Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

First look: Winx billionaire’s beachfront Surfers Paradise apartment development greenlit

Melbourne

<html><body>
Mirvac and Victoria Investments and Properties’ master-planned community, Woodlea, has delivered the final phase of its $50 million Taylors Road project.

The final phase of the 2.6 kilometre stretch of road was developed as part of a ‘Works in Kind’ development contribution agreement with Melton Council in order to give back to the rapidly growing community. The infrastructure is expected to support the economic, social and environmental needs of Melbourne’s expanding fringe suburbs.

Connecting suburbs such as Caroline Springs, Taylors Hill and Plumpton, the project offers five-minute direct access to adjoining suburbs, as opposed to a 30-minute round trip. Upon completion, Taylors Road is expected to carry approximately 30,000 vehicles per day.

Located in Melbourne’s Western growth corridor, Woodlea is a fully-integrated master-planned community, set to home over 20,000 residents upon completion. Currently, 7,000 residents live in the new community. 

<h2>Other new developments in Melbourne’s west</h2>

Melton has become one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions with first home buyers entering the affordable market in droves.

The new Taylors Road project is likely to further encourage a migration west with increased employment opportunities and new infrastructure and services thanks to Mirvac’s Woodlea. Here are two developments in suburbs surrounding Melbourne’s growing west:

1. Aspect, Keilor Downs

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aspect-7b-copernicus-way-keilor-downs-777b36168e6fd96969b797f0453b7d99.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aspect-7b-copernicus-way-keilor-downs-777b36168e6fd96969b797f0453b7d99.jpg?itok=7VchP_CO" width="580"></a>

Located in Keilor Downs, Aspect offers 99 two, three and four-bedroom townhouses, delivering a luxurious, low-maintenance lifestyle. Aspect includes custom joinery, composite stone benchtops and stainless steel Smeg appliances.

The homes, priced from $565,000 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence, offer private landscaped gardens, a secure single garage and architecturally-designed facades by Rothelowman.

2. St. A, St Albans

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/st.a_v02_intersection_street-padley-st.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="232" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/st.a_v02_intersection_street-padley-st.jpg?itok=QdojVJA6" width="580"></a>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sta-10-mckechnie-street-st-albans-9d1abe1b454fe77398ed1c690a5cfdf6.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sta-10-mckechnie-street-st-albans-9d1abe1b454fe77398ed1c690a5cfdf6.jpg?itok=RTBsbdAb" width="580"></a>

Designed by DKO Architecture, Cedar Woods offers luxurious living in their most recent project, St A. A collection of 254 two, three and four-bedroom townhomes, the project includes modern kitchens, six-star energy rating and double glazed windows.

Just 16-kilometres from Melbourne CBD, St A is situated within walking distance to St Albans station and nearby the Ginifer train station.
</body></html>

The new Taylors Road project is likely to further encourage migration into Melbourne's west with increased employment opportunities and new infrastructure

max.kwok_55688

Woodlea fast track $50 million Taylors Road infrastructure project

<html><body>
The combined capital cities are expected to see auction activity ramp up over the week, with a total of 2,593 properties set to go under the hammer, according to CoreLogic data. This week’s scheduled volumes are 24% higher than last week’s final figures which saw 2,085 auctions held. Plus this time last year, a higher 2,804 homes were taken to auction across the combined capitals.

There are over 1,000 homes set to be taken to auction across each of Australia’s two largest auction markets this week. Melbourne is expected to be the busier of the two with 1,153 properties scheduled for auction, an increase of 28% on last week. Sydney isn’t far behind with a total of 1,037 auctions scheduled to take place, an expected rise of almost 20%.

While activity across Melbourne has certainly bounced back from the lows seen throughout most of the second half of the year, volumes are still below 2019 levels with 1,405 homes taken to auction over the same week last year. Meanwhile one year ago in Sydney, volumes were lower at 875.

The remaining smaller markets are all expected to see a rise in activity over the week, with Brisbane set to be the busiest of the smaller cities with 147 auctions scheduled to take place. This is followed by Canberra (115), Adelaide (101), Perth (36) and Tasmania (4).

One example of a property headed to auction in Melbourne this weekend is an apartment at 705/547-551 Flinders Lane. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in Docklands sits on the top floor of Morgan Place. It goes to auction with a guide of between $291,000 and $320,000.

