Rockdale has long been characterized as a suburb on the cusp. Well-located, well-connected, but historically underserved by modern apartment offerings.

It has everything going for it: outstanding connectivity to the Sydney CBD, just four train stops to Central Station, strong local amenity anchored by Roc​kdale Plaza and a growing main-street dining scene, and enviable proximity to Brighton-Le-Sands. The six-kilometre beachfront is lined with bayside restaurants, cafés, and walking paths, giving residents a lifestyle typically associated with much more expensive coastal suburbs.

What Rock​dale has lacked is high-quality contemporary apartments. Most existing developments date back several decades, with floorplans that no longer support modern living needs, and buildings constructed long before today’s standards in engineering, efficiency, and sustainability.

Lender, fund manager and apartment developer Princeton identified the gap early. Seeing all the right ingredients in Rockd​ale, transport, lifestyle, retail, and affordability, they set out to deliver what the suburb was missing. Their answer is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale-nsw-2216">Marque Rockdale</a>, a collection of 58 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments now nearing completion just a short walk from Ro​ckdale Plaza, home to over 50 specialist retailers and anchored by&nbsp;Woolworths, Big W and Aldi.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=355216]

Understanding they would be resetting the benchmark for the area, Princeton focused on ensuring buyers received best-in-class quality, longevity, and protection.

A major step was securing the sought-after Latent Defects Insurance policy from Resilience Insurance. This policy protects apartment buyers from structural or waterproofing defects for the first 10 years of the building’s lifecycle. Crucially, it is first-response insurance, meaning that if an issue arises, the insurer pays immediately for remediation—rather than waiting for lengthy investigations to determine fault before work can begin. For purchasers, it offers an unprecedented layer of security rarely seen in Sydney apartment projects.

During construction, independent building inspection firm SDSS has been providing Technical Inspection Services, bringing highly specialised construction experts on-site at key stages to ensure workmanship meets the highest standards. The project is being built by Coplex, an iCIRT-rated construction company, and throughout the build SDSS has frequently referred to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale-nsw-2216">Marque Rockdale</a> as one of the best projects currently on their books.

Princeton also doubled down on comfort, acoustics, and livability.&nbsp;As well as being the only building along Princes Highway with a landscaped buffer between the building and the road, Princeton has purposefully included double-glazed windows in all apartments to reduce noise.

Apartments feature double-glazed, noise-reducing windows and ducted air conditioning in every residence.&nbsp;In addition to the project’s transport convenience, Princeton has partnered with GoGet Car Share to provide a dedicated GoGet vehicle housed permanently within the building. Residents will receive a free annual GoGet membership, paying only usage fees, offering a flexible alternative to owning a second car and enhancing the project’s sustainability credentials.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=277075]

Residents will enjoy an exclusive rooftop oasis, purpose-designed as an extension of their living space. The communal rooftop includes BBQ facilities and outdoor entertaining areas, a&nbsp;pergola-shaded dining zone, a dedicated children’s play space, and a landscaped herb garden.

Princeton and Coplex is approaching completion of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale-nsw-2216">Marque Rockdale</a>, and are expecting residents to move in early in the new year. The mix of apartment configurations and price points have been a hit with young professionals, those who need to commute to the CBD, and families who appreciate doorstep amenity.

“Marque is a place where residents will be proud to call it home," Princeton Head of Development George Young says.

"We’ve worked really hard with Coplex and our design team to deliver an incredible building for the future home owners to make their own. The homes are all designed to allow the residents to make it their own, a place to belong and live a stylish urban life."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136442]

Joel Robinson

Marque Rockdale sets a new standard of apartment living in Sydney's south

Plans to revitalize the&nbsp;long-established Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre into a mixed-use community combining living, shopping, dining, health and wellbeing facilities, have been proposed to the Gold Coast City Council.

The Benowa Gardens Urban Village proposal by Benowa Gardens Holdings seeks to transform the 17,660 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/203-ashmore-road-benowa-qld-4217">203 Ashmore Road</a> into a contemporary, sustainable destination that reflects global trends in modern community design while retaining the familiar local character residents value.

The site is bordered by Ashmore and Benowa Roads and Carrara, with ready access to Pindara private hospital, four schools, TAFE, sports fields and the nearby Botanic Gardens.

Benowa Gardens Holdings is seeking a preliminary Council approval only for its proposed masterplan and variations to the site’s Neighbourhood Centre zoning.&nbsp; 
Formal Public Exhibition commenced Friday and also marks the start of comprehensive community consultation with surroundings residents, schools, P&amp;Cs, existing retailers, nearby sporting clubs, arts groups and Botanic Gardens volunteers.

Designed by Neylan Architecture, the masterplan envisions around 413 new apartments, complemented by upgraded retail, dining, and wellness amenities as part of 10,000 sqm of retail, and 9,630 sqm of office space/medical suites.

