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.

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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."

[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.

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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."

[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

Meriton

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Harry Tribugoff's Meriton Apartments Group has failed to secure approval for a high-rise at its Little Bay development site.
The controversial plan was to build 1900 high-rise apartments in around 20 buildings up to 17 stories.
The plans have been rejected by Randwick Council after the Randwick Local Planning Panel unanimously rejected the Meriton planning proposal.
There was opposition from Save Little Bay, which has more than 2075 followers on Facebook.
"This was a crushing defeat for Meriton," a spokesperson Antony Gould advised.
"Their proposal has been shredded to pieces by council, by the experts, by the community.
"They look like plans from the “old days”: out of touch, out of place, out of sync."
Save Little Bay anticipates Meriton will "refuse to hear the message" and seek to push their proposal through at State level.
Meriton bagged the 11 hectare waterside residential development site set in Sydney’s coastal eastern for $245 million in 2017.
The site had been marketed as “a dream site for developers; a massive 11 hectares of luxury, high end masterplan-approved land”. 
The site had approved masterplans for a combination of single-lot housing, town houses and luxury apartments. 
All remediation, site works, roads, park landscaping and infrastructure had been completed, including amenities such as water, electricity and gas.
Meriton edged out Chinese developer Country Garden for the site. 
Gould noted Meriton's gamble had not paid off.
"The light rail will not come here, the Malabar Metro is on a back shelf until other Metro projects are completed, the jail is unlikely to move anywhere,' Gould said.
"The ludicrous number of dwellings they are asking for has created a groundswell of resentment towards Meriton, not just in Little Bay but throughout Sydney through the various publications that have labelled this proposal obscene. 
"It’s over seven times the dwellings, people and traffic of the original masterplan," he noted.
 
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Harry Triguboff's Meriton fails to secure Little Bay high-rise approval

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The billionaire apartment developer Harry Triguboff is expanding to Canberra.
It comes after buying his first site in Melbourne.
Triguboff told The Australian he expects the upswing in buyer interest to continue, saying it kicked off with the change of government and removal of Labor’s threat to wind back negative gearing tax breaks.
During the housing market downturn Meriton retained many of its completed units taking Triguboff's personal investment portfolio to more than 9400 apartments.
Triguboff’s portfolio is split equally between serviced apartments and leased units.
His hotel arm expanded in the slower market.
“It’s no good selling if the market doesn’t want to buy,” Triguboff told The Australian.
He is surprised at how quickly the market has rebounded — from selling five units a week in January to about currently around 30-35 a week.
The inner workings of his business empire has been revealed by The Australian after the lodging of financial accounts with the corporate regulator by the Meriton company.
Meriton made a pre-tax profit of $485 million in the 2018 financial year, according to its recent accounts lodged with the Australian Securities &amp; Investments Commission.
Meriton’s revenue reached $1.84 billion.
It made a net profit of $340 million after paying $145 million in company income tax.
It was down from the previous year when Meriton made $384 million net profit from $1.79 billion revenue.
Triguboff did not take any dividends.
The Meriton accounts noted “although the residential selling market continues to be stagnant, both rental markets and serviced apartments continue to be in strong demand and underpin revenue increases for 2019”.
Meriton’s accounts shows it owns $2.97 billion worth of land and buildings.
It had $162 million in current loans and $195 million in non-current loans out to buyers of Meriton apartments through vendor financing.
The accounts showed Meriton having about 12,000 apartments at various stages of development.
Its annual report had noted about 8200 investment units that Triguboff maintained ownership, which was now substantially higher.
Meriton has net assets of more than $3.8 billion and retained earnings of $3.6 billion.
The Meriton accounts also show it owns $265 million worth of structured financial products.
His Canberra purchase is a project site with permission for a 17-level, five-star hotel in the city’s CBD.
Meriton bought the site in Canberra’s Civic precinct at 40 Allara Street for $23 million from the Australian Unity Property Income Fund reportedly in an off-market deal.
It is part of Harry's “rapid” expansion plans for the Meriton Suites arm.
<div id="listing-recommendation-midcontent" class="experiment">“Canberra long has been on our radar because it’s drawing nearly 3 million visitors a year,” Mr Triguboff told Nine Entertainment.</div>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Billionaire developer Harry Triguboff's personal investment portfolio tops 9400 apartments

