<p>The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.</p>

<p>Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.</p>

<p>The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.</p>

<p>The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.</p>

<p>Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.</p>

<p>The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.</p>

<p>The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.</p>

<p>Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.</p>

<p>Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.</p>

<p data-end="345" data-start="110">The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.</p>

<p data-end="689" data-start="347">Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.</p>

<p data-end="689" data-start="347">Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.</p>


Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

<p>Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.</p>

<p>The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.</p>

<p>The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.</p>

<p>The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" /></p>

<p>SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.</p>

<p>“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.</p>

<p>The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.</p>

<p>“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" /></p>

<p>The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.</p>

<p>Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.</p>

<p>The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.</p>

<p>COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" /></p>

<p>“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.</p>

<p>The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.</p>

<p>The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.</p>

<p>Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.</p>

<p><em>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a></em></p>


First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.</p>

<p>The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.</p>

<p>The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" /></p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.</p>

<p>SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”</p>

<p>The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" /></p>

<p>The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.</p>

<p>A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.</p>

<p>Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" /></p>

<p>The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.</p>

<p>Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.</p>

<p>The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.</p>


First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

<p>Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."</p>

<p>Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;</p>


Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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<p data-end="157" data-start="0">The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.</p>

<p data-end="459" data-start="159"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.</p>

<p data-end="459" data-start="159">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]</p>

<p data-end="651" data-start="461"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.</p>

<p data-end="950" data-start="653">Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.</p>

<p data-end="1081" data-start="952">“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.</p>

<p data-end="1081" data-start="952">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]</p>

<p data-end="1307" data-start="1083">Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.</p>

<p data-end="1522" data-start="1309">The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.</p>

<p data-end="1522" data-start="1309">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]</p>

<p data-end="1714" data-start="1524">Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.</p>

<p data-end="1945" data-start="1716">The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.</p>

<p data-end="1945" data-start="1716">[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]</p>

<p data-end="2220" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="1947">More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.</p>
</section>
</section>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]</p>


SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Apartments

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<div>Quest Apartment Hotels has started building its $16 million 68 apartment complex Quest Griffith in the Riverina region of south-western New South Wales.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Developed by Joss Group, the property will feature a mix of studios and one, two, and three bedroom apartments and is set to open January 2017.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Quest Griffith has opened the e<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">xpressions of interest for franchisees.</span>
</div>
<div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div>
<div><em><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">L-R: James Shields, Shaun Deaton, Mayor John Dal Broi, Richard Stamp</span></em></div>
<p> </p>
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Quest begins $16 million construction in NSW's Griffith

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<div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">GUEST OBSERVER</span></div>
<div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">What’s happening with the residential apartment market in Melbourne today? There appears to be a lot of concern regarding oversupply of unit stock with localities such as the city centre, Docklands and Southbank predominantly under the spotlight. </span></div>
<div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Another concern appears to be the quality and aesthetic appeal of new developments, or rather lack thereof.</span></div>
<div><span><br>This morning I read that the Victorian Government will legislate new measures to control Melbourne’s future apartment developments by introducing restricted controls on setbacks, building height and space between neighbouring buildings. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div>
<span>The plot ratio of all new developments is to be lowered from the previous 24:1 to 18:1. For those not familiar with plot ratios, it basically means that any new development can’t exceed a total floor space 18 times the size of the site it’s proposed to be constructed on. These controls coincide with a time where Melbourne leads the nation’s count of new high-rise buildings both under construction and in the pipeline (111).<br><br>Furthermore, concern has also been raised regarding the provision of ventilation and natural light as well as apartment size in Victoria, where no minimum size requirements have previously seen some developments offer apartments as small as 24 square metres. It is proposed that Victoria follow New South Wales’s existing building standards that state one-bed apartments in Sydney must be at least 50 m2 in size.<br><br>Some may argue that these measures may decrease affordability for the Melbourne apartment market, however, they may also see an introduction of stock that is more tailored to owner occupiers rather than investors, which may not only decrease vacancy but also be easier to sell due to the market favouring owner occupiers as a result of APRA implementing its strict measures on investor lending late last year. Arguably, future apartments may also have a better resale figure down the line if the ratio of owner occupiers in a development outweighed investors.<br><br>Another measure to be introduced for Victoria is the increase in tax for foreign purchasers of residential property from the existing 3% to 7%. The new measure will be introduced in this week’s state budget and aims to raise local revenue and ensure that foreign purchasers who experience capital growth in Victoria contribute to the state. This may also slow the rate of foreign investment to combat affordability for Australian residents whilst also decreasing vacancy rates from offshore purchasers who wish to park their money in investment properties that may lay dormant.<br><br>Vacancy rates are considered to be one of the best indicators of a market oversupply, however, amongst all the chat and hype of a potential oversupply has anyone really looked at the vacancy rate figures for these localities? As stated in last week’s newsletter, SQM Research data shows that vacancy rates for Melbourne have actually been in a downtrend since 2014 and are now below 2%. Those main areas of concern, CBD, Docklands and Southbank, show that the numbers have actually been falling to levels below their long term average.<br><br>I’m not saying that Melbourne’s apartment market won’t be subjected to an oversupply in coming years, I’m not saying it will either, however, if I were asked to comment on whether or not Melbourne is currently over supplied, I would have to say no as the vacancy figures continue to show that the absorption rate of new product placed on the market continues to be steady.</span><br><br><a href="/images/2016/05/03/historicalvacancyratesmel.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
</div>
<div>
<img src="/images/2016/05/03/historicalvacancyratesmel.png" alt=""><br><span><span>source: <a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/" target="_blank">www.sqmresearch.com.au</a></span></span><br> </div>
<div>Luca Simms is senior investment analyst at SQM Research and can be contacted <a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Current oversupply in Melbourne? SQM's Luca Simms

