&nbsp;

Developer GURNER™ Group has revealed $1.65 billion in residential sales nationally across the 12 months to December 2025, driven largely by the continued momentum of its Docklands wellness-focused precinct, Elysium Fields.

The sales result was generated across seven projects in Victoria and New South Wales, headlined by Elysium Fields, GURNER™’s $2.75 billion mixed-use precinct planned for Harbour Esplanade in Docklands.

The project has recorded more than $500 million in sales across the first three towers, equating to around 580 apartments sold.

The first tower, Helios, has now sold out of its 240 private residences, with GURNER™ preparing to release a premium penthouse collection comprising 15 three-bedroom penthouses in coming weeks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370975]

Elysium Fields is being developed on the long-held 20,000 sqm Docklands site at 208-226 Harbour Esplanade, which had remained undeveloped for more than two decades prior to GURNER™ taking over the project around four years ago.

Construction has now commenced across four towers ranging between 18 and 30 storeys, with Hamilton Marino and Maxcon appointed as builders.

Once complete, the precinct is expected to comprise around 1,100 residences, alongside retail, hospitality and public realm uses integrated throughout the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370981]

Designed by Fraser &amp; Partners in collaboration with GURNER™ Design House, the project has been positioned around the developer’s broader focus on wellness-led residential living.

“We don’t sell apartments. We create a true luxury lifestyle that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the market today,” Founder and Executive Chairman Tim Gurner said.

“To deliver that requires an extraordinary level of detail, coordination and discipline across multiple verticals, from design and hospitality through to wellness and service.”

“We’ve always believed that living extends far beyond the physical residence. It’s about how you feel the moment you arrive, how you live day-to-day, and the ecosystem that supports that.” 
[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370977]

The project’s design places a heavy focus on landscaping, wellness amenities and biophilic design principles.

Plans include around 3,700 sqm of landscaped gardens and open space throughout the precinct, alongside a retail and dining offering spanning approximately 5,000 sqm.

The broader public realm strategy centres around what GURNER™ describes as the “Path of Life”, an urban forest and landscaped pedestrian environment intended to connect the various buildings and wellness spaces across the precinct.

The apartments themselves will incorporate a range of wellness-focused inclusions, including purified air and water systems, circadian lighting, antimicrobial surfaces, and optional in-home wellness upgrades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370980]

Gurner said the company’s experience through its Saint Haven wellness clubs had directly informed the residential offering now being incorporated into Elysium Fields.

“We’re seeing a clear global shift toward longevity, performance and proactive health,” Gurner said.

“Our role is to deliver that in a way that feels seamless, highly private and beautifully resolved within the environments we create.”

A large component of the wellness offering is planned through the resident amenity and health facilities proposed within the precinct.

That includes plans for bathing and recovery facilities spread throughout the towers, incorporating mineral pools, saunas, steam rooms, flotation therapy, red light therapy and wellness lounges.

The developer is also seeking approvals for what it describes as a “reverse ageing medical clinic” within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370978]

According to project information released by the group, the proposed facility would include cryotherapy, IV infusion therapy, infrared and dry saunas, PEMF beds, MRIs, DEXA scans, brain scans and blood analysis services.

Within the first tower, Helios, residents will also have access to a dedicated amenity offering known as the Sky Private Club.

The upper 15 levels of the building will include private lounges, dining spaces, rooftop amenities and optional private wellness studios integrated within residences.

The Helios tower itself comprises 260 apartments ranging between 60 sqm and 300 sqm, including a collection of penthouses.

That includes a planned two-storey penthouse spanning around 600 sqm with uninterrupted bay views.

The Elysium Fields precinct is being delivered in partnership with Digital Harbour Holdings, a consortium that includes the Liberman family, which controls the development rights across the Docklands site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370979]

The sales result comes as GURNER™ continues expanding its national development pipeline beyond Victoria.

“We have a strong pipeline across Australia and are now focused on scaling into key markets including New South Wales and Queensland, while continuing to build on our Melbourne base,” Gurner said.

“We currently have more than $3 billion in the market, growing to over $5 billion by October, and expect to materially outperform last year in the 2026 calendar year.”

The result also reflects the continued strength of the upper-end apartment market in Melbourne, particularly for owner-occupier-focused product with large-scale amenity and lifestyle offerings.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144441]

Record result anchored by the Group’s “utopian” Elysium Fields precinct – defying market headwinds in Docklands.

Joel Robinson

Elysium Fields drive Gurner to $1.65 billion in apartment sales over 2025

National Australia Bank (NAB) will fund <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera</a>, a $1 billion, 52-level luxury residential tower being developed by Central Equity in one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held coastal locations at Northcliffe.

