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.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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.

&nbsp;

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> 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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

<html><body>
Former Metro Property Group chief financial officer Travis Deans has been appointed to the role of chief executive officer of land developer Dacland.
Deans joined Metro as one its first employees nearly seven years ago and assisted its expansion to over 150 employees and 63 projects in the portfolio.
He raised in excess of $1.3 billion in debt for Metro while establishing a corporate debt facility with Credit Suisse, to support the fast-growing developer’s needs.
He says he has the same aspirations for his new role as Dacland prepares to launch a new 60-hectare land parcel in Plumpton.
“My aim at Dacland is to build on the platform, corporatise and grow the business and capitalise on new opportunities for bank and equity partners,” Deans said.
“One of the biggest challenges I foresee across the industry in the next five years will be the debt market’s continued lack of availability.
“So in order to deliver innovative funding solutions, relationships will be key, along with the ability to explore non-traditional and alternative opportunities such as corporate facilities or stretched senior debt.”
Dacland’s managing director, John C Dwyer, said that Deans would be an important ingredient in the company’s expansion plans.
“Travis’ passion and approach to finance, along with his experience and motivation to grow a business, were some of the key skills we identified for the role,” he said.
“Dacland has enjoyed steady growth for the last 20 years to become one of the nation’s largest land developers by volume of sales.
“With a number of new projects poised to launch in the next 18 months and a steady foundation of processes and relationships already in place, we are now ready to embrace the next phase of the Dacland journey, with Travis leading that charge.”
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Land developer Dacland appoint new CEO

<html><body>
A tenanted industrial investment in the heart of a well-established industrial precinct at Southport on the Gold Coast has been sold at auction for $1.31 million.
The freehold industrial complex with seven tenancies at 55 Bailey Crescent, Southport, was sold under the hammer to a private investor by Steven King of Ray White Commercial Gold Coast on behalf of a private owner for a yield of 6.8%.
King said six of the seven tenancies are occupied and the complex is currently generating gross rental income of approximately $90,000 per annum.
“The marketing campaign for this property attracted 36 enquiries and there were four registered bidders at the in-room auction,” he said.
“After some spirited bidding, this strategic industrial investment with development potential sold under the hammer.
“This property provides potential for income upside and is an investment with a diversified holding income stream.”
King said the complex offers a combined net lettable area of up to 2,668 square metres on a site zoned ‘low impact industry’.
“The industrial complex is situated with ample frontage to Bailey Crescent, which leads directly onto Southport Nerang Road enabling travel east-west from Southport, or north-south along Wardoo Street towards Smith Street and the M1,” he said.
“The property is a significant parcel of land within the very tightly held Bailey Crescent industrial area.”
</body></html>

Southport industrial investment sold for $1.31 million

<html><body>
The newly formed The Agency website went live yesterday.
But with no sign of their star recruit.
Matt Lahood isn't allowed to take the helm until April after his defection from the McGrath group.
The months of speculation has obviously been accompanied by a few secret signups, lesser-known agents who have joined an array of the many existing agents within the Perth-based group being launched nationally by Ausnet Financial Services.
There are just the nine Sydney residential property listings.
The group's sales team is now headlined by Ben Collier who kicks off his listings with Kathy Ward's Centennial Park offering.
The<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-centennial+park-124601802" target="_blank"> Lang Road holding</a> (below) was bought for $2,505,000 in 2001 by the boss of modelling agency Chic Management. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/01/31/110%20Lang%20Road.jpg" alt="">
Collier's colleague Brad Gillespie has three listings.  
The Agency will reportedly offer more lucrative splits for the agents.
Franchise agencies usually take a 50:50 split on all the agents’ sales commissions, with more generous 60:40 splits in the agents’ favour in some cases.
However, The Agency offers agents a starting split of 75:25 split in the agents’ favour, rising to 80:20 and 85:15 as higher targets are met.
The ASX was advised yesterday that Perth-based real estate and financial services group Ausnet Financial Services Limited has entered into a licence agreement and an option to acquire Top Level Real Estate Pty Ltd as part of its planned national roll-out of its The Agency platform, its so-called disruptive and fast growing real estate sales and property management business.
Top Level is the eastern seaboard real estate business with 17 agents, including the following:
Matt Lahood (CEO) – Commences 3 April 2017
Steven Chen (Director of Projects) – Commences 15 February 2017
Maria Carlino (Director of Property Management)
Thomas McGlynn (Director of Sales and Chief Auctioneer)
Ben Collier (Property Partner)
Shad Hassen (Property Partner)
Ausnet advised subject to completion of two non-binding agreements by 30 June 2017, Top Level will have expand by a further 23 agents, with 3,700 properties under management.
Under the licence agreement, Top Level will have rights to use The Agency brand and intellectual property on the East Coast of Australia, while Ausnet will retain an option to acquire Top Level within the next 12 months.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Agency unveils website with Chic model boss Centennial Park offering

