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.

Joel Robinson

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

&nbsp;

Developer GURNER™ Group has revealed $1.65 billion in residential sales nationally across the 12 months to December 2025, driven largely by the continued momentum of its Docklands wellness-focused precinct, Elysium Fields.

The sales result was generated across seven projects in Victoria and New South Wales, headlined by Elysium Fields, GURNER™’s $2.75 billion mixed-use precinct planned for Harbour Esplanade in Docklands.

The project has recorded more than $500 million in sales across the first three towers, equating to around 580 apartments sold.

The first tower, Helios, has now sold out of its 240 private residences, with GURNER™ preparing to release a premium penthouse collection comprising 15 three-bedroom penthouses in coming weeks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370975]

Elysium Fields is being developed on the long-held 20,000 sqm Docklands site at 208-226 Harbour Esplanade, which had remained undeveloped for more than two decades prior to GURNER™ taking over the project around four years ago.

Construction has now commenced across four towers ranging between 18 and 30 storeys, with Hamilton Marino and Maxcon appointed as builders.

Once complete, the precinct is expected to comprise around 1,100 residences, alongside retail, hospitality and public realm uses integrated throughout the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370981]

Designed by Fraser &amp; Partners in collaboration with GURNER™ Design House, the project has been positioned around the developer’s broader focus on wellness-led residential living.

“We don’t sell apartments. We create a true luxury lifestyle that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the market today,” Founder and Executive Chairman Tim Gurner said.

“To deliver that requires an extraordinary level of detail, coordination and discipline across multiple verticals, from design and hospitality through to wellness and service.”

“We’ve always believed that living extends far beyond the physical residence. It’s about how you feel the moment you arrive, how you live day-to-day, and the ecosystem that supports that.” 
[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370977]

The project’s design places a heavy focus on landscaping, wellness amenities and biophilic design principles.

Plans include around 3,700 sqm of landscaped gardens and open space throughout the precinct, alongside a retail and dining offering spanning approximately 5,000 sqm.

The broader public realm strategy centres around what GURNER™ describes as the “Path of Life”, an urban forest and landscaped pedestrian environment intended to connect the various buildings and wellness spaces across the precinct.

The apartments themselves will incorporate a range of wellness-focused inclusions, including purified air and water systems, circadian lighting, antimicrobial surfaces, and optional in-home wellness upgrades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370980]

Gurner said the company’s experience through its Saint Haven wellness clubs had directly informed the residential offering now being incorporated into Elysium Fields.

“We’re seeing a clear global shift toward longevity, performance and proactive health,” Gurner said.

“Our role is to deliver that in a way that feels seamless, highly private and beautifully resolved within the environments we create.”

A large component of the wellness offering is planned through the resident amenity and health facilities proposed within the precinct.

That includes plans for bathing and recovery facilities spread throughout the towers, incorporating mineral pools, saunas, steam rooms, flotation therapy, red light therapy and wellness lounges.

The developer is also seeking approvals for what it describes as a “reverse ageing medical clinic” within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370978]

According to project information released by the group, the proposed facility would include cryotherapy, IV infusion therapy, infrared and dry saunas, PEMF beds, MRIs, DEXA scans, brain scans and blood analysis services.

Within the first tower, Helios, residents will also have access to a dedicated amenity offering known as the Sky Private Club.

The upper 15 levels of the building will include private lounges, dining spaces, rooftop amenities and optional private wellness studios integrated within residences.

The Helios tower itself comprises 260 apartments ranging between 60 sqm and 300 sqm, including a collection of penthouses.

That includes a planned two-storey penthouse spanning around 600 sqm with uninterrupted bay views.

The Elysium Fields precinct is being delivered in partnership with Digital Harbour Holdings, a consortium that includes the Liberman family, which controls the development rights across the Docklands site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370979]

The sales result comes as GURNER™ continues expanding its national development pipeline beyond Victoria.

“We have a strong pipeline across Australia and are now focused on scaling into key markets including New South Wales and Queensland, while continuing to build on our Melbourne base,” Gurner said.

“We currently have more than $3 billion in the market, growing to over $5 billion by October, and expect to materially outperform last year in the 2026 calendar year.”

