Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

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Joel Robinson

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
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The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
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The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
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The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
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Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
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“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
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Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
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“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

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Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

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Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place

Central Element is seeking approval for a significant residential redevelopment in Lavender Bay, lodging plans for a dual-tower apartment project that would deliver 163 new homes on a prominent site at the northern gateway to Milsons Point.

The Sydney-based builder-developer has lodged a concurrent rezoning proposal and State Significant Development Application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-66-lavender-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street</a>, a 2,305 sqm amalgamated site currently occupied by a collection of ageing residential flat buildings.

Designed by SJB, the proposal would replace the existing 32 apartments with two residential towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, comprising 163 apartments including affordable housing managed by a community housing provider. The project forms part of the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority program and has been progressing through a fast-tracked state planning pathway since being endorsed for further assessment in 2025.

The proposal is one of the most significant redevelopment opportunities currently under consideration on Sydney's lower north shore, sitting between the high-density towers of Milsons Point and the lower-scale heritage fabric of Lavender Bay.

<img alt="Lavender Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93ecf0ee-487d-4292-afc4-0bc9579475d6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.30.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PunU2ipMaTxiJcJ8NdMyUlWA7d98eNUb" />

The planning proposal seeks a substantial uplift from the current 12 metre height limit, which would only allow for a four-storey building, however the submission argues a scheme within these limits would not be&nbsp;economically feasible given the complexity of site amalgamation and would fail to maximise housing delivery on land located within walking distance of major transport infrastructure.

SJB said the design evolved significantly following discussions with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and independent design review processes.&nbsp;Rather than pursuing a single larger tower, the architects adopted a two-tower approach aimed at reducing perceived bulk, preserving view corridors and creating greater permeability at ground level.

The northern tower would rise 23 storeys and contain 81 apartments, while the southern tower would reach 32 storeys and accommodate 82 apartments. Five basement levels would provide 174 car spaces, 181 bicycle spaces and 10 motorcycle spaces.

"The proposal for 3–7 Middlemiss Street and 64–66 Lavender Street is driven by a clear ambition to complete the Middlemiss Peninsula, delivering the final piece of a carefully evolving urban precinct," SJB noted in its design report.

"Positioned at the threshold between Lavender Bay and the North Sydney CBD, the development is envisioned as a unifying element—one that completes the skyline composition while providing a considered and harmonious transition between the peninsula’s established character and the intensity of the CBD beyond.

"Collectively, the development aspires to create a landmark that is generous, inclusive, and deeply connected to its setting, one that enhances the skyline, strengthens the public realm, and contributes to a more equitable and sustainable urban future."

Communal spaces would be distributed across multiple levels, including landscaped podium gardens, swimming pool facilities, barbecue areas and rooftop-style retreat spaces designed for residents. The proposal delivers more than 1,500 sqm of communal open space and nearly 400 sqm of indoor communal facilities.

<img alt="Central Element" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0671c276-6dd8-4cfc-97b0-134a45d2c8cf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.30.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=90D7lRaCTMTsFx92tIBrHlZcuaV_a4cw" />

A major focus of the planning assessment has been the project's relationship with surrounding public open spaces.

Clark Park, Bradfield Park and Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden are among the lower north shore's most valued public landscapes, and overshadowing impacts have been closely examined through the design process. Central Element is proposing to also create a new public plaza and pocket park as part of the development.

Central Element has been developing across Sydney since 2010.

They have recently completed their Chatswood tower, Ethos Chatswood, as well as their luxury redevelopment of Coogee's landmark Ballamac House. They are currently selling Pearl Bondi, just seven high-end homes, while future plans include a tower on Hyde Park, and a boutique project in Neutral Bay.

First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans

Asx Update

<html><body>REA Group has announced its proposal to acquire the Mortgage Choice business.

REA announced a scheme implementation agreement to buy the ASX-listed Mortgage Choice for $244 million, or $1.95 a share, representing a 66 per cent premium to Mortgage Choice’s last close.

Their acquisition will accelerate REA’s financial services strategy to create a leading mortgage broking business in addition to its real estate listings website.

