Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<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/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Commercial

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South Australian breakfast radio presenter Jason ‘Snowy’ Carter and his wife Kate have listed the Adelaide Hills tourist attraction, the Hahndorf Farm Barn.
The Hahndorf Farm Barn allows visitors to hold, touch and feed animals in a working farmyard.
<a href="https://www.toop.com.au/details.asp?id=17738" target="_blank">The 2282 Mount Barker Road offering</a> has been listed through Arabella Hooper of Toop &amp; Toop Real Estate who said the couple had grown the business by over 140% since acquiring the property four years ago.
The farm business began in 1999.
The nine hectare holding comes with a five bedroom house.
They have bought a 40-acre Hills block. Offers are due by 14 October.
{qtube vid:=tGcF3HWQjZQ}
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Adelaide Hills' Hahndorf Farm Barn tourist attraction up for sale

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Cohen Handler, the Sydney buyer’s advocacy group, has seen a significant increase in demand from buyers enquiring about commercial property.
“In the last year, we have seen a 20% increase in enquiries about commercial property from our existing residential clients looking to expand their property portfolios,” said Ben Handler, the Cohen Handler chief.
"While some buyers are looking to diversify their self-managed super funds, others are interested in purchasing commercial real estate to service their business needs and diversify their portfolios. As such, Cohen Handler identified an opportunity to better service commercial buyers."
Founded in 2009, Cohen Handler has appointed Michael Salvartsis as head of its newly created commercial division. 
With over 27 years’ experience in the business and property sectors; Salvartsis has managed property risk and valuation teams at HSBC Bank for the last 12 years. 
Salvartsis has also held management roles at Chesterton International and First State Property Group. 
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Surge in commercial property enquiries: Cohen Handler 

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Although we often hear about the involvement of foreign investors in our residential markets, they also play a substantial role in our commercial property sector.
Here are five commercial property investments from offshore buyers that have made a big impact on our local markets.
<ol>
<li>
Leighton Headquarters, 177-199 Pacific Highway, North Sydney Price: $413.19 million Buyer: Suntec REIT The Singapore based Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) purchased the 30 storey, 40,000 square metre Leighton Headquarters tower late last year. However, Leighton Properties retains the lease on 76% of the office space. Suntec REIT was listed on the Singaporean stock exchange in 2004. 
</li>
<li>
ATO Tower, 747 Collins Street, Melbourne Price: $279 million Buyer: CIMB TrustCapital Advisors Singapore CIMB TrustCapital Advisors Singapore spent $279 million on the ATO Tower in Lang Walker's Collins Square Project in Docklands. The ATO Tower is the central feature of the Collins Square precinct, valued at $1.5 billion. CIMB TrustCapital Advisors Singapore is a joint venture between CIMB, a Malaysian investment bank, and Trustcapital Advisors Singapore. The venture's initial fund, Australian Office Fund No. 1 (AOF1), centres around commercial office investments in Sydney and Melbourne, with Canberra and Brisbane as secondary markets. 
</li>
<li>
179 Turbot Street, Brisbane Price: $172 million Buyer: Kumpulan Wang Persaraan Kumpulan Wang Persaraan, Malaysia's second largest pension fund, purchased the Brisbane office tower at 179 Turbot Street late last year. The fund is also an investor in the CIMB TrustCapital Advisors Singapore managed AOF1, the vehicle used to purchase Melbourne's ATO Tower. 
</li>
<li>
Ausgrid building, 570 George Street, Sydney Price: $151.8 million Buyer: Far East Organisation The Ng family's Far East Organisation, Singapore's largest private property developer, bought the Ausgrid building earlier this year. The developer has spent more than <a href="/news/the-ngs-singapores-richest-family-spend-425-million-on-sydney-trophy-property">$700 million on Australian property</a>. Last year, <a href="/news/singaporean-billionaire-philip-ng-buys-yamba-scotland-islands-finest-heritage-home">Philip Ng purchased Yamba</a> in Pittwater for $7 million. The Ngs are Singapore's richest family.  
</li>
<li>
277 Elizabeth Street, Sydney Price: $143 million Buyer: Far East Organisation After purchasing the 277 Elizabeth Street office complex, Far East Organisation is reportedly planning a luxury apartment redevelopment on the site. Other Australian acquisitions include Bob Ell's Clocktower Square in Sydney's Rocks district, and two Park Street buildings for $127 million. The Ng brothers, who inherited the development company from their father, are valued at $10 billion, according to Forbes.</li>
</ol>
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Five of the biggest commercial property transactions to offshore buyers

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AMP Capital has bought the National Australia Bank building in Docklands for $433.5 million.
The Cbus built property, designed by Woods Bagot, at 700 Bourke Street was completed last year.
It is 99% leased to NAB, with an average lease expiry of 13 years. 
There are 4% fixed rental increases which will boost the long-term income yield to 7%.
But the initial yield is 5.75% for the new 63,000-square-metre building.
Colliers International agents John Marasco, Nick Rathgeber, and Leigh Melbourne and Savills agent Ian Hetherington handled the sale.
{qtube vid:=cwF1_nYjzo8}
Photos courtesy of <a href="https://www.woodsbagot.com/project/national-australia-bank-docklands" target="_blank">Woods Bagot</a>.
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AMP Capital buy the Woods Bagot-designed NAB Docklands office

