An entity directed by HSN's Rafi Assouline and Rebel Property's Allen Linz has filed plans for an impressive new precinct in Woolloomooloo.

The major mixed-use development would transform a prominent William Street site into a new residential village anchored by affordable housing and a large public park.

The proposal, submitted as a State Significant Development Application, covers 164-172 and 174-194 William Street, a 6,398 sqm site between Forbes Street and Dowling Street on the southern edge of Woolloomooloo.

Designed by fjcstudio in collaboration with Bangawarra, Studio Bright and Tribe Studio Architects, the scheme would deliver 227 apartments across four residential buildings ranging in height up to 18 storeys, alongside retail space, public domain improvements and a new publicly accessible park.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0eb59b7c-914a-4a5c-b849-3a56749f5e93" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.18.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=mxM6EEqeoLjrCiTlCzTKTvzpKuh6kSkH" />

It's another design scheme for Rebel, who took <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-rebel-property-group-takes-woolloomooloo-precinct-to-nsw-government">concept plans to the NSW Gov late last year</a>.

The latest plans will be a mix of 167 build-to-sell apartments and 60 affordable apartments, with the affordable housing component representing 15 per cent of the project's gross floor area. The apartment mix includes 12 one-bedroom, 53 two-bedroom, 89 three-bedroom apartments and 13 penthouses, while the affordable housing component would comprise 42 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b3d4553-8a8c-4af5-aa8c-519ffb1e28c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.20.12%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_Yb6ibN7eDnOtQjCNDK2eviORa4qzgv." />

Rebel Property is seeking to take advantage of the NSW Government's infill affordable housing bonus provisions under the Housing SEPP, which provide additional floor space and height in exchange for the delivery of affordable housing for a minimum of 15 years. The planning pathway allows a 30 per cent increase in floor space ratio and building height where 15 per cent of the development is dedicated to affordable housing.

&nbsp;

At the centre of the development is a 1,356 sqm sunlit public park designed to become a new community gathering space at the gateway to Woolloomooloo. The park would be complemented by a network of pedestrian laneways connecting William Street with the surrounding streets, improving permeability through what is currently a largely impermeable block.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="257af931-a393-4007-8c6d-7219796df58d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.20.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KAHy94GrhaReFsWTGDKfy39EDJ8gEEv4" />

The design team says the public domain has been heavily influenced by the site's topography and Aboriginal cultural heritage, drawing on the escarpments, gullies and landscape characteristics that historically defined the area before urbanisation. The landscape design has been developed in partnership with First Nations consultancy Bangawarra.

The project would be delivered across four separate buildings. The William Street East and William Street West buildings, designed by fjcstudio, would contain the majority of the apartments. Melbourne-based Studio Bright has designed the Forbes Street building, while Tribe Studio Architects is responsible for the Dowling Street building.

Rebel had secured approval for the concept plans late last year.

Joel Robinson

First look: HSN, Rebel, advances Woolloomooloo precinct plans

A locally heritage-listed furniture showroom on Water Street is set to become the centrepiece of a new mixed-use residential development as local developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/keylin-group">Keylin</a> seeks approval for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lotus-on-water-street-290-water-street-fortitude-valley-qld-4006">Lotus on Water Street</a>, a 15-storey project on the Fortitude Valley side of Spring Hill.

The proposal spans 290 Water Street and 137-141 Warry Street, combining several properties into a 2,869 sqm site that sits between Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill and the rapidly evolving Victoria Park precinct. Keylin's plans would deliver 132 apartments alongside new retail, hospitality and commercial space, while retaining and repurposing the historic Brunswick Home Furnishers Showroom that fronts Water Street.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/jackson-teece">Jackson Teece</a>, Lotus on Water Street comprises a 12-storey residential tower rising above a three-storey podium and communal rooftop terrace. The development includes 76 apartments classified as multiple dwellings and a further 56 units proposed as short-term accommodation, designed to be flexibly used as either accommodation or permanent residences. The apartment mix comprises six one-bedroom, 54 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom homes.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9822bb79-6c49-49c9-95ba-319e8c8d81c3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20front.png?VersionId=ioW8zbN4UVebbLetTFuv92t.HkdgfR5e" />

Residents would have access to an extensive rooftop recreation level spanning more than 1,200 sqm of communal open space. Plans include a pool, gym, sauna, infrared sauna, yoga area, library, private dining room, barbecue facilities and landscaped entertainment spaces, making the rooftop the project's largest shared amenity offering.

