Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Melbourne

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The North West region of Melbourne had the highest weekend auction clearance success rate, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that out of the 80 auctions in the North West, 86.3% resulted in a success.
This was followed by the West with 86.2% and the North East and Outer East with 83.3%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/03/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-03%20at%209.59.09%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/2017/04/03/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-03%20at%209.59.09%20am.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-keilor+east-124896870" target="_blank">3 Ash Grove</a>, Keilor East (above) was sold for $950,000.
Similarly a five bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-sydenham-124896638" target="_blank">14 Lorinda Close</a>, Sydenham (below) was sold for $593,000.
<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/2017/04/03/14%20Lorinda%20Close.jpg" alt="">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Melbourne's North West region has highest weekend auction clearance rate: CoreLogic

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Malvern’s iconic Angel Tavern, together with eight adjoining retail and commercial properties, has been listed for sale with price expectations of more than $45 million. 
The properties are for sale via an international expressions of interest closing May 11.
The tavern is located on the corner of Glenferrie Road and Dandenong Road, Malvern, close to Malvern train station. It has a gaming licence and a drive-through bottleshop.
The total underlying land area is about 4,720 sqm. 
The listing agents are Colliers International’s Matt Stagg and Jeremy Gruzewski, and Gross Waddell’s Jonathan McCormack and Andrew Waddell.
“Holdings of this scale in prime eastern-suburb locations are scarce, especially directly adjoining a major train station,” Stagg said. “It provides the opportunity to secure an Urban Renewal Precinct and transportation hub in a bluechip suburb.”
The offering comes at a time when the Victoria government is encouraging strategic development of Urban Renewal Precincts and Metropolitan Activity Centres throughout metropolitan Melbourne to accommodate the city’s growing population, which is anticipated to reach eight million people by 2050.
The government initiative includes increasing the supply of affordable housing around activity centres that provide residents easy access to jobs, retail, education and healthcare services. 
Building near public transport networks that link with the $10 billion Melbourne Metro Rail Project is also vital in order to reduce traffic congestion and minimise Melbourne’s environmental footprint, according to a media release.
Stagg said there was excellent potential to activate the streetscape and create a  safe pedestrian thoroughfare linking Dandenong and Glenferrie roads with Malvern station.  
The Angel Tavern Urban Renewal Precinct has flexible zoning and valuable air-rights,  that allow for a variety of mixed uses, such as residential apartments, commercial, hotel and student accommodation (subject to town planning approval).
“Malvern is one of Melbourne’s most exclusive suburbs with a median house price of $2,300,000,” McCormack said. 
“However, there is a dramatic shortage of premium owner-occupier apartments and townhouses for affluent down-sizers who wish to continue living in Malvern once they have sold the family home.” 
He said projects such as Lend Lease’s successful Toorak Park at 590 Orrong Road in Armadale, which directly adjoins Toorak station, was an indication of the possibilities in store for the Angel Tavern and the block of properties on sale. 
The Angel Tavern plus the eight properties generate a solid holding income, said the listing agents. Vacant possession is readily available via aligned lease expiries and termination clauses.  
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Angel Tavern and eight neighbourhood properties in Melbourne listed for $45 million

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Melbourne is the second highest expensive place to purchase a private treaty property, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that the average house in Melbourne costs around $700,000 while a unit costs around $520,000.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-20%20at%201.05.04%20pm.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/2017/03/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-20%20at%201.05.04%20pm.jpg" alt="">
This is in contrast to Sydney, which is the most expensive with $940,000 for houses and $740,000 for units.
A two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-kensington-123695926" target="_blank">22 The Crescent</a>, Kensington (above) has been sold for $725,000.
Similarly a two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-collingwood-120737429" target="_blank">56 Palmer Street</a>, Collingwood (below) has been sold for $715,000.
<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/2017/03/31/56%20Palmer%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Melbourne sits second most expensive place to purchase a property: CoreLogic

