Longstanding Gold Coast and Canberra developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/morris-property-group">Morris Property Group</a> is continuing to roll on with its Glitter Strip apartment pipeline, seeking to return to Mermaid Beach with a new 68-apartment development.

Morris, founded by Barry Morris in 1978 and one of the Gold Coast’s most prolific apartment developers over the past two decades, has filed plans for a 12-storey mixed-use building at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-seabeach-avenue-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">34-36 Seabeach Avenue</a>, on the prized eastern side of the Gold Coast Highway.

The 1,227 sqm site occupies a prominent corner position at Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway, opposite the Mermaid Plaza retail and office precinct and around 140 metres walking distance from the future Mermaid Beach South light rail station.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a> has designed the project, which will comprise 68 apartments across a mix of 48 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom residences.

The building will rise 12 storeys, reaching a maximum height of 36 metres, with the apartments accounting for a total of 156 bedrooms. The development application also seeks approval for short-term accommodation across the 68 apartments, while two office tenancies are proposed at ground level.

The plans show 108 car spaces across the development, with parking accommodated at ground level and within a three-level basement accessed from Seabeach Avenue.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2175c99-12fd-4a3c-9be1-89bbf258a90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.41%E2%80%AFPM_0.png?VersionId=iNLzWcE6gaAE76rafhEXfHve.4g4Se0p" />

Resident amenity will be concentrated on level two, where Fraser &amp; Partners has designed a recreation deck with a swimming pool, 90 sqm pool terrace, outdoor barbecue area and gym.

The broader communal offering will also incorporate landscaped spaces, with the planning documents noting the amenity has been designed to provide areas for recreation, social interaction and outdoor living.

The proposal would continue the transformation of the Gold Coast Highway corridor through Mermaid Beach ahead of the arrival of the light rail.

The site is zoned Neighbourhood Centre and sits within the Mermaid Beach/Broadbeach Light Rail Corridor neighbourhood plan. While the prescribed building height is 24 metres, the site is identified within an Urban Neighbourhood context providing for a 50 per cent height uplift to 36 metres.

Planning documents describe the stretch of the Gold Coast Highway between Broadbeach and Nobby Beach as increasingly characterised by medium and high-rise development, with the proposed Morris tower joining projects including Ventura, The Alfred, Oceans and Otto.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="911f193f-e381-4a55-be08-58be87fcf978" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.48%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=oxVvLJaY.SOXEdXrIcogfyEXDfvCmmpM" />

The development would mark Morris Property Group's latest investment in Mermaid Beach, where it has already delivered two apartment projects.

Otto, at 1 Bondi Avenue on the western side of the Gold Coast Highway, comprises 70 apartments across nine storeys. The project was completed in 2019 and includes a residents' gym, recreation deck and swimming pool.

Morris also developed Oceans at 46 Ocean Street, a nine-storey, 70-apartment build-to-rent development completed in 2019. Oceans was the group's first build-to-rent project and incorporates commercial space at ground level.

The two existing Morris projects sit further north along the same Gold Coast Highway corridor as the proposed Seabeach Avenue development. Fraser &amp; Partners' planning analysis specifically identifies both Otto and Oceans among the established built-form precedents surrounding the site.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14925119-7b71-4812-8149-340317512c7c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%203.00.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=aEJqYuw_nTCjcin17BSD0piB1EFotTlj" />

Mermaid Beach represents only part of Morris' considerable Gold Coast footprint.

The family-owned developer has been particularly active in neighbouring Broadbeach, delivering projects including Sierra Grand, Eclipse, Synergy, Qube, Koko, Opus and Malo, while its current pipeline includes Maison and the two-tower Crest development.

Further south, Morris has also developed a string of projects in Burleigh Heads, including Element, Boardwalk and Sandbar, while Essentia expanded its footprint north into Surfers Paradise.

The Seabeach Avenue application has been lodged by PMM Broadbeach Pty Ltd and seeks a development permit for a Material Change of Use for multiple dwellings, short-term accommodation and office uses. Zone Planning Group prepared the planning application, with Fraser &amp; Partners commissioned as architect.