At street level, the proposal focuses on the adaptive reuse of the heritage buildings along Water Street, where 518 sqm of retail and commercial space is planned across shop, office and food and drink outlet uses. A permeable residential lobby would be positioned between the retained heritage buildings, creating a pedestrian connection between the historic streetscape and the new tower behind.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="269cf3e0-7d13-48bf-a318-05a00deb5c10" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20podium.png?VersionId=DLXmTCLsp6GOcLpQ0h.0z7wKCw59EhN_" />

The heritage retention strategy is central to the scheme. The development application notes that the Brunswick Home Furnishers Showroom and adjoining heritage buildings will remain, with only non-significant structures on the site earmarked for removal under a previously issued Heritage Exemption Certificate. Levels one and two of the new podium are recessed behind the heritage façades to maintain their prominence within the streetscape.

Jackson Teece has drawn inspiration from the site's manufacturing history when designing the podium. The planning documents state that the façade incorporates perforated metal screening that references the woven and rattan furniture historically produced on the site. Cascading and climbing plants are integrated throughout the podium to soften the building's presentation and screen parking levels behind. The landscape strategy also informs the project's name, Lotus on Water Street, drawing on the historic Spring Hollow waterholes that once ran through Spring Hill and the blue water lilies associated with Meeanjin, Brisbane's traditional name.

The proposal also incorporates the neighbouring property at 141 Warry Street, currently occupied by a healthcare service. The existing building would remain, with nine dedicated parking spaces allocated within the new development to support its ongoing operation. In total, Lotus on Water Street proposes 117 car spaces, including 110 resident spaces and seven visitor bays, alongside 100 bicycle spaces.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70cf07bc-4fd8-4e70-92dd-be8b21c4e4f0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20site.png?VersionId=txlxrJImM0Sm_vTzHVKh5DDUkyL_CiiA" />

The site sits within the Spring Hill East Precinct of the Spring Hill Neighbourhood Plan and is positioned around 650 metres from both Fortitude Valley Station and Exhibition Station. It is also within walking distance of the King Street precinct, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston Quarter and Victoria Park, which is earmarked to become a major venue precinct ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Planning documents describe the location as a key gateway between Spring Hill and Fortitude Valley and highlight the area's increasing importance as new transport infrastructure and Olympic-related investment reshape Brisbane's inner north. The development team argues the project will contribute additional housing supply while activating a section of Water Street that has historically received less investment than other parts of the Valley.

Keylin has become increasingly active across Brisbane and southeast Queensland, assembling sites in strategic inner-city locations. They are currently selling and delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/oria-spring-hill-447-gregory-terrace-spring-hill-qld-4000">Oria Spring Hill</a>, just over 140 apartments due for completion in 2027.

Keylin plans heritage-led Lotus on Water Street apartment development in Fortitude Valley

Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

Home Renovations

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More than 20 years after renovation show Changing Rooms first aired on TV, Channel 10 have commissioned a new series.
Natalie Bassingthwaighte (below) will reboot Changing Rooms as its host.
The renovation show will launch on television screens on February 13.
She holds a degree in interior design.
"Our new show will capture the essence and appeal of the original format and re-energise it, with strong storylines and more kitchen and bathroom reveals, which are proven favourites with Australian viewers," the network's chief content officer, Beverley McGarvey, said. 
Their new designers are Tim Leveson, Jane Thomson, Naomi Findlay and Chris Carroll.
Carroll is the director at Melbourne-based TLC Interiors, an interior design studio and home style blog.
Carroll helps clients and readers create amazing spaces regardless of budget. 
"Y'all ready for some amazing design on a tight budget?" Carroll said, adding that that's what he's been doing for years.
"I'm absolutely pumped to show it to you on the big screen," Carroll said.
The show begins on February 13.
"For ages I've been wishing a TV network would produce a series that shows everyday Aussies how to make their homes amazing without spending a fortune, and Channel 10 went and did it," Carroll said.
"The added bonus, of course, is that they cast me on the show to work my styling magic. No fights, (almost) no drama, but plenty of chipped nails and paint-covered hands (give me a manicure stat!)."
Caroll said that a personal level, a TV gig like this "is a dream come true for me," adding that he can't wait to show people you can have a designer home without the designer price tag. 
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Natalie Bassingthwaighte to reboot Changing Rooms

