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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

<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" />

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.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

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.

“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.

<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" />

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.

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.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

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.

<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" />

“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.

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.

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.

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>.

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>

Joel Robinson

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

<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.

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.

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.

<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" />

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.

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.”

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.

<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" />

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.

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.

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.

<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" />

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.

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.

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.

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

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

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;

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;

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;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

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;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“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."

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;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<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.

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.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

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.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

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.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

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.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Brisbane

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Brisbane's Albion Station is the latest rail hub set to maximise surrounding surplus and underutilsied land tracts via a transit oriented development.

Submitted to Brisbane City Council yesterday, the application dubbed Albion Exchange seeks approval for the initial stage of a far reaching mixed-use development spanning 3.5-hectares, with the station at the heart of the overhaul. The application also formally makes good on the Queensland Government's $750 million election pledge to renew the station and its surrounds.

Residential, commercial and extensive public uses aside, the station's transport infrastructure will also receive an overhaul.

The initial precinct's rebirth is to be delivered jointly with Albion-based developer Geon Property. Whilst works are slated to commence prior to 2020, the full delivery lifespan of the projects is expected to span 15 years.

<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/image159_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A highly activated ground plane. Image: Hames Sharley"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="317" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image159_5.jpg?itok=wdxeCLGV" title="A highly activated ground plane. Image: Hames Sharley" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A highly activated ground plane. Image: Hames Sharley</figcaption></figure>At the time of Geon Property reaching agreement with the Queensland government, Geon Property Managing Director Ben Griffin said:

<blockquote>
Redeveloping Albion train station allows us to deliver a truly world-class transit oriented development. This project will be more than just a property development – our vision is to create a precinct that is a genuine destination. 

This project will be defined by a seamless integration of high-quality apartment living, retail, food and beverage outlets with genuine character, modern commercial offerings and vibrant public open spaces. It will offer access to Brisbane’s transport networks, integrating with one of South East Queensland’s busiest train lines, connecting to the bikeway network and providing accessible parking options.
</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/image164_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The wider Albion precinct. Image: Hames Sharley"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="444" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image164_1.jpg?itok=rlIItGwM" title="The wider Albion precinct. Image: Hames Sharley" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The wider Albion precinct. Image: Hames Sharley</figcaption></figure>Architecture firm Hames Sharley were announced at the practice of choice for the revamp earlier this year, and have gone about creating dual high-rise towers across the 6,458 square metre site which constitutes Stage 1. 

Combined the towers hold as many as 333 apartments, split between 96 single, 178 dual, 56 triple and 3 quadruple bedroom options. Their respective heights are pegged at 23 and 30 storeys, with the latter reaching beyond the 100 metre mark.

Both towers will stand adjacent to The Husdon, an existing 14 storey apartment tower cornering Hudson Road and the Albion Overpass.

Retail gross floor area for the initial stage spans 2,140 square metres and is supplemented by commercial space covering 3,777 square metres. In line with the size of the development, basement accommodations are made for 573 vehicles and 461 bicycles.

<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/image161_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Residential towers will play their part in the development. Image: Hames Sharley"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="612" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image161_0.jpg?itok=ykljP6kC" title="Residential towers will play their part in the development. Image: Hames Sharley" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Residential towers will play their part in the development. Image: Hames Sharley</figcaption></figure>It is the design's public features though which distinguishes the application; relative to its total gross floor area of 37,665 square metres, the open space provisions are particularly high. Public open space amounts to 4,770 square metres, whilst communal open space and private open space measure 2,657 square metres and 4,207 square metres respectively. 

Albion Exchange's landscaped designer Dunn + Moran made the following observation in terms of what the project is seeking to achieve from a public context:

<blockquote>
People associate inner city railways with concrete and the sound of heavy steel. Our vision is for a new precinct that looks at the rail environment differently.

