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.

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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.

Joel Robinson

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3826]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=372542]

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]

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

The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

Property News

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The latest Domain Rental Market Report has noted median weekly house rents across Melbourne Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra are at record high and predicts the worst is yet to come for the Perth housing market. 
Domain Senior Economist, Dr. Andrew Wilson, said Sydney house rents were steady, with even a drop in median unit rents.
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"While unit rents remained steady overall, higher unit vacancy rates are providing more choice for tenants in most capitals,” he said.
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“Most capital cities have seen an increase in median weekly rental prices over the December quarter. Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, and Canberra were the standout performers in terms of housing rental market growth while Sydney saw a steadying of house rents and even a drop in median unit rents. 
“Sydney unit rents fell for the first time in more than three years reflecting significant numbers of new apartments entering the market. Sydney house rents, however, remain at record levels – and with the already low vacancy rates still falling there is no relief in sight for tenants."
He said Melbourne house rents have continued to soar to new record highs with low vacancy rates signalling that tenants can expect more increases to come.
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"Melbourne unit vacancy rates, however, are increasing with new apartment stock surging,” he said. 
“It’s a good news story for Brisbane tenants with house rents remaining steady for two years straight and vacancy rates still rising for both houses and units."
VACANCY RATES
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Rents hit record highs in most Australian capital cities: Domain

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A median property value of $315,000 and rental yields superior to those offered by capital cities makes it worth considering Australia’s twenty-ninth biggest city as a viable option to add to a property portfolio.
With a population of 63,000, Wagga Wagga is New South Wale’s largest inland city. It has essential health infrastructure, tertiary education offerings through Charles Sturt University, and a quality commerce and retail hub. Wagga Wagga services a broader Riverina regional population of 200,000 people.
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<img src="/images/2016/01/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-13%20at%209.23.26%20AM.png" alt="" width="734" height="388"> 
Located along Australia’s national (Hume) highway, transport and warehousing are important industries, with Toll Holdings a major employer. Heinz (processed food), Teys (abattoirs), Cargill (grain), and Riverina Oils &amp; Bio Energy are also employers which manufacture agricultural products from the region. 
The Kapooka army recruitment base and the Forest Hill RAAF logistics and training base are staples to the economy.
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The Murray Darling Basin supports the agriculture industry. Heavy clay soils have been the subject of much conjecture over the years. Parts of Wagga Wagga do suffer localised flooding, mostly in pockets to the north, the historical part of the city. The suburbs to the south of the city are newer and on higher land.
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During 2015, there were approximately 77,000 jobs spread across the Riverina region.
For the two year period ending August 2015, the region’s growth in jobs had been neutral compared to the 3 percent national increase. Propertyology believes that the outlook for jobs in the region is a healthy one largely due to the significant extra demand for quality agricultural products from Asia’s fast rising middle class.
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Free Trade Agreements recently signed with South Korea, Japan, and China (India is also expected to follow) paves the way for a huge opportunity for Australian agriculture. The region is Australia’s biggest producer of wine grapes, rice, and chicken, while beef and grain are also very prominent.
With numerous wineries and picturesque landscapes, cottage tourism is popular in the region. According to Destination NSW, visitors spent more than 2.5 million nights in the Riverina in the year to March 2015 – up by 4.4 percent on 2014. Overall visitation to regional NSW increased by 4.1 percent. 
Significant job creation projects in the Region’s pipeline include: 
<ul>
<li>A $75 million Intermodal Freight and Logistics hub in Wagga Wagga</li>
<li>New dam infrastructure proposed at Lake Coolah and Narrandera</li>
<li>A $2 million freight terminal at Leeton</li>
<li>A $14 million new shopping centre in the Wagga Wagga suburb of Estella</li>
<li>A large discovery of tin reserves at Adlethan 
</li>
</ul>
It might surprise people to know that Wagga Wagga’s 7.1 percent average annual price growth over the fifteen years since the turn of the Century was better than Greater-Sydney’s price growth of 6.3 percent over the same period. Out of 550 local governments in Australia, Wagga Wagga’s property market was ranked 240th on total return (average annual price capital growth + rental yield) over the fifteen years since 2000.
Average annual population growth over the last ten years of 0.9 percent is credible. A young demographic, a labour force with a good skills base, cost of housing almost 50% below the national average, and household incomes just below the national average add to the very solid fundamentals of the region’s property markets.
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<img src="/images/2016/01/12/WaggaWagga_PropertyMarket_1990-2015.jpg" alt=""> 
Property values increased by 2 percent to 4 percent during 2015. Of more significance, property sales volumes were the highest that Wagga Wagga has seen since 2009; this is a good indication for local confidence.
As with most of Australia, building approvals in Wagga Wagga have been increasing over the last few years. The housing supply pipeline mostly contains detached houses with a few new estates popping up. The rate of new supply appears to be more sensibly controlled than many of Australia’s bigger profile cities.
The factors likely to influence housing demand and supply, combined with Wagga Wagga’s economic profile, are such that Propertyology forecasts its property market to be a steady performer and potential for a superior return to property investors than higher profile cities such as Sydney and Melbourne over the next few years. Investors could do a lot worse than Wagga Wagga.
SIMON PRESSLEY IS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF <a href="https://www.propertyology.com.au/" target="_blank">PROPERTYOLOGY</a>, AN REIA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE, PROPERTY MARKET ANALYST, ACCREDITED PROPERTY INVESTMENT ADVISER, AND BUYER’S AGENT. PROPERTYOLOGY WORKS EXCLUSIVELY WITH PROPERTY INVESTORS TO PURCHASE PROPERTIES IN STRATEGICALLY CHOSEN LOCATIONS ALL OVER AUSTRALIA. 
{mijopolls 124}
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spressley-sBoeMhannA

