp;

"We're creating much more than new homes. The vision brings together affordable housing, quality architecture, meaningful public open space and shared places that encourage people to connect, while respecting the site's history and its place within the local community."&nbsp;

Development Victoria’s Executive General Manager Precincts, Niall Cunningham, said the application is an important step for the government-owned site.&nbsp;

“This is about delivering more homes in a well-connected location, along with public open space that the Ivanhoe community will benefit from for years to come,” Cunningham said.&nbsp;

PDG was selected as development partner in late 2025 following a competitive tender process.&nbsp;

A planning submission for the project is currently being progressed through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program, with positive early engagement from both Banyule Council and the Department of Transport and Planning.

Joel Robinson

PDG unveils plans to transform landmark Ivanhoe Water Tank Site

Shane Wilkinson's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pace-development-group">Pace Development Group</a> has lodged plans for a major residential precinct on the former Presentation College site in Windsor, with an eight-building masterplan ultimately rising to 10 storeys.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/167-dandenong-road-windsor-vic-3181">167–187 Dandenong Road</a> spans a substantial 19,027 sqm site and is being progressed across six stages, with the first residential stages comprising 170 homes across four buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>.

Stage Two will deliver the bulk of the initial housing, with Building A comprising 81 apartments and Building B 49 apartments, both rising to six storeys.

Stage Three will deliver a further 40 homes. The heritage Nagel Building, identified as Building C, will be converted to 12 dwellings, while a new five-storey Building D will comprise 28 apartments at the Hornby Street and Dandenong Road corner.

The 170 homes across Stages Two and Three will include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including townhouse-style dwellings.<img alt="First look: Pace plans landscaped housing precinct on former Windsor school site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="83c56e3e-dfb9-4e12-b172-c3f18513ec32" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_9.png?VersionId=xRcRpSZsxX.UX_NDDGcRZktw7HVrzx7u" />

&nbsp;

The longer-term masterplan points to considerably greater density across the site.

Indicative plans show Building E accommodating around 80 dwellings across up to 10 storeys, while Building F is earmarked for around 120 dwellings and also up to 10 storeys. Building G is planned to range between four and 10 storeys, however its apartment yield is yet to be determined. That means the masterplan currently identifies at least 370 dwellings across Buildings A to F before any apartments within Building G are counted.

Across the 1.9-hectare site, that represents an indicative density of at least 194 dwellings per hectare, with the final figure to increase once the yield of Building G is established.

Pace is pursuing the project through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program, with Urbis lodging a combined Section 96A planning scheme amendment and planning application on behalf of the developer, which secured the site earlier this year.

The application seeks detailed approval for Stages One, Two and Three, alongside approval of the broader masterplan framework that will guide the later residential stages. Stage One will see an existing heritage building adaptively reused for a wellness and fitness-related facility, while the broader precinct will retain several significant heritage buildings and established trees as part of the redevelopment.

A minimum 10 per cent affordable housing contribution is proposed across both the initial residential stages and the later masterplan stages, delivered through a discounted rental model.

The project comes immediately after a major change to the site's planning controls.

The site was rezoned to the Housing Choice and Transport Zone through Planning Scheme Amendment GC285, gazetted on July 22, 2026, and now sits within the inner catchment of the Windsor Station precinct under the State Government's Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Program.

While the new controls identify large sites within the inner catchment for buildings of up to six storeys, Pace's masterplan pushes height to 10 storeys in parts of the site, with the taller buildings concentrated toward the centre and along the Sandringham railway corridor.

Lower-scale built form is proposed toward the site's more sensitive residential and heritage edges, with Buildings A and B generally stepping from three storeys at their interfaces to six storeys at upper levels.

Cera Stribley's masterplan breaks the development into a collection of separate buildings rather than a continuous built form, with landscaped spaces, new pedestrian links and a new publicly accessible road forming part of the precinct.

The planning report says the development will create new pedestrian connections to Elm Place and along the railway corridor, as well as a new publicly accessible road linking Elm Place with Dandenong Road. The proposed buildings will occupy around 54 per cent of the site, leaving a substantial portion available for landscaping, communal areas and permeable surfaces.

Urbis said the scale of the project reflected the site's strategic location close to Windsor Station, tram services and the Chapel Street Activity Centre, with the former school campus identified as a significant opportunity to increase housing supply on an underutilised inner-Melbourne site.

&nbsp;

First look: Pace plans landscaped housing precinct on former Windsor school site

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/jl-place">JL PLACE</a>'s Veil Brighton is approaching its final months of construction, with the nine-townhouse development at 17 Rooding Street expected to complete in December 2026.

