A new Metro stop, a thriving café scene, and proximity to village-style retail have cemented St Leonards as one of the Lower North Shore’s most sought-after suburbs for new development.

Among those seizing the opportunity is Sekisui House Australia, which has chosen this prized pocket, in the St Leonards South precinct, for its first-ever inner-city apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/waterstone-st-leonards-24-berry-road-st-leonards-nsw-2065">Waterstone</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134191 project_image_fid=230]

Set for completion in the summer of 2027, Waterstone comprises 207 apartments across five buildings, designed to look south back to the&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;CBD.&nbsp;The new project offers residents the rare balance of connected urban living and tranquil green surrounds.

Just moments from home lies Smoothey Park, a blend of natural bushland and manicured parkland. It forms part of the Wollstonecraft cluster of reserves, including Gore Cove, Badangi Reserve, and Berry Island, all offering peaceful escapes on the Harbour’s edge.

<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/KCD5mtyKBjc?si=DcC6Koxg6shdDFzq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

When it comes to lifestyle, St Leonards and its neighbouring suburbs, Crows Nest, Waverton, Greenwich, and Wollstonecraft, deliver an endless array of cafés, restaurants, and boutique retailers. Nearby Mall 88, only 650 metres from Waterstone, adds convenience with over 30 specialty stores.

Connectivity is another major drawcard. The new Crows Nest Metro Station is just one kilometre away, while St Leonards Train Station is a short seven-minute walk. For a more scenic commute, the Greenwich Point Wharf ferry reaches Circular Quay in under 30 minutes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134191 project_image_fid=351953]

For peace of mind, Royal North Shore Hospital, one of Sydney’s most prominent medical hubs, sits just 650 metres away, making Waterstone ideal for healthcare professionals or residents seeking easy access to world-class medical facilities.

Perfectly positioned on the fringe of vibrant activity yet embraced by parkland serenity, Waterstone offers the best of both worlds in Sydney’s evolving Lower North Shore.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134191]

Urban Editorial

Nature and connection define life at Waterstone in emerging St Leonards South precinct

A new collection of residences is now available at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sol-by-walker-maroochydore-first-avenue-maroochydore-qld-4558">SOL by Walker</a>, the residential development that continues to take shape within the Maroochydore City Centre.

The second release introduces 137 apartments to the market, adding to the growing community in what is set to become one of South East Queensland’s most significant urban renewal precincts. The new offering includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a limited number of terraces and penthouses designed to suit a range of lifestyle needs.

“SOL represents the beginning of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/maroochydore-qld-4558">Maroochydore</a>’s exciting next chapter, redefining expectations around life in this beautiful coastal city,” David Gallant, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/walker-corporation">Walker Corporation</a>, said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=319853]

Located on South Sea Islander Way, SOL forms part of the broader vision to deliver a connected and vibrant city heart for the Sunshine Coast. Construction is already underway on the first 19-storey tower, with completion targeted for early 2028. The development is being delivered by Walker in collaboration with Sunshine Coast Council and SunCentral.

SOL’s second stage continues the project’s focus on high-quality apartment living, with access to a suite of resident-only amenities including a rooftop sky terrace, wellness retreat, co-working lounge, gym and landscaped garden spaces.

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> combine timeless design with natural materials, generous layouts and panoramic outlooks to the ocean, hinterland and river.&nbsp;

“SOL by Walker establishes a new standard in apartment quality, seamlessly integrating superior craftsmanship with unmatched design,” Danny Juric, Director at Plus Studio, said

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=346899]

Apartments feature open-plan layouts with high ceilings and expansive glazing to enhance natural light and ventilation.&nbsp;

A warm, neutral palette ties together stone benchtops, brushed platinum accents, and sandstone-toned carpet, while large sliding doors connect living areas to generous outdoor spaces.&nbsp;

Kitchens are fitted with integrated Miele appliances, refined cabinetry and thoughtful storage, while bathrooms offer double vanities and oversized showers to balance function and comfort.