The apartment sits near the Docklands project Melbourne Quarter at 628 Flinders Street, developed by Lendlease. The Fender Katsalidis-designed East Tower has 719 apartments, a mix of one and two bedrooms which are for sale starting from $458,000. 
</body></html>

There are over 1,000 homes set to be taken to auction across each of Australia’s two largest auction markets this week.

urban.com.au

Auction volumes up 20% or more across Melbourne and Sydney 

<html><body>
While the anticipated trend might be a post-pandemic pivot away from office to residential projects, one Melbourne developer is sticking to their original intentions.

Developer DeGroup will embark on their new $70 million office tower in Melbourne’s CBD despite concerns over rising vacancy rates.

Founder Colin DeLutis said the group was more than confident that the new building would find a ready leasing market.

Located at 263 William Street, in the heart of Melbourne’s legal precinct, the project is set to rise 75 metres above the Metropolitan Hotel which will be retained with a suite of restoration works.

"With nothing new and modern having been built in the legal precinct for over 20 years, we are quite bullish about the market and very confident about the building’s leasing potential”, DeLutis said.

The company’s confidence diverges from commentary by property experts who have expected a lessening of demand for commercial developments in the Melbourne CBD.

“We’re going to see CBD office buildings converted into residential,” Kernel Property’s Steve Urwin said in July.

This has been supported by recent national office statistics for Q3, released by JLL.  

“The extended lockdown in Melbourne has negatively impacted the leasing market with the availability of backfill space and sublease space contributing to the uplift in vacancy”, said JLL’s head of leasing Tim O’Connor.

According to JLL’s insights, the Melbourne CBD recorded -70,100 sqm of net absorption over the quarter and vacancy increased to 11.3 per cent in 3Q20. 

The presumed push away from offices has yet to influence some Melbourne’s commercial developers who are confident that businesses and their clients want COVID safe, hygienic spaces.

The 20-storey, 7,013sqm building, offers 3,799sqm of office space over 17 levels and features an 822sqm multi-level restaurant and bar.

The self-contained office floors will feature kitchenettes, shower facilities, natural light from all sides and views of Flagstaff Gardens and the surrounding CBD.

Crema Constructions have been appointed as builders of the WMK Architecture designed building.

The tower is due for completion in 2022.
</body></html>

While the anticipated trend might be a post-pandemic pivot away from office to residential projects, one Melbourne developer is sticking to their original intentions

DeGroup to go ahead with $70m office tower in Melbourne CBD

<html><body>
Plans for Melbourne’s tallest building — 322 metres — have been given the green signal by the Daniel Andrews’ government. 
James Packer’s Crown casino will expand its Southbank site to eight hectares for its $1.75 billion 90-storey tower.
On completion, the 1 Queensbridge Street site will have a 6-star hotel with 388 rooms, 708 apartments, a pedestrian skybridge and visitor attractions.
It will eclipse the current tallest building, Eureka Tower, by 25 metres and also the Australia 108 residential tower, also being built at Southbank and planned to be 319 metres.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne, who had earlier taken a firm hand to curtail over-development of sites,
approved the project – which is claimed to represent $2.1 billion in economic benefit - after 12 months of talks with the developer and Melbourne City Council, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Premier Andrews said the project would create 4000 jobs; 3000 during construction and another 1,000 once up and running.
"It's not just about height though, the quality of this design outcome, particularly the public realm benefits that will be accessible for all Victorians, really mark this out as a very, very special project," Andrews was quoted as saying.
But the decision was met with criticism from several quarters. 
Melbourne City councillor Rohan Leppert from the Greens said the tower "makes a mockery" of new rules for skyscrapers introduced by Wynne last year. This was, he said, "particularly due to the complete lack of setback to Queens Bridge Street and the sheer bulk of the building".
He also questioned why the public had not had any opportunity to have input into the tower decision.
Wynne amended the planning scheme in order to approve the tower, instead of the usual process of first seeking formal feedback from Melbourne City Council.
RMIT Planning academic Michael Buxton was also quoted in the report as saying Crown appeared to have created its own rules for the site.
"There is supposedly a rule in place for projects like this, but there are no rules, and the more powerful you are the fewer the rules," Professor Buxton said.
Crown and its joint venture partner Schiavello Group will pay $100 million towards a community package that will see a $25 million upgrade of Queensbridge square, and $15 million towards Sandridge rail bridge.
Construction is expected to start in 2018 and could take up to six years to finish. 
There will be no gambling within the building.
The announcement comes a day after an Auditor-General report found Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation oversight of gambling and money laundering at Crown Casino was inadequate, said the AAP in a report.
The VCGLR accepted the report and Andrews said if it needed extra government support he would "only be to happy" to provide it.
 