The result also reflects the continued strength of the upper-end apartment market in Melbourne, particularly for owner-occupier-focused product with large-scale amenity and lifestyle offerings.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144441]

Record result anchored by the Group’s “utopian” Elysium Fields precinct – defying market headwinds in Docklands.

Elysium Fields drive Gurner to $1.65 billion in apartment sales over 2025

National Australia Bank (NAB) will fund <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera</a>, a $1 billion, 52-level luxury residential tower being developed by Central Equity in one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held coastal locations at Northcliffe.

The project, launched recently by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a>, one of Victoria’s largest private residential developers, comes at a time when construction funding for large residential developments has become increasingly competitive as lenders tighten exposure to the sector.

Multiplex has been appointed the builder, and construction is now underway.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365784]

Since its first project, Central Equity has delivered more than 85 residential developments with a combined end value exceeding $8 billion.

Palmera reflects Central Equity’s growing focus on the Gold Coast luxury apartment market and continues a relationship between Central Equity and NAB that dates back to the late 1980s, when the bank funded one of Melbourne’s earliest inner-city residential towers at a time when high-rise apartment living in the CBD was largely unproven.

“NAB’s funding of Central Equity’s $36 million CBD development in the late 1980’s to the financing of the billion-dollar tower today highlights the long-term relationship between the two organisations in delivering major residential projects” said Central Equity Founder and Chairman Eddie Kutner.

He said NAB’s early support was instrumental in helping establish the company’s development model.

“When we commenced our first residential tower in the late 1980s the concept of funding off-the-plan apartments was still largely untested in Australia,” Kutner said.

“NAB recognised the opportunity early and supported the project when others were uncertain. That relationship has now continued for more than 37 years across many developments.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Central Equity was established in 1987 when Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank precinct were still dominated by warehouses and commercial buildings. Fewer than 100 residents lived in Southbank at the time, and large-scale residential development in the inner city was not widely considered.

Recognising changing demographics and lifestyle preferences, the company began developing high-rise residential projects designed to bring permanent residents into the city centre.

Central Equity has provided accommodation for approximately 40,000 residents across Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank, while also incorporating supporting infrastructure including essential lifestyle facilities like retail spaces, childcare facilities and neighbourhood activity centres.

Central Equity has spent many years assembling the Palmera development site on the corner of Garfield Terrace and Frederick Street in Northcliffe, creating a supersite of around 3,300 sqm.

The developer said the Palmera apartment tower reflects its long-term view of the Gold Coast as a growing and increasingly diversified economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365768]

Supported by infrastructure including the light rail network, major road upgrades expanded education, hospital and medical facilities and continued expansion at the Gold Coast Airport with more internation and domestic flights.

Positioned in the tightly held Northcliffe precinct, the 52-level tower will deliver 347 apartments, targeting buyers seeking a high-end coastal lifestyle, from downsizers to interstate investors.

Designed by Marchese Partners with interiors by DBI, Palmera has been conceived as a next-generation residential offering, featuring a collection of oversized apartments, with premium three-bedroom residences offering sweeping northern views stretching from Surfers Paradise through to Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

NAB funds $1 billion Surfers Paradise apartment development, Palmera

Two years after completing one of the newest developments in North Sydney, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> is turning its attention to the rapidly evolving St Leonards apartment market.

The developer, which completed AURA by Aqualand on North Sydney's Walker Street, has lodged plans for a 5,918 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/33-37-herbert-street-st-leonards-nsw-2065">33-37 Herbert Street, St Leonards,</a> seeking approval for a pair of residential towers rising above a shared podium opposite Royal North Shore Hospital.

The proposal forms part of the broader transformation underway across the St Leonards-Crows Nest precinct, where former industrial and commercial sites are increasingly being redeveloped into high-density mixed-use projects tied to major transport infrastructure.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cc428cf-fe70-4cac-9cd5-264ad53af62c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=otKSnHtbjAvAddOnovyXQMgcAwE6DMe1" />

According to the planning documents, the site sits “within the St Leonards–Crows Nest Strategic Centre, identified by the NSW Government as a key area for accommodating future jobs and housing across Sydney.”

