A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

Sherpa Group has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at Flourish Soleira in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with Flourish Amargo, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Joel Robinson

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

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.

<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/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

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]

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

Commercial

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A 60% surge of the funds outlaid by foreign investors for Australian commercial property has been recorded, with $5.9 billion spent in the last financial year, according to Savills Australia.
In the 12 months prior the funds totalled $3.5 billion.
Savills’ national head of research Tony Crabb said that the current figures are “unprecedented” and there's more to come.
Asian investors totalled $3.9 billion, or 67%. Meanwhile, North Americans and Europeans made their presence felt, with 18% and 15% of the spend respectively.
“The last 12 months buying activity is off the charts as far as recent history is concerned. It is almost as if they have been dipping their toe in the water, they like the temperature and now they are just diving right in,’’ Crabb said.
Australia’s reputation for stability, both in terms of the political and economic climates, remain the typical drivers according to Crabb.
“What has happened in the last 12 months for foreign investors is that circumstances at home are not as attractive in terms of returns – official interest rates are well below Australia’s - political and economic conditions may not be as stable, and property investment markets may not be as mature as Australia’s including restrictions on domestic investment,” he explained.
“In order to maintain growth and dynamism, companies, developers and investors are increasingly turning overseas to find new opportunities”.
Currently, 84% of foreign purchases are occurring in office markets, with 14% buying retail and 2% industrial. Asian investors make up two thirds of the spend in office markets. In total, foreign investors accounted for nearly 50% of CBD office market transactions in the last 12 months.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

“Unprecedented” 60% surge in foreign investment in Australian commercial property

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CFS Retail Property Group has booked a $400 million net profit for fiscal 2014, up 35% on the prior year.
The retail property trust has $14.2 billion of assets under management, including $8.9 billion held on balance sheet.
It is cautious on retail sales in the short-term given the 2015 federal budget impact but expect specialty store sales to steadily improve, chief executive Angus McNaughton forecasted, as Emporium Melbourne comes on line.
It officially opened its $1.2 billion Emporium Melbourne<a href="/expert-insights/investing/the-emporium-melbourne-officially-opens-its-doors"> in Baz Luhrmann-produced extravaganza</a>.
The Emporium comprises 45,000 square metres of retail space.
It is forecast to deliver 5% yield on cost.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Emporium Melbourne forecast to deliver 5% yield on cost for CFS Retail

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The maximum rental available for permanent CBD car spaces have been said to have stalled across Australia, notably in line with a marginal change in office vacancies. However, the situation is expected to worsen in Brisbane and Perth, according to Savills Australia.
The Savills’ Quarter Times reports data has looked at rent achievable on car parks across the country.
{plotalot id="21"}
In Melbourne, car space rentals saw some upwards movement from a maximum of $600 per space per calendar month to the end of June 2013, to $700 this year – a 17% increase.
Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney remained static at $375, $600 and $800 respectively. Perth also saw no change, at $765, despite reporting one of the strongest increases in office vacancies across the mainland – of 2.7%.
The end of the mining boom may negatively impact car park rentals in Brisbane and Perth, explained Savills national head of research Tony Crabb.
Brisbane’s state government staff cuts may also exacerbate any downturn, along with a trend of businesses moving to the city’s fringe, said Crabb.
He also noted that the city’s office vacancy rate currently tops those of the mainland capitals, at 14.7%.
Perth’s rents have also been stable over the past 18 months, but Crabb expects this to alter soon.
“However, as with the other key non-mining state, Brisbane, we do expect some negativity over the next 12 months given the dramatic rise in office vacancy,” he said.
While in Melbourne, the strength has come about due to government changes.
“The Melbourne market, for example, has been largely influenced by a 2006 state government congestion levy on both public and private car parking spaces within Melbourne CBD as well as a virtual cap placed on the number of car spaces approved in new buildings in and around the CBD,” he explained.
Sydney’s lack of growth was noted to be as due to the GFC, however an upward trend is expected by Crabb over the next 12 months.
Adelaide is expected to remain stable for the next 12 months. Rents may, however, be altered by a proposed new $750 per space levy bill currently before parliament.
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Future looks bleak for Brisbane and Perth car park rentals: Savills