The development will feature green open spaces, shaded promenades, landscaped terraces, pedestrian walkways, and expanded healthcare and lifestyle services in synergy with the neighbouring Pindara Private Hospital and local schools.

<img alt="Benowa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="244f4d54-2e67-4141-92b8-78d5735f47c2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-26%20at%2012.47.34%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=FmF5lzhpwVZc7POsdB770TJ_Bf2c0od8" />

“This concept embraces the way people increasingly want to live - safely, conveniently, and within strong local communities,” said Patrick Lu, Director of Benowa Gardens Holding.

“Benowa Gardens will set a new benchmark for integrated living on the Gold Coast. It’s a thoughtful, community-minded evolution that brings global best practice in urban design to one of the city’s most established areas.”

Lu said this isn’t just a redevelopment, it’s a renewal with purpose.

“Benowa Gardens has served the community for decades. Our goal is to ensure it continues to do so for generations to come, as a lively, connected Urban Village where people can truly live, work and thrive. We’re already talking to school leaders and the community to seek their feedback on our proposal, and have taken on board their ideas to improve student safety with additional “traffic calming” measures on Carrara Street. We’re conducting meaningful and sincere consultations and want to play our role in preserving and enhancing the local community."

The proposed redevelopment aims to deliver tangible benefits across the Benowa and wider Gold Coast community, including:

<ul>
	<li>Improvement of retail amenity, to capture the under-served local market demand and keep the local business at their local shopping centre.</li>
	<li>Housing diversity; offering a range of apartment types for key workers, downsizers, and local families who wish to remain in the area.</li>
	<li>Enhanced shopping and dining; revitalised retail spaces designed to support local businesses and attract more visitors.</li>
	<li>Health and wellbeing access; additional medical and wellness amenities to complement existing local facilities.</li>
	<li>Improved traffic flow and access; two new access points, upgraded intersections, upgrade pedestrian pathway’s signal and proposed upgrade of pedestrian and cycle connections/space to improve safety and convenience, especially for school children.</li>
	<li>Environmental sustainability; energy-efficient design, green rooftops, and water-sensitive landscaping to reduce emissions and enhance comfort.</li>
	<li>Local jobs and investment; supporting hundreds of construction and long-term roles while stimulating local economic growth.</li>
</ul>

The group behind the project boasts extensive experience in the property development industry, both in Australia and international markets. Over the past 23 years, the group has been involved in the development and management of a diverse portfolio of assets including residential dwellings, shopping centres, bulky-goods stores, community and medical facilities, childcare centres, offices, hotels, and taverns, across Brisbane, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast.

Benowa Gardens to become new mixed-use urban village

Demand for townhouses in Melbourne’s inner west has surged as buyers seek the elusive combination of space, affordability, and location.&nbsp;

With family-first apartments increasingly rare and standalone homes often out of reach, townhouses have emerged as the new sweet spot, delivering generous living areas with lower maintenance needs within close proximity to the Melbourne CBD.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/kings-lane-south-kingsville-50-58-new-street-south-kingsville-vic-3015">Kings Lane</a>, the new under-construction townhouse development by the family-owned developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/blue-run">Blue Run</a>&nbsp;in South Kingsville, responds directly to this trend. Comprising just 25 residences designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project offers a compelling alternative to both apartment downsizers and family upsizers. With three-bedroom homes priced under $1 million, it presents one of the area’s rare attainable pathways to townhouse living less than eight kilometres from the CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145042 project_image_fid=355147]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/south-kingsville-vic-3015">South Kingsville</a> itself is quietly becoming one of Melbourne’s most dynamic pockets of urban renewal. Flanked by the established appeal of Yarraville, Newport and Williamstown, the suburb balances quiet, village-like streetscapes with major infrastructure upgrades and a growing slate of retail, dining and lifestyle amenity.&nbsp;

Kings Lane occupies a well-connected site at 50–58 New Street, just off Blackshaws Road and within walking distance of the emerging Union Quarter precinct, a major retail destination anchored by Woolworths, specialty food outlets and wellness services.

A 400-metre stroll brings residents to the Vernon Street shops, a local favourite known for its mix of independent grocers, cafes and family-run eateries. For broader shopping options, Altona Gate Shopping Centre and Yarraville Square are both within a short drive. Spotswood IGA and the Williamstown retail strip further broaden the convenience of daily essentials.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145042 project_image_fid=355139]

Dining options in the area lean toward eclectic and community-driven, with standouts like Rocco’s Deli, Dad and Dave’s, and Pizza d’ASPORTO offering a range of casual and elevated menus. Cafés such as Hudson Road Wine &amp; Beer and Blacksheep Coffee add to the lively yet local feel of the neighbourhood.

Green space is another hallmark of life at Kings Lane. Edwards Reserve is close enough for morning walks or casual sport, while larger parks like Newport Lakes, Yarraville Gardens, and Cruickshank Park are all a few minutes’ drive away. More than half of the nine-hectares of new green space or parkland being created as part of the West Gate tunnel works is located just at the end of New Street, the same street as Kings Lane.