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Meriton has been fined $3 million for manipulating the online reviews on the travel review website TripAdvisor over its serviced apartment experience.
The Federal Court found Meriton breached the Australian Consumer Law by not forwarding the guests' email addresses to TripAdvisor when there were service disruptions such as broken lifts and hot water outrages at their apartments.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission sought a $20 million fine, saying Meriton had committed "1000s" of masking breaches.
Meriton suggested a fine between $330,000 and $440,000 was more appropriate.
The court also restrained Meriton from filtering, selecting or limiting the guest email addresses it supplies to TripAdvisor for the next three years.
Meriton will also have to set up a compliance and training program.
Justice Mark Moshinsky said the breaches took place over a period of 11 months on the world's largest travel website.
"Meriton's conduct had the effect of reducing, in the minds of consumers, awareness of the prevalence of service disruptions at the Meriton properties.
Further, Meriton's conduct created an unduly favourable impression about the quality or amenity of Meriton's serviced apartment," he said.
The fine came as Meriton's senior management were aware of and sanctioned the practices, he said.
"Because so many consumers use the internet and online sites to gather information about products and services, it is imperative that corporations engaging with the internet and online sites comply with the Australian Consumer Law," he said.
Meriton deceived consumers by preventing guests from receiving TripAdvisor's email prompting them to leave reviews if the apartment management suspected the guests would give an unfavourable review.
Meriton did this by inserting the letters "MSA" - which stands for Meriton Serviced Apartments - to guests' email addresses provided to TripAdvisor, if the guests made a complaint, which made the email addresses invalid.
In total Meriton added "MSA" to over 14,000 email addresses in 2015 across 13 of its services apartment properties.
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Meriton fined $3 million for manipulating TripAdvisor reviews

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Macquarie Park's blossoming urban renewal has received a further boost with developer Meriton setting in motion the approvals sequence for their Talavera Road site.

The suburb's role as a tertiary, commercial and innovation hub is further being boosted by an influx of apartment developments. Latest to reach City of Ryde for consideration is the first stage of Meriton's 112 Talavera Road apartment development.

Previously with Goodman Group, the low-rise site which now contains commercial and industrial space was secured by Meriton who promptly went about applying to rezone the site in order to allow for four residential towers. The tallest of these would reach 200 metres and is subject to a future design excellence competition.

The rezoning allows for buildings of 27, 30, 45 and 60 storeys incorporating over 1,200 apartments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image60_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site overview. Planning image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image60_6.jpg?itok=Lw1QO8nH" title="Site overview. Planning image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site overview. Planning image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>With rezoning in the pocket, Merithasave applied for approval over the westernmost part of the site, with the balance subject to future development applications.

DKO Architecture have been utilised for the initial design, creating a 27 storey residential tower incorporating some 221 apartments. The tower's pseudo podium introduces a more intimate built form by way of a smaller 7 storey building that will front both a new pedestrian link and a common green area.

A childcare centre, pool and gym are situated atop the smaller building whilst the tower hosts an enclosed rooftop terrace for use by residents.

The apartment split sees 46 single, 141 double and 34 triple bedroom apartments. Limited retail spaces are also included at ground level.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image63_9.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="High and low-rise aspects of the design. Planning image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="259" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image63_9.jpg?itok=tO4HBVU8" title="High and low-rise aspects of the design. Planning image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>High and low-rise aspects of the design. Planning image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>Macquarie Park's established mixed-use nature has been instrumental in attracting a string of big name developers to the area, cashing in on demand for apartment living. Stamoulis Property Group, Romeciti, Golden Age Group, Greenland Australia, COLI Australia, VIMG and JQZ have active apartment projects within Macquarie Park.

