Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

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After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

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Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

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Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

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Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

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ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

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For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

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Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

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Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

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Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

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Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

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Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

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The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

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The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

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The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

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Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

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Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

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Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

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Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

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The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

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The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Colliers International

Welcome to the Monarch Residences! Join us as we dive into the captivating world of Brisbane's top-selling project, where luxury living and visionary design meet.

In this interview we're joined by James MacGinley, Head of Residential at Consolidated Properties. Together, we'll uncover the secrets behind the incredible success of Monarch Residences and give you an exclusive peek into what makes this project truly remarkable.&nbsp;

&lt;iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kwc6KrSKtsg?si=WoRkMucRkNnD3tdn" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;

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From the moment you step into the display suite, you'll understand why Monarch Residences is making waves in the real estate scene. MacGinley and his team have crafted an immersive experience that goes beyond the ordinary. While many projects rely solely on renders, Monarch Residences offers something different - a tangible connection. The decision to create a physical display was fueled by the desire to cater to a diverse range of potential buyers, allowing them to touch, feel, and truly envision their future home.

Wondering about the demographics? MacGinley shares that around 85 per cent of buyers are owner-occupiers, exceeding expectations. The project was meticulously designed with these individuals in mind, reflecting their needs and aspirations. The emotional attachment to the finishes and styles chosen is evident, making Monarch Residences more than just a place to live - it's a place to thrive.

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Location, reputation, and trust are the cornerstones of success in today's real estate landscape. Monarch Residences is backed by Blue Chip Developers, a collaboration between Don O'Rorke of Consolidated Properties Group and Scott Hutchinson of Hutchinson Builders. MacGinley sheds light on the unique personal relationship between these industry giants, a partnership that brings this project to life. The physical progress on-site is a testament to their commitment and instills confidence in buyers during these uncertain times.

Curious about Consolidated Properties' track record? With over 40 years of experience, they've delivered more than $3 billion worth of developments across 200 projects. This diverse portfolio, spanning residential, office, and retail spaces, showcases their expertise and commitment to quality.

Looking ahead, Monarch Residences is on track for completion in October 2025, with Hutchinson Builders even ahead of schedule - a rarity in the industry. The estimated move-in timeframe around Christmas 2025 is a reason to anticipate celebrations.

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Personally, MacGinley finds the design element to be one of the most rewarding aspects. The penthouse levels, designed by John Wardle Architects and Cottee Parker Architects, are an epitome of luxury, offering breathtaking 360-degree views. These meticulously crafted spaces promise a lifestyle that transcends expectations.

The timeless river views guarantee an uninterrupted skyline, a valuable asset for future growth. Just like the New Farm and Tenerife apartments that appreciated phenomenally over the years, Monarch Residences presents a unique investment opportunity with its front-row seat to the river and city.

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In this interview we're joined by James MacGinley, Head of Residential at Consolidated Properties to talk about the Toowong apartment development, Monarch Residences

Staff Writer

Why owner-occupiers have embraced Consolidated Properties Group's Monarch Residences in Toowong

Welcome to Park Quarter! Join us as we explore the exciting world of modern urban living in Melbourne's vibrant landscape. In this captivating interview, we're joined by Zoe Powell, the National Director at Collier's Residential, to dive into the heart of the Sunnyland development on St Kilda Road.

Amid the fascinating discussion, Zoe Powell paints a vivid picture of the property landscape. The trend of urbanization is making a dynamic comeback, and Sunnyland caters perfectly to this resurgence. The larger apartments stand out as the top preference among discerning buyers. The convenience-driven lifestyle has taken centre stage, with amenities like concierge services becoming a necessary inclusion in apartment living.

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Curious about the buyer mix? You'll find a harmonious blend of owner-occupiers and savvy investors, each drawn to the unique advantages offered by this development. The allure of one-bedroom units is especially strong, as they present an affordable alternative to the increasingly competitive rental market.

