Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

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

Design

<html><body>
A lot of homes have 'TV rooms' or 'family rooms' where there is a television surrounded by sofas, but they are nothing on these home cinemas.
Property Observer takes a look at the best home cinema rooms across Australia.
In terms of states, no one seems to do home cinemas like Victoria do, but the list has tried to include everyone!
1. <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/4-woorigoleen-road-toorak/Property-Details-sold-residential-9579870" target="_blank">4 Woorigoleen Road, Toorak, VIC</a> (above)
Way and above the other cinemas was this home in Toorak. 
The lower-level 12 seater cinema looks as good as the real thing. 
The Drew Cole designed home sold in October for an undisclosed price, however the price guide was $7.5 million plus.
<img src="/images/2015/12/16/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-18%20at%209.21.18%20AM.png" alt="" width="602" height="380">
 2. <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/2-lascelles-avenue-toorak/Property-Details-buy-residential-9728904" target="_blank">2 Lascelles Avenue, Toorak, VIC</a> (above)
Another awesome home in Toorak comes with a spacious home cinema. 
The basement cinema with stepped levels has three barcaloungers on the top and space available at the bottom for bean bags.
The five bedroom home was sold in November for an undisclosed price.
<img src="/images/2015/12/16/700_cinema_hamilton.jpg" alt="" width="543" height="331">
3. <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/9-eblin-drive-hamilton/Property-Details-buy-residential-9726279" target="_blank">9 Eblin Drive, Hamilton, QLD</a> (above)
One of the properties that featured in our top five infinity pools this summer also grabs a spot in the top five home cinemas.
Probably the classiest cinema on the list, the Great Gatsby inspired property features a gold-class cinema room with six chairs.
The property is available by negotiation through Christine Rudolph at Ray White New Farm.
<img src="/images/2015/12/16/700_dural.jpg" alt="" width="517" height="331">
4. <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/dural/Property-Details-buy-residential-9477356" target="_blank">Dural, NSW</a> (above)
This property is so luxurious selling agents Diane Witney and Sandy Ward pf Ray White Dural haven't disclosed the address.
The cinema isn't the most conventional you'll see, with pink walls, chairs and carpet.
The property is available by negotiation.
<img src="/images/2015/12/16/700_maroubra.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="357">
5. <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/14a-mermaid-avenue-maroubra/Property-Details-buy-residential-9668890" target="_blank">14a Mermaid avenue, Maroubra, NSW</a> (above)
The cinema has two individual chairs at the back of the room with a sofa at in front of the big screen.
When the lights are off the cozy room is accompanied by a star lit ceiling.
<img src="/images/2015/12/16/700_blue.jpg" alt="" width="465" height="324">
6. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-fingal+head-121484750" target="_blank">14 Bamberry Street, Fingal Head, NSW</a> (above)
A very different take on a home cinema, the available $5 million property has a sleeping pod as well as four individual chairs.
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Popcorn and property: six plush home cinemas spotted for sale in 2015

<html><body>
Gav and Waz, the Bondi Block’s designer boys Gavin Atkins and Warren Sonin have secured a $2.3 million Rushcutters Bay apartment.
It is in the Altair building, a 16th floor apartment sold through BresicWhitney who fell short of the $2.5 million asking price.
It was snapped up after being listed by former ABC TV director Paddy Conroy, who is buying again elsewhere in the Kings Cross Road building.
Conroy paid $1.81 million in 2011 for the two bedroom, two bathroom apartment which first sold at $917,000 in 2001.
The Kings Cross Road block has been mired in controversy since the first residents moved into the high-rise in 2001.
Pets were initially a huge issue right down to the size of permissible pooches - in the memorable battle to allow occupancy of two miniature papillons, Max and Chien.
Gav and Waz sold their Rockwell Gardens, Potts Point apartment to Fleming family matriarch, Lois Fleming, for $2,725,000 earlier this year.
It was a ground floor apartment on Tusculum Street (pictured below) advertised on realestate.com.au by Richardson &amp; Wrench Elizabeth Bay. 
<img src="https://i2.au.reastatic.net/800x600/4927987fff45b2431ac9aa8f042cc376784a626a3fb04b694aa08379fd410724/image7.jpg" alt="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" title="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" data-index="6">
Now surrounded by greenery, the total floor space, inside and out, of the Potts Point apartment was 180 square metres. It comes with outdoor fireplace by Rolling Stone Landscapes, gold medal winners at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show.
<img src="https://i2.au.reastatic.net/800x600/4311073f62ad842d671b4b094e23b21e3485102865d75ae1a1db9c8ada01cff4/image3.jpg" alt="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" title="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" data-index="2">
Last month Gav and Waz were the underbidders when the Point Piper-bound Sotheby’s Australia chairman Geoffrey Smith and his partner Gary Singer auctioned their Ashleigh, Elizabeth Bay apartment.
 
