Lower North Shore developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a> has secured development approval for its ultra-luxury residential project on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/34-burran-avenue-mosman-nsw-2088">dress circle Burran Avenue</a>.

The project, just&nbsp;50 metres from Balmoral Beach within Mosman’s prestigious Golden Triangle, will commence construction in early 2026,&nbsp;following the successful completion of its nearby Hampden Mosman project.

Lodged in April 2025 and approved in September 2025, the development will comprise three whole-floor residences, each designed to capture panoramic harbour views through Sydney Heads.

<img alt="34 Burran Avenue, Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f4c7816-0ac8-4ef7-be0a-8ef23b693b68" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/BURRAN%20EV01%20R04%20option%201%20%281%29.jpg?VersionId=gVzI8pT6_K59Nhzaz0FLEvY6Kj9Kc8Fg" />

Set on an elevated 550 sqm corner site at the junction of Burran Avenue and Stanton Road, the building has been designed to sit within Balmoral’s natural slope. The façade mixes stone and metal cladding with angular forms, while oversized terraces and full-height sliding doors create a connection between interior living spaces and outdoor entertaining areas.

The delivery team from Abadeen’s Hampden Mosman project, which includes construction company Reform Projects and interiors company Mathieson, has been retained to bring the same level of execution and craftsmanship to Burran Avenue.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/platform-architects">Platform Architects</a> has been appointed project architect, bringing extensive experience from recent luxury residential projects in Manly, Fairlight and Freshwater.

&nbsp;

Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen, said sites of this calibre, this close to Balmoral, are incredibly rare.

“Burran Avenue is an extraordinary site; its location, its scale and its outlook make it truly one of a kind. Receiving DA approval marks an exciting milestone for Abadeen."

"We’re proud to be moving forward with an exceptional team to deliver a project that will set a new standard for ultra-luxury living on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. Construction is planned to commence in early 2026, and interest is already strong from discerning local buyers who recognise the uniqueness of this address."

Brown anticipates prices will set new Mosman benchmarks above $20 million. Sales are expected to launch in March 2026.

Joel Robinson

Abadeen approved for Mosman's priciest apartments

Lifestyle developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gurner">GURNER™ Group</a>, in partnership with Costa Property Group, has announced plans to reimagine Cunningham Pier in Geelong, one of Victoria's most recognisable heritage landmarks.

The announcement follows the City of Greater Geelong’s release of its Draft Geelong Waterfront Master Plan, which seeks to revitalise the waterfront with new energy, tourism, and investment. GURNER and Costa Property Group’s vision aligns with the Council’s ambitions to create a vibrant, connected, and economically powerful precinct for the community.&nbsp;

The future of Cunningham Pier will draw inspiration from Sydney Harbour’s luxury waterfront residences through to Dubai’s sculptural pier-edge towers, blending architectural excellence with &nbsp;resort-style living, hospitality, and public amenity.&nbsp;

The concept, described as “Saint Moritz on the Sea”, is envisioned to include:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Six-star hotel accommodation and services&nbsp;</li>
	<li>World-class restaurants, bars, and public spaces&nbsp;</li>
	<li>High-end residential offerings&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Entertainment and cultural venues&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Potential cruise ship port facilities, integrating Geelong into the global travel network&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The transformative project aims to become a magnet for tourism, investment, and innovation, while &nbsp;ensuring continued public access and connection to Corio Bay’s pristine waterfront.&nbsp;

Cunningham Pier has been operated by Costa Property Group for more than 15 years, with the City of Greater Geelong expressing strong support for strategic commercial partnerships that unlock &nbsp;tourism-led economic development for the region’s fast-growing population.&nbsp;

Tim Gurner, Founder &amp; Executive Chairman, GURNER™ Group, said the project is a "once-in-a-generation opportunity to put Geelong on the global map," adding that their version will be of what icons like the Opera House, Story Bridge or Empire State Building have done for other great cities.

