Buyers considering a residence at boutique Gordon townhouse development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lume-gordon-43-47-dumaresq-street-gordon-nsw-2072">Lume</a>&nbsp;now have another reason to bring forward their decision.

For a limited time, purchasers of a residence at Lume will receive a BMW iX3 50 electric SUV, valued at more than $120,000, as part of their purchase. The offer is designed to add value for buyers while complementing the lifestyle envisioned for the architecturally designed Upper North Shore development.

Scott Timmins, Development Manager at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/winim">WINIM</a>, said the partnership was created to provide buyers with a compelling reason to act.

"In today's market, buyers need a compelling reason to act now, and the BMW partnership was designed to create that catalyst. We wanted to add genuine value for our future purchasers. Choosing the all-electric BMW iX3 50 also reflects the values behind LUME, forward-thinking design, innovation and a more sustainable way of living. It's a premium incentive that complements the lifestyle our buyers aspire to and rewards those who commit early."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]

Delivered by WINIM in partnership with Burtonwood Investment Partners, Lume comprises 14 architecturally designed two, three and four-bedroom townhomes created for families seeking the space of a freestanding house with the ease of modern, low-maintenance living.

The three-storey residences, designed by award-winning architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, have been tailored for families and multi-generational living, featuring private internal lifts, flexible lower-level spaces, generous open-plan living and entertaining areas, media rooms, and landscaped outdoor spaces with custom outdoor kitchens.&nbsp;

Inside, engineered oak flooring, bespoke dining joinery with integrated wine fridges and backlit bars, sculptural porcelain bathrooms, Parisi freestanding baths and Astra Walker tapware create interiors that balance functionality with refined finishes.

Each townhome has been designed to combine generous internal spaces with sustainability initiatives such as EV charging infrastructure, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>'s landscaped communal areas, centred around a restored creek line and native planting, encourage residents to connect with nature and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]

Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.

"Our vision was to create elegant, uplifting homes that draw on and positively contribute to the local character through meticulously considered design and an interaction with the surroundings."

The communal landscape has been designed as more than an open space between homes. Arcadia's Ben Newell and Kate Phillips said the adjoining reserve provided an opportunity to create a distinctive natural retreat for residents.

"Just as waterways carve their way through Ku-ring-gai's landscape, a raised boardwalk weaves through the reserve, connecting the homes to this tranquil oasis."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]

Located just 300 metres from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gordon-nsw-2072">Gordon</a> Village and Gordon railway station, Lume offers convenient access to Sydney's CBD while placing residents close to some of the North Shore's leading schools, including Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College and Knox Grammar. Lane Cove National Park, Gordon Golf Club and a range of cafés and restaurants further reinforce the family-focused lifestyle on offer, with the BMW iX3 50 complementing everything from local trips around Gordon to weekend drives and city commutes.

Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]

Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

Two apartments have sold for more than $10 million at EADE Byron Bay, setting some of the highest apartment prices ever achieved in the coastal town and underlining the growing appetite for luxury beachfront apartments in Australia's most popular coastal locations.

The $210 million project by Vitale Property Group has now secured more than $70 million in sales, led by residences that changed hands for $12.75 million and $11.75 million.

The record-breaking transactions reinforce the shift occurring in Byron Bay's premium property market, where affluent downsizers and lifestyle buyers are increasingly opting for high-end apartments over large beachfront homes.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eade-byron-bay-29-shirley-street-byron-bay-nsw-2481">EADE Byron Bay</a> occupies a rare 6,000 sqm absolute beachfront site on the corner of Shirley and Milton Streets overlooking Main Beach and The Wreck surf break, just 350 metres from Byron Bay's town centre.

The 25-residence development is the first beachfront apartment project approved in Byron Bay in more than a decade and is currently under construction, with completion expected in May 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]

The project has attracted a mix of local Byron Shire residents downsizing from larger homes, alongside interstate buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seeking a permanent coastal lifestyle without compromising on space.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/alexander-co">Alexander &amp; Co</a>, EADE comprises&nbsp;10 garden apartments ranging from 284 sqm to 622 sqm, nine with private pools, five full-floor apartments and 10 rooftop residences with private plunge pools, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and uninterrupted ocean views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vitale-property-group">Vitale Property Group</a> Managing Partner Chris Vitale said the project's combination of scale, location and limited future supply was driving buyer demand.