Albion Exchange will be an active hub where people can meet conveniently, recreate comfortably and feel at ease when engaging with the railway. The prominence of usable green space and ornamentation should swathe the precinct in a manner that allows people to forget what the old style of train station used to feel like. 
</blockquote>

Albion Station is one of a handful of current transit oriented developments being backed by Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads; other stations receiving substantial developments include Coorparoo Junction, Buranda, Cleveland and Ferny Grove.
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silvermb

Albion Station's supersized transit oriented development revealed

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New research from Ray White Commercial shows the investment market continues to yield quality results across the 5,000 square metre plus industrial Brisbane sector.
High confidence coupled with an improvement in occupancy levels has ensured demand remains high.
Dan Costello from Ray White Commercial Queensland, says while the urgency seen in the investment market in 2017 may have subsided, capitalisation rates continue to remain compressed with prime average yields less than 7%.
“It’s encouraging to see high enquiry levels and an increase in sale of vacant sock to both investors wanting to reposition their assets, as well as owner occupiers,” Costello says.
Looking forward, findings concluded that across the Brisbane metropolitan area, there is over 575,000 square metres of potential industrial stock anticipated to enter the 5,000 square metre plus market in the next two years.
This is mostly demand led with little speculative supply expected to further hamper vacancy in the region.
The bulk of the development pipeline is located in ATC and the Southern precinct given its access to transport hubs.
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As financing is becoming problematic to obtain, there is a notable decrease in sentiment for the smaller private investor market. However, confidence remains high for quality, institutional grade investment stock, Costello said.
“We’ve seen limited quality stock available in the market over the last 12 months, which has shifted focus and grown volume of vacant stock transactions.
“We expect this may slow over the next year with a greater shift back to property fundamentals by investors, however as occupier demand continues to improve reducing vacancies, rental growth in the short term is anticipated.”
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/8/brisbane%202.jpg" alt="">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Brisbane's industrial market continuing to yield good results

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MadeComfy, a performance-based short-term rental specialist, has opened a Brisbane office.
It has appointed 13-year property veteran Melissa Baker as its new Queensland general manager.
This follows a $6 million capital raising in May following consistent 500% year-on-year growth in Sydney and Melbourne.
MadeComfy recently released a study of the Queensland short-term rental market that showed the demand for short-term rentals (STR) more than doubled over the last two years, with STR making up 11.8% of Australia’s total tourist accommodation.
The STR report showed that short-term rentals in Queensland contributed $162 million to national tourism revenue in 2016, providing over 1.2 million nights of accommodation to the almost 1.5 million international visitors Brisbane attracted.
Melissa Baker said MadeComfy’s research has shown conclusively that Australia’s demand for short-term accommodation options are only going to keep increasing.
"Compared to Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane enjoys year-round bookings which is great for local property owners who may be considering short-term rental options such as Airbnb, Booking.com or HomeAway.”
MadeComfy claims they are delivering property owners in Sydney and Melbourne an approximately 7% to 11% rental yield return.
It was recently recognised as Sydney’s most innovative company at the 2018 NSW Business Chamber Award as well as being named as one of Westpac’s 200 Businesses of Tomorrow.
MadeComfy say they combine technology and property management services to deliver easy, transparent and profitable short-term rental experience for homeowners.
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Short-term rental service raises $6 million to expand to Brisbane