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GUEST OBSERVATION
On average, renovating a home generates far more waste than building a new one from scratch.
This waste goes straight to landfill, damaging the environment. It also hurts your budget: first you have to pay for demolition, then the new materials, and then disposal of leftover building products.
By keeping waste in mind from the start and following some simple guidelines, you can reduce the waste created by your home renovation.
1. It starts with the design
Waste is often treated as inevitable, factored into a building budget with no serious attempt to reduce it.
By raising the issue early with your architect, designer or builder, they can make decisions at the design stage that reduce waste later. Often the designers and architects don’t see their decisions contributing to waste – or rather, they don’t really think about it.
During my research on reducing construction waste, I asked one architect what he thought happens to the waste generated. He laughed with a glint in his eyes and said, “I think it disappears into pixie dust!”
One simple early decision that dramatically reduces waste is designing with material sizes in mind. If you have a ceiling height that does not match the plasterboard sheet, you end up with a tiny little strip that has to be cut out of a full sheet. In the case of bricks, not matching the ceiling height is even more wasteful.
Obviously not all materials will work together at their standard sizes (and you need to fit your renovation to the existing house). But sensitive design can make intelligent trade-offs, reducing overall waste.
When I asked architects why they don’t design zero-waste buildings more often, they said clients don’t ask for it. Make it part of your brief, and ask the architect how they can save money by using the materials efficiently.
2. Get your builder involved early
If you’re using an architect for your renovation, it’s common to have very little collaboration between them and the builder. Any errors or issues are usually spotted after construction has begun, requiring expensive and wasteful rework.
Instead, ask your architect and builder to collaborate on a waste management plan. Such integrated approaches have worked well in Australia and the United States.
This means clients, engineers and builders are collaborating, rather than taking adversarial roles. For such contracts to work, it’s important to involve all parties early in the project, and to encourage cooperation.
The briefing stage is an opportunity for architects, quantity surveyors and builders to work together to identify a waste minimisation target.
3. Whatever you do, don’t change your mind
One the biggest contributions to waste on sites is late design changes. Client-led design changes are identified in all literature as having far-reaching implications on waste.
These are mostly due to owners changing their mind once something is built. Reworking any part of a building due to design changes can account for as much as 50% of the cost overrun, as well as causing delays and generating waste.
The early work with your design and construction team outlined in the first steps gives you the chance to make sure you’re committed to your original design. Skimping in the planning stage can end up costing you far more in the long run.
4. Deconstruction, not demolition
Ask your builder not to demolish the building, but to deconstruct it. Deconstruction means taking a building apart and recovering materials for recycling and reuse. This provides opportunities for sorting materials on site.
Salvaged materials can be resold to the community or reused in the renovations. It greatly reduces the tip fees which are usually higher for mixed waste (typical from demolition process) and lower for sorted waste.
Of course this takes more time and has an additional cost. Therefore you do have to balance the cost of deconstruction against the savings.
Denmark, which recycles 86% of its construction waste, has made it mandatory for all government buildings to undergo selective demolition and sorting of construction waste. A good place to start in Australia is your state environment department, which may have guidelines on what is involved.
5. Choose materials carefully
Good-quality materials last longer, reducing maintenance later. Choosing manufacturers that use minimal packaging also reduces waste (be careful here to check the difference between “minimal” and “inadequate” packaging, as the latter can mean your material breaks).
Reusing materials from your renovation may also be an option (you will need to discuss this with architect and builder at the beginning of the project). Finally, using materials with recycled content is a great option, and boosts our recycling industry.
In March 2017 the Housing Industry Association released data suggesting the Australian residential building industry will increasingly become more dependent on renovation work rather than new construction,
If you’re renovating your home, making efficiency and low waste a priority helps cut costs and reduce landfill.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/103942/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
Deepika Mathur, Researcher in sustainable architecture, Charles Darwin University
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/five-ways-to-reduce-waste-and-save-money-on-your-home-renovation-103942" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Five ways to save money and reduce waste on your home renovation