As part of the Sunshine Coast’s new CBD, residents will be within walking distance of local retail, dining and green space, with transport connections set to expand as the precinct grows. Once complete, Maroochydore City Centre is expected to deliver thousands of new homes as part of the region’s long-term housing strategy.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147777]

Joel Robinson

Second release at SOL by Walker expands residential offering in Maroochydore City Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a> has marked the topping out of Prince &amp; Parade in Brunswick, celebrating the completion of the building’s highest point and a major step forward for one of the developer’s landmark Melbourne communities.

The milestone forms part of Mirvac’s strong construction momentum across Victoria, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/prince-parade-by-mirvac-brunswick-701-park-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Prince &amp; Parade</a> and The Albertine both recently reaching structural completion. Together, the two projects will deliver 265 new apartments, contributing to much-needed housing supply in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=3627]

Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>, Prince &amp; Parade continues a long-standing partnership that has delivered The Melburnian (2002) and The Eastbourne (2019).

The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a> address comprises a mix of one to four-bedroom residences complemented by extensive amenity, including a residents’ lounge, shared dining room and kitchen, library, yoga room, gym, and rooftop terrace, with landscaping by Jack Merlo and a concierge service.

Construction is rapidly transforming the site, with significant milestones achieved across two buildings, supported by 73 slab pours and six fully constructed building cores. Completion is expected in 2026.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=269383]

Mirvac’s General Manager, Residential Development Victoria, Elysa Anderson said Prince &amp; Parade has been strongly received by buyers seeking quality design and trusted delivery.

“These communities have been well received, attracting strong interest from downsizers and professionals who value high-quality design, premium locations and the confidence of buying with Mirvac,” Anderson said.

Prince &amp; Parade has also achieved a record-breaking apartment sale in Brunswick, underscoring its design quality and market appeal.

“We’re incredibly proud to see Prince &amp; Parade set a new benchmark for Brunswick. This <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/exclusive-mirvac-breaks-brunswick-record-with-prince-parade-sale">record-breaking sale</a> is a testament to Mirvac’s design excellence, quality craftsmanship, and our strong reputation for delivering high-quality residential communities across the country,” Anderson said.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4802]

Prince & Parade tops out in Brunswick as Mirvac marks dual Melbourne milestones

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a> has celebrated the topping out of The Albertine, marking the completion of the 14-storey structure on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD and signalling strong progress across the developer’s Victorian pipeline.

The milestone forms part of Mirvac’s $7.4 billion Victorian development portfolio, which includes both residential and mixed-use projects such as Prince &amp; Parade in Brunswick, which also reached its highest point recently, and Trielle at Yarra’s Edge, scheduled to top out in early 2026

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138659 project_image_fid=294831]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004">The Albertine</a> offers one to four-bedroom residences complemented by exclusive resident-only amenity, including The Circadian Club, a wellness centre with an indoor pool and spa, gym, yoga and Pilates studio, and sauna, as well as The Elysian Room, a private dining space on level 10 with sweeping views across Melbourne.

Since construction began in August last year, up to 240 workers have been on site daily, pouring 7,000 cubic metres of concrete across 72 pours and installing more than 1,000 tonnes of steel reinforcement to bring the project to this landmark moment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138659 project_image_fid=4353]

Mirvac’s CEO, Development – Residential and Commercial Mixed Use, Stuart Penklis said the achievement highlights Mirvac’s design quality and sustained delivery across Melbourne.

“We are proud to be delivering The Albertine and Prince &amp; Parade, two projects that embody Mirvac’s design excellence, commitment to quality, and focus on creating homes that connect people to their communities," Penklis said.

"With cranes rising high across Melbourne, Mirvac’s residential pipeline is moving strongly, and these milestones are a testament to that momentum."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138659 project_image_fid=294826]

Penklis added that Mirvac’s growing portfolio demonstrates its commitment to providing diverse housing options across Victoria.

“We have recently opened our third build-to-rent community in Melbourne, LIV Albert at Brunswick, our fifth nationally, which together with our master-planned communities ensures that we are providing a full spectrum of housing options to Victorians.