“We’ll be working hand-in-hand with the Mayor, Council, the local community, and State Government to deliver something truly iconic that positions Geelong on the world stage. This project brings together everything we’ve built our brand on – world-class design, hospitality, &nbsp;lifestyle, and experience – all in one place. From six-star hotels and restaurants to the possibility of a &nbsp;new cruise ship terminal and luxury residences, the vision is extraordinary.”&nbsp;

City of Greater Geelong&nbsp;Mayor Stretch Kontelj said he welcomes the "bold and inspiring vision reimagining our beloved Cunnigham Pier as a global destination."

"This ambitious plan and the opening of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre next year have the potential to take our already world-class waterfront to even greater heights.”

Sydney Harbour, Dubai pier towers, to influence Gurner's Cunningham Pier, Geelong development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> is one of Melbourne's longest standing architecture firms.

Founded in Melbourne in 1853 by Joseph Reed, the firm began as Reed &amp; Barnes and has evolved through various partnerships before adopting the Bates Smart name in the 20th century. With a continuous presence spanning more than 170 years, the practice has played a pivotal role in shaping Melbourne’s architectural identity.

In the 19th century, Bates Smart designed several of Melbourne’s enduring landmarks, including the Royal Exhibition Building (1880), a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Melbourne Town Hall. The firm’s influence continued into the 20th century with notable works such as Ici House (1958), considered Melbourne’s first modern skyscraper and a milestone in post-war Australian architecture.

One of their landmark designs was&nbsp;The First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 336-340 St Kilda Road. The building, which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, was designed by Bates, Peeble and Smart with construction completed in 1922. Architecturally, the building is significant as a rare example of early twentieth century classicism applied to a religious building. Historically, the building is significant as the first church of the Christian Science movement.

Melbourne developer Time &amp; Place decided to bring Bates Smart back to the area to design their next residential apartment project, Park Modern.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=2138]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/park-modern-south-melbourne-1-middleton-lane-south-melbourne-vic-3205">Park Modern</a>, on one of the largest island sites on the Melbourne CBD fringe, bordered by Dorcas Street, Wells Street, and Middleton Lane, will comprise two sculptural towers. It is being positioned as a design-forward response to evolving owner-occupier preferences in the Domain precinct.

Tim Price, Director at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/time-place">Time &amp; Place</a>, says&nbsp;Bates Smart have got a footprint on this city, probably like no other architect.

"It’s a really nice kind of next chapter story, that they created from a design perspective so long ago," Price told Apartments.com.au.

Park Modern will be the third time Time &amp; Place has worked with Bates Smart, having successfully designed and delivered Collins House and Opera on St Kilda Road together.

The brief focused on creating a built form that would feel contextually appropriate while offering a contemporary evolution of inner-city apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=2137]

The focus for Park Modern is squarely on owner-occupiers.

“It’s not always about downsizing," Price says.

"Sometimes it’s just about creating a space which is easily maintained, lock up and leave, reflecting people’s aspirations, whether they’re entertainers, big dining room spaces, big open terraces, they’re important parts of any design consideration.”

The building includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as penthouses, with layouts and floor plans designed to suit a broad demographic. The architecture has been shaped to capture&nbsp;view corridors to the Botanic Gardens, Port Phillip Bay and the CBD skyline.

Each apartment has been oriented to maximise natural light and provide a clear outlook, elements often cited by owner-occupiers as key criteria.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=351806]

Rather than defaulting to a generic luxury offering, the amenity strategy at Park Modern reflects specific insights into how residents want to live. The ground floor will include co-working areas, wellness facilities, and a concierge-led lobby that blends indoor and outdoor design cues.

“Wellness has become a more thoughtful consideration, not just gyms or lap pools, but things like magnesium plunge pools, saunas, daybeds, and studio spaces for Pilates and the regular cardio workout,” says Price.

One notable inclusion is a substantial porte-cochère, a covered vehicle drop-off zone integrated into the site plan. It’s a feature rarely seen in inner-urban developments and speaks to the team’s emphasis on ease of arrival and departure for residents and guests.

A display suite for Park Modern is now open by appointment, giving prospective buyers an early look at the project.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138453]

100 years on, Bates Smart returns to South Melbourne's Domain Precinct to design Park Modern

One of the most significant beachfront projects ever proposed for the small suburb of Miami on the Gold Coast, has taken a major step forward.&nbsp;Monaco Property Group has secured approval for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nalu-miami-122-marine-parade-qld-4220">NALU</a>, a $500 million development comprising just 45 ultra-luxury residences on the iconic former Nobby’s Outlook site.

