Apartments account for just 15 per cent of total dwelling stock in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/balwyn-vic-3103">Balwyn</a>, reinforcing the suburb’s long-standing identity as a low-density, detached housing area.

As a result, new apartment development has historically been limited in both volume and density. For homeowners considering a move out of larger family houses, options that maintain a residential setting while offering a genuine alternative to detached living have remained relatively scarce.

One of the most recent apartment developments completed in the suburb is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/threadneedle-balwyn-1-5-threadneedle-street-balwyn-vic-3103">Threadneedle</a>, a boutique project named after its location on the tree-lined Threadneedle Street. There are just 17 residences across two low-rise buildings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=355605]

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/wulff-projects">Wulff Projects</a> in partnership with PGA Group, the project has been deliberately limited in scale, with just eight and nine residences per building, reflecting an approach more closely aligned with long-term owner-occupiers than higher-density apartment models.

At Threadneedle, the shift to apartment living has been approached as a recalibration rather than a compromise. The project is shaped around maintaining space, privacy and amenity while reducing the ongoing upkeep associated with a traditional family home, a balance that increasingly defines downsizing decisions in established suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=355584]

Rather than maximising yield, the design prioritises spatial comfort and landscape, with more than one-third of the site dedicated to gardens by Ben Scott Garden Design.

This emphasis on greenery creates separation between buildings, reinforces privacy and establishes a sense of domestic calm that mirrors the garden settings many residents are accustomed to.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=197163]

That residential character continues through the architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, which draws directly from the surrounding neighbourhood where many homes date back to the interwar period. The buildings are conceived as traditional residences rather than a single apartment form, allowing them to sit comfortably within the existing streetscape.

“Given the quiet residential character of the street, we approached Threadneedle wanting it to appear less as a collection of apartments and more as a traditional residence,” said John Scaramuzzino, director at Bruce Henderson Architects. “That led to creating two buildings that could breathe, with larger garden-based apartments functioning more like small homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=197161]

Inside, the residences are defined by proportions and layouts more commonly associated with houses than apartments, reinforcing the project’s alignment with buyers transitioning from detached living. All homes are three-bedroom configurations, many incorporating dedicated studies designed as separate rooms rather than adapted corners. Living areas extend to generous terraces or courtyards, while three-metre-high ceilings, oversized internal doors and full-height glazing enhance openness and natural light without sacrificing privacy.

“The interior design evolved from the architecture and garden setting,” said Chantelle Sinnott of Bruce Henderson Interiors. “We wanted to create spaces that feel connected to nature, with flexibility and functionality that supports how people actually live.”

Each residence has been individually planned to maximise privacy and outlooks, with garden views prioritised across multiple aspects. Parking and storage are treated as essential components rather than secondary considerations, aligning with expectations shaped by years of living in detached homes and reinforcing the project’s house-like approach to apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=355565]

Together, these characteristics, generous internal space, private outdoor areas, low-density form and a strong connection to landscape, closely mirror the qualities many downsizers seek as they transition out of family homes, without requiring a departure from the neighbourhoods they know.

Leafy streets, village-scale retail and established community networks underpin daily life, while access to public transport along Whitehorse Road and nearby parklands supports walkability and convenience. For many residents, the ability to remain within a familiar suburb is central to the downsizing decision.

With construction now complete, a limited number of residences remain available, including a top-floor penthouse offering single-level living with three bedrooms, a dedicated study and expansive terraces.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=27816]

Joel Robinson

Why downsizers are choosing Threadneedle, Balwyn's newest apartment development

High-rise developer Level 33 is continuing to venture out of its Wollongong heartland.

The developer, which has several projects completed, underway, and planned in the third-largest city in New South Wales, is heading to Homebush, where it plans to develop more than 300 apartments across two towers.

Like most developers, it has sought approval through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority, filing a State Significant Development Application for the $127.6 million project.

The DKO-designed towers, 27 and 35 storeys in height, will replace seven detached homes. The apartments will sit above a four-storey podium, which will be crowned with a pool, dining areas, and landscaped spaces.

