Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Melbourne

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The 0.7% fall in Melbourne dwelling values over the three months to April 2018 was the greatest fall over a three month period since February 2012, CoreLogic has noted.
 Over the 12 months to April 2018, Melbourne dwelling values increased by 3.7% which was the slowest rate of growth since March 2013. 
With the recent declines, dwelling values in Melbourne are now 1.1% beneath their November 2017 peak. It deteriorated again in May, according to the latest data, with prices down 0.5% in May.
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Looking at the quarterly value change across the 10 market segments shows values fell across the higher valued housing stock. 
Each of the 7th to 10th deciles recorded a fall in dwelling values, with the declines becoming progressively greater. 
The 6th decile recorded the largest quarterly increase, there was no change in values across the 5th decile and the four lowest value deciles continued to record modest growth.
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The 10th decile was the only market sector where values fell over the past year while only the 8th, 9th and 10th deciles recorded growth that was lower than the headline city-wide figure. 
While the 2nd decile recorded the strongest annual growth at 12.0%, each of the 1st to 3rd deciles recorded double-digit capital gains over the past twelve months. 
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The figures shows a significant difference in the housing market’s performance between the most affordable and most expensive housing stock.
Based on the annual change data, the market for housing valued in excess of $1.12 million has weakened over the year while housing stock valued below $600,000 has continued to achieve strong value growth. More recently, housing stock valued at over $800,000 has started to see value declines.
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We have a free e-book from Castran Gilbert on property investment in Melbourne.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Melbourne's biggest value declines across the pricier property markets: CoreLogic Decile Report 

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All but two of Melbourne’s 31 metropolitan councils are increasing rates next financial year by an average of 2.25 per cent, according to the Herald Sun.
Monash wants to bust the cap, pushing for a 3.53 per cent rise in rates unless it can introduce a new waste charge to deal with the recycling crisis.
China's ban on some recycling imports, including those from Australia, is behind the desire.
Victoria previously exported the majority of its recycling to China, where it was processed and used to fuel factories.
Major recycling companies including Visy, SKM and Polytrade would pay councils about $60 to $70 a tonne for the contents of residents' yellow bins and sell it to China at a higher price.
Now unable to do that, it is understood recycling companies plan to charge councils about $60 a tonne to take the material.
The Glen Waverley-based Monash council is one of a few that doesn’t currently have a separate rubbish levy.
The usual annual rate rise is mandated to be a maximum of 2.25 per cent, but waste charges are excluded from that cap.
Nillumbik will increase rates by an average of only 1.95 per cent. Mayor Peter Clarke, who froze rates last year, has been a long-time critic of council budgeting practices.
Several councils are also increasing their waste levies in the wake of the China recycling crisis. Bayside is proposing a 40 per cent, or $92.75 rise, to $324.55.
The paper suggests thousands of Victorian households will be hit with bigger-than-expected rate rises when notices go out next month.
Despite the state government cap of an average 2.25 per cent, high property revaluations will push up rates for many families above that limit, with estimated annual increases of up to $100 likely.
In the City of Melbourne, 57 per cent of ratepayers will pay more than the cap, with households in East Melbourne and Kensington hit hardest because of rising property values.
CBD and Docklands residents can expect their bills to be level with the cap or below, Deputy Lord Mayor Arron Wood said.
Ratepayers Victoria wants independent financial monitors to check on councils’ finances and the rates they charge.
Spokesman Frank Sullivan told The Herald Sun rate increases should not be automatic and the monitors would see if ratepayers’ money was used wisely.
In Stonnington, chief exec­utive Warren Roberts confirmed that almost one in three homes would receive a general rate rise above 2.25 per cent.
“The average residential rate increase is approximately $31 for the year, or 60 cents per week,’’ he said.
In Port Phillip, mayor Bernadene Voss said 28 per cent of ratepayers would receive an above-cap bill.
In Hume, in Melbourne’s outer north, about two-thirds would pay more.
In the outer-eastern Yarra Ranges, 58 per cent will pay above the cap, while in Hobsons Bay the figure is 68 per cent.
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Melbourne council rates set to rise

