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

Staff Writer

The outdoor amenities elevating life at Senso, Epping

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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Kokoda appoints builder for $1.5 billion Teneriffe Banks waterfront precinct

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

First look: Buildex plans 57 apartments near Castle Towers

Industry Appointments

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Wayne Lasky, Co-Founder and Managing Director of MaxCap Group has announced the appointment of high profile non-executive director Christian Christian AO to the MaxCap Board.
In welcoming Ms Christian to the Board, Mr Lasky said Ms Christian has an extensive 30-year track record together with outstanding experience in financial services.
“Christine is recognised in the marketplace as a leading Australian company director and chairperson, investor and entrepreneur. Her sector experience in financial services, private equity, investment and credit risk management in particular perfectly complements the strength of our existing team,“ said Mr Lasky.
 Ms Christian is currently serving on a number of other high profile boards in both Australia and the United States.
In taking up the position as a MaxCap Group director, Ms Christian said: “It is an absolute honour to join the Board of MaxCap Group. The company has a market leading reputation for creating lasting value for its clients."
"I am pleased to be involved with MaxCap, their culture is innovative, relationship focused and the business is on an exciting growth trajectory.”
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Christine Christian AO joins MaxCap's Board

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Belle Property Wilston has announced the appointment of agent Luke Burton as director of sales in his return to the agency.
Burton has over a decade of experience in residential real estate sales in Brisbane’s inner north.
“When the opportunity came up to become a key partner in the Belle Property Wilston office, it was an easy decision to make,” said Burton.
Teaming up with principal Debora Sutton in his new role, Burton has already recruited two well-established agents, Alex Struss and Sam Landon.
The agency’s overall growth strategy includes attracting the right people and providing them with the right opportunity, the head of network growth, Nick Boyd, said.
“We have known Luke for a long time, and he is the perfect fit for the business given his skill, background and strong-hold on the local market,” Boyd said.
Prior to running Burton and Ryan, a residential real estate agency of his own, Burton worked for Belle for almost four years.
“I’m excited about what lies ahead for our sales team, and the opportunities we are able to provide sales agents to better serve the local property market to the level deserving of Brisbane’s Inner North,” Burton said about his new position.
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Belle Property Wilston recruits Luke Burton

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Veteran banking executive Ross McEwan — who turned around Royal Bank of Scotland in the wake of the global financial crisis — has been appointed new chief executive of the National Australia Bank.
He was most recently CEO of Royal Bank of Scotland, before that he was an executive at CBA.
The announcement comes five months after NAB's former CEO Andrew Thorburn resigned in the wake of the banking royal commission
McEwan won't commence work with NAB until his current obligations at RBS are completed, no later than April 2020.
The former head of retail banking at the Commonwealth Bank is a New Zealand-born banking heavyweight.
National Australia Bank acting chief executive Phil Chronican, who succeeds Dr Ken Henry as chairman in November this year, praised Mr McEwan's long-standing knowledge of Australian banking.
"Ross McEwan is the ideal leader for NAB as we seek to transform our operations and culture firmly around leading customer service, experience and products," Mr Chronican said in a statement to the stock exchange.
"Ross brings a compelling range of experience across finance, insurance and investment with a track record of delivering important and practical improvements for customers.
Mr McEwan had announced his resignation from RBS in April 2019.
The British Government still owns 62 per cent of RBS, although it plans to sell that stake by 2024.
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NAB announce new CEO Ross McEwan