Wacky or realistic? Wagga Wagga property tipped to outperform Sydney and Melbourne from 2016: Simon Pressley

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Built at Victoria's Torquay in 2014, the architectural beauty 6 Loch Lomond Crescent has come on the market with $1.35 million plus expectations.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-torquay-121175066" target="_blank">The Hocking Stuart agent Shaun O’Callaghan </a>says its "a raw, architectural two-storey experience of concrete, marble and brass, north-facing double glazed windows and bluestone pavers."
He adds the modern home is a unique combination of low fuss modern living under a roof garden. Around 275 sqm in floor space.
With sheltered central garden, the main home contains three bedrooms plus a study and two bathrooms. A self-contained studio comes with its own access at the top of a winding staircase.
There's plenty of concrete walls plus more concrete in the island bench in the kitchen and a fireplace in the living room.
The 579 square metre block cost $170,000 in 2006, which was less than the $190,000 in 2002.
There was a snappy sale a few doors away at 16 Loch Lomond at $815,000 of a contemporary 2008 built home. Torquay's highest recorded house price during 2015 was $2 million for 261 The Esplanade in March. There was a $2.3 million rural acreage sale too.
The Auhaus Architecture designed property will feature in an upcoming edition of Belle Magazine and GT Magazine.
Even Beacon Lighting's summer campaign.   
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Concrete abounds at contemporary Torquay offering under garden roof