The proposal has been designed by fjcstudio, formerly FJMT Studio, and is being progressed through the State Significant Development pathway due to its scale and affordable housing provision.

The scheme would comprise 413 apartments, including 46 affordable housing units, alongside retail and commercial uses fronting Herbert Street. The project would also include communal open space, landscaping, a swimming pool, gymnasium, children’s play areas and podium-level resident amenities.

Planning documents show the development would consist of a part-13, part-39 storey tower form positioned above a four-storey podium.

“The development comprises a unified podium that activates the street interface, and two setback towers to accommodate new housing supply while maintaining an appropriate human scale at ground level,” fjcstudio noted in its Design Report.

The northern and southern towers have been shaped to respond to the surrounding skyline while also limiting overshadowing impacts to nearby public open space, particularly Talus Reserve.

The design report said the differing tower heights were intended to “contribute to a varied skyline while responding to the surrounding built form context and solar access considerations.”

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36da62dc-ff9e-41f2-a7e3-7be38373751c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.45%E2%80%AFAM_0.png?VersionId=Mo6Rp2r.XRLTzIfg_PEEpw8NepDH8UBs" />

The site sits directly opposite Royal North Shore Hospital and within walking distance of both St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

While the site itself sits just outside the formal Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development boundary, the planning documents repeatedly reference its alignment with the broader TOD objectives reshaping the Lower North Shore.

“The site is located adjacent to St Leonards Station and in close proximity to Crows Nest Metro which is within the Crows Nest Transit Orientated Development Accelerated Precinct which has been identified by the NSW Government to support housing delivery,” the Design Verification Statement noted.

According to fjcstudio, the project has been designed to respond to the broader transition occurring across St Leonards, where increasing residential density is being concentrated around transport infrastructure and employment hubs.

“The broader precinct is undergoing significant change, with a mix of existing mid-rise buildings and newer high-density developments,” the report stated.

“Recent and approved projects indicate a consistent shift toward taller built form, typically organised as tower-and-podium typologies with more active ground levels.”

The proposal includes close to 6,000 sqm of retail and commercial space across the ground floor and podium levels, designed to create a more activated street edge along Herbert Street.

Aqualand’s plans would also introduce a landscaped podium shared between the two towers, with communal open space in the form of a podium rooftop designed to support resident interaction and improve urban greening outcomes. The scheme would also introduce pocket parks at the northern and southern ends of the site, including a landscaped area at the corner of Herbert and Ella streets designed to improve pedestrian amenity and soften the streetscape.

&nbsp;

The proposal is being progressed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, which was introduced to accelerate housing supply across the state. The application was declared State Significant Development in April 2025 following an expression of interest process.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faf6d97d-2671-454f-b85a-fe1c6a7be608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=diVd28OBVr5.YV.7prrOz.uAanwwwm7a" />

St Leonards has been particularly active with new developments in recent weeks. Developer SP Setia’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-sp-setia-targets-st-leonards-skyline-with-40-storey-tod-tower">plans for a new 42-storey tower</a> recently went on exhibition through the same pathway, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">Stockland’s 52-storey tower proposal</a> was also recently unveiled.

Aside from the St Leonards project, which is expected to take around nine months to move through the approvals process ahead of a potential 2027 launch, Aqualand is also preparing to launch Boronia, a new apartment project in Roseville comprising around 111 apartments on Larkin Street.

The developer also has approvals in place for the next stage of the Barangaroo precinct, which will feature new residential, retail, hospitality and community uses, alongside a new metro entry across the five-hectare site.

More than 50 new retail destinations are planned for Central Barangaroo, alongside a 270-metre-long boulevard connecting Hickson Park to Nawi Cove. Together with Harbour Park, more than 50 per cent of the precinct will comprise public open space and parkland.