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Most Melbourne apartments are failing to meet minimum design requirements, according to Secret Agent’s latest bulletin.
The website recently released its findings on the state of recently built apartments in comparison to the Better Apartments Design Standards.
"What we found only confirmed our intuitive assumptions of inner Melbourne’s apartments: they’re generally hard to live in.
"While our full report dove into detail about each standard, this bulletin sums up the results of the overall study to shed light on the bigger picture, see the table below.
"We sampled 3000 apartments built in the last 6 years across 21 suburbs in Melbourne,” the report stated.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-16%20at%203.39.53%20pm.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/2017/03/16/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-16%20at%203.39.53%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Overall, 99.7 percent (2,991 apartments) failed to meet all the minimum requirements.
Only 9 apartments passed the seven standards we assessed (main bedroom dimensions, smallest bedroom dimensions, living room dimensions, private open space, windows, room depth, storage).
Out of these, 4 were 1 bedroom units, and 5 had 2 bedrooms.
<ul>
<li>94.2 percent (2,826 apartments) had balconies that were too small, or had none at all.</li>
<li>92.3 percent (2,770 apartments) were too small in terms of both bedrooms and living rooms, failing to meet all minimum dimensions.</li>
<li>84 percent (2,520 apartments) had either bathrooms or corridors that were too small. These failed accessibility standards.</li>
<li>70 percent (2,100 apartments) were not well-ventilated. Most of these only had windows on one side of the apartment, with the opposite wall facing the internal corridors.</li>
<li>52 percent (1,560 apartments) did not provide adequate sunlight to bedrooms. More than half of our sample either had no windows to their bedrooms, or had ‘snorkel’ windows that were deeper than allowed.</li>
<li>15.6 percent (468 apartments) were too deep, reducing natural light in parts of the living and dining areas.</li>
</ul>
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Melbourne apartments failing minimum design requirements

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Roughly half of the properties in the latest release at the Cedar Woods development in Jackson Green, Clayton South, were sold to first home buyers and young couples.
The latest release of Jackson Green’s town homes, features a selection of 23 architecturally designed three and four bedroom homes.
Patrick Archer, state manager, Cedar Woods, said town homes are a great option for first home buyers as they are affordable, low maintenance and provide excellent investment opportunities for young buyers. 
“Government grants and stamp duty exemptions make buying off the plan desirable for first homebuyers as the total capital outlay is greatly reduced,” he said.
Emily Vuong, recently purchased a three bedroom town home in the recent Grove release at Jackson Green.
She said she was only able to purchase the town home after teaming up with her boyfriend and parents.
“I would never have been able to purchase a property myself," she said.
“From my parents’ assistance I was able to get a foot up in the property market much earlier than most friends, purchasing off the plan allows me to save up a larger deposit before settling, reducing my overall mortgage.
“The co-buying approach is a common topic of discussion at social gatherings, with friends investigating possible partnerships to enter the market sooner rather than later."
To find out more information on the Jackson Green community visit <a href="https://www.jacksongreen.com.au" target="_blank">www.jacksongreen.com.au</a>
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Co-buying a viable option for first home buyers

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Melbourne’s Little Lonsdale Street has set a cracking pace for the CBD’s 2017 investment statistics, with two key sales and a major listing.
563-567 Little Lonsdale Street (below) recently sold at auction for $6.63million ($19,776 per sqm) which was quickly followed by 361-365 Little Lonsdale Street (above), which sold off-market.
Colliers International’s David Sia, Oliver Hay and Daniel Wolman brokered the deal for 361-365 Little Lonsdale at $11.125million, a land rate of $18,480 per sqm, on behalf of a Hong Kong vendor.
David Sia said a private Malaysian investor purchased the leased property at a yield of 1.6 percent.
“The sale was indicaticative of long-term holders seizing the premium values achievable in the current commercial climate,” he said.
Both 563-567 and 361-365 Little Lonsdale are zoned Capital City 1 and have substantial development upside, Sia said.
Colliers International listed 102 Little Lonsdale earlier this month, a history-rich 1894 property (below) with boutique office potential.
<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/2017/03/29/102%20Little%20Lonsdale%20Street%20Melbourne.jpg" alt="">
“This iconic residence is a premium chance to secure a truly one-of-a-kind CBD asset,” Mr Hay said.
“Each sale is indicative of a bullish market, confident in the consistent value-drivers of underlying CBD real estate,” he said.
102 Little Lonsdale Street will go to auction on April 19 at 1pm on site.
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Little Lonsdale off to big start

