<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/smith-by-valli-collingwood-224-228-smith-street-collingwood-vic-3066">Smith Collingwood</a> is a new boutique apartment development bringing a refined, design-led approach to one of Melbourne’s most established inner-city neighbourhoods.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pandolfini-architects">Pandolfini Architects</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/lisa-buxton-interiors">Lisa Buxton</a>, Smith by Valli sits on iconic Smith Street and comprises just 22 residences tailored toward owner-occupiers seeking a more considered style of apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367540]

The design of Smith focuses on a north-facing orientation across all residences, a relatively uncommon feature in dense inner-Melbourne settings. Each apartment has been planned to maximise natural light and outlook, alongside a material palette defined by warm tones, custom joinery, and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances.

The development comprises a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with pricing currently ranging from just under $1 million to around $4.85 million for the premium penthouse-level residences, reflecting growing demand for luxury owner-occupier product in Melbourne’s inner urban market.

Residents will also have access to a private rooftop garden designed as an elevated retreat above the city, &nbsp;featuring curated landscaping, veggie boxes, intimate seating areas and spaces for relaxed gatherings. Sustainability has also been integrated into the project through a 7-star energy rating and two secure bicycle facilities for every residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367529]

Smith by Valli sits in the heart of one of Melbourne’s most established retail and hospitality strips, within walking distance of venues such as Falco Bakery, Carnation Canteen and Alimentari, alongside parks and everyday services. With a Walk Score of 99, the location reinforces the project’s positioning toward buyers prioritising walkability and access over car dependency.

With only a limited number of residences, Smith reflects growing demand for smaller, highly curated apartment developments that prioritise design quality, liveability, and connection to neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140747]

Joel Robinson

Smith by Valli delivers design-led apartments to Melbourne’s inner north

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>’s 640 Bourke Street stands as a testament to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s ability to bridge its storied past with a bold vision for the future.&nbsp;

Rising above the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley building, the development reflects a broader shift toward adaptive reuse in the city, where historical assets are retained and reinterpreted as part of new residential development.

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> incorporates the Eliza Tinsley building as its foundation, housing a grand gallery and lobby space that serve as both a functional and symbolic centrepiece. The heritage façade informs the tower’s design, creating a connection between Melbourne’s past and its contemporary skyline.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365684]

Above this historic base, the 68-storey tower will deliver just over 600 residences, a notable reduction from earlier schemes, reflecting a deliberate move toward larger-format apartments and a stronger owner-occupier focus.

Unlike traditional CBD developments that prioritised investor stock, 640 Bourke Street has been repositioned to respond to changing buyer expectations.

"The discussion was all around making 640 Bourke Street the best residence to live in, to be much more focused on the people in the building rather than people looking at the building," Marsland explained.&nbsp;

This shift is evident in the development’s interiors, which emphasise practical luxury with spacious layouts, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.&nbsp;

“What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Lauren Sheldon, Far East Consortium’s Director of Sales and Marketing, said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365687]

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang added, "We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."&nbsp;

Amenities spanning more than 3,000 sqm across multiple levels further reinforce this focus on resident experience. These include a pool, gym, co-working areas, and a range of hospitality-inspired spaces such as a whisky lounge, library, and private dining rooms, many drawing reference from traditional bathhouses and Melbourne’s laneway culture.

"We wanted to make both the pool and the gym area to be absolutely destinational, and when you traverse across to these spaces, there is a gentle familiarity to the beautiful notions of the hammams and the Roman baths, a gentle nod to history," Chang noted.

At street level, the project contributes to the ongoing transformation of the western CBD, with upgrades to Langs Lane and the introduction of retail, hospitality, and gallery spaces designed to activate the precinct and strengthen its connection to the surrounding city fabric.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

The location places residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, and the Docklands waterfront, positioning the development within a rapidly evolving inner-city neighbourhood.

"We believe it's the best site left in the city of Melbourne," Craig Williams, Executive Director at Far East Consortium, said.&nbsp;

640 Bourke Street is Far East Consortium’s 14th building in Melbourne’s western CBD.

"A very elegant designed building. It's going to be a Melbourne statement for many, many years to come."

