Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Knight Frank

<html><body>
The Sydney prime residential market grew by 4.7% in the year to the end of March 2020, and 1.2% in the first three months of 2020. 
But husing markets across prestige markets in Australia "remain in a state of flux" given the restrictions on viewings and lower transaction volumes reflecting the uncertainty which has returned to the market.
"This is likely to place pressure on prices from Q2 2020, but until now, they’ve remained firm," according to Shayne Harris, Knight Frank’s head of residential.
“This holding pattern is likely to change course as each state relaxes restrictions and we will be closely monitoring how the Sydney residential market responses when open homes and live auctions are permitted to take place from this Saturday 9 May in NSW. 
“Most important will be how much confidence has been restored to the economy, and as a result, the impact of unemployment in five months’ time when the financial mechanisms put in place by the government ease."
In the year to Q1 2020, 76% of global cities recorded flat or rising prime property prices.
A look at quarterly shifts with the impact of Covid-19, the report noted all five of the weakest performing markets being in Asia in Q1 2020.
Bangkok witnessed the deepest decline at 5%.
Data from Singapore looks to be stuttering following the resurgence in Covid-19 cases.
Before the crisis took hold, the Sydney prime residential market was performing well by global standards, enduring 28 quarters of positive annual growth, averaging 8% growth per annum since March 2013. 
Benchmarking five years earlier to the fall of the Lehman Brothers in Q1 2008, Sydney has experienced growth of 73% in prime prices since this time, significantly outpacing cities such as New York, London and Hong Kong. <img src="https://content.knightfrank.com/blog/2020/4/91c48c30-3655-4419-8e40-102df64646e1/pgci12020fig1.jpg">This rapid rate of growth had slowed in recent years to a more sustainable pace as the maturing Sydney prestige market has settled into its own growth trajectory, detaching from the performance of the mainstream property market. 
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Sydney prestige residential up one percent in 2020