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It's Brisbane, but not its apartments, according to Margaret Lomas when asked which capital city should you invest in?
She suggested Brisbane rather than any other capital city when asked by <a href="http://www.switzer.com.au/the-experts/margaret-lomas/which-capital-city-is-the-best-to-invest-in-right-now/%20" target="_blank">Peter Switzer.</a>
First she ruled out the other capital cities, Melbourne and Sydney not because "the 'boom' had gone on too long" or "that the 'cycle' told us the end was nigh" but rather because the median price has reached a point where it is well above what the average income earner can afford. 
Demand fell away as prices reached this new peak, reducing the potential buyer pool and for these markets its now become a "waiting game" for wages to "catch up".
Margaret then nixed Hobart and Perth.
Hobart because although it has been performing well, its small population and low population growth usually means it has a year or two of growth then much longer stagnation periods.
Perth is a no because even though it is likely at the bottom of it's current cycle, that doesn't mean it's going to start rising any time soon, and if it does, it won't necessarily be quick.
She says that those living in these markets shouldn't necessarily avoid investing just because they don't know the area they are investing in.
She describes this as a fallacy, a mistaken belief.
"This is because what you know about your area relates to lifestyle, not economics."
Margaret correctly states economics is king when it comes to investing.
She says, "my money’s on Brisbane, and it’s all pure economics."
This is because Brisbane is hitting several key points.
Firstly, the average house in Brisbane is still well below what the average income earner can afford.
She claims, "even without wages growth, interest rates could go up, and property prices could increase, and the average wage earner could still afford to buy property there." 
Secondly, changes to the age profile of the population in Brisbane.
Over the next 10 years it is expected to see those aged 20 to 34 move on to the next stage in life and look at buying a home of their own, according to Angie Zigomanis from BIS.
He said the emerging trend would underpin demand for new housing on Brisbane’s suburban fringe and established housing in the inner-city region.
These people will mostly qualify for the first home owner grant of $15,000 (and stamp duty concessions) which is available on many of the houses on the market, due to the high $750,000 cut off for the grant.
Then Brisbane is also benefiting from infrastructure "tons of it". New University campuses, major medical developments in both north and south suburbs, and main roads, making the commute around all parts of Brisbane easier. There’s also the Queens Wharf Precinct, Brisbane Airport Redevelopment, Brisbane Live Entertainment Arena, Northshore Hamilton and a new International Cruise Terminal, plus quite a few others.
There has been strong jobs growth in Brisbane in both the education and medical sectors, as well as improving employment figures after a few years of poor outcomes.
Strong inward migration is also projected to continue, from not only overseas but interstate migration. 
In addition, over the next 15 years, the population of Brisbane is set to double, In 2015, Brisbane’s population was approximately 2.2 million, and is expected to grow to 4.6 million by 2031.
This means that the city will require 40% more homes than it had in 2006, according to government estimates.
Margaret Lomas concludes by stating "It’s an investor’s dream, just waiting to be grabbed. Just be careful what you buy."
She warns, "apartments in the city are not the best choice, nor are high-end properties where demand is subdued. Think families, millennials and migrants, and find the kind of property that they are most likely to demand."
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mlomas-KC9MUPZ6Ca

Which capital city should you invest in? Margaret Lomas

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Just weeks after an $11.3 million vacant New Farm block was sold, another nearby riverfront knockdown opportunity has hit the market.
It is 33 Maxwell St, a 941sq m block, in one of the city’s most prestigious pockets.
It features 18.3m frontage to the Brisbane river with private pontoon. 
Tina Quintner, who has owned New Farm Bikes for around three decades, has watched the cityscape evolve into a world city in this time. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/7/31/NEW%20FARM%202.jpg" alt="">
Ray White New Farm agents Nicholas Given and Matt Lancashire said the opportunity was attractive for its development potential in Brisbane’s blue chip suburb.
Professional town planners have identified a number of potential development scenarios. Take advantage of the current demolition approval, bring your architect and town planner to what is one of Queensland’s most sought-after riverfront land opportunities,” Mr Lancashire said. 
It is within walking distance to the CBD, James Street precinct, Merthyr Village, New Farm Park and the redevelopment of the historic Howard Smith Wharves.
This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Second prestige vacant New Farm block in just over a month on the market

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Queensland Prime Investments has been given the green light to proceed with a high-end apartment development overlooking the Brisbane River.

Last week Brisbane City Council chose to endorse the luxury apartment development located across 80-86 Oxlade Drive, New Farm. bureau^proberts handled the design of the project's 39 dwellings which are spread over two buildings.

A water mall and sculptural centrepiece define the ground level space, with a rooftop pool and terrace also included. The Oxdale Drive project is expected to cater for the well heeled; the project's penthouse will <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/baby-steps-for-developer-seymours-grandkids/news-story/3d78cbcc191ed10d13f92d0b004312f9">reportedly</a> sell between $6-8 million with full floor apartments below priced from $3 million plus.

80-86 Oxlade Drive is Queensland Prime Investments' maiden development, having reached planning during 2017. 

<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/image160_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="bureau^proberts have created 80-86 Oxdale Drive"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="302" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image160_1.jpg?itok=ZgZwTn4o" title="bureau^proberts have created 80-86 Oxdale Drive" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>bureau^proberts have created 80-86 Oxlade Drive</figcaption></figure>Elsewhere in greater Brisbane, Plus Architecture has been busy designing an 8 storey apartment complex in Springfield Central. Last month proponent Springfield City Group took an application to Ipswich City Council looking to add another 74 dwellings to the existing Parkside residential development.

Springfield City Group is the appointed master developer of Greater Springfield, nominated as one of the nation’s fastest urban growth corridors. It is billed as the only fully master planned city to be built in Australia other than Canberra.

7004 Barry Alexander Drive is subject to the application, with Stage One already realising 66 dwellings.

The apartment mix for the pending addition sees 6 single, 49 dual and 13 triple-bedroom apartments in addition to 6 townhouses. Ground floor retail has been included within the scheme.

