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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WeWork, one of the world's fastest-growing co-working businesses, has arrived in Melbourne, following on its entry into Sydney last year. 
The co-working firm is leasing into the iconic art deco building at 401 Collins Street owned by fund manager Impact Investment Group, taking the building’s rooftop and the entire nine floors of commercial space, said a media release.
New York-based WeWork was founded in 2010 and has grown fast to set up more than 120 shared work spaces across 32 cities globally. The firm opened its first office at Sydney’s 5 Martin Place in the heart of the city’s central business district last year. 
Its arrival in Melbourne is part of a rising trend of co-working spaces in the city. Last year, Hub Australia opened Victoria’s largest coworking space, Hub Southern Cross, in Melbourne, spread across 3,900sqm and two floors of the historic Mail Exchange building.
Liberman-family backed Impact Investment Group (IIG) bought the building for $32 million in 2014 and is currently refurbishing it. The makeover includes restoration of 401 Collins’ heritage stone front façade, mechanical upgrades and improving its energy efficiency.
The 11-storey building was once commandeered by General Douglas MacArthur as his headquarters for US Army forces in World War II.
“This marks the start of a new era for 401 Collins. We’re proud to be setting up the next chapter in this remarkable building’s life,” said Impact CEO Chris Lock.
“It shows that these pre-war buildings, built to endure as they were, can still contribute to Australia’s move towards lower carbon emissions.”
Newly claimed space on the rooftop and in the basement will see the net lettable area (NLA) increase by 360 sqm, bringing the total NLA to about 6,291 sqm.
WeWork’s managing director, Asia Pacific, Ole Ruch, said Melbourne is home to startups, big businesses, and creative entrepreneurs “pioneering innovation” nd it was a “natural next step for WeWork”. 
The Hon Philip Dalidakis MP, Victorian Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade said, "We welcome global co-working provider WeWork to Melbourne's thriving startup community.”
IIG is also in talks with two Melbourne restaurateurs with plans to establish a new hospitality brand on the ground floor.
Current tenant, Roy Morgan Research Ltd (RMR), is expected to move out of the property in late 2017. 
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Co-working giant WeWork expands into Melbourne

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Future Fund board member Michael Wachtel is keeping a very close eye on the property market across Melbourne's two most watched property locations.
The Credit Suisse advisor was in the auction crowd when the late Lady Susan Renouf's Toorak home (above) was put to auction with $5 million plus last weekend.
After an hour of post-auction negotiations, the Struan Street home was sold but not to the only bidder at $4.55 million.
Renouf had bought the three bedroom home for $1.85 million from the blue blood Grimwade family more than a decade ago.
Wachtel and his photographer wife Linda monitor the Toorak market as their five bedroom home is currently listed with a price guide of $6.8 million plus through Kay &amp; Burton agents Michael Gibson and Matt Davis. 
The couple paid $726,000 for the Cross Street home in the recession-hit Melbourne in 1992.
They have paid $3.2 million for a 410 sqm site elsewhere in Toorak where they will build a new town house.
Wachtel came to our attention last month when he paid $1.95 million for the former Bell stockbroking family weekender at Portsea where he's owned for 13 years.
No sooner had he signed the contract on the three bedroom home with large entertaining deck that overlooks the Fiona Brockhoff designed gardens, than he was attending another auction.
Just out of curiosity it seems.
This article first appeared in the Weekend Australian's Mansion Australia section.
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Future Fund member Michael Wachtel watches Melbourne market

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The first W Hotel in Melbourne will be part of Cbus Property’s $1 billion plus mixed-use luxury precinct Collins Arch in 2020. 
W Melbourne at Collins Arch will be located in the eastern tower of the dual tower project, which will also have commercial office space, retail, hospitality and luxury residential apartments. 
The hotel will have 294 guestrooms across 15 levels, including 40 suites. Other facilities include a cocktail bar, restaurant, day spa, pool, gym, conferencing and ballroom facilities. 
Melbourne interior design practice Hachem has been appointed to design the hotel’s interiors. 
Designed in collaboration by Woods Bagot and New York practice SHoP architects the development will feature the city’s first sky bridge that links the dual towers. 
The hotel deal, brokered by Michael Simpson of Savills Australia and New Zealand, involved the sale of the hotel component of Collins Arch to Daisho Development Melbourne. 
He said the Collins Arch hotel deal was hotly contested by investors, with a number of luxury brands also showing interest.
“The resulting partnership between Cbus Property, Daisho Development Melbourne and Marriott International has been a really positive example of collaboration with all parties working together to deliver an outstanding luxury hotel and a city-enhancing project for Melbourne,” he said. 
 