<html><body>
Luxury residential price growth in Australia is highest in Sydney and Melbourne, according to the results of the Prime International Residential Index (PIRI 100) in Knight Frank’s The Wealth Report 2020, released.
The PIRI 100, which tracks the movement of luxury residential prices in 100 cities and second home markets globally between December 2018 and December 2019, found four Australian cities were ranked in the top 60 for luxury residential market performance over the past year. 
Sydney was the top ranked city in Australia, coming in at number 27 with 3.7 per cent annual growth, with Melbourne second at 44 (2.2 per cent growth).
The Gold Coast was ranked 55 (1.8 per cent), Brisbane was ranked 57 (1.4 per cent) and Perth came in at 63 (0.9 per cent)
“Globally, the 100 locations covered by Knight Frank’s Prime International Residential Index recorded average price rises of 1.8 per cent, up from 1.3 per cent in 2018, although down from the 2.8 per cent recorded in 2013", according to Michelle Ciesielski, Knight Frank’s head of residential research Australia.
“Despite record low interest rates and wealth growth continuing in most advanced economies, there were some factors preventing global price growth from reaching previous highs, including the slowing global economy, rising property taxes and in some cases, a surplus of luxury homes on the market.
“But global price growth is firmly on the way up, with a shift away from the moderating price growth that has prevailed since 2013. We found 78 of the 100 locations in PIRI registered flat or positive growth in 2019. 
“In Australia, Sydney and Melbourne recorded growth above the global average, and Sydney is leading the five domestic markets with prices underpinned by constrained supply, a resilient stock market and three interest rate cuts in 2019.
“Arguably unrivalled for lifestyle, Sydney combines all the first-class amenities of a tier-one city with an outdoor lifestyle in a waterfront location.”
Shayne Harris, National Head of Residential, Knight Frank said, “Demand for luxury property in Sydney has further strengthened, with demand growing and momentum building from 2019 into 2020. 
“We know from The Knight Frank Attitudes Survey that one-third of Australian ultra-high-net individuals (UHNWIs) wealth portfolios are made up of their principal place of residence and second homes.
 “Sixteen per cent of Australian UHNWIs are planning another residential home purchase and this doesn’t include those properties for investment purposes. The main reason for their next purchase will be led by upgrading the family’s main residence, downsizing or retirement and a new family home in a sunny location.  
“Globally, 21 per cent of UHNWIs are planning another home purchase in 2020. When ranking the countries for the next purchase, Australia came in third place, behind the United Kingdom and the United States despite non-residents without an investor visa being restricted to new-build purchases only.
“Looking at relative values across the globe, you can essentially buy 50 sqm of prime luxury internal floorspace in Sydney with US$1 million, when compared to 21 sqm in Hong Kong or just 16 sqm in Monaco. 
“Your US$1 million extends even further when buying in Melbourne (96 sqm), Perth (117 sqm), Brisbane (123 sqm) and 136 sqm on the Gold Coast.”
Ms Ciesielski said ongoing high demand for luxury residential property in both Sydney and Melbourne was expected to result in higher growth rates in prices next year.
“Both cities have performed better than expected over the past 12 months, exceeding expectations for prime residential price growth, with Sydney’s actual growth of 3.7 per cent almost double the forecast 2 per cent and Melbourne’s growth of 2.2 per cent more than double the forecast 1 per cent.” 
“Knight Frank’s The Wealth Report forecasts that Sydney luxury residential property prices will grow by 4 per cent in 2020, while Melbourne will see growth of 3 per cent. The other cities of Brisbane, Perth and the Gold Coast are forecast to see growth of 2 per cent over this time.” 
Australian cities included in Knight Frank’s PIRI 100:
<table style="width: 632px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="179">
City
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
2019 Ranking
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
 per cent Change 
(Dec 2018 to Dec 2019) 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
2018 Ranking
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
 per cent Change (Dec 2017 to Dec 2018) 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="179">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
27
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
3.7 per cent
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
30
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
3.1 per cent
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="179">
Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
44
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
2.2 per cent
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
41
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
2.2 per cent
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="179">
Gold Coast (= with Verbier, Switzerland)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
55=
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
1.8 per cent
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
42
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
2.1 per cent
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="179">
Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
57
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
1.4 per cent
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
31
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
3.0 per cent
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="179">
Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
63
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
-0.9 per cent
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
42
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
2.1 per cent
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</body></html>

Melbourne and Sydney dominate luxury residential price growth in Australia: Knight Frank

