Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Victoria

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Victorian Labor in its <a href="https://www.danielandrews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Victorian-Labors-Project-10000.pdf">November 2014 election transport manifesto Project 10,000</a> boldly announced it would “remove our 50 worst level crossings” at a cost of $5-6 billion.  They are now the government.
Grade separation of rail – elevating the track or, preferably, putting it underground in cut and cover trenches – removes congestion for both rail and road.  Higher transit speeds shrink the city. The savings available are quite substantial.
I am sure Melburnians quite like all this – provided someone else pays for it, and their personal amenity improves.
Tantalisingly, Labor alluded to ‘value capture’ as a funding mechanism:
"This engineering work requires a considerable amount of track on either side of the crossing to be submerged underground, freeing up land at ground level.
"At some locations there is likely to be an opportunity to develop this available land and ‘capture the value’ created by the removal of the level crossing.  While development opportunities will vary with each site depending on physical restraints, Victorian Labor will actively pursue appropriate development opportunities and reinvest the proceeds generated back into further improvements to the public transport system."
Those ‘appropriate development opportunities’ are the subject of a fascinating research paper, <a href="https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/sites/default/files/docs/Intensifying%20Melbourne%202014_180dpi.pdf">Intensifying Melbourne by the Melbourne School of Design</a> at the University of Melbourne, looking at practical urban design opportunities – like turning waste land around rail stations into high density residential – to transform the way this city lives.
The paper is broader than rail station redevelopment, but I want to focus here because of the principles involved.
Intensifying Melbourne looks at redevelopment scenarios for Reservoir, Sunshine, Surrey Hills and Batman rail stations, all surrounded by large areas of currently unused land with the potential for high density residential. The newly-created high-value land funds undergrounding the rail, overall density increases and congestion falls – a win-win-win.
Intensifying Melbourne is astonishingly honest about the difficulties around change of this magnitude. The sobering realities are nasty and include:
<ul>
<li>Councils are often elected to enforce the anti-development views of residents. Those in well educated, wealthy suburbs often see anything higher than two stories as gross over-development and are formidable opponents.  Governments take them on at their peril.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The cost of trenching is triple that of raising rail lines, and many scenarios result in negative land values – the engineering cost exceeds the land value uplift.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Reservoir and Sunshine are considered highly unattractive residential locations by planners and developers. Developers face above-average risks in realising their investment, relative to other competing opportunities. There is a genuine possibility of failure after government has spent hundreds of millions liberating land over time-frames longer than the four year electoral cycle.</li>
</ul>
I say, the problems and solutions are structural and go deeper that revealed by this analysis.  These calculations are incomplete and overlook key free-carried interests.
Labor identified major, widely dispersed congestion reduction benefits.  Large scale level crossing removal will uplift land values everywhere, as faster travel times shrink distance and cut both time and cost.
The current cultural narrative that all such benefits must accrue to land owners is the barrier.  Intensifying Melbourne sees this: “The way in which urban infrastructure investment creates capital gains and increased economic flows need to be better understood to ensure the capital gains due to public investment can be captured to fund that investment.”
This, of course, goes back to the structure of taxation.  We rely heavily on wage taxes and under-tax land.  Rebalancing this anomaly – an economically damaging imbalance imposed by major land owners on other citizens – would dramatically realign the economy toward productive activity if the beneficiary pays.
Shrinking the distance between say Narre Warren and the CBD brings important efficiencies and would permanently raise land prices along the entire corridor between.  The Victorian government has the tool to ‘value capture’ enough of the uplift to square the equation.  It is called state land tax.  Use it.
David Collyer is policy director of <a href="https://www.prosper.org.au/" target="_blank">Prosper Australia</a>.
David ran as a Senate candidate for the Australian Democrats in the 2013 federal election.
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dcollyer-7rQRVBSdz6

Could value capture be the key to Melbourne's infrastructure development?