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Crown casino wins approval for Melbourne’s tallest tower

<html><body>
Two Edwardian period homes in Melbourne’s inner suburb of Malvern have sold for $6.85 million.

Located at 16 &amp; 18 Thanet Street, the site, which didn’t have development potential, comprised of two unrenovated homes formerly owned by Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog School.

Prestige Homes of Victoria’s Sean Cussell, who marketed the listing, described the result as a solid result for the vendors and a good indicator in the strength if the inner Melbourne property market.

“We had six offers on the properties through the expression of interest process and the buyers are very happy with their new homes”, he said.

Each of the homes featured four bedrooms, multiple living rooms and original features, including open fireplaces, stained-glass bay windows and fretwork-trimmed verandah.

The 631sqm property at 16 Thanet Street is rumoured to have sold for $3.65 million, while the 836sqm property at number 18 sold for $3.2 million.

Situated within a heritage overlay area, the two homes were deemed significant which likely restricted their development potential.

The homes were sold individually to local families and both buyers intend to renovate the homes immediately.
</body></html>

Situated within a heritage overlay area, the two homes were deemed significant which likely restricted their development potential

Two Edwardian homes sell in Melbourne's Malvern for over $6.5 million

<html><body>
The Melbourne council region saw nearly 40 per cent of resales make a loss in the June quarter, according to the recent CoreLogic pain and gain report.
Melbourne saw a median loss of $50,000 for the gross loss-making sales which made up 37.5 per cent of the sales in the region.
This is up from around 34 per cent in the March quarter, the report noted.
Investor owned units made up around 80 per cent of loss-making sales, due to the general of investor demand in the uncertain economic environment.
With diminished rental income, due to declines in rental income, investors may also find it more difficult to service a mortgage, the report noted.
During the quarter, 15.4 per cent all unit resales made a loss.
This is a strong divergence from houses, which only saw 2.9 per cent of house resales making a loss.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Nearly 40 per cent of Melbourne resales make a loss in June quarter: CoreLogic Pain and Gain

<html><body>
The Westpac economist Matthew Hassan has noted the broad-based strengthening in the November property prices as recorded by CoreLogic.
"Notably the reopening in Melbourne has finally seen prices turn in the one major market still recording declines a month ago – the 0.7% mth gain surprisingly firm given turnover was still low."
Melbourne's 0.7% gain was across all segments and building types although prices have generally been firmer for lower priced parts of the market.
Despite an apparent large overhang of stock in the inner city, unit prices also posted a solid rise in the month – Hassan adding "perhaps a caution that some of the gain may be running off expectations rather than conditions on the ground."
Hassan noted other markets consolidated on previous gains with Adelaide and Perth, the smaller capital cities and regional areas leading the way.
Turnover nationally largely consolidated on its Q3 'pop', he added.
The detail continues to show stark differences, activity in Melbourne only just moving off the extreme lows seen during lockdown but activity across other capital city markets still holding well above pre-COVID levels (and well above new listings suggesting these markets are likely to be very tight in coming months).
Sydney recorded a 0.4% gain to be up 0.3% on a three month basis.
Units remain a notable weak spot, with prices in this segment down 0.7% in the November month and 1.8% on a 3month basis, declines accelerating slightly, particularly at the top end of the market. 
He added Sydney houses at the lower end of the market have seen the most promising gains.
Prices rose 0.6% in Brisbane, 1.3% in Adelaide, and 1.1% in Perth.
The smaller capital city markets also recorded strong gains – Hobart up 1.4% and both Canberra and Darwin up 1.9%.
"All of these cities except Perth now have prices above their pre-COVID peaks."
Hassan concluded by noting "the housing market is now moving clear of COVID disruptions with recoveries at different stages across different jurisdictions but gaining momentum everywhere."
"While there will still be some weak areas, particularly in the Sydney and Melbourne unit markets, the resurgence in activity, the associated lift in market sentiment and more promising outlook for a vaccine remedy to emerge next year suggests broader momentum will remain well supported in 2021."
Wespatc have recently marked up our price forecasts with a 4% gain now expected in 2021 and a 10% rise in 2022, essentially bringing forward our forecast for a 15% surge that was previously expected to begin in mid-2021.
</body></html>

