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.

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"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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The Hong Kong billionaire Tony Fung intends to backdoor list his newly acquired Canberra Casino.
It will be done through the rare-earths explorer Discovery Resources, which is changing its name to Aquis Entertainment.
The Australian Financial Review reports a $2 million capital raising at 20¢ per share will take place, giving Tony Fung's company an 89% share in the listed entity.
Fung purchased the Canberra Casino in December last year for $6 million.
It has 39 gaming tables.
Fung is seeking a casino licence at the Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Hong Kong billionaire Tony Fung to list Canberra casino: reports

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The 129-131 Parramatta Road, Concord development site has been given a $4.2 million asking price having failed to sell at is scheduled 16 April auction.
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-nsw-concord-501497303" target="_blank">There is approval for 16 units</a> for the shop-top site set 500 from Strathfield Station.
JLL agents Blair Peterken and Dylan McEvoy have the listing. Some 90% of the apartments will be two bedrooms.
The site was consolidated in 2013 at a $1.6 million cost. 
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Parramatta Road, Concord residential development site offering

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How hot will it go?
Fire &amp; Rescue NSW have listed their former fire station, 259 Cabramatta Road, Cabramatta for sale at 2 May auction.
The district's first Fire Brigade was established at Cabramatta in January 1928 as Brigade Number 49 on Railway Parade.
The station was also known as Cabramatta-Canley Vale with the first permanent staff were appointed to the station in 1955. 
Cabramatta Fire Station was incorporated into the Sydney Fire Department in 1959. 
A new station was established in 1969 on West Cabramatta Road.
In 2000, Cabramatta Fire Station was located at 259 Cabramatta Road in West Cabramatta.
There's nothing flash about the firestation, so will be <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-nsw-cabramatta-501513403" target="_blank">a knock down </a><a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-nsw-cabramatta-501513403" target="_blank">development</a><a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-nsw-cabramatta-501513403" target="_blank"> site </a>opportunity when sold by Colliers agent Harry Bui.
The 613 square metre site is located on the northern (eastbound) side of Cabramatta Road at the junction of Hill Street approximately 500 metres from Cabramatta Train Station and adjacent to the Public Council Car Park at the rear.
It is zoned B4 Mixed Use allowing retail, commercial and residential. There is a floor Space Ratio (FSR) 1.5:1 with maximum height limit of 10 metres.
His locals sales have included the BKK Shopping Centre for $20 million and the Cabramatta City Centre for $18.1 million.
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Former Cabramatta fire station to test development market heat

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The first thing you need to do is come up with some creative ways to address this and still maintain your sanity, at the same time.
But no matter what your approach may be, there are several things you always need to do.
1. Secure (or compile) a Target List of Potential Tenants
<ul>
<li>This may be by geography (ie: businesses located in the surrounding area); or</li>
<li>It may be by business category (ie: types of businesses you feel your property would ideally suit).</li>
</ul>
The geographical approach is best suited to industrial property.
In which case, you simply get in your car and drive around the nearby streets — noting down the firms who occupy premises of roughly the same size as yours.
But what about the list by business category?
No matter how old-fashioned as this may sound, you will find it best to start with a hard copy of Yellow Pages.
Using your category list, you look up those specific business types located in and around where your property is located.
Exactly how many categories (and how far you spread from your property) is up to you. However, I would probably be suggesting eight to 10 business categories; and maybe as far away as 5 kilometres.
In any event, you should be looking to come up with a list of around 300 firms to call. That way (and based upon my 2% success rate), you should then end up with between five or six potential starters.
2. WHO is the Key Person you should speak to?
Interestingly, it's not always the CEO. Sometimes it will be the office manager; other times, maybe the financial controller.
You may need to have someone else call up beforehand, to establish exactly who the decision-maker is so that you can ask to be put through to that person, when you call.
Now you've compiled your list of target firms to contact and identified the key people involved, you may find it helpful to actually role-play a couple of very successful tele-scripts.
Bottom line: Hopefully, this has gives you a few fresh insights into just how easy it is for you to make your cold calls and be successful — whenever you have a vacancy, even in a tough market.
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chrislang-EQKojcgJPV

What can you do when your tenant leaves? Chris Lang

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To be more specific, <a href="/new-apartments/mulgrave-vic-3170">Mulgrave</a> in Melbourne's South East is experiencing somewhat of a commercial office space surge with a handful of projects currently under construction. With well established credentials as home to in excess of 300,000sqm of office space, Mulgrave and to a lesser extent adjoining <a href="/new-apartments/mount-waverley-vic-3149">Mount Waverley</a> continue to expand at pace.