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Carinya, one of Anglesea's original residences, a five-bedroom Edwardian about 150 metres from the main beach and Anglesea river, is for sale. 
Marius Tekin of Hayden Real Estate suggests $1.5 million-plus was likely at <a href="https://www.hayden.com.au/view.cfm?OID=8132180&amp;tp=432_view" target="_blank">its January 31 auction</a>.
The 1921 landmark property comes with private garden on its 1,732 square metre Tonge Street cul de sac holding.
It last sold in early 2005 at $860,000 having been listed with $1 million hopes around Easter 2004.
CoreLogic RP Data puts the median price at <a href="/news">Anglesea</a> at around $642,500.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

1920s Anglesea Edwardian cottage for auction

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Slater and Gordon, the previously recommended legal firm for investors in a matter concerning two outer west Melbourne land banking arrangements, has written to hundreds of investors with warnings about the property schemes.
According to a Fairfax report, the law firm expressed concern last February around the secrecy of the developers behind the projects and included, no doubt disturbing, warnings that the investors may have not only overpaid, but been misled.
It seems that the land banking sites in question are linked to the family of notorious property spruiker Henry Kaye. There have been denials made to Fairfax that he was a beneficiary or unit holder.
Referring investors to Slater and Gordon was the company Market First Property Consulting, who used the law firm in their seminars across Melbourne, Sydney and Perth promoting ‘wholesale options’.
The managing partner of Market First is Henry Kaye’s sister Julian Feldman.
The free seminars include field trips out to their sites in an “on the road” style tour. Their website boasts that investors are able to buy at 10% to 20% less than the retail pricing seen in “premium residential projects”. It says that purchasers can secure the house and land packages and delay settlement for up to two years.
The office for Market First Property Consulting is based in Woolloomooloo, Sydney. The URL records for their website indicate that it is currently registered with Greg Klopper of Global1, who is in the same Woolloomooloo office building. Global1 runs wealth building and motivational seminars across the country.
Law firm Minter Ellison has been hired by Slater and Gordon to represent itself against investors that they previously recommended. They have suggested that investors seek independent legal advice.
Tell us what you know. Email: <a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
This article was updated on 13 January.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Henry Kaye link revealed to Melbourne land banking schemes

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A 3.9 x 6.1 metres boatshed, S28 Shelley Beach at Portsea, has been listed with $500,000 plus hopes for 24 January auction. 
Another boatshed on the beach (generic image above) set a record $585,000 in 2011 through RT Edgar Portsea.
In 2010 two young families paid $455,000 for their 22 square metre boatshed as a place to store their beach gear which eclipsed the previous record of $362,000 two years earlier.
The sand-coloured, rendered brick bathing box, S28 has been <a href="https://www.rtedgar.com.au/property/162240/boat-shed-s28-shelley-beach-portsea/" target="_blank">listed through RT Edgar Portsea</a> agents Warwick Anderson and Ilze Moran.  
"It is a rare opportunity to secure a fully rendered masonry boat shed close to the base of Campbells Road path, in excellent order with clear access to the beach," Moran said.
There are slim pickings for cliff top/beachfront properties among the limited 2015 Australia Day weekend auction offerings, with the prestige offerings offered by private treaty this summer.
Shelley Beach is considered Victoria's most exclusive holiday locale as its offers owners uninterrupted northern views over the bay.
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Portsea boatshed listed with $500,000 plus hopes

