Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

Joel Robinson

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368856]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/auyin-property-development">Auyin</a> is the latest to turn to the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program in an effort to secure approval for its long-planned, mixed-use project in Elsternwick.

In 2018, Auyin lodged plans with Glen Eira City Council for a 14-storey building, however Council approved a reduced eight-storey scheme. A subsequent VCAT appeal in 2019 upheld the eight-storey height limit.

The project was later amended to nine storeys, but Auyin is now seeking to revive something closer to its original vision. The developer argues that the planning context has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly within the Elsternwick Activity Centre, where higher-density development has increasingly been encouraged along Glen Huntly Road.

The proposal would transform the 1,239 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-12-horne-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">7-15 Horne Street</a>, opposite Elsternwick Railway Station, into a 13-storey residential and retail development designed by CBG Architects, with 40 apartments

The site currently comprises three commercial properties.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f465dd4-509b-4082-a669-0253b313914b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20podium.png?VersionId=72frWi0SmQ5AVJ3ARRhX5ILUYObhTm7x" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 25 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences above 200 sqm of retail space at ground level. Residents would have access to a 90 sqm wellness facility, a 351 sqm communal indoor and outdoor terrace on the third level, and extensive landscaped areas throughout the development. A publicly accessible 135 sqm plaza would be created on the north-east corner of the site, providing seating, landscaping, and a new gathering space adjoining Horne Street.

The design adopts a four-storey podium that references the finer-grain character of the surrounding streetscape, with the upper tower recessed behind generous setbacks on all boundaries.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e637e763-2abc-4c34-a0aa-5c7ad36fae18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20open.png?VersionId=J1AoOpZgTyaF.KeeFSX6lMjEScX8KKRi" />

A key element of the proposal is the reconfiguration and widening of the surrounding laneways. Vehicle access would be retained from Lois Lane, with upgraded pedestrian connections linking Ross Street and Horne Street. The development would provide 58 residential car spaces, two retail car spaces, and 52 bicycle spaces across two basement levels and ground-floor facilities.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the established character of Elsternwick Village. The façade combines dark charcoal brickwork, textured concrete, bronze-toned metal detailing, and extensive planting integrated into podium and tower levels. The design also incorporates a chamfered corner treatment and publicly accessible plaza intended to strengthen pedestrian activity around the station precinct.

Elsternwick's last new development completion was&nbsp;EVA Elsternwick by Pitard late last year. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working away on its nature-led neighbourhood, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, on Gordon Street, with its first stage expected to complete next year.

First look: Auyin seeks mixed-use apartment project in growing Elsternwick Activity Centre

Estate Agents

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The former Melbourne sports broadcaster Rob Astbury, who became a highflying Gold Coast estate agent, has died aged 69.
He died unexpectedly, but peacefully, according to reports.
After an early career in Melbourne radio, Astbury made the move to television where during a 21-year media career, he won 10 VFL/AFL awards, and was twice nominated for the Logie Awards for the Best News Story of the year.
He hit the headlines in 2006 when a biography King and I: My Life with Graham Kennedy detailed Astbury’s relationship with the late king of television comedy. 
After retiring from television, he worked as a real estate agent between 1994 and 2000. For the next decade he ran a property development company in Thailand. He returned to the Gold Coast in 2010 to continue in <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://raywhitebroadbeach.com/agents/rob-astbury/44016" target="_blank">real estate at Ray White</a>.
The Ray White chairman Brian White said "Rob was one of our superb Elite members renowned for his creativity".
<div>"The White family is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Rob Astbury who has been one of our finest performers over the long time he was with the Ray White group.</div>
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<div>"For more than 20 years Rob showed a creativity and an imagination that brought such wonderful results to his client base.</div>
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<div>"Invariably an Elite member, Rob's unique ability to communicate with his database and to encourage and locate the right buyers for the different properties he'd been commissioned to sell, had become legendary," Brian White noted.</div>
His own profile indicated he joined Ray White (Broadbeach) in 1994 and in his first year received Ray White's Rookie Of The Year Award, "possibly the oldest Rookie of all time!"
His sales achievements included the sale of the beachside home of Brian White.
Astbury had <a href="https://twitter.com/mrpford?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">a second book in the works</a>.
"So here are the last few paragraphs of Rob’s unpublished memoir," entertainment reporter Peter Ford tweeted.
"Yes it names names and settles scores but it’s a lot more than just that."
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Gold Coast Ray White estate agent Rob Astbury dies leaving unpublished second book

