UAE-based developer Arada has unveiled plans for a $2 billion twin-tower apartment development in Broadbeach, marking its first move into Queensland as it continues its rapid expansion across Australia.

Arada will develop 952 apartments across two towers on a prominent site opposite the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the project targeted for completion ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The project represents Arada's largest commitment to the Australian market since arriving in the country in 2024 and significantly expands a local pipeline that has now grown to eight projects and more than 5,000 homes.

It will also be the first major Queensland project delivered by Roberts Co since the tier-one contractor was acquired by Arada Group in 2025.

Plus Studio has designed the Broadbeach development, which will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two towers connected by a landscaped podium.

A significant resident amenity offering will include lagoon and lap pools, a gym, sauna and steam room, alongside a mist room, infrared room and salt scrub facilities. Communal terraces, private dining areas, a library, residents' lounge and work-from-home spaces are also planned. Around 1,200 sqm of retail and hospitality space will occupy the ground floor.

The site puts Arada in one of the Gold Coast's most active apartment markets, directly opposite the convention centre and within walking distance of Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and Broadbeach's dining and retail precinct.

It also has immediate access to the Gold Coast light rail network and sits just a few blocks from the beach.

Arada Group Chief Executive Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said Broadbeach represented an opportunity for the developer to expand beyond its initial NSW pipeline.

“Broadbeach is a world-class address that gives us the canvas to create a community of exceptional design and lifestyle quality that genuinely enriches the daily lives of the people who call it home,” Alkhoshaibi said.

“This is our first development outside New South Wales, and it reflects our growing ambition to grow in key urban markets around the country.”

Alkhoshaibi said bringing Roberts Co into the project would give Arada greater control over the development and construction process.

“Delivering this project through Roberts Co, our own tier-one construction business, means we can bring the quality, pace and accountability that our buyers expect.”

The move into Broadbeach comes as Arada accelerates its Australian expansion following its entry into the market two years ago. The developer has assembled a pipeline of eight projects comprising more than 5,000 homes, while the acquisition of Roberts Co last year gave the group its own Australian construction capability.

Globally, Arada has a development portfolio valued at $50 billion comprising more than 55,000 homes across the UAE, United Kingdom and Australia.

The Gold Coast is emerging as the next major market for the developer, with strong population growth and infrastructure spending ahead of the 2032 Games continuing to underpin significant apartment development across the coastal strip.

Joel Robinson

Arada plots $2 billion Broadbeach towers in major Queensland move

Sydney’s downsizer market is changing, with a growing cohort of buyers prioritising the right home over simply finding a smaller one.

Coronation Property Head of Sales Cam Porter says the traditional idea of downsizing does not necessarily reflect what many buyers are now looking for, particularly those moving from established family homes across Sydney.

Instead, he says they are increasingly becoming “right-sizers”, seeking lower-maintenance homes without sacrificing the space, amenity or quality they have become accustomed to.

“We are increasingly seeing buyers who are not motivated by the idea of simply moving into a smaller property,” Porter says.

“They are right-sizers. They want a home that is easier to manage and better connected, but they still expect generosity, quality and a floorplan that supports the way they live.”

It is a subtle but important distinction in a market where apartment developers are increasingly targeting established owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377495]

For many of these buyers, moving from a house to an apartment is not driven by a desire to dramatically reduce their living space. Instead, the appeal is in removing some of the maintenance associated with a larger home while retaining generous living areas, storage and enough flexibility to accommodate family and friends.

Coronation’s sales team is seeing buyers place particular importance on natural light, practical storage and additional rooms that can be used as guest bedrooms, home offices or secondary living spaces.

Kitchens and dining areas are also playing an increasingly important role, particularly for buyers who regularly entertain or have children and grandchildren visit.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377494]

“These buyers still want their home to feel generous,” Porter says.

“They may want less maintenance, but they are not looking for less life.”

The challenge for the broader housing market is providing enough of the right stock to encourage that move.

While much of the discussion around Sydney’s housing shortage has centred on the number of homes being delivered, Porter says the diversity of those homes is equally important.

Older homeowners can remain in large family houses for longer when they cannot find an appropriate alternative in the neighbourhoods where they have built their lives.

“The decision is rarely as simple as wanting fewer bedrooms,” Porter says.

“People are weighing up their connection to a neighbourhood, the space they need for family, the quality of the home and whether it will continue to work for them over the long term.”

It also has implications beyond the downsizer market. Providing suitable apartments for smaller households can free up established houses for families who need the additional bedrooms and land, creating greater movement through the housing market.

<h2>Lillian targets the next stage of apartment buyer</h2>

It is a buyer Coronation is targeting at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lillian-erskineville-9-metters-street-erskineville-nsw-2043">Lillian</a>, its new collection of apartments, terraces and penthouses at Erskineville Village.

Designed by Silvester Fuller, Lillian has been shaped around larger living spaces, natural light and flexible floorplans, alongside landscaped areas, wellness amenity and communal spaces for residents.

The development will form part of Coronation’s broader Erskineville Village precinct, which will combine new homes with green space, retail, hospitality and new pedestrian connections.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377688]

McPherson Park will sit at the centre of the precinct, creating a significant new green space alongside the project’s retail and hospitality offering.

