Fifty-nine residences across 37 levels. No more than two per floor. With 80 per cent now sold, what remains at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/madeline-by-mosaic-broadbeach-22-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">Madeline by Mosaic</a> is a short list.

Madeline was always conceived at a scale that sits outside the normal register of Gold Coast apartment living. The residences are half- and full-floor configurations, with the largest spanning more than 400 sqm, dimensions that place them closer to the penthouse end of the market regardless of where they sit in the building.

That scale is the organising principle of everything else: how the floorplans are laid out, how the materials read, how the connection between inside and outside works.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150135 project_image_fid=355941]

The interiors were developed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a>, the architecture practice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic</a> brought in as design partner for the first time on this project. The palette runs to natural stone, textured timbers, and soft metallics, materials chosen as much for their tactile quality as their appearance.

Light cleverly shifts across surfaces through the day, and the design is explicit about wanting that to be noticed. Full-height glazing runs across the primary living areas, and where the building faces east toward the ocean, those walls of glass are doing real work: framing a view corridor that the site's position directly opposite Broadbeach State School's playing fields keeps permanently open.

That outlook is the site's most consequential asset. In a suburb where new towers continue to rise, a protected view line is genuinely rare, and the Mary Avenue address secures it. Residents at Madeline will look out over open parkland rather than the rear of another building, a distinction that becomes more meaningful with each new development approved nearby.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150135 project_image_fid=355939]

The private outdoor spaces are sized to match the residences themselves. Terraces on the upper levels frame uninterrupted ocean panoramas, and the planning ensures that living areas extend into those outdoor zones rather than treating them as separate attachments. The flow between the two is part of the design intent, not an afterthought.

Inside, the finish specification reflects the same approach. Rich stone benchtops, warm timber joinery, bespoke hardware, each element specified to hold up over time rather than read as a moment in a particular trend cycle.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150135 project_image_fid=3409]

Beyond the residences, the amenity offering extends that register. A lap pool and sun deck anchor the outdoor space, alongside a magnesium pool, cold plunge, steam room, and sauna.

A commercial-grade gymnasium, residents' lounge, library, and boardroom round out a programme that functions more like a private members club than a standard building amenity floor.

Construction has commenced under Mosaic's in-house building arm, with completion scheduled for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150135]

Joel Robinson

Madeline by Mosaic delivers penthouse-level living across every apartment

Developer Fortezza Group is the latest to take its new apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-belvedere-5-7-church-street-nelson-bay-nsw-2315">The Belvedere in Nelson Bay</a>, to the NSW Government.

Fortezza, predominantly a South East Queensland developer, is the latest to apply for State Significant Development&nbsp; status through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority, a pathway becoming favoured by developers to speed up the approval process.

They are planning 57 two- and three-bedroom apartments across 5-7 Church Street and 42 Donald Street, near d'Albora Nelson Bay Marina. The diverse apartment mix has sizes from just over 80 sqm to the largest three-bedroom penthouses that reach nearly 200 sqm.

<img alt="Fortezza" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="090360e1-66d7-43ad-b686-aba81f173bf2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2010.22.40%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=DMqF96eBZolqSAAAcugX0l66ueWng66m" />

Fortezza calls the project a "piece of Istria in Nelson Bay,"&nbsp;referring to the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, shared by Croatia (90%), Slovenia, and Italy, which is known for its Roman history, Venetian-style coastal towns and inland hilltop villages.

They say the The Belvedere is strategically positioned at the apex of Nelson Bay, offering unrivalled views of the ocean, the bay and captivating topography of the area.

"Our commitment to maintaining the integrity of every view and sight line has been relentless," Fortezza Group says.

"Through extensive modelling and analysis, we ensure that each apartment enjoys the natural beauty of Nelson Bay, regardless of future developments. Each design element is carefully curated to harmonise with our European heritage, drawing profound inspiration from the Roman architectural marvels in Istria. The arches, the cascades of greenery and the stonework that define our project pay homage to the structures that once exemplified Roman grandeur."

Residents will have access to a pool, communal green spaces, an office and a coffee shop.

First look: Fortezza Group takes The Belvedere, Nelson Bay apartment development, to NSW Government

SEQ developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/keylin-group">Keylin</a>&nbsp;is the latest to jump into the hot Kangaroo Point market, filing plans for a prime site on Lambert Street.

