Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

Sydney

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The decision to revalue properties on the Kings Cross strip have been welcomed by real estate agency Gunning.
The decision by the Valuer General to step in and respond to a change of market conditions was the right move, said Gunning principal Malcolm Gunning. 
"NSW Valuer General Simon Gilkes took advice on the changing retail conditions due to the lockout laws and revisited the land values in the area based on their effect," Gunning said.
The lockout laws restrict the entry of patrons after 1.30 am and have affected property values in the area, according to a report by the Valuer General.
"He also recognised that the area is rapidly changing with the two major residential developments, at the site of the Crest Hotel and the Bourbon Hotel," added Gunning.
"It is great to see that Gilkes understands the property market and is willing to seek and ultimately take advice from industry experts in the form of the Land Valuation Advisory Group." 
"His decision clearly reflects the current state of affairs on the Kings Cross strip and recognises that valuations can move in either direction. This is a great win for the Kings Cross strip and NSW."
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Revaluation of properties in Sydney's Kings Cross due to lockout laws welcomed

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New Planning Panels headed by District Commissioners will streamline regionally significant planning across Sydney, according to the Greater Sydney Commission. 
The independent panels will start operating on 21 November 2016 and will replace the existing Sydney East Joint Regional Planning Panel and the Sydney West Joint Regional Planning Panel. 
Greater Sydney Commission CEO Sarah Hill said the District Commissioners are already listening to stakeholders and residents to shape the future vision for their districts. 
“District Commissioners, who understand the strategic vision for their respective districts, will chair the new panels,” she said. 
“We have been talking to stakeholders from day one and are about to launch an unprecedented level of community engagement.” 
“This means when the District Commissioners start chairing the panels in November they will know their area, the people and the over-arching vision for that district.” 
She said the panels aimed to improve decision making time frames for assessing regionally significant planning applications. 
“We are also aiming to reduce pre-gateway or rezoning review timeframes to less than 90 days for 85 percent of requests,” she said. 
The Sydney Planning Panels will take on responsibility for a number of key planning approval activities including determining regionally significant development applications (generally development with a capital investment value of more than $20M) and considering pre-gateway (rezoning) reviews, allowing requests for reviews of council decisions or lack of decisions within 90 days. 
Six Sydney Planning Panels will be established, with one panel for each District 
Each will be led by a District Commissioner and have four expert members with strategic and statutory planning expertise. Two representatives will be appointed by the Council and two will be Government appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ answers questions regarding the commencement of the Greater Sydney Commission’s Sydney Planning Panels and the process of transition from the existing Joint Regional Planning Panels by 21 November 2016.
What are the Sydney Planning Panels, what is their geographic remit and function?
The Greater Sydney Commission Act 2015 (the GSC Act) commenced on 27 January 2016. The GSC Act enables the Minister for Planning to create Sydney Planning Panels. A Sydney Planning Panel is taken to be a Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (the EP&amp;A Act).
Sydney Planning Panels will be established to replace the existing Sydney East JRPP and the Sydney West JRPP.
The Sydney Planning Panels will determine regionally significant development applications (generally development with a capital investment value of more than $20M) within the Greater Sydney Region (as defined in the GSC Act); and consider pre-Gateway (rezoning) reviews, through which proponents can request a review if a council decides not to support a rezoning request or doesn’t make a determination within 90 days.
These are the same functions as the current Joint Regional Planning Panels.
The City of Sydney will continue to be excluded from the operation of the Sydney Planning Panels for the consideration of development matters. The Central Sydney Planning Committee will continue to operate as normal. Pre-gateway (rezoning) reviews for the City of Sydney will continue to be undertaken by the Planning and Assessment Commission.
When will the Sydney Planning Panels commence?
The Sydney Planning Panels will commence on Monday 21 November 2016. Until then the existing Sydney East JRPP and the Sydney West JRPP will continue to operate.
Starting the Sydney Planning Panels in November 2016 will allow the Commission and specifically the Commissioners, to focus initially on the important strategic work of developing the draft District Plans for exhibition. It allows time for a smooth transition with minimal disruption to operations and decisions.
Who will be the members of the Sydney Planning Panels?
The Sydney Planning Panels will comprise of five members:
A Greater Sydney Commission District Commissioner – the Chair
Two state appointed representatives
Two council appointed representatives
How many Sydney Planning Panels will there be?
Six Sydney Planning Panels will be established, one for each district in Greater Sydney.
The boundaries for the Sydney Planning Panels will reflect the district boundaries declared under the EP&amp;A Act.
The relevant District Commissioner will chair the Sydney Planning Panel for their district. As with the JRPPs the council appointed representatives for the relevant local government area will sit on the relevant Sydney Planning Panel when considering matters in their local government area.
The new members of the Sydney Planning Panels will be announced by the end of June 2016.
Why have more than two Sydney Planning Panels?
A key outcome of establishment of Sydney Planning Panels is to improve the timeframes for the determination of development applications and pre-gateway (rezoning) reviews. Creating six panels evens the workload across Sydney allowing for faster decisions.
District Commissioners will continue to build relationships with the councils within their District and build strong ties that will help councils to assess development matters in a more effective and efficient manner.
What role will the draft District Plans play in consideration of local plans by the Sydney Planning Panels?
The draft District Plans are currently being developed and will be exhibited by no later than January 2017.
The draft District Plans will be a matter the Sydney Planning Panels must take into consideration when reviewing local environmental plans and considering pre- Gateway (rezoning) review requests, as part of the strategic basis for future land use outcomes.
What happens if I have a matter with the Joint Regional Planning Panel and it has not been finalised?
Any development application or pre-Gateway (rezoning) review that was lodged but has not been determined by 21 November 2016 will be determined by the relevant Sydney Planning Panel.
If a JRPP has been appointed as the relevant planning authority for a rezoning prior to 21 November 2016 that function will transition to the relevant Sydney Planning Panel.
What is the role of the Department of Planning and Environment (Department) with the Sydney Planning Panels and planning proposals?
The Department will continue to provide the same level of secretariat support for the new Sydney Planning Panels.
The Department will continue to review planning proposals, issue Gateway determinations and make LEPs as a delegate of the Greater Sydney Commission until advised otherwise.
The existing plan making delegations to local government remain in place.
How will the Sydney Planning Panels improve procedures and outcomes?
The new approach of six Sydney Planning Panels will aim to improve determination time frames by at least 10% within 12 months of establishing the Sydney Planning Panels, and reduce pre-gateway (rezoning) review timeframes to less than 90 days for 85% of requests.
The Greater Sydney Commission will monitor the functions of the Department of Planning and Environment as their delegate and will review the efficiency of process and effectiveness of outcomes regularly.
The Government is committed to the smooth transition from the JRPPs to the Sydney Planning Panels and the new Panels will be supported throughout their establishment and during the transition to minimise any disruption to important development and rezoning decisions.
When will the review of the pre-Gateway (rezoning) review process be finalised?
The Department of Planning and Environment has recently undertaken a review of the pre-Gateway (rezoning) review process to ensure it is achieving its objectives and operating in the most transparent and efficient manner. The outcomes of this review are proposed to be finalised and implemented by June 2016.
Where do I get further information?
If you require further information about the operation of Sydney Planning Panels please contact the Joint Regional Planning Secretariat on 02 9228 2060 or at <a href="mailto:jrppenquiry@jrpp.nsw.gov.au">jrppenquiry@jrpp.nsw.gov.au</a>
If you require further information about the role and functions of the Sydney Planning Panels, please contact the Greater Sydney Commission on 02 8289 6200 or at <a href="mailto:info@gsc.nsw.gov.au">info@gsc.nsw.gov.au</a> 
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Property 101: New planning panels for Sydney

