Joel Robinson

Sydney's top 15 new apartments developments set to launch in 2026

Developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dasco-australia">DASCO</a> has pushed beyond the now-standard inclusions of rooftop pools and landscaped podiums at its recently launched new Epping project, Senso.

It has laid out over 4,000 sqm of resident-only amenity in a move designed to compete directly with low-density housing on livability, not just density. The result is a development that supports genuine daily use through purposeful spaces distributed across its five-building, 479-apartment precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4396]

Two rooftop pools form the anchor of Senso. One is a 27-metre lap pool adjoining a heated spa, designed for everyday fitness rather than just summer leisure. The second sits on a lower podium, allowing different buildings to share in vertical access and reducing crowding during peak times.

It is the secondary spaces that start to distinguish Senso from other large-scale suburban projects. A rooftop cinema is integrated into a landscaped terrace, offering open-air screenings with natural ventilation and passive cooling.&nbsp;

The inclusion of a “sensory walk”, an elevated boardwalk that threads through the site, suggests a rare investment in non-commercial, non-essential amenity: space for quiet movement that doesn’t double as access or traffic circulation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4402]

The gym and wellness centre, often relegated to a small ground-floor room in many builds, takes on more substance here. Residents have access to a fully equipped gym, as well as outdoor yoga areas and meditative zones that integrate greenery and natural light.&nbsp;

The Club Lounge is similarly designed to support multiple use cases, with a private dining terrace, kitchenette, workspace, and lockable wine storage. These aren’t superficial additions; their scale and spatial allocation indicate serious intent for frequent resident use.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4391]

Importantly, Senso’s amenities are embedded within a site that spans more than 10,000 sqm, allowing for better separation between spaces and reduced noise spillover, a critical but often overlooked factor in high-density developments. This spatial generosity also enables multiple alfresco kitchens and communal terraces without compromising individual privacy or usable space.

While many developments make claims about lifestyle, few back it with this level of built infrastructure. Senso’s mix of dedicated fitness, wellness, social and passive green spaces suggests a conscious response to the post-pandemic shift in housing expectations, especially among owner-occupiers.&nbsp;

DASCO is one of several leading developers who have taken out Resilience Insurance's Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing buyers with a 10-year structural and waterproofing warranty, and giving them the ultimate peace of mind.

Senso is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134954]

Staff Writer

The outdoor amenities elevating life at Senso, Epping

Following the proposal by the Minns Labor Government to rezone Parramatta Road to create up to 8,000 new homes, prominent developer Ceerose has gone to the NSW Gov to increase the density of its new mixed-use residential building in Leichhardt.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/ceerose">Ceerose</a>, founded by Edward Doueihi nearly three decades ago, has filed plans for 154 apartments above ground-floor retail at 307-315 Parramatta Road, a key corner site near Norton Street, the main high street strip in Leichhardt.

It's an upsize from the previously approved scheme of 63 apartments across a seven-storey building.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba1ae75b-5f08-43fb-b8d5-3de6d9f6ef71" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.39%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yA3hBBLPH4ev7MsAE0_hieXeqiFqBUb7" />

The project is being advanced through the State Significant Development (SSD) pathway, with concurrent rezoning sought to facilitate the proposal. The 10-storey development would rise over a four-level basement and deliver two retail tenancies, one a larger-format offering and the other a smaller “hole in the wall” space, addressing the Parramatta Road frontage. 21 of the apartments are dedicated as affordable housing.

According to the Urban Design Report by Architecture AND, the scheme includes a podium and tower configuration, with a fine-grain, two-storey parapet street wall that references the traditional shopfront rhythm along the corridor. “An elegant tower form is proposed, combined with a characterful two storey frontage... articulating it as two related buildings, providing consistency with the rhythm and grain of Parramatta Road,” the report notes.

The residential component is split across two slender towers set back from the street edge, a design move aimed at preserving solar access and reducing perceived bulk. This massing strategy also seeks to improve residential amenity by focusing scale toward the quieter northern interface, away from Parramatta Road’s noise and pollution.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="347f2f8f-5d36-4388-b40a-2e77380b9c19" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.02%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=xvyUE2ujT1lzivXTo.mHBJFF4SmfgLtz" />

Architecture AND has worked with Ceerose on previous Inner West projects, and cites a deep familiarity with the local character. Their design draws heavily on context, heritage, and sunlight access considerations, and engages with the Inner West Council’s “Our Fairer Future” strategic planning framework.

