Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

Joel Robinson

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

&nbsp;

Developer GURNER™ Group has revealed $1.65 billion in residential sales nationally across the 12 months to December 2025, driven largely by the continued momentum of its Docklands wellness-focused precinct, Elysium Fields.

The sales result was generated across seven projects in Victoria and New South Wales, headlined by Elysium Fields, GURNER™’s $2.75 billion mixed-use precinct planned for Harbour Esplanade in Docklands.

The project has recorded more than $500 million in sales across the first three towers, equating to around 580 apartments sold.

The first tower, Helios, has now sold out of its 240 private residences, with GURNER™ preparing to release a premium penthouse collection comprising 15 three-bedroom penthouses in coming weeks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370975]

Elysium Fields is being developed on the long-held 20,000 sqm Docklands site at 208-226 Harbour Esplanade, which had remained undeveloped for more than two decades prior to GURNER™ taking over the project around four years ago.

Construction has now commenced across four towers ranging between 18 and 30 storeys, with Hamilton Marino and Maxcon appointed as builders.

Once complete, the precinct is expected to comprise around 1,100 residences, alongside retail, hospitality and public realm uses integrated throughout the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370981]

Designed by Fraser &amp; Partners in collaboration with GURNER™ Design House, the project has been positioned around the developer’s broader focus on wellness-led residential living.

“We don’t sell apartments. We create a true luxury lifestyle that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the market today,” Founder and Executive Chairman Tim Gurner said.

“To deliver that requires an extraordinary level of detail, coordination and discipline across multiple verticals, from design and hospitality through to wellness and service.”

“We’ve always believed that living extends far beyond the physical residence. It’s about how you feel the moment you arrive, how you live day-to-day, and the ecosystem that supports that.” 
[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370977]

The project’s design places a heavy focus on landscaping, wellness amenities and biophilic design principles.

Plans include around 3,700 sqm of landscaped gardens and open space throughout the precinct, alongside a retail and dining offering spanning approximately 5,000 sqm.

The broader public realm strategy centres around what GURNER™ describes as the “Path of Life”, an urban forest and landscaped pedestrian environment intended to connect the various buildings and wellness spaces across the precinct.

The apartments themselves will incorporate a range of wellness-focused inclusions, including purified air and water systems, circadian lighting, antimicrobial surfaces, and optional in-home wellness upgrades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370980]

Gurner said the company’s experience through its Saint Haven wellness clubs had directly informed the residential offering now being incorporated into Elysium Fields.

“We’re seeing a clear global shift toward longevity, performance and proactive health,” Gurner said.

“Our role is to deliver that in a way that feels seamless, highly private and beautifully resolved within the environments we create.”

A large component of the wellness offering is planned through the resident amenity and health facilities proposed within the precinct.

That includes plans for bathing and recovery facilities spread throughout the towers, incorporating mineral pools, saunas, steam rooms, flotation therapy, red light therapy and wellness lounges.

The developer is also seeking approvals for what it describes as a “reverse ageing medical clinic” within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370978]

According to project information released by the group, the proposed facility would include cryotherapy, IV infusion therapy, infrared and dry saunas, PEMF beds, MRIs, DEXA scans, brain scans and blood analysis services.

Within the first tower, Helios, residents will also have access to a dedicated amenity offering known as the Sky Private Club.

The upper 15 levels of the building will include private lounges, dining spaces, rooftop amenities and optional private wellness studios integrated within residences.

The Helios tower itself comprises 260 apartments ranging between 60 sqm and 300 sqm, including a collection of penthouses.

That includes a planned two-storey penthouse spanning around 600 sqm with uninterrupted bay views.

The Elysium Fields precinct is being delivered in partnership with Digital Harbour Holdings, a consortium that includes the Liberman family, which controls the development rights across the Docklands site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370979]

The sales result comes as GURNER™ continues expanding its national development pipeline beyond Victoria.

“We have a strong pipeline across Australia and are now focused on scaling into key markets including New South Wales and Queensland, while continuing to build on our Melbourne base,” Gurner said.

“We currently have more than $3 billion in the market, growing to over $5 billion by October, and expect to materially outperform last year in the 2026 calendar year.”

The result also reflects the continued strength of the upper-end apartment market in Melbourne, particularly for owner-occupier-focused product with large-scale amenity and lifestyle offerings.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144441]

Record result anchored by the Group’s “utopian” Elysium Fields precinct – defying market headwinds in Docklands.