For Porter, the opportunity is to give buyers another housing option without forcing them to leave the part of Sydney they already know.

“People should be able to change the type of home they live in without having to change their entire life,” he says.

“For many buyers, Lillian offers the opportunity to remain connected to the Inner West and the city, while gaining access to a more convenient, walkable and considered way of living.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377687]

Coronation will explore the changing <a href="https://lillianresidences.com.au/news/lillian-x-space-x-downsizers-event-27-august/">right-sizer market at an event on August 27</a>, bringing together experts across property, design and lifestyle.

Held in partnership with SPACE, Poliform and Downsizer.com.au, the event will include a property market outlook from economist Michael Blythe alongside discussion around the considerations facing buyers planning their next move.

Attendees will also be able to learn more about the residences and amenity planned at Lillian Erskineville.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135149]

From downsizing to right-sizing: What Sydney buyers want from their next home

Family-owned builder and developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/omaya">Omaya</a> is bringing its 27-storey The Maybelle development to market, with the 229-apartment tower rising alongside Ismay Reserve near North Strathfield.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-maybelle-21-parramatta-road-homebush-nsw-2140">The Maybelle</a> will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with its height providing elevated outlooks towards the Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge, while other residences will look across neighbouring Ismay Reserve.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/squillace-architects">Squillace Architects</a>, the tower combines its parkside setting with proximity to the established retail, dining and transport amenity around North Strathfield.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376196]

Residences will feature open-plan living spaces and a choice of two interior schemes, while communal amenity is spread across two elevated levels of the building.

Level 8 will be home to the Garden Pavilion, a full-floor resident space incorporating communal entertaining and breakout areas, seating and recreation spaces. Further up the tower, a landscaped Sky Terrace on Level 14 will provide another communal area with panoramic views towards the Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline.

At ground level, the development sits directly alongside Ismay Reserve, where lawns, walking paths, children's play areas, picnic spaces and recreational facilities extend the green space available immediately around the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376194]

The Maybelle is also within walking distance of North Strathfield and the Bakehouse Quarter, which provides a mix of cafés, restaurants, shops and everyday services.

Existing rail and bus services provide connections across Sydney, while the future North Strathfield Metro and access to the M4 will add to the transport options available around the precinct. Walking and cycling routes also extend via Powells Creek towards Sydney Olympic Park and its sporting, entertainment and parkland precincts.

Families are also well positioned for access to a broad selection of established schools and education options across Strathfield and the surrounding Inner West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376181]

Omaya has operated in Sydney for more than 35 years, managing projects from acquisition and design through to construction and delivery. The family-owned company is both developer and builder of The Maybelle.

Apartments start from $560,000, with the development protected by 10-year Latent Defects Insurance.

Construction is well underway, with completion expected by the end of 2026 and move-in anticipated from Q1 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134873]

The Maybelle brings 27-storey parkside tower to market near North Strathfield

Melbourne developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pdg-corporation">PDG</a> has unveiled its vision for the former Water Tank Site in Ivanhoe, which would see it transformed into a thriving residential neighbourhood, complete with a 2000 sqm public park.&nbsp;

Delivered in partnership with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/development-victoria">Development Victoria</a>, the proposal would transform the prominent corner of Bell Street and Upper Heidelberg Road into a connected community comprising two residential buildings, generous public open space and shared amenities.&nbsp;

The vision includes 287 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with a minimum of 10 per cent allocated to affordable housing, alongside a 2,000-square-metre publicly accessible park featuring a children's playground, activity lawn, indigenous planting, timber climbing logs, seating areas and a rock gathering circle.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a>, the proposal draws on the site's industrial heritage, using a robust architectural language that references the former water tank through expressive structural elements and durable, self-finished materials.&nbsp;

Extensive landscaping has been woven throughout the development, creating a living landscape that strengthens connections to nature while responding sensitively to the surrounding neighbourhood. Two residential buildings ranging from three to 12 storeys are linked by a landscaped forecourt, creating a welcoming arrival experience and improving pedestrian connections through the site.&nbsp;

Residents would also enjoy more than 1,000 square metres of communal open space, including barbecue and dining facilities, vegetable gardens, landscaped seating pavilions and a dedicated coworking space.&nbsp;

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the vision reflected an opportunity to transform one of Ivanhoe's most recognisable sites into a place that balanced housing, community and landscape.&nbsp;

"This is an opportunity to reimagine an important site and create a neighbourhood that delivers lasting benefits for Ivanhoe," Giuliano said.&nbsp;

"We're creating much more than new homes. The vision brings together affordable housing, quality architecture, meaningful public open space and shared places that encourage people to connect, while respecting the site's history and its place within the local community."&nbsp;

Development Victoria’s Executive General Manager Precincts, Niall Cunningham, said the application is an important step for the government-owned site.&nbsp;

“This is about delivering more homes in a well-connected location, along with public open space that the Ivanhoe community will benefit from for years to come,” Cunningham said.&nbsp;

PDG was selected as development partner in late 2025 following a competitive tender process.&nbsp;

A planning submission for the project is currently being progressed through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program, with positive early engagement from both Banyule Council and the Department of Transport and Planning.