Largest of the current crop is <a href="/builders/australand">Australand</a> and Commercial &amp; Industrial Property's 211 Wellington Road in Mulgrave which is well into construction of its first phase. A five star NABERS rated, seven-level office building valued at $62.6 million is under development alongside a multi-level 650 bay car park.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image45.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The first phase of 211 Wellington Road. Renders courtesy Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="401" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image45.jpg?itok=1B2jJ6kC" title="The first phase of 211 Wellington Road. Renders courtesy Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The first phase of 211 Wellington Road. Renders courtesy Colliers</figcaption></figure>With a lettable area of 12,718sqm, the under construction office building covers a fraction of the 10,930sqm development site which is expected to see additional commercial buildings delivered in due course. Monash University have elected to take 7,825sqm within the initial office building that has an expected completion date of early 2016.

In addition, last week's <a href="http://www.afr.com/real-estate/australand-wins-new-suburban-office-tenants-20150416-1mmisk">AFR reported</a> that Mazda Australia will commit to its new Australian headquarters at the facility. Covering 6710sqm, the development is also seen above and represents the next phase of 211 Wellington Road which may yield in excess of 40,000sqm of lettable space upon completion.

Nearby and construction has begun on 545 Blackburn Road, the follow-up to Fortune Building's initial 549 Blackburn Road office project which is now headquarters to business solutions company, Pentana Solutions.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/main_1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Under construction. Image courtesy 545blackburn.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="339" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/main_1_0.jpg?itok=HlMiaN-E" title="Under construction. Image courtesy 545blackburn.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Under construction. Image courtesy 545blackburn.com.au</figcaption></figure>The new accommodation, seen above, will hold 7,400sqm of commercial office space above a basement catering for in excess of 330 vehicles. As has become the norm with many commercial developments citywide, end of trip facilities have been designed into the building, as has been a ground level cafe and rooftop recreation area.

Rounding out the trio of current builds is <a href="/developers/salta-properties">Salta Properties</a> ever expanding Nexus Corporate development. The recently completed nine level car park/office structure has been replaced by another build, namely a new corporate office complex at the north east corner of the development site.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image48_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nexus' most recent and upcoming. Render courtesy Colliers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="195" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_1.jpg?itok=ggRtzQot" title="Nexus' most recent and upcoming. Render courtesy Colliers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nexus' most recent and upcoming. Render courtesy Colliers</figcaption></figure>The 4.5-star NABERS rated building under construction will not be the last for Nexus Corporate either with Salta holding the adjoining 2-22 McDonalds Lane. With a site are aof approximately 15,000sqm, the development plan shows the potential for 14 separate buildings within the precinct, as opposed to the six currently completed.

The redevelopment of the remaining plots is a long term prospect, given the existing buildings are leased.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image46_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Development plan. Image courtesy nexuscorporate.com.au/"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image46_1.jpg?itok=v2FwrWnU" title="Development plan. Image courtesy nexuscorporate.com.au/" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Development plan. Image courtesy nexuscorporate.com.au/</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Commercial development on the rise in the south east

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A sports medicine centre on Bay Street in Brighton sold to an investor for $3.37 million today.
A packed room at Burgess Rawson's investment portfolio auction at Crown Casino watched a handful of bidders take <a href="https://www.burgessrawson.com.au/3P0991#.VS3i0YWM54s" target="_blank">441 Bay Street, Brighton</a>'s price from $2.8 million to $3.37 million.
"Don't think of the yields, think of the position," auctioneer David Scholes urged a handful of potential buyers as bidding slowed to $5,000 increments.
The 1,030 square metre site has been leased to Brighton Spinal Group for more than 16 years. Currently, it attracts $143,402 net income per annum, with annual fixed increases of 3%.
The building comprises a Victorian at the front with a two level contemporary extension at the rear. It includes 11 consulting rooms and a large gym.
Scholes noted the large site's potential for further development, subject to council approval. The medical centre, marketed by Jamie Perlinger and Ben Appell of Burgess Rawson, sold at a 4.26% yield.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Brighton medical centre sells for $3.37 million on 4.3% yield

