As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Joel Robinson

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

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.

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"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]

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

Victoria

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Victorians will soon go to the polls to decide who will be responsible for the management of the state for the next four years. Voters are confronted with many issues on which they must pass judgement, with roads, railways and ports all prominent in the debate. But what are the key characteristics of the Victorian economy?
Economic modelling at Victoria University’s Centre of Policy Studies tells us about the types of jobs Victorians can expect to be doing over the next few years. The Victorian economy employs around 2.9 million people. In line with growth in both the population and the economy, this is set to increase by around 300,000 people by 2020.
<h3>Which industries are winning</h3>
In Victoria, as in Australia as a whole, the vast majority of jobs are in the service industries. This is a diverse group of industries including (but not limited to) retail trade, health and social assistance, professional and technical services, transport and warehousing and public administration and safety. The non-service industries – agriculture, mining, manufacturing, utilities and construction – comprise just below 23% of jobs in Victoria. For the remainder of this decade, the proportion of jobs in service industries will increase only slightly, to almost 78% of jobs by 2020.
At a more detailed level, greater change is revealed. As the construction phase of the mining boom draws to an end, employment in the construction industry will fall from its present level of 8.5% of jobs to just 7% of jobs in 2020. This partly reflects the transitory impact the mining boom has had on the construction sector. The “release” of many construction workers into the economy over the next couple of years could be a boon to major government-backed infrastructure projects.
Construction is the only sector in which employment is forecast to fall. Manufacturing, agriculture and transport and warehousing are forecast to expand, more than compensating for the fall in construction activity. These sectors have a similar skills profile to construction, employing relatively large proportions of workers with no post-school qualifications or Certificate I-IV level qualifications.
<h3>Manufacturing surprise</h3>
The positive forecast for manufacturing may seem surprising, given the high-profile announcements of closures of the last motor vehicle manufacturing plants in Victoria. Manufacturing in Victoria employs around 270,000 people, of which 10% work in the motor vehicle and parts sector.
On the whole, manufacturing is a very trade-exposed activity. Products are either exported (for example, processed food products, wine and pharmaceuticals) or they compete against imports in the domestic market (for example, textiles, pharmaceuticals, motor vehicles and various types of appliances). Because of this, movements in the exchange rate have a very significant impact on manufacturing. Throughout the “boom” years, with the exchange rate very high, manufacturing has been uncompetitive, a phenomenon known as “Dutch Disease”. Motor vehicle manufacturing has been a conspicuous casualty.
<a href="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/65351/area14mp/image-20141124-19612-16ii7uc.png"><img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/65351/width668/image-20141124-19612-16ii7uc.png" alt=""></a>
As the boom unwinds, the effects of Dutch Disease will also unwind. A large fall in the Australian dollar will revive the competitiveness of manufacturing, more than compensating for the loss of the motor vehicle plants. Export-oriented sectors like agriculture and education will also benefit from a fall in the Australian dollar.
The professional and technical services sector is forecast to expand the most, gaining 44,000 jobs by 2020. This sector includes activities such as legal and accounting services, architectural, engineering and technical services, and computer services.
Almost half of all people working in professional and technical services hold a bachelor degree or higher qualification. By 2020, this is estimated to have grown to 53% of people working in the sector. In Victoria as a whole, 28% of people employed hold at least a bachelor degree.
Another significant source of employment growth is the health and social assistance sector. Although only <a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-g20-growth-challenge-protecting-our-standard-of-living-33837" target="_blank">weak growth is forecast for domestic incomes</a>, leading to weak growth in domestic demand, health and social assistance is a significant expenditure item for older Australians. While the average household spends just over 5% of their budget on medical care and health expenses, households where the reference person is aged over 65 spend almost 10%. Government spending on health care will also increase as the population ages.
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<h3>State of the regions</h3>
Melbourne accounts for 75% of employment in Victoria. Two-thirds of growth in Melbourne will be concentrated in five sectors: professional and technical services, manufacturing, health and social assistance, transport and warehousing, and education and training.
Differences in the underlying structures of regional economies mean that overall performance is varied.
For example, in Barwon, an area including the regional city of Geelong, the manufacturing sector has a relatively large representation of motor vehicle manufacturing. As a result, Barwon’s manufacturing sector is forecast to grow more slowly than the state average, and Barwon is forecast to be the slowest-growing regional economy. However, for the reasons given above, growth is still positive in Barwon manufacturing.
Strong forecast growth in the agriculture sector is the main contributor to growth in several regional economies. In the Wimmera, Western Districts, the Mallee, Goulbourn, East Gippsland, Gippsland and Ovens-Murray, growth in agriculture will contribute between 20% and 50% of regional employment growth.
In the Wimmera, the Mallee and the Western Districts, the agriculture sector currently accounts for a fifth of jobs. However, the Wimmera and the Western Districts are the regions with the highest forecast growth rates, while the Mallee is one of the slowest. Although all agricultural economies, the nature of agriculture in these regions is quite different. The strongly growing agricultural activities sheep, beef, grains and dairy are well represented in the Wimmera and Western Districts. However, Mallee agriculture includes a sizable portion of fruit growing, an activity with a relatively low growth forecast.
<a href="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/65326/area14mp/image-20141124-19627-10m4ak0.png"><img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/65326/width668/image-20141124-19627-10m4ak0.png" alt=""></a>
Agriculture is relatively less important in the economies of the Central Highlands (including Ballarat) and Loddon (including Bendigo). While agriculture will account for around 10% of employment growth in these regions, health, education and manufacturing are forecast to be of greater significance, accounting for around 40% of growth in employment.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/33831/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Janine Dixon is senior research fellow at <a href="https://www.vu.edu.au/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Victoria University</a>.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>.
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JanineDixon-cHemc6fRVX

