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.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"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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Melbourne has been the busiest capital with early 2018 house and unit sales.
There has been a $700,000 median house price, according to CoreLogic from more than 2000 sales across Melbourne.
<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/2018/1/15/MEDIAN.jpg" alt="">
Recent private treaty sales at around the median include a nearly built <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-vic-brunswick-125566678" target="_blank">townhouse in Brunswick</a> (above) which fetched $700,000.
The home north of the Melbourne CBD has two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
One of the earliest sales of the year was a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-126511154" target="_blank">Queens Park Road</a> apartment in Melbourne which fetched $700,000.
The two bed, two bath unit with study sits in the Grosvenor development.
 
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Melbourne gets busy with early 2018 house sales

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The family of the late magnate Nathan Werdiger, who founded Juilliard, are selling down.
The Australian reported the anticipated move could see more than $1 billion worth of real estate put in play.
Juilliard Group invests in the Australian commercial property market, specialising in CBD office spaces.
The company owns and manages a number of Melbourne CBD and suburban office buildings, certain semi-industrial sites and a regional shopping centre.
Some of the Juilliard Group's buildings in Melbourne CBD include 440 Collins Street (above) 535 Bourke Street, 459 Collins Street, and 574 St Kilda Road. 
The Werdiger family's Juilliard Group is ranked as one of the largest private landlords in Melbourne.
Philippa Kelly is the chief operating officer at the Juilliard Group. The business has been run by Nathan's eldest son Shlomo since the early 2000s.
Nathan Werdiger, who died in 2015, established himself as one of Australia's most successful businessmen in textiles and later property. He died aged 93.
Polish-born, Mr Werdiger and his brother Nechemia, two of six children, were the only family members to survive the Auschwitz "selection" process run by infamous Nazi doctor Josef Mengele, the "Angel of Death".
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In 1945 he was rescued, close to death, by the Allied forces from another notorious concentration camp, Buchenwald.
Werdiger recounted his times in Carolyn Ford's book Who Brought the Luck to the Lucky Country? 
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Werdiger arrived in Melbourne in 1949, aged 23, as a humanitarian migrant, joining his maternal uncle's family.
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Juilliard family property jewels for sale

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Three penthouses soaring 200 metres above the Melbourne streetscape are still for sale in the off the plan Collins House development, set to be the fourth thinnest tower in the world upon completion.
Collins House, developed by Golden Age Group and designed by award-winning architects Bates Smart, takes in the 1908 Collins House facade (below) and uses the Art Noveau influences throughout the tower.
The development will restore the heritage-facade under the eyes of architectural heritage consultants Lovell Chen.
<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/2017/12/14/collins3.jpg" alt="">
The three penthouses on levels 54 and above range from 210 sqm to 255 sqm and each offer a corner placement of the building, with views over the Yarra River, the Melbourne skyline and towards Port Phillip Bay.
They all have three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a study, scullery kitchen, separate living room, a powder room and two car spaces.
Prices range from $3.5 million to $6.88 million.
<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/2017/12/14/collins2.jpg" alt="">
There have been over $210 million sales so far in the xxx apartment development.
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Jeff Xu, Golden Age Group managing director, said Collins House has been meticulously designed for a lifestyle experience of unsurpassed sophistication.
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“Our vision for this project is founded in the respectful restoration of this beautiful building, first and foremost we wanted to ensure the design of Collins House was true to its former life and appropriate for contemporary living.” 
A key design element of the building that evokes the site’s important heritage is an inlaid silver pattern, reminiscent of 19th century parquetry. This distinctive feature wraps around the entire building and is a visually striking link between past and present.
“Both in its terms of its visual presentation and its luxury offering to residents, Collins House is a landmark address for Melbourne,” said designer Kristen Whittle, director of Bates Smart. 
“The interiors are raw yet refined, offering a pared back contemporary aesthetic with beautiful, sumptuous materials.” 
“Collins House places you at the epicentre of the world’s most liveable city, with everything you love about Melbourne within easy walking distance,” added Whittle. 
Residents will also have access to the facilities at Collins House. Collins Terrace on level three is a private indoor and outdoor space offering luxurious open-air lounge and dining areas. 
On level 27, the opulent St. James Club provides residents access to a private dining room and lounge, state-of-the art gym, outdoor deck and bar, and sweeping city views.
To find out more about Collins House <a href="http://www.collinshousemelbourne.com.au" target="_blank">click here.</a>
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Collins House penthouses available in the world's fourth slimmest tower