“The proposed acquisition of Mortgage Choice is an exciting development that will bring together our well established Smartline business and franchisee network with the complementary Mortgage Choice organisation and its significant broker footprint," REA Group CEO, Owen Wilson said.

The transaction is still subject to conditions being met, including Mortgage Choice shareholder and regulatory approvals.

It is expected to take approximately three months to complete.

Mortgage Choice has a $54 billion loanbook.

The network has more than 500 brokers across 380 franchises.

Its biggest shareholder is the Commonwealth Bank of Australia with an 18.5% stake.

Domain has its Loan Finder, a joint venture between Domain Holdings Australia Limited and Auscred Limited, the parent entity of mortgage platform Lendi.</body></html>

REA Group has announced its proposal to acquire the Mortgage Choice business

jchancellor

REA Group seeks to acquire the Mortgage Choice business

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The ASX-listed real estate agency McGrath have announced they have returned to net profitability, with new chief executive Eddie Law citing a relatively strong residential real estate market over the past four months.
"It appears consumers are re-assessing their home needs and aspirations in a post-COVID world," Law, who was speaking at his first AGM having taken the top job in August, said.
"Both transaction volumes and average selling prices across our network have exceed the prior year in each of the first four months of FY21."
McGrath's FY20 saw an underlying EBITDA of $3.7 million, a $10.1 million turnaround from FY19 which has seen them return to net profitability.
"We ended 30 June with a strong balance sheet with zero debt and a $17.3 million cash balance, an increase of $7 million from 30 June 2019," Law added.
McGrath are forecasting underlying EBITDA to be in a range of $6 million to $6.5 million for the first half of FY21.
Law however was cautious amid the optimism of the general improved outlook, saying there is still undercertainty in the first half of 2021.
"With the scheduled end of the JobKeeper and deferred mortgage programs still yet to be determined, along with other macro factors impacting consumer confidence, there is still material uncertainty as to whether the momentum evidenced in the first half of FY21 will be maintained in the second half results."
McGrath shares were up over eight per cent on the positive news to 46c a share.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

McGrath return to net profitability, reinstate dividend

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Embattled property valuation group Landmark White made its long-awaited return to the ASX, with its shares trading at 9 cents.
Its return follows being hit with <a href="/news/landmark-white-limited-reports-property-valuations-data-breach">two cyber-attacks earlier this year</a> when confidential home loan information was <a href="/news/landmark-white-shares-fall-10-percent-after-dark-web-data-revelation">posted illegally on the web</a>.
Yesterday the group's share price was down around 50 per cent to $0.09 per share from its prior trade. They've been trading at $0.10 over the morning session.
LandMark White shares previously traded at 18¢, before the company requested a trading halt on July 6 following its second privacy security breach.
The company had recently undertaken a <a href="/news/landmark-white-seek-to-rebuild-value-for-shareholders">$5.4 million capital raising</a> last month at 8¢.
The shares were trading at 34 cents at the beginning of 2019 and at 44 cents a year ago.
Acting chief executive Tim Rabbitt, who will stay for the foreseeable future, admits it had been often harrowing over the past seven months.
Landmark White forecasts it will reduce its annual loss from $15.1 million to $1.5 million. They said the data breach will <a href="/news/landmark-white-data-breach-to-cost-over-7-million">cost the company up to $7 million</a>.
The group, which values home loan applications for banks and independent lenders, was initially hit with a data security breach in late January, which led it to be suspended from the panels of the four major banks and smaller lenders.
LandMark White returned to trade on the ASX in May, but was hit again with further confidential information posted on the web.
It is not believed that the NSW Police has charged anyone.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Landmark White shares fall to 9 cents on return to ASX