Elysium Fields drive Gurner to $1.65 billion in apartment sales over 2025

National Australia Bank (NAB) will fund <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera</a>, a $1 billion, 52-level luxury residential tower being developed by Central Equity in one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held coastal locations at Northcliffe.

The project, launched recently by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a>, one of Victoria’s largest private residential developers, comes at a time when construction funding for large residential developments has become increasingly competitive as lenders tighten exposure to the sector.

Multiplex has been appointed the builder, and construction is now underway.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365784]

Since its first project, Central Equity has delivered more than 85 residential developments with a combined end value exceeding $8 billion.

Palmera reflects Central Equity’s growing focus on the Gold Coast luxury apartment market and continues a relationship between Central Equity and NAB that dates back to the late 1980s, when the bank funded one of Melbourne’s earliest inner-city residential towers at a time when high-rise apartment living in the CBD was largely unproven.

“NAB’s funding of Central Equity’s $36 million CBD development in the late 1980’s to the financing of the billion-dollar tower today highlights the long-term relationship between the two organisations in delivering major residential projects” said Central Equity Founder and Chairman Eddie Kutner.

He said NAB’s early support was instrumental in helping establish the company’s development model.

“When we commenced our first residential tower in the late 1980s the concept of funding off-the-plan apartments was still largely untested in Australia,” Kutner said.

“NAB recognised the opportunity early and supported the project when others were uncertain. That relationship has now continued for more than 37 years across many developments.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Central Equity was established in 1987 when Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank precinct were still dominated by warehouses and commercial buildings. Fewer than 100 residents lived in Southbank at the time, and large-scale residential development in the inner city was not widely considered.

Recognising changing demographics and lifestyle preferences, the company began developing high-rise residential projects designed to bring permanent residents into the city centre.

Central Equity has provided accommodation for approximately 40,000 residents across Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank, while also incorporating supporting infrastructure including essential lifestyle facilities like retail spaces, childcare facilities and neighbourhood activity centres.

Central Equity has spent many years assembling the Palmera development site on the corner of Garfield Terrace and Frederick Street in Northcliffe, creating a supersite of around 3,300 sqm.

The developer said the Palmera apartment tower reflects its long-term view of the Gold Coast as a growing and increasingly diversified economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365768]

Supported by infrastructure including the light rail network, major road upgrades expanded education, hospital and medical facilities and continued expansion at the Gold Coast Airport with more international and domestic flights.

Positioned in the tightly held Northcliffe precinct, the 52-level tower will deliver 347 apartments, targeting buyers seeking a high-end coastal lifestyle, from downsizers to interstate investors.

Designed by Marchese Partners with interiors by DBI, Palmera has been conceived as a next-generation residential offering, featuring a collection of oversized apartments, with premium three-bedroom residences offering sweeping northern views stretching from Surfers Paradise through to Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

NAB funds $1 billion Surfers Paradise apartment development, Palmera

Two years after completing one of the newest developments in North Sydney, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> is turning its attention to the rapidly evolving St Leonards apartment market.

The developer, which completed AURA by Aqualand on North Sydney's Walker Street, has lodged plans for a 5,918 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/33-37-herbert-street-st-leonards-nsw-2065">33-37 Herbert Street, St Leonards,</a> seeking approval for a pair of residential towers rising above a shared podium opposite Royal North Shore Hospital.

The proposal forms part of the broader transformation underway across the St Leonards-Crows Nest precinct, where former industrial and commercial sites are increasingly being redeveloped into high-density mixed-use projects tied to major transport infrastructure.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cc428cf-fe70-4cac-9cd5-264ad53af62c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=otKSnHtbjAvAddOnovyXQMgcAwE6DMe1" />

According to the planning documents, the site sits “within the St Leonards–Crows Nest Strategic Centre, identified by the NSW Government as a key area for accommodating future jobs and housing across Sydney.”

The proposal has been designed by fjcstudio, formerly FJMT Studio, and is being progressed through the State Significant Development pathway due to its scale and affordable housing provision.

The scheme would comprise 413 apartments, including 46 affordable housing units, alongside retail and commercial uses fronting Herbert Street. The project would also include communal open space, landscaping, a swimming pool, gymnasium, children’s play areas and podium-level resident amenities.