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The Eureka Group has bought the Elizabeth Vale seniors living village in South Australia for $4,386,000.
It takes Eureka's holdings under company management to 1,343 units with 373 under company ownership.
The village, known as Elizabeth Vale 2, is currently 93% occupied and expected to generate earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $460,000 per annum, excluding Eureka's existing management fee of $140,000 per annum.
The acquisition includes 45 freehold units and a first mortgage loan book secured against 12 other units in this village.
This village is adjacent to Elizabeth Vale 1.
The Elizabeth Vale 2 addition increases Eureka’s units under ownership to 374 with a total of 1,343 units under company management. 
Last month it executed a conditional contract to acquire a large rental village in Lismore, New South Wales for $4 million, the seventh freehold village Eureka has acquired in the last 16 months. 
The Lismore village will be known as Eureka Cascade Gardens Lismore and currently houses 80 permanent tenants with some short-term accommodation. 
The group strategy has seen Eureka move from operator only, to an owner/operator/manager model.
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Eureka Groups buys Elizabeth Vale seniors living village

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A portfolio of seven petrol stations will be auctioned at the next Burgess Rawson Melbourne portfolio auction.
All the sites have 10 to 15 year leases to petrol retailers.
They are expected to sell from about $850,000 for the Katanning Woolworths Caltex in regional Western Australia, to $5.5 million for a BP in Seaford in Melbourne's south-east.
Burgess Rawson said yields for petrol station investments had fallen in the last 18 months to below 5% for the best metropolitan sites.
Burgess Rawson and Newtons Real Estate are conjunctional agents for the 15 April auction.
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Seven petrol stations set for Burgess Rawson April auction

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A site with development approval for an apartment complex at Homebush in Sydney’s inner west has been sold by Ray White Commercial South Sydney for $12.6 million.
The 2,216 square metre property at 172-176 Parramatta Road, Homebush was sold to a local developer by agent Peter Kotzias who said the former caryard site had development approval for 84 apartments.
<img src="/images/2015/04/01/homebush%20mar%2031%20one.jpg" alt="">
“This site was sold off-market to a developer ready to exchange and settle in a short period of time,” Kotzias said.
“The vendor had amalgamated the three caryard sites and obtained a DA for the apartments to put the property up for sale."
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Parramatta Road caryard sale at development approved site

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GUEST OBSERVATION 
The historic low interest rate climate that we are now experiencing is a unique moment in time as RBA interest rates haven’t swilled around at 2.25% since the 1950s. Our research team has noticed that this is already having ramifications across both commercial and residential sectors.
Add to this the low currency exchange and low inflation and we have a perfect storm which is generating unique and unprecedented pressure on the Australian property market, creating a benign micro-climate for owner-occupiers and investors.
The Australian dollar is now sitting just under 0.80 to the mighty greenback, which effectively translates as a 20% discount off property prices. This weak Australian dollar means that greater volumes of investors continue to underpin the market.
It has also encouraged the global community to turned their focus to Australia as we are now very attractive compared to other international destinations and are placed in the top four countries as preferred investor locations.
Investors are returning with a vengeance, as these low interest rates will reinvigorate both the commercial and residential market.
There is a lot of pent up demand, it’s just that the expectation that the exchange rate is going to keep falling and interest rates may go lower. All it takes is a slight change in sentiment and buyers will be moving in – in even greater numbers to take advantage of relatively cheaper prices and better investment returns.
Damon Krongold, director of Beller Project Marketing, noted that that the RBA interest rates are even lower than immediately post GFC.
He believes the combined effect of low interest rates and low inflation have made a great environment for off the plan purchasers to benefit. Whether they be owner occupiers or investors. For owner occupiers, with the RBA interest rate of 2.25% which contributes to an incredibly low borrowing rate of 4.75% and inflation at an incredibly low 1.7%, makes the case stronger than ever for first home buyers to redeploy their rent into a mortgage.
These unique conditions are ripe for savvy owner occupiers and investors to be ahead of the curve.
We are now firmly part of the global economy and just need to jump into the market as money in the bank is just not working any more, the interest climate is so low. Australian property is a very attractive proposition as we can still achieve good yields.
The numbers also add up for commercial property investment.
Buying a property in your local shopping neighbourhood can provide both financial and emotional security. As consumers we need to feel comfortable with the business paying our rent and financially the numbers today are cash flow positive for the first time in many years.
Interest rates for commercial property and residential property are almost identical, with the variance only 0.35%pa So, when doing the numbers, don’t forget that commercial property is more affordable than you think.
The big push will come from private superfunds and individuals with cash in the bank and who are frustrated with their investment returns. Commercial property investment will then be seen as a logical choice.
Andrew Fawell is director of <a href="https://www.bellergroup.com.au/" target="_blank">Beller Property Group</a>.
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