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There are 1,426 auctions scheduled this week in Melbourne compared to 1,598 for the same time last year.
The highest volume of auctions will be in <a href="/news">Reservoir </a>and <a href="/news">Richmond</a>, each are expecting 23 auctions.
The state election may be on this Saturday but it does not have a significant affect on the market, buyers are able to vote and bid with ease as polling places are open from 8am to 6pm.
With only four weeks to go for auctions this year one of the features of the year – more auctions – is clearly apparent. So far this year there have been more homes sold at auction, 26,402, than there was over the whole of 2013. In 2013 there were 25,350 home sold at auction.
On a citywide basis, the time on market results for houses sold at private sale was stable at a very low 31 days over the last week and vendor discounting eased slightly to -4.8%.
Key data
<ul>
<li>Clearance rate week ending 23 November: 66.1%</li>
<li>Melbourne auctions expected week ending 30 November: 1,426</li>
<li>Melbourne private sales time on market week ending 23 November: 31 days (houses)</li>
<li>Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending 23 November: -4.8% (houses)</li>
<li>Listings being prepared for market are 3.5% higher in month ending 23 November (seasonally adjusted)</li>
</ul>
Source: CoreLogic RP Data.
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Election no dampener on auction market: Melbourne weekend auction preview

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Not all Victorian real estate agents support the Real Estate Institute of Victoria's (REIV) anti-Liberal push ahead of the Victorian election.
The REIV started taking shots at the government after the Liberal party proposed changes to commercial real estate licensing requirements.
REIV president Enzo Raimondo <a href="/expert-insights/buying/victorias-proposed-commercial-licensing-changes-q-a-with-the-reivs-enzo-raimondo">told Property Observer </a>the changes would "open the industry up to unqualified and inexperienced operators - and potentially criminals - because there will be no probity checks, and the operators will not be required to maintain an audited trust account or comply with the requirements of the estate agents act".
Since then, the Victorian Coalition has announced it will step up laws against underquoting, a practice where agents deliberately misrepresent the price of a property before an auction to bait buyers. Raimondo labelled the proposal an "election stunt".
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/IainCarmichael1/status/537715177836134400" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/11/27/tweet-nov-27-one.png" alt=""></a>
The REIV's anti-Napthine campaign, which includes print and radio advertisements, has resulted in a dispute with the Council of Small Business Australia, who claim the use of their <a href="/news/vic/reiv-locked-in-dispute-with-small-business-body-over-victorian-election-advertising">logo on the REIV's advertisements</a> is unauthorised.
Jellis Craig director Iain Carmichael is among those critical of the REIV's election lobbying tactics.
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Tweet of the day: REIV's anti-Liberal campaign "reckless"

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The Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA), Small Business Minister Bruce Billson and the Real Estate Institute of Victoria are embroiled in a dispute ahead of this weekend’s Victorian election.
The dispute started after Victoria’s real estate industry body slammed a Liberal election commitment to end underquoting as “unnecessary” and an “election stunt”.
In a statement released last week, COSBOA executive director Peter Strong backed the REIV, claiming the state government had "made a mistake by supporting the biggest landlords in Australia against the interests of small businesses and consumers".
The REIV then released advertisements accusing Victorian Premier Denis Napthine of jeopardising 60,000 jobs.
“The Liberals’ new real estate laws hurt small business and cost jobs,” the poster states.
“On November 29 vote them out.”
The poster includes the REIV, COSBOA and Real Estate Institute of Australia logo.
<img src="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/images/REIV%20poster.JPG" alt="">
But COSBOA claims it never authorised the use of its logo despite Strong’s statement supporting the REIV’s campaign.
Billson, whose federal electorate of Dunkley includes the marginal state seat of Frankston, says he stepped in after seeing the advertisement.
“I was flabbergasted by the tone and blatantly partisan nature of the ad which had COSBOA’s logo attached to it, an organisation which has long held the view that it is apolitical and focuses on policy and doesn’t get into the blatant politicking displayed in the ad,” he said.
Billson contacted COSBOA’s then chairman, Robert Mallett, who he was surprised to learn “knew nothing of it” and claimed the use of COSBOA’s logo was “without any authorisation”.
“They were horrified and thought it was done in a quite underhanded way and risked extraordinary reputational damage for COSBOA,” he says.
“I feel sorry for the chair and the board of COSBOA; this is a controversy not of their making. I don’t know what led the REIV to think this was an appropriate way to push its singular issue when the small business interests of Victorian enterprise is a much broader discussion.” 
The fallout at <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/44777-cosboa-names-new-chair-and-deputy-chair-gwa-group-sells-dux-hot-water-for-46-million-midday-roundup" target="_blank">COSBOA has been immediate</a> with Mallett departing yesterday and Paul Nielsen appointed as chairman in his place.
COSBOA’s deputy chair, Amanda Lynch, who is chief executive of the REIA, was also replaced by Teresa Mitchell.
Nielsen issued a statement claiming the use of the COSBOA logo in the advertisements was placed unbeknown to COSBOA and without the authority of the COSBOA board.
“Any inference that these advertisements reflect the policy position of COSBOA is expressly denied,” Nielsen said.
Strong said despite his statement supporting the REIV he did not agree to the use of COSBOA’s logo on the posters.
“I would never try to tell people who to vote for,” he says.
Paul Bird, spokesperson for the REIV, says COSBOA’s claim it did not authorise the use of its logo is “an interesting approach”.
Bird says the REIV may comment further but at the time of publication no further response was available.  
SmartCompany also contacted the REIA but did not receive a response.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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REIV locked in dispute with small business body over Victorian election advertising