Planning documents show the development would consist of a part-13, part-39 storey tower form positioned above a four-storey podium.

“The development comprises a unified podium that activates the street interface, and two setback towers to accommodate new housing supply while maintaining an appropriate human scale at ground level,” fjcstudio noted in its Design Report.

The northern and southern towers have been shaped to respond to the surrounding skyline while also limiting overshadowing impacts to nearby public open space, particularly Talus Reserve.

The design report said the differing tower heights were intended to “contribute to a varied skyline while responding to the surrounding built form context and solar access considerations.”

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36da62dc-ff9e-41f2-a7e3-7be38373751c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.45%E2%80%AFAM_0.png?VersionId=Mo6Rp2r.XRLTzIfg_PEEpw8NepDH8UBs" />

The site sits directly opposite Royal North Shore Hospital and within walking distance of both St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

While the site itself sits just outside the formal Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development boundary, the planning documents repeatedly reference its alignment with the broader TOD objectives reshaping the Lower North Shore.

“The site is located adjacent to St Leonards Station and in close proximity to Crows Nest Metro which is within the Crows Nest Transit Orientated Development Accelerated Precinct which has been identified by the NSW Government to support housing delivery,” the Design Verification Statement noted.

According to fjcstudio, the project has been designed to respond to the broader transition occurring across St Leonards, where increasing residential density is being concentrated around transport infrastructure and employment hubs.

“The broader precinct is undergoing significant change, with a mix of existing mid-rise buildings and newer high-density developments,” the report stated.

“Recent and approved projects indicate a consistent shift toward taller built form, typically organised as tower-and-podium typologies with more active ground levels.”

The proposal includes close to 6,000 sqm of retail and commercial space across the ground floor and podium levels, designed to create a more activated street edge along Herbert Street.

Aqualand’s plans would also introduce a landscaped podium shared between the two towers, with communal open space in the form of a podium rooftop designed to support resident interaction and improve urban greening outcomes. The scheme would also introduce pocket parks at the northern and southern ends of the site, including a landscaped area at the corner of Herbert and Ella streets designed to improve pedestrian amenity and soften the streetscape.

&nbsp;

The proposal is being progressed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, which was introduced to accelerate housing supply across the state. The application was declared State Significant Development in April 2025 following an expression of interest process.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faf6d97d-2671-454f-b85a-fe1c6a7be608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=diVd28OBVr5.YV.7prrOz.uAanwwwm7a" />

St Leonards has been particularly active with new developments in recent weeks. Developer SP Setia’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-sp-setia-targets-st-leonards-skyline-with-40-storey-tod-tower">plans for a new 42-storey tower</a> recently went on exhibition through the same pathway, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">Stockland’s 52-storey tower proposal</a> was also recently unveiled.

Aside from the St Leonards project, which is expected to take around nine months to move through the approvals process ahead of a potential 2027 launch, Aqualand is also preparing to launch Boronia, a new apartment project in Roseville comprising around 111 apartments on Larkin Street.

The developer also has approvals in place for the next stage of the Barangaroo precinct, which will feature new residential, retail, hospitality and community uses, alongside a new metro entry across the five-hectare site.

More than 50 new retail destinations are planned for Central Barangaroo, alongside a 270-metre-long boulevard connecting Hickson Park to Nawi Cove. Together with Harbour Park, more than 50 per cent of the precinct will comprise public open space and parkland.

First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party

Melbourne

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New zoning and Chinese developer interest have combined to deliver half million dollar windfalls for three Bentleigh households.
The off-market deal through Savills Australia, saw three neighbours at 14, 16, and 18 Bent Street, sell their adjoining homes to a developer for $5.76 million.
It was estimated by Savills to be $1.8 million more than could have been expected from separate individual sales.
Savills Australia selling agent Julian Heatherich said the neighbours could have reasonably expected $1.3 million to $1.5 million in separate sales but the combined property provided a more valuable development opportunity.
The undisclosed purchaser intends to seek permission to develop a multi-level apartment building on the amalgamated 1985 square metre site.
Julian Heatherich said an opportunity was created following state government zoning changes last July, after which the local Glen Eira municipality implemented its new Urban Village Policy allowing for multi-storey development of up to four levels in certain locations.
Savills has been active at Bentleigh as it sold just down the street at 23 Bent Street last year. It was a corner allotment of 1058 square metres with a permit to develop a 27 apartment four levels block which sold for $3.4 million, also to a Chinese developer. 
Savills also sold a 748 square metre site at 261 Centre Road, Bentleigh for $2.735 million to a local developer with a permit to develop 28 apartments in February after attracting 150 enquires from local and off-shore developers.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Glen Eira urban village rezoning a windfall for trio

