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

Joel Robinson

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

<main data-perf-region="main">
Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

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

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

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

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

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

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

Victoria

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Low priced land has a lot of people talking and in Victoria there are a few blocks available on the cheap.
Land prices in Melbourne’s city-fringe housing estates <a href="/expert-insights/building/outer-melbourne-land-tracking-at-four-year-lows-oliver-hume">continue to hover at around four-year lows, according to Oliver Hume</a>.
However, how far away do you need to get from the capital to secure blocks at prices as ludicrously low as $2 per square metre?
<a target="_blank" href="">Lot 7</a>, as well as<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-netherby-200831835" target="_blank"> Lot 17</a> (pictured below), on Netherby Baker Road, Netherby are both on the market for $11,500 each.
The listing notes that the land is rural residential in the <a href="/news">Netherby </a>township, “which boasts a pub” and is 20 minutes from larger town <a href="/news">Nhill</a>. It is an hour from the city of <a href="/news">Horsham</a>, and 20 minutes from Victoria’s largest recreational lake – Lake Hindmarsh.
Netherby is 405 kilometres north west of Melbourne.
They are each listed as being approximately 1,011 square metres.
This works out at approximately $11 per square metre.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-netherby-200831107/"><img src="/images/2014/08/29/netherby%20uag%2029%20one.jpg" alt=""></a>
 
<img src="/images/2014/08/29/netherby%20uag%2029%20two.jpg" alt="">
Another 1,011 square metre block at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-kaniva-200629727" target="_blank">12 Moore Street, Kaniva</a> (pictured below) is up for sale for $13,500. It has electricity, water and sewerage adjacent to the block and faces the Native Botanical Reserve.
<a href="/news">Kaniva </a>is 415 kilometres north-west of Melbourne.
It works out at around $13 per square metre.
<img src="/images/2014/08/29/kaniva%20aug%2029%20one.jpg" alt="">
For $13,500, the 836 square metre block at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-dimboola-200937795" target="_blank">59a Anderson Street, Dimboola</a> (pictuyred below) is available for purchase.
It is noted as being ready to be built on with all services available, apart from gas.
<a href="/news">Dimboola</a>, in the Shire of Hindmarsh, is 335 kilometres north-west of Melbourne.
This works out at approximately $16 per square metre.
<img src="/images/2014/08/29/dimboola%20aug%2029%20one.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.naracoortefn.com.au/buy-residential-real-estate/vacant-land-coleraine-edenhope-road-harrow-vic-14813100109" target="_blank">A block in Harrow</a>, for $14,000, on Coleraine-Edenhope Road (pictured below) was up for sale noting that power was passing by the block.
At 6,457 square metres, the block estimates out at about $2 per square metre.
<a href="/news">Harrow</a> is 390 kilometres north west of Melbourne.
<img src="/images/2014/08/29/harrow%20aug%2029%20one.jpg" alt="">
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Can you really buy land in Victoria for $2 per square metre?

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Victorian first time home buyers will pay less stamp duty for homes from 1 September.
The reduction in duty has become increasingly attractive - initially, 20% was reduced on 1 July 2011, followed by 10% on 1 January 2013, 10% on 1 July 2013 and the upcoming 10% on next Monday, 1 September 2014.
It is available for new or established home purchases.
<img src="/images/2014/08/29/vic-fhb-aug-29-one.jpg" alt="" style="line-height: 1.3em;">
Stamp duty concessions across the country are on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Here’s the table that clears up what concessions are available (click to open in new window):
<a href="/images/2014/08/28/stamp%20duty%20chart%20aug%2028%20one.png" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/08/28/stamp%20duty%20chart%20aug%2028%20one.png" alt=""></a>
Source: State Revenue Offices/HIA
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Further stamp duty reduction for Victorian first home buyers

