Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]

Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3823]

Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3826]

The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=372542]

The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]

North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]

McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]

A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]

Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]

More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Iwan Sunito secures approval for $1.9 billion Five Dock mixed-use precinct

Commercial Property

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A total of 135 industrial properties were sold over the year to December 2015 with a total value of $,1,894 million, with Melbourne's North West region netting the greatest dollar volume, according to Savills.
According to Savills, Melbourne’s South East recorded the most number of transactions in the year to December 2015 with 74 (55 percent of all sales), with North West region having the greatest dollar volume with 52 percent of the total transaction value for the year.
Foreign investors and institutions represented the largest buyer categories in the North West by value of all stock, at 24 percent and 56 percent respectively.
Private investors made up 11 percent of total sales volume.
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Melbourne's North West sees high industrial property transactions

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The NSW government will legislation to exempt large commercial property managers, such as Scentre Group and Vicinity Centres, from holding real estate licenses. 
After 15 years debate, the NSW government decided that requirement is little more than red tape.
The government will amend the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act in coming months. 
"These changes are long overdue and form part of the NSW government's real estate reform agenda," Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation, Victor Dominello said. 
"Training for training's sake is a drain on productivity. We must be always be vigilant to ensure that mandatory CPD is fit for purpose."
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal's 2015 Reforming Licensing in NSW report recommends that large commercial property managers who manage an estimated property value of at least $40 million, or a gross floor area of at least 20,000 square metres, or are managing properties for a related corporate entity should be exempt. 
The Department of Fair Trading rarely receives complaints from large commercial property owners such as Westfield or Stockland about their managers who adhere to legally enforceable commercial contracts, but the cost to managers to obtain licenses is $4 million a year, the Australian Financial Review noted.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Commercial property managers to be exempt from holding real estate licences in NSW

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The latest research from the Burke Road, Camberwell Cityscope shows sales have jumped in the quarter to February 2016 in number and total value. 
In the latest quarter, there were 11 sales at a total value of $96.9 million, compared to 3 sales at a total value of $3.9 million in the previous quarter. 
The 12 month total is also higher, with 27 sales at a total value of $140.6 million, compared to 26 sales at a total value of $110.9 million over the previous year.
The table below shows sales recorded for the last eight updates of Burke Road Cityscope: 
<a href="/images/2016/03/9/Pulse-BKSalesGrid-580x311.gif" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/03/9/Pulse-BKSalesGrid-580x311.gif" alt="">
 
Notable sales in the February 2016 update of Burke Road Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>The retail and commercial components of The Well, a four level shopping centre with office space and parking at 793 Burke Road, Hawthorn East, which sold for a total of $72.5 million;</li>
<li>A high-clearance showroom with workshops on a 4,330sqm site at 139-153 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East, which sold for $13.5 million; and</li>
<li>A two storey brick retail building at 670 Burke Road, Camberwell, which sold for $3.21 million.</li>
</ul>
Properties for sale in the February 2016 update of Burke Road Cityscope:
<ul>
<li>An 89sqm office suite with a car space at 685 Burke Road, Hawthorn East, available through Knight Frank; and</li>
<li>A 48sqm office suite with a car space at 685 Burke Road, Hawthorn East, available at an asking price of $235,000 through Hudson Bond Commercial.</li>
</ul>
Leasing opportunities listed in the February 2016 update of Burke Road Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>A four storey office building with basement parking for 115 vehicles at 3 Prospect Hill Road, Camberwell, which has 500 to 3,476 sqm for lease through Colliers International Melbourne East;</li>
<li>A four storey office building with basement parking for 300 vehicles at 4-14 Redfern Road, Hawthorn East, which has 731 to 1,817 sqm for lease through Gorman Commercial; and</li>
<li>A four storey office building with parking for 32 vehicles at 277 Camberwell Road, Camberwell, which has 269 to 1,707 sqm for lease through JLL Glen Waverley.</li>
</ul>
<a href="/images/2016/03/9/Pulse-BKSalesChart.gif" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Burke Road Camberwell sales jump in number and total value: CoreLogic RP Data