&nbsp;

For those with school-age children, South Kingsville is home to a range of quality childcare centres and schools, including Kingsville Primary, Spotswood Primary, and Williamstown North Primary. Community Children’s childcare and South Kingsville Preschool are nearby, making the suburb particularly attractive to young families.

Transport links continue to improve, with Spotswood Station and the West Gate Freeway both within a five-minute radius. Future upgrades, including the proposed sky rail for Newport and Spotswood, and the delivery of the West Gate Tunnel project, promise even better access to the CBD and Melbourne Airport in the years to come.

Kings Lane's 25 all-electric townhouses are currently under construction, and will complete in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145042]

Staff Writer

Kings Lane townhouses offers rare value in Melbourne's thriving inner west

Developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia</a> has set a new apartment price record for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/rhodes-nsw-2138">Rhodes</a>, a suburb the company has been instrumental in transforming over the past two decades.

The milestone follows the delivery of thousands of apartments across the harbourside peninsula, culminating in the $4.5 million sale of a 220 sqm penthouse in the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/rhodes-central-oasis-39-marquet-street-rhodes-nsw-2138">Rhodes Central Oasis</a> building, which Billbergia completed earlier this year. It is the first apartment in Rhodes to surpass not only the $4 million mark for settled sales, but also the $3 million mark, eclipsing the previous $2.75 million record set in 2021.

The purchaser had originally secured several apartments in the 40-storey tower off the plan as investments. During settlement, she spent more time in the Rhodes area and was so impressed with the building that she decided to downsize from her Northbridge home into the four-bedroom plus MPR penthouse.

The sale underscores the long-term work Billbergia has undertaken in Rhodes since the early 2000s. The company, rated 4.5 Gold Stars under the NSW iCIRT system, identifying it as one of the state’s most trustworthy and financially secure developers, was a pioneer of the area’s urban renewal. What was once a heavily industrial waterfront has become one of Sydney’s most successful examples of transit-oriented development.

<img alt="Billbergia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="56093d7f-db18-42f4-bf9b-115bdf76f5f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-26%20at%2011.10.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pca77Mr.H83nwXbJexmaLUAqBewtQ7d9" />

Billbergia is now driving the peninsula’s next major evolution: the most ambitious project in its nearly four-decade history. They are planning the Rhodes Bay Masterplan, an eight-tower, mixed-use precinct on Leeds Street. Currently with the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority which is now championing large-scale projects across the state, the Rhodes Bay Masterplan lays the groundwork for a generational reshaping of this important pocket of Sydney’s Inner West.

The masterplan spans more than 31,000 sqm of amalgamated industrial land along the foreshore, land that has been privately held and inaccessible to the community for more than a century. According to Billbergia’s Development Director, Saul Moran, reclaiming this land for public use is central to the company’s vision. 
 
“What’s so exciting is that we have over 300 metres of privately-held industrialised waterfront, land that’s been locked away for more than 100 years, which we’re bringing back to the community,” he says. “It’s taken many years to assemble sites like these, and the goal now is to transform them into meaningful public space where new homes can be built in an integrated, amenity-rich setting.”

At full completion, the Rhodes Bay Masterplan is expected to deliver over 2000 apartments, with the first 1000 to be completed by 2029. Billbergia’s design focused on nine slender towers, so they could give back more to the ground plane. There will be more than 16,000sq m of new parkland and recreation space, including sports fields, a foreshore play area and waterfront green links. Around 14,600 sqm of retail is also proposed, extending the precinct’s role as a true mixed-use hub.

<img alt="Rhodes Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="240ffc41-4f26-421a-9606-5c56f6fc2d93" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-26%20at%2011.05.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=BkBxZr7S8CAt1vgNa8AF3zjdc3YuVh0L" />

“Density only works when it’s paired with amenity, transport and open space, and that’s what’s made Rhodes such an amazing success story,” Moran says, adding that the demographic shift Billbergia has seen over the last two decades has informed their future development pipeline in the suburb.

“Rhodes has moved from being largely an investor market to a strong owner-occupier community,” Moran says. “There’s real demand for three-bedroom homes, flexible intergenerational layouts, and apartments people can grow into.”

&nbsp;“We’re designing taller, more slender towers to free up the ground level for sport, recreation and green space. High-density communities thrive when people have the best backyards in Australia, and that’s what we want to create here.”

Demand remains robust, evidenced by Billbergia’s recent results. “We achieved a record sale across the entirety of Rhodes Central just last week,” Moran says. “It shows the depth of confidence buyers have in what’s being built here.”

Billbergia’s vertically integrated model allows them to overcome the recent cost escalation and challenges in the build environment. “Having an in-house construction team lets us control feasibility, value management and quality from day one,” Moran says. “It’s critical in the current market, where construction escalation is at the forefront of every project’s viability.”