The project comes as the developer continues to expand its Gold Coast pipeline while retaining a significant presence in Canberra. Morris now has more than $2.5 billion of development in its national pipeline and has delivered more than 7,000 homes during its near five-decade history

Joel Robinson

First look: Morris Property Group returns to Mermaid Beach with new Seabeach Avenue apartment development

<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hvFB2uWTRfEyEcpTSnnK9" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis" target="_blank">Fortis</a>&nbsp;is continuing its stronghold on Sydn​ey’s eastern suburbs apartment market, launching&nbsp;in September&nbsp;its latest boutique&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GI5S9-wNeiLUnM-d1uYkw" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">Double Bay</a>&nbsp;development,&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2YNouJQcFjiTTgVHbgDLA-" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">55 William</a>.

55 William presents&nbsp;just eight north-facing&nbsp;two-bedroom, three-bedroom and full-floor&nbsp;residences to the market, priced from $4.5 million.

The upcoming launch comes just weeks after Fortis secured approval for the $80 million development, its third eastern suburbs approval in two months. Construction is already underway, with completion targeted for 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376250]

55 William adds to a growing concentration of Fortis projects in and around Double Bay, a market the developer has become increasingly active in over recent years.

Fortis previously completed the nine-residence Marmont on New South Head Road, while it is currently developing a mixed-use residential and retail project at 12 Cross Street. Its wider Double Bay footprint also extends into commercial and retail development.

The developer's broader Sydney residential pipeline is particularly concentrated across the eastern suburbs, with projects spanning Doub​le Bay, Ro​se Bay, Wo​ollahra, Dar​ling Point, Poi​nt Piper and Eli​zabeth Bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376253]

At 55 William, Fortis has again turned to MHN Design Union, the architecture practice behind several of its eastern suburbs projects, while London-based 1508 London has been appointed to handle the interiors and Wyer &amp; Co the landscaping.

The six-level building will comprise a combination of two and three-bedroom apartments, including a garden residence, full-floor apartments, a sub-penthouse and penthouse. Each residence will have secure basement parking and private outdoor space.

A rooftop terrace for all residents, along with select apartments, enjoys views across Double Bay Harbour and toward the Sydney skyline.

Ceiling heights will reach up to three metres&nbsp;in select residences, while the kitchens will feature natural stone and integrated Gaggenau appliances.

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The boutique nature of the project reflects the type of stock Fortis has increasingly targeted across Sydney's eastern suburbs, where larger apartments and smaller buildings are being pitched primarily toward local owner-occupiers and downsizers.

Fortis Group General Manager Ed Eve said the developer continues to see demand from buyers wanting to remain in the eastern suburbs but move into newer, lower-maintenance housing.

“We're seeing continued demand from local owner-occupiers and downsizers looking for high-quality homes that allow them to remain in the eastern suburbs, close to the lifestyle and community they know,” Eve said.

55 William is also one of the early projects to respond directly to the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms. Fortis had previously secured approval for just two townhouses on the 599 sqm site before revising the scheme to eight apartments following the planning changes.

Situated one street back from Double Bay's water's edge, the project enjoys an enviable harbourside setting within walking distance of Double Bay Village and the ferry wharf.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376252]

Fortis has increasingly made the eastern suburbs a major focus of its Sydney pipeline. Beyond Double Bay, it recently completed the 14-residence Piper in Point Piper and has projects underway or planned across Rose Bay, Woollahra and Darling Point.

The developer recently secured approval for Verano in Rose Bay, a six-level development comprising 21 two, three and four-bedroom apartments, also designed by MHNDU.

55 William&nbsp;is soon to be release to the market with VIP appointments commencing early September,&nbsp;with residences priced from $4.5 million.

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Fortis continues eastern suburbs push with 55 William launch

UAE-based developer Arada has unveiled plans for a $2 billion twin-tower apartment development in Broadbeach, marking its first move into Queensland as it continues its rapid expansion across Australia.

Arada will develop 952 apartments across two towers on a prominent site opposite the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the project targeted for completion ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The project represents Arada's largest commitment to the Australian market since arriving in the country in 2024 and significantly expands a local pipeline that has now grown to eight projects and more than 5,000 homes.

It will also be the first major Queensland project delivered by Roberts Co since the tier-one contractor was acquired by Arada Group in 2025.

Plus Studio has designed the Broadbeach development, which will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two towers connected by a landscaped podium.

A significant resident amenity offering will include lagoon and lap pools, a gym, sauna and steam room, alongside a mist room, infrared room and salt scrub facilities. Communal terraces, private dining areas, a library, residents' lounge and work-from-home spaces are also planned. Around 1,200 sqm of retail and hospitality space will occupy the ground floor.