"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.

"Buyers are responding to the scarcity and the irreplaceability of a site of this calibre and to floorplans they can't find elsewhere in the market.

"We are seeing buyers place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of the location. The sales achieved to date demonstrate that discerning purchasers recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay.

"Many are coming from larger homes in the Byron region, or from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are after the space, security and convenience, without the upkeep of a house."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]

The Byron Bay project follows Vitale Property Group's delivery of the Mondrian Hotel and Private Residences at Burleigh Heads, with EADE continuing the developer's focus on luxury coastal developments.

Residents will have access to a resort-style swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, cold plunge pool, concierge services and dedicated workspaces, while the project is targeting an 8-Star Green Star rating.

EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.

WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.

"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.

"The sales achieved to date demonstrate that purchasers at this level recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay."

Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.

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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.

But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.

As online shopping has become part of everyday life, parcel deliveries have shifted from an occasional event to a regular occurrence. Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally.

For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.

If nobody is home to accept a delivery, parcels may be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in a building lobby or common area, or require building management to step in. In higher-density buildings, where dozens or even hundreds of residents may receive deliveries each day, parcel management has become an increasingly important part of everyday living.

That can create a range of frustrations. A missed delivery often means making time to collect a parcel elsewhere, while packages left unattended in foyers or mail areas can create clutter and increase the risk of theft. What seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly become a recurring issue for residents who shop online regularly.

It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.

As a result, buyers are beginning to look beyond traditional apartment features and consider how a building supports day-to-day convenience, including whether there are secure options for receiving deliveries.

Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CkF2oKmlACg?si=C50sDaoUUn2nuLmq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than having a parcel delivered directly to an apartment, eligible deliveries can be sent to a nominated Parcel Locker. Once the parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN at a time that suits them.

The Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with installations at Post Offices, shopping centres, transport hubs and an increasing number of residential developments. By providing a secure collection point, Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and avoid parcels being left unattended in common areas.

For developers, parcel infrastructure is becoming another way to improve the resident experience. Rather than relying on concierge staff or leaving parcels in communal spaces, secure collection points help streamline deliveries while preserving the presentation and functionality of shared areas.

For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.

A generous floorplan or quality finishes might help narrow the shortlist, but the conveniences that simplify everyday life, whether that's EV charging, secure bike storage or reliable parcel delivery, often become the features residents appreciate most once they're living there.

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hg-developments">HG Developments</a> is doubling down on Maud Street in Newstead, filing plans for a new apartment tower just a few doors down from its under-construction Aire Newstead development.

Recently submitted to Brisbane City Council, the proposal is for an 18-storey building designed by bureau^proberts, which has drawn heavily on Brisbane's subtropical design principles while referencing the suburb's industrial heritage.

A total of 64 apartments are planned for the amalgamated 1,518 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-21-maud-street-newstead-qld-4006">17–21 Maud Street</a>, a short walk from the Brisbane River and Newstead Riverwalk.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a400c7fd-bd15-48f8-a63b-10ede92efe00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20bldg.png?VersionId=.0vPmjpbC7CNP7kqGWa6L7rGIwsNExaw" />

"The building is defined by a series of vaulted motifs that reinterpret the arches, colonnades and layered facades evident throughout Newstead's historic built fabric," the Urban Design Report states.

"Combined with recessed glazing and generous balconies, these elements create a layered building envelope that provides shade, weather protection and opportunities for natural ventilation whilst establishing a distinctive architectural identity."

The proposal comprises 64 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 18 residential levels, positioning it alongside a growing number of taller residential projects transforming Newstead's northern precinct. The tower incorporates extensive subtropical landscaping, with cascading planter boxes, deep planting at street level and a landscaped rooftop recreation area.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8140f4-8b98-45cd-b1b8-1efe8c8e266b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=VAZtbCoD44YCJ57N99fQCAKeSJx7ldZs" />

Bureau Proberts has prioritised passive environmental design throughout the project, with generous balconies, recessed glazing and operable façades helping reduce solar heat gain while maximising natural ventilation. River views become available from the upper levels, while the building has been orientated to capture prevailing breezes from both the Brisbane River and the west.