The site spans 2,712 sqm and is located near key intersections with Catherine Street, Hay Street, and Redmond Street. It adjoins a public carpark to the north and is within walking distance of Stanmore and Petersham stations. It is also flagged in state and local planning strategies, including the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, as a suitable candidate for increased density.

Ceerose recently completed The Alex Collective on McEvoy Street in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay.

The Parramatta Road corridor is coming to life with the proposed rezoning which is serviced by a significant number of bus, light rail and train routes.

Deicorp is progressing with its $1.8 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> precinct on Parramatta Road in Five Dock, as is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/toga-to-push-on-with-five-dock-mixed-use-masterplan">TOGA further down the street</a>. Those two projects alone will bring nearly 2,000 new homes to Parramatta Road.

First look: Ceerose plots mixed-use Leichhardt development on Parramatta Road

North Sydney's landmark 'SBS Building' on Alfred Street is set to be demolished to make way for a new mixed-use residential tower in the booming North Sydney.

Commercial property group FiveX is behind the plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/275-alfred-street-north-north-sydney-nsw-2060">39-storey tower</a>, the latest project to advance under the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

They are proposing 184 apartments above retail spaces, which will replace the existing 20-storey commercial building. FiveX was set up more than five decades ago by Joshua and Marko Berger. It is currently led by Joshua's son Lesli.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower at 275 Alfred Street, North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2efa0980-53fa-4cca-9f9e-9c3c845d4746" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29%20%281%29_0.png?VersionId=y_YyPMq3NQLfYRs84pP4os9UgWiMLp75" />

According to the Architectural Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">FJC Studio</a>, the slender tower form has been deliberately designed to respect the site's transitional setting at the southern gateway to the North Sydney CBD, where high-rise towers give way to lower-scale residential precincts.

"The slender tower form and articulated podium establish a respectful relationship with nearby heritage and low rise buildings, including the Whaling Road Heritage Conservation Area,” the architecture firm noted, adding that the tower “completes a missing link in the urban fabric” while enhancing the Alfred Street streetscape.

The proposed building will include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with 15 percent of the gross residential floor area allocated as affordable housing. There is an agreement already in place that those apartments will be managed by Evolve Housing.

The project aligns with broader state housing objectives, including the National Housing Accord target of delivering 1.2 million new homes by 2029. The Scoping Report filed with the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) suggests the site "presents no impediments to rapid delivery,” with construction able to commence within 12 months of receiving consent.

North Sydney has been one of the most popular suburbs in Sydney for new and off the plan apartment development, but hasn't had the supply to keep up with demand, until recently.

AURA by Aqualand was, for a long time, the only off the plan apartment building on the market. That completed last year, and has sold the majority of its 386 luxury apartments. Recently ALAND launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> on the same street, selling over $100 million within just a few hours of its launch, while developer CASA also launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-mclaren-north-sydney-45-mclaren-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The McLaren</a>&nbsp;in the same precinct.

First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower in booming North Sydney

Kokoda Property Group has announced the Sydney-based Versatile Construction as the builder for its landmark $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> precinct.

Construction of the 17,612 sqm site is scheduled to commence in December 2025 and is expected to be delivered in stages from 2028. Once complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> will comprise 212 residences across four architecturally distinct buildings, alongside Brisbane’s first Kimpton Hotel, extensive retail, hospitality, and wellness amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=295098]

Kokoda Property Group Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens, said appointing Versatile Construction marks a significant milestone for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.

“Partnering with Versatile Construction gives us confidence in delivering a precinct that sets a new benchmark for luxury living, curated experiences and vibrant riverfront activation," Stevens said.

"Together, we will bring the vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> to life, creating a destination that residents and visitors will enjoy for generations."

Throughout the construction phase, more than 2,000 jobs will be created, supporting hundreds of local contractors and suppliers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=352274]

Marco Fahd, Chairman &amp; CEO at Versatile Group, said the company is looking forward to&nbsp;expanding their footprint in the state, taking on their inaugural project in Brisbane.

"We are proud of the unwavering commitment our team of experts have to quality and certainty in delivery and are excited to work with Kokoda to bring their vision for this unique project to life," Fahd says.

Sales reached $285 million on the launch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>, with sales momentum continuing to "exceed all expectations."

Stevens says the overwhelming response from buyers validated the group’s vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.

