Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]

Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

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Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3823]

Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

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The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

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The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

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North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]

McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]

A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]

Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]

More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Iwan Sunito secures approval for $1.9 billion Five Dock mixed-use precinct

Property News

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Sydney's most affordable property reported sold at the weekend was a two-bedroom unit at 19/60-62 Speed Street, Liverpool sold for $355,000 through Prudential Liverpool.
Agent Simon Perri was quoting $320,000 plus.
Sales this year<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/sold/19-60-62-speed-street-liverpool-nsw-2170-2012172159" target="_blank"> in the block had hit $350,000</a>.
The likely rent by the investor buyer is estimated at between $300 and $320 a week.
There were four registered bidders, with it sold soon after auction.
Liverpool had three of the eight sub-$500,000 weekend sales.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Sydney's most affordable at $355,000 in Liverpool

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Canada has sold its consul-general’s ­residence in pricey Vaucluse, the one with the heritage-listed light beacon dating back to the 1880s in its front yard. 
More than $9.5 million was the initial price tag, then selling agents, the French Canadian Jeannine Yates and Ray White Double Bay colleague Elliott Placks were telling buyers more than $10 million.
It sold to a local young family. 
Canada’s consul-general’s residence on Wentworth Road was bought back in the mid-1960s for £35,000. It comes with a maple leaf in the tiled pool. 
It was listed after the Canadian government ruled that official expats must downsize. 
The six-bedroom 1920 house on 1800 sqm at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-vaucluse-120255833" target="_blank">12 Wentworth Road</a> has been home to consul-general Mario Ste-Marie and his family since 2011. 
The Vaucluse Bay range rear light is the active lighthouse is one of four lighthouses designed by architect Maurice Festu in a style now sometimes called "Disney Castle", the others being Grotto Point Light, Parriwi Head Light and Vaucluse Bay Range Front Light.
The light is operated by the Sydney Ports Corporation. 
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Canada sells its Vaucluse, Sydney residence with lighthouse

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Former Woolworths chief executive Paul Simons has spent $6.5 million on the 3159-hectare sheep and cattle property, Glencoe, east of Young on the NSW Southern Tablelands.
Glencoe, which has the capacity to run 18,500 sheep, sold through Landmark Harcourts Capital's Colin Medway for the Coles family.
Paul Simons told the Australian Financial Review he expects he will run about 12,000 sheep at the Boorowa property.
There are two homesteads, Glenalban and Currawidgee.  
Paul Simons already owns 1000-hectare property Euralie at Yass where he had breed superfine wool since the early 1980s.
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Paul Simons buys $6.5 million Young farm, Glencoe

