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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]

Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place

Central Element is seeking approval for a significant residential redevelopment in Lavender Bay, lodging plans for a dual-tower apartment project that would deliver 163 new homes on a prominent site at the northern gateway to Milsons Point.

The Sydney-based builder-developer has lodged a concurrent rezoning proposal and State Significant Development Application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-66-lavender-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street</a>, a 2,305 sqm amalgamated site currently occupied by a collection of ageing residential flat buildings.

Designed by SJB, the proposal would replace the existing 32 apartments with two residential towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, comprising 163 apartments including affordable housing managed by a community housing provider. The project forms part of the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority program and has been progressing through a fast-tracked state planning pathway since being endorsed for further assessment in 2025.

The proposal is one of the most significant redevelopment opportunities currently under consideration on Sydney's lower north shore, sitting between the high-density towers of Milsons Point and the lower-scale heritage fabric of Lavender Bay.

<img alt="Lavender Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93ecf0ee-487d-4292-afc4-0bc9579475d6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.30.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PunU2ipMaTxiJcJ8NdMyUlWA7d98eNUb" />

The planning proposal seeks a substantial uplift from the current 12 metre height limit, which would only allow for a four-storey building, however the submission argues a scheme within these limits would not be&nbsp;economically feasible given the complexity of site amalgamation and would fail to maximise housing delivery on land located within walking distance of major transport infrastructure.

SJB said the design evolved significantly following discussions with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and independent design review processes.&nbsp;Rather than pursuing a single larger tower, the architects adopted a two-tower approach aimed at reducing perceived bulk, preserving view corridors and creating greater permeability at ground level.

The northern tower would rise 23 storeys and contain 81 apartments, while the southern tower would reach 32 storeys and accommodate 82 apartments. Five basement levels would provide 174 car spaces, 181 bicycle spaces and 10 motorcycle spaces.

"The proposal for 3–7 Middlemiss Street and 64–66 Lavender Street is driven by a clear ambition to complete the Middlemiss Peninsula, delivering the final piece of a carefully evolving urban precinct," SJB noted in its design report.

"Positioned at the threshold between Lavender Bay and the North Sydney CBD, the development is envisioned as a unifying element—one that completes the skyline composition while providing a considered and harmonious transition between the peninsula’s established character and the intensity of the CBD beyond.

"Collectively, the development aspires to create a landmark that is generous, inclusive, and deeply connected to its setting, one that enhances the skyline, strengthens the public realm, and contributes to a more equitable and sustainable urban future."

Communal spaces would be distributed across multiple levels, including landscaped podium gardens, swimming pool facilities, barbecue areas and rooftop-style retreat spaces designed for residents. The proposal delivers more than 1,500 sqm of communal open space and nearly 400 sqm of indoor communal facilities.

<img alt="Central Element" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0671c276-6dd8-4cfc-97b0-134a45d2c8cf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.30.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=90D7lRaCTMTsFx92tIBrHlZcuaV_a4cw" />

A major focus of the planning assessment has been the project's relationship with surrounding public open spaces.

Clark Park, Bradfield Park and Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden are among the lower north shore's most valued public landscapes, and overshadowing impacts have been closely examined through the design process. Central Element is proposing to also create a new public plaza and pocket park as part of the development.

Central Element has been developing across Sydney since 2010.

They have recently completed their Chatswood tower, Ethos Chatswood, as well as their luxury redevelopment of Coogee's landmark Ballamac House. They are currently selling Pearl Bondi, just seven high-end homes, while future plans include a tower on Hyde Park, and a boutique project in Neutral Bay.