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The real estate industry is set to shed up to 25 percent of its workforce, according to the REIA, as the property market rebalances after five years of strong conditions especially in Melbourne and Sydney. 
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Real Estate Institute of Australia president Malcolm Gunning said the shedding of jobs was inevitable.
“What we see is a lot of opportunists come into the market when it’s a bull market, and yes we will see jobs shed because we will see less turnover of property,” Mr Gunning told The Australian.
“This is really a market for experienced real estate agents and I would expect about 20-25 per cent of our residential agents will leave.”
Mr Gunning predicted that low-cost operators would be among the first to go as the “momentum swung back to full service agencies”.
“Low-cost operators really can’t afford to put a lot of resources behind them, and people will quickly get sick of paying a fee up front and getting no results,” he said criticising the low-cost operator as one "who lists and waits for the inquiries.”
Mr Gunning said this week’s earnings downgrade by the McGrath agency could be seen as a “reference point” to the shift in the property cycle when the agency issued a downgrade based partly on the market slowdown.
“John (McGrath) floated at the pinnacle of all the hype surrounding the property market; he picked the sweet spot very well,” Mr Gunning said.
“That will always be a reference point as to what was the high water mark for that period.”
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Standby for 25 percent estate agent job departures expected by REIA

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Most of Sydney's leading estate agents set off on sun-seeking sojourns during July - and many posted their exploits on social media for those back here.
They are mostly back at their desks now as they seek out their late August and early spring listings.
Camel riding in Palestine and Egypt seemed popular including Ray White Double Bay agent of the year, Gavin Rubinstein (above). The pyramids went unsold though.
Warren Ginsberg - who featured in the gossip pages during his brief hookup with Jodi Anasta over our summer - was among the highlarking mid-year vacation crowd (below).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-01%20at%2010.07.14%20AM.png" alt="">
He got to several locations including Mykonos in Greece and Tel Aviv in Israel.
Oliver Lavers, an integral member of the industry-leading team, The Rubinstein Group at Ray White Double Bay, appeared not to feature on any camel riding, instead sailing off Sorrento, Italy.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-01%20at%2010.09.27%20AM.png" alt="">
Ginsberg rode his camel in Jerusalem (top) before sun baking at the popular Panormos Beach in Mykonos.
Ginsberg works out of the Ray White Double Bay office too which is the number one Ray White office in Australia.
He has been in real estate since 2008 and was awarded Ray White Elite Performer in 2015 and 2016, as well as the eighth best sales person in the Ray White Group in 2016.
BresicWhitney Darlinghurst agent Nic Krasnostein was also a Mykonos, as well as dropping in to St Tropez during his European sojourn (below).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-08-01%20at%2010.11.01%20AM.png" alt="">
Metro Commercial agent Alan Levy celebrated a birthday while he was at the Mykonos rendezvous. 
Some of the Laing &amp; Simmons team got to Capri, Italy or Montauroux, France. David Malouf (below) from LJH headed off as his father Bill has always done. David Malouf instragrammed his Kéa, Kikladhes, Greece holidays. Mykonos as well. The Malouf father-son tour continues given a big family birthday.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/08/01/Malouf.jpg" alt="">
Their combined absence meant few sales and listing activity across the month of July.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Sydney estate agents return from riding camels on their winter holiday break

