The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

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>

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.
</section>
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Melbourne

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A Melton home - the weekend's cheapest sale - reflected a loss for the vendor over their six year ownership.
It fetched $247,000 having sold in 2009 at $275,000.
The three bedroom (below) 1990-built home sits on a 680 square metre holding offered through Barry Plant Real Estate. 
Melton's median house price has been in decline for around four years to its <a href="/news">current $240,000 level</a>.
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/8147f6d68d3f4ab5ae57a43966ab1005899f6491899fe99956ae0e16a55d419c/main.jpg" alt="48 Centenary Avenue, Melton" title="48 Centenary Avenue, Melton" data-index="0"> 
Melbourne's initial clearance rate sat at 76 per cent this weekend compared to 74 per cent last weekend. The initial clearance rate had been put at 77% last weekend.
It was 70 per cent this weekend last year.
There were 597 auctions reported so far this weekend to the REIV ranging from $180,000 to $3.35 million, for a Camberwell townhouse development site that sold post-auction.
TOP 5 HOUSES 
1. 15 Glencairn Avenue, Camberwell $3,350,000 2. 27 Laburnum Street, Brighton $3,250,000 3. 11 Livingstone Street, Ivanhoe $2,855,000 4. 8 Baily Street, Mount Waverley $2,790,000 5. 29 Fisher Parade, Ascot Vale $2,550,000 
TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES 
1. 48 Centenary Avenue, Melton $247,000 2. 16 Bootie Court, Roxburgh Park $330,000 3. 33 Heatherhill Road, Frankston $345,500 4. 47 Ash Street, Doveton $350,000 5. 29 Hurlingham Way, Craigieburn $356,000 TOP 5 APARTMENTS 
1. Lot 1/14 Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert $2,165,000 2. 6.1/193 Domain Road, South Yarra $1,750,000 3. 2/31 Kennealy Street, Surrey Hills $1,210,000 4. 17 Sandford Street, Highett $1,160,000 5. 61A Woornack Road, Carnegie $1,150,000 
TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS 
1. 45/92 Grey Street, St Kilda $180,000 2. 19/181 Geelong Road, Seddon $218,500 3. 12/6 Garnet Street, Brunswick $225,000 4. 24/15 Acland Street, St Kilda $230,000 5. 7/352 Koornang Road, Carnegie $275,000
SOURCE <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research" target="_blank">REIV</a>
Enzo Raimondo, the REIV chief reported auction proceeds totalled $365 million.
The clearance rate for houses was 81% with a median price of $838,500 with apartments' clearance rate at 70% and a $597,000 median price.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Loss making at Melton amid Melbourne's wavering auctions: REIV

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Sydney Swans footballer Jeremy Laidler has secured $750,000 for his Moonee Ponds, Melbourne holding.
Domain reported earlier this month he expected $600,000 for the 30 Ngarveno Street weatherboard which appeared unduly cautious as he bought it for $590,000 in 2012.
It has three bedrooms and a balcony off the rear living area offering city skyline views.
<div>
<img src="https://images-2.domain.com.au/2015/07/09/6671865/Article%20Lead%20-%20wide998080855gi8cjpimage.related.articleLeadwide.729x410.gi8c47.png1436505662608.jpg-620x349.jpg" alt="Jeremy Laidler's property at 30 Ngarveno Street, Moonee Ponds, which will be auctioned on July 18.">Jeremy Laidler's property was a short walk to the Puckle Street shopping strip, sometimes described as the Toorak Road of Melbourne's north west.
</div>
Alex Carbon agents <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/sold/30-ngarveno-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039-2012070291" target="_blank">Charles Bongiovanni and Alex Puglia secured the sale</a> ahead of today's scheduled auction.
Laidler played for Geelong and Carlton before joining Sydney last year.
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Sydney Swan Jeremy Laidler sells in Moonee Ponds

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Six home owners at McKinnon in Melbourne’s south-eastern bayside, have reaped a $8.88 million, off-market sale of heir residential development site.
Savills Australia’s Julian Heatherich brokered the sale of the 3 to 9 Claire Street offering.
Sold at what is believed to be a record $2913 a square metre for the area, six neighbours came together with the common aspiration to create a one-off opportunity by combining their properties to form an attractive development prospect.
"Six home owners have reaped a circa 40% price windfall," Savills Australia’s Julian Heatherich said.
The property, comprising four residential sites totaling 3049 square metres and six individual properties (six owners), is zoned General Residential, has 60 metres frontage to Claire Street, minutes walk to McKinnon Road retail strip and railway station.
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Six McKinnon neighbours sell combined residential development site for $8.88 million