The project, launched recently by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a>, one of Victoria’s largest private residential developers, comes at a time when construction funding for large residential developments has become increasingly competitive as lenders tighten exposure to the sector.

Multiplex has been appointed the builder, and construction is now underway.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365784]

Since its first project, Central Equity has delivered more than 85 residential developments with a combined end value exceeding $8 billion.

Palmera reflects Central Equity’s growing focus on the Gold Coast luxury apartment market and continues a relationship between Central Equity and NAB that dates back to the late 1980s, when the bank funded one of Melbourne’s earliest inner-city residential towers at a time when high-rise apartment living in the CBD was largely unproven.

“NAB’s funding of Central Equity’s $36 million CBD development in the late 1980’s to the financing of the billion-dollar tower today highlights the long-term relationship between the two organisations in delivering major residential projects” said Central Equity Founder and Chairman Eddie Kutner.

He said NAB’s early support was instrumental in helping establish the company’s development model.

“When we commenced our first residential tower in the late 1980s the concept of funding off-the-plan apartments was still largely untested in Australia,” Kutner said.

“NAB recognised the opportunity early and supported the project when others were uncertain. That relationship has now continued for more than 37 years across many developments.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Central Equity was established in 1987 when Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank precinct were still dominated by warehouses and commercial buildings. Fewer than 100 residents lived in Southbank at the time, and large-scale residential development in the inner city was not widely considered.

Recognising changing demographics and lifestyle preferences, the company began developing high-rise residential projects designed to bring permanent residents into the city centre.

Central Equity has provided accommodation for approximately 40,000 residents across Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank, while also incorporating supporting infrastructure including essential lifestyle facilities like retail spaces, childcare facilities and neighbourhood activity centres.

Central Equity has spent many years assembling the Palmera development site on the corner of Garfield Terrace and Frederick Street in Northcliffe, creating a supersite of around 3,300 sqm.

The developer said the Palmera apartment tower reflects its long-term view of the Gold Coast as a growing and increasingly diversified economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365768]

Supported by infrastructure including the light rail network, major road upgrades expanded education, hospital and medical facilities and continued expansion at the Gold Coast Airport with more internation and domestic flights.

Positioned in the tightly held Northcliffe precinct, the 52-level tower will deliver 347 apartments, targeting buyers seeking a high-end coastal lifestyle, from downsizers to interstate investors.

Designed by Marchese Partners with interiors by DBI, Palmera has been conceived as a next-generation residential offering, featuring a collection of oversized apartments, with premium three-bedroom residences offering sweeping northern views stretching from Surfers Paradise through to Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

NAB funds $1 billion Surfers Paradise apartment development, Palmera

Two years after completing one of the newest developments in North Sydney, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> is turning its attention to the rapidly evolving St Leonards apartment market.

The developer, which completed AURA by Aqualand on North Sydney's Walker Street, has lodged plans for a 5,918 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/33-37-herbert-street-st-leonards-nsw-2065">33-37 Herbert Street, St Leonards,</a> seeking approval for a pair of residential towers rising above a shared podium opposite Royal North Shore Hospital.

The proposal forms part of the broader transformation underway across the St Leonards-Crows Nest precinct, where former industrial and commercial sites are increasingly being redeveloped into high-density mixed-use projects tied to major transport infrastructure.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cc428cf-fe70-4cac-9cd5-264ad53af62c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=otKSnHtbjAvAddOnovyXQMgcAwE6DMe1" />

According to the planning documents, the site sits “within the St Leonards–Crows Nest Strategic Centre, identified by the NSW Government as a key area for accommodating future jobs and housing across Sydney.”

The proposal has been designed by fjcstudio, formerly FJMT Studio, and is being progressed through the State Significant Development pathway due to its scale and affordable housing provision.

The scheme would comprise 413 apartments, including 46 affordable housing units, alongside retail and commercial uses fronting Herbert Street. The project would also include communal open space, landscaping, a swimming pool, gymnasium, children’s play areas and podium-level resident amenities.

Planning documents show the development would consist of a part-13, part-39 storey tower form positioned above a four-storey podium.

“The development comprises a unified podium that activates the street interface, and two setback towers to accommodate new housing supply while maintaining an appropriate human scale at ground level,” fjcstudio noted in its Design Report.

The northern and southern towers have been shaped to respond to the surrounding skyline while also limiting overshadowing impacts to nearby public open space, particularly Talus Reserve.

The design report said the differing tower heights were intended to “contribute to a varied skyline while responding to the surrounding built form context and solar access considerations.”

