Builder-developer Urban Property Group (UPG) is continuing to expand into new markets. UPG is heading to the Hills District, where it is planning a 40-storey mixed use building near Castle Hill Metro Station.

They've gone down the favoured developer route of a State Significant Development Application, which should see developments approved within the space of nine months.

The tower will comprise 371 apartments, 42 of which will be affordable housing, above a ground-floor retail precinct at 16-20 Old Castle Hill Road, on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and within walking distance of Castle Hill Metro Station, an area identified for higher density under both local and state strategic planning frameworks.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc">Studio SC</a>, the tower would rise from a brick podium base, accommodating one retail tenancy and communal open space, before transitioning to a slender glazed residential form above. Six basement levels are proposed beneath the building to house parking and services.

<img alt="First Look: Urban Property unveils 40-storey mixed-use tower in Castle Hill with 371 homes and affordable housing component" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08dc82f9-b826-4e18-8c60-4c90f7472317" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%20G%20%28b%29%20-%20Ground%20level%20render.jpg?VersionId=EOv1ly45k_Bc1F73C0hdwXSG4FVSTETt" />

“Castle Hill is undergoing a significant transformation, evolving from a traditionally low-rise suburban centre into a true metropolitan destination anchored by the Sydney Metro Northwest," the Architectural Design Report prepared by Studio SC noted.

The majority of apartments (194) will be two-bedrooms. 90 one-bedroom apartments are planned, 83 three-beds, and four four-bedroom apartments.

Studio SC’s design adopts a podium-and-tower composition, with warm-toned masonry at the lower levels intended to anchor the building within its streetscape context.

"At the podium, the architecture is anchored through solid brickwork in warm, earthy tones, reflecting the local sandstone formations and the natural colour palette of the surrounding hills," Studio SC added.

Above, the tower transitions to a lighter glass expression, articulated with fins and tonal variation to reduce visual bulk and respond to changing light conditions.

<img alt="First Look: Urban Property unveils 40-storey mixed-use tower in Castle Hill with 371 homes and affordable housing component" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f13cb2ee-ebfc-4204-9aba-e2dbd9e5d4bd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%20G%20%28a%29%20-%20Pool%20view.jpg?VersionId=Dnpusa.b5d6Nkx2clPlzWosDdh_1QW2V" />

Urban Property Group is one of Sydney's most active developers. They have projects currently under construction in Little Bay, Penrith, and Macquarie Park, with future projects earmarked for Wollongong.

Castle Hill has been one of the most popular suburbs for development across Sydney in the last five years, as developers scramble for land around the newly extended Sydney Metro.&nbsp;

Kassis Homes kicked it all off with Grand Reve, along with Deicorp who has delivered over 1,000 apartments in the area and continues to develop. The likes of Dubai-backed developer Arada will take to market their project in the coming months, while Masscon has just launched Avenue on Cadman Crescent.

Joel Robinson

First Look: Urban Property Group unveils 40-storey mixed-use tower in Castle Hill

One of the Gold Coast’s ‘bridesmaid suburbs’ is experiencing a wave of local suitors, with the latest sales figures from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> revealing over two thirds of buyers will be relocating from within a 5km average radius of the 16-hectare masterplan.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the figures underlined a powerful shift for Biggera Waters that would reshape it into a thriving force behind the region’s growth corridor.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen a huge wave of interest from residents of Arundel, Paradise Point and Runaway Bay who recognise the urban transformation that is well underway here and want to be part of it,” Long said.&nbsp;

“Interestingly, 25 per cent of our Gold Coast buyers are also coming from the city’s southern hotspots, including Burleigh and Palm Beach.&nbsp;

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/biggera-waters-qld-4216">Biggera Waters</a>, and Harbour Shores in particular, has all the advantages of waterfront living with the benefits of resort-style amenity, for greater value than the southern beachfront suburbs.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=290031]

Long said half of the purchasers at Harbour Shores were under the age of 55.&nbsp;

“When locals choose to stay local, it creates a genuine community, turning the most sustainable master planned community in the Gold Coast’s history into a diverse and vibrant ‘village of villages’.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=336743]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a> Gold Coast Sales Director David Higgins said the hyper-local market demand was unique to Harbour Shores when compared to other projects in the region.&nbsp;

“We are seeing as much as 60 per cent of new apartment sales on other projects go to interstate or international buyers, but Harbour Shores is bucking this trend and attracting a larger proportion of the local market,” Higgins said.&nbsp;

“Only 13 per cent of Harbour Shores’ existing purchasers are interstate. There has been a resounding endorsement from local buyers and that validates the project’s vision and investment in design, lifestyle and liveability.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=4579]

Harbour Shores is 16ha visionary masterplan dedicated to wellness and an active, healthy lifestyle. Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, Harbour Shores embeds extensive green connections and more than 2.5km in pedestrian networks – including a 1.2km boardwalk along the water’s edge.

