Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372212]

Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372225]

While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146717]

Joel Robinson

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6395]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=353235]

A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

The Walden pairs house-scale living with North Sydney connectivity

The ACT will become the first jurisdiction in Australia to abolish stamp duty for all first home buyers, with no income caps and no property price thresholds from 1 July.

The move, announced as part of the ACT Budget, completes a key election commitment from the Barr Government and removes what Chief Minister Andrew Barr described as one of the biggest barriers to entering the housing market. The reform forms part of the ACT's long-running transition away from transaction taxes and towards a broader-based property tax system.

"This budget marks a major milestone in our long-term tax reform program," Barr said, adding that the government had maintained a sustained focus on removing barriers to home ownership. He said stamp duty had long been one of the largest upfront hurdles facing buyers and that from July, "that barrier is gone" for first home buyers in the Territory.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=350986]

The changes come alongside a range of measures designed to encourage new housing supply, including support for the delivery of so-called "missing middle" housing such as terraces, townhouses and low-rise multi-unit developments.

The announcement has renewed debate around whether the ACT's approach could provide a blueprint for improving housing affordability nationally.

New research from OurTop10.com.au, conducted by Primara Research, suggests the Territory's decade-long reform agenda has produced outcomes unmatched elsewhere in Australia.

While stamp duty costs have increased by an average 67 per cent nationally over the past decade, the ACT has recorded growth of just 15 per cent, the lowest increase of any jurisdiction.

The Territory has also emerged as one of the strongest performers on housing delivery. Based on population-weighted housing targets, the ACT is sitting less than one per cent behind its target. Victoria is the next closest at seven per cent behind, while the national average sits 25 per cent below target. New South Wales is tracking 39 per cent behind.

The latest reform removes one of the final barriers facing first home buyers in Canberra.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=359152]

The average Australian home buyer currently pays $61,714 in stamp duty. In the ACT, that figure is $38,399 despite the Territory having the third-highest median house price in the country.

Until now, the ACT's first home buyer concession scheme only applied to purchases up to $1.02 million, around $51,000 below Canberra's median house price of $1.071 million. In practical terms, many first home buyers were unable to access the median-priced home without losing the concession.

From July, those restrictions disappear.

Every first home buyer in the ACT will pay no stamp duty, regardless of income or purchase price.

Canberra remains one of Australia's most expensive housing markets, with dwelling values increasing 82 per cent over the past decade. However, that growth ranks only 11th among Australia's 15 major housing markets, suggesting affordability pressures have been less severe than in many other parts of the country.

Simon Ma, CEO of OurTop10.com.au, said the latest reforms recognise that many first home buyers have simply outgrown thresholds set years ago.

"Many first home buyers aren't just looking for a way onto the ladder, they want a home their family can actually live in," Ma said.

"In a market where the median house price is over a million dollars, a concession scheme that cuts out at $1.02 million was never going to get them there.

"Removing the ceiling entirely means ACT first home buyers can now pursue the home they actually want, rather than limiting themselves to a price point designed for a very different market."

Whether other states follow remains to be seen. But at a time when most jurisdictions are struggling to improve affordability while also increasing housing supply, the ACT has quietly become the national test case for both.

15% stamp duty growth. Just 1% off the national housing target. Zero stamp duty for FHBs. Is the ACT the blueprint for the great Australian dream?

ACT abolishes stamp duty for first home buyers

A rooftop pool and spa overlooking the Brisbane CBD, private dining spaces, expansive landscaped gardens and a residents' lounge are set to crown <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/callista-on-park-west-end-49-mollison-street-west-end-qld-4101">Callista on Park</a>, the final residential building within Brisbane's West Village precinct.

The rooftop amenity collection has been designed as an extension of the lifestyle already established throughout West Village, providing residents with a series of indoor and outdoor spaces that capitalise on the building's elevated position above West End.

A swimming pool and heated spa form the centrepiece of the rooftop offering, surrounded by landscaped gardens developed through a collaboration between developer Sekisui House and ASPECT Studios. The design incorporates expansive lawn areas surrounded by English garden-inspired planting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=370648]

Residents will also have access to two barbecue and outdoor dining areas positioned to take advantage of views across Brisbane's skyline, neighbouring Mollison Park, and the surrounding inner-city landscape.

For larger gatherings, the rooftop includes a private dining room centred around a substantial stone island bench, complete with a full kitchen and a 10-seat dining table set beneath four-metre-high ceilings. The space has been designed to overlook both the rooftop gardens and the Brisbane CBD skyline.

A separate residents' lounge provides an additional indoor retreat connected to the broader rooftop amenity offering, creating another space for residents to work, relax or entertain guests.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=370647]

The attention to detail extends beyond the rooftop.

Upon arrival, residents will enter through a lobby featuring a bespoke ceiling light installation developed in collaboration between Sekisui House and Alcorn Middleton Architecture. The arrival experience is complemented by private resident mailboxes and carefully considered interior finishes designed to reflect the premium positioning of the building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=372541]

The amenity offering forms part of Callista on Park, the final residential release within the decade-long transformation of the former Peters Ice Cream Factory site into West Village, one of Brisbane's most established mixed-use communities.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a>, Callista represents the most premium residential offering within the masterplanned precinct.