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A speaker at a seminar in Melbourne told the audience they should buy in a particular suburb because the median unit price had jumped 20%-plus in the previous 12 months.
I’m not sure I’ve heard worse advice in a public forum.
But it’s a common syndrome in real estate - one that defies all logic, but common nevertheless.
For many years I have observed investors getting excited about buying in a location because they read/heard that it had shown exponential price growth in the recent past. 
There are multiple reasons why this is a mistake. 
The first is that they would be buying in a location after the big growth has happened. Publicity-hungry research firms that publish lists of the highest annual growth are telling you where you should have bought a year ago – maybe. 
The second reason is that the figures show the rise in the median price, which doesn’t mean values have risen to the same degree. Given the way median prices work, it’s not uncommon for the median price to rise in an area where values have fallen.
The third reason is that the figures are often nonsense, wildly distorted by a small sales sample or a short time frame. 
Here’s a recent example. RP Data, a persistent source of worthless information on real estate prices, recently spat a list out of its computer of the five locations in each state/territory which had shown the highest price growth in the most recent quarter. 
Numerous locations on these lists had (allegedly) recorded median price growth between 25% and 35% in three months. 
If this represented actual growth in values at those levels, this would be the greatest real estate boom in the history of the planet. But it did not mean anything of the sort.  
In each case, it was a statistical aberration. There was not a single instance among those 40 locations where values were rising at the levels suggested. 
In most cases, the statistical glitch was caused by a small sales sample. More than half of the 40 locations had fewer than 30 sales in the previous 12 months, which meant the quarterly data was based on only six or eight sales. 
Some had only 10 or 12 sales in the year, providing a quarterly sales sample was just two or three sales. To publish median price results on samples so small is irresponsible as well as misleading. 
In every case – i.e. in all 40 locations – the RP Data growth figures were contradicted by figures from other research sources. 
RP Data claimed Harlaxton in Queensland had grown 28% in three months, but Domain recorded zero growth for the same location. RP Data said Cape Schanck in Victoria (a tiny market with only 14 annual sales) had grown 29% in one quarter, but Domain said its median price had actually dropped 1.3%. RP Data said Manjimup in WA had jumped 29% in three months, but Domain said it had declined 3% for the quarter and 1% for the previous 12 months.
The problem is that some media organisations, especially the online magazines, publish these furphies as if they’re nuggets of gold for information-starved investors. 
“Australia’s top property markets revealed!” shout the headlines. 
How can they be so careless?
A more accurate headline would: “Australia’s worst misinformation exposed!”
TERRY RYDER is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a> 
Terry was recently joined by Property Observer editor at large Jonathan Chancellor for a webinar on why research is the key to successful property investing in 2015. You can download slides and audio from the webinar here.
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Real estate advice syndrome a common problem: Terry Ryder

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Melbourne house prices are tipped to fall 9%, while Sydney prices will climb further and then hold their value, analysis for an unpublished paper under review for the Economic Record has found.
It covers price forecasts for freestanding houses. 
Sydney prices would "continue to rise till the end of 2015 then start plateauing with no anticipated sharp falls".
But Melbourne prices could begin falling almost immediately, falling 9.2% in the year ahead, while Brisbane's prices will fall 8.1% and Perth's 5.2%, according to the analysis.
Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra will continue to climb slowly.
<div>The research by Abbas Valadkhani of Swinburne University, Ronald Ratti from the University of Western Sydney and Greg Costello from Curtin University looked at monthly house price data back to 1995.</div>
<div> </div>
<div id="adspot-300x250-pos3">"This doesn't predict every see-saw movement," Dr Valadkhani told Fairfax Media's economics editor Peter Martin.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"It only predicts the general direction of prices. If it could predict exact movements we would be multimillionaires and wouldn't need to work in academia. The actual prices could be a little bit above or a little bit below the trend we are predicting."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The authors believe their model is the first to be updatable each month, possibly providing advance notice of turning points.</div>
Asked by Peter Martin why Sydney house prices would keep climbing and then plateau while Melbourne prices fell, Dr Valadkhani said the model didn't give reasons. However, its predictions were consistent with  continuing shortages and oversupply.
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Melbourne house prices set to fall during 2015?: academic research