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<div>
<div>GUEST OBSERVER</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Water leaks and water damage have been highlighted as a common and major maintenance issue for apartment buyers and owners, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair.</div>
<br><div>
<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">F</span>aulty workmanship, poor design or poor quality materials and ageing are the major factors in apartments or high rise buildings developing water leaks. </div>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Water leaks are one of the major issues facing the ongoing boom of apartment building as major cities consolidate with high rise buildings and suburban areas undergo revitalization with increased apartment developments.  </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Older apartment buildings usually have increased problems due to lack of maintenance. Statistics from Archicentre's pre purchase inspections between 2010 and 2015 show that across Australia 4 percent of dwellings have a major water problem and 34 percent have a minor problem which, if not rectified could develop into a costly defect.</div>
<div>
<br>This compares with 31 percent having a minor problem in the 2001 to 2010 period indicating that the problem is getting worse. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>One common leak problem occurs with balconies constructed above another unit.  It only needs one leak caused by a poor sealing job or a broken tile or a blocked drainage point to cause substantial damage to an adjoining property.<strong> </strong>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In one Archicentre inspection of balconies in an apartment complex with over 100 balconies, nearly all had a similar leak impacting on the apartments below.  Intrusive inspections of selected balconies revealed waterproofing problems leaving the property owners with substantial repair bills.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>With over three million Australians living in apartments and that number set to increase dramatically with an ageing population and the general population increasing, the maintenance of both old and new apartment buildings will place an increasing financial pressure on Owners' Corporations and their property managers. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Water has a number of ways of impacting on apartments including:</div>
<ul>
<li>Poor sealing of balconies. </li>
<li>Lack of roof maintenance. </li>
<li>Lack of maintenance on windows and external doors. </li>
<li>Deterioration of tanking for below ground car parks and basements.  </li>
</ul>
<div>Water is a very destructive fault as it has both short and long term impacts which can make an apartment uninhabitable.  </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Apart from water damaging plaster board and causing structural timber rot, it can also have a major safety impact on an apartment if water enters electrical fittings and a major health impact caused by damp and mould.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>As part of Archicentre's pre-purchase property inspections on apartments for prospective buyers, signs of water damage are high on the agenda because of their potential high impact long term on a buyer's investment.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It is important for people buying into apartment complexes to realise they are not only financially responsible for their own apartment but also for common areas which can include car parks, basements, lifts, lobbies and recreation areas.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><span><strong>Summary of water damage in Australian homes</strong></span></div>
<div><span><strong> </strong></span></div>
<div>Sample of Archicentre pre-purchase inspections 2010 to 2015 - 12,050 dwellings in this sample.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>A major problem is defined as affecting the integrity or structure and costing more than $10,000 to repair.<br><br>
</div>
<table><tbody>
<tr>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1"> </td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1"><strong>NSW</strong></td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1"><strong>VIC</strong></td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1"><strong>QLD</strong></td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1"><strong>SA</strong></td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1"><strong>WA</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1"><strong>Minor</strong></td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1">43%</td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1">31%</td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1">40%</td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1">35%</td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1">25%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1"><strong>Major</strong></td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1">9%</td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1">3%</td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1">7%</td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1">5%</td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="1">4%</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><br><em>Robert Caulfield is director Archicentre and can be contacted <a href="https://www.archicentre.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
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Leaks, water damage can be major cost for apartment owners

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<p>After securing a substantial slice of the former Pentridge Prison during 2013 developer Shayher Group is now poised to push ahead with a masterplanned development covering the 65,000 square metre site.</p>

<p>Dubbed Pentridge Coburg, Shayher Group intend to create 14 new buildings within the bluestone-walled precinct while also dedicating approximately 16,900 square metres to parkland. Coupled with ancillary open space, the overall site area dedicated toward public open space will push toward the 40% mark.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Our vision for Pentridge is to create a vibrant, well-designed urban village that breathes new life into this historical asset, transforming it from one of Australia’s most prominent jails into a new community hub complete with housing, retail, community areas and open public spaces.</p>
<cite>Anthony Goh, Shayher Group</cite>
</blockquote>

