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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Agent: Lisa Dunne<img src="/images/2014/05/21/RWSPG_Agents%202%20of%2020.jpg" width="150" style="float: right;">
Position: M1 North team leader and sales and leasing consultant​
Company: Ray White Industrial
Office location: Yatala, Queensland
How long have you been in the industry?
Seven years​
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
​Yatala Enterprise Area​ on the northern Gold Coast
Describe the most interesting property you have sold or leased
​I think it would have to be 24 Octal Street, Yatala. I took to market with Super Butcher as the tenant, then the receivers came in and I got to market again. The staff there knew me so well by the time it settled.  ​
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
​Communication, integrity and fun​.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
​Talking to clients (customer service), but nothing beats getting a result that both the vendor/landlord and buyer/tenant is happy with.​
Where would invest a spare $750,000?
With the ​great interest rates at the moment, it is hard to pass up commercial investment stock with great returns.
Which football team do you support?
​My house is normally full of basketball paraphernalia and not football - We follow the NBA (Chicago Bulls).
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
​My IPad and iPhone - can't leave the house without them.​ 
How do you use social media?
​Facebook is what I use the most and I like to keep everyone up to date with all activity in the area.  Whether it is property related or not. ​
Connect with Lisa on <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/lisa-dunne/58/b20/710" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

In profile: Ray White Industrial's M1 North team leader and sales and leasing consultant​, Lisa Dunne

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Agent: Terry Hassan<img src="/images/2014/05/19/hassan-profile.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
Position: Associate director, sales and leasing
Company: Knight Frank
Office location: South West Sydney
How long have you been in the industry? 
I have been in the real estate industry for over 10 years.  I firstly began my career in Western Sydney where I was a residential agent for a number of years before moving to BB Retail Capital (BBRC) and specialised in retail leasing. For the past six years, I have worked in commercial, retail and industrial
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
The south-west is arguably Sydney’s fastest growing region with a growing number of new developments in the pipeline, coupled with land rezoning and the recent announcement of the Badgerys Creek Airport, the region is thriving with residential and industrial development.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold
I believe every property is interesting and has its own merit, although one that stands out would most likely be a deal that was negotiated over a term of 12 months. This included a number of issues in rezoning, council objections and even a court battle so all in all, I learnt a great deal and this was a very interesting transaction.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
I believe success is not about how much money you make but what impression you leave on your client. Without a doubt, attitude would have to be the most important ingredient to being successful in your job as an agent. Even if the world is falling apart around you, remember to stay positive.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
I thrive on being in an auction environment; there is nothing better than being amongst a fast paced, exciting auction.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
At the moment I would say industrial as demand will only continue to increase and its capital growth is higher than residential.
Which football team do you support?
"The family club" - Canterbury Bulldogs.
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
Most people might find this fairly boring, although I would need to say my mortgage calculator. It calculates stamp duty and loan repayments within seconds and is super easy to use.
How do you use social media?
I’m a huge fan of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/terry-hassan-sales-and-leasing/44/4a/436" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>. By actively using it over the years, it has helped lift my personal profile in the property sector and also meet and network with property professionals Australia wide.
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In profile: Knight Frank's associate director, sales and leasing, Terry Hassan

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Agent name: Sam Brewer<img src="/images/2014/05/19/brewer-profile.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
Position: National director - head of metropolitan sales and investments 
Company: JLL
Office location: NSW
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been in the property industry since 2002. I began my career at Chesterton International as an industrial sales and leasing agent, and moved on to CBRE running their South Sydney Industrial team for two years.
I then spent several years in development before joining JLL in early 2010, initially running the Mascot business as head of office, South Sydney. As of 2014, I now run the NSW metropolitan sales and investments business.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
It’s no secret that residential development sites are absolutely booming in Sydney at the moment.
Both local and offshore (largely Asian) developers in particular are seeking large-scale development sites between 100 and 1,000 apartments. This has resulted in price growth of over 20% since late 2013 for such sites. We’re also seeing demand levels similar to those not seen since 2007 for suburban investment stock such as service stations and freestanding office buildings.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold.
There is a lot of growth in South Sydney, with prices moving quickly. In November last year I advised a client on a residential development site in Zetland that their site should sell for around $30 million in an open market environment. During the campaign we received over 100 enquiries and 10 offers, with an eventual sale price of $47.5 million – showing that when marketed properly in a rising market, anything is possible.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job? 
Having strong integrity is key to being successful in this role – you’ve only got one reputation. Your best clients are often your colleagues, so maintaining internal relationships is also really important.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
I love the varied characters we deal with in metropolitan sales. Many of the private investors and developers we deal with started their careers with very little and have built extreme wealth. There’s a lot to learn from them. 
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?  
If I was taking a conservative view of the market, I would probably invest in an art deco apartment in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. If I was taking an aggressive view of the market, I’d use it to put towards a residential development site within 20 kilometres of the Sydney CBD.
Which football team do you support?
I support the Brumbies.
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
My Android smartphone.
You can connect with Sam on <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.linkedin.com/pub/sam-brewer/37/246/594" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.
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In profile: JLL's national director - head of metropolitan sales and investments, Sam Brewer