First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party

The Block

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Former VFL player Dan Foley and wife Carleen have gone from first to last in the betting for The Block 2016 winner.
The Perth couple, who are the oldest contestant the show has ever had, started as $3.20 favourites, however they've drifted to $6.50 with Ladbrokes.
Will and Karlie have moved into the favourites position, offering a $3.20 price, after winning the guest bedroom room.
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Block%20latest%20odds.jpg" alt="" width="484" height="159">
The Block week 2 scores
Will and Karlie: 27/30
Kim and Chris: 26.5/30
Ben and Andy: 23.5/30
Julia and Sasha: 21.5/30
Dan and Carleen: 17.5/30
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

The Block contestants Carleen and Dan drop from first to last in the betting

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The Block judge Shayna Blaze has criticised Melbourne property developer Jinshan Investments, who have been given the go ahead to demolish the iconic Palace Theatre.
She took to Twitter to vent her frustration of the decision.
Blaze suggested that The Block series preserve the history of buildings, as opposed to demolish them.
<a href="/images/2016/08/31/Shayna%20Blaze%20tweet.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/08/31/Shayna%20Blaze%20tweet.jpg" alt="" width="452" height="385">
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) approved the demolition of all but the front facade of the building.
The 100 year old music venue demolition will leave a hole in Melbourne's live music and heritage communities.
VCAT suggested by enforcing the facade is kept in tact, it is an 'acceptable compromise'.
Jinshan Investments are wanting to demolish the building and deliver a project that minimises only their return on investment, according to Melbourne Heritage.
Melbourne City Council have one final opportunity to appeal the decision. 
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Shayna Blaze blasts Melbourne developer over demolition request

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What happens when the cameras stop rolling and the director calls cut?
For these seven Block contestant couples the journey into the world of property continued after their room reveals impressed. 
<img src="/images/2016/08/25/1.png" alt="">
Alisa and Lysandra
The Block’s first female team to win the title appeared in The Block Sky High in 2013 and returned again for Fans V Faces in 2014. Following the show the sister duo started a career in interior design, developing their own <a href="https://www.alisaandlysandra.com.au/" target="_blank">interior design company Alisa and Lysandra</a>, partnering with <a href="https://www.fortywinks.com.au/" target="_blank">Forty Winks</a>.
Website: <a href="https://www.alisaandlysandra.com.au/" target="_blank">https://www.alisaandlysandra.com.au/</a>
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AlisaLysandra" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/AlisaLysandra</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alisa_lysandra/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/alisa_lysandra/</a>
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/alisa_lysandra" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/alisa_lysandra</a>
Pinterest: <a href="https://au.pinterest.com/alisalysandra/" target="_blank">https://au.pinterest.com/alisalysandra/</a>
 <img src="/images/2016/08/25/2.png" alt="">
Josh and Jenna
Since competing in The Block twice, once in 2011 and again in 2013, Josh and Jenna have renovated and sold their East Albury investment property, partnered with <a href="https://www.beaconlighting.com.au/lighting/josh-and-jenna-range" target="_blank">Beacon</a> to launch a light range and started their own interior design and pre-sale property renovation business, <a href="https://bickerdesign.com.au/" target="_blank">Bicker Design</a>. 
Website: <a href="https://bickerdesign.com.au/" target="_blank">https://bickerdesign.com.au/</a> 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JennaAndJosh/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/JennaAndJosh/</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/joshandjenna/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/joshandjenna/</a> 
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/joshjentheblock" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/joshjentheblock</a> 
 <img src="/images/2016/08/25/3.png" alt="">