PDG unveils plans to transform landmark Ivanhoe Water Tank Site

Shane Wilkinson's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pace-development-group">Pace Development Group</a> has lodged plans for a major residential precinct on the former Presentation College site in Windsor, with an eight-building masterplan ultimately rising to 10 storeys.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/167-dandenong-road-windsor-vic-3181">167–187 Dandenong Road</a> spans a substantial 19,027 sqm site and is being progressed across six stages, with the first residential stages comprising 170 homes across four buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>.

Stage Two will deliver the bulk of the initial housing, with Building A comprising 81 apartments and Building B 49 apartments, both rising to six storeys.

Stage Three will deliver a further 40 homes. The heritage Nagel Building, identified as Building C, will be converted to 12 dwellings, while a new five-storey Building D will comprise 28 apartments at the Hornby Street and Dandenong Road corner.

The 170 homes across Stages Two and Three will include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including townhouse-style dwellings.<img alt="First look: Pace plans landscaped housing precinct on former Windsor school site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="83c56e3e-dfb9-4e12-b172-c3f18513ec32" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_9.png?VersionId=xRcRpSZsxX.UX_NDDGcRZktw7HVrzx7u" />

&nbsp;

The longer-term masterplan points to considerably greater density across the site.

Indicative plans show Building E accommodating around 80 dwellings across up to 10 storeys, while Building F is earmarked for around 120 dwellings and also up to 10 storeys. Building G is planned to range between four and 10 storeys, however its apartment yield is yet to be determined. That means the masterplan currently identifies at least 370 dwellings across Buildings A to F before any apartments within Building G are counted.

Across the 1.9-hectare site, that represents an indicative density of at least 194 dwellings per hectare, with the final figure to increase once the yield of Building G is established.

Pace is pursuing the project through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program, with Urbis lodging a combined Section 96A planning scheme amendment and planning application on behalf of the developer, which secured the site earlier this year.

The application seeks detailed approval for Stages One, Two and Three, alongside approval of the broader masterplan framework that will guide the later residential stages. Stage One will see an existing heritage building adaptively reused for a wellness and fitness-related facility, while the broader precinct will retain several significant heritage buildings and established trees as part of the redevelopment.

A minimum 10 per cent affordable housing contribution is proposed across both the initial residential stages and the later masterplan stages, delivered through a discounted rental model.

The project comes immediately after a major change to the site's planning controls.

The site was rezoned to the Housing Choice and Transport Zone through Planning Scheme Amendment GC285, gazetted on July 22, 2026, and now sits within the inner catchment of the Windsor Station precinct under the State Government's Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Program.

While the new controls identify large sites within the inner catchment for buildings of up to six storeys, Pace's masterplan pushes height to 10 storeys in parts of the site, with the taller buildings concentrated toward the centre and along the Sandringham railway corridor.

Lower-scale built form is proposed toward the site's more sensitive residential and heritage edges, with Buildings A and B generally stepping from three storeys at their interfaces to six storeys at upper levels.

Cera Stribley's masterplan breaks the development into a collection of separate buildings rather than a continuous built form, with landscaped spaces, new pedestrian links and a new publicly accessible road forming part of the precinct.

The planning report says the development will create new pedestrian connections to Elm Place and along the railway corridor, as well as a new publicly accessible road linking Elm Place with Dandenong Road. The proposed buildings will occupy around 54 per cent of the site, leaving a substantial portion available for landscaping, communal areas and permeable surfaces.

Urbis said the scale of the project reflected the site's strategic location close to Windsor Station, tram services and the Chapel Street Activity Centre, with the former school campus identified as a significant opportunity to increase housing supply on an underutilised inner-Melbourne site.

&nbsp;

First look: Pace plans landscaped housing precinct on former Windsor school site

New Developments

<html><body>
Western Australia’s two apartment sites at Claremont on the Park have seen Mirvac named as the chosen developer, looking to bring a minimum of 178 apartments to the area.
Lands Minister Terry Redman said that Mirvac had been chosen after a rigorous selection process.
The entire <a href="https://www.landcorp.com.au/Residential/Claremont-on-the-Park/%20" target="_blank">Claremont on the Park</a> development is a 9.4 hectare site north of the rail line, which will include residential, commercial and recreation space.
Mirvac had been shortlisted after a “really strong response” to the expressions of interest campaign, noted LandCorp general manager metropolitan Luke Willcock in February.
Now they have been announced as the chosen developer, above Pindan and Victorian-based developer Caydon Property Group, for the project.
The two apartment sites sit on lots 504 and 505, and look to provide housing for more than 350 people, with the entire development to house 1,000 people in 700 homes.
The site is walking distance to Claremont’s shopping precinct and the railway station, and is noted to have views of Claremont Oval at the centre of the project.
“LandCorp undertook a lengthy assessment process to ensure the developer of the two sites would deliver the best standard of medium density urban design as well as quality facilities and accommodation for future residents,” Redman said.
“Mirvac’s proposal delivered on the objectives for achieving a high quality architectural design and sustainable living which contribute to the Oval and streetscape activation.”
The plan for the area was decided in Western Australia’s Directions 2031 and Beyond, to assist in rejuvenating underutilised areas in already-established suburbs.
Civil works to service the sites had been expected to conclude in mid-2014. In December 2013, Stage 2 of site works commenced.
In July 2013 Georgiou Living were selected to develop the first apartment complex at Lot 503. They created <a href="https://thepocketclaremont.com.au/%20" target="_blank">‘The Pocket’ Claremont</a>, which commences construction in July and includes one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments from $485,000, and advertises the development by noting that “Claremont's median price increasing at an average annual rate of 8.1 per cent.”
At present, the median unit price in <a href="/news">Claremont is recorded at $660,000</a>, according to RP Data, achieving a median weekly advertised rent of $490.
Claremont Football Club have their ground and facility at the project.
</body></html>