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Heritage property renovators are encouraged to be as creative as possible within any heritage constraints while refreshing for appeal and necessity according to Herron Todd White, whose latest residential market report concentrates on residential heritage market in inner Sydney.
HTW says the council must consider the effect of any proposed development in the area surrounding heritage items or conservation areas, this ensures an appropriate context for heritage items and that owning a heritage listed property can bring other advantages such as protection of an item.
"Owners are typically not permitted to render the front facade, demolish and rebuild or build up and they are encouraged to be as creative as possible in their restorative thinking to make the property both liveable and appealing," HTW said.
"The way the dwelling looks from the street will usually have to be maintained, from the chimney to the roof line. You can have a Federation front and go completely contemporary with an extension or addition at the rear. 
"There are higher restoration costs for craftsmanship especially when period features such as decorative ceilings, cornices and ornate fireplaces are to be retained and also heritage specialist fees."
The report noted the recent sale of ten properties at Millers Point owned by the NSW Government that went up for auction.
"A heritage listed terrace at 40 Argyle Place, Millers Point sold on 25 February 2016 for $2.75 million and comprises a two storey, circa 1887 Victorian Terrace with 4-bedrooms and 1-bathroom with no car accommodation on 128 square metres of land. The property is in need of a full restoration," it said.
"9 Pickering Lane, Woollahra sold on 20 November 2015 for $2.025 million and comprises a circa 1880 single level neo-Georgian sandstone cottage with 2-bedrooms and 1-bathroom and no car accommodation on 152 square metres of land. The property has retained the front façade with an architecturally designed extension at the rear."
 