Dani and Dan
After competing on The Block in 2012 and The Block All Stars, the couple started their own online publication, The Home Journal. They also completed the renovation on a house in Seddon and an apartment in East Melbourne.  Currently the couple star as co-hosts on Channel 10’s lifestyle series Healthy Homes. They also founded the Red Door Project. 
Website: <a href="https://reddoorproject.com.au/" target="_blank">https://reddoorproject.com.au/</a> 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DaniAndDan/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/DaniAndDan/</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reddoorproject_/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/reddoorproject_/</a> 
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/danianddan" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/danianddan</a> 
Pinterest: <a href="https://au.pinterest.com/basichabitat/" target="_blank">https://au.pinterest.com/basichabitat/</a>
 <img src="/images/2016/08/25/4.png" alt="">
Michael and Carlene
The couple who stared on The Block Glasshouse in 2014 and had a short run on Reno Rumble have launched their online design and construction company, Cedar &amp; Suede. The website focusses on home renovation and offers design consultancy services.
Website: <a href="https://cedarandsuede.com.au/" target="_blank">https://cedarandsuede.com.au/</a> 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MichaelAndCarlene" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/MichaelAndCarlene</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cedarandsuede/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/cedarandsuede/</a> 
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Michael_Carlene" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/Michael_Carlene</a> 
Pinterest: <a href="https://au.pinterest.com/carleneduffy/" target="_blank">https://au.pinterest.com/carleneduffy/</a>
 <img src="/images/2016/08/25/5.png" alt="">
Kyal and Kara
Since their appearance on Fans vs Faves and Reno Rumble the couple run a design and construction business, Diverse Construction which assists with styling, custom joinery, product selections and renovations. 
Website: <a href="https://www.diverseconstruct.com/about" target="_blank">https://www.diverseconstruct.com/about</a> 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KyalAndKara/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/KyalAndKara/</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kyalandkara/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/kyalandkara/</a> 
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/KyalAndKara" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/KyalAndKara</a>
 <img src="/images/2016/08/25/6.png" alt="">
Karstan and Maxine 
Since staring on The Block Glasshouse the husband and wife team have maintained a career in the property industry. Karstan has returned to the real estate but continues to help wife Maxine manage their homewares business Poppy Smith Design. The couple also run a blog called <a href="https://www.thediscoverytales.com.au/" target="_blank">The Discovery Tales</a>. 
Website: <a href="https://www.thediscoverytales.com.au/" target="_blank">https://www.thediscoverytales.com.au/</a> 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PoppySmithDesign" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/PoppySmithDesign</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/karstanandmaxine/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/karstanandmaxine/</a> 
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/KarstanMaxine" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/KarstanMaxine</a> 
 <img src="/images/2016/08/25/7.png" alt="">
Bec and George
Since staring in The Block Sky High in 2013 the couple have kept up their work in the interior and development industries. George develops properties while Bec is the resident interior consultant for <a href="https://nostrahomes.com.au/" target="_blank">Nostra Homes</a>. 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BecGeorgeBLOCK/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/BecGeorgeBLOCK/</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/becandgeorge" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/becandgeorge</a> 
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/becgeorgeblock?lang=en" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/becgeorgeblock?lang=en</a>
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The seven best designers to come out of The Block