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Victoria's Secret will open a store next month at the Emporium, Melbourne.
The beauty and accessories store will open the 142 square metre store which will feature two video walls broadcasting footage of Victoria's Secret Angels.
Victoria's Secret opened its first "downtown" store in Australia in March, <a href="https://www.ragtrader.com.au/news/secret-s-out4?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=RTR+ENEWS+TUESDAY+17TH+JUNE+2014&amp;utm_content=RTR+ENEWS+TUESDAY+17TH+JUNE+2014+CID_50493109927e7a06773c396df7827d47&amp;utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&amp;utm_term=more" target="_blank">Ragtrader reported</a>, in Sydney's Queen Victoria Building.
Prior to that there was a network of five travel retail locations in Australia, including Sydney Airport's terminals one, two and three as well as Melbourne Airport's domestic and international terminals.
Showman Baz Luhrmann will officially open Emporium Melbourne on 20 August, although <a href="/expert-insights/investing/the-emporium-melbourne-officially-opens-its-doors">the </a><a href="/expert-insights/investing/the-emporium-melbourne-officially-opens-its-doors">doors to the $1.2 billion shopping centre opened </a>in April.
The 48,000 square metre shopping space will be home to around 225 stores. 
The much delayed Emporium Melbourne, which occupies the site on Lonsdale Street that was formerly Myer, is credited as the biggest retail development in Melbourne’s CBD in more than a century.
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Baz Luhrmann to officially open Emporium, Melbourne which snares Victoria's Secret

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Sandringham’s beaches and village amenities are a major draw card for buyers.
As of 2011, Melbourne’s <a href="/news">Sandringham</a> had a population of 9,309. There are 3,885 private homes in the suburb, with an average of 2.5 people per household. The median weekly income in 2011 was $1,836, with a median monthly mortgage payment of $2,500 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
According to RP Data, the median house price in the suburb was $2,100,500 for May. April saw a median house price of $1,625,000.
The suburb’s median house price dropped in 2012 (by 10.1%), as it did to a lesser extent in the neighbouring <a href="/news">Hampton</a> in the same year. Both suburbs saw a recovery in 2013, with Sandringham’s median house price up 8.1% in 2013. The median unit price was $525,000 for May.  
This home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-sandringham-116721703" target="_blank">6 Keats Street in Sandringham</a> (pictured below) is currently on the market, with price expectations between $2,100,000 and $2,200,000.
 <img src="/images/2014/06/16/main%207.jpg" alt="">
The four bedroom art deco home with a pool is marketed by Jenny Dwyer and Warren Smith of Hocking Stuart Sandringham. Set on a 757 square metre block, the renovated home with a pool is within walking distance of the beach and Sandringham station.
Paul Bond of Hodges Real Estate Sandringham says the suburb offers a diverse blend of properties.
“Sandringham has a variety of housing styles,” says Bond. “Art deco homes, Edwardian properties and Californian bungalows are all well sought after by families.
“In addition, the area has a number of more modern townhouses, semis and terraces as well as luxury apartment blocks and courtyard properties which are popular with the older residents. The area has a number of quiet streets which offer the perfect piece of suburban life.”
With solid year on year growth, Bond believes that Sandringham is a suburb to consider for investors.
“However, there is a high demand for property in the area so it pays to know what you are looking for and possibly consider properties that need some renovation as a more affordable way of gaining a foothold in the area,” he advises. He also notes the rise of rental properties in the area.
“Renters make up almost a quarter of the property market in the area - a number which has increased in the past five years,” says Bond.
“This makes investing in the buy to let market in the area a good decision with average rents yielding $400 per week for a unit and $795 per week for a home.
Bond says that the beachside lifestyle drives demand for the suburb.
“Health and fitness enthusiasts are attracted to Sandringham as it offers a perfect environment for a healthy outdoor lifestyle. With almost a quarter of the area being made up of green space and parkland, residents can often be found running, walking and cycling along the foreshore,” says Bond.
The suburb is also home to golf courses, the Sandringham Yacht Club and the Sandringham Football club.
According to Bond, Sandringham’s village lifestyle also makes the suburb popular with residents.
“The main retail area is around Station Street and offers an array of cafes including the kitsch, Cuppa Cottage, a quirky café popular with the local parents for its babycinos and homemade cakes,” he says.
“The area also has a number of restaurants and takeaway shops as well as independent bookstores, toy shops and speciality food stores which are in keeping with the village lifestyle.”
Located 16 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, Sandringham has a train station that can get residents to the city in just under half an hour. Schools in nearby suburbs such as Brighton Grammar, Firbank, Xavier, St Leonard's, Star of the Sea, Haileybury College and Mentone Girls' Secondary College are also an attraction for buyers.
Bond advises investors to remember the fundamentals if they are considering an investment property in Sandringham.
“When buying to rent it is important to consider location, location, location to secure maximum return on investment. For example ensuring your property is within a few minutes walking distance to transport and shops and in the catchment area of good schools will make it more desirable than competing properties as these are often fundamental requirements for potential renters,” he says.
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Suburb spotlight: Does Sandringham’s lifestyle market stack up for investors?