One-bedroom apartments are priced from around $640,000, with 640 Bourke Street targeting completion in 2029.

Renders shown are Artist's Impressions correct as of May 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Heritage-led design anchors Far East Consortium’s 640 Bourke St, Melbourne

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD Group</a> has set a new residential price record in Queensland with the $30 million sale of the penthouse at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-burleigh-88-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">ONE Burleigh</a> development in Burleigh Heads.

The sale equates to around $37,500 per sqm.

The two-level, 800 sqm penthouse, featuring five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five car spaces, and a private infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was acquired by a Gold Coast-based entrepreneur, highlighting continued demand for ultra-premium beachfront product.

Selling agent Freddie Tehle of PRD Burleigh Heads said the result reflects tightening supply of high-quality, large-format apartments in Burleigh.

“There’s very limited opportunity to secure this level of scale and absolute beachfront position in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Burleigh Heads</a>,” Tehle said.

“Buyers are increasingly seeking apartments that genuinely replace a standalone home, and this penthouse delivers that with its size, privacy, and direct ocean frontage.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323057]

The sale comes as construction progresses on ONE Burleigh, a boutique development of 17 full-floor residences at 88 The Esplanade, scheduled for completion in early 2027.

Developed by MAYD Group and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mas-architecture-studio">MAS Architecture</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/sici-design">Sici Design</a>, the project has been positioned as a collection of house-sized beachfront apartments, each occupying an entire floor with around 381 sqm of internal and external living space.

When construction commenced, MAYD director Todd Mould pointed to the long-term resilience of premium coastal real estate as a key driver behind the project.

“Real estate, particularly at the premium end, remains one of the most resilient and proven long-term investment avenues,” Mould said.

“Our ambition is that anyone who buys a MAYD-built product can genuinely feel the care, craftsmanship and commitment we bring to every detail.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323055]

Each residence has been configured with four bedrooms, multiple living zones, a private office, and expansive ocean-facing terraces. Interiors draw on a restrained material palette, including travertine stone, timber joinery, and integrated premium appliances.

Interior designer Sici Design said the approach was to reflect the project’s coastal setting through both materiality and spatial planning.

“ONE Burleigh is our vision of luxury living, designed to bring the essence of Burleigh Heads' vibrant coastal beauty into an unparalleled residential experience.”

Residents will have access to a suite of wellness-focused amenities, including pools, sauna facilities, and dedicated relaxation spaces, reflecting a broader shift toward lifestyle-driven apartment design on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323052]

The project occupies a southern Esplanade site with uninterrupted beachfront frontage, an increasingly rare offering in Burleigh Heads, free from the Norfolk Pines that line much of the coastline and often limit direct ocean outlook.

Mould said the design intent was to balance that outlook with a sense of retreat.

“Living at ONE Burleigh is about how your day naturally unfolds, morning light across the ocean, coffee on the balcony, and being in Burleigh but elevated above the noise.”

The result further reinforces Burleigh Heads’ emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held and supply-constrained beachfront markets, where boutique, owner-occupier-focused developments are increasingly setting new price benchmarks.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146358]

MAYD Group sets Queensland record with $30 million penthouse sale at ONE Burleigh in Burleigh Heads

Apartment developers in the Gold Coast are finding new, creative ways to differentiate themselves from competing projects, as new supply starts to flow through up and down the Coast.

Developer BIG Projects brought in the renowned Sydney-based design studio YSG Studio to craft the interiors for The Frederick, BIG Projects' new Mermaid Beach project and YSG Studio's first move into the multi-residential development space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5346]

It was a strategic move for BIG Projects to bring in a Sydney eye to the development.

“Our role is to give our design partners the space and freedom to explore,” says Matt Barrett, Director of BIG Projects.

“We wanted YSG Studio to capture the essence of Nobby’s, to design a building that embraces life, light and connection, while creating a genuine sense of place.”

There are only 39 apartments in The Frederick, including a striking beach house, just 100 metres from the booming Nobby Beach precinct.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5347]

Yasmine Ghoniem, Director of YSG Studio, says their vision&nbsp;for The Frederick "reinvents coastal living."