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Sydney's July 11 weekend auction clearance rate was down to a year low of 80%. It represented the biggest of recent gentle declines amid five of six recent weekends of falling clearance rates.  
Sydney previously recorded an initial clearance rate of 83.3% (revised to 80.6%) and 72.7% recorded over same weekend last year.
The near 600 offerings was a record July volume.
The most popular suburb for auctions in Sydney was Maroubra with 11 followed by Blacktown with eight. There were seven auctions scheduled for Marrickville, Baulkham Hills, Wahroonga, Liverpool and Chester Hill.
Sydney’s south hosted the most number of auctions with 94 scheduled followed by the west with 76, the inner west and the city and east each with 71, the upper north shore 67, the south west 60, Canterbury Bankstown 47, the lower north 38, the northern beaches 33, the north west 31, and the central coast 17.
While Sydney auction clearance rate down to year low 80%, Dr Andrew Wilson at APM noted was Melbourne solid at 79.2%.
With less volume, some 560 auctions in Melbourne on Saturday, Melbourne's preliminary clearance rate of 79.2 per cent on Saturday, higher than the 78.7 per cent of the week before. The Melbourne numbers were just below the 548 auctioned last weekend, but ahead of the 478 auctioned over the same weekend last year.  Reservoir hosted the most number of auctions in Melbourne on Saturday with 14 followed by Richmond 13, Port Melbourne, Glen Waverley and St Kilda each with nine. 
The last weekend of July sees more than 700 homes scheduled for auction in Sydney.
Sydney will struggle with these high numbers to maintain the high clearance rates achieved earlier in the year, Dr Wilson forecasts.
"The preliminary clearance rate for the city was 80 per cent, which, while high in most markets, was the lowest rate of 2015 for a weekend not affected by holidays," he said.
"The reduced clearance rate is another early sign, along with the the surprise drop in home loans recorded in May, which point to a market that is passing the peak of house price inflation," he told Fairfax Media.
Sydney's top sale was $4.45 million for a 1319 square metre Chiswick property, with perched views over Five Dock Bay where its original cottage - three bedrooms plus sunroom - will be replaced with a new home. 
Lochlan Grahame of Cobden &amp; Hayson <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/for-sale/52-burns-crescent-chiswick-nsw-2046-2012048897?topspot=1" target="_blank">had nine registered bidders</a>.
A four-bedroom apartment atop the Portofino building in Bay Road, Sandringham sold for $3.3 million through Biggin &amp; Scott Brighton, as Melbourne's highest weekend sale.
Brisbane's top $1.7 million sale at Cleveland was an offering on its second auction marketing campaign. It had $1,890,000 plus private treaty hopes since last November's unsuccessful auction.
In Canberra the top sale was a 1975 built family home on a 1417-square-metre block in Beaumont Close, Chapman, 12 kilometres from the city, sold for $1.01 million through Deborah Blaine at Peter Blackshaw Woden and Weston Creek. It had been listed with $875,000 plus hopes. 
<div> </div>
<div>
<table style="width: 605px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
Most expensive
</td>
<td colspan="2"> </td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_0">
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_0" align="left">Sydney</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_0" colspan="2">52 Burns Cr, Chiswick NSW 2046, 3 br House, Cobden &amp; Hayson Drummoyne</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_0">$4,450,000</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_1">
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_1" align="left">Melbourne</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_1" colspan="2">31/49-51 Bay Rd, Sandringham VIC 3191, 4 br Unit, Biggin &amp; Scott Brighton</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_1">$3,300,000</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_2">
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_2" align="left">Adelaide</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_2" colspan="2">69 Avenue Rd, Highgate SA 5063, 4 br House, LJH Kensington | Unley</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_2">$1,230,000</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_3">
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_3" align="left">Brisbane</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_3" colspan="2">16 Raby Bay Bvd, Cleveland QLD 4163, 4 br House, LJH Cleveland</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_3">$1,700,000</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_4">
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_4" align="left">Canberra</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_4" colspan="2">14 Beaumont Cl, Chapman ACT 2611, 4 br House, Peter Blackshaw Real Estate Woden &amp;</td>
<td id="x_rpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_4">$1,010,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
Most affordable
</td>
<td colspan="2"> </td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostAffordable_trMostAffordableRow_0">
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_0" align="left">Sydney</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_0" colspan="2">4/11-17 Davidson St, Greenacre NSW 2190, 3 br Unit, Town and Country</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_0">$425,000</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostAffordable_trMostAffordableRow_1">
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_1" align="left">Melbourne</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_1" colspan="2">6-7 Raymond St, Melton South VIC 3338, 2 br House, Raine &amp; Horne Melton</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_1">$163,000</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostAffordable_trMostAffordableRow_2">
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_2" align="left">Adelaide</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_2" colspan="2">64 Overland Rd, Croydon Park SA 5008, 2 br House, RW Flinders Park</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_2">$373,000</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostAffordable_trMostAffordableRow_3">
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_3" align="left">Brisbane</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_3" colspan="2">11 Woodview St, Browns Plains QLD 4118, 3 br House, RealWay Property Consultants Metro</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_3">$332,000</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpMostAffordable_trMostAffordableRow_4">
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableCity_4" align="left">Canberra</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableLocation_4" colspan="2">14/89 Britten-Jones Dr, Holt ACT 2615, 3 br Townhouse, Luton Properties - Gungahlin</td>
<td id="x_rpMostAffordable_tdMostAffordableSold_4">$380,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source APM
 