Victoria votes: Where will the growth and jobs of the future be?

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Apartments aren’t always a cheap alternative to a home, and in recent years beautiful prestige developments have been built across Australia – many even spanning the size of a standard detached house.
Looking to CoreLogic RP Data’s statistics, 12 Melbourne suburbs emerged with median apartment prices above $700,000.
Here are the 12 that made the list (with sufficient volume to be meaningful).
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Albert Park</a> $863,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Balwyn North</a> $829,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Brighton</a> $817,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Brighton East</a> $804,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Mont Albert North</a> $775,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Toorak</a> $768,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Canterbury</a> $750,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Kew East</a> $749,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Ashburton</a> $731,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Beaumaris</a> $720,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Port Melbourne</a> $715,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Caulfield South</a> $708,000</li>
</ol>
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

The 12 priciest suburbs to buy an apartment in Victoria

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Bloomdale at Diggers Rest is the long-term project of development company Investa Land, with 3,500 lots in total to be built.
Given that as of the 2011 Census the population of Diggers Rest was at 2,275, it’s clear that this will be the development that puts the area on the map.
The project is <a href="/news/vic/big-plans-for-diggers-rest">a 15-year plan for the area, a slow and steady house and land sales effort </a>that won’t change the suburb overnight.
Currently, almost all the properties on listings websites are for new builds, house and land, or land on its own. The established properties on the market tend to be larger, or acreage blocks.
<a href="https://www.bloomdale.com.au/" target="_blank">Bloomdale</a> properties are priced from $161,900 for land and house and land from $322,000, with blocks spanning 336 square metres to 626 square metres.
It quickly emerges that Investa isn’t the only development group trying their hand in the area, although it seems they are by far the largest.
<a href="https://stivesestate.com.au/" target="_blank">St Ives</a>, a development from Core Projects, has recently been launched. Stage one includes 420 square metre lots to 676 square metres from $200,000 at 1468 Old Calder Highway. Their 300 lots have a completion expectation of December 2018.
Property Observer went to Bloomdale to speak to Paul O’Brien, general manager at Investa Land about the development and what can be expected for the future on the often-forgotten north western side of Melbourne.
{qtube vid:=u5itbp9a81I}
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Video: The emerging north-west Melbourne suburb of Diggers Rest

