Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

Joel Robinson

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

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

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

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

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

NAB funds $1 billion Surfers Paradise apartment development, Palmera

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

First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party

Victoria

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Property investor Richard Moseley’s Bonnie Doon holiday shack near Lake Eildon in Victoria – which featured in the 1997 comedy The Castle as the serene holiday home of the Kerrigan family – has returned to the market.
Moseley proudly secured <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/3491-maintongoon-road-bonnie-doon/Property-Details-buy-residential-7906790" target="_blank">the property</a> for $169,950 in 2006 but then wanted out, unsuccessfully, in 2011.
The two-bedroom cottage – located 165 kilometres from Melbourne at 3491 Maintongoon Road – was listed then at $195,000. After no doubt being told that he was "dreaming", the asking price eased to $169,950.
John Canavan First National agent Ryan Daykin has it listed at $240,000, <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/2014/11/07/18/10/darryl-kerrigans-famous-victorian-castle-back-on-the-market" target="_blank">Channel 9 News</a><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/2014/11/07/18/10/darryl-kerrigans-famous-victorian-castle-back-on-the-market" target="_blank"> reported</a>.
Moseley, a Sydney telecommunications technician, bought it sight unseen – other than of course having viewed the iconic movie.
It has been a popular rental since featured as the original holiday home of the Kerrigans - headed by actor Michael Caton -  from Australia's favourite movie, The Castle. The home consists of two bedrooms, open plan kitchen, dining and living area, bathroom and laundry.
It is situated on a good-sized block opposite the lake and approximately 500 metres from the boat ramp.
Actor Michael Caton headed the cast including Sophie Lee as his daughter Tracy, Eric Bana as son-in-law Con and Bud Tingwell as Lawrence Hammill, the QC who helped them save their cherished home under the flight path.
 
The cast only spent one day there - with the film shot in just 11 days.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Kerrigan's The Castle Bonnie Doon holiday shack back for sale

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Kostantinos Balasis, a former Craigieburn real estate agent, has been sentenced to a 12 month jail term with six months non-parole after his appeal was rejected by the Victorian County Court.
Balasis had admitted to trust account offences that totalled deficiencies of $438,395.
Not only was his appeal recently rejected, but his previous compensation order of $203,992 was hiked up to $305,092. He is also liable to pay costs.
Had Balasis not plead guilty, Magistrate Patrick Sothey warned he would have imposed a 20 month prison sentence with 10 month non-parole period.
His sentence was ruled appropriate by the Court on appeal due to the large sum of money involved, breach of trust, breach of statutory duty and breach of fiduciary obligations to his consumers.
Balasis’ company Victorian Realty Group Pty Ltd operated as Century 21 Complete Properties Craigieburn from 2009 to 2012.
Between January 2011 and August 2011, he converted $346,900 worth of deposits from 12 Craigieburn townhouses for his personal use, without returning it. He also did not pay two sellers of a property in Roxburgh Park the $25,000 he was holding for them in April 2012. First, he gave them a cheque that bounced before providing a second cheque, which also bounced.
In May 2012, Balasis failed to provide two home buyers a deposit of $35,995 after they rescinded from buying a Craigieburn home. The cheque also bounced in this instance.
In July 2012, Balasis neglected to pay a seller the $30,500 deposit that she was entitled to after selling her home.
Consumer Affairs Victoria began an investigation of Century 21 Craigieburn in April of that year, seizing documents that lead to criminal prosecution.
The affected consumers have made claims against the Victorian Property Fund.
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Former Craigieburn agent loses appeal against 12 month jail sentence

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There has been fierce debate around commercial licensing recently. The Real Estate Institute of Victoria's (REIV) Enzo Raimondo is particularly against the recent changes.
Here's a Q&amp;A with Raimondo explainging why they oppose the gazetted regulatory changes.
What are the changes to commercial licensing?
The Victorian government has gazetted a regulatory change which enables anyone involved in the sale of real estate other than residential or rural land, will be exempt from the licensing requirements of the Estate Agents Act where,
<ul>
<li>The price in the contract of sale is at least $15 million or the property has a total gross floor space of at least 10,000 square metres.</li>
<li>Each party to the sale purchase or exchange of real estate owns other real estate with a total value of at least $15 million or a total floor space of at least 10,000 square metres.</li>
</ul>
Anyone involved in the leasing of real estate other than residential property or rural land, will be exempt from the licensing requirements of the act if the person or company for whom the person is acting owns property with a total of at least $15 million or a total floor space of at least 10,000 square metres.
It should be noted that the ALP, on Monday announced that it will review these changes if elected in Victoria at the upcoming state election on 29 November.
How does the REIV believe this will affect the industry and consumers?
It will create a two-tiered system where some agents will be licensed (for sales and leasing transactions below the threshold) and others won’t be licensed.
This will 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.
This will lead to a high level of financial risk to vendors, purchasers, landlords and tenants and means that thousand s of small businesses in Victoria will lose the inherent safeguards provided by the estate agents act.
This will hurt small business tenant in Victoria and may lead to increased rents, prices and put thousands of jobs at risk.  
What will the REIV be doing to stop the changes?
The REIV continues to lobby both sides of government in regard to the changes, and is running a public campaign leading up the state election (and beyond).
Are there any other changes to commercial licensing that should be implemented?
There is already an exemption in place for large commercial transactions between related parties, which the REIV believes is sufficient to meet the needs of a wide variety of stakeholders involved in these transactions. For this reason there is no need for the changes that have been proposed.
They represent deregulation of the commercial and industrial estate agency practice, yet are being promoted as red tape reduction.  
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Victoria's proposed commercial licensing changes: Q&A with the REIV's Enzo Raimondo