<p>Built form within Pentridge Coburg will be guided by the <a href="http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/globalassets/areas/planning/reference-documents/moreland-~-pentridge-coburg-masterplan-2014-approval-pentridge-design-guidelines-and-masterplan-2014.pdf">Pentridge Coburg Design Guidelines and Masterplan</a> which will see buildings between 2 and 19 levels created. The development schedule within the document indicates that there will be four precincts within Pentridge Coburg with two precincts capable of handling high-rise development.</p>

<p>Supplementing the numerous expected apartment buildings will be a dedicated retail/dining piazza with Shayher Group's Anthony Goh indicating the developer is contemplating between 20 and 25 outlets.</p>

<p> 
</p>
<p>Heritage retention will also be a key design factor within Pentridge Coburg with all existing historic buildings to be retained for public use throughout the site. Additionally, under the masterplan new buildings will be designed to combine and compliment with the existing heritage structures.</p>


<blockquote>
<p>To pay homage to the site’s heritage, the new precinct will host interactive historical displays to retain the site’s character while bringing renewed life to the prison through the careful placement of contemporary architecture to promote liveability and encourage future housing and economic growth.</p>

<p>We will continue to work closely with Heritage Victoria to ensure the practical restoration of old buildings is in line with their history and is undertaken in a manner that will improve their condition and preserve their heritage. We want to celebrate and retain the rich historical elements of Pentridge by creating an authentic place that Melbourne’s arts, community, cultural and small businesses groups want to be associated with.</p>
<cite>Anthony Goh, Shayher Group</cite>
</blockquote>

<p>Shayher Group will also this year oversee the restoration of the former jail’s seven guard towers as part of several years of heritage restoration works and archaeological surveys. Accordingly all buildings identified as significant heritage buildings will be retained and reactivated, including Divisions A, B, E, the former wardens building, the former administration building, prison walls and watch towers.</p>

<p>With NH Architecture responsible for the overall site masterplan, Anthony Goh has indicated that Shayher Group intend to utilise different architecture firms as the roll-out of the precinct proceeds.</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_3368.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pentridge Village's first stage, Horizon Apartments, has progressed well "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_3368.jpg?itok=Uspcwh2K" title="Pentridge Village's first stage, Horizon Apartments, has progressed well " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pentridge Coburg's first stage, Horizon Apartments, has progressed well</figcaption></figure><p>Pentridge Coburg's first apartment project designed by PRO-ARK is well into its build with head contractor Construction Engineering delivering Horizon Coburg. Consisting of over 50 apartments split between two buildings, Horizon Coburg which is due for completion late this year is currently supplemented by infrastructure works covering the site which will enable further projects to be delivered.</p>

<p>Shayher Group intend one of those projects to be 21 Pentridge Boulevard. Currently before DELWP, the apartment project consists of one tower spanning 19 levels with another more modest building of 9 levels. The Buchan Group-designed project could yield approximately 220 apartments over a site area of 6,300sqm.</p>

<p>The public release of 21 Pentridge Boulevard will occur following the completion of the planning permit application process, according to Anthony Goh.</p>
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silvermb

Shayher Group outline their grand Pentridge Coburg plans

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<p>Super penthouses atop Melbourne's tallest apartment projects may be the headline story, but there is currently a groundswell within the inner and middle suburb luxury apartment sector as a string of new boutique projects on offer. Running hand in hand with these new releases is evidence that luxury off-the-plan property sales are substantially on the rise.</p>

<p>Property sales agent Marshall White Projects recently released figures showing that year on year sales of apartments valued in excess of $650,000 rose from 278 in 2014 to 507 during 2015. Further the agency recorded 51 off-the-plan sales over $1.5 million in 2015, with just 20 logged for the same period in 2014.</p>

<p>This equates to a 250 percent increase in just one year.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>There is no doubt that the off-the-plan market has changed considerably in the past 18 months. Traditionally, off-the-plan sales have suited first home buyers who may not have the capital behind them to buy a freestanding home, and local investors due who were drawn to the tax breaks and savings when purchasing off the plan.</p>

<p>Now, however, developers and sales agents have identified a new market demographic in older downsizers or families who want to spend the same amount of money they would on a terrace home, however they are now seeking out larger luxury apartments as a viable lifestyle option.</p>

<p>Over the past 12 months I would estimate that approximately 30 percent of our owner occupier purchasers have been downsizers, compared with just 15 percent the year before.</p>

<p>With this changing market in mind we are now recommending that our clients have consolidation opportunities already prepared before going to market for all new developments to allow for a substantial weighting towards large, three bedrooms, luxury apartments.</p>
<cite>Leonard Teplin, Director, Marshall White Projects</cite>
</blockquote>

<p>In the broader sense Apartments.com.au has also noted an increase in the inclusion of three bedroom apartments in many of the projects that have entered the Apartments.com.au Project Database of late, with certain projects now containing a majority three bedroom dwellings.</p>

<p>Customisation is also increasing in off in the off-the-plan market according to Marshall White Projects, with older owner occupiers now firmly in the driver’s seat when it came to the personalised design, layout and finish of their new apartment.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>It would be rare in this market if we didn’t sell a project without at least one instance of customisation or amalgamation. Today’s luxury apartment buyers know exactly what they want and they have the money behind them to make it happen. We are constantly seeing buyers purchase two apartments next to each other and working with the architects to create a truly bespoke, three or four-bedroom home.</p>

