<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

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The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

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The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
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Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

Mcgrath

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Agent Stefon Bertram has joined Belle Property Mosman as a partner in the business alongside long-serving principal Tim Foote. 
Bertram, who has been in real estate for more than a decade, built a name for himself at his previous agency, McGrath Ryde, ranking in the Top 100 agents in Australia for the past four years.
He currently ranked 17th in the country and ranked as one of McGrath’s top five agents, nation-wide.  
Belle Property Mosman, Tim Foote said Stefon was the first key partner in the Mosman-based business.
He took ownership of Belle Property Mosman in 2007.
"Our partnership with Stefon is our next stepping stone,” said Foote. 
Belle Property CEO, Peter Hanscomb said he is thrilled to welcome Stefon.
Bertram thanked his clients in an email from McGrath for their support since his start in the area in 2007.
"Over the years I have helped over 1000 locals with their property goals either buying or selling.
"I trust all my clients are in excellent hands assisted by my former business partners Michael Dowling and James Jin."
"When the opportunity came up to become a key partner at Belle Property Mosman lead by one of the most trusted names in real estate across the past 20 years being ‘Tim Foote’ this made a difficult decision feel right."
Bertram finished his time at McGrath in their Top 5 Agents Australia-wide. 
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Stefon Bertram joins Belle Property Mosman

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McGrath salaried staff have been asked to take a 30 percent pay cut for the next three months.
The request comes as its CEO Geoff Lucas and board have taken a 40 percent cut.
Estate agents are not salaried staff, rather contractors.
Lucas told his team this morning that over the last seven days, McGrath achieved an auction clearance rate of 31 percent, as many clients transferred scheduled auctions to private treaty.
"Notwithstanding this, our teams this week sold 190 homes valued at over $185 million," he advised.
"This is a remarkable performance given the uncertainty engulfing the world at the moment," he noted.
Its property management teams have been "enormously active" in serving more than 32,000 landlords and 45,000 tenants.
McGrath Limited formally provided its shareholders with an update in relation to the company’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic 
To mitigate the potential financial impact of COVID-19 on the business, and to ensure the company emerges from this crisis with the greatest strength, the Board and Management have implemented a range of cost saving measures, including:
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Temporary closure of certain company offices to reduce operating expenses. Agents have been redeployed to neighbouring offices, however noting our teams are respecting remote working conditions as required.
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Immediate cessation of all discretionary expenditure and non-essential spend.
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Minimisation of capital expenditure.
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Hiring freeze.
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40% reduction in remuneration of the CEO and the Board of Directors for May, June and July 2020.
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30% reduction in all salaries above $70,000 p.a. for those staff employed by McGrath Limited for May, June and July 2020.
 
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30 percent paycut for McGrath Agency salaried staff for three months

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McGrath Estate Agency have posted a revenue rise of 15 per cent over the first half of the 2020 financial year.
Chief executive Geoff Lucas said that, subject to economic conditions, they expect the turnaround of the business to continue throughout the year.
"[This] will manifest in the FY2020 results", Lucas said.
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McGrath's number of properties sold jumped from 4,862 in the first half 2019 to 5,768 in the first half 2020, up 19 per cent.
Lucas noted this was achieved "in a period where market listings have been consistently below the prior year." The average rise was four per cent across markets.
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Lucas still cited the "challenging property environment".
"As the market conditions improved in Q2 of FY20, we were well placed to capitalise on these positive tailwinds", Lucas said.
“We have seen a strong start to activity in January 2020 with an increased number of vendors who have gone to market early and benefitted from strong demand and continued rising values during the last quarter of CY2019.
"We believe this will have a positive impact on vendor sentiment for the second half."
McGrath noted that an uplift in market sentiment and strong clearance rates, notwithstanding the market’s lower listing numbers has contributed to the business performing significantly better in the first half of FY20. 
Over 32 of McGrath staff who had previously left the company have returned over the last 18 months.
McGrath shares opened trading at ¢30 on Monday. They rose to ¢34 in morning trading.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