<img alt="17-24 Loftus Cr, Homebush" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="28be85ce-0e00-495d-9528-b9ca3f85e583" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/perspective_4.png?VersionId=N6zmNAUwvZOElnX6IgLOEeON7yaoBx0p" />

According to the Urban Design Report prepared by DKO Architecture, the proposal “supports residential growth with housing diversity” and is designed to “create inviting, safe public spaces with strong environmental amenity that encourage social interaction and pedestrian movement”.

Level 33, founded by Eddy Haddad, has thousands of apartments in the pipeline. They have their 500-plus-unit WIN Grand redevelopment, and another 900 units to be developed in replace of the old Bunnings Warehouse on the corner of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/60-74-flinders-street-wollongong">Gipps and Flinders Streets</a>.

They are soon to launch their second stage of their Kogarah development, and will also hope to&nbsp;launch Summit Wollongong, later this year, pending approvals to upsize the development to have over 330 apartments. Also set to hit the market is their boutique Kiama development, Elan.

Level 33 adds to 2,000-unit pipeline with new two-tower Homebush plans

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) has unveiled Gloriette, its new 25-storey luxury residential tower set to rise within its Yeerongpilly Green (YG) precinct in Brisbane’s inner south.&nbsp;

Designed by award winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> will deliver 181 luxury two- and three bedroom apartments on King Arthur Terrace, offering uninterrupted views across the Brisbane River, Indooroopilly Golf Course and the Brisbane CBD.&nbsp;

The reveal of the project follows its development approval by Brisbane City Council within the evolving <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yeerongpilly-green-21-queens-way-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Yeerongpilly Green</a> masterplanned community late last year.&nbsp;

The formal market launch will be later this year.

The name “Gloriette” is drawn from classical European architecture, referring to a garden pavilion traditionally set within palace landscapes.&nbsp;

CPG says its choice reflects Gloriette’s strong connection to landscape, outlook and amenity, with refined architecture complemented by lush gardens, exceptional rooftop facilities and an emphasis on light, views and liveability.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=359985]

Set on a 4,323 sqm site, Gloriette has been designed to integrate with its surroundings, prioritising green space and community connection with more than 2,000 sqm of landscaped gardens to surround the tower, creating privately owned, publicly accessible parkland. Located within one of Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic Games precincts, the development is literally minutes’ walk of the future Olympic tennis venue and the upgraded Yeerongpilly Cross River Rail station.&nbsp;

CPG Head of Residential James MacGinley says Gloriette represents a defining addition to the Yeerongpilly Green precinct.&nbsp;

Gloriette is a natural evolution of Yeerongpilly Green and our commitment to creating places where people genuinely love to live,” MacGinley said.&nbsp;

“The views from Gloriette will be unlike anything else in Brisbane. Elevated northern aspects taking in two reaches of the Brisbane River, Indooroopilly and Brisbane golf courses, the city skyline and Mt Coot-tha are exceptionally rare. We expect buyers will immediately recognise the uniqueness of this opportunity.&nbsp;

“The generous apartment sizes will appeal to people looking to downsize without compromise, offering luxury, spacious, light filled apartment living without the intensity of inner-city congestion.

“Developments like Gloriette also play an important role in addressing Brisbane’s housing needs, with the potential to free up 181 houses for local families.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=359988]

Gloriette will complement the award-winning YG Riverside Village, home to Woolworths, Goodlife Health Clubs, new Doctors surgery and a growing dining precinct that continues to attract locals and visitors alike.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a> has been appointed as builder, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a> International confirmed as sales agent. A dedicated display suite is scheduled to open for the public launch in the second half of 2026 in a heritage-listed Queenslander opposite the site.&nbsp;

Andrew Scriven, Director of Residential at Colliers International, says buyer interest is already building.&nbsp;

“Gloriette offers a rare opportunity to secure a high-end riverside home within a major lifestyle precinct,” Scriven said.&nbsp;

“We’re inviting buyers to sign up to the VIP list today to receive exclusive updates, early information and priority access ahead of the formal launch.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150713]

Consolidated Properties Group unveils Gloriette in Yeerongpilly Green precinct

Develotek has secured State Significant Development approval for its 34-storey mixed-use tower on the Pacific Highway in Chatswood.

The developer pumped up the height under the in-fill affordable housing uplift to create a 101-unit building with 27 apartments dedicated as affordable. It was previously approved for 89 apartments across a 27-storey tower.

