Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

First look: Winx billionaire’s beachfront Surfers Paradise apartment development greenlit

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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Those expecting an uptick in the office market across 2014 and 2015, particularly in terms of tenant demand, will not be disappointed, according to DTZ’s forecast.
DTZ’s latest Sydney CBD Offices research alert notes that even in their most severe downturn scenario, the net absorption rate remains positive, though well below baseline.
However, this will be a slow and steady situation with out-performance not expected. Risks are also expected to continue, with a prospective financial crisis in China as a result of unsustainable credit growth in their property sector.
When the supply cycle closes in 2017/2018, tenant demand is forecast to push rents up from 2% to 5% depending on the forecast scenario. Late 2016 will start to see the situation become neutral for tenants, while the present environment offers them the choice of the market.
Property Council of Australia figures are already pointing to a shift. For instance, over the two and a half years to the first half of 2013, net absorption was 37,000 square metres. However, in the 12 months to the first half of 2014, net absorption totaled 57,000 square metres due to a resurgence in the IT sector.
Office supply, however, is one of the biggest aspects of the Sydney market analysis provided by DTZ. With large scale additions and withdrawals from the market, the timing is crucial in determining the performance of the market. Supply is expected to strongly increase, with more than 700,000 square metres planned for between 2015 and 2018, which exceeds the long-term 140,000 square metre per annum average. This is due to large projects, such as International Towers Sydney and George Street-located projects.
The number of offices set to be permanently removed from the market is also noted, as they undergo redevelopment into residential and even hotel offerings – often by offshore purchasers.
They record almost 275,000 square metres of secondary-grade office space which is expected to be removed from the office market over the medium term, all for alternate uses. You can see their locations on the map below. Much of this appears to be in mid-town.
 <img src="/images/2014/09/24/chart-sept-24-one.jpg" alt="">
In Sydney, developers are looking to get a foothold in the profitable residential market, snapping up lower grade stock for this purpose.
Just last week, Property Observer reported that <a href="/expert-insights/investing/cities-facing-imminent-shortage-of-office-development-sites-colliers">Colliers International’s latest reports forecast cities Australia-wide facing an imminent shortage of office supply due to these redevelopments</a>.
Despite this, 303,000 square metres of additional stock is expected between the second half of 2014 and the end of 2018, while the outlook remains stronger than in recent past years.
“In line with the baseline forecasts, tenant demand is expected to increase and diversify beyond its current limits of the IT and Telecommunications sector, as economic recovery gathers momentum,” the DTZ report explains.
Vacancies are expected to remain at a range between 8% and 11.3%, even as rents grow. The resurgence, it appears, is in its infancy.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Sydney's office market can withstand even worst scenario: DTZ

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NAME: Darrell Irwin<img src="/images/2014/09/24/in-prof-di.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;"> POSITION: Director, special projects division COMPANY: Colliers International OFFICE LOCATION: Gold Coast
How long have you been in the industry?
25 years
What's happening in the area you specialise in?
Development sites in South East Queensland are in hot demand, even on the Gold Coast!
Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?
Sale of Couran Cove Resort and the sale of 50 hectares of land surrounding Robina Town Centre to QIC.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
Knowledge, credibility, honesty and hard work.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
Dealing with the people and analysis of development sites for the highest and best use and consequently the value.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
Approved residential development land near water or major infrastructure.
Which football team do you support?
NSW Blues, Queensland Reds and Sydney Roosters.
What's your favourite app or techno gadget?
Hurley surf app.
How do you use social media?
Instagram to keep an eye on what my 11 and 13 year old daughters are up to.
 
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

In profile: Colliers International's director, special projects division, Darrell Irwin

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The Kingswood Golf Course sale price to ISPT, the unlisted Melbourne property fund manager, has been put at $125 million.
The club announced the sale earlier this month, but without details of the price.
The sale follows the club's merger with Peninsula Country Golf Club. 
Fairfax Media report a member has initiated Supreme Court proceedings to unwind the merger.
ISPT has other residential developments including a 47.8-hectare site in Cranbourne South.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