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Four bidders triggered a $1.16 million sale price for an inner Sydney dump on the weekend.
<a id="x_mcntLPlnk129869" class="x_mcntOWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-erskineville-128913286" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">The Erskineville blank canvas</a> at 48 Charles Street (above and below) was on the market for the first time in 30 years.
It attracted an opening bid of $900,000 below its $1 million pre-auction price guidance. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/20/erk2.jpg" alt="">
"Discover the infinite possibilities to design a contemporary abode enhancing its heritage facade, high ceilings and original floor boards," the Ray White marketing pitch advised.
With side and rear lane access, there was potential to build a second level as have neighbouring homes.
The Daily Telegraph recently suggested there was a dwindling supply of inner city fixer uppers.
But there is another opportunity just a few doors further along.
The home at <a id="x_mcntLPlnk73234" class="x_mcntOWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-erskineville-128974286" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">86 Charles Street</a> (below) goes to auction September 1.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/20/erk3.jpg" alt="">
The home has significant uneven floors, ceiling damage and peeling walls.
Its LJH auction guide is $800,000 to $850,000, the first time offered in 48 years.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/20/erk4.jpg" alt="">
"Hip village cafes, delicious dining spots and city trains are within a stone's throw of its door," the marketing says.
In Melbourne, one of Fitzroy’s last remaining unrenovated terraces, albeit habitable, sold after two bidders sought out the renovation opportunity.
Broxbourne House, <a id="x_mcntLPlnk400359" class="x_mcntOWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/427-george-street-fitzroy-vic/property-details-sold-residential-12007504/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">at 427 George Street</a> (below, has been continually occupied by one family for 100 years.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/20/brix1.jpg" alt="">
Bidding kicked off with a $1.05 million vendor bid with Domain reporting the home sold to a couple intending to relocate from an apartment in Collingwood for $1.15 million.
Its price guidance had been $1.05 million to $1.15 million through Nelson Alexander.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/20/brix2.jpg" alt="">
Sydney's top weekend auction sale was 12 Haughton Street, Linley Point which fetched $5.35 million pre-auction.
<a id="x_mcntLPlnk374804" class="x_mcntOWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-linley+point-128879810" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">The five bedroom, three bathroom house</a> was sold after eight days on the market with $5 million to $5.5 million price guidance through McGrath.
It had last sold in 2015 at $4.7 million.
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<div class="x_mcntcolumn">There were 572 auctions held in Sydney, the busiest week since July 2018, returning a preliminary clearance rate of 56.5 per cent. </div>
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In comparison, there were 458 auctions held over the previous week and the final auction clearance rate was 53.8 per cent. 
One year ago, 720 auctions were held and the Sydney clearance rate came in at 67.8 per cent.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/8/20/Erko%20Chart.JPG" alt="">
Melbourne's top sale was $3,805,000 for 9 Wallace Grove, Brighton.
The Brighton home was tipped to sell for between $3.3 million and $3.63 million by its Buxton listing agency.
<a id="x_mcntLPlnk417697" class="x_mcntOWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/9-wallace-grove-brighton-vic/property-details-buy-residential-12005364/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">The once grand four bedroom Californian bungalow</a> sits on a 920sqm land holding.
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In Melbourne, a preliminary auction clearance rate of 55.7 per cent was recorded across 868 auctions. Last week there were 721 auctions returning a final clearance rate of 58 per cent.
One year ago, the clearance rate was a stronger 75.6 per cent across 1,001 auctions.
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Brisbane had the highest volume of auctions in the other capital cities with 103 homes going under the hammer, returning a strong preliminary clearance rate of 60 per cent.
There were 1,692 homes taken to auction across the capital cities this weekend, returning a preliminary auction clearance rate of 56.7 per cent, making it the busiest week for auctions since June 2018. 
Last week, 1,402 auctions were held and the final clearance rate came in at 54.9 per cent. 
Over the same week last year, auction volumes were higher with 2,064 homes going under the hammer across the combined capital cities and the clearance rate was a stronger 69.8 per cent, CoreLogic noted.
Units outperformed houses with 58.5 per cent of units selling at auction, while 56 per cent of houses sold across the combined capital cities.
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Erko dump fetches $1.1 million

