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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Glenzeil, one of the south east Queensland's largest building companies, has gone into voluntary liquidation with the loss of about 50 full-time jobs. 
The company’s affairs are now in the hands of liquidator Peter Dinoris, of Vincents Chartered Accountants.
Glenzeil’s main active project was the $35 million Plaza Apartments in South Brisbane for David Devine’s Metro Properties.
The virtually completed $35 million Pure Kirra project at Kirra by the Pikos Group has narrowly escaped being caught in the collapse of their construction company.
Glenzeil has been responsible for some of the biggest Gold Coast construction including the Jupiters Casino refurbishment.
The Varsity Lakes-based company, established in 1990, was headed by Ken Skrinis and Brian Gabriel.
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Devine caught in Gold Coast building company Glenzeil's collapse

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The battle, mainly evident on social media and on online industry publications, continues between the two juggernauts of property listing portals.
Domain and REA are each <a href="https://www.rebonline.com.au/breaking-news/8048-rea-threatens-agents-future-domain-ceo" target="_blank">staging online attacks on one other</a>. But should they pay more attention to their own business, rather than spending time attacking each other?
I believe if both of the two portal providers are not careful, both will lose substantial market share in this space.
The emergence of internationally recognised websites, such as Gumtree and EBay, has allowed for growth for direct listings of properties by landlords and vendors. These portals also allow agents and agencies to list properties for free.
I myself use Gumtree and we have had great results in the last 24 months. Results measured across both in our sales and property management listings. One case in particular where a buyer saw the advertised property online on Gumtree in England and emailed us directly. He also paid the asking price for the property, may I add.
The buyer paid $60,000 more than another sale in the same complex, just a few weeks earlier by another agent. A great outcome for the vendor.
Then there is the quiet achiever, a local property portal, <a href="https://www.homehound.com.au/" target="_blank">Homehound</a>. A free property listing portal that has been growing and has been around for 10 years. They now boast of having over 2,000 agencies on board. Agencies that are taking advantage of free online presence. Notably, Homehound also provide premium paid listing space, should any agency wish to take up their offer.
If REA and Domain continue to spend more time and money on slandering one another, rather than to focus on better outcomes and services for agents, this may just well become their Achilles heel.
Lets face it, both have increased their listing fees, both take on private listings. One takes on private listings directly from vendors (Domain), the other from online third tier sites that assist vendors to sell privately (REA). Remind me, why is the “pot calling the kettle black” once again?
Real estate agents seem to have jumped all over the recent commentary by Domain’s CEO as though he was on our side.
Real estate agents seem to also believe in the most part that Domain’s CEO argument and premise that REA’s actions will diminish the real estate roles by agents and thus causing more havoc in our industry. The havoc is interpreted as concerns within the industry by agents allowing REA to move back to what was their initial campaign. A campaign which was launched in the 90s calling for and allowing vendors to privately list their properties.
Have we forgotten REA’s original add campaigns in the late 90s, “home sellers wanted.. sell your home online… agents need not apply”? Then again I am reminded once again Domain take on private listings. 
I remind our industry and colleagues that it’s not a matter of fearing what these juggernauts do or don’t do for us that will be the main reason to turn the consumer away from using our services.
It is more about what we will personally do for our future vendors and landlords as individuals, as a real estate office, group and industry to keep the customs we have enjoyed for so long that will determine our personal and business futures.  
In my opinion, allow REA to slip back into the private listing market. If it wasn’t for the simple fact that both Domain and REA know how VPA fills agencies pockets as an income source, we would not be paying as much for access to these property portals.
EDWIN ALMEIDA is managing partner and licensee-in-charge of <a href="https://www.just-think.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Just Think Real Estate</a>.
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Property portals need to spend less time attacking each other and focus on better outcomes for agents