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The Brisbane-based residential developer Devine has announced a pre-tax profit of $5.6 million for the six months to 30 June, well up on the $6.9 million loss for the previous corresponding period.
Managing director David Keir said a turnaround had been achieved and that prospects were good.
“The company expects to deliver a full year result of $10 million to $11 million profit before tax,” Keir said.
“Residential market conditions are continuing to improve in the company’s key operational regions of South East Queensland and Victoria.”
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The period was characterised by good trading performances across the company’s land development operations and an improved operational result from the homes business, the company notice advised.
Although they noted the South Australian residential market was "continuing to face challenges in a post-stimulus environment".
Its development operations and the constructions business reported:
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Land settlements of 392 allotments, with 85% of the full year settlement forecast either settled or subject to contract 
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314 housing construction commencements, with 80% of the full year target already commenced or subject to contract 
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Apartment sales of 97 apartments; including the pre-public release success of Mode at Newstead and the closing out of Hamilton Harbour with only one apartment of the 660 developed to be sold. Hamilton Harbour: only one apartment unsold DoubleOne 3: now nearing 90% sold Mode at Newstead: 70% sold or reserved prior to public release
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Sale of the company’s 50% interest in the Parramatta apartment opportunity capitalising on the value uplift since acquisition 
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Practical completion of the Devine / Investec DoubleOne3 apartment development to enable settlements to occur from July 2014 
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Growth of the Devine Constructions work-in-hand to $179 million with the award of the Westmark Milton contract for Walker Corporation (277 apartments) 
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Cashflow surplus of $41.8 million for the six months, a strong improvement on the prior corresponding period. 
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Its majority shareholder Leighton Holdings has recently announced that it was seeking to sell its half shareholding in the company.
The ASX announcement advised during the period to June 2014 the company undertook and achieved the following outcomes:
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Asset sales delivering more than $70 million to Devine were achieved as part of the capital recycling program with all assets sold at or above book value; 
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A detailed review of the Company’s business strategy and subsequent implementation of key outcomes; 
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Interest bearing debt reduction of $60 million resulting in a gearing level of 16% at June 30; 
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Accelerated trading levels across many of the Company’s projects; 
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No interim dividend has been declared. 
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South East Queensland conditions improving, but South Australia soft: Devine

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Charis Palmer  is deputy business editor at The Conversation
Emil Jeyaratnam is multimedia editor at The Conversation.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/30272/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="line-height: 1.3em;">
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>.
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How exposed are Australian banks? The infographic that explains Australian banks' exposure to commercial property

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Applications and redemptions on some van Eyk Blueprint funds have been temporarily suspended "to protect investors’ interests".
The temporary suspension for the van Eyk Blueprint International Share Fund (VBI) has been imposed as a result of the market illiquidity of one of the underlying managers that VBI holds.
Van Eyk suspended applications and withdrawals from its $100 million Blueprint International Shares Fund last week, blaming so-called unauthorised investments by Artefact Partners, one of the fund's underlying asset managers since July 2012. 
"Contrary to our expectations, the underlying manager, Artefact Partners, elected to invest in a portfolio that was not in line with VBI’s strategy and objectives," the contested van Eyk statement said.
"The investment in Artefact Partners, constituting approximately 32% of the assets of VBI, is not “liquid” (“VBI Illiquid Investment”). Accordingly, VBI has ceased to be a liquid scheme as defined by the Corporations Act.
"As a result, van Eyk and Macquarie Investment Management Limited, the Responsible Entity of VBI, have determined that it is in the best interest of investors to temporarily suspend pricing, applications and redemptions."
Three additional funds in the Blueprint Series, with an exposure to VBI, have also been affected by the temporary suspension. The funds are the van Eyk Blueprint Capital Stable Fund (VBC), van Eyk Blueprint Balanced Fund (VBB) and the van Eyk Blueprint High Growth Fund (VBG). 
But Artefact have disputed the claim.
The head of the investment team is Richard Boon, formerly a managing director at Merrill Lynch Investment Managers and executive director of Morgan Stanley Asset Management.
Richard Boon founded Artefact Partners in 2005.
The Australian Financial Review Chanticleer columnist Tony Boyd wrote the temporary suspension of applications and redemptions on four van Eyk Blueprint funds is a "black mark" against both van Eyk, which picked the fund manager, and Macquarie Investment Management, which is the responsible entity of the funds.
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Van Eyk has no excuse for allowing one of its fund managers to make investments that triggered the illiquid rules under the Corporations Act.
The temporary suspension was an automatic response by Macquarie once it was advised Artefact, which had 32% of the assets in the van Eyk Blueprint International Shares Fund, had made an investment that was not liquid.
The investment was an unlisted property trust.
But Business Day reported Boon saying "investments have always been within the guidelines of its prospectus".
Boon said comments regarding Artefact are misleading.
The VBI fund returned -1.77% over the month of March, underperforming the neutral benchmark, in the last public announcement.
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It said the fund’s allocation to the BlackRock European Diversified Equity Absolute Return Fund was the key detractor from performance during the month.
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The fund aims to provide capital growth over the long term and have an investment horizon of five to seven years. It was marketed as not suitable for short term investment. 
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Unlisted property trust investment prompts van Eyk Blueprint funds redemptions suspension