McGrath revenue up 15 per cent, with "business turnaround expected to continue"

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McGrath Estate Agents have announced the opening of two new franchise offices in Mollymook and Ulladulla, led by sales agent Andrea Tucker.
The group has assigned two new franchise offices in the towns, partnering with previous independents Andrea Tucker and Rodney Tucker.
 “We are excited to further cement our position on the South Coast of NSW. Mollymook and Ulladulla both have deep connections to our core markets of Canberra and Sydney," said Christoper Mourd, the head of franchise at McGrath Estate Agents.
"It has long been considered a favoured region for holiday makers and sea changers, even more so since the opening of Bannisters Pavillion,” he added.
“After seven years of running a successful brand, I wanted to expand my business and cast a wider net,” said Andrea Tucker.
McGrath Mollymook and Ulladulla will service the area from Lake Canjola in the North, Yadboro in the West to Dolphin Point in the East down to Bawley Point in the South.
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McGrath's Mollymook and Ulladulla franchises to be lead by Andrea Tucker

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McGrath Limited have announced that prestige agent Rose Farina has joined McGrath, as the company acquired her rent roll and business (currently operating as Ray White Northbridge), located in Sydney’s Northbridge region of the Lower North Shore.
CEO Geoff Lucas (pictured middle) said attracting highly respected agents is a strong indicator of continued influence of the McGrath brand.
“Northbridge is an important component of the Lower North Shore market."
He said the acquisition was an "excellent example of prime residential and aspirational family precincts that are part of a continued focus for McGrath and its prominence in this desirable region of Sydney.”
It would supplement the new McGrath offices in Mosman, Willoughby and Castle Cove as well as the company’s well established Crows Nest operation.
Ms Farina (pictured right) has over 25 years experience in the real estate industry, beginning her career as an interior designer. She first honed her negotiating skills with well respected agent Deborah Kerr.
Rose has worked in the local area for 10 years, and together with agents Denise Woo and Jeff Woo, will continue their customer centric approach to selling homes under McGrath.
Outstanding sales in the past twelve months include a record $12.6 million achieved for a 4 bedroom waterfront at 11 Minimbah Road, Northbridge; and more recently the 5 bedroom home at 13 Marana Road that sold after one week for $3,070,000; and an off market $4,535,000 for 3 Weetalibah Road, Northbridge.
McGrath’s presence in the Northbridge area is serviced by existing McGrath agents Alon Beran and Harriet Halmarick and the addition of Rose, Jeff and Denise will reinforce the company’s commitment to the area.
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McGrath Northbridge will be located at 2/155 Sailors Bay Rd, Northbridge.
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Ray White Northbridge's Rose Farina joins McGrath as agency boosts rent roll

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McGrath Byron Bay sales agent Braden Walters has been appointed principal at Belle Property's Byron Bay and Lennox Head office.
He had spent nearly six years as an agent at McGrath.
Walters has over 18 years experience in the real estate industry.
He was selected as a finalist for the best residential agent by the REINSW in 2019.
Walters has already secured three sales in his new gig, the biggest a five bedroom Lennox Head home that sold for $1.34 million.
He has eight properties for sale across the district.
 
 
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Braden Walters quits McGrath Byron Bay for Belle

