<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

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The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

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The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

COVID-19

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Life during the pandemic has led many of us to gain a better appreciation for the small businesses, services and existing public facilities within our local communities. In many ways, this time has encouraged us to look at what typifies a liveable neighbourhood and which aspects of it we value the most.

Recently I caught up with Dean Landy, partner at <a href="/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke-0">ClarkeHopkinsClarke</a> and author of the book Creating Vibrant Communities, to get an idea of how urban neighbourhoods could be designed for a life post-COVID-19.

Given the significant job losses as a result of the pandemic, we discussed some of the employment hub projects which could reinvigorate job prospects and ways in which master-planned communities can promote a better work-life balance. Dean also suggests how we might not need to overcomplicate the design of our neighbourhoods, but look back to pre-war architecture to find examples of perfectly integrated 'mixed-use' precincts.

Watch the interview:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j6eaRdl7dgQ" width="660"></iframe>

Topics discussed: 

00:23 - What is an employment hub? What benefits does it provide a community?

01:30 - Which ClarkeHopkinsClarke projects are considered an 'employment hub' and which aspects of those developments are you most proud of?

03:44 - Is it true that the developer of St Germain is a local family who had a vision for how they wanted their community to progress, so they took the project into their own hands and developed it themselves?

05:34 - How do you find the best ratio between commercial space and residential dwellings within your developments?

07:20 - Given the significant job losses as a result of COVID-19, are you looking to fast-track any developments which could provide a substantial amount of job opportunities once complete?

08:39 - How do you see traditional workplaces evolving given the rise of people working remotely during the lockdown?

Watch next: <a href="/news/clarke-hopkins-clarkes-jordan-curran-explains-how-covid-19-could-influence-the-design-of-mixed-use-communities">Clarke Hopkins Clarke's Jordan Curran explains how COVID-19 could influence the design of mixed-use communities</a>
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Olivia Round

ClarkeHopkinsClarke's Dean Landy comments on the value of employment hubs within our neighbourhoods

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The Victorian government has announced a return to stage three lockdown in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire as a response to unprecedented levels of Covid-19 infections.
REIV President, Leah Calnan, said local real estate agencies are well prepared for a return to stage three restrictions. 
“Real estate in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will continue to service the community with online inspections returning along with online auctions.” Ms Calnan said. 
“Opens for inpections and auctions in regional Victoria will continue with the 20 person limits and social distancing measures.” 
“Victorian real estate has always been more than willing to do anything it can to help fight the Coranvirus pandemic, the essential transaction of property and shelter will go on in a safe and controlled manner.”
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Calnan added that clients, agents, and buyers will all be consulted to the best ways to reduce the risk of spread. 
“The restrictions can be challenging for people who are looking to move and our members are working hard to communicate with all stakeholders and ensure a smooth transition to online methods.”
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“REIV Members across Victoria stood up to the plate when stage three restrictions were enforced earlier this year. We are well-drilled and ready to take on the next six weeks of restrictions.” 
“Stage three restrictions are not ideal, but I am constantly amazed at the innovation and flexibility our industry is capable of when faced with challenges.” 
“Online auctions, inspections and document exchange have allowed the real estate business to continue in these challenging times. .” 
“The REIV continues to provide online training, guidance and support to the sector.” 
The new lockdown measures will be in place for at lest 6 weeks. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Melbourne real estate prepared for stage three restrictions: REIV's Leah Calnan