Hyecorp is the latest developer to launch a project, taking 9 Peach Tree Road to sales. Dubbed Monika, the project will include 116 apartments within a 14 storey building.

Urban.com.au is tracking 3,965 apartments within Macquarie Park. The large size of many development sites and multiple buildings within the respective developments is seeing a very high average apartment number of 440 across 9 separate developments.
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silvermb

Macquarie Park's transformation takes a Meriton step forward

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Parramatta's position as the nation's most dynamic satellite city continues to be underscored by an almost continuous flow of developments into the Greater Western Sydney locale.

Latest to the development surge is the nation's largest apartment developer, Meriton. Last week the outfit lodged plans valued at $228 million for their George Street site in the western reaches of Parramatta's CBD.

Called for are two towers of 210 and 186 metres that would, in addition to a Meriton serviced apartment component, the project will pump hundreds of new apartments into Parramatta. The CBD's expanding housing stock is expected to balloon form a 2017 figure of 6,108 to a projected <a href="https://forecast.id.com.au/parramatta/residential-development?WebID=270">2036 dwelling count of 15,474</a>.

Such is the popularity of Parramatta that the Apartments.com.au Project Database for the suburb has expanded rapidly to include thousands of planned and under construction apartments, particularly within Parramatta's CBD.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image154_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Woods Bagot's envisaged design for the George Street site"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image154_2.jpg?itok=jqWjuARW" title="Woods Bagot's envisaged design for the George Street site" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Woods Bagot's envisaged design for the George Street site</figcaption></figure>The move to planning for 180 George Street will see the 7,978 square metre site currently controlled by the Meriton developed to its maximum potential. Earlier this year Meriton foreshadowed the redevelopment, announcing that Woods Bagot was successful in a design competition for the site.

At present five buildings across 180 George Street span up to fourteen levels and are held by the developer within its Meriton Suites serviced apartments portfolio.

Council note the delivery of 767 residential apartments as proposed, spread across the taller tower and the upper levels of the secondary tower. The 767 dwellings are loosely broken down into 486 apartments within the taller north tower, 131 apartments in the south tower, 12 podium level apartments and 142 apartments inserted across existing buildings onsite.

Meriton last year completed Altitude, its most recent Parramatta development at 330 Church Street which consists of dual towers holding approximately 375 apartments 254 serviced apartments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image158_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Probables and possibles. 8 Phillip Street alongside a scheme for 87 Church Street"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="424" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image158_1.jpg?itok=2Ah5NLhD" title="Probables and possibles. 8 Phillip Street alongside a scheme for 87 Church Street" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Probables and possibles. 8 Phillip Street alongside a scheme for 87 Church Street</figcaption></figure>The lockstep between population surge and a rapidly evolving skyline is evident when assessing Parramatta's major current apartment developments. 180 George Street aside, the 200 metre <a href="/new-apartments/8-phillip-street-2-10-phillip-street-parramatta">8 Phillip Street</a> includes 300 plus apartments, <a href="/new-apartments/south-quarter-parramatta-57-83-church-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">South Quarter</a> encompasses 700 plus apartments, <a href="/buildings/west-village-88-church-street-parramatta">West Village</a> almost 400, <a href="/buildings/observatory-place-parramatta-7-parkes-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">Solstice</a> 175 and <a href="/buildings/the-lennox-12-phillip-street-parramatta">The Lennox</a> with 440 apartments.

Of the above West Village and The Lennox are at construction.

It is through the next wave of residential towers that will continue to underpin Parramatta's explosive growth. 197 Church Street, 87 Church Street, 12 Hassell Street, 2 O'Connell Street and Westfield Parramatta Tower stand out as potentially sizeable towers capable of hosting major development in coming years.
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The Meriton juggernaut adds to Parramatta's population surge