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Prices for corporate car spaces outside of Melbourne CBDs have doubled as supply dwindles, according to Savills.
The Quarter Times Melbourne Office report from Savills Australia recorded that car spaces in the suburbs, notably within the inner east and south-east and CBD fringe, have seen their rent increased by up to 145%.
In some instances, this looks like a $90 per calendar month car space rent in mid-2009 jumping to between $170 to $220.
Meanwhile, the cost of parking in the CBD is up 27%, from $550 as the top monthly rate in mid-2009, to $700 in 2014.
St Kila Road parking remains at the same rate - $240 to $300 per calendar month.
The huge rises in some areas is noted as reflecting the increasing sale and commercial development of smaller infill sites and allotments that had previously been used as cheap car parks, explained Savills Australia Victorian head of research Glenn Lampard.
“Melbourne has some of the fastest growing metropolitan regions in the nation but governments have been slow or unable to provide the necessary public transport infrastructure. That means our roads become clogged with cars looking for a parking space,” Lampard said.
“Consumers that frequent our vibrant inner city retail strips would only be too familiar with this issue over recent years, with a plethora of parking meters going beyond the retail strip, stretching into surrounding streets,” he said.
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Leases jump by up to 145% for car spaces outside Melbourne CBD: Savills

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Investors secured seven NSW offerings of 7-Eleven service stations at auction yesterday, but the average 4.6% yield was tighter than the 6.8% two years ago.
Generating $33.08 million in sales, the top price was $6.01 million for a Lane Cove Road, Macquarie Park, North Ryde property (pictured above), which sold on a net yield of 4.96%.
 The other service stations sold on net yields of between 3.85% in Dee Why and 5.04% in nearby Mona Vale - all with 15-year leases to 7-Eleven.
The 15-year lease terms that commenced between 2010 and 2012, come with three five-year options; guaranteed fixed 4% annual rent increases, with the tenant responsible for all outgoing costs except land tax.
JLL’s John Macree, Leslie Cheng and Dylan McEvoy marketed the properties on behalf of the Withers Barlow Property Trust.
More 7-Eleven service stations, two in South East Queensland and six in Melbourne, will be auctioned this week.
Russell Withers, worth an estimated $665 million according to the recent BRW Rich list, jointly owns the rights to 7-Eleven in Australia with his sister, Beverley Barlow.
Jones Lang LaSalle has been selling the stores in tranches on behalf of 7-Eleven since early 2011.
The stores were purchased as part of 7-Elevens acquisition of 250 retail sites from Mobil Retail in 2010.
In 2011 seven properties in Thomastown, Clifton Hill and Noble Park in Victoria, Blacktown East, West Gosford and Long Jetty in NSW and Robina in Queensland were successfully auctioned by Jones Lang LaSalle with net yields ranging between 7.28% and 7.95%.
The purchasers have been attracted by land rich investment properties in prime locations with secure long-term leases and fixed rental increases.
7-Eleven Stores is the biggest convenience retailer in Australia, operating about 600 stores.
Many of the buyers were self-managed super fund retirees looking for passive cash flow investments, seeing the opportunity as ticking the box for a premium tenant on long-term lease, high underlying land value, rental growth guarantee, and high-profile exposure locations.
The New South Wales 7-Eleven convenience store and service station investments sold:
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<li>Ashfield, 132 Hume Highway – 1,524 square metres, sold for $4.9 million with a yield of 4.21%</li>
<li>Camperdown, 198 Parramatta Road – 1,107 square metres, sold for $3.65 million with a yield of 4.72%</li>
<li>Dee Why, 940 Pittwater Road – 1,867 square metres, sold for $5.05 million with a yield of 3.85%</li>
<li>Mona Vale, 38 Barrenjoey Road – 1,573 square metres, sold for $4.325 million with a yield of 5.04%</li>
<li>Macquarie Park / North Ryde, 404 Lane Cove Road – 1,716 square metres, sold for $6.01 million with a yield of 4.96%</li>
<li>Sans Souci, 476 Rocky Point Road – 1,538 square metres, sold for $4.55 million with a yield of 4.96%</li>
<li>St Ives, 157 Mona Vale Road – 2,257 square metres, sold for $4.6 million with a yield of 4.94%.</li>
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Yields tighten in latest 7-Eleven Sydney service station offering 