<html><body>
The boutique real estate group, Belle Property International has opened an office in Melbourne's Docklands.
The founder and principal of Verve Real Estate, John Wong, has made the move to Belle Property.
“We’re excited to open Belle Property International Melbourne and have John Wong leading the team. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Belle Property and he reinforces our commitment to developing strong relationships within the Asian market,” said Peter Hanscomb, CEO of Belle Property.
Starting out in the finance sector, John has been in real estate for the past decade.
He opened his own agency in Melbourne, Verve Real Estate and then expanded into the Asian market, securing a Hong Kong office and channel partners throughout South East Asia.
“John’s unique approach to project marketing was a natural fit for the Belle Property International network,” says Stephen Ivanusa, Director and Co-Founder of Belle Property International.
Melbourne is now a strategic location for the Belle Property group, which operates only in premium lifestyle metro, regional and coastal locations.
With a new office opening in Hong Kong during January 2017, Belle Property International aims to further concrete its presence in South East Asia with further offices opening in 2017.
Belle Property International Melbourne is located at 420-422 Docklands Drive, Docklands Victoria.
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Belle Property opens first office in Melbourne 

<html><body>
The 18-office Victorian estate agency Buxton has a new ownership group.
Buxton Corporate will now have seven directors.
The directors include Mark Earle, David Hart, Ben Riddle, Craig Williamson, Chris Hassall and Nathan Jones.
"We are also excited to announce that we have secured <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-o-neil-6a932813" target="_blank">Nigel O’Neil</a> who will join us as managing director," Mark Earle advised staff this week.
"Nigel has nearly a decade of experience leading and developing another real estate group and brings a wealth of knowledge to that role.
"The new leadership team is extremely excited about the future at Buxton and we look forward to sharing more in 2017."
O'Neil's appointment comes after his rapid exit from hockingstuart in February after 8 and a half years’ service.
"When these discussions commenced, the most important aspect for me was for Buxton to remain as Buxton," Earle added.
"Albeit the last few years have been very strong, we firmly believe our best days are ahead of us.
"Our aim is to make Buxton even more of an attraction brand for vendors, landlords and agents."
The first Buxton office was established by the company's founder John Robert Buxton in South Melbourne in 1861.
Buxton has offices across many key inner-suburban and bayside locations, including the Mornington Peninsula and Greater Geelong.
</body></html>

Nigel O'Neil appointed to lead Buxton in directorship reshuffle

<html><body>
Grant Harrod, the former chief executive at direct mail company Salmat, has been appointed head of the real estate network, LJ Hooker. He takes the place of Georg Chmiel.
He has signalled the evaluation and development of its online offerings as his major challenge.
LJ Hooker is a franchise network of more than 700 offices across the Asia-Pacific with more than 8000 employees.
Before Salmat, Harrod spent 13 years with business supplier Corporate Express Australia.
Greg Paramor, the chairman of LJ Hooker, announced the business services specialist yesterday.
Mr Harrod had been CEO and Managing Director of ASX-listed Salmat Pty Ltd (2009 to 2013) and CEO and Managing Director of Corporate Express Australia Ltd (2001 to late 2008). 
“We’re impressed with Grant’s comprehension of the changing real estate marketplace, and his vision for LJ Hooker aligns with our current network growth and market innovations."
Georg Chmiel remains a non-executive board member of LJ Hooker, the iconic Australian company which was founded in 1928.
</body></html>

Grant Harrod appointed LJ Hooker boss

<html><body>
The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia has assisted in the introduction of new codes of conduct for real estate agents, sales representatives, settlement agents and land valuers which support industry best practice and provide consumer protection.
REIWA president Hayden Groves thanked the Minister for Commerce, the Hon. Michael Mischin MLC, and the Department of Commerce for carrying out a detailed consultation process and working closely with the institute to develop the new codes.
“We congratulate Minister Mischin for working closely with REIWA and other industry stakeholders to ensure the codes benefit all those involved with buying, selling or leasing property,” Groves said.
“It’s important that there are measures in place to ensure the industry maintains high standards of practice and service.”
The Code of Conduct for Agents and Sales Representatives 2016 comes into effect this month with a two month transition period.
</body></html>

