One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

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fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

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FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

Joel Robinson

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

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

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

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

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

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

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

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

Industry News

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Shelley Penn, a past president of the Australian Institute of Architects, has been announced as a winner in the 100 Women of Influence Awards for 2014.
The awards, a joint initiative between The Australian Financial Review and Westpac, recognised Penn in the Public Policy category for advocating for the architecture profession and design quality.
Current national president of the Australian Institute of Architects, David Karotkin, said that she has been an outstanding representative for the architecture profession.
“She has been a member of the Architects Registration Board of Victoria, Victoria's first Associate Government Architect, Chair of the National Capital Authority, Deputy Chair of the Heritage Council of Victoria and Principal of her own small practice for 21 years, to name just a few of her accomplishments,” he said.
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Shelley Penn, past Australian Institute of Architects president, winner in 100 Women of Influence 

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Tom Hoogenbosch, director of Edgepoint Homes, is undertaking a 200 kilometre two-day ride to raise funds for The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
With more than 1,200 riders, he will be in good company on his trip to the Mornington Peninsula and back.
Hoogenbosch is currently in the top five fundraisers list for the Ride to Conquer Cancer and it is his second time participating in the event, having done the ride last year as well.
His initial fundraising goal was $29,400 for the Edgepoint Homes team, which includes director Ben Thomas, staff members, friends, suppliers and sponsors. They have already surpassed that goal – currently at $39,335.30.
If Property Observer readers would like to donate <a href="https://ml14.conquercancer.org.au/site/TR/Events/Melbourne2014?team_id=12092&amp;pg=team&amp;fr_id=1141" target="_blank">you can see their team page here</a>.
The ride is on 25-26 October.
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Edgepoint Homes director’s two day ride for cancer fundraising

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While real estate agents are there to work for the vendor, it doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t do the right thing for the buyer as well.
The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales’ training Twitter account <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/REINSWTraining/status/517473540564480001" target="_blank">shared out this gem this morning</a>:
<img src="/images/2014/10/2/Picture%2051.png" alt="">
Linked to three pieces of advice for referrals from 2013’s number one salesperson in the New South Wales Ray White group, Double Bay’s Gavin Rubenstein, the quote is part of his “Focus on the result” advice.
“Build your business around your principles and clients will notice. It only takes one good result to make your vendors advocates for you and your business,” <a href="https://www.reinsw.com.au/default.aspx?ArticleID=15237" target="_blank">Rubenstein advises</a>.
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Do the right thing by the buyer: REINSW Tweet of the Day

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LJ Hooker is on the market, with investment bank Lazard assisting the real estate agency network to sell the business.
The real estate agency consists of 700 franchises across New Zealand and Australia.
LJ Hooker’s chairman, Greg Paramor, confirmed Lazard's appointment to The Australian, saying that the sale process should be completed by the end of 2014.
No price guidance has been given, but it was previously purchased in a lesser state in 2009 for around $67 million.
How much it may sell for today, however, is anyone’s guess.
The official statement from LJ Hooker provided to Property Observer notes that when the company was acquired from Suncorp in late 2009 it was done so by an investment group with a horizon of three to five years, and with the time period approaching they have appointed the corporate adviser.
It notes that the majority of the shareholders remain committed to LJ Hooker and that for the brand it's "business as usual".
While the outcome could potentially be one purchaser, sources say it's more likely the case that a number of investors would buy in.
The group has had approaches from local and offshore parties, including private equity, the Australian Financial Review reported mid-week. 
LJ Hooker, founded by the legendary Sir Leslie Hooker in 1928, is one of the nation’s best-known brands.
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LJ Hooker expected to be sold by end of 2014