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36da62dc-ff9e-41f2-a7e3-7be38373751c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.45%E2%80%AFAM_0.png?VersionId=Mo6Rp2r.XRLTzIfg_PEEpw8NepDH8UBs" />

The site sits directly opposite Royal North Shore Hospital and within walking distance of both St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

While the site itself sits just outside the formal Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development boundary, the planning documents repeatedly reference its alignment with the broader TOD objectives reshaping the Lower North Shore.

“The site is located adjacent to St Leonards Station and in close proximity to Crows Nest Metro which is within the Crows Nest Transit Orientated Development Accelerated Precinct which has been identified by the NSW Government to support housing delivery,” the Design Verification Statement noted.

According to fjcstudio, the project has been designed to respond to the broader transition occurring across St Leonards, where increasing residential density is being concentrated around transport infrastructure and employment hubs.

“The broader precinct is undergoing significant change, with a mix of existing mid-rise buildings and newer high-density developments,” the report stated.

“Recent and approved projects indicate a consistent shift toward taller built form, typically organised as tower-and-podium typologies with more active ground levels.”

The proposal includes close to 6,000 sqm of retail and commercial space across the ground floor and podium levels, designed to create a more activated street edge along Herbert Street.

Aqualand’s plans would also introduce a landscaped podium shared between the two towers, with communal open space in the form of a podium rooftop designed to support resident interaction and improve urban greening outcomes. The scheme would also introduce pocket parks at the northern and southern ends of the site, including a landscaped area at the corner of Herbert and Ella streets designed to improve pedestrian amenity and soften the streetscape.

&nbsp;

The proposal is being progressed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, which was introduced to accelerate housing supply across the state. The application was declared State Significant Development in April 2025 following an expression of interest process.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faf6d97d-2671-454f-b85a-fe1c6a7be608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=diVd28OBVr5.YV.7prrOz.uAanwwwm7a" />

St Leonards has been particularly active with new developments in recent weeks. Developer SP Setia’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-sp-setia-targets-st-leonards-skyline-with-40-storey-tod-tower">plans for a new 42-storey tower</a> recently went on exhibition through the same pathway, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">Stockland’s 52-storey tower proposal</a> was also recently unveiled.

Aside from the St Leonards project, which is expected to take around nine months to move through the approvals process ahead of a potential 2027 launch, Aqualand is also preparing to launch Boronia, a new apartment project in Roseville comprising around 111 apartments on Larkin Street.

The developer also has approvals in place for the next stage of the Barangaroo precinct, which will feature new residential, retail, hospitality and community uses, alongside a new metro entry across the five-hectare site.

More than 50 new retail destinations are planned for Central Barangaroo, alongside a 270-metre-long boulevard connecting Hickson Park to Nawi Cove. Together with Harbour Park, more than 50 per cent of the precinct will comprise public open space and parkland.

First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-5" data-turn="user" data-turn-id="e65dbe94-e3b6-47f7-b62a-9cbb30c9bf79" data-turn-id-container="e65dbe94-e3b6-47f7-b62a-9cbb30c9bf79" dir="auto">Time &amp; Place’s plans to transform the former David Jones factory building in Surry Hills into a mixed-use residential precinct have gone on exhibition through the NSW Government’s In-fill Affordable Housing pathway.</section>

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-6" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:f4d533b7-64a5-413d-86fd-5c99649c2b73-2" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:f4d533b7-64a5-413d-86fd-5c99649c2b73-2" dir="auto">
The Marlborough House proposal, lodged for the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marlborough-house-47-97-marlborough-street-surry-hills-nsw-2010">47-97 Marlborough Street</a> site, would see the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed warehouse building alongside the construction of new residential additions and a separate apartment building on the northern portion of the site.

The proposal seeks approval for 172 apartments across three buildings, including 15 per cent affordable housing managed by a community housing provider for at least 15 years from occupation.

<img alt="Marlborough" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5d1d3c2a-bf13-47d6-a335-7c01102cdee1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.29.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cjMYrbR.BLUlWH4dar0RVDDo0bG.u2YT" />

Interior view from the Northern Building Penthouse overlooking the park

&nbsp;

The redevelopment is planned for the prominent 3,413 sqm site bounded by Marlborough Street, Goodlet Street and Lansdowne Street, directly opposite Eddie Ward Park and around 200 metres from the Surry Hills light rail stop.

Time &amp; Place acquired the former David Jones building in 2024, marking the first time the property had changed hands in around 50 years.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal centres around the adaptive reuse of the former David Jones factory, originally constructed between 1913 and 1935 in the Inter-War Chicagoesque architectural style.