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A Chinese investor has purchased the three-storey Junction Club in Moonee Ponds for $10.7 million.
CBRE's Justin Clarkson and Scott Callow sold the club at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-vic-moonee+ponds-501058655" target="_blank">740 Mount Alexander Road</a> on behalf of the private syndicate, United Investment Management.
It sold at $8.4 million in 2011.
The property is largely leased to Harness Racing Victoria until 2022. There is a total passing income of $802,500 per annum.
The long established gaming venue with 80 EGM's, public bar with Pub TAB and bar/bistro.
It had the potential for a high rise residential development on the 1,943 square metre holding at the intersection connecting Mount Alexander Road, Ascot Vale Road, Pascoe Vale Road, Dean Street and Puckle Street. 
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Chinese investor buys Moonee Ponds Junction Club

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Savills have advised clients on what they see as the four advantages of utilising SMSF for direct commercial property investment, in preference to other asset classes.
<ol>
<li>Commercial property is one of the few assets that can be bought by an SMSF from its members. Your SMSF can potentially buy your own business premises and then you can pay rent to your SMSF. A residential property, on the other hand, cannot be lived in by a fund member or any fund members’ related parties, nor can it be rented by a fund member of any fund members’ related parties.  </li>
<li>
The MoneySmart website details the strict rules against using borrowed funds to make improvements to residential property that forms an asset in your SMSF portfolio, so don’t even think about buying a renovators’ delight. This can severely limit potential capital gains as you cannot renovate it to increase its value. In contrast, an investment such as a bulk storage unit or warehouse has very low capital expenditure requirements. 
</li>
<li>Commercial leases are typically for a longer period than residential leases – usually around five years with a further option for another five years with incremental rental increases built into the lease. If you choose the right property and tenants with stable businesses which are unlikely to be adversely affected by an economic downturn you won’t have to deal with a regular turnover of tenants and can rely on a steady rental return.  </li>
<li>Many industrial properties are purely functional in design and construction, so there is less concern about tenants maintaining them or investors having to pay for costly renovations, which is often the case with residential property investments. That said, it’s important to ensure any essential, expensive upgrades, such as those required to meet new fire safety or health and safety standards, have already been carried out before investing in a commercial premise.</li>
</ol>
Visit the <a href="https://www.asic.gov.au/" target="_blank" title="Australian Securities and Investments Commission ASIC">Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)</a> website to familiarise yourself thoroughly with all the rules and regulations surrounding SMSFs and property investment.
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Four reasons why commercial and industrial property suits SMSFs: Savills

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Martindale, a Kings Cross terrace with 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms has been sold for $2 million pre-auction by McGrath Estate Agents.
The property with a distinctive dark crimson facade at 52 Kellett Street features an insightful floor plan indicating (pictured below) the purposeful layout.
Click to open in new window:
<a href="/images/2014/07/22/potts-point-july-22-floor-plan.gif" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/22/potts-point-july-22-floor-plan.gif" alt=""></a>
It featured in the 1999 SMH report by the investigative duo Kate McClymont and Andrew Clennell entitled, "Our Brothel Barons".
At the time it reportedly traded as Classique, a brothel whose advertising once boasted of a speciality in lesbian double acts. It has more recently traded as Studio 52, Star 52, Antonio’s Angels and Secret Desire. The rates have been at around $120 for 30 minutes.
The building, which has been marketed as in Potts Point, was listed previously in 2011, 2012 and 2013 without success.
It last traded at $2.1 million in 2006 when bought by ETC Australias Group Pty Ltd. Its earlier sales were $1.5 million in 2004 and at $1.38 million in 1999.
The premises were for sale, not the business.
More than $1.8 million was being sought.
There is no registered lease, with no rental income advisory given in <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-potts-point-nsw-2011/228008/?searchID=41071082" target="_blank">the McGrath marketing</a>.
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Pre-auction $2 million deal for Kings Cross 'special' offering

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A majestic 1930s Brisbane art deco triplex has been listed for sale for the first time offered in almost 50 years.
The Carrington on Gregory Terrace at Spring Hill has views across parklands to the City skyline. 
It is a 567 square metre corner block with four garages off Bathgate Street.
<a href="https://www.raywhite.com/qld/spring-hill/1186893/" target="_blank">Offers close with Ray White</a> on 24 September.
The ground floor is approved as an office and is currently used as a specialist doctors practice but could easily convert back to residential. 
The expected gross returns if fully rented are given as $120,000 per annum by agent Dean Yesberg.
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Art deco Spring Hill, Brisbane triplex listed