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The Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria has begun civil proceedings against estate agency Hoskins (Maroondah) Pty Ltd (ACN: 095 367 712), in the Federal Court of Australia, for alleged contraventions of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) in relation to property sales on Melbourne's north east outskirts.
Consumer Affairs Victoria will allege that during 2015 and 2016, Hoskins advertised properties for sale at prices much lower than it believed they would actually sell for.
The alleged conduct relates to 26 residential properties located in Croydon, Croydon Hills, Croydon North, Mooroolbark, Park Orchards, Ringwood, Ringwood North, Warranwood and Wonga Park.
Consumer Affairs Victoria will also allege Hoskins misled two vendors it was acting for, by telling them their properties would sell for much less than it believed they would sell for, in order to claim ‘incentive commissions’ from the vendors when the properties sold at a much higher price. Such conduct, it is alleged, was also unconscionable.
The department will allege that, at various times throughout 2015-16, the company:
<ul>
<li>engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct towards potential property purchasers and two vendors who were clients of Hoskins</li>
<li>made false or misleading representations to potential property purchasers and two vendors who were clients of Hoskins</li>
<li>engaged in unconscionable conduct towards two vendors who were clients of Hoskins.</li>
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CAV will allege that Hoskins (Maroondah):
<ul>
<li>advertised 26 properties for sale at prices lower than the company believed they would actually sell for</li>
<li>misled two vendors it was acting for, by telling them their properties would sell for much less than the company believed they would - in order to claim ‘incentive commissions’ when the properties sold at a much higher price.</li>
</ul>
CAV will also allege that the company’s director, Brent Robert Peters, 43, of Croydon Hills, aided and abetted the company’s conduct. With over a decade in real estate, Brent Peters achieved Top 10 salesperson in his first year in real estate in 2001 and was recently named No. 1 salesperson out of the Hoskins network of 55 offices.
With 12 sales, Brent Peters won Croydon Hills Agent of the Year, in the RateMyAgent Agent of the Year Awards 2017. RateMyAgent is the largest independent review site in Australia and claims to be "trusted by agents and customers."
CAV is seeking orders that the company:
<ul>
<li>pays a financial penalty, plus legal costs</li>
<li>be restrained from repeating this conduct in the future</li>
<li>implements a compliance program to educate its staff about their ACL obligations to ensure no further contraventions of the relevant provisions occur</li>
<li>refund two vendors a total of around $25,000</li>
<li>publish details of any court orders on its website and display it in its office.</li>
</ul>
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Victorian Consumer Affairs accusing Hoskins agency of unconscionable incentive commission scheme

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Telstra has offloaded two suburban landholdings following a highly competitive expressions-of-interest campaign among local and offshore developers, demonstrating the ongoing demand for new project sites in Melbourne’s east.
The properties at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-box+hill-502605890" target="_blank">28-30 Cambridge Street, Box Hill</a> (below), and <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-springvale-502605882" target="_blank">18-20 Warwick Avenue, Springvale,</a> (above) sold for $9.35 million combined.
Savills Australia’s Nick Peden, Jesse Radisich and Benson Zhou brokered the deals, with Charter Keck Cramer acting as transaction manager.
“Exceptional interest was generated in both opportunities,” Peden said.
<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/2017/12/8/Box%20Hill.jpg" alt="">
“Despite some complications surrounding the potential development of both sites, with various easements and encumbrances, we were able to effectively navigate these obstacles and work with prospective purchasers to appease any concerns.
“Ultimately, we secured very strong prices for each site.”
Radisich said the Box Hill sale represented a land rate of almost $8,000 per sqm, which was significant given the likely height limits.
“The development has potential to reach a height of circa 10 to 12 levels,” he said.
Savills has now transacted seven sites in December, for a total of more than $45 million.
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Telstra offloads landholdings in Melbourne’s suburbs 