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Michael Sukkar has been appointed assistant Minister to the Treasurer and Minister for Housing.
He has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2013, representing the Deakin electorate in Victoria for the Liberal Party.
He served as the Assistant Minister to the Treasurer between 24 January 2017 and August 2018, when he returned to the backbench.
Luke Howarth is the assistant minister for Community Housing and Homelessness as key parts of Scott Morrison’s second Ministry.
The announcement of a Federal Housing Minister and an Assistant Ministry for Community Housing in the second Morrison ministry shows an awakening to the importance of affordable housing to the future of the country, according to Nicholas Proud, CEO of PowerHousing Australia, which represents 33 of Australia’s largest tier one and scale-growth community housing providers. 
“As the biggest slowdown in the development of residential housing in our history threatens to see house prices sky rocket again as demand again outstrips supply, the Federal Government signals that affordable housing, social impact and the economy are not mutually exclusive.
“With housing remaining in Treasury there is real promise to build on the development of the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation to see affordable housing deliver up to 10-20 per cent of the national build rate to preserve, jobs, underpin state budgets, preserve supply and keep house prices rising at a more manageable pace.
“Linking Treasury, Cities and Urban Infrastructure makes real common sense, it shows commitment to stop thinking about social and affordable housing as a short-term real estate play and reframes it as a long-term infrastructure yield/risk class ripe for 10-15 year institutional and global investment.
“It also links housing to the deep infrastructure and City Deals investments announced in previous Coalition budgets, which help to reduce congestion and make it easier for Australians, including key workers and those on low and middle incomes, to more easily get to and from work."
Around noted Australia is heading for a slowdown in new housing delivery.
The Australian Banking Association welcomed the reappointment of Treasurer the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP and the new appointments of the Hon Michael Sukkar MP as Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Housing and Senator Jane Hume as Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology.  
The CEO of the Australian Banking Association Anna Bligh welcomed the new appointments and looks forward to working closely with the Government on important policies such as improving protections for customers through overhauling the Banking Code of Practice, Open Banking and the Government’s First Home Buyers policy announced during the campaign.
“There are a number of critical reforms apart from the Royal Commission, most notably Open Banking and Comprehensive Credit Reporting, which the industry is eager to continue to work closely with the Government to ensure their success.
“Australia’s banks hold a critical role in the national economy and stand ready to work with the Morrison Government to ensure the economy keeps growing, from the financing of infrastructure projects to helping everyday people get ahead in life with first homes, cars and small business lending.
“Ensuring lending remains straight forward and easy for Australian customers looking to buy a home or invest in their business is a top priority for the industry and remains a critical element in ensuring the economy is geared for growth,” she said.
 
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Michael Sukkar appointed Minister for Housing

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Century 21 Australasia has appointed industry operative Warren McCarthy as their new CEO, a decade after his last big job.
McCarthy (above) is an veteran of 35 years most recently briefly at McGrath Sutherland where he was sales manager.
He'd previously held senior roles with LJ Hooker.
It was in 2004 when McCarthy took over from Grahame Cooke as the chief executive at L J Hooker, then one of Australia's leading real estate franchise chains and one of the country's most recognisable trusted brands.
At the time the Hooker empire had 700 franchises in Australia and New Zealand, and established a number of beachheads in Asia.
Around 6500 people work under the logo, producing around $25 billion in sales in 2003.
On his 2009 departure it was reported the Suncorp-owned agency, in 12 countries, comprised over 7000 people across 750 franchises.
<div class="page" title="Page 1">He then became the managing director of McCarthy Business Consultants during which time he served on the advisory board of Nextforsale and on the advisory board for Ibuynew.</div>
McCarthy began in the family business in Helensburgh south of Sydney in 1980 and the operation became an LJ Hooker franchise in 1988.
He then joined the franchisor, rising to become associate director, before managing the LJ Hooker Double Bay operation in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
The longtime executive chairman Charles Tarbey will continue to operate as Century 21’s chairman overseeing the team and the franchisees alongside McCarthy.
Tarbey told industry websites that McCarthy brings to Century 21 "a fresh mindset."
John McGrath described McCarthy as “one of Australia’s best real estate agents” when McCarthy described McGrath Estate Agents as "the benchmark and the envy of the entire real estate industry and market leaders when it comes to marketing, training, ethics, technology and sales."
Tarbey bought the Australasian arm of the Century 21 Australasia in 1995.
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Charles Tarbey appoints Warren McCarthy as his CEO at Century 21