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Liveability, appeal key to Inner city Sydney heritage restoration: HTW

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The Bondi house long embroiled in a battle over its unslightly rubbish hoarding was pulled from its scheduled auction last night.
It wasn't that the Bobolas family came up with the funds to repay Waverley Council, but rather some sheriff's paperwork that wasn't quite right.
It was expected to fetch $2 million plus purely for the 553 sqm plot.
Local residents were unimpressed on the mid-afternoon news that the postponed auction means more weeks or months of stinking stacks of rubbish.
Raine &amp; Horne agent Ric Serrao said the postponement was advised when the sheriff's lawyers checked all the accompanying legal paperwork.
The hoarders has been a 26 year saga between the family and the Waverley Council.
The Bobolas family managed to stop the early 2015 sale when it was listed in February by stumping up $180,000 for cleaning and legal bills.
But Waverley Council released a more recent statement suggesting the family now owes a further $160,000 with legal costs still accruing.
Waverley Council have lodged four local curt writs on the title, the most recent being for over $43,000 court judgement in April.
More than $350,000 of Waverley ratepayers money has been spent trying to control the tonnes of rubbish.
The home has been in the Bobolas family name since they paid $15,000 in 1973.
The new owners when it is sold will have the responsibility of disposing of the rubbish left behind.
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Bondi hoarder home pulled from auction

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Two commercial properties in Sydney were snapped up by Chinese investors at a recent auction, with the sales totalling $8.41 million.
Porteno Restaurant at 358-632 Cleveland St, Surry Hills sold for $6,660,000 at a sharp yield of 5.36%.
Knight Frank’s Andy Hu and Linda Zhu brokered the sale of the property. 
The property is fully leased by the Porteno Restaurant, which has made it to the Gourmet Traveller national top 50 restaurants list and has won several awards, including The Sydney Morning Herald Chef of the Year in 2013.  
It features a ground and mezzanine level with an internal area of 750 sqm.
“Surry Hills is a growth area at the fringe of the Sydney CBD and a good investment location. The high-profile tenancy’s lease to Porteno Restaurant until 2020, plus a further five-year option, was a huge drawcard for investment," said Zhu.
"The property has three street frontages to Cleveland Street, Riley Street and Goodlet Lane, so has a prominent visual presence," added Hu.
 The second property, Shop 2, 438-448 Anzac Parade, Kingsford sold for $1,750,000 with a yield of 4.75%.
The deal was brokered by Andy Hu.
The property is tenanted by a retail chain on a stable lease, Yogurberry.
It comprises a ground floor, 138 sqm tenancy plus two underground, secure car spaces. It is located near the University of NSW.
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Chinese buyers snap up $8.41 million of Sydney commercial property at auction

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Sydney residential rental vacancies remain steady at 1.7 percent for the third month in a row according to the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.
REINSW President John Cunningham said the April 2016 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey again saw Inner Sydney rental accommodation unchanged at 1.3 percent.
<a href="/images/2016/05/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-18%20at%203.14.31%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/05/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-18%20at%203.14.31%20PM.png" alt="">
“Middle Sydney was down 0.3 per cent at 1.6 per cent, while Outer Sydney rose 0.1 percent to 1.9 percent,” he said.
“Low vacancy rates highlight the shortage of properties in high demand areas. This trend is expected to continue into the winter months.
“Properties are leasing well and in quick time frames in Newcastle."
<a href="/images/2016/05/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-18%20at%203.14.37%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/05/18/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-18%20at%203.14.37%20PM.png" alt="">
 
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 Sydney residential rental vacancies steady: REINSW