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Melbourne’s appeal as an investment hot spot and an alternative for Sydney owner occupiers has been rising, according to John McGrath, especially with many Sydneysiders being priced out of their home market.  
The Victorian capital’s comparatively affordable property, a strong economy, top schools and the tag of one of the most ‘liveable cities’ are all fuelling Melbourne’s record population growth.
And there is still room for future property price growth despite exceptional capital gains over the boom, says McGrath in a recent Switzer blog.
“Taking a two-decade view, Melbourne’s annual compound growth rate for house prices is 8.4%, a whisker ahead of Sydney on 8.2%,” he writes.
And Melbourne is far more affordable than Sydney today, with the median house price more than $200,000 cheaper, according to CoreLogic figures.
In the 12 months to June 2017, Melbourne house prices rose by 9.8% to a median $675,000 while apartment prices rose by 2.0% to $500,000.
“Outstanding value for money is helping Victoria remain the fastest growing residential population in Australia, with record numbers of new interstate and overseas residents choosing Melbourne as their home and more investors seeing better potential here,” says McGrath.
Melbourne is also turning a favourite for investors for its lower price base, strong population growth and buoyant economic landscape, with a state budget surplus of $1.2 billion forecast for FY2018 and $22 billion flagged for infrastructure spending.
Good job prospects and top schools are a big factor in Melbourne’s population and property price growth.
Jobs in Melbourne grew by 94,100 in the year to July 2017 – more than anywhere else in Australia; and the city has been ranked the world’s most liveable for the seventh consecutive year.
Top public education campuses, including two in the Top 100 World University Rankings, helped attract 65,007 migrants in FY16 alone.
Many Melburnian families are willing to upsize or even downsize their homes in order to enter top secondary school catchment zones in suburbs like Balwyn, Mount Waverley and McKinnon.
In these suburbs, housing stock is already in short supply due with empty nesters and retirees opting to stay put in family homes, resulting in fierce competition for limited listings, price rises and often price ripples to adjacent suburbs, says McGrath.
For example, median house prices in Bulleen rose 13.9% in FY17 as neighbouring Balwyn North became too expensive. Buyers are also finding better value in Cheltenham over next door neighbour Black Rock, he adds.
Meanwhile, stamp duty exemptions for first home buyers for properties up to $600,000 and concessions up to $750,000 are encouraging them back into the market. 
FHB hot spots include Hoppers Crossing and Werribee in the west, Craigieburn in the north and Pakenham and Clyde in the outer south east. The city fringe is also attractive to FHBs, with 17 new suburbs offering 100,000 rezoned lots to be released by the end of 2018.
At the same time, Melbourne’s trophy homes command record prices. The city’s record house price reached $40 million in August 2017 when the Toorak home of Mirvac director, Marina Darling sold to a Chinese buyer, smashing the previous record of $26.25 million set in December 2016.
Melbourne CBD is now the most densely populated region of Australia with 37,754 residents living within 2.4 square kilometres. Chinese buyers, local downsizers and students flock to the CBD.
An oversupply of new apartments is softening prices, but also creating buying opportunities for those with a long-term view.
“We see an exciting future for investors who can expect strong long-term capital gains, as well as owner occupiers who can also expect great growth as they continue to enjoy living in one of the most desirable cities on the planet,” he concludes.
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Melbourne attractive to both investors and owner occupiers: John McGrath