<p>18 months ago developers wouldn’t dream of creating a three bedroom – two living area or four-bedroom apartment within their projects – let alone a whole building of them – but now we are finding these larger offerings are the first to go, and if a building doesn’t have a three to four bedroom offering buyers will purchase two smaller apartments and customise their own.</p>
<cite>Leonard Teplin, Director, Marshall White Projects</cite>
</blockquote>


<p>Leonard Teplin has also called on the State Government to overturn the controversial Neighbourhood Planning Zones in order to keep up with this growing demand.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>This luxury downsizer market doesn’t want to live in a high rise building in the CBD; they are seeking low-rise, boutique apartment developments in quiet side streets in locations like South Yarra, Hawthorn, Camberwell, Toorak and Armadale. The problem is these new Neighbourhood Zones have now locked up much of the land that is suitable for these developments, which is severely limiting demand and creating undo pressure on the end user.</p>

<p>This will only inflate apartment prices down the track so something must be done to ensure we can continue to feed this demand into the future.</p>

<cite>Leonard Teplin, Director, Marshall White Projects</cite>
</blockquote>


<p>In light of the above seen below are three newly release projects set to further add to the Melbourne's luxury apartment stock:</p>

<h2>Lindsay Brighton</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image15_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jacmax's Lindsay Brighton. Image: Jacmax"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="276" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15_3.jpg?itok=1d8qDFQX" title="Jacmax's Lindsay Brighton. Image: Jacmax" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jacmax's Lindsay Brighton. Image: Jacmax</figcaption></figure><p>Internationally award winning architects, Fearon Hay and property developer Jacmax has combined to create Lindsay Brighton. The first Victorian residential project for the New Zealand based design firm is designed with luxury detail in mind.</p>

<p>Three-meter high ceilings, seven-meter natural stone kitchen bench tops and full-height libraries with associated timber, bronze bookcases and ladders are some of the features included within the three level development.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>We wanted to transform the idea of apartment living through crafting a prestigious residential offering with opulent simplicity, providing a low maintenance, luxury lifestyle. There were no limitations when designing the residence. Fearon Hay were given a completely blank sheet.</p>
<cite>Trent Skurrie, Director, Jacmax</cite>
</blockquote>

<p>11 apartments make up the development with nine two and three-bedroom dwellings in addition to two penthouses. Pricing for the project begins at $1.6 million through to $4 million with apartment sizes beginning at 135sqm and increasing to a Penthouse-sized 297sqm.</p>

<h2>Autun</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image16_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Marshall White Projects will market Autun. Image: theautunestate.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="282" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_5.jpg?itok=uE09nCGf" title="Marshall White Projects will market Autun. Image: theautunestate.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Marshall White Projects will market Autun. Image: theautunestate.com.au</figcaption></figure><p>Marshall White Projects' latest offering is the Autun Estate low-rise apartment and townhouse project located in a quiet side within Malvern East.</p>

<p>Designed by Conrad Architects and with interiors by SJB, the development will consist of two, three and four bedroom residences with the surrounding gardens created by Jack Merlo Design. Builder Glenvill Homes has been appointed with the high-end project townhouses selling for $1.2 million and beyond.</p>

<h2>Englefield</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image19_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Englefield exterior &amp; interior. Image: Perri Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_8.jpg?itok=o3DNiQgv" title="Englefield exterior &amp; interior. Image: Perri Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Englefield exterior &amp; interior. Image: Perri Projects</figcaption></figure><p>Perri Projects has created the ‘Tailored Living Residences’ concept that will see home automation, personalised valet services and remote control technology delivered to residents as part of Perri Projects’ new ‘The Englefield’ development in South Yarra. The bespoke development will hold seven penthouse-sized apartments.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Our experience and research have indicated that there is a new demographic of purchasers seeking out luxury apartments in curated developments that offer convenience as well as space and privacy.</p>

<p>These purchasers are seeking a luxury apartment with either two or three bedrooms, a study and a large outdoor entertaining space, in a low-rise, premium address that affords them the privacy they desire. We have designed The Englefield to embody these principles; every apartment is of a large, discerning size, equipped with the highest calibre fittings and materials, and embellished with incredible lush landscaped surrounds.</p>

<p>We have enhanced the appeal of the project even further by adding unparalleled service and luxury to our owners through our tailored living concept</p>
<cite>David Scalzo, Director, Perri Projects</cite>
</blockquote>
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The luxury apartment market on the rise

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<p>Interdisciplinary consulting firm Urbis has released its latest figures on the state of Melbourne's apartment sector, providing both an overview of what transpired during the latter part of 2015, while also pointing toward prevailing trends for the remainder of 2016.</p>