Harbour Shores was recently recognised by the BETTER FUTURE World Design Awards 2026 as a silver winner in the category of environmental sustainability. Boasting a 6 Star Green Star Communities V1.1 rating, Harbour Shores will deliver more than 2,000 homes over the next ten years.&nbsp;

The first stage will deliver three residential collections including luxury three and four-bedroom waterfront villas at The Residences, as well as apartments in The Waterline and Palm House, surrounded by resort-style amenities.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Biggera Waters no longer a 'bridesmaid suburb' as Gold Coast locals jump to Harbour Shores

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ellipse-property-group">Ellipse Property</a> has officially launched Lily Lane, the second stage of its Carrington Place masterplan in Sydney’s North-West. The new stage will deliver over 200 apartments to the sought-after Hills District, supported by new retail and resident amenity.&nbsp;

Located near the Hills Showground Metro Station at 32 Carrington Road, Castle Hill, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lily-lane-at-carrington-place-castle-hill-32-carrington-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Lily Lane</a> has launched with the release of 105 apartments.

Designed by award-winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ptw">PTW</a>, Lily Lane comprises a combined total of 213 units over two 12-storey towers anchored by a ground-floor retail offering. A range of floorplan configurations are available including 67 one-bedroom, 100 two-bedroom and 46 three-bedroom apartments.

One-bedroom apartments are sized from 50-72 sqm with prices starting at $720,000, while two-bedrooms are priced from $960,000 with sizes ranging from 75 to 132 sqm. The three-bedroom floorplans are sized between 97 and 182 sqm, with prices starting at $1,350,000.&nbsp;

Six exclusive penthouses crown the Lily Lane towers, offering opulent interiors of up to 285 sqm. They are priced from $2.9 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360285]

Blake Schulze, National Director – Residential at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>, says Lily Lane builds on the sell-out success of Carrington Place’s first stage, Atrium.&nbsp;

“Lily Lane offers everything north-west buyers are seeking - including spacious, flexible floorplans with premium finishes and sweeping views of the Hills District to the north," Schulze said.

"Its central location brings residents even closer to Hills Showground Metro Station, with retail, dining, recreation and essential services at their fingertips.

Schulze says early enquiries reflect pent-up demand for Lily Lane’s three-bedroom and penthouse apartments, reinforcing the appetite for house-sized units in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>,&nbsp;especially among downsizers.

Lily Lane has sought to incorporate features that are more&nbsp;traditional in freestanding homes. Over 75 per cent of residences include dedicated studies, multipurpose rooms or family rooms, with select layouts offering walk-in pantries and laundries.

Buyers have two interior colour schemes to choose from. ‘Breeze’ is a light-toned palette with warm timber accents, and ‘Dawn’ is a cooler mid-toned colourway.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360572]

Apartments also feature premium Miele appliances, including ovens, washing machines, dryers, gas cooktops and dishwashers. Larger homes offer integrated Miele microwaves, Fisher &amp; Paykel integrated refrigerators and five-burner Miele cooktops.

Lily Lane’s ‘village-style’ architectural design is designed to maximise walkability and access to green space. Its two elegant towers are separated by a central landscaped laneway lined with lily plants, giving the project its name.&nbsp;

The towers will be crowned by rooftop terraces with BBQ areas offering views of the Hills District. Residents can also access a shared community room, complete with a fully equipped kitchen.

“As the gateway to the wider Carrington Place masterplan, this new stage delivers a premium experience,"&nbsp;said Puja Khanna, Associate Director – Design, Marketing and Sales at Ellipse Property.