Wardle noted in its Architectural Design Report that the building “occupies a significant place in the industrial and cultural history of Surry Hills” and at its peak was “the largest department store manufacturing facility in Australia, employing over 800 people and fuelling the growth of Sydney’s fashion and retail industries.”

The practice said the project positions itself “not as an isolated intervention, but as a contributor to the civic, social, and architectural grain of the precinct.”

The proposal would deliver 75 apartments within the retained southern heritage building, 59 apartments within the central addition, and a further 38 apartments within the new northern building fronting Lansdowne Street.

Planning documents show the scheme would comprise a mix of heritage apartments, new-build apartments, townhouses and penthouses.

<img alt="Marlborough" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="57758518-40a3-4b83-958c-d06e96a2cffa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.29.42%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VerlX9ST5xgBi8.1_YRsqdWTJeT6ygjs" />Interior View of the Heritage Building Apartment

The development would also include a ground-floor retail tenancy on the corner of Marlborough and Lansdowne streets, rooftop communal open space, a landscaped pedestrian link along the western edge of the site, and basement parking accessed from Lansdowne Street via a car stacker system.

&nbsp;

The scheme emerged from a competitive design process run by Urbis, with Wardle ultimately selected as the winning architect ahead of FJC Studio, TZG, Architectus and Wilkinson Eyre.

The Design Integrity Panel later described several aspects of the Wardle scheme as fundamental to the project, including “the stepped character of the new addition to the north of the site”, the landscaped western pedestrian link, and the “garden arrival” experience separating the original Marlborough House from the heritage addition.

Wardle’s design heavily references the site’s industrial and heritage history, while also responding to the surrounding Surry Hills streetscape.

The Architectural Design Report describes Surry Hills as “a finely grained neighbourhood with beautiful and expressive brickworks throughout the suburb,” with the proposal introducing a material palette intended to sit comfortably alongside the existing warehouse fabric and neighbouring terraces.

The report also outlines the project’s relationship with Eddie Ward Park and the broader landscape context of the area.

“Marlborough House occupies a site of deep cultural memory and the neighbouring Eddie Ward Park is of local ecological significance, where natural systems, topography, and stories have long shaped human experience,” Wardle noted in the report.

The architects said the proposal sought to “rebind built form to Country” through landscape, materiality and the adaptive reuse of the heritage structure.

<img alt="Marlborough House" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ae3f2f9-c85f-477a-a6f8-b43f6cb97c41" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.29.53%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=B.qUCLqRvJOR.n9CvYcTpaknIX9LuqKZ" />

The project is also being progressed under the NSW Government’s in-fill affordable housing provisions, allowing developments that include affordable housing to access additional height and floor space incentives.

Under the plans, 2,593 sqm of the project’s floor space would be dedicated to affordable housing, slightly exceeding the required 15 per cent threshold.

In its Design Excellence Strategy, Urbis said the project aimed to “sensitively adapt and enhance the heritage-listed building on site through alterations and additions that preserve its historical significance” while delivering “high-quality market and infill affordable housing development in Surry Hills.”

Time &amp; Place has been one of the most active developers nationally in the last 12 to 24 months. Late last year they completed&nbsp;The Queensbridge in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>, a mixed-use tower with 353 apartments and a hotel. They are currently selling Park Modern, 246 apartments near the famous Botanic Gardens in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a>, and have future projects, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-wilmot-173-burke-road-28-hope-street-glen-iris-vic-3146">The Wilmot</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>, the redevelopment of the Northcote Plaza, and another tower in South Melbourne.

The developer broke into Sydney just a few years ago with Two Tides in Manly. They have another project nearby, which is at the ultra-luxury end of the market on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/shoreline-manly-beach-89-90-north-steyne-manly">North Steyne</a>, fronting the beach.

It is also continuing to work through the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-time-place-settles-on-design-for-the-chimes-potts-point-redevelopment">redevelopment of The Chimes building</a> on Macleay Street in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/potts-point-nsw-2011">Potts Point</a>, as well as a project on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/time-place-to-take-on-mosman-apartment-market">Mosman's Redan Street</a>.
</section>

First look: Time & Place unveils Marlborough House redevelopment designs for former David Jones warehouse in Surry Hills

