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

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The wealthy family behind Australia’s 7-Eleven convenience stores, the Withers, have scooped up the 24 struggling Australian Starbucks stores for an undisclosed sum.
Russell Withers and his family, who were last year estimated to be one of the country’s richest families with a worth of $725 million, brought the US 7-Eleven convenience chain to Australia in 1977 and are now set to add the sluggish Starbucks franchise to their books.
While the <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/33825-the-power-of-ritual-how-starbucks-uses-coffee-tastings-to-anchor-its-staff" target="_blank">coffee chain might be seen as an international success story</a>, the business has <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/wealth-management/21187-20110801-how-howard-schultz-saved-starbucks" target="_blank">always struggled to secure an Aussie fan base</a> since opening in Sydney in 2000, due in large part to the success of Gloria Jeans, McDonald’s McCafe outlets and independent coffee shops.
In July 2008, Starbucks cut back its local operations, closing 61 of its 85 stores and letting go of more than 650 staff.
Withers Group chief executive Warren Wilmot said in a statement the company planned to turn Starbuck’s fate around by focusing on company-owned, rather than franchised stores.
“Our aim will be to make Starbucks the most successful coffee chain in Australia," said Wilmot.
"Our intention is to capitalise on the skills of the broader Withers group of companies in successfully bringing an international brand to Australia, and adapting it to suit the local market," he said.
Russell Withers owns the Australian rights to 7-Eleven, Australia's largest convenience and independent petrol retailer, with his sister Bev Barlow.
Their grandfather, George Withers, purchased his first grocery store in 1913.
The Withers Group plans to rebuild Starbucks' local standing by opening company-owned stores in close proximity to its existing 600 7-Eleven outlets, starting with CBD and metropolitan areas.
The director of the Franchise Advisory Centre, Jason Gehrke, told SmartCompany the Withers Group has the franchise infrastructure to reverse Starbuck’s lack of local success.
“The franchise infrastructure they have in Australia is vastly greater than what Starbucks currently had as a 24 store chain,” says Gehrke.
“When it scaled back its operations in Australia it vastly eroded its capacity to develop here,” he says.
Gehrke says he believes the Withers Group will review its decision not to franchise the brand in the future.
“What I would want to do in the first incidence of acquiring a business, is look to consolidating it, rather than change it,” he says. “I would never say never with franchising it though.”
Gehrke says other international coffee chains such as Gloria Jeans have been successful because of their willingness to adapt to the local market.
“Gloria Jeans knew and understood the Australian palette for coffee and the difference between the US palette for coffee,” he says.
“Starbucks failed to adequately adjust their offering to suit the Australian palette.”
He also says the location and size of Starbucks’ ‘lounge’ style stores were too ambitious to substantiate its smaller volume of customers.
Gehrke says Australian 7-Eleven operations have been a leader in the global innovation of the brand.
“The Withers have the potential to bring the same success and innovation to this new global brand,” he says.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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krobb-aCrRNnPq6D

