There’s a quiet patch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>, between the bustle of Glenferrie Road and the curve of the Yarra, that rarely sees change, and even more rarely, new apartments. But that’s exactly where <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pomeroy-pacific-quattro-corp">PQD</a> is planting Kooyongkoot: a deliberate, 18-residence answer to the question of what downsizers actually want.

“This is something this pocket of Hawthorn has never seen before,” says Fil Gacesa, head of sales at PQD. “<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a> will deliver just 18 large-scale apartments in the heart of Hawthorn. It is the true definition of resort-style living.”

<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/59D7VxzltmM?si=1iCzRD7FRneKryfv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

That scale is central to the story. It’s what allows for two dedicated lift cores, short corridors, and a generous lightcourt that draws natural ventilation and sunlight into every residence. It’s also what makes room for the sort of amenity usually confined to high-density towers: a fully equipped wellness centre with infrared and traditional saunas, yoga and pilates studio, cold therapy shower, and treatment room. There’s a golf simulator, car and dog wash stations, and extensive storage too, not bolted on, but baked in from the start.

But more than the checklist, it’s the design intent that carries weight. “This project has been many years in the making,” says Mark Pomeroy, Director of PQD. “Not just in planning, but in listening, to what our buyers and the local community are looking for”.

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That listening shows up in the materials, oak floors, natural stone, V-ZUG appliances, and in how space is handled. Penthouses feature private rooftop terraces with pools. Terraces and garden residences embrace outdoor connection. Inside, the layouts skew large and open, geared for hosting, not just housing.

Architecturally, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>’s approach is grounded. There’s no reaching for spectacle here. Instead, the building offers a sculptural calm, anchored by landscaping from Eckersley Garden Architecture.&nbsp;

“We wanted to create spaces that feel expansive, serene, and meaningfully connected to daily life,” said founding partner Chris Stribley elsewhere.

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That sentiment, calm, connection, echoes in the location itself. Kooyongkoot sits just a short stroll from Central Gardens, Fairview Park, and the Rivoli Cinema. Tram lines and schools are close, but the street is tucked, quiet, and leaf-lined.&nbsp;

“Residents of Kooyongkoot will be a short stroll from Fairview Park, Central Gardens, and the Glenferrie Road retail strip," Gacesa notes, "but you're also cocooned in this peaceful pocket behind extensive landscaping by Eckersley Garden Architecture.”

Kooyongkoot is set for completion in late 2026.

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Staff Writer

The project that said no to compromise: Inside Kooyongkoot, Hawthorn

When long-time Ivanhoe locals Graeme and Catherine, decided it was time to downsize, they weren’t necessarily in a rush.&nbsp;

Like many in their stage of life, they had started thinking about apartment living, but anticipated making the shift in two to three years.

That timeline changed when they visited <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, a new boutique development by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>. The project ticked all the boxes they were looking for: location, quality design, and long-term lifestyle benefits, which prompted them to bring their decision forward.

“It was the right place at the right time,” they said. “We knew immediately it ticked all the boxes, and we didn’t want to wait.”

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Their decision to downsize was driven by a combination of practical needs and lifestyle considerations. Their existing home, while much loved, had become increasingly difficult to maintain. It spanned multiple levels, included extensive front and back gardens, and was starting to show the wear that comes with age.&nbsp;

They were looking for a more manageable lifestyle, one with less upkeep and more freedom. A brand-new apartment with no maintenance requirements and the ability to simply “lock up and leave” gave them peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their future.

Financially, the purchase made sense as well. The available stamp duty savings, strong price-to-value offering, and timing of the settlement suited their plans, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective. The apartment's design and inclusions further supported their choice.

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The layout was both functional and flexible: three bedrooms, a butler’s pantry, a separate laundry, and a large open-plan living area. It gave them the freedom to host a family, accommodate guests, or set up a home office. The expansive balcony and elevated views added to the appeal, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

“It just had a really good flow,” Catherine noted, something they found lacking in many other apartments they’d considered, particularly in the established market.

Candela’s boutique scale was another deciding factor. With a smaller number of residences and a top-floor penthouse position, the couple felt the development offered the privacy and space they were looking for, without feeling isolated.

“We liked that it wasn’t a huge development. It felt well-balanced, modern but still with a sense of community, not overwhelming,” they said.