ISPT outlays $125 million for Kingswood Golf Course

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A 27 hectare site on College Road, Berrimah in the Northern Territory has been released for the development of 50 to 60 industrial lots.
The site’s works are expected to begin in 2015, with sales to follow.
Northern Territory Minister for Lands, Planning and the Environment, Peter Chandler, said that there is a well-known historic lack of residential land in the area, but there is also strong demand for industrial land.
“The Country Liberals are leading a nation-wide push to develop Northern Australia and companies are falling over themselves to invest in the Territory,” Chandler said, pointing to Southern Steel’s opening of operations at East Arm, close to this new site.
“It is important that enough land is released so we can capitalise on this investment potential,” he said.
Their aim is to secure a pipeline of major projects to break the “boom and bust cycle of the economy and support sustained growth”.
They have opened a<a href="https://www.lands.nt.gov.au/land-release/College-Road-Industrial" target="_blank"> public request for proposal process</a>, which closes on 1 December. A briefing will be held on 1 October.
The industrial subdivision site is expected to help boost new and existing businesses and provide further employment options. It is 26.8 hectares in size, zoned GI (general industry) and 10 kilometres from both Darwin and Palmerston.
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Northern Territory land released for industrial development

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A Beaumaris property leased to national retailer IGA sold to an investment syndicate for $7.03 million at auction last Friday.
There was a new 10-year lease, with the net yield reflecting 3.6%.
There were seven bidders, including two offshore investors. The underbidder was a local Beaumaris investor when the freestanding building on a 810 square-metre site offered through CBRE's Victorian retail investments team, comprising Justin Dowers, Rorey James and Josh Rutman.
The 6-12 South Concourse property (pictured above) currently generates a net income of $265,743 per annum. It last sold for about $262,000 in 1975.
In nearby Mentone, a local investor paid $6.2 million for nine ground floor shops and 46 car parking spots on a 2,500 square-metre site in Florence Street. The yield was 2.98% with a net passing income of $193,000 pa.
At Hampton, Fitzroys has sold a two-level freehold building at 411 Hampton Street, at auction for $1.4 milliono.
 
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Mark Talbot sold a two-level freehold building situated within the popular Bayside shopping strip for the Kaufman family who had owned it for 30 plus years.
Situated on a land area of 164sqm approx, the property comprises a double-storey brick building of 184 square metres, consisting of ground floor retail plus a separately let large two-bedroom apartment on the first floor. 
Zoned Commercial 1, the property was sold with the ground floor area vacant and the first floor let, returning $16,320 per annum.
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Bayside Beaumaris, Mentone and Hampton secure strong retail sales

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The Make-A-Wish Foundation children's charity has listed its Richmond office for 16 October auction.
It is a double-storey office at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-richmond-501298851" target="_blank">383 Swan Street in Richmond</a>, with 565 square metre office space on a 405 square metre block opposite Burnley train station.
The inner east holding is tipped to sell for about $3 million through Colliers International.
It includes six car parks.
Make-A-Wish is moving to a larger Richmond rented premises.
They bought the property in 2004 for $1.35 million.
In July, another inner city charity, the Smith Family, sold its Collingwood offices to property developers to also become a tenant. 
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Make-A-Wish list Richmond offices

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GUEST OBSERVATION
While location and price remain the biggest considerations for anyone purchasing a new home, smart buyers are starting to look at sustainability attributes and green ratings to decide which home may be a more sustainable long-term investment.
There are a number of rating systems in the market able to assess the energy efficiency of your home.  A <a href="https://www.gbca.org.au/green-star/" target="_blank">Green Star rating</a>, however, is more than just an indicator of energy efficiency, signalling that other environmental impacts such as water use, health impacts and origins of the materials in the building, and the connections to transport have been addressed.
Many buyers are beginning to see Green Star as a mark of quality when they hunt for a new property, and evidence is emerging that a green rating translates into a higher sale price when it comes time to sell.
In the commercial sector, a large range of research – both in Australia and overseas – has found that green buildings deliver consistently higher returns.  One Australian report, <a href="https://www.api.org.au/folder/news/building-better-returns-research-report">Building Better Returns</a> (2011), found that Green Star-rated buildings deliver a 12% ‘green premium’ in value and a 5% premium in rent, when compared to non-rated buildings. 
But is this restricted to the commercial market?
A 2008 study from the ACT, <a href="https://www.eecentre.com.au/eer-house-price-act.pdf" target="_blank">Energy Efficiency rating and house price in the ACT</a>, examined the relationship between (thermal) energy efficiency and house prices, finding that each half-star increase in the FirstRate energy efficiency rating translated into a 2% increase in capital value.
Another broader American study, <a href="https://www.usgbc.org/sites/default/files/ValueofGreenHomeLabelsStudy_July2012.pdf" target="_blank">The Value of Green Labels</a> (2012), involved a pricing analysis of 1.6 million single-family home sales in California from 2007-2012.  The researchers found that, while the average sales price of a non-certified California home was $400,000, a green certification lifted the price by more than $34,800.  This translated into a 9% green premium. 
While many Australians are reluctant to pay more for a green-certified home at the moment, it is almost certain that they will pay less for non-rated, inefficient and unhealthy homes in years to come – so although a ‘green premium’ may not be much, the ‘brown discount’ for inefficient, unhealthy houses and apartments that are expensive to run will be considerable. Such homes would be worth less, and harder to sell on.
Whether a home with a green rating is more valuable right now may be up for debate, but there’s no doubt that a sustainable home uses less energy and water – and that can save you thousands of dollars each year. Add the improved health and wellbeing, and you’ve got more dollars in your pocket and better quality of life.
Romilly Madew is chief executive of the <a href="https://www.gbca.org.au/" target="_blank">Green Building Council of Australia</a>.
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RomillyMadew-zVLXsYSc74

Does building green really pay off?