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Rod Leaver has been named the new CEO of Knight Frank.
Leaver, the former CEO of Lendlease Australia and later CEO of Lendlease Asia, has been an independent real estate advisor since returning from his role in Asia in 2016.
He has been advising groups on real estate strategy, portfolio governance and urban regeneration projects.
While CEO, Leaver successfully formulated and executed a new strategy for Lendlease Asia, securing two major urban regeneration projects in Singapore and Malaysia totalling US$6 billion, and its first Senior Living development in China.
Leaver said he is delighted to be joining Knight Frank.
"The focus on delivering outstanding client service by providing the best professional advice together with developing outstanding talent accords very much with my own approach to business," Leaver said.
"As a partnership, Knight Frank encourages a sense of entrepreneurship amongst its people while also taking a long-term perspective. 
"I am very much looking forward to starting in May.”
Leaver was named CEO of Lendlease Australia in 2010 and took the top job at Lendlease Asia a year later. 
He had previously been Lendlease's global head of investment management. 
Leaver will replace outgoing chief executive Stephen Ellis who will retire from the firm in June 2019.
Knight Frank chairman and senior partner Alistair Elliott thanked Ellis for his contribution to the partnership over the past nine years.
"His energy and enthusiasm have been central to the success of the Australian business and we wish him well in his retirement.
"I would also like to welcome Rod, whose credentials are absolutely aligned with our desire to substantially grow the Australian business over the next few years.”
 
 
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Knight Frank appoint former Lendlease boss Rod Leaver as new CEO

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The Agency Group Australia has seen Andrew Jensen appointed to the role of interim chairman, effective immediately.
Jensen succeeds Philip Re who tendered his resignation as chairman and from the board of the listed estate agency.
The Agency has a $23 million market capitalisation, after shares fell 15 percent today. Jensen has previously held the position of chief financial officer at The Agency, with a strong prior commercial, strategic and M&amp;A experience.
Jensen was the CFO of Australasia’s largest real estate group Ray White for eight years.
He has also been the CFO of VGC Food Group Pty Ltd, a private diversified manufacturing and franchising group.
“I am delighted to accept the opportunity to be Chairman of The Agency Group at this stage of its development,” Mr Jensen said.
“Despite the current market downturn, this Company is ideally positioned as innovative disrupter in the national real estate market to continue its rapid growth and cement its position as the fastest growing real estate company nationally.”
The Agency fell to ¢19 in its trading on Monday afternoon.
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The Agency managing director Paul Niardone said Phil Re had played a "key role overseeing what has been a significant transformational period for the company."
“As chairman, Phil has steered the company from its infancy, operating from one office in Doubleview with next to no agents under the Ausnet Real Estate Services banner, to being the fastest growing national real estate company in Australia with 293 agents across multiple offices and unaudited group revenue of approximately $24.5 million.
“He has overseen the Company’s substantial growth in Western Australia via the acquisition of Sell Lease Propertyand other notable real estate agencies including Beaufort Realty and the transition to national real estate agency with the acquisition of Top Level Real Estate.
“The board wish to thank Phil for his significant contribution and commitment to the Company and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
</div>
</div>
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Andrew Jensen appointed interim chairman of The Agency

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Former TV presenter Tom Williams has joined LJ Hooker Avnu's new office, the Michael Coombs team in Mosman.
Coombs was previously at McGrath for 16 years before McGrath ended its franchise agreement on the Lower North Shore late last year.
Williams (below), whose kids go to school in Mosman, told the Mosman Collective, who suggested he was always interested in real estate.
“Property – and real estate is my thing," he said.
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“It always has been, but most people haven’t known about it - until now!
“My family are super excited about the incredible opportunity I’ve been given, especially my young daughters.
<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/2019/2/5/Williams1.jpg" alt="">
“I’m really excited about this new direction in my career and thrilled to be joining Team Coombs."
</div>
</div>
Williams <a href="/news/former-tv-presenter-tom-williams-turns-to-real-estate">turned to real estate late last year</a> shortly after leaving Channel 7 where he was the co-host of The Daily Edition.
He joined project marketing company Boutique Estates International, where his sister in law Vanessa Gilbert is a director.
He was marketing Inspire Broadwater, the new Labrador tower on the Gold Coast.
Coombs greeted Williams on Facebook, saying he is "excited to have Tom join the team."
Coombs now have a team of five at LJ Hooker Avnu, carrying four over from the former McGrath office.
Coombs is a founding agent of LJ Hooker Avnu, a little-known, newly launched, technology-based full-service agency based at nearby Neutral Bay.
Coombs told the Mosman Collective appointing Williams was an "absolute no brainer".
“Tom is a Mosman boy who has been involved in property for most of his life,” Coombs said.
“He is a passionate local, he understands our suburb and its people – and his knowledge of the lower north shore market is impressive.
“He’s going to be a huge asset to Team Coombs.”
 