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Recent research conducted by Knight Frank's partner and head of research, Michelle Ciesielski observes a shift in the narrative from downsizing to rightsizing due to changes in the lifestyle trend towards apartment living.
<h2>Trends to Monitor</h2>
The 'Australian Prime Residential Insight 2020' outlines some of the trends that are expected to influence the rightsizer prime luxury market in the coming years. 
<h2>1. 'Active Retired' Transforming the Retiree Lifestyle</h2>
<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/2020/2/3/14_Active%20Retired%20Group.jpg" alt="">
Unlike past generations, the 'Active Retired' group hold a passport with many stamps, they are educated, willing to engage in smart technology and encouraged the change in definition for their next home purchase to 'rightsize' rather than 'downsize'. 
<h2>2. Baby Boomer Voice Growing </h2>
<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/2020/2/3/14_Baby%20Boomers.jpg" alt="">
The baby boomer group comprised 23.5 per cent of the Australian population in 2016, growing from 21.7 per cent five years earlier. 
In 2020, the youngest baby boomer turns 56 years old and the oldest turns 74 years old. 
<h2>3. Under-Supplied Prime Suburbs</h2>
The portion of three-bedroom and above dwellings due for completion by 2022 is increasing to 71 per cent in medium density, and to 18 per cent for high-density dwellings. 
The next trend to watch is the total number of dwellings being completed with 47 per cent less medium-density dwellings due between 2020 and 22, compared to 2017 and 2019, and 30 per cent less being built as high-density dwellings. 
<h2>4. Collaborate, Community, Belonging </h2>
<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/2020/2/3/14_Collaborate.jpg" alt="">
More emphasis on creating agile collaborative zones within the amenities to ensure they carry significance to the residents and can be adapted for alternate uses at other times of the day. 
<h2>5. Clever Spaces</h2>
<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/2020/2/3/14_Crown%20Residences%202.jpg" alt="">
Source: Crown Residences at <a href="https://onebarangaroo.com.au" target="_blank">One Barangaroo</a>
Drawing inspiration from the most exclusive hotels and residences from around the world will continue to nurture the redesign of luxury apartments and allow residents to be more agile and minimise ineffective space. 
<h2>6. Rise in Lateral Living </h2>
<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/2020/2/3/14_Lateral%20Spaces.jpg" alt="">
Source: Liverpool/ <a href="https://www.lateralestate.com/libertytower" target="_blank">Lateral Estate</a>.
Buyers are prepared to pay a premium for a lateral apartment, designed to span the entire floorplate offering the closest replica of a freestanding house in the sky, although with absolute privacy. 
It can enable the most resilient security, with direct lift access, from the secured basement carpark, to the single-leveled residence. 
<h2>7. More Branded Residences</h2>
With rapid expansion of over 400<a href="https://content.knightfrank.com/research/1617/documents/en/global-branded-residences-2019-5874.pdf" target="_blank"> branded residences</a> globally, a growing number of developers and hotel groups are looking to capitalise on this opportunity in Australia.
<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/2020/2/3/14_branded%20residence.jpg" alt="">
Source: Branded Residence Report 2019/ <a href="https://content.knightfrank.com/research/1617/documents/en/global-branded-residences-2019-5874.pdf" target="_blank">Knight Frank.</a>
A branded residence is traditionally a hotel-led development with integrated or linked residences. For instance, <a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/four-seasons" target="_blank">Four Seasons</a>, <a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/aman" target="_blank">Aman</a>, <a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/ritz-carlton" target="_blank">Ritz-Carlton</a>, <a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/mandarin-oriental" target="_blank">Mandarin Oriental</a>, <a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/oneonly" target="_blank">One&amp;Only Resorts</a>, <a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/rosewood" target="_blank">Rosewood</a> and <a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/six-senses" target="_blank">Six Senses</a> are among the most active in the segment, others have aligned with luxury brands as diverse as Versace, Porsche and Armani.
They naturally benefit from the quality hotel brand, smooth management and luxury services. 
<h2>8. A Small World</h2>
<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/2020/2/3/14_Small%20World%20Qantas.jpg" alt="">
Source: 'Qantas flew non-stop from London to Sydney in less than 20 hours'/ <a href="https://www.qantas.com/travelinsider/en/trending/london-sydney-non-stop-long-haul-qantas-flight-project-sunrise" target="_blank">Qantas</a>.
Qantas tested its new 19-hour nonstop flight from London to Sydney in late 2019. This may be operational by 2022. 
Improved connectivity has potential to reshape the second home market. This could result in an increased competition with offshore buyers, and encourage rebalancing property portfolios with Australians likely to buy more second homes abroad. 
<h2>9. Reducing space and footprint</h2>
<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/3_StockBreakouts/house-in-hands-july-31-brekaout.jpg" alt="">
More buyers and developers are becoming increasingly aware of the carbon footprint they leave behind for future generations. 
This was revealed in the recent research conducted by Stockland Research. It was predicted that Australians have a strong desire for more social connectivity and sustainable home features becoming standard.
Read more: <a href="/news/how-will-australians-live-over-the-next-decade-stockland-research">'How will Australians live over the next decade, Stockland Research'</a>
They are committing to better sustainability practices and design for apartment living. 
 