"It features beautifully curated landscaping, refined interiors and architecture designed to maximise space, light and views. With a supermarket and essential services just minutes away, the addition of Lily Lane’s ground-floor retail will elevate everyday convenience and deliver a vibrant precinct for residents.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360286]

Lily Lane will be constructed by award-winning iCIRT-rated builder Decode Group, with construction to commence in mid-2026 and expected to complete early 2029.

Carrington Place comprises more than 800 apartments and is being delivered across multiple stages. Completion of the masterplan is expected in 2032. Integrated with neighbouring bushland, the project will feature over 20,000 square metres of outdoor recreational area, including a one-kilometre boardwalk to the nearby Fred Caterson Reserve.&nbsp;

The Hills Showground Metro Station is just a two-minute walk away, offering fast connectivity to Sydney’s CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood, Macquarie Park and Norwest Business Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151821]

Ellipse launches Lily Lane, stage two of Carrington Place

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a>, a Sydney-based global property development and investment firm, is set to transform a 1.4-hectare site in Five Dock into a $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct.

The integrated precinct is planned to include 750 apartments across five residential towers, a 150-key hotel, around 10,000 sqm of retail and lifestyle space, as well as health and wellness facilities, extensive landscaped open space, and community amenities.

Planning approval submission is targeted for June 2026.

One Global Capital Founder Iwan Sunito told Apartments.com.au that the Five Dock site, which he has owned for over two decades, is one of the best he's ever had.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito says.

"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."

<img alt="Urban renewal in Five Dock via mixed-use precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76667592-c421-49f5-9ab8-45cfec815651" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Five%20Dock%201.png?VersionId=puhL_lSxd5IB5VA9fQKPsKHgmkinuwuI" />

Sunito said he wants to create a "city within a city", designing a multi-cultural precinct with the convenience of retail and public space at the forefront.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community."

He adds that the Five Dock is emerging into a "really solid suburb", with the growth in&nbsp;the area continuing to be supported by rising residential values across the Canada Bay and Leichhardt local government areas, driven by major infrastructure investment and enhanced transport connectivity.&nbsp;

The new precinct will benefit from close proximity to a key transport network, including the Five Dock Metro Station, located approximately 1.1 kilometres from the site. The new Burwood Metro stop will be just 800m.

The project marks a renewed collaboration between Sunito and internationally acclaimed architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, the creative partnership behind some of Sydney’s most recognisable residential landmarks, &nbsp;including Infinity, Arc, and Skye North Sydney.&nbsp;

<img alt="Urban renewal in Five Dock via mixed-use precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a9184a45-f429-4628-87ce-9bd6c70cb597" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Five%20Dock%202.png?VersionId=zJZRfLAZCkpww5VcmR_wgRXjoaSgPSyv" />

“The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Koichi Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised &nbsp;for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

A key feature of the mixed-use development will be a lifestyle retail precinct, offering shopping and dining &nbsp;experiences - including a proposed state-of-the-art car showroom - as well as communal spaces for community &nbsp;use. Veteran retail and commercial property practitioner, Simon McTigue, has been engaged to consult on the &nbsp;delivery and leasing of the retail precinct, having previously worked on notable mixed-use projects such as East &nbsp;Village Shopping Centre in Zetland and South Village Shopping Centre Kirrawee, as well as other projects with &nbsp;Iwan Sunito in Green Square and Parramatta, to name a few.&nbsp;

“The Five Dock site offers a unique opportunity for retailers, conveniently located within easy walking distance &nbsp;of the metro station. On completion, the integrated precinct will provide the community with a new Inner West &nbsp;town centre, offering daily convenience via a proposed large format supermarket and fresh food precinct, as well &nbsp;as a restaurant and café district situated alongside key services such as a medical and health centre. It will be a &nbsp;place to live, work and play,” said Simon McTigue, Director of Wallaringa Consulting.&nbsp;

Samuel Sunito, Director of Capital at One Global Capital, confirmed strong inbound interest from both domestic and global investors seeking co-investment opportunities in the project. “We are currently engaging with &nbsp;investors both locally but also globally from Indonesia, the United States, China, Singapore, Vietnam, and Dubai &nbsp;to ensure alignment of vision and long-term value creation,” he said.&nbsp;

Investment participation will remain open until approximately Q2 2026, with equity allocations managed selectively.&nbsp;

“Equity available to the broader market will be limited, with priority given to long-standing capital partners. In terms of One Global Capital’s investment philosophy, we will continue to retain majority ownership, ensuring &nbsp;strong alignment of interests and preserving the long-term integrity of the project for all stakeholders,” Samuel &nbsp;said.