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Key amenity differentiators for office buildings like childcare and gyms are still rare, while lobby events bring a sense of engagement for workers in a building who are from different firms and who might not otherwise interact, reveals a new survey of customer service and offerings in commercial office buildings by global real estate services firm JLL.
JLL’s first Regional Customer Services and Experiences survey is a regional snapshot of 62 JLL-managed properties across eight countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Half of the properties surveyed were in Australia.  
The survey revealed that whilst some amenities, such as end-of-trip facilities, retail and concierge services are becoming widespread in commercial buildings, other differentiators such as childcare, shared meeting and conference rooms, gyms and lobby lounges were rare – with only 5-10% of buildings surveyed offering them.
“Customer service is increasingly a strong differentiator. In the current competitive market, it is increasingly difficult for a commercial office building to differentiate itself from its neighbour or a similar building down the street,” said Mike George, JLL’s head of the Premium Asset Group, Property Management.
“And the good news for building owners is that improving customer service doesn’t necessarily result in additional expense.
“Mostly it can be done for little or no additional cost to the normal day-to-day operations of the building.  Some measures, like end-of-trip facilities, require a capex commitment but other measures are about changing mindsets, attitudes and behaviours.  It does take an investment in time and effort, but done properly, can reap significant rewards, including attracting new tenants, retaining existing tenants and enhanced brand strength for the property and owner,” he added.
A JLL Paper titled, ‘Putting the customer first’ outlines the business case for offering superior customer service and engagement in commercial buildings.  
Amenity and Convenience
With office employees spending between 40 to 60 hours a week at work, there is increasing demand for more lifestyle conveniences within the workplace. Employers recognise that they can and should cater for these conveniences, like dry cleaning services and on-site physio, if they want to retain the best talent and create a productive workplace.
“End of trip facilities once served as a key differentiator amongst Premium and A-Grade buildings.  However in more mature markets, like Australia, tenants now expect them,” George said.
“The JLL Survey found 68% of buildings surveyed provided extensive bicycle storage, shower and locker and facilities.
“In contrast, only 5% of the buildings surveyed provided childcare and these were concentrated in Australia and India and in buildings and complexes that were over 300,000 square metres in size.” 
Lobby events
The JLL Survey found 68% of buildings surveyed held lobby events, with the majority stating these were quarterly events.
Explaining the importance of lobby events for building an engaged community in an office building, JLL’s Australian head of customer experience, Peter Merrett  says these create a catalyst for people who might not otherwise need to interact.  
“A single office tower can be occupied by dozens of companies, so creating this sense of community is a long-term project, comprising smaller steps to help build engagement.  These may include lobby events like a wine and cheese tasting at the end of the work day, a health and fitness challenge or even a lion dance for Chinese New Year,” he said. 
“Simple things like handing out Easter eggs or as a surprise, installing a popcorn machine in the lobby for the day can build engagement.” 
 
And what’s next?
 
Lifestyle clubs
“Lifestyle clubs are a relatively new service with the ability to attract like-minded people from different companies within a building and enhance a sense of community.  Food and wine clubs are the most popular, but other possibilities include fitness and cycling clubs.
“Clubs need not be expensive. They can usually be delivered via the property website and can be funded by club members,” said Merrett.
JLL’s customer service specialist practice area has gone from being a trial six years ago to becoming an essential part of the property management business.
“What we are delivering is a new level of hospitality and convenience services in office buildings, to assist people with things like organising sporting tickets and making restaurant bookings.  There is no cost involved for providing this personal concierge service on behalf of our guests – it is all part of the service to support business lifestyles,” said George.  
“For instance, at Liberty Place in Sydney, the concierge offers a raft of services to customers: limousine and car services, shoe shine, theatre and concert tickets, flight and holiday information, restaurant reservations and room service-style catering.”
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Popcorn lobby events: strong business case for increasing worker engagement in office buildings: JLL survey

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Luxury watchmaker OMEGA is the latest retailer to lease space at Pembroke Real Estate’s redeveloped mixed-use building at 20 Martin Place in Sydney.
The watchmaker’s commitment brings the property to 79% leased at the landmark building, with the two levels to be OMEGA’s flagship Australian store.
Set to open its doors in the second half of 2016, OMEGA will join top brands Tesla and ANZ at 20 Martin Place.
20 Martin Place recently earned the 6 Star Green Star Award from Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), which acknowledges environment-friendly building practices.
Located in the heart of the city’s CBD, 20 Martin Place offers 19,200 sqm of prime grade commercial office and retail space over 21 levels.
“We are delighted to welcome OMEGA and its luxury watch offering to 20 Martin Place as this means we are 100% let in terms of the building’s retail offer,” said Jack Clark, senior vice president and head of Asia Pacific, Pembroke Real Estate.
Pembroke was represented by Leif Olson of CBRE.
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Watchmaker Omega is newest tenant at Pembroke’s 20 Martin Place in Sydney