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Banks will provide more breathing space to those hit by COVID-19, with as many as 779,000 lenders to get a further four months repayment deferrals.
The paused accounts amount to $236 billion. 
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The 10-month total deferral of repayments for households and businesses unable to restructure their debt or restart paying was facilitated by the federal government and the banking regulator.
The Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has welcomed the extension. 
"If somebody's lost their job and they've got a residential mortgage or indeed if their business has been closed and they've got a commercial loan, then they would be cases where the customer would need to talk to their bank, and I understand it that the bank is going to be very supportive of their customers," he said.
He said the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority would continue to ease regulations on the banks, to encourage them to support customers.
The new measure follows the Reserve Bank of Australia commentary that while the economic hit from the pandemic was not as severe as initially feared, the domestic economy was experiencing the biggest contraction since the 1930s. 
“Since March, an unprecedented 800,000 people have lost their jobs, with many others retaining their job only because of government and other support programs,” the RBA statement said.
The initial repayment pause period was for up to six months as the pandemic took hold in March.
Some have restarted repayments already.
About 20 per cent of CBA customers on loan deferral arrangements have made repayments.
ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott said customers who had not yet asked for a six-month deferral could still do so.
The Australian Banking Association advised customers who could start repaying at the end of the initial six month would be required to. 
It noted the other options during the second phase of assistance included extending the loan term, converting to interest-only payments for a period, consolidating debt or opting for the additional four-month deferral.
RateCity.com.au research shows a mortgage holder who extends their deferral could end up paying $9,769 extra over the remainder of their loan, if they pause their home loan for 10-months and don’t make extra repayments to catch up. This assumes the person is five years into a 30-year loan with a balance of $400,000.
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800,000 deferred home loan recipients get extra 4 month relief

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A recent announcement made by Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed that Metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire are will re-enter stage 3 'stay at home' lockdown in an attempt to slow the increase of active COVID-19 cases and potential community transmission.  

There are currently <a href="https://covidlive.com.au/states-and-territories">8,755 COVID-19 cases in Australia</a>, approximately 32% of which are isolated to Victoria alone. 

The new lockdown will differ slightly to the previous lockdown, with the exception that workers will be allowed to go to work if required, students can attend classes, and essential supermarket shopping for provisions will be allowed. However, people cannot leave Metropolitan Melbourne for daily exercise – <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/jul/07/coronavirus-australia-live-news-army-adf-nsw-victoria-border-lockdown-covid-19-police">including activities such as hiking and fishing</a>. 

<blockquote>
"Regional Victoria has very, very few cases and vast parts of regional Victoria have no cases. This [lockdown] is designed to keep it that way. I hope very soon to be able to be before you again talking about further easing of restrictions in regional Victoria.

That’s not for today. I do hope that is quite soon. And we’ll only be able to achieve that if we continue to contain within metropolitan Melbourne and not see large outbreaks or additional cases in regional Victoria."
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Victorian Premier Dan Andrews

Andrews also commented that there could be a sense of complacency around the lockdown restrictions. 

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"I think a sense of complacency has crept into us as we let our frustrations get the better of us. I think that each of us know someone who has not been following the rules as well as they should have. I think each of us know that we’ve got no choice but to take these very, very difficult steps."
</blockquote>

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"We do have a chance to change that in the decisions we all make, in the way we conduct outfields and inway we reset and that is why the public health team have advised me to reimpose stage 3 stay at home restrictions, staying at home except for the four reasons to leave, effective from midnight tomorrow night for a period of six weeks."
</blockquote>

<h2>What you can and can't do during the lockdown</h2>

<ul>
<li>You can shop for essentials, attend work, exercise (locally), attend medical appointments and receive care. </li>
	<li>You can’t exercise outside of your shire.</li>
	<li>You can't gather in groups of more than two or your household group</li>
	<li>Retail will be open, subject to density</li>
	<li>Markets are open for food and drink only</li>
	<li>Cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs and bars are returning to takeaway only</li>
</ul>
<h2>Who the lockdown applies to</h2>

Those living in Metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shires

<h2>When will the lockdown be implemented</h2>

From 11.59 PM on the 8th of July

<h2>Alternatives to in-person property viewings</h2>

Since the first lockdown, we've been working with agents to deliver video tours of our property listings to help you with your search from the comfort of your home. Many of our listings have 360° virtual tours, real-life photos of completed apartments and forms to book a video walk-through tour with the real estate agent. 