In granting consent, the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure cited the project’s alignment with state and regional planning objectives, including the National Housing Accord and the Chatswood CBD Strategy. It will also pump over $107 million of capital investment into the state, as well as 180 operational jobs and 182 construction jobs.

The site, across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/691-699-pacific-highway-chatswood-nsw-2067">691-699 Pacific Highway</a>, sits around 500 metres from the Chatswood Transport Interchange and within walking distance of the retail core.

<img alt="Develotek secures approval for 34-storey mixed-use tower on Pacific Highway, Chatswood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="65261a56-ef10-479b-941a-d4e3f22cd973" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29%20%281%29_1.png?VersionId=PFN5_svoAwQgHPM1K9XJFlg9BJSfArm0" />

Designed by Squillace Architects, the tower will rise to 117 metres and sit above a two-storey podium and eight basement levels of parking. The residential mix includes one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with affordable housing to be managed by a registered community housing provider for a minimum of 15 years.

The tower’s built form is characterised by a slender, articulated residential element set above a more robust podium, with commercial uses activating the street edge. Communal amenities are located within the podium and upper levels, including landscaped open space, a pool, gym, and shared facilities, contributing to resident amenity while reinforcing the mixed-use nature of the precinct.

<img alt="Develotek secures approval for 34-storey mixed-use tower on Pacific Highway, Chatswood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2672fcb7-aa48-4f99-a6e5-aedf9d506973" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_1.png?VersionId=mP29SWoVfCvI_hMODNx6QJ00VT435B33" />

&nbsp;

The approval represents one of the larger residential-led developments to proceed under the NSW Government’s infill affordable housing pathway, reinforcing Chatswood’s role as a high-density employment and residential centre on Sydney’s North Shore.

Chatswood is going through another growth phase, with the likes of Changfa Group, Billbergia, Coronation, Tian An LFD, Bridgestone, and Hyecorp all planning projects in the suburb. The NSW Gov is also proposing a further <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/nsw-gov-landcom-plan-1-500-new-apartments-in-chatswood-cbd">1,500 new homes on the former contruction site of the Sydney Metro</a>.

Develotek secures approval for 34-storey Chatswood tower

Off the plan apartments buyers have started to move into <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/louise-melbourne-8-louise-street-melbourne-vic-3004">Louise</a>, the flagship Albert Park apartment development by local developer Samuel Property.

Construction firm Hamilton Marino has recently completed the two-year build of the 16-storey Louise Street tower, just off St Kilda Road.

Developer Illan Samuel says the project’s strong sales result, with around 90 per cent of apartments sold ahead of its construction completion, is a “good news story for Melbourne”.

“Melbourne hasn’t had the easiest time in the off the plan development space in recent years,” Samuel says, pointing to rising taxes and limited growth in the established property market. However, there are signs of improvement, with build costs having normalised and now “only moving modestly”, and improving sentiment among buyers both local and interstate that Melbourne is the city of opportunity.

Samuel attributes the success of Louise to a combination of the project team, design, location and apartment mix, noting strong investor interest driven by high rental yields and comparatively low body corporate fees.

While only about 20 apartments are currently being leased, they are achieving yields of between 5.5 and 6 per cent.

“The maths show investors are receiving neutral or even positive cash flow on a city-fringe residential asset that has grown by around 5 per cent year on year for the past three years&nbsp;based on our pricing strategy on&nbsp;incremental price rises during construction and sales milestones, while much of the broader market has remained relatively flat,” he says.

<img alt="Samuel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79b97c26-6fc6-4887-984a-8de45f0e1e6d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/8-Louise-St-33.jpg?VersionId=Egjy9IyMg5Y9M3X1WTEQU0riRCDAdLVG" />

A handful of apartments remain, with one-beds starting from $595,000, two's from $779,000, and three-beds from $2,445,000. All but one sub penthouses have been sold, and that is priced from just shy of $14 million. It has four bedrooms and five bathrooms across its 600 sqm, and parking for five cars.

Darren Blair from Blair Property Group has handled the sales campaign.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> designed the 89-unit building, on the fringe of St Kilda Road and Albert Park, to respond directly to its heritage-rich context, where historic mansions and retained period buildings continue to shape the streetscape.&nbsp;

The completed building reflects this influence through its brick façade and art-deco detailing, drawing cues from neighbouring heritage structures while delivering a contemporary residential format suited to modern inner-city living.