The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Auctions

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A clearance rate of 77 per cent was recorded across Melbourne on the March 21 weekend, which matched the 77 per cent of last weekend.
Two Middle Park sales dominated the top sales among the 1053 auctions reported to the REIV.
There was 353 Richardson Street at $4,750,000 and 208 Beaconsfield Parade at $4,510,000.
Bidding on the Richardson Street property - with Pleysier Perkins interiors in the heritage listed home - opened with a $4 million vendor bid by the auctioneer John Bongiorno, and sold after it was passed in at $4.5 million.
Hocking Stuart Albert Park auctioneer David Wood secured the $4.51 million sale of the near-derelict 208 Beaconsfield Parade (pictured below) on the corner of Harold Street.
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/ccd0d079b39833677079580ef9606691f16a83f9a5aa7b370c491e86bd350cda/image4.jpg" alt="208 Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park" title="208 Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park" data-index="3">
Enzo Raimondo, the REIV noted there was a median house price of $940,000 and a $595,000 median unit price.
There was a $4.68 million Toorak sale (pictured top above) in between the two Middle Park trophy home sales.
It was a grand 1930s Toorak residence which became the home of then Country Party Prime Minister Sir John "Black Jack" McEwen.
It last sold at $2.6 million in 2003.
The home, at the corner of Orrong Road and Montalto Avenue, has a grand reception hall with formal entertaining rooms to each side.
The four bedroom home with arched windows, ceiling roses and fireplaces, also has two studies.  There is a swimming pool in the garden designed by Paul Thompson.
More than $4 million had been expected by Marshall White's Marcus Chiminello for <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/house/vic/toorak/?adid=2011800569" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">679 Orrong Road</a>.
John McEwen and his first wife, Annie, bought the house in 1956. It was sold by his second wife, Mary, in 1989 following his death in 1980.
He was the country's 18th prime minister from 19 December 1967 to 10 January 1968 following the death of PM Harold Holt, who lived elsewhere in Toorak.
Kay &amp; Burton achieved a 100% clearance rate for houses in metro Melbourne, including four in South Yarra.
There was an undisclosed Hawthorn sale of around $4.7 million at 4a Kooyongkoot Road. The 1237 square metre holding had last sold in 1999 at $1.01 million.
There was also the sale with an undisclosed price of Alta Vista, at 81 Wellington Parade South through Abercromby's which had $6 million hopes on its initial 2014 listing.
Kooyong's 10 Monaro Road sold through RT Edgar under the hammer at $4.5 million, after a $4.4 million vendor bid. Last sold at $406,000 in 1984, it had been listed initially for sale last October.
TOP 5 HOUSES 
1. 353 Richardson Street, Middle Park $4,750,000 2. 679 Orrong Road, Toorak $4,680,000 3. 208 Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park $4,510,000 4. 14 Stirling Street, Kew $4,410,000 5. 3 St James Mews, Brighton $3,550,000 
TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES 
1. 18 Ardent Court, Hastings $197,500 2. 7 Thredbo Court, Epping $320,000 3. 88 Creedmore Drive, Rye $322,500 4. 15 Miram Court, Westmeadows $330,000 5. 30 Bootie Court, Roxburgh Park $332,000
TOP 5 APARTMENTS 
1. 27 Oak Grove, Brighton $2,397,000 2. 1/36 Dean Street, Kew $1,951,000 3. 40A Cochrane Street, Brighton $1,605,000 4. 3/103 Lucerne Crescent, Alphington $1,400,000 5. 4/103 Lucerne Crescent, Alphington $1,400,000 
TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS 
1. 5/1-3 Braemer Street, Seaford $215,500 2. 10/29 Raleigh Street, Essendon $260,000 3. 4/7 Stewart Street, Thomastown $265,000 4. 2/2 Martin Street, Rosebud $272,400 5. 7/9 Poplar Grove, Carnegie $275,000
Source <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research" target="_blank">REIV</a> 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Steady and strong with Middle Park taking two podium places

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It's a bumper crop of auctions in both Sydney and Melbourne this weekend.
There are 1,202 auctions scheduled this week in Melbourne compared to 1,160 for the same time last year, according to Robert Larocca from CoreLogic RP Data.
The highest volume of auctions are the 21 on offer in both Reservoir and Thornbury
CoreLogic have noted Melbourne auction volumes are higher than last year and on track to exceed last years volumes when there were more auctions and a higher proportion of homes sold at auction.
"Our latest data shows that a record 33.6 per cent of sales were by auction in Melbourne last year, up from 29.4 per cent in 2013 and a mere 20.3 per cent in 2012," said Larocca.
"Remarkably the 30,079 sales at auction last year was near twice the 15,640 recorded in 2012.
"The increase in use of auctions is a market feature, especially when prices rise as they can deliver better outcomes in competitive markets."
APM advised 693 Sydney auctions are scheduled across this weekend.
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Pre-Easter auction momentum builds in Sydney and Melbourne