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Mirvac to build Claremont on the Park’s 178 plus apartments

<html><body>
Choosing an apartment that is best suited to your personal lifestyle or investment goals is now about much more than just price.
Apartments today deliver an ever more urbane choice, where buyer demand has lead to a revolution in quality and design. As discussed in my last post, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/how-mixed-use-developments-will-continue-to-benefit-a-wide-range-of-mixed-users">the shift in user demographics plays a major role</a> and for many people apartments clearly tick the box for quality, design excellence and innovation. But this has not been achieved overnight.
Apartments from the 1970s may well reflect what is sometimes described as ‘the decade that taste forgot’. The 1970s brought us open plan living, colour – think orange and lime green – terracotta tiles, shag pile wall to wall carpets, big windows, indoor plants and one trend in particular, the use of exposed brick that still dominates some areas of our near city suburbs.
In the mid 1970’s apartment prices in Sydney hovered near $22,000 a decade later $66,000 and then in 1993 apartment prices started to rise and demand also increased for what was starting to become a more all-embracing product. Today the median price for a two bedroom apartment is around $850,000 but these bear no relation to any 1970s ancestor.
But even though some apartments can typically still cost less than a similar-grade house (although that gap is fast closing), in 2014 price alone is not the main consideration driving demand. While the decision to buy a particular type of dwelling is tied to demographics, shrinking household sizes, our ongoing housing shortage and a growing population are all factors.
The reality is that today, apartments are the home of choice for many people and first-class design, I think, is one key reason that can over-reach issues of affordability.
In February 2000 the then New South Wales Premier Bob Carr criticised the quality of the design of residential flat buildings. He challenged architects, the development industry and Local and State governments to do better.
“Australians can lead the world on how to balance urban densities with environmental comfort … The government, with councils, developers and architects, must work together on how to lift our game and create better, more liveable and sustainable suburbs.” (Premier Bob Carr, Sydney Morning Herald, 16 Feb 2000.)
Now almost 15 years after Bob Carr made those remarks has the industry faced up to his model and has the challenge been met?
I think we are well on our way to meeting, and in fact going past the ambitions. There will always be pressures to deliver enough housing in a high-growth future. But we also need to ensure that developments are well located and history shows that the arrival of new projects in some areas is not always welcomed.
However, this should not be allowed to frustrate or diminish the quality of medium or high-density residential buildings. In fact just the opposite. Because as design and quality improve new developments can add value to an area, boosting local demand and delivering sought after homes.
New apartments in our sought after suburbs are in high demand but there is only a limited supply of land, as for example, former commercial and industrial sites are regularly transformed. Understanding that sites are increasingly rare developers are now more than ever aiming to deliver exceptional projects to the market, from a marketing perspective I know that buyers now have ever higher expectations, and rightly so.
Picture of Woolooware Bay development: Supplied.
You can read Peter's discussion with Woolooware Bay architects, Kevin Driver and Angus Henderson from Turner Architects at Peter's blog, <a href="https://www.projectagenda.com.au/" target="_blank">Project Agenda</a>.
</body></html>

pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

The design dividend: First-class designs make apartments the home of choice for many buyers

<html><body>
A new development is about to see construction begin next month, with more than 80% of the 42 apartments purchased, with just a single one bedroom offering available for $457,500. The majority were sold within three months of the project’s launch.
A sell-out is expected prior to next month’s construction commencement.
The project will be at <a href="https://www.108bennettstreet.com.au/" target="_blank">108 Bennett Street</a>, East Perth, the corner of Bennett and Wellington Streets, which is opposite to Wellington Square.
One-bedroom units span 78 to 114 square metres.
Probuild will lead the construction for developer Ascot Capital Limited. Knight Frank is responsible for marketing.
Investors have apparently been playing a key part in the purchases, Knight Frank’s Melissa Brown explained.
Some two-bedroom apartments facing the park are available for $640,000 plus.
Within the development, each dwelling has a minimum of one undercover car bay.
“East Perth has long been a favourite with inner city residents due to its close proximity to the river, city and a vast array of transport options and lifestyle facilities,” Brown said, pointing to the expansion of the Crown Casino and six-star hotel, as well as a new sports stadium currently under construction.
“As a result it is attracting strong interest from buyers who are looking to secure an apartment in a growing and developing suburb who can see that the future of investing in the area is good.
“There has been a consistently strong rental demand from tenants, and East Perth has experienced solid capital growth over the years,” she said.
The development will include a roof-top terrace with barbecue area, and a ground floor commercial suite is available for $240,000, covering 33 square metres. There will also be a residents’ gym.
It appears apartment prices spanned  $390,000 to $754,000.
Completion is expected mid-to-late 2015.
<a href="/news">East Perth's median unit price is $610,000</a>, according to RP Data, with median weekly asking rent sitting at $590.
</body></html>

