Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Retail

zfielding-GvX3Uq9KTa

Buoyant home renovation market pushing retail sales growth

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The local <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/25199-sorry-gerry--we-re-thriving-smart50-online-furniture-retailers-say-harvey-wrong-on-sector-s-sales">home furniture market</a> is set for a shake-up, with US furniture manufacturer Ashley Furniture reportedly set to open its first Australian store next month.
While Australian consumers can currently purchase Ashley Furniture products through Le Cornu, owned by ASX-listed Fantastic Holdings, <a href="https://www.afr.com/p/opinion/bums_on_seats_us_giant_ashley_furniture_7cltvePvh3hXKKl6BB1RNN">Fairfax reports</a> the first Australian standalone Ashley Furniture retail store will open in the Adelaide suburb of Gepps Cross in early December.
The store will be located in a homemaker centre that is already home to competitors Harvey Norman and Super Retail Group-owned BCF.
Ashley Furniture is owned by the Wanek family and is estimated to have a turnover of more than $US 3.5 billion ($4 billion) annually. The business was founded by 73-year-old billionaire Ronald Wanek, who is estimated to be worth $US1.97 billion by Forbes, and is currently led by son Todd Wanek.
Starting out as a sales company in 1945, Ashley Furniture merged with furniture manufacturer Arcadia Furniture in 1976. The first Ashley Furniture HomeStore retail outlet opened in Alaska in 1997 and by 2003, the company was operating 100 retail outlets in the US.
Ashley Furniture also operates stores in Canada, as well as South America and Asia, and according to Fairfax, is planning to open further stores around Australia.
The US company will be hoping to secure a sizeable slice of the Australian furniture retail market, which according to IBISWorld, is worth approximately $7.7 billion.
IBISWorld estimates some 4,364 business current operate in the local market, which includes retailers of household furniture, blinds, awnings and mattresses. Harvey Norman is estimated to hold the largest market share at 14%, followed by Steinhoff Asia Pacific Holdings, parent company of Freedom, Bay Leather Republic and Snooze, which controls 7.9%.
Senior IBISWorld analyst Stephen Gargano told SmartCompany existing players such as Harvey Norman and Freedom will likely be watching the movements of Ashley Furniture with a “keen eye” as the scale of the US company means it has the potential to “make a big splash” in the local market.
“There haven’t been any major new players enter the local market in the past five years, apart from <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/27533-williams-sonoma-and-pottery-barn-opening-in-australia-six-things-you-can-learn-from-the-american-homewares-giant">Pottery Barn</a> which has a very small operation,” Gargano says.
Growth in the local furniture market has been flat over the past five years, with IBISWorld research pegging annual growth in the sector at just 0.1% between 2010 and 2015.
“Furniture retailers have clearly faced some strain over the past five years,” Gregano says.
“While those at the cheaper end of the market such as IKEA have benefitted substantial from people opting to purchase cheaper products, some of the more expensive retailers have suffered as people have put off expenditure or found cheaper items.”
“In the face of those conditions, the entrance of Ashley Furniture does pose a potential threat in the future.”
IBISWorld predicts a modest uptick in annual growth for the industry of 1.7% between 2015 and 2020 and Gregano says Ashley Furniture is well-placed to take advantage of that return to growth.
“It is one of the largest furniture retailers in the world, it has a well-established business model that has been very successful wherever they have opened up, [and] they stock quite a big range,” he says.
And while Ashley Furniture appears to be starting off small with just one retail outlet in Adelaide, Gregano says the retailer has already “tested the waters” through its relationship with Le Cornu which “points to the fact there is some demand for their products”.
SmartCompany contacted Ashley Furniture but did not receive a response prior to publication.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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ekeating-PWvazjYE25