The company is also leveraging the NSW Government’s new Housing Delivery Authority process, which Moran describes as a more efficient pathway without compromising design standards. 
 
“We’re really applauding the NSW Government for its efforts to increase housing supply. There’s been a remarkable improvement in how they’re helping deliver more homes, more quickly.”

Billbergia has already commenced construction of Stage One of the Rhodes Bay masterplan. They will be lodging the State Significant Development Application before Christmas.

“We’re moving quickly, but with due care,” Moran says. “This is a generational precinct, and it needs to be done right.”

Billbergia smashes suburb record as Rhodes transformation continues

The sheer scale of the two skyscrapers at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/victoria-albert-broadbeach-20-albert-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">Victoria &amp; Albert</a>, soaring 40 and 64 storeys above the heart of Broadbeach, was always destined to deliver some of the highest and most luxurious apartments ever built in the suburb.

Now, builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/iris-capital">Iris Capital</a> has unveiled the Horizon Collection, a selection of residences with the largest floorplans and most commanding views in the towers. The three-bedroom apartments, starting from $4.64 million, include butler’s pantries, multi-purpose rooms, and, in some layouts, master retreats with private sitting areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=3944]

The most prestigious apartments in the Horizon Collection are the sub-penthouses and penthouses. The two sub-penthouses on the 38th level of the Albert Tower are priced at $8.85 million.

Each features three bedrooms, a study, and a flexible multi-purpose room with a sliding partition that allows half the space to function as a games room.

The open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area, complete with a butler’s kitchen and private wine cellar, flows onto a full-width balcony framing panoramic coastal views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=3943]

There is now just one sub-penthouse for sale on the 62nd level of the Victoria Tower, with one already secured by an expat owner-occupier. The remaining sub-penthouse, priced at $8.95 million, offers four bedrooms and a wraparound balcony that captures panoramic views up and down the Coast. vistas from every angle.

Crowning each tower is a full-floor penthouse offering multiple expansive indoor and outdoor living and entertaining spaces. Atop the Victoria building is Oceania, which measures over 735 sqm of living space, and Kurrara atop the Albert Tower, which is almost 800 sqm. They each have four bedrooms, including a master and guest suites, a full 360-degree panorama of the Gold Coast, and all the bells and whistles expected of a luxury penthouse. They are priced from a little over $18 million.

“Every detail, every finish has been thoughtfully considered to imbue the penthouses with the ultimate sense of luxury,” says Susan Rossi, Director of Interior Design at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, who led both the architecture and interiors for V&amp;A. “We shaped these skyhomes to embody the spirit of Gold Coast luxury.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=234091]

Victoria &amp; Albert, colloquially known as V&amp;A, is the flagship Gold Coast development by the Sydney-based Iris Capital. Led by developer and hotelier Sam Arnaout, Iris Capital acquired the landmark Niecon Plaza site in 2021. At the time, Arnaout described the company’s expansion into Queensland as a strategic move to capitalise on one of Australia’s strongest growth markets.

“We were initially looking to expand into Victoria, but the massive migration to the regions that followed the pandemic created a new dynamic across the Australian market,” Arnaout said.

“From a strategic point of view, Queensland — and the Gold Coast in particular — is the perfect fit for our business. The fundamentals here are strong: genuine employment growth, high net migration, and an undersupply of apartments driven by strong demand. The Gold Coast has matured into a thriving, progressive regional city with a fantastic future.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=234097]

Across its two towers, V&amp;A will deliver 425 luxury apartments, supported by a suite of resort-style resident amenities. These include a subtropical podium featuring a 25-metre lap pool, gym, yoga deck, residents’ lounge, kids’ play area, zen garden, and barbecue terraces with outdoor dining spaces.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a> Queensland Director David Higgins, who has managed sales at V&amp;A since its 2021 launch, says the project has set a new benchmark for Broadbeach’s luxury apartment market. Colliers Queensland Director David Higgins, who has managed sales at V&amp;A since its 2021 launch, says the project has set a new benchmark for Broadbeach’s luxury apartment market.

“The premium market has definitely spoken, with V&amp;A having now reached over half a billion dollars in presales since our launch,” Higgins says, adding that over 65 per cent of V&amp;A is now sold.

“Our buyers continue to validate the success of the Victoria &amp; Albert development vision and the luxury amenity that comes along with their apartment purchase. Of course, Broadbeach’s most walkable location, just 100m from the Broadbeach surfing beach, makes this luxury apartment a compelling addition to your real estate portfolio.”

Last year, Iris Capital brought construction in-house through its new arm, Iris Built. Completion of the 40-level Albert Tower is scheduled for late 2027, with the 64-level Victoria Tower, the taller of the two, expected to follow in mid-2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107928]

Victoria & Albert’s Horizon Collection takes Broadbeach living to new heights

Real Estate Agents

Australians have been staying at home on and off during the intermittent lockdowns&nbsp;and for homebuyers, this means a delay, sometime indefinitely, in purchasing property.