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Australia's biggest apartment developer, Meriton, is set to release more than 200 high-end brand new apartments.
They are releasing them into the Mascot rental market in response to unrelenting demand from tenants who want to call the suburb home.
The 237 ‘lifestyle’ apartments are spread across three six-level buildings in Meriton’s nearly-completed Signia development at <a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=200+Coward+St&amp;entry=gmail&amp;source=g">200 Coward St</a>, boasting grand outlooks, with district views to the east, parkland vies to the south, and Sydney CBD views to the north.
Signia includes two buildings which house the just-opened 179-suite Meriton Suites Sydney Airport hotel.
The Signia rental apartments will contribute to Meriton this year lifting the number of apartments in its build-to-rent pool past the 3500 mark.
Victor Toscano, Meriton’s head of residential leasing, says Mascot has become a rental hotspot, thanks to its proximity to the Sydney CBD and easy access to Sydney Airport.
He says the Signia apartments are the latest to be completed in a self-funded build-to-rent program that Meriton has been running for more than 20 years.
“The apartments include the very best design features and finishes and are very much right up there with apartments we are marketing to owner-occupiers and investors across Sydney.” Signia will also offer some of the largest apartments in the area with sizes of 50sqm-72sqm internally for a one-bedroom apartment, 73sqm-98sqm internally for a two-bedroom apartment and 92sqm-119sqm internally for a three-bedroom apartment. External space ranges from 8sqm up to 74sqm.
Signia, in which the final building will be completed in July, includes landscaped gardens, an 80-place childcare centre, more than 1000sqm of retail space, and tenant parking for 223 cars.
Meriton owner Harry Triguboff, who founded Meriton 54 years ago, long has been an ardent fan of Mascot and has become the dominant developer in the suburb.
His Mascot Central four-tower project completed in 2016, gave the suburb a new heart, in the form of an alfresco-style retail precinct with a full-scale Woolworths supermarket and 16 specialty and food retailers, including cafes and restaurants.
The latest Meriton projects at Mascot include Kiara and Spectrum, plus the group’s debut Platinum Collection building, VIDA.
In July Mr Triguboff’s grandson, Ariel Hendler, will release Escada, a 12-level building with 104 apartments.
Meriton has retained hundreds of apartments in the suburb, adding them to its build-to-rent portfolio.
Mr Toscano says Meriton’s Mascot projects offer residents great lifestyles by virtue of their landscaped parks, barbecue areas, pools, saunas and gymnasiums.
“Those things are part and parcel of our Signia development.
“They are important to people today, especially to those who want to relax, entertain or workout without having to get in a car and travel.”
Mr Toscano said Meriton, despite its major Mascot rental portfolio, was struggling to meet tenant demand.
“The arrival of the Signia apartments will be like a breath of fresh air to our rental management team.”
Mr Toscano said Signia rents would start at $570 for a one-bedroom apartment without parking and peak at $1000 for a three-bedroom unit with two car spaces.
Signia spans a 1.715ha site bought for $47 million in 2013.
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Meriton making major build-to-rent release