The 52-unit development, predominantly made up of two-bed apartments, will sit on a 1,012 sqm site at 39 Lambert Street, within the&nbsp;Kangaroo Point Peninsula’s Shafston Precinct.

The 15-storey scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/jackson-teece">Jackson Teece</a>&nbsp;is anchored by a strong focus on mid-sized apartments, with 48 two-bedroom and four three-bedroom dwellings forming the mix. The project includes three basement levels, as well as ground and mezzanine parking, delivering a total of 66 car spaces.

<img alt="First Look: Keylin targets Brisbane’s mid-market with 15-storey Kangaroo Point proposal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0df78d49-0723-442f-917e-fe29f4eb02c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/2_1.png?VersionId=Ud0OP4FZCGFHLvwFWbaeTcYq8Fc2mtdh" />

Planning documents describe the proposal as “a high-density residential outcome that integrates with its context and encourages urban consolidation and the efficient use of land in a well-serviced, inner-city location.”

The building adopts a slender tower form across 15 levels, including a rooftop communal terrace. Its design is shaped by setbacks and orientation that respond directly to neighbouring buildings, achieving up to 20 metres of separation to the adjacent Point Hotel and between 9 and 17 metres to nearby residential developments.

A key design driver is the integration of subtropical and biophilic elements. The architectural concept, described as an “elevated garden sanctuary,” draws from the natural character of the Kangaroo Point cliffs, incorporating landscaped ledges, deep planting zones, and extensive greenery throughout the façade. Curved balconies and layered planting soften the tower’s vertical form, while the lower levels feature heavier landscaping and screening to create a more human-scaled street interface.

<img alt="First Look: Keylin targets Brisbane’s mid-market with 15-storey Kangaroo Point proposal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="95bc4974-fcbd-4a9a-9dfb-95b8e1977187" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/4.png?VersionId=o8hwItpcfKBglOaTH8Hv7MmVOphZF_Fg" />

Residents will have access to a rooftop amenity offering spanning approximately 262 sqm, including a pool and spa, gym, lounge areas, and flexible wellness spaces. Landscaping is embedded throughout the building, with over 280 sqm of planted areas integrated across the façade and rooftop.

Kangaroo Point has been popular for developers in recent years. Mosaic Property Group has almost sold out its two Kangaroo Point buildings,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford by Mosaic</a> on Prospect Street, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter Building on Linton Street</a>.

Kenlynn has <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/130lambert-112-130-lambert-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">130Lambert</a>, just up the road from Keylin's proposal, while Pikos has two projects in the area.

Keylin targets Brisbane’s mid-market with 15-storey Kangaroo Point apartment development

"A legacy to last 100 years."

That's the view of Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG), which has just been given the green light to develop its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Skyring Terrace, Newstead tower</a> on what is being pitched as "the last true riverfront address at Newstead."

CPG will now begin a VIP release, with buyer enquiries open ahead of priority outreach to registered clients in May.&nbsp;

Access to the as yet unnamed project will be limited, with CPG confirming a staged release strategy targeting a select group of buyers before any broader market launch.&nbsp;

<img alt="DA approved for last true riverfront address in Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f4ab3090-a2b8-46a8-a4f3-4ec16b5b25b9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Enscape_2025-09-18-13-10-37.jpg?VersionId=_9OV7Adc_zdCldf58WkP0iiagz3Ed3yd" />

Construction is scheduled to commence in August 2026, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a> expected to be on site in the coming weeks preparing the sales office.&nbsp;

The approved development comprises 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower with more than 75% having northeast river views. There is also an absolute riverfront six-storey boutique building of only 12 residences which will each enjoy more than 21 metres of river frontage.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the project adopts a contemporary interpretation of Brisbane’s classical architecture, with a focus on enduring materials including brick and stone.&nbsp;

<img alt="DA approved for last true riverfront address in Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfe7254d-25c3-44bb-9a46-ed658d0aab8a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Enscape_2025-11-05-00-57-36.jpg?VersionId=O29la.BVNnSLxL0JVzvEETE8NaYIn3XG" />

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke says the approval marks a significant milestone for the group’s $1.5 billion plus riverfront development pipeline including Gloriette at Yeerongpilly.&nbsp;

