<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Byron Bay

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A standard dwelling in Byron Bay will cost between $700,000 and $1 million, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm says that for the same price range for a standard dwelling in Byron, a buyer could get a good quality home newly renovated in nearby Lennox.
In Mullumbimby and Ocean Shores the most favoured price point is between $500,000 and $750,000 for a standard dwelling.
An example would be a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mullumbimby-123828414" target="_blank">6 Hibiscus Place</a> (pictured above) that is for sale for $649,000.
The main demographic for this price point is owner occupiers, predominantly a mix of local buyers trading up and people relocating from the major cities.
The main reason that this price point is so favoured is due to this bracket offering an affordable coastal living family home to middle income earners who want to enjoy the resort style of living, HTW said. 
The slowest price point in the region are for prestige properties priced $4 million and above.
These properties are pretty much only available to the rich and famous and are either owner occupied or kept as holiday accommodation.
Although there are more transactions taking place at the moment, it is still a very thinly traded sector of the market with a high level of volatility.
Another slow price point is secondary rural residential areas. The buyers in this range tend to be local buyers, however, due to these locations being that little bit further away from the towns and airports, they trend towards the slower price point category.
The most favoured price points in Ballina are between $500,000 and $650,000 which tends to be owner occupiers, particularly young families.
"You will get a standard dwelling in this price bracket which includes recently built houses," the report noted.
These are considered the most affordable dwellings in the region for families.
Families priced out of this bracket in Ballina can move slightly further inland to Wollongbar where they can build a new standard home for between $450,000 and $550,000.
The slowest price point for the area is anything priced over $1 million.
Although the area has seen a few good sales over the $1 million mark, transactions are limited.
Professional couples are the most likely buyer group over this price point, HTW noted.
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Standard Byron Bay home options at $700,000 plus: HTW

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Giovanni D'Ercole, the jewellery designer of Love and Hatred, has listed the River House, a five bedroom home in the Byron Bay hinterland.
Tucked away on the sub-tropical ridge, the 42 ha property has been listed through Nicolette van Wijngaarden at Unique Estates Australia with a $3.7 million asking price.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-coorabell-118612343" target="_blank">The timber home</a>, entered through antique Indian doors, comes with cathedral ceilings. It has a spa therapy room with a hydrotherapy tub.
The 2005-built home is surrounded by stands of old native rainforest with small creeks that all feed into the billabong at the front of the house.
It comes with approval for six rural tourism cottages. 
D'Ercole paid $1.7 million in 2007 when it was bought from Mark Morgan. His other nearby property, Coorabella, the magical 125-year-old home on 23 hectares, remains a holiday rental. It was briefly listed for sale in 2013 at $7.5 million.
Panoramix Studio founder Bertrand Lalanne and his wife, Dianne secured the district's highest sale when La Grande Vue, their Peter Hobbs-designed home on a hectare holding sold at $4.25 million through Liam Annesley at LJ Hooker earlier this year.
Singer Natalie Imbruglia recently spent $1.3 million on a two hectare property with shack through Glen Irwin, of LJ Hooker Byron Bay.
Another recent Coorabell sale saw the veteran recording studio, The Music Farm sold at $2.9 million. 
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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The River House at Coorabell listed at $3.7 million

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The London-based chartered surveyor Charles Lee visited Byron Bay when visiting during the 2003 Rugby World Cup and decided to purchase at Wategos Beach.
The Lees are selling their home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-byron+bay-123519782" target="_blank">5 Marine Parade</a>.
Comprising a main residence and an adjoining villa – which, combined, generated nearly $200,000 in gross holiday letting fees last financial year – the property is a two minute stroll to family-friendly Wategos Beach and the Cape Byron Nature Walk.
The main residence boasts three bedrooms, including an expansive 8.2m x 5.1m master with double walk-in robes. Two bedrooms in the main residence both have ensuites while the third bedroom jointly accesses the main bathroom.
The Marine Parade property has a price guide of $6 million to $6.5 million through Tony Farrell and Liam Annesley at LJ Hooker Byron Bay.
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Marine Parade, Wategos Beach trophy home with $200,000 annual rental income