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<img src="/images/2014/05/19/diston-profile.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
Agent: Brett Diston
Position: Director 
Agency: Ray White Commercial 
Office location: Manningham (Melbourne)
How long have you been in the industry? 
10 years
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
We are achieving great results in the eastern corridor with the amount of infrastructure being implemented and the hunger for strong performing assets.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold or leased
Every property is different and needs to be analysed individually. However, more recently I have had the opportunity to list and sell a number of petrol station sites and businesses which has been very engaging for me to understand the depth of the businesses in finer detail.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
Honesty and giving sound advice, continue to add value to their asset and increase the net worth.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
Helping people to turn their underperforming assets into thriving investments which enables the client to have more options around their financial future. This is a very rewarding role that I am able to play.
Where would invest a spare $750,000?
I would look at all aspects of real estate whether it be residential, commercial or development sites, as long as I could foresee the value add potential.
Which football team do you support?
Essendon
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget? 
I have found the iPad mini to be extremely useful for both professional and personal use given the amount of applications available that relate to both.
How do you use social media? 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/brett-diston/57/826/467" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> is the only one I use professionally. I leave Facebook for personal use.
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In profile: Ray White Commercial's director, Brett Diston

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Name: Adam Barrett<img src="/images/2014/05/12/barrett-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
Position: Director - office leasing
Company: JLL
Office location: Brisbane
How long have you been in the industry? 
17 years
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
The Brisbane office leasing market is challenging at present with limited demand and record high vacancies. Though we have witnessed general activity and tenant interest in new accommodation increasing significantly in 2014 due to the attractive incentive levels now on offer from landlords. We see general sentiment in the office market improving over the next couple of years as business confidence grows and economy gets back on track.    
Describe the most interesting property you have sold?
I have only ever sold some Strata titles units for Honourable Con Sciacca which was very interesting in its self as my focus is on office leasing. The most interesting and most rewarding project that I have been involved in to date was pre-committing 145 Ann Street for Leighton Properties.
This was done at the height of the GFC when securing both the tenants and the funding package for a new office project was very difficult. We were successful in securing 19,000 square metres of pre-commitments to GHD, CUA and Grant Thornton, enabling the commencement of construction of the 27,000 square metre office tower.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job? 
Office leasing is a game of highs and lows and you need to be able to stay focused through both cycles. Hard work and persistence is needed at all times. Building and maintaining relationships is the key to successful agent. 
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? 
I enjoy the day to day contact with a variety of different people and personalities. It really is people persons game and the job  continually throws up many different challenges which keeps it interesting. 
Where would you invest a spare $750,000
I've normally been a high risk high returns type of person but now I have two kids at school and costs are continually growing so I think I would invest more cautiously in blue chip stocks like the CBA or BHP seeing the year on year profits these companies are making.
Which football team do you support? 
Queensland Reds and Brisbane Broncos
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget? 
I love my iPad. I read the paper on this most days and search the weather forecasts for the weekend when I go boating etc. 
How do you use social media?
I'm not overly into social media from a personal perspective, however I do ensure the <a href="https://twitter.com/JLLAustralia" target="_blank">JLL twitter account</a> always carries details of deals, commentaries and trends. How do I use social media? I don’t really. I haven't caught on to whole twitter thing but I do have a Facebook account now.  
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kjiminez-eaYKfU7qd2