What sets Park Quarter apart is not just its contemporary design, but also its long-standing tenure. Sunnyland's decade-long ownership of the site has paved the way for more stable pricing, shielded from the fluctuations of the market. As a result, buyers can enjoy exceptional value while witnessing stunning views over Albert Park and the iconic St Kilda Road.

The discussion delves into the intricate dynamics of preserving views in a bustling urban environment. With Albert Park on one side and St Kilda Road on the other, the project strategically balances these elements to provide residents with breathtaking panoramas. The project's thoughtful design and surroundings mitigate the impact, ensuring a lasting and cherished vista.

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A project's success hinges on the collaboration of talented minds, and Sunnyland boasts an impeccable team. Led by the experienced Sunnyland team, in partnership with Cox Architecture, Carr Interiors, and DKO, this project is set to redefine contemporary parkside living in Melbourne.

Dive into the unique world of Marriott Executive serviced apartments nestled within the development. This innovative concept allows residents to access hotel-like amenities with the option to tailor their experience by opting in or out. The result? A premium, hassle-free lifestyle that perfectly aligns with individual preferences.

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Considering investing in Melbourne's real estate? Powell offers valuable insights to potential buyers. Emphasizing the advantages of buying off the plan, she highlights the opportunity to personalize your living space without the need for extensive renovations. Park Quarter beckons as a haven for those seeking to elevate their lifestyle through thoughtfully designed residences.

Whether you're a discerning buyer, an investor, or someone seeking to upgrade their lifestyle, this development promises an exquisite blend of convenience, luxury, and sophistication.

Don't miss the chance to be a part of Melbourne's evolving urban narrative.

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The trend of urbanization is making a dynamic comeback, and Sunnyland caters perfectly to this resurgence

One of Melbourne's first project launches in three years: Unpacking Sunnyland's Park Quarter with Colliers Director Zoe Powell

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First home buyers in Sydney can look to ‘rent-vest’ as a way to enter the market, while buying conditions are better than ever, says Colliers International. 
‘Rent-vesting’ refers to the concept of buying a property as an investment in an area which is affordable and experiencing significant boom conditions, while choosing to rent in a preferred, more expensive area. 
According to Colliers International, while many Sydney first home buyers choose to buy in expensive, popular areas such as the Eastern suburbs and Lower North Shore, inner west areas such as St George, Canterbury, Bankstown and Gladesville, have seen a significant price drop and are experiencing booming conditions. 
“The St George Canterbury and Bankstown areas currently offer some of the highest rental returns in Sydney and at the moment there is a lot of choice in these areas,” said Peter Kerras, Director, Residential at Colliers International.  
“First home buyers seeking capital growth should be looking in these areas to bag a bargain not compete with other buyers to pay a premium with the prospect of modest growth.
“With rent returns now higher than interest rates in some areas, it has never been a better time to buy an investment property and the strategy of ‘rent-vesting’ – buying in a more affordable area with great returns and stay renting where you know - can be a great way for young people to enter the market.”
Currently, the price difference between a new property and an older property has never been less.
“Traditionally you would be paying 20% more for a new property as opposed to second hand property, however the unsure lending environment has brought down the price of new property in certain areas, which is great news for investors,” Kerras said.
“There is a lot of misconception and fear around buying off the plan; however, many of these are unfounded. New properties have much better noise insulation, sound proofing, fire safety, plumbing and wiring and the latest modcons.”
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Rent-vesting could be key to the market for first home buyers: Colliers International 