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Celebrity hairdresser Paul Guttenbeil has listed his five bedroom Byron Bay retreat which sits between the bush and the beach.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-suffolk+park-123567250">The Alcorn Street, Suffolk Park</a> offering has been listed as he intends to downsize locally.
The Get Smart, Darlinghurst salon owner built the two-storey residence about eight years ago.
The 1250 sqm vacant block was bought in 2006 for $820,000.
The price guidance is between $2.25 million and $2,475,000.
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Celebrity hairdresser lists at Suffolk Park

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Photographer and author Anna Swain and her husband, builder Andrew, have listed their charming Byron Bay family home.
Bought for $460,000 in 2013 when just a 684 sqm block of Pacific Vista Drive vacant block, Andrew went about building the home, completing it just seven months after starting.
Now stands a six bedroom, three bathroom home. 
Built from a blend of modern and reclaimed materials, the home has a French industrial warehouse feel.
It comes with nine sets of marching French doors salvaged from an old hotel in Rockhampton, antique sash windows and 100 year old restored French and Spanish tiles.
There's a saltwater pool, level backyard and a front courtyard complete with pizza oven and herb garden at the Pacific Vista Drive home.
Anna spoke at the recent Byron Bay Writers Festival where she showcased her first book, Burma Tiffins, Nuns and Turmeric, a photographic travel book capturing Burma's culture. 
Featuring floating villages, ox and carts, majestic pagodas, pink robed nuns and teak monasteries, the book has almost 300 photographs, some travel tales and recipes. 
First National Byron Bay agent Tara Torkkola takes the home to October 1 auction.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Byron Bay home with French industrial warehouse feel listed

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Panoramix Studio founder Bertrand Lalanne and his wife, Dianne have sold La Grande Vue, their property at Coorabell, just west of Byron Bay.
It was 2006 when, opting out of Sydney, they bought the 1970s hinterland home on 17 hectares for $1.75 million, commissioning architect Peter Hobbs to design their retreat which was completed in 2013.
Filled with rich cedar, La Grande Vue, with high ceilings and walls of glass, was dubbed a shrine to the view.
The four-bedroom home sits on a hectare holding with four horse-friendly paddocks and stables.
There's five dams and a spring on the property which is set about 50m below the ridge line.
The Coolamon Scenic Drive home was priced at $4.35 million through Liam Annesley at LJ Hooker.
There's no price disclosure, but it is understood to have been bought by a Queensland buyer. 
Bertrand Lalanne, was born in England to an Australian mother and French father), raised in France and educated in the US, at Berklee College of Music in Boston and the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles.
His interest in recording and sound engineering came about in 1995 when he formed a band in a Parisian cellar.
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Byron Bay hinterland's La Grande Vue sold

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Television viewers never got to see 4 Palm Valley Drive in Byron Bay on Grand Designs, but its been the work in progress of the host Peter Maddison for the last two years.
The acclaimed architect has been working on the beach home, renovating the luxury Byron Bay Beach house, Wattai, which sold for $5.6 million to a Melburnian.
Janis Perkins of Real Estate of Distinction secured the sale for Melbourne property developer, Allan Sinclair, father of Sydney Swans footballer Callum Sinclair.
He paid $3.7 million for the home in 2004.
Set on the path to Watego's Beach, each of Wattai's four bedrooms come with ensuites. 
Set on 790 sqm, the home includes a large self-contained flat which leads to an outdoor decking, fitted with bbq area and a salt water wet edge pool. 
The most striking feature of the home is the 183 sqm rooftop terrace, complete with a 10 person spa.
It's going to be a busy year for the Melbourne-based architect.
On top of juggling his own business, Maddison Architects, he is renovating his family home in Brighton.
The family moved out of their mid-century home they've lived in for 15 years to allow the work to be done.
Maddison paid $790,000 in 2000 with the project costing a lot more money expected and it's taking a lot longer than he thought. 
"It's costing a lot more and it's taking a lot longer than I thought ... but it's coming along," he laughed.
"The plan is to renovate being sympathetic to the home's unique 1960s styling elements while adding a fresh touch."
Grand Designs Australia airs on The LifeStyle Channel and has been running since 2010.
Maddison will hope he is a little more successful than British counter-part Kevin McCloud in the property market.
McCloud, who present the British Grand Designs, has come under fire for his recent eco development in Stroud, which is said to be riddled with damp and unsafe to live in.
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Grand Designs host Peter Maddison's Byron Bay reno