Rich List family behind Australia’s 7-Eleven snaps up Starbucks

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There is growing uncertainty over the future of Australian retail chain Diva, with reports emerging that the business is in the process of switching at least some of its stores to sister-brand Lovisa.
At the same time, the <a href="https://www.jewellermagazine.com/Article.aspx?id=4107&amp;h=Diva-stores-shutting-down%2c-or-maybe-not" target="_blank">Jeweller Magazine reports</a> numerous Diva stores have recently closed, including a prominent store in Westfield Parramatta in Sydney.
Staff at two Diva stores in Melbourne contacted by SmartCompany this morning said the brand is in the process of switching to the Lovisa name, although one store manager said her store won’t be changing. The same manager confirmed the Diva website has ceased operating.
Another Melbourne store contacted by SmartCompany had switched to the Lovisa brand around 12 months ago. The phone number listed for the Diva store in Rundle Mall, Adelaide, has been disconnected.
SmartCompany contacted the Lovisa head office, and the head office of parent company BB Retail Capital, but is still awaiting a response.
Jeweller Magazine also contacted numerous Diva stores, only to be given confusing explanations as to the future of the business. Some stores told the publication that all Diva stores are closing, while others said all Diva stores are changing to Lovisa.
Others said some Diva stores will continue to operate while others will change to Lovisa, and some stores said they are changing to “a completely new brand”.
Customers have left several messages on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/divafanpage" target="_blank">Diva Facebook page</a>, asking what is happening to the chain, but their concerns have gone unanswered. The Diva <a href="https://twitter.com/divaaccessories" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/divaaccessories" target="_blank">Instagram</a> accounts have not been updated since December.
Diva was founded in 2003 by Colette and Mark Hayman, who sold the business to <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/17786-20101207-retail-rich-list-veteran-brett-blundy-sells-off-two-retail-chains" target="_blank">millionaire Rich Lister Brett Blundy</a> in 2005, joining Blundy’s other retail interests including Bras ‘N’ Things as part of the BB Retail Capital Group.
According to Jeweller Magazine, at the height of the Diva brand, the company was operating close to 200 stores in Australia and New Zealand and up to another 400 in international markets.
BB Retail Capital launched fellow fashion jewellery brand Lovisa brand in 2010, which is now reported to operate 158 stores in Australia and around 36 internationally.
Brian Walker, chief executive of the Retail Doctor Group, told SmartCompany he has heard anecdotal stories about changes happening at Diva, but says he would be surprised if BB Retail Capital did not continue the Diva brand “in some shape or form”.
“Diva has been a highly successful and highly profitable business and for the past two years has been the mainstay, or cash cow, of Brett Blundy’s retail companies,” says Walker. “These types of businesses operate on 80% plus gross profit.”
<img src="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/images/facebook-542-287.jpg" width="542" height="287">
Walker says it is possible Diva has not been generating the same metrics as Lovisa in recent times, but he expects the chain is “still a very viable business”. And he says the success of the brand leads him to think the closure of the website has been caused by a temporary technical glitch.
However, Walker says the market for inexpensive fashion jewellery is “reaching saturation point for both physical stores and online”.
“The creative force behind Diva really did come from [founders] the Haymans and the brand expanded rapidly,” says Walker. “But it now operates in a sea of competition, which it has partly created itself through the Lovisa brand.”
While Lovisa is pitched at a slightly older audience than Diva, Walker says there is some overlap between the two markets.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.SmartCompany.com.au" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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ekeating-PWvazjYE25

What’s happening at Diva? Confusion over future of Australian fashion accessories chain

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The celebrity chef Bill Granger - who retains two restaurants in Sydney, along with four in Japan, and in London's Notting Hill and Clerkenwell - has opened Bills Sydney in Hawaii. And his next outlet opening will be Seoul in June.
<a href="https://www.billshawaii.com" target="_blank">It is a rustic-chic beach house in Waikiki</a> that opened last month.
The trademark creamy scrambled eggs that put him on the culinary map are available at 280 Beachwalk Avenue.
It's between the Hilton and Westin in low-level contemporary <a href="https://www.thebeallcorporation.com/projects/280_beach_walk/BW_1_DSC_1495" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">building</a> (pictured above) that also houses the Hard Rock Cafe in the two-story 30,519 square foot retail building.
Located at Waikiki’s west side, Honu Group’s retail development is close to the Fort DeRussy Reservation.
<a href="https://www.thebeallcorporation.com/pdfs/280_beach_walk-brochure.pdf" target="_blank">2006 stats showed a daily US$202 expenditure by Oceania visitors</a> which Bills will be seeking some of the spend especially from those who know of his fare.
"I only open where I’m inspired; something about the place and lifestyle needs to speak to me," he recently said.
"Honolulu is my favourite type of beach town - urban.
"I had no idea how vibrant the food scene was; I’ve been inspired by the tropical produce and fusion of Vietnamese, Japanese and indigenous cuisines (with a bit of Brooklyn thrown in).
"The menu includes nods to these local dishes, plus all the bills classics and pizzas piled with fresh healthy toppings," he says.
He is not the only Australian in the complex as CBRE's Andrew Starn secured <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2013/06/12/pacific/search/results?q=Andrew%20Starn" style="line-height: 1.3em;"></a>tenants including Le Blanc Art with the Australian-born artist Shane Bowden. The other tenants include Akakura, a high-end shoe store, 24 Karat, a Japanese surf shop and the Rome-based women’s clothing and accessories boutique Brandy Melville.
Title Tattle recalls Bill Granger got his training at the iconic La Passion du Fruit on Paddington's Oxford Street after hailing from Melbourne.
Granger opened the original bills in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst in 1993, when he was 22.
His Queens Court, Woollahra restaurant recently closed, replaced by the vibrant Luxe.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Bills of Sydney rides wave of international success to Waikiki, Hawaii