In profile: JLL's director - office leasing, Adam Barrett

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Agent: Andrew Fife <img src="/images/2014/05/05/fife-may-5-breakout.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
Position: Industrial sales and leasing executive
Company: Colliers International
Office location: Perth
How long have you been in the industry?
Six years.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
We are seeing a correction in the market as a result of more stock, both for sale and for lease, becoming available.  Leasing is steady and deals are still being done with some incentives creeping into offers, but this is coming off an incentive base of nil. The sales sector is still being dominated by the owner-occupier market, as most properties are being offered for sale with vacant possession. Enquiry is very solid for investment-grade stock.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold?
Probably an irregular-shaped parcel of land which was directly under the flight path of approximately one commercial plane every 15 minutes. The planes flew directly overhead and so close to the property we had to wear ear plugs during inspections.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
Doing the basics right all the time – managing relationships with existing clients, but always looking to develop new relationships to instigate new business. Delivering on what you say, understanding the market and your client’s needs. 
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
Doing deals, but also delivering a result where you can see the client is pleased with what you have been able to achieve.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
I’d give it to PrimeWest – a property syndicator.
Which football team do you support?
West Coast.
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget? 
Footy Live
How do you use social media?
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-fife/64/812/856" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> to see what shenanigans Shane Warne is up to.
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In profile: Colliers International's industrial sales and leasing executive, Andrew Fife

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<img src="/images/2014/04/30/Carpinelli-april-28profile.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">Name: Rino Carpinelli
Position: Managing director
Company: Savills South Australia
Office location: Adelaide, SA
How long have you been in the industry?
In total approximately 33 years. 24 of those years with Savills, nine years with the Coles Group.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
I specialise in the capital transaction area which involves the sale of larger scale CBD office buildings and Shopping Centres. Adelaide is becoming an attractive market to invest in particularly when you consider the yield spread on quality leased investments relative to property sales in other states of Australia. At the moment, we are talking with a number of interested parties looking to invest in South Australia and this should continue as opportunities are becoming scarcer in some of the larger capital cities.
What is the most interesting property you have sold?
The most interesting property I have sold is Adelaide Central Plaza here in Rundle Mall, SA which is home to the David Jones Department Store. At the time it was a real leading edge, high quality retail facility and I am pleased to say that it maintains a fantastic presence in our city today. We ran an international campaign in conjunction with our Sydney office at the time and it showcased the opportunity and Adelaide to many investors.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
I believe there are two ingredients that you need to be successful.  Firstly, you need to understand the market and secondly you need to be an outstanding relationship builder to be very successful.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
I particularly like the fact that every day is different and also love the interaction that I have with our team and clients.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
I would use a spare $750,000 to invest in a well leased retail property that was anchored by a supermarket and a few specialty stores.
Which football team do you support?
Port Power (Port Adelaide)
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
Financial Review app.
How do you use social media?
I enjoy <a href="https://au.linkedin.com/pub/rino-carpinelli/2b/76a/89a" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> which has been great to re-connect with people in the industry.
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In profile: Savills South Australia's managing director, Rino Carpinelli

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Agent: Tim Mutton<img src="/images/2014/04/22/Mutton-Tim-profielk.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
Position: Director - investment services and office leasing
Company: Colliers International
Office location: Canberra
How long have you been in the industry?
Joined Colliers International as a graduate in 2003.
What's happening in the area you specialise in?
The increasing volume of capital looking for investment in Australian real estate markets has seen competition for commercial investment property increase. This has affected the majority of Australian Capital cities and Canberra is no different. Sales activity in the first quarter of 2014 has been strong and values are under upward pressure.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold 
In 2012 I was involved in the sale of an office building occupied by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in Albury, NSW. This property was built for ATO and was built with a number of features for the ATO. The property was attractive to a number of investors given the high quality tenant but given its regional location was different to anything seen in the market for some time. The property attracted local and international interest and saw spirited bidding.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
I strongly believe that to be a good agent you need an enquiring mind. You need to be able to think laterally and not be afraid to spend time understanding your clients and their properties. I also think you have to be patient. A lot of people get into Real Estate for rapid results but you need to spend time learning your market, understanding the personalities operating in it and then turning this information into winning investment ideas for your clients.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
Uncovering value for my clients in areas overlooked by the majority. The number of times we have had good investment and development properties available but people have overlooked them to follow the herd into substandard assets baffles me.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
While Canberra's leasing market appears slow there appears to be good value emerging for properties with leases ranging from three to five years. If I had a spare $750,000 I would look into something in the CBD or Barton and take advantage of the current low interest rates and likelihood that the current leasing market conditions are at rock bottom and expected to improve in coming months.
Which football team do you support?
ACT Brumbies, Canberra Raiders and GWS Giants.
What's your favourite app or techno gadget?
I would be lost without my Sharp EL 735 calculator. Very old fashioned but faster than any app I have found to calculate values.
How do you use social media?
I use social media to keep track of colleagues and friends but also to better understand my client's and customers. The amount of information available in social networks is growing exponentially and to be able to have this information at my fingertips is amazing.
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In profile: Colliers International's director - investment services and office leasing, Tim Mutton

