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 

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-6" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-2" dir="auto">
<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:5a5ab36c-8dd3-454c-b456-c501f22f0eb4-0" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:5a5ab36c-8dd3-454c-b456-c501f22f0eb4-0" dir="auto">
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

<html><body>
Auction clearance rates are consistently tracking in the high 70s and low 80s and in other words, very few properties are failing to sell under the hammer.
Typically, most of the rest are sold within a few days of the auction date.
Property prices are rising in Melbourne and are probably 3% to 5% higher than they were at the beginning of the year. This is off the back of strong growth of between 8% to 10% in 2014, according to one property expert.
Richard Wakelin, founder and director of Wakelin Property Advisory, said there is a palpable sense among many buyers that if they don’t buy soon, the property market will be more expensive in a few months.
In <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgF9Fu5vqJU&amp;feature=youtu.be">a new video released online</a>, Mr Wakelin said times are good for vendors although there is a sense of further capital gains to be made so the impetus to sell right now may be less.
"There was a fair degree of nervousness among buyers in the second half of 2014. Many had bought in to the narrative that the property market had peaked. That there was no more price growth to come. That the Reserve Bank was about to lift interest rates," Mr Wakelin said.
"That doubt has been washed away. 
"There is a definite sense of urgency among buyers. They know that the next move for interest rates is more likely to be down than up."
</body></html>

RichardWakelin-5qKEwDuXVG

Mid-autumn Melbourne market going strong: Richard Wakelin

<html><body>
Melbourne's top weekend auction sale was at 39-41 Mayfield Avenue, Malvern which sold through Marshall White at $5,675,000.
Just the two bidders, one of whom went next door to the garden block offering which sold soon after being passed in at $2.6 million.
So an $8.275 million plus deal for <a href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/39-43-mayfield-avenue-malvern-237715/" target="_blank">the house, garden and tennis court.</a>
It had last sold in 2012 at $7.13 million.
It was past owners, the Williamson family who amalgamated the large property which James Buyer Advocates described as having a rare country estate feel.
Estate agent Bill Dane sold it in 2003 after 13 year ownership. 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Mayfield Avenue, Malvern country style estate fetches $8.2 million plus 

<html><body>
<div>
<div>
A strong clearance rate of 81 per cent was recorded across Melbourne this weekend compared to 68 per cent this weekend last year.
There were 889 auctions reported to the REIV today, with the REIV expecting about 1,080 auctions in 263 suburbs.
The top auction suburbs were Reservoir with 19 auctions followed by Richmond and Kew with 14 auctions.
Total sales at auction was $679 million with the clearance rate for houses sitting stronger than apartments - 84% at a $900,000 median against 73% with a unit median price of $610,000.
On the prior May 2 weekend there was a revised 79% success rate when there were 1060 auctions reported to the REIV.
Enzo Raimondo, the REIV chief, said auction sales continued to be the driving force of price growth in the million dollar suburbs.
The majority of million dollar properties (nearly two thirds) sold in these suburbs in the March 2015 quarter, have been sold at auction.
The million dollar suburbs with the highest proportion of auctions as a percentage of total sales were Kew East (81 per cent), Mont Albert (81 per cent), Camberwell (78 per cent), Carlton North (78 per cent), Surrey Hills (76 per cent) and Clifton Hill (75 per cent) – all upwards of 75 per cent. 
The Toorak home of Tony Suhan, the Australian importer and distributor of Advanti alloy wheels and Nexen tyres, sold before its scheduled auction price undisclosed.
</div>
</div>
It is a townhouse (photo above) designed by Nicholas Day with three bedrooms, a home cinema, living and dining spaces and a private north-facing garden. It has an internally accessed basement double garage. 
Marshall White agents Marcus Chiminello and Nicole French secured the pre-auction sake of the <a href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/7e-woorigoleen-road-toorak-174607/" target="_blank">7E Woorigoleen Road listing</a>. There had been reported $2.7 million hopes. 
It cost $2.7 million in 2011 with the 1999-built townhouse first sold at $1.11 million. 
REIV TOP 5 HOUSES
1. 40 Anderson Road, Hawthorn East $4,820,000 with tennis court 2. 11 Flintoft Avenue, Toorak $4,350,000 3. 53-63 Bridge Street, Port Melbourne $3,690,000 4. 11 Peppin Street, Camberwell $3,510,000 5. 15 Bridge Street, Hampton $3,100,000
REIV TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES
1. 3 Crossley Crescent, Coolaroo $235,500 knockdown 2. 14 Elizabeth Avenue, Werribee $248,000 3. 54 Gillingham Crescent, Craigieburn $271,000 4. 19 Mudie Avenue, Sunbury $281,000 5. 2 Medinah Close, Sunbury $307,500
 