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Rightsizer prime luxury market trends to lookout for: Knight Frank

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Five Australian cities have been named in the top 30 best performing luxury real estate growth markets in the world by Knight Frank.
In their Prime Global Cities Index Q3 2019, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Perth all made it in to the top 30 which was crowned by Moscow.
In Australia, all but Perth, who ranked 30th, recorded growth higher than the average annual prime price growth of 1.1 per cent across 45 cities globally. 
Sydney ranked 17 with gains of 2.6 per cent, jumping a place from last year. It topped the unmoved Melbourne, placed again at 21st, with two per cent growth.
Melbourne only just edged out Brisbane, ranked 22nd with two per cent.
The Gold Coast ranked 26th with 1.3 per cent gains. It was only last quarter it first appeared on the list. Perth was ranked 30th with growth of 0.7 per cent.
Knight Frank’s Head of residential research Australia Michelle Ciesielski said: “Whilst the Australian mainstream residential markets were progressively being corrected by tightened lending measures, the prime property market continued to experience positive growth given the prestige end of the market was less impacted by funding restrictions throughout this time.
“In fact, the major east coast cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast have now recorded 25 quarters, or more, of positive annual growth," she added.
“Growth in prime property prices closely follows the performance on the stock exchange – and there have been some significant gains made on the Australian sharemarket in 2019. Collectively the Australian prime market has continued to see sustainable growth of 2% in the year ending September 2019, whilst the sharemarket recorded a 7.7% return.
 With equities on an upward growth trajectory, its likely this will follow through to further growth in prime property prices.”
The Prime Global Cities Index increased by 1.1% in the year to September 2019, down from 3.4% in 2018, with slower prime price growth attributable to mounting economic headwinds. 
Knight Frank’s Head of Prestige Residential Deborah Cullen says that the top end of the market slow more consideration and time in transacting.
"There is still strong interest from local and expat buyers for blue ribbon areas and for “best in class” assets, in particular the waterfront areas of Sydney.”
 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Five Australian cities in Knight Frank's top 30 for luxury residential real estate price growth

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Perth’s industrial market continues to improve with record low yields and an annual vacancy fall of almost 5%, according to Knight Frank’s latest research report. 
The found however that there is still inconsistency across locations, product styles and end-users making some market sectors tough going.
The latest Perth Industrial Market Overview shows vacancy has reduced 4.7% year on year for 2018/19, but while the news is good for suburbs like Canning Vale, Bibra Lake and Wangara, established eastern precincts like Kewdale and Welshpool are no longer enjoying the same success due to their older stock.  
Modern developments constructed by private investors in estates like Canning Vale and Bibra Lake are now mostly full and placing upwards pressure on rents for other new facilities brought to the market.  
According to Knight Frank Industrial Sales &amp; Leasing Director, Geoff Thomson, other areas showing improvement in rental rates are those with recent infill subdivisions, where the delivery of new lots led to speculatively constructed buildings. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/9/4/perth%20industrial%201.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/9/4/perth%20industrial%201.png" alt="">
He said this activity had been seen mainly in core industrial precincts, but was also having a flow on effect across other sections the market. 
“The resurgent resource sector in WA is undoubtedly leading the recovery in the industrial property market, but at this stage it is still very resource focussed,” Mr Thomson said.  
“The demand for workshops with crane capacity and hardstand continues in the eastern and southern precincts. 
“While there has been an increase in both sales and leasing activity over the last 12 months, it is very much focussed on new stock, particularly in the Wangara/Gangara, Bassendean and Canning Vale areas. 
“Speculative developments in these areas have predominantly leased in the short term and have outperformed the more established areas who are offering older style facilities.” 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/9/4/perth%20industrial%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge: 
<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/2019/9/4/perth%20industrial%202.jpg" alt="">
Mr Thomson said investment demand from both local and east coast based investors had driven yields to record lows, but a lack of suitable investment opportunities meant there was relatively little sales activity.  
Knight Frank Research Analyst Nicholas Locke said vacancy data as at July 2019 revealed total available space of approximately 622,000 sqm in buildings larger than 2000 square metres. - an impressive quarterly decline of 2.9%.  
However he highlighted the volatility in the market that had seen alternating quarterly increases and decreases leading to an overall, but unsteady improvement.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/9/4/perth%20industrial%203.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<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/2019/9/4/perth%20industrial%203.jpg" alt="">
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Perth industrial market continues to improve with record low yields: Knight Frank 