“Nobby’s has such an iconic energy, it’s one of those rare pockets of the Gold Coast where the community, the beach, and the streets all feel connected,” Ghoniem says.

"Responding to the neighbouring coastline, soothing curves add a relaxing regional overlay, while unique detailing really sets it apart. It’s a place that feels lived in from the moment you step inside.”

A standout feature of The Frederick is its rooftop terrace, an uncommon inclusion for a boutique, low-rise building, where amenity is typically concentrated at ground level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5360]

Positioned to capture panoramic views from the hinterland to the ocean, the rooftop has been designed as a series of intimate zones. It includes a pool, sauna, sun decks, workspaces and dedicated entertaining areas.

“The rooftop was conceived as a collection of spaces where residents can unwind and connect, an extension of the Nobby’s lifestyle,” Barrett says.

Architecture for the project was led by Plus Studio, with landscape design by LDG Landscape Architecture.

SRQ Projects Director Nick Clydsdale, who is handling sales at The Frederick, says the majority of enquiry is coming from South East QLD and Victorian buyers who have been actively searching between Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach for some time.

"They’ve reviewed a number of projects, however this one has stood out for its unique detailing and compelling design,"&nbsp;Clydsdale says.

Site demolition is slated for this month, with construction commencing soon after. BIG Projects is targeting a late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110588]

Sydney’s YSG Studio makes Gold Coast multi-residential debut with BIG Projects at The Frederick

Melbourne-based property developer ALTA Property has this week achieved planning approval for the adaptive re-use of a former commercial tower into a $200 million, 169-apartment project at 10 Queens Road, one of the last developable sites along the Albert Park Lake-fronting boulevard.&nbsp;

Set within one of Melbourne’s most sought-after precincts and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser and Partners</a>, the illustrious building will offer unparalleled views across Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne CBD.&nbsp;

The mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom residences will be complemented by a ground-floor amenity featuring private dining, a lounge bar, gym and wellness spaces, co-working, outdoor communal gardens, and retail.&nbsp;

The 17-storey building is a masterclass in adaptive re-use, with the existing commercial building’s façade, shell and internal structure to be retained, before high-end residences are built from the ground up in a newly built Albert Park facing addition to the building.&nbsp;

Sitting atop the building will be two 320+sqm penthouses with private rooftop terraces, which are expected to be priced between $9 - $11 million.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa11211b-5581-43f9-940c-fc84d30a0e61" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/C_04.png?VersionId=Yhf5p_1EgGDu_zOIMFgvA8Ug8j3sTFQs" />

Architecturally, the building will feature a curved, geometric façade that celebrates and elevates the existing structure, with warm, muted tones which were selected to extend the materiality of the existing building rather than contrast it.&nbsp;

Interiors will bring together three metre high ceilings with waffle concrete in some spaces, natural timber, granite and Australian materials, culminating in crafted, generous and considered spaces that are defined by authenticity.&nbsp;

The adaptive re-use means that the Queens Road project will be a sustainability led, high-quality finished product, with a 62% saving in carbon emissions by re-using the existing structure rather than knocking it down and rebuilding.&nbsp;

ALTA Property was launched by Nigel Givoni in 2023, bringing over 25 years of experience in multi level residential delivery.&nbsp;

Melbourne’s property market growth is currently led by apartments. According to RPM VIC Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report (April 2026), units are outpacing houses, especially in the middle ring suburbs where median prices hit $757,500 – a four-year high that represents 2.9 percent growth quarter-on-quarter.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="647e13d7-b4bc-433a-9bc9-fe3c3dd4f2ec" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/V_06.png?VersionId=ou4NUCWUgA3NAy.6CQJlEdKX50j3dOk6" />

For ALTA Property Founder Nigel Givoni, this performance speaks to the confidence he has in the Melbourne market.&nbsp;

“Queens Road represents a rare opportunity to continue to shape our presence in the Melbourne market.,"&nbsp;Givoni says.

"With a considered project team and a premier site along one of the city’s most sought-after boulevards, we look forward to contributing to the fabric of this established address.