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2020 was set to present an opportunity for investors to capitalise on lucrative growth potential in the Australian middle markets office space, according to Colliers International. 
Colliers’ Office Middle Markets Transaction Review for 2019, found that current investment opportunities available in the $10 million - $100 million range which comprises the Middle Markets Office space, offers investors a competitive yield in the current rental landscape and strong value-growth potential. 
There were 154 transactions in the middle market’s office space in 2019, totalling $4.7 billion. Despite metro markets recording significantly more transactions (103 Transactions, totalling 67% of assets, compared to 51 CBD assets; 33%), CBD Assets were the star performers with an average yield of 4.89% and average capital value of $7,904 per square metres. 
By contrast, Metro assets recorded a 6.23% yield and capital value of $5,638 per square metres. 
According to Colliers's analysis, the 2019 track record suggests that middle markets will offer large institutional clients including REITs, Syndicates, Unlisted and Wholesale fund purchases, as well as private investors, the opportunity to invest and capitalise on this currently untapped sector of the office market. 
“Transactions from 2019 indicate that the tightening yields in the office sector have not yet affected the Middle Markets space, when compared to office assets valued at over $100 million,” said Matt Meynell, Head of Investment Services at Colliers International.  
“This is being seen across all Australian capital cities in both the CBD and fringe/metro office markets; however, the geographic trend becomes most obvious when comparing the tight CBD office market to the Metro Markets nationally.” 
The active purchasers in the Office Middle Markets space throughout 2019 include Charter Hall, and Centuria with four acquisitions, ESR with three and Collective Capital, Australian Unity Property Income Fund acquiring two assets each throughout 2019.  
These acquisitions totalled $675m in transaction value and achieving an average yield of 6.42%. 
 
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Office market shows signs of growth-potential in 2020; Colliers International

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The largest CBD freehold, mixed-used development site with holding income, is set to hit the market in the coming weeks.
Colliers International in conjunction with CBRE are selling this significant holding known as the South Yards precinct, on behalf of Honeycombes Property Group who are one of Queensland’s largest private developers. The 17.2ha site is on the edge of the Townsville CBD and will become an extension of the city once fully developed.
Adjacent to the new $300 million, 25,000 seat Queensland Country Bank Stadium, the purchaser will have the opportunity to masterplan the site and develop a mixed-use precinct, capitalising on the growth underway in North Queensland.
The South Yards precinct has a holding income of more than $870,000 per annum; a rarity for large-scale development sites.
“The South Yards site is intended to be the natural expansion of the Townsville CBD and represents a huge opportunity for a forward-thinking investor, developer or land banker,” said Samuel Biggins, Director, Investment Services at Colliers International. 
“Notable comparisons can be drawn to renowned urban renewal projects such as Brisbane’s James Street and Southbank precincts; Lend Lease’s Barangaroo project and Docklands in Melbourne.” 
Neville Smith, Associate Director, Townsville at Colliers International said “Townsville is the economic, administrative, educational and defensive hub of Northern Australia, with over $12 billion in infrastructure projects currently underway.  
“The city enjoys a diversified economy supported by several sectors including the Australian Defence Force; prominent higher education institutions such as James Cook University and State and Federal government bodies including the Australian Tax Office and Queensland Government Regional Headquarters.  
This major land holding is of the same size as Townville’s existing core CBD with an anticipated development standard already set with the grandeur of the new Stadium precinct opposite
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Townsville’s most strategic land holding is on the market 