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The national ASX listed real estate agency The Agency is seeking a fresh injection of cash.
Shares in the debt-laden group went into a trading halt on Monday, pending an announcement about a capital raising.
It is expected on Wednesday.
The shares have lost two-thirds of its value since February when it was trading at 22 cents. Now they're at seven cents
Nine Entertainment reports "concerns about its financial viability."
The Australian Financial Review called it a "capital funding lifeline."
There was a capital raising last November.
The group continue to expand its operations however.
The Agency now operates in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Newcastle and Illawarra after sizeable expansions.
They <a href="/news/cameron-mckillop-merges-with-the-agency-in-the-southern-highlands">recently partnered</a> with Southern Highlands veteran agent Cameron McKillop and his team at McKillop Property. 
The Agency Group's June quarter update saw 674 exchanges, their highest on record.
In March this year The Agency reported it expects its core business units to be profitable within the next 12 months.
Shares <a href="/news/andrew-jensen-appointed-interim-chairman-of-the-agency">fell 15 percent in February</a> around the time Philip Re tendered his resignation as chairman. He was replaced with interim chairman Andrew Jensen, The Agency's former chief financial officer.
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The Agency seeks fresh injection of cash

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There has been another delay in The Agency's acquisition of the McGrath rebel's led Top Level Real Estate.
This one saw The Agency request a voluntary suspension from today, Tuesday until Thursday to coincide with the commencement of trading.
"The company makes the request pending an announcement by the company regarding the settlement of the acquisition of Top Level Real Estate Pty Ltd," the request stated.
A trading halt has been in place since last week.
Shares have been held at ¢14.
There is no indication as to the reason for the move from a trading halt to suspension.
 
 
 
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Yet another delay as The Agency seeks Top Level Real Estate

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The ASX has sought an update from The Agency after their shares fell to a record low after unusual share trading activity on the stock exchange.
In back to back days there have been two million plus shares traded each day. The average volume has recently been 500,000.
Shares fell to a record $0.007 low yesterday but bounced back this morning to $0.008. They were trading at $0.009 when they opened on Thursday morning.
Trading has continued to be unusually high, and The Agency's company secretary Stuart Usher responded that they had no information or reason for the spike in activity and there were no pending announcements that the ASX should be aware of.
"I confirm that I have delegated authority of the board to respond to ASX on disclosure matters and that the responses have been approved by the managing director," the response read.
The sharemarket awaits The Agency update on its success in financing its acquisition of the McGrath rebels outfit, Top Level. 
 
 
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The Agency shares hit record low as ASX seek update