 
 
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Celebrity TV chippy Tom Williams joins Michael Coombs LJ Hooker Avnu team

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Leading McGrath estate agent Peter Starr has resigned from McGrath.
He is serving out his notice, with Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay whispered as his next agency.
He was the top seller in its Edgecliff headquarters.
It marks a return to Raine &amp; Horne for Starr, who rejoined McGrath around 2007.
Starr was the highest selling agent in Sydney's east for McGrath for the past three years.
Starr has over 27 years experience in the real estate industry.
His clients have include the late showbiz impresario Harry M Miller, Olympian Murray Rose and RM Williams boss Ken Cowley.
He was one of the McGrath agents involved in the recently concluded, long running State Government Millers Point terrace house sales campaign.
He commenced in commercial leasing and moved into residential in 1992, including time at Laing &amp; Simmons Double Bay, then starting his own business in 1996 with the purchase of Martin &amp; Punch at Edgecliff.
In 2002 with McGrath wanting to grow their rent roll business, he sold the Martin &amp; Punch business to work at McGrath which was readying for its then anticipated 2002 ASX float.
From early 2006, for around 18 months, he worked at Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay during its Pallier/Goldman/Maskin incarnation.
He then returned to McGrath.
McGrath’s domination in the recent annual Real Estate Business Top 100 Agents ranking with 27 of the Top 100 agents in Australia included Starr in 12th place.
McGrath's overall top selling agent was Matt Steinwede with $271 million in sales on the NSW Central Coast.
Starr notched up $223 million in sales followed by Peter Chauncy on the lower North Shore with $207 million in sales, although not all McGrath agents participate in the REB top 100 listing.
With its recruits falling short, the McGrath Eastern Suburbs sales team has required the direct listing assistance of their founder, John McGrath over recent times as it struggles to secure prestige listings.
John McGrath has also recently <a href="/news/sydneys-number-one-penthouse-hits-the-market-through-john-mcgrath">turned his hand to selling prestige offerings</a>.
 
 
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Peter Starr exits McGrath for Raine & Horne Double Bay

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Former Mirvac CEO Greg Paramor will join the board of directors at Juwai, the No.1 Chinese international property website, as a non-executive director from December.
Paramor has been involved in the real estate and funds management industry for more than 40 years.
He is former CEO of Mirvac Group, past president of both the Property Council of Australia and the Investment Funds Association, a board member of the professional Australian rules football club the Sydney Swans, and the immediate past Chair of LJ Hooker.
Juwai.com board chairman Georg Chmiel said Greg brings to Juwai.com so much expertise in Australian and APAC property, finance, and business that he is a treasure to have on the board.
"We expect Greg to work closely with the existing board members and the executive team on delivering on our vision for Juwai in 2019 and beyond," Chmiel said.
“This year, Juwai.com has delivered rapid growth on its financial and operational metrics."
Paramor said he is delighted to join the board.
“Juwai.com is one of the most exciting real estate technology companies on the landscape today," he said.
“Juwai.com has a promising future, given the size of its addressable market, its lead over potential competitors, and its role in the cross-border property sales process."
In August, Paramor's property fund management and development group, Folkestone, was acquired by Charter Hall Limited for $205 million.
He is a non-executive director at Charter Hall, which is a listed property funds management group with over AU$26 billion under management.
Paramor served as CEO of Mirvac Group between 2004 and 2008. He cofounded Equity Real Estate Partners, Growth Equities Mutual, Paladin Australia and the James Fielding Group. 
Paramor was awarded an Officer in the General Division (AO) of the Order of Australia in January 2015 for his distinguished service to the community through executive roles in fields that include breast cancer research, sport, the not-for-profit sector, and property. 
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