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Seven's new food show Zumbo's Just Desserts premiered last night as the most watched entertainment show of the night.
The show has amateur dessert cooks put through their paces by pastry chefs Adriano Zumbo.
It drew a metro audience 1.081 million, beating The Block, which dipped slightly from its debut audience of 1.074 million metro viewers to 961,000 average million viewers.
Channel 10's Survivor slipped to the 14th most-watched show of the night with 734,000 metro viewers, a drop of 50,000 viewers from Sunday's premiere.
Zumbo's Just Desserts and The Block continue tonight
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Zumbo's Just Desserts take the cake in debut ratings over The Block

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The Block is back on our TV's on Sunday, and Ladbrokes have former VFL footy player Dan Foley and wife Carleen as bookie favourites.
The Perth couple have experience in the area, having renovated property previously.
Just behind are Julia and Sasha, who recently bought a home but haven't got round to major renovations yet.
Geelong teachers and best mates Andy and Ben are the outsiders, priced at $7.50.
<img src="/images/2016/08/19/The%20Block%20odds.jpg" alt="" width="607" height="228">
To meet the contestants, click here.
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Who are favourites for The New Block, Port Melbourne?

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The Block building at 164 Ingles Street, Port Melbourne cost $5.025 million last December.
The outstanding building of 2,355sqm space was offered through the Dawkins Occhiuto agency on <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-port+melbourne-501740510" target="_blank">the realcommercial website</a>.
It was bought by Micjoy Pty Ltd, a company associated with Channel 9.
It was sold to The Block by Woodruff Street Developments, associated with the BRW rich-lister Harry Stamoulis​ who had paid $24 million for the larger four hectare site when it was bought from the soap manufacturer Symex Holdings.
The building now sits on land of 1,155sqm surrounded by medium density, low rise residential development in what is becoming known as the Fishermans Bend, Australia's largest urban renewal precinct.
The subject site contains the former administrative offices of the Kitchen and Sons Pty Ltd Factory.
The former John Kitchen &amp; Sons Factory at 164 Ingles Street, Port Melbourne, originally occupied the entire block bounded by Ingles Street to the west, Munro Street to the south, Woodruff Street to the north, and Boundary Street to the east.
The former Adminstrative Offices Building occupy a small, rectangular portion of land in the southern corner of the site.
The 1925 former Administrative Offices Building is a three-storeyed stuccoed brick building designed in the interwar Classical revival manner. 
The company had its origins in the mid-nineteenth century. Mr J. Kitchen arrived in Australia in 1856 and together with his three sons established the firm of J. Kitchen and Sons.
Although the Kitchen family began making tallow candles from butchers' scraps in the backyard of their Emerald Hill (South Melbourne) house, they were soon ordered out as a noxious trade.
The company moved its operations to Sandridge – now Port Melbourne – in late 1858 or early 1859, at a site located at the corner of Sandridge and Emerald Hill Roads, now Crockford and Ingles Streets respectively.
After these premises were gutted by fire in 1860 – the first of a number of large fires that were to occur over the years – the company relocated to its 164 Ingles Street site in 1860, within close proximity to the South Melbourne Abattoir on Boundary Road.
Within thirty years, John Kitchen &amp; Sons had become the chief manufacturers of candles and soap in the eastern mainland colonies, making products such as Velvet Soap and Electrine Candles.
Only a restricted, representative section of the General Office Floor has been retained in the development scheme to demonstrate the original appearance of this space, with most of its volume infilled to accommodate apartments.
"While it would desirable to retain more if not all of its original double-height volume, the large, high proportions of this space make it difficult for it to be adapted to a new, economically viable use in its current form," council was told.
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How much did The Block, Port Melbourne cost?

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This year’s The New Block is set in a heritage listed Port Melbourne office building with quite an industrial history.
In the early 1920s the building was used as the onsite office for the adjacent J. Smith Kitchen &amp; Sons soap and candle factory. 
<img src="https://prod.static9.net.au/_/media/TV/T/The-Block/Season-12/Latest/Episode-00/History-of-The-Block/1_HistoryOfBlock.jpg" alt="" width="590" height="332" data-id="4BC0E6FA-7C90-4D94-8646-A4730B8C4EE6">
J. Smith Kitchen &amp; Sons became the chief manufacturers of candles (Electrine Candles) and soap (Velvet Soap) in the eastern mainland colonies. Its interior fittings were of the highest order, with doors built of polished maple and plate glass.
The entrance to the building was through revolving storm doors which opened onto an exquisite mosaic-tiled foyer.
<img src="https://prod.static9.net.au/_/media/TV/T/The-Block/Season-12/Latest/Episode-00/History-of-The-Block/9_HistoryOfBlock.jpg" alt="" width="590" height="332" data-id="AB848FC0-1A16-4884-943D-BB075DEF64A9">
<div> </div>
<div>The three-storied structure was one of the most up-to-date offices in the Australia at the time. </div>
<img src="https://prod.static9.net.au/_/media/TV/T/The-Block/Season-12/Latest/Episode-00/History-of-The-Block/8_HistoryOfBlock.jpg" alt="" width="594" height="334" data-id="A30ADDEA-C432-4CFF-A9FB-2A63EEC5D25A">
The cement-faced brick and steel structure was well lit and airy, boasting a dignified loft feel. When The Block took it on some of the building’s fabric is in poor condition and in need of repair or replacement. Much of the timber – said to be Maple – was showing signs of termite infestation. Water ingress, presumably owing to failure of the bituminous roof above, had resulted in visible damage to plaster and probable damage to structural elements. Vandalism appears also to have been a major issue, the Bryce Raworth Pty Ltd Conservation Urban Design report noted. Many windows have been smashed, carpets ripped up, surfaces spray-painted, and the copper stripped from the building. 
The now renovated building housed the administration and office staff directly across the road from Port Melbourne Football Club, one of the oldest football clubs in Australia.
<img src="https://prod.static9.net.au/_/media/TV/T/The-Block/Season-12/Latest/Episode-00/History-of-The-Block/6_HistoryOfBlock.jpg" alt="" width="649" height="365" data-id="30123B75-3927-489A-8126-8E0DBF426532">
All images are courtesy of Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society: pmhps.org.au
 