REIV TOP 5 APARTMENTS
1. 43A Thanet Street, Malvern $2,106,000 2. 61B Iona Street, Black Rock $2,000,000 3. 2/11 Tollington Avenue, Malvern East $1,855,000 4. 17 Princes Street, Port Melbourne $1,450,000 5. 5/86A Marine Parade, Elwood $1,420,000 
REIV TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS
1. 4/119 Jetty Road, Rosebud $220,000 one bedder 2. 21/294 Nicholson Street, Seddon $240,000 3. 5/18 Currajong Street, Thomastown $244,000 4. 3/16 Lawn Crescent, Braybrook $272,500 5. 4/12 Barry Street, Reservoir $297,500
Source<a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research" target="_blank"> REIV</a>
</body></html>

Melbourne's 81% auction success as Toorak townhouse by Nicholas Day roars out the door

<html><body>
Greville Pabst, CEO and director of <a href="https://www.wbpproperty.com/" target="_blank">WBP Property Group</a> and a judge on The Block Triple Threat, answered some of Property Observer's questions on the state of the current state of the market.
<ul>
<li>
How would you describe the auction market? The auction market is highly competitive. Today you can expect anywhere between four and six bidders at an auction in Melbourne, particularly in popular inner suburbs. This has meant strong growth for quality properties. This year we’ve also seen softening in the western suburbs with both auction volumes and clearance rates dropping slightly across the region. Standout areas for performance are the eastern and south-eastern suburbs. Total transaction volumes are down by about 10% when compared with this same time last year, however, as a percentage of overall transactions auctions have increased slightly, accompanied by an increase in clearance rates - Melbourne averaging 76% this year compared with 72% at the same time last year.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Is the private treaty market likewise? Transaction volumes demonstrate there is greater confidence buying at auction this year, which may prompted by record low interest rates and strong competition among bidders. But, the key take away is that fewer properties are passing in at auction. At this time the clearance rate for auctions is at 76.3% - this time last year it was at 71.6%.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
What tips would you give home buyers? Given current levels of competition it’s important buyers don't make hasty decisions. The key to securing well-performing property is research, and, if needed, getting independent expert advice.  It’s also important to consider that whether buying a home or investment property, a sound selection now will have a significant impact on your personal wealth well into the future. Securing a property with high capital growth potential is crucial.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
What tips would you give investors about the timing of their buying in the 2015 market? When asked this question I always recall the proverb, “'The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, the second best time is now.” In truth, there’s no right or wrong time to buy a property. The best time is when you’re financially ready.  The crucial factor with any property investment is the amount of time in the market – that is, unlike with some shares, property growth is realised over time, not overnight. The high cost of transacting property means investment of this kind is typically a long-term commitment. </li>
</ul>
</body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

