Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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Joel Robinson

First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Palmera Residences fly out the door as sales pass $400 million

Domacom

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ASIC has issued a relief instrument that will allow fractional investment platform DomaCom to deliver an equity release product for the ageing retiree cohort who are asset rich and cash poor.
DomaCom CEO Arthur Naoumidis said the result was a major milestone for DomaCom.
“We have been working with ASIC for over six years to obtain the necessary regulatory framework for our Senior Equity Release (SER) product," Naoumidis said. 
“With the last big four bank recently withdrawing from the reverse mortgage market, we believe there is a need for an alternative source of funding that will enable retirees to sell fractions of their house whilst remaining in their home and enjoy a contented retirement in their later years.
"With the large baby boomer cohort entering retirement, the need for equity release funding over the next 5-10 years should be very significant and our SER product will help the 3 trillion-dollar superannuation sector to provide the capital needed.”
The SER product will be structured as a financial product to be provided by financial advisers who complete an accreditation course for this product.
“The financial advisers will, for the first time, have a financial product available that will enable them to assist their retired clients in funding their lifestyle using their most significant asset– their home.
"Also, financial advisers will now have an additional tool to assist them with intergenerational family wealth planning to manage the upcoming transfer of wealth between generations.” 
DomaCom will now focus on the work needed to deliver the SER product to the market and is targeting the first half of 2019.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

ASIC grant DomaCom's Senior Equity Release after six year pursuit

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DomaCom have been selected by developers CWP Renewables and Partners Group as their partner to implement the community co-investment initiative of Sapphire Wind Farm in rural New South Wales.
The Sapphire Wind Farm, in Kingsland New England in Northern New South Wales, will be an Australian first for its community co-investment.
DomaCom's <a href="https://domacom.com.au/" target="_blank">fractional property platform</a> will allow local community members to invest alongside institutional investors.
The platform allows multiple investors to aggregate their investments into an asset, typically a real estate asset, but now also renewable energy projects.
Andrew Dickson at CWP Renewables, the company behind developing and constructing the wind farm, said DomaCom is a great fir for the community co-investment initiative.
"Their online platform makes it very easy for people to establish and manage their investment," Dickson said, adding that after testing the community's interest late last year, he was surprised with the level of interest.
“With over $7.3m of pledges received so far from the local community, we are pleased to now be delivering on our promise to the community, to open up the project for co-investment.”
Ross Laidlaw from DomaCom said the company are excited about the partnership.
“We are very excited to be partnering with CWP Renewables and Partners Group in the Community Co-Investment Sapphire Wind Farm. DomaCom has been a pioneer in fractional investment in Australia now in its 5th year of operation.
"The Sapphire Wind Farm Community Fund is a clear demonstration of the vision of DomaCom taking large institutional assets and breaking them down into fractional components to allow retail investors to obtain exposure to an asset class not previously available.”
Construction of the wind farm began in January, and the final turbine was installed in October. 
Ben Haan from Partners Group, the investment fund manager that co-owns the project, said community investment is integral to the business.
"What we are pioneering at Sapphire will be applied to future Grassroots projects, allowing our communities to share the benefits and to invest in Australia’s renewable energy future," Haan said.
For more information on DomaCom <a href="https://domacom.com.au/" target="_blank">click here.</a>
 
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DomaCom partner to offer co-investment in Sapphire Wind Farm