 
 
 
 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Bondi Block's Gav and Waz secure Altair, Rushcutters Bay harbourview apartment

<html><body>
Inside the Hilton Hotel complex at 255 Pitt Street is a surprising transformation of a typical 70s commercial office interior that has no ceiling, no carpet and no offices.
This space was redesigned by BVN as their own workspace and while the design removed much of the interiors, they did install an internal timber veranda that has a kitchen and a full-length window seat with cushions overlooking Pitt Street.
The public are welcome to visit during Sydney Open on November 1 when tours will be running throughout the day explaining why less is more. 
One of the highlights would be model makers working live on models of new buildings recently designed by BVN. Along with the physical model-making there will be an opportunity to engage with a virtual model and visitors will be allowed to use the controller to navigate through buildings on the big screen.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Why less is more at BVN office space for Sydney Open

<html><body>
An international style penthouse that sold six years ago for $8.1 million in Elizabeth Bay is one of the latest homes where the FIRB is seeking forced divestment, after its owners came forward in the amnesty on illegal purchases that ends in November.
The top-floor company title apartment at Darnley Hall on Onslow Avenue was bought by Paul Longmuir and wife Elain Wei Ah Kwan in 2009 from Tony Benjamin, the property investor best known for ownership of the Holiday Lodge Hotel, Potts Point historic terrace.
The Longmuirs have since spent $16 million buying in Bellevue Hill, but the Bellevue Hill home is not under suspicion for breaching any foreign investment rules. 
It was a seven bedroom Bellevue Hill property sold by the Indonesian media mogul Eddy Sariaatmadja.
As the departing Elizabeth Bay Longmuir couple came forward themselves under Joe Hockey's crackdown, they will have 12 months to sell the home, though there are unconfirmed suggestions it may have already been quietly sold. No knowledge of any fresh sale by the last selling agent, Jason Boon at Elizabeth Bay's Richardson &amp;Wrench agency.
Sales must take place within three months for owners who do not come forward voluntarily.
Additionally by coming forward the owners will keep all the capital gain appreciation, but next year under tough new laws being debated in parliament currently, they will risk their gains.
The other homes up for divestment are in Ardross in Perth, Underdale in Adelaide, Stretton in Brisbane and Labrador on the Gold Coast.
The Darnley Hall penthouse renovation was described as "hard to pin down as being from one particular place," by Tony Benjamin's then partner, Kym Elphinstone, an arts consultant.
"This could be Sydney, Paris, London, San Francisco or Hong Kong and is the result of inﬂuences drawn globally," <a href="https://www.tonkaandjelkovicdesign.com/portfolio/" target="_blank">Kym noted.</a>
"We travel a lot and I guess we’ve pulled together what we like from different places as sympathetically to our own environment as possible."
Inspired by French-born botanist Patrick Blanc’s much-published vertical garden walls on buildings throughout the world, the couple decided on as much greenery as possible on the terrace. 
A former bedroom has been converted into a state-of-the-art kitchen that also opens up to the terrace through original French doors
High ceilings, original architraves and grand rooms were all period features that had been the main attraction when they bought in 2007. 
The purchase triggered a two-year period of re-modelling and restoration with the collaboration of interior designer Tonka Andjelkovic, with a difﬁcult existing ﬂoor plan. 
Above images courtesy of <a href="https://www.tonkaandjelkovicdesign.com" target="_blank">Tonkaandjelkovic design</a>.
Below picture was taken prior to renovation.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2015/09/17/1602_192482_3_1194772641.jpg" alt="" width="477" height="318"> 
</body></html>