Completion of The Albertine is expected in 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138659]

The Albertine reaches its highest point on Melbourne’s city fringe

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a> has announced the highly anticipated next release of ultra prestige residences at Harbourside in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney</a>’s Darling Harbour, unlocking the upper levels of the 48-storey tower.&nbsp;

Proof of Harbourside’s appeal, particularly among local buyers, was evident in the first release of luxury apartments in November last year, when the first stage release achieved over $700 million of pre-sales in a single sell-out weekend, and more than $800 million total presales to date.&nbsp;

Concentrated on the upper floors, the new release of the three- and four-bedroom apartments will offer views west to the Anzac Bridge and Blue Mountains, north to the harbour, and most compelling of all, north-east views that take in the full spectacle of the Sydney CBD skyline.

Mirvac’s CEO of Development, Stuart Penklis said the sales success at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbourside-by-mirvac-2-10-darling-drive-sydney-nsw-2000">Harbourside</a> highlighted the overwhelming demand for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a home of exceptional quality and prestige on Sydney Harbour's foreshore.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141327 project_image_fid=314729]

“What we have learned since launching Harbourside is that a water view is no longer enough to satisfy buyers at this top end of the luxury property market,” said Penklis.&nbsp;

“They value a harbour view but also want to see and feel immersed in the life of the city, to be part of its energy. It’s only from this vantage point on the western harbour looking east that you get those exceptional city views that are spectacular by day but magical by night. More than 95 per cent of buyers in the first release were locals; Sydneysiders who love their city and also have a nostalgic attachment to Darling Harbour. There’s history here and they want to own a piece of it.”

The next release comes as new data shows annual growth in the prestige segment is outpacing the broader market in Sydney, and price growth for top tier apartments in Australia over the past decade is at more than 40 per cent, yet prestige property listings are almost 20 per cent below pre-pandemic levels, Westpac’s Prestige Market Overview – August 2025 found. Harbourfront and inner-city penthouses with private lifts, pools with a view and wellness spaces are in high demand.

“The level of luxury and amenity we're delivering at Harbourside is unparalleled, reflecting our understanding of the expectations of prestige buyers,” Penklis added. “We are offering much more than a luxury apartment; Harbourside is a lifestyle, effortless and unrepeatable.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141327 project_image_fid=314728]

More than 40 per cent of Harbourside purchasers to date are repeat Mirvac customers, a clear reflection of the enduring trust in Mirvac’s brand, renowned for its superior quality, innovative design, and delivery by Mirvac’s own in-house construction team, the first to achieve a 5 Gold Star iCIRT rating three years in a row.

The strong local buyer profile further underscores the appeal of Harbourside’s premier location and its promise of an exceptional lifestyle on Sydney’s iconic waterfront, within the fully revitalised $15bn Darling Harbour precinct. “It’s easy to forget that when Darling Harbour was built nearly four decades ago, Sydney had never seen anything like it,” said Penklis.&nbsp;

“Back then the city was for work and the suburbs were for living and play, a notion that harks back to the industrial era. That era has long passed and the city is becoming a place where people can bring the different aspects of their life together. Harbourside is helping to make that reunification happen.”

An entire floor of Harbourside is dedicated to exclusive, resident only facilities, with a focus on wellbeing and club-like social spaces for relaxation and entertaining. The outdoors is where Harbourside truly outshines, with gardens that restore the natural landscape and walking trails leading to a lagoon pool with close-up views of the harbour and city.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141327 project_image_fid=314723]

Due for completion from 2027 with construction well progressed, Mirvac’s wider $2 nillion Harbourside precinct revitalisation will deliver more than 10,000 sqm of public open space, including a new waterfront promenade and new 3,500 sqm waterfront garden; pedestrian connections to Pyrmont and the waterfront; and $7 million in public art and activation.&nbsp;

The precinct is targeting diverse retail offerings, including an international food market, restaurants, national and international retailers, integrating with the public spaces. “Harbourside is the pinnacle of Darling Harbour’s $15bn renewal,” said Penklis.&nbsp;

“Residents will move into a completely transformed Darling Harbour precinct that sets a new standard for how we experience life on Sydney Harbour. What was once a place for locals and tourists to visit on a day out will be a place where people also work and live.”