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The option held by Paul Nairdone's publicly listed Perth based estate agency to acquire the east coast Top Level estate agency has been extended yet again.
The managing director of The Agency says it remains "totally committed" to acquiring Top Level, though its plans to secure the burgeoning Bondi Beach based outfit appear hopeful with shares dropping to a record low in today's trade.
The elusive option was taken in January last year, as it envisaged having an combined estate agent of 600 sales representatives nationally.
But it told shareholders this week the agreement to buy the east coast business had been extended by another four months.
Top Level Real Estate, which trades as The Agency under a licence agreement, is run by high commission, ex-McGrath rebels led by Matt Lahood.
The sharemarket was told Agency Group Australia had "entered into an extension to the amended and restated binding option agreement."
It noted a "deed of variation has been entered into by Ausnet Real Estate Services and Top Level’s majority shareholders under which all parties have agreed the option agreement be extended for the period of four months from 11th June 2018 until on or before 5pm AEST on 11th October 2018."
Under the terms of the deed, the completion of a raising of no less than $10 million (a condition precedent under the option agreement) has been extended until 5pm AEST on 11th August 2018 or at a later date agreed to by all parties.
Its recent hopeful plans for a $10 million equity raising at 2¢ a share failed to get anywhere after The Agency parted ways with its Perth underwriter, CPS Capital Group, in April.
No replacement underwriter has since been announced.
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<div class="cq-article-content-media section">"We're totally committed to getting this deal done," The Agency managing director Paul Niardone told The Australian Financial Review.</div>
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<div class="related-quotes section">"There's quite a bit we need to do. It's not just about the raising but about merging two organisations and how that will take place. We don't want to be pushed to a timeframe."</div>
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Shares in The Agency have fallen to 1¢ in morning trade.
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Its WA-based business generated total revenue of $13.5 million in the year to May with the east coast Top Level network bringing in $16.1 million. Its latest sharemarket advisory claims The Agency Group is "achieving its stated goal of being the fastest growing real estate brand nationally."
Their recent WA acquisition Sell Lease Property (SLP), acquired in March 2018, saw 115 properties settled and 324 listings for the two months to May 2018.
In May 2018, The Agency and Sell Lease Property combined ranked fifth in Western Australia for $ value and fourth in number of sale.
It has advised the company is closing in on claiming number one ranking in WA for number and value of sales when compared with the top groups in the state.
The Agency Group Australia, formerly Ausnet Financial ServicesLimited, has also announced it has acquired Inglewood Estate Agency, further expanding its reach in the Western Australian market.
The transaction adds 80 property managements to The Agency.
Inglewood Estate Agency principal Mark Jewell will join The Agency Group team, with over 30 years’ experience selling properties.
Established in 1960, Inglewood Real Estate is a longstanding family business. The purchase price of $436,180 will be paid in three payments over two year, the first instalment representing 80% of the total purchase consideration which was paid at settlement.
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(Agency East Coast from April 1, 2017)
But it has recently borrowed $1.1 million in short-term funding (at annualised interest rate of 18 per cent) as working capital.
Niardone said the commercial loan, to be repaid in three months, would tide it over until the Top Level deal was sealed. 
The $1.1 million is being lent by a private lender, with Niardone declining to reveal the lender’s identity to The Australian.
The Agency real estate sales posted gross commission income of $7.55 million while SLP posted $1.5 million (March – May), totaling $9 million of commission income for YTD May 2018.
The Agency Property Management reported monthly income of $116,000 for May and added 96 new property managements.
Mortgage and Financial Solutions Australia posted a record month of $20 million in loan lodgments while the loan book grew 9.5% against a drop of 18% in the overall Western Australian lending market.
Commenting on the results, The Agency Managing Director Paul Niardone said these were "exceptional results" for its Western Australian operations, especially when considering the market is still down 1.8% in dwelling values to May 2018 and sales turnover, for the same period as last year, was down 5%.
"The numbers also demonstrate that the referral of clients into other business units is working.
"The results illustrate we have a proven model that is disrupting the traditional franchise model by giving power back to the real estate agent and providing a significant value proposition to agents.
"The traditional model has had its time and The Agency has proven this by showing that, combined with Sell Lease Property, we are knocking on the door of claiming number one ranking in WA for number and value of sales."
The group reported recently it had $1.1 million in cash at the end of the March quarter.
It forecast outflows of $4.9 million in the June quarter. Its March quarterly revenue was $4.2 million
The sharemarket values the company at $8 million.
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The Company is backed by Finsure Group, one of Australia's fastest growing retail finance brokerages writing over $1 billion in new mortgages every month across 850 brokers.
Ausnet Financial Services Limited, as The Agency Group was then known, advised the sharemarket in early 2017 that its east coast expansion involved as=n option agreement with Aura Principal Investments Pty Ltd (ACN 145 010 653), Top Level Holdings Pty Ltd (ACN 617 021 167) and Daring Investments Pty Ltd (ACN 059 818 807) to acquire 100% of the fully paid ordinary shares in the capital of Top Level Real Estate Pty Ltd.
Ausnet director John Kolenda holds an interest in Top Level via his 50% shareholding in (and directorship of) one of the vendors, Daring Investments Pty Ltd.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Agency again delays Top Level acquisition deal