“This will be a new signature building for the Brisbane skyline and riverfront,” O’Rorke said. “We want this building to be considered one of Brisbane’s best in 100 years.”&nbsp;

CPG Head of Residential James MacGinley says the design prioritises longevity and permanence over short-term trends.&nbsp;

“Woods Bagot’s design will stand the test of time,” MacGinley said.&nbsp;

“First and foremost, these are beautiful homes designed to enjoy river views that will never be built out. However, the heart of this design goes beyond the ‘now’ and draws from the past to create an enduring legacy for the future. We expect these homes to become very tightly held and passed from generation to generation.&nbsp;

The project will form part of CPG’s broader riverfront portfolio, with a fully fitted out sales office opening later this year.

&nbsp;

"A legacy to last 100 years" as Consolidated Properties approved for Newstead tower

Nearly a year after purchasing the former Leo's Fine Food &amp; Wine supermarket in Kew for a reported $52 million, Melbourne developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/orchard-piper">Orchard Piper</a>, in a consortium with billionaire James Packer, has filed development plans for the site.

The proposal includes just under 200 apartments on the 6,835 sqm block, which spans <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/26-36-princess-street-kew-vic-3101">26-36 Princess Street and 11-15 Brougham Street</a>. Approval is being sought through the Department of Transport and Planning’s (DTP) Development Facilitation Program (DFP).

The buildings, designed by Wardle, will vary in scale and rise up to 18 storeys. One-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments will be offered, along with townhouses. Ten per cent of the total dwellings will be allocated to key worker housing.

The development will also include 19 new retail premises, comprising a mix of shops, restaurants and cafés, including a dedicated space for a high-quality produce offering similar to Leo’s.

<img alt="Kew" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="67cc85a5-a9d8-4eaa-95ae-fd93762d3297" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%208.15.07%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_p57VJNE2w16xNXB4ISvu3mnVHDDk86R" />

Orchard Piper noted the development is "designed to revitalise the Junction with high-quality housing and retail, while also improving the public realm."

"Assembling an expert team, we've been working with leading architects Wardle and landscape architects Oculus on a site-sensitive design. Wardle is one of Australia's pre-eminent architectural practices, and its founder, John Wardle, is a former long-term Kew resident with an intimate knowledge of the area.

"After close to a year refining the plans, our current opposition embodies Kew's unique character and meets the community's needs, including detailed consideration of the surrounding building design, streetscape conditions and broader planning context."

On top of the extensive retail component, the opportunity to deliver offsite public realm works, involving the council owned land to the south, would include a comprehensive new landscaped laneway strategy that connects Athenaeum Place into the site, a new public park, and the relocation of the public parking currently on the site to the adjoining council land.

<img alt="Kew" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02da73ff-e9d9-4e6a-8b6c-75c6f4cb3b01" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%208.15.12%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NXlzip8H0suSqc.X2H6nLKZr6LB1joJ." />

Orchard Piper, led by Luke Mckie and Rick Gronow, is currently delivering The Carter building on St Kilda Road and One Toorak Place in Toorak village.

Kew has been a popular suburb for new development in recent years. The likes of Piccolo, ANGLE, and Carpe are delivering projects in the area.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

First look: Orchard Piper, James Packer's Kew development revealed

Millers Point

<html><body>
Nine terraces on Windmill Street in Millers Point have been listed for sale by Property NSW, on behalf of Family and Community Services.
The nine Windmill Street properties each contain three bedrooms and will be sold via an Expressions of Interest process through McGrath Estate Agents, closing 5 September.
Properties include:
3 Windmill Street    
7 Windmill Street
13 Windmill Street
17 Windmill Street
23 Windmill Street
31 Windmill Street
35 Windmill Street
41 Windmill Street
45 Windmill Street
The new listings mark the commencement of a new stage in the Millers Point program which will see a different product mix, including a diverse range of lofts and other apartments, and blocks of units, listed on the market over the coming months.
Proceeds from the Millers Point sale program will fund 1,500 new social housing dwellings across the State, with more than 600 new fit-for-purpose social housing dwellings funded to date.
The Windmill Street properties anchor a historically significant street in the unique precinct of Millers Point and The Rocks.
All properties sold in Millers Point are accompanied by strict heritage protections; including NSW Heritage Council-endorsed Conservation Management Plans.
The nine Windmill Street properties will be sold under a neighbourhood scheme title structure, rather than a Torrens title, to facilitate protection and management of the streetscape over time.
A total of 94 Millers Point properties have been sold so far, delivering circa $264 million for new social housing across NSW.
For more information, <a href="https://www.rediscovermillerspoint.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Nine terraces on Windmill Street, Millers Point listed for sale