The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.

"Vertical greenery, cascading planter boxes and elevated gardens are woven throughout the architecture, softening the built form and strengthening the connection between residents and the subtropical environment."

"Through the integration of landscape, high-quality materials and passive design principles, the development delivers a refined residential address that celebrates Newstead's heritage character while contributing positively to Brisbane's evolving subtropical identity."

Newstead has remained one of Brisbane's most active apartment markets in recent years, with a number of developers continuing to back the inner-city suburb.

HG Developments is currently delivering the 40-apartment Aire Newstead at 25 Maud Street. Fortis recently launched the 65-apartment <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> on Kyabra Street, while builder-developer BPG and Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties are both expected to launch their respective Newstead projects before the end of the year.

HG Developments doubles down in Newstead with second Maud Street apartment development

Walk past a new apartment development promoting its sustainability credentials and it's easy to picture rooftop gardens, mature trees, landscaped courtyards and residents surrounded by nature.

But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.

Australia's leading environmental rating tools have played a significant role in improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings. Yet despite their focus on reducing emissions, many don't require developers to include trees, biodiversity or meaningful green space.

In other words, a building can achieve one of the country's highest sustainability ratings while containing little more than concrete, glass and hard landscaping.

That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.

The concept goes beyond designing buildings that consume less energy. Instead, it encourages developers to treat nature as essential infrastructure, integrating biodiversity, tree canopy, living landscapes and green spaces into projects from the earliest stages of planning.

Research has consistently linked access to nature with better physical and mental health, cooler neighbourhoods, improved biodiversity, stronger climate resilience and more connected communities. As Australia's cities continue to become denser, advocates say those outcomes should be considered just as important as energy efficiency.

Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.

Founded by Hamton Executive Chairman Paul Hameister OAM, the not-for-profit was created after research highlighted a significant gap in Australia's sustainability framework. While existing environmental rating tools rewarded energy performance and emissions reductions, they placed little emphasis on the inclusion of living landscapes.

"We've always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren't there," Hameister says.

"In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that's concrete and glass with not a blade of grass.

"The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn't been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities."

Since its launch, NBC has developed independent design guidelines and accreditation frameworks that encourage developers to prioritise ecology, biodiversity, tree canopy, walkability and living landscapes alongside traditional sustainability measures. The organisation first focused on medium and high-density residential developments before recently expanding into precinct-scale communities and masterplanned neighbourhoods.

Jan Talacko, founder of sustainability consultancy Ark Resources and a member of the Nature Based Cities Advisory Council, says the initiative addresses an area that has largely been overlooked by the property industry.

"Throughout my 25 years of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the property sector, I've always favoured a pragmatic approach to sustainable design which encourages initiatives that not only meet environmental expectations but also improve amenity," Talacko says.

"Whilst we are making steady progress in relation to energy and carbon emissions from buildings, there has been much less emphasis on encouraging biodiversity and tackling the urban heat island effect.

"The Nature Based Cities initiative responds to a gap in the suite of tools currently used by the property development sector, which don't provide sufficient incentive, or recognition, for the integration of landscaping and greenery."

For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.

Rather than assuming a sustainable building will naturally include abundant green space, buyers are increasingly being encouraged to look beyond environmental ratings and ask what nature is actually being delivered. How much tree canopy will the development create? Has biodiversity been considered? Are landscaped spaces designed for people as well as appearance?

As Australia's cities continue to grow upwards and outwards, the next generation of sustainability may not simply be measured by lower emissions, but by how successfully developments bring nature back into everyday urban life.

What does it really mean for a building to be 'green'?