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The chief executive of online real estate advertising company Domain has suddenly quit just two months after it listed separately on the share market. 
Domain was spun off from Fairfax Media and commenced trading on the ASX last November.
He has worked for Fairfax and Domain on and off for 26 years.
The company's chairman Nick Falloon is stepping in as executive chairman, as a search for a new CEO immediately commences.
Falloon said Catalano had informed the board over the Christmas break that the demands of his role and his absence from the lives of his family were more challenging than he had expected.
"It's not fair on the family," he said adding that he was grateful for the opportunities at Domain.
In a statement, the Melbourne-based father of eight who owns property in St Kilda West, Caulfield North and Byron Bay, advised family reasons for the exit. 
"When I re-joined Fairfax in November 2013, I made a commitment to my young family that I could be there for them and do the job," he said in a statement.
"It has become clear to me that doing the job of a listed company CEO the way it needs to be done means that I am not meeting that family commitment."
"It was also become apparent that I needed to relocate to Sydney and that was something I wouldn’t ask my family to do because schooling and family requirements would see young family members living in different cities.
"As it stands, I have been away from home for the bulk of each week and it’s not fair on the family.”
He noted the timing of the resignation, but said he was confident Domain’s team could keep the company on its current trajectory.
“I understand and regret that the timing of this decision is unusually short from Domain’s listing. But having been in the role for four years, I resign knowing that Domain has a great management team in place and I have every confidence in them and the business continuing on its current stunning trajectory.
In a statement to shocked staff, Fairfax chief executive Greg Hywood advised that it was "business as usual for Domain".
At 10:30am, Domain shares were 11 per cent lower at $2.93. The stock is now down 22 percent from its $3.80 listing price in November 2017.
Domain will report its first-half financial results on 19 February. 
In the announcement to the ASX today, the company said based on preliminary unaudited pro-forma results, it was expected to report digital revenue growth of 22% against the same period last year and revenue growth of 13%. 
As a top 20 Fairfax shareholder, Catalano owns 0.32 per cent of the company’s stock, according to Bloomberg. 
Fairfax Media kept a 60 per cent stake.
 
 
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Melbournite Antony Catalano's shock departure from Domain as family demands 

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Deteriorating trading results in the McGrath estate agency finances have emerged in an internal document obtained by The Australian Financial Review.
The Fairfax newspaper advised it had obtained a document, McGrath Group Report November 2017, that showed McGrath Limited had sunk to a $1.3 million loss as it suffered from falling commission income from residential sales, against the targeted $3.3 million net profit after tax between July and November 30.
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A leak also advised there had been infighting within the publicly listed company board, and even "threats by the board to resign en masse over the Christmas holiday."
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<div>There was a McGrath board meeting on Friday but no announcements made to the stockmarket. It comes just hours before John McGrath was taking back the reigns of the McGrath Group.</div>
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<div>"It is understood the majority of the board clashed with Mr McGrath over the wording of the next trading upgrade to the ASX," The Australian Financial Review reported.</div>
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The loss for the first five months of the financial year compared to a $2.7 million net profit in the six months to December 2016.
Since listing in December 2015 McGrath has delivered several profit warnings prompting McGrath shares to be trading at around 57¢, well below its IPO price of $2.10. It has previously traded as low as 52 cents and fell back to 52 cents this morning.
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The emerging financial position could ignite more privatisation expectation of the agency which has a $76 million market capitalisation ahead of trade this morning.
John McGrath, who holds 26 per cent of the company, is now in a better position to lodge any bid, following his resignation last week from the board of the REA Group after 18 years. He holds $10.8 million REA Group shares which could be more readily sold given he was no longer a director the realestate website publishing group.
The internal documents show McGrath missed its internal forecast for earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) by more than 80 per cent in the five months to November to generate $1.3 million instead of $7.8 million it had earlier expected. 
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The documents reportedly show the McGrath balance sheet has been hit by a large depreciation of its rent roll asset (or property management operations).
Operational expenses met budget expectations.
But there was a blowout in doubtful debts and legal fees due to an increase in legal action.
McGrath's earnings are substantially below forecasts by equities analyst Bell Potter, which estimated the group earnings of $16.6 million in 2018.
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<div>The board indicated in an update to the market last November that the agency might miss analyst targets.</div>
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"FY18 earnings could be 20 per cent to 25 per cent lower than the current analyst estimate, due to high restructuring charges and a partial year of cost savings," the company said.
When approached by the Financial Review, McGrath declined to comment over the weekend.
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"McGrath declined to comment other than to say the company is well aware of its continuous disclosure obligations which we take very seriously," a spokeswoman said.
The board, chaired by Cass O'Connor, has just five members including John McGrath. The other there directors are Elizabeth Crouch, Nigel Dews and Cath Rogers. Cameron Judson is the chief executive officer, Glynn Wright, the chief financial officer and Morgan Sloper, its head of corporate services/company secretary.
Several former Mcgrath executives have run a clandestine campaign of denigration against the group over the past year.
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Extraordinary McGrath Group leak suggests board in turmoil