The site puts Arada in one of the Gold Coast's most active apartment markets, directly opposite the convention centre and within walking distance of Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and Broadbeach's dining and retail precinct.

It also has immediate access to the Gold Coast light rail network and sits just a few blocks from the beach.

Arada Group Chief Executive Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said Broadbeach represented an opportunity for the developer to expand beyond its initial NSW pipeline.

“Broadbeach is a world-class address that gives us the canvas to create a community of exceptional design and lifestyle quality that genuinely enriches the daily lives of the people who call it home,” Alkhoshaibi said.

“This is our first development outside New South Wales, and it reflects our growing ambition to grow in key urban markets around the country.”

Alkhoshaibi said bringing Roberts Co into the project would give Arada greater control over the development and construction process.

“Delivering this project through Roberts Co, our own tier-one construction business, means we can bring the quality, pace and accountability that our buyers expect.”

The move into Broadbeach comes as Arada accelerates its Australian expansion following its entry into the market two years ago. The developer has assembled a pipeline of eight projects comprising more than 5,000 homes, while the acquisition of Roberts Co last year gave the group its own Australian construction capability.

Globally, Arada has a development portfolio valued at $50 billion comprising more than 55,000 homes across the UAE, United Kingdom and Australia.

The Gold Coast is emerging as the next major market for the developer, with strong population growth and infrastructure spending ahead of the 2032 Games continuing to underpin significant apartment development across the coastal strip.

Arada plots $2 billion Broadbeach towers in major Queensland move

Sydney’s downsizer market is changing, with a growing cohort of buyers prioritising the right home over simply finding a smaller one.

Coronation Property Head of Sales Cam Porter says the traditional idea of downsizing does not necessarily reflect what many buyers are now looking for, particularly those moving from established family homes across Sydney.

Instead, he says they are increasingly becoming “right-sizers”, seeking lower-maintenance homes without sacrificing the space, amenity or quality they have become accustomed to.

“We are increasingly seeing buyers who are not motivated by the idea of simply moving into a smaller property,” Porter says.

“They are right-sizers. They want a home that is easier to manage and better connected, but they still expect generosity, quality and a floorplan that supports the way they live.”

It is a subtle but important distinction in a market where apartment developers are increasingly targeting established owner-occupiers.

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For many of these buyers, moving from a house to an apartment is not driven by a desire to dramatically reduce their living space. Instead, the appeal is in removing some of the maintenance associated with a larger home while retaining generous living areas, storage and enough flexibility to accommodate family and friends.

Coronation’s sales team is seeing buyers place particular importance on natural light, practical storage and additional rooms that can be used as guest bedrooms, home offices or secondary living spaces.

Kitchens and dining areas are also playing an increasingly important role, particularly for buyers who regularly entertain or have children and grandchildren visit.

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“These buyers still want their home to feel generous,” Porter says.

“They may want less maintenance, but they are not looking for less life.”

The challenge for the broader housing market is providing enough of the right stock to encourage that move.

While much of the discussion around Sydney’s housing shortage has centred on the number of homes being delivered, Porter says the diversity of those homes is equally important.

Older homeowners can remain in large family houses for longer when they cannot find an appropriate alternative in the neighbourhoods where they have built their lives.

“The decision is rarely as simple as wanting fewer bedrooms,” Porter says.

“People are weighing up their connection to a neighbourhood, the space they need for family, the quality of the home and whether it will continue to work for them over the long term.”

It also has implications beyond the downsizer market. Providing suitable apartments for smaller households can free up established houses for families who need the additional bedrooms and land, creating greater movement through the housing market.

<h2>Lillian targets the next stage of apartment buyer</h2>

It is a buyer Coronation is targeting at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lillian-erskineville-9-metters-street-erskineville-nsw-2043">Lillian</a>, its new collection of apartments, terraces and penthouses at Erskineville Village.

Designed by Silvester Fuller, Lillian has been shaped around larger living spaces, natural light and flexible floorplans, alongside landscaped areas, wellness amenity and communal spaces for residents.

The development will form part of Coronation’s broader Erskineville Village precinct, which will combine new homes with green space, retail, hospitality and new pedestrian connections.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377688]

McPherson Park will sit at the centre of the precinct, creating a significant new green space alongside the project’s retail and hospitality offering.