"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock

Holiday home buyers who have long gravitated to Queenstown’s alpine setting are increasingly looking for low-maintenance apartments that allow them to lock up and leave, while still generating income when they’re away.

For Wendy, who had spent years visiting the Queenstown and Arrowtown region, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>’s Mountain Oak Apartments provided the opportunity to formalise what had previously been a recurring holiday pattern.

“We always had Queenstown in the back of our minds to buy something there as a holiday home,” she says. “We love the Queenstown and Arrowtown area.”

<img alt="From slopes to markets: Mountain Oak connects residents to the best of Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/658d4f_48c3ec1ae5df4a2cab7d23c07c7f51b3~mv2.jpg?VersionId=27K8oQ4ExDN8Yu70VHDa9Olq59XU36m3" />

Time spent visiting her sister-in-law, who owns in Arrowtown, along with regular stays at Millbrook Resort, had already shaped a strong personal connection to the region.&nbsp;

Rather than approaching the purchase purely as an investment play, Wendy’s starting point was lifestyle.

“We were more thinking about ourselves and where we could stay, and then the rental aspect was second.”

Mountain Oak Apartments, located within the masterplanned Remarkables Park precinct in Frankton, aligned with that thinking. The ability to secure the apartment with a deposit and settle on completion made the timing work.

“The fact that we could put a deposit down with the balance on completion was a bonus for us,” she explains.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Wendy selected a two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse, a configuration that supports both private use and guest flexibility.

“The two-bedroom, two-bathroom configuration appealed from both a rental viewpoint and for the ability to have friends stay while we are there,” she says.

Across the development, two-bedroom apartments range from 64sqm to 78sqm, with two-bedroom plus flexi options from 71sqm to 75sqm, each with an allocated car park. The flexi layouts introduce an additional space suited to work or hobbies, reflecting demand from buyers who split their time between leisure and remote work.

Apartments include underfloor heating in bathrooms, heat pumps to living areas, and joinery positioned to maximise natural light and mountain outlooks. The Remarkables Park precinct is known for its extended winter sunshine hours, water frontage and open views toward The Remarkables.&nbsp;

Units come in light and dark interior colour schemes.

<img alt="Mountain Oak Apartments draws holiday home buyers to Queenstown" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fd685a22-3b95-43a1-87cb-48fdd42bb4ba" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/658d4f_f9f89107c2704ebbbe5a6b36da508cb3~mv2.jpg?VersionId=MigFIEm6b.mrANANwxSmwHvC4RdJUuyR" />

While lifestyle was the primary driver, the fundamentals of the Queenstown market added reassurance.&nbsp;

“Proximity to the airport and tourism being the main attraction all year round,” Wendy says, when asked what stood out from an investment perspective.

Mountain Oak sits just eight kilometres from Queenstown’s CBD and around a two-minute drive from Queenstown Airport.&nbsp;

For Wendy, that airport proximity carries practical value.

“The airport proximity is a bonus, we think that being so close will be an attraction for the convenience side.”

Residents are also a short drive from Coronet Peak, Jack’s Point Golf Course, New World Supermarket, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and the dining, medical, gym, cinema and library amenities within the town centre, as well as the seasonal Remarkables Market.

Importantly, the purchase does not lock owners into a single use. Mountain Oak offers the flexibility to opt for short-term visitor accommodation or longer-term residential rental management, with 365-day visitor accommodation consent in place. Owners can utilise Safari Group’s 24/7 on-site management service or appoint their own provider, and do not need to decide on a strategy immediately.

“It was a bonus that we can rent it out as well as use it for ourselves,” she says.

Additional buying options, including furniture packages and storage units available for purchase within the building, further support a lock-and-leave model suited to interstate and overseas owners.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Mountain Oak Apartments comprises 141 residences, ranging from one-bedroom configurations through to larger apartments and penthouses. One-bedroom apartments are currently priced from NZ$639,000, with three-bedroom options from NZ$1,299,000.

With 365-day visitor accommodation consent, the development is structured to respond to Queenstown’s established four-season tourism economy, spanning winter ski traffic and summer hiking, cycling, golf and lake-based activity.