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In NSW North Coast, there's little change from 12 months ago in terms of what one can score in property with a lazy half a million, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's July 2016 residential market report on homes in the sub-$500,000 range.
The product mix may have varied slightly, particularly in the more regional areas within the Richmond Valley and Kyogle Council areas.
"In a lot of ways it resembles a typical poker hand," say HTW. For example, consider the five of a kind:
• Five $100,000 (or less) vacant steep timber 40 hectare bush blocks in the rural localities of Drake or Tabulam; or
• Five $100,000 standard vacant residential blocks in Casino or Kyogle. Relatively flat but may ask slightly more than $100,000 individually, so a package deal of say five at the nice round figure of $100,000 each would be hard for a vendor to pass up in the current subdued market.
"Alternatively, secure a nice three- to four-bedroom, two-bathroom house with a garage for around $300,000 to $350,000 and throw in another vacant residential block at $100,000 to $120,000."
There are not too many residential properties within Casino or Kyogle that would use up the whole $500,000 in one transaction, however, those that do usually deliver the full quota of features from air-conditioning, good quality appointments, pool, established landscaping or full renovation of an older style character home.
For those inclined towards a more rural residential setting, there are opportunities to use a substantial part of the $500,000 to acquire established properties of modern four-bedroom, two-bathroom homes with double garages in close proximity to the town centres of Casino and Kyogle.
Typically, such properties would comprise lots ranging in size from 4,000 square metres to five hectares. Semi-remote rural localities with properties on lots from 40 hectares to 100 hectares may still be purchased under $500,000 and provide semi-modern homes with established ancillary improvements, however, distance and maintenance of the land are factors that any potential purchaser must consider.
"Within Lismore city, the lazy half million is somewhat more restricted in its purchasing power, however, opportunities are still available. Good quality level vacant residential lots are around the $200,000 mark in the new, developing residential estates, so buy two and possibly use the remaining $100,000 as a $50,000 deposit for a house to be built on each of the lots, or purchase one of the steeper vacant blocks for around $100,000 (just keep in mind that your building costs will rise significantly)."
It should be relatively easy to find two residential house properties for around $250,000 each, however, they are likely to be located in a flood prone area, need some cosmetic attention or front a busy road.
There are a number of two-bedroom, one-bathroom, brick and tile residential units with single carports available within reasonable proximity of shopping and educational facilities in Lismore city which have an expected price range of $130,000 to $170,000 and attract a rent of around $175 to $200 per week.
Failing that, and if you so wish, $500,000 would go a long way to fully or near fully acquire or brand new four- or five-bedroom, two-bathroom, double garage residence in the modern residential estates of Goonellabah or Lismore Heights (where most of the new build action is) with pool and established landscaping.
The rental assessments can vary widely depending on features, but expect something in the order of $450 plus per week.
"At present, even with the record low interest rate levels, the future of any significant price improvement is not generally clear or warranted as there is still the overriding climate of that old age concern....is my job secure?” say HTW. "Therefore, don’t expect any significant rapid sales activity any time soon."
Property Observer tracked down a three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-lismore-113095571" target="_blank">36 Keen Street, Lismore, NSW 2480</a> that sold recently for $252,000, leaving another $250,000 to invest as HTW suggests.
<div class="propertyStats">
<img src="/images/2016/08/05/lismore.png" alt=""> </div>
The Clarence Valley
Further to the south in Yamba, $500,000 does not get you as close to the beach as it did 12 months ago where the June 2015 entry point was for a circa 1980s canal home or an older circa 1950s dwelling close to the beach.
Entry point now is in a modern four-bedroom, two-bathroom modern dwelling in Yamba’s residential estates located west of Yamba town centre. However, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom strata townhouse complex by the beachside is still within reach and includes resort facilities and holiday rental income.
In Yamba, the $500,000 and above market is driven by steady interest from the capital cities due to the town’s good proximity to proposed large infrastructure developments such as the Pacific Highway. In the region surrounding Grafton, $500,000 is considered to be in the premium residential range and has stayed pretty steady in comparison to 12 months ago. Properties may include large residential grazing cattle farms of over 50 hectares to modern quality built residential dwellings on acreage parcels close to Grafton.
Byron Bay/Lennox Head/Ocean Shores
There is little that can be purchased in or around Byron Bay or Lennox Head for a lazy half million and your money will take you only as far as a basic two- or three-bedroom townhouse or villa located just west of Byron Bay township in the Sunrise Estate.
Lennox Head has even less to offer and you would be lucky to see a duplex unit on the market for around $500,000. Buyers around Byron Bay and Lennox Head will almost need a lazy $700,000 to enter the market. A lazy half million will be easier to spend in Ocean Shores where a semi-modern to modern three-bedroom house can be purchased around the $500,000 mark. There has been relatively little change in the past 12 months in Ocean Shores.
Property Observer found a two-bedroom, two bathroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-byron+bay-122352434" target="_blank">5/20 Sunrise Boulevard, Byron Bay, NSW 2481</a> recently sold for $457,500.
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<div class="propertyStats">Ballina/Alstonville</div>
The options of what $500,000 can get you are somewhat limited and more so than 12 months ago. Finding a house in West Ballina or Ballina Island is becoming more difficult and similar to 12 months ago, you will need to settle for a circa 1970 to 1990 two- or three-bedroom unit if you wish to be close to the beach. There are still opportunities to purchase a house in Alstonville or Wollongbar around the $500,000 mark.
The other alternative is to purchase land in an Alstonville or Wollongbar residential estate and build a project home. This can still be done in Ballina (Ferngrove and River Oaks Estate) and Cumbalum (Ballina Heights), however, a basic project home is really all you will get for your lazy half million.
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NSW North Coast "resembles a poker hand" in the sub-$500,000 property market: HTW

