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.

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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;

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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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A three bedroom apartment at Melbourne with views has been listed for sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-125202790" target="_blank">2106/368 St Kilda Road</a>, the 264 sqm property has an easterly location and decorated by Toni Franchi.
It currently belongs to former principal and CEO of Willis Management Consultants Bob Willis.
It was last sold in 2007 for $2.4 million and built in 2006.
Another home on the 21st floor sold in March having last traded for $3,235,000 in 2014.
Colonnade links a dining room and bar with formal and casual living areas.
Marble kitchen features Gaggenau appliances, built-in Miele coffee machine and plate warmer.
<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/2017/06/01/2106_368%20St%20Kilda%20Road-2.jpg" alt="">
Main bedroom features ensuite with marble encased bath and dressing room while two additional queen-sized bedroom have their own en suite.
The property has parking for three cars, library, conference room, swimming pool, spa, sauna and large storage area for wines.
Finishes includes gas marble fireplace, chandeliers and light fittings.
The property is being offered through Kay &amp; Burton agents Tom Staughton and Nicole Gleeson.
 
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Toni Franchi-decorated St Kilda Road, Melbourne apartment listed for sale

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An old-style two bedroom Sheridan Close apartment at Melbourne has been sold for $570,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-125363874" target="_blank">14/485-489 St Kilda Road</a>, the property has a street frontage and is set in a garden setting with Melbourne’s most attractive gardens as the backyard.
It was built in 1945 and it was last sold in 1986 for $53,000.
The Kitchen connects via a servery to the lounge/dining which overlooks the park and also has stainless steel kitchen appliances and stone benches.
One of the bedrooms features a large mirrored robe.
<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/2017/06/01/14_485-489%20St%20Kilda%20Road-2.jpg" alt="">
Other features includes parking space.
Close proximity to city fringe, bordering parkland and around the corner from amenities.
The property was offered through Marshall White agents Matthew Grima and Bradley Steinbach.
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Old-style two bedroom Sheridan Close, Melbourne apartment sold

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Two super lots in the vast Eynesbury estate near Werribee in Melbourne's west have been listed for sale through Savills.
The 218.5 ha landholding has the potential for the development of 3,000 housing lots, subject to council approval.  
Price expectations are around $120 million.
The land parcel, once owned by the Ballieu family, was bought by developer Hyde Property Group in a transaction worth $60 million from listed developer Villa World , according to Fairfax Media.
The Hyde group will use the proceeds to speed up work on the remainder of the estate, chief executive Russell Jackson was quoted by the newspaper group as saying.
The two lots of 118.5 ha* and 100 ha are within the 1,200 ha* <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-eynesbury-502421158" target="_blank">master planned township of Eynesbury</a>. 
The Eynesbury Master plan has plans for around 10,000 lots, providing housing for a projected total population of over 26,000 residents.
The main township is built around an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Graham Marsh, rated within Australia’s top 100 courses.
New linkages under construction providing direct access to Wyndham Vale and the recently constructed Wyndham Vale Train Station along the $3.65 billion Regional Rail Link
The lots are available individually or together, according to listing agents Clinton Baxter and Julian Heatherich of Savills. They are being sold through expressions of interest closing June 28.
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Eynesbury super lots on sale through Savills

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A retail property in Melbourne’s Brighton has sold for $1.45 million in an off-market transaction, on a record yield of 1.6% yield.
The <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property-profile/165-martin-street-brighton-vic-3186" target="_blank">165 Martin Street</a> property was formerly the home of the iconic Gardenvale Collectables, which specialised in historic VFL/AFL and sports memorabilia, and is now occupied by Laser &amp; Lashes. 
The selling agent was Fitzroys’ Mark Talbot, who recently sold the property next door as well. 
The property at 167 Martin Street sold for $1.55 million on a yield of 2.2%.
The 165 Martin Street property is located in the strip’s popular retail and hospitality precinct between Nepean Highway and Gardenvale train station.
“Martin Street is a thriving retail village surrounded by specialty retail and hospitality options, situated in one of the Melbourne’s most prestigious suburbs, and has significant potential for investors and owner occupiers,” Talbot said, adding the buyer didn’t want to pass up on the opportunity to secure a site in one of Melbourne’s most tightly held retail strips. 
“The precinct is surrounded by an established residential community that is slated for further population growth, and has a number of top-class education facilities nearby.” 
He said the large volume of enquiry for 167 Martin Street was able to be successfully converted into another record-breaking sale that satisfied both the vendor and purchaser. 
This marks Talbot’s third sale in the suburb over the past two months.
He also recently sold the two-storey café and dwelling building at 305 Bay Street, adjacent to North Brighton Station, at auction on a 3.3% yield for $2.255 million, setting a new benchmark price for a single-front retail property on Bay Street. 
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Brighton retail property sells on record yield of 1.6 percent