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Equally important was the ability to remain in Ivanhoe, a suburb they know well and have deep roots in. After 46 years in the area, proximity to local parks, shops, and familiar faces mattered just as much as the apartment itself.

“We didn’t want to give up the community we’ve known for decades. Candela allowed us to upgrade our lifestyle while staying in the place we call home.”

With a Walk Score of 90, the village location supports a convenient, connected lifestyle. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a> Station is just a eight-minute walk away, and the neighbourhood offers access to parks, cafes, restaurants, and schools along Upper Heidelberg Road, all within easy reach.

Beyond the apartment, the couple also saw value in the broader vision for Candela, one that integrates residential living with public spaces and local amenities.&nbsp;

The development introduces 58 new apartments as well as a mix of commercial and social spaces that integrate contemporary architecture with the suburb’s existing character.&nbsp;

At ground level, residents will find a charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offers a stunning vantage point for residents to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, host gatherings, or enjoy barbecues with family and friends. It's not just a place to live; it's a vibrant community where every moment is an opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Why Ivanhoe locals are choosing to downsize to Candela

Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

Project management and construction management firm Creative Vision filed the plans for the&nbsp;multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Leading Australian integrated property development group, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>, has released the signature penthouses crowning its landmark AURA by Aqualand precinct at 168 Walker Street in North Sydney, unveiling Il Magnate and La Divina as the largest and most luxurious penthouses in the suburb.

With prices anticipated to commence from $15 million, and each accompanied by a new Porsche Carrera 911 valued at over $500K, the residences mark the culmination of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a>’s decade-long journey and the beginning of its final sales chapter. 
&nbsp; 
Their release follows more than $850 million in record-breaking residential sales and the building’s completion and occupation.

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The Richards Stanisich-designed 284 sqm Il Magnate and 224 sqm La Divina penthouses, collectively known as The Icons of AURA, are conceived as grand luxury homes rather than apartments, with expansive proportions, elevated materiality and curated identities that reflect their status as one-off residences.&nbsp;

Il Magnate features a grande master suite, complete with substantial walk-in dressing area and ensuite, three other bedrooms, second ensuite and another bathroom, powder room, open plan kitchen, scullery, substantial dining area and generous living room divided by a feature fireplace, and a multifunction wintergarden, which is ideal for a study and adjoining office breakout space. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the La Divina residence offers the same amenities, sans the powder room, on a slightly smaller alternate floor plan configuration.

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Each occupies half of AURA by Aqualand’s topmost 28th level, comes with four secure car spaces and pairs sweeping Sydney Harbour panoramas with large-scale living spaces, refined detailing and a level of craftsmanship and amenity rarely offered in the North Shore market.&nbsp;

Penthouse residents will also receive Etymon’s ‘Black Key’ private concierge and lifestyle management service, an invitation only offering providing the ultimate in bespoke personalisation, including a range of everyday discrete services, from dinner party management, grocery deliveries, pet feeding or plants watered, dinners, snacks and coffee deliveries, event ticket sourcing, right up to organising travel visas and international airfares. Rarely seen in Australian properties, the service provides residents the benefits of living in a world-class luxury hotel-style home, akin to The Ritz, or the Waldorf Astoria.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>’s Director, Kirsten Stanisich, said the studio set out to craft residences that feel profoundly considered, contemporary and deeply connected to their setting.

“From the outset, we approached these penthouses with the sensibility of a grand Parisian residence - generous in scale, elegant in proportion and designed to feel more like a handcrafted home than an apartment," Stanisich said.

“Their elevated position and sweeping harbour outlook informed every decision, creating a rare connection between urban sophistication and natural calm. We shaped each space with expressive materiality, sculptural forms and bespoke detailing that invite touch and interaction.&nbsp;

“The result is a pair of residences defined by volume, light and an inherent softness - refined, flexible and deeply personal. These penthouses are unlike anything else in North Sydney, offering a sanctuary of true luxury framed by some of the city’s most remarkable views.”

For Aqualand’s Head of Sales &amp; Marketing, Alex Adams, the collaboration with Porsche underscores the shared ethos behind the residences.

“Aqualand’s collaboration with Porsche underpins both brand’s sharing an obsession with craftsmanship, design excellence, and enduring value," Adams said.