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Estate agent Adrian Bo's career with McGrath, which began in 1994, has ended amid a disputed sexual harassment claim.
It was 30 years ago that he joined the real estate industry after briefly working at the Rivkin stockbroking firm on graduating from school.
He started in residential leasing.
He was part of the original foundation McGrath team, which made it harder for the agent to be told to go.
The chief of the luckless McGrath agency, Geoff Lucas announced on Tuesday evening that Bo’s contract had been terminated.
Lucas has since warned staff not to speak to the media on the matter in a leaked internal memo.
“If you are approached by any external party seeking comment or information with respect to the investigation, you are directed to provide no comment.
“If any employee provides comment in such circumstances it may result in disciplinary action.”
The memo also advised staff that any conversations about the investigation, the recommendations or findings are “unhelpful and hinder our ability to move forward as an organisation”.
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<div id="google_ads_iframe_/31694718/domain.com.au/news/national_3__container__"><iframe title="3rd party ad content" name="google_ads_iframe_/31694718/domain.com.au/news/national_3" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" width="1" height="1" data-google-container-id="4" data-integralas-id-1f374a84-a374-1762-60bc-b07e9550ba2a="" data-load-complete="true"></iframe></div>
</div>
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<div class="in-content-ad">
<div id="adspot-1x1_300x250-pos-2" class="ad">At the centre of the latest allegation was a disputed claim Bo recently asked a junior colleague “how many c–ks he had sucked?”</div>
<div class="ad"> </div>
<div class="ad">The Daily Telegraph which broke the story last month had his departure as front page news today.</div>
<div class="ad"> </div>
<div class="ad">
<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/2019/12/4/Daily%20Telegraph%20front%20page.jpg" alt=""> <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/12/4/Adrian%20Bo%20Tele.jpeg" alt="">
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Bo took annual leave while the investigation by an HR consultant and an external lawyer was conducted.
Company founder John McGrath stepped into the role of head of sales as Bo and McGrath had briefly shared the role since Kon Stathopoulos departed in June.
The result of inquiry prompted the publicly listed board to terminate Bo’s contract late on Tuesday, effective immediately.
“The company takes its responsibilities of promoting inclusion and workplace safety seriously and will not tolerate breaches of its code of conduct by its contractors or staff members. I am personally committed to ensuring we have an environment that treats all workplace participants fairly and with respect,” Mr Lucas said in a brief 6pm statement.
In the internal email to McGrath staff, Lucas said: “I understand this process has been stressful for a number of people, and it has taken some time to arrive at this conclusion.
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1">“However it has been important to protect the rights of all parties involved and critical that we followed an independent process complying with our code of conduct and the law.</div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1"> </div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1">“Behaviours such as bullying, harassment and unlawful discrimination are not acceptable at any time. I also want to take this opportunity to reassure you that we have robust HR processes in place to ensure you are provided with best and most supportive environment in which to undertake your work and career development."</div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1"> </div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/12/4/Adrian%20Bo%20Telegraph.jpeg" alt=""></div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1"> </div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1">Bo sold thousands of apartments and homes during his McGrath career, with his celebrity clients having included Jennifer Hawkins and Jake Wall, Lisa Ho, Mike Willesee and Allyson Langdon, Brett Lee, David Warner and Candice Falzon and Richard Roxburgh and Silvia Colloca.</div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1"> </div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1">He created a database of all property owners he came across (excluding active buyers) which stood at 12,000 people in 2012, typically doing 10 sales a month from Bondi to Maroubra.</div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1"> </div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1">He was earning around $2 million a year in gross commissions at the time, which was well above the $60,000 average.</div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1"> </div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1">Bo has sold over $3.7 billion in gross volume of real estate and for 20 consecutive years has maintained a minimum of 100 transactions most recently generating $2.5 million to $3 million in gross commission income per annum.</div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1"> </div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1">In the past year Bo secured 110 sales totalling $145 million. 
</div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1"> </div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1">Bo promoted himself as having "invaluable experience in residential and commercial sales, project marketing and property management."</div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1"> </div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1">But he once said "I see myself as a glorified telemarketer."</div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1"> </div>
<div class="fe-co-email-widget" data-febuild-id="fe-co-email-widget_1">He added the best agents were "storytellers" - "not fictitious but real life situations."</div>
</div>
Bo had been hand-picked and personally trained by John McGrath to become recognised as "one of Australasia’s top agents, auctioneers, real estate trainers and public speakers."
He had completed his MBA in 2013, with reputed hopes to run the McGrath empire at one point, only to see Geoff Lucas return to the struggling listed agency in February last year.
Bo had become co-head of sales when Kon Stathopoulos departed in June.
Stathopoulos became head of company sales in 2016 when McGrath Limited lost its longtime head of sales, Matt Lahood to The Agency.
The Lahood defection was among many that rocked the group with John McGrath, the founder and then executive director, noting he had <a href="/news/john-mcgrath-attacks-unsavoury-defecting-agents-and-pins-hope-on-new-real-estate-app">"zero respect for any of them."</a>
The McGrath agency recently left its long-time head office in Edgecliff in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
It has headed to inner-city Pyrmont, although it will take a presence in Double Bay to quell concerns that it could lose clients and disaffected agents.
The agency had already reduced the Edgecliff office size it required on New South Head Road last year in the wake of a high level of departures. 
The latest departure from the group was in its NSW Northern Rivers agency with <a href="/news/braden-walters-quits-mcgrath-byron-bay-for-belle">Braden Walters now at Belle Byron Bay/Lennox Head</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Adrian Bo departs McGrath after 25 years