Acquired by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/monaco-property-group">Monaco Property Group</a> in 2024 for $70 million, the rare 7,238 sqm Marine Parade parcel boasts more than 80 metres of uninterrupted ocean frontage.

With approvals now secured, Monaco Property Group will move NALU into its delivery phase. The project has been designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, who collaborated with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/ldg-landscape-architecture">LDG Landscape Architecture</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/tom-mark-henry">Tom Mark Henry Interiors</a>&nbsp;to create the low-rise building, its landscaping, and interiors.

<img alt="NALU" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3fdf578e-7cc4-4b17-bbc2-ba853522a5d8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/122_Marine_Parade_002.jpg?VersionId=zFhJWVzX0jmCO.5iIIxNELImHesTjWS4" />

Residences will range from 237 sqm layouts to beachfront homes exceeding 1,400 sqm.

At the heart of the project is a 2,200 sqm lifestyle precinct with a bathhouse, fitness centre and resort-style pool, elevated by a concierge service.

Jonathan Grasso, Co-Founder of Monaco Property Group, said the council approval marks an exciting milestone for NALU, which will launch in Q1 2026.

“The project will now progress toward construction, working alongside our world-class collaborators to bring NALU to life," Grasso said.

“Our vision is to create a legacy project for the Gold Coast, one that not only honours the history of the site but also elevates its future, setting a new standard for coastal living in Australia. NALU embodies the pinnacle of design and location and will stand as an enduring icon of prestige and liveability.”

<img alt="NALU" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ae8545b-87ca-4dea-90ed-ac273ec6515d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Image7.jpg?VersionId=Wnmie4bu3x2WQonnG4Pwmh39NdZVKeOV" />

Originally developed in the 1970s as Nobby’s Outlook and later refurbished in 2019 as Nalu, the property has long held a place in the local community’s coastal identity. The new vision will build on this legacy, creating luxury residences that capture ocean views while fostering a lifestyle defined by wellness, connection, and ease.&nbsp;

Beyond its residential offering, NALU will deliver significant economic benefits to the Gold Coast through job creation and opportunities for local suppliers and contractors. Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2026, with completion expected in Q3 2028.

Monaco Property Group approved for $500 million NALU apartments on Miami beach

The most elevated residential tower in Palm Beach, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/corallo-palm-beach-5-palm-beach-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Corallo</a>, has officially launched this week, however only a handful of buyers will have an opportunity to buy in to the 17-storey project.

The $200 million mixed-use project includes ground floor dining and retail and is considered so valuable its developer, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/changfa-group">Changfa Group</a>, will be staging its release of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses to the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=806]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a> International, Director, David Higgins, said the development’s location just metres from the beach on the corner of Palm Beach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway influenced the sculptural design by the acclaimed Plus Architecture studio.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> locals understand the rare opportunity here at Corallo, particularly being the tallest building in the suburb and its proximity to the beach and local restaurants, and they’ve represented the bulk of pre-launch enquiries,” Higgins said.

“The orientation of the apartments captures views of the coastline from Surfers Paradise to Currumbin, and the diversity of floor plans and apartment types provide an exceptional level of choice.

“The first release includes just 59 one-, two and three-bedroom apartments and two half-floor penthouses, with flexible use designed to appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=799]

In addition to the ground floor amenity, residents will also have access to a private dedicated wellness level offering 734 sqm of resort-style amenities including a pool, cold plunge, wet deck, steam room, sauna, gym, day bed, fire pit, barbecue area, dining area and yoga/stretch deck.

The project is located within walking distance of Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Heads village, Currumbin Alley and Palm Beach Currumbin High School. The Gold Coast Airport is under 10 minutes away.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=814]

Higgins said Palm Beach remained a hotly contested suburb for home buyers, with prices doubling in the past five years.

“What makes Corallo so appealing to the local market is the diversity of apartment types and pricing, with one-bedroom apartments starting from $841,000 and two-bedroom apartments starting from $1.34 million,” he said.