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DomaCom have announced an allocation to two mortgage investment by their first branded Mortgage Fund with DFS Portfolio Solution (DFSPS).
The two first mortgages total around $4.1 million. The first mortgage has been drawn down and the second is expected over the next few weeks.
DomaCom CEO Arthur Naoumidis said “DomaCom has been working with DFSPS for some time to bring about a branded retail mortgage sub-fund on the DomaCom platform that can be accessed by advisers and portfolio managers”.
“Until now this market was mostly accessed by sophisticated investors but as a model manager, DFSPS has unlocked the retail potential of the non-bank sector by making this sub-fund available to clients and advisers who utilise its portfolio services.”
In an environment of highly compressed yields across a range of defensive investments, the non-bank sector is offering annualised target returns substantially higher than the cash rate, in a range of 5%-10% pa.
DFSPS managing director Stephen Romic acknowledged that it was difficult to access and manage mortgage assets until the fractional model developed by DomaCom became available.
“DFSPS and DomaCom have been working together for over 12 months to build a unique and innovative capability that allows advisers to efficiently incorporate exposures to first mortgage investments within their client portfolios," Romic said.
"With increasing market volatility expected within a persistently low yield environment, we wish to take advantage of the prevailing risk premiums whilst they continue to present.
"We are pleased to be able to offer the AFSLs that use our portfolio service access to this unique opportunity; and expect further demand in this sector going by the growing interest among new AFSLs”.
Appointed by DomaCom, DFSPS will act as sub-manager with responsibility for decisions on portfolio composition and management, including, seeking, vetting and recommending first mortgage opportunities, liaising with mortgage originators, arranging independent credit assessments, overseeing and managing timelines and liquidity management and co-ordinating funding and managing cashflows.
In developing an institutional-grade mortgage fund within the DomaCom Fund DFSPS aims to invest an initial $25m as part of the initial phase and then continue to build over time.
 
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DomaCom launch branded mortgage sub-fund

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Fractional property investment company DomaCom has announced the conclusion to the legal proceedings which the company has been supporting in the Federal Court of Australia.
The proceedings centred on superannuation legislation permitting investment in the DomaCom Fund by an SMSF where a related party was the tenant in the underlying property.
The ATO had (unless an extension of time is granted by the High Court) until 7 September 2018 to file with the High Court an application for special leave if it was to appeal the decision of the Federal Court of Appeal. 
DomaCom's lawyers have advised no such appeal or application for an extension of time has been filed.
Orders were issued last week by the Federal Court as follows:
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<li>There be a declaration that the leasing of the Burwood property by the DomaCom Fund would not cause Aussiegolfa Pty Ltd as trustee of the Benson Fund (Aussiegolfa) to breach the sole purpose test set out in section 62 of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth);  </li>
<li>Aussiegolfa pay 40% of the ATO’s costs of the first instance proceeding (as agreed or otherwise assessed); and/</li>
<li>Aussiegolfa pay 40% of the ATO’s costs of the appeal (as agreed or otherwise assessed).</li>
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In relation to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Appeal, the Court orders that the ATO pay 100% of Aussiegolfa’s cost of the appeal.
DomaCom CEO Arthur Naoumidis said DomaCom will now focus on addressing the related trust matter and is reviewing its constitution and disclosure documents to address this issue with respect to future sub-funds.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Investments loom after DomaCom's Federal Court win on SMSF investment 

