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

<html><body>
NAME: Charles Farru-Hill<img src="/images/2014/08/27/Charles-Farru-Hill-profile.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Associate director, facilities and commercial property management
COMPANY: Raine &amp; Horne Commercial
OFFICE LOCATION: Subiaco
How long have you been in the industry? 
17 years
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
We are having to work harder in retaining tenants and owners are still reticent about upgrading their properties to make them more sustainable.
Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on? 
An old office building in Freo, Did a NABERS Energy assessment and a tenancy lighting assessment as the property was going up for sale. Because of its age the building performed badly and I put forward a plan of action to improve the buildings performance. In the end the property was sold before we could actually start the project.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job? 
Patience, good humour, numerous and being analytical
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? 
Undertaking NABERS assessments on buildings and advising clients how the performance off their buildings can be improved to benefit both them and their tenants. Then working to achieve those goals.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000? 
In one of the new industrial estates in northern suburbs of Perth
Which football team do you support? 
Western Force and The Harlequins (Rugby Union is the only real football code!)
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget? 
Leasa by RICS, an excellent comparison tool for determining energy costs of larger buildings and tenancies.
How do you use social media?
I utilise both Twitter and <a href="https://au.linkedin.com/pub/charles-farru-hill/23/60/b1b" target="_blank">LinkedIn </a>to maintain a professional presence on social media
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

In profile: Raine & Horne Commercial's associate director, facilities and commercial property management, Charles Farru-Hill

<html><body>
NAME: Jack Hoffmann<img src="/images/2014/08/20/hoffman-aug-20-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
COMPANY: Satterley Property Group
POSITION:  General manager for Victoria and Queensland
OFFICE LOCATION: 5 Queens Road, Melbourne 
How long have you been in the industry? 
I’ve been in residential development for around 12 years including close to four years at Satterley Property Group.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
In Victoria, Satterley is launching new communities in Point Cook and Tarneit later this year, which represents a major investment in Melbourne’s west. These two new communities join the company's existing projects; Coburg Hill and Riverstone at Plenty River. At the same time, we’re always looking for new opportunities to grow our business in Victoria.
Describe the most interesting property you have worked on? 
One of the most interesting sites I’ve worked on is Satterley’s development of Coburg Hill. It’s on the old Kodak factory site which means it came with its own unique set of challenges. The high profile nature of the site intensified both the design challenges and interest from the local community. The development is very diverse and includes the full gamut  - conventional housing lots, medium density housing townhouses and a shopping centre.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
Hard work definitely plays a part as well as keeping a close eye on the market and responding to trends accordingly. I’m also lucky to have a great team working at Satterley; we work hard but we also enjoy what we do.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy the community building aspect whereby we literally start with a paddock and build it into a thriving community. As a developer of new communities, we’re always mindful of the legacy that we’re leaving. This is front of mind in all of the planning that we do.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
I’d invest in a townhouse at Satterley’s Coburg Hill development. The townhouses are large enough to accommodate a family whilst having the added benefit of requiring very little maintenance. Perfect for owner-occupiers and investors.
Which football team do you support?
Hawthorn
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
iPad and mobile phone.
How do you use social media?
I use social media mainly to keep in touch with friends or as another way to stay in contact with colleagues from the industry through platforms like <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/jack-hoffmann/51/aa3/196" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.
</body></html>

In profile: Satterley Property Group's general manager, Victoria and Queensland, Jack Hoffmann

<html><body>
NAME: Shammi Liang<img src="/images/2014/08/13/liang-aug-13-one.png" alt="" style="float: right;"> 
POSITION: Analyst 
COMPANY: Savills 
OFFICE LOCATION: Melbourne
How long have you been in the industry?
Three years including property management at IronFish and now as an analyst in the research department at Savills 
What’s happening in the area you specialise in? 
As a research analyst my role involves all commercial property sectors most of which are experiencing unprecedented investment, especially foreign investment. This is despite a perceived weakness on the occupancy side of all sectors currently. 
Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?
The most interesting property I have worked on was a mixed development in Footscray as I was part developer/investment advisor, part  planner, part engineer, part architect and part sales person. It was interesting to experience different roles, try new things and experience the challenges in different parts of the property development process. 
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?  
As in most positions in this industry, time management, communication and organisational skills, people skills and attention to detail are essential. 
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? 
I enjoy a challenge and that may come via a variety of avenues. I like to think that I can enjoy most tasks. 
Where would you invest a spare $750,000? 
I am not an investment advisor but my own research suggests well located, inner suburban, apartments have growth potential, but do your research. 
Which football team do you support?
 I don’t really have a passion for Aussie Rules, however my colleagues would like me to support Richmond. 
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget? 
 iPhone and the Savills App. 
How do you use social media?
 I use Facebook, Wechat, and twitter for friends and family.
</body></html>