“The ground floor retail and dining offering will further expand on Palm Beach’s village atmosphere and create a meeting place for locals, and those opportunities for connection are highly valued.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=807]

The on-site sales display, which includes a fully fitted kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, will be open until early works commence in Q1 2026. Each residence at Corallo will feature premium finishes including natural stone, artisanal brickwork, and warm copper accents.

Changfa Group has a two-decade history of delivering premium developments in Australia and internationally, having recently completed its collection of premium townhomes at Lyra, Hope Island, as well as apartment projects in Leichhardt, Carlingford, and Chatswood in New South Wales.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112194]

$200 million Corallo Palm Beach launches with limited apartment release

Accommodation

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The NSW government will impose a 180-day cap on the number of days empty properties can be rented out by Airbnb in Sydney.
It will also give strata corporations the power to ban Airbnb in their buildings if 75 percent of owners seek the ban. 
Short-term holiday letting is currently unregulated in NSW. 
Sydney ranks as one of Airbnb’s top ten cities for most properties on the platform.
The new laws come with no caps across the rest of the state, but councils outside of greater Sydney will have the power to impose their own caps, though no lower than 180 days per year. Byron Bay could move first as its locals have been affected by increased rent as its short-term holiday rental market booms. It has been calculated that in Byron shire visitors outnumber locals by a ratio of 70 to one.
Better Regulation Minister Matt Kean was forced to go back and consult with the government's backbench after MPs revolted over the initial cabinet-approved policy, which proposed only the 180-day cap but gave no power to the individual strata committees.
Hosts or guests who commit two serious breaches of the code within two years could be by Airbnb from using Airbnb and other similar platforms for five years, and placed on an exclusion register.
Kean described the reforms as the "toughest laws in world to crack down on bad behaviour" in the short-term letting industry.
"We've got the balance right between protecting people's property rights, between recognising owner's corporations have a role to play in the governance of strata schemes, and ensuring people who want to use these platforms like Airbnb are able to do so," Mr Kean said.
Airbnb’s Global Head of Policy Chris Lehane championed the reforms as a potential "world model" for the industry, describing them as "fair and balanced". Lehane said Airbnb was comfortable with sharing its data with government agencies.
International cities like Berlin and Barcelona have found regulating these platforms is not always easy with enforcing restrictions against individual hosts cumbersomely costly.
<div>
The home sharing platform Airbnb came out in support of a limit on the number of days a investment property can be rented in NSW strata, as it sought to avoid a tougher regulatory crackdown by the NSW government.
In a submission to the NSW government, Airbnb said there were more than 45,000 Airbnb listings in the state with average host earning around $5,300 a year.
The NSW government's options paper, which was released last July, considered a range of options balancing protecting neighbours and allowing people to profit from providing short-term accommodation.
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-submission-details.aspx?pk=%2053960" target="_blank">Airbnb's prior submission</a> has called for a statewide planning framework which clarifies how individuals are allowed to rent out the homes.
"Airbnb supports a clear, statewide approach that supports our host community sharing their own primary place of residence without the need for approvals, registrations, or caps, and for non-­primary places of residence, an approach that is streamlined with clear information about the safety and planning standards to adhere to," it said in the submission.
<div>
London introduced a 90-day limit a calendar year on Airbnb rentals. 
<div title="Page 13">
In June 2015, Philadelphia became the largest city in the U.S. to pass legislation specifically enabling people to share their homes for up to half a year.
<div title="Page 12">
The city of Hamburg acted to clarify that rules restricting tourist accommodation in residential areas do not apply to primary residences.
The Hamburg housing law gives residents the right to use all of their home to host guests for up to 50% of the year. Alternatively, they can use 50% of their home to host guests all year round. 
</div>
A recent City of Sydney Council survey of 1000 residents showed more than 40 per cent of Sydney inner-city residents oppose short term rentals on Airbnb or Stayz as a full-time investment and believe strata bodies should be able to ban short-term rentals.
</div>
</div>
<div>
Airbnb also recommends the NSW government set up a "three-strikes-and-you're-out" framework to manage complaints.
Airbnb opposed giving strata bodies the power to prohibit short-term renting. 
<div title="Page 3">
New South Wales’ host community has welcomed nearly 420,000 Airbnb guests during a recent twelve months which represented a year-over-year growth rate of 167 percent.
In an Economic Impact Study that Airbnb conducted in Sydney, Airbnbn found that the majority of hosts (85 percent) rent their primary residences occasionally and earn a modest but significant amount of extra income that they use to help make ends meet.
In Australia, the average host earns $7,100 per year and hosts approximately 51 nights per year.
Martin North at Digital Finance Analytics suggests a significant share of Airbnb Sydney hosts are using the platform to engage in economic activity that existed long before Airbnb did – that is, dwellings are used as serviced apartments, B&amp;Bs or holiday rentals.
"This is commercial activity, not sharing.
"These properties aren’t just “excess” unused housing space and there’s no “sharing attitude” involved," he blogged today.
Mapping the Sydney listings shows these traditional short-term lets were only about a quarter of listings, but they were overwhelmingly concentrated in suburbs with very tight rental markets.
LOCATION OF TRADITIONAL SHORT-TERM LETTING
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/221663/original/file-20180605-175451-1eumaun.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
LOCATION OF HOUSE SHARING
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/221664/original/file-20180605-175438-10z7exq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
"That’s a lot of properties in popular neighbourhoods that might otherwise be long-term rentals," North suggested.
 