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The Los Angeles-based entrepreneur Andrew Banks and his wife Andrea returned last week to Point Piper.
It was a $21 million non-harbourfront acquisition by the star of Channel Ten's Shark Tank reality series. 
The couple have immediately lodged $1.4 million renovation plans telling neighbours their proposed Bokor Architecture alterations are generally restricted to internal changes, although they will be knocking down the quaint 1930s weather vane tower above the garage. 
There will be a new zinc roof and they plan to render the red brick home with a white wash.
Banks is leaving no stone unturned in the renovation.
He's called on one of Australia's leading landscapers Paul Bangay to create the gardens, while Thomas Hamel, of the same standing in the designing world, will be handling the interior.
The Bank's are back in Australia’s most expensive neighbourhood, having made headlines in 2010 for the $52 million sale of their waterfront mansion, Villa Veneto to the Penn family.
Their recently acquired 1930s-era residence on Wyuna Road was sold by South African medical device entrepreneur Dr Charalambos Revelas and his wife Mary who are the $15.75 million buyers of Edgecliff trophy home, Carmel.
Carmel was built in the 1930s for stockbroker, Stanley Utz. Banks, who started his career as an actor in England at The Old Tote Theatre Company, made his fortune in the recruitment industry, co-founding Morgan &amp; Banks in 1985 with Geoff Morgan.
His appearances on the Channel Ten show - where he returns later this year - saw him offer to invest in the iCapsulate coffee company, with a show record $2.5 million, which would have given him 22.5% of the company. But it failed to proceed after Bank did due diligence.
Following the sale of his Point Piper trophy home in 2010, the couple moved to Los Angeles, paying $US9 million for a Beverly Hills mansion, quite near to where their children, Nick and Sophia had made their homes having married Americans.
After a major renovation, the couple recently sold in Beverly Hills for US$15,995,000.
One of his mottos is "I don’t think we should tip-toe through life towards death".
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Point Piper renovation for Shark Tank's Andrew Banks