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Rockmount at Longwood East, the renowned thoroughbred pre-training facility, graced by 2009 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking, 2008 Cox Plate winner Maldivian and 2010 Caulfield Guineas champ Anacheeva, has been listed for sale. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-longwood+east-7967746" target="_blank">65 hectare property in the Strathbogie Ranges</a>, 150 kilometres north east of Melbourne, has been listed by the former accountant Geoff Guest and wife Jill Kewish.
They bought the property in 2006 when it was formerly a component of The Vinery racing and breeding development. Guest was a director at Count Financial.
Rockmount has a unique four wing X shape steel and covered stable block that houses 30 boxes.
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There's an undercover horse walker, a 1100 metre straight training track and a six horse Aqua-Ciser, a mechanical water-walker for the exercising of the horses.
A newly built three bedroom, two bathroom home with pool sits on the estate, as does a three bedroom manager's cottage.
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Pat Rice &amp; Hawkins agents Matt and Rob Childs are marketing the property.
Geoff and Jill say they will probably relocate to a smaller holding in the local area of Strathbogie Shire. 
The name Rockmount originates from the highly visible granite structures that rise from the western slopes of the property.
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Premier thoroughbred training facility Rockmount listed

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Savills are marketing the Collins Street premises of Hugo's Expresso.
The popular cafe has been located at <a href="http://commercialpropertysearch.savills.com.au/c3b0756b-0a41-e811-80cd-005056813885/Sale/Melbourne/Shop-3,-601-Little-Collins-Street" target="_blank">shop 3 at 601 Little Collins Street</a> since 2009. 
Hugo's has a 10 year lease with two five year options to 2029.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/5/30/hugos2.jpg" alt="">
There's been a brand new fitout on the space which currently returns just over $62,000 per annum, with five percent annual increases.
Savills agents Benson Zhou, Nick Peden and Dorothy He are marketing the shop as a high profile ground level CBD retail property.
 
 
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Collins Street's Hugo's Expresso premises listed through Savills

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...so says the first problem on the North East Link's <a href="https://northeastlink.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/308169/NEL-Business-Case-Appendix-A.pdf">investment logic map</a>.

According to the business case documents released for the North East Link over the weekend, each problem outlined has a weighting with the lack of orbital connectivity scoring 40%; the other two problems, inefficient freight movements between north &amp; south-east and congestion and heavy vehicles on local roads, are weighted at 35% and 25% respectively.

The investment logic continues - economic growth and increase economic opportunity for households in the north-east are listed as two benefits that are shared between two problems.  The stated strategic response is to increase the capacity of the transport network which in turn flows through to a 'provide additional infrastructure' action.

At the end of the logic chain 'construct a new motorway link, upgrade existing arterial roads and motorways, upgrade pedestrian and cycling links and PT improvements' are all listed as assets (outcomes).

The North East Link will bridge the gap between the Eastern Freeway and Metropolitan Ring Road ('construct new motorway link'), add more lanes to the Eastern Freeway between the link &amp; Springvale Road ('upgrade existing arterial roads and motorways'), create more pedestrians and cycling links and will introduce a new busway for Doncaster ('PT Improvements').

<figure><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/nelink_bus_case_investment_logic_map.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Investment logic map from the North East Link business case"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="621" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nelink_bus_case_investment_logic_map.png?itok=Z9peODGv" title="Investment logic map from the North East Link business case" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Investment logic map from the North East Link business case</figcaption></figure>In the <a href="https://northeastlink.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/308172/NEL-Business-Case-Appendix-D.pdf">options assessment</a>, we come across a phrase that doesn't get a run all that often, "while Melbourne has strong radial connections that support access to the central city, other trips are not as well-served by the transport network".

It goes on to describe the lack of transport network connectivity between the north and eastern/south-eastern regions of Melbourne only through the lens of mega-road projects when it could just as easily apply to the lack of orbital connectivity on the Public Transport network or the complete lack of action on the port rail shuttles programme.

"The north east’s location between two urban growth corridors and between the major cross-city connections of the M80 and the Eastern Freeway – along with the lack of a freeway-standard orbital connection in this part of the city – means that the region’s arterial road network is used for freight and commuter trips across Melbourne."

The business case finds the North East Link will 'give workers in Melbourne's north-east access to 56,000 new job opportunities and deliver $12.5 billion in Gross State Product to our economy'.  It's a pity the state government hasn't looked at this kind of study for orbital rail lines, especially through the eastern arc from Heidelberg to Monash via Doncaster and Box Hill.

<figure><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/nelink_bus_case_job_density.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Job clusters in metropolitan Melbourne, map from the North East Link business case"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="438" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nelink_bus_case_job_density.png?itok=CfesP-6m" title="Job clusters in metropolitan Melbourne, map from the North East Link business case" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Job clusters in metropolitan Melbourne, map from the North East Link business case</figcaption></figure>In a nod to the previous East-West Link argument that Melbourne needed alternative cross-town road connection, the North East Link's business case acknowledges the three broad types of trips that use the existing M1 (Monash/West Gate/Citylink) corridor: radial trips from the east and west, trips from the south-east to the airport and trips from the south-east to the Hume Freeway/interstate journeys.