However, data in both the first Melbourne lockdown&nbsp;and beyond shows&nbsp;that online visits and enquiries of property listings have surged by over 50%.

Here at Urban, we have compiled a list of questions so prospective buyers can get a handle on what they should be asking agents during online inspections. This is useful both during lockdown and for properties available for purchase off-the-plan,&nbsp;or available across state or national borders&nbsp;when in-person inspection may not be possible.

For a more <a href="/guides/the-ultimate-off-the-plan-guide-5-property-experts-share-advice-for-buying-a-new-apartment-or-townhome" target="_blank">in-depth guide on off-the-plan</a> buying check out our expert guide.

1. What&#39;s the cost per square metre for each floorplan configuration? (make a note of this and compare to other properties you virtually view)

This is vital information to compare the value of the property to others in the area as well as the suburb/region you are looking to buy in. It is&nbsp;important&nbsp;to make sure you are buying a property that suits your needs and has room to grow, one marker of such potential is if the $/psqm is below median for the area, however it isn&#39;t the be all end all

2. When is construction slated to start/be completed?

Construction projections are important information as it will have an effect on how long you may rent or choose to settle on your current property. Ensure the builder/construction firm is reliable and has a good reputation to reduce the likelihood of delay.&nbsp;

Keep in mind that some delays may occur if a coronavirus outbreak occurs.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5806 project_image_fid=168936]

3. Which items within the display are included and which are optional upgrades?

Straightforward enough, make sure you don&#39;t get blindsided and chuck out your old washer/dryer just because the display suite has one, double check with the agent to see what is supplied by the developer as some offer white-goods packages and optional deals.

4. What customisation option do you have available?

Depending on the design firm and developer, some firms offer a higher degree of customisation, this tends to increase linearly with price as the more expensive the property is, the more customisable it generally is. Either way you should ask as many developments offer at minimum a choice in colour pallete&nbsp;and fittings&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88241]

5. What&#39;s the ceiling height? (compare this to your own ceilings at home)

While this many not mean as much to someone who is 150 cm tall, for prospective basketball players... and everyone else, it&#39;s worth knowing ceiling height as this can impact whether the home feels claustrophobic or spacious and airy regardless of your personal height.

6. Which aspect does the particular apartment I&#39;m considering buying face? (take note of where the sun is throughout the day in your own home)

This is important for natural light purposes, as well as potential views as some apartments will offer a better aspect than others.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22034 project_image_fid=170355]

7. Who built the display suite and will they be constructing the actual apartments/townhomes?

A vital point of note is the builder, don&#39;t misunderstand something because of an unrealistic display suite.

8. If taking a virtual tour, ask the agent to zoom in on details so you can see the build quality

If the builder doesn&#39;t put their best foot forward with the display suite, it is worth asking the agent about it and whether other properties you have looked at demonstrate better build quality or detailing.

Here at Urban, we have compiled a list of questions so prospective buyers can get a handle on what they should be asking agents during online inspections, useful both during lockdown and for those buying out of state or internationally

jordan_55689

What to ask agents when being taken through a display suite online

<html><body>After a year of COVID-19 impacts, getting back to business as usual will present challenges for some real estate agencies. According to a Melbourne Institute study, 70 per cent of workers who worked remotely during the pandemic wish to continue working from home.

The challenge for businesses is creating those beneficial moments that occur during face-to-face contact. In a hybrid work model where team members might not align on working days, those connections that are so important to collaboration and innovation will be fewer and farther between. 

Leading firms believe that holding in-person business events is key to improving the hybrid working model with moments of powerful team building.

The human brain is hardwired for physical connection and eye contact, something that cannot be replicated by using screens.

In less than a second of meeting someone, physical engagement fires up your neurons, generating the chemistry that pre-empts the beginnings of empathy and trust. A group of connected people can change how we see an issue, alter our priorities as a group, and create a capacity to collaborate around shared values.

At First National Real Estate, we’re working hard to make sure that the crucial bonds that lead to knowledge sharing are re-established as quickly as possible. I’ve always strongly believed in holding business events that bring people together and our national convention, this May in Canberra, is on track for 500 First National co-operative members and their employees. The event is already oversubscribed and we’ve had to book an overflow hotel.

After spending so long away from peers during COVID, the desire to get together to share our journeys and our experiences is critical. But the way I see it, this is not just a business session or awards event, it’s about helping our people return to normality, become a better person and run a better business.

Pre-COVID, First National would run 30-50 events a year in each state, ranging from training to functions, as well as two to three national events. Having in-person meetups in different locations is critical to the success of the business.

The greatest benefit has been the sharing of ideas. We’ve got offices from Bendigo to Cairns and that shared business experience, whether staffing, sales, legalities, or HR, is 100 times better than Googling or trying to muddle through on your own. 