First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans

Japan

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Capital city property prices fell -1.8 per cent in Q2 as the economy was locked down, but remained 6.2 per cent higher than a year earlier.
<div id="post-body-3176455207556079318" class="post-body entry-content">
<div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wt_bnMoxINA/X2EfhwjIJiI/AAAAAAAA4PI/AIayQsg6q6U7klZAewxh6aCnj9s2DBAUACNcBGAsYHQ/s1394/A1.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wt_bnMoxINA/X2EfhwjIJiI/AAAAAAAA4PI/AIayQsg6q6U7klZAewxh6aCnj9s2DBAUACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h374/A1.jpg" width="640" height="374" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1394"></a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>The decline was driven, according to the ABS, thus:</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"The falls in residential property prices were led by the Sydney (-2.2 per cent) and Melbourne (-2.3 per cent) property markets. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>House prices fell 2.6 per cent in Sydney and 2.8 per cent in Melbourne, while attached dwelling prices fell 1.4 per cent in Sydney and 1.0 per cent in Melbourne."</div>
 <div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVOjUcN-Z3w/X2Efh_eb1zI/AAAAAAAA4PE/o3KD9pl1Ed4ULLuM86avp4GK29IBZ6tIQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1433/A2.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVOjUcN-Z3w/X2Efh_eb1zI/AAAAAAAA4PE/o3KD9pl1Ed4ULLuM86avp4GK29IBZ6tIQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h364/A2.jpg" width="640" height="364" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1433"></a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>The mean dwelling prices by state and territory followed the same pattern. </div>
 <div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ioBluOFeDT8/X2EfhxY0ajI/AAAAAAAA4PA/_Q6G9nFJoGAUyVNO0DbR_BlxwQueh81dgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1415/A3.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ioBluOFeDT8/X2EfhxY0ajI/AAAAAAAA4PA/_Q6G9nFJoGAUyVNO0DbR_BlxwQueh81dgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h374/A3.jpg" width="640" height="374" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1415"></a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Transaction levels were very low, but as far as could be estimated the value of the dwelling stock of 10.52 million dwellings declined in value by about $100 billion to $7.14 trillion.</div>
 <div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1r6Ovttu7Ss/X2Efis2Nc-I/AAAAAAAA4PM/RvGOxtIynywaXSnDvFk9VhS7hQCymefRgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1421/A4.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1r6Ovttu7Ss/X2Efis2Nc-I/AAAAAAAA4PM/RvGOxtIynywaXSnDvFk9VhS7hQCymefRgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h366/A4.jpg" width="640" height="366" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1421"></a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>More timely data from CoreLogic suggests that prices have essentially now stopped declining, except in Melbourne where falls have continued due to the ongoing lockdown.</div>
</div>
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers and a best-selling author and blogger 
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Property prices dip 1.8% in Q2: Pete Wargent

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Interesting move from the birthday boy Warren Buffett, swinging hard into Japanese stocks.
Japan's stock market was arguably the biggest bubble in history, accounting for nearly half the global market cap at one stage.
Even the US only hit half of Japan's lofty peaks as measured by CAPE during the tech exuberance.
Japan took 30 years to reach fair value, after land values fell the country sank into deflation with its ageing and declining population.
The US market now looks very expensive again, while the UK looks relatively cheap by comparison.
Australia lies in the middle, with quite a bit (as ever) resting on your views on the outlook for banks.
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4PeFvbZUCo/X0w_k08hi5I/AAAAAAAA33k/WHn2YfsV7q8PmF4F532STWkVhNDyFp9SwCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/Japan%2BCAPE.jpg" width="640" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1382">
Buffett has bought shares in Japan's five largest trading companies, including Mitsubishi and Sumitomo, perhaps in part a foreign currency play.
This equates to an investment of about $6.25 billion per CNBC, and Buffett may increase holdings up to 9.9 per cent stakes, to be held for the long term.
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers and a best-selling author and blogger 
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Warren Buffet swings billions into Japanese stocks: Pete Wargent

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InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) has announced InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8 will open its doors to guests in November 2019 in the Minato Mirai area of Yokohama. 
InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8 will be built on the premises of the Yokohama Hammer Head Project which is developed by SHINKO PIER CRUISE TERMINAL Co.,Ltd. in collaboration with Yokohama City. 
The new-build luxury hotel will be located in the same building as a cruise ship terminal where large cruise ships will be anchored. Together, the precinct will offer guests a new luxury experience that blends both the InterContinental brand, and Yokohama’s distinct history and colourful lifestyle.   
InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8 joins the nearby InterContinental Yokohama Grand, which has been recognised as an icon of the Minato Mirai area since 1991. 
The symbolic hotel was the first InterContinental hotel in Japan, now joining 200 InterContinental Hotels &amp; Resorts across the globe.
InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8 is located on one of the few piers in the world, and boasts 173 spacious rooms. The Club InterContinental rooms and Club Lounge will offer an upgraded experience that is characteristic of the InterContinental brand, while the restaurant and bars, event room, spa, fitness, rooftop experience and indoor garden, each offer a connection to the sea and the sky for a memorable stay. 
IHG currently has 49 hotels operating under four brands in Australasia, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, voco and Holiday Inn Express, with another 29 in the pipeline.
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