The milestone is bringing the boutique project closer to becoming a finished part of the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brighton-vic-3186">Brighton</a> streetscape, with much of Brighton's everyday amenity within a short walk.

Palace Cinema, Coles Supermarket and North Brighton Station are all around five minutes on foot from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/veil-brighton-17-rooding-street-brighton-vic-3186">Veil</a>, alongside numerous cafés, restaurants and bars. The station provides a direct rail connection toward Melbourne's CBD, while Bay Street and the wider Brighton retail and dining network add to the range of services accessible without relying on a car for every trip.

"The location was fundamental to the project. Brighton is an established suburb where many buyers already have strong connections to the area and want to remain close to the people, places and amenities that form part of their everyday life," the developer said.

"Veil sits in a highly walkable part of Brighton, with a Walk Score of 90/100."

For buyers looking to right-size within Bayside, that level of walkability adds to the appeal of a more manageable way of living. Everyday shopping, dining, entertainment and public transport can be accessed without relying on the car for every trip, while residents remain connected to the places and routines that make Brighton familiar. It allows buyers to simplify day-to-day life without giving up the convenience, amenity and connections they already value.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7877 project_image_fid=355754]

As completion approaches, the architecture, landscaping and material palette are progressively becoming visible on site, giving prospective purchasers a clearer view of the finished development beyond its plans and renders.

Veil comprises nine townhouses, predominantly three-bedroom homes with between 2.5 and 3.5 bathrooms, two car spaces and, depending on the residence, study areas and private outdoor space. Selected homes include a bedroom on the ground floor.

Veil occupies a middle ground between detached housing and apartment living, retaining private gardens, storage and secure parking within a more manageable residential format.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/schmidt-pang-architects">Schmidt &amp; Pang</a> designed the architecture around natural light, ventilation, privacy and practical use of space. From Rooding Street, the façade has been composed to read as a cohesive residential building rather than nine individual townhouses, with landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick Landscape Architects</a> integrated throughout the site.

Inside, natural stone, oak flooring, integrated joinery and brushed nickel finishes establish a restrained material palette, while kitchens include Miele appliances and substantial storage such as pantries. Walk-in robes and dedicated study spaces have also been incorporated across the collection.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7877 project_image_fid=355852]

The project team said the planning of the homes has been informed by how the spaces function for both daily routines and larger gatherings.

"Our new homes owners at Veil have enjoyed the attention to detail in creating efficient layouts that use every space well. Hosting Christmas lunch and large family gatherings is an ease when care is taken to consider how people really live and entertain."

Private landscaped gardens extend the living spaces outdoors, while secure basement parking and bicycle parking are provided below. The homes have also been designed to achieve a 7-star energy rating, supported by double glazing, high-quality insulation, natural ventilation, LED lighting, water tanks and water-efficient fittings. Each residence is backed by a 10-year building guarantee.

Veil is being built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/jeniton">Jeniton</a>.&nbsp;Limited-time stamp duty savings are also currently available on selected purchases at Veil, adding another consideration as the project moves toward completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7877]

Veil Brighton nears completion in one of the suburb's most walkable pockets

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic Property Group</a> has recorded 134 sales worth just over $400 million in two months of pre-release activity at The Riversdale, as the developer brings its $750 million South Brisbane riverfront project to the broader market.

The sales represent more than 60 per cent of the project's 213 apartments, with Mosaic reporting the majority of purchasers have been local owner-occupiers and downsizers.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-riversdale-by-mosaic-south-brisbane-91-montague-road-south-brisbane-qld-4101">The Riversdale</a> will rise 39 storeys from its north-facing site at 91 Montague Road, delivering a mix of two, three and four-bedroom apartments alongside a collection of Mosaic's premium Masterpiece Series Sky Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=371872]

The early buyer response comes ahead of the wider evolution of the northern end of Montague Road, where The Riversdale will be one of the first major residential projects delivered within an emerging riverfront precinct.

Directly adjoining the development is a planned 7.1-hectare mixed-use precinct, set to introduce new residences, parkland and public realm along the river's edge. The Riversdale's position directly on the Brisbane River gives it a relationship with the waterfront that Mosaic says cannot be replicated by future buildings within the precinct.

The site is also the result of a years-long pursuit by Mosaic. The developer first earmarked the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/south-brisbane-qld-4101">South Brisbane</a> property in 2018, reflecting what Founder and Managing Director Brook Monahan has described as a deliberately patient approach to acquiring development sites.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=372083]

"We aren't opportunistic," Monahan previously told Apartments.com.au.