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Gold Coast businessman Grant Balemi has used Bartercard to transform a rundown acreage property at Carrara into a $1 million-plus show home.
The car dealer said the $230,000 renovation of the property would not have been possible without his Bartercard trade dollars, which delivered him almost half – or approximately $105,000 worth – of services from key tradies.
After paying $515,000 for the two-acre property three years ago, Grant and wife Debbie have received a number of appraisals of more than $1 million post-renovation.
They have listed the five-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence for sale and are currently seeking expressions of interest over $1million, putting the property on track for an impressive capital gain after reducing significant cash expenses via the global trading network.  
“It’s quite amazing how much of the renovation I’ve been able to do through Bartercard, and it’s turned out beautifully,” Mr Balemi said.
A Bartercard South Gold Coast member since 2013, Mr Balemi initially used the barter trade exchange for his car dealership, Auto Pursuit, to save cash on services he required like towing, dent repair and car detailing.
Having experienced the cash-saving power of Bartercard, Mr Balemi decided to apply it to his journey up the property ladder and factored it into his purchase of the Carrara property in 2014.
<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/2017/05/25/Grant%20Balemi%203%20RESIZED.jpg" alt="">
“We probably paid a bit too much for the property initially, but we recognised its potential, because it was acreage living just 10 minutes from Broadbeach,” he said.
“With the Commonwealth Games coming up, and being right around the corner from Metricon Stadium and private school Emmanuel College, the area is also poised for major growth.
“The plan from the outset was always to use Bartercard to help fund the improvements that this property desperately needed.
“It would have been impossible to carry out a renovation of this size without the Bartercard element.”
Mr Balemi tapped into the Bartercard network on the Gold Coast, Brisbane and interstate to source “big ticket” trades such as tiling, concreting and plumbing, as well as electrical fittings, plants and bathroom products.
Trade dollars also paid for the building of a sandstone retaining wall on the expansive property, which has a rural outlook – looking down on show horses – and fronts nature reserve bordering Emerald Lakes Golf Club.
“I was able to find a large selection of trades I needed through the Bartercard network and in most cases, it was a 100 per cent trade with those members,” Mr Balemi said.
“If you want to save cash, it’s definitely the way to go.
“It’s a no brainer for someone who wishes to do a renovation but may not have the cash or the borrowing capacity to do it.”
Mr Balemi said the sale of the property would put the couple in a stronger financial position.
“It’s a beautiful property now and we wouldn’t really be selling it under other circumstances,” he said.
“But it will allow us to get on top of debt and buy more real estate.”
Bartercard co-founder and South Gold Coast franchise owner Andrew Federowsky said Mr Balemi’s renovation demonstrated how Bartercard could be used to save cash while boosting purchase power.
“Grant is a great example of just how much value can be extracted from Bartercard, both professionally and privately,” Mr Federowsky said. 
“Whether it’s building a house, running a business or even paying for a wedding, the range of goods and services available to our members is unlimited.”
For more information, please visit <a href="https://www.bartercard.com.au" target="_blank">www.bartercard.com.au</a> or call Bartercard South Gold Coast on (07) 5593 5916.
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Bartercard fuels auto dealer's $230,000 property transformation

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GUEST OBSERVER
The latest edition of the HIA Renovations Roundup report predicts that home renovations will become an increasingly important part of the residential building industry over the next few years.
2016 marked the strongest year since WWII for new home building starts in Australia but our forecasts indicate that activity is set to decline on this front over the next three years.
In this context, our industry will become more dependent on work related to home renovations activity. Many are surprised to learn that renovations currently account for about one third of all residential building work. By the end of the decade, renovations activity is likely to represent some 42 per cent of all residential building activity.
Detached house building in Australia reached very high levels between 1985 and 1995. This large stock of homes is becoming increasingly ripe for major renovations work. Added to the mix are remarkably low interest rates and the big home equity windfalls in Sydney and Melbourne – pretty ideal conditions for renovations demand.
At the moment, the one key difficulty for the renovations market is the fact that turnover in the established house market is falling. This is an important driver of demand, and prospects for renovations growth would be even stronger if transactions on this side of the market started to increase again.
According to the March 2017 edition of the HIA Renovations Roundup report, renovations activity grew by 2.7 percent in 2016 to $33.06 billion. The pace of growth is projected to slow to just 0.3 percent in 2017, before reaching 3.2 percent in 2018. Further growth in 2019 (+2.4 percent) and 2020 (+2.5 percent) is expected to bring the value of home renovations activity in Australia to $35.94 billion.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/24/hia%201.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/24/hia%201.png" width="600" height="311">
Source: HIA Economics
Shane Garrett is senior economist for HIA and can be contacted <a href="https://hia.com.au/en/BusinessInfo/economicInfo/EcoGroup.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Home renovations driving Australia’s next building boom? Shane Garrett