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Dan Hunter’s new three hats restaurant,<a href="https://braerestaurant.com/"> </a>Brae, at <a href="/news">Birregurra</a>, some 90 minutes south-west of Melbourne, has been named The Age Good Food Guide restaurant of the year.
It is only the third time the award has gone to a restaurant outside of Melbourne.
Brae was also named best new and best regional restaurant in the Gourmet Traveller awards last week.
<img src="/images/2014/08/29/brae_0004_BraeRestaurant%205.jpg.jpg" alt="">
Chef Dan Hunter and his wife, Julianne established the $180 set price multi-course menu less than a year ago.
Drawing many of its ingredients from the surrounding gardens and local farms, The Age Good Food Guide co-editor Janne Apelgren said Brae was “a benchmark in contemporary fine dining”.
As for "the Brae Effect" what is very obvious is the surge in new B&amp;B's as without doubt the restaurant has created huge demand for short-stay accommodation. 
That means the 15 or so staff at the restaurant have found local accommodation challenging - some renting in nearby towns like Winchelsea and Colac.
<img src="/images/2014/08/29/brae_0002_BraeRestaurant%203.jpg.jpg" alt="">
There have been around 40 property sales since early 2013 at Brae, with prices ranging from $90,000 on Main Street to $1.8 million for an 80 hectare farm on Cape Otway Road. Sales are a bit too erratic to make out an obvious price growth trend.
The restaurant is on a seven hectare holding that sold in May 2013 for $1.05 million to the McCorkell Brown Group, directed by Howard McCorkell and Damien Newton-Brown, who have been building and developing iconic properties together for 15 years.
The property came with the original 1868 cottage, with Corkell and Newton-Brown commissioning James Legge, principal of Six Degrees Architects, to work on the design of the new operation.
Accommodation is currently on the drawing board with Damien Newton-Brown telling Property Observer that he is close to lodging the planning permit application for the accommodation, and if all things go well construction might get underway in early 2015.  
<img src="/images/2014/08/29/brae_0001_BraeRestaurant%202.jpg.jpg" alt="">
Brae was formerly Sunnybrae, the pioneering paddock-to-plate restaurant owned and run by chef George Biron who farmed organically with his partner, Di Garrett, who sold the property.
Tulip in nearby Geelong was named the new regional restaurant of the year.
<div class="display-media image secondary pull-right"><img class="size_secondary filetype-jpg" src="https://edge.alluremedia.com.au/uploads/businessinsider/2014/08/age-cover-an-300x0.jpg" alt="" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></div>
2015 marks the 35 edition of The Age Good Food Guide which is on sale for $24.99.
Photos: <a href="https://www.colinpage.com.au/#See" target="_blank">Chris Page</a>. Source: Supplied. 
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Brae restaurant awards puts Birregurra on the foodies B&B map

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Victoria’s construction boom comes as no surprise to anyone who has seen the increase in highrises and cranes on the skyline over the past few years.
This week Planning Minister Matthew Guy said that it shows no signs of abating.
Notably, <a href="/news/construction-work-falls-in-june-quarter-abs">construction work did fall slightly over the June quarter, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics</a>, although remains up 3.2% over the past year.
Here are 10 quotes from Guy, reverse chronologically, in regards to changes in Melbourne.
<ol>
<li>“Victoria’s land supply program has been the most successful of any state, releasing 95,000 housing lots in metropolitan Melbourne alone. The strong competition between developers has dropped the median lot price from $225,000 in 2010 to around $191,000 now.” (August 2014) 
</li>
<li>“The last thing we need in Victoria is a housing shortage like the one Sydney is experiencing… Whether planning for land supply in suburban growth areas, for urban renewal precincts or for central city high rise apartments, we need to keep building enough homes to keep the market affordable.” (<a href="/expert-insights/buying/central-melbourne-sees-1-000-apartments-approved-to-avoid-sydney-like-housing-shortage">June 2014</a>) 
</li>
<li>“This [Plan Melbourne 2050] is a comprehensive plan for Melbourne that caters for a projected population of 7.7 million people by 2051 and provides a solid foundation to meet these challenges.” (<a href="/expert-insights/building/the-16-suburbs-to-benefit-most-from-plan-melbourne-2050">May 2014</a>) 
</li>
<li>"The Victorian Coalition government will not allow public accessed beaches to be built  on, where the land is technically held in private ownership … With this change, any permit application to use or develop land within this zone will require consent. This is wide-ranging and includes fences, signs, outdoor furniture, shade sails, flag-poles, sheds, pergolas, verandahs and decks. Until today’s reforms, building these structures on private land in this zone did not require a planning permit.” (<a href="/expert-insights/building/private-land-owners-near-victoria-s-beaches-to-lose-ability-to-develop-as-of-right">April 2014</a>) 
</li>
<li>“It’s clear that there is plenty of land for future development and plans to maintain supply. It is critical that we continue to identify land to drive industry, jobs and housing growth in regional centres. Melbourne is certainly in an enviable position because we have large tracts of land marked for urban renewal and new suburbs. We also have the largest amount of industrial land of all capital cities in the country.” (<a href="/news/vic/supply-to-continue-increasing-in-melbourne-minister-for-planning">January 2014</a>) 
</li>
<li>“Melbourne is proud to be developing some of the most innovative and advanced skyscraper designs in the world. While other skinny buildings are called ‘pencil towers’, this building displays a slender, twisting flower stem design. 54 Clarke Street has strong architectural features to ensure it embodies a slender, sophisticated style all the way from a 'webbed' foundation at ground level.” (<a href="/news/guy-approves-melbournes-most-skinny-tower-for-southbank">December 2013</a>) 
</li>
<li>“Southbank’s appeal for new residents is significant, as this ‘urban village’ is within our vibrant arts precinct and has immediate access to the Melbourne CBD, employment, public transport, the Yarra River, parks and gardens and other services … It also helps meet anticipated high population growth in the area, while also boosting livability for residents.” (<a href="/news/matthew-guy-approves-120-million-residential-tower-for-southbank">October 2013</a>) 
</li>
<li>“The Fishermans Bend project will set the standard for urban renewal  across Melbourne and Australia over the next three decades, bringing  thousands of new residents to areas close to jobs, transport and  Australia’s greatest cultural heart.” (<a href="/news/vic/urban-renewal-project-a-game-changer-for-melbourne-cbd">September 2013</a>) 
</li>
<li>"Melbourne’s skyline will take a dramatic turn upward following the Victorian Coalition Government's approval of the Australia 108 tower.” (<a href="/news/vic/two-more-melbourne-high-rise-towers-seek-matthew-guys-tick-of-approval">April 2013</a>) 
</li>
<li>“We have an ageing population, those heading towards retirement have reduced wealth, and housing stress is a chronic problem for about 10% of households… Almost all of the city’s most affordable housing is in the outer suburbs with the inner suburbs out of reach to many renters and all but the wealthiest first-home buyers.” (<a href="/news/vic/matthew-guys-nine-step-plan-to-addressing-housing-affordability-in-melbourne">October 2012</a>)</li>
</ol>
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10 quotes from Planning Minister Matthew Guy on changes in Victoria