</div>
</div>
</div>
 
 
 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

NSW Government puts cap on Sydney Airbnb rentals, with regional councils able to follow 

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AccorHotels today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Mantra Group for $1.2 billion.
The deal includes the Mantra, Peppers, BreakFree and Art Series brands, representing 138 hotels in Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and Bali.
Michael Issenberg, chairman and CEO of AccorHotels Asia Pacific described the Mantra Group as the "latest chapter" in the strong growth story of AccorHotels in the region. 
"Since our launch with the Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour in 1991, AccorHotels has become the largest hotel group in the Pacific, and Australia has always played a key role in that story.
 AccorHotels will now operate over 330 hotels and resorts across Australia and over 900 throughout Asia Pacific.
AccorHotels will also be the largest employer on the Gold Coast, outside of government.
Simon McGrath, COO of AccorHotels Pacific noted the Mantra Group had built an innovative business "focused on the best partnership experience for its 10,000 strata title owners."
Bob East, CEO of Mantra Group said it had been "an enjoyable journey for me leading the team since 2007 through to our float on the ASX in 2014 and now closing this deal with AccorHotels..” 
The Mantra Group leadership team will continue to be based in the Gold Coast office, reporting to Mr McGrath, in line with all other AccorHotels Pacific business units. 
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AccorHotels completes $1.2 billion Mantra acquisition