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MiSale, an online startup that connects people selling their homes directly with buyers, is launching into New South Wales and Victoria following its success in Queensland.
The MiSale platform has facilitated close to $12 million in sales, saving users potentially $293,000 in commissions, since its launch earlier this year in Queensland, it said in a media release.
The startup is part of the growing trend of online selling platforms like Purplebricks, which offer a cost-effective model by doing away with the traditional agent fees. 
“At zero cost and with no real-estate agents and their associated commissions, users can sell their home independently on the platform, taking control of all aspects of the selling and buying process,” said the media release.
MiAgent also offers an aided service, offering an agent assistance package for $2,999.
The startup says the service comes with “no commissions and no lock in contracts”.
MiSale offers a simple and seamless alternative for home buyers and sellers, with 
Its services, including conveyancing, solicitors, mortgage brokers and legal minds, are all accessible on its platform. 
MiSale also allows its users to list their homes on realestate.com.au for free.
Co-founder Ewen Malcolm said the easy-to-use platform facilitates the conversation between seller and buyer.
“Selling your home is a process that has been covered in smoke and mirrors for many years, with pages of paperwork and litigation. MiSale’s freemium model is aimed at reducing the barrier to entry for even the most skeptical person. Users have nothing to lose, there is absolutely no risk involved,” said Malcolm.
“We have some strong goals, targets and blue sky ideas in the pipeline, so our expansion to Eastern Australia is only the beginning for the business.” 
The average commission on homes sold in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales was 2.47 per cent, 2.13 per cent and 2.11 per cent, respectively, the release said quoting LocalAgentFinder data.
In Sydney and Melbourne, where median home prices are already very high, this works out to  thousands of dollars which users of MiSale can potentially save while selling their properties.
He said real estate agents needed to re-skill themselves as technology continues to cut out the middle-man for the industry. 
“There will always be disgruntled people when you disrupt a system, but this is the way the world is moving, so agents can either get on board and prosper or be left behind,” Malcolm said.
He said several real estate agents were willing to come on-board to help with the additional support some customers need with buying or selling. 
“Not everyone is well spoken and confident, and agents can offer strong value in this respect,” he added.
Australian home buyers are increasingly turning to the internet to research their future homes. Research by National Association of Realtors found that 90 per cent of prospective home buyers are looking online to find their perfect home.
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Online selling platform MiSale launches in NSW and VIC

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REI Forms Live (known as Realworks in Queensland) has produced its 10 millionth form. 
The system, created by the Real Estate Institutes in collaboration with Australian software developer Dynamic Methods, integrates with REST Professional, Agentbox, Console, MyDesktop, RP Professional, and APM PriceFinder, and a number of others.
Tim McKibbin, chief executive officer, REINSW said it first went live in February 2010 and and since then ihas been rolled out by most of the REIs across Australia.
“REI Forms Live has doubled its user-base in the past two years, with REIQ, REIACT and REIT coming on board. The creation of the 10 millionth agreement is a major milestone," he said.
“This world-leading technology is having a significant impact on our industry. The feedback from our members has been extremely positive."
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Property 101: REI Forms Live produces 10 millionth agreement  

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GUEST OBSERVER
One of the many advantages in using a buyer’s advocate is to capitalise on both their knowledge of the property market and their relationships with the sales agents.
As a result of such a relationship, I managed to obtain access to an off-market property in the Lower North Show and set up a private inspection with my client.
At the time I suspected the property would be beyond my client’s budget but my client still insisted on viewing the property.
It was a lovely family home in excellent condition and as it was of interest to my client, we completed an appraisal, concluding that the property would be very fair buying in the range of $3.79m to $3.84m.
After discussions with the agent, it was revealed that the vendor ideally wanted $3.9m but we suspected that there would be some room for negotiation.
At the time, I anticipated we would be able to secure the property for around $3.8m to $3.85m but unfortunately this was well beyond my client’s limit so we moved onto another property.
As it would turn out, the vendor’s motivation actually increased a month later once they had purchased and they decided to list the property on the open market.
A couple of weeks later we were contacted by another person who expressed interest in our service.
They initially wanted to purchase a home in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and so I arranged for a meeting with my colleague who specialises in the East.
We outlined our services and put forward our fee schedule. However, unfortunately after further discussions with this prospect they decided not to proceed, but rather to attempt to secure a home themselves.
This is not an unusual occurrence as I have to admit that it can be a little difficult for some people to see the value in our service prior to engaging us.  
As we usually do, we followed up a few more times over a two-week period before finally making contact. 
They told us they had decided not to purchase a home in the Eastern Suburbs, but changed track and preferred a house in the Lower North Shore and of course, you guessed it – it was the same one that I had seen prior to it coming to market.
But the sad part about this story is that this person ended up buying the property in question for an inflated price of $4.07m. 
I will always respect one’s decision to do it alone, using a buyer’s agent is not for everyone.
This was another example of a good selling agent doing their job well and taking advantage of an inexperienced and possibly emotional buyer.
I believe that even after the buyer would have paid our fees, I would have saved them around $200k.
However, this buyer was no Robinson Crusoe – sadly I’ve seen it many times before. Another win for a vendor – I only wish I could have been involved.
Rich Harvey is REBAA president and can be contacted <a href="https://www.rebaa.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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How to throw away $200,000: Rich Harvey