Why Century 21 agents are wearing pink, not gold, in October

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Would you want your investment property to be rated by your past tenants? It’s time for this to happen, according to the Tenants Union of Victoria.
They’re looking to launch Rate Your Rental, via a crowdfunding Pozible campaign, what they’re calling the Trip Advisor of residential rental properties.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.pozible.com/project/183360" target="_blank">newly launched campaign</a>, which as of writing has raised $979, requires $30,000 in funds to build the site, as quoted by a web developer. It has 59 days to achieve this target.
The new site, RateyourRental.com.au, will allow tenants to check past tenants’ ratings before they’ve signed the lease. It may include details about your property such as horrible neighbours, mould issues, high electricity bills or “that your new home is structurally unsound and sinking”. These issues, they note, are those that aren’t present at inspection.
The ratings will be through a star-rating system, out of five, for a number of aspects of the property. Comments around qualitative points of that rental, including outstanding repairs, standard of fixtures and fittings, heating, air conditioning and energy efficiency, will also be included.
Perhaps it will encourage some landlords to up their game; perhaps it will allow a platform for disgruntled tenants to vent their spleen.
Either way, it’s unclear if investors can “opt out” of having their property on the site – the internet has a long memory and when they come to sell those ‘bad neighbours’ that may have long moved could put off prospective future buyers.
The Tenants Union of Victoria is calling it a “game changer” – assisting tenants, saving them valuable time and money.
Advertising options are available on the site, including for those who donate $2,500 and over.
With subscriptions offers available, it appears that, should funding be received, a January 2015 launch is expected. They’re also currently looking for volunteers, advertising for bloggers to share the message, moderators to review the comments on the new site and web developers.
The URL is currently registered to White Rabbit Studios Pty Ltd.
Similar websites currently exist, although appear largely unused in Australia to date - this includes <a href="https://www.dontrentme.com/" target="_blank">Don’t Rent Me.</a> More popular overseas options, such as RentalRaters, are gaining some traction.
CEO of the Tenants Union of Victoria, Mark O'Brien said that renters have been at the mercy of "lousy landlords and dodgy real estate agents" with this new site to redistribute some power back to tenants by replicating the approach in Australia.
 “There are over 1 million tenants in the private rental market in Victoria – Rate your Rental will give them the benefit of checking past ratings on a property before they’ve signed a lease. We think it will start to tip the balance of power back towards tenants, but we need your help to make it a reality” said O’Brien.
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Tenants Union of Victoria launches crowdfunding campaign to finance property rating website

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The Australian estate agency CBRE has suggested the recent offshore marketing of Melbourne's tallest building, Australia 108, was being undertaken by "rogue" agencies.
Last week a Singaporean agency started taking buyer interest registrations, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/southbanks-australia-108-marketing-underway-offshore-through-knight-frank-singapore">on which Property Observer reported</a>. The website page was removed this week.
<img src="/images/2014/09/23/australia-108-sept-23-one.png">
Screenshots from the Singaporean website marketing Australia 108 before it was removed.
CBRE was also aware of another Singaporean company taking registrations using dated imagery of the former project.
The ambitious project's former owner, a mostly local Melbourne developer syndicate had begun <a href="/news/vic/fender-katsalidis-australia-108-tower-seeks-1-000-early-buyer-registrants">privately taking deposits</a> on the then 108-storey proposal offering from late 2012.
But the revised project, which is still awaiting final floor plan designs, is now being developed by the Singaporean company, Aspial.
At 319 metres it will be the tallest block in the southern hemisphere.
There will be an estimated 1,105 apartments in the complex, located up to its 100th level with a 2019 estimated completed date.
"It is a rogue operator attempting to get registrations," CBRE Residential Projects Victoria managing director Andrew Leoncelli told Property Observer.
"It's my project," he said, adding the two Singaporean agencies were "unauthorised".
Giving an estimated November 2014 to March 2015 timetable for the initial marketing, he indicated CBRE was the only appointed agency.
While CBRE have not yet taken any registrations, a January 2013 CBRE press release after the development site sale to the Aspial group indicated "people who have registered their interest in an Australia 108 apartment will be contacted with an update on designs for the tower once plans are further advanced." 
The prior Australia 108 consortium included Nonda Katsalidis; investor Adrian Valmorbida; developer Benni Aroni representing the Watersun syndicate made up of himself, Gary Caulfield, Rob Elliott and others; and the Beulah International syndicate representing the Malaysian partners.
Comment has been sought from Aspial.
The Knight Frank Singaporean commission agent spoken to by Property Observer said he had authorisation to take inquiries and registrations.
"Our company has been appointed," he said referring Property Observer to the agency website, which has since been taken down.
<img src="/images/2014/09/23/australia-108-sept-23-seven.png" alt="">
 