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GUEST OBSERVER
<a href="https://theconversation.com/housing-still-out-of-reach-for-many-even-as-rents-fall-in-post-boom-western-australia-76461" target="_blank">High rents</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-insecurity-of-private-renters-how-do-they-manage-it-77324" target="_blank">short-term rentals</a> are driving people to organise themselves to share rooms with strangers in order to live in the city. Room sharing outside a family environment is also occurring in some professions. This includes airline stewards and submariners, nurses on shifts, or hospitality workers in remote or seasonal locations, to name a few.
There are precedents where this arrangement is not unusual. Youth and backpacker hostels offer room sharing as a budget option.
In the cases of the workers above, however, the roomies are part of an organisation and are colleagues. This ensures some vetting has taken place and that their conduct is expected to be in keeping with their paid position and contract.
Youth hostels have management to handle complaints and to keep an eye on things. But what about when you are sharing a room and found your roomie through a website? Who is in charge? And how do you really know with whom you are sharing?
City living costs are driving people to organise themselves to share a room with strangers so they can live in their required location. It’s harder than ever to afford your own bedroom to sleep in.
Various websites list hundreds of offers to share rooms in central Sydney. Beds are available from about $150 to over $230 a week. Room sharing also happens in suburbs like Double Bay, Mossman or Marrickville.
(Picture above) “Looking for one girl to share a master room with another 3 girls.” Screenshot from Gumtree ad, August 19 2017, 11:58 , Author provided Christian Tietz, UNSW
A recent article, “How short-term rentals are making Sydney’s housing crisis worse”, calculates that about 6,000 properties are removed from the rental market and offered to higher-paying tourists through “sharing economy” sites like Airbnb. We have an indication what the potential tenants who can’t afford to rent a flat anymore are doing – they are room sharing. I estimate thousands of people are room sharing right now in the inner city.
Exceeding capacity causes many problems
Overcrowded apartments, beyond interfering with the amenity of strata owners, have a number of other implications. One is that these packed living arrangements raise basic health concerns. Historically, <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/tenements">19th-century New York tenements</a> come to mind. How are facilities like bathrooms and toilets – the <a href="https://researchdirect.uws.edu.au/islandora/object/uws:20120">health hardware</a> – going to hold up when used by multiples of the occupants they were originally designed for?
In Australia today, we know relatively little about the extent of chronically overcrowded housing. But research has looked at its impact on those Indigenous householders for whom it’s a fact of daily life. In some cases, up to five people share one bedroom and up to 30 people use the services of one house.
It’s not because they like it, but because there are not enough houses that <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249879335_This_Is_Not_a_Pipe_The_Treacheries_of_Indigenous_Housing">perform well</a>. Product selection is not fit for purpose and goes hand in hand with a lack of maintenance. <a href="https://www.bshf.org/world-habitat-awards/winners-and-finalists/housing-for-health-programme/">Award-winning research</a> shows this makes it virtually impossible for these householders to carry out basic <a href="https://www.healthabitat.com/the-healthy-living-practices">healthy living practices</a>.
Appliances, fittings and fixtures are engineered to cater to household, commercial, industrial or military performance demands. Fit-out quality selection has direct implications on product life and therefore performance. If these products fail because they are not suitable, this has impacts on <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/Publications/housing-health.pdf" style="font-size: 12.16px;">health and wellbeing</a>.
The research shows that this is not the fault of the residents, Indigenous or otherwise. Now these <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/healthabitat.com/what-we-do/what-the-housing-data-reveals/why-the-houses-need-fixing">well-documented</a> issues are being reproduced in dense urban settings.
Who is going to repair the cheap and non-compliant fixtures when they fail? The poor occupants? What kind of replacements can be expected? High-quality commercial fittings to suit the 500% higher use, or cheap replacements that will predictably fail again in due time?
<h2>Can a shared room be home?</h2>
Lack of personal space and privacy are other problems. The images on the websites clearly demonstrate practical day-to-day concerns. Where do you store your things? There is no existing furniture product category that meets the requirements of sharing with strangers.
A seasonal worker in the Snowy Mountains told me the workers left damp clothing lying on the floor between their bunks. But even if you can hang your things up somewhere, how do you ensure they are still there when you come home? Internal doors generally don’t have key locks and nor do cupboards. Tenants can’t even hang a picture, so how can they secure their space?
Ikea offers furnishings for small flats and some of their products are thoughtfully designed to make small spaces more effective. But they don’t have products for these room-share settings. Renting means you are not allowed to drill holes to install shelves or even hooks.
It appears that the precarious life of the roomie, who lacks a sense of security, stability, privacy, safety and the ability to control their living space, meets the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/4922.0Main%20Features22012?opendocument&amp;tabn">definition of homelessness</a>. A bed alone does not make a home. <img src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/188693/width754/file-20171003-31655-1gpt5yk.JPG" alt="">
Private life in public space? Image by C. Tietz, Author provided
<hr>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/christian-tietz-120703" style="font-size: 12.16px;">Christian Tietz</a>, Senior Lecturer in Industrial Design, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-1414">UNSW</a>
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/room-sharing-is-the-new-flat-sharing-84359" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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pc-iUQkvULHPU