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If finance is limiting your property investment ambitions or the idea of investing in a pooled managed fund where someone else chooses the asset doesn’t appeal, then why not create your own investment syndicate with family and friends and choose the property you want or engage a property adviser to help.  
The beauty of creating your own syndicate, or joining a crowdfunding campaign with like-minded investors in specific properties or projects that interest you, is that everyone can contribute as much as they can afford, or an amount that fits into your portfolio asset allocation strategy.  In this way no-one has to feel self-conscious as their name and the amount they contribute is private. Only the total amount is shown in the campaign as people contribute. 
By creating your own syndicate, you can set a target and invite people to participate. The entire process is done online.  You don’t even need to choose a property to get started, simply invite those you want to open an account, deposit the funds they want to invest and when your target is reached you can then go about selecting the property you want. Family members and friends is a good place to start.
It will pay to have a plan in place as to the type of property you’re looking for before launching a campaign. For example, “our objective is to acquire a residential property in one of Melbourne’s growth corridors”, or “to acquire agricultural farm land in the Western District of Victoria”. In this way you may avoid unnecessary disagreement on the type of property from the outset. 
You can literally choose from any property for sale in Australia; residential, commercial, industrial, rural farmland, or from a range of development projects that are listed on the website <a href="http://www.domacom.com.au" target="_blank">www.domacom.com.au</a>. 
DomaCom is an online property platform that lists crowdfunding campaigns for a range of properties. Some are set up as private campaigns by financial advisers exclusively for their clients or by individuals for family and friends to participate.  Some are set up as public campaigns that anyone can join.  
DomaCom also offer development projects in areas like renewable energy, affordable housing, hotels, aged care and child care centres to offer investors the ability to diversify their portfolio.
If you think going into an investment with family or friends might end in tears, the DomaCom Fund structure is an ASIC registered managed fund that handles the due diligence and ongoing management process, distributing rental income and providing tax, income and expense reports.
Having a Fund do this removes you from the process by making all the decisions and managing the investment on your behalf. You choose the property, DomaCom manage the acquisition process tenancy and ongoing management. 
Each property crowdfunded by DomaCom or acquired for private syndicates is segregated, meaning your investment is only in the specific property you have chosen. DomaCom calls these sub-funds and each sub-fund has a specific term to expiry so guaranteeing an exit strategy. For early exits (most are 5 years) DomaCom operate an online liquidity facility enabling you to sell your units to a buyer without affecting the other investors. 
Funds on deposit awaiting a suitable property attract an interest rate – currently 2.06%. 
After a property has been identified and acquired investors receive a proportional share of the rent and the ongoing capital value. No entry or exit fees.
Investing in property inevitably involves more than just the price of the property. There are acquisition and due diligence costs such as conveyancing, property inspection and a formal valuation – because you want to know that the seller has legal entitlement to sell and there are no encumbrances on the property. Also, you don’t want to buy a lemon or pay too much for it. On top of the due diligence of course there is stamp duty to be paid.
Once acquired you will want a tenant to pay rent so DomaCom arranges a property manager to do that and carry out regular inspections property.
Whilst care must be taken when buying a property and there are processes to observe a platform like DomaCom can take the worry and effort away.
General Advice Warning 
This information is general information only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Accordingly, before acting on the information provided you must consider the appropriateness of the information, in the light of your own objectives, financial situation or needs.  If you wish to acquire a financial product within the DomaCom Fund offering, you should first obtain a copy of, read and consider, the PDS before making any decision.  A copy of that PDS is available at on the DomaCom Ltd website, <a href="http://www.domacom.com.au" target="_blank">www.domacom.com.au</a> or by calling your financial adviser. We also recommend that you obtain legal and financial advice before investing with DomaCom.
Warren Gibson is the head of marketing and business development at DomaCom.
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Co-investing a good alternative to limited finance: DomaCom

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The DomaCom fractional property investing platform has moved to expand into the rural property sector.
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DomaCom's initial investment under its partnership with Cultivate Farms is Springview Eco Farm at Big Creek near Wagga Wagga.
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<div class="cq-article-content-media section">It is a 65 hectare <a href="https://domacom.com.au/public-crowdfunding-campaigns/rural-properties/next-generation-farmers/" target="_blank">pig farm</a>.</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"> </div>
<div>The ASX-listed company recently secured a partnership with rural start-up, Cultivate Farms.</div>
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Under the arrangement, Cultivate Farms will source appropriate properties from farmers looking to retire and match these to aspiring or next generation farmers.
DomaCom will provide the investment capital through its crowdfunding platform.
The AFL great and farming sector advocate Kevin Sheedy has come on board as ambassador.
“We need to encourage the next generation to stay on the land and build a future for our country," Kevin Sheedy said.
"Through crowdfunding all Australians can now invest into farming families and regional Australia’s future.
Some of the footy’s greatest players grew up kicking a Sherrin on the dairy farms, market gardens and sheep farms out the back of nowhere.
"I struggle to see where the next generation of farmers, and therefore, AFL players will come from if it is financially impossible to own a farm.”
"The idea behind this project is to enable young farming families to get their foot on a property they can farm commercially, while at the same time enabling a retiring farmer to sell down or sell out in order to retire," said Warren Gibson, sales and marketing manager at DomaCom.
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"We are 50 per cent to closing our first property and through our partner, Sam Marwood of Cultivate Farms, have another 19 in the pipeline," he told The Australian Financial Review.
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Each farm will be held in a separate DomaCom sub-fund with investors receiving a share of the rent.
They can also benefit from any capital growth through the trading of units in the fund or when the property is eventually sold and the fund wound up.
Funds typically have a five-year term and a targeted gross return of 5 per cent. The minimum investment is $2500.
Springview Eco-Farm, located in the Eastern Riverina area of southern NSW, a 2.5 hour drive from Canberra, is run by vendor, Pennie Scott, who will retain some equity via the DomaCom property sub-fund units.
The farm has an indicative value of $800,000 with a target amount of $400,000 being raised. Its indicative capital growth is tipped as 6%* p.a. with a targeted rental return of 5%* p.a.
As DomaCom will be the landlord for Springview EcoFarm, a property manager will be appointed to manage the property including collecting the rent and future tenancy if or when required. 
The gross rent is targeted to be around 5% which should result in an approximate income return of 4% to investors after the 0.88% management fee, plus capital growth.
DomaCom is Australia's leading property crowdfunder. It allows anyone to invest a little or a lot in to property investment. 
They recently crowndfunded the first mortgage backed loan for a residential property in Melbourne.
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DomaCom hire AFL legend Kevin Sheedy as ambassador for farm project