For Porter, the opportunity is to give buyers another housing option without forcing them to leave the part of Sydney they already know.

“People should be able to change the type of home they live in without having to change their entire life,” he says.

“For many buyers, Lillian offers the opportunity to remain connected to the Inner West and the city, while gaining access to a more convenient, walkable and considered way of living.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377687]

Coronation will explore the changing <a href="https://lillianresidences.com.au/news/lillian-x-space-x-downsizers-event-27-august/">right-sizer market at an event on August 27</a>, bringing together experts across property, design and lifestyle.

Held in partnership with SPACE, Poliform and Downsizer.com.au, the event will include a property market outlook from economist Michael Blythe alongside discussion around the considerations facing buyers planning their next move.

Attendees will also be able to learn more about the residences and amenity planned at Lillian Erskineville.

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From downsizing to right-sizing: What Sydney buyers want from their next home

Family-owned builder and developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/omaya">Omaya</a> is bringing its 27-storey The Maybelle development to market, with the 229-apartment tower rising alongside Ismay Reserve near North Strathfield.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-maybelle-21-parramatta-road-homebush-nsw-2140">The Maybelle</a> will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with its height providing elevated outlooks towards the Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge, while other residences will look across neighbouring Ismay Reserve.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/squillace-architects">Squillace Architects</a>, the tower combines its parkside setting with proximity to the established retail, dining and transport amenity around North Strathfield.

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Residences will feature open-plan living spaces and a choice of two interior schemes, while communal amenity is spread across two elevated levels of the building.

Level 8 will be home to the Garden Pavilion, a full-floor resident space incorporating communal entertaining and breakout areas, seating and recreation spaces. Further up the tower, a landscaped Sky Terrace on Level 14 will provide another communal area with panoramic views towards the Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline.

At ground level, the development sits directly alongside Ismay Reserve, where lawns, walking paths, children's play areas, picnic spaces and recreational facilities extend the green space available immediately around the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376194]

The Maybelle is also within walking distance of North Strathfield and the Bakehouse Quarter, which provides a mix of cafés, restaurants, shops and everyday services.

Existing rail and bus services provide connections across Sydney, while the future North Strathfield Metro and access to the M4 will add to the transport options available around the precinct. Walking and cycling routes also extend via Powells Creek towards Sydney Olympic Park and its sporting, entertainment and parkland precincts.

Families are also well positioned for access to a broad selection of established schools and education options across Strathfield and the surrounding Inner West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376181]

Omaya has operated in Sydney for more than 35 years, managing projects from acquisition and design through to construction and delivery. The family-owned company is both developer and builder of The Maybelle.

Apartments start from $560,000, with the development protected by 10-year Latent Defects Insurance.

Construction is well underway, with completion expected by the end of 2026 and move-in anticipated from Q1 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134873]

The Maybelle brings 27-storey parkside tower to market near North Strathfield

Centuria

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Jason Huljich, co-chief of ASX-listed property entity Centuria Capital, has listed his Elizabeth Bay waterfront apartment.
There has been mixed McGrath messaging to buyers in its initial spruiking.
Some have been advised it has $4.5 million hopes while others have been informed expect to pay between $4.5 million and $4.75 million.
The three-bedroom harbour front Billiard Avenue apartment last traded in 2006 for $2.23 million, and at $1.42 million in 2001.
It has 113 sqm internal space plus just 13 sqm balcony space.
It is in The Palms complex.
There is a June 13 onsite auction. ​
The last apartment to sell in the complex was at $3.815 million last June with the top floor two bedroom having previously sold at $1.25 million in 2000.
It had 230 sqm of indoor/outdoor space.
Huljich is reportedly interested in moving into a house.
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Jason Huljich lists Elizabeth Bay apartment

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A Centuria subsidiary, Centuria Property Funds No.2 Limited (CPF2L), has entered into an agreement to acquire 348 Edward Street in Brisbane for $89 million.
348 Edward Street is a prominent office building located in the Brisbane CBD, 60 metres from Central Railway Station and near surrounding amenity including the Brisbane Private Hospital, Brisbane Magistrate Court and the regenerated Queen Street Mall precinct. 
The asset has a 5.1 year WALE4 and is 89% occupied.
“This transaction grows our unlisted fund opportunities to $216 million in FY20 year to date," Jason Huljich, Joint CEO of Centuria, said.
"Additionally, Centuria’s listed office REIT, CMA, has recently committed to acquire two A grade office assets for $380 million and successfully completed a $206 million institutional placement and entitlement offer on 19 September 2019 supporting these purchases."
Centuria’s listed industrial REIT, CIP, has also settled four recent acquisitions for a total consideration of around $80 million since 30 June.
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Centuria acquires $89 million Edward Street, Brisbane office building