“The demand for a luxury product in this enclave has been extraordinary, we’ve never seen anything like it before. It reinforces everything we’re doing around quality, design, and creating genuine lifestyle precincts. Buyers are recognising the enduring value of Brisbane’s riverfront and are responding to the opportunity to live within a world-class destination that celebrates both place and lifestyle.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139896]

Kokoda appoints builder for $1.5 billion Teneriffe Banks waterfront precinct

Craigieburn

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If you're looking for a stylish new two or three bedroom townhome, Eastside at Highlands in Craigieburn, Stocklands latest development, might just be exactly what you're looking for.

Purchase a three bedroom townhome in Eastside at Highlands starting from just $465,000. Plus there are two bedroom townhouses available from as low as $415,000.

Buyers have the freedom to choose from a selection of architecturally designed floorplans, all of which offer landscaped backyards and secured garaging.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=92985]

All homes include timber-look laminate floors and cosy carpets, with a selection of three colour schemes available to choose from. 

The kitchens boast high quality stainless steel appliances, sleek composite stone benchtops and a spacious island bench with integrated sink.

Bedrooms feature built-in wardrobes and the bathrooms are fit with fully tiled showers, bathtubs and vanities with ample storage.

The two bedroom homes offer 140 sqm while the three bedroom homes offer between 164 and 167 sqm.

<a href="/new-townhouses/highlands-1-north-shore-drive-craigieburn"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/east_at_highlands_room.png"></a>

Located in the growing suburb of Craigieburn, just on the edge of Melbourne, there's plenty on offer in terms of amenities at Eastside on Highlands, 1 North Shore Drive.

The development is situated just a stone's throw from Highlands retirement village, Aitken Creek Primary School, Hume Global Learning Centre, with Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre, Splash Aqua Park and Leisure Centre and the award-winning Treehouse park within walking distance. Also in the area is a proposed new community centre, Aitken Creek, and many sporting facilities.

Eastside at Highlands is set for completion in September of this year, <a href="/new-townhouses/highlands-1-north-shore-drive-craigieburn">don't miss out!</a>
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If you're looking for a stylish new two or three bedroom townhome, Eastside at Highlands in Craigieburn, Stocklands latest development, might be exactly what you're looking for

jordan_55689

Brand new townhome development in Craigieburn: Discover Eastside at Highlands

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Potter George Group achieved record sales volume at its outer Melbourne residential projects over the Christmas period.

The group sold 67 lots across its Trijena and Kerani Heights (pictured above) projects in Melbourne’s northern growth corridor.

“Our sales were constantly solid throughout the year, capped off with a particularly strong December with Trijena selling 50 lots for the month and Kerani achieving 17 sales,’’ said project manager Scott Payten.

It took sales in Trijena to just over 400 of the 624 available lots.

“Enquiry has been highly encouraging for the start of 2021 and we look forward to building on this strong momentum,’’ Mr Payten said.

Trijena is located 33km from the CBD and close to train stations at Craigieburn and Donnybrook.

The $175 million project comprises 624 lots in total, surrounded by shopping and medical centres, schools, colleges and a host of sporting and leisure centres either underway or in planning.

Restricted to 200 easy-building homesites in a range of sizes, Kerani Heights is located in the new suburb of Fraser Rise which is adjacent to Caroline Springs.

The project is a short drive from established amenities including, Watergardens Shopping Centre and Central Shopping Centre both at Caroline Springs, schools and colleges, medical centres, national parks and public transport options.
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The group sold 67 lots across its Trijena and Kerani Heights projects in Melbourne’s northern growth corridor

jchancellor

Potter George Group secure record sales volume in outer Melbourne over Christmas break

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A double storey townhouse in Craigieburn, Victoria has been sold by mortgagee for $320,000.
It was listed by Joseph Sassine from Jason Real Estate Tullamarine. 
The home at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-craigieburn-133271722" target="_blank"> 27/29 Ardsley Circuit </a>comprises lounge area, modern kitchen, dining and means area, and two bedrooms. 
It also features laundry, power room, rear yard and lock up carport. 
The home was last sold in 2013 for $329,000. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Craigieburn, Victoria mortgagee home sold for minor loss

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Craig McKellar of CVA has just leased a commercial space in the Craigieburn Plaza at Craigieburn.
The fully fitted 86sqm property at Shop 5, 32-38 Craigieburn Road was leased on a 3 + 3 + 3 year lease term.
Universal Real Estate are the lessors at a rate of $50,000 per annum equating to a building rate of $581.40/sqm.
featuring a frontage of 7 m, the property contains three separate offices, reception, staff amenities and in excess of 300 public car spaces.
Located within a recently developed estate, the property is within close proximity to Dynon Road, CityLink and Melbourne's CBD.
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Universal Real Estate leases Cragieburn Plaza space