In profile: Savills' analyst, Shammi Liang

<html><body>
NAME: Robert Lawson <img src="/images/2014/08/05/Robert-Lawson-aug-5-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Raine &amp; Horne Commercial WA associate director, Commercial Property Management
COMPANY: Raine &amp; Horne 
OFFICE LOCATION: Subiaco
How long have you been in the industry?
In total, about eight years.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in? 
Tenant consolidation and retention. So we're trying to retain tenants during a tight market - negotiating to retain them rather than having vacancies. 
Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on.
They're all intrinsically different, all set with their own challenges and rewards. From the simplest little office to the largest industrial, you can take pieces from all of them. I get a buzz out of all and sundry.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
Tough skin, not taking things personally; being organised and trying to get ahead of the curve sometimes.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
The best part of it would be being able to deal with people from all walks - you're dealing with contractors, you're dealing with tenants, you're dealing with owners, you're dealing with lawyers - and the things you learn along the way, because you're dealing with all sorts of people.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
It would have to be commercial property.
Which football team do you support?
Fremantle.
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
I'm not all up on the techno stuff. It'd have to be the mobile email.
How do you use social media?
Limited, don't use it much at all.
</body></html>

In profile: Raine & Horne Commercial WA's associate director of commercial property management, Robert Lawson

<html><body>
NAME: Nathan Blackburne<img src="/images/2014/07/30/nathan-blackburne-july-30-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: State manager Victoria and Queensland
COMPANY: Cedar Woods (ASX: CWP)
OFFICE LOCATION: 484 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
How long have you been in the industry? 
Over 20 years now. I graduated with a Bachelor of Business majoring in property in 1992 and have been in the property industry since then.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in? 
Development of premium residential and commercial projects is our specialty.
The market fundamentals are sound so we are getting good sales in our residential projects and good leasing outcomes for our shopping centre and commercial projects.
Several banks reduced interest rates further this week providing greater incentives for homebuyers to purchases. Five year fixed rates and variable rates are as low as they have ever been making the purchase of a property accessible to more people.
The influence of overseas developers and buyers has been dramatic for our industry. It has effectively increased the pool of buyers for apartments and house and land packages. For developments sites there is increased competition particularly if you are a CBD apartment developer, which we are not.
Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?
I have worked on several great projects but I would have to say the experience with our <a href="https://www.williamslanding.com.au/" target="_blank">Williams Landing development</a> has been the most interesting and fruitful. It was a former Defence Airfield of 275 hectares that we purchased off the Commonwealth government.
This project is a major infill site that has a new freeway interchange and train station on its doorstep and we’ve created a vision for a major new town development that integrates with the train station and a series of four major neighbourhoods around it. It includes around 3,000 dwellings and has been an opportunity to create a special project.
When finished, Williams Landing will be home to around 6,000 residents and the town centre will serve as a premium commercial and retail hub for Melbourne’s west.
The project has been very financially successful, created good opportunities for innovation and enabled us to deliver a high quality outcomes that over 1,000 families are now enjoying.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
There are a few things that I think are important in general management and property development. Having an eye for good people and ensuring that staff have an enjoyable work environment is the most important.
An instinct for good development sites and concepts is really important to sustained success in this industry as is undertaking acquisitions in a measured and disciplined manner. Related to this is the selection of sites that are resilient due to their location or other attributes. This is important as long term projects need to perform well in a range of market conditions.
I also work to ensure we don’t stray from the corporate strategy and that we stick to what we do best.
The quality of the portfolio we have is evidence of this.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? 
There’s lots to like about property development and general management - each day gives rise to new challenges and it’s a people focused industry so you are always interacting. Watching new developments take shape and communities flourish, as in the case of Williams Landing, is rewarding.
I also enjoy watching staff build their skills and experience base and rewarding them with new responsibilities and roles as opportunities arise.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000? 
I would go with a residential purchase in a suburb that has good value growth potential and that is relatively well located in relation to a train station. The housing we deliver at <a href="https://www.banburyvillage.com.au/" target="_blank">Banbury Village</a> in Footscray is a great case in point.
 If there was some change left over, I’d buy something with similar credentials in a different location.
Which football team do you support?
West Coast Eagles
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
I’ve recently bought a Sonos sound system for my house and am enjoying wireless control of my music and an endless music choice with Spotify.
How do you use social media?
I’m an occasional Facebook user through which I stay in touch with far away friends back in Perth or overseas. I find that people are increasingly making <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/nathan-blackburne/19/323/267" target="_blank">contact with me via LinkedIn</a>, which is useful to either maintain contact or get some background on a new contact.
From a company perspective, we’re now using Facebook for developments including Williams Landing to help develop online communities through sharing news, updates, events and being a part of the wider discussion.
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In profile: Cedar Woods' state manager Victoria and Queensland, Nathan Blackburne