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Government Property NSW has listed 10 more Millers Point properties for sale through auction on behalf of the Department of Family and Community Services through McGrath Estate Agents.
Money from the sales will eventually be reinvested into some 1,500 social housing projects across NSW.
The below properties will go to auction 25 February. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-millers+point-121752550" target="_blank">20 &amp; 22 Kent Street</a>: Neighbouring two and three bedroom residences, part of a group of three two storey terraces constructed on the site of a former quarry cutting in the 1870s.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-millers+point-121752670" target="_blank">28 Kent Street</a>: A four bedroom two storey terrace built in the 1870s that was previously a barber shop and restaurant.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-millers+point-121753094" target="_blank">46 Kent Street</a>: Known as ‘Chelsea House’ – this property is a five bedroom, two storey terrace built for local auctioneer William Higstrim in the early 1870s.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-millers+point-121752510" target="_blank">38 Argyle Place</a>: A four bedroom residence, part of the ‘Wentworth Terrace’ row built by the prominent Merriman family in 1887-1888.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-millers+point-121752734" target="_blank">40 Argyle Place</a>: A three bedroom terrace that was occupied in the late 1880s by champion rower Charles A. Bros.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-millers+point-121752390" target="_blank">60 Argyle Place</a>: A wide, grand three bedroom terrace in the Grimes’ Buildings row.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-millers+point-121752358" target="_blank">51 Lower Fort Street</a>: Known as ‘Wendovir’, this four bedroom, three storey property is part of Palermo Terrace, constructed in the mid-1880s.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-millers+point-121752378" target="_blank">63 Lower Fort Street</a>: A three bedroom residence in Vermont Terrace and an example of early Federation Queen Anne architecture.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-millers+point-121752422" target="_blank">71 Lower Fort Street</a> (above): This three bedroom two storey residence, part of Eagleton Terrace, was built in 1876 by local shipwright, Robert Drysdale.
 
Government Property NSW  announced the appointment of McGrath Estate Agents as the exclusive sales agent for the next phase of the Government’s Millers Point terrace sales program late January.
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

10 heritage Millers Point properties on the market through Government Property NSW

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Government Property NSW today announced the appointment of McGrath Estate Agents as the exclusive sales agent for the next phase of the Government’s Millers Point terrace sales program.
The appointment will see McGrath market the sale of up to 50 Government-owned terrace properties to June 2016.
The appointment of McGrath followed a select tender issued to pre-qualified agents on the Government’s Real Estate Agents Panel, and complied with NSW Government procurement guidelines.
The first tranche of Millers Point properties for 2016 will list on 27 January. 
To date there have been 47 Government-owned properties sold in Millers Point, raising more than $116 million for social housing.
A corner Victorian-era terrace fetching $6.67 million was sold late last year by McGrath. 
1 Lower Fort Street, a four-storey terrace built circa 1879, forms part of the heritage significant <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-millers+point-121222250" target="_blank">Milton Terrace row</a>.
The five-bedroom's price of $6.67 million was well beyond expectations of $4.5 million.
The property was sold through McGrath agents Lorraine Crawford and Peter Starr.
McGrath boss John McGrath <a href="/expert-insights/the-rocks-head-john-mcgrath-s-top-five-sydney-picks">signalled he liked the precinct's prospects</a> last year.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