Although Wendy acknowledges the strength of rental demand, her approach remains long term.

“We’re not planning to sell it anytime soon, so we are keen to hang on to it, but the passive income will be a bonus.”

Confidence in the developer also influenced her decision. Before proceeding, Wendy sought feedback within the local building community.

“We asked around and Safari Group had a good reputation,” she says.

Safari Group has delivered more than 2,000 hotel units and residential apartments across over 18 developments nationwide, with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector.

With completion anticipated by mid-2027, Mountain Oak is attracting a cross-section of buyers, from yield-focused investors to lifestyle purchasers seeking a foothold in one of New Zealand’s most tightly held alpine markets.

For Wendy, it represents both a future holiday base and a long-term asset within Queenstown’s year-round tourism economy.

How Mountain Oak Apartments draws holiday home buyers to Queenstown

Raine & Horne

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For the 18th straight year, Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay/Bondi Beach has retained its mantle as the best office in NSW in the Raine &amp; Horne network.
The Double Bay firm, led by Ric Serrao and Martin Maskin, was named Top Office for Dollar Value, and second for Number of Sales. 
Mr Serrao was named Top Salesperson (Principal) Dollar Value and placed second in the Top Salesperson (Principal) – Number of Sales. 
He was also named the network’s Top Auction Lister.
In the Top Salesperson (Dollar Value) category, the Double Bay office’s Hannan Bouskila, Paul Langsam and Graham Berman finished in the Top Ten. 
The Double Bay-based office was also named Top Multiple Office (Dollar Value), while Matt Serrao won recognition as Business Development Manager of the Year. 
Mr Serrao told the 400-strong audience that he was thrilled with his firm's award-winning achievements. 
The Double Bay firm will be recognised as Australia’s best in the Real Estate Agency Single Office category at the <a id="LPlnk452207" href="http://icm-tracking.meltwater.com/link.php?DynEngagement=true&amp;H=I%2BqMhXDuIS2RujNbavWSOKShOr7Ezi73JeGvxlkJ09Qb0kDpZZQFeP6B4USdWcJ3s9o3Delk3rYiEkcLSjrV1b%2BlXh078mqOgCwh2Ktlzit2YrCleMHz5Q9Ipy8dj765D05R4lwpWR0%3D&amp;G=0&amp;R=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.propertyawards.net%2F&amp;I=20190312234405.00000089d461%40mail6-46-ussnn1&amp;X=MHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVjODg0NDNhZDIyYzBhNzQ4YTY2ODY2NDs%3D&amp;S=OgAvjTDgfgGXk5REE2IAC7unkqLoAZWJOLE0y-T7GZI" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Asia Pacific Property Awards</a> in Bangkok on the 14th-15th May. 
Led by principal <a id="LPlnk195010" href="http://icm-tracking.meltwater.com/link.php?DynEngagement=true&amp;H=I%2BqMhXDuIS2RujNbavWSOKShOr7Ezi73JeGvxlkJ09Qb0kDpZZQFeP6B4USdWcJ3s9o3Delk3rYiEkcLSjrV1b%2BlXh078mqOgCwh2Ktlzit2YrCleMHz5Q9Ipy8dj765D05R4lwpWR0%3D&amp;G=0&amp;R=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.raineandhorne.com.au%2Fbatemansbay%2Fcms_lists%2F103%2Fcms_pages%2F1820&amp;I=20190312234405.00000089d461%40mail6-46-ussnn1&amp;X=MHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVjODg0NDNhZDIyYzBhNzQ4YTY2ODY2NDs%3D&amp;S=z7h2o9_7u6kGT3nJuT26dDF6pqaZbjs0QCK4BpGWtcM" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Adam Porteous</a>, Raine &amp; Horne Batemans Bay, from the NSW South Coast, was able to upstage its Eastern Suburbs rival by taking first place in the Top Office (Number of Sales) category.
Mr Porteous says his team is happy to adopt the latest technologies such as Amplify, a world first initiative in artificial intelligence (AI) technology that enabled the entire Raine &amp; Horne global network to promote and sell over 6,500 listings in 2018 through social media. “All our agents have used Amplify on campaigns and we even have our administration team encouraging vendors to use it to market their properties as widely as possible.”
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Raine & Horne Double Bay/Bondi Beach retain top network spot for 18th year straight