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Last night's episode of Location Location Location Australia showed buyer's agents Veronica Morgan and Bryce Holdaway helping out two relocating couples.
Though one couple was upsizing and the other downsizing, they were both forced to negotiate the tricky realities of moving far from home.
Veronica was working with retirees Sue and Barney. After living in Port Macquarie for 16 years, they wanted to relocate to Wagga Wagga, where their son and his young family lived.
The couple, who have been married for 47 years, raised their own family in Wagga Wagga before moving northward to the beach.
For their return to Wagga, they wanted a three bedroom house with a double garage and a shed, which was close to the grandkids.
Their move, which they think might be their final one, had to be done on a tight budget of $350,000.
With limited stock on market in Wagga, Veronica was tasked with finding them the perfect final home among very few options.
She started by taking the couple to their preferred area of <a href="/news">Turvey Park</a>, in the heart of Wagga and only minutes from their son Ben. The three bedroom house, on the market for $329,000, had three bedrooms, a shed and a backyard.
The recently renovated home was a lot smaller than what Sue and Barney were used to, and the couple believed it would take a lot of hard work to make it worthwhile. It was immediately struck from the list despite its great location and the search continued.
The second house they inspected was in <a href="/news">Kooringal</a>, south of Turvey Park but only four kilometres from their son's home. The bigger house, with three bedrooms, only had a single car garage and the shed was on the small size.
While Sue loved the brick bungalow with an open plan kitchen, Barney was pretty skeptical. At $339,000, the house fell under their budget - but only just.
The third home they inspected was in <a href="/news">Bourkelands</a>, four kilometres from Central Wagga. The former site of a military base, developers have recently taken a liking to the area, with new builds popping up.
The house, which also had a $339,000, had a double garage, an open plan kitchen and living room layout. The master bedroom came with a walk in robe and ensuite, which also appealed.
With somewhat shabby bathrooms, the house (pictured below) would require a little bit of work. It <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bourkelands-116920539" target="_blank">remains on the market</a>, with its asking price now at $332,500. 
<img src="/images/2014/09/24/1.jpg" alt="">
After visiting three homes, none of which ticked all the boxes and all a step down from their dream home in Port Macquarie, the true reality of downsizing began to set in.
Sue and Barney showed just how difficult it is to downsize, especially from a home you love. Though they both wanted to be closer to their family, they weren't quite ready to make the final purchase of their life - especially if it meant settling for a home they weren't happy in.
In the end, although they couldn't find the perfect home, Sue and Barney decided they needed to be in Wagga. So they sold their Port Macquarie home and set out to rent a house in Wagga while waiting for the right home to come onto the market.
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 Bryce teamed up with Melbourne couple Ben and Amelia, who had the opposite move in mind.
They were planning to migrate northward, to the Gold Coast. After watching prices skyrocket in Melbourne, they decided they wanted more warmth and luxury for their dollar.
The upgraders, who want a family home they can grow into, had a budget of $1 million. They've been searching for a home in the Gold Coast for some time, but were finding the interstate property inspections a little impractical.
Enter Bryce. He was tasked with finding them a four bedroom home with a minimum of two bathrooms, a pool and canal views. Ben and Amelia wanted something close to the beach, with plenty of entertaining space.
Bryce was optimistic about their prospects, especially on their budget. The property market's downturn means that homes are more affordable than before, and it's a buyers' market.
According to Bryce, good capital growth potential can again be found in the Gold Coast, with high price growth in the southern states spurring on upgraders just like Ben and Amelia.
Their hunt began in <a href="/news">Broadbeach Waters</a>, at a home situated right on the canal. The four bedroom, four bathroom house had a pool and a six car garage. Unfortunately, it required some renovations - but with a price of $800,000, there was plenty of money leftover in the couple's budget for that.
It seemed, however, that Ben and Amelia had other things in mind. They weren't interested in extensive renovations, and wanted at least two living areas.
So house number one was a bust, and they moved along to house number two: a <a href="/news">Mermaid Waters</a> house with two open plan living areas. The contemporary tiled house had four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a spot to tie up the boat.
There was also an outdoor entertaining space by the pool. On the market for $995,000, it was within their budget, and made a good first impression.
But Ben and Amelia, it turned out, wanted a home with a better indoor-outdoor flow. So house number two was also out.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-broadbeach+waters-116288195" target="_blank">third home they inspected</a> was one on main road, which caused some concern. But its huge contemporary interior space and layout, pictured below, won them over. The home, on a wide plot, also included a pool and spa facing the canal, with its own jetty.
<img src="/images/2014/09/24/2.jpg" alt="">
While the home's bedrooms weren't amazing, the outdoor entertaining area was enough to win them over.
The house had a $1 million asking price, but it turned out that the vendors had accepted a $950,000 offer previously, and finance had fallen through.
They inspected a final house, a single storey home with two large living areas and four bedrooms in Broadbeach. The house, which the couple wasn't keen on, had an asking price of $950,000.
The price gave Amelia and Ben a point of comparison, and solidified their preference for the third home.
Knowing that the vendors had accepted a $950,000 offer, Bryce proposed a $930,000 to $950,000 price for the home. Amelia and Ben decided to put in a $920,000 bid, and were happy to play the waiting game.
However, so was the vendor, who rejected the bid. Amelia and Ben pushed up their offer to $945,000 - which, after a few days of waiting, was accepted by the vendor.
By knowing the previous offers put in on the house, Amelia and Ben were able to gauge the vendor's needs, securing the home for $55,000 under the asking price.
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Location Location Location: Big moves and big decisions