<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/image163_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Plus Architecture's new Springfield Central design"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image163_0.jpg?itok=BzJxswJ4" title="Plus Architecture's new Springfield Central design" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Plus Architecture's new Springfield Central design</figcaption></figure>Also late last month Mosaic Property Group moved a add to inner-city Windsor's emerging density, moving 24-28 Gallway Street to planning.

Proficient in low and mid-rise apartment projects, the developer hopes approval will be granted for the seven storey project set above two basement levels. The intended apartment mix consists of 41 dual bedroom and 15 triple bedroom apartments.

Mosaic Property Group's Gallway Street site is flanked either side by a quartet of existing five storey medium density apartment projects. The application would become the largest in the immediate vicinity.

<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/image167_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mosaic Property Group is adding to Windsor"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image167_2.jpg?itok=YbJdwSH0" title="Mosaic Property Group is adding to Windsor" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mosaic Property Group is adding to Windsor</figcaption></figure>
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QPI succeed in New Farm; Springfield Central and Windsor see new applications

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The median house price in Brisbane declined by a marginal 0.1% over the June quarter, reaching $566,322, according to Domain.
Despite the quarterly fall, the median house price rose by 2% year-on-year.  The median unit price in Brisbane fell by 1.2% over the June quarter to $379,186. This represents a fall of 6.4% year-on-year. Unit values are now back to prices seen in early 2014, following four consecutive quarters of decline. “While house prices have risen for five consecutive years, the rate of growth has been modest compared to the rest of the east coast, making Brisbane comparatively affordable," Domain data analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
“This will continue to attract investors and residents from other capital cities. “A heightened supply of inner-city units has contributed to the decline in median prices in Brisbane. However, as housing construction slows down and we see a boost in interstate migration, we can expect to eventually see the unit market balance out,” said Dr Nicola Powell.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/7/25/domain%20brisbane.jpg" alt="">
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Brisbane apartment price decline continues: Domain

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Lendlease has reached structural completion of the world’s tallest and largest engineered timber office building, 25 King, at Brisbane Showgrounds.
Designed and manufactured by Lendlease and owned by Impact Investment Group (IIG), the ground floor plus nine-storey timber commercial tower features open and flexible office space.
Lendlease is targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating, 5 Star NABERS Energy rating and WELL Core &amp; Shell rating for the 25 King Street tower.
Global engineering firm, Aurecon, will occupy 43.5% of the net lettable area, with IIG working within Lendlease to secure new tenants for the remaining office space.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/7/25/25%20King%20Street.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
25 King (pictured above) is on track for completion later this year.
"The topping out of 25 King represents another significant milestone in the completion of what will be the world’s tallest and largest engineered timber office building by gross floor area," said Tony Orazio, General Manager QLD &amp; NT, Lendlease Building.
“With each new milestone, we get more and more excited about this brilliant building. 25 King is the definition of a connected, collaborative workspace for high-performance teams,” stated Darren Brusnahan, Head of Funds Management – Real Estate, Impact Investment Group.
JLL has been appointed to manage 25 King Street, the world’s largest engineered timber office building. 
It is a Queensland first and the world's largest by gross floor area.
The management role will be led by JLL Director and Head of Commercial Management, Lydia King. 
At a height of almost 45 metres, the ground plus nine-storey tower designed by architect Bates Smart will become the future home of global engineering firm Aurecon, which is also the project’s lead engineer. 
Aurecon has committed to 6,500 square metres on a 10-year lease. 
Aurecon was advised by JLL's Michael Greene, while Lendlease was represented by JLL’s Adam Barrett and Sam Barr. 
The tower includes three bespoke ground level retail tenancies built using a revolutionary building timber technology called cross laminated timber (CLT) and glulum (glue laminated timber) which has a structural strength akin to traditional concrete and steel.
Constructed with wood, CLT has a far lower carbon footprint than other building materials, the production process produces zero waste, and timbers are sourced from certified sustainably managed forests.
King said 25 King Street represented the next generation of workplace design. 
“25 King is targeting a 6 Star Green Star Design and As Built v1.1 and a NABERS Energy 5 Star rating," she said.
The building will be LendLease’s fifth engineered timber building in Australia.
JLL also manages Kingsgate, the first tower developed by LendLease at the RNA precinct. 
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World's tallest timber tower reaches structural completion in Brisbane