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Elizabeth Brunton, who described herself as one of McGrath’s high performers with loyal dedication to the company for close to 20 years, has departed the estate agency.
She held the position of associate director projects.
There was no confirmation from the agency on the departure, although her profile no longer appears on the McGrath website.
<a href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:hiSYlOIKQ28J:https://www.mcgrath.com.au/agent/1045-elizabeth-brunton+&amp;cd=1&amp;hl=en&amp;ct=clnk&amp;gl=au" target="_blank">The elite project marketer</a>, who declined to respond to approaches to comment on her intentions, had claims of notching up $2.5 billion of transactions.
Her success spanned the eastern seaboard of Australia with experience in the international markets of Asia and China. 
She was recruited to McGrath in 1995 from Ben Boyd Real Estate where she was a property manager.
Her departure was entirely predictable following the resignation of Stephen Chen, the head of projects.
Chen quit around the time that director of sales Matt Lahood departed after more than two decades at the agency. 
The departures of veteran agents appears at this stage to be mostly quarantined to a few of the eastern suburbs office although Derek Farmer, who had sold some 170 properties on the lower North Shore with his speciality Cammeray, has disappeared from the website recently.
A rumoured agency to be established by Lahood and Chen has yet to emerge. 
Nor has the rumoured "mass departure" which The Australian business gossip column, Margin Call has suggested would see 30 agents leave. The denied rumour was followed today by a slight dip in the share price in opening trade to hover around 99 cents, at three month lows.
Recently the Mark Redhill experiment at McGrath ended with the estate agent moving to another eastern suburbs estate agency.
Mark had been working in real estate for 23 years best known for his tenure at the Wentworth Courier before embarking on agency sales.
Mark worked with wife, Lorraine Crawford who "together leveraged their expertise in marketing and sales to offer a multidisciplinary approach."
Crawford remains at the agency.
The latest hiring at the agency is Walter Burfitt-Williams who is described as professional, reliable and highly experienced, an award winning sales agent. He was at BresicWhitney previously.
The group recently announced the opening of its new office in the bayside Melbourne suburb of Sandringham.
McGrath Sandringham is the sixth franchise office the company has opened since first launching in Melbourne in December last year.
The new office will be led by principals Mark Zammit and Fran Harkin with sales agents at the new office including David Picking, Simone Cumberlidge, Andrew Solomon and Melina Scriva.
Fran Harkin was at hockingstuart, as was Zammit who had a consultancy over the past year. 
It takes the number of McGrath offices to 93 on the East Coast.
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Elizabeth Brunton exits McGrath Estate Agents

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Offshore investors had been concerned about their investment through Macro Realty especially since the closure of its Singapore office.
"About time someone puts a stop to this unbridled licence by Macro Group to borrow money from tens of hundreds of investors all over the world," one source advised yesterday after the ASIC announcement.
ASIC advised Perth’s Federal Court has made the interim orders against Desiree Veronica Macpherson that required her to surrender all passports. 
"Many from our part of the world, namely Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore have invested significant portions of our life savings because of our high regards for the Australian financial regulatory system, natural justice and common laws.
"We have been following this development for almost a year now with little in the way of information since Macro closed their office in Singapore after fellow investors complained about not getting paid their monthly interest, and hope the authorities will take the appropriate actions in an expedient manner to ensure borrowers' interests are fully protected."
The website reports it was "proud to announce that MACRO Realty Developments has been awarded the REIT Manager of the Year Award – Singapore 2016 as part of The European Global Banking &amp; Finance Awards."
The European Global Awards recognises organisations and individuals achievements based on leadership, innovation and attention to sound corporate governance.
Earlier this year the WA State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) announced that it has granted a supervision order in relation to Macro Realty Pty Ltd following an application by Consumer Protection.
“Macro Realty is suspended from carrying on its business and controlling the agency’s bank accounts. The supervisor, Alan Ferris of BDO, will now take control of the agency’s financial operations and begin the process of winding up the agency,” the WA Department of Commerce said.
The action follows the company’s failure to appoint a person in bona fide control of the agency as required by the Real Estate and Business Agents Act. The previous person in control of the agency resigned on 9 February 2016 and Macro Realty requested a three-month grace period to find a replacement.
The three-month grace period was granted by the acting commissioner for Consumer Protection, David Hillyard, on condition that the agency submitted its monthly reconciliation summary reports for their three trust accounts for February, March and April 2016.
“The agency’s failure to adequately adhere to these conditions was cause for action to be taken to have a supervisor appointed in order to safeguard the money and property of consumers,” Mr Hillyard said.
“It is extremely important that agents understand and fully comply with any condition placed on their licence, especially relating to three-month grace periods. The risk for doing otherwise, as in this instance, can be fatal to their business,” he said.
“Immediate and decisive action will always be taken to safeguard the money and property of consumers where we believe, on reasonable grounds, that an agent is either unable or unwilling to fulfil their obligations under the Act.”
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Offshore Macro investors seek answers and assurances on funds 