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Knight Frank Australia has appointed Linda Rudd, its national head of asset management services, to join the board of directors.
 Linda will start her board responsibilities in September 2019. 
Linda has been with Knight Frank Australia for over seven years in the Asset Management Services (AMS) line of business.
She has over 15 years experience in the property industry. 
As part of a broader restructure, following the appointment of Rod Leaver as Chief Executive officer of Knight Frank Australia, it was recognised there was an opportunity to add different experience, and ways of thinking, to the Knight Frank board. 
“We are focused on building a customer centric and diverse business which takes a long-term growth view," Leaver said.
"This focus, paired with people who lead with a strong set of values, passion, mature thinking and diverse skill sets, really defines how we plan to move our business forward. Linda fits this profile and I have complete confidence she will add significant value to the board discussions. 
Linda Rudd, Partner noted Knight Frank encourages a sense of entrepreneurship amongst its employees.
"This environment, in addition to a great set of colleagues and clients, is why I am looking forward to working with the board, and making strategic, long term decisions for Knight Frank.”
Ms Rudd is a committee member for the Property Council of Australia and a Director of the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales. She joins the following Knight Frank Australia board members:
Board of Directors
Kevin Coppel                          Chair
Naseema Sparks                    Independent Director
Rod Leaver                             CEO 
Aaron McGhee                       COO/CFO 
Craig Dawson                         Head of Western Australia  Linda Rudd                             National Head of AMS
James Templeton                   Head of Victoria
 
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Knight Frank Australia appoints Linda Rudd to board

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Four Australian capital cities rank in the top 23 cities around the world for luxury residential price growth, according to the latest global research from Knight Frank.
The Knight Frank Prime Global Cities Index – Q1 2019, revealed Brisbane was ranked 14 for luxury price growth, followed by Sydney (18), Melbourne (22) and Perth (23).
Overall the index increased by 1.3% in the year to Q1 2019, its lowest average annual rate of growth since Q4 2009, and down from 1.8% in the previous quarter.
Knight Frank’s Head of Residential Research Australia Michelle Ciesielski said although it was still rising, prime global residential price growth had continued to moderate due to political and economic headwinds, the rising cost of finance and more property market regulations around the world.
“The Australian luxury market continues to perform well, with Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane all recording growth in luxury residential prices higher than the overall average of 1.3% in the 12 months leading up to the end of March this year."
“Despite a recent cooling of the market in Sydney and Melbourne, these markets recorded yearly price growth of 2.4% and 1.8% respectively, while Brisbane recorded year-on-year growth of 3.2% and Perth recorded growth of 1.8%.”
Ms Ciesielski added, Australia’s luxury residential markets were expected to continue to perform well going forward, particularly Sydney and Melbourne, where the number of high-net-worth individuals – those with a net worth of more than US$1 million, excluding their primary residence – was expected to grow by 21% from 2018 to 2023 to reach a total of 116,049 in Sydney and 68,888 in Melbourne.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/16/Knight%20Frank%20Wealthy%20People.JPG" alt="">
“Over the past five years four millionaires were created every day in Sydney,” she said. “This is expected to rise to 11 millionaires per day over the next five years."
“In Melbourne, we saw three millionaires created per day over the same period, with projections it will rise to seven millionaires a day over the next five years."
“Perth’s millionaire numbers are expected to double from two per day over the past five years to four per day over the next five years, while for Brisbane the figures will triple from one to three millionaires being created every day over the same timeframe," Ms Ciesielski concluded.
Knight Frank Partner &amp; Head of Residential Australia Sarah Harding said, “Not only will there be more people with more money to buy luxury residential property in Australia, but we have found the majority of buyers in the prestige market across the country are not under the same pressures experienced by those in the mainstream market of minimal wage growth and restrictions on finance from the banks.
“Sydney is continuing to see positive growth in the prestige market, with limited luxury properties suitable for high-end buyers."
“They’re looking not only for superb quality finishes, but smart technology and high levels of privacy within their luxury residences."
“With competition for limited stock, we expect to see positive price growth for luxury homes, albeit at a more sustainable pace than in previous years,” Ms Harding concluded.
European cities accounted for seven of the top 10 rankings for annual growth.
Berlin was the top ranked city, with 14.1% annual growth, while Moscow placed second with 12% growth.
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Berlin leads as Australian luxury property price growth outpaces global average: Knight Frank