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Acacia Gardens in Sydney's north-west has recorded its first $1 million plus residential house sale.
Kent Pilkington of Laing+Simmons Quakers Hill has negotiated the sale.
The Acacia Gardens house sold for $1.05 million – the first time a house in postcode 2763 has broken the $1 million barrier.
The 13 Gannet Place had four large bedrooms each with its own ensuite and walk-in robe.
The block cost $300,000 in 2009.
The previous record was $870,000 on Hibiscus Close.
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Acacia Gardens notches up first $1 million plus house sale

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Held by the one family for nearly 100 years, the latest Paddington cottage listing fetched $1.2 million tonight.
Close to Five Ways, the 6 <a href="https://bradfieldcleary.com.au/4862721/6-Broughton-Street-Paddington" target="_blank">Broughton Street offering</a> is as Paddington was back in 1915 within the two bedroom cottage.
The time capsule went auction through BradfieldCleary agent Georgia Cleary.
It was too hard for picky Paddington home buyers it seems.
Instead it was left to three builders to compete for the Victorian workers' cottage when it was auctioned by Damien Cooley who was reluctant to accept the $900,000 opening bid.
They could probably undertake the necessary works for around $400,000, whereas non-builders would probably face $800,000 easily spent.
More than $1 million was tipped to be pocketed by the current day Christensen family members.
Title records show it last traded when a tramway worker purchased it from a local labourer for £400 around 100 years ago.
 
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Paddington's 1915 time capsule sells for $1.2 million

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RealAs advised 80% of home auctions in metropolitan Melbourne suburbs were "underquoted" in February 2015 with buyer price guidance.
Box Hill South had the biggest gap between estate agent price guidance and the final auction selling price.
The realAs website alleges Victoria holds the title as the worst underquoting state in Australia.
<table style="width: 460px;">
<colgroup>
<col width="22">
<col width="150">
<col width="90">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
 
</td>
<td>
Top 10 VIC gaps
</td>
<td>
Sold Price vsAgent Quote
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
1
</td>
<td>
Box Hill South
</td>
<td>
32%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2
</td>
<td>
Bulleen
</td>
<td>
31%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
3
</td>
<td>
Templestowe Lower
</td>
<td>
30%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
4
</td>
<td>
Burwood
</td>
<td>
29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
Armadale
</td>
<td>
29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
6
</td>
<td>
Carlton North
</td>
<td>
29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
7
</td>
<td>
Doncaster
</td>
<td>
28%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
8
</td>
<td>
Burwood East
</td>
<td>
28%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
9
</td>
<td>
Caulfield South
</td>
<td>
27%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
10
</td>
<td>
Carnegie
</td>
<td>
27%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
 
</td>
<td>
Source: realAs.com
</td>
<td>
  
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The realAs.com price predictions website was co-founded by Australia’s first buyers’ advocate, David Morrell.
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Box Hill South agents can't get their price estimates close to auction results: realAs

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The award winning Haddow House sold for $3,571,000 at auction last weekend, a rare feat for Fitzroy North.
Nelson Alexander sales agent Arch Staver, who marketed the property with Rick Daniel, says the sale "really did test the market".
"North Fitzroy is not full of warehouse conversions," Staver told Property Observer, noting that renovated industrial sites are more common in the neighbouring Fitzroy, or the inner-eastern suburb of Richmond.
"It really was a stand out property".
The six bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-fitzroy+north-119046907" target="_blank">11 Tucker Place in Fitzroy North</a> certainly does stand out, even among its fellow warehouse conversions.
The vendors commissioned Belgian architect Daniel van Cleemput to design the renovation of the home for their blended family. On the 545 square metre former factory site, van Cleemput designed the cleverly structured house, surrounded by gardens. Its design saw the home awarded the ARCHITEAM 2012 award for Best Design, Residential, New, and featured in architect and commentator Stuart Harrison's 2013 book New Suburban.
When van Cleemput was commissioned, the warehouse had no roof, just external walls.
{qtube vid:=hXPu9VE_2Tg}
The house, while offering flow between both the interior living spaces and between the interior and exterior, also provided privacy for its residences.
The home's enclosed bedroom spaces are all on the upper level, with the teenagers and the two adults living in separate parts of the building, connected by an outside deck. The parent's retreat includes a hydraulic-doored "pod" with a kitchenette, wardrobe and study, and opens directly to the hilltop garden. Meanwhile, the children's area has five double bedrooms, each with a view to the gardens, two shower rooms and a separate toilet.
On the lower level, there are open plan living, dining and kitchen areas, with full height sliding doors opening the interior to the surrounding gardens. The exterior is further invited in through translucent walls, which draw in the natural light. The outdoor spaces include a landscaped garden "hillside", a spa and deck and plant covered high walls.
Despite the house's connection with nature, it still retains many industrial features, including raw finishes and a structure exposed by its translucent panelling.
At Saturday's auction, there were around 200 observers, with three active bidders. Bidding for the warehouse conversion off a cobbled laneway began at $3 million with a bid from the eventual buyer, and came onto the market at $3.4 million. The $3,571,000 result makes it the most expensive known sale of a warehouse conversion in Fitzroy North, with the second highest known to Property Observer being a brick double fronted single level home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-fitzroy+north-114997019" target="_blank">7 Tranmere Street</a>, which sold for $1,105,000 in October 2013.
According to CoreLogic RP Data, <a href="/news">Fitzroy North</a> houses recorded 10.3% capital growth over 2014, with a median house price of $1.5 million in January 2015.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Fitzroy North's Haddow House warehouse conversion sells for more than $3.5 million