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Adman Scott Whybin and his wife, Cathy Hains have sold their redundant South Yarra home. It has been bought by Renato Pellicano, a third generation member of the Rich Listers, the Pellicano family whose wealth was laid by late patriarch Rocco Pellicano’s concreting and bricklaying business after he moved to Australia from Italy in 1951 to join his brother Mick in starting the business.
The group now owns and manages more than 180 properties, and also co-owns the Gold Age aged care group, which operates four homes in Melbourne.
The South Yarra house came with initial $7 million plus hopes earlier this year. No sale price has been revealed by the Kay &amp; Burton agency. The four bedroom Murphy Street Victorian family residence was marketed as <a href="https://www.kayburton.com.au/property/49-murphy-street-south-yarra" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">one of very few two storey freestanding houses in the suburb</a>.
Title Tattle recalls its 1996 auction when it fetched $1.49 million through Bennison Mackinnon which was $290,000 over the reserve price. But it subsequently sold to the current vendors just two years later at $880,000.
For seven decades it had been the home of Sir Harry Chauvel, the commander-in-chief of the First Light Horse Brigade, and his family, who sold the property in the late 1970s for $148,000. He would ride the tan track in Domain every morning, except Sunday, with a horse brought up from Remount Depot near the army headquarters in Victoria Barracks until just before his 1945 death.
His guests through the years included artist Arthur Streeton and his Canadian violinist wife, Nora Clench.
The house was first renovated in 1981 under the direction of architect Wayne Gillespie.
Last year Whybin and Hains were <a href="/news/adman-scott-whybin-and-cathy-hains-spend-8-2-million-in-south-yarra">the buyers of the South Yarra home</a> of the former VFL footballer Craig Stewart for $8.2 million which sold through Andrew Baines of Kay &amp; Burton, who also had the latest listing.
Whybin is the founder of the advertising agency Whybin\TBWA and Hains runs the thoroughbred breeding operation, Burnewang North.
 
The Pellicanos have ­$120 million worth of residential towers under construction in Brisbane, along with land banks on the Sunshine and Gold coasts.
 
The family, whose wealth is estimated by the BRW Rich List at $285 million last year, has recently launched ­Trafalgar Lane, a 20-level Brisbane apartment two with around 70% sold off the plan.
 
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Scott Whybin and Cathy Hains sell South Yarra house on the hill