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Rod Leaver has been named the new CEO of Knight Frank.
Leaver, the former CEO of Lendlease Australia and later CEO of Lendlease Asia, has been an independent real estate advisor since returning from his role in Asia in 2016.
He has been advising groups on real estate strategy, portfolio governance and urban regeneration projects.
While CEO, Leaver successfully formulated and executed a new strategy for Lendlease Asia, securing two major urban regeneration projects in Singapore and Malaysia totalling US$6 billion, and its first Senior Living development in China.
Leaver said he is delighted to be joining Knight Frank.
"The focus on delivering outstanding client service by providing the best professional advice together with developing outstanding talent accords very much with my own approach to business," Leaver said.
"As a partnership, Knight Frank encourages a sense of entrepreneurship amongst its people while also taking a long-term perspective. 
"I am very much looking forward to starting in May.”
Leaver was named CEO of Lendlease Australia in 2010 and took the top job at Lendlease Asia a year later. 
He had previously been Lendlease's global head of investment management. 
Leaver will replace outgoing chief executive Stephen Ellis who will retire from the firm in June 2019.
Knight Frank chairman and senior partner Alistair Elliott thanked Ellis for his contribution to the partnership over the past nine years.
"His energy and enthusiasm have been central to the success of the Australian business and we wish him well in his retirement.
"I would also like to welcome Rod, whose credentials are absolutely aligned with our desire to substantially grow the Australian business over the next few years.”
 
 
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Knight Frank appoint former Lendlease boss Rod Leaver as new CEO

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Sustained population and employment growth on the Gold Coast will underpin the city’s continued maturation as a service centre and business hub, which will in turn strengthen its office market, according to recent research from Knight Frank.
Tania Moore, Knight Frank Partner and Joint Head of Gold Coast, said tenant demand in the region’s office market was steadily improving following the first half of 2018 where business was interrupted by the Commonwealth Games.
“The second half of 2018 and into 2019 has seen stronger levels of tenant enquiry, and we forecast this will only get stronger as the city’s population continues to grow, along with employment growth, which is underscoring office demand,” she said.
The report found, the number of workers on the Gold Coast grew by 24% in the five years to November 2018, with the two fastest growing white collar sectors being Finance &amp; Insurance (up 58%) and Education &amp; Training (up 45%).
Moore said tenant demand in the Gold Coast’s office market had remained dominated by local businesses, but there was a growing core of larger corporates with branch or head offices located in the region, including National Disability Insurance Agency, Mantra Group (Accor) and Wyndham Vacation Resorts and Asia Pacific, creating competition between the two tenant groups for limited stock.
“With only 37,500 square metres of supply added to the Gold Coast market over the past 10 years, equating to a 9% growth in the stock base, there is a relatively small pool of modern assets which can handle the higher employee densities required for major corporate branch offices, processing centres and call centres,” Moore said. 
“This concentrates demand into these relatively few assets and can require tenants to compromise on location or efficiency.
“This disconnect between the wish lists of tenants and the available stock on the ground is likely to only widen in the coming years with limited supply anticipated.”
The Knight Frank research found supply in the Gold Coast office market remained low but pre-committed new construction was beginning to flow through with Acuity Business Park to start construction in Robina.
“The supply of new office space across the core Gold Coast precincts remained stalled during 2018 with only 2,744 square metres of refurbished space returning to the market,” said Jennelle Wilson, Knight Frank Partner, Research and Consulting.
“Supply is expected to remain small, sporadic and pre-commitment driven in the medium term.”
The Knight Frank report commented that total vacancy in the Gold Coast office market was 11.6% after hitting 12% in mid 2018, and up from the 10-year lows of 10.6% in January 2018, according to Property Council of Australia figures.
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Population and employment growth to boost Gold Coast office market: Knight Frank