Melbourne auction market highly competitive: Q&A with WBP's Greville Pabst

<html><body>
A strong clearance rate of 80% was recorded at Melbourne auction, after 905 auctions were reported to the REIV.
It compared to 69% this weekend last year.
The highest sale reported to the REIV was $4.21 million in Albert Park, with <a href="/expert-insights/buying/flight-centres-geoff-harris-extends-wings-on-st-vincent-place-albert-park">whispers it sold to the neighbouring BRW Rich Lister Geoff Harris</a>.
There was a total volume of $642 million with the 83% success rate for houses triggering an $839,000 median house price sale, according to REIV chief Enzo Raimondo. 
The clearance rate for apartments was 74% with a median $616,000 price.
Unreported sales included $2,565,000 for the Wayne Gillespie-designed Toorak house of the Sydney-based TV presenters Andrew Denton and Jennifer Byrne.
Fairfax Media reported it had last sold at $2.35 million in 2010, reflecting less than 2% annual price growth. There were four bidders after the opening $2.2 million offer.
The four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/24-woodside-crescent-toorak/Property-Details-buy-residential-8615230" target="_blank">24 Woodside Crescent</a> (pictured above) was listed through Kay &amp; Burton. It sits in a cul-de-sac with a pool and European-inspired terrace.
It was briefly advertised for rent at $1700 a week in May last year.
Another Toorak home, also bought in 2010 was sold at weekend auction for $4.6 million, having been bought for $3.79 million at 7 Power Avenue.
The Georgian-style, three-storey house at 7 Power Avenue was first sold by Neil and Nada Youren at $1.25 million, the top sale at the weekend when it was offered in 1995. The 772 square metre block cost $500,000 in 1994.
The most popular suburbs for auctions across Melbourne were South Yarra, Preston, Reservoir, Cheltenham, Brunswick and Glen Waverley this weekend.
REIV TOP 5 HOUSES 
1. 67 St Vincent Place, Albert Park $4,210,000 2. 23 Orrong Road, Elsternwick $3,010,000 3. 9 Glenview Avenue, Malvern $2,990,000 4. 37 Hopetoun Avenue, Canterbury $2,830,000 5. 81 Bogong Avenue, Glen Waverley $2,510,000 
REIV TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES 
1. 2 Chelmsford Crescent, St Albans $300,000 2. 13 Photinia Street, Doveton $302,000 3. 28 Welwyn Parade, Deer Park $313,000 4. 19 Deveney Street, Pakenham $315,000 5. 3 Eugenia Street, Doveton $320,500
REIV TOP 5 APARTMENTS 
1. 2/27 Darling Street, South Yarra $2,175,000 2. 3B Bryson Avenue, Brighton $2,115,000 3. 32A Sunlight Crescent, Brighton East $1,755,000 4. 20 Waverly Street, Sandringham $1,677,000 5. 10A Butler Street, Camberwell $1,485,000 
REIV TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS 
1. 4/6 Mayston Street, Hawthorn East $201,000 2. 5/6 Mayston Street, Hawthorn East $230,000 3. 36A Windrock Avenue, Craigieburn $236,000 4. 180A Grand Boulevard, Craigieburn $242,500 5. 36 Windrock Avenue, Craigieburn $257,000
Source <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research" target="_blank">REIV</a>
</body></html>

Less than 2% annual price growth as Andrew Denton and Jennifer Byrne secure Melbourne auction sale 

<html><body>
Julian Augustini, a director at <a href="https://www.hodges.com.au/" target="_blank">Hodges Brighton</a>, answered some of Property Observer's questions on the state of the current state of the market.
<ul>
<li>How would you describe the auction market? Is the treaty market likewise?</li>
</ul>
Because of the low interest rates, Melbourne's property market at the moment is performing strongly.
The auction market at the moment is very active, and so is the private sale market.
<ul>
<li>What tips would you give home buyers?</li>
</ul>
Buy in the best possible location for your budget.
You can make small, cost-friendly changes to your home over time but you can't change where you are located without selling and upgrading.
<ul>
<li>What tips would you give investors about the timing of their buying in the 2015 market?</li>
</ul>
The rental market remains stable so buying now and locking in low interest rates gives security and potential for growth. 
</body></html>