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James Packer’s Crown Resorts Limited will partner up with Chinese property developer, Greenland Holdings Group to jointly bid for the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Project.
Crown will combine its experience in operating large scale luxury integrated resorts with Greenland’s vast property development experience to form a consortium.
They were two of the then four separate short listed contenders announced in late May for the Queensland government’s Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Project. 
In October last year the Queensland government decided a gaming licence would be available for the under-utilised nine hectare government-owned site adjacent to the north bank of the Brisbane River.
The three remaining shortlisted consortia will be required to lodge fully-developed proposals with the government in late 2014.
Crown’s chief executive officer, Rowen Craigie said he hoped they can deliver for Brisbane an iconic tourist, entertainment and residential precinct that is recognised globally and embraced by the local community.
Greenland’s managing director in Australia, Sherwood Luo, said they were excited about the possibility in working with Crown.
Greenland Holdings Group is a Shanghai-based Chinese-state owned enterprise. 
It is a Fortune 500 corporation, ranking 268 in the 2014 rankings. Greenland has businesses in real estate, energy, finance, construction and automobiles and generated revenue of almost US$54 billion in 2013.
Greenland is already undertaking major residential and hotel developments in Sydney and Melbourne as well as a major integrated resort development in South Korea and numerous large scale residential, hotel and commercial developments in China, London, New York, Los Angeles and Malaysia. 
Greenland is the major shareholder of the listed Hong Kong property development company, Greenland Hong Kong Holdings Limited. 
The four consortia initially shortlisted to develop a six-star multi-billion dollar integrated resort development were.
<ul>
<li>Crown Resorts Ltd</li>
<li>Echo Entertainment Group Ltd</li>
<li>Far East Consortium/ Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd</li>
<li>Greenland Investment Pty Ltd.</li>
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A formal announcement regarding the successful developer and their development scheme is not expected until early 2015.
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James Packer teams up with Chinese property developer for joint Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Project bid

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The Chinese developer JQZ has reportedly paid $50 million plus for ­Woollahra Council's former depot in Waterloo.
<a href="https://jqz.com.au" target="_blank">JQZ</a>, which also emerged last year as the $47 million development site buyer at nearby 904 Bourke Street, was previously known as the Tong Group which was founded in 2005.
The 1.4 hectare holding at 52-54 O’Dea Avenue is located within walking distance of Green Square railway station.
<img src="/images/2014/08/05/1.jpg" alt="">
The site is zoned for mixed-use of up to about 18 storeys with one tower, plus four x eight storey buildings.
JQZ has more than 1,000 apartments under way across Sydney having developed ­apartments in Burwood, Parra­matta, Homebush, Harris Park and Rockdale.
The Bay at Meadowbank is another project.
It has also recently marketed 250 apartments in its Parramatta Road, Homebush project, Grand Central, Homebush, which is a development site with 430 apartments scheduled for completion by 2016. Grand Central development will comprise two buildings, a 7-storey and 13-storey.
JQZ paid $30 million for the 10,000 square metre site at 6-18 Parramatta Road, which is its 10th Sydney project.
JLL had the council offering, the Australian Financial Review report said.
The local paper has advised that council received the first of four payments, a $5.6 million deposit, from Chinese developer JQZ as part of a deferred two-year sale.
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