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GUEST OBSERVER
It’s 8am on a 10 degree winter morning and all you can hear is the heavy rainfall outside.
You cannot think of anything better than to forgo your house hunting plans and stay in bed for the day; after all, it’s the weekend. But just yesterday you were sunbathing in the park, planning your list of inspections for this very day and daydreaming of what your new home would be like. Now you decide that you will do this next week, when you can view properties in more comfortable conditions. 
It's amazing how the weather can alter your mood and even what you decide to do for the day. What better way to welcome the month of Spring than with a report about weather! Temperature plays a key role in this report. We are all looking forward to the next few months as mornings become brighter earlier and the days hit temperatures over 20 degrees celcius again. 
When it comes to selling and buying houses, Melbourne's favourite method is still the auction. On a sunny Saturday morning, many houses being auctioned can draw quite the crowd. In this report, Secret Agent looks at the impact of the weather, in particular temperature, on auction results. Does temperature have an impact on price or does a cold day merely weed out the number of onlookers? 
Weather and Mood 
Weather can affect our mood in various ways and, through this, influence our behaviour and decisions. Rainy days can make us feel sad and dull. Sunlight can diminish tiredness and boost positive moods. Simply thinking about the warm Spring days ahead makes Secret Agent happy. 
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An investigation into the relationship between morning sunshine and market index stock returns each day at 26 stock exchanges internationally found that there is a strong positive correlation. (Hershleifer and Shumway, 2001) Other weather conditions such as rain or snow were not found to have any relationship with returns. 
Sunny weather is better for forging new relationships too. A psychologist in France performed an experiment in which he approached women on sunny and cloudy days and asked them for their phone number. The women were more receptive to his flirtatious behaviour on sunny days with 22% giving him their number, as opposed to cloudy days where only 13% were happy to. (Gueguen, 2013) 
Temperature can also impact our behaviour independent of sunshine or rain. One study looking at the relationship between weather and helping behaviour found that a moderate temperature of about 20 degrees celsius is said to be ideal for most people. (Cunningham, 1979) Once you deviate from this happy medium, people felt a greater degree of discomfort and were less likely to help. 
Heat is said to bring out the worst in people. Rates of aggression and violence are higher on hotter days of the year. A Dutch experiment involved placing police officers in a simulated burglary in hot and cold conditions. They found that police officers were more likely to draw their weapons and shoot the suspect in the hot environment than in a colder one. On a baseball field, pitchers are more likely to hit batters on a hot day. (Anderson, 2001) A study analysing the content of news reports filed out of Beijing during the Olympics found that the Air Pollution Index and daily temperatures had an impact on the negativity of the reports, with more negative words used as temperature and air pollution rose. (Zhong and Zhou, 2012) 
This prompted us to think that temperature may also have an effect on auction results that is independent of seasonal factors. Secret Agent decided to test this out to determine if daily temperature influences property prices in an auction environment. 
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The study collected the auction sale results of all townhouses and houses sold in inner Melbourne in the past year from August 2014 up until August 2015. For this purpose, inner Melbourne was defined by the suburbs listed in the Quarterly Turnover section of this report (page 10). 
There were 1740 houses sold with disclosed sale prices and these were incorporated into a comparative analysis with average daily and monthly temperatures. These results were then checked using hedonic regression techniques to isolate the temperature variable and determine its true effect on a property sale price. This was performed on properties where there were records of the land area, number of bedrooms and number of bathrooms. The model included 1032 properties and accounted for the size of the house (land area and number of bedrooms/bathrooms), inflation, geographical location (South, North, East or West as well as distance to the nearest beach or CBD) and seasonality (Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring sale date). 
Temperature and Sale Price 
The analysis aimed to find a correlation between the average daily and monthly temperatures with auction sale prices. Figure 1 shows the comparison between the average sale price with the highest temperature reached on that day. Here there seems to be no real connection. While temperatures increase from August to February and then decline again throughout 2015, the average sale price on auction weekends moves more sporadically, with the overall trend a slight increase in average prices over time. 
<a href="/images/2015/09/01/Screen%20Shot%202015-09-01%20at%205.25.56%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Note that on some weekends, especially in the January period, there were not enough sales to get an accurate average estimate. Statistically speaking, the correlation coefficient between the daily temperature and sales price found was 0.1. The correlation coefficient tells us how interdependent two variables are and always falls between 1 and -1. A measure of correlation between daily sale price and temperature of 0.1 is considered a very weak, positive correlation. Positive in this case means that, as temperature increases, average sale price increases as well, but it is weak because it is close to 0, at which point there is no relationship. 
 