{mijopolls 120}
 
</div>
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Melbourne likely to take strongest auction mantle as Sydney's 80% at year low

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<div class="cT-imageLandscape">
The landmark Melbourne apartment development Premier Tower has secured 60% off the plan pre-sales in its stage one launch last month with a selection of one bedroom, one bedroom-plus-study and two bedroom configurations. Around half went to offshore buyers seemingly galvanised by the new Victorian Government stamp duty on foreign buyers that began July 1.  
Premier Tower is an eye-catching mixed use tower located at the corner of Spencer Street and Bourke Streets, opposite Southern Cross Station consisting of 780 residential apartments over 68 levels.
There will also be a boutique hotel housed in the podium levels hosting 175 rooms. Construction is due to commence early next year.
“We are excited to be launching our first Melbourne development project and are thrilled with the strong response from the market in these early stages,” Fragrance Group's Adrian Lim said in a press release issued by Colliers International.
The Elenberg Fraser-designed project is being marketed by Colliers International and project managed by PDS Group.
Tim Storey, Colliers International managing director of residential, said the strong initial response to the project demonstrated ongoing the strength of the Melbourne CBD market.
Residential amenities will include grand ground level entry foyer, swimming pool, gym, residential lounges, concierge services, a garden lounge, outdoor fitness zone, sauna and steam room, games and golf area and fully equipped catering kitchens.
Premier apartment residents will also have access to the Premier Club and other exclusive amenities such as a library, private dining rooms and kitchen facilities, a theatre, billiard room and karaoke and media room.
</div>
<div class="cT-imageLandscape"> </div>
<div class="cT-imageLandscape">
<img src="https://images-2.domain.com.au/2015/07/07/6666810/Article%20Lead%20-%20wide998000853gi6mf6image.related.articleLeadwide.729x410.gi6mdx.png1436334279225.jpg-620x349.jpg" alt="The curvy tower design, by Elenberg Fraser, was inspired by Beyonce."> 
The curvy tower design, by Elenberg Fraser, was reputedly bizarrely inspired by Beyonce with another press release to Fairfax Media suggesting the design of the curvaceous building at 134 Spencer Street, has been inspired by Beyonce's Ghost film clip from Beyonce's self-titled album.
</div>
<div class="cT-imageLandscape">
<img src="https://images-2.domain.com.au/2015/07/07/6666807/Article%20Lead%20-%20wide998000853gi6mjfimage.related.articleLeadwide.729x410.gi6mdx.png1436334279225.png-620x349.png" alt="A still from Beyonce's Ghost film clip."> 
The media release said: "For those more on the art than science side, we will reveal that the form does pay homage to something more aesthetic – we're going to trust you've seen the music video for Beyonce's Ghost." 
The tower replaces the Savoy Tavern best known for its Warwick Capper-hosted events after reopening following a closure of almost two decades.
<img src="/images/2015/07/10/700_cappa.jpg" alt="">
The Singaporean property magnate Koh Wee Meng and his family will keep a suite of apartments at the very top of the high-rise CBD tower that his Fragrance Group is developing.
The Australian Financial Review noted the only problem is those apartments are on level 75 in a tower which has only approved 68 levels.
The revelation that Mr Koh and two of his sisters have acquired four sky-high apartments, along with one mid-level unit, was made to the Singapore stock exchange where Fragrance is listed, the AFR noted, in a sign Fragrance is planning to take the tower even higher. 
But Planning Minister Richard Wynne cut the original proposal down from 294 metres to 226 metres, making it comply with aviation rules and preventing it overshadowing the Yarra River and this week Wynne advised: "The permit for 134-160 Spencer Street clearly states my approval for 68 storeys. The decision to reduce the height was supported by the City of Melbourne to avoid overshadowing the Yarra River." 
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Beyonce inspired tower gives Warwick Capper the boot in Fragrance Group's Spencer Street highrise