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GUEST OBSERVER
Australia’s population rose by 0.3% over QII and annual growth held steady at 1.4%.   Australia’s population is estimated to be 23.8 million as at June 2015.   Net migration continues to be the driver of population growth, although its contribution to growth has eased.
The big picture
Australia’s population growth rate has been easing as a result of a slowdown in net overseas migration. The decline in the population growth rate has been a contributing factor to why potential growth in Australia is now estimated to be around 2¾% (potential growth was previously assumed to be around 3¼%).  Weak productivity growth and the ageing of the population have also weighed on potential growth.
Australia’s population growth rate was over 2% in 2009.        Notwithstanding, at 1.4%pa, Australia’s population growth rate is still a lot faster than most other OECD countries. This means that the economy needs to be expanding at a faster pace than most other OECD countries to achieve full employment.   
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<img src="/images/2015/12/16/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-17%20at%201.12.08%20PM.png" alt=""> The major driver behind Australia’s population growth continues to be net overseas migration (NOM).  However, its contribution to population growth has come down over the past few years.  Both sides of federal politics favour high levels of immigration to partially offset some of the effects from the ageing of the population.
The ‘grey army’ – those aged 65 and over – continue to grow as a share of Australia’s population. The growth of this age cohort underpins the structural decline in labour force participation. That said, there has recently been a cyclical bounce in the participation rate due to a lift in the demand for labour. The aging of the population has increased the dependency ratio (the age‑population ratio of those typically not in the labour force) which underpins the need for fiscal reform.
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<img src="/images/2015/12/16/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-17%20at%201.13.20%20PM.png" alt=""> The detail
Australia’s population is estimated to have risen by 73k in QII (+0.3%). The lift takes the population to 23.8 million as at June 2015. The ABS estimates that NOM was 168k in 2014/15, down from 189k in 2013/14.  And well down from the peak of 315k in 2008.
State outcomes are mixed, but population growth rates have been converging. The decline in mining investment and associated downturn in mining‑related employment has contributed to a sharp slowdown in WA’s population growth. Victoria’s population growth rate is the highest across the States. Strong population growth in the Garden State underpins the big lift in residential construction in Melbourne.
Table 1 - Population Growth Q2 2015
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<img src="/images/2015/12/16/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-17%20at%201.14.51%20PM.png" alt="" width="689" height="145">
Gareth Aird is economist at Commonwealth Bank and can be contacted <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/gareth-aird/14/790/905" target="_blank">here</a>.
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Australia's population growth rate continues to ease: CBA's Gareth Aird

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The top sale of the week was a five bedroom waterfront home in the Sydney suburb of Cremorne, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
The property, <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/22-wonga-road-cremorne-nsw-2090-2012402717" target="_blank">22 Wonga Road, Cremorne</a>, (above) sold for $6,330,000 through McGrath Estate Agents Neutral Bay.
 
Top ten sales 
22 Wonga Road, Cremorne, NSW 5 bed, 4 bath, 3 car house, $6,330,000, McGrath Estate Agents Neutral Bay Mosman 
157A Seaforth Crescent, Seaforth, NSW 4 bed, 3 bath, 3 car house, $5,700,000 LJ Hooker Seaforth 
21/51 Upper Pitt Street Kirribilli, NSW 3 bed, 2 bath, 3 car unit, $5,500,000 LJ Hooker Wahroonga 
2 Ethel Street, Burwood, NSW 7 bed, 3 bath, 6 car house, $4,325,000 Rich &amp; Oliver Real Estate Croydon Park 
14A View Street, Peppermint Grove, WA 5 bed, 4 bath, 2 car house, $3,890,000 Acton Cottesloe Peppermint Grove 
19 Karranga Avenue, Killara, NSW 5 bed, 4 bath, 2 car house, $3,600,000 McConnell Bourn Lindfield
44/51 William Street, Double Bay, NSW 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car unit, $3,450,000 BradfieldCleary Double Bay 
24A Dendy Street, Brighton, Vic 5 bed, 6 bath, 3 car house, $3,300,000 Kay &amp; Burton Bayside 
31 Campbell Street, Sorrento, Qld 5 bed, 4 bath, 3 car house, $3,118,000 McGrath Estate Agents 
2 Hoyt Street, Hampton, Vic 4 bed, 3 bath, 2 car house, $3,100,000 Nick Johnstone Brighton
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Cremorne four bedder leads CoreLogic RP Data top 10 sales