"Every site purchase is carefully considered. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we're looking at now that we may not secure for several years."

Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bureauproberts">Bureau Proberts</a>, The Riversdale has been shaped around the qualities of the riverfront site, with apartments oriented to capture northern light and uninterrupted Brisbane River views.

Generous floorplans and expansive balconies extend the living spaces towards the river, while natural materials and a restrained interior palette have been selected with longevity in mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=371890]

Residents will have access to a level of amenity more commonly associated with world-class hotels and private members' clubs, with almost 3,000 sqm dedicated to wellness, connection, recreation and everyday convenience.

At ground level is a business lounge, private meeting rooms and dedicated workspaces. Mid-tower is a wellness sanctuary featuring magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, sauna, steam room, infrared therapy facilities, a Pilates and yoga studio, and a commercial-grade gymnasium.

Crowning The Riversdale is a rooftop featuring a 35-metre swimming pool with lap lane and spa, outdoor dining and seating terraces, firepit lounges and views of the city, river and Mount Coot-tha.

A private members' club-inspired retreat offers private dining rooms, a whisky lounge, media rooms and immersive entertainment experiences. Completing the amenity offering are two hotel-style guest suites and a resident-exclusive electric vehicle fleet and car-share program.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=371877]

The Riversdale sits at the northern end of Montague Road between South Bank and West End, around 1.3 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, providing access to the city's major cultural, dining and recreation precincts.

It becomes Mosaic's largest Brisbane project to date and adds to a pipeline already under construction across the city.

In Brisbane, the developer is currently delivering The Bedford and The Carter at Kangaroo Point, both of which are approaching sell-out, with a further four projects being delivered on the Gold Coast. Mosaic has completed more than $2 billion in projects since 2012 and has a further development pipeline exceeding $2 billion across South East Queensland.

Early works are underway at The Riversdale, which will be delivered by Mosaic's in-house construction division. Completion is anticipated in late 2029, with remaining apartments priced from $1.98 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151614]

Mosaic records more than $400m in two months at South Brisbane's The Riversdale

Lender, fund manager and apartment developer Princeton has completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale-nsw-2216">Marque Rockdale</a>, the first new apartment development in South Sydney to provide its owners with a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, the most comprehensive insurance available for a new apartment building.

The policy has been a key consideration for prospective purchasers of the 58 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, strategically located between&nbsp;Rockdale Plaza and Rockdale Station.&nbsp;

Buyers have also been drawn to the fact that it is one of few new apartment developments delivered in the suburb in the last 10 years, and the only one located on Princes Highway to be set well back from the street to reduce noise. There's also a communal rooftop, a rarity in the suburb, complete barbecue facilities, landscaped seating areas, a children's play zone and herb gardens.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=374084]

Ray White Projects’ Matt Otway said buyer enquiry reflected the increasingly diverse and cosmopolitan population that has made Rockdale home.

“We’re seeing strong interest from a broad mix of buyers, including young professionals and people who have rented in Rockdale and the surrounding suburbs and now see Marque as an opportunity to buy a brand-new apartment in an area they already know,” Otway said.

“Proximity to the CBD and Sydney Airport is another key advantage particularly for buyers working in these locations who want the added convenience of living close by.”

Investors have also been attracted to the project, with rental yields of more than five per cent, which is considered a strong result for the Sydney market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=374090]

Adding another layer to the buyer proposition is Marque's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy from Resilience Insurance, making it the only new apartment development in Rockdale to offer the cover.

The policy protects apartment owners against major structural and waterproofing defects for 10 years following completion, giving Marque purchasers cover until early 2036 at no additional cost.

The likelihood of defects emerging has also been mitigated through the Technical Inspection Service (TIS), which saw independent experts inspect the building at various stages throughout construction to identify potential issues during the build, rather than after the fact.

SDSS, which provided the TIS, consistently ranked the construction quality at Marque, undertaken by iCIRT-rated builder Coplex, among the best across its extensive portfolio of projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=374088]

Otway said the LDI had become a major drawcard for buyers, particularly given Rockdale has seen relatively little new apartment development over the past decade.

"Rockdale hasn't had a lot of new apartment buildings in the last decade, and has never had a project with 10-year defect insurance," Otway said.

"Marque presents a truly rare opportunity at an affordable price point, so well connected to the Sydney CBD."