Over 80% sold prior to construction, with sell out tipped for 108 Bennett Street, East Perth

<html><body>
In what appears to be one of Lazzcorp Property Group’s first moves in a decade back into South Yarra, 8 Murphy Street  will see 33 luxury residences hit the market later this month.
With a grand opening scheduled for the 21st June, two and three bedroom apartments will be for sale from $913,500 in the boutique block. Another four penthouses, in addition to these 33 dwellings, will be within the development.
Appearing to have more recently focused on larger projects in <a href="/news">Malvern East</a>, Lazzcorp Property Group are the brains behind smaller projects in South Yarra including 12 apartments at 34 Darling Street, which they completed in April 2002, and five townhouses at 35 Cromwell Road, which completed in 2003.
This new development, dubbed <a href="https://www.eightmurphy.com.au/" target="_blank">Eight Murphy</a>, offers balconies or terraces, and high quality furnishings and finishes. With a team including Carr Designs and Urban Design Architects, and marketed by Castran Gilbert, they’re looking for upmarket attention.
Council documents indicate that it is a five storey building, and that car and bicycle spaces for visitor use are included.
According to RP Data the block sold for $3,500,000 in November 2012, with settlement occurring in February 2013, and had previously been a boarding house.
Currently the <a href="/news">median price in South Yarra for units is $550,000</a>, according to RP Data, with median asking rent at $595 per week.
</body></html>

Lazzcorp Property Group to launch South Yarra apartments

<html><body>
Canberra developer Terry Shaw’s buying syndicate has paid $63.75 million for five plots in <a href="/news/act/act-government-to-sell-campbell-section-5-development-site">the Campbell development</a>.
The Australian Financial Review reports that Shaw intends to begin marketing apartments at the Campbell master-planned development in early 2015. The inner-city sites have been approved for residential, retail and commercial uses. Masterplans for a boutique hotel on the sites have also been approved.
Shaw, reportedly backed by Asian investors, purchased the sites from the ACT government’s Land Development Agency at auction. He told The Australian Financial Review that 500 apartments could potentially be delivered at the site over the next four to seven years, and he intends to start marketing apartments early next year. The Campbell development plots, with a total land area of 6.4 hectares, have a reported potential end value of $300 million.
The sites range from 2095 square metres to 7020 square metres. A $15 million sum was reportedly paid for the largest site, with capacity for 205 residences. The buying syndicate purchased a 5719 square metre, 103 dwelling capacity plot for $13.5 million and paid a further $14.5 million for a 4257 square metre site with capacity for 110 dwellings. The 5719 square metre and 4257 square metre site both have approval for hotel development.
The smallest two sites purchased have the capacity for 110 dwellings in total and were purchased by the consortium for $9.75 million and $11 million each.
The total $67.5 million sum paid by Shaw’s SHL Developments at Wednesday’s auction was well over initial expectations of $40 million to $45 million. The Australian Financial Review reports that around 200 people attended the auction, with 29 registered bidders. 
Shaw is also the managing director of the Englobo Group, a property developer that has completed more than $1 billion worth of residential projects.
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