“Other Australian markets are getting a lot of attention, but I believe the depth of value in Melbourne is being overlooked. The fundamentals are strong, population growth is steady and, based on our preliminary conversations with a leading builder, construction costs are beginning to normalise, creating further opportunity."

Givoni says the project is a&nbsp;highly considered example of adaptive re-use, delivering quality, high-end residences, premium hotel-inspired amenities and an architecturally striking façade, all achieved without the need to remove the existing structure.

"We are really looking forward to the market’s response,” he said.&nbsp;

ALTA Property to deliver $200 million Queens Road apartment tower

Apac

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Melbourne’s office market has been rated as Asia Pacific’s second most resilient and prepared for unexpected turns, according to a new report.
The ‘The Prepped Cities Index’ is Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s inaugural report that assesses governance and environment factors to help identify which cities are best prepared in deterring and managing against future uncertainty.
In 2018, the Victorian capital was only behind Singapore.
The Prepped Cities Index is based on eight indicators across Built Environment (Cost/Rental Volatility, Obsolescence, and Sustainability) and Governance and Environment (Governance, Terrorism, Talent, Susceptibility and Cyber Security).
These factors were used to assess 17 major business centres across the Asia Pacific.
Melbourne performed strongly across the majority of categories across both real estate and governance and environmental indicators.
This included ranking first in access to talent that is important for continuity in the event of an acute incident and third in sustainability. Melbourne also ranked strongly relative to the other cities in the indicators relating to cybersecurity and terrorism, which were drawn from the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Safe Cities Index.
However, the city missed out on the top ranking due to a lack of new quality office supply to replenish ageing stock and ongoing political changes impacting its governance rating.
Both Sydney and Melbourne illustrated Australia’s leadership in the sustainability of the built environment, ranking first and third in Asia Pacific respectively. This was assessed as the proportion of A-Grade buildings with at least a ‘very good’ LEED rating.
This sustainability ranking was achieved despite Sydney and Melbourne having the oldest average A- Grade office buildings across the Asia Pacific, however this was offset by high levels of institutional ownership and a well-developed program of building refurbishment.
Melbourne also ranked above every other city in terms of access to workers, either domestic population or attracting international staff, which supports its resilience should an acute incident occur.
Tony Crabb, Director Research, Australia and New Zealand at Cushman &amp; Wakefield, said: 
“A city’s ability to remain resilient in the face of external changes to the physical and geopolitical environment is increasingly important for real estate market participants and the population at large.
“Beyond the universal desire to provide each individual’s personal safety, the move to ensure that buildings are safe, sustainable, resilient and adaptable is being led by institutional landlords and emerging as a key criteria for investment.
“As the world’s second most livable city according to The Economist Intelligence Unit, it is no surprise that Melbourne ranks highly on The Prepped Cities Index.
“With 300,000 square metres of office space being delivered in Melbourne this may have boosted the city’s ranking even further.”
Emma Wright, National Manager, Sustainability Solutions, Australia and New Zealand at Cushman &amp; Wakefield, said: 
“Australia has demonstrated its leadership in environmental sustainability which goes well beyond the BEEC (Building Energy Efficiency Certificate) requirement for all office space advertised for sale, lease, or sub-lease (over 1,000 square metres).
“While A-Grade buildings may be older on average than other APAC locations, technology-enabled solutions and an active program of building upgrades and resource efficiency measures, are key initiatives that align with leadership in the sustainability of the built environment.
“Melbourne is particularly active in driving the sustainability agenda and is currently advancing a range of initiatives that reflects its position as a leader in the region and globally.
“This includes a firm commitment to carbon neutrality, the City Switch program which helps commercial office tenants improve energy and waste efficiency and a range of other initiatives designed to manage the environmental impact.”
Dr. Dominic Brown, Head of Research, Asia Pacific at Cushman &amp; Wakefield added:
“Given that real estate is a pillar of the regional economy, coupled with the massive amounts of investment in the built environment, the real estate industry can directly play a role in making cities better prepared for the future.”
“In the built environment, the cities that are best prepared to address unexpected events hold property assets that are modern, institutionally owned to a high degree, has a forward-looking approach to sustainability and less susceptible to pricing volatility.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/11/15/melbourne%20.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
Chart: Preparedness Ranking for 17 major business centers in Asia Pacific 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/11/15/melbourne%20.jpg" alt="">
Source: Cushman &amp; Wakefield Research
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/11/15/figure%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/11/15/figure%201.jpg" alt="">
Source: Cushman &amp; Wakefield Research
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/11/15/figure%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/11/15/figure%202.jpg" alt="">
Source: Cushman &amp; Wakefield Research
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Melbourne is APAC's second most resilient office market: Cushman & Wakefield