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Suncorp have announced that 80 Ann Street has been selected as the site for the company’s new single location in Brisbane from 2022. 
The move will consolidate Suncorp’s Brisbane workforce into a single, modern and collaborative workplace.
The decision follows similar office consolidation projects in Sydney, Auckland and Melbourne.
The Sydney project delivered close to a 30% saving in cost and space efficiency. 
Suncorp CEO Michael Cameron said the new workplace will reflect Suncorp’s Queensland heritage. 
“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the other developers who have participated in this process,” Mr Cameron said. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/7/16/image009.jpg" alt=""> 
Mirvac’s CEO Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, commented that 80 Ann Street was purpose-built for Suncorp and aligns to Brisbane City Council’s ‘Buildings that Breathe’ principles for sub-tropical architecture, while re-invigorating an historic part of the city.
"We look forward to working with the Suncorp design team to create a workplace that supports the needs of their company and the community.” 
Suncorp will occupy the new $800 million tower by September 2022, subject to Mirvac finalising the land acquisition.
Designed by Woods Bagot, the premium 32-storey development at 80 Ann Street will provide Suncorp with close to 40,000 m2 of office space. 
Director and global workplace architecture leader, Mark Damant, describes the project as more like a new city precinct than a singular building, made up of many diverse places.
Spanning an entire block between Ann and Turbot streets, the development will help connect the CBD to the Roma Street precinct, the two courts buildings and surrounding plazas and squares to make a distinctive precinct of its own with an unprecedented civic and retail offering, Damant said.
The design returns the last remaining piece of Brisbane’s oldest surviving fruit and produce market on Turbot Street back into the city fabric, and – with its overwhelmingly public and porous ground floors – will act as a catalyst to the upcoming Brisbane Live precinct and the development of the north west quarter of the CBD around the Roma Street Station.
Damant describes the very flexible, large floorplates, with wide structural spans, minimal internal columns and amazing access to daylight and views as “dream floorplates”.
Providing a large continuous space on each level, the floorplates are linked with stairs and atria that create larger interconnected communities all the way up the Suncorp tenancy.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/7/16/image011.jpg" alt="">
“This is also a mixed mode building in the true sense with arrival spaces connected to the outside via louvered and openable facades. With terraces and balconies available to each community within the tower Suncorp’s people will be able to step outside at every third level, without having to go all the way down to the ground. 
“There will be an abundance of natural daylight and fresh air for optimum workplace wellbeing and connectedness … Brisbane has the perfect climate to bring inside,” Mr Damant said.
Suncorp staff are now spread through three sites across Brisbane’s CBD. 
Echoing another landmark workplace project by Woods Bagot – 1 William Street which brought together nearly 5000 Queensland public servants from 16 sites to a single location – the floor plate and spatial planning are intended to support greater collaboration and interdepartmental interaction, and happier people, in an efficient and highly productive workplace environment. 
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“Dream floorplates” envisaged for Suncorp in Brisbane’s newest city precinct

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Mirvac has announced it has secured banking and insurance group Suncorp as the anchor tenant within its new $800 million development which will form a "new city precinct" in the heart of Brisbane.

Suncorp will occupy 40,000 sqm of Premium Grade office space within the 32-storey tower designed by Woods Bagot.

Located at <a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=80+Ann+Street&amp;entry=gmail&amp;source=g">80 Ann Street</a>, the development has been likened to a new city precinct comprising many diverse places, rather than a singular building, says the architect.

<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/p3lvi8n.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title='The $800m development has been described as a "new city precinct". Image: Woods Bagot'><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/p3lvi8n.jpg?itok=6EaCiA8K" title='The $800m development has been described as a "new city precinct". Image: Woods Bagot' width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The $800m development has been described as a "new city precinct". Image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>The design aims to repair the city fabric by returning the last remaining piece of Brisbane’s oldest surviving fruit and produce market on Turbot Street while also providing a porous public realm at the ground floor.

Additionally, the development will act as a catalyst to the upcoming Brisbane Live precinct and the development of the north west quarter of the CBD around the Roma Street Station.