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Australian fashion label Gorman has taken up a nine year deal for leasing 135 Swanston Street, at the corner of Little Collins Street in Melbourne.
Fitzroys City Retail Team’s Charles Emmett and Michael Rainey were those behind the deal in the CBD.
The shop, covering 100 square metres, has a suggested rent from $3,500 to $5,000 per square metre based on similar sized opportunities along the strip.
Leasing executive for Fitzroys, Michael Rainey, said that it’s a watershed deal for Swanston Street, and expects it will attract quality fashion on this side of Melbourne.
However, the suggestion is that this isn't a standalone for the street.
“The deal follows Platypus opening nearby a month ago and there are now a number of quality fashion tenants circling 123 Swanston Street, which Fitzroys is currently leasing,” he said.
The new leasing opportunity is on the Western side of the street, and is near Politix, Virgin Mobile, Tesltra, Footlover, Uniglo, Quicksilver and Optus. It likely expects more rent, at 111 square metres and with a 96 square metre basement.
Last week Property Observer reported on <a href="/expert-insights/investing/fashion-houses-look-to-secure-base-level-spaces-in-melbourne-offices">a surge in fashion houses looking to rent spaces at the base of CBD office towers</a>.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Aussie fashion label Gorman snaps up Swanston Street lease

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The ANZ intends to close seven more branches, which will take the total closures to 19 over recent months.
Most of the latest seven are in regional centres, such a Healesville in Victoria and Tamour in New South Wales.
<ul>
<li>Victoria: Burwood and Healesville</li>
<li>Queensland: Pomona</li>
<li>New South Wales: West Ryde and Tamour</li>
<li>South Australia: Brighton</li>
<li>Western Australia: Gosnells</li>
</ul>
Ian Roger's banking website, Banking Day reported a bank spokesperson suggested customer inconvenience would be limited as the average distance to a nearby branch, for those affected by the latest closures, was 7.5 kilometres.
The branches were ones where "there had been a significant decrease in customer use".
Staff in the affected branches will not necessarily be made redundant, but the landlords will be forced to find new tenants.
Late last year the bank signalled closures at 12 locations:
<ul>
<li>Victoria : 222 Exhibition St, Melbourne; 27 Commercial St, Korumburra, 3950; 67 Main Hurstbridge Road, Diamond Creek;</li>
<li>Queensland: 2 Corporate Court, Bundall; 9 King St, Caboolture; 102 Brisbane Street, Ipswich; 401 Upper Edward Street, Wickam Terrace;</li>
<li>New South Wales: ANZ Toukley - Cnr Main Rd &amp; Canton Beach Rd; Lismore Square Shopping Centre, Lismore; 343/345 Barrenjoey Road, Newport Beach;</li>
<li>South Australia: Bowman Street, Crystal Brook;</li>
<li>Tasmania: 50 High Street, Oatlands;</li>
</ul>
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ANZ Bank landlords anxious as retail branch closures escalate