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Global fashion label H&amp;M is to open its second Melbourne store at Eastland shopping centre.
QIC Global Real Estate has secured H&amp;M for their eastern suburb centre at Ringwood.
Selling affordable and sustainable apparel, H&amp;M’s existing Australian stores are at Melbourne’s GPO, Sydney’s Macquarie Centre in North Ryde, and the two Brisbane locations, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre as well as a Queen Street, Brisbane site.
Australia's first H&amp;M fashion store opened in Melbourne's GPO building in the Bourke Street mall.
The chain has about 3,182 stores in 53 countries, opening a further 375 this year.
It took around three years to find the initial outlet sites in Australia, including the distribution warehouse at Eastern Creek in Sydney.
It has plans for a third Brisbane store and a Perth store.
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H&M for Ringwood's Eastland

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The 1910 Canterbury offering, with its Monomeath House nameplate sold at recent auction for $3.5 million.
The Chinese vendors had paid $2.4 million in November 2013.
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/416aea33408553ee4834fcee937b0e1ed2fcc433f34455fe43c8d8635f74c5b0/main.jpg" alt="1A Monomeath Avenue, Canterbury" title="1A Monomeath Avenue, Canterbury" data-index="0">
The gross $1.1 million gain was actually accrued over 16 months given the settlement date was April 2014.
Highlighting the Melbourne real estate rollercoaster, it had sold for even higher in the 2010 mini-boom at $2.625 million. In 2002 there was a sale just short of the $1million at $960,000.
Back in 1979 it fetched $100,000. The avenue recently <a href="/news/european-chateau-on-canterburys-monomeath-avenue-fetches-12-million">saw its first $12 million sale</a>.
With 42.4 metre (139 foot) frontage, <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/1a-monomeath-avenue-canterbury/Property-Details-buy-residential-8986092" target="_blank">the double brick Edwardian home</a> weekend offering sat on a 952 sq m (10247 sq ft) holding within what is called the Golden Mile precinct. Monomeath House is filled with ornate period detailing including soaring ceilings, leadlight and bay windows. Its upstairs retreat comes with city views.
RT Edgar selling agent Glen Coutinho suggested it had development potential as either a five star residence or multiple luxury dwellings. 
No video marketing campaign this time at 1a Monomeath, but when Marshall White offered it in 2013 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhedVb4dacs" target="_blank">the charm of the home was apparent</a>.
Not sure when 1a Monomeath appropriated the name Monomeath House as of course Monomeath Avenue takes its name from Edward Snowden's house Monomeath, which was demolished at 2 Monomeath Avenue in 1949 by the Snowden descendants, the Demaine family who had <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/22703928?searchTerm=demaine%20monomeath%20canterbury&amp;searchLimits=" target="_blank">a 1948 clearance sale</a>.
Heritage records suggest Monomeath was surrounded by vineyards and orchards. The first subdivision of Edward Snowden's seven hectares was at the turn of the century with the Monomeath gates, formerly on Canterbury Road, brought round to face the new Monomeath Avenue.
When Camberwell Council made the road in 1911, there were only a few houses in the area, with Monomeath Avenue's beautiful oaks planted when the road was made in 1911. 
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Monomeath House, Canterbury sold… will demolition follow for the Edwardian gem?

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Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne has approved an amended Grocon application for 85 Spring Street, Melbourne, which was refused planning permission in early April. 
Wynne ruled the proposed 46-level Grocon tower was too high and too close to other buildings in the eastern Collins Street precinct, preferring the advice of city hall over his planning officers, who had recommended in favour of the tower, with conditions.
There is no height limit at 85 Spring Street, occupied now by a 16-storey office tower which Grocon acquired in 2013 for about $45 million.
Grocon will trim its proposal to 39 levels and reduce the number of apartments, originally about 305, down to about 225.
The building would no longer overshadow the adjacent Gordon Reserve, while Grocon would have to secure air rights from neighbour Anzac House as part of the planning permit. This move would protect the views of the new apartments.
Positioned just a few hundred metres from Parliament House, the 16-storey building is a late 1980s office building.
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