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Looking at the monthly averages (Figure 2), a connection between the average temperature and sale price of houses and townhouses starts to emerge: as temperature increases, so does the average sale price. The measure of correlation between monthly sale price and temperature in this case is 0.46. This correlation coefficient is weak, positive. While it is larger than the daily average correlation, implying the monthly data is more strongly interconnected, the number is still closer to 0 than it is to 1, making it a weak correlation.
The results of the hedonic analysis support the above comparisons. Holding all other variables constant (size of house, inflation, geographical location and seasonality), Secret Agent found that the average temperature does not have a statistically significant impact on the average sale price of a house or townhouse at an auction in inner Melbourne.
One of the limitations to our study was the fact that data was only analysed for the past year. Results may have been more profound if more sales were included, however there is some external evidence to support our findings. Other research has found that temperature and weather affect people differently depending on what type of weather they prefer. (Klimstraet al, 2011) This could mean that the effects are balanced out in an auction environment since a number of people with different weather personalities would be present each Saturday. 
Research has also shown that whilst men responded to unexpected weather by changing their plans, women tended to stick to their plans even if they did so disgruntled. In other words, weather may affect mood but this does not necessarily change someone’s behaviour. (Connolly, 2008)
Conclusion
Our results show that there is a small chance that temperature may influence auction sale prices in inner Melbourne. A weak positive correlation was found in our comparative analysis of monthly average temperatures and property prices.
When these results were tested using a hedonic regression model, no statistically significant result was found between temperature and property price. Results could become more significant with a larger sample size.
While you might spend hours trying to choose the right weekend of the year to put your house up for auction, it seems you might not need to worry so much. The eventual sale price will be largely unaffected by temperature. Rain or shine, those who are really interested in buying your home will still show up and place their bids. On the other hand, if you are in the market to buy a house, don’t expect to find a bargain simply because the weather is bad. Other buyers who are just as savvy will also be undeterred by bad weather to find the right home. 
Traditionally, August is a very important month for Melbourne property. It’s the prime season for many vendors to scrutinise results to guide their decision making around a potential sale. With interest rates low and pressure to sell minimal, conditions need to be strong to encourage vendors to throw their hat in the ring and go to market.
Overall, results for prime property passed the test with many precedent-creating sales occurring. However, auction clearances started to trend downwards, perhaps a reflection of the larger volume of stock on offer. 
The big challenge that remains is the uncertain global conditions. The Australian sharemarket recorded its worst month since the financial crisis of 2008, falling in the order of ten percent. The sharemarket is a reminder that assets can drop in value very quickly should valuations become too far stretched from historical levels. Whether equity or property, in today's market conditions one needs to be very careful around valuations, and operate on a margin of safety in case of sudden changes that occur within a chosen asset class. Our concern is that, of recent nose-bleed auction results, some of these properties could be worth far less in a year's time should the Australian economy falter, or the availability of cheap and easy credit starts to become scarce.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) which oversees banks and credit unions has recently enforced tighter lending standards for investors, which is starting to have a flow-on impact on the market. We are noticing that investors, who operate with a slight delay from their pre- approval assurances, are starting to down-gear their budgets to accommodate these changes. The Spring market will be challenged with investors winding back their bidding limits. The countering force to this is to be expected with further demand coming from international buyers, especially those from China.
The other worry at the moment is the dwindling strength of the Chinese economy. The sharemarket has collapsed with a sharp correction, resulting in large losses for many investors. The weakening Chinese sharemarket conditions may actually continue to drive Melbourne and Sydney markets higher as nervous investors from China seek a safer place to park funds.
In terms of sale performance for the month, houses in the inner suburbs were the best performing according to Secret Agent's research, with houses in Brunswick, Brunswick East and Northcote on the boom list. In August 2015, houses and townhouse prices in the inner North were 20% higher in real terms than in August 2014. This is a remarkable change within a 12 month period.
However, the rate of price growth is slowing, which suggests that our market is peaking. Townhouses have started to show a general decline in price with exceptions within certain pockets of Melbourne. Apartments are faltering, with Brunswick, Kensington, Flemington, North Melbourne, Port Melbourne, Prahran, Southbank and Travancore in recession, with two consecutive quarters of falling values.
While we are still witnessing record prices paid, our data suggests that conditions are slowing and its effects may be felt more deeply in the later half of spring. 
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Quarterly Scorecard JUN, JUL &amp; AUG 2015 
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The Secret Agent report is authored by Jodie Walker, Richard Rossman and Ken Premtic. They can be contacted <a href="https://secretagent.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>. 
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The impact of spring weather on Melbourne auctions: Secret Agent

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Aspiring NFL San Francisco 49ers star Jarryd Hayne has sold his first Sydney home purchase as he chases his American dream.
The former Parramatta fullback Hayne, who shocked the rugby league world with his decision to quit the NRL late last year, secured $995,000 in the recent sale.
It was 2007 when the then NSW State of Origin initiate bought the $527,500 St Peters terrace from recruitment industry operative Rob James. 
At the time of his purchase, the 19-year-old winger was the second youngest footballer to wear the NSW jumper. 
Set on 122 square metres in the inner west suburb, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-terrace-nsw-st+peters-119768175" target="_blank">the house has three bedrooms and one bathroom</a>.  
House prices in St Peters had a $475,000 median that year, property researchers CoreLogic RP Data noted, with it now sitting at say.
Situated minutes to Sydenham and St Peter's Station, the two storey 1900 Sutherland Street terrace was marketed as in need of some TLC.
"A must to inspect as this Must Be Sold!" was advised by the Ray White listing agent Anthony Roumanous.
Hayne, who played 176 games for Parramatta, has keenly, but quietly pursued a property portfolio. He purchased an investment terrace in Darlinghurst costing $1.5 million and spent $1.1 million in Paddington, both in 2013. There was also an earlier Umina home purchase for his mother.
This month he established a company, JH38 Holdings, which incorporates the number of his now-famous 38 jersey for the San Francisco 49ers, moving to trademark his own name for a wide range of consumer goods — including clothing, sporting goods, toys, games, luggage, umbrellas and wallets.
Hayne, after watching NFL games live in 2013, became convinced he could make it as a punt returner.
"When I watched the game so close and I saw the return backs, that is what really pushed me to say, hang on a minute, some of these guys can't even make five or 10 yards. I am sure I can make more than that," Hayne told Triple M before he departed late last year.
"I think anyone who has been over to America knows what America is like; they think there is no one who can be greater than them. That is part of the challenge as well. For an Aussie to come from Down Under, people are going to question my ability, my talent and my strength, but I have been questioning it for 12 months. I have already had that argument with myself."
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Jarryd Hayne's St Peters, Sydney terrace sale