The building of relationships cannot be done over Zoom or via email, only done by good old-fashioned chat and advice, so events are critical to what we do.
Events can fast-track the restoration of relationships that have diminished during the pandemic. 

According to researchers at Yale University’s School of Management, during COVID-19 our professional and personal networks have shrunk by almost 16 per cent, or the equivalent of 200 people.
That has dramatic consequences for businesses. It can lead to less creativity and more groupthink. 

People with fewer connections at work have a decreased sense of belonging and are less likely to identify with the organisation, which puts them at higher risk of turnover and possibly even fraud and negligence.

Ray Eliis is the CEO of First National Real Estate</body></html>

The building of relationships cannot be done over Zoom or via email, says Ray Ellis

rellis

Rebuilding real estate connections after COVID-19: First National's Ray Ellis

<html><body>
Soon we will be hearing more and more about the big sister of underquoting and this will be overquoting, and it bites.
Be warned, unlike the roar that politicians and our Real Estate Industry (REI) make about underquoting, this one will bite deep and hard into the pockets of REA’s and their offices.
Now that I have your attention, pour yourself a cup of coffee and read on. I will explain what overquoting entails. I will also explain the dangers it poses to both vendors and agents.
Overquoting
<ul>
<li>For most agents working in our industry, the term overquoting is mainly referred to as: buying the listing.</li>
<li>Buying the listing in turn refers to: informing the vendor that their property will sell for a lot more than what the market is demanding or dictating at the time.</li>
<li>The purpose of overquoting is: to obtain a listing under false pretense of a high sales price. Higher than the estimated values placed by other agents in the area.</li>
<li>The REA’s intention is: to eventually “condition” the vendor to accept less, as the buyers inspecting the property, offer what the market is truly dictating.</li>
</ul>
Underquoting serves the function to condition the buyers to believe they will buy the property for less, as low price guides are given by REA's. The agents on the other hand, hope that the auction frenzy will motivate them to pay more as they add competition to realistic buyers.
Underquoting, as a form of bait advertising, is a marketing process readily used in a heated property market.
The use of overquoting by the agent, is to win the listing and to have the chance of selling the property. The sales process which precedes winning the listing conditions the vendor to accept less than what the agents originally quote in their Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).
Overquoting is a form of deception used by agents, to convince vendors to sell through them and their office.
What will vendors do?
Now please pay very close attention as this is what I mean when I say overquoting will bite and bite hard.
Vendors will not sit back and take it on the chin, unlike buyers when they are deceived by bait advertising.
When vendors believe that their properties have dropped in value, as they compare the agent’s CMA to what is being offered, vendors will act and take action against the agent.
Real estate agents (REA) will soon find themselves in hot water and face litigation.
In the case of underquoting, the accumulated losses of individual’s time and money as a buyer, may total around $1000 on average. A loss, that may not necessarily warrant time and effort, to report the REA that is believed to be underquoting.
On the other hand, a perceived loss of $10's of thousands of dollars, to a vendor, will warrant a claim against the agent.
I have written about this in the past and have said; until losses justify time and effort spent by consumers, to lodge claims with the authorities, REA’s will do as they please.
However, be warned for what is to eventuate and is just around the corner.
Some REA’s will take it in their stride and heed this advice but some will also believe they are above the law and the authorities. It won’t surprise me to see the same REA’s that underquote lead the way to overquoting practices. Sadly most will again be members of the REI's.
The difference this time folks, it won’t be a toothless tiger on their case, it will be a vendor determined to be compensated.
 
EDWIN ALMEIDA is licensee in charge of <a href="https://www.just-think.com.au/" target="_blank">Just Think Real Estate</a>.<a href="https://www.just-thin.com.au/"> </a>
He is also the creator of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JustThinkProperty" target="_blank">Oz Real Estate.TV</a> and a presenter for <a href="https://propertyinvestingvault.com/" target="_blank">propertyinvestingvault.com</a>.
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Overquoting set to bite: Edwin Almeida

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The REB Top 100 Agents 2020 list has been released, with Alexander Phillips of PPD Real Estate taking out the list’s top- spot with over half-a-billion dollars in residential listings sold. 

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The list revealed the average sale price for a top-ten agent saw a slight decrease to $2.2 million, from $2.4 million in 2019. 

In 2018, the average sale price for the top 10 was $2.5 million, and in 2017 it was $2.0 million.

The average sale price for the top 100 in 2020 was much lower collectively, at $1.4 million.

The average commission for the top 10 in 2020 remained consistent with 2019 at 1.67 per cent.

In comparison, the average commission for the top 100 sat at 1.77 per cent in 2020.

A typical top 100 agent on this year’s list has 16 years’ experience, which is largely in line with rankings from previous years. 

Furthermore, the profile of a top 10 agent in this year’s ranking was someone with an average of 20 years’ experience. 