Agent Profile

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Harry Li, director of the McDonald Real Estate’s Springvale office in Victoria was REIV’s winner of the award for senior auctioneer of the year in 2014 and a finalist in the Australia and New Zealand auctioneering event held recently in New Zealand. 
He spoke to Zoe Fielding about what it takes to be a top auctioneer.
Harry Li (pictured above) started out as a real estate rookie in Victoria about a decade ago.
After four years in property sales, Li – now a director of McDonald Real Estate Springvale – turned his sights towards auctioneering.
“I felt that was a natural progression,” he says. “At the time the company did not have a full time auctioneer so I thought I would do the training.”
Basic auctioneer training teaches the foundations needed to run an auction sales campaign and the technical skills to call an auction.
Some auctioneers simply do the basics but Li goes much further. Over the years he has taken one-on-one training from other auctioneers, and sought guidance and tips from people with more experience. But the most important element of Li’s skills development is practice.
“Time is what it takes,” Li says. “I practice with a partner four times a week. It’s like going to the gym. If you want to build your muscles you have to train regularly.”
The pair conduct mock auctions on a weekly basis whereas Li says many auctioneers only train once a week or only practice their craft when they conduct auctions on a Saturday.
It’s the details that make a good auctioneer stand out from the crowd, Li says.
In addition to the technical skills, such as knowing the rules, keeping track of the numbers, and using the right type of language, an auctioneer’s general persona is important. The auctioneer must be likeable and “real”.
“You don’t have to be an aggressive person. Some people are more passive and that’s OK but you have to be able to read the play of the auction. You have to be flexible enough to handle the scenarios that come up,” Li says.
An auctioneer must know when to take large or small bids and how far to push the bidders.
The auctioneer’s performance can have a major effect on how much more a property sells for, regardless of whether it is snapped up under the hammer or passes in and sells during later negotiations.
“If the auctioneer gets on the wrong side of a buyer it can cost the seller a lot,” Li says. “It’s an art form and that plays a part when it comes to the final result.”
Li’s hard work has paid off. He was winner of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s award for senior auctioneer of the year in October and was a finalist in the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s auctioneering competition held in New Zealand.
Unsurprisingly, he is a big advocate of auctions, although he says they are not appropriate in all markets or for all homes. In a slow market, or when buyers have access to a large amount of accurate data about the property’s value, which might be the case for identical units in a large block for example, an auction may not be the best option.
“If it’s a highly competitive area and there’s good demand for properties an auction is the way to go,” Li says.
Competitive bidding can boost the price that the property achieves, pushing buyers to spend the maximum amount they can, or risk losing the auction to another more committed bidder.
Auctions also create a sense of urgency among buyers with auction day acting as a deadline by which they must make a decision on the property. In a private treaty sale, the process may be more drawn out.
The seller in an auction is protected by the reserve price, which means the property will not sell unless the pre-agreed level is reached.
After the hammer falls, the sale is final and unconditional. This allows the vendor to set specific sale terms, such as the settlement date, and prevents a buyer from backing out after the deal has been agreed. This is typically a benefit to sellers but it can limit the number of potential buyers as some people wish to purchase subject to finance, which is not an option with an auction.
Another potential downside of an auction is that engaging a specialist auctioneer comes with an additional cost, but if the campaign and auction are run well, the extra cost may be recouped through a higher sales price.
{qtube vid:=2l2YoUdC4eg}
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zfielding-GvX3Uq9KTa

Agent profile: Harry Li - what it takes to be a top auctioneer

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NAME: Ben Pomroy<img src="/images/2014/11/26/punroy-nov-26-proifle.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Principal
COMPANY: Rothelowman
OFFICE LOCATION: Level 2, 171 William Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 
How long have you been in the industry?
16 years
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
Historically disparate development types – residential apartments and neighbourhood retail developments are co-locating within single development sites, creating high intensity mixed-use developments in outer urban areas. These development types come from traditionally disparate funding and delivery models, so combining them brings a unique set of design and delivery challenges. Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?
I have always been interested in adaptive reuse projects, working on several adaptions from small to large scale. A conversion I designed, of an old fish processing facility into residential apartments in the inner city, is a favourite. The old building opened up all kinds of unique and interesting challenges, from its triangular site plan that tapered down to a 800mm wide point, to using the tight proximity of surrounding neighbours to generate an architectural form. Needless to say, the conversion was positively received by the neighbours with the removal of processing waste from the area.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
To take an idea from its early conception, through to construction demands the architect to be passionate advocate for the project throughout its life. This responsibility is a great opportunity that needs to be embraced by any architect to be successful.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
The moment working with a client when the idea comes together, the “aha” when the lines of the paper crystalise to form the future building.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
In property I would be looking at fringe areas to the Parramatta CBD for what are still good value sites. On the north side of Sydney, the Northern Beaches still has opportunities in this price range.
Which football team do you support?
My early years were in QLD, so the Brisbane Broncos.
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
Favourite app is Paper by 53.
How do you use social media?
Each media platform has its own specific use and audience. I like using Twitter as a place to research and test new design issues and agendas. Condensing an idea down to 140 characters hones an ability to clearly articulate design concepts to wider audiences than just other design professionals.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