 
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The history of The New Block, Port Melbourne as Kitchen's Electrine Candles headquarters

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The newest advertising partner on The Block, holiday rental site Stayz will offer viewers a prize.
It is one night’s accommodation for two at The Block in their apartment of choice, along with a $20,000 giveaway to spend on Stayz escapes all over Australia.
The Block returns to Nine and 9Now on Sunday, August 21, at 7.00pm. The auction is scheduled for November.
Nine has announced ALDI, Domain, McCafé, Mitre10, Suzuki and Telstra as other commercial partners of season 12 ofThe Block.
The teams of renovators go head-to-head to modernise the derelict office headquarters of a historic Australian soap and candle factory in Melbourne.
Content integration highlights for The Block season twelve include Mitre 10, returning for their ninth season.
The new partner, Telstra will showcase the latest product innovation when it comes to smart home technology.
Domain are set to blitz its website with articles. Some will be written by hesitant Fairfax Media journalists who are privately concerned that the website was overrun during the last series with content by newbie Domain colleagues, all former Block contestants.
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Stayz offers night at The New Block Port Melbourne

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The New Block starts Sunday, and we take a look at the new five contestants attempt to renovate a heritage Art Deco factory in Port Melbourne.
The first contestants are couple Julia and Sasha from Melbourne.
"We love renovating and we love The Block," Julia said.
"It's not so much about making the most money it's about creating something really really beautiful."
Julia is a property stylist and said the two have renovated very close by before and they claim to know what the buyers want.
High school sweethearts Will and Karlie from Queensland are the next couple.
Will, a self-confessed sport enthusiast, is more competitive than Karlie, who is more laid back.
The couple bought their first house a few months ago and have only just started renovating, painting a couple of rooms.
"Every night we'll go to bed happy whatever' said," Will said.
Former Richmond and West Perth VFL player Dan Foley and his wife Carleen represent WA in the competition.
Dan, 55, and Carleen, 52, are the oldest couple to tackle the show.
Dan said that they will show the baby boomers have still got it and you can always keep up with the youngsters.
"The design style will be in keeping with the building but with a twist."
Photo of Dan and Carleen courtesy of Channel Nine
<img src="/images/2016/08/19/Dan%20and%20Carleen.jpg" alt="" width="381" height="437">
Best mates from Geelong Andy and Ben will battle with Julia and Sasha as Victoria's two sets of contestants
The two primary school teachers, who describe their relationship as "heterosexual soulmates", are fitness-focused and will bring energy to the competition.
Their sporty-nature led them to decide who took which role on the show.
"We played a game of ping-pong to decide who would be the shopper and who would stay at The Block with the builders."
Ben won and chose to stay at The Block with the builders, leaving Andy to be the shopper.
Policeman Chris and school teacher Kim from Newcastle represent New South Wales.
"We love winning, we want to win," said Chris.
The couple said their two kids have had them in training for The Block.
"Our sleep deprivation is just how we live our life."
Kim suggests the pair are a modern contemporary design style, liking everything open, sophisticated and high end.
 
 
{mijopolls 144}
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Fomer VFL player Dan Foley represents WA in The New Block, Port Melbourne series

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Crowd-funder DomaCom have announced the appointment of former TV presenter Nikki McCarthy as their buyer's agent at The New Block auctions.
For the first time, DomaCom's platform will allow Channel 9 viewers to support their favourite contestants and invest in the apartment of their choice.
The minimum investment price is $2,500 to share in the future rental income and capital growth.
McCarthy has been a TV presenter on Postcards and property show On Display, the latter led her into residential real estate.
Now working closely with RT Edgar Camberwell principal Glen Coutinho, Nikki (above) continues to pursue her love of property.
“I am so excited with DomaCom’s crowdfunding platform because it heralds a new era for property investors who don’t have sufficient funds for a whole property or who want to spread their investment across multiple properties," McCarthy said.
"There are many more people wanting the type of investment structure that DomaCom offers and The Block is a great way to demonstrate this.”
The Block, which starts this week, is Australia's longest running reality show having started in 2003. This series is scheduled to hold auctions in November.
 
 
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