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Colliers International has released its Asia Pacific Market Snapshot Q2 2020 report, highlighting that activity and investor interest in Asia Pacific property markets remained robust in the second quarter.
Large-scale commercial and industrial transactions in multiple markets helped offset weakness in some other sectors, according to the multi-sector report, which examines the previous quarter’s property market performance in 19 Asia Pacific markets and provides forecasts for the current and upcoming quarters.
“We have observed emerging and encouraging signs of recovery in the region, which has been reflected in investor appetite and investment activity remaining fairly firm in the past quarter. These are highly encouraging upward trends that transactions are picking up against a backdrop of economic volatility and uncertainty,” Terence Tang, Managing Director of Capital Markets &amp; Investment Services Asia at Colliers International, said. 
The industrials sector, both logistics and technology centres, will continue to appeal to investors given the strong uptake of e-commerce and accelerated digital transformation across the region, while interest in quality office assets in major cities remain high. We are anticipating investment activity to gain pace in the coming months as investors move to take advantage of the opportunities that will emerge as economies further stabilise and markets bounce back.” 
“We are expecting an increase in investment activity in the second half of the year,” John Marasco, Managing Director of Capital Markets &amp; Investment Services Australia &amp; New Zealand, said. “Demand for office assets in Australia’s key cities should remain high as companies activate ‘return to office’ policies, while investors are also looking to buy into New Zealand.”
Singapore logistics, office properties shine 
Confidence and stability are expected to return to the market in the coming quarters, helped by government support measures and improving stock market conditions.   Big-ticket transactions returned to Singapore’s commercial and industrial property sectors despite the implementation of tough ‘circuit breaker’ measures that dented overall transaction volumes for the quarter. 
Australia still an investor favourite 
The second quarter saw the completion of several significant transactions in Australia’s major cities, including an AU$145 million (US$100.6 million) office deal in Melbourne that demonstrated sustained investor appetite for commercial property. Deal flows are expected to increase in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in the second half of the year as conditions normalise, given Australia’s enduring appeal as a regional and global investment destination. 
Hong Kong residential property market expected to gain traction
Demand for residential property is likely to remain strong given continued limited supply, helping to balance a less positive outlook in the retail and hospitality sectors due to limited visitor numbers. However, while sentiment remains cautious, there were signs in the second quarter of mainland Chinese investors returning to Hong Kong’s property market as China emerged from lockdown. 
China policymakers move to support market
The second quarter saw a raft of policy measures from local and national governments in China that are likely to bolster the country’s property markets in the months ahead. These included the resumption of infrastructure real estate investment trust (REIT) pilot projects, and new high-profile industrial and business developments in major hubs like Shanghai and Guangzhou. 
Japan office markets hold firm 
Office properties in Tokyo and Osaka remained in relatively high demand in the second quarter, even amid lower participation by overseas investors. Logistics has a broadly positive outlook given a scarcity of quality stock near major urban centres and the rapid growth of e-commerce. The retail and hospitality sectors also continued to attract investor interest despite the lack of international tourism. 
Domestic investors active in Korea 
Strong interest from domestic institutional investors, particularly in Seoul’s Gangnam business district, helped push total office transactions in Korea for the quarter to KRW2.5 trillion (US$2.1 billion). The positive trend is expected to continue in the months ahead with several major office transactions in the pipeline and a generally supportive policy backdrop. 
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Asia Pacific property markets demonstrate resilience in Q2

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A large land holding in Dural with pricing expectations of over $30 million is being sold through Colliers International. 
Wirrabara Village, the 6.3 hectare parcel of land at 3-5 Pellitt Street and 9 Wiarrabara, Dural recently received DA approval for a seniors living development, which will encompass 97 houses, villas and apartments and a 36-room residential aged care facility. 
Situated within The Hills district, the site is located in an exclusive pocket of Dural adjoining the Hills Grammar school and within 400 metres to Dural Round Corner Shops. 
Wirrabarra Village is  a thirty minute drive from Sydney’s CBD in an area which continues to flourish with huge amounts of government infrastructure invested recently, including the $8.3 Billion Sydney Metro North West Line and the $3 billion Northconnex tunnel connecting the M2 motorway with the M1 motorway which services the continued growth of north west Sydney. 
“Dural’s average age is currently 43 years with projections for population growth in the 65-84 age group to increase by 95 per cent by 2036 which further highlights the requirements for quality seniors living and aged care housing in the local district,” said Henry Burke, National Director, Development Sites at Colliers International. 
“It’s incredibly rare to find a large parcel of land with DA approval close to shops but away from main roads and thoroughfares in such a serene setting. We expect interest from a range of potential buyers including residential developers, aged care and seniors living operators and developers,” said Eugene White, Director, Development Sites at Colliers International
“The DA approval provides the purchaser with multiple staging opportunities and the mix of houses, villas, apartments and aged care rooms will appeal to a wide buying audience for the end product,” said Guillaume Volz, National Director, Development Sites at Colliers International.
Colliers International agents Henry Burke, Eugene White and Guillaume Volz are handling the sale with Expressions of Interest closing Thursday September 3, 2020. 
 