All five Campbell, ACT sites purchased by Terry Shaw’s consortium

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
It is often <a href="https://theconversation.com/factcheck-does-building-hospitals-schools-and-airports-cost-more-in-australia-than-in-the-us-16540" target="_blank">argued</a> that Australia’s construction sector productivity is lower than most other developed countries, such as the US.
While there are many factors involved, Australia’s overall productivity growth is declining, something that is not economically sustainable.
A 2010 Australian government-funded <a href="https://www.acilallen.com.au/cms_files/acgbuildingsproductivity2010.pdf">report</a> concluded that accelerating the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the building sector could improve productivity by between 6 to 9%. It also found that concerted government support for the use of BIM by architects, engineers, builders, contractors, owners and facility managers involved in a building’s life cycle would increase BIM adoption in 2025 by 6 to 16% and produce an economic benefit equivalent to A$5 billion added to Australia’s GDP.
More recently the Productivity Commission, in its draft <a href="/news">report</a> on public infrastructure, recommended government clients look to BIM to help lower bid costs, and require tender designs to be submitted using BIM to reduce overall costs.
What is BIM?
Building Information Modelling has a wide range of definitions depending on its application, but one <a href="https://www.canbim.com/about-canbim-0/faq-1">agreed</a> definition is: "a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility. BIM is a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from earliest conception to demolition."
<img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/50213/width668/zpsnqtf2-1401858403.jpg" alt="">
A Building Information Model linking 3D with the project schedule leads to 4D. 5D consists of 4D together with cost modelling. More dimensions such as facility management, safety and environmental impacts can be added to create nD. Xiangyu Wang
BIM offers a shared platform where people can collaborate with each other horizontally and vertically along the different stages of the project lifecycle. It allows all members of a construction team to generate the characteristics and functionalities of their building, plant or road network virtually, so as to pinpoint errors before they happen on the real construction site.
The construction process at some level can be regarded as an information flow process. This is especially true for mega-construction, such as hospitals, highways, and LNG facilities.
In Australia, there has been successful use of BIM for <a href="https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/new-royal-adelaide-hospital-will-help-to-build-south-australias-future/story-fni6uo1m-1226828337517">hospitals</a>, tunnels, highways, airports, petrochemical plants, and office and residential buildings. But there is an identified industry need for BIM guidelines and case studies in the infrastructure sector in Australia, and these are currently being developed by the Australasian Joint Research Centre on BIM.
BIM has the potential to become more innovative and powerful by being integrated with other technologies such as RFID, barcode, laser scanning, augmented and virtual reality, energy and structural analysis tools, GIS/GPS, and mobile and cloud computing, Big Data analysis, and so on.
Article continues on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
How is BIM being used in Australia?
Australia is a laggard in terms of using BIM in the building and infrastructure sector, but we are catching up quickly. For oil and gas, we are leaders, as the oil and gas sector adopted 3D engineering and modelling decades ago, and has been continually improving its understanding and use of BIM over time.
A good example is Project Echo.
Initiated by Woodside Energy, Project Echo is a collaboration between Curtin University, Woodside and about 20 other partners representing government, clients, contractors, consultants and technology providers, with the aim of enhancing technology-enabled productivity for the entire (LNG) industry.
Through the research and innovation, it is envisaged a productivity improvement of 30% is very achievable. While Project Echo is focused on the energy sector, the research will also provide flow-on benefits to mining and infrastructure construction.
<img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/50204/width237/f5fzyx5v-1401857603.jpg" alt="">
Woodside Smart Tag. Xiangyu Wang
One example of how Project Echo is making an impact right now is the Woodside Smart Tag project. The new Smart Tag is not just an ordinary RFID tag, but a tag that can be integrated with other technologies including augmented and virtual reality technologies, allowing a user to communicate with equipment for the first time. The technology displays a 3D model of the component and where it fits in the construction path.
It also allows the user to locate any item, obtain background information about that item, how to assemble it, inspect it, or if necessary order a new item on the spot. This is break-through technology, because by interacting with an intelligent tag the user can communicate with each component. Each component can speak for itself, so to speak, thereby creating a smart work site.
Xiangyu Wang is professor, Woodside Chair at Curtin University.
Xiangyu Wang received funding from Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Grant (2013-2016): "Transforming liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant construction productivity through mobile computing technologies." Chief Investigators: Xiangyu Wang, Kok Lay Teo, Ryan Loxton, Martijn Truijens, awarded amount $500,000.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>.
</body></html>

jake-cSmGT7VXVf

What is BIM and is it the future of construction?