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The Victorian Greens are the only party that have committed to a review of the retirement housing sector in the next political term.
Ahead of this weekend's state election, the Consumer Action Law Centre has been lobbying political parties to commit to a review of the Retirement Villages Act 2010 and retirement housing sector more generally.
According to the Consumer Action Law Centre, the major parties are yet to promise any reform or review of retirement housing policy. Neither Victorian Labor nor Liberal have advertised any policies regarding retirement housing ahead of the election.
The Greens, however, have promised to launch a parliamentary inquiry into the housing retirement sector and act on subsequent recommendations.
They claim their actions will "ensure older people are not ripped off".
"The Greens will act on the recommendations of the inquiry to reform retirement housing legislation to ensure it reflects the diversity of retirement housing types and includes proper consumer protections, dispute resolution procedures, fair pricing, and consistent, simplified management standards and regulations across the sector", states the <a href="https://greens.org.au/vic" target="_blank">Victorian Greens website</a>.
The Consumer Action Law Centre claims current retirement housing practices include "overly complex contract terms and unfair fee structures".
Denise Boyd, director of Policy and Campaigns at Consumer Action, said: "We've heard from residents who'd chosen certain retirement accommodation because it offered stability for their later years. But, in fact, many contracts include deferred management fees of up to 40% of the total cost. Hiding the cost of accommodation in high fees to be paid upon departure is unfair – these costs can surprise family members or limit aged care options when leaving the retirement accommodation."
She also said the centre has seen contracts requiring residents to pay for capital improvements when they leave their rented retirement accommodation.
"Refreshing the properties is reasonable, but this is being used by village owners to charge departing residents upwards of $50,000 for entirely new kitchens and bathrooms," said Boyd.
"These are capital works, not refurbishment, and should be paid for by the owners, not residents."
According to Boyd, personal briefings with Liberal and Labor Party members did not result in any commitments to improve the sector after the election.
"This issue affects thousands of Victorian voters and we'd hoped all parties would make clear statements of intent to sort out this unacceptable and unfair situation," she said.
 
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Victorian Greens commit to retirement housing review ahead of state election

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This dilapidated home last sold for $15,000 in early 2011 and was on the market for $20,000 this year.
It has now been secured for $19,000, reflecting a 7% annual growth.
It was Victoria's cheapest detached house, albeit uninhabitable, on offer at the time, listed through Wayne Heard at Elders Real Estate in Bendigo.
<a href="https://www.eldersrealestate.com.au/office/bendigo/residential/buy/property-house-vic-korong-vale-566293" target="_blank">124 Vernon Street, Korong Vale</a> is on 998 square metres of land, a short drive from gold mining town Wedderburn.
<a href="/news">Korong Value</a> is about two and a half hours from Melbourne CBD.
The dearest in the town <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-korong+vale-113713363" target="_blank">now for sale is $75,000</a>.
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