In profile: Rothelowman principal, Ben Pomroy

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NAME: Neil Cooke<img src="/images/2014/11/19/cooke-nov-19-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Divisional director - residential site sales
COMPANY: Savills
OFFICE LOCATION: L7, 50 Bridge Street, Sydney
How long have you been in the industry? 
20 years
What's happening in the area you specialise in?
I specialise in the Sydney residential market which has been very strong over the past few years and is continuing to show positive signs for the future. The undersupply and market trend to buy apartments will underpin stable price growth for many years to come.
Describe the most interesting property you have worked on? 
A boutique residential apartment building of 29 Apartments called ESQUE in Mosman. The project was completed in October 2013 and has recently been awarded the UDIA NSW Best Apartment Project and the UDIA NSW Presidents Award for the 'best of the best' development for 2014. The project was a great success for everyone involved. 
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job? 
Diligence, motivation, integrity and most importantly a sense of humour. 
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
You get to meet a lot of different people and no day is the same as the last. 
Where would you invest a spare $750,000? 
I would purchase an apartment in HELM's soon to be released development in Neutral Bay, Sydney.
Which football team do you support?
The Waratahs and the mighty Manly Sea Eagles.
What's your favourite app or techno gadget?
<a href="https://www.strava.com/" target="_blank">Strava</a>. Although my friends would say it doesn't get used much.
How do you use social media? 
My friends and colleagues would laugh if I said I was active on social media.
You can contact Neil via <a href="mailto:ncooke@savills.com.au" target="_blank">email</a>.
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In profile: Savills' divisional director - residential site sales, Neil Cooke

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NAME: Tim Maunsell<img src="/images/2014/11/12/Tim-Maunsell-profiel.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Chief executive
COMPANY: Shortspace
OFFICE LOCATION: 9 Barrack Street, Sydney
How long have you been in the industry?
30 years.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
We're an online portal that gives people – startups, creatives, companies or individuals – access to short-term commerical real estate, whether it be by the hour, month or week. We're creating a solution where people can talk to each other and find an easy solution.
Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?
We did the valuation of the Opera House in the 1980s.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
As far as I'm concerned, you're not working unless you're on the phone.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
Meeting people and coming up with solutions that they wouldn't have thought of.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
A unit on the Gold Coast. I think it's very undervalued at the moment.
Which football team do you support?
North Sydney Bears.
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
Shazam.
How do you use social media?
We use it quite effectively for Shortspace. We use a lot of social media - Pinterest, Instagram, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShortSpaceAu" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and Twitter. It's a really cheap, cost effective tool.
I'm not personally much of a Twitter user, but Facebook is a big social tool for me. 
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In profile: Shortspace's chief executive, Tim Maunsell

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<img src="/images/2014/11/05/hodgson-nov-5-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;">NAME: Carol Hodgson
POSITION: Director, strategic research
COMPANY: JLL
OFFICE LOCATION: Brisbane
How long have you been in the industry?
10 years
What's happening in the area you specialise in?
Queensland is going through an interesting time at the moment with the switch from resource based to more broader based economic growth. However, there are opportunities, particularly in the residential market, and the longer term outlook is very positive.
Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?
A lot of my work is more based on markets than individual buildings. However, I worked at investment companies in London and Paris during and after the global financial crisis - it made for interesting market dynamics and investment strategies.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
Being analytical and building up relationships across the industry. Having a naturally inquisitive nature also helps.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy learning about new property markets and their interaction with the wider economy.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
I'd either buy a residential apartment in central Brisbane or failing that residential in London (although I might need more than $750,000 for that!)
Which football team do you support?
I'm originally from the north of England so I'm not an Aussie Rules supporter - my home soccer team is Middlesbrough.
What's your favourite app or techno gadget?
Google Maps - it's saved me from getting lost a number of times!
How do you use social media?
I'm not a big user of social media, however, I am fairly active on <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/carol-hodgson/a/79b/39" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.
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In profile: JLL's director of strategic research, Carol Hodgson