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The listing volumes of homes for sale remained subdued, which restricted the potential for any big lift in earnings at the publicly listed McGrath estate agency.
And its chief executive Geoff Lucas cautioned that the recent major capital city price jump was likely not sustainable on an annualised basis.
While the three months to October saw property prices in the Sydney and Melbourne metropolitan markets increase by 5 per cent and 5.5 per cent respectively, Lucas advised he did "not expect this rate of growth to continue.”
He told shareholders the business was recovering.
“While recent above reserve prices, increased auction clearance rates and buyer engagement levels have all improved sentiment, all of which might improve listing levels, we do not see evidence yet of any sustainable improvement,” he said.
McGrath has been busy buying rent rolls.
The company’s rent roll is conservatively valued at $49.4 million, and its Oxygen trailing commission at $2.6 million, while the company has only recognised $11.1m on its balance sheet.
The Australian reported funds managers at the meeting pointed to the value in the company’s rent rolls and the potential for it to grow in future.
Lucas told shareholders at yesterday's annual general meeting that October new listings in Sydney and Melbourne were respectively 6.6 per cent and 15.8 per cent lower than prior year numbers.
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"It is volumes however that are contributing to most of the challenges in the industry and whilst we have seen some recent improvements, new listings for the industry are still down on the prior year," Mr Lucas said.
"While recent above reserve prices, increased auction clearance rates and buyer engagement levels have all improved sentiment, all of which might improve listing levels, we do not see evidence yet of any sustainable improvement."
The company said it expected to post earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of between $1 to $1.5 million in the first half of the year, a lift from a $10.1 million EBITDA loss for the whole of 2019.
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Lucas would not be drawn into offering any forecast statutory net profit, which has been in the red over the past two years. 
<div id="endOfArticle" class="_3PsH9">
The company was confident however it could maintain an upward momentum but cautioned the recovery would not be swift.
"We’re pleased to advise that there are some promising signs starting to come through in the market," chief executive Geoff Lucas said.
The Chinese developer Aqualand lifted its investment in the ASX listed McGrath estate agency from 15 per cent to 18.5 per cent last month.
The increase in its stake followed Aqualand’s acquisition of an <a href="/news/mcgrath-secure-10-7-million-strategic-investment-from-aqualand">initial 15 per cent in McGrath last year</a>. 
Aqualand will remain McGrath’s second largest shareholder, behind John McGrath's own 22 percent stake.
</div>
The annual general meeting came amid sex harassment allegations that came to light last week in the Daily Telegraph.
Shareholders fear it could impede the company's road to recovery, as it involves its head of sales, Adrian Bo who denies any misdoing.
Mr Lucas said investigations were still ongoing.
John McGrath has been drafted in as the temporary head of the McGrath sales team in the leave of absence being taken Adrian Bo.
The role of company sales team leader was shared by Mr Bo and Mr McGrath following <a href="/news/kon-stathopoulos-departs-mcgrath-estate-agents">the departure in June of Kon Stathopoulos</a>.
The company's share price closed at 30¢ on Thursday, up 1¢ from Wednesday.
Its debut IPO price in 2016 was $2.10, and it <a href="/news/mcgrath-estate-agents-trading-at-all-time-low-of-19-5-cents">traded at an all time low in June</a>.
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Cautious McGrath see emerging prospect of recovery in earnings