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The former Mooroolbark Primary School site is being turned into a property development of 79 residences by developer Three Pillars.
It will be known as the <a href="https://threepillars.com.au/portfolio-type/mooroolbark/" target="_blank">Central Ave Mooroolbark</a> estate and will bring life to a site that has been vacant since the school’s closing and subsequent demolition in 2004.
On the corner of Manchester Road and Lincoln Road, Three Pillars purchased the land in 2012 with the new houses to be built by Edgepoint Homes.
The first two stages are nearly sold out, with Stage Three released earlier this month.
Remaining allotments include double- and triple-storey townhouses. They vary up to four bedrooms, but all have two-bedrooms with off-street parking.
From $370,000 to $440,000, they vary from 133 square metres to 188 square metres, looking to attract both homebuyers and investors.
Three Pillars’ director Ben Thomas said that families, first home buyers and downsizers are among the interested buyers.
“We are already seeing confirmation of its universal appeal in our sales results, which reveal that 30&amp; of our buyers are first-home buyers, 40% are second and third home buyers and 30% are investors,” said Thomas.
Three Pillars purchased the site from the Department of Education for $4.6 million.
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Former Mooroolbark Primary School site to become 79 new homes

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Barramunga, the classic two storey home set well back off Point Nepean Road at Sorrento, has been sold for $2.01 million.
It has upstairs views of Camerons Bight.
Barramunga kicked off the 2014 Australia Day long weekend auctions which faced buyer hesitation.
Title Tattle recalls the auction of the six bedroom cottage on its 3,474 square metre holding opened and closed on its $1.9 million vendor bid by the auctioneer Gerald Delany, who'd told the crowd that the site had been the choicest of selections in the 1920s by the stockbroker John Hindsen.
After three decade ownership, it was offered by Toorak dentist Geoffrey Wymond and his wife Diane who had it listed through Liz Jensen from Kay &amp; Burton Portsea.
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Barramunga, the 1927 Sorrento weekender, sells for $2.01 million