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A historic Windsor post office conversion has been listed for sale in Victoria.
The <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/level-2-153-level-2-153-albert-street-windsor/Property-Details-buy-residential-9354538" target="_blank">2/153 Albert Street</a> property has been listed with $1.8 million hopes through Emma Bloom at Kay &amp; Burton.
The 1900s property was engineered by Sir John Monash. 
The two-storey warehouse conversion, with eight metre high ceilings, has Monash's signature exposed metal trusses.
With original Jarrah floorboards and sky-high metal French doors opening to the streetscape where mail and money was winched up into the safety of vaults.
The kitchen has benchtops made from the original roof timber.
The two bedroom, two bathroom apartment has a terrace with an outdoor shower with plenty of natural light.
It last traded six years ago when Uschi Schwartz, a fashion designer saw the potential of the then photographic studio.
The property, close to Chapel Street's cafes, St Kilda Beach, is scheduled for September 12 auction.
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Historic John Monash Windsor post office conversion listed

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The valuation firm Herron Todd White has issued its latest property clock for houses - a simple broad brush means to suggest where property markets are - and what direction prices are moving in.
The valuation firm has included capital and regional cities on the property clock for house price direction.
<a href="/images/2015/09/03/Screen%20Shot%202015-09-03%20at%2010.05.13%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge.
For more information, <a href="https://www.htw.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Sydney, Perth, Gippsland houses at peak pricing in September HTW property clock

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There was just the one bid for 14 St Georges Court Toorak, which sold last weekend for $5.5 million plus. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-toorak-120386821" target="_blank">14 St Georges Court, Toorak </a>was offered through Kay &amp; Burton at $4.6 million plus.
Auctioneer Gerald Delany had a hand in the sale for the fourth time over the past three decades.
The auction opened with a $4.8 million vendor bid for the four-bedroom home with wall of Manchurian pears.
The European villa attracted a sole $4.85 million bid which saw it passed in.
It last sold in 2002 at $2,615,000. Before that at $2.1 million in 2001, then $1,245,000 in 1991 and $236,000 in 1980.
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One bid St Georges Court, Toorak sale

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The music mogul who discovered some of Australia's biggest contemporary acts, Stephen Pavlovic has bullishly sold his Bondi Beach home.
The former Sydney PR queen Sophie Landa has emerged as the buyer of the single storey cottage on the 420 sqm Ramsgate Avenue block, just 20 metres to the sand and surf across Campbell Parade.
Legal paperwork solved the mystery after the reputed $4.9 million pre-auction sale.
It was marketed as <a href="https://www.ppdre.com.au/buying/NSW/Eastern-Suburbs/Bondi-Beach/House/1P1214" target="_blank">the ultimate beachfront opportunity</a>.
"Designer interiors capture the essence of barefoot glamour with an intimate connection with its seaside setting achieved through an organic palette, pared-back interiors and a sunny garden paradise devoted to entertaining and relaxation," was the successful marketing pitch by the Phillips Pantzer Donnelley agency.
Pavlovic's Modular Recordings music label promoted some of coolest bands to come out of Australasia, including Sneaky Sound System, the Avalanches, Wolfmother, the Presets and Tame Impala.
Pavlovic recently quit the company he founded 18 years ago having lost a four day NSW Supreme Court dispute with Universal Music.
Levitt Robinson, Pavlovic's lawyer in the recent royalties dispute, has also taken a caveat on the property title pursuant to legal fees. 
Heiress Sophie Landa is the the daughter of the late NSW attorney-general Paul Landa and his arts patron wife Anne
The 34-year-old funds an arts prize in her mother's honour.
The freestanding classic double-brick home, one of the closest to Bondi's world-famous surf, last sold at $2.12 million in 2005.
It was marketed as in a tightly held setting at the fashionable north end of the beach, opposite the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club.
This article was first published in the Sunday Daily Telegraph.
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Music mogul Stephen Pavlovic secures $4.9 million single storey Bondi Beach sale

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A circular Glenelg penthouse with 360 degree views has been listed with price expectations between $1.95 million to $2.145 million.
With 360-degree views over the beach, the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-sa-glenelg-119374915" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">84/760 Anzac Highway</a> property is 49 sqm and has been listed through Tim and Megan Thredgold at Toop &amp; Toop Real Estate.
The penthouse was last renovated in 2003, winning the Award of Merit at the Architecture Awards.
Designed by Stafford Architects, it was built by the Mossip Group with interior design by Maria Gianquitto.
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