Low interest rates driving Melbourne market: Q&A with Hodges' Julian Augustini

<html><body>
A quarter of all homes sold in more than a dozen Melbourne suburbs in the final three months of last year sold for less than $300,000, REIV data shows.
In two suburbs – Melton and Hastings –  a quarter of all sales were less than $240,000, with the lower quartile price in Melton at $220,000.
REIV chief Enzo Raimondo said these were extremely affordable homes.
“Such properties can offer first home buyers and those on a tight budget the chance to get a foothold on the property ladder,” he said.
Suburbs with a quarter of all homes selling for less than $300,000 in the December quarter of 2014 included Kurunjang with $251,250, Frankston North with $262,500, Melton West with $275,000, Dallas with $280,750, Warburton and Meadow Heights with $282,500, Werribee with $285,000, Brookfield $287,500, Doveton $295,000, Wyndham Vale $298,000 and Cranbourne with $299,000.
In four of those suburbs, Kurunjang, Melton, Frankston North and Dallas, the median house price – the midpoint of all sales for the three months – was less than $300,000.
RealestateVIEW.com.au has had recent listings including <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/11-patron-place-kurunjang/Property-Details-buy-residential-7986792" target="_blank">a three-bedroom home in Kuranjang for offers over $229,000</a> (pictured above) and a Werribee three-bedroom home for offers over $240,000.
Ryder Real Estatte Melton agent Jayson Ryder says the Kuranjang property is returning $240 per week "or 5.5% on your investment".
</body></html>

Melton and other Melbourne suburbs with sub-$300,000 options

<html><body>
Two heritage-listed office buildings at the Paris end of Collins Street, Melbourne have been listed for sale through Savills agent Clinton Baxter.
At 10-12 Collins Street, the five storey Victor Horsley Chambers, dates back to 1924.
The Georgian Revival building offers retail and office space.
Next door at 14-16 Collins Street is the five storey 1912 Chanonry office building.
Victor Horsley Chambers traded at $900,000 in 1971.
Chanonry last traded for $300,000 in 1971.
Both buildings, owned by private investors, are in the same block as the Melbourne Club.
They both have redevelopment potential.
"This is the ultimate location for property ownership within Melbourne, quite possibly Australia, with most properties being exceedingly tightly-held and often owned for generations," said Savills' Clinton Baxter, who is handling the properties with colleague Nick Peden.
The offering of two neighbouring office buildings at the prestigious Paris end of Collins Street in Melbourne’s CBD, could fetch a combined $35 million or more.
All leases are subject to six month termination clauses, providing the successful purchasers with a range of options which may include refurbishment, repositioning, owner-occupation or total redevelopment of the properties
Offers close with Savills 28 May.
</body></html>

Two Paris end of Collins Street office offerings

<html><body>
Melbourne inner city vendors lost a total of $4.5 million in the December quarter.
The local government area had the highest rate of loss-making sales of any Melbourne region in the three month period. According to CoreLogic RP Data's latest Pain and Gain report, 17.3% of Melbourne City resales in the final quarter of 2014 made a loss.
The Melbourne local government area includes Melbourne's CBD, Carlton, parts of Carlton North, Docklands, East Melbourne, some parts of Flemington, Jolimont, Kensington, Parkville, Southbank and West Melbourne.
It also includes parts of North Melbourne, Port Melbourne, South Wharf and South Yarra.
The median loss for Melbourne City resales in the December quarter was $27,350. With a total of $4,527,759 lost by vendors, the region also recorded the highest total loss of any Melbourne area.
Vendors who made a gross loss on Melbourne inner city sales in the December quarter in general held their properties for a shorter time than their profiteering counterparts. A loss-making vendor held their property for an average 5.6 years, while the 82.7% of profit-making sellers in the same region sold their properties after an average of 10 years of ownership.
Those who did profit made a median of $152,000 on their sale, with total gains over the quarter of $108,107,048.
It wasn't just inner city vendors who were saddled with losses in the December quarter.
In the newly-developing rural-fringe region of Melton, 11.8% of all resales resulted in a loss in that period. The loss-making properties were held for an average of 3.6 years, with a median loss of $12,000. In total, vendors lost $1,453,850 on Melton sales in the December quarter.
The Melton properties which did turn a profit were held on average for 8.5 years, and made a median profit of $85,000.
The only Melbourne local government area to have a 100% success rate in the December quarter was Murrindindi, although many would not count the area as part of Melbourne. Located in the Hume region, it includes Kinglake, Marysville, Alexandra, Buxton, Eildon, Flowerdale, Molesworth, Strath Creek, Taggerty, Yarck and Yea.
December quarter sales in Murrindindi had an average hold period of 13 years, with a median profit of $91,000.
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Almost one in five of Melbourne City resales making a loss: CoreLogic RP Data