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Crowdfunding is disrupting property investment by fractionalising the asset to make it easier for people to invest a bit or a lot in one or more properties of their choice, giving investors opportunities in any type of property anywhere in Australia.
Australia’s leading property crowdfunder, DomaCom, allows investors to contribute towards the purchase of a property asset of their choice.  This includes residential, commercial, retail, and industrial and thematic sectors such as agriculture, energy, affordable housing, student accommodation, land banking and social infrastructure, among others.
Sometimes called fractional investing, crowdfunding is a modern form of syndication that DomaCom have taken to another level.
The DomaCom model is an online platform in two parts; the first facilitates the investment application and a strict due diligence process to ensure that every property is fairly valued, legally entitled and of sound structure.
The second part is a legal structure that fractionalises the ownership via a unitised structure.
This structure is called a managed investment scheme (MIS). Each property acquired is held in a segregated sub-fund of the MIS in which investors receive units in proportion to the amount they invest.
Crowdfunding requires cash on deposit before a property can be selected as this determines how much is available. DomaCom have a number of residential strategy or thematic campaigns running at any one time that investors can choose from.
So who chooses property to crowdfund?
DomaCom is a platform for investors to use but the company does not choose specific properties. We select residential strategies from analysed research then ask property advisers to select assets based on that research. Thematic projects are usually partially completed with due diligence enabling them to be posted to the platform for investors to participate. Thematic projects usually have a longer sale process and therefore time to raise the necessary capital. Residential properties on the other hand come to market for 4 or 5 weeks so it is necessary to have cash on hand to act quickly when the properties are identified. 
Investing is the easy part, but how do investors exit?
An exit strategy is just as important as the investment. The DomaCom Fund generally has a 5 year term for residential properties thereby guaranteeing an exit for investors if they wish. Those who wish to retain the property can do so by buying out those who wish to exit. If they don’t the property is sold and the proceeds are distributed to investors. 
Just as the sharemarket enables online trading in company shares, DomaCom has created an online unit trading facility within the platform, complete with buy/sell and market depth screens to enable investors to trade their units at any time provided there is a buyer, just like the sharemarket. A third facility exists where unit holders can vote to wind up a sub-fund and sell the property at any time, provided 75% of unit holders vote to do so.
DomaCom have recently been active seeking to raise $4.3 million working with Utilas Group to develop a BioHub project in Casino.
Landbanking has been popular venture too with funds being sought for near Sydney's second planned airport, with KSI Investments acquiring over 11 acres near Badgerys Creek. 
To learn more about crowdfunding, visit <a href="https://www.domacom.com.au/" target="_blank">DomaCom here</a>.
 
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What is crowdfunding into property?