“Our penthouses are created for those who appreciate the finer details and expect the extraordinary at every touchpoint. Including a Porsche simply extends that experience beyond the residence - it’s a continuation of the lifestyle our buyers already live.”&nbsp;

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Aqualand’s Managing Director, Jin Lin, said the penthouses represent both the pinnacle of AURA by Aqualand and an important design benchmark for the company’s future pipeline.&nbsp;

“These stunning penthouses reflect the purest expression of Aqualand’s design ambition," Lin said.

“The unparalleled design intent makes them not only the glistening crown of AURA by Aqualand, but the crown of North Sydney itself. They’re essentially a thank you gift to a burgeoning community that deserves this level of quality and architectural consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re leveraging the unrivalled standard set here as the foundation for what comes next, including our upcoming Anderson Street, Chatswood; 15 Blue Street, North Sydney and Central Barangaroo projects. Purchasers of these penthouses will essentially be living inside the blueprint of Aqualand’s future.

“These landmark residences demonstrate how far North Sydney has evolved and the strength of demand for highly curated, bespoke luxury homes. They’re more than penthouses, they’re legacy residences.&nbsp;

“With AURA by Aqualand now a thriving new precinct with residents well and truly settled, and our in-house world-class lifestyle amenity activated, Il Magnate and La Divina represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure an extraordinary piece of North Sydney’s future.”

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Joel Robinson

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bokarina-qld-4575">Bokarina</a> Beach has quietly evolved into one of the Sunshine Coast’s most complete coastal lifestyle precincts, defined not just by proximity to the ocean, but by how residential living, local retail and everyday amenity are stitched together.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina-qld-4575">Bask Bokarina</a> now represents the final residential chapter in that transformation.

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Over recent years, the Bokarina Beach precinct has taken shape as a walkable, community-oriented neighbourhood, anchored by beachfront access, Lake Kawana to the west, and a growing mix of cafés, specialty retail and public open space.&nbsp;

With Zinc Bokarina already delivered next door by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG), Bask is the last opportunity to buy a brand new apartment within the precinct, effectively rounding out a fully formed coastal village.

GVG has positioned Bask to strengthen that lifestyle framework. Ten ground-floor retail spaces are planned beneath the residences, extending Bokarina Boulevard’s existing activity and reinforcing the area’s everyday convenience, from casual dining and coffee to local services, within a short walk of the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

The residential component comprises 135 apartments across two buildings, Mydas and Caretta, with a clear shift toward larger three- and four-bedroom layouts and penthouses. That mix reflects a maturing buyer profile in Bokarina, where demand is increasingly led by owner-occupiers and active downsizers seeking space, permanence, and connection to place rather than short-term coastal accommodation.

Design and amenity have followed the same logic. Residents will have access to a heated plunge pool, gym, private dining room with a full kitchen, landscaped communal gardens with barbecues and a firepit, and a shared herb and vegetable garden, facilities intended to support daily use rather than resort-style turnover. Pet-friendly features, including a dog wash bay, acknowledge both buyer expectations and the area’s dog-friendly beach, located around 250 metres from the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333366]

“Bokarina has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most desirable beachside communities, and Bask represents the very last chance to buy new in this location,” GVG Director Sam Gardner said.&nbsp;

“Our focus has been to create spacious, functional apartments that meet the needs of locals who want to downsize without compromise, as well as those seeking a full-time coastal retreat.”

Positioned between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Kawana, Bask apartments have been oriented to capture outlooks toward the water or the Glass House Mountains, reinforcing the project’s connection to its natural surroundings. With parks, beachfront paths, hospitals, retail and public transport already in place, Bask arrives at a point where the broader precinct is no longer emerging, but established.

Construction is expected to complete in Q3 this year, with apartments ready to move into this Spring.