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Whatever/Whenever! Melbourne to get its first W Hotel in 2020

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Continuing the 2015 trend, the Melbourne property market again recorded strong growth in median prices throughout 2016, according to the latest report from PRDnationwide.
Suburbs outside the inner Melbourne ring remained a popular choice for both owner occupiers and investors as they offer an affordable entry point into the Melbourne property market, said the company’s Melbourne Property Hotspots: Second Half of 2016.
These more outer-lying areas continue to gain momentum as private and state funded projects improve connectivity and fuel economic growth, attracting potential buyers.
The North and North Western suburbs in particular are benefitting strongly from this influx of funding, new facilities and economic impetus as their annual property growth continues to climb.
“Melbourne has been the stand-out eastern big-three city in terms of price growth in 2016,” said Tony Brasier, PRDnationwide managing director.
“Major projects and infrastructure construction in mid-outer areas are set to boost these regions even further.”
Click to enlarge:
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/31/melb-1.jpg"><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/2017/01/31/melb-1.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/31/melb-2.jpg"><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/2017/01/31/melb-2.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/31/melb-3.jpg"><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/2017/01/31/melb-3.jpg" alt=""></a>
The report focused on suburbs within a 20km radius of the CBD, taking into consideration the following factors:
Sales indicators - median price growth over 2016 and previous years, number of sales, average days on the market, and vendor discounting
<ul>
<li>Rental indicators - median rental price, rental yield, and vacancy rates</li>
<li>Affordability - the average Victorian home loan is $374,993 as at June 2016, which is a decrease of -3.1% over the previous quarter</li>
<li>Project developments commencing in 2016 - commercial, mixed use, infrastructure, industrial and residential. This indicates potential increases in economic and commercial activity, interconnectivity to the key transport routes, the CBD and other major urban business hubs</li>
</ul>
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-ormond-124067486" target="_blank">37 Thompson Street</a>, Ormond (above) has been sold for $1,715,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-ormond-123815938" target="_blank">6 Dunlop Avenue</a>, Ormond (below) was sold for $1,580,000.
<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/2017/02/02/6%20Dunlop%20Avenue.jpg" alt="">
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Ormond among Melbourne's top house performers: PRDnationwide

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An owner-occupier has paid $3.75 million for a warehouse in Melbourne's inner east.
The property, on 56 River Street features a 250 square metre building on a 371 square metre site zoned Commercial 1. It has two street frontages and on-site parking and was sold on a land rate of $10,135 sqm through Teska Carson.
According to Teska Carson’s Matt Feld, the property was sold subject to a short term lease at $44,950 per annum .
"A property with two street frontages in such a strong location was very attractive from a development perspective but the property also held strong appeal for owner-occupiers and investors," he said.
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$3.75 million paid for Sth Yarra warehouse

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Melbourne has no bubble and its apartment market was not even close to reaching an oversupply, according to Charter Keck Cramer research director, Robert Papaleo.
He says there has been misinformation surrounding the issue.
“The structural tailwinds supporting Melbourne apartment market outweigh the cyclical headwinds,” Papaleo told attendees at the recent Australian Property Institute and REIV’s State of the Market 2017 State of Market conference.
“There is no apartment supply bubble and oversupply is not imminent.
"Melbourne is experiencing unprecedented supply but it not oversupplied,”
Papaleo said Melbourne’s housing market is performing strongly because it is at a 30% discount to Sydney, compared to 15% cheaper in 2011.
“This will drive more migration to Melbourne," said Papaleo who added that Melbourne remains attractive to international students.
He said that one year ago, 24,000 apartments were expected to be completed in 2017 across metropolitan Melbourne, but the latest figures suggest 16,000 apartments are now expected to completed.
“We are heading towards a situation where 16,000 apartments a year will be completed over the new few years to 2020."
It comes off the supply peak of 19,000 apartments in 2016, he said.
“Oversupply is not evident in the market.
"Two years ago, in 2015, 9,000 apartments were sold across Melbourne’s Central City Region.
"In 2016, 6,000 apartments were sold; despite the fall it was still a good result.
"And developers are holding back supply,” he said.
“Obviously, if interest rates move, there will be an impact on that price growth.
"What we are seeing at the moment, though, is the Melbourne housing market is truly reflecting its attractiveness to local investors, local owner occupiers, as well as, in particular segments – such as the apartment sector as well as the greenfield market – international investors as well as interstate investors continue to see relative value in Melbourne prices compared to the places that capital is coming from, whether that be Sydney, or whether that be Singapore,” he said, as reported by Australian Property Journal.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

At 30 percent cheaper than Sydney, Melbourne has apartment advantage without oversupply or bubble: Charter Keck

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The number of listings in Melbourne is down compared to 12 months ago, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that the number of total listings is 28,486, which is a decline of 5.1% on last February.
This is not helped by the number of new listings declining by 2.5% compared to the same period last year.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-27%20at%2012.39.49%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/2017/02/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-27%20at%2012.39.49%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Sydney is down considerably, in both fresh and total offerings.
Going against the national trend is the number of Brisbane listings, which has increased by 6.6% over the past 12 months as well as its new listings increasing by 0.7%.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Number of Melbourne listings declines by 5%: CoreLogic