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Melbourne’s strong recent growth means that more modest increases should be expected going forward, according to Opteon Victoria’s head of residential Stuart Bridgeman.
With slowing household income growth, cost of living pressures and housing affordability concerns, he expects subtler increases over the coming months.
However, Bridgeman notes that there are still areas with strong demand – which could be good news for those looking to sell up their property in these locations.
“General demand in the market has been increasing from late 2013 up until now and we would expect this to continue, albeit at a slower rate, than previous years,” he said.
“As we see stronger and weaker pockets form throughout Victoria, it is important for investors and those looking to sell to remember that any growth in value is dictated by supply and demand and this will vary between suburbs and even precincts within suburbs.”
What is in demand:
<ul>
<li>High quality, well-renovated properties in prime positions</li>
<li>Older, character-style housing (still attracting a premium from buyers)</li>
<li>The middle and outer, eastern Melbourne suburbs are seeing significant demand</li>
<li>Properties located in popular school zones</li>
<li>Outside of the CBD, infill developments and new townhouses are proving popular with first home buyers. This is largely in the Western and Northern growth corridors</li>
</ul>
Weaker demand seen for:
<ul>
<li>Inner city high-rise apartments in the CBD and nearby locations (an oversupply could continue on for the next few years)</li>
<li>Melbourne’s outer south-east</li>
</ul>
“While many highrise apartments are being acquired by overseas purchasers and SMSF investors, we could see these numbers drop-off as the economy weakens and proposed changes to overseas investment are implemented,” Bridgeman said.
“In-fill developments are proving particularly attractive for first home buyers,  especially developments that are made up of three to six townhouse style properties.”
However, he warns new home buyers to ensure they know exactly what they’re buying. While the stock can appear to be good, small room sizes can be dysfunctional.
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What Victorian buyers want: The in-demand property types

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A substantial rezoning and fast tracking of applications has been occurring in Geelong, according to Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy.
Announcing the fast tracking of “job-creating major projects” in Geelong, Guy noted that there would be a number of substantial changes in the area.
These included approving the Armstrong Creek Town Centre structure plan, rezoning the Lovely Banks future growth area to an Urban Growth Zone and the final implementation of reformed residential zones across Geelong.
The Fyansford residential and commercial development has been streamlined, approval given to the Winchelsea-Colac Princes Highway duplication, a sustainable farms agribusiness project at Lara and a retail and logistics precinct at Avalon Airport.
The industrial precincts, including the Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct, will also see fast tracked planning approvals.
“We will put in place fast-tracked approvals for manufacturing, warehousing and logistics projects by July 2015. With this new reform, Geelong’s industrial precincts will be the most attractive in the state for job-generating investment,” Guy said.
“This reform will boost the Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct as an ideal location for investment.”
The residential zone implementation are looking to both protect neighbourhood character and stimulate the construction industry with new infill projects “where appropriate”.
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Geelong rezoning to reform residential zones: Matthew Guy

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A month out from a state election, the Victorian Napthine government has seriously stung the state's real estate agents.
Last week, the government announced that agents handling the sale or lease of commercial real estate valued over $15 million or at with floor space of least 10,000 square metres will no longer need a licence.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/geoffwhite/status/527206198949314560" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/10/29/tweet-oct-29-one.jpg" alt=""></a>
Some licensed real estate agents, including Geoff White of Lucas Real Estate, aren't happy.
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria has already pledged $1 million to campaign against the government's changes, which it claims will damage small business and increase risks for consumers as agents may not be required to use trust accounts or have insurance.
The Coalition government claims the measures will "reduce red tape".
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Real estate agents push back against Napthine's reforms: Tweet of the day