<html><body>
Melbourne's strengthening auction market is now consistently nudging 80%, the strongest rally for five years.
The REIV advised a 79% success rate on the April 18 weekend, matching the 79% pre-Easter weekend clearance rate.
It compared to 75 per cent last weekend, Enzo Raimondo, the REIV chief advised, having had an initial 78% advisory.
The year-to-date Victoria wide clearance rate sits at around 77%.
Melbourne's auctions finished 2014 and started 2015 in the 60s, so has enjoyed the biggest fillip of the capital city markets since the February RBA are cut.
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/melbourne-auction-spike-on-back-of-february-rate-cut-westpacs-matthew-hassan">It was noted recently</a> by the Westpac senior economist Matthew Hassan.
There were 1060 auctions reported to the REIV with the highest sale (below) in Surrey Hills.
<div>
<div id="property-upper-display">
<div id="pane-tab">
<div id="displayphotos" data-photocount="20" data-floorplancount="1" data-iswa="0">
<div class="herophoto">
<div id="mainphoto">
<div id="link-photo"><img src="https://images.realestateview.com.au/pics/610/44-Suffolk-Road-Surrey-Hills-VIC-3127-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-8539610.jpg" alt="44 Suffolk Road Surrey Hills VIC 3127 Real Estate Photo 1" title="44 Suffolk Road Surrey Hills VIC 3127 House - Photo 1"></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
The four bedroom Edwardian era home on 1089 square metres was sold by <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/44-suffolk-road-surrey-hills/Property-Details-buy-residential-8539610" target="_blank">Tim Heavyside at Fletchers</a>.
There were pricier offerings that failed to sell including the contemporary 4 First Point, Port Melbourne (below) townhouse which was passed in at $5.25 million.
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/f97aba401b197f5a9d09596902ee7b8ba6ba53836c70f7575f3db108236ff79a/main.jpg" alt="4 First Point, Port Melbourne" title="4 First Point, Port Melbourne" data-index="0">
Also the bungalow at 8 Normandy Road, Elwood was passed in at $3.55 million and a contemporary house in Leigh Bailey gardens at 50 Wentworth Avenue, Canterbury was passed in at $3.5 million.
There was an $813,000 median house price and a $590,000 median apartment price at weekend auction.
<div class="wysiwyg">
TOP 5 HOUSES 
1. 44 Suffolk Road, Surrey Hills $3,370,000 2. 15 Kildare Street, Hawthorn East $2,800,000 3. 37 Medina Road, Glen Waverley $2,486,000 4. 63 Rushall Crescent, Fitzroy North $2,250,000 5. 3 Westfield Drive, Doncaster $2,225,000 
TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES 
1. 8/29 Eldridge Street, Footscray $263,000 2. 5/14 Kelvinside Road, Noble Park $268,000 3. 76 Macedon Street, Sunbury $270,000 4. 15 Kynoch Street, Deer Park $300,000 5. 21 Highbury Circuit, Craigieburn $307,000
TOP 5 APARTMENTS 
1. 400 Beach Road, Beaumaris $2,830,000 2. 4/32 Walmer Street, Kew $1,890,000 3. 157 Were Street, Brighton $1,525,000 4. 9 Fourth Street, Black Rock $1,513,000 5. 1/3 Rangeview Grove, Balwyn North $1,510,000 
TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS 
1. 25/31 Smith Street, St Kilda $143,000 2. 7/10 Heather Avenue, Brooklyn $245,000 3. 14/441 Brunswick Road, Brunswick West $258,000 4. 11/158 Napier Street, Essendon $280,000 5. 23/470 Punt Road, South Yarra $280,000
 
Source <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research" target="_blank">REIV</a> 
</div>
<h4> </h4>
<div class="wysiwyg"> </div>
 
</body></html>

Melbourne

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Melbourne

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News