The North East Link would increasingly cater for the south-east to airport and interstate journeys when built, the business case says.

The Andrews Government are running with the North East Link all the way to the state election in November, as the likelihood of another community backlash on the same scale as the one prior to the last state election on the East-West Link is unlikely to eventuate, the only way this project would not proceed looks set to be determined by voters on November 24th.

Despite <a href="/news/property-council-weighs-into-urban-debate-with-its-great-cities-research-project">more voices</a> calling for the Australian government to change their wayward city and infrastructure development ways, the logic, and furthermore in the context of our road building extravaganza of the past five decades, of completing the ring road makes sense.  Leaving something unfinished - an entire orbital road network for instance - would hang around a political party's neck like a noose for a very long time.

There's no doubt there'll be a significant uplift in transport network capacity, journey times shortening, auto-centric businesses will flourish with the opening of the North East Link.  But it will be temporary - we know that will be case based on our own experiences of freeway upgrades and we know it will be the case because of ongoing high population growth.   

It's one thing to complete a road network for the easy distribution of freight and cars by road to and from the north and south-east, but when our city's set to grow by another 3 million people over the coming decades, there comes a point where we have to say, like many other cities with greater populations than us, enough of the business-as-usual way of doing things.

If orbital connectivity is worth so much to the potential of the Victorian economy, presumably because so much of the state's economic activity is located within metropolitan Melbourne, then it stands to reason we can't just only have road connectivity, but orbital rail connectivity as well.
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Alastair Taylor

'Melbourne's poor orbital connectivity is constraining the economic potential of Victoria'

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Airbnb is a priority issue on the new Melbourne Lord Mayor's agenda, although Sally Capp concedes it is a State Government task. 
She told 3MMM's Hot Breakfast today that Airbnb apartments were "putting a huge impost on residents in the same building."
She noted a concentration in several locations especially around the Melbourne CBD in popular tourist precincts.
"We need to balance that with residents interests," she said.
"It is actually a state legislation issue.
"There's a lot security issues, damage and noise issues.... general interruption and wear and tear on the building, and a lot of uncertainty around safety.
"At the moment we don't see to have the balance right between the responsibility of owners of those Airbnb and the residents who end up wearing it."
Breakfast broadcaster Eddie McGuire suggested some Melbourne apartment buildings were basically becoming de facto hotels, except without the services of a hotel.
"It is not a level playing field because the hotels are complying with all the regulations, paying their staff and safety," Capp noted.
"We want to keep welcoming people to visit our city but this is about wanting to get the balance right," she said. 
No specifics were mentioned, but there is growing unrest about the Airbnb hotel style operations in the Eq. Tower
Set at 127-141 A'Beckett Street, the high rise building was completed since May 2017, with a high student residency and more recently Expedia, Booking.com and Airbnb clients.
But many guests have complain there's no reception, no 24/7 service or assistance. 
"Was weird to collect the keys from a man at a corner store," one guest reviewed in the early days of its operation.
"This is not a hotel," another said adding: "Rooms are basically Airbnb on a commercial scale. Without a reception, you can either pick up your keys at a local 711 or they will clip them outside for lock box collection."
"We had to pick up our keys at a convenience store a block away," another recent guest confirmed.
"No reception or concierge," another guest advised.
" We had to collect the room keys at a convenience store located very inconveniently at a far end corner," one advised.
"There is no reception .... the phone number we had to ring was in China so no reply.
"Had to wait outside complex for 45 minutes until someone in Australia contacted us after 6 phone calls and contact with bookings.com," a guest complained.
Keys are often left in a secure box on the street for collection.
The 2016 Victorian Owners Corporation Amendment Bill which seeks to regulate short term accomodation in residential apartment blocks is still before Victoria's Upper House.
Global contractor Multiplex completed its construction of ICD Property’s high-rise in May 2017.
Designed by Elenberg Fraser, Eq Tower comprises a total of 633 apartments in one, two and three bedroom configurations.
The 63-level complex offers residential facilities including a 25 metre outdoor swimming pool and BBQ area, indoor gym, sauna, spa, private dining rooms, karaoke suites, cinema, games room and lounges.
Graham Cottam, regional managing director of Brookfield Multiplex Victoria, noted they faced construction challenges including the building changing shape between levels 24 and 36, harsh weather conditions, and building damper tanks on the roof to counterbalance building sway.
Multiplex used techniques such as the installation of a façade curtain wall from behind protection screens to improve site safety and the installation of a centralised VRV air conditioning system, enabling all condenser units to be removed from balconies.
Eq. Tower’s design also includes a range of ESD features such as photovoltaic solar panels, rainwater harvesting, water efficient fixtures and appliances and double glazing throughout.
It was marketed as having karaoke facilities and a mahjong, poker and billiards room.
Michael Mai, managing director of ICD Property, said that the tower would have a strong sense of community in integrated vertical living.
“Elenberg Fraser has succeeded in bringing this vision to life and so we present Eq. Tower as the future of Melbourne living where residents can enjoy just as many experiences within their own apartment building as outside of it,” he said.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Melbourne's Eq. Tower set to be caught in Airbnb crackdown