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The Western Australian State Administrative Tribunal has fined a South Perth real estate agency $15,000 and its former property manager $8,000 for their actions surrounding the management of two rental properties and associated trust accounts.
Julia Barratt-Hill, a former property manager at Swan River Real Estate, was ordered to pay court costs of $1,000 in addition to the $8,000 fine after fabricating an owner's statement. She was also disciplined for failing to deal with rental payments in an "organised and competent way" and misleading property owners. 
The owners believed their property had a tenant when it was vacant, and despite repeat requests to keep them informed, Barratt-Hill failed to provide them with information about their lease agreement. 
Prosser Real Estate Pty Ltd, which trades under Swan River Real Estate, was fined $5,000 in relation to the 2011 events and an addition $10,000 for unlawful dealings related to their trust accounts and failing to keep accurate and full accounts that could be audited. Their breaches were the result of Barratt-Hill's actions in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Despite the directors paying back the money they withdrew from the trust accounts, with no clients losing money, Swan River Real Estate's licensee Lorraine Florence Prosser was fined $5,000 for failing to supervise the agency to a sufficient standard. The penalty was also a result of her failure to ensure Barratt-Hill, who was an employee of Swan River Real Estate from 2003 to 2011, complied with the industry Code of Conduct.
Swan River Real Estate was ordered to pay court costs of $2,500 in addition to its $15,000 fine
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll said all licensed real estate agents and their employeers were obliged to adhere to all laws relating to their agency's operations.
“The basic foundation of the Code of Conduct is for agents to have fair, honest and transparent dealings with property owners at all times in terms of disclosure of accurate information about the tenancy, the provision of copies of lease agreements and the timely release of financial statements,” said Driscoll.
“It is also an obligation of licensed real estate agents to operate their trust and operating accounts in a way that complies fully with the law. Financial records should be kept up to date and organised in such a way that allows for easy checking and auditing.”
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

South Perth real estate agency fined over trust account and property management deception

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Coral Sea Property Management agency, well known for their brazen pirate themed real estate marketing in Townsville, have been stripped of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland accreditation after taking one billboard campaign a step too far.
The billboard featured an image of Monica Lewinsky and the query “Last agent leave a bad taste in your mouth?”, <a href="https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/pirate-real-estate-agent-stripped-of-accreditation/story-fnjfzs4b-1227053913475" target="_blank">according to the Townsville Bulletin</a>.
REIQ chairman Rob Honeycombe told the Bulletin that the conduct blatantly flouted their code of conduct, even while the principal of the agency, Shaun Podbury, said that they weren’t offensive they just wanted to provoke a reaction.
Heading onto their website, where they promise to pay investors’ rent after day 14 if they haven’t tenanted the property, the fun continues.
“Bloated magpie-legged corporate w-nkers go ghostly white and tremble at the knees at the thought of such a guarantee,” they write in their manifesto.
Their code of conduct also includes “No corporate w-nkers”, along with treating owners, tenants and “crew” with respect and running a tight ship.
Many of the <a href="https://www.coralseaproperty.com.au/photos" target="_blank">staff photos feature a young team in tie-dye shirts</a>, some with pirate flag tattoos on their moderately exposed bottoms.
Explaining the pirate theme, they note that they are different, system and processes focused. They say that they stand by their statistics, publish them constantly and want to make their captains (read: property owners) more money.
“We thought it time someone shook up the industry, so pirates we decided to be.”
A rolling feed on their website notes that as of today, their current vacancy rate is 1.26% and they have just one tenant in arrears.
Their monthly newsletters to investors provide these details, while their monthly tenant newsletters encourage the majority who have paid the rent and also give out a “tenant of the month” award (a free breakfast at a local café), recipes, maintenance request reminders and information around a $250 gift for those who provide a referral of a family member or friend.
While some aspects are completely hilarious, for instance referring to their office contact as ‘Chairman Meow’ (a pirate cat with an eye patch, hook and cutlass, based on their actual pet), it’s clear not all their stunts amuse.
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Pirate-themed property managers stripped of REIQ accreditation

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Commencing in Brisbane, Squiiz is beginning its launch meetings, as they gear up for an expected mid-October launch.
The new listings website, advertised as being 100% industry-owned and operated, is undertaking 10 launch sessions across Australia, beginning in Brisbane.
Managing director of RE/MAX Australia and RE/MAX New Zealand, Michael Davoren, said that the purpose of <a href="https://www.squiiz.com.au/%20" target="_blank">Squiiz</a> is to “protect the real estate industry and the data it collects”.
He noted that no one party dominates or controls interest, and also said that the Certified Practising Real Estate Agents group has decided to shelve their own property portal development to back the project.
Other information sessions are being held in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Launceston and Sydney.
The logo is of specific interest, it appears to be a combination of the elements of the realAs owl placemarker, and the common roof more familiar in Domain’s carefully-designed ‘M’.
But will it take off? When <a href="/news/can-squiiz-seriously-challenge-rea-and-domain">polled as to whether it could seriously challenge REA and Domain</a>, Property Observer readers were split, with “no” just pushing past as of 10am, September 11.
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Squiiz listing website starts launch meetings today