<img alt="Cera Stribley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6067811-6d0d-4057-b77c-2b5fde0a5602" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/8-Louise-St-36.jpg?VersionId=YfEOR_L10AI4JgGDtD_ZjaxeT0DL4PRe" />

Amenities were conceived as an extension of daily life rather than a checklist of inclusions. Residents now have access to a ground-floor pool illuminated by a central skylight, a fully equipped gym, steam room, private dining room, lounge, and a landscaped outdoor terrace that wraps the communal spaces.&nbsp;

The amenity offering reflects a biophilic design approach, with water and greenery used to soften the building’s urban setting and support wellbeing.

<img alt="Louise" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="531e3e37-5e48-4af6-8b9c-49fa91504175" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/8-Louise-St-184.jpg?VersionId=KA.jqRLlSggTvJ.FWLtU47IOwDI9LF61" />

Samuel now shifts its focus to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/hali-dromana-105-111-point-nepean-road-dromana-vic-3936">Hali</a>, its beachside townhouse development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/dromana-vic-3936">Dromana</a>, which has been popular among city dwellers looking for a low-maintenance bolthole on the Mornington Peninsula.

Samuel recently began the construction phase of the&nbsp;73-townhome community, one of the most unique developments the Mornington Peninsula has seen in decades.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112174]

Samuel Property’s Louise reaches completion, nears sell-out on Albert Park’s edge

Land Sale

<html><body>
A Sunshine Coast businessman has purchased a parcel of vacant land off-market for $5 million in Maroochydore.   The 95-105 Dalton Drive property, a 6,547 sqm plot, was at the western gateway to the Sun Central CBD development.   The vacant land parcel was sold by Ray White Commercial Noosa and Sunshine Coast North real estate agent David C Smith.   Mr Smith said an astute local businessman was looking for a "large parcel of inner-city land to future-proof his business."
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/3/14/DSmith%20pic.jpg" alt="">
Mr Smith said, “work on this end of the Sun Central development won’t be undertaken for some time, but the entrance statement land on Dalton Drive fulfilled the requirement of the buyer and was pursued for some time, until a satisfactory result was reached,” he said.   “Other than the Sun Central land development, which unfortunately couldn’t accommodate the prospective purchaser's needs, the only available vacant land was in Dalton Drive.   “The buyer said it was a privilege to have the prospect of designing a building that will sit at the western entrance, and will project the image and vision of the new CBD," he concluded.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Vacant Maroochydore plot sells off-market for $5 million

<html><body>
One of the last beach house precincts remaining on the Gold Coast is enjoying a surge in sales activities with buyers on the northern Gold Coast at Paradise Point.
Sovereign Shores on the northern tip of Paradise Point has enjoyed more than $30 million in sales as buyers look for waterfront land in an enclave with 240-degree water views overlooking The Broadwater.
Only a handful of blocks in the first stage of 39 remain for sale.
The offering, being marketed by The Ray White Runaway Bay Group on behalf of well-known Brisbane Developer Metacap, is being developed on the location of Little Beach, a popular beach peninsula precinct opposite exclusive Sovereign Islands.
Ray White’s Ali Mian said local, interstate and international buyers looking to develop luxurious modern beach homes had shown keen interest in the first stage of the development, which only has a total of 60 lots and is being released in a limited two stages.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/10/038_Open2view_ID489019-1_Salacia_Drive.jpg" alt="">
“The response has been very strong, particularly from local buyers who are captivated by the stunning waterside location,” said Mr Mian.
“The demand we have already experienced, coupled with the settlement of some of the early purchases, has allowed the developer to bring his attention to releasing stage two imminently.
“Land of this calibre within reach of lifestyle amenities is quite rare at Paradise Point and basically once the 60 lots are sold there will be no waterfront land remaining in what has emerged as one of the city’s most exclusive suburbs.
“We’ve even had a buyer from New Zealand secure a lot sight unseen after searching online for opportunities on the Gold Coast.”
The Ray White Runaway Bay Group general manager Ian Spurle credits the success of the Sovereign Shores land release to the flexibility that residential sites offer buyers.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/10/003_Open2view_ID489019-1_Salacia_Drive.jpg" alt="">
“The lots are quite unique in terms of what buyers are able to build on them and this has been very appealing to our buyers,” said Mr Spurle.
“You can occupy up to 60 per cent site coverage as of right, but there’s also a zero-lot provision that allows for more flexibility in home designs and better use of the site.
“You can also go to three levels and have a rooftop garden, as well as a full basement level.
“Under this scenario, you can actually strata-title each of these levels to create three dwellings, which is quite unique.”
Sovereign Shores residents have access to marina berths that offer a bridge-free passage to the Pacific Ocean.
Resident facilities include a recreation centre, fully equipped gymnasium and the choice of three swimming pools.
Local amenities include a restaurant, bar and coffee shop, while the popular Paradise Point restaurant and shopping strip is just a short stroll away.
Sovereign Shores lots are priced from $589,000 and range in size from 400sqm to 651sqm.
Metacap was incorporated in 2005 by seasoned developer Alex Jimenez, and has since completed more than 1000 town houses, high-rise apartments, residential subdivisions and commercial developments in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. 
Metcap, which has a $155 million development pipeline, has successfully delivered a diverse array of developments through various economic environments, making it highly respected in the industry. 
The Ray White Runaway Bay Group has offices at Sovereign Island, Paradise Point, Runaway Bay and Pacific Pines.
</body></html>