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Raine &amp; Horne have moved into a creatively designed, tech-savvy and collaboritve workspace in the heart of Sydney as they celebrated 135 years of operation. 
The new HQ offers dedicated space for its network and international offices to use.
Raine &amp; Horne chief executive Angus Raine said the new Sydney corporate office is a response to the company's massive office growth in Australia.
“The new office location is the realisation of our vision for increased innovation, collaboration and a more visible approach to leadership," Raine said.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/11/13/Raine3.jpg" alt="">
“This innovative approach to leadership includes our flat management structure, and the new office space has been welcomed enthusiastically across the company."
There is space in the offices for meetings, training and presentations, as well as their financial services business Our Broker and their groundbreaking Datalab call centre.
“Whether it is a small gathering for a brainstorming session or major client pitch, our network and staff can choose from a range of seating and collaborative spaces from boardrooms and meeting rooms to small cubicles and pods," Raine said.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/11/13/raine4.jpg" alt="">
“We can easily host functions for up to 150 people thanks to our expanded client entertainment areas.”
The new office provides extensive training facilities, with interactive screens, whiteboards and the latest in videoing conferencing facilities, as well as a state-of-the-art recording studio.
Raine &amp; Horne commercial retail services co-principal Robin Brenchley, who is a regular visitor to the new Raine &amp; Horne HQ, said he likes how modern the offices are.
"It offers an open plan structure that allows me to work collaboratively with Raine &amp; Horne’s marketing team," he said. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/11/13/Raine2.jpg" alt="">
The space that Raine &amp; Horne now inhabits is considerably bigger than the previous headquarters on Sydney's Harrington Street.
A core theme driving the design concept for the Kent Street office was collaboration and the sharing of information and insights.
“The physical layout has been carefully structured to encourage collaboration, whether it’s for a team appointment or for impromptu meetings,” Raine explained. 
“For example, we are a project led business launching new products and services to the network. So, in response to this we have a dedicated project room.
“Even the design of the kitchen was considered carefully for collaboration with a café feel that encourages staff to gather for lunch and build culture.”
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Raine & Horne take creative office HQ lease

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Lawyer and entrepreneur, Peter Maatouk has launched Raine &amp; Horne Narellan in the heart of Sydney’s Macarthur region.
Maatouk, who is the principal of Maatouks Law Group that has offices in Narellan, Liverpool, and Penrith, has been delivering general practice and property law services since 1993.
The firm launched a mortgaging broking business in 2000 and Maatouks Realty in 2007.
“As we were already delivering conveyancing and mortgage broking services, opening a real estate business in 2007 made sense.
“Our conveyancing and broking experience gave us the confidence that we could list and sell real estate,” said Mr Maatouk.
“We are very familiar with property law, conveyancing and how the lenders work.
“This means that if someone is buying a house, they are never operating in the dark if they choose to work with Raine &amp; Horne Narellan.”
A father of seven, Mr Maatouk, who lived in Narellan for 13 years, recently moved back to the suburb after a short stint in Merrylands.
His offspring are attending local schools, and the soccer fanatic plans to support some of Narellan’s community and sporting associations.
“We want to continue to serve the Narellan community. We live, work and play locally, and that is a major point of difference for Raine &amp; Horne Narellan.”
The combination of its flat executive structure with its deep brand awareness convinced Mr Maatouk to join Raine &amp; Horne.
“I wanted to take my property business to the next level, and therefore I have linked with a real estate superpower like Raine &amp; Horne,” said Mr Maatouk.
“Raine &amp; Horne is a fantastic Australian company that supports its franchisees and I believe it will help me grow my real estate business in the decades ahead.”
"Other real estate groups approached me, however I was able to meet with Angus Raine, Executive Chairman and this personal contact helped sway me to Raine &amp; Horne," Mr Maatouk said.
“Angus has treated me like family since day one.
"That is the kind of company I want to deal with.”
Mr Maatouk said he would have no problems combining his legal and real estate interests. "I have the staff and systems in place to manage all the businesses,” he said.
Launching a real estate office Narellan is a strategic imperative for Raine &amp; Horne, according to Mr Raine.
“Narellan is crucial to the growth of south western Sydney as a residential market behemoth, and Peter and his team at Raine &amp; Horne Narellan will ensure we deliver our unique levels of real estate services and customer care,” said Mr Raine.
"In Narellan it is still possible to buy affordable, brand-new homes for $750,000 on a decent sized block of land, which is great news for first home buyers.
"The fresh air, excellent community spirit and the wider open spaces is a major attraction for first home buyers and even upgraders from other parts of Sydney moving there to buy bigger homes."
There are also infrastructure improvements afoot too, with a proposal to extend the South West Rail Link to Narellan in the coming years as part of the Badgerys Creek extension.
Raine &amp; Horne Narellan is located in the Narellan Town Centre, 326 Camden Valley Way, Narellan.
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Lawyer launches Raine & Horne Narellan