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SPONSORED POST
Sydney developer Longton Property Group is working on a $300 million Avantra apartment project in Mascot that is designed to imitate a suburban street, but going up instead of a horizontal orientation.
The 328-apartment complex plus ground floor retail has been designed with a sense of community by architects MD+A and interior designer Archer + Wright.
The apartment block will include communal areas such as a shared rooftop area in which residents can swim, barbeque and interact with views of the Sydney skyline.
Covering 8,762 square metres, Avantra is oriented vertically, akin to “streets in the sky”, according to MD+A architect Brent Marvin.  
“We have six metres between front doors which is typical of a small lane, and we have pocket parks at each level where residents can sit in the sun. Within the building we have areas where residents can work or socialise, entertainment zones, a full-scale pool and BBQ areas. Instead of these elements being spread out at ground level we have designed them in the sky,” he said.
Avantra will be centred around a large courtyard garden designed for communal use. The designer, Daniel Blaffsky of 360 Degree Landscape Architects, aimed to create a sense that “the whole area is your garden.”
“Our philosophy is to create a beautiful landscape, but also a setting for community, for people to have chance interactions, as well as to have spaces for privacy and to relax.”
Longton aims for Avantra to be a community unto itself.  
One way it achieves this is through technology: each apartment will come with an iPad and the myiButler app, with which residents will be able to order shopping or house cleaning without leaving their unit.
All Avantra residents will also be part of a single virtual network, or iCommunity, allowing them to share information. Residents will be able to check updates on news, weather or finance, to be accessed either on their phones or iPads, or on an electronic noticeboard in each lobby.
For more information on Avantra, <a href="https://www.avantra.com.au/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Avantra homes in Sydney's Mascot akin to 'streets in the sky' 

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GUEST OBSERVER
The management of growth across Sydney should be helped by the NSW government announcement of 17 new councils through amalgamations.
The NSW government has needed to take on a reform agenda for local government for decades and is now delivering.
The announcement that the government is proceeding with the formation of 17 new councils including 7 in metropolitan Sydney should finalise debate and lead to more effective councils. 
The government is also supporting in principle 9 more new councils including 6 in metropolitan Sydney subject to court decisions and this is likely to also lead to more effective councils.
The most important thing is to finalise the transition quickly so strategic planning and development assessments are not disrupted.
The Urban Taskforce has seen delays to planning decisions for large projects that have been caught up in the proposed amalgamations and a clear decision on the final structure of council boundaries should give clarity to responsibilities for planning decisions. We urge the government to ensure that planning determinations have clear processes for decision making during the transition phase to the new councils.
There would appear to be a role for the Greater Sydney Commission to take over some planning decisions in Sydney during the transition to the new councils through their two planning panels. Now that the 6 District Commissioners are appointed the new panels should be able to get underway soon.
The amalgamation of rural councils should lead to more effective servicing of communities but towns that are a long distance apart will need local service centres for their communities.
The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with the state government on ensuring planning services, particularly for approvals, are not disrupted during the transition to the new council structures.
 
Chris Johnson is chief executive officer of property development industry group Urban Taskforce and can be contacted <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=97&amp;Itemid=126#.Vdaart55dFI" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Stronger councils good for a growing city and state: Chris Johnson

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Ed Bostock, director of private equity at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, and his wife Emma, have bought Pacific House, at Palm Beach.
Built in the 1950s and redesigned by designer Greg Natale, 36 Pacific Road fetched $2.85 million when the weekender was bought from the ad agency Ikon3 chairman, Gary Hardwick and his wife, Tana Turnbull.
It had previously traded in 2006 for $3.3 million when sold by designer Niels Herholdt and Anna Utzon, the great niece of Opera House architect Jorn Utzon.
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Pacific House Palm Beach sold 

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The 1833 Georgian Villa Lyndhurst in Glebe has been listed for sale as the owners are off to Darlinghurst's Iona.
Now set on 1507 sqm after once being on a 14 hectare plot, the six bedroom home is surrounded by established gardens which feature mature palm trees and a tranquil fountain.
Each of the entertaining rooms on the lower level open through French doors to a wide colonial style veranda.
The modernised kitchen and bathrooms are designed by heritage architect Clive Lucas.
The <a href="https://sydneysothebysrealty.com/5659173/57-65-Darghan-Street-Glebe" target="_blank">property is available through</a> Harriet France and Tony Barron for May 21 auction.
The home was built by esteemed architect John Verge as a 'Marine Villa' for principal Colonial surgeon James Bowman, the husband of the iconic pastoralist John Macarthur's daughter Mary.
Lyndhurst was sold in straitened circumstances in 1847 and bought by Anglican Bishop William Broughton to establish St James College, Australia’s first theological seminary.
Later a Catholic Benedictine Monastery under the name of St Mary’s College, the sale of the property in 1877 provided the funds that enabled the establishment of St Ignatius College, Riverview and St Patrick’s Seminary, Manly.
The home was bought by the Department of Main Roads in 1972 and slated for demolition to make way for an expressway.
Saved at the last minute due to agitation by the Save Lyndhurst Committee, a Builders Labourers Federation green ban and a change of state government, the process of restoring ‘Lyndhurst’ to its former glory began in 1979.
The official headquarters of the Historic Houses Trust from 1986, the residence was passed into private hands in 2004.
The median house price in Glebe is $1,550,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
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