<p>According to Urbis, Melbourne's off-the-plan apartment activity continued to gain momentum throughout 2015, despite a number of factors designed to bridle growth such as tightening lending criteria, overseas purchaser surcharges and changes to central city planning controls which have been discussed at length on Apartments.com.au during the last week.</p>

<p>Contained within the Urbis Melbourne 2015 Q4 Apartment Essentials report, figures show that the weighted average price of surveyed projects in inner Melbourne for Q4 2015 was $700,000, having ranged from $690,000 to $730,000 over the course of the 2015.</p>

<p>Project surveys over the year recorded apartments with prices ranging from $310,000 to $4,800,000, demonstrating the spread of product type and a diversified purchaser profile in the market.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Even at a 6% premium, the higher prices recorded in the central precinct remain well below the $1 million average for new apartments in Inner Sydney, reinforcing Melbourne’s value proposition on the east coast.</p>

<p>The Urbis sales survey results serve as a reminder that there are a number of sub-markets operating in inner Melbourne, varied by location, target market and price. With a selection of luxury developments preparing for launch, prices could well extend beyond this range in 2016.</p>
<cite>Mark Dawson, Director of Economics and Market Research, Urbis</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image3urbis.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Urbis' Q4 2015 apartment price summary"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3urbis.jpg?itok=KzUHJFyr" title="Urbis' Q4 2015 apartment price summary" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Urbis' Q4 2015 apartment price summary</figcaption></figure><h2>Central City Supply Impacted by Planning Controls</h2>

<p>Urbis research shows that 10 apartment projects had sold out at the close of Q3 2015, with a near equal number of projects launching their sales campaign during Q4. These fresh launches totalled 2,000 new apartments that hit the market as developers looked to capitalise upon both the improved weather and holiday season.</p>

<p>In terms of planning and future supply, 2015 witnessed an abnormal spike in planning submissions, particularly in the days leading to June 30 as the Metropolitan Planning Levy was implemented on July 1.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>By the end of the year in Q4, while the bulk of future supply continued to be concentrated in the Central precinct, there were early signs that uncertainty stemming from the interim controls had already started to apply the brakes to future development in the central city.</p>
<cite>Mark Dawson, Director of Economics and Market Research, Urbis</cite>
</blockquote>

<p><a href="/news/new-permanent-central-city-controls-headed-to-independent-planning-panel">Amendment C270</a>, which plans to restrict the scope of development on both CBD and Southbank sites, raises the prospect of further moderation to future apartment supply numbers in the Central Precinct.</p>

<p>Urbis are currently monitoring 11 new projects in inner Melbourne which they expect to launch during the first half of 2016, with the likelihood that 3,000 new apartments will be taken to market. Urbis have also indicated that a number of these projects will be included within their Q1 2016 report, thus providing a barometer of purchaser demand and development opportunity in what has become a very dynamic Melbourne apartment market.</p>

<h2>Urbis Melbourne 2015 Q4 Apartment Essentials report snapshot:</h2>

<ul>
<li>The weighted average sales price of apartments in Melbourne is $699,705 in Q4 2015, having ranged from $690,000-$730,000 throughout 2015.</li>
	<li>Based on the surveyed data, the Inner North remains the most affordable precinct in Melbourne to buy a new apartment, with an average weighted sale price of $518,230. Inner North suburbs include Brunswick, Brunswick East, Princes Hill, Parkville, Carlton North, Fitzroy North, Clifton Hill, North Melbourne, Carlton, Fitzroy, Collingwood and Abbotsford.</li>
	<li>Based on the surveyed data, Central remains the highest priced precinct with an average weighted sale price of $742,830. Central suburbs include Melbourne CBD, Melbourne (St Kilda Road), Docklands, Southbank and South Wharf.</li>
	<li>The Inner West precinct has seen a weighted average sale price of $570,600, an increase of $54,350 compared to Q3 2015. Inner West suburbs include Flemington, Kensington and West Melbourne.</li>
	<li>The two-bed, two-bath product remained the most popular across all precincts, equating to 45 per cent of total sales.</li>
	<li>Referencing the map above Inner East suburbs include East Melbourne, Richmond, Cremorne, Burnley, Toorak, South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor and Armadale.</li>
	<li>Referencing the map above Inner South suburbs include Albert Park, Balaclava, Elwood, Middle Park, Port Melbourne, Ripponlea, South Melbourne, St Kilda, St Kilda East and St Kilda West.</li>
</ul>
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Urbis research shows apartments to remain a key driver of Melbourne’s growth

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<p>Footscray is set to accommodate another massive apartment project within the Joseph Road Precinct Urban Renewal Area as developer Growland Group prepares to launch Joseph Place.</p>

<p>Set over a 13,500 square metre former Toyota dealership, the site is currently in the final stages of remediation with the beginnings of a display suite taking shape. It's purpose will be to woo prospective buyers for Joseph Place's apartments which number near on 1,000.</p>