<html><body>
In general terms, in order to claim input tax credits (ITCs) under the GST system, an enterprise must be carried on. This can be a tricky issue when property developments are concerned, as two taxpayers recently found out to their detriment before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
A business needs to be carried on before claims for ITCs can be made and this is where the taxpayers ran into trouble before the AAT.
In that case, the two taxpayers failed before the AAT in a matter concerning a number of ITC claims in respect of purported acquisitions made in relation to two property developments.
The first taxpayer (a company that was the trustee of a trust) and the second taxpayer (a partnership of two individuals) claimed to have made acquisitions in relation to a 4900 acre property development near Goulburn in NSW. The first taxpayer also claimed to have made acquisitions in relation to another property development in Grenfell NSW.
Both taxpayers were registered for GST. However, the Tax Commissioner issued to both taxpayers amended assessments denying ITCs claimed on those purported acquisitions – in the first taxpayer's case, for the tax periods April 2010 to June 2011, and in the second taxpayer's case, for the tax periods April 2009 to December 2010.
The Commissioner's position was that neither taxpayer carried on an enterprise at all, so that neither of them could be entitled to any ITCs. The Commissioner also imposed a 50% administrative penalty.
The tribunal dealt mainly with the arrangements of the first property development as it was of the view the arrangements did not differ materially from the second development. The tribunal noted there had been some work done on the property; however, the parties disputed what that work consisted of, how much of it was done, who it was done for, and whether it had been paid for.
The taxpayers said they were "principal contractors to the project". The project was presumed by the tribunal to be the development of the property for eventual subdivision. However, the tribunal noted that exactly what the "principal contractors" did in respect of the property remained the subject of "quite profound mystery". It also said the same observation applied in respect of what the "principal contractors" were supposed to have acquired from various entities, described by the taxpayers as the "subcontractors", who were said to have undertaken some of development activities.
The tribunal understood the case put by the taxpayers as follows: the owner of the property engaged the principal contractors to get certain work done on the property; the principal contractors in turn engaged subcontractors to do the physical work; the subcontractors did the work and charged the work to the principal contractors; and the principal contractors bundled up the charges with a 20% mark-up and on-charged the owner of the property.
The total amount invoiced to the first taxpayer by the subcontractors (in relation to both property developments) was over $250,000. The total amount invoiced to the second taxpayer was over $820,000. However, the tribunal said the invoices themselves were "short on detail". The tribunal also noted that the Commissioner had notified the taxpayers his doubts concerning the work undertaken on the property after he was informed by the relevant council authority that approval to subdivide the property had been refused.
The tribunal said each taxpayer's claim for ITCs failed "at the most basic level". It said that an entity is not a "project manager" simply because someone says it is, and it was important that, to carry on an enterprise (thus enabling the ITC claim to potentially succeed), "an entity must do something".
The tribunal was unable to identify the "activity" that the taxpayers were undertaking in respect of the properties. It was also not satisfied that either of the taxpayers, in relation to the relevant property developments, carried on any activities "in the form of a business". A key issue identified was the difficulty the taxpayers had in articulating the arrangement between themselves, landowners and subcontractors. The AAT said it could not see that either taxpayer did much at all, beyond receiving invoices from the subcontractors and it rejected any notion that receiving invoices is relevantly an “activity”.
The tribunal member (Deputy President Frost) said the taxpayers "could not take me to any document that set out an agreement, between either of the landowners and either of the applicants, that the applicants would perform services or tasks, engage or co-ordinate third parties, or even make arrangements of any kind in relation to the development of the properties".
That, to say the least, was not helpful to the taxpayers' cause.
The tribunal was of the view the "true arrangement" was work was done for, and the supplies were made to, the owners of the properties, and that at most, the taxpayers agreed to pay for some of the supplies. The tribunal found, on the balance of probabilities, that there were "supplies" by the subcontractors; however, it was of the view that any supplies were not made by the subcontractors to the taxpayers. It said it could not see any indicators of a business being carried on. Accordingly, it held the claims for ITCs were not sustainable.
Although not required to, the tribunal also rejected the taxpayers' argument that "promissory notes" issued by them to the subcontractors for work done constituted consideration at the time of the supplies. The tribunal also affirmed the penalty at 50% of the shortfall amount.
The tribunal said the arrangement involved multiple entities, many of them not at arm's length, and that given the type of arrangement involved and its size, independent advice should have been obtained.
This case is a clear demonstration of the need to properly and fully document the operations of a business. The need to obtain clear and independent advice on any business proposition, be it property development or something else, is also a "take-away" message from this case.
Terry Hayes is the editor-in-chief of tax news reporting at <a href="https://www.thomsonreuters.com.au/" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters</a>, a leading Australian provider of tax, accounting and legal information solutions.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.SmartCompany.com.au" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
Photo courtesy of Chris Tolworthy/Flickr/<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons</a>.
</body></html>

thayes-XhNcNKLNWa

The tricky business of property development and GST credits

<html><body>
The inner Brisbane apartment market is gearing up for a record sales boom in the second half of 2014, with pre-sale stock levels moving toward the market, Urbis have recently announced.
Their Brisbane Apartment Insights report noted that strong demand over the last quarter of 2013 has reduced stock levels for 2014, with demand pushing into this year.
Senior consultant for Urbis, Paul Riga, said that they’d recorded at least six development projects selling out ahead of schedule, resulting in minimal product on the market at the beginning of the year. “Developers are desperately trying to get their projects finalised, with about 40 to 45 new apartment projects expected to be ready for sale in the second half of 2014,” Riga said.
“This equates to 5500 apartments, which is a substantial amount for the market to absorb.” 
“This is an exciting time for Brisbane as it undergoes a major change, and there’s a great opportunity for many to get into the market,” Riga said.
The first quarter of this year saw a surge in inner Brisbane for luxury new apartments, Colliers International’s research has recorded.
Of the 591 new apartment sales, across 47 projects, more than 25% were luxury offerings.
Director of residential for Colliers, Andrew Roubicek, said that apartments in the $750,000 plus price bracket saw the greatest sales volumes growth compared to the same time in 2013. In February, they had noted that <a href="/news/qld/brisbane-apartment-market-on-the-rise-colliers">the market for apartments in Brisbane was on the rise</a>.
Apartments priced at $900,000 plus totaled 17% of sales.
The price breakdown can be seen below:
<img src="data:image/png;base64,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" alt="">
Source: Colliers International
They noted that the Abian development sold the most apartments in the first quarter, with 108 residences sold valued at $144 million, including the sale of two sky homes priced up to $5 million.
“On top of the robust demand from owner occupiers, the investment market remains a key driver of apartment sales activity in inner Brisbane,” he said.
“Due to the strong sales performance of premium stock the weighted average sale price for a new apartment in inner Brisbane has increased to $715,000, 25% above the five year average.”
Meanwhile, senior research analyst for Colliers, Alex Beer, said that 5,400 apartments have been approved in the 12 months to the end of March, the most experienced in a decade.
Of these, 1,198 were granted approval in the first quarter of 2014.
“About 3,200 apartments are expected to be released for sale this year as apartment living in the city increases, particularly in South Brisbane, Newstead, Hamilton and Albion,” said Beer.
“The volume of projects reaching completion may place upward pressure on residential vacancy.”
The off the plan Brisbane market, according to BIS Shrapnel, is <a href="/news/qld/investor-warning-brisbane-apartment-prices-expected-to-soften-in-2015-2016">expected to soften in 2016</a>.
Subdued rent and prices are then expected to be seen by 2016, as a historic peak is seen in the inner Brisbane apartment market, with the potential to ease supply strains.
Senior project manager and report author for BIS Shrapnel, Angie Zigomanis, said that the inner Brisbane apartments are increasingly attractive with yields in many of these projects around the 5% mark and above.
“However, with many expecting that the Brisbane market has now bottomed out and the risk of further price declines is dissipating, the impetus to enter the market has increased,” said Zigomanis.
The South Brisbane new development <a href="https://www.spiceapartments.com.au/contact%20" target="_blank">Spice Apartments in Brisbane</a> are set for a launch in nine days. It includes one-bedroom apartments from $425,000, two-bedroom from $495,000 and three-bedroom from $685,000.
An $85 million mixed-use residential tower, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/brisbane-s-trafalgar-lane-brings-melbourne-inspired-laneway-feel">Trafalgar Lane, at Woolloongabba</a>, was also launched last month.
</body></html>