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Agent: Karen Mychaelle Seeto<img src="/images/2014/04/14/Karen-Seeto--PROFILE.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
Position: Sales/Principal
Company: Ray White Commercial
Location: Brisbane
How long have you been in the industry?
12 years.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
The commercial industrial property market is seeing increased buyer activity. This is in both tenanted and vacant assets.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold:
The most interesting property I have sold is Wirrina Cove in South Australia. The sale of Wirrina Cove encompassed selling of the following:
<ul>
<li>Resort, Conference Centre, Golf Course</li>
<li>Caravan Park</li>
<li>Undeveloped Land</li>
<li>Developed Lots</li>
<li>Marina Berths and Head Lease</li>
</ul>
The assets were sold in five stages and were marketed with a budget of $449,951.07, generating a total of 851 enquiries.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
<ul>
<li>People skills</li>
<li>Team work</li>
<li>Negotiation skills</li>
<li>Efficiency</li>
<li>Product knowledge</li>
<li>Commitment</li>
</ul>
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? 
I enjoy working with people and being able to help them with both the sales and acquisition of assets.  In all situations being able to look for the win for both parties to ensure a successful outcome.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
The residential investment market.
Which football team do you support?
I don't. Netball - Firebirds 
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
The new iPad air.
How do you use social media?
Website - <a href="https://kms.raywhitecommercial.com.au/" target="_blank">https://kms.raywhitecommercial.com.au/</a>
Linkedin - <a href="https://au.linkedin.com/pub/karen-mychaelle-seeto/63/b02/b00" target="_blank">https://au.linkedin.com/pub/karen-mychaelle-seeto/63/b02/b00</a>
Twitter - <a href="https://twitter.com/KarenSeeto" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/KarenSeeto</a>
Facebook - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/karenmychaelleseeto" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/karenmychaelleseeto</a>  
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In profile: Ray White Commercial's principal - Brisbane, Karen Mychaelle Seeto

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Agent: Peta Antoniou
<img src="/images/2014/04/07/Peta-Antoniou-profile.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
Position: Manager - South Sydney, industrial
Company: Knight Frank
Location: South Sydney
How long have you been in the industry?
I have worked in the property industry for five years, having started as a research analyst when I began my university degree then progressing into a sales and leasing role.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
Over the past 12 months especially, developments sites in South Sydney have become highly sought after. As a result the idea of South Sydney as a traditional industrial precinct has slowly diminished with increased amounts of residential development and amenity coming to the area.  We have also seen the adaptive re-use of existing buildings to creative workspaces evolve within the area. Warehouse conversions such as The Cannery in Rosebery completed approximately 24 months ago and The Woolstores in Alexandria due to complete mid 2014, are incredibly popular among tenants in South Sydney and city fringe locations.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold 
The most interesting property I have sold was 242 Young Street Waterloo. This 1,600 square metre freestanding building features creative office/showroom and warehouse. The building has the potential to be occupied in one line or split into four creative spaces. The mixed use zoning allowed for a wide number of permissible uses and it was interesting to work with each purchasers particular requirements. The building was sold to the International Screen Academy who established their educational facility in the building.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
Drive, determination and passion. I think people like dealing with people who show they take a genuine interest in solving their property requirements. Attention to detail and follow up are also incredibly important.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
The diversity my role offers is what I enjoy most. No two clients, prospects or properties are alike. Each day is different with new challenges, opportunities and things to learn.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
I would buy a residential property.
Which football team do you support?
South Sydney Rabbitohs.
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
My favourite app is Timeout Sydney. The app shows you the best restaurants, cafes, bars and gigs happening in certain locations along with reviews of each place.
How do you use social media?
I am not a huge social media guru, but I use social media to keep in touch with friends and clients.
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