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Melbourne-based OpenCorp, a startup founded by Allister Lewison, his brother Matthew and Cam McLellan, has become the sixth fastest-growing company on the 2015 BRW Fast 100 list. 
The company boasts an annual growth of more than 175% from 2012 to 2015. 
It all started in the late 90s when Allister Lewison and McLellan purchased their first investment properties on the same Melbourne street. 
“I think everybody at some point has a ‘light bulb’ moment where they realise that they aren’t headed in the direction they had hoped for their lives,” Allister Lewison says. 
Based on their early success investing, the duo began educating their friends and family about the industry and encouraging them to invest under their guidance.  
"We didn’t plan to create a business...We were providing our friends and family with advice on how we started our own portfolios,” Lewison says.  
His brother Matthew spotted an opportunity in the market for an investment company that spoke to the “everyday Australian,” with potential for their work to become an established business. 
At the time, McLellan and Allister Lewison were directing their own telecommunications and IT companies, but eventually made the decision to unite with Matthew to create OpenCorp’s offering.
“When we started out, there really wasn’t a company appealing to lower income or even middle income earners to reap the rewards of property investment,” Allister Lewison says.
“This bracket of the population was completely left of the equation, and it was our job to change this.” 
OpenCorp provides two kinds of services. Clients can build their own property investment portfolios with the aid of OpenCorp, or invest in one of OpenCorp’s property developments starting from $10,000.  
The company also contributes its own money into every opportunity to earn the trust of its clients. It also holds an Australian Financial Services Licence. 
The Lewisons and McLellan are supported by a team of over 45 market specialists across their Melbourne and Brisbane offices, and have been involved in more than $4 billion of property transactions. 
The concern of losing money is arguably the main factor that deters potential buyers (particularly those of low to average incomes) from participating in investment.
“To those people, I say the fear of doing nothing should be a bigger fear,” Allister Lewison says. 
“The fear of turning 65 and retiring on $32,000 a year for a couple should be scarier than doing something today.”
Allister Lewison has also featured on 2015 BRW Young Rich list with an amassed $24 million fortune.
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OpenCorp, opening real estate doors to mum and dad investors

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<div>Melbourne-based property investment company OpenCorp has acquired sites in Queensland to develop an estimated $360 million in projects at Albion and West End.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Albion site was bought for $11 million, inclusive of existing development approval for 154 apartments. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Designed by Hayes Andersen Lynch Architects , the development will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments worth an estimated total of $89 million. </div>
<div>OpenCorp expects Albion’s housing values to rise significantly, being five kilometres from the CBD and bordering on the blue-chip areas of Ascot, Hamilton and Clayfield. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The other project, in West End, will comprise of 106 apartments with an end value estimated in excess of $50 million. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Construction has commenced on the project, named Citro, and is expected to be complete in early 2017. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Prices for the remaining 33 apartments start from $369,000 (one bed, one bath, no car).  Two-bedroom apartments (one bath, one car) start from $499,000.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>According to OpenCorp, both units are priced below the suburb’s median price. The median one-bedroom unit price in West End is $375,000 and it is $552,000 for a two-bedroom.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>A high proportion of buyers in Citro are interstate investors entering the Queensland market due to Brisbane’s lower prices than Sydney and Melbourne , as well as the high rental returns, OpenCorp said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The project will comprise a roof terrace with an infinity edge pool and cinema. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Citro is walking distance to the Brisbane River and just two kilometres from the CBD.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Funds for development sites are crowd sourced from OpenCorp’s clients, who can invest from $10,000.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>OpenCorp’s other Brisbane projects include the Aston Apartments in Nundah and Evolve and Hemingway in Chermside. Hemingway, worth an estimated $70 million, will hit the market in February 2016.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>For more information, <a href="https://www.opencorp.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.</div>
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OpenCorp expands into Queensland development