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Bask to complete Bokarina’s Sunshine Coast lifestyle precinct as final apartments are released

Rea Group

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REA Group has announced its industry event series, Prop20, will be transformed into a digital experience for thousands of property professionals to benefit from.
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The new <a href="https://www.proprea.com.au/what-is-prop20/" target="_blank">Prop20 </a>virtual experience will deliver property industry insights, education and training online.
The reimagining of Prop20 followed government COVID-19 restrictions which introduced a ban on events and social distancing measures.
Prop20 offers property professionals insights from industry experts and the opportunity to learn about consumer trends and ways to position a property business for future success.
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REA Group Chief Sales Officer, Kul Singh, said customers can access the entire Prop20 event agenda online with the full suite of presentations now available.
“From a customer perspective, our priority in responding to COVID-19 has been to offer the right support measures and new products and features to help ensure they continue to operate effectively,” Kul said.
“Taking Prop20 digital is another way we’re overcoming the challenges created by COVID-19 and minimising any impacts on our customers.
Prop20 speaker and CEO of Banter Group, Valentina Borbone, said seeing Prop20 go virtual is extremely beneficial.
“There is so much value in the recorded and re-playable sessions. Re-watching the presentations I’ve heard things for the first time all over again, as my attention switches from one key moment to the next. Now is your chance. Learn, fail, learn, explore and evolve. It's our way forward,” Valetina concluded.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

REA Group takes Prop20 event digital

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REA Group has reported a 6% decline in half year revenue to $440 million despite the rebound in house prices over the last few months.
Its management warned that it is the listing volumes that remain challenging, for them and intending buyers.
REA noted that Australian residential volumes were down 13 percent in January, with declines of 7 percent in Sydney and 5 percent in Melbourne.
It came after national residential listings declined in the second half of 2019 by 14 per cent, with a 17 per cent dip in Sydney and 16 per cent in Melbourne. New project commencements declined 30 per cent over the half-year period.
REA Group’s net profit from core operations sat at $152.9 million, a 13 percent decline on the prior corresponding period.
The company’s CEO, Owen Wilson indicated he was pleased with the resilience of the REA Group business.
“Our results demonstrate the underlying strength of our business given the unprecedented market conditions.
"We now have a record number of customers committed to our premium listing products across both buy and rent.
"Customers see clear value in our product offerings, designed to deliver the highest quality leads to help their businesses grow.”
The REA CEO remains optimistic on the future.
“Key indicators show that the Australian property market is recovering.
"We anticipate that more favourable listings conditions in the second half of FY20 will deliver a stronger revenue outcome,” Mr Wilson advised.
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REA Group report continued listings decline into 2020

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REA Group has appointed Cameron Kusher to the newly created role of executive director, economic research. 
He joins REA from Core Logic where he spent over 11 years, most recently as the Australian head of research. 
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“Working alongside our well established and influential chief economist Nerida Conisbee, Cameron will drive forward our program of economic research," REA Group CEO Owen Wilson said.
“Core to REA’s growth strategy is becoming Australia’s property data powerhouse."
"We want to provide Australians with the best research, data and insights to better inform their property decisions. 
"We are delighted to have someone of Cameron’s calibre join our team to help supercharge this part of our strategy.
"Together Nerida and Cameron will play a fundamental role informing key audience groups with market leading analysis and commentary.”  
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REA Group’s Economist team sits within the audience and marketing division of REA Group headed by chief marketing officer, Melina Cruickshank.  
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REA Group secures Cameron Kusher to lead economic research

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The REA Group has lifted third-quarter revenue seven per cent to $198.6 million.
It noted income from its Australian real estate classifieds business rose despite a drop in listings.
REA warned that the market conditions are "not expected to improve in the short term", with fourth-quarter revenue growth slowing as listing volumes given the distractions of the federal election as well as the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends in April.
The two holiday weekends led to a 22 per cent decline in national listings in April with Sydney down 39 per cent and Melbourne down 35 per cent, it said in its quarterly earnings update filed with the ASX on Friday morning.
The drop was described as "exaggerated."
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REA, which is majority-owned by News Corp, saw national listings in the three months to December 31 decline nine per cent on the previous quarter, with Sydney dropping 18 percent and Melbourne falling 12 percent.
"It's almost a decade since we've seen market conditions like these, especially in Sydney where the decline has been the most pronounced," REA chief executive Owen Wilson said in the statement.
"With the banking royal commission now behind us and the federal election taking place next weekend, we expect less uncertainty surrounding the property market as we enter the new financial year."
REA had a record 84 million visits in March, which they calculated as three times greater than Domain.
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REA Group sees listings decline especially in Sydney and Melbourne