Room sharing is the new flat sharing

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A new partnership between one of the world’s largest accommodation providers Airbnb and Australia’s number one dedicated rental property website Rent.com.au, is encouraging renters to ‘try before they commit’ and test drive a new neighbourhood, before signing a rental lease.
Schools, cafes, shops, sporting facilities, public transport, entertainment and the arts, will all go under the microscope, as renters ‘check in’ to new suburbs in the search for their next home.
Under the agreement, renters can now book apartments, houses, private and shared rooms and unique accommodation options with a simple click-through from the Rent.com.au website.
“We love the idea of people ‘test driving’ their new community,” said Rent.com.au CEO, Greg Bader.
“We can all look at the photos and descriptions on our website and that gives us a good idea of the property we are moving into, but it doesn’t really paint the full picture of a new community.
Rent.com.au data shows that 50 percent of all renters look to spend around $300 per week on a rental (or a minimum of $15,000 per year).
With a one-night stay via Airbnb available from under $100 a night, renters now can make more informed decisions choosing their next rental home.
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Property 101: Try before you rent as Rent.com.au and Airbnb partner up

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The City of Sydney wants the law changed to allow short-term holiday services, such as Airbnb, so long as neighbouring properties and traditional visitor accommodation services are not adversely affected.
In its submission to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the laws on short-term holiday letting, the City said the ‘sharing economy’ was rapidly expanding around the world and local legislation had not kept up.
“Tech companies are providing increasingly efficient means for offering homes and spare rooms for short-term holiday letting but our laws have not kept pace,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“With the right rules, short-term holiday letting can support local communities and economies, while protecting amenity and the residential character of our villages.”
Under current planning controls:
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<li>Tourist and visitor accommodation is not permitted in residential zones; and</li>
<li>Residential accommodation and tourist accommodation in the same building must be on separate floors and have separate lifts.</li>
</ul>
The City does not support changing this long-term policy, which is in place to protect neighbourhood amenity and visitor safety.
Airbnb listings in metropolitan Sydney have almost doubled in the past year: from 5,692 in September last year to 10,473 listed properties in October this year. In the City of Sydney government area, there are 2,993 properties listed.
The record shows that short-term holiday letting is booming around the world, providing income for owners and local businesses, and providing a variety of accommodation experiences.  
But the desire of property owners to offer short-term rentals, using online services such as Airbnb, needs to be balanced against the reasonable expectations of neighbourhood amenity and visitor safety.
The City is recommending a new definition for this style of accommodation and a consistent state-wide approach.
Quick statistics on the City of Sydney local government area:
Number of Airbnb listings: 2,993 (Source: insideairbnb.com/sydney/)
Number of hotel rooms: 20,000
Number of serviced apartment rooms: 4,700
Number of pub rooms: 968
Number of backpacker hostel beds: 6,200
Source: City of Sydney.
Under this proposal, premises could be classified as ‘exempt’ development where they meet certain requirements, such as limiting the number of days they can be let in a year and the number of people staying. If short term letting does not meet the requirements it would not be permitted.
“The City also wants to ensure there is continued investment in traditional visitor accommodation, which makes an important contribution to Sydney’s economy, with approximately 31,868 rooms or beds currently available, and another 4,259 hotel keys and 197 serviced apartments in the pipeline,” the Lord Mayor said. 
“More than 10.5 million visitors came to Sydney in 2012, contributing over $5 billion to the city’s economy.  This supported over 10,000 businesses in the transport, accommodation, education, retail, cultural and recreation sectors. This equates to almost 27,000 jobs or seven per cent of the city’s workforce.”
The City’s Visitor Accommodation Action Plan, adopted this year, supports investment in new and existing visitor accommodation to meet the demand forecast by the national tourism strategy, Tourism 2020.
To encourage investment and increase the number of beds or rooms in the traditional accommodation sector, the plan is to implement regulatory reform, such as reducing compliance costs and removing barriers, as well as facilitating new tourism infrastructure projects.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Airbnb needs the right rules Sydney Council tells NSW Parliament