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The Full Federal Court has handed down judgment in the appeal by Aussiegolfa Pty Ltd (in its capacity as trustee of the Benson Family Superannuation Fund (BFSF) which clarifies SMSF rules regarding the sole purpose test. 
The Court held that the primary judge was incorrect in concluding that the leasing of a property held by the sub-fund to a child of a member of the BFSF was a breach of the ‘sole purpose test’. 
It related to a $104,000 student residential property in Melbourne's Burwood.
DomaCom had entered into a leasing and managing authority with Student Housing Australia for the leasing of the Burwood Highway property. The first two longterm tenants of the studio apartment were persons unknown, and unrelated, to the Benson family, but then Student Housing Australia agreed to lease an apartment to a daughter of the Benson family with the lease at the same $869 monthly rental as had been paid by the first two tenants. 
The DomaCom chief Arthur Naoumidis has welcomed the decision.
"DomaCom is very pleased to have the court confirm that it was not a breach of the sole purpose test when a related party of the BFSF rented a property held by the DomaCom Burwood sub-fund.
"We believe that this finding, on its own, represents a milestone for the SMSF industry.” 
DomaCom supported the action against the Commissioner of Taxation in the Federal Court hoping a ruling would confirm that SMSFs can invest in property sub-funds where the tenant of the underlying property is a related party of the SMSF.
The court heard it was in 2015 that the Benson family fund made a decision to invest in student accommodation and other ‘relatively low-cost, relatively high-return’ opportunities through a DomaCom sub-fund with a return of approximately 6.5%.
The decision to lease the Burwood property to the daughter was not made until 2017.
The appeal judges' ruling noted four reasons why the finding made by the primary judge was in error.
But the Court also held that the primary judge was correct to conclude that the units held by Aussiegolfa Pty Ltd in a sub-fund of the DomaCom Fund constituted an investment in a ‘related trust’ of the BFSF. 
“In relation to the related trust determination, we are reviewing the comprehensive judgment with our lawyers and will make a further announcement about the effect, if any, of the decision on the DomaCom Fund.
The DomaCom Fund disclosure documents have been amended significantly since the Burwood sub-fund was created in 2015.
"Accordingly, we will analyse the effects of the judgment on sub-funds created using the current version of the DomaCom Fund constitution and disclosure documents," Arthur Naoumidis said.
"If our analysis determines that it is necessary, we will consider amending our constitution and disclosure documents to address this issue with respect to future sub-funds.” 
MT Flynn QC and Dr J Glover were counsel for Aussiegolfa Pty Ltd.
DomaCom launched Australia’s first online platform (registered as a managed investment scheme) to provide a property investment solution for the SMSF market and other long term investors through the fractional acquisition of units in a unique trust structure that enables investors to gain exposure to the property they select.
<div title="Page 2">
Residential and commercial property Australia wide can be accessed in this fund, sourced from a variety of vendors and developers.
DomaCom is Australia's leading property crowdfunder. It allows anyone to invest a little or a lot into property investment. 
</div>
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DomaCom win Federal Court battle in SMSF breakthrough

<html><body>
The Full Federal Court has handed down judgment in the appeal by Aussiegolfa Pty Ltd (in its capacity as trustee of the Benson Family Superannuation Fund (BFSF) which clarifies SMSF rules regarding the sole purpose test. 
The Court held that the primary judge was incorrect in concluding that the leasing of a property held by the sub-fund to a child of a member of the BFSF was a breach of the ‘sole purpose test’. 
It related to a $104,000 student residential property in Melbourne's Burwood.
DomaCom had entered into a leasing and managing authority with Student Housing Australia for the leasing of the Burwood Highway property. The first two longterm tenants of the studio apartment were persons unknown, and unrelated, to the Benson family, but then Student Housing Australia agreed to lease an apartment to a daughter of the Benson family with the lease at the same $869 monthly rental as had been paid by the first two tenants. 
The DomaCom chief Arthur Naoumidis has welcomed the decision.
"DomaCom is very pleased to have the court confirm that it was not a breach of the sole purpose test when a related party of the BFSF rented a property held by the DomaCom Burwood sub-fund.
"We believe that this finding, on its own, represents a milestone for the SMSF industry.” 
DomaCom supported the action against the Commissioner of Taxation in the Federal Court hoping a ruling would confirm that SMSFs can invest in property sub-funds where the tenant of the underlying property is a related party of the SMSF.
The court heard it was in 2015 that the Benson family fund made a decision to invest in student accommodation and other ‘relatively low-cost, relatively high-return’ opportunities through a DomaCom sub-fund with a return of approximately 6.5%. 
The decision to lease the Burwood property to the daughter was not made until 2017.
The appeal judges' ruling noted four reasons why the finding made by the primary judge was in error.
But the Court also held that the primary judge was correct to conclude that the units held by Aussiegolfa Pty Ltd in a sub-fund of the DomaCom Fund constituted an investment in a ‘related trust’ of the BFSF. 
“In relation to the related trust determination, we are reviewing the comprehensive judgment with our lawyers and will make a further announcement about the effect, if any, of the decision on the DomaCom Fund.
The DomaCom Fund disclosure documents have been amended significantly since the Burwood sub-fund was created in 2015.
"Accordingly, we will analyse the effects of the judgment on sub-funds created using the current version of the DomaCom Fund constitution and disclosure documents," Arthur Naoumidis said.
"If our analysis determines that it is necessary, we will consider amending our constitution and disclosure documents to address this issue with respect to future sub-funds.” 
MT Flynn QC and Dr J Glover were counsel for Aussiegolfa Pty Ltd.
DomaCom launched Australia’s first online platform (registered as a managed investment scheme) to provide a property investment solution for the SMSF market and other long term investors through the fractional acquisition of units in a unique trust structure that enables investors to gain exposure to the property they select.
<div title="Page 2">
Residential and commercial property Australia wide can be accessed in this fund, sourced from a variety of vendors and developers.
DomaCom is Australia's leading property crowdfunder. It allows anyone to <a href="/expert-insights/crowdfunding-into-property-domacom-explains">invest a little or a lot</a> into property investment. 
</div>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