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Westfield Corporation is set to be taken over by the European shopping centre giant, Unibail-Rodamco.
A global property giant with 104 malls in 27 markets around the world will emerge after a takeover deal worth $32.7 billion.
Estates Gazette noted Rothschild’s property team, led by Alex Midgen, advised Westfield as well as Intu and Deutsche Bank’s property team, led in Europe by Rishi Bhuchar &amp; Klaus Elmendorff advised Unibail as well Hammerson.
Unibail shares traded lower in overnight European trade.
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Frank Lowy, Westfield’s chairman, and his sons Steven and Peter, who are the current co-chief executives, will vote in favour of the deal, which values each Westfield security at an 18 per cent premium to the value of Westfield securities at the end of Monday’s trading session.
Peter Lowy calculated that since 1960 $1000 invested in Westfield would be worth $440 million.
The Lowy family said it intends to maintain an investment in the combined international group which is headquartered in Paris. As part of its takeover, shareholders will receive a combination of cash and shares in Unibal-Rodamco.
Frank Lowy said it was a day of mixed emotion but that he was certain it’s the right decision.... he foresaw a bright future.
Westfield chairman Sir Frank Lowy said the deal was “the culmination of the strategic journey Westfield has been on since its 2014 restructure”.
“We see this transaction as highly compelling for Westfield’s security holders and Unibail-Rodamco’s shareholders alike,” Sir Frank said.
He also suggested the family wanted to change their role to investors ... "we’ve [Frank &amp; sons] been doing it for a combined 145yrs.”
Shares in Westfield Corporation, the owner of shopping centres in the US and UK, were placed in a trading halt earlier today pending the announcement of a potentially “significant” corporate transaction.
Westfield shares had last traded on Monday at $8.55. 
Frank Lowy will retire as chairman of Westfield, but will chair an advisory board for the new merged company, while his sons Peter and Steven will retain leadership roles.
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<div id="unruly-publisher-marker__inArticle">Founded in Sydney in 1953 by Frank Lowy and John Saunders, Westfield currently has interests in 35 shopping centres in the US and the UK, while its Australian centres are managed by the separately listed Scentre Group which remains independent.</div>
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<div>Scentre rose 17¢, or 4.1 per cent, to $4.35 while other local property trusts including its rival Vicinity Centres picked up. Vicinity rose 2.5 per cent, or 7¢, to close at $2.87 on Tuesday.</div>
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<div>It started in humble Blacktown.</div>
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<div>Last month at a film crew's behest, Frank Lowy went back to Blacktown where the delicatessen was opened in 1955, followed by the first Westfield mall in 1959.
His biographer Jill Margo, writing in the AFR, noted when he was walking down the street two older women called out "Hey Frankie!".
"They recognised me!" he said. "They'd been customers in the deli 60 years ago and had such fond memories. We reflected on those memories and the fact that they still live with the pleasure of being acquainted with me was a great thrill. What more could I want."
Margo added that Frank was always adamant that there would be no Lowy dynasty.
He and his wife, Shirley, have 11 grandchildren and, so far, four great grandchildren.
<div>"While thrilled to work with his sons, David, Peter and Steven, he never believed in trying to coax any grandchildren into the business," Margo advised, adding the older ones now work in the investment arena, the theatre, the internet, medical clinics, not for profits, and small enterprises – all unrelated to malls.</div>
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And his sons collectively, had worked alongside their father for more than 90 years "and it's time," Margo concluded.
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It has been suggested the red Westfield brand will prevail, at least in English speaking world. </div>
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<div>Unibail-Rodamco's chief executive,Christophe Cuvillier a French retail veteran, spent three years in Sydney in the 1990s as head of L'Oreal's Australian luxury products division.</div>
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<div>The news comes just a week after property company, Hammerson, announced it had made a bid to take over rival firm, Intu.</div>
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