Buyers snap up Paradise Point land offering at Sovereign Shores

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Resimax Group has announced a joint venture acquisition with Hyde Property Group over 218 hectares of land in the Eynesbury Township in Melbourne's west.
The partnership deal is set to fast-track delivery of key infrastructure in the area, including the development of Mt Mary Road, which will connect the Eynesbury Township, home to 2,400 residents, to the city of Wyndham.
It will also fast-track the development of the state government primary school and Eynesbury's sporting facilities.
Resimax Group's delivery team will be at the helm of the project.
Resmiax Group managing director Ozzie Kheir said they are thrilled to work alongside Hyde Property Group to deliver on the potential of Eynesbury Township. 
"Eynesbury is one of the most exciting developments in Australia, both in terms of its scale and potential end use – the opportunities are endless," Kheir said.
“When you visit Eynesbury you can’t help but fall in love with the place – from the protected native vegetation that sprawls the estate, the 18-hole professional golf course and the heritage bluestone Homestead with cosy fireplaces, you instantly feel at home.
“In years to come I have no doubt Eynesbury will be known as a premium housing estate with a great community and we look forward to working closely with the existing Eynesbury community to re-invigorate the Township and open up the unique Eynesbury lifestyle to a whole new group of residents,” said Kheir. 
Russell Jackson, CEO of Hyde Property Group, said they chose to partner with Resimax Group over a number of offers as it provides continuity of delivery with the existing Eynesbury Township. 
“The purchase and associated refinancing of the site allows us to ramp up delivery of key infrastructure that will open up the Township to the City of Wyndham and improve the connectivity with the City of Melton," Jackson said.
“We thank our residents and stakeholders for their patience during this process and believe that the deal we have brokered is an incredible outcome for everyone associated with Eynesbury."
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Resimax partners with Hyde Property Group for 218 hectare Eynesbury development

<html><body>
<div>A 2.33 hectare block of land has been sold to a south east Queensland project developer and builder for $6.4 million.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-residential+land-qld-taigum-202087566" target="_blank">281-295 Handford Road, Taigum</a>, the cleared, elevated site has access to water and sewerage infrastructure and is in close proximity to local shopping, education, recreation and public transport facilities.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The deal was jointly brokered by the Ray White Special Projects Queensland team of Mark Creevey and Tony Williams.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Mr Creevey said the land sold following a six-week expressions of interest campaign and enquiries were high.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Throughout the process we had 70 enquiries, and at the close of the expressions of interest period, we had eight strong offers to consider,” he said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“With the site ripe for development and being only 14.5 km north of Brisbane CBD, we’re pleased to see that so many people appreciated the opportunity that was on offer.”</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Mr Williams said while the site was originally approved for 104 x 3 bedroom townhouses, there was interest in the site for a variety of potential development outcomes.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Despite the townhouses being aimed towards the investment sector, there was also strong interest from the market from groups seeking to undertake a variety of other residential uses, including lower density townhouse development, land subdivision and retirement/aged care,” he said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“The strong level of enquiry is evidence of the continued demand for approved residential in-fill sites in the Brisbane City Council LGA.”</div>
</body></html>