Melbourne's surprisingly firm price growth given low November turnover: Westpac

<html><body>
Buying your first apartment can seem like a daunting task and entering the property market is <a href="/guides/how-to-buy-a-house-in-2021-a-guide-for-first-time-home-buyers">expensive and confusing</a>. Finding affordable housing in Melbourne is even harder, especially when you don't know where to look.

If you're a first home buyer or your budget is on the tighter side, here are five residences you can get for $500,000 in Victoria's capital. 

1. <a href="/buildings/australia-108-southbank-70-southbank-boulevard-southbank">Australia 108, Southbank</a>

One-bedroom apartments from $469,000 
Address: 70 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank VIC 3006

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/amenities_01_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/amenities_01_1.jpg?itok=iLizfUPz" width="580"></a>

For less than $500,000, you could find yourself living in the landmark Melbourne building, Australia 108. Located on the prime location of 70 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank, the development is just a short walk from the promenade, the Yarra River and the bars and restaurants that line it.

Home buyers can enjoy a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment for $469,000, giving them access to residents-only facilities on the 70th floor, the building’s golden protrusion named the Star Club. Amenities

 

2. <a href="/buildings/collins-bates-19-25-collins-street-chadstone">Collins &amp; Bates, Chadstone</a>

One-bedroom apartments from $420,000 
Address: 72-76 Batesford Road, Chadstone VIC 3148

Located close to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest retail and lifestyle hub, Collins &amp; Bates brings you city convenience alongside crafted courtyards for natural surrounds. Designed by Point Architects and C&amp;C Interiors, Collin &amp; Bates offers residence private outdoor balconies, oak timber flooring and timeless interiors.

Estimated for completion this month, the project offers one-bedroom, one-bathroom residences, with a private car space from $420,000.

 

3. <a href="/buildings/folia-59-stables-circuit-doncaster">Folia, Doncaster</a>

One-bedroom apartments from $400,000 
Address: 59 Stables Circuit, Doncaster VIC 3108

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/folia-59-stables-circuit-doncaster-f5461f57f0abf5e886a22b59c0d72e62.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/folia-59-stables-circuit-doncaster-f5461f57f0abf5e886a22b59c0d72e62.jpg?itok=ieWte2uc" width="580"></a> 

For just $400,000, Folia offers home buyers the change to live in the newest chapter at Apartments of Tullamore. Nearby amenities include health and lifestyle clubs, resort-style tennis courts, indoor and outdoor heated pools and manicured landscaping.

Designed by Mirvac’s design team, Folia will offer a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, featuring greenery-fringed balconies, a rooftop conservatory and a kitchen garden.

 

4. <a href="/buildings/east-tower-melbourne-quarter-628-flinders-street-docklands">Melbourne Quarter, Docklands</a>

One-bedroom apartments from $458,000 
Address: 628 Flinders Street, Docklands VIC 3008

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/melbourne-quarter-628-flinders-street-docklands-9c8fc67545c7c1d2be2aa1f41646b01c.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="682" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne-quarter-628-flinders-street-docklands-9c8fc67545c7c1d2be2aa1f41646b01c.jpg?itok=sKusi0Ym" width="580"></a>

Bordered by the renowned Collins and Flinders Streets, Melbourne Quarter offers residents the convenience of living in Melbourne’s vibrant CBD at affordable prices for first home buyers or investors. The project includes a hotel-style lobby, concierge and three floors of resort-style amenities.  

Home buyers can enjoy a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment for $458,000. Amenities include a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, spa, multi-purpose gym, function rooms and a 20-seat theatrette.