Construction is now entering its final stages, with scaffolding beginning to come down and completion expected in the first quarter of 2027.

Prices for the three-bedroom plus MPR apartments start from just over $2.6 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=351535]

Callista will mark the final opportunity to purchase within West Village, where residents have direct access to more than 35 retail, dining, wellness and medical operators including Harris Farm Markets, Woolworths, Function Well and Goodlife Health Clubs, Metro Arts, and a growing collection of restaurants and cafés.

Located just 800 metres from the Brisbane CBD, the precinct also places residents within walking distance of South Bank, West End's dining scene, riverfront parklands and major public transport connections.

For Sekisui House, which has delivered more than two million homes globally, Callista serves as the concluding piece of the West Village masterplan, bringing together the precinct's heritage character, parkland setting and emphasis on walkability in a final collection of larger-format residences.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134800]

Rooftop pool, private dining and skyline gardens to crown West Village's final apartment release, Callista on Park

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/wahroonga-nsw-2076">Wahroonga</a>’s enduring appeal has long been tied to its balance of bushland, established amenity, and access to some of Sydney’s most respected education and healthcare institutions.

Along Fox Valley Road, that combination is becoming increasingly sought after by buyers looking to remain connected to the Upper North Shore lifestyle while prioritising walkability, wellbeing, and convenience.

Developer Capital Corporation's initial vision of a 62-hectare site on Fox Valley Road was that they could create their own walkable community, bordered by&nbsp;more than 25 hectares of bushland and adjoining Coups Creek.

<img alt="Wahroonga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b84917a1-0d75-49b9-888c-ddf7ebfd6692" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/NEW2026_Wahroonga_Walkway.gif?VersionId=Gk3_xi5ssYfalmwuQQ5umQakddceC31j" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-residences-at-wahroonga-estate-169-fox-valley-road-wahroonga-nsw-2076">The Residences at Wahroonga Estate</a> draws directly on the area’s natural landscape, with walking trails and green corridors linking into sections of Lane Cove National Park. The surrounding network of bushwalks, cycling tracks, and reserves reinforces the suburb’s long-standing reputation as one of Sydney’s most nature-oriented residential pockets, while still maintaining close ties to village retail and transport infrastructure.

The address places residents within minutes of Wahroonga and Turramurra villages, where cafés, local grocers, boutiques, and everyday services support a highly localised lifestyle. Popular nearby venues including The Fox Café and Breeze Valley Café provide easy options for morning coffee or casual dining, while longstanding retailers such as IGA Wahroonga Fresh and Novella Fine Books continue to anchor the area’s village character.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Wahroonga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4a950f7-4f05-4370-b360-b106359788e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/2026_Wahroonga_Entry_Gates.gif?VersionId=7n5kh9ymu.azYEYDemJkPgiIAfSw44oj" />

Healthcare access remains one of the defining locational advantages of the estate. Sydney Adventist Hospital, known locally as The San, sits directly adjacent and is one of the largest and most respected private hospitals in New South Wales. The hospital precinct incorporates specialist medical services, radiology, physiotherapy, and outpatient care, contributing to growing buyer demand from downsizers and owner-occupiers seeking long-term convenience and peace of mind.

Research commissioned by Capital Corporation found that health and wellbeing considerations are increasingly influencing downsizing decisions, particularly among buyers wanting to remain within familiar neighbourhoods while accessing medical infrastructure more easily.

Education has also historically underpinned demand across Wahroonga and the broader Upper North Shore. The estate sits close to several of Sydney’s leading private and independent schools, including Knox Grammar, Abbotsleigh, Barker College, Pymble Ladies’ College, Ravenswood School for Girls, and Loreto Normanhurst. Co-educational options including Wahroonga Adventist School and Sydney Adventist School further strengthen the area’s appeal to established families looking for long-term schooling pathways within a tightly held catchment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=262183]

Transport connectivity supports the suburb’s liveability without compromising its quieter residential character. Wahroonga and Turramurra train stations provide direct rail access into the Sydney CBD, while the nearby Pacific Highway and M1 motorway strengthen links across the North Shore and broader metropolitan area. At the same time, the heavily treed streetscape and low-density character continue to distinguish the precinct from more urbanised parts of Sydney.

The Residences at Wahroonga Estate forms the first stage of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a>’s broader masterplanned vision for the precinct, delivered alongside the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=364995]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/group-gsa">GroupGSA</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/coco-republic-interior-design">Coco Republic</a>, the development integrates landscaped communal spaces including a pet-friendly Green Spine, resident lounge, BBQ pavilion, and direct bushland access, reinforcing the project’s focus on outdoor connection and community-based living.

Now under construction by Gold Star iCIRT-rated builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/dasco-australia">DASCO</a>, The Residences at Wahroonga Estate will deliver a collection of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments priced from $990,000, with completion anticipated in 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135247]

Capital Corporation to cater to Upper North Shore downsizers by creating walkable community at The Residences at Wahroonga Estate

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.
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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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