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This, again, is largely consistent with the results of previous years, with the average years of experience being 20.7 in 2019, 21 in 2018, 22 in 2017 and 18 in 2016 for the top 10. 

Alexander Phillips, secured 215 listings, of which he sold 186.

This equated to a total of $522,477,791 in total sales, at an average price of $2,809,020, and an average of 23 days on the market. 

Michael Clarke, of Clarke and Humel Property, came in second place, with a total value of $435,077,833 in sales.

He secured 195 listings, and sold 183, at an average sales price sat at $2,377,474, with an average of 23 days on market. 

Ric Serrao, from Raine &amp; Horne, secured third place on the list, with $293,779,250 in total sale.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559]

He secured 181 listings, and sold 116 of them with an average price of $2,532,580, after spending an average of 39 days on the market. 

James Tostevin – who ranked fourth – was the top-ten’s most experienced agent with a total of 35 years in the industry. 

Meanwhile, Helen Yan - who ranked ninth – was the least experienced with just 10 years in the industry. 

The top-ten ranked REB agents in 2020 were:

1.     Alexander Phillips from PPD Real Estate

2.     Michael Clarke from Clarke and Humel Property

3.     Ric Serrao from Raine &amp; Horne

4.     James Tostevin from Marshall White

5.     Richard Shaloub from MGrath Estate agents

6.     Peter Chauncy from MGrath Estate agents

7.     David Highland from Highland Property Agents 

8.     Mathew Steinwede from MGrath Estate agents

9.     Helen Yan from Ray White

10.  David Walker from Ray White

More on the rankings can be found <a href="https://www.realestatebusiness.com.au/top-100-agents-2020" target="_blank">here.</a>
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Alexander Phillips tops REB Top 100 Agents for 2020

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Just 17% of the REB Top 100 Agents in 2020 were women.
Helen Yan from Ray White, who came in at ninth place, was the highest ranking female agent and the only one to crack the top ten.
Ms Yan was, however, the least experienced agent to make the top-ten, achieving the impressive feat after only 10 years in the industry (compared to a top-ten average of around 20 years experience, and a high of 35).
Six of the women who made the list were appearing for the first time in 2020, including Vivien Yap who ranked at an impressive 29th.
Maria Cassarino from Stone Real Estate, saw the biggest improvement on the list since last year, having moved up 14 places to number 83.
The female estate agents who made made the list were:
Helen Yan (9th)
Catherine Dixon (24th)
Betty Ockerland (28th)
Vivien Yap (29th)
Tracy Dixon (43rd)
Annika Bongiorno (47th)
Michelle Stephens (55th)
Kate Strickland (60th)
Jill Henry (62nd)
Georgi Bates (65th)
Romana Altman (66th)
Anna Younan (68th)
Maria Cassarino (83rd)
Marnie Seinor (86th)
Michell Skoglund (88th)
Kate Smith (89th)
Cindy Kennedy (90th)
Arabella Hooper (100th).
More on the rankings can be found <a href="https://www.realestatebusiness.com.au/top-100-agents-2020" target="_blank">here.</a>
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REB Top 100 Agents 2020 comprises less than 20% women