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Angus Raine, the chairman at Raine &amp; Horne says it’s important to establish the rules of engagement from the beginning when it comes to a family-owned holiday home.
He says family members would do well to agree to an accommodation schedule for the holiday home from the outset, which diarises when the property is occupied and by whom.
"Some weeks are more valuable than others, such as Christmas and Easter, but by taking a common sense approach, it’s feasible to develop an accommodation schedule which is suitable to all parties."
He says cleaning is another issue that can cause disputes in a shared holiday home.
"From the outset, all parties should agree about how the property should be left after a vacation stint.
"Typically, to circumvent any concerns, all parties could agree to pay for a professional cleaner every time they exit the property.
"Dirty linen is a common bugbear of shared accommodation.
"I advise that occupants could take their own linen to the holiday home and remove it with them when they leave." 
He recommends a pact about how repairs and maintenance with one method is contributing to a sinking fund not unlike those used in strata arrangements.
"Breakages have the potential to cause familial schisms," he warns.
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Property 101: Shared holiday homes and family harmony 

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The online holiday home rental site Stayz has switched to a commission-based model with upset owners considering a switch to rival Airbnb.
Stayz is only offering listing renewal contracts with holiday home owners paying a 10 percent commission, rather than $15.90 a night and an annual fee of $164.
The Australian Financial Review notes Airbnb charges the property owner a three per cent commission and also changes the guest an additional six to 12 per cent on making a booking.
The Australian reports Stayz has around 42,000 registered properties.
The business was sold three years ago by Fairfax Media for $220 million. 
Stayz is ultimately owned by US-based online travel Expedia, which bought its parent company HomeAway for $US3.9 billion last year. 
Stayz boss Anton Stanish told the paper the company was now reviewing after feedback from some owners.
But noting some owners will pay more as "they were getting a steal before," he said.
One holiday home owner said her fees had gone up by 600 percent as a result of the changes to the commission structure for her luxury properties. 
Another noted in the peak Christmas period, the commission paid to Stayz on a $5000 booking for a week-long stay at her property would rise to $500 from $125.30 under the old system.
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"No more steals" for landlords as Stayz raises holiday home rental commission to 10 percent

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The advance of Airbnb vacation accomodation across inner Sydney has been one of 2015's defining property trends. For Del Rio, the divine Elizabeth Bay residential building, the onset has been via the Terry Kaljo classy online tourism booking outfit, Contemporary Hotels.
The garden apartment of Melanie Greensmith who runs the clothing label, Wheels and Dollbaby, with her partner Mark McEntee, former guitarist in the Divinyls, has turned up as <a href="https://contemporaryhotels.com.au/accommodation/sydney/the-del-rio" target="_blank">a $1,200 a night accommodation offering.</a> More than double that price over the Christmas period for the garden apartment in the landmark Spanish Mission block of five.
Seems like even the grandest of company title apartment blocks can't withstand the disruptive onslaught of short term Rimowa luggage laden, internet arrivisites. I recall the days when it was nigh impossible to come or go from Del Rio without tripping over the walking stick of Lady (Eileen) Noad, who'd watched all from the street-level foyer, with a conversation thrown in too. 
Located on the Billyard Avenue dress circle harbourfront with Moorish mosaic-tiled pool, Del Rio dates back to its 1928 design by John Spencer-Stransfield, who is more famously known for designing Sydney's finest Federation suburb Haberfield.
Attracted by the Chateau Marmont style arches, Greensmith, the Perth based fashion entrepreneur, bought it in 2013 about $4.25 million from Charles Wilkins, a leading Sydney caterer. He'd had the late designer Garth Barnett undertake the renovation from its original layout - with the third bedroom maid’s quarter - into two large comfortable bedrooms with two marble-finished bathrooms.
"Mixing old Hollywood glamour with contemporary features and facilities, The Del Rio celebrates the best of Sydney’s lifestyle and culture," says the booking website. Contemporary Hotels was established by former model turned hospitality pioneer Terry Kaljo whose son, Matthew Fleming now handpicks the website's short term rental selections.
It's the Billyard Avenue block briefly on the radar of Hollywood's then first couple Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman who inspected when one of the tightly held apartments came up for sale back in the mid-1990s. The block's top floor is home to executive deputy chairman of Crown John Alexander and his photographer wife, Alice.
There's neighbourhood whispers that former Fairfax board member and former chief executive of Louis Vuitton, Julia King, and her husband, Peter have recently sold their apartment for around $6.5 million.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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