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New Sydney apartments built near ­public transport will no longer require a car space, under new rules announced by the NSW Planning Minister Pru Goward.
The draft guidelines would apply to developments built within 400 metres of a transport hub, such as a bus interchange or railway station.
Goward said the cost of a new apartment could be up to $50,000 less under proposed changes.
The guidelines will apply to 22 councils: Ashfield, Auburn, Bankstown, Botany Bay, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury, City of Sydney, Hurstville, Kogarah, Lane Cove, Marrickville, Leichhardt, North Sydney, Parramatta (city centre), Randwick, Rockdale, Ryde, Strathfield, Waverley, Willoughby and Woollahra.
The planning changes are open for <a href="https://planspolicies.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&amp;job_id=6692" target="_blank">public comment until 31 October</a>.
“The closer people live to public transport hubs, the less likely they are to rely on cars,” Goward said.
“A car space can add up to $50,000 to the cost of a new apartment, so providing more flexibility around car parking requirements could lead to savings of up to the same amount for home buyers.
“Importantly, this change is restricted only to particular councils, applies only to development within close walking distance of transport services, and strongly discourages councils from allowing residents of these buildings to receive street parking permits.”
Hassell architects principal Matthew Pullinger, who represented the Australian Institute of Architects in government consultations about the changes, told News Ltd papers an underground car park was one of the most expensive aspects of a building, costing between $50,000 to $70,000 per underground car spot.
Developers would still be able to build car spots if there was a demand for them, with the new draft policy not having a minimum requirement of car spots.
NSW Bureau of Transport Statistics data shows a reduction in the number of people aged under 35 who have a driver’s licence — dropping from 84% in 1998 to 74% in 2009.
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Cheaper new Sydney apartment drive as compulsory car spaces scrapped

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Infrastructure has an incredible impact on property prices.
Take for example, the M7 motorway in Sydney.
There are now some fantastic areas that you can get to quickly on the M7, meaning people can buy a brand new or high quality home in an area with very easy access to all the necessary amenities.
As a result of this infrastructure being built, many people who would have previously described these areas as too remote or hard to get to are now considering them to be desirable locations to live.
It’s important not to forget that both new and established infrastructure has an impact upon property prices.
While there’s been a lot of speculation in the media about the impact of major infrastructure projects in capital cities such as Melbourne and Sydney, many other regions in Australia already have infrastructure in place to rival that planned by these respective state governments.
In my experience, many speculators miss out on capital growth as they’re effectively placing a bet that planned infrastructure will cause a short-term price movement.
The reality is that infrastructure is often the first step in the gentrification of an area and the resulting price movement in the suburb may take months or even years to be fully felt.
Regardless of your intentions when entering the property market, I believe every buyer should be focused on the long-term capital growth they’re able to achieve from their property purchase.
Too often I see short-term speculators abandoning a purchase which is likely to experience strong growth over the next ten years, because the price dropped slightly over the past two months.
Charles Tarbey is chairman and owner of <a href="https://www.century21.com.au/" target="_blank">Century 21 Australasia</a>.
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