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Brighton’s retail sites are seeing significant interest, with one retail freehold site seeing eight bidders fight it out.
The site, 20 Church Street, <a href="/news">Brighton</a> was sold through Fitzroys senior associate Mark Talbot for $2.83 million – 25% over the reserve price and a sale yield of 3.1%.
Talbot said that the area has one of the lowest vacancy rates in Melbourne.
Previously owned by the Steele family, and located next to the Westpac Bank and recently refurbished Safeway Supermarket, the property is on 187 square metres of land with a five metre frontage.
Prospective buyers from both overseas and interstate expressed interest – finally selling to a local family.
It includes a ground floor café and first floor apartment that is separate, both leased for five years to Chloe’s Café. It returns $90,669 per annum plus outgoings and GST with 4% annual rent increases.
“The property’s location nearby tenants such as Sportsgirl, Lorna Jane, Kookai, Gazman and Decjuba certainly increases the confidence level of buyers, who can be assured that finding a replacement tenant in the future should be straight forward,” said Talbot.
“A development site in Caulfield of 867 square metres and 90 Church Street have been the stand outs, with prices achieved approximately 25% above reserve,” he said of strong sales in the local area.
Property Observer has previously reported that the retail strip is garnering <a href="/expert-insights/investing/national-retailers-drawn-to-church-street-brighton">significant interest from national retailers</a>. 
Last month a 127 square metres Church Street shop <a href="/expert-insights/investing/church-street-brighton-shop-sells-for-1-3-million-at-auction">sold for $1.3 million at auction</a>.
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Fierce bidding for Brighton’s Church Street retail sites

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Mariana Hardwick’s Brunswick ground floor salon and first floor at the Hardwick Building have sold for $3.22 million.
Sold by Fitzroys agents James Gregson and Rick Berry at auction, there was competitive bidding between three prospective purchasers.
The ground floor salon was 375 square metres, and the offering also included a first floor atelier, and office spaces, to a total of 875 square metres, as well as air rights.
The property included Lot N – a 950 square metre block above the first floor of the main buildings, which allows the purchaser to undertake development in future.
It was subject to a long lease to Mariana Hardwick until 2032 with a 5+7+7 lease structure from July 1 2013.
On the first floor, approximately 135 square metres are leased to Letterbox on a three year deal from 15 October 2013.
The combined rental return total is an estimated $250,000.
“This is an historic landmark property in a major inner city growth location with a long lease to an iconic operator, and with development upside and subdivision potential,” said Gregson.
“The property’s positioning in the prime trading section of Sydney Road, Brunswick, which has benefited from the resurgence of inner city living and increased demand and gentrification of the area, further attracted interest from both local and interstate investors,” he said.
The history of the two-level building stretches back until 1907 when it began as the Hoopers Drapers store. After a succession of owners including Waltons and Spotlight, Mariana Hardwick acquired the Hoopers Building in 2005 as a new location for her salon.
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Mariana Hardwick sells Brunswick salon and workshop for $3.22 million

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Annual retail sales turnover, now higher than the 4.9% long-term average, is evidence of confidence returning to the sector, explains Colliers International, which has unsurprisingly been boosted the café and restaurant sector. This sector has seen 10.3% growth over the past year.
Michael Bate, head of retail at Colliers International, said that it’s discretionary spending that is behind this improvement.
“Money spent in cafes and restaurants is particularly good for the local economy, as unlike international luxury purchases where the financial benefit goes offshore, spending in cafes and restaurants is predominantly retained at home,” said Bate.
He noted that the propensity for consumers to spend is currently underpinned by increasing house prices and positive sentiment. Strong house prices over 2013 have been mirrored by strong retail turnover, particularly in Sydney, Perth and Melbourne.
However, those winning the retail race are not solely relying on their physical property shopfront, but are looking to online offerings that complement the traditional street outlet.
Australians were recorded as spending approximately 6.5% of their usually bricks-and-mortar spend online – or $15 million in the year to February.
New retail space supply is led by the category of large format – which Colliers notes will total 41% of 2.8 million square metres of retail supply under construction or ready to complete over the next four years.
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Cafe and restaurant sector recorded 10.3% growth over past year: Colliers International