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Lendlease’s flagship residential building for Victoria Harbour, has been crowned this year’s winner in the High Density Development (above 10 storeys) category at the Victorian Urban Development Institute of Australia’s Awards for Excellence.
The 888 Collins Street building, designed in conjunction with Woods Bagot, beat seven other buildings to take out the award.
The judges’ criteria included urban form, community creation, innovation features and environmental and engineering considerations, highlighting quality and innovation across the urban development industry.
One of the standout features of the 15 storey building is the innovate Light House installation by artist Bruce Ramus.
Lighthouse is a real-time weather display that responds to data from the Bureau of Meteorology by illuminating the building's façade each night.
<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/2017/12/6/lendlease2.jpg" alt="">
Ben Christie, Lendlease’s head of apartments for urban regeneration, said 888 Collins had become a benchmark for other developments in demonstrating innovation and the positive impact a residential building can have in fostering a sense of place and community for its residents.
“888 Collins Street sits among Lendlease’s newest collection of premium harbour-side apartment buildings and represents a blend of innovation in technology, architectural excellence, public interaction and sustainability, while enhancing the precinct’s nearby public amenity,” he said.
“The tower’s design and orientation gives residents the opportunity to take full advantage of Victoria Harbour’s public spaces, offering waterfront views on the doorstep of Melbourne’s CBD.”
Through a range of environmental initiatives, 888 Collins Street has achieved a 5-Star Green Star design rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, in addition to an average 7.2 Star Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme rating across the development.
888 Collins Street includes 578 apartments across two towers, with sweeping views of Victoria Harbour, Melbourne’s CBD, the Bolte Bridge and Port Phillip Bay, and luxurious amenities including a pool, gym, spa, business lounge, library, communal rooftop garden and a sky-high golf putting green.
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Lendlease’s 888 Collins wins UDIA accolade

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Much has been written about the oversupply of apartments in Melbourne.
Earlier this year, the RBA had voiced its concerns on the apartment market, warning a flood of new apartments could come onto the market in certain areas, pushing down prices and causing heavy losses for developers.
In its latest Stock on Market update, realestateinvestar.com.au has listed the Melbourne suburbs with their current stock of units and the stock 12 months previous to that.
North Melbourne has some 135 compared to 112 a year back - a 20% change. 
In contrast, some suburbs like Carlton saw supply fall from 195 units 12 months back to 158 units in the latest count.
Meanwhile, percentage rises in some other suburbs like Alphington and Armadale were much sharper (see table below), but that was mainly because the numbers were much smaller. 
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Suburb</td>
<td>Current Units</td>
<td>Units 12 months ago</td>
<td>Percent change</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>East Melbourne</td>
<td>38</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Moonee Ponds</td>
<td>75</td>
<td>47</td>
<td>59</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>North Melbourne</td>
<td>135</td>
<td>112</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brunswick West</td>
<td>68 </td>
<td>49</td>
<td>38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alphington</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>220</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Armadale</td>
<td>52</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>126</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brighton</td>
<td>69 </td>
<td>41</td>
<td>68</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A recently completed two-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-north+melbourne-127047806" target="_blank">302/35 Arden Street, North Melbourne</a> (picture above) is to go under the hammer in mid-December. It is part of the architect designed "MILQ" building.
A one-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-north+melbourne-126501090" target="_blank">308/108 Haines Street, North Melbourne</a> is selling for $372,000. The inner city apartment is expected to be ready by February 2018.
<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/2017/11/28/NMelb2.jpg" alt="">
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North Melbourne and Moonee Ponds see surge in apartment stock in last 12 months