Watch our recent display suite tours on YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJFoxSUcFqBgU7JTwSHZfQ?view_as=subscriber">here</a>. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJFoxSUcFqBgU7JTwSHZfQ?view_as=subscriber" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="243" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2020-07-07_at_7.19.19_pm.png?itok=zQpqvoeP" width="580"></a></figure>This information was sourced at 4:20 PM AEST and is subject to change. If you'd like to learn more, leave a question in the comments section and we'll do our best to find out more information for you.
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Melbourne to enter 6-week COVID-19 lockdown: Here's what you need to know about the restrictions 

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Foreign students unable to get into Australia is a blow to Australia’s education sector with Universities Australia estimating that over the next three years, universities will lose over $16 billion due to COVID-19. With 25% of all tertiary students from overseas, this has flow on not only to university coffers but to the wider economy.
For property, the rental market was hit immediately as a result of COVID-19. The number of available rental properties jumped as students didn’t return to campus and short-stay listings were instead leased on the long-term market. Airbnb is slowly getting back to business with domestic tourism starting again but there are problems arising for investors. Particularly, in areas that already had weak rental demand (primarily apartments in western and south-western Sydney), as well as areas with high proportions of rental housing aimed at students.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/5/REA%20vacancy.JPG" alt="">
Not surprisingly, the areas that are most at risk are those that are close to large universities. Melbourne CBD, Clayton and Carlton have seen big increases in properties listed for rent on realestate.com.au, of which a number are aimed at students. In many of these locations we are starting to see a steady rise in properties for sale. Property owners may not yet be in distress but no doubt many are worried about the possibility of a continued deterioration of these rental markets. The potential for mortgage repayment relief stopping in September is problematic, particularly as it’s unlikely foreign students will be back before then.
NERIDA CONISBEE is the Chief Economist at the REA
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University suburbs’ are suffering from COVID-19: REA's Nerida Conisbee

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Sydney and Melbourne’s auction results maintained their holding pattern at the weekend.
Sydney recorded a preliminary clearance rate of 65.9 per cent on Saturday, after 470 auctions and 310 reported results. There were 69 properties withdrawn from auction.
Melbourne's preliminary clearance rate was 62.2 per cent after 373 auctions and 235 reported results. There were 40 homes withdrawn from auction – including properties that had been listed in the renewed coronavirus hot spots.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/6/CL%20JULY%207.JPG" alt="">
But the historic Ascot Vale home, Bolinda sold posted auction for $3.1 million.
It was Melbourne's top weekend result, pushing a $2,275,000 Brighton East sale into second place.
Bolinda had been listed initially with expectations between $3.7 million and $3.95 million in April.
But this expectation was reduced in May to $3.3 million to $3.5 million.
The historic Ascot Vale manor has had just three owners since it was built 136 years ago.
The four-bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-ascot+vale-133328186" target="_blank">43 Kent Street</a> last traded 57 years ago.
The Italian Renaissance style house is in need of some renovation.
It was owned for nearly six decades after being built for the McClelland family in 1884.
The family set up an artists’ group and later built the McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery in Langwarrin.
Sydney's top sale was $4.63 million in Mosman. Six of the 14 registered parties bid for the four-bedroom house at 12 Windward Avenue that was for sale for the first time in six decades. 
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CoreLogic reported volumes were down week on week across the combined capital cities, with a total of 1,185 homes scheduled for auction. 
The lower activity which we have historically noted over school holiday periods, returned a preliminary clearance rate of 65 percent. 
This was higher than last week preliminary figure of 64.5% across a higher 1,485 auctions, which later revised down to 60.6% at final collection. 
Looking at results from the first week of July last year, a lower 953 homes were taken to auction with a success rate of 64% according to final figures.
Across Australia’s two largest auction markets, the lower activity across both cities saw the clearance rate improve.
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Across the smaller cities, Canberra continues to outperform in terms of success rate across the capital city markets with an 81.6% preliminary clearance rate this week. 
However this was down slightly on the final clearance rate last week with 84.4% of homes successful at auction across Canberra. 
Perth, where only a small proportion of properties are auctioned, continues to return one of the lowest clearance rates across the capital cities with only 22% of auctions clearing this week.
Ray White Group booked a preliminary clearance rate of 61 per cent on a week when the leading auction house had a reported auction market share of 31 per cent.
The average registered bidder number sat at four.
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$3.1 million weekend sale in lockdown suburb Ascot Vale

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COVID-19 has encouraged discussion about the way we live, how we interact with others, and what's important to us in our day-to-day lives.

Recently I caught up with <a href="/architects/clarke-hopkins-clarke-0">Clarke Hopkins Clarke's</a> Jordan Curran over Zoom to find out how the practice is responding to the pandemic and what which key learnings will influence their mixed-use precinct designs moving forward.