Brisbane apartment market to boom in second half of 2014: Urbis

<html><body>
Chapel Street's next big redevelopment appears set for the Chapel Plaza.
An application for demolition of the existing building and construction of a twelve storey apartment building, has been lodged with Stonnington Council.
There will be 188 apartments, retail floor space, and commercial office space over a three storey basement accommodating car parking.
It sits between Toorak and Malvern Roads.
Plans for the $63 million have been lodged by SJB for the 402 to 416 Chapel Street holding. The property comes with Simmons Court and Bray Street frontage that totals around 3,700 square metres.
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-south+yarra-5956326" target="_blank">The property</a> last traded in 1983 at $1.51 million when bought by Ruben Fried, who died in 2009.
Spotlight, the Melbourne-based chain of 100 fabrics and homewards stores, was founded by brothers, Ruben Fried and Morry Fraid, having grown from one store in 1973. The company reported annual sales of $600 million at one point when employing about 6,000 staff. 
The BRW Rich List noted in the late 1980s that the brothers Ruben Fried and Morry Fraid had different surnames because of a "teacher's mistake during their school years".
They have never bothered to correct it.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Chapel Plaza set for 12 storey replacement development

<html><body>
Serra Property Group are offering a free scooter with their one-bedroom apartments. The <a href="https://38highst.com.au/" target="_blank">38 High Street</a> Toowong, Queensland development (pictured above) does not come with car parks.
Bruce Goddard, marketing the properties through Place Projects, notes that buyers don’t need a car.
“There are a multitude of public transport options, with a bus stop just 10 metres away, the Toowong train station 50-metres away and the CityCat located 500 metres away, and being an inner city suburb, situated only a few kilometres from the CBD, it’s very easy to get around,” said Goddard.
The scooters provide an “added convenience” he said, with the developer only recently introducing the incentive. He noted it had been well received so far.
“You don’t need a motorbike licence to operate the scooter, only a car licence, so it appeals to most people, and we’re throwing in not only the scooter, but also a year’s registration and a helmet,” he said.
The remaining property includes half of the scooter-eligible one-bedroom apartments, and half two-bedroom apartments. They range from 51 square metres to 87 square metres and are priced from $378,000 to $795,000.
This isn’t the first time a developer has thought up the scooter enticement.
In a South Yarra development from Spec Property Group, <a href="/news/vic/vespa-offer-to-entice-buyers-to-south-yarra-one-bedroom-apartments">buyers were being offered a Vespa on the one-bedroom apartments</a>. Up to 20 were on offer, however these apartments – without car spaces – did come with scooter spaces.
Those one-bedroom apartments ranged from $339,000 to $445,000, between 39 square metres and 45 square metres.
Notably, Vespas are worth from $4,000 to $9,500, depending on the model.
The Vespa incentive first appeared in Jacksonville Florida, with buyers at the Chelsea Lofts being able to choose between receiving a Vespa, having their homeowner association fees paid for a year or getting a plasma TV.
Another popular buying incentive, this time offered on established properties, was in the form of food. Or, more specifically, ice cream.
A year’s supply was on offer for the <a href="/news/an-ice-cream-auction-incentive-to-entice-prospective-buyers">buyer of a newly renovated Albert Park house</a>.
This same technique was used <a href="/news/nsw/ice-cream-giveaway-with-camperdown-cottage-offering">six months earlier for the sale of a Camperdown cottage</a>.
Here are some examples of incentives previously offered by developers, from <a href="/expert-insights/building/from-10-000-to-50-000-residential-developers-tempt-buyers-with-incentives">covering your mortgage repayments to doubling your deposit</a>.
Developers have also been known to offer <a href="/expert-insights/building/new-cars-10-000-cheques-and-free-home-size-upgrades-six-spring-incentives-from-house-and-land-developers-and-builders">anything from cars, to providing you the property without a deposit</a>.
Property Observer readers were previously of the opinion that offerings in the form of incentives, such as <a href="/news/frequent-flyer-points-might-be-a-gimmick-but-will-off-the-plan-buyers-be-attracted-by-the-incentives">the trend of providing frequent flyer points based on the value of the purchase</a>, would indeed entice buyers. Of those who were polled, 71.4% said 'Yes', buyers would be tempted.
</body></html>

New Developments

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

New Developments

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News