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.

Joel Robinson

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

Castle Hill’s booming development market is set for another boost, with builder-developer Buildex proposing a new mid-rise apartment building near Castle Towers.

Buildex has submitted plans to The Hills Shire Council for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/197-old-northern-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">nine-storey building comprising 57 apartments</a> on Old Northern Road. The company acquired two adjoining sites earlier this year, totalling more than 2,683 sqm.

Texco Design has prepared the scheme, which includes five one-bed plus study apartments, 37 two-bedrooms, and 15 three-bedrooms.

Castle Hill has become a hotspot for developers in recent years, undergoing significant transformation driven by the opening of the Hills Showground Precinct to development and the introduction of two metro stations servicing the suburb.

Developers including Deicorp and Kassis Homes have already completed projects, and are progressing future developments, while Meriton, Arada, and Ellipse are currently delivering new projects in the rapidly evolving area.

First look: Buildex plans 57 apartments near Castle Towers

Estate Agency

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Laing+Simmons Corporation has been purchased by a partnership comprising members of the company’s head office team.

The likes of managing director Leanne Pilkington, who is also the president of the Real Estate Institute of NSW, and some of the network’s highest-profile and longest-serving principals including D’Leanne Lewis, Ray Fayad and Nicholas Efrossynis, are part of the buying syndicate.

The New South Wales-based boutique real estate franchise, which has a total of 43 offices in metro and regional NSW, was bought from the Dexar Group for an undisclosed sum.

Leanne Pilkington said the purchase by members of the network demonstrates the value and belief in the brand.

“The purchase of Laing+Simmons by network members highlights the confidence we have in the business and the potential for growth we see in the future.

"When the opportunity to acquire Laing+Simmons arose, the demand among franchisees was strong and the offer was fully subscribed quickly, demonstrating the belief in the brand,” Ms Pilkington said. 

“Laing+Simmons has been a fixture in the New South Wales real estate landscape since 1967. We recognise the industry is undergoing rapid evolution, which means franchising needs to evolve as well.

“No-one is better placed to understand the needs of today’s business owners than agency principals, who operate at the coal face every day.

“The new shareholding group is very diverse, in relation to age, location and of course gender. This will ensure a holistic direction is set for the business which welcomes and benefits a broader demographic of network partners and their teams.

“This diversity will underpin our future growth as we look to grow the Laing+Simmons network in select metropolitan and regional locations in 2021 and beyond.

“This internal acquisition means we have skin in the game. We believe so strongly in the brand that we acquired it. Our future partners and office principals can be confident in our commitment to support them and the growth of their business with a view to helping them create a long-term asset for the future.

“The ambitions of ownership, our existing franchisees and those we welcome in the future are completely aligned. This provides us a solid platform for future growth,” she said.
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The New South Wales-based boutique real estate franchise, which has a total of 43 offices in metro and regional NSW, was bought from the Dexar Group for an undisclosed sum.



Laing + Simmons bought by their top network members

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A Heidelberg Heights estate agency and its director have been reprimanded, ordered to pay a $2,000 penalty, and had a condition placed on their licences, after they contravened the trust account provisions of Victoria’s estate agent laws. 
A disciplinary inquiry at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) found that Robert Pedersen, 70, of MacLeod and Robert Pedersen Real Estate Pty Ltd (ACN: 142 558 674) did not: 
<ul>
<li>have their trust accounts audited within the required time, as required under the Estate Agents Act 1980 (the Act)</li>
<li>keep the required trust account cash receipts journal and trust account cash payments journal, as required under the Act’s regulations </li>
<li>complete and keep a trust account reconciliation statement at the end of each month, as required under the regulations.</li>
</ul>
The contraventions occurred between 2014 and 2018.
Under the licence condition, Mr Pedersen and the company must ensure that their trust accounts are audited for specified periods and sent to Consumer Affairs Victoria within three months. This is in addition to their existing trust account audit obligations. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Robert Pedersen Real Estate told to undertake timely audit

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Tahnee Barnes has quit The Agency to return to recruitment after nine months in real estate.
She was the high profile recruit who'd hit the headlines when she won the life-changing opportunity to work with leading eastern suburbs agent Bill Malouf in the LJ Hooker Million Dollar Intern program.
“Meeting Matt Lahood and hearing his plans for my future, and then joining Brad Gillespie and Irene Do, it was ideal,” she said after the new appointment was announced with great fanfare.
Her low-key departure was to SalesHQ.
Specialising in the inner city suburbs, from east to the west, Brad Gillespie claims a 25 per cent market share for house sales and the highest market share for apartment sales in Alexandria.
Gillespie and Do, who describe themselves as "quiet achievers", had been looking to expand their market share in the inner city region, with hiring Tahnee Barnes the first step towards this expansion. “Tahnee Barnes is one of the most passionate young agents I have met,” Brad Gillespie noted on her arrival.
“Tahnee is hungry to learn and being new to the industry, brings a fresh take on things.”
After a decade in the army, Tahnee Barnes won the opportunity to work <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tahnee_milliondollarintern/?hl=en" target="_blank">with leading eastern suburbs agent Bill Malouf</a> in the LJ Hooker Million Dollar Intern program late last year (below)
<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/2018/3/22/mal2.jpg" alt="">
Hailing from the ACT, Barnes previously worked in recruitment.
She beat nearly 200 hopefuls for the coveted three month internship.
She is now a talent adviser at <a href="https://www.saleshq.com.au/consultants/tahnee-barnes" target="_blank">SalesHQ</a> which recruits across several industries including automotive finance, stockbroking and insurance.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Tahnee Barnes, the Million Dollar Intern, quits The Agency