Inside Darnley Hall, Joe Hockey's latest forced FIRB trophy Sydney divestiture home 

<html><body>
The Malaysian developer Mammoth Empire Holdings has sought out Hayball for a $1.2 billion project in Malaysia, due for 2016 completion.
MEH, which is active in Melbourne, recognised the city architect’s success from both an urban and development point of view.
They were sought for Empire City, with 12 towers along with medium-rise accommodation.
Empire City will cater to Kuala Lumpur’s market need for mixed residential types, from studio apartments to luxury residences.
Premium tenants including 5-star hotel chains, Marriott and Ritz Carlton, have signed lease agreements within Empire City which will also be a retail destination given 200,000 square metres dedicated to mid to high-end fashion brands.
Its lifestyle facilities include an Olympic-sized ice skating rink, 4D cinemas, swimming pool, gymnasium and hospitality venues.
Hayball’s relationship with Mammoth Empire began in 2009 with multi-residential towers MY80 (2014) and Empire (under construction) in Melbourne’s CBD.
Empire City is their first international venture.
Hayball managing director Tom Jordan said Damansara-based, Empire City was the flagship project of the Malaysian developer, with construction of the greenfield site valued at over A$1.2 billion.
"Mammoth’s vision for developing the vibrant and cosmopolitan precinct, the size of which is equivalent to Victoria Harbour in Melbourne’s Docklands, relied on Hayball’s understanding of place making and its importance in creating liveable, dynamic and sustainable places," he said.
</body></html>

Hayball takes on ambitious Malaysian architectural commission

<html><body>
Humphry + Edwards, the designers behind some of the country’s hottest restaurants, are now set to transform the western corner of the Grosvenor Place Piazza into an outdoor dining space.
It is as part of the building’s $20 million redevelopment.  
The Naked Duck’s new sister restaurant, called the Grand Dūk, moves into the new 125 square metre space next month -  the first of three new retail spaces for the Piazza.
Grand Dūk is designed by Humphry + Edwards (H&amp;E) – the architects and interior designers behind venues like The Winery, Chiswick, The Glenmore Hotel and Opera Bar.  
H&amp;E worked with Grosvenor Place’s architects, Harry Seidler &amp; Associates on a design that merges and extends the modern architectural features of the iconic office tower, using specific architectural devices to maintain a translucent perimeter and offer a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor zones. 
Inside Grand Dūk, a suspended bottle display attached to a glass wall will add definition to the space, allowing light to filter through the bottles to create a sculptural mosaic of colour and light.  
“This sculptural form will conjure a warm feeling of being inside a nest,” said Chris Grinham, H&amp;E Project architect who's ensured a fiddle leaf fig tree will sit in the outdoor area to complement the arboreal structure of the transparent glass rotunda.
There are still limited opportunities available within the North Plaza Piazza for lease, positioned at the gateway of what will be a rejuvenated George Street when the new light rail project is running in mid-2018.
Grosvenor Place has up to 5,000 workers on site, with an additional 3,000 joining the area when construction of 200 George Street is complete.  
City resident numbers are also growing rapidly with 35,000 residents proposed for the Circular Quay catchment by early 2016 – creating a new market for CBD dining outside of business hours, the co-owners of Grosvenor Place, DEXUS Property Group, Investa Office and Arcadia suggest.
</body></html>