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The AREAs, an industry awards program that spans the property and media industries, will make 17 awards in its inaugural competition.
It is open to estate agents, residential and commercial, developers, home builders, project marketers and media agencies.
<a href="https://theareas.com.au/" target="_blank">The awards</a> will cover the three categories of innovation, service excellence and contribution to the community.
REA Group customers are eligible to enter the following awards: 
 Game Changer of the Year 
 Contribution to Community x 2 – one of which is a People’s Choice Award, open to the public for voting 
 Excellence in Customer Service  Project Campaign of the Year 
 Commercial Property Campaign of the Year 
 Property Campaign of the Year 
 Brand Campaign of the Year 
 Direct Response Campaign of the Year 
The People’s Choice Award is a separate award that will be voted on by consumers after a short-list has been established by the panel of judges. 
The winner will be determined by the highest number of votes received.
Coming from the media, property, data, technology and not-for-profit sectors, the judging panel include: 
 Andrew Winter, real estate expert &amp; host of the LifeStyle Channel’s Selling Houses Australia 
 Chris Gray, CEO Your Empire; leading investment property expert and media commentator 
 Danni Addison, CEO, Urban Development Institute of Australia, Victoria 
 David Spriggs, CEO, Infoxchange 
 Dick Karlsson, Co-Founder and Chief Sales &amp; Marketing Officer, Diakrit 
 Dr Heather Holst, Deputy CEO, Launch Housing 
 Greg Dickason, EGM Real Estate &amp; Partnerships, CoreLogic RP Data 
 Paul Fisher, CEO, UnLtd 
 Greg Troughton, CEO, Real Estate Institute of South Australia 
 Steven Persson, CEO, The Big Issue 
 Tim Burrowes, Editor - Mumbrella 
 Tim McKibbin, CEO, Real Estate Institute of New South Wales 
The panel will be reviewing the property industry’s best examples of service and marketing excellence. 
"To be an agent today and survive is a huge challenge, we have a constantly evolving marketing environment and whilst embracing the continual flow of the next 'must do' still I'm pleased to say the real winners are agents remembering this is a totally people driven industry where outstanding service and human referrals are still vital," Andrew Winter said. 
He offered a tip for those thinking of entering the AREAs before the July 1 cut-off.
 “What I’ll be looking for are submissions that clearly tell a story – a beginning (what was the situation), a middle (what did the person or business do) and an end (what was the impact). If you follow that format you’ll be on the right track."
REA Group CEO Tracey Fellows said the AREAs aimed to help recognise and celebrate people doing amazing things in property and media.
REA Group has been recently included in LinkedIn’s Top Attractors list, featuring the top 25 companies where Australians would most like to work now, based on LinkedIn data.
It was the sole company featured from both the digital and media industries.
 
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AREAs judging panel announced by realestate.com.au

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The NSW Fair Trading department will not be appealing the judgement by the magistrate of Blacktown Local Court that dismissed all charges against BresicWhitney Estate Agents Pty Ltd for falsely understating the estimated selling prices when marketing properties in 2014.
After a considerably delayed trial, the dismissal came on a technicality concerning the term ‘employee’ in the Property Stock and Business Agents Act 2002 (the Act).
In this case the ‘operating’ arm of the business was the licence holder and undertook the business of a real estate agent.
A subsidiary company ‘employed’ the employees.
As a result the court found the ‘employees’ who made the statements about price, which were less than the estimated selling price in the agency agreement, were not technically employed by the licensed agent.
"This is not the policy intent of the provisions and in his findings the Magistrate acknowledged the likelihood that the business was structured in a way that would insulate it to some degree against liability in the event of such matters," a department spokesperson advised.
While the prosecution was taken under the old laws, the Government is now committed to legislative repair.
"Consumers can be assured any legal loopholes will be closed," the spokesperson advised.
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