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This weekend sees Cragieburn vie with Richmond as the busiest auction locates, with both having 21 auctions.
Offerings this weekend at Craigieburn include <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-craigieburn-129173314" target="_blank">25 Brickwood Circuit</a> (pictured above).
The three bedroom two bathroom house is set on a 400 sqm block.
The holding last sold in 2009 for $345,081. The indicative selling price is $500,000 to $550,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/19/Brickwood%202.JPG" alt="">
Another is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-craigieburn-129185710" target="_blank">11 Flannery Street,</a> Cragieburn (pictured above).
The five bedroom two bathroom home comes with a price guide of $580,000 to $630,000.
Set on 448 sqm it features a solar powered water heating system.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/19/Brickwood%203.JPG" alt="">
Busy Richmond sees <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-richmond-129202182" target="_blank">78 Coppin Street </a> (pictured above) go to auction.
It is a two bedroom one bathroom home with an accompanying price guide of $940,000 to $1,020,000.
The median house price in Richmond is $1,317,500.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/19/Brickwood%204.JPG" alt="">
Another is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-richmond-129128674" target="_blank">32 Jessie Street</a>, Richmond (pictured above).
With a price guide just above the median price, $1.395 million to $1.495 million the home is just 2 km from the CBD.
The home has its own one car garage.
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Richmond and Cragieburn competing for busiest suburb at auction this weekend

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A Craigieburn display home has been sold.
Ray White Craigieburn’s Trish Orrico secured $735,000 when 31 Dashing Road, Craigieburn went to weekend auction
The home was built three years ago but no one has ever lived in the property, she said.
“It’s only ever been a display home and that’s what’s attracting a lot of people to it.
"It’s the extra features like the ensuite, butler’s pantry and walk-in storage room.
"The quality of it sets it apart.”
Mr Orrico had a price guide to the four-bedroom, two-bathroom property of $640,000 to $695,000.
<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/2018/8/17/cragieburn%202.jpg" alt="">
The home comes with four main bedrooms, light-filled lounge, expansive open-plan kitchen with large walk-in butler pantry, separate living and dining area with sliding doors and alfresco entertaining area plus private backyard garden.
Other features include heating &amp; cooling, alarm, walk-in linen cupboard, and double garage with internal access.
House sales in Craigieburn kicked off at $469000 at weekend auctions. 
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Dashing Road, Craigieburn display home sold

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Three of the four busiest suburbs for auctions are in Melbourne this week. 
Craigieburn tops the list with 22 homes scheduled for auction, followed by Epping (13) and Preston (12).
A three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-craigieburn-128508994" target="_blank">4 Zennor Court in Craigieburn</a> (above), has a price guide of $480,000 to $520,000 for its auction on Saturday.
Randwick in Sydney also features in the top 4 suburbs this week with 13 homes set to go under the hammer.
The combined capital cities are seeing a fewer auctions this week with 1,557 auctions scheduled, down almost 300 from 1,849 last week.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/6/28/Auctions%20this%20week%20graph.JPG" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/6/28/Auctions%20this%20week%20graph.JPG" alt="">
Melbourne is the busiest city for auctions again this week, with 735 auctions being tracked so far, although down from 941 last week.
Sydney has 606 auctions scheduled this week, down from 641 last week.
Perth is seeing a 11 percent increase in auction volumes this week, with 33 auctions scheduled, up from 29 last week, while volumes are down across the remaining cities.
Over the same week last year, 2,001 homes went to auction across the combined capital cities, with a clearance rate of 67.3 per cent.
Last week <a href="/expert-insights/buying/lower-auction-numbers-nationally-as-reservoir-again-the-busiest-suburb">Reservoir was the busiest suburb</a>.
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National auction numbers continue to decline as Craigieburn's the busiest 

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The REIV is expecting about 1,140 auctions in 335 suburbs this weekend.
The top auction locations this week are Craigieburn (22), followed by Preston with 17 and Northcote and Reservoir with 16 auctions.
<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/2018/5/2/AUCTION%201.jpg" alt="">
<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/2018/5/2/AUCTION%202.jpg" alt="">
 