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The historic Grand Hotel Melbourne has been officially rebranded as a Quest property, as the group targets more business travellers. 
The 33 Spencer Street property offers business and leisure travellers 95 studio, one and two-bedroom apartment style accommodation options along with 4.5 star comforts.
The heritage-listed property was originally built in the 1880s as the Victorian Railways Administration offices, due to its proximity to Spencer Street and Flinders Street Stations.
The building in Melbourne’s CBD was acquired in the early 1990s and converted into a luxury hotel.
Quest Apartment Hotels group CEO Zed Sanjana said the hotel is a “great asset to the Quest network”.
He said the property strong appeals to Quest’s core target customer, the extended stay business traveller.
The Melbourne icon has been cleverly transformed, and caters to the accommodation needs of short or long stay business travellers, he added.
“The prime location on the corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets positions Quest Grand Hotel Melbourne very favourably for business travellers to Melbourne’s CBD.”
Beyond its majestic façade, the building offers top quality amenities, a unique spaciousness and an ambience of grandeur attributable to the Victorian era.
Guest facilities at Quest Grand Hotel Melbourne include an on-site restaurant and bar, valet parking, indoor swimming pool, spa, gym, outdoor BBQ and garden area, and a meeting room facility for up to 50 delegates.
Quest Grand Hotel Melbourne is Quest’s eighth property in Melbourne’s CBD and the 54th Quest property in Victoria.
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Crown Entertainment Complex, Docklands and Melbourne’s legal and finance precincts are all close to the hotel.
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Quest rebrand initiates next chapter for the historic Grand Hotel Melbourne

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The Melbourne industrial market has opportunities for first time industrial investors with affordable price points throughout the outer suburbs, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White’s May review.
Investor opportunities are most notably outside the Metropolitan Ring Road to the west and north, east of the East Link Tollway and south-east of South Gippsland Highway. These include suburbs such as Cranbourne West, Kilsyth, Epping and Ravenhall. 
“Such locations are favoured due to their price affordability, proximity to amenities and access to main road linkages as well as nearby developing residential areas,” say HTW in their report.
So far in 2017, the industrial market in Melbourne has been tracking well, with a noticeable increase in values over the previous 12 months, it adds. 
The market has been assisted by continually low interest rates, low rental levels which continue to be stable and an increasing demand for smaller warehouse units. 
This increasing demand for small strata title warehouse units often appears to be for purchasers looking to create their own man cave without losing any space at their primary business location or at their family home. 
Increased infrastructure spending has also impacted on property values in a positive direction, with the widening of the Tullamarine Freeway, Monash Freeway and the beginning of the Western Distributor project, among others, assisting transportation and logistics businesses throughout metropolitan Melbourne. 
“In light of the above, we consider a good industrial investment property to be identifiable through these basic property fundamentals: 
<ul>
<li>Good access </li>
<li>No oversupply </li>
<li>Small to medium sized property </li>
<li>Good traffic management </li>
<li>Good ingress and egress </li>
<li>Access to sufficient parking </li>
</ul>
A property lacking in a number of the above areas would be considered unfavourable and less sought after in the market place. The industrial property market is expected to be fairly positive throughout 2017. 
Provided there is no oversupply or external shocks to the market, with population growth and increases to lower levels of the economy, property values are likely to continue growing in the short to medium term, the report concludes.
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Melbourne’s industrial market offers affordable options to new investors: HTW  

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Last spring, Secret Agent investigated the cost of rebuilding two period homes in inner Melbourne using current technology and materials. Our results below demonstrate that the prices paid for period property fairly represent the quality, history and scarcity of these types of homes in today’s market.
Using real examples of a Victorian terrace and an Edwardian house, we found that recreating these homes from scratch would cost at least $740,000 more than what you would pay for a genuine period home.
While it is possible to build a new home that imitates the defining features of Victorian and Edwardian houses, replacing period character to its full extent is almost impossible to get right. Note that the figures in the analysis of replacement values are conservative estimates only.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/25/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-25%20at%2011.18.22%20AM.png">Click to enlarge</a>
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<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/25/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-25%20at%2011.18.22%20AM.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/25/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-25%20at%2011.19.08%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/25/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-25%20at%2011.19.08%20AM.png" alt="">
For more information, <a href="https://secretagent.com.au/">click here</a>.
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Why period homes represent good value: Secret Agent