Designed by Melbourne-based and internationally renowned architect, Fender Katsalidis, the iconic tower comes with a striking starburst at levels 70 and 71 that will house Melbourne’s highest and largest recreational facilities area for residents.
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The iconic golden starburst will be located 210m above ground level and will house luxurious services for residents, including club lounges, fitness centres and private dining spaces, private theatres as well as two large gymnasiums and infinity edge pools, all of which will enjoy spectacular views over Melbourne. Level 70 will also feature a sky garden,
Facilities on level 70 will be for all residents, while residents living in the 170 apartments located above the starburst (from level 72 onwards) will enjoy exclusive access to private recreational facilities on level 71. The tower’s luxurious penthouse will exclusively occupy level 100. 
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“We see significant opportunities and interest in the Melbourne property scene – given it has been voted the most livable city in the world1 for the last four years. said Mr Koh Wee Seng, CEO of Aspial recently.
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“The Group is extremely privileged to be able to deliver such a landmark project in Melbourne, where we see a great appetite for luxury apartment living. We believe this building will redefine luxury living and also play a major role in showcasing Melbourne as a world-class city and leader in modern architecture,” Koh Wee Seng added, indicating the project had a S$1 billion gross development value.
Prices for one bedroom apartments will start from A$450,000. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Rogue marketing claims in offshore Australia 108 registrations

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The McGrath Estate Agents group maintains its payroll dispute with the New South Wales Office of State Revenue (OSR) has industry-wide repecussions.
<a href="/news/estate-agent-john-mcgrath-considers-asx-float">Property Observer revealed yesterday</a> that the prominent estate agency has been issued OSR payroll tax assessment notices.
The total amount being disputed is $6,072,810, inclusive of payroll tax, interest and penalty tax.
The directors believe McGrath Sales Proprietary Limited has no payroll tax obligations and intends to further challenge the assessments, or any other future assessments, if their objection is dismissed.
It said the assessments relate to commission income received by conjunction agents during the period from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2012.
The group's chief operating officer Geoff Lucas advised Property Observer that in the real estate industry there had been a trend of licensed co-agents operating their own independent business within a business.
"An Australia-wide trend towards a more mobile and flexible workforce has led to a decentralisation of employees and the rise of independent employment arrangements. 
"This is an industry issue not a McGrath issue. "To suggest that we have deliberately sought to avoid our financial obligations is absolutely incorrect." Lucas said McGrath has lodged an appeal against the OSR finding which will have repercussions for the entire real estate industry.  "Like owning your own home, running your own business is the other great Australian dream," said Lucas.
In response to the OSR's allegations that McGrath had failed to fulfill its payroll tax obligations, Lucas said the company had received extensive legal and accounting advice to ensure its compliance. "As the matter is now before the courts, it is not appropriate for us to comment any further," he said. 
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McGrath Estate Agents says payroll dispute has industry-wide repercussions