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Meriton, the nation's biggest apartment developer, is set to release more than 200 high-end brand new apartments into the Mascot rental market.
They're reacting to demand from tenants who want to call the suburb home.
The 237 ‘lifestyle’ apartments are spread across three six-level buildings in Meriton’s nearly-completed Signia development at 200 Coward Street (above).
Signia includes two buildings which house the just-opened 179-suite Meriton Suites Sydney Airport hotel.
The Signia rental apartments will contribute to Meriton this year lifting the number of apartments in its build-to-rent pool past the 3500 mark.
Victor Toscano, Meriton’s head of residential leasing, says Mascot has become a rental hotspot, thanks to its proximity to the Sydney CBD and easy access to Sydney Airport.
He says the Signia apartments are the latest to be completed in a self-funded build-to-rent program that Meriton has been running for more than 20 years.
“The apartments include the very best design features and finishes and are very much right up there with apartments we are marketing to owner-occupiers and investors across Sydney.”
Signia will also offer some of the largest apartments in the area with sizes of 50sqm-72sqm internally for a one-bedroom apartment, 73sqm-98sqm internally for a two-bedroom apartment and 92sqm-119sqm internally for a three-bedroom apartment. External space ranges from 8sqm up to 74sqm.
Signia, in which the final building will be completed in July, includes landscaped gardens, an 80-place childcare centre, more than 1000sqm of retail space, and tenant parking for 223 cars.
Meriton owner Harry Triguboff, who founded Meriton 54 years ago, has long been an ardent fan of Mascot and has become the dominant developer in the suburb.
His Mascot Central four-tower project completed in 2016, gave the suburb a new heart, in the form of an alfresco-style retail precinct with a full-scale Woolworths supermarket and 16 specialty and food retailers, including cafes and restaurants.
The latest Meriton projects at Mascot include Kiara and Spectrum, plus the group’s debut Platinum Collection building, VIDA.
In July Triguboff’s grandson, Ariel Hendler, will release Escada, a 12-level building with 104 apartments.
Meriton has retained hundreds of apartments in the suburb, adding them to its build-to-rent portfolio.
Toscano says Meriton’s Mascot projects offer residents great lifestyles by virtue of their landscaped parks, barbecue areas, pools, saunas and gymnasiums.
“Those things are part and parcel of our Signia development.
“They are important to people today, especially to those who want to relax, entertain or workout without having to get in a car and travel.”
Toscano said Meriton, despite its major Mascot rental portfolio, was struggling to meet tenant demand.
“The arrival of the Signia apartments will be like a breath of fresh air to our rental management team.”
Toscano said Signia rents would start at $570 for a one-bedroom apartment without parking and peak at $1000 for a three-bedroom unit with two car spaces.
Signia spans a 1.715ha site bought for $47 million in 2013.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Meriton set to release Mascot rental apartments

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The inner-city apartment property crunch is now starting to really bite, according to Robert Gottliebsen, The Australian columnist.
The Sydney developer, Harry Triguboff’s Meriton, has stopped buying Sydney land which was "sending land values into freefall" as bankers prepare for losses.
Gottliebsen did not cite any examples.
Meriton was also curtailing its building activity, he added.
The columnist suggests the Melbourne crunch is being delayed as developers are proceeding with construction because they have old permits that allow greater density than the new rules.
"If they don’t proceed the opportunity will be lost," he said of the city where the building supply industry was booming because the state is undertaking unprecedented infrastructure investment.
The bank credit squeeze has caused small apartment first home buyers and investors to slash their purchases, but there is still some Chinese buying.
Affluent baby boomers are still shifting from their large family homes to apartments, usually closer to the city.
They don’t want the small apartments that are being built by most developers, often with the encouragement of rate-hungry councils, the veteran columnist advised.
"Most long-established developers did not pick this switch in the market and the long delays in gaining permission to build locked them in to providing small apartments for students, tourists, and young executives."
"There are a lot of frustrated developers and frightened bankers out there," he concluded
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Harry Triguboff stops purchasing sending land prices into freefall: Robert Gottliebsen 

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Mascot's desirability as a Sydney apartment hot spot has been reinforced by way of a fresh planning application on behalf of prolific developer Meriton.

DKO Architecture is the design lead for the tower at 133-141 O'Riordan Street, which was submitted during February. The development site was purchased by Meriton during 2017 for $25 million with approval in place for 99 apartments; this equates to roughly $2,700 per square metre of approved gross floor area.

Meriton though has chosen to resubmit a fresh scheme for the 2,324 square metre site which holds dual street frontages.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image307.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="141 O'Riordan Street, Mascot. Planning image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="820" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image307.jpg?itok=51UY8CC2" title="141 O'Riordan Street, Mascot. Planning image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>141 O'Riordan Street, Mascot. Planning image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>Internally the proposal holds 105 apartments across its 14 levels. This figure is broken down as follows: 16 x 1BR, 16 x 1BR+S, 50 x 2BR, 23 x 3BR.

Owing to site constraints and overshadowing from nearby developments, solar access for the proposed building will be inhibited. According to Apartment Design Guide criteria, living rooms and private open spaces of at least 70% of apartments in a building require a minimum of 2 hours direct sunlight between 9 am and 3 pm at mid-winter in the Sydney Metropolitan Area.