Grand Dūk set for Grosvenor Place piazza

<html><body>
Professional renovators Gav and Waz, who appeared on the first series of The Block reality television in 2003, have listed their two-bedroom Rockwall Gardens, Potts Point apartment.
It is a ground floor apartment on Tusculum Street advertised on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-potts+point-120052945" target="_blank">realestate.com.au</a>. They are testing the apparently buoyant market in the inner city suburb where <a href="/news">CoreLogic RP Data</a> actually have the median apartment price down to $525,000 since they bought last year. The median price for a two-bedroom unit with a car space in the suburb sat at around $1 million, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/inner-city-car-parking-convenience-costs-record-264-000-at-the-chimes-potts-point">before the recent $264,000 car space sale</a>.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/photogallery_new.ds?id=120052945&amp;theme=rea.buy" rel="photos" data-id="120052945"><img src="https://i2.au.reastatic.net/800x600/4927987fff45b2431ac9aa8f042cc376784a626a3fb04b694aa08379fd410724/image7.jpg" alt="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" title="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" data-index="6"></a>
The renovation duo settled only last July at a hefty $2.25 million, with renovations completed since on the apartment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a car space. There are still trademark Deece Giles interiors since the boys bought from the renown Sydney architect.
<img src="https://i3.au.reastatic.net/800x600/de77c1b00ad9bb49b76435f854d9a20119e636f73fe6782622a2c83b1db64537/main.jpg" alt="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" title="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" data-index="0">
Now surrounded by greenery, the total floor space, inside and out, is 180 square metres. It comes with outdoor fireplace by Rolling Stone Landscapes, gold medal winners at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show.
<img src="https://i2.au.reastatic.net/800x600/4311073f62ad842d671b4b094e23b21e3485102865d75ae1a1db9c8ada01cff4/image3.jpg" alt="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" title="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" data-index="2">
Jason Boon and Geoff Cox, of Richardson and Wrench, won't reveal how much profit the boys really want for their snug viewless offering, but Title Tattle gleans high $2s will  make them content.
Charlie, their Jack Russell, featured in the advertising (below) to stress the pet friendly nature of the block, is not included.
<img src="https://i4.au.reastatic.net/800x600/583595704b77639853d24a55dd1425c5fc8b48a2eebc3fc9d552e0ecfebdc893/image5.jpg" alt="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" title="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" data-index="4">
Two contracts were issued following the initial weekend open for inspection.
Warren Sonin and and Gavin Atkins have poured serious money into the Potts Point precinct in recent times spending $1.38 million on three investment acquisitions between 2013 and late 2014.
They sold their 23-hectare farm, Charltons, in the Byron Bay hinterland for $3 million in 2013.
<img src="https://i4.au.reastatic.net/800x600/b69408cc3be8b2c1cd61d65297a5fc53735f12a679a8ca18f16fdd4dac073583/image9.jpg" alt="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" title="G06/1A Tusculum Street, Potts Point" data-index="8">
Some 26 registered parties ensured a strong price today for a top-floor unit <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-potts+point-119904929" target="_blank">6/1 St Neots Avenue, Potts Point</a> that fetched $1,846,000 under the hammer through Ray White Double Bay agent Kim Hayes. 
It sold to an investor.
It came with harbour views.
Sydney's overall weekend clearance rate was a smidge down at 83.2%, compared to last weekend's initial 83.3%, which was then revised down to 81.9% after the late notified results.
Mosman again had the highest sale across Sydney - at $3.05 million at 4 Sverge Street - again through McGrath, albeit at half last weekend's top reported sale.
It was a 1960s original (below) on 768 square metres.
<img src="https://b.domainstatic.com.au/w1600-h1200-2012013305_4_pi_150608_050755" width="593" height="445">
 