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The $228 million redevelopment and expansion of Stockland Wetherill Park is a measure of confidence in the economic strength of Western Sydney and is part of by Stockland’s $2 billion investment in New South Wales over the next five years.
Stockland’s Wetherill Park shopping centre was completed three months ahead of schedule, just in time for the Christmas and New Year high sales period.
“Our $228 million investment in Stockland Wetherill Park is a strong vote of confidence in the economic strength of Western Sydney,” said Stockland managing director and CEO Mark Steinert.
The second and final stage of the redevelopment saw the addition of 5,600 square metres of retail space with 20 new fashion and homewares retailers together with an 800-seat indoor-outdoor dining precinct, which features 14 new restaurants, cafes and food operators.
Post-expansion, the gross lettable area (GLA) has increased to 70,000 square metres.
Stockland Wetherill Park has more than 210 retailers, including JB Hi-Fi Home, Dick Smith, Industrie, Napolean Perdis and Lorna Jane. 
The centre has more than doubled its fresh food and casual dining offering with brands such as Nandos, Grill’d, San Churro, Thai Rock and Rashay’s Pizza Pasta and Grill. Stockland Wetherill Park is also home to the first Jamie’s Ministry of Food in NSW, a new Fit n Fast gym and upgraded 12 screen Hoyts cinema.
Joining them is a new Coles supermarket with adjoining Liquorland.
The shopping centre’s Facebook page had 15,334 Likes as on February 22.
The Stockland Wetherill Park redevelopment is expected to achieve an incremental internal rate of return (IRR) of more than 15 per cent in the 10 years post-completion and an incremental, stabilised funds from operations (FFO) yield of just over 7.25 per cent.
The redevelopment started in September 2013, creating more than 2,250 jobs.
The opening in December was well attended, with Hon. Chris Bowen MP, Member for McMahon, Shadow Treasurer, Dr Hugh McDermott MP, Member for Prospect and Mayor of Fairfield City, Frank Carbone among those present. 
The parking space was also increased by 30 percent to accommodate 2,700 cars.
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Early completion of Stockland Wetherill Park expansion vote of confidence in Western Sydney's economic strength

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The exposure of the big four banks to commercial property lending has further increased. 
Australia's four major banks contributed about 70 percent of the latest increased exposure to commercial property.
Analysis from CLSA, NAB has the highest percentage of gross loans to commercial property at 10.3 percent or about $60.2 billion.
Westpac is second at 8.2 percent, through less than a third of the 35 percent it had during the tumultuous early 1990s.
CBA sits at 7.2 percent and ANZ had the lowest exposure to commercial property.
Australia's banks saw their biggest quarterly increase in exposure to office towers during the December quarter, rising almost $3 billion to $74.56 billion, the largest quarterly change since the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority began the 2008 data series.
Australian banks increased their commercial property exposures by $5.46 billion in the December quarter to $244 billion.
Exposures in office accommodation make up 30 percent of all commercial property while retail property made up 23 percent.
There were increased exposures in every sector of commercial property except tourism assets, the Australian Financial Review noted.
Exposures in commercial residential and land developments rose by a collective $1.8 billion in the December quarter.
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Commercial Property 101: Big four banks ratchet up commercial property exposure

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The boss of the diversified property group Mirvac expects fewer Asia-based buyers, as the company delivered a 69 percent increase in profit to $472 million.
Its chief executive Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz said the residential property market had passed an "inflection point" and said the commercial property market was "nearing the end of the cap rate compression cycle." 
"We are keeping a keen eye on the property cycle," Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz said last week when Mirvac Group reported its interim results for the half year ended 31 December 2015.
But she noted NSW had a "stronger for longer construction cycle" being underpinned by broad new infrastructure projects.
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It has $877 million of residential pre-sales expected to settle in 2H16 after strong 1H16 residential gross margins of 25.3%, driven by outperformance of Sydney MPC projects and Melbourne apartments.
The group achieved record $2.6 billion of pre-sales, up from $2 billion at FY15 including securing 88% and 73% of expected FY16 and FY17 Development EBIT respectively, driven by record level of residential pre-sales.
Noting its resilience through brand equity — and a hgh level of repeat buyers with up to 25% of sales on some projects - the updated noted it had maintained its long-term average of less than 1% defaults.
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Most analysts, according to the Australian Financial Review, focused their questions during the results briefing on the security of Mirvac's apartment settlements especially to offshore buyers.
"We do expect some moderation of offshore demand but we expect to see continued investor and owner occupier demand from Asia but at a little lower rate than last year," Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz said.
Some 14 percent of Mirvac's lot settlements went to offshore buyers and each addition purchase over 20 per cent of a project has to be given special individual approval by group executive for residential development John Carfi, it emerged.
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Expecting fewer Asian buyers, Mirvac keeping a keen eye on the property cycle