McGrath secure Millers Point sales stranglehold

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Government Property NSW has sold its 1910 Munn Street, Millers Point apartment for $5.5 million, and announced eight new property listings for auction, including a Victorian terrace at prestigious 1 Lower Fort Street.
The pre-auction price guidance was $4.5 million plus.
The auction was through Richard Shalhoub and Peter Starr of McGrath.
“Highly competitive bidding was always expected for the freehold block of four two-bedroom apartments on Munn Street, given its exceptional location,” said Government Property NSW chief executive Brett Newman.
The property is situated in one of the most sought after areas of Millers Point with panoramic views across Barangaroo and towards Balmain.
Its apartments were ranging from 83sqm to 104sqm in size.
To date 39 government-owned properties have sold in Millers Point, raising more than $92 million for social housing across the state.
Proceeds from the Millers Point auctions are being reinvested into building more than 1,500 social housing dwellings across Sydney and regional NSW.
Close to 100 new dwellings have already been built in Condell Park, Padstow, Yagoona, Gymea, Lurnea, Chester Hill, Kingswood, Mount Warrigal, Beverly Hills, Warilla, Casula and Miranda.
The upcoming 1 Lower Fort Street – a four storey Victorian terrace built in the late 1870s which forms part of Milton Terrace row - has been listed for December 3 auction.
“Milton Terrace is one of the few remaining intact grand Victorian terraces in inner Sydney, and was built to coincide with the staging of the International Exhibition in 1879,” Newman said.
Another seven properties, marketed by McGrath Estate Agents, are:
<ul>
<li>Three residences in the Davies Terrace row built circa 1870: 28 Merriman Street (three bedrooms), 36 Merriman Street, (two bedrooms) and 38 Merriman Street (three bedrooms)</li>
<li>36 Kent Street, a three-bedroom terrace</li>
<li>55 Kent Street, a four-bedroom sandstone terrace</li>
<li>59 Kent Street, a three-bedroom end terrace in the Hexham Terrace row</li>
<li>71 Windmill Street, a four-bedroom terrace</li>
</ul>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

NSW government raises $5.5 million through Millers Point property auction; eight more up for bidding

<html><body>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Three more surplus social housing homes in Millers Point have been sold.
The three properties sold through Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay included 32 Kent Street, an 1870s, two-bedroom terrace at $1.5 million.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Another 1870s row house, at 56 Kent Street, sold for $1.68 million.
At 42 Kent Street, (below) with harbour views, an above-expectation $2.2 million was achieved by the NSW government.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/photogallery_new.ds;jsessionid=F79541AF742788A3D14831BBBA1E6CCB?id=119722987&amp;theme=rea.sold" rel="photos" data-id="119722987"><img src="https://i3.au.reastatic.net/456x342/9cbf5d600f98d6e769e1dcdacaa950b9df685688c68546deaead803574f0a876/image2.jpg" alt="42 Kent Street, Millers Point" title="42 Kent Street, Millers Point" data-index="2"></a>
Next up are 18 Trinity Avenue, 34 Kent Street and 54 A&amp;B Kent Street.
More than $40 million has been secured in the sell-off.
Last month Grimes Cottage, at 50 Argyle Place in Millers Point secured the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/grimes-cottage-millers-point-sold-by-nsw-state-government">highest price yet in its staggered former social housing selldown at $4.23 million</a>.
</div>
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More Millers Point terraces sold off by the NSW government 

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Three more surplus government-owned property at Millers Point have been sold adding $6.7 million towards social housing projects in the suburbs.
They were all on Kent Street including<a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-millers-point-nsw-2000/257134/?searchID=49852710" target="_blank"> 51 Kent Street</a> (pictured above), which is an 1855 terrace that sold at $2.45 million. The price guidance was $2 million to $2.2 million.
The Georgian-style terrace had been listed for auction last night through Peter Starr at McGrath Estate Agents.
The terraces at 39 and 49 Kent Street also sold. 
The 39 Kent Street terrace sits in a row built for solicitor/politician Sir George Wigram Allen. It sold at $1,725,000, having been listed with $1.5 million to $1.6 million price guidance.
The 49 Kent Street terrace fetched $2.54 million, having been listed with a $2 million to $2.2 million price estimate. It appears the Millers Point Government terrace selloff now gives closer sale price guidance than initially given when the sales campaigns kicked off las year.
The 47 Kent Street was auctioned last year at $1.64 million.
Properties sold late last year included 24, 28 and 32 Argyle Place fetching $2.3 million, $2.35 million and $2.15 million respectively.
The NSW government is proceeding with plans to sell the remaining 284 properties so funds can be reinvested back into the public housing system.
The government-owned properties in Millers Point secured a total of $21.9 million from its initial nine sales.
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Millers Point Government terrace selloff now gives closer sale price guidance