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The Cotton On model Lara Bingle's Darling Point apartment offering failed to find a buyer at its damp Sydney auction.
And with the vendor uncontactable overseas, there was no chance for immediate price negotiations around the undisclosed written reserve.
Bingle, spotted this week holidaying in Capri, Italy with partner Sam Worthington, subsequently accepted a post-auction offer Saturday evening, but too late to be included in <a href="https://domainmastheads.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Sydney.pdf" target="_blank">the Fairfax Media auction results</a>.
Property Observer gathers $875,000 was secured, slightly less than its $882,000 sale in 2010.
The top auction bid was $855,000 from one of the two bidders at the crowded 10.30am auction in the 65 square metre one bedroom apartment. The onsite bidding opened at $825,000 with a vendor bid subsequently placed by the McGrath auctioneer Scott Kennedy-Green at $850,000. Property Observer counted around 25 at the auction. There appeared to be three interested buying parties.
<img src="/images/2014/06/16/bingle-june-16-one.jpg" alt="">
The weekend Sydney auction clearance rate weakened slightly from the late May fillip to 75.6% on higher than normal winter volumes, according to Australian Property Monitors, with sales between $180,000 in Blacktown and $5.25 million in Mosman. 
McGrath Estate Agents had, in the lead up to the Bingle auction, revised its price expectations to more than $850,000 for the Darling Point apartment.
The agency initially was quoting more than $825,000 for the stylish one-bedroom, with one car space that was listed<a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/apartment-darling-point-nsw-2027/225301/?searchID=39312079" target="_blank"> through Richard Bonouvrie</a>. 
The marketing campaign was not assisted when <a href="/news/fairfaxs-domain-tips-lara-bingle-will-secure-1-million-plus">Fairfax Domain</a> speculated, seemingly of its own volition, that it could fetch $1 million plus.
The model bought it from interior designer Blainey North for $882,000 in 2010, soon after Bingle's break-up with Test cricket captain Michael Clarke.
Blainey North moved into a $2.2 million Potts Point apartment.
The Bingle apartment is the Goomerah Court company title art deco apartment apartment with city and harbour views from most of its 65 square metre space.
<img src="/images/2014/06/16/bingle-june-16-two.jpg" alt="">
It came with American oak parquetry floors, DeGourney silk wall panelling, Kreon lighting and Vola tap ware. Its quarterly levy was $2000.
There had been two other McGrath sales in the cul de sac block when $925,000 was secured for <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/apartment-darling-point-nsw-2027/76865" target="_blank">a two bedroom unrenovated listing</a> and then a <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/apartment-darling-point-nsw-2027/193910/?searchID=38820498" target="_blank">renovated two bedroom sale last October</a> at around $800,000 which explained the initial pricing estimate.
It was Bingle’s brother, and former reality show co-star, Josh Bingle who endeavoured to represent his sister at the auction. The listing had $850,000 plus price guidance on the McGrath website immediately after the onsite auction, and the McGrath weekend sales advisory did not give any update at close of business Saturday afternoon. However it was sold Saturday evening with the price undisclosed.
Of course the building is best known for its long association with Jean Wright, regarded as the doyenne of magazine stylists.
She was responsible for many of the upmarket glossy pages in local and international magazines and books with her trademark look, contemporary classicism, all the time operating out of a small, modern, all-white apartment there in Darling Point after her move from Melbourne. 
The Melbourne weekend auction clearance rate, according to APM, was 73.8%, with prices between $262,000 at Seaford and $4.65 million at Hawthorn East.
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Buyer secures slight discount on fashionista model Lara Bingle's Darling Point apartment

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There are two very frequently asked questions in real estate. The first is what counts as a “good” investment property, also known as investment-grade stock. The second is the damage that securing one of these properties will do to your back pocket.
Of course, this differs from city to city. Wakelin Property Advisory, who specialise in the Melbourne market, have answered these two questions for one-bedroom apartments, two bedroom apartments and two bedroom houses.
Firstly, they note that the property must be in a high land value location, close to transport, schools, village-type shops, restaurants and recreation activity and must be on an attractive street with architecturally consistent streetscape.
These are the non-negotiable aspects when they property hunt.
Richard Wakelin notes that this is so you can ensure somewhere with consistent, historical growth and that has the crucial scarcity factor.
So how much do you need to scrape in to purchase these types of property?
Wakelin notes that $400,000 is the starting point (if you aren't yet at this capacity, the video below includes some tips for starting out on less).
This nets a one bedroom apartment within the inner north that fulfils the above criteria.
Suburbs for a $400,000 budget (inner north):
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Carlton North</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Brunswick</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Kensington</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Flemington </a> 
</li>
<li><a href="/news">Ascot Vale</a></li>
</ol>
Suburbs for a $450,000 budget (inner bayside apartments):
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Elsternwick</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Elwood </a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">St Kilda </a> 
</li>
<li><a href="/news">St Kilda West</a></li>
</ol>
Suburbs for a $450,000 budget (inner eastern suburbs apartments):
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Hawthorn</a> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Toorak</a> 
</li>
<li><a href="/news">South Yarra </a></li>
</ol>
Higher budgets:
<ul>
<li>$600,000: Can net you a two-bedroom apartment in the inner north</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>$650,000: Can net you a two-bedroom apartment in the bayside and inner eastern suburbs 
</li>
<li>$700,000: Can net you a single fronted two-bedroom cottage in the inner north 
</li>
<li>$800,000: Can net you a single fronted two-bedroom cottage in the bayside and inner eastern suburbs</li>
</ul>
You can watch the video below for more of Richard Wakelin’s thoughts on investing in Melbourne and what to do if your budget doesn't yet stretch to $400,000.
{qtube vid:=G4xUGkdIFrs}
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