US furniture giant to open first Australian store in December

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The longtime former Trent Nathan chief Shane Barr, now executive chairman at Form Corp Pty Ltd, has sold his Transvaal Avenue holding.
Shane Barr bought the shop with apartment above in 2007 for $3.08 million from the Cosgrove retail family.
There were $4.8 million expectations <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/nsw/double-bay/1206519/" target="_blank">through Ray White</a> on the undisclosed pre-auction sold offering.
Property Observer gleans it sold on a 5% gross yield.
It was custom designed by architect Alexander Tzannes, with 7.9 metre frontage at 18 Transvaal Avenue.
It spans three levels over two separate strata lots.
Lot 1 is 164 square metres and the lot 2 penthouse is 272 square metres.
Barr headed Trent Nathan from the 1980s until 2002.
 
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Transvaal Avenue, Double Bay retail sold on a 5% gross yield

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Australian retailers are preparing for their best Christmas in five years, according to data released this month by the Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan Research.
With consumer confidence <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/42695-retail-sector-finishes-financial-year-on-a-high-spend-recovers-after-budget-slump">rebounding from a mid-year slump</a>, the ARA predicts Australian shoppers will shell out $45 billion between 15 November and 24 December, an increase of 4.3% on the $43 billion spent during the same period in 2013.
ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman said retail figures have been in positive territory for most of the past 12 months and this steady level of trading has influenced the Christmas projections.
“Christmas remains an important aspect of the yearly retail calendar,” Zimmerman says.
“Over the last five years we have seen a year-on-year increase [in Christmas sales] but this year is the largest without a doubt.”
The ARA is predicting Christmas sales growth for all Australian states and territories except the Australian Capital Territory where sales are expected to decline by 0.4% compared to 2013.
New South Wales tops the list with projected growth of 6.1% for the period, followed closely by Tasmania at 5.9%, although Zimmerman says it is important to remember that Tasmanian retail sales will be “coming off a low base”.
Victorian retailers can expect to see growth of 4.4% this festive season, while those in Queensland and the Northern Territory are looking at a 3.9% and 3.2% boost, respectively. Retail sales are expected to grow by 2.9% in South Australia and 1.2% in Western Australia.
Hospitality, food and household goods are driving the projected growth, with the ARA and Roy Morgan forecasting a 6.8% increase in spending on hospitality this Christmas, followed by a 4.9% jump in spending on food and 4.4% on household products.
Spending on apparel is projected to come in at 0.2% less than last year, although the ARA says clothing, footwear and personal accessories retailers do usually see a last-minute bump in sales.
Despite the apparent optimism, Zimmerman says there is a general sense retailers have been cautious in their approach to buying Christmas stock this year and recommends shoppers get started on their Christmas buying early.
“There may be some shortage of stock this Christmas … so people should get out early,” he says.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Retail tills ringing as Aussies tipped to spend $45 billion this Christmas

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Scentre Group, the Westfield business in Australia formed earlier this year, has reported improving retail sales growth.
The shopping mall group announced a third-quarter operational update for the nine months to September, with comparable specialty sales showing a rise of 3.7% year to date.
“We have seen an improving retail sales trend with 15 consecutive months of positive specialty sales growth in Australia with a 4.2% increase in comparable specialty sales for the quarter with good increases in the fashion, footwear, jewellery, leisure and retail services categories,” Scentre group chief executive officer Peter Allen said.
The retail sales environment in Australia continues to improve with total retail sales of $20.2 billion for the 12 months to 30 September 2014. In particular, comparable specialty store sales growth was up 3.7% over the last nine months and up 4.2% for the September quarter. 
Specialty sales productivity averaged $10,105 per square metre.
In Australia, the average specialty store rent grew to $1,551 per square metre at 30 September 2014, up 1.9% from September 2013. For the nine months to 30 September 2014, leasing spreads were 4.2% lower than expiring rents, with lease renewals 1.1% lower and new merchants 7.3% lower, both reflecting an improving trend. Over 2,100 leases have been completed year to date across 267,000 square metres for the portfolio.
For the total portfolio, specialty store occupancy cost was 18.8%, a decrease of 40 basis points from September 2013. 
For the nine months to 30 September 2014, leasing spreads were 4.2% lower than expiring rents, with lease renewals 1.1% lower and new merchants 7.3% lower.
In Australia, the average specialty store rent grew to $1,551 per square metre at 30 September 2014, up 1.9% from September 2013.
Occupancy costs fell 40 basis points to 18.8%.
During the quarter Scentre launched stage one of Westfield Miranda, which included a new Woolworths, 40 new specialty stores, a new car park. Stage two opening will be on 20 November with about 90 additional specialty stores, a new restaurant precinct and refurbished department stores. The final stage is planned for April 2015.
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The report noted construction continues to progress well at the $670 million design and construction project for AMP Capital at Pacific Fair. 
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Scentre’s distribution forecast is 10.2¢ for the six months ending December 2014.
 