<html><body>
Strong Sydney weekend auction results included 1 Stansell Street, Gladesville (pictured above) which sold at $2.85 million through Paul Tassone &amp; Ahmad Malas of Professionals Ermington.
Auctioneer Rob Trovato of Auction Services saw a huge crowd of around 300 people with 28 registered bidders for the small cottage nestled between a unit block and a service station.
I<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/sold/house/nsw/gladesville/?adid=2011759011" target="_blank">t had a zoning of R4 Mixed Use</a> for its 714 square metre holding.
There were reports the property - described as a highly sought after opportunity in the marketing - sold at $1.1 million above the out of line reserve to a developer who plans to rent it out before eventually redeveloping the site.
Even before Saturday's auction, Gladesville agents were having serious issues with getting their pre-auction price estimates close to final sale price.
February results saw Gladesville top the list across Sydney in February when they studied price guidance against sold price.
RealAs advised 60% of home auctions in metropolitan Sydney suburbs were "underquoted" in February 2015 with buyer price guidance.
<table style="width: 460px;">
<colgroup>
<col width="22">
<col width="150">
<col width="90">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td>
Top 10 NSW gaps
</td>
<td>
Sold Price vs
Agent Quote
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
1
</td>
<td>
Gladesville
</td>
<td>
28%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2
</td>
<td>
Ryde
</td>
<td>
23%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
3
</td>
<td>
Marsfield
</td>
<td>
21%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
4
</td>
<td>
Cammeray
</td>
<td>
20%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
Wahroonga
</td>
<td>
18%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
6
</td>
<td>
Carlingford
</td>
<td>
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
7
</td>
<td>
Balmain
</td>
<td>
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
8
</td>
<td>
Beecroft
</td>
<td>
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
9
</td>
<td>
Manly
</td>
<td>
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
10
</td>
<td>
Lilyfield
</td>
<td>
15%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td>
Source: realAs.com
</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The site said low price guidance wasted home buyers’ time, money and causes heart ache.
"Home buyers and property investors spend their time attending open for inspections and auctions, money on building inspections, legal fees and rental appraisals only to have their hearts broken on auction day when their dream home sells for way higher than what their budget allowed," realAs director Josh Rowe said.
The New South Wales Government has said it will crack down on underquoting behaviour.  
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Gladesville price quotes at way below actual selling prices: realAs

<html><body>
Cooley Auctions has reported the eastern suburbs pre-auction sales rate jumped to plus 50% this week.
There were seven pre-auction sales - most at undisclosed prices - among the 13 Monday night offerings.
The highest was $4.1 million at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-double+bay-118099391" target="_blank">Cross Street, Double Bay</a> (pictured above) through 1st City.
Set in The Gallery, it last sold at $3.85 million in 2008.
<img src="/images/2015/03/17/auctions-results-mar-17-one.jpg" alt="">
Source: Cooley Auctions
"This is the strongest market I have seen in my 15 year real estate career and the highest percentage of pre-auction sales ever experienced by Cooley Auctions," auctioneer Damien Cooley told Property Observer. 
"Buyers are relentless with their bullish tactic of buying before auction." Damien Cooley proffered there are two main reasons why property sells before auction in the current market. 
"First is the fear of missing out given the competitive sales. 
"It's possible the buyer has missed out at other auctions and in frustration they attempt to secure the property before. 
"Secondly and more commonly is the fear of paying more at auction."
Pre-sales typically run at between 20% and 25%.
During February Cooley noted it was running at 38%.
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Cooley Auctions see eastern suburbs pre-auction sales rate jump to 50%