What is an investment-grade property in Melbourne and where can you buy for your budget?

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Chapel Street's next big redevelopment appears set for the Chapel Plaza.
An application for demolition of the existing building and construction of a twelve storey apartment building, has been lodged with Stonnington Council.
There will be 188 apartments, retail floor space, and commercial office space over a three storey basement accommodating car parking.
It sits between Toorak and Malvern Roads.
Plans for the $63 million have been lodged by SJB for the 402 to 416 Chapel Street holding. The property comes with Simmons Court and Bray Street frontage that totals around 3,700 square metres.
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-south+yarra-5956326" target="_blank">The property</a> last traded in 1983 at $1.51 million when bought by Ruben Fried, who died in 2009.
Spotlight, the Melbourne-based chain of 100 fabrics and homewards stores, was founded by brothers, Ruben Fried and Morry Fraid, having grown from one store in 1973. The company reported annual sales of $600 million at one point when employing about 6,000 staff. 
The BRW Rich List noted in the late 1980s that the brothers Ruben Fried and Morry Fraid had different surnames because of a "teacher's mistake during their school years".
They have never bothered to correct it.
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Chapel Plaza set for 12 storey replacement development

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Melbourne saw the biggest price drop for houses of any capital city last month, according to RP Data.
RP Data-Rismark’s Home Value Index recorded a 3.6% drop in house values in May. The median price of houses in Melbourne based on settled sales over the quarter to May now sits at $612,000.
Property Observer looks at recent sales in Melbourne to see just what that price will get you.
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-flemington-116056671" target="_blank">282 Pin Oak Crescent, Flemington</a>
<img src="/images/2014/06/10/flemington-june-10-one.jpg" alt=""> This two bedroom Victorian weatherboard sold for $600,000. Marketed as a “renovators delight”, it was sold at executors auction through Geoff Green and Adam Hicks of Geoff Green Real Estate. The <a href="/news">Flemington</a> home is within walking distance of a train station, trams, cafes and restaurants and the Newmarket Village shops.
Price: $600,000 Bedrooms: Two Drive to CBD: 16 minutes
</li>
<li>
14 St Andrews Close, Croydon 
<img src="/images/2014/06/10/2.jpg" alt=""> A four bedroom, three bathroom <a href="/news">Croydon</a> home sold for $608,000 last month. Set on a 1,092 square metre plot, this sprawling family home is essentially a duplex, with two dwellings under the same roof. At one end of the home there are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, two large living spaces and a separate dining space. The other home, which has separate meters and access has a bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen and dining area.
Price: $608,000 Bedrooms: Four Drive to CBD: 43 minutes
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-reservoir-116465303" target="_blank">9 Tambo Avenue, Reservoir</a> <img src="/images/2014/06/10/3.jpg" alt=""> This home is located in the northern suburb of <a href="/news">Reservoir</a>, roughly 12 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD. The three bedroom, one bathroom home has a formal living room, a separate formal dining room and a central kitchen. Sitting on a 730 square metre lot, the new owners could potentially redevelop on the land as the neighbours have done.
Price:$620,000 Bedrooms: Three Drive to CBD: 34 minutes
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-seddon-116323435" target="_blank">17 Scott Street, Seddon</a> 
<img src="/images/2014/06/10/4.jpg" alt=""> This two bedroom home clad in Tasmanian Red Gum was sold for $615,000 earlier this year. The <a href="/news">Seddon</a> house was marketed as an “Eco-home” by selling agent Bretty Ayles of Village Real Estate, with exterior double insulation, a “thermal chimney for heat escape”, double glazed windows, solar panels and a first flush cleaning system for water capture. 
Price: $615,000 Bedrooms: Two Drive to CBD: 20 minutes
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-ringwood-116772519" target="_blank">41 Barkly Street, Ringwood </a>
<img src="/images/2014/06/10/5.jpg" alt=""> Another two bedroom weatherboard home, this house in <a href="/news">Ringwood</a> sold for $610,000. The home has an open living and dining area, a renovated kitchen and sunroom, with polished timber floorboards throughout. Outside, there is a carport and covered verandah. 41 Barkly Street is within walking distance of Heatherdale and Ringwood Station.
Price: $610,000 Bedrooms: Two Drive to CBD: 32 minutes
</li>
</ol>
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What does a house at Melbourne’s median price look like?