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Designer and ethical pie bakery Princes Pies has secured 10 Howey Place in Melbourne’s CBD.
Fitzroys Agency agent Ervin Niyaz negotiated the five-year deal with a five-year option.
It is for the 22 square metre space at more than $2,300 per square metre.
Princes Pies is operated by Matti Fallon, former head chef at DuNord and friend Nathan Holloway.
Accompanying Matti will be a monthly rotating roster of renowned Melbourne chefs that will share a new take on the Aussie pie, including Nick Stanton of Ramblr, Daniel Dobra of St Ali, and Tom Jacobson of Changz.
The shop will showcase classic pie flavours, pasties and sausage rolls, as well as pie styles aimed at foodies that include lamb, goat’s cheese and truffle pies.
The business teamed up with an ethical farming family in Victoria’s Coldstream, the Little Creek Cattle Company, ensuring that the ingredients used as 100% natural and ethically farmed, and grown and sources from local providers.
Niyaz said Princes Pies was looking to establish its business in a classic busy Melbourne CBD laneway space.
The high level of pedestrian traffic in Howey Place is boosted further by position between Collins Street and Little Collins Street, at the rear of David Jones and 234 Collins Street Retail Centre, he said.
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Royal offering for pie lovers to open in Howey Place

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Located in the 1920s Melbourne Neo-Baroque styled Temple Court, a one bedroom Collins Street apartment has been sold at $360,000.
It was offered by Toby Campbell and Peter Hannon from Caine Real Estate. It last sold at $145,000 in 1999.
This nifty New York style apartment features high ceilings, with exposed plumbing and an open plan kitchen maximizing the enormous living area.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-128251498" target="_blank">The 321/422 Collins Street</a> apartment comes with a spacious central bedroom with built-in, a large bathroom and a European Laundry.
Extra features include timber flooring in the living areas and carpet in the bedroom.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/5/15/collins%20st%202.jpg" alt="">
Positioned in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, it is close to cafes, restaurants, and shopping. 
Another nearby one bedroom apartment located at 2002/60 Market Street was sold for $330,000 December 2017.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/5/15/collins%20st%203.jpg" alt="">
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Nifty Collins Street, Melbourne one bedroom apartment sale 

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
Demand for land in and around Melbourne continues to experience unprecedented demand with the average block being snapped up just 24 days after hitting the market.
The new analysis of land sales rates by Oliver Hume, which measures the period from when land is released for sale by a developer until it is contracted by a purchaser, recorded a slight uptick in the first three months of 2018, but remains at historical lows.
Since late 2012, when land was taking nearly 200 days to sell, the indicator has dropped to around 24 days. The demand for land has seen prices continue to rise, although price growth now appears to be slowing, while lot sizes continue to edge lower.
From the final quarter of 2017 to the March quarter 2018, Melbourne’s key growth area markets saw the median lot price increasing by 4.7% (or $14,000) to reach $314,000.
This occurred while the average size of lots solds continued to decrease in size reaching 400 square metres in the March quarter 2018 (down from 406 square metres in the December quarter 2017).
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/5/22/Melbourne-land.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/5/22/Melbourne-land.jpg" alt="">
Population growth remains much stronger than previously forecast but affordability constraints were now becoming evident.
Record levels of population growth have placed significant demand pressures on housing and land. Combined with continued low wage growth this is fundamentally changing the nature of the market for new land in Melbourne’s greenfield markets.
More broadly, the significant structural change we continue to see in the economy continues to shape the market. Average lot sizes in metropolitan Melbourne have declined by around third over the last decade while Mebourne’s annual population growth has doubled.
Victoria’s robust employment growth is a factor driving the market more recently but sluggish wage growth continues to play a major underlying role.
Melbourne could well overtake Sydney as Australia’s largest city soon with one estimate suggesting this will occur within the next decade. 
Going forward, Melbourne land sales volumes and activity levels might be driven by the new wave of record infrastructure spending in the pipeline both from the Federal and State Governments.  Major state and city-shaping projects include the North East Link –the biggest transport project in the state’s history and the Metro Tunnel.
George Bougias is the national head of research at Oliver Hume.
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Average Melbourne land tops $300,000 with demand still strong