One-bedroom apartments at Marque start from $735,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136442]

Marque Rockdale completes as South Sydney’s first apartments backed by 10-year defect insurance

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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Inner Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide apartments were much better performers than their middle and outer ring rivals, according to RP Data analysis provided to realestate.com.au.
In Sydney, middle ring units have the best performance over five years, with the inner 10 kilometre sales ranked second. 
In Melbourne inner and middle suburbs were a dead heat in second place as its outer ring the top performer. 
Click to open in new window: 
<a href="/images/2014/11/13/graph-nov-13-one.png" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/11/13/graph-nov-13-one.png" alt=""></a>
<table style="width: 460px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="85">
<col span="2" width="64">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="85" height="20"> </td>
<td width="64"> Distance</td>
<td width="64">Five year</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20">Sydney</td>
<td>&lt;10 km</td>
<td class="xl63" align="right">36.20%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"> </td>
<td>10-20 km</td>
<td class="xl63" align="right">37.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"> </td>
<td>20-30 km</td>
<td class="xl63" align="right">34.80%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20">Melbourne</td>
<td>&lt;10 km</td>
<td class="xl63" align="right">18.30%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"> </td>
<td>10-20 km</td>
<td class="xl63" align="right">18.30%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"> </td>
<td>20-30 km</td>
<td class="xl63" align="right">19.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20">Perth</td>
<td>&lt;10 km</td>
<td class="xl63" align="right">21.90%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"> </td>
<td>10-20 km</td>
<td class="xl63" align="right">16.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"> </td>
<td>20-30 km</td>
<td class="xl63" align="right">6.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20">Brisbane</td>
<td>&lt;10 km</td>
<td class="xl63" align="right">5.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"> </td>
<td>10-20 km</td>
<td class="xl63" align="right">-0.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"> </td>
<td>20-30 km</td>
<td class="xl63" align="right">0.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20">Adelaide</td>
<td>&lt;10 km</td>
<td class="xl63" align="right">15.10%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"> </td>
<td>10-20 km</td>
<td class="xl63" align="right">10.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="20"> </td>
<td>20-30 km</td>
<td class="xl63" align="right">5.90%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Source: RP Data/realestate.com.au
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The inner ring apartment debate: Inner Perth leads the neighbouring suburbs

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The Rose Bay property that was once headquarters of Jodhi Meares fashion label has been sold at Cooley auction.
It was originally a barn for the Rose Bay dairy­.
The four-bedroom, four-bathroom residence and office space at <a href="https://www.theagencyco.com/1807401/" target="_blank">5 Roberts Street</a> been listed with Daniel Baran and Reece Coleman at The Agency.
The first-floor features a large open plan living and dining area, kitchen with 5 metre-long stainless steel benchtop, indoor fish pond and ornate Balinese timber doors.
In 2006 its ground floor was transformed from a 16-car garage to modern offices with boardroom.
It was bought by the Otton family in 2006 for $2.35 million.
It had price expectations around $3.5 million.
No price has been revealed for the registered bidder only auction.
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Rose Bay warehouse style offering snapped up

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How is this allowed to happen? For months now, I’ve been sharing with Property Observer some of the conditions I’ve personally seen tenants have to endure. Things haven’t changed much in this time.
While we asked before “Are your tenants living in squalor?” and aimed it towards the investors who own the property themselves, it’s time for the real estate agents to get off their high horses.
Stop blaming the owners, stop blaming the tenants, you are just as responsible.
I was asked to attend a property inspection as a potential vendor had asked me to look at placing his property on the market. The slideshow above is what I encountered.
You can see leaking ceilings and mould on walls throughout the unit. Not only that, but mould and fungus growing in the kitchen cupboards and toilet floors and walls. The windows are unable to be opened due to fungus and a build-up of dirt along the tracks. You can even see the rising damp on most walls!
To be downright honest and frank with you, it makes my blood boil. There was a child living in this unit, as well as an elderly person.
I asked myself: how did it become possible for the dwelling to reach this state? 
And no, it’s not self-managed. This property is managed by a brand name agency in the area.
I showed the owner the photos and gave him a quick report on the condition. I say quick as I could not spend anything more than five minutes in the unit due to the odour and the pungent smell of the mould.
I also asked the vendor if he had received any mid-term inspection reports from the managing agent, if they had been invited to attend the inspections and why the tenants had been allowed to live like this. Much could be gathered from the silence and the shake of the head in disbelief as he ran his eyes over the photos.
My straight to the point recommendations were these:
<ul>
<li>Sack the property manager</li>
<li>Take the property manager to tribunal and recover all management fees charged</li>
</ul>
Quite frankly, they have not performed their job accordingly over the four years or so that they had managed this property.
When will landlords and property management teams take matters more seriously? Oh yeah, I forgot, it’s not their fault if the tenants choose to live like this. It’s ridiculous.
I believe that if periodic inspections actually took place and reports were not doctored, landlords would take their business to management teams that place value and care on the landlord’s property as well as the tenant’s living conditions.
It is true that property management is an underpaid job in the most part, but if you take on the responsibility then you have a duty to provide the service. Alternatively, you can simply get out if you’re not going to do anything other than collect rent and charge fees.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ:
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/is-your-tenant-living-in-squalor-this-video-is-hard-to-watch">Is your tenant living in squalor? This video is hard to watch</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/property-management-is-your-tenant-living-in-squalor">Property management: Is your tenant living in squalor?</a>
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ealmedia-arK4DBYLjS