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The Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne has blocked a 16-storey $350 million apartment development in Fitzroy North proposed by BRW Rich Lister Tim Gurner.
It came ahead of Gurner reportedly thinking of lodging an amended 12-storey proposal for the 8500-square-metre former Gasworks site on Queens Parade.  
Gurner, who had previously threatened to pull out of Melbourne’s inner-city development market, now says he's preparing to fight this planning decision.
The Australian newspaper revealed recently that Gurner has been considering concentrating on the Western Australian residential market.
Gurner has faced stiff resistance from the City of Yarra’s Greens-dominated council and North Fitzroy residents.
The council asked Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne to intervene and force Gurner to cap his development at six storeys, while residents have called to have a four-level limit for all new buildings in the City of Yarra.
Gurner had previously said he would stop investing in the inner-city areas if the interim planning rules were enforced.
“We have a large number of sites within the City of Yarra currently and if these mandatory height controls are enacted not one of those sites would be or could be feasible to develop,” he told The Australian.
Mr Gurner said the costs to decontaminate some development sites were so large that higher density development was required to cover costs.
“If these changes are to be mandated, the site values will become absolutely worthless overnight,” he said earlier this year.
Gurner paid $40 million for the site last year and had initially proposed a cascading 16-storey development with over 470 apartments. 
This was rejected by the City of Yarra who referred the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in December with a hearing due to commence next week, with Gurner considering amendments with 135 fewer apartments and a height reduction to 37 metres from 53.7 metres.
The eleventh hour decision by Wynne to place an interim mandatory height control of a maximum of 10 storeys (30 metres) over the site means VCAT cannot grant a permit for any development that is higher. 
The Australian Financial Review advised today that "an incensed Mr Gurner" had spent $500,000 preparing for next week's VCAT hearing, and lashed out at the decision calling it a "joke" and said Mr Wynne had only intervened for "political reasons".
"The City of Yarra is the Planning Minister's own seat and it is no secret that he is right on the edge of holding power. He has clearly made a decision from a political perspective to try to win votes with no regard to fair and due process or strategic planning," Mr Gurner told The Australian Financial Review.
Despite the setback and his prior threats, he said he was more motivated than ever to ensure the project gets built.
Wynne holds the state seat of Richmond and will battle the Greens to retain the seat at next year's state elections.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Wynne imposes height restrictions on Gurner who feared "worthless overnight" intervention

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A fully-functioning, owner-operated hotel in the western sector of Melbourne’s CBD has been listed for sale, a welcome move in a market desperate for hotel properties as the city’s hotel occupancy rates hits all-time highs, according to Savills.
Flagstaff City Inn Hotel at 45 Dudley Street is on the market with expectations of more than $18 million. 
The property is being sold on a ‘walk-in, walk-out’ basis with expressions of interest closing April 11.
The hotel makes an income of nearly $1.3 million per annum, and presents the new owner as either a running lucrative hotel business or one with redevelopment play, according to Savills agents Clinton Baxter, Benson Zhou and Jesse Radisich, who are marketing the property.
The two-level hotel contains 42 hotel suites, a restaurant and conference facilities. It occupies 1,304 sqm and is a mixed-use zone.
Located a short walk from Flagstaff Gardens, the property has strong redevelopment potential, judging from the success of a 38-level tower development next door.
"This property has extraordinary potential as an already strongly trading going concern in a hotel market which is in the midst of a severe shortage of stock and a consequent spike in occupancy and room rates,” said Baxter.
"The property‘s potential for redevelopment is perhaps even more exciting given the zoning and the resounding success of other development ventures in this precinct.’’
The record tourism driven hotel sector has seen occupancy rates of near 90 per cent in Melbourne and, with forecasts of further growth in tourism, any investment opportunities which come to the market are much sought after, according to Savills.
<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/2017/03/21/44-55%20Dudley%20St%20aerial.jpg" alt="">
Zhou said the hotel’s close proximity to Melbourne University and Australia’s largest medical precinct, RMIT and the new Halleybury College Campus, would continue to provide a strong catchment for the hotel and likely underpin the viability of any future use, particularly residential use, of the property.
Future development for the site could include high density residential and retail, commercial, student accommodation and hotel uses, added Radisich.
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Melbourne's Flagstaff City Inn expected to fetch upwards of $18 million: Savills