 

5. <a href="/buildings/palladium-tower-southbank-251-city-road-southbank">Palladium Tower, Southbank</a>

One-bedroom apartments from $476,000 
Address: 251 City Road, Southbank VIC 3006

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/palladium-tower-251-city-road-southbank-9b29456eb9d9b8680f6a316f435753fa.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="304" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/palladium-tower-251-city-road-southbank-9b29456eb9d9b8680f6a316f435753fa.jpg?itok=U3mrnKt3" width="580"></a>

Located in Victoria’s Southbank Precinct and set over 51 storeys, Palladium Tower offers incredible amenities and communal facilities at an affordable entry-point. Designed by Squillace, the vertical village includes 400sqm of indoor and outdoor space, a residents’ lounge, a bar and private dining room, a pool and a gym.

Priced at $476,000 for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, first home buyers will be offered contemporary design, views of the city and ocean, and the choice between two colour palettes to style their home.
</body></html>

Here are five residences you can get for $500,000 in Victoria's capital

December 2020: New apartments you can buy in Melbourne for under $500,000

Today’s Australian Bureau of Statistics lending indicators for October 2020 shows loan commitments for the construction of new dwellings rose by 11.5 per cent. 
The October result once again broke the monthly record achieved in September for the highest amount of new loan commitments recorded since 2002, when data of this kind was first collected.

First home buyers continue to lead these numbers with owner occupier first home buyer loan commitments increasing by 3.4 per cent in October to reach 13,481. This is more than 30 per cent higher than in any pre-COVID month since 2009.

However, Westpac's Matthew Hassan said housing finance approvals came in a little softer than expected, the total value of new loans rising just 0.7% vs expectations of a 2% gain.

"The underlying tone from the detail was still strong with the main downside surprise relating to a bigger than expected COVID-related decline in Victoria that will reverse in coming months and approvals across the rest of Australia posting another robust rise to historical highs," he said

An example of a townhome eligible for HomeBuilder is&nbsp;<a href="/buildings/ramley-residence-reservoir-2-6-ramleh-road-reservoir-vic-3073">Ramley Residence</a>.

Located at 2-6 Ramleh Road,&nbsp;<a href="/new-townhouses/reservoir-vic-3073">Reservoir VIC 3073</a>,&nbsp;the development has townhomes starting from $689,000.

"Today’s outcome is yet another endorsement of the effectiveness of HomeBuilder in protecting the jobs of the one million Australians in our construction sector and driving our comeback from the COVID-19 recession," commentary from the ABS found.

"Housing Industry Association new home sales data for October 2020 that shows new home sales were 31.6 per cent higher in the three months to October when compared with the same time last year."

"ABS building approvals data for October 2020 showed approvals for private sector houses rose for the fourth consecutive month, and are at the highest recorded level since February 2000, with 10,692 approvals."

"Australia has recorded a ten-year high for first homes buyers in the last quarter, according to the latest REIA's The Housing Affordability Report."

As a result, the Morrison Government has announced HomeBuilder will be extended until 31 March 2021. For all new build contracts signed between 1 January 2021 and 31 March 2021, eligible owner-occupier purchasers will receive a $15,000 grant; and the property price caps for new builds in New South Wales and Victoria will be increased to $950,000 and $850,000 respectively.

In addition, the construction commencement deadline will be extended from three months to six months for all eligible contracts signed on or after 4 June 2020.

Find more HomeBuilder eligible property,&nbsp;<a href="/guides/buy-now-save-20-urban-listings-eligible-for-the-25-000-homebuilder-grant">Buy now + save: 20 Urban listings eligible for the $25,000 HomeBuilder Grant</a>.

Loan commitments for the construction of new dwellings rose by 11.5 per cent, ABS data shows.