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Raine &amp; Horne Commercial WA director Anthony Vulinovich has been named the state’s leading commercial property sales agent at the 2017 REIWA Awards for Excellence announced recently.
Vulinovich’s strategic approach was evident in his pre-sales to market large numbers of industrial lots within Northlink Industrial Estate at Wangara, Canning Vale’s Swan Brewery Estate Canning Vale and Tonkin Highway Industrial Estate in Bayswater.
Terry Menage, director, Raine &amp; Horne Commercial WA said that Vulinovich stood out from the crowd because of his great pre-sale work to secure buyer interest on behalf of land developers and as far as possible, “de-risking the land subdivision before development”.
“There are many hundreds of commercial sales agents in Western Australia, so this is a terrific win for Anthony and testament to his hard work and strategic commitment to selling commercial real estate over many years,” said Terry Menage, director, Raine &amp; Horne Commercial WA.
The ceremony was organised at a Crown Perth gala dinner.
“We sold pre-title over $40 million worth of land in the Tonkin Highway Industrial Estate, Perth, which is the city’s latest inner metropolitan industrial opportunity,” said Vulinovich.
Other significant sales in the last 12 months included a 35,500 square metre industrial site at 10 Craft Street, Canning Vale, which was purchased by Sigma Healthcare for $11.557 million. Raine &amp; Horne Commercial WA also sold 9 Brewer Road, Canning Vale to St Vincent De Paul Society WA Inc. for $5.454 million.
“These instructions have singularly resulted in Raine &amp; Horne Commercial WA, being the largest transactor of private industrial land subdivisions in the Perth metropolitan area over the last few years,” said Vulinovich.
Angus Raine, executive chairman of Raine &amp; Horne Group said that Vulinovich and Menage managed the numbers in spite of the economic downturn in Western Australia.
“It’s well-documented that times have been challenging, yet Anthony and Terry have managed to double their sales numbers and commission revenues over the last 3 years,” said Raine.
 
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Raine & Horne’s Anthony Vulinovich named WA’s best commercial agent 

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Raine &amp; Horne Rural Sydney has finalised a joint venture with aviation firm Fleet Helicopters to help transport its high-net worth clients and investment fund managers to property inspections across Australia.
Andrew Tout, director of Raine &amp; Horne Rural Sydney said some clients manage investment funds worth more than $60 billion and they want to see as many agricultural assets as possible.
“The joint venture with Fleet Helicopters, which has a fleet of 39 choppers, is proving a game changer for our time-poor clients," he said.
“Our clients are private entities and maintaining their confidentiality is paramount."
 
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Raine & Horne Rural Sydney finalises joint venture with Fleet Helicopters

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Sydney buyers have been identified as the purchasers of Gosford apartments through the real estate group Raine &amp; Horne.
“We’ve already sold 32 apartments in a new development at 14-16 Batley Street Gosford, which is five months into the construction phase,” said David Nichols at Raine &amp; Horne Gosford.
“There are only eight off the plan opportunities left, and we expect these to be snapped up fast, especially given their affordable price tags.”
One bedroom apartments start from $355,000, with two bedrooms available from $388,000.
The seven-storey apartment block is being constructed by a private developer, Newbuild Developments Pty Limited, which built the adjacent development at 10-12 Batley Street, Gosford.
“The sale of the first 32 units in quick succession can be attributed to Newbuild’s quality development at neighbouring 10-12 Batley Street, which is enabling buyers and investors to see what they are going to get for their money,” said Nichols.
“Moreover, many off the plan sales trumpeted for Gosford will never see the light of day, so purchasing from a builder such as Newbuild, which has significant local runs on the board, is giving buyers plenty of confidence.”
The NSW government recently released its regional plan for the Central Coast that outlines ways to grow the economy and accelerate housing supply over the next 20 years.
This follows a revision of population growth figures for the region, which indicate that by 2036, the population of the Central Coast will be 415,000, which is bigger than the population of Canberra today.
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Sydney buyers securing Gosford development