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The Melbourne Luxury Hotel market is out-performing virtually all other markets in Australia, driven by record international and domestic tourist numbers, with significant further domestic and international inbound growth forecast, according to Tourism Research Australia (TRA).
Melbourne developer Argo Group has appointed Savills to market the turnkey opportunity of a brand new 93-room lifestyle hotel situated at 230 Toorak Road, South Yarra, one of Melbourne’s oldest and most affluent inner-city suburbs.
The listing comes with approved planning permit, with opening of the hotel proposed for mid-2019.
The Hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the bustling suburb of South Yarra, on Toorak Road, at its intersection with the famous retail and leisure district of Chapel Street.
Designed by award-winning architects Woods Bagot, the lifestyle hotel will comprise 93 hotel rooms ranging in size from 26 sqm to 32 sqm across ground and six levels, as well as a signature ground floor bar and restaurant.
Delivery of the Hotel will be overseen by experienced project managers Construction Assignments, who have overseen numerous leading hotel projects across Australia, with leading Melbourne based construction firm Hickory being retained to build the hotel.
Michael Simpson and Tom Shadbolt of Savills Australia are marketing the property. They said this is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a highly coveted freehold title to a new lifestyle hotel that will outshine its rivals in design, technological advancement and customer experience.
“Melbourne has been independently voted as the world’s most liveable city for seven consecutive years," Simpson said.
"Combine this with a global reputation for design, fine dining, retail and leisure and the city has propelled itself to a ‘must-go’ destination for international travellers.
“Argo Group is offering to market an exclusive opportunity to gain exposure to Australia’s most desirable, most tightly held and most coveted hotel market, and the flexibility to appoint a preferred hotel operator with control over branding, market positioning and management terms.
“The design-led boutique Hotel will immediately appeal to discerning customers seeking high quality accommodation in the lively South Yarra district” Simpson concluded.
Savills have released their quarterly update on the hotel market. It can be <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/publications-pdf/savills-hotels-quarterly-update-september-2017.pdf?utm_source=PropertyObserver&amp;utm_medium=DigitalAdvert&amp;utm_campaign=CPOeNewsletterBanner-HotelsUpdate-22Nov2017&amp;utm_source=Property+Observer+List&amp;utm_campaign=3fe0087e5e-Commercial_Property_15_November_2017&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_a523fbfccb-3fe0087e5e-245386345" target="_blank">found here.</a>
 
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Melbourne Luxury Hotel market is out-performing virtually all other markets in Australia

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A house in Melbourne’s outer east is on the market, and the seller is willing to accept part payment through Bitcoin, the world’s most popular cryptocurrency.
The transaction for <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/1411-mountain-highway-the-basin-vic-3154-2014026324" target="_blank">1411 Mountain Highway</a> in The Basin, if settled through Bitcoin, could be the first cryptocurrency property transaction in Australia.
It comes as Bitcoin has surged past $US9,000 for the first time, less than a week after passing the $US8,000 mark, and taking its year-to-date rise to more than 850 per cent.
"The owner already has a bitcoin wallet and is fairly experienced in using the currency," said listing agent John Garnett.
The offer is part of a worldwide trend of the rise of digital currencies, and government regulators across the world are scrambling to set out clear guidelines for blockchain transactions.
Blockchain, the technology behind cryptocurrency, is an anonymous, secure database that records digital transactions. According to experts, it could change the property industry.
The house has been built by Rob, who did not want his surname printed, Fairfax Media said. He is an experienced builder who buys, renovates and flips houses.
The listing says the “owner is agreeable to accept part payment in Bitcoin”.  
“I see cryptocurrency at the moment as like the early days of the internet dot com era,” Rob told Domain. 
He said declaring the property Bitcoin-friendly could be the deciding factor in someone’s ability to purchase the house. 
“If it came down to two or three people, and both had their maximum borrowing capacity at a certain amount, and one has bitcoin — because the banks don’t look at Bitcoin as an asset — that could be something that could get them across the line.”
The listing agent, John Garnett of Harcourts, said it was the first time he was about to handle a sale through cryptocurrency.
“We’ve got to be careful because the state revenue office will want the stamp duty to be paid on market revenue,” he said. 
Because of the dramatic fluctuations in Bitcoin’s value, the day of the transaction could be tricky.
“The way it would be is if someone was going to offer $10,000 in Bitcoin, then that would be $10,000 in Bitcoin whenever they pay that,” Rob said. “So if the market goes up or down or drops, that’s it.”
Consumer Affairs Victoria said it was legal for the settlement amount to be paid in any asset or security agreed between the buyer and seller, including Bitcoin. 
But the deposit part of the transaction cannot be paid in the form of Bitcoin due to the regulations around trust deposits.
The Australian Taxation Office treats Bitcoin as an asset, and requires a full record of Bitcoin transactions to be kept. 
The state government recommends buyers, sellers and agents seek legal advice to ensure they meet the regulatory requirements for the holding of deposits in the form of Bitcoin. 
While the property will not be the first to be offered in Bitcoin (that was a $1.4 million home in Perth in 2013) it is attracting huge attention.
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