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Nearly $870 million worth of reported industrial property transactions (&gt;$2m) were recorded by Savills in the 12 months to December 2015, down from $913 million in the previous year, and up on the five-year average $651 million.
The hunt continues by investors for prime assets encouraged by the returns that property offers in the current climate, however, well located land is also eagerly sought as developers return to the market.
The highlight of the year was a $1.073 billion purchase of the GIC portfolio by Singapore-based Ascendas. The portfolio included assets from Victoria, New South Wales and Brisbane. There were seven Brisbane properties included in the deal amounting to $317.2 million.
In another unconfirmed deal, Logos Property Group secured 246,000 square metre of land at Heathwood on the Logan Motorway with intention to develop a premium logistics estate.
Overall, industrial sales topped $1 billion in the 12 months to December 2015, however Savills only includes sales over $2 million in their charts and reporting. 
Nevertheless, it is interesting to note strength of the under $2 million purchases at around $161 million for the year which would be mainly small owner occupiers and land sales which says a lot for the confidence of small businesses and underpins future industrial growth.
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Savills reap $870 million in industrial property sales to December 2015

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Canberra’s commercial property sector is expected to attract an increasing level of offshore attention from investors in 2016.
<div>According to Knight Frank’s Associate Director, Institutional Sales, Canberra, Nic Purdue, there are numerous signs that point to a stronger market and more diversified attention on the capital city this year.</div>
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<div>“Recent positive economic signs in Canberra are expected to help underlying market fundamentals," he said.</div>
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<div>"This includes a far more stable vacancy rate, stable incentives and forecast rental growth – all signs that the Canberra commercial market has reached the lowest end of its cycle.” </div>
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<div>Nic said that investors from Asia are looking increasingly towards the Canberra market due to its secure, long-term government tenants. </div>
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<div>“The current wave of Asian capital is looking to diversify away from Australia’s core markets and into higher-yielding regions, such as Canberra.</div>
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<div>“With some volatility in global markets, Canberra is increasingly being considered as a safe haven within the context of the wider Australian market place.</div>
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<div>"Australia remains attractive for offshore investors who are drawn by the low Australian dollar, cost-effective borrowing and government stability and should the global volatility continue there will be a case for the RBA to keep rates on hold, adding to the attractiveness of Canberra as a market."</div>
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<div>“We are already receiving increased interest from Asian countries including Korea, Singapore and Malaysia.</div>
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<div>"In December 2015 Korea’s FG Asset Management purchased the Louisa Lawson Building for approx. $225 million and we anticipate that this significant transaction will lead to more interest from these groups in 2016.” </div>
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<div>Mr Purdue said that Canberra hasn’t yet seen the influx of Chinese investors in the commercial market, although the residential market has seen plenty of interest. </div>
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<div>“Canberra’s commercial sector hasn’t yet seen the levels of demand from Chinese investors that other capital cities have seen, but that could also change.” </div>
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<div>According to Nic, hotel buyers from Asia are seriously considering Canberra at the moment and actively seeking opportunities.</div>
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<div>“In addition to interest in the commercial office sector, we have recently received several enquiries for hotels in Canberra on behalf of Asian hotel groups," he said.</div>
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<div>"We expect this interest to continue.”</div>
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<div>A final factor that may have a positive impact on the flow of Asian investment into Canberra, according to Nic, is the potential upcoming announcement by Singapore Airlines that they may look at initiating direct flights between Canberra and Asia. </div>
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<div>“As reported in the media over the past week, if Singapore Airlines does create a direct flight route between Canberra and Asia, this will continue to build the case as an investment destination for Asian investors,” he concluded.</div>
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