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Demand for new land in and around Melbourne continues to grow at record levels with new blocks now selling in less than 50 days, down from nearly 200 days at the end of 2013, according to research by property group Oliver Hume.
The average price for a square metre of new land in Melbourne in the first quarter of this year (three months to March) was nearly $640 up from $575 in the last three months of 2016.
The research shows the average time on market for land in Melbourne in the first quarter of 2016 was just 1.6 months, the lowest ever recorded.
Oliver Hume director Paul Ciprian said land was attracting value hunters from Sydney.
“Over the last couple of years we have seen an ever-increasing number of people priced out of the Sydney market looking to set up their life in Melbourne,” he said.
“If your job and family is transferrable, the decision is pretty simple.”
The median price of land in metropolitan Melbourne reached $262,000 in the first quarter, up 9.6% (or $23,000) from $239,000 in the last quarter of 2016. 
Over the same period the median lot size declined from 416sqm to 410sqm, according to research compiled from analysing thousands of transactions, the stock of lots available and examining trends in projects throughout Victoria.
With the exception of the first quarter of 2015, the average time on market has now fallen or remained steady in every quarter since the third quarter of 2013, after peaking in the current cycle at 6.6 at the end of 2012.
The statistic measures the period from when a piece of land is released for sale by a developer until it is contracted by a purchaser.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/25/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-25%20at%2010.23.38%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Oliver Hume Research Manager George Bougias said the total number of sales across January, February and March were all significantly up on the same period last year.
“Continuing supply, robust competition and relative affordability compared to many other property markets in Australia means Melbourne residential land is still one of the strongest performing asset classes in Australia at the moment,” Mr Bougias said.
“We expect the market to continue to build momentum throughout 2017 if not well into 2018.
“With buyers having similar access to low interest rates, an improving economic and jobs outlook in Victoria and Melbourne’s relative affordability is ensuring the city keeps coming up the winner,” he said.
For more information visit <a href="https://www.oliverhume.com.au">www.oliverhume.com.au</a>
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Sydney value hunters head to Melbourne for land as time on market drops below 50 days

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Melbourne unit sales have slightly increased in the past quarter, according to CoreLogic's latest Cityscope.
The property data firm says that however Melbourne's 12 month unit sales have decreased.
Sales recorded for Melbourne Units Cityscope for the three months to May 2017 totalled $179.3 million, a slight increase from the $169.6 million recorded for the quarter to February 2017, but a sharp decreased from the $405.2 million recorded for the quarter to November 2016.
The latest data brings the twelve-month sales total to $899.1 million, a decrease from the previous twelve months, which recorded sales of $919.8 million.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of Melbourne Units Cityscope.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-24%20at%2010.05.39%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click 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/2017/05/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-24%20at%2010.05.39%20am.jpg" alt="">
Some notable sales featured in the May 2017 update of Melbourne Units Cityscope include:
<ul>
<li>Unit 64, Sargood House, at 73 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, a 4 bedrooms plus study residential apartment with 358 sqm over levels seven and eight plus 3 balconies and a car space, which sold for $3.195 million;</li>
<li>Unit 2402, The Philadelphia Apartments, at 31 Spring Street, Melbourne, a three bedroom penthouse over three levels including 2 car spaces, which was sold for $3 million and</li>
<li>Unit 153 and unit 154, Republic Tower at 299 Queen Street, Melbourne, two 3 bedroom residential units on the fifteenth floor plus total of 3 car spaces, which sold together for $2.6 million.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-24%20at%2010.06.13%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Melbourne unit sales increase in past three months: Cityscope

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BRW Rich Lister Lloyd Williams has sold a property that includes one of Melbourne CBD's biggest car parks for the expected $120 million when he listed it.
The buyer was a Hong Kong investor who has been building up his portfolio in Australia.
He had listed the 16-level property at 114 Flinders Street, which includes retail, 1200 car bays and office spaces earlier this year. 
It sold on a tight yield of about 5 per cent, reflecting the sharp yields typical of the long-term returns delivered by off-street parking, the Australian Financial Review reported.
Williams bought the property in $54.5 million in 2007. 
That price reflects the depth of demand in the market, which is pushing commercial property prices toward a peak.
The selling agents were CBRE’s Mark Wizel, Kiran Pillai and Lewis Tong, and Knight Frank's Martin O'Sullivan and Paul Henley.
The car park at the city's east end has five ground-level retail tenancies, and above that 1200 car bays over a series of levels.
The tower overlooks Flinders Street and the Yarra River. In addition to the car parks, it has five levels of retail and six levels of office space. 
The buyer is HK Realway, a private player that has been steadily accumulating a local portfolio. Two years ago the Hong Kong group bought a George Street office tower in Sydney from Abacus Property Group and its joint venture partner AM Alpha for $112.3 million, the AFR noted.
For the Flinders Street property, HK Realway, made an unconditional bid through Thomson Geer's Eu Ming Lim.
The Hong Kong platform bought a North Sydney office tower for about $58 million from CorVal in 2015. It also owns the owns the Cinema Centre Car Park in the Sydney CBD.
Williams is best known for his property and horse racing interests. He founded Hudson Conway in the 1970s and developed the Crown casino complex. He also owns a record five winners of the Melbourne Cup. 
In January, Williams sold the Southbank headquarters of Hudson Conway for $11 million to a mainland Chinese company.
That property had development approval for a 16-level residential tower of 91 apartments.
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