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Scentre notes uptick in fashion, footwear and jewellery sales

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A private investor has paid $705,000 on a 5.1% yield for a purpose-built café at Moorabbin in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.
It was sold at Teska Carson auction by George Takis, attracting four bidders.
The 89 Levanswell Road property located near Moorabbin’s industrial heartland comprises a 125 square metre café space with on-site parking for 10 cars.
The 703 square metre property was sold subject to an eight year lease from January 2013, with an eight year option, at a current rental of $36,000 per annum with annual 3.5% increases.
A nearby takeaway freehold property has been listed returning $1200 a month <a href="https://www.commercialview.com.au/view/commercial-for-sale-details-6815527" target="_blank">with an asking price of $275,000</a> through Balance Business &amp; Real Estate. 
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Moorabbin cafe sold under the hammer at 5.1% yield

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Sydney’s first alcohol-free bar, Lentil on the Rocks has opened in Newtown, right in the heart of the inner west.
The brain child of Melbourne-founded vegetarian food outlet Lentil As Anything, the bar is on the upstairs level of the food outlet’s existing Newtown premises.
The Lentil as Anything restaurant asks patrons to pay what they can afford, or what they think the food is worth, rather than listing prices. Staff are volunteers and the business is not for profit.
This new bar will also operate on an "honesty policy" system and is free entry.
Many mocktails were consumed upon the official opening last week, allowing teetotalers, general abstainers and the underage to enjoy a Newtown night out.
The bar will be open every Friday and Saturday from 8pm to 11pm.
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/newtowns-lentil-as-anything-upsizes-to-new-address">Lentil as Anything upsized to their “own premises”</a>, closer to the heavily trafficked Newtown train station, at 391 King Street in July this year. They were previously renting the nearby 531 King Street. This is their first, and currently only, foray into Sydney.
The alcohol-free bar is next door to one of Newtown’s favourite alcoholic watering holes “Sando”, or the Sandringham Hotel.
Alcohol-free bars are becoming increasingly popular overseas, dubbed ‘dry bars’ by offshore media, in particular in the United Kingdom. The Brink in Liverpool, Redemption Bar in London, Sobar in Nottingham and The Umbrella Café and Dry Bar Manchester have all recently opened. The Brink and The Other Side are, like Lentil on the Rocks, not for profits. 
The Date Report notes that there are also 'dry bars' in Paris, Dublin and Chicago.
The OECD ranks Australia equal 16th internationally, tied with the United Kingdom and Switzerland, for alcohol content consumption per person.
The Preston and St Kilda Lentil as Anything restaurants are currently looking at potential renovations, with fundraising a la carte dinner nights to be held later this month. There are also outlets in Abbotsford and Footscray. But there is no word yet whether Melbourne can expect an alcohol-free Lentil as Anything bar any time soon.
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Sydney’s first alcohol-free bar Lentil on the Rocks opens