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Centuria Property Services, the asset management arm of Centuria Capital Group, has signed an implementation agreement with parking technology startup BaseUp.
Vacant parking bays in and around commercial properties owned by Centuria’s listed and unlisted property funds will be made available via the BaseUp app, where tenants can participate and register for short-term parking solutions.
BaseUp is a provider of smart parking technology to large tenants and landlords in the commercial property market.
BaseUp provides solutions that solve one of commercial real estate’s biggest problems – underutilised parking and a lack of flexibility. 
Matthew McQueen, Portfolio Manager at Centuria, commented: "After a highly successful pilot period at two of our assets, we have now signed up for all our property residents. 
"Those at the forefront of the commercial property market – office properties in particular – are increasingly focusing on the well-being of a building’s users, a significant aspect of which is convenience of commuting and end-of-trip."
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Centuria signs agreement with parking technology provider BaseUp

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Centuria, now Australia’s largest office-specific REIT, has grown their portfolio to $1.4 billion, according to their half year financial results.
They also appointed Grant Nichols as new fund manager of CMA.
Mr Nichols, is an experienced fund manager with over 15 years of experience in Australian office markets.
He said “In the last year, CMA delivered 10.9% return on equity to unitholders, and is now Australia’s largest sector-specific listed office REIT"
“Having made CMA a pure-play in office assets, Centuria has continued to improve the quality of the portfolio – its delivery on strategy is evident in its strong returns to unitholders.”
“With a high-quality, fit-for purpose portfolio 89% weighted to the eastern seaboard and an average building age of 15.5 years, CMA is well positioned to capitalise on tenants seeking to expand or reposition across Australian metropolitan markets,” he concluded.
Over the past half year Centuria acquired a $521 million portfolio of four office assets which took the portfolio to $1.4 billion  (from $930.5 million at FY18) and made them Australia’s largest office-specific REIT.
They divested their remaining industrial assets, at "premium-to-book values".
Centuria retained high occupancy of 98.8% overall, with 100% occupancy throughout their WA, SA, VIC and NSW properties.
Over 14,500 sqm of net lettable area (6.7% of the portfolio NLA) was leased across sixteen transactions during the past half year – extending the WALE to 4.3 years.
The fund returned a statutory profit of $14.7 million in 1H19 and funds from operations of $26.5 million. 
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Centuria now Australia’s largest office-specific REIT with $1.4 billion portfolio

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Centuria Metropolitan REIT has acquired a portfolio from Hines Global REIT comprising four major properties, in the second largest commercial property transaction of the year.
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The deal involves buying three office properties, and taking a 25 percent interest in a fourth.
The purchased buildings include 818 Bourke Street in Melbourne's Docklands (above), 825 Ann Street in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley (below), and 100 Brookes Street, also in Fortitude Valley.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/10/Ann%20St.jpg" alt="">
The 25 percent interest is in 465 Victoria Street in Sydney's Chatswood. The remaining 75 percent of the building will be purchased by the Lederer Group
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Centuria now manages over $300 million of direct real estate assets on behalf of the Lederer Group.
Centuria Capital Limited will contribute $20 million to the purchase price of the Chatswood block.
CMA will pay a total net price of $500.9 million, reflecting a 3.8% discount to the total independent valuations of $520.9 million, and an initial yield of 6.3%.
The acquisition will be partially funded by a fully underwritten equity raising of $276 million at an issue price of $2.43 cents per CMA security.
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Jason Huljich, Centuria’s Head of Real Estate and Funds Management, said the properties are complementary to CMA’s existing portfolio and in line with its strategy of acquiring fit-for-purpose, quality metropolitan assets. 
“Once this transaction is complete, CMA will be more than 84% exposed to key East Coast markets by portfolio value.
“This means a better growth profile for the fund going forward, particularly when you consider that 93% of leases are subject to fixed rental reviews of an average of 3.7% p.a.”,1 he said. 
Commenting on the total acquisition and capital raising – which cumulatively represents Centuria Capital Group’s largest single direct transaction and the second largest commercial transaction in Australia this year, Huljich said the activity is evidence of the Fund’s repositioning strategy in action.
“Our aim has been to create a high-quality, pure-play A-REIT, with the kind of strong property metrics that can deliver returns for our investors in the form of consistent, attractive distributions. Over the four years since its inception, CMA has grown into the country’s second largest pure-play office fund, and this transaction will increase its portfolio by 56% to approximately $1.4 billion across 23 properties. 
“This transaction is further evidence of our team’s ability to identify and deliver quality properties in a competitive market.
“We are pleased to announce this major transaction for CMA – not only because it improves the overall quality of the portfolio, but because it ultimately repositions CMA as a major office A-REIT, poised to deliver strong returns to investors.” Mr Huljich said.
 