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When purchasing an investment apartment, it's not uncommon for rental yield and cash flow to be on the list of "top concerns" for the buyer.
Apartments can provide decent cash flow in some locations, usually at a lower price point than for a house in the same area.
Looking to the latest available list of RP Data's suburb statistics, Property Observer found Victoria's highest yielding suburbs and how far from Melbourne's CBD you have to go to find them.
These 12 suburbs range from 6% rental yield upwards from as close as 22 kilometres from the CBD.
Click on the suburb name to go to a more in depth data page:
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Meadow Heights</a></li>
</ul>
6.01%
22 kilometres from Melbourne CBD
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Truganina</a></li>
</ul>
6.10%
24 kilometres from Melbourne CBD
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Melton</a></li>
</ul>
6.29%
45 kilometres from Melbourne CBD
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Melton South</a></li>
</ul>
6.12%
46 kilometres from Melbourne CBD
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Cranbourne West</a></li>
</ul>
7.28%
50 kilometres from Melbourne CBD
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Alfredton</a></li>
</ul>
7.08%
120 kilometres from Melbourne CBD
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Inverloch</a></li>
</ul>
18.20%
147 kilometres from Melbourne CBD
Note: This statistical anomaly is due to the area’s high frequency of holiday home rentals. Many ask in excess of $2,500 per week for tightly held beach retreat units, while the apartment properties that hit the market regularly tend to be small two or three bedroom offering around the $180,000 to $350,000 mark. It’s unlikely this type of yield is realistically attainable.
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Yarrawonga</a></li>
</ul>
6.21%
275 kilometres from Melbourne CBD
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Horsham</a></li>
</ul>
6.43%
300 kilometres from Melbourne CBD
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">West Wodonga</a></li>
</ul>
6.00%
321 kilometres from Melbourne CBD
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Wodonga</a></li>
</ul>
6.20%
322 kilometres from Melbourne CBD
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Mildura</a></li>
</ul>
6.23%
542 kilometres from Melbourne CBD
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The 12 highest yielding unit suburbs in Victoria

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Paul Nugent from Wakelin Property Advisory recently sought out SongBowden Planning’s Daniel Bowden to ask how Victoria's new planning zones affect property owners.
Bowden explained that the planning process is really about outcomes, and the primary change for residential property owners and investors has been the introduction of three zones.
These are the three zones:
<ol>
<li>
Neighbourhood Residential Zone 
</li>
<li>
General Residential Zone 
</li>
<li>Residential Growth Zone</li>
</ol>
He explains that it’s best to consider them like traffic lights in terms of how development will be accepted in those areas – that is, the Neighbourhood Residential Zone is a red light, the General Residential Zone is an orange light and the Residential Growth Zone is a green light.
For those in a Neighbourhood Residential Zone, the aim is to limit change and respect character.
For the General Residential Zone it’s to develop where appropriate and have some opportunity for development that’s not too intense.
In the Residential Growth Zones it’s about looking beyond character and maximising development opportunities.
“Developers are looking for sites in these growth zones and steering away from areas where it’s suggested to not be appropriate anymore,” said Bowden.
He explained that the controls do appear to protect residents from big development from happening next door to them in the “red” areas. However, if you own property in an area promoted for development, then your expectations are going to possibly need to change as a large development may occur next to you.
You can see their full thoughts in the video below.
{qtube vid:=R3qWakcq18o}
{mijopolls 63}
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Victoria’s three planning zones and how they affect you

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Lake Marmal Vineyards in central Victoria has been listed for sale.
Situated between Charlton and Boort, the 298 hectare property comprises a 172 hectare vineyard established in 1998.
The vineyard is planted to Shiraz (67%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (27%) varieties, with the remainder comprising some minor plantings of Durif, Mourvedre and Sangiovese.
It has a current grape supply agreement in place until 2018 with one of Australia’s largest wine producers.
CBRE Agribusiness agents Chris Holgar, James Beer and Phil Schell have been appointed to sell the central Victoria vineyard taking offers until 16 December.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Central Victoria's Lake Marmal Vineyards for sale

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The restaurant, bar and entertainment venue Wellers of Kangaroo Ground, at the gateway to Victoria's Yarra Valley, has been sold.
Fitzroys, in conjunction with local agency Morrison Kleeman, secured $1.675 million.
The 8,760 square metre property was sold with a new 10-year lease to Wellers, which dates back to 1872.
The property returns $145,000 per annum net, with the price paid reflecting a yield of 8.6%. 
Fitzroy selling agent Dean Alexander, a local resident, said interest from the property came from overseas buyers. However, the purchaser was a consortium of local investors.
<img src="/images/2014/11/12/2.jpg" alt="">
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Wellers, Kangaroo Ground property sold with leaseback

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Victorian politicians' $136 million of property: What hope is there of housing policy reform?