As a Partner at CHC, Jordan has spent years cultivating thriving mixed-use communities across Australia. In this interview, Jordan shares some valuable insight into the ways architects and developers can create meaningful communities which will enhance the way we live, as well as some of the main benefits of buying into a master-planned community. 

Watch the interview:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RO5qCrltYZw" width="660"></iframe>

Topics discussed:

00:22 - Given the current pandemic, what learnings have Clarke Hopkins Clarke taken from the situation that will shape the way you design communities in future?

02:54 - How can architects and developers provide residents with a better quality of life through the design of their home and the surrounding neighbourhood?

07:06 - A study by the Danish architect, Professor Jan Gehl, found that COVID-19 encouraged people in four European cities to visit areas with existing public facilities, but they were less likely to travel to the CBD. Do you feel that Australia caters well to a similar demand for local infrastructure or is there room for improvement? 

08:31 - What public space typologies have the most positive impacts on a person's quality of life?

09:40 - What's your process for ensuring a mixed-use precinct is well-integrated within the existing community?

11:34 - What types of new community spaces are you looking to develop within your masterplans in future?

14:02 - What are some of the benefits of buying into a mixed-use precinct that property seekers might not know about? 

Watch next: <a href="/news/clarkehopkinsclarkes-dean-landy-comments-on-the-value-of-employment-hubs-within-our-neighbourhoods">ClarkeHopkinsClarke's Dean Landy comments on the value of employment hubs within our neighbourhoods</a> 
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Clarke Hopkins Clarke's Jordan Curran explains how COVID-19 could influence the design of mixed-use communities

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Public auctions and open for inspections have been banned once again in Melbourne’s coronavirus hotspots.
Onsite auction sale will be banned in the affected areas from Thursday as stage three Victorian government restrictions are reinstated until at least July 29. 
Real Estate Institute of Victoria president Leah Calnan said the industry would be affected. 
The stage three restrictions meant vendors in the 10 affected postcodes would have to revert auctions online or change to a private sale.
Victoria’s premier Daniel Andrews has announced that businesses in these businesses re-entering quarantine status will receive some financial compensation for complying with the government mandate by staying closed longer than the rest of the state and country. 
In an effort to control community transmissions of the deadly virus Andrews has ordered some reopening businesses to once again close their doors. 
It is not known yet if estate agencies will qualify given their partial capacity to carry on.
Victoria has reported double-digit growth of positive Covid-19 cases in the last two weeks, including the fourth and fifth-highest daily increases since the pandemic started. It’s “very clearly…not where we wanted to be,” said Andrews.
With stricter and more enduring lockdown measures than any other state, many Victorian businesses were already left financially bruised from the first lockdown.
“The businesses and facilities in these areas that have been able to recently reopen – from beauty parlours to gyms to libraries to swimming pools – will again be restricted. Cafes and restaurants will again only be open for take-away and delivery,” said Andrews. 
“We know this will have a very real impact on local businesses trading in these communities. We’ll help them get through this with an initial $5,000 in dedicated support for businesses previously eligible for a Business Support Fund grant or a payroll tax refund,” said Andrew. 
Businesses in “Restricted Postcodes” can apply for the $5,000 grant:
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<td>Postcode</td>
<td>Suburbs</td>
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<td>3012</td>
<td>Brooklyn, Kingsville, Maidstone, Tottenham, West Footscray</td>
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<td>3021</td>
<td>Albanvale, Kealba, Kings Park, St Albans</td>
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<td>3032</td>
<td>Ascot Vale, Highpoint City, Maribyrnong, Travancore</td>
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<td>3038</td>
<td>Keilor Downs, Keilor Lodge, Taylors Lakes, Watergardens</td>
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<td>3042</td>
<td>Airport West, Keilor Park, Niddrie</td>
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<td>3046</td>
<td>Glenroy, Hadfield, Oak Park</td>
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<td>3047</td>
<td>Broadmeadows, Dallas , Jacana</td>
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<td>3055</td>
<td>Brunswick south, Brunswick west, Moonee vale, Moreland west</td>
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<td>3060</td>
<td>Fawkner</td>
</tr>
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<td>3064</td>
<td>Craigieburn, Donnybrook, Mickelham, Roxburgh Park, Kalkallo</td>
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Onsite auction ban back again in Melbourne COVID-19 hotspots