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Restaurant and café owners around the country are celebrating today following a landmark decision by the Fair Work Commission to reduce the 75% penalty rate for casual employees on Sundays to 50%.
John Hart, chief executive of the Restaurant and Catering Industry Association, said this morning his association had been flooded by calls from its 35,000 members restaurant who said “loud and clear” they will now consider trading on Sundays when the reduced rate comes into effect on 1 July.
Hart says many businesses have been waiting on the decision, which is the result of the association’s long battle to have the penalty rates introduced by the 2010 Restaurant Industry Award amended.
The association had made an application for changes to penalty rates, classification structures and payment of wages under the Modern Awards Review Process in 2012, which was <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people/industrial-relations/34103-fair-work-commission-denies-changes-to-penalty-rates-hospitality-industry--small-business-furious" target="_blank">rejected in October 2013</a>.
The association subsequently <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people/industrial-relations/34432-restaurateurs-appeal-penalty-rates-decision-industry-body-calls-weekend-rates-commercially-unviable" target="_blank">lodged an appeal</a> with the full bench of the Fair Work Commission, which <a href="https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/documents/summaries/2014fwcfb1996_summary.pdf" target="_blank">accepted</a> on Wednesday the association’s argument that there is a direct link between penalty rates and employment prospects.
“It’s a good first step and it’s enough for businesses to reconsider opening on Sundays,” says Hart.
“This decision really resets the operating environment for the weekend as we now have a penalty rate structure for casuals that is the same as for Saturdays.”
Hart says the majority of businesses operating in the industry are small businesses and the ruling “applies to them almost exclusively as the large companies have different arrangements”.
“This is great news for operators and for staff as there will now be more hours of work available,” says Hart. “And it is great news for consumers, who will have more restaurants to choose from on Sundays. It’s a win for everyone.”
Peter Strong, executive director of the Council of Small Business of Australia, <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/people/industrial-relations/34103-fair-work-commission-denies-changes-to-penalty-rates-hospitality-industry--small-business-furious" target="_blank">previously told SmartCompany</a> he heard several tales of businesses being closed on Saturdays and Sundays because they could not afford to pay penalty rates.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Landmark decision by Fair Work cuts restaurant Sunday penalty rate by 25%

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The Paris-end of the Melbourne CBD is set to welcome a new international luxury fashion brand - Ermenegildo Zegna.
The Italian fashion house has signed a lease to open a new flagship store concept at AMP Capital Wholesale Office Fund’s Collins Place.
Ermenegildo Zegna is taking 400 square metres over two levels at 45 Collins Street, in what will be a new, expanded Melbourne headquarters for the label. It will join Giorgio Armani, which recently recommitted to its premises, on the Collins Street frontage of the building.
AMP Capital Wholesale Office fund manager Nick McGrath said: “Collins Place is an iconic property, occupying a premium location on Collins Street in Melbourne and the AMP Capital Wholesale Fund is pleased to welcome Ermenegildo Zegna as a new tenant to the precinct and to extend our relationship with Giorgio Armani”.
He said the fund had been actively revitalising Collins Place to improve experiences for visitors by enhancing the public space areas and delivering an exciting retail offer.
Ben Tremellen of Colliers International negotiated the Ermenegildo Zegna lease on behalf of AMP Capital.
The new signing comes amid reports in The Australian Financial Review that French luxury handbag maker Longchamp is in talks to replace luxury retailer Hermès as tenant of its 115 Collins Street. 
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