Designed by architects Snohetta and Hassell, with interiors by Bates Smart, Harbourside Residences comprises 260 apartments, including three penthouses and six sub penthouses.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141327 project_image_fid=314732]

Residents will have access to a lagoon pool with cabanas, landscaped gardens and a suite of wellness facilities including a gymnasium, yoga/pilates studio, indoor lap pool, spa, steam room, ice bath, and sauna. Club-like social spaces include a residents’ lounge, dining room with show kitchen and catering kitchen, cinema, and golf simulator rooms. Residents will enjoy the services of a 24-hour concierge, and a porte cochere entry from Darling Drive.

Harbourside Residences will be fully electric with rooftop solar panels, targeting a 5 star Green Star Buildings rating and 7 star NaTHERs. The Harbourside precinct is targeting net positive carbon during operations for the commercial and retail components and the project is targeting diversion of 96% of waste from landfill during construction.&nbsp;

More than 6,000 square metres of green roofs and 100,000 plants will contribute to restoring biodiversity in a location currently devoid of green landscaped spaces.&nbsp;

Harbourside is being delivered under a joint venture agreement between Mirvac and Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd (MEC), with Mirvac delivering the project.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141327]

Mirvac unveils sky-high, ultra-luxury apartments at Harbourside

Re/max

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RE/MAX Western Australia’s managing director Geoff Baldwin has spoken out against potential changes to current stamp duty dispensations for first home buyers, saying that if the relief was decreased or abolished there would be dire effects across the market.
 “The negative affect the ceasing of stamp duty relief for first home buyers would be extremely damaging however, when this segment of the market stagnates it ripples up through all price ranges and the effect would be crippling”, said Baldwin.
“If you take a line through New South Wales and Victoria where subsidies have been abolished, first home buyer activity has dropped to 8% and 12% respectively, compared to the current 22% in Western Australia (RP Data).
“Historically, in a healthy market, first home buyers account for around 25 to 30% of all buyers.
“The established home market has already taken a massive hit through the government’s recent actions in changing the First Home Owner Grant whereby those building new homes receive $7,000 and people buying established only $3,000.
“To abolish first home owner stamp duty concessions would be extremely short sighted as it will a negative impact the whole market and hence the Industry, just at a time where we are again experiencing some prosperity in the property sector.”
 
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Rumoured cuts to stamp duty relief for first home buyers would be “extremely damaging”: RE/MAX

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Entrepreneur's 41st Annual Franchise 500 Ranking ranks RE/MAX as the No. 1 real estate brokerage franchise.
While Dunkin Donuts tops the <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">2020 Franchise 500® survey</a>'s overall ranking, RE/MAX topped the real estate brokerage franchise ranks for the eighth consecutive year.
“The Franchise 500 is considered the oldest and most comprehensive franchise ranking in the world,” RE/MAX Australia managing director Michael Davoren said, “where companies are judged by the same criteria, including costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength and financial strength, and stability.”
From a single office that opened in 1973 in Denver, Colorado, RE/MAX has grown into a global real estate network with more than 125,000 sales associates in more than 110 countries and territories.
“RE/MAX Australia and RE/MAX New Zealand are highly respected master franchises in the global RE/MAX scene, and like the RE/MAX LLC team at the brand’s global headquarters in Denver, we are focused on selling franchises, adding agents, and helping the current membership be even more productive,” Mr Davoren said
Entrepreneur is a US-based magazine and website focussed on business and entrepreneurship. The magazine was first published in 1977 with the first Franchise 500® ranking released in 1980.
More than 1,100 franchisors applied to be included in this year's Franchise 500. RE/MAX was selected as the top real estate brokerage franchisor based on various factors including unit growth, financial strength, stability and brand power.
RE/MAX has outranked competitor brands in the survey for nearly a decade.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