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A luxury Byron Bay retreat has been listed for June 25 auction with a price guide of $2.3 million and $2.5 million.
Located in a tightly held and sought after enclave, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-coopers+shoot-122685202" target="_blank">163 Coopers Shoot Road </a>is set on a large 8240 sqm corner block.
The main house is situated on the first level and has three bedrooms and a gourmet kitchen.
There's also a detached studio and a 12 metre saltwater pool which offers views to the ocean.
The property is available through Raine &amp; Horne Byron Bay principal Sophie Christou who expects significant interest.
“With multiple opportunities to view this exceptional home in the lead up to auction, we’re expecting significant interest from high-end Sydney and Brisbane-based buyers, plus well-to-do locals,” she said.
“Because of this property’s position at the Byron end of an exclusive ridgeline in the secluded Coopers Shoot enclave, we’re expecting it to sell for anywhere between $2.3 million and $2.5 million.”
 
 
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Luxury Coopers Shoot offering at Byron Bay

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Melbourne businessman Max Twigg has listed one of Australia's most iconic pubs, the Byron Bay Beach hotel.
It comes with market expectations of between $75 million and $80 million.
Mr Twigg, who made his money in waste management, bought the hotel in mid-2007 from its developer, John Cornell.
Mr Twigg paid $44 million for the pub's land component in 2007 with the total business purchase price taking the outlay closer to $65 million.
Daniel Dragicevich of CBRE Hotels and Tony Bargwanna and Jared Hodge of Ray White Hotels have the 4585 sqm listing.
The hotel is leased to Melbourne pub industry identity John van Haandel until mid-2017 with a further two, 10-year lease options and currently brings in annual income of around $4.2 million. 
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