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Last night, the City of Greater Geelong voted to remove a covenant on a contentious block of land.
The Geelong West Bowling Club had been looking to remove a covenant over an area of land that previously was to be used solely for the purpose of bowls.
In 1986, 1,728 square metres of land at 12 Bowlers Avenue, Geelong West had been sold to the Geelong West Bowls Club for $48,000 and had applied the covenant at that time restricting its use as a bowling green. The amount they paid was agreed upon by Council to be at or close to market value and had previously been used as a table tennis site.
The initial valuation and associated documents were unable to be found, so the council struggled to ascertain whether they had purchased it for a discount. However, they did note that due to a later valuation they believed they paid close to full market value.
The Club looks to move their site and want to maximise the revenue from the sale of the land for this purpose. The value would be greatly enhanced without the covenant, which restricted it to a bowling green and occasional car parking.
The council approved the removal of the covenant (M262445Q).
Attending the council meeting, the Geelong Advertiser tweeted the following:
<img src="/images/2014/08/13/geelong%20aug%2013%20one.png" alt="">
Council records note that the Club and the Drumcondra Bowling Club have entered into an agreement with Links Investco No 1 Pty Ltd to acquire land and build new clubrooms and greens at the former Geelong Golf Club site. The sale of the existing land is to support the move and club’s consolidation at the new location on Ballarat Road.
“In deciding to agree to the removal of the covenant, the Council is entitled to consider whether at the time of sale of the land to the Club, the covenant had a restrictive effect on the price at which the land transferred,” council meeting minutes note.
The land is currently zoned Residential 1, and is proposed to be included in a Residential Growth Zone 2 under a Greater Geelong Planning Scheme amendment.
“Once the covenant is removed the owner of the land is free to use and develop the land subject to the provisions of the Planning Scheme and subsequent planning permit,” the minutes confirm.
<img src="/images/2014/08/13/geelong%20aug%2013%20two.png" alt="">
Source: City of Greater Geelong
The entire site is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-geelong+west-200945771" target="_blank">currently being marketed through Gartland Real Estate, who are calling it a unique development/subdivisional opportunity</a>.
“The former Geelong West Bowls Club is located only 85 metres to Pakington Street and adjoining the Geelong west public park this is a one of a kind development opportunity,” the listing reads.
“Set within moments to the vibrant Cafe and restaurant precinct, offering direct access to major arterials and public transport, this location offers a multitude of opportunities to the buyer. Surrounded by residential homes in one of Geelong strongest neighbourhoods this is the perfect mix of location and opportunity.”
It is open for expressions of interest.
The Geelong Advertiser had previously indicated that locals fear the site would become a high-density housing block if this took place and noted that Gartland had estimated a sale price of up to $10 million for the combined Geelong West and Drummondra clubs’ locations.
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Geelong council removes covenant on bowls club land, paving way for possible development

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Yield-chasing isn’t quite as popular pastime for those buying in Victoria as for those buying apartments in other states and territories.
With just 15 results above 6% gross rental yield, according to RP Data, it’s unsurprising that the majority of investors are after capital growth. Of course, not every property is made equal and astute buyers may be able to achieve strong yields even in suburbs whose headlining figure does not suggest this, and so Property Observer trawled the list of Victorian suburbs to bring you the suburbs that actually are the highest yielding.
Here are the 15 highest yielding Victorian suburbs for apartment buyers.
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">HAMILTON </a>Median price: $85,000 Gross rental yield: 13.46% Our only contender with a double-figure gross rental yield, the data-range may be limited. An ‘N/A’ result was provided for the area’s five and three year growth, though it notes 0.27% average annual growth. Also the cheapest suburb on the list, the apartments in the area’s median advertised weekly rent sits at $220. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">CRANBOURNE WEST </a>Median price: $203,000 Gross rental yield: 7.94% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">ALFREDTON </a>Median price: $175,000 Gross rental yield: 7.43% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">INVERLOCH </a>Median price: $295,000 Gross rental yield: 6.87% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">MILDURA </a>Median price: $155,000 Gross rental yield: 6.54% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">HORSHAM </a>Median price: $185,000 Gross rental yield: 6.46% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">MELTON </a>Median price: $210,000 Gross rental yield: 6.38% We have previously spotlighted Melton in a suburb profile. You can <a href="/expert-insights/buying/suburb-spotlight-melton-council-gearing-up-for-growth">read more about this west of Melbourne area here</a>.  
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">WHITTINGTON </a>Median price: $189,000 Gross rental yield: 6.33% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">MOOROOPNA </a>Median price: $168,000 Gross rental yield: 6.27% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">SWAN HILL </a>Median price: $180,000 Gross rental yield: 6.21% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">SPRING GULLY </a>Median price: $223,000 Gross rental yield: 6.19% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">REDAN </a>Median price: $185,000 Gross rental yield: 6.18% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">WEST WODONGA </a>Median price: $188,000 Gross rental yield: 6.09% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">WODONGA </a>Median price: $185,000 Gross rental yield: 6.04% We have previously also written about Wodonga, and its prospects for growth. The <a href="/expert-insights/buying/suburb-spotlight-will-wodongas-big-spend-pay-off">council is spending big... but will it pay off? </a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">ARARAT </a>Median price: $172,000 Gross rental yield: 6.04%
</li>
</ol>
BONUS SUBURB: <a href="/news">BROADMEADOWS</a> Median price: $273,000 Gross rental yield: 5.95%
In 2013, Broadmeadows was <a href="/news/vic/broadmeadows-among-the-top-mortgage-delinquent-locations-standard-poors">named one of the top mortgage delinquint locations</a> by ratings agency Standard &amp; Poor's.
Which state or territory would you like to know the top yielding locations for?
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The 15 highest yielding Victorian suburbs for apartments