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Name: Chris Knight
<img src="/images/2014/07/23/knight-july-23-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;">Position: Managing director
Company: Opteon Property Group Victoria
Office Location: Melbourne
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been employed with Opteon (Victoria) since 2006 and was appointed to the position of managing director in 2011. I previously held roles including director of residential services, operations manager and senior valuer and have been immersed in the industry for almost 17 years.
What's happening in the area you specialise in?
I've just spent some time in the US to understand other property markets and how they are innovating. Australian companies, especially those in property, are often not strong in areas of innovation and that's a key aspect we're concentrating on.
From a tactical level we are breaking down traditional product silos and focusing more on geography where practical. Training of our people is of key importance to us, and this means our staff can more easily cross product environments and increase their learning and career potential.
Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on.
Opteon have key specialisations in almost all aspects of property and assets, and as such we see an enormous variety of interesting properties and projects.
We are regularly involved in providing advice on multi-level and multi-use residential and commercial development projects, as well as valuing pubs and hotels, petrol stations and most other forms of special use commercial property.
We are involved in landlord and tenant disputes, family law advice regarding the assessment of asset portfolios as well as the advice for the property aspect of land acquisition for public use, including road widenings and other public services.
One of particular interest, however, was the valuation of a WWII Mustang fighter aircraft undertaken by our head of plant and equipment. The assessment of value of this aircraft was quite in-depth and very interesting.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
One of my favourite sayings is "a business that stands still is actually moving backwards". I think the ingredients to being successful in any job or industry is identifying how you can continue to get the most out of yourself and the people around you, and continue to push yourself beyond the 'comfort zone' and shake up the traditional way of thinking.
In essence, be prepared to do things differently.
Being successful in my role is ensuring that those around me are successful also, and to create an environment where I enjoy my work, and where others do too.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
I am passionate about creating something different, not just another property company. Setting a positive culture, assisting people to reach their goals and aligning goals of staff to those of a business is really important to me. I enjoy creating highly effective teams, which have a client and delivery focus.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
Firstly, I would only invest in something that I understood, which for me is obviously property. The other important aspect is to have a clear strategy (short/medium/long term etc).
However, invariably I would look to an asset class which could attract debt, provide a good yield (preferably covering debt requirements), whilst also having good potential for strong capital growth, whether that be through change in the utilisation of the land component, further development or strong market growth through demand.
But there is one constant in this strategy, and that is land; my opinion is you must have land in the asset, as that is the key component, which will appreciate in value. Asset classes such as residential development or commercial assets with a strong land component would be of interest.
Which football team do you support?
Geelong Football Club.
What is your favourite app or techno gadget?
I confess to having a bent at the moment to Sudoku apps that I use in my downtime, although I do use apps such as UrbanSpoon, Strava and <a href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/knightc" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> on a regular basis.
How do you use social media?
As a business, social media is an invaluable tool that enables us to understand and connect with our target audience. We use this medium on a regular basis to build and differentiate the brand of the company and the individuals within it.
It also permits us to communicate effectively in real time and keep abreast of industry developments.
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In profile: Opteon Property Group Victoria's managing director, Chris Knight  

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NAME: Darrell Irwin<img src="/images/2014/09/24/in-prof-di.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;"> POSITION: Director, special projects division COMPANY: Colliers International OFFICE LOCATION: Gold Coast
How long have you been in the industry?
25 years
What's happening in the area you specialise in?
Development sites in South East Queensland are in hot demand, even on the Gold Coast!
Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?
Sale of Couran Cove Resort and the sale of 50 hectares of land surrounding Robina Town Centre to QIC.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
Knowledge, credibility, honesty and hard work.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
Dealing with the people and analysis of development sites for the highest and best use and consequently the value.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
Approved residential development land near water or major infrastructure.
Which football team do you support?
NSW Blues, Queensland Reds and Sydney Roosters.
What's your favourite app or techno gadget?
Hurley surf app.
How do you use social media?
Instagram to keep an eye on what my 11 and 13 year old daughters are up to.
 