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<h2>Analysis and Comment</h2>

Despite both the Federal Infrastructure Minister and Premier telling <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/federal-money-talks-in-melbourne-transport-debate-20180515-p4zfgv">The Age</a> they were both committed to waiting for the outcome of the various studies business cases into new public transport links that were commited to as part of the budgetary process, the sniping and one-upmanship of both state and federal governments does not look like it'll end all that soon.

In the Federal Budget, $475 million was allocated in the forward estimates for a 'Monash Rail' project which has no link to any 'real' project other than the Rowville Rail concept which was studied under the previous state Liberal government.

Back in 2012 when the Napthine Government released the heavy rail network development plan, Melburnians got a glimpse into what the rail planners in the state government were thinking long-term for the city.

Since then many different rail projects have kicked off - mostly 2014 election promises by the Andrews Government - but there's been no effort to provide an updated bigger picture for public consumption by the current state government. 

That said, the Federal Government appears to be referencing the 2012 era plan with its surprise allocation of funds for what appears to be a first phase of the Rowville Rail concept.  

$475 million won't build 10+ kilometres of double track, 5-6 stations, a flying junction to connect to the Dandenong corridor or procure the vehicles to operate services.

In fact, for such a small amount, it's incredibly hard to see that amount of money building nothing more than an on-the-cheap flat rail junction at Huntingdale, maybe some elevated track down North Road with a station at Monash University.  If the state government were to match the amount, that might pay for a proper flying junction, a few new train sets and pay for the operations of the stub for a few years.

The biggest question mark hanging over this announceable from the Federal Government is how operations will work.  Where will these trains eventually run to?  Through the new metro tunnel?  Shuttle back and forth to Huntingdale, Oakleigh or Caulfield with some more track and platform investment?

For a while now there's been murmurings about the possible lack of capacity on the pair of tracks that will operate services from Pakenham and Cranbourne to Sunbury and Melton through the metro tunnel.  The 2012-era plans show both an Airport and Rowville branch hanging off this track pair as well.  And don't forget Gippsland V/Line services!

The 2012-era plans were created before the upswing in population growth in Melbourne and this is why it is in the public interest for an updated plan to be published, one which takes into account the high population growth scenario we're all living in.

It's a cruel (stupid?) reality of our Federation that we have overlapping departments which will have different ideas about transport infrastructure priorities and this cruelty/stupidity extends to Federal politicians who are able to <a href="http://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/pf/releases/2018/may/pf046_2018.aspx">advocate for things</a> which would clearly need to clear a swathe of hurdles that only the local state bureaucracy is going to be able to achieve.

In the state budget, $3 million was allocated to complete a business case for Spring Street's preferred light rail route from Caulfield to Monash and eventually to Rowville which presumably, taking into account recent reports, will also look at other rail solutions as well.

One of the main criticisms of the Rowville rail study from the Ballieu/Napthine era was its scope - it explicitly ruled out identifying other alignments such as joining the Alamein line to Oakleigh with a tunnel via Chadstone then branch out to Rowville along the North/Wellington Road corridor.  It follows that capacity constraints on the Pakenham/Cranbourne tracks are avoided as the line would be an extension of a branch which uses different track closer to the city.

We know that from the 2012-era plans the Alamein and Glen Waverley lines were envisaged to join up with western suburbs lines to create another east-west route through the city.  And given the Airport line is likely not going to be another branch of the Melbourne Metro and the Pakenham/Cranbourne to Melton/Sunbury line &amp; pair of tracks, adding a stub to Monash (and eventually Rowville) will create an imbalance.

So should the scope of the business case &amp; study that is looking at the costs and benefits of extending the Alamein line to Monash via Chadstone and Oakleigh/Huntingdale expand?  Well - if the Federal Government are dead keen on heavy rail, then yes.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://railgallery.wongm.com/melbourne-stations/F124_0657.jpg">Marcus Wong</a>.
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