<p>The $600 million mixed-use master planned urban village which is expected to house up to 3,000 residents eventually will consist of six buildings, in addition to amenities such as Melbourne’s first elevated Olympic-sized running track, podium-top gardens and amenities and a retail laneway linking Footscray to the Maribyrnong River.</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image45_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Joseph Place has gained a new exterior. Image: Growland Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="464" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image45_2.jpg?itok=yXeAn8AK" title="Joseph Place has gained a new exterior. Image: Growland Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Joseph Place has gained a new exterior. Image: Growland Group</figcaption></figure><p>4-8 Hopkins Street has been in the planning system since 2013 with Places Victoria initiating a master planned outcome for the site which along with neighbouring sites forms the backbone of Joseph Road Precinct. Kavellaris Urban Design has been working on Joseph Place as project lead for an extended period of time with State Goverment approval for the development in the offing.</p>

<p>In addition to the roughly 1,000 apartments, a hotel has also been mooted for Joseph Place. Ground level will see 30 retailers split over 4,000 square metres of retail space and public open spaces, with an emphasis on food-driven outlets, continuing the trend of popular eateries in and around the area.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Joseph Place will elevate what’s on offer in Footscray, bringing its amenity in line with its inner city neighbours. The elevated Olympic-sized running track takes the idea of an apartment gym to the next level, encouraging health and wellbeing outdoors, but not out in the Melbourne traffic.</p>

<p>The aim is to do something different and bring to Footscray a new style of living that celebrates connection and resonates with Footscray’s existing multicultural heritage and established food scene.</p>

<p>People want to interact with each other – it’s partly why cities are growing so rapidly and it informed how we approached the design of this site. We want this area to become a social, economic and residential hub on the city fringe that makes people’s lives better – and that’s achievable through a combination of great housing, world-class amenity and vibrant retail.</p>
<cite>Kavellaris Urban Design director Billy Kavellaris</cite>
</blockquote>

<p>Joseph Place will also likely include a rock climbing wall and theatre, with the array of amenities onsite possible due to the excessively large size of the site.</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image42.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Podium top garden. Image: Growland Group"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image42.jpg?itok=Yt9u35_5" title="Podium top garden. Image: Growland Group" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Podium top garden. Image: Growland Group</figcaption></figure><p>In early design iterations Joseph Place was to have maintained <a href="/news/council-apprehensive-over-the-revamped-939-apartment-8-hopkins-street">an all glass exterior</a>, although new renders have seen the project's exterior change markedly in composition but not so in shape. Joseph Place's buildings will still carry an eye-catching undulating form.</p>

<p>Growland Group's advancement of Joseph Place comes as the expanding developer is working on further apartment projects in Moonee Ponds, St Kilda Road and Highett, with the latter <a href="/news/rothelowman-seeks-a-new-high-design-benchmark-of-highett">recently covered</a> by Apartments.com.au, although Joseph Place is expected to be the first project to launch sales.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Footscray is currently in the midst of a demographic shift - attracting a new wave of students, young professionals and working families who are looking to reside in a well-connected community with easy access to transport services and state-of-the-art retail, dining and leisure facilities on their doorstep.</p>

<p>The inner west has been recognised as one of Melbourne’s most undervalued opportunities and is due for rapid growth over the next two to five years. The future growth potential of Footscray is huge and Joseph Place signals a renaissance in the area.</p>
<cite>Growland CEO Stephen  Yau</cite>
</blockquote>

<p>Pending approval the project's sales campaign will be launched in coming months with construction expected to begin in early 2017.</p>
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Growland Group readies Joseph Place as Footscray's next super project