RE/MAX tops Franchise 500 again among estate agencies

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Adrian Lane-Mullins is the incoming chairman of the RE/MAX Australia and New Zealand Board of Directors replacing the late Phil Kirby who stepped down in the past year due to health concerns.
The managing director Michael Davoren was interim chairman.
Lane-Mullins’ is managing director of Customercorp P/L Business Consultancy, a company he began 16 years ago.
Its client list includes RACQ-GIO Insurance Ltd and QBE Insurance Ltd.
RE/MAX managing director Michael Davoren said the board intentionally chose an independent chairman from outside the real estate industry.
Lane-Mullins sat in three board meetings before taking up the chair this month learning the complexities of real estate franchising.
RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, with 100,000 agents and more than 6600 offices provide RE/MAX globally across reach of 100 countries. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Adrian Lane-Mullins appointed RE/MAX chairman

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With Sydney’s median price now sitting at around $720,000 according to RPData's latest weekly report, Property Observer takes a look at just what you can buy for that price around the world.
RE/MAX Global now offers a search function which allows buyers to search for international properties based on how much they would like to spend.
“Australians don’t only buy in Australia, and New Zealanders don’t only buy in New Zealand,” he said, “and for our property sellers, this search tool is a tremendous feature in attracting buyers from around the world to their properties," said RE/MAX Australia and RE/MAX New Zealand managing director Michael Davoren.
Century21 offers a similar service on <a href="https://www.century21global.com/" target="_blank">its website</a>.
So what exactly can you buy for $720,000?
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://global.remax.com/368128_3116" target="_blank">Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada</a>: A$686,423
</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/04/04/british%20columbia%20aprtil%204%20one.jpg" alt="">
This four bedroom, three bathroom house (pictured above) in the waterfront city of Nanaimo is set on about 2 acres of land. The huge front windows give the home mountain views, and the home also comes with a hot tub and a pool of substantial size.  
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://global.remax.com/Villa-For-Sale-Mojacar-Almeria_27531003-111" target="_blank">Mojácar, Andalucia, Spain</a>: A$699,031.
</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/04/04/spain%20april%204%20one.jpg" alt="">
If you think it might be a little too chilly on Vancouver Island to go for a swim, why not purchase this villa with a pool in Spain? Another four bedroom, three bathroom house, this one (pictured above) set up on a hill has spectacular views over the Alboran Sea.
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://global.remax.com/Condo-Apartment-For-Sale-Breckenridge-Colorado_1008225005-22" target="_blank">Breckenridge, Colorado, USA</a>: A$692,617.74
</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/04/04/colorado-april-4.jpg" alt="">
Photo courtesy of the Summit Association of Realtors
This condo on Breckenridge’s Main Street has two bedrooms and three bathrooms, with views over the resort town (pictured above). After a long day of skiing, buyers can keep warm in front of the fireplace at their resort penthouse.
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://global.remax.com/Multi-Family-For-Sale-Rochester-New-York_1020091034-168" target="_blank">Rochester, New York, USA</a>: A$16,125
</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/04/04/L_abd16e4d008f4989bd33e1c7d3a0ebd5_iList%201.jpg" width="460" height="345">
At the substantially lower end of the market, this 1920 home in Rochester is selling for what one assumes is substantially lower than its purchase price. Its sale is subject to bank approval of the short sale. For Sydney's median price, you could buy this home 44 times over.
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.century21global.com/property/7004-evergreen-way-buford-ga-30518-usa-C21102185177-USD" target="_blank">Burfood, Georgia, USA</a>: A$10,824
</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/04/04/cn23g0tqrevh4petbky75vvan3i.jpg" width="460" height="345">
Similarly, the three bedroom, three bathroom mobile home pictured above was purchased for almost US$90,000 when new. Priced for a quick sale at about $10,000, you could buy 72 of these homes for the same price as one median house in Sydney.
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://global.remax.com/Detached-Bungalow-For-Sale-Monopoli_23341001-334" target="_blank">Monopoli, Bari, Italy</a>: A$699,031
</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/04/04/bari-april-4-one.jpg" alt="">
This two bedroom, two bathroom single level home (pictured above) was built in 1900. With views of the Adriatic Sea, it’s set in the historic port city of Monopoli. And, of course, it comes with a pool.
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-newtown-116610955" target="_blank">Newtown, Sydney</a>: A$700-750,000
</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/04/04/main.jpg" width="460" height="345">
Back home, the two bedroom, one bathroom home pictured above is listed with a price guide of $700-750,000. 
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