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Over the next five years, Australia’s population of ultra-high net-worth individuals (UHNWI) is set to steadily rise, says a new report.
The UHNWI population is expected to rise by 20% - an extra 600 ultra-wealthy people – compared to 18% growth over the past five years, according to Knight Frank's Wealth Report.
Australian UHNWI population growth was 4% in 2018 to 3,060 UHNWIs.
New data found the number of ultra-wealthy people in Australia (those with net assets of US$30 million or more) is expected to rise by 20% over the next five years, equivalent to an extra 600 ultra-wealthy people.
According to Knight Frank’s Head of Residential Research, Australia Michelle Ciesielski: “GlobalData WealthInsight predicts the number of UHNWIs globally will rise by 22% over the next five years to 2023 – so an extra 43,000 ultra-wealthy people – taking the global number to nearly 250,000. This growth was 4% in 2018 to stand at 198,000 UHNWIs.
“Locally, UHNWIs are projected to rise by 20% over the next five years – equating to an extra 600 ultra-wealthy people living in Australia – in comparison with 12% growth over the past five years. In 2018 alone, we saw the Australian UHNW population grow by 4% to currently stand at 3,060 UHNWIs.”
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/6/KF%20Wealth.JPG" alt="">
Knight Frank’s Head of Residential, Australia Sarah Harding said: “Globally, Australia remains one of the top destinations for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. For example, we know Chinese and South-East Asian buyers continue to look at familiar global markets, such as Sydney, Melbourne, London and Hong Kong, which offer language advantages and immigration possibilities, as well as remaining outside any trade disputes.
“According to Knight Frank’s Attitude Survey, almost half of UHNWIs in Australia saw the most significant increase in wealth in 2018, with 93% of the wealth advisors surveyed reporting an improvement in their clients’ fortunes and 72% expecting their clients to increase their wealth in 2019.
“Across Australia’s major cities, GlobalData WealthInsight predicts a fairly consistent rise in ultra-wealthy populations. Sydney and Brisbane’s UHNW populations are expected to rise by 20% over the next five years, while Melbourne and Perth are forecast to rise by 21%.”
Ciesielski said: “Global wealth creation will remain constant in 2019. Although growth was good in 2018, it was not able to replicate the outstanding performance of equity markets, prime property and luxury investments a year earlier.
“There are headwinds looming with potential moderation in wealth growth, with global political and economic concerns becoming more complex. There is increased uncertainty and upheaval with all eyes on the rising trade tensions between China and the US.
“Despite this, 2019 will still see the number of millionaires (those with net assets of US$1 million or more) exceed 20 million for the first time ever. Some 6.6 million of these individuals will be based in North America, with 5.9 million in Europe and a further 5.8 million in Asia.”
According to Ciesielski, globally, the high-net-worth individual (HNWI) population is projected to rise by 19% over the next five years – equating to an extra 3.8 million millionaires – compared with growth of 13% over the past five years.
“This growth was 3% in 2018 to record 19.9 million HNWIs globally,” said Ciesielski.
“In Australia, the HNW population is projected to rise by 18% over the next five years – equating to an extra 60,000 millionaires – compared with growth of 9% over the past five years. In 2018, we saw growth of 3% to register a total 330,000 HNWIs.
“There will be challenges over the coming year, but we’re also going to see opportunities for private individuals and corporations to create wealth by delivering a wide range of public goods – most prevalent in countries without clear political leadership.”
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