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<p><span>Joining Chris on the latest episode of your Property Empire is Andrew Rechtman from Realestate.com.au and Charles Tarbey, Chairman and owner of Century 21, Australasia.</span></p>
<p><span>During the week we had an email in from Frank Raiti in Sydney and he asked:</span></p>
<p><span><strong>I've just received a letter from my Strata managers as one of the other owners in my block has requested a Special By-law be introduced to prohibit smoking on the whole property.</strong></span></p>
<p><span><strong>I don’t live there and so it doesn't directly affect me but how do you think it will affect my ability to rent or sell the property in the future? Is it a positive or a negative?</strong></span></p>
<p><span>Charles: I’m not a smoker so I guess it would be a good thing if you’re not a smoker, because those people who don’t smoke can really smell it.</span></p>
<p><span>Chris: More and more these days because no one’s smoking</span></p>
<p><span>Charles: If one of my team goes out in the back lane for a coffee you can tell well before they get anywhere near you they’ve been smoking. I think it would impact very much on their ability to rent. I think also, in fact, on the sale price.</span></p>
<p><span>Chris: Do you think that’s a positive or a negative?</span></p>
<p><span>Charles: I think it’s a negative thing because people like to have a smoke and you can’t take that away. If a guy has nowhere else to go what are you going to do? walk out to the street in your own home now, in your own property and have a smoke? It could be quite a problem for values and for renters. Absolutely.</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p><span>Chris: Well the other thing is do you have the other tick box on REA, smoke free zone?</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p><span>Andrew: For a smoke free zone yes, but there certainly are things like pet friendly versus not pet friendly. There are issues around making noise. There are buildings where you’re not allowed to have excessive noise and parties. Even parking on some property. My personal favourite is… we have seen buildings with excessive smoke from BBQs… so you’ve got to keep the BBQ under control. It’s very hard to know and you’d have to talk, you know, for your reader, you’d have to ask what is the domain in that particular building? Talk to the tenants, do the tenants mind? I tend to agree with Charles.</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p><span>Charles: How do you police it though, really?</span></p>
<p><span>Andrew: There’s got to be better ways of them putting, you know, by-law in the building to stop smoking and it does feel like it’s stepped over that personal…</span></p>
<p><span>Chris: You see with corporate buildings these days that ban the smokers from being out the front because it’s a bad image for the company as well isn’t it.</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p><span>Charles: I think it’s a very bad image for any business when you’ve got people out the front having a smoke. I know some companies where people stand out the front and have a drink. You know, they’ve got a can of VB in the hand and it never looks good. So the back lane is always the best place. But still, you’re going to end up removing a whole series of situations. Pet friendly’s great because a lot of people have a small pet and I don’t see that as an issue as long as it doesn’t make so much noise, but boy oh boy you’re getting really into it if you’re going to start smoking.</span></p>
<p><span>Chris: The pet friendly thing is, if you didn’t like pets and you’ve found they’re noisy, would that reduce buyers in the building?</span></p>
<p><span>Charles: Well, anything that reduces the opportunity to expose your property to more sellers than normal is always going to have an impact on your price. Limitations like a first home buyer’s property is going to have a million buyers looking at it. A super residence in the eastern suburbs or top area in any area of Sydney is going to have 10 buyers looking at it.</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p><span>Andrew: It depends on community standards as well. So at some point it’s going to flip the other way which is I won’t buy from a building that allows smoking. We’re seeing that change in community standards over time. I remember going on airlines where you could smoke not that long ago and you could smoke in bars and pubs and restaurants.</span></p>
<p><span>Chris: But having the pet friendly, for instance then, there’s a lot of people who won’t rent. So my philosophy on rentvesting is all good financially but if you’ve got a pet or you’ve got a dog then suddenly you can’t do the rentvesting thing. So that’s where someone may get a premium to get into pet friendly.</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p><span>Charles: They may, but I think people just don’t tell you they have a pet. I mean my experience in real estate is you don’t get the full picture on what’s really going on when somebody’s renting. I’m sure that’s your experience too. You rent a property out to one person and in some parts of medium density, you find 10 people living in the property.</span></p>
<p><span>Chris: So, would you go with the by-law or go against it do you think? And obviously we’re not giving financial advice here.</span></p>
<p><span>Andrew: I’d encourage you to talk to the tenants and see what they think. If there’s a general mood that they shouldn’t be smoking then I’d probably be in support of it. But I think in the long term it probably devalues your property.</span></p>
<p><span>Charles: I would be against it and I’m a non-smoker.</span></p>
<p><em>For more information other things to consider when buying a property contact Chris at <a href="mailto:yourempire@skynews.com.au" target="_blank">chris@yourempire.com.au</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>To watch <span>Your Property Empire on Sky News Business with Chris Gray</span>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7azCaK_aYKU" target="_blank">click here</a>.</em></p>
<p> </p>
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Should strata place a ban on smoking? Chris Gray's Your Property Empire

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<p>Box Hill continues its evolution into a high density activity centre with a fresh town planning application under assessment for a 30-storey residential tower at 820 Whitehorse Road, rising to a height of 99.78 metres.</p>

<p>Designed by Fender Katsalidis for Longriver Group, the proposal seeks to join a growing list of high rise residential towers in the area such as SkyOne (36-storeys / 122.8m) and <a href="/buildings/east-central-tower-820-whitehorse-road-box-hill">Whitehorse Towers</a> (36-storeys / 115m + 26-storeys / 83m). The site in question is currently occupied by a 3-storey office building.</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/box_hill_towers.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="SkyOne and Whitehorse Towers. Images courtesy Golden Age Group and Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="249" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/box_hill_towers.jpg?itok=OzeM_YKl" title="SkyOne and Whitehorse Towers. Images courtesy Golden Age Group and Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Whitehorse Towers and SkyOne. Images: Peddle Thorp and Golden Age Group</figcaption></figure><p>What is proposed begins with a grided timber podium with an overall height of 29.5 metres, to be built to the full extent of each boundary. Level 6 forms the rooftop of the podium and is dedicated in part to residential amenities such as a 60sqm pool with associated outdoor seating and landscaping, casual and formal dining spaces, theatre, gym and sauna/steam room.</p>

<p>The timber pergola aesthetic of the podium was first adopted on Republic Tower and subsequently employed in some form or another on other Fender Katsalidis-designed projects such as Fulton Lane, Australia 108, Melbourne Quarter and 16-22 Claremont Street.</p>

<p>The tower element, in contrast, features a concrete lattice wrap which recedes in density as the tower transitions upwards, further revealing the glazed skin underneath. The intended tower has three major setbacks creating a tiered silhouette on the skyline and the illusion of an erosion of tower form and shell.</p>