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One in 10 off-the-plan apartment buyers have lost their deposits in the last quarter, according to analysis by Digital Finance Analytics.
Out of around 35,000 off-the-plan settlements between March and June, 3000 have collapsed.
Off-the-plan values have dropped between 10 and 15 per cent during the past 12 months on average, Digital Finance Analytics principal Martin North said.
In Sydney's inner west and eastern suburbs about 551 apartments failed to settle, as did 457 in Melbourne's inner suburbs.
There was an $87 million potential loss in deposits, excluding how developers impose penalties when buyers pull out of the sale.
The analysis by Digital Finance Analytics suggested lower valuations due to weaker demand and oversupply had prompted banks to reject final loan approvals, forcing buyers to give up millions of dollars in deposits.
"Values are likely to fall further, given the oversupply in the sector," he said.
The proportion of off-the-plan apartments racking up large losses in values at settlement has surged over the three months to May, CoreLogic data shows.
More than half (52 per cent) of the 3389 off-the-plan properties across Sydney had a lower value at settlement compared to the contract price.
Values fell by more than 10 per cent for one in four (26 per cent) Sydney apartments since the contracts were signed circa 2017.
Melbourne saw 51 per cent of the 4173 off-the-plan apartments were worth less at settlement compared to their purchase price.
Values fell by at least 10 per cent for one in five (20.9 per cent) apartments since the contract was signed, North told Nine Entertainment.
In Brisbane, 41 per cent of off-the-plan properties have lost value since being purchased.
It was 49 per cent in Perth, 25 per cent in Canberra and 20 per cent in Adelaide.
CoreLogic noted the trend was not just a result of COVID-19.
Undervaluation of off-the-plan apartments across Sydney and Melbourne has been rife over the past two years, averaging 46 per cent in Sydney and 42 per cent in Melbourne, CoreLogic advised.
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One in 10 off-the-plan apartment buyers lost their deposits in June quarter

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Having the best and most up-to-date research findings delivered by AHURI’s eight leading university research partners will enhance decision making that effects many of the most vulnerable Australians, as well as supporting the economic recovery from the crisis, according to Adrian Harrington, Chair of AHURI. 
The research, which will be fast tracked to deliver findings in the second half of 2020 examines topics across the housing continuum including: 
After the pandemic, can building homes rebuild Australia? 
By freezing the economy and social interactions, Australia has shown great success in reducing the spread of the virus, however it has come at a huge cost to employment.
The housing industry has been widely promoted as an ideal mechanism for delivering economic stimulus, but how should does it actually have the capacity to deliver economic stimulus in periods of economic crisis and what forms should such response take? 
Renting in the time of COVID-19: understanding the impacts.
The economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has placed many in the rental market at risk; they face uncertainty, tenure insecurity and financial hardship.
Guided by the needs of policy, this project rapidly generates a nationwide dataset and essential reporting on the impact of COVID-19 on tenants. 
Housing affordability stress during COVID-19
This examines the impacts of COVID-19 on housing affordability stress (i.e. paying more than 30 per cent of income for housing) for home buyers and tenants across different housing types and household configurations. 
Other projects will consider pathways to regional recovery, understanding the impacts of policy responses to the pandemic, impacts on landlords as well as tenants, and impacts on those in marginal housing settings. 
"This is the first time that AHURI has funded rapid research projects on this scale and reflects the urgent need for quality research to support urban and housing policy innovation given the significant impact that COVID-19 is having on Australia's urban environments and housing markets," said Mr Harrington. 
"The Agenda was launched in collaboration with AHURI’s partner universities." 
"We’re very proud at how quickly our research teams came together to develop these projects’, says Dr Michael Fotheringham, Executive Director of AHURI. 
"Having the best and most up-to-date research findings will enable governments at all levels to develop policies that support Australians during and beyond the pandemic, and help deliver safe, secure and affordable housing for all."
The eight rapid-response projects will be published by AHURI in the second half of 2020.
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