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Orb House in Kew, the noteworthy Bojan Simic Architecture-designed contemporary home has been listed for sale through Kay &amp; Burton agents Sam Wilkinson and Scott Patterson.
Set high on the hill in Kew, it was built during 2009 by WAF Constructions on its 582 square metres block at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/52a-molesworth-street-kew/Property-Details-buy-residential-7199097" target="_blank">52a Molesworth Street</a>.
It is four bedrooms and five bathrooms. Its facade is a huge wall of glass. There is a giant circle cut-out on the wall behind and a staircase forming an exaggerated zigzag below. 
A curved central spine wall separates the house into two zones: the communal living areas within the curved rim and then its bedroom sleeping zone is positioned beyond.
A circular cut-out in the pergola roof continues the orb theme, as does a dome on its top.
There is a central courtyard model, inspired by dwellings of ancient Pompeii.
The office space on the mezzanine level overlooks a two-storey internal void with views to Studley Park through dramatic two-storey glass curtain walls. 
It was shortlisted for the Australian Institute of Architects 2010 Victorian Awards.
It first sold for $5 million in early 2011 through Wilkinson.
Offers are due by June 30.
 
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Orb House, Kew architectural gem listed for sale

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The key differences between the past two property cycles and the current one has become much clearer following Monday’s release of the <a href="https://image.e.rpdata.com/lib/fe591570776d03757d17/m/7/2014-06-02--rpdata-rismark-home-value-index.pdf" target="_blank" title="Read media release">RP Data-Rismark Home Value Indices results for May</a>.
The May results showed that the value of a house dropped by 3.6% in May resulting in a rise of only 1.6% over 2014. Unit values also fell by 2.6% over the year following; a drop of 3.4% in the month.
After a new nominal peak in Melbourne house values was reached in March, there has been two consecutive months in which values have fallen ensuring buyers in winter and early spring won’t face rapid price rises. In fact, they are likely to see houses valued lower than they were in real terms in 2010. This result should also eliminate any concerns that the local market was locked into a cycle of unstainable growth in prices.
This upswing phase in house values started in May two years ago and is clearly more moderate than the 2007 and 2010 cycles due to better alignment between supply and population growth along with the fact that consumers remain cautious. Over the past two years, house values in Melbourne have risen by 13.1%  and are now only 0.7% higher than the October 2010 peak.
There are 303 auctions scheduled this week in Melbourne compared to 197 for the same time last year. Volumes are temporarily low due to the long weekend.
So far this year there have been 16,357 auctions and a clearance rate of 67.5% compared to 68.6% from 12,341 auctions this time last year.
The high volume of residential listings this year is having a positive impact for buyers. Home values have fallen for the second month in a row and auction clearance rates have remained in the 60’s.
The RP Data-Rismark May Home Value Index released this week showed that the value of a house dropped by 3.6% in the month resulting in a rise of only 1.6% over 2014. Unit values fell by 2.6% over the year following a drop of 3.4% in the month. It’s unlikely that buyers over winter and into spring will see their purchasing power diminished.
We also saw a small fall in the average time on market for houses sold at private sale from 41 to 39 days. This was coupled with a rise in vendor discounting to – 5.5% from -5.4% over the previous week.
Key data
<ul>
<li>Clearance rate week ending 1 June: 65.4%</li>
<li>Melbourne auctions expected week ending 8 June: 303</li>
<li>Melbourne private sales time on market week ending 1 June: 39 days (houses)</li>
<li>Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending 1 June: -5.5% (houses)</li>
<li>Listings being prepared for market are 1.1% higher in month ending 1 June (seasonally adjusted)</li>
</ul>
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