The top 10 metro and regional Victorian suburbs for first home owner grants

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A boutique family business has won the 2014 Victorian Master Builder of the Year award in the residential category with a distinctive Elwood home.
Peter and Ann Marie Apostoli's <a href="https://armadillohomes.com.au/" target="_blank">Armadillo Homes</a> designed and built the winning house around an existing structure – a 1920s brick home that had undergone significant destructive renovations.
The house now features three levels where there were once two, each with ocean views.
<img src="/images/2014/10/24/Armadillo%20living%203.jpg" alt="">
Master Builders chief executive Radley de Silva described the site's previous house as a "signature property in a prime location" that "had lost its character and purpose".
Of Armadillo Homes' work, de Silva said: "Their vision was to restore the spirit of the home in a way that honoured its past through a modern and innovative interpretation of a family home and they achieved this brilliantly.
"Armadillo Homes attention to detail was impeccable in restoring this home beyond its original glory."
<img src="/images/2014/10/24/Armadillo%203rd%20level%20side%20view.jpg" alt="">
The house's distinctive copper cladding reflects Armadillo Homes director Peter Apostoli's interest in the durability and sustainability of age old building methods. Stone, stainless steel and recycled timber are also used throughout the home.
Constructed using low maintenance materials which develop with time, the contemporary home has enduring appeal, rather than conforming to the fleeting fashions of the moment.
Internal structures of the existing house were removed to improve flow, light and the relation of internal spaces to the external environment.
 <img src="/images/2014/10/24/Armadillo%20kitchen%20full%20view.jpg" alt="">
Views from all three levels have been enhanced, while lower level of the home now spills out onto the outdoor entertaining and pool area via aluminium stacker doors.
 <img src="/images/2014/10/24/armadillo%20alfresco.jpg" alt="">
Armadillo Homes is a small company, developing a low volume of high quality homes. Peter Apostoli told Property Observer the business delivers bespoke end-to-end services.
"We sit down with a customer and develop their ideas, right through from the conceptional brain storming to the final fitout and even custom furnishings if required," said Apostoli.
Their intention to create custom homes with lasting value is apparent in their choice of materials and construction methods, and sets the Elwood home apart from many new family residences in Melbourne – "foam boxes", Apostoli said, that he prefers not to work on.
After winning the Victorian Master Builder of the Year award, Armadillo Homes will compete at the 2014 National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards on 21 November.
According to Master Builders' de Silva, Armadillo Homes "typify the quality craftsmanship, dedication and passion of Victorian Master Builders".
"As with any art, the true art comes from passion and hard work," said Apostoli.
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Armadillo Homes takes out Victorian Master Builder of the Year award

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Melbourne stockbroker Steve Gillon has listed his Victorian rural holding at Merton-Mansfield for auction with expectations of more than $1.2 million.
The 75-hectare Rosevale is an elegant country retreat with a productive beef cattle farm and stud. 
Gillon, and his wife Di have held it for 35 years.
Located in northeast Victoria, Rosevale is 8 kilometres from Lake Eildon, an hour from the snowfields of Mount Buller and two hours from Melbourne. 
It has a stock holding capacity of 400 head of cattle and is a full blood Wagyu cattle operation with associated sheds, cattle yards and storage. There are nine spring fed dams and a new electric bore that that feeds a holding tank for the stock and residence.
The Rosevale homestead is a graceful trophy home with sympathetic extensions built by local craftsmen. It has five bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office and large formal and informal living rooms. A large fireplace is built from antique Hawthorn bricks. 
Listing agent Matt Childs from <a href="https://www.prh.com.au/listing?listing_id=1515" target="_blank">Pat Rice &amp; Hawkins</a> says the estate is likely to attract lifestylers given its productive pastures and the nature of Rosevale as classic rural retreat. 
It will be auctioned on site on November 8.
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Rosevale, Mansfield district farm listed

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There are still some suburbs with cheap median prices, as you can see from the below list of 13 suburbs where median unit prices are under $200,000.

The statistics, from RP Data, are all from suburbs where sales of 10 or more units have taken place.

Of course, just because it's cheap doesn't mean you should buy it; <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-40-cheapest-property-markets-are-they-really-a-good-place-to-buy">ensure you do your due diligence</a>.

Here are the 13 suburbs:

<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Ballarat Central</a> 
	$175,000 
	 </li>
	<li>
<a href="/news">Doreen</a> 
	$169,000 
	 </li>
	<li>
<a href="/news">Horsham</a> 
	$182,000 
	 </li>
	<li>
<a href="/news">Maryborough</a> 
	$174,000 
	 </li>
	<li>
<a href="/news">Melton South</a> 
	$197,000 
	 </li>
	<li>
<a href="/news">Mildura</a> 
	$163,000 
	 </li>
	<li>
<a href="/news">Moe</a> 
	$140,000 
	 </li>
	<li>
<a href="/news">Sale</a> 
	$180,000 
	 </li>
	<li>
<a href="/news">Traralgon</a> 
	$190,000 
	 </li>
	<li>
<a href="/news">Wangaratta</a> 
	$156,000 
	 </li>
	<li>
<a href="/news">West Wodonga</a> 
	$183,000 
	 </li>
	<li>
<a href="/news">Wodonga</a> 
	$190,000 
	 </li>
	<li>
<a href="/news">Yarrawonga</a> 
	$196,000</li>
</ol>
[smartcode_project:default project_id=4046]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22803]

Source: RP Data
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