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The REA Group’s chief financial officer Owen Wilson has been promoted to CEO of REA Group, replacing Tracey Fellows.
Fellows will <a href="/news/tracey-fellows-steps-down-as-boss-of-rea-group">step down from her role in January</a> to become president of global digital real estate at News Corp in New York.
The new CEO joined REA Group in 2014.
Wilson’s previous roles include positions at MacLeod Group, where he was CFO and company secretary, as well as chief operating officer at ANZ’s Institutional and Investment Bank.
Hamish McLennan, chairman of the REA Group board, said Wilson had played a critical role in the group’s growth.
“He has a deep understanding of the company, our long-term strategy and the importance of our customers in driving business success,” McLennan said.
"The board has a long-term commitment to succession planning, and I am pleased that this internal appointment reflects the strength of our REA Group talent,” he said.
He commences his new role on January 7 with plans to expand the real estate listings company’s Asia operations as part of his growth strategy.
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Owen Wilson promoted to replace Tracey Fellows at REA Group

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REA Group have announced the departure of Realestate.com.au chief executive Tracey Fellows, who will become the president of News Corp's global digital real estate based in New York.
She will start her new role early next year and will be responsible for driving strategy and growth across all of News Corp’s digital real estate interests.
Over her tenure, the REA Group share price has gone from $46 to $76, peaking at $94 in June.
Fellows, who took the helm in 2014 having previously been in senior positions at Microsoft and Australia Post, said it has been a privilege working the the team and the board at REA, which has News Corp as its majority shareholder.
“It’s one of the exciting things about the opportunity; it allows me to take on a new challenge while continuing to work alongside these incredible people - all in an industry I am so passionate about," Fellow said.
"I feel very fortunate. There could not be a more exciting time for a role like this.”
Fellows will stay on the REA Group board on behalf of News Corp.
News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson said Fellows is an inspiring leader and is able to bring out the best in teams and individuals.
“Tracey has driven the rapid expansion of the digital real estate business in Australia and Asia and we believe her leadership internationally will ensure that all of our digital property companies realize their extraordinary potential," Thomson said.
“Audiences, revenue and profits at REA Group have all expanded significantly during Tracey’s tenure as CEO. She has been an irrepressible innovator and has led the company into intelligent adjacencies, such as financial services and property data, which have broadened the revenue base and built a platform for future growth.
“We are keen to capitalize on our sterling success in digital real estate by driving even faster growth in our existing businesses, such as realtor.com®, where Ryan O’Hara and his team have successfully transformed the business, and in seeking out new investment opportunities.
"Tracey is the perfect person to deliver on both of those imperatives for our company and our investors.”
Hamish McLennan, chairman of the REA Group board of directors, said REA Group has seen exceptional transformation and growth since Tracey took the helm in 2014.
"She has the extraordinary ability to harness the power of people, technology and data and has built strong cultural and operational foundations that will drive our growth into the future.
"The Board and I are enormously grateful to Tracey for all she has done and wish her every success in her exciting new role and look forward to continuing to work with her.
It's the second major move by a real estate listing website this year.
Earlier this year Domain appointed former <a href="/news/domain-appoints-googles-jason-pellegrino-as-new-ceo">Google managing director Jason Pellegrino</a> after the shock departure of <a href="/news/melbournite-antony-catalanos-shock-departure-from-domain-as-family-demands">Anthony Catalano</a>.
 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Tracey Fellows steps down as boss of REA Group

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REA Group have announced a revenue jump despite Sydney listings shrinking over the last three months.
Listings were down eight percent in Sydney and one percent in Melbourne over the three months to September.
There was a three percent decrease in listings nationally in the September quarter.
Melbourne improved in the month of October, seeing a four percent increase in listings, while Sydney continued its downward trajectory at 12 percent less listings.
REA Group's submission to the ASX says "market conditions are not expected to improve in the short term."
They referred to the BIS Oxford forecast that new apartment commencements indicates a continued decline for the remainer of this financial year.
"Listings may be weaker in the lead up to the NSW election in MArch, while the impact of the Federal election is harder to predict," REA Group advised the ASX.
The realestate.com.au app was launched on average 27.2 million times a month during the quarter.
REA Group's revenue grew 17 percent to $221.9 million in the September quarter.
REA Group chief executive Tracey Fellows said the strong results demonstrate, despite tougher market conditions, our customers and consumers are clearly seeing value in the products and experiences we are creating.
"When it is time to buy or sell, Australians recognise they only need to visit one place."
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/11/8/REA-Figures.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
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Last month Domain noted in the last financial quarter, Sydney new listings were down 8% and auction volumes down 22%. Melbourne results were 1% and 18% in these respective fields.
 