Approved Taigum development site sells for $6.4M

<html><body>
Speculators are snapping up land lots in Melbourne and then selling them for higher prices to cash in on the surge in lot prices in the city’s outer suburbs.
In response, Melbourne greenfield developer Villawood Properties has changed its sales contracts to block sales on its land lots by speculators.
Villawood says it is illegal, with the main driver being the recent rise in prices of land lots in Melbourne and record low supply.
Prices are up $27,000 since the start of the year and heading towards a median of $300,000, according to project marketers Red23, The Australian Financial Review reported.
The law firm which draws up Villawood's contracts flagged the issue of purchasers nominating an alternative buyer.  
There are more than 250 lots for sale on Gumtree, with most of the contracts yet to settle.
"Speculators are buying lots because they are seeing that prices are going up. They are then reselling the contract for tens of thousands of dollars before they settle," Villawood founder and executive director Rory Costelloe was cited as saying by the AFR.
"I met a guy in the Good Guys recently, who told me he had paid $30,000 to buy a contract for one of our lots.
"We've had advice and believe it's not legal to nominate another buyer for profit."
Prolonged wait times for new lots to be titled – up to 18 months – is also driving some buyers to sell their lots to other parties.
Costelloe said Villawood doesn’t “want speculators in our estates”. 
“We want to sell lots to people who are going to build their homes on them," he said.
Villawood Properties changed its contracts last weekend so that only immediate family members can be nominated as an alternative buyer. 
The developer, one of the biggest in Victoria with 22 estates, will also restrict families to buying only one lot per new land release.
In one example, a buyer called "Isabelle" sold the contract to a lot in Villawood's Elements Estate in Truganina for $260,000. She bought it for $220,000 less than a year ago.
Another Gumtree vendor, "Sumit", told the AFR he was selling because his developer kept on delaying the titling of his lot.
"It was meant to be last November. Then they moved it to January, then March, then May. Now they are saying August."
Gumtree vendor "TK" said he was selling his lot in Merrifield in the northern suburbs because he had bought a bigger site elsewhere.
"I bought this site not even a year ago for $450,000. Now the same lots are selling for $550,000."
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Villawood says speculators selling off its Melbourne land lots for profit

<html><body>
The former CEO of Channel Nine David Gyngell has teamed up again with his mate, John "Strop" Cornell to expand their Brunswick Heads holdings.
They've spent $3 million on the 1,012 sqm parcel in the northern NSW tourist town. It currently comprises two storey four units in a fibro dwelling with a huge backyard.
The site, which sold through Siwicki Real Estate agent Dave Bosselmann, sits across the laneway from the Hotel Brunswick, another of the duo's holdings.
Gyngell spent $5.25 million in 2013 to buy a half share of Cornell's Hotel Brunswick, a pub known for its classic Australian 1940s architecture with its courtyard beergarden shaded by giant poinciana trees. 
The coastal village pub was built by Jim Cavill overlooking Simpsons Creek and the Brunswick River. Locals reckon Brunswick Heads is what Byron Bay was 20 years ago.
The freehold of the pub was bought by Cornell in 1990 from Austotel for $2.1 million. 
Gyngell, who has a newly completed retreat in the Byron Bay hinterland, has been a family friend of the entreprenurial former comedian John Cornell and his wife, Delvene Delaney.
It was Gyngell's father Bruce who helped found the Nine network in 1956.
David walked away from one of the biggest jobs in the entertainment industry.
Gyngell and wife, journalist Leila McKinnon, have also just spent $1,675,000 on a three bedroom art deco apartment at Bondi Beach.
Gyngell outbid five others for the ground floor apartment, coming in with his first bid at $1.6 million after an initial vendor bid of $1.25 million kicked off proceedings.
This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.
 