DomaCom secures stronger SMSF footing after Federal Court decision

<html><body>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The DomaCom fractional property investing platform has moved to expand into the rural property sector.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
DomaCom's initial investment under its partnership with Cultivate Farms is Springview Eco Farm at Big Creek near Wagga Wagga.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">It is a 65 hectare <a href="https://domacom.com.au/public-crowdfunding-campaigns/rural-properties/next-generation-farmers/" target="_blank">pig farm</a>.</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"> </div>
<div>The ASX-listed company recently secured a partnership with rural start-up, Cultivate Farms.</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">
<div>
Under the arrangement, Cultivate Farms will source appropriate properties from farmers looking to retire and match these to aspiring or next generation farmers.
DomaCom will provide the investment capital through its crowdfunding platform.
The AFL great and farming sector advocate Kevin Sheedy has come on board as ambassador.
“We need to encourage the next generation to stay on the land and build a future for our country," Kevin Sheedy said.
"Through crowdfunding all Australians can now invest into farming families and regional Australia’s future.
Some of the footy’s greatest players grew up kicking a Sherrin on the dairy farms, market gardens and sheep farms out the back of nowhere.
"I struggle to see where the next generation of farmers, and therefore, AFL players will come from if it is financially impossible to own a farm.”
"The idea behind this project is to enable young farming families to get their foot on a property they can farm commercially, while at the same time enabling a retiring farmer to sell down or sell out in order to retire," said Warren Gibson, sales and marketing manager at DomaCom.
</div>
"We are 50 per cent to closing our first property and through our partner, Sam Marwood of Cultivate Farms, have another 19 in the pipeline," he told The Australian Financial Review.
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Each farm will be held in a separate DomaCom sub-fund with investors receiving a share of the rent.
They can also benefit from any capital growth through the trading of units in the fund or when the property is eventually sold and the fund wound up.
Funds typically have a five-year term and a targeted gross return of 5 per cent. The minimum investment is $2500.
Springview Eco-Farm, located in the Eastern Riverina area of southern NSW, a 2.5 hour drive from Canberra, is run by vendor, Pennie Scott, who will retain some equity via the DomaCom property sub-fund units.
The farm has an indicative value of $800,000 with a target amount of $400,000 being raised. Its indicative capital growth is tipped as 6%* p.a. with a targeted rental return of 5%* p.a.
As DomaCom will be the landlord for Springview EcoFarm, a property manager will be appointed to manage the property including collecting the rent and future tenancy if or when required. 
The gross rent is targeted to be around 5% which should result in an approximate income return of 4% to investors after the 0.88% management fee, plus capital growth.
DomaCom is Australia's leading property crowdfunder. It allows anyone to <a href="/expert-insights/crowdfunding-into-property-domacom-explains">invest a little or a lot</a> in to property investment. 
They recently crowndfunded the <a href="/news/domacom-crowdfunds-first-mortgage-backed-loan-for-melbourne-purchase">first mortgage backed loan</a> for a residential property in Melbourne.
.
 
</div>
</div>
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