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Sydney property listings down eight percent: REA Group

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REA Group Limited has announced that realestate.com.au Pty Ltd has entered into an agreement to buy Hometrack Australia Pty Ltd.
The deal, subject to approval by the ACCC, is believed to be around $130 million.
Hometrack Australia is a residential property data company and a subsidiary of Hometrack Data Systems, which is owned by the UK listed ZPG Plc (Zoopla Property Group Plc).
It was only 15 months ago ZPG bought the research analysis business. They spent £120 million ($218 million).
Hometrack provides instant valuations of properties online without the need for a valuer to asses or visit the property.
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The Hometrack Australia management team will continue to be led by CEO Brendan Darcy.
Hometrack Australia is forecast to deliver revenue between $13 million to $15 million and EBITDA between $6 million to $7 million for their financial year ended 30 September 2018. 
There would also be cost synergies realised in the REA business once the Hometrack business is fully integrated into REA’s platforms.
REA Group CEO Tracey Fellows it represented a natural extension for realestate.com.au. 
"The acquisition allows us to deliver more property data and insights to our customers and consumers.”
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REA Group seeks to buy Hometrack Australia 

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The REA Group, parent group of realestate.com.au, posted double-digit rises in net profit and revenue for the year ended June 30.
“The revenue growth was driven by a 14% increase in Australia and the inclusion of iProperty revenue for the full year.
"The excellent result in Australia was achieved in a market of lower residential listing volumes and a significant decline in new dwelling commencements,” it said in an ASX announcement.
The group’s net profit rose 12 percent to $228.3 million during the period, while revenue grew 16 percent to $671.2 million.
“In Australia, we have extended our position as the clear market leader, with our audience growth reaching record highs against our nearest competitor,” said REA Group CEO, Tracey Fellows.
“We continue to diversify our business and deepen consumer engagement across the property journey. The most significant and exciting has been our move into financial services, through our partnership with NAB and our acquisition of the broking business, Smartline.”
Realestate.com.au acquired an 80% controlling stake in mortgage broking franchise Smartline. Earlier, it had announced a partnership with NAB to building a realestate.com.au-branded mortgage broking business for launch later this year.
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The REA Group is majority owned by News Corp.
REA Group operates realestate.com.au, realcommercial.com.au, and Flatmates.com.au. 
Its Australian revenue grew by 14% to $633.5 million, while agent numbers rose by 5% on the prior corresponding period, it said. 
It said realestate.com.au continued to be the number one property site in the country, with the largest and most engaged audience of property seekers. 
Average monthly visits to realestate.com.au grew 13% and were more than over 2.5 times than that of the number two site, it said.
“Australia’s listing depth revenue increased 18% to $481.8m. This was driven by the success of our residential Premiere All offering and increased yield, despite the decrease in listing volumes,” it said.
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REA Group's Australian revenue up 14% despite fall in listings and lower housing starts

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REA Group has agreed to buy a majority stake in mortgage broking franchiser Smartline and entered into a partnership for mortgage broking with National Australia Bank.
Realestate.com.au will purchase an 80.3 percent stake in Smartline.
Australian Broker report $67m will be funded from existing cash reserves and the minority shareholders hold a put option to sell the remaining 19.7 percent of shares which can only be exercised after three years, at a price dependent on the financial performance of Smartline. If not exercised, REA will acquire the remaining shares at the end of four years. The transaction is expected to complete in late July 2017.
Realestate.com.au and NAB have also agreed to build a mortgage broking service, with NAB offering its Choice Home Loans brokers to join this new broking solution.
Tracey Fellows, REA group CEO said building a strong presence in the broker market channel is an important part of our financial services strategy.
"These investments allow us to enter a new market with two of the industry’s most trusted and successful mortgage broking operations," she said. 
“Providing a broker solution will complement the digital search and finance experience we are building in partnership with NAB on realestate.com.au. It’s about giving people greater choice when selecting the right home loan for them." 
Chris Acret, Smartline executive director and co-founder said this investment is a great strategic fit for both businesses.
"It’s born from a shared vision to build a market-leading home loan offering, marrying our trusted network of brokers with realestate.com.au’s leading digital capability,” he said.
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