 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

David Gyngell, 'Strop' Cornell buy in NSW's Brunswick Heads

<html><body>
The Melbourne suburb of Ivanhoe East is set for two sizeable land parcel sales with one 15,000sqm site having been 'collected' for 26 years.
On parcel of land, 14 Ivanhoe East, bordered by The Boulevard, Wamba Road, Wilfred Road and Cedric Street, is expected to sell at around $30 million.
According to title records they are owned by Stuart Morris, QC, and his wife Jennifer who purchased the land over 26 years.
In 2006 he attempted to develop eight blocks into a $21.5 million 92 unit retirement village which was met with a backlash from residents.
Colliers International’s Jeremy Gruzewski and Ted Dwyer have the listing.
Mr Gruzewski said the land parcel is rare, not only for its substantial size, but also because it is not affected by registered single-dwelling covenants, significant landscape overlays, or heritage controls, which affect much of this highly regarded suburb.
“With so much of Ivanhoe East under these planning controls, this supersite is an exception and represents a significant parcel of land ripe for redevelopment,” he said.
“With a median house price of $1.7million, Ivanhoe East is regarded as one of Melbourne’s finest suburbs and any redevelopment is bound to achieve premium prices.
“The four street frontages and parkside locale, just moments from East Ivanhoe village, make this a tantalising prospect for high-end apartment, townhouse or even retirement living.
“It is hard to put a value or a price on such a rare and unique offering that is probably never to be repeated.”
 
</body></html>

Land collection listed in Melbourne's Ivanhoe East

<html><body>
The Oatley family have put an untouched grassland parcel in Sydney's Hills district up for sale.
They bought the field of dreams in Glenorie in 2000 with plans to build an equestrian centre for the expatriate family member, Australian Olympian, Kristy Oatley-Nist.
But the 10 ha land that cost $983,000 at Moores Rd lies idle.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-glenorie-123653246" target="_blank">More than $5 million</a> is expected by Mode Property agent Adrian Rovere for the sq m block which could set a record.
Kristy Oatley-Nist represented Australia at the 2000, 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics. Married to professional footballer, Piotr Staczek, her primary training base is in Hamburg, Germany where she is a member of Trittau Reitverein in Germany.
Her first ride was at age two at the winemaking family's Muswellbrook farm.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph. 
</body></html>

firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Oatley family list redundant Glenorie horse paddock

<html><body>
A 15-hectare site owned by the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council in southern Sydney is on the market and is expected to fetch at least $45 million.
Raine &amp; Horne Commercial is managing the sale of the land in Sutherland Shire through expressions of interest.
The site has a pending development application and has roused the interest of local, interstate and overseas developers, according to an article in Urban Developer.
Anthony Bouteris, co-principal of Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Sutherland Shire, said the land is expected to realise $45 million or more. 
Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Paul Newman said the Land Council’s Board decided to put the 15-hectare subdivision at Barden Ridge on the market to fund its business through divesting some of its land.
“We will use the proceeds from the sale to help finance our community housing, cultural and heritage programs. We also operate a community transport service to support older members of the local Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities,” said Newman.
“We are also the only Aboriginal Land Council who operates a privately owned medical centre in Australia and the proceeds from the sale of the Barden Ridge property will support these services,” said Paul.
The gross realisation of the site is estimated to be about $105 – $110 million, according to Raine &amp; Horne’s Bouteris.
</body></html>

Raine & Horne helps Aboriginal Council put southern Sydney site on the market

<html><body>
Some 360 acres on the foreshore of Port Stephens at North Arm Cove on three separate land parcels is on the market, just off the M1 freeway.
Potential development on the site includes a tourist facility, backpacker’s accommodation, B &amp; B, camping grounds, caravan parks or agriculture.
The property was previously used as a horse riding school &amp; camping ground catering to backpackers &amp; outdoor enthusiasts.  There are also horse yards, a tack room, sheds, and riding trails as well as aa natural boat launching area on Bulga Creek for smaller watercraft, kayaks, canoes  &amp; dinghies..
A development standard applies to the land that fixes a minimum area of 40 hectares for the erection of a dwelling house in zone RU2 – rural landscape (Great Lakes local environment plan 2014 – now Mid Coast Council).
Expressions of interest close by 16 September, 2016 by close of business at <a href="mailto:info@coastalproperties.net.au">info@coastalproperties.net.au</a>  For further information please contact Bryan Stevenson 0419 384 569 or Ivy Stevenson 0432 705 766.
</body></html>

Land Sale

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Land Sale

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News