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Sales in Melbourne's prestige property market are strong with 134 prestige property auctions reported in Melbourne last week according to Domain's Andrew Wilson.
He said Melbourne reported another strong prestige auction clearance rate of 79.9 percent last week.
"Although well below the previous week’s result of 88.2 percent from low holiday listings was well ahead of the 73.7 percent recorded over the same week last year.
"This week’s clearance rate is the highest non-holiday result of the year so far and the fourth result above 79.0 percent recorded over the past 5 weeks.
"Melbourne’s prestige home auction market accounted for 15.9 percent of total auction activity reported last week which was higher than the 9.0 percent recorded the previous week but lower than the 19.3 percent recorded over the same week last year.
"The Melbourne prestige auction market median sale price was down over the week, falling to $2,150,000 compared to the $2,315,000 recorded over the previous week.
"The median auction price however was 21.6 percent higher than the $1,767,500 reported over the same week last year.
"The top performing Melbourne prestige auction market suburbs by sales volume over the past four weeks with 100 percent clearance rates have been Caulfield North with a median at $2,100,000 followed by McKinnon $1,852,500, Deepdene  $3,662,500, Middle Park $1,920,000 and Eaglemont with a median auction price of $4,575,000."
Property Observer found a four bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-caulfield+north-124688318" target="_blank">123 Kambrook Road Caulfield North</a> (above) which sold recently for $2.1 million.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%2011.30.02%20AM.png" alt="">
 
A five bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-mckinnon-124815050" target="_blank">9 Clee Street McKinnon</a>, (above) sold for $1,625,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%2011.32.15%20AM.png" alt="">
 
A three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-middle+park-124043770" target="_blank">198 Page Street Middle Park</a> (above), was sold for $2,350,000.
<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/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%2011.37.10%20am.jpg" alt="">
The four bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-deepdene-124092510" target="_blank">1 Abercrombie Street Deepdene</a> (above), sold for $2,230,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%2011.57.00%20AM.png" alt="">
 
The two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-eaglemont-124765334" target="_blank">24 Brooke Street Eaglemont </a>(above) recently sold for $2,850,000.
 
 
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Melbourne's prestige suburbs netting 100 percent clearance rates

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Melbourne is set to hold the biggest auction weekend so far this year with more than 1,500 homes slated for auction, according to the REIV.
The REIV state 1,420 homes across 341 suburbs going to auction on Saturday. 
Joseph Walton, REIV president, said the 2017 auction market is one of the strongest in recent years with volumes up 13 percent on the same period last year. 
“Multiple auction records fell in February when more than 3,200 homes went to auction and close to 2,570 sold under the hammer,” he said.
“High auction volumes have continued throughout March with the current clearance rate of 79 percent signalling ongoing buyer and vendor confidence.
"The solid start to the year followed the strongest December in the state’s history – in terms of both auction volumes and sales. 
“The 2016 auction market remained buoyant right up until Christmas eve with low interest rates and high clearance rates encouraging more vendors to sell their homes well after the traditional spring selling season."
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%2011.00.33%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-24%20at%2011.00.33%20AM.png" alt="" width="486" height="416">
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