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Real estate agents cannot conduct open for inspections in a rental property without the consent of the tenant, a new Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) order has confirmed.
The decision was made after an unnamed tenant did not consent to open for inspections of their rental home being sold for fear of security and privacy.
VCAT has confirmed the view held by the Tenants Union of Victoria (TUV) that tenants being forced to endure open for inspections is not legal under the requirement for tenants to have ‘quiet enjoyment’ of their rental home, explained TUV’s policy and liaison officer James Bennett.
“Having dozens of strangers looking through your home without your consent can be a massive infringement of privacy, security and quiet enjoyment,” he said.
“VCAT has clarified that only genuine prospective buyers can be shown a property by appointment – not just anyone who is wandering past and wants to stickybeak, check for valuables or assess the security system.”
Bennett noted that the decision does not prevent rentals from being marketed, inspected and sold, simply clarifies tenants’ rights.
Inspections by appointment are still allowed.
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VCAT orders agents not to conduct opens without tenant consent

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The Calder Freeway, which makes its way through central Victoria’s has contributed to a increase in capital growth and compared to other regional centres towns along this transit corridor are showing the strong appreciation.
For those unfamiliar with Victoria the Calder Freeway is the main road between Melbourne and Bendigo and links <a href="/news">Macedon</a>, <a href="/news">Kyneton</a>, <a href="/news">Gisborne</a>, <a href="/news">Woodend </a>and <a href="/news">Castlemaine</a>. There is also a matching rail service and both have been upgraded over the past decade.
House values in these areas have outpaced Melbourne, Ballarat and Geelong over the past five years.
The best growth was recorded in the Macedon Ranges Shire which includes Macedon, Kyneton, Gisborne and Woodend. Over the past five years house values have grown by 46.2%.
Following Macedon Ranges Shire was Mount Alexander Shire which is centred on Castlemaine. There house values have risen by 39.5%.
The further away from the Melbourne the area is the lower is the growth, presumably as there is less of a flow on from the metropolitan market.
In the City of Greater Bendigo values have risen by 38.4%, lower than Macedon Ranges but still well above the 28.4% recorded in Melbourne.
Interestingly values in Ballarat, with a rise of 33.9% have also exceeded Melbourne.
For many people, the attraction to these areas is highlighted by the availability of more affordable property coupled with a country lifestyle. The data shows that as a result of additional transport options in these areas it has made it more and more possible for people to maintain employment and undertake a tree change.
There are 573 auctions scheduled this week in Melbourne compared to 600 for the same time last year. This is a rare but minor 4.5% fall which does not reflect the fact that in the first eight months of the year there have been 29.5% more auctions than the same time in 2013.
The current regional variation in auction numbers should be taken into account when analysing the auction market as many sellers in the inner east appear to avoiding winter.
The main auction activity in Melbourne remains outside the inner eastern suburbs with 16 homes scheduled to go under the hammer in <a href="/news">Reservoir</a>, 11 in <a href="/news">St Kilda</a> and 10 in <a href="/news">Essendon</a>, <a href="/news">Melbourne</a> and <a href="/news">Preston</a>. For buyers looking in the more expensive inner east volumes are rising slowing with six expected in <a href="/news">Camberwell</a>, <a href="/news">Kew </a>and <a href="/news">Hawthorn East</a>.
The average time on market for houses sold last month rose slightly from 43 to 44 days. Vendor discounting contracted from -5.2% the previous week to -5% last week.
Key data
<ul>
<li>Clearance rate week ending 27 July: 68.5%</li>
<li>Melbourne auctions expected week ending 3 August: 573</li>
<li>Melbourne private sales time on market week ending 27 July: 44 days (houses)</li>
<li>Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending 27 July: -5% (houses)</li>
<li>Listings being prepared for market are 0.7% higher in month ending 27 July (seasonally adjusted)</li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy of Richmeister/<a class="mw-mmv-license cc-license" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5" target="_blank">CC BY 2.5</a>.
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