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Victoria’s largest homebuilder, Simonds Group, has hired brokers Moelis &amp; Co and Morgans Financial in preparation for the company float on the ASX listing later this year.
Simonds’ founder and owner, Gary Simonds, has been in the business for 65 years, while for most of the past decade is has been run by chief executive Paul McMahon.
Victoria’s largest home builder had around 2,100 housing starts in the 2013 financial year, according to Housing Industry Association data.
It ranks as the country’s fifth largest home builder in 2012-13, behind Western Australia’s BGC, Alcock Brown, Metricon Homes and Harry Triguboff’s Meriton.
Simonds Group has about $600 million annual revenue.
The Australian Financial Review's Street Talk column suggests the float will value the company at about $300 million.
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Simonds Group ASX float mooted for late 2014

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Quest Serviced Apartments founder and chairman, Paul Constantinou, has been inducted into the Hotel Management Hall of Fame having taken his company from one property 25 years ago to more than 150 today.
Presented at the 13th HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, judges from across Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific honoured Constantinou with the accolade last Friday evening.
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HM Magazine editor James Wilkinson said the induction into the Hall of Fame was testament to Paul’s leadership skills, business prowess and commitment to the Australasian accommodation industry.
Constantinou said he was honoured to receive the award from the industry.
"However, this wonderful accolade must be attributed to more than just myself. I am very proud of what the Quest Serviced Apartments team has achieved over the past 25 years and have many people to thank for supporting me and the company during this time,” said Constantinou.
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Quest founder Paul Constantinou inducted into the Hotel Management Hall of Fame

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The Sunland development group has spent $18 million on Harry Triguboff’s remaining three hectare Warriewood site on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
It had been listed earlier this year with $25 million plus ambitions.
After Meriton's high-density attempts, Sunland Group said in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange that it had earmarked the site for a residential community comprising 81 town home residences.
It has an estimated end value of $80 million.
Sunland said that the 18 Macpherson Street project was expected to be launched in 2016 pending planning and design approvals for the 3.5 hectare holding.
There is a<a href="https://warriewoodbuild.wordpress.com" target="_blank"> very active residents' association in the suburb</a>.
Set next to Flower Power nursery, Meriton had sought permission to build up to 280 dwellings, or 80 homes per hectare, up to four storeys in height.
Meriton had previously undertaken lengthy court hearings to secure its desired high density on nearby Warriewood projects, the Sanctuary on Oceanvale.
Sunland’s existing portfolio includes a prime six hectare site in the nearby suburb of Ingleside.
Its North Kellyvillle project, Dahlia secured a first stage sell-out recently.
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Sunland seeks community townhouse estate on Harry's thwarted Warriewood highrise site

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Australia and New Zealand have been given the title of the world’s greenest real estate markets by the latest Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark list.
As in previous years, Australia/New Zealand was crowned the “leading region”, with Australian companies ISPT and Lend Lease named “global sector leaders”.
The report found that 70% of Australian and New Zealand participants were in the highest quadrant. In North America and Asia this figure dropped to 32%, while in Europe this totalled 35%.
Green Building Council of Australia chief executive Romilly Madew said that green building is the world’s fastest growing industry, with Australia leading the way.
“The report underscores our regional leadership in sustainability, and serves as a reminder of why Australia is one of the best real estate markets in which to invest,” said Madew.
“Australia's real estate sector is demonstrating that it has a long-term commitment to sustainability that stretches far beyond this financial year or this electoral cycle,” she said.
The sustainability report was established in 2009. The latest analysis looked at data from 637 listed property companies and private equity estate funds. This covers 56,000 buildings valuing a total US$2.1 trillion.
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Australia the world’s “greenest” real estate market

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The Colliers International male staff in Melbourne have got behind the <a href="https://www.polishedman.com.au/" target="_blank">Polished Man campaign</a> which clients will notice when they sign any contracts.
The fundraising initiative is a two week campaign run by <a href="https://ygap.com.au/" target="_blank">YGAP</a>, which challenges men to end violence against children and raise awareness.
Collier team members have painted one nail blue, representing the estimated one in five children who experience violence globally before the age of 18. 
Colliers female staff are painting one nail in solidarity and encouraging the men in their lives to participate.
According to YGAP, approximately 90% of all sexual violence committed against children is by perpetrated by men.
The majority of this violence happens behind closed doors and is committed by people known to the child. 
YGAP believes all men have a role to play in ensuring children feel safe and can reach their full potential. 
Supporters have included Carlton footballer Chris Judd and Essendon footballer Jobe Watson who had a fingernail painted at their drawn weekend AFL MCG game.
 
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