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The former premises of one of Melbourne’s best known outdoor clothing and camping equipment suppliers, Sam Bear’s, is up for lease for the first time in 80 years.
The 225-229 Russell Street, Melbourne CBD premises has been a popular destination for bargain hunters seeking clothing, work wear and outdoor gear.
The business was so popular it ranked No.40 on TripAdvisor among 60 attractions in Melbourne.
According to Savills Australia’s Victorian retail director, Michael Di Carlo, the business closed 18 months ago.
<img src="/images/2014/10/29/1.jpg" alt="">
 
<img src="/images/2014/10/29/2.jpg" alt="">
The shop has since been subdivided to provide two 93 square metre, fully renovated, tenancies ready for a new retail life.
"This store became a Melbourne icon based on its retail offering and the family nature of the business which endeared itself to customers over several generations. 
"What the store also had was a great location and one which has benefitted more recently from relatively new developments nearby.
"Its position near Chinatown, QV and Lonsdale Street attracts strong pedestrian traffic to the many food and beverage operators in the area and that is where we expect most enquiry to come from, while convenience and general retail will also find this location attractive,’’ Di Carlo said.
He said rents were expected to be circa $200,000 per annum.
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Savills seek tenants for former Sam Bear's Russell Street premises

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The 249 King Street, Newtown retail premises sold at mid-week auction for $4,125,000.
It last sold in 2007 at $2.1 million.
It was sold by <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-newtown-501314587" target="_blank">Laing &amp; Simmons Commercial a</a><a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-newtown-501314587" target="_blank">gent </a><a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-newtown-501314587" target="_blank">Tony Anderson and Lindsay Sturrock</a>.
There was a $2.7 million opening bid with auctionWORKS' David Scholes. 
The fully renovated, two level building is located in the heart of King Street, Newtown.
Pentimento, the specialist book and gift shop, is one its two established tenants with long-term leases.
The net income is $204,741.83 per annum, plus GST.
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Newtown, Sydney retail store sells for $4,125,000

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Australian fast food franchise Pie Face has quietly closed six of its seven stores in New York City.
After <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/26195-pie-face-linked-to-casino-billionaire-as-us-expansion-continues" target="_blank">its seemingly successful expansion into the US in 2012</a>, local NYC news website <a href="https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20141016/union-square/pie-face-suddenly-closes-nearly-all-its-nyc-locations" target="_blank">DNAinfo New York is reporting</a> Pie Face has suddenly shut its Union Square, Chelsea, Murray Hill and Midtown stores leaving only a paper sign saying catering is still available at its Hell's Kitchen outlet.
New York customers have contacted the Pie Face New York arm on Twitter saying they are disappointed with the closure, but Pie face has not responded.
“I hate when businesses shut down overnight without notice. It's like a screw you to the customers. @PieFaceUSA - I'm looking at you,” said one Tweeter.
In 2012, the pie chain received a massive boost in popularity when it was featured on the American TV show Late Show with David Letterman after its first New York store opened up around the corner from Letterman’s studio.
American-born Pie Face chief Wayne Homschek, who worked as a Wall St banker before starting the chain in Australia in 2003, <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/26533-pie-face-chief-tells---why-a-casino-billionaire-invested--15-million-in-my-company" target="_blank">accepted a $15 million investment</a> from casino mogul Steven Wynn in 2012.
In more recent years, the franchise attempted to expand into India and New Zealand without much obvious traction, and has announced it will look to move into South Korea and the Philippines.
Pie Face has also moved into the South Australian market, stocking its pies in On the Run convenience stores – the SA version of 7-Eleven.
Jason Gehrke from the Franchise Advisory Council said the closures would be a setback to Pie Face’s international presence.
“The closure in NYC is a huge blow to the company and the prestige of the brand in the US, and is also a huge blow to the local partners who invested in the chain,” says Gehrke.
“Not only will there be a difficulty to get back into the market, they will have to completely rethink their US strategy and may need time to regroup before consider going back.”
SmartCompany contacted Pie Face, but did not receive a response prior to publication.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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