HomeBuilder is driving Australia's residential construction comeback

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
CoreLogic November home value indices showed a second consecutive month of property value increases following a COVID-19- induced dip.
For the first time since January, every capital city recorded a rise in dwelling values. This was off the back of accommodative monetary policy and fiscal policy, converging with a strong increase in consumer sentiment and the beginning of a recovery in economic conditions. But as property prices move into a broad-based upswing, rents remain a mixed bag.
A range of factors have created different results between regions and property types. 
The top performing rental market of the capital cities was Perth, where dwelling rents increased by a remarkable 8.2% in the year to November. This was led by an 8.6% rise in house rents. Unit rents were up 5.4% in the year, which was behind the rate of rent growth for units in Darwin.
While this may spell good news for landlords across Perth and Darwin, it is worth noting that the reason for such strong rental increases are the gradual withdrawal of investors from the market. Investors comprised only a small portion of market activity over the years following the mining downturn. As of November 2020, Perth rent values were still 11.7% lower than the peak in 2013, while Darwin rents were 21.6% lower than the 2014 high.
A time series of rolling annual growth in rents across Perth and Darwin, compared with the combined capital cities, contextualises the recent increase in rents. It shows extreme highs and lows in growth of rental incomes across these cities, and the downturn that rental markets are recovering from.
The rapid rebound in rents could see investment participation bottom out in the residential market through 2021, and start to climb. ABS housing finance data suggest the investor share of mortgage finance for the purchase of property through September was just 16.2% in WA, and 11.6% in the NT. These are the lowest rates of investor participation of the states and territories.
Meanwhile, Sydney unit rents have been pushed into a deep downswing, falling -5.4% in the year to November. This is partly attributable to a relatively high supply of unit stock in recent years, with unit completions across NSW peaking at 11,566 in the December 2018 quarter, against a 10-year average of 6,315 completions.
Demand-side factors have also pushed down unit rents. Through COVID-19, the closure of international borders was a shock to rental demand for Sydney and Melbourne, where around two thirds of net overseas migration to Australia has been concentrated for the past 3 years. This is because the vast majority of recent overseas arrivals are renters.
Sydney and Melbourne labour markets also had a relatively high portion of workers in hospitality, tourism and the arts, which have been subject to acute job loss through the pandemic, and are sectors where workers are more likely to rent than in other industries.
The median rent value for Sydney units fell to $480 per week, down from $500 in November 2019, and down from a pre-COVID high of $520. However, the monthly decline in Sydney unit rent values has eased to -0.8% in November, since bottoming out at - 1.1% through June.
The Melbourne rental market has been one of the most impacted through COVID-19, with unit rents down 7% over the year compared with a mild uplift in house rents.
Median unit rents have fallen to $400 per week, down from $430 In November 2019 and a pre-COVID high of $450. As with Sydney, the decline in Melbourne unit rents was driven by stalled overseas migration, and acute job loss across sectors where workers have a higher likelihood of renting.
Unlike Sydney, Melbourne rental demand was compounded by a second wave of restrictions through the September quarter, and an abnormally high next loss of people from Melbourne to other parts of Australia through the June quarter.
The monthly decline in Melbourne unit rents has also eased, from -1.3% in August to -1.1% in the month of November. The rate of decline in unit rents is easing as employment conditions gradually improve across accommodation, food, arts and recreational service industries.
Rental demand will be further boosted across Sydney and Melbourne when international travel is once again feasible, though this may not be for some time.
Brisbane is another city where rents have seen divergence between houses and units, though this is not as extreme as the divergence seen across Sydney and Melbourne.
Across the three cities, part of the difference between house and unit performance may not be about renters preferring houses over units during COVID-19, but rather location and stock availability.
Areas further from the CBD of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have been more likely to see rental value increases. These areas further from the CBD happen to be in locations where rental stock is less concentrated, and is also more likely house than unit stock.
While smaller cities have generally seen an increase in rental values over the year, Hobart rents have fallen across both houses and units. This may be a relief to some tenants, where rents across Hobart had grown 34.3% in the 5 years prior to the onset of COVID19.
Declines in Hobart rents may partially have come from a lack of demand among workers in tourism and hospitality where, as with inner-city Sydney and Melbourne, Hobart had a relatively high concentration of workers.
However, another narrative around the decline in rents in Hobart has been the conversion of Airbnb to the long term rental market adding to supply, at a time when demand was falling. As interstate borders reopen, this may see the return of stock to short term rental accommodation, and see Hobart rental markets once again tighten.
Looking forward, COVID-19 will likely have a lasting impact in terms of varied dynamics between cities and property types. For weaker rental markets such as Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart, rents are likely to remain weak until international travel resumes.
Meanwhile, other capital cities, especially those with rapidly rising rents like Perth and Darwin, could see the gradual re-entry of property investors, which would lift rental supply and support an easing in rental value growth over time.
ELIZA OWEN is the Head of Research Australia at CoreLogic
</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