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McGrath Northern Rivers Group Gold Coast Group have announced that local real estate agent Josh Willatt will join its Palm Beach operation.
He will become joint franchise partner at McGrath Palm Beach along with existing McGrath agents Andy Hogarth and Billy Jaz.
This will be in conjunction with Ian Mills.
David Mills, at McGrath’s Northern Rivers operation expressed excitement for the incoming partners of the business.
"I've worked with Andy, Ian and Billy since McGrath was first opened on the Gold Coast and I'm thrilled for them to continue their career growth as principals.
"They are already senior agents with superior local knowledge and natural leaders within our business, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as they grow their footprint on the Southern Gold Coast,” Mr Mills said.
Andy Hogarth, a McGrath agent of 10 years will assume the role of principal for the McGrath Palm Beach.
He is confident about the local market saying “buyer confidence is back. From the first Saturday following the federal election the conversations with buyers has completely changed. We are now back to receiving multiple offers on properties and buyer engagement has lifted substantially.”
Andy has transacted some good sales over last 18 months, including that of 10 Flores Avenue, Palm Beach selling for $1,105,000 at auction with eight registered bidders. He also negotiated the sale of 59 Tahiti Avenue, Palm Beach for $1,021,000 prior to its auction, as well as several off-market sales that tipped the $1 million barrier.
“The finality of both the election and royal commission are two factors that have positively influenced the marketplace. In addition, the trend of interstate buyers is growing quickly and is supported by all-time low interest rates,” said Billy Jaz, a McGrath agent for over seven years.
Billy sold 266 Nineteenth Avenue, Elanora to a retired Sydney buyer for $1,120,000 which is the top end of the Elanora market in August of this year.
Andy and Billy will be joined by Josh Willatt, who was the top performing agent at Ray White Robina for the past five years. His sales include achieving a street record sale price at 2 Rudd Street, Burleigh Heads for $1,650,000; and most recently 20 Pinnancle Court, Robina for $1,095,000.
“Buyer confidence is at an all-time high across majority of price sectors on the Gold Coast. Downsizers are having the biggest impact on the current market as they gain more confidence that they can again achieve higher prices more aligned to that of 2017-2018," said Mr Willatt.
Mr Willatt also reported that first home buyers are coming back to the marketplace, with the historically low interest rates.
"The increased interest from buyers has seen my average days on market decrease from 51 days pre-election to less than 19 days over the past quarter."
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Josh Willatt joins McGrath Gold Coast Palm Beach partnership  

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The Chinese developer Aqualand has lifted its investment in the ASX listed McGrath estate agency from 15 per cent to 18.5 per cent.
The increase in its stake follows Aqualand’s acquisition of an <a href="/news/mcgrath-secure-10-7-million-strategic-investment-from-aqualand">initial 15 per cent in McGrath last year</a>. 
Aqualand will remain McGrath’s second largest shareholder, behind John McGrath's own 22 percent stake.
The acquisition of shares by Aqualand follows a strategic relationship being struck with McGrath last year to explore opportunities for both groups to work more closely together on future prestige project marketing opportunities.
McGrath CEO Geoff Lucas said Aqualand further committed to McGrath "with the belief that our transformation plan is gaining traction, while also looking to take advantage of any strategic opportunities.”
“AL Capital and the Aqualand Group have great confidence in McGrath," Wayne Mo, CEO of Aqualand Group’s investment arm AL Capital said.
There have not been any apartment projects being marketed by McGrath. McGrath shares closed yesterday at $0.215.
Aqualand bought its initial shares when the shares were trading at around $0.425 per share.
Recently Aqualand Australia finally sold its last apartment in Upper North Shore project The Heysen, Turramurra which had two apartments remaining for sale last November. 
Last month Aqualand <a href="/news/oxford-properties-sells-barangaroo-central-to-aqualand">secured the development stake</a> of Barangaroo Central from Oxford Properties.
 
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