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A commercial office building at 2-6 Bowes Street (pictured above) in Canberra's Phillip was recently launched after undergoing a significant refurbishment to improve its energy efficiency.
The building, owned by boutique property fund manager Quintessential Equity, is targeting a 5-star National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) energy rating. The company recently acquired two other commercial properties in Canberra, 14 Moore Street and the Optus Centre in Civic.
We spoke to Russell Bullen, head of Property at Quintessential Equity, about energy efficiency in the commercial property space.
How has the demand for "green" office spaces changed over the past ten years?
It's certainly evolved significantly in that time. I think the whole "green movement" gained a lot of momentum, and it was certainly assisted by the government's changes to legislation around disclosure.
If you sell or lease a building, you now have to disclose your NABERS  energy rating.
Up until the changes, it was really dependent on market forces. It was up to tenants to really demand energy efficient buildings, or really up to the landlords, off their own backs, to disclose. So once the legislation came in, it provided more accountability around energy efficiency - if you had a building with poor energy efficiency, but didn't have to disclose it, there wasn't much of an incentive to improve that.
I think that's probably been the biggest change in that time period.
What are some elements that make commercial office buildings "green"?
Probably one of the things that gets forgotten is management.
And one of the biggest improvements in energy efficiency, and reducing our carbon footprint, is good management. We have a national engineering manager whose main focus is just that. That is probably one of the biggest impacts that you can make to a building - making it operate efficiently.
Apart from that, you can introduce things that are very costly, in terms of plant and equipment. You can improve heating and chilling and make that more energy efficient, and also use computer building management systems to improve efficiency.
What are the benefits of energy efficient office buildings to investors and tenants?
From a tenant's perspective, the operating costs are less.
We've got a project in Parramatta, where we were awarded Best Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Project by the Energy Efficiency Council. We've seen the electricity costs in that building fall by more than a third from work that we did. We were able also to achieve a four and a half star NABERS energy rating there.
The reduction of cost is a real and tangible benefit, and you also of course have an environmental benefit.
But also buildings that have a higher NABERS rating have a greater level of comfort and reliability, which is better for landlords because it improves tenant retention. From a landlord or investor's perspective, if you can make a building run efficiently, reliably and comfortably, you're going to retain tenants for longer.
Outside of Canberra, are there places where energy efficient office spaces are in greater demand than others?
If you had to say one location where energy efficient buildings were more in demand, it probably is Canberra. In Canberra, over two thirds of tenant demand is from the government (either Commonwealth or ACT). They actually have requirements within their leases that buildings have to achieve certain levels of energy efficiency.
Outside the ACT, in general, CBDs where there are large corporations who also have efficiency targets also show strong demand.
What role do you predict "green" innovation and energy efficiency will play in the commercial property market in 10 years time?
It's a difficult question, because there was certainly a strong impetus for energy efficiency, but when the GFC [global financial crisis] happened, there was a focus on cutting costs. And that's the thing with achieving energy efficiency - there is an upfront capital cost.
But if you take a 30,000 foot view, it's inevitable that it will continue to grow and get more traction. Disclosure obligations aren't going to go away. Companies are more and more focussed on their costs, and that's only going to continue in terms of ongoing operations. Outgoings are a significant part of companies' operating costs - so energy efficiency is not going to go away.
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Q&A with Russell Bullen of Quintessential Equity

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A small construction company is aiming to tackle Tasmania’s high rates of obesity and cardiovascular disease by starting to change people’s attitudes to exercise and healthy eating in the workplace.
Ronald Young &amp; Co Builders in Hobart have been constructing homes in southern Tasmania for more than 40 years. Husband and wife duo Lisa and Paul Burnell purchased the business in 2011 and immediately recognised the importance of implementing a successful health and wellbeing program.
Lisa Burnell said research shows <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people/42402-one-in-five-workers-has-stayed-home-in-past-year-because-they-felt-mentally-unwell-study">healthy workers are nearly three times more productive than unhealthy workers</a>. In addition, they have fewer sick days and workers compensation claims.
“The benefits to our business have been that it’s been enhanced teamwork and workplace morale,” she said. “It demonstrates that we value a positive work environment.”
As part of the program, the company’s 10 permanent employees receive free health checks on site – such as blood pressure monitoring – and are encouraged to eat healthy and exercise.
“I’m a registered nurse so I have found it easy to incorporate this into our business,” Burnell said when describing the program. “I also develop an annual calendar of events and other initiatives – men’s health, prostate awareness, cardiovascular disease. There’s a lot of information out there.”
The business’s actions have not only improved their brand image but also their involvement in the local community.
“Tasmania has one of the highest rates of obesity,” she said. “Construction workers are blue collar workers and alcohol and smoking is high. So for me with my background it’s good to be able to try to initiate some health improvements.”
Burnell points out while a lot of SMEs don’t have the time or resources to implement a health and wellbeing program as extensive as theirs, if you are a business owner it is still worth putting health and safety high up on your list of priorities.
“The return on investment is high,” she said. “It’s not only our legislative obligations – and I think a lot of businesses are aware it’s good business.”
Burnell said if other small enterprises wanted to follow suit, then her top tips would be to include health and wellbeing in the business’s core values and to get staff involved.
“Do a needs assessment,” she said. “See what your health needs are in your workplace. Start off small and network with other businesses.”
This article first appeared on SmartCompany. 
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