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The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) have suspended a Langwarrin real estate agent for failing to exert adequate control over her agency.
Gayle Stewart’s real estate licence has been suspended until January 2015 after she failed in a number of her duties as officer in effective control of 11th Empire Pty Ltd, trading as LJ Hooker Langwarrin.
The company traded from mid-2012 to February 2014.
Consumer Affairs Victoria suspended Stewart and 11th Empire in July 2013, before filing VCAT proceedings.
VCAT suspended Stewart for a further nine months. In total, Stewart's licence will was suspended for a total of 18 months.
The company went into liquidation after their licences were suspended.
Stewart was found to have failed to supervise the agency business, which she was responsible for, as well as failed to establish procedures to ensure that business was done legally and with good practice and to monitor the business to ensure compliance.
Stewart did not make proper enquiries. For instance, when co-signing cheques to a value of more than $100,000 from the agency’s general account, even when she doubted the honesty of the person receiving the funds.
She had also signed cheques after funds were incorrectly put into the general account, rather than the agency’s trust account. While she did not know this at the time, she was told she should have conducted further enquiries. Stewart was also reprimanded for failing to control the real estate agency.
VCAT warned that the officer in effective control’s role is pivotal to protect the public. Those in this role who are not in effective control should resign, even when acting honestly.
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Victorian agent suspended for failing to control agency

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Muntham Station, between Coleraine and Casterton, first settled by the Henty family, has been listed for sale by the Oldham family.
It is listed through <a href="https://www.eldersrealestate.com.au/rural/buy/property-grazing-vic-hamilton-595166" target="_blank">Elders</a> agent Shane McIntrye for November 14 expressions of interest.
<a href="https://www.munthamstation.com" target="_blank">The property</a> in the Western District of Victoria, was dubbed by NSW Surveyor General Major Thomas Mitchell as 'Australia Felix' in 1836.
In 1836 Mitchell recommended the Hentys travel inland from Portland to see for themselves and soon after they settled at Muntham and neighbouring Merino Downs and Sandford.
The Henty family had left England several years earlier given poor prospects after the Napoleonic wars persuaded Thomas Henty to sell his Sussex farm and begin a new life with his wife, daughter, seven sons and a flock of Spanish merino sheep.
The family was granted more than 80,000 acres (32,000 hectares) on the Swan River in Western Australia and James Henty, the eldest son, sailed with stock and laborers in 1829. He failed to find good land and sailed to Launceston in 1831 where his mother, sister and four of his brothers including Edward.
Settlement in the Port Phillip District then part of New South Wales was forbidden, but Edward Henty first saw Portland Bay in April 1833 when sailing on his brother's boat, the Thistle, en route to collect whaling oil at Spencer Gulf.
The unauthorised third and last Henty migration landed on 19 November 1834.
The original section of the 1836 homestead remains one of the earliest structures in Victoria, extended in the 1850-60s, and in 1907 a kitchen wing was added. Servants rooms were also built at the rear of the house and at the turn of the twentieth century, a charming schoolhouse was erected to the rear of the main building.
It is now a beautiful, completely charming 6BR home in extensive English style gardens on Muntham Hill overlooking the Wennicot Creek.
The colonial artist Sir Thomas Clark painted the homestead in 1874.
While the original woolshed burnt down in 1920, the red brick barn, thought to have been built in the 1840s, sits at the rear of the homestead. It is believed to be the oldest brick building still standing on a farm in Victoria and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Database and by the National Trust of Victoria, who consider it culturally and architecturally significant to Victoria’s heritage.
It was modelled on English farmhouse traditions of the early nineteenth century and is more Georgian in character, typical of Tasmanian buildings of the era. 
Successive owners, the Mackinnon, Ellis, Lobb, Dickinson, Hryckow and Oldham families – have all been worthy custodians.
It now harvests olive oil from its 350-tree grove, as well as produce an enviable Pinot Noir from its boutique vineyard. The farm is currently stocking 300 Angus breeders and calves, 60 retained heifers, 12 bulls, 300 ewes and lambs, and 160 hoggets.
<img src="/images/2014/11/10/muntham%20nov%2010%20one.jpg" alt="">
Picture: Edward HENTY 1809-1878 standing on wool bales at "Muntham" Woolshed, Carapook with some of his workers in the foreground with the original HENTY plough. Source: <a href="https://www.swvic.org/" target="_blank">Glenelg &amp; Wannon Settlers &amp; Settlement</a>.
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