Internally, the workplace design for Suncorp will enable people to work together as one holistic community which champions the City of Brisbane’s vision for ‘<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planning-building/planning-guidelines-tools/neighbourhood-planning-urban-renewal/neighbourhood-plans-other-local-planning-projects/city-centre-neighbourhood-plan/new-world-city-design-guide-buildings-breathe&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1531788783392000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHPtDGhSvcIkObD8BXabLrp-Dj-lg" href="https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planning-building/planning-guidelines-tools/neighbourhood-planning-urban-renewal/neighbourhood-plans-other-local-planning-projects/city-centre-neighbourhood-plan/new-world-city-design-guide-buildings-breathe" target="_blank">Buildings that Breathe</a>’.

Architects Woods Bagot describe the very flexible large floorplates which carry wide structural spans and minimal internal columns, and with excellent access to daylight and views as “dream floorplates”. Providing a large continuous space on each level, the floorplates are linked with intertenancy stairs and atria that create larger interconnected communities all the way up the Suncorp's lease.

<blockquote>
This is unlike anything else in the city. Spanning an entire block between Ann and Turbot streets, the development will help connect the CBD to the Roma Street precinct, the two courts buildings and surrounding plazaz and squares to make a distinctive precinct of its own with an unprecedented civic and retail offering.

This is also a mixed mode building in the true sense with arrival spaces connected to the outside via louvered and openable facades. With terraces and balconies available to each community within the tower Suncorp’s people will be able to step outside at every third level, without having to go all the way down to the ground.

There will be an abundance of natural daylight and fresh air for optimum workplace wellbeing and connectedness … Brisbane has the perfect climate to bring inside.

- Mark Damant, Director and global workplace architecture leader at Woods Bagot
</blockquote>

The development also echoes Woods Bagot's <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.woodsbagot.com/projects/1-william-street&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1531788783393000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF_ipFxsm_1P9fXufD2PpvcJDLpTA" href="https://www.woodsbagot.com/projects/1-william-street" target="_blank">1 William Street</a> project, which brought together nearly 5,000 Queensland public servants from 16 sites to a single location. Suncorp staff are currently dispersed across three sites throughout Brisbane’s CBD, with the floor plate and spatial planning of its tenancy intended to support greater collaboration and happier staff in an efficient and highly productive workplace environment.

80 Ann Street aims to raise the benchmark of premium office accommodation in Brisbane, incorporating the latest thinking and technology to provide a vertically integrated working environment.

Key to this is the adoption of a sustainable approach to the design which embraces the sub-tropical climate of Brisbane, providing breathable spaces and a flexible working environment which promotes the health and well-being of the building community and the success of their businesses.

<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/laiku0t.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The design incorporates breathing floors to improve the working environment. Image: Woods Bagot"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="298" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/laiku0t.jpg?itok=FvSaWFXd" title="The design incorporates breathing floors to improve the working environment. Image: Woods Bagot" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The design incorporates breathing floors to improve the working environment. Image: Woods Bagot</figcaption></figure>Breathing floors which have been designed as mixed mode ‘garden terraces’ that connect employees with the outside world and provide fresh air, are located at levels 23 and 32. 

Timber pods housing meeting rooms, collaboration spaces and other client engagement spaces float on these floors as informal meeting or working spaces.

The roof level hosts function spaces and a kitchen facility with the remaining area comprising a shaded roof terrace with outdoor settings, herb gardens and plans for small fruit trees. A high level roof soffit will act as a projection backdrop for cultural displays and potentially light shows providing the Brisbane skyline with a new focal point.

<h2>Project details</h2>

<ul>
<li>Project: <a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=80+Ann+Street&amp;entry=gmail&amp;source=g">80 Ann Street</a>
</li>
	<li>Location: Brisbane, Australia</li>
	<li>Client: Mirvac and Suncorp</li>
	<li>Status: Development approved, in design development. Completion due 2022.</li>
	<li>Value: AUD 800 million</li>
	<li>GFA/ Area: 84,263 m2
</li>
	<li>Height: 32 storeys</li>
</ul>
<h2>Woods Bagot Global team</h2>

<ul>
<li>Brisbane - Mark Damant, HangChung Ling, Christopher Lewis, Mark Nilon, Su Chen, Graham Whawell</li>
	<li>London - Nik Karalis</li>
	<li>San Francisco - Christina Kyrillou, George Waters, Eli Linger, Maulana Murdan, David Barry</li>
	<li>Sydney - Amanda Stanaway, Bradhly Le, Olivier Solente</li>
</ul>
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