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In profile: Colliers International's director, special projects division, Darrell Irwin

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Agent: Tom Pullinen<img src="/images/2014/09/17/pullinene-sept-17-two.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
Position: Head of tenant representation
Company: Colliers International
Office location: Sydney
How long have you been in the industry?
Since 1986 although started working in it part-time in 1984.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
The transformation of the industry is on the way, of which tenant representation is an integral part.
Corporate real estate is in its infancy and shall continue to grow now for the next 10-15 years.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold.
Not usually in selling but sold the former Fairfax Building in Ultimo to UTS in the late 1990s.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
Trust, patience, persistence and professionalism.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
Building and working with a team.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
For now in the bank on a short term basis and wait until next year and then make a decision.
Which football team do you support?
Union – Waratahs.
League – St George.
AFL - Carlton.
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
Do not have one.
How do you use social media?
Minimally but expanding that right now.
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In profile: Colliers International's head of tenant representation, Tom Pullinen

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Agent: Andrew Noble<img src="/images/2014/09/10/noble-porifle-sept-10.png" alt="" style="float: right;"> 
Company: Vaughan Constructions
Position: Director and general manager
How long have you been in the industry? 
Started out in 1988 as an apprentice carpenter,  26 years ago.  
What's happening in the area you specialise in? 
Currently we have projects in all states around the county (excluding Tasmania) and we’re noticing a distinct trend line for long-term growth objectives. Businesses are thinking beyond the first lease term or their immediate requirements and ensuring their longevity is not constrained by poorly designed or inflexible facilities. This logic, whilst not ground-breaking, shows confidence in the mid to long term economic outlook.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold/leased/developed/managed
A Pet Hotel – It’s amazing how much people love and spend on their pets.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job? 
Surround yourself with people that are great at what they do and develop those that have potential to get there. And a fully charged iPhone!
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? 
The things I enjoy constantly change. The job and the business provides diverse exposure to people, projects and places.
Where would invest a spare $750,000? 
Industrial yields are still attractive but always invest in quality.
Which football team do you support? 
Richmond Football Club… and I still believe!!!
What's your favourite app or techno gadget? 
I love the efficiency that technology can bring. Some technologies offer amazing things or tricks but aren’t what you need. You’ve got to start with the question: what do you need?
About 10 years ago we found our questions couldn’t be answered with what was on offer. We had seen many companies buy technology and shape their business around it, which made absolutely no sense to us.
So, we wrote a script or a detailed brief, sought out the best software developers from around the world and got to it.
We now have a complete project management, procurement and financial suite, and have automated most of our labour draining processes. It beats anything off-the-shelf and makes us efficient - just one of our competitive advantages and we’re always seeking to create more.
We continue to invest in our software year on year.
How do you use social media? 
I follow people on my twitter account but I’m not a tweeter.
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/vaughan-constructions?trk=biz-companies-cym" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> lets me know company news,  if people move or have a milestone – apart from that I don’t think technology should replace picking up the phone. 
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In profile: Vaughan Constructions' director and general manager, Andrew Noble

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NAME: Philip Stephens<img src="/images/2014/09/03/Philip-Stephens-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Director, industrial
COMPANY: Colliers International
OFFICE LOCATION: Level 20, Central Plaza One, 345 Queen Street, Brisbane.
How long have you been in the industry? 
10 years
What's happening in the area you specialise in? 
I specialise in Brisbane's industrial market. There has been a number of large logistics users take advantage of sharp rental deals. With these users vacating it has resulted in a large supply of older style buildings, many of which are in the process of being refurbished for their next lifespan.
Activity from both small investors and large REITs has been strong, with some investors buying older assets with leasing risk and benefiting from the rental uplift.
Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on? 
A World War Two Igloo which I sold for Thiess Mining for $6,200,000. It was a complicated lease back situation with the building being heritage listed.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
Hard work, persistence and first class market knowledge.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? 
Meeting a variety of business people and understanding how they grew their business.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
Either an industrial building with some leasing risk or the share market.
Which football team do you support? 
Quennsland Reds.
What's your favourite app or techno gadget?
<a href="https://www.strava.com/" target="_blank">Strava</a>.
How do you use social media?
I primarily use LinkedIn and Instagram. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/philip-stephens/30/565/40" target="_blank">LinkedIn </a>is a very useful tool I use regularly as it assists me in communicating with a range of different clients and allows me to promote other industry groups I am a part of.
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