<html><body>
An Armadale house designed by late Melbourne architect Wayne Gillespie has sold.
The three bedroom home secured $3.55 million when sold through RT Edgar Boroondara last week.
Atypically, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-armadale-118788407" target="_blank">7A Flete Avenue</a> has an in-ground pool located at the front of the plot, rather than the back - residents pass the north-facing pool and the sandstone terrace as they enter the house through the side.
The house has open plan living and dining areas on its lower levels, with a conservatory area at the rear. On the upper level, there are three bedrooms, including a master with a north-facing balcony overlooking the pool.
At $3.55 million, the house was the eighth most expensive to sell last week, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
The most expensive was a $6.5 million Rose Bay house at 22 Kent Road, which sold after 25 years of ownership.
CoreLogic RP Data's top 10 sales of the week ending 15 March:
<ol>
<li>22 Kent Road, Rose Bay, NSW 5 bed, 3 bath, 2 car house $6,500,000 McGrath Estate Agents 
</li>
<li>26 Strickland Street, Rose Bay, NSW 5 bed, 5 bath, 5 car house $5,200,000 Sydney Sotheby's International Realty 
</li>
<li>28 Rowland Street, Kew, Vic 4 bed, 2 bath, 1 car house $3,840,000 Marshall White Real Estate Hawthorn 
</li>
<li>58 Narrak Road, Balwyn, Vic 5 bed, 4 bath, 2 car house $3,800,000 RT Edgar Boroondara 
</li>
<li>13 Palmer Street, South Coogee, NSW 4 bed, 2 bath, 2 car house $3,700,000 Ellison Zulian Property Maroubra 
</li>
<li>433 Bronte Road, Bronte, NSW 4 bed, 2 bath, 2 car house $3,650,000 McGrath Estate Agents 
</li>
<li>78 Carrington Parade, Curl Curl, NSW 4 bed, 3 bath, 4 car house $3,600,000 Smyth Estate Agents Freshwater 
</li>
<li>7 Flete Avenue, Armadale, Vic 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car house $3,550,000 RT Edgar Boroondara 
</li>
<li>175 Raglan Street, Mosman, NSW 3 bed, 3 bath, 2 car house $3,320,000 Ray White Lower North Shore 
</li>
<li>2/43 Tobruk Avenue, Cremorne, NSW 4 bed, 2 bath, 2 car unit $3,275,000 Belle Property Neutral Bay</li>
</ol>
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Wayne Gillespie designed Armadale home sells for $3.55 million

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A preliminary weighted average clearance rate of 78.3% was recorded this week across capital cities compared to 74.5% last week and 70.8% this time last year.
<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/20150316-Capital-City.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g4392]"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4393" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/20150316-Capital-City-580x431.jpg" alt="National auction review - Capital City" width="580" height="431"></a>
This is the highest national clearance rate in six years, since 79.7% was recorded in September 2009 and provides a further indication of the improvement in demand since last year. There can be no doubt now that the interest rate cut has had a positive impact on the real estate market.
In Sydney a preliminary clearance rate of 85.1% was recorded compared to 84.2% last week and 79.8% last year. Sydney continues to have the strongest auction market nationally and is providing vendors with unprecedented results.
<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/20150316-Sydney.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g4392]"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4394" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/20150316-Sydney-580x388.jpg" alt="National auction review - Sydney" width="580" height="388"></a>
In Melbourne the preliminary clearance rate was 77.8%, compared to 75% last week and 67% this time last year. This is the highest clearance rate in a year and half and the market is now well ahead of this time a year ago.
<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/20150316-Melbourne.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g4392]"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4395" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/20150316-Melbourne-580x386.jpg" alt="National auction review - Melbourne" width="580" height="386"></a>
In Brisbane a preliminary clearance rate of 57.1% was recorded compared to 37.2% last week and 54.5% last year.
<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/20150316-Brisbane.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g4392]"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4396" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/20150316-Brisbane-580x381.jpg" alt="National auction review - Brisbane" width="580" height="381"></a>
In Adelaide a preliminary clearance rate of 72.9% compared to 60.7% last week.
<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/20150316-Adelaide.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g4392]"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4397" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/20150316-Adelaide-580x389.jpg" alt="National auction review - Adelaide" width="580" height="389"></a>
In Canberra a clearance rate of 73.3% was recorded compared to 70.8% last week.
In Perth a clearance rate of 41.7% was recorded compared to 33.3% last week and 41.9% last year.
</body></html>

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