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Agent: Andrew Palmer<img src="/images/2014/07/16/andrew-palmer-profile.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
Company: Knight Frank
Position: Retail investment sales executive
Office location: Sydney
How long have you been in the industry?
I’ve been in the property industry for five years. I firstly worked at a valuation firm before moving into commercial sales in the Sydney CBD and then moved into retail investment sales.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
The retail sales sector is extremely busy at the moment. Firstly, there has been increased activity in bulky goods and warehouse style retailing such as COSCO, IKEA, Masters and Bunnings. There has also been a large emphasis on investment into non-discretionary, retail anchored centres due to the strong long-term performance of this asset class.
There has also been significant capital investment from offshore groups, who continue to see Australia as a safe haven. Grocery retailing is also becoming increasingly competitive with new store concepts rapidly developing.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold?
80-82 Pitt Street, owned by QBE Insurance, was the most interesting property I have sold.
Originally constructed in 1940, the landmark 15 level art deco building has been the Sydney headquarters of QBE (or its predecessors) since 1946, and maintenance had  been undertaken on an, “as needs basis”. Situated in the heart of the Sydney CBD, we sold to the property to a private Hong Kong investor for $46.5 million.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
I believe to be successful you need to have the drive to achieve results, persistence and passion. Being approachable and genuine is also key in an industry where trust is paramount – I’m very focused on building this trust with all my clients.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
There are two main aspects of my role which I really enjoy.
Firstly, I enjoy meeting the challenges and hurdles to achieve a successful sale through thinking outside the box to solve problems.
Also, property is my passion so being able to work on different properties all over NSW allows me to constantly learn and develop my knowledge of retail property.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
A small scale retail development such a child care centre.
Which football team do you support?
West Tigers in the NRL and the Waratahs in the Super Rugby
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
My iPhone – there’s an app for just about everything and it certainly keeps me organised!
How do you use social media?
I use <a href="https://au.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-palmer/31/655/8aa" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> mainly to stay in touch with industry associates and clients.
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In profile: Knight Frank's retail investment sales executive, Andrew Palmer

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NAME: Tim Altschwager<img src="/images/2014/07/09/Alschwager-Tim-profile.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: National director – agency, rural and agribusiness.
COMPANY: Colliers International
OFFICE LOCATION: Adelaide
How long have you been in the industry?
About 10 years.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
We are seeing a definite increased focus on rural and agribusiness assets, particularly from overseas purchasers.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold?
We recently sold a large portfolio of land planted to hardwood trees, held in the Australian Sustainable Forestry Investors Fund, to fund manager New Forests.
The portfolio comprised a large compilation of prime Australian plantation forestry/farming land holdings, incorporating 68 properties across South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, with a total area of approximately 20,657 hectares.
The sale of such a large holding of prime plantation and farming land was rare and as such, the portfolio attracted a great deal of interest from forestry industry participants and many potential purchasers who were attracted to the holding's ongoing rental stream and potential to revert back to grazing/cropping land.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
Communication and persistence.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? 
The negotiation, and consummating the deal.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000? 
I would invest in run-down rural lifestyle land within an hour of a capital city with sub division potential.
Which football team do you support? 
The mighty Collingwood Pies!
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget? 
Google maps, Garmin GPS and Strava cycling app.
How do you use social media? 
<a href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/timaltschwager" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> is a great professional platform for connecting with others in the industry and  building your personal brand.
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In profile: Colliers International's national director, agency, rural and agribusuness, Tim Altschwager