Property managers, you are equally to blame if tenants are living in squalor

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Asia Pacific confidence rises, with investors targeting office stock: Colliers

<html><body>
Hilton Worldwide intends putting its Sydney hotel on the market.
JLL has been appointed to sell the asset in 2015.
Price expectations are for well over $450 million as offshore interest surges for hotel assets in Australia.
It has 579 rooms at 488 George Street, opposite Sydney’s Queen ­Victoria Building.
Hilton Worldwide is a public company owned in part by private equity group Blackstone.
The newly refurbished Hilton has 23 meeting rooms, 4,000 square metre of food and beverage space and an 25 metre indoor pool.
Its lead restaurant is Luke Mangan's Glass.
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Sydney Hilton for sale with price expectations in excess of $450 million

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Nintex will set up its Australian headquarters in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, following agreement on terms of a new Collins Street lease.
The deal by the global leader in workflow software was brokered by Savills Australia.
The 595 Collins Street space is co-owned by Investa Property Group and an offshore fund.
The 1894 square metre whole floor was let on a five-year term at a commencing rental of circa $400 a square metre net.
The Savills’ Divisional Director, Office Leasing, Phil Cullity suggested the Level 15 office will provide Nintex with the standard of facility appropriate to a leading global tenant.
It was once known as Transport House, on the south side of Collins Street, between King and Spencer streets.
Built in 1984, the building underwent a refurbishment by Investa in 2007.
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Nintex agree Collins Street lease for future headquarters

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Lake Marmal Vineyards in central Victoria has been listed for sale.
Situated between Charlton and Boort, the 298 hectare property comprises a 172 hectare vineyard established in 1998.
The vineyard is planted to Shiraz (67%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (27%) varieties, with the remainder comprising some minor plantings of Durif, Mourvedre and Sangiovese.
It has a current grape supply agreement in place until 2018 with one of Australia’s largest wine producers.
CBRE Agribusiness agents Chris Holgar, James Beer and Phil Schell have been appointed to sell the central Victoria vineyard taking offers until 16 December.
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Central Victoria's Lake Marmal Vineyards for sale

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A local developer has gained a foothold in the highly sought after Melbourne University precinct, after acquiring the Corkman Irish Pub for $4.76 million.
It was $1.56 million above its auction reserve.
Located at 154-160 Leicester Street in the inner city fringe suburb of Carlton, the historic two storey pub, formerly the Carlton Inn, is located on a prime 456 square metre corner site.
The pub is directly across the road from the University of Melbourne law school. 
It was sold by CBRE Hotels agents Joseph Du Rieu and Scott Callow, in conjunction with CBRE agent Mark Wizel.
There were five bidders vying to buy the Corkman Irish Pub which is a traditional food and beverage venue with public bar, bistro dining, courtyard and first floor hostel accommodation.
The pub has been with the same owner since it last traded in 1987 for $900,000.
It was offered as a freehold site, subject to a six-month lease. The holding income is about $82,000 a year.
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Carlton's Corkman Irish Pub sold for $1.56 million above auction reserve

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The retail and office space at 3/146-152 Cleveland St, Chippendale was the cheapest sale of the weekend.
It fetched $160,000 through Richardson &amp; Wrench Surry Hills having been listed with $150,000 plus hopes.
Its size was 21 square metres.
The retail/office benefited from main street exposure but also had internal landscaped courtyard entrance.
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Chippendale office cheapie sells for $160,000

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The restaurant, bar and entertainment venue Wellers of Kangaroo Ground, at the gateway to Victoria's Yarra Valley, has been sold.
Fitzroys, in conjunction with local agency Morrison Kleeman, secured $1.675 million.
The 8,760 square metre property was sold with a new 10-year lease to Wellers, which dates back to 1872.
The property returns $145,000 per annum net, with the price paid reflecting a yield of 8.6%. 
Fitzroy selling agent Dean Alexander, a local resident, said interest from the property came from overseas buyers. However, the purchaser was a consortium of local investors.
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