<html><body>
NAME: Kevin Coppel
<img src="/images/2015/11/18/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-18%20at%201.54.23%20PM.png" alt="" width="218" height="181">
POSITION: Regional Head, Asia Pacific
COMPANY: Knight Frank Asia Pacific
OFFICE LOCATION: Singapore (Knight Frank Asia Pacific is the headquarters in Asia Pacific)
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been working in the professional services sector for about 25 years, of which eight years (and counting) have been in real estate.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
Market performance across the Asia Pacific region is quite mixed. For example, the east coast of Australia and Japan remain strong with considerable buying interest; whilst the Southeast Asian markets are struggling.
For Asian real estate investors, there remains significant interest in purchasing trophy assets (residential and commercial) in gateway cities in the UK, US and Australia.
At the same time, technology is becoming increasingly important in everything we do, bringing about technology-enabled offices which drives activity-based working. Knight Frank Sydney has recently been transformed into a new agile workplace which we believe will create more flexibility for our staff and improve collaboration.
Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?
In my role I am more focused on client relationships than individual properties or portfolios.    
What I am noticing is that our clients are increasingly regional or global in the way they operate and make decisions.  In order to serve our clients effectively, we need to be able to mirror that in terms of the way we work.
Today, Knight Frank has 417 offices across 58 countries. In Asia Pacific alone, we have 57 offices in 13 countries. Hence, it is important that the region is actively communicating and sharing information in order to increase cross-border collaboration and provide the sort of seamless service our clients expect.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
My ingredient mix for success:
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Listening well</li>
<li class="li1">Patience</li>
<li class="li1">Communicate clearly</li>
<li class="li1">Ability to articulate the firm’s strategy and how each employee fits into the bigger picture</li>
<li class="li1">Project energy despite limited sleep after a long haul flight; you cannot let jetlag get the better of you</li>
<li class="li1">Not taking yourself too seriously</li>
<li class="li1">Carefully managing consumption of food and alcohol and doing plenty of exercise</li>
</ul>
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
My top 3 favourites:
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Meeting with clients and visiting offices in the region to catch up with the local teams</li>
</ul>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">The privilege of travelling around the region and experiencing different food, cultures and office dynamics</li>
</ul>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Getting home to my family after a business trip 
</li>
</ul>
Where would you invest a spare A$750,000?
I would focus on residential opportunity in “brownfield” city fringe areas likely to be gentrified, concentrating on gateway cities in Asia Pacific. 
Which football team do you support?
Many – it depends on what football code you are talking about.
My pick:
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Rugby:  NSW Waratahs and Wallabies.  </li>
<li class="li1">AFL: Sydney Swans.  </li>
<li class="li1">NFL: New England Patriots.  </li>
<li class="li1">EPL: Man Utd.  </li>
<li class="li1">League: Sydney FC.   </li>
<li class="li1">NRL:  Manly Warringah</li>
</ul>
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
Favourite gadget: Bluetooth headphones for jogging
Favourite app: 
Seasonal: RWC 2015 (Rugby World Cup)
All-time: My Flights (tracks all of my flights); I am also an avid user of podcasts
How do you use social media?
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">LinkedIn – via sharing updates and publishing pulse posts</li>
<li class="li1">Facebook – to follow what my children are doing; but I’m not a big fan of posting </li>
<li class="li1">WhatsApp – at present, I have approximately 40 active Chats groups across work, family, hobbies and sports</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

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