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Centuria Metropolitan buys $520 million property portfolio from Hines Global

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Centuria Capital Group's subsidiary Centuria Property Funds Limited has exchanged contracts on a Geelong office block for $115.25 million.
The deal caps off an active 1H FY18, with $655 million in property assets bought.
The <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/60-brougham-street-geelong-vic-3220-2013883351" target="_blank">Brougham Street property</a> will be acquired by the Centuria Geelong Office Fund, a new single asset unlisted property fund which will be launched in February 2018.
On settlement, total Centuria assets under management (AUM) will be $4.5 billion. 
The A-Grade building is 100% occupied, with 94% of its income underpinned by a long-term lease to AAA-rated Victorian State Government entity, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
Centuria’s property funds management business is led by Jason Huljich. 
With the new Geelong fund enjoying a 10-plus year lease to a State Government tenant and a starting distribution of 7% p/a paid monthly, Huljich expects strong demand from Centuria’s investors.
“The building is centrally located in the thriving regional city of Geelong, which is benefiting from the relocation of a number of Government agencies, including WorkSafe and the National Disability Insurance Agency. 
“The acquisition complements our investment philosophy and offers reliable, long term income for investors.”
 
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Centuria acquires $115 million Geelong building, growing AUM to $4.5 billion

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Property fund manager Centuria Capital Group’s operating earnings per share dropped 31 percent to 10.3 cents per share while funds under management more than doubled to $4.2 billion for the full year ended June 30.
It said the results were in line with its guidance.
Centuria also announced distribution of 7.5 cents per share for the financial year and up 43% on FY16 results. 
Since financial year 16, Centuria has purchased 10 properties for $721 million across the listed and unlisted businesses, with $517 million acquired by unlisted funds.
Centuria said total shareholder returns were 24% and the group expects its operating EPS to grow nearly 5% during FY18.
Group CEO John McBain highlighted the acquisition of the $1.4 billion 360 Capital real estate platform.
“This acquisition was a very significant contribution to growth in funds under management and our consequent increase in scale and market presence. The result has been a step-change for Centuria Capital, bringing our business to scale and this activity should enable near-term ASX 300 inclusion.”
“In addition, the majority of 360 Capital’s funds were listed funds which were highly complementary to our platform which was previously skewed toward unlisted property funds,” McBain said.
He said the group’s unlisted business "had a bumper year", growing by 106% and has property assets under management worth $1.6 billion. It made the largest purchase in the group’s history – the Zenith office tower in Chatswood for $279 million in a joint venture with global investor BlackRock.
Last month, Centuria Property Funds said its listed office fund, Centuria Metropolitan REIT (ASX: CMA), has bought three commercial properties in Perth and Melbourne for a total of $150 million. 
In Perth, Centuria acquired two new commercial assets: <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-wa-perth-502267250" target="_blank">The Hatch Building</a> at 144 Sterling Street (above), and 42-46 Colin Street, for a total of $91.8 million. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/23/Centuria.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/23/Centuria.png" alt="">
During the year, Centuria merged its two office Real Estate Investment Trusts: Centuria Metropolitan REIT (CMA) and Centuria Urban REIT (CUA); and acquired the management of Centuria Industrial REIT (CIP).
As a result, CIP is now Australia’s largest pure rent-collecting REIT, with a market capitalisation of $563 million. 
Metropolitan office REIT CMA has a market capitalisation of $420 million.
Meanwhile, Centuria Property Funds has announced two leasing deals for its listed industrial trust, Centuria Industrial REIT.
“We are very pleased with the performance of both funds this year. The merger of CMA and CUA resulted in a larger and more efficient fund, which went on to acquire a further $150 million in assets since the merger,” said McBain.
The company will look to grow both funds with asset acquisitions, it said.
The Centuria Diversified Property Fund (CDPF) was also launched this year. It is an open-ended, unlisted diversified property fund which invests in office trusts.
McBain said the group would use its balance sheet strength to accelerate growth across its listed and unlisted property businesses.
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Centuria boss says unlisted funds had bumper year