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Who really sets the end value of the home? 
This may well be determined soon enough, putting an end to many discussions held over the years regarding the contested topic. Most say the value is set by “what people want to pay for a home and what a vendor wants to accept”. Others believe the end decision is made by the the valuer. But let us not forget the final player: the bank.
No doubt the sale of the two <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-second-millers-point-offering-fetches-2-56-million-for-state-government-housing">government-owned Millers Point properties </a>at such vast price points has placed a magnifying glass over the valuation process itself. The <a href="https://propertyobserver.com.au/finding/location/nsw/35454-millers-point-government-terrace-sell-off-with-record-2-6-million-plus-price-guidance" target="_blank">recent sales</a> will test everyone’s theories, perceptions and ideals as to who has the final call on the value of the home.
The agents
The agents are, we may say, the first line of clarification when ascertaining what a property is worth. A well versed agent in his or her field of expertise in their patch will promote their worth, first and foremost, by knowing their product.
In the first instance, when looking into the sales at Millers Point, the market opinion and price guide provided was $1,000,000. However, this was later adjusted to $1,300,000. This is a bench mark set by a professional that has years of knowledge and expertise in an area and a specific market. This is also knowledge that valuers often rely on to make their final call. After all, the agents live, breathe, and are in and out of homes in their patch on a day to day basis. Hence, they are a valuable resource to have when searching for a price guide and a professional realistic market opinion.
The valuer
The valuers, on the other hand are utilising a number of resources, which range from agent market opinions to online data of recent sales and no doubt the science of  ascertaining building costs-depreciation and land values. It is a very complex and under rewarded process in my opinion, when providing a valuation for a bank post the sale.
The bank
The bank will rely on the final opinion of the valuer and I have a hunch they will also have their internal policies centred round lending criteria to meet with the borrower’s financial position.  I would also speculate at this point that most banks will assess the loan process and the Loan to Value Ratio differently. Therefore, they are indirectly providing particular instructions to the valuer.
Now riddle me this, Bat-bank: which parcel of information will you rely on when the purchaser approaches you for the funding? Here is the conundrum as we further explore this enigma:
<ol>
<li>Agent’s public opinion “price guide” of what the property is worth; $1,000,000 - $1,300,000 first sale and $1,400,000 - $1,500,000 price guide on second sale.</li>
<li>Final sales figure; $1,911,000 for the first and $2,560,000 for the second sale.</li>
<li>
Then there is the undisclosed figure if a true valuation was to be conducted by a valuer, without any outside influences by banks or agencies.    
</li>
</ol>
If we venture back to the beginning and purely relied on the premise that a home is worth “what someone is prepared to pay and what the vendor is prepared to accept”, there would be no issue whatsoever. However, the valuer is caught between a rock and a hard place as they have to justify their findings to the bank. A major criteria expected by the lender to approve a loan by way of accepting a valuation concerns comparable sales of like property in the area. 
Therefore, do they rely on the price achieved in the first property sale, or do they rely on the value of the second? A conundrum to many if this was the only way to ascertain the value of a property. But this is a questionable proposition, as on the surface, it appears to be the major methodology a bank uses to dish out credit. So, Bat-bank, what figure will you accept?
If the bank accepts the latter sales figure, this would mean the first property was sold for peanuts and the person that bought the first home won the lottery.  If the sale price of the first home is the benchmark, one can only assume that the valuation of the second home will come in very short.
Then of course there is the other ideal in Gotham-Sydney. The banks will fund all the purchases to create a history and a sample of at least 4-5 sales to justify their reasoning and paperwork to their shareholders. Always be mindful that in most instances but not all, the first few sales in a cluster when sold as individual lots, are the cheapest sales.
Therefore, based on the current precedence, the next homes to go under the hammer may just tip the $3,000,000 mark. I continue to believe $2,700,000 - $3,000,000 was on the money. As the properties continue to rise in value, this can only continue to create further embarrassment to the price guides given by the agencies that sold the first and second home. Now riddle me this, Bat-bank: <a href="/news/nsw/next-millers-point-government-terrace-sell-off-with-record-2-6-million-plus-price-guidance">how will you value the homes</a>?
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