<p>The orthogonal nature of the building form and facade articulation also displays strong similarities to the ATO building diagonally opposite and a departure from the curvilinear forms of SkyOne and Whitehorse Towers.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Being above the typical viewing cone of people passing by, the tower is conceived as more of an urban form. Whilst materiality and grain of the podium is heightened, by contrast that of the tower is reduced.</p>

<p>Recognising the prominence of the north western corner of the site, the building quarter in that location rises some metres higher than the other elements, thereby acknowledging that important view to Box Hill, and further articulating the skyline of the building. At the top of the building the southern elements step down to further accentuate the skyline articulation and to protect residential properties south of the building from overshadowing.</p>

<p>Within the broad structuring of that urban scale articulation is a filigree of smaller concrete elements wrapping themselves around the primarily glazed facade of the tower. That filigree is visually denser at the base of the tower, and becomes sparser and thinner as it climbs up the buildings. In doing so the materiality of the tower is responding to a key characteristic of the topography of this locale: the variegated skyline of the bounding ridges in Box Hill and north in Doncaster.</p>

<p>Those ridges can be perceived as having a visually dense base which at its skyline transforms to a lacework of leaves.</p>
<cite>Fender Katsalidis Architectural Statement</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image5_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="An earlier iteration of 820 Whitehotrse. Image: Longriver"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_5.jpg?itok=V9xyoJ2R" title="An earlier iteration of 820 Whitehotrse. Image: Longriver" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>An earlier podium iteration of 820 Whitehorse Road. Image: Longriver</figcaption></figure><p>820 Whitehorse Road seeks to accommodate 301 apartments comprising 45 x 1 Bedroom, 249 x 2 Bedroom and 1 x 3 Bedroom apartments, in addition to 6 duplexes providing a degree of housing diversity although it could be argued that more 3 bedroom apartments should be considered.</p>

<p>There are 272 car spaces in total, contained predominantly within two basement levels and throughout the 5 level podium. Vehicular access to the car park is via Fairbank Lane which also includes a number of ancillary services along its frontage. There is also provision for 92 bicycle spaces within the development.</p>

<p>A retail wrap in the form of a 152sqm cafe and 66sqm alfresco dining area, and a 434sqm auto showroom seeks to activate Whitehorse Road and Young Street . The remaining podium levels contain a wrap of apartments, concealing podium car parking for the most part. These podium apartments all feature outdoor balconies providing the streets with a level of passive surveillance.</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/820_whitehorse_road_dual.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="820 Whitehorse Road. Planning images: Fender Katsalidis "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="343" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/820_whitehorse_road_dual.jpg?itok=CfioIJ5f" title="820 Whitehorse Road. Planning images: Fender Katsalidis " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>820 Whitehorse Road. Planning images: Fender Katsalidis</figcaption></figure><p>Lodged with Whitehorse City Council during February 2016, the development team behind 820 Whitehorse Road includes:</p>

<ul>
<li>Fender Katsalidis Architects: Architectural plans</li>
	<li>Ratio Consultants: Traffic Impact Assessment Report</li>
	<li>Urbis: Planning</li>
	<li>David Lock Associates: Urban Design Statement</li>
	<li>Wood and Grieve Engineers: Sustainable Management Plan</li>
	<li>Leigh Design Pty Ltd: Waste Management Plan</li>
	<li>MEL Consultants Pty Ltd: Wind Assessment Report</li>
	<li>Development site sale transaction handled by Savills in September 2015.</li>
</ul>
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Laurence Dragomir

A new order: 820 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill

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<p>A $24 million high-end apartment complex in Victoria's Rockhampton, overlooking the Fitzroy River, has been completed.</p>
<p>Located on Victoria Parade, the 10-storey building named Southbank on Victoria comprises 55 apartments, including one, two and three-bedroom units, said a media release.</p>
<p>Designed by Australasian architecture firm The Buchan Group, the development on a site area of 7,500 sqm represents the ongoing rejuvenation of Rockhampton’s residential unit market.</p>
<p>The Buchan Group was appointed in August 2012 <span lang="EN">to work with local property developer Griffin Builders to bring </span>provide architectural, interior design and graphics expertise to the project.</p>
<p>The Buchan Group’s senior associate Paul Watson said the waterfront high-rise set a new benchmark for apartment living in Rockhampton.</p>
<p>“The Buchan Group team worked on sophisticated designs that incorporated the bold and linear edges of Southbank on Victoria’s external façade frame, with modern, interior elements highlighting the city’s growing cosmopolitan lifestyle,” he said.</p>
<p>“As the original concept for the block changed over the project life, we reduced the density of the development to maximise efficiency and consciously mirror the ambience and serenity of the nearby waterfront, city views, and parkland settings."</p>
<p> A majority of the apartments were shown to be sold on the project's <a href="https://www.southbankrockhampton.com.au/southbank_availability" target="_blank">website</a>. Among the ones left, the two-bedroom apartments start at $390,000.</p>
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