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Centuria Property Funds has announced two leasing deals for its listed industrial trust, Centuria Industrial REIT.
The trust has renewed leases with AWH, Australia’s largest wool-handling operation, for CIP’s existing asset at <a href="https://centuria.com.au/industrial-reit/property-portfolio/310-spearwood-ave-bibra-lake-wa/" target="_blank">310 Spearwood Avenue, Bibra Lake, WA</a> (44,296sqm) (below), and for the recently acquired adjoining asset at <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property-profile/lot-14-sudlow-road-bibra-lake-wa-6163" target="_blank">Lot 14 Sudlow Road</a> (39,485sqm) (picture above).   
The term will come into effect after the settlement of Lot 14 Sudlow Road in September.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/08/23/Centuria2.jpg" alt="">
 
AWH is the largest tenant in CIP’s portfolio and occupies 11% of the trust’s gross leasable area (GLA).
The deal caps off a busy period since Centuria took control of CIP in January that resulted in an expansion of its portfolio, which increased in size to $957 sqm.
The period also saw a refinancing CIP’s entire bank debt facilities and leasing activity across 19% of the portfolio.
CIP Trust manager, Ross Lees, said it was Australia’s largest industrial leasing transaction for 2017.   
“This deal will extend AWH’s tenure by an average of 5.6 years across both properties, significantly reducing CIP’s FY20 lease expiry profile, which is great news for CIP investors,” he said.
AWH is one of Australia’s leading logistics and warehousing specialists, occupying more than 650,000 sqm.
The company provides storage, handling, freight forwarding and inventory management services for import, export and domestic distribution, and services over 55% of the nation’s traded wools, added Lees.
“We are active managers and a relationship-based business,” said Lees.
“By maintaining close relationships with tenants and investors, we are aware of their needs and able to swiftly take advantage of market opportunities for the benefit of both.”
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Centuria says in largest industrial leasing deal of 2017

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Centuria Property Funds has unconditionally exchanged on the sale of its commercial office property located at 90 Crown Street, Wollongong.
The gross sale price was $43.9 million to a Melbourne based funds management group.
It sets a new record for the Wollongong commercial property market achieving rate per square of $4,786.
The asset was purchased in 2005 for $30.675 million.
According to Jason Huljich, CEO of Unlisted Property at Centuria, Wollongong has recently received significant interest from investors as yields continue to compress in traditional core markets.
“Although much of Centuria’s investment focus is on major metropolitan and fringe markets, primarily in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, where buyer demand has been expanding significantly, we are also seeing strong demand within the core regional markets such as Wollongong,” said Mr Huljich.
“90 Crown Street is well located within the heart of the Wollongong CBD, with excellent access to retail, entertainment and transport links. As one of only a limited number of office developments in the market designed to attract corporate and government occupiers, this landmark property attracted substantial interest from investors.
“Ongoing upgrades to the Wollongong city centre, the expansion of the Wollongong Public Hospital and its popularity for both business and lifestyle have also driven buyer demand,” he said.
Mr Huljich said interest in the sales campaign and the record rate per square metre were validations of Centuria’s active management philosophy.
“The property is fully leased, primarily to Government tenants and delivers an estimated annual income of $3,636,018, which equates to a passing yield of 8.3 percent.
“While managing the asset, Centuria undertook various works to improve the building’s sustainability, achieving a NABERS rating of 4.5 stars and over 70% of the leases were reset prior to taking the asset to market.
"Development approval for additional office and retail space was also secured, which contributed to achieving an excellent result for investors,” he said.
The sale was managed by Knight Frank’s Richard Garland and Jonathan Vaughan, in collaboration with MMJ Real Estate -Wollongong's Geoff Jones, Travis Machan and Tim Jones.
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