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NAME: Elliott O’Shea<img src="/images/2014/07/02/oshea-july-2-PFOFILE.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Senior negotiator, near city leasing team
COMPANY: JLL
Office Location: Brisbane
How long have you been in the industry?  
I have been in the industry for almost four years starting with Raine &amp; Horne Commercial based in Brisbane’s northern suburbs. During this time I specialised in sales and leasing in the near city areas.  I have recently joined JLL's near city leasing team as a senior negotiator.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
Brisbane’s near city leasing market is working out of a challenging 12-24 months in which weaker demand and contractions throughout the market have led to high vacancy rates. However, 2014 has started on a positive note with general sentiment in the office market on the improve and renewed activity in the sub-1,000 square metre office leasing market.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold.
A small retail centre in Brisbane’s fringe suburb of <a href="/news">Red Hill</a> presented a challenging investment sale with an eclectic mix of local tenants all on month to month tenancies.  I was given the task of resetting the leases before marketing the property for sale.  We ended up successfully completing the transaction late 2013 with a local investor in what was a challenging but fulfilling appointment.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
I believe honesty and persistence are equally important characteristics to have.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy meeting and working alongside people with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the property industry and overcoming the day to day challenges that this job continually throws up.   
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
I would invest in a range of diversified property investments.
Which football team do you support?
Queensland Reds
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
My Android phone.  
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In profile: JLL's senior negotiator, near city leasing team, Elliott O'Shea

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NAME: Melinda van der Westhuizen 
POSITION: Head of property and asset management
COMPANY: JLL
Describe the most interesting property you have sold.  
I can't confess to selling - rather I have purchased a student accommodation facility on behalf of a not-for profit organisation for use as asylum seeker accommodation - both interesting and socially worthwhile.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job? 
Integrity and ethics; listening before speaking; resilience and learning from the challenges; celebrating the wins; understanding clients fully and tailoring solutions for them and building a strong team and actively encouraging their professional and personal growth.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
The clients - by understanding their drivers we can tailor services and optimise their investment outcomes - and our people. Our team is our strength and the foundation is the combined skill and contribution of each individual.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
Firstly, am I after long term capital growth or a dividend yield along the way? Let's presume I am in it for the medium term and want the dividends and the capital uplift. I think I will be looking at a slice of a diversified property portfolio with some exposure to development activity and the majority to ownership of core assets across commercial, industrial and retail classes.
Which football team do you support?
Carlton...did I mention I am patient? 
What's your favourite app or techno gadget?  
This will sound unexciting, but I like to spend my time on things I want to be doing at work and in my leisure time, so technology that minimises time spent on the mundane such as banking apps are my lifeline.
How do you use social media?
Facebook is how I track what my teenagers are up to! Seriously, LinkedIn is great for industry networking and Facebook is how I keep in touch with interstate friends and contacts. I suspect I could be a twitter tragic so I haven't gone there yet...it could be addictive.
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In profile: JLL Victoria's head of property and asset management, Melinda van der Westhuizen

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Agent: Dave Reardon<img src="/images/2014/06/11/reardon-profile-june-11.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Managing director
COMPANY: LJ Hooker Commerical
Office location: Penrith
How long have you been in the industry? 
I graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Land Economy) in 1991 and from there I started in commercial real estate in 1996 up until now.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in? 
Things are on the move in our area. Property is finally starting to sell after the global financial crisis. Sustained low interest rates, changing government and a positive property environment have led to businesses looking to take advantage of the affordable properties.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold. 
The most interesting property I have sold was a huge parcel of industrial land. After selling the land I was then involved with the subdivision and from there the sale of the 33 blocks of land.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job? 
Be persistent, don’t give up and specialise in an area for a long time – it will pay off.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? 
I deal with business people every day and this helps me improve as a business owner as well.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000? 
I would invest it across a few different assets – shares, property and pay off debt.
Which football team do you support? 
Penrith Panthers (who are sitting at the top of the ladder now) and the Wallabies.
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget? 
iPhone.
How do you use social media? 
I only use it on a personal level. I don’t use it for work at this point.
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