REIWA recognises new codes of conduct for WA property

<html><body><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item even">
NSW Fair Trading has recently prosecuted a former real estate agent for misappropriation of trust funds in relation to a property development in Narwee.
Alan Temelkov was convicted of 7 offences under the Property Stock and Business Agents Act and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, to be served in the community. He was also ordered to pay over $235,000 in reparation for his offences.
In September 2012, Mr Temelkov, director of Tyron Holdings Pty Ltd, trading as AMJ Properties, was contracted to manage the sale of a number of units in a Narwee development.
Tyron Holdings Pty Ltd received a number of house deposits which should have been deposited into a trust account and held on behalf of the sellers until completion of the sale.
During Fair Trading’s investigation, Mr Temelkov admitted to his failure to deposit the funds in the trust account, instead spending the money on business expenses and his personal gambling habit.
As a result, the sellers were left significantly out of pocket and were required to make application to the Property Services Compensation fund for restitution.
Fair Trading Commissioner, Rod Stowe, advises that trust account fraud is a serious offence and warns that Fair Trading will actively pursue any persons that fail to comply with their trust account obligations. 
“Property is a significant purchase. Real estate agents should be trusted to deposit payments received for sales into the correct account,” Mr Stowe said.
Mr Temelkov was sentenced on Thursday 8 September 2016 and has 28 days to appeal. 
 
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Alan Temelkov convicted after Narwee trust fund misappropriation

<html><body>
The McGrath Group has lost another senior estate agent with Steven Chen departing the listed estate agency.
The McGrath veteran Steven Chen's departure was announced internally on Monday.
<div class="upper">
<div class="column left">
He has been the director of its besieged project marketing division. His most recent annual sales tally was $168 million, with a $1.2 million average sale price.
His career spanned over 19 years with the McGrath Group. He was a board member in 2011-12.
"I have to announce the resignation of Steven Chen as director of project marketing, from McGrath Limited," the newly installed McGrath Group chief, Cameron Judson advised staff Monday afternoon.
It followed the departure of the director of sales Matt Lahood.
"Both Matt and Steven have had a long and important history with McGrath. Since joining our business they have built and established lifelong friendships within the McGrath family and both will be greatly missed. Their commitment, contribution and dedication to the success of the McGrath brand, its people and business is immeasurable.They each continue to be shareholders in McGrath, with individual holdings in excess of 2% of the company," 
Chen boasted he had personally transacted in excess of $2.5 billion in projects and residential sales.
Establishing the McGrath Projects division, Steven lead a team of over 60 agents and support staff in Sydney, Brisbane &amp; Gold Coast.
He also directed a specialist team of 20 experienced Chinese agents catering for the local and international Asian market, selling Australian property in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Xiamen, Guangzhou and Wuhan-China. 
His division attracted blame in April when the listed real estate group announced a profit downgrade, and lowered its dividend target following a revision to forecast volumes and sales.
Postponed project launches by the project division was one of the reason for the revenue decline.
Last week McGrath lost its Millers Point specialist, Richard Shalhoub, who was also involved in the sale of the former CEO John McGrath's personal portfolio of harbourfront apartments through the years.
In 2014-2015 he sold $92 million worth of property and in 2015-2016 he sold around $117 million, at a $2.5 million average.
Lahood, Chen and Shalhoub have worked a combined 50 plus years in real estate.
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Steven Chen follows Lahood and Shalhoub out the door at McGrath Group

<html><body>
McGrath Limited has lost its head of sales, Matt Lahood, it announced to the stockmarket on Monday.
It announced the appointment of Kon Stathopoulos into the role.
The company shares slipped to $1.13 today, still well down on its $2.10 float price last December.
Lahood, who declined to respond to Property Observer's query last Thursday on the then rumoured departure, has been with the McGrath business since 1997. He was director of sales for 12 years.
The besieged group acknowledged he had been pivotal in driving the growth of company owned sales, and then leading the sales team through the turbulent period involving the recent listing on the ASX.
McGrath founder John McGrath said Matt has had a long and important history with the business.
Kon Stathopoulos has been with McGrath since the beginning of 2014, currently as McGrath’s general manager of sales, NSW.
Before joining McGrath he was with Neopost, the mailroom digital communications and logistics solutions company.
The new McGrath’s chief executive officer, Cameron Judson said he was looking forward to the "next exciting phase for McGrath.” 
Lahood's company profile advised he was a trusted mentor to a team of 300 inspired sales professionals, adding Matt Lahood had been "a driving force behind McGrath’s continued success in a competitive property industry."
"He is an esteemed real estate expert among colleagues and carries a multi-generational client base where he combines a wealth of experience acquired over 22 years in property sales with a clear passion for helping to generate a personal success for those whom he meets along the way."
Judson in the internal notification advised other staff that Lahood retained his shareholding.
Founded in 1988 by John McGrath, McGrath has been established as one of the leading residential real estate service providers in Australia with a strong market presence in NSW and the ACT, a growing presence in Queensland and entered the Victorian market at the end of 2015.
</body></html>

Industry News

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Industry News

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News