The proposal falls short in this regard with 43% of apartments adhering to this criteria. Similarly design criteria stipulate a maximum of 15% of apartments in a building receive no direct sunlight between 9 am and 3 pm at mid-winter; the current application is above the threshold at 57% of apartments in this regard. 

133-141 O'Riordan Street also includes 581 square metres of communal open space, highlighted by podium top open lawn area. Private rooftop terraces also provide the proposal with a green tinge.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image306.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="551-559 Gardeners Road is before Bayside Council. Planning image: DKO Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="358" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image306.jpg?itok=kjT8pw6D" title="551-559 Gardeners Road is before Bayside Council. Planning image: DKO Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>551-559 Gardeners Road is before Bayside Council. Planning image: DKO Architecture</figcaption></figure>Both DKO Architecture and Meriton are currently active elsewhere in Mascot.

The design practice is overseeing another current planning application for 551-559 Gardeners Road. It involves the delivery of two separate buildings encompassing 110 apartments for entity Bravo Global Pty Ltd.

Lodged at the end of 2017, the $42 million Gardeners Road build would see the demolition of three existing building across a 3,687 square metre site.

Meriton, on the other hand, is no stranger to Mascot, having already built hundreds of new apartments in the suburb. The developer currently has Spectrum under construction at 42 Church Avenue, Mascot; it consists of 346 terrace-style and typical apartments supported by 15 retail tenancies.

Spectrum's four residential buildings are in addition to Meriton's 1,200 plus apartment Mascot Central development which was completed during mid-2016.

VIDA at 577 Gardeners Road is also a recent project which showcases the developer's push into higher-end apartment offering under the Platinum Collection banner.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/meriton_bourkeroad_ext_parkterraces_press-931x1024.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Spectrum Mascot is under construction. Image: Meriton"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="510" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/meriton_bourkeroad_ext_parkterraces_press-931x1024.jpg?itok=zCDeYRY1" title="Spectrum Mascot is under construction. Image: Meriton" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Spectrum Mascot is under construction. Image: Meriton</figcaption></figure>
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DKO Architecture designs for Meriton in Mascot

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Harry Triguboff has put one of his prized hotels on the market.
The Meriton Group has listed the Meriton Suites in North Ryde, with around $150 million being tipped for the building that is the largest hotel complex in the Macquarie Park area.
The 199 unit block sits near competitors Travelodge, Holiday Inn, the Mercure and the Courtyard by Marriott.
Triguboff told The Australian that he is not getting enough apartment sales - just five last week - while looking to finance the construction of more Meriton apartments.
"If I want to build many units... that is why I'm selling," he said.
"The market is going down.
"Prices have gone down about 10 percent from the peak."
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/1/18/MERITON.jpg" alt="">
Triguboff however said he expected the market to find a level, noting the number of buyers failing to settle their purchase and the number of dropout, where buyers ask for a contract but do not proceed, had eased.
Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels agents Andrew Langsford and Craig Collins are marketing Meriton Suites North Ryde with expressions of interest set to close February 22.
It is believed Triguboff is considering listing another Meriton owned block, a 59 unit building in Rhodes.
The veteran property developer Harry Triguboff recently said many of his Chinese buyers "can't settle" on their off the plan apartment purchases.
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
"And everyone thought that the Australian buyer would come in when the prices started coming down – they haven't – I knew they wouldn't."
"It's not bad, it's very bad," developer Harry Triguboff said in response to government taxes and credit restrictions on foreign buyer's residential property acquisitions.
A sharp drop in foreign buyers was detailed in the latest ANZ/Property Council of Australia survey of more than 1700 property professionals from across the industry.
"When we start saying that stamp duty for foreign buyers should be 12 per cent instead of 4 per cent, that is called stupid," Triguboff told The Australian Financial Review.
Triguboff said foreign buyer demand started to soften more than a year ago, with prices now going "lower and lower".
"Many of the Chinese can't settle. So now we have to resell them – there is another problem."
</div>
 
 
 
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