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Dural land holding with DA approval hits the market

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Dane Crawford, a former Colliers International real estate agent, has lodged a claim in the Federal Court seeking more than $743,000 in allegedly unpaid commissions.
Crawford resigned last year from their Newcastle office having headed the sales of its residential apartments division.
His statement of claim says he handed in his resignation based on representations that Colliers International made about his outstanding commissions.
He alleges the discussion before resigning concluded with an entitlement to half of the 50 per cent of gross commission on contracts that had been exchanged but not yet settled.
He said he went ahead with the resignation on this understanding, Nine Enertainment has reported.
The claim was lodged last month in the Fair Work division.
According to the claim, following Mr Crawford's resignation, Colliers advised him he was owed $297,500 in commissions.
Crawford claims this was an alleged breach of his contract which entitled him to a base salary and 50 per cent commission on revenue earned above $180,000 and 10 per cent on revenue below that amount.
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His lawyer Mia Pantechis from Maurice Blackburn said Crawford was "a top performer who generated substantial revenue for Colliers."
"Crawford remains very disappointed in the way he was treated by Colliers,” she said.
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<div>Crawford was now seeking to be paid his commission entitlements as well as damages and penalties.</div>
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"As the matter is the subject of legal proceedings, the company will not be making any comments," a Colliers spokesman said.
It is being represented by Lander &amp; Rogers Lawyers.
Crawford was at Colliers after joining the agency in April 2015 having been at McGrath previously.
It was just as the residential apartment boom took off in Newcastle.
By mid-2018 10 cranes dotted the skyline around Newcastle, the highest number of cranes ever observed.
The then Colliers director of residential property marketing said the city was in “history-making mode.”
Along the way the agency secured press reports including one on the reported penthouse sale in the East End development for $6 million, smashing Newcastle’s previous apartment price record by more than $1.5 million.
He now is at Commercial Collective where he works with leading super funds, private developers and managed property funds with a speciality in high-density residential development marketing and advisory roles on CBD and city fringe projects. 
"Dane has lent his considerable expertise to more than $2.5 billion of projects including multi-stage developments, large masterplanned developments, mixed use projects and boutique projects," his website advises.
"Dane previously held the position of Director of Residential Project Marketing at a global real estate agency, with almost 1,000 transactions completed over his last three years."
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Colliers Newcastle faces $743,000 commission claim in Federal Court from Dane Crawford

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Global commercial real estate services and investment management firm, Colliers International has announced the appointment of John Kenny as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | Asia Pacific, effective immediately.
Mr. Kenny (pictured below) has been at the helm of the Australia &amp; New Zealand business since 2006.
He brings plenty of industry and institutional experience having previously held leadership positions in commercial and industrial transactions, corporate real estate and real estate technology within the company.
“I am truly honoured to step into the Asia Pacific Chief Executive Officer role as we continue to build momentum," Mr Kenny said.
<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/2020/2/5/John%20Kenny.jpg" alt="">
“Colliers is the fastest growing real estate and investment management services company globally and accelerating our success in Asia Pacific, one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding regions in the global economy, is very exciting,” said Jay Hennick, Global Chairman &amp; CEO.
“I’m confident John will take our business from strength to strength as he consolidates our recent acquisitions in India and China and continues to build industry-leading positions in some of the most important markets in the world. I wish David Hand, who is stepping away from his post for personal health reasons, a speedy recovery and we look forward to welcoming him back to the organization as soon as possible.”
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