A Craigieburn three bedroom house has been scheduled for auction on May 5 with a reserve price of $470,000 (pictured above).
It is presented by Don Jayawardene from Ray White.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-craigieburn-128092782" target="_blank">Positioned at 25 Chinnock Court</a>, the house features three bedrooms, formal living and balcony overlooking parkland.
It is close to Craigieburn Central &amp; Craigieburn Plaza, public transport, local schools and leisure facilities.
Another Craigieburn four bedroom house has been scheduled for auction on May 3 (pictured below).
It has been listed for $500,000 to 550,000.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-craigieburn-128065270" target="_blank">The 19 Mosman Way home</a> features single-level floorplan, quality inclusions and abundance of natural light throughout.
It comes with four bedrooms, open plan living/dining area and double garage spaces.
It's close to public transport, and with easy access to shopping centres, childcare and schools.
<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/2018/5/2/19%20mosman%20way.jpg" alt="">
 
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Craigieburn set for bumper auction weekend

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Just 220 auctions are scheduled for this weekend in Melbourne, according to the REIV.
Craigieburn is the busiest location with seven auctions.
Its offering include a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-craigieburn-126608662" target="_blank">four bedroom house</a> (above) with $500,000 to $550,000 hopes.
A clearance rate of 73 per cent was recorded last weekend compared to 74 per cent prior weekend and 78 per cent this weekend last year. 
There were 1,788 auctions reported to the REIV, with 1,300 selling and 488 being passed in, 226 of those on a vendor bid.
The REIV collected 95% of auction results last week with a total of 1,860 results including 43 withdrawn and 29 postponed.
 
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Craigieburn tops subdued Melbourne auction weekend

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Century 21 Australia Pty Ltd has been ordered to pay more than $109,000 in compensation, plus $28,000 in interest, after the misappropriation of trust account funds by an estate agent with which it was in a franchise agreement.
Century 21 Australia Pty Ltd (ACN: 003 145 346) was ordered to pay the funds into the Victorian Property Fund (VPF), after the misappropriation of trust accounts by an estate agent.
The actions of Victorian Realty Group Pty Ltd (ACN: 135 903 374), trading as Century 21 Complete Properties, caused 13 clients to lose money.
The company was deregistered in 2013.
Those clients received compensation from the VPF. 
In 2016, the Secretary to the Department of Justice and Regulation (of which Consumer Affairs Victoria is a business unit) took action in the Supreme Court of Victoria against Century 21 Australia to recover those funds and return them to the VPF. 
Under the Estate Agents Act 1980 (the Act) each party to a franchise agreement (that is, the franchisee or franchisor) is liable for any misappropriation by an estate agent subject to the agreement. 
The original case was dismissed, as the court found that the agreement between Century 21 Australia and VRG did not constitute a franchise agreement. 
The Secretary appealed that decision, and the Court of Appeal found that the agreement between the two parties was a franchise agreement.
As such, Century 21 was liable for VRG's defalcations, in accordance with the Act.
Real estate agents Kon Balasis and Victorian Realty Group Pty Ltd (VRG), operating as Century 21 Craigieburn, were permanently disqualified from holding estate agents’ licences after breaking the law on trust accounts.
At a hearing on 1 October, 2012, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) found that VRG and Mr Balasis breached the Estate Agents Act 1980 in relation to:
<ul>
<li>a deficiency in the Century 21 Craigieburn trust account of $166,935.27 on 27 March, 2012, regarding deposits paid on six property sales  </li>
<li>VRG holding deposits as a stakeholder pending completion of transactions and not retaining that money in its trust account until paid to the persons entitled.</li>
<li>VRG fraudulently omitting to pay about $177,000 to the persons entitled to that money, which money was being held by VRG as a stakeholder pending completion of sales of land. Mr Balasis at the time was an officer of VRG and he knowingly authorised these contraventions</li>
<li>VRG not keeping full and accurate accounting records so as to show the true position of all moneys it received.</li>
</ul>
VCAT also found that VRG breached the Sale of Land Act 1962 in that:
<ul>
<li>it received deposit moneys in the course of transactions for the sale of land and did not hold that money as stakeholder until the purchasers became entitled to those deposits.</li>
</ul>
The tribunal ruled that Mr Balasis was guilty of conduct as an estate agent that rendered him unfit to hold a licence and he was not of good character or otherwise a fit and proper person to hold an estate agent’s licence.
VCAT cancelled Mr Balasis’ licence and permanently disqualified VRG and Mr Balasis from holding a licence.
 
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Craigieburn

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