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The Outer East region of Melbourne has the highest number of weekend auctions success, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that out of the 77 auctions known to CoreLogic in the region 87% were cleared.
This is followed by the West region with 86.2% and the North East with 84.6%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-27%20at%2011.31.18%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/2017/02/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-27%20at%2011.31.18%20am.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-ashwood-124527206" target="_blank">14 Ashwood Drive</a>, Ashwood (above) was sold for $1,305,000.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-knoxfield-124631322" target="_blank">17 Horner Close</a>, Knoxfield (below) was sold for $795,000.
<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/2017/02/27/17%20Horner%20Close.jpg" alt="">
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Melbourne's Outer East takes top spot with highest cleared auction rate: CoreLogic

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Victoria’s industrial &amp; logistics sector posted its strongest year of sales on record in 2016, with $1.92 billion in assets changing hands, an increase of 15% from 2015, according to leading commercial real estate firm CBRE.
The record numbers were helped by Melbourne, which was the strongest performer nationally, according to CBRE’s Industrial and Logistics, Q4 2016, MarketView report.
Both domestic and offshore investors sought out industrial assets in all of Melbourne’s core industrial precincts, with the focus on super core stock or assets that add value/repositioning angles, said CBRE director, Industrial &amp; Logistics – Capital Markets, Rory Hilton. 
“2016 was a strong year for offshore investment in Melbourne’s industrial &amp; logistics market – with global capital continuing to seek out opportunities that offer scale and quality in key markets,” Hilton said.  
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/23/MelbIndSales.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/23/MelbIndSales.png" alt="">
The quarter ended December saw $394 million in property transactions, boosting Victoria’s numbers. New South Wales was second, recording $1.559 billion in transactions during 2016, followed by Queensland with $537.67 million, $617.2 million in Perth, $146.05 million in South Australia and $31.25 million in the ACT.
Nationally, however, total sales of industrial and logistics assets fell to $4.831 billion during 2016 from a record $5.267 billion in 2015, due to the available stock shortfall.
CBRE senior research manager Kate Bailey said Melbourne experienced further yield compression in Q4, moving 10 basis points to 6% – reflecting continued demand for high quality industrial assets. 
“This change was driven by yields in Melbourne’s south east region, which saw a 25 basis point compression to 5.8% - the lowest in Melbourne,” Bailey said. 
Secondary yields in inner locations are expected to continue compressing as investors look to capitalise on the increasing demand for last mile delivery facilities by refurbishing existing assets. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/23/MelbvsAust.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/23/MelbvsAust.png" alt="">
On the supply front, there was 128,000 sqm of new stock added in Melbourne during the December quarter – down 53% on the same period in 2015. 
Despite this, a number of notable developments are proposed, including the Target Distribution Centre in Trugganina and the Greens Road warehouse in Keysborough. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/23/MelbSupply.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/23/MelbSupply.png" alt="">
Hilton said Melbourne’s strong industrial leasing market would continue to support investment in the sector. 
“Strong levels of pre-leasing and leasing activity in the second half of 2016 are set to flow into the capital markets 2017, underpinning heightened investment in the sector,” Hilton said. 
“Top tier logistic, retail and industrial companies are attracted more than ever by Victoria's impeccable transport infrastructure, the efficiency of Melbourne Ports, high standard of blue and white collar work force – all of which continue to position Melbourne’s industrial and logistics sector as an attractive destination for capital.”   
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Melbourne leads rest of Australia with record industrial & logistics sales turnover: CBRE

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Three new tenants have moved into Frasers Property Australia’s Key Industrial Park in Melbourne’s Keysborough. 
The tenants are driveline products manufacturer Dana Australia, Licensing Essentials and hardware supplier Pinnacle Diversity.
Key Industrial Park is nearly 100 hectares of Industrial 1 zoned land with major frontages to Greens Road, Perry Road. It is Melbourne's South East benchmark in industrial development and provides access to EastLink and all other major road networks and proximity to the main port, airport and CBD.
Leading driveline products manufacturer, Dana Australia, has signed a seven-year lease for a 10,000 sqm facility comprising 8,972 sqm warehouse and 1,028 sqm office plus 100 car spaces. 
Licensing Essentials has also entered into a seven-year lease for 8,120 sqm space comprising 7,720 sqm warehouse and 400 sqm office.
Pinnacle Diversity committed to a five-year lease. The company will supply and distribute home hardware products from its 7,242 sqm premises comprising 6,842 sqm warehouse, 400 sqm office.
“We are very pleased with the level of activity at The Key Industrial Park with all three companies committed to leases prior to practical completion,” said Anthony Maugeri, general manager Southern Region C&amp;I for Frasers Property. “The lack of land and quality warehouse facilities in Melbourne’s South-East has helped us secure the most recent deals,” 
Dana was a pre-commitment with Frasers Property speculatively building two tenancies adjoining this building. These buildings were both leased prior to completion. Dana and Licensing Essentials recently moved in and Pinnacle Diversity is expected to move in soon.
The three new tenancies are located on Hudson Court. 
The deals were negotiated by Ben Fahey and Andrew Hanna from Frasers Property, Kosta Finn from Savills, Danny Green from Cushman Wakefield and Matt Ellis from JLL.  
The Key Industrial Park has been developed to accommodate purpose built facilities for Adairs, Symbion, AstralPool, BIC Oceania, TriMas, Early Settler, Rinnai, Sealy, Miele &amp; DANA.
 
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