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A spike in household trade sales across Australia is set to drive the next wave of growth in the industrial and logistics sector, CBRE's latest research reveals.
CBRE's Industrial and Logistics, Q3 2016, MarketView report highlights increased levels of spending on household goods – driven by a national spike in home renovations – is offsetting reductions in manufacturing.
CBRE’s Senior Managing Director, Industrial &amp; Logistics, Pacific, Matt Haddon said the buoyant housing and home renovation market was increasing demand for warehouse space in several markets across the country.
"Greater demand for warehouse space for the occupation of household trade suppliers is increasing competition and supporting rental growth prospects in core markets," Mr Haddon said.
Highlighting the upturn in activity in the household trade sector, Dulux Group, Target, Hickory, Reece, Stanley Black and Decker, Koch Fertiliser and Reece have all taken up significant leases this year, securing a combined 315,890 square metres.
The report shows household trade growth has lifted 5.3 percent in the past 12 months, while increasing home approvals over the same period have also strengthened demand for warehouse space.
Mr Haddon said the underlying strength of Australia's housing sector would continue to be a steady source of growth for the industrial and logistics market.
"Investor appetite for high quality, well leased industrial assets remains strong, with buyers seeking out opportunities in core markets on Australia's east coast," Mr Haddon explained.
“With rents close to the bottom of the cycle, investors are becoming increasingly attracted to the prospect of income growth potential, in addition to the traditional stability that has long been a hallmark of the industrial and logistics sector.”
In the three months to September 2016, $968 million in industrial and logistics assets changed hands – the strongest quarter of this year.
Sales volumes were driven by a number of major transactions in Victoria, including the GM Holden site in Port Melbourne for $130 million and the Coles Distribution Centre in Truganina for $100 million.
Super prime yields meanwhile have continued to compress in Sydney and Melbourne, falling by 40 basis points year on year to 6.3 percent - driven largely by the strength in demand for premium assets.
By comparison, non-core markets such as Perth, Adelaide and regional locations have not witnessed the same compression, with investors remaining guarded and showing a preference for the major eastern seaboard core locations.
CBRE Senior Research Manager Kate Bailey said Australia's industrial and logistics sector was showing evidence of a two-speed market, with rents on the east coast continuing to increase while the resource states of Western Australia and Victoria remained sluggish.
"Melbourne experienced its first quarter of positive rent growth in Q3, recording an increase of 0.8 percent, which was predominantly driven by the northern and city fringe markets," Ms Bailey said.
"Sydney continued to experience rental growth, with 2.0 percent recorded in Q3, however, with a stronger supply pipeline forecast, this level of growth is expected to soften."
Sydney
New South Wales' strong housing market, coupled with an upturn in retail trade, has supported growth in the state's industrial sector.
"Retail trade has been growing consistently, both nationally and in New South Wales. With this comes additional demand for warehousing space in close proximity to residential centres," Ms Bailey said.
"A solid pipeline of infrastructure projects earmarked for the state is also expected to provide a stimulus for industrial occupiers."
During the quarter, super prime net face rents increased 2.0 percent and secondary rents lifted 2.2 percent. The outer west has recorded the strongest growth, with an 11 percent jump for prime assets.
The quarter has also seen strong interest from offshore investors, with Singapore-based Mapletree Logistics Trust securing Altis Property's $85 million portfolio.
Melbourne
Industrial sales so far in 2016 totaled $1.42 billion - 56% greater than in the same period in 2015.
The strong sales pipeline has been underpinned by the sale of Coles distribution centre in Truganina for $100 million on a yield of 5.4 percent and the GM Holden site for $130 million.
Ms Bailey said the sales highlighted the strength of the domestic buyer market.
"Despite strong offshore interest in industrial assets, interest from domestic buyers remains high. Solid sales growth is anticipated for the rest of the year, with continued high levels of enquiry from foreign and local buyers," Ms Bailey said.
During Q3, super prime yields compressed by 17 basis points to 6.0 percent - reflecting the continued demand for high quality industrial assets.
By comparison, yields for secondary assets are continuing to decrease at the same rate as super prime assets, highlighting investors' ongoing search for good returns.
Melbourne industrial rents recorded positive growth for the first time since the June quarter in 2014 – a trend that will continue amid a reduced supply pipeline in the short to medium term.
Super prime rents jumped 0.8 percent in the quarter – underpinned by a 3.6 percent increase in the north – while secondary rents remained unchanged.
Brisbane
Occupier demand for industrial space is being driven by a flight to quality in Brisbane, with tenants increasingly chasing higher quality assets
"Landlords have become more aggressive in attracting and retaining tenants, with incentives edging higher to an indicative 15% - and in some cases, incentives twice this level have been observed," Ms Bailey said.
Super prime yields remained around 6.5% in Q3, with prime yields hovering at 7.4% and secondary yields at 8.7%.
While 2016 sale volumes are down on 2015 - $402 million versus $578 million in the corresponding period – institutional investors are growing portfolios by funding design and construct or speculative development.
"The design and construct, and pre-commitment market is generating the greatest level of activity, with businesses taking advantage of competitive deals in flight to quality areas such as Redbank, Rochedale and Brisbane Airport," Ms Bailey said.
Perth
Consolidation continues to be a persistent trend in Perth's industrial market, with occupiers focused on increasing efficiency and lowering costs.
Industrial rents declined during Q3, with super prime net face rents dipping 4.9% and secondary net face rents lowering by 4.8%.
"The ongoing rental softening in the industrial market directly corresponds to the weaker confidence evident as a result of the cooling resources sector," Ms Bailey said.
Yields remained unchanged over Q3, following yield compression in the first half of the year – driven by the low interest rate environment and lack of supply of well-leased, investment-grade assets in the market.
Adelaide
Adelaide's inner west is emerging a sought after industrial pocket, with low levels of supply in the area underpinning strengthening levels of demand for assets.
Yields remained flat across all markets in Q3, following a period of strong compression, which is reflective of investors seeking out investments that offer better returns relative to risk.
Adelaide's industrial supply pipeline remains strong, with the September quarter seeing 23,310sqm of new space added – the strongest quarter of 2016.
Despite this however, only a small amount of new industrial space is forecast over the next 12 months, which may help to support some rental growth.
Canberra
Canberra's Mitchell industrial precinct is positioned to benefit from the Metro Capital light rail project currently underway, with it underpinning both demand and investment in the space.
"The Mitchell industrial area will benefit from this massive infrastructure project in both the construction phase and the operational phase as operating the rail line will require the employment of these industrial skills," Ms Bailey said.
Canberra industrial rents remained steady in the September quarter, with super prime net face rents at $109 and secondary rents at $75.30.
There has been just one transaction in Canberra's industrial market this year, a multi-use showroom in Mitchell for $6.55 million.
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Home renovation boom drives next wave of industrial growth