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Artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, 3D printing and other technologies are shaping the future of cities in high-speed and unpredictable ways, according to the latest Savills Europe report.
It is still debatable whether the innovations of the future will have a positive or a negative impact on society, <a href="https://image.email.savills.info/lib/fe9e13707565057575/m/1/megatrends-in-european-real-estate---issue-1-2015.pdf" target="_blank">the Megatrends in Europe report concludes</a>.
"On the one hand new technologies facilitate our lives, but on the other they displace middle level jobs, leading to increasing structural unemployment and income inequality.
"The optimists argue that, historically, technological evolution has created new jobs and industries as much as it has destroyed some of the older ones.
It suggests the affinity of the Y and Z generations with technology determines their expectations, their lifestyle and the way they relate to space.
"The smart technologies of the future will change the way we live our lives, but will they also alter the way we use physical space? connectivity, contact, communication, comfort, choice and collaboration.
"In Europe, internet penetration exceeded 70% and mobile use penetration exceeded 60% in 2014, and continue to grow.
"Information technology and the digital world reshape the real one and re-define work, mobility, communication, retailing and distribution, as users achieve more by moving less.
"Big data gathered via sensors, surveys, mapping and other sources will enable the policy makers and urban planners to analyse and share the information, leading to more efficient, more manageable, ‘smarter’ cities.'
It concluded the real estate industry is trying to adapt and preempt the changes that new technologies bring to people’s habits and lifestyle.
"It is not clear yet if technology will lead to a dramatic reduction in the need for physical space or will change the way space is used.
"Geography remains important and people continue to cluster in hubs of like-minded people.
"Cities with a spirit of innovation are likely to attract young talent and become hubs of communication, collaboration and knowledge.
"The large European capitals of London, Paris, Berlin, Munich, Amsterdam, Vienna are established centres of innovation, while smaller secondary cities also compete for this title.
It noted last year the European Commission awarded Barcelona the title of European Capital of Innovation (iCapital) ahead of Grenoble and Groningen for ‘introducing the use of new technologies to bring the city closer to citizens’. 
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Savills Europe suggests winners and losers in the high tech cities of the future

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The former Wallaby and professional rugby union player Mark Gerrard has sold his recently completed new build at Narrabeen for around $2.5 million. 
Mark, who is currently playing for the Toyota Industry Shuttles in Japan, only finished the four bedroom Narrabeen home in early spring. Paul Franks of Domain Real Estate was the selling agent for the property.
Gerrard, who gew up in Narrabeen, earned 23 caps for Australia over his two year national team career. He had been an apprentice carpenter for three years so he loved getting involved in his first project on the 700 sqm block.
The former Melbourne Rebels fly-half was set to live in the home with his wife, Larisa and their three children, however when Larisa fell pregnant during construction and with Mark living in Japan they felt the home was too big for her to care for four children.
“We still had the thought of living here for good after he was born", he said.
“But as time went by and the house took a lot longer to build, our plans changed.”
Marks favourite feature of the home is the indoor/outdoor, pool bar which is adjacent to the gourmet kitchen.
"I am most proud of the kitchen with its four metre Carrara marble island bench," he said.
“You can be at the pool bar and still see the view through the kitchen and out to the deck and beyond."
The pool is positioned on the top floor of the three level property.
“The open space … up there is relaxing, like you’re up in your own treetop oasis,” he suggested.
 
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Rugby player Mark Gerrard sells in Narrabeen

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<h1> </h1>
Capital city price growth will slow in the new year to between 2 and 5%, with price growth from Sydney and Melbourne unlikely to meet that of 2015, according to new data released from Domain.com.au.
The Domain State of the Market report states while house prices are expected to increase in 2016 across all capital cities, they will do so at more subdued rates.
Domain.com.au senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson said buyers and sellers will see a significant change to the dynamic of Australia’s capital city housing markets in 2016.
“Australian housing markets have generally experienced a rollercoaster ride of buyer activity and prices growth through 2015, in the face of dramatic changes to interest rates, he said.
"Depending on local supply and demand, we are likely to see house price growth of between two and five per cent over the next 12 months. The extraordinary prices growth reported by Sydney and to a lesser degree Melbourne over the past year will not be matched over 2016, with those markets rapidly returning to the pack. 
"While the housing market is likely to be relatively subdued comparatively, it is likely that activity from some buyer types – particularly investors – will remain robust and increase. Despite higher interest rates, investors will be drawn to the relatively high yields available and continued taxation advantages – particularly for small-scale investors."
National house price growth expectations for 2016 The following table outlines the expected house price growth for each capital city: 
<div dir="ltr">
<table>
<colgroup>
<col width="184">
<col width="176">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">
2016 mid-range house price growth forecasts
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Sydney
</td>
<td>
4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Melbourne
</td>
<td>
5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Brisbane
</td>
<td>
4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Adelaide
</td>
<td>
4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Perth
</td>
<td>
2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Hobart
</td>
<td>
4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Darwin
</td>
<td>
3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Canberra
</td>
<td>
4%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
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