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Tahnee Barnes, who won the life-changing opportunity to work with leading eastern suburbs agent Bill Malouf in the LJ Hooker Million Dollar Intern program, has joined The Agency.
“Meeting Matt Lahood and hearing his plans for my future, and then joining Brad Gillespie and Irene Do, it was ideal,” she said after the new appointment.
Brad Gillespie and Irene Do have already sold over $20 million worth of residential property this year at an average sale price of $1,255,000.
Specialising in the inner city suburbs, from east to the west, Brad Gillespie claims a 25 per cent market share for house sales and the highest market share for apartment sales in Alexandria.
Gillespie has set numerous building and suburb records including:
<ul>
<li>Rosebery suburb record broken by $$1,030,000 at $3,350,000 in 2015 and equalled in 2017 – 8 Ripon Way (2015) and 21 Dalmeny Avenue (2017)</li>
<li>Alexandria suburb record for one bedroom house $1,110,000 – 192 Wyndham Street</li>
<li>Alexandria suburb record for a four bedroom house $2,650 ,000 – 266 Belmont Street</li>
<li>117 Wyndham Street building record $1,340,000 – 101/117 Wyndham St, Alexandria</li>
<li>The Atlas building record $1,420,000 – PG01/11 Power Avenue, Alexandria</li>
<li>Spectrum building record $1,640,000 – C15/147 McEvoy Street, Alexandria</li>
<li>125 Euston Road building record $1,255,000 – 17/125 Euston Road, Alexandria</li>
</ul>
 Gillespie and Do, who describe themselves as "quiet achievers", have been looking to expand their market share in the inner city region, with hiring Tahnee Barnes the first step towards this expansion. “Tahnee Barnes is one of the most passionate young agents I have met,” Brad Gillespie says.
“Tahnee is hungry to learn and being new to the industry, brings a fresh take on things.”
After a decade in the army, Tahnee Barnes won the opportunity to work <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tahnee_milliondollarintern/?hl=en" target="_blank">with leading eastern suburbs agent Bill Malouf</a> in the LJ Hooker Million Dollar Intern program late last year (below)
<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/2018/3/22/mal2.jpg" alt="">
“I am so lucky to have spent that time with Bill Malouf and we still catch up to this day,” she said.
Hailing from the ACT, Barnes previously worked in recruitment.
She beat nearly 200 hopefuls for the coveted three month internship.
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Tahnee Barnes, the Million Dollar Intern, joins The Agency

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Several senior directors of real estate services firm CBRE have quit the estate agency, according to reports featured in the Australian Financial Review.
The paper's Street Talk column advised the directors are joining recently departed CBRE veteran Richard Butler to start a new business. 
It advised four members of the capital markets team, including national Director Josh Cullen, senior director Steve Kearney, associate director Mark Hansen and analyst and senior associate director Claire Zouroudis had departed CBRE.
"They left the building at lunchtime on Monday and did not return," the AFR advised.
Though naturally none of the players returned any calls to the paper. 
Josh Cullen who joined CBRE in 2001 and was the national head of CBRE’s Capital markets team remains on <a href="https://www.cbre.com.au/people-and-offices/josh-cullen" target="_blank">the staff website</a>.
He was last in the news when in May Charter Hall Group and Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing finalised a deal to buy Sydney landmark One Shelley Street from Brookfield Property Partners for $525 million, which ranked among the city’s largest. It is Macquarie Group's building on King Street Wharf.
CBRE's senior managing director, international investments, Rick Butler, who has reportedly left the firm after 26 years, is also still listed on the <a href="https://www.cbre.com.au/people-and-offices/Richard-Butler" target="_blank">staff website</a><a href="https://www.afr.com/real-estate/top-real-estate-negotiator-rick-butler-to-leave-cbre-20160627-gpsrbq#ixzz4QdStXfel">.</a>
As CBRE's lead conduit to offshore capital, Butler was involved in more than $10 billion worth of sales including Central Plaza in Brisbane, Aurora Place in Sydney and the Southern Cross Precinct in Melbourne.
Richard first joined CBRE in 1989 as Director, City Sales, then in 1995 was appointed Director, Asian Marketing (Eastern Seaboard Offices). 
At the time of his earlier departure, CBRE advised the then AFR editor, Robert Harley that it "looked forward to having an ongoing relationship with Rick, who will continue to provide expert consultancy services to CBRE in the future.” 
Today it issued a statement saying "CBRE has the strongest Capital Markets platform, both globally and in the Pacific, and we remain committed to investing in our team to ensure that our clients can reap the benefits of our international reach, broad service offering and local networks and capabilities."
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