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The future increase of home renovations are expected to take up the slack in weaker levels of new home building, according to the Housing Industry Association.
In the HIA's latest Renovations Roundup, senior economist Shane Garrett, said the turnover of existing homes also generates additional renovations demand which is important because many renovation jobs are initiated by the new buyers of aging houses.
“With new home building set to fall back over the coming years, there will be increased reliance on home renovations activity as a source of demand within the industry," he said. 
“Home renovations’ demand has a lot going for it at the moment: low interest rates, a strong pace of dwelling price growth in key areas and healthy labour market conditions in the larger cities. Our renovations market survey also indicates that the price of houses in Sydney and Melbourne is persuading homeowners previously considering moving house to instead embark on major renovation projects in their current homes.
“Overall, we anticipate that renovations activity will continue to grow modestly over the next few years and take up some of the slack that will result from weaker levels of new home building. With annual home renovations expenditure topping $31 billion, the sector packs quite a punch across the Australian economy.
"In 2016, we project that activity will grow by another 3.0 percent, with the pace of expansion slowing to 1.4 pe cent in 2017. Growth is expected to pick up to 2.4 percent in both 2018 and 2019. Overall, the volume of renovations activity is anticipated to increase from $31.38 billion in 2016 to $33.37 billion in 2019, an overall expansion of 6.3 percent. 
The report noted the volume of activity increased by 4.7 percent in 2015, the strongest growth since 2010.
<a href="/images/2016/10/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-10-07%20at%2011.20.21%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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