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Cohen Handler and Calibre Real Estate have taken out top awards in the Smart Company’s 2014 Smart50 ranking, a yearly awards event for the fastest growing businesses.
<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/smartcompany-awards-2014/43757-5-cohen-handler" target="_blank">Buyer’s agency Cohen Handler ranked fifth</a>, with $2.9 million revenue and 152% growth, a stellar result after being created in 2010 by young founders Ben Handler, 30, and Simon Cohen, 29.
Now with 27 employees, Handler told Smart Company that the uncertainty of challenges keeps the adrenalin running 24/7, and said that they tapped into the underserviced buyers’ market – where they saw consumers lacking representation in real estate transactions.
The next step for the New South Wales based company is to get to an aggressive scale on a national level, looking to undertake high level B2B partnerships and leverage off Australia-wide leads and customers.
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/smartcompany-awards-2014/43712-37-calibre-real-estate" target="_blank">ranked 37th, Brisbane-based real estate agency Calibre Real Estate</a> secured more than $2.2 million of revenue, reporting 63.29% growth. Founded in 2009, the husband and wife team in their early 30s, Alice and Justin Hagen, have built a company with 26 employees. Alice handles the property management side, while Justin handles the sales.
While Brisbane’s market has been volatile, the company has come close to doubling its revenue since their appearance in last year’s Smart50.
Just last year, Calibre opened a marketing office in China, and have plans to further extend internationally, said Justin Hagen. 
“Our short-term objective is to expand further into the overseas and interstate market wanting to invest in Queensland properties,” he told Smart Company.
“Our vision is to have eight offices throughout south-east Queensland within three to five years by retaining part ownership of each office.”
They also use value-add techniques, including their own interior design and home staging business.
The Hagens also plan to offer value-added incentives to customers, including launching their own interior design and home staging businesses.
Smart Company is a sister publication to Property Observer in the Private Media suite of publications.
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Cohen Handler and Calibre Real Estate rank high in Smart50 Awards

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The high-profile real estate agent John McGrath is considering a public float of his 61 office estate agency network.
Discussions had taken place with JPMorgan on an initial public offering of the McGrath Estate Agents business, according to The Australian, but were at a very early stage.
Its chief operating officer Geoff Lucas confirmed the group was intent on considering all options.
"Listing is just one of several options that the McGrath Board is exploring and yet to determine as the company continues its expansion," he said.
Earlier scoping did not eventuate in any float after having been mooted at least twice over the past two decades or so. Property Observer has also heard suggestions that McGrath had also been considering selling equity after an approach from an international property agency.
John McGrath began his career at John O'Brien's Goodhope Realty agency in Paddington in the mid-1980s, which became McGrath Goodhope in 1988.
Some colleagues remain within the group whose website reported annual residential sales turnover of $10.1 billion. The recent annual tally was from 10,574 sales with some 3,334 properties at $1 million or more.
Its most recent official annual report, for the 2012-13 financial year indicated a doubling in profit after providing for income tax to $4,524,301, up from 2011-12 which had a $2,248,459 profit. 
Dividends totaling $1,710,000 were declared and paid during the 2012-13 year.
During the 2012-13 year the group expanded its office network to 53 including 45 franchise offices with over $7 billion in residential sales volumes from 7,870 transactions.  
The group is chaired by Wendy McCarthy, the executive director of McCarthy Management Pty Limited and founder of McCarthy Mentoring.
The other independent director is Cass O'Connor, a corporate advisor, private equity investor and equities research analyst currently running her own advisory and investment firm. She has previously been a senior advisor with Carnegie, Wylie &amp; Company (now Lazard Australia); dxecutive director with Goldman Sachs Australia LLC; director of Turnbull &amp; Partners Limited and equities research analyst with Bain &amp; Company (now Deutsche Bank).
Over recent years the group has bought rival businesses and rent rolls.
In May 2012, McGrath acquired the sales and rent roll and business of Sarah Lorden Real Estate Pty Limited. 
In the same month the company acquired the rent roll business of IC Property Group International Pty Limited, while in December of the same year, McGrath acquired the rent roll businesses of Sellit Investments Pty Ltd and Julia Lerner.
McGrath Limited has bank facilities totalling $7,687,108 with five fully drawn advance facilities - starting with a $2,343,596 facility repayable by March 2017.
Before any float McGrath will need to conclude a serious payroll dispute with the New South Wales Office of State Revenue (OSR) which issued payroll tax assessment notices to McGrath Sales Proprietary Limited in August last year.
The assessments relate to commission income received by conjunction agents during the period 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2012.
McGrath has lodged an objection to the assessments with the OSR in September 2013.
The total amount being disputed is $6,072,810 inclusive of payroll tax, interest and penalty tax.
The directors believe that McGrath Sales Proprietary Limited has no payroll tax obligations, and intends to further challenge the assessments and any future assessments if the objection is dismissed.
The company annual report noted the OSR had not issued a payroll tax assessment notice for the period 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 to McGrath Sales Proprietory Limited. 
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