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Raine &amp; Horne are set to have over 80 offices by the end of 2016 with 10 to be opened in in Queensland and two in Sydney.
The Queensland-run businesses are in Brisbane Central, Goodna, Ipswich, Springfield, Mackay, Mackay Beaches, Moranbah, Commercial Mackay, Redcliffe and Banora Point.
The offices in Sydney will be located in Kingsford in the eastern suburbs and Lindfield on the north shore.
The announcement was made by executive chairman Angus Raine, who is confident there will be a stronger market towards the end of 2017.
“I am confident there will be a stronger market towards the end of 2017, but a critical shortage of listings around the country will see many businesses facing a challenging six months, with some agencies forced to reduce costs, which may see some amazing talent leave the industry,” he said.
<img src="/images/2016/10/19/Goodna.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="279">
Raine is concerned that the industry itself can be the biggest disrupter, suggesting margins might be reduced by the heavy discounting of commissions.
“Many businesses and salespeople are willing to pay referral fees to lead generators, when the cost of a sale is continuing to increase and business owners are facing the challenge of “sign-on fees” for key staff and some salespeople commanding higher commissions,” he said. 
“If the trend continues, many businesses will not be able to achieve reasonable returns, thus resulting in some being forced to merge or sell.”
<img src="/images/2016/10/19/Mackay.jpg" alt="" width="439" height="329">
Record low interest rates and a high cost of sale are also contributing to the stock shortage.
“Many who may be looking to downsize are faced with the dilemma of paying more for a townhouse or unit, where in the past they had the ability of selling the family home and having the luxury of putting some money aside for a comfortable retirement,” Raine said.
“The shortage of listings is compounding the issue, with many concerned there won’t be a suitable property to buy. Owners are therefore delaying a listing until market levels improve.”
Raine is confident Raine &amp; Horne, the 133-year old business, will be able to take advantage of an eventual change in the market.
“The recent investment in new technology and systems will see the growth in franchise businesses.”
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Raine & Horne tackles disruption head on with growth

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Raine &amp; Horne's website has won an award at the 2016 Asia Pacific Property Awards 2016 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Raine &amp; Horne has now completed a Phase 2 enhancement of their website, <a href="https://www.rh.com.au" target="_blank">rh.com.au</a>.
The rollout of the Phase involved extensive development and testing, and the focus for the enhancements was threefold, according to  Angus Raine, Executive Chairman, Raine &amp; Horne.
“The first objective involved revising the user interface to put more focus on calls to action such as ‘find an agent’ and ‘appraisal requests’,” he said.
"The second step involved simplifying and streamlining the search function, enabling properties to be displayed with one click and then allowing users to refine the search parameters.
“A recent Microsoft study found that our online attention span is down to 8 seconds. So if customers can’t find easily find what they’re looking for fast, they’re onto the next site.
“With this research in mind, we’ve streamlined the website’s search functions to help consumers find what they’re looking for rapidly and to keep them coming back to Raine &amp; Horne.”
“Thirdly, we were determined the transition to the new design would not require a significant learning curve for office administrators or create additional work for our offices, and would have minimal impact on existing content.
“I’m happy to say it’s been a case of mission accomplished in relation to meeting the three objectives, and the finished product has been well received by our customers, offices and the wider international real estate community.”
Bill Russell, Raine &amp; Horne’s General Manager International, was on hand to collect the award, along with Ms Zaidatul Adawlyah Zaki of Raine &amp; Horne Malaysia. 
“We know the Raine &amp; Horne website is ever-evolving, and we work closely with our network to ensure we meet both their needs and those of our customers,” said Mr Raine.
“As such, we conducted a detailed design process for the enhancement of our residential website with a working group that included members of our corporate IT and marketing teams and representatives from our 300-plus global office network.”
However, Mr Raine has foreshadowed that these will not be the last of the changes to the Raine &amp; Horne website, as the real estate market and technology continues to evolve.
 
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