</body></html>

Inside Gav and Waz's garden Potts Point quick flip

<html><body>
Alan James, the New York based, Macquarie investment banker has sold his Rose Bay Avenue, Bellevue Hill home to another Macquarie banker Sebastian Barrack.
Listed through Alison Coopes, the marketing described the home as a thoroughbred.
The property, 1 Rose Bay Avenue was architect Professor Leslie Wilkinson's first residential commission in 1923.
The seven bedroom, five bathroom house comes with heated pool, pool house and floodlit lawn tennis court on 2,415 square metre.
There's been no official sale indication to the banker who owns on Gladswood Gardens, Double Bay, nor price indication though Title Tattle gathered expectations were close to $25 million on its initial 2014 offering.
Sebastian Barrack heads the agricultural commodities division at Macquarie Bank which he joined in 1999 via Macquarie's acquisition of his disvision at Bankers Trust Australia.
The graduate from Australian National University is presumed to be a Professor Leslie Wilkinson devotee.
It last sold in 2002 when the Dawson Damer family secured $9.03 million, swapping its for another Wilkinson-designed house, Greenway in Vaucluse.
Sydney University's founding dean of architecture, Professor Leslie Wilkinson, designed the grand heritage-listed Georgian-style home for the Laidley-Dowling family, in collaboration with architect, John D Moore.
The Dawson-Damers bought for $6.15 million in 1991 from the Perth-based John Bond who'd paid $675,000 in 1979. The then Perth-based, Bond Corporation executive had extensively upgraded the seven bedroom home through Andre Porebski, and also Garth Barnett during the Bond decade. 
Wilkinson undertook just 40 house designs, finishing in 1968 with Anthony Coote's $80,000 Vaucluse waterfront, once briefly owned by Paul Hogan, who sold it for $11 million in 2004 to Precision Group's Shaun Bonett, the young property tycoon from Adelaide.
In 2013 Karl Lagerfeld sold his Gramercy Park, New York pied-à-terre to the Macquarie banker Sebastian Barrack <a href="https://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=49946902&amp;privcapId=4205406&amp;previousCapId=134120687&amp;previousTitle=SYMMEDRx,%20Inc."></a>for US$4.5 million.
Lagerfeld had purchased the stark white, three-bedroom apartment in 2006 for $6.575 million.
Rumour has it he never even actually moved in.
 
</body></html>

Macquarie bankers play pass the prized Professor Leslie Wilkinson Bellevue Hill trophy home parcel

<html><body>
Jeff Provan's custom-built mid-1990s home at 119 Canterbury Road, Toorak - with striking rooftop light-filled half cylindrical studio - was passed in on the vendor’s bid of $2.75 million at auction last month.
It came with a $3.095 million post-auction asking price through Marcus Chiminello of Marshall White.
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/fc8fd89ed79087a8f0e9f5a0dc97c15909664f6ff983631ccf9900761e56480a/main.jpg" alt="119 Canterbury Road, Toorak" title="119 Canterbury Road, Toorak" data-index="0">
The three-bedroom, three-bathroom home was designed by vendor, property designer and developer Jeff Provan with a copper cylinder on the roof. The 199 square metre block cost $340,000 in 1995.
Jeff Provan, of Melbourne design and architecture company Neometro, set himself the task of creating a building that met all the elements of the state's then new Good Design Guide code for houses on small allotments.
He created what he modestly called a box with the ground floor dedicated to living areas, the second is for sleeping and the third is a study or studio. 
Provan began the process using Le Corbusier's "modular scale", developed by the Swiss 20th-century architect based on the proportions of a man.
Title Tattle recalls Provan's Japanese wife, Mariko wanted Victorian proportions in the house while he preferred the minimal Japanese aesthetic. 
In 2007 Provan estimated his house would cost about $1 million to replicate, and require a year of planning and a year for building.
Marketed as showcasing Neometro's trademark pre-eminent design, Marcus Chiminello said scrupulous attention to detail was evident throughout with a blend of stone, timber and natural renders. 
"A timeless rarity," he said.
</body></html>

Jeff Provan Corbusier-inspired Toorak home remains for sale

<html><body>
The Balmoral Slopes trophy home of the former Elle editor-in-chief, now co-owner of Hush Communications, Debbie Coffey and her husband photographer, Ross, has been sold.
They had hopes of $6 million plus through McGrath. It was a two level Corben Architects-designed home that fetched around $5.8 million. 
The couple bought the four bedroom home on Edwards Bay Road in 2011 for $3.9 million.
The former Cockatoo Coal executive chairman Mark Lochtenberg is its reputed buyer, having sold elsewhere recently in Mosman.
His Curraghbeena Road property, listed last October with initial hopes of $18 million were revised down to $16 million in a more recent campaign by Alison Coopes, of Agency by Alison Coopes. The property last traded in 2003 for $6.5 million before its redesign by architect Dale Jones-Evans.
</body></html>

Design

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Design

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News