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Total Real Estate Training, the organisers of The Australasian Real Estate Conference (AREC) and real estate coach Tom Panos kicked off a series of four free webinars, drawing a massive crowd from anxious estate agents around the country.
John McGrath, founder of AREC said, “COVID has forced us all to innovate and our online event today was a great example of leveraging technology to enhance customer experience. And when the people can’t get to AREC we have to bring AREC to the people. Feedback was incredible with over 4,500 people glued to their screens for the first of four Legends of Real Estate sessions."
The one hour session featured three outstanding agents who gave personal insights and strategies on how to achieve results today, but importantly post Covid.
Today’s session shared simple tips around inner strength, longevity and building relationships that make ‘clients for life’. The speakers were: Phil Harris - Harris Real Estate, SA; Tracey Dixon - McGrath Estate Agents, Hunters Hill, NSW; and Cathy Baker – Belle Property,Central Coast, NSW.
The big conference to inspire estate agents held annually during winter's quiet listing period, had been postponed due to the rules regarding gatherings.
The US best seller Ryan Holiday was set to open the Australia Real Estate Conference (AREC) giving insights to the near anticipated 3000 attendees from his book topic, Ego Is The Enemy.
The big drawcard was set to be entrepreneur Elle 'The Body' MacPherson who was scheduled to fly in from her Florida base to close the two day June event.
Nichola Byrne, General Manager of Total Real Estate Training, said that initially they anticipated registrations of 3,000.
“Currently there are many learning events being offered, however in these challenging timeswe felt it appropriate to give back to the industry, and as a goodwill gesture we wanted to offer these webinars free of charge,” she said.
Last year's conference was impacted with McGrath and AREC founder John McGrath confirming the low listings, pre-election market shakedown resulted in fewer agents at his longtime income producing trading conference, AREC19.
The two-day conference returned for the eighth year to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre last June.
AREC has been a source of revenue for the estate agency.
It was opened last year by sales entrepreneur and bestselling author Todd Duncan, who has written 17 books including New York Times bestsellers Time Traps: Proven Strategies for Swamped Sales People and High Trust Selling: Make More Money in Less Time with Less Stress.
McGrath has told trade websites the current market shakedown.
“Chaos creates opportunity if you will,” he advised last year. 
Mr McGrath said that the greatest risk to the industry was resistance.
“Change will be a major theme and how to embrace it.
"Whilst we will have our traditional hand-picked group of real estate superstars, we have also a larger-than-ever group of agents working traditional suburban markets producing phenomenal results.
“No longer do you have to work in Toorak or Double Bay to write $2 million in fees and our speakers will demonstrate that.”
Click here to access <a href="https://tompanos.ontraport.com/c/s/5jN/sgxZP/6/s7y/xwy/6iqk8x/zonDyg5tFJ/P/P/sL" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">AREC 2020 - Legends of Real Estate</a> (part 2/4):
<ul>
<li><a href="https://tompanos.ontraport.com/c/s/5jN/sgxZP/s/s72/xwy/6iqk8x/6IaLPyv72z/P/P/sL" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Peter Chauncy</a> - McGrath Estate Agents, NSW</li>
<li><a href="https://tompanos.ontraport.com/c/s/5jN/sgxZP/v/s78/xwy/6iqk8x/CZZaQvO0c/P/P/sL" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Josh Tesolin</a> - Australian Real Estate, NSW</li>
<li>
<a href="https://tompanos.ontraport.com/c/s/5jN/sgxZP/z/s77/xwy/6iqk8x/vl6XBTTyPC/P/P/sL" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Lisa Novak</a> - Novak Properties, NSW  </li>
</ul>
The speakers for <a href="https://tompanos.ontraport.com/c/s/5jN/sgxZP/U/s7q/xwy/6iqk8x/YjvcrRMMk/P/P/sL" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">AREC 2020 (part 3/4)</a> will go LIVE at 10:00am AEST today:
<ul>
<li>Tanja Neven-Jones - O'Brien Real Estate, VIC</li>
<li>Simon Caulfield - Place, QLD</li>
<li>Matt Lancashire - Ray White, QLD</li>
</ul>
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AREC webinar draws 4,500 estate agent crowd

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The New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has barred brokers from showing homes, as part of a sweeping ban on activities that risk spreading the coronavirus.
At a press conference Friday, Cuomo announced an executive order mandating all employees of non-essential businesses to stay home from work.
The <a href="https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026" target="_blank">list of essential jobs</a> includes food delivery, doormen and some construction.
It does not include real estate brokers.
The order requires non-essential businesses reduce its in-person workforce by 75 percent by Saturday and by 100 percent by Sunday.
The Real Deal website reported when Cuomo discussed the 90-day ban on evictions, he said, “I don’t know who you think you’re going to rent an apartment to now, anyway, if you kick someone out. 
"By my mandate, you couldn’t even have your real estate agent out showing the apartment.”
Across the other side of America, parts of California’s real estate industry are grinding to a halt because of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s “stay at home” order.
An auspicious beginning of 2020 for L.A.’s top residential brokerages that included record-setting sales has ground to a halt.
The 15,000 L.A.-based realtors represented in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) had been hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
But the governor’s office <a href="https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/" target="_blank">amended his emergency order</a> to designate housing construction as an “essential business” because of the state’s ongoing housing shortage.
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New York stops estate agents showing homes to buyers and renters

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Australian estate agents will set out this week to ascertain if they can continue to transact their property sale listings and leasing managements given the social distancing shutdown regulations.
In the absence of any official industry edict as at Monday morning, some estate agents will seek to adapt how they can continue to transact their property listings and managements.
Many agents are hoping it is business as usual.
On Sunday both the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrew announced they will enforce a comprehensive shutdown of “non-essential services.”
But neither Premier indicated that the real estate industry was restricted from trading.
The later official advisory on stage one of the measures from the Federal Government advised the following facilities will be restricted from opening from midday 23 March 2020:
<ul>
<li>Pubs, registered and licenced clubs (excluding bottle shops attached to these venues), hotels (excluding accommodation)</li>
<li>Gyms and indoor sporting venues </li>
<li>Cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs</li>
<li>Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery</li>
<li>Religious gatherings, places of worship or funerals.</li>
</ul>
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The Urban Taskforce CEO, Tom Forrest, has called on State and Commonwealth Governments to be clear with their messages.
“The announcement must be clear and targeted”, Mr Forrest said.
Mr Forrest said that the messaging to date has too often been clumsy and ambiguous.
“If there is to be a close-down of business in NSW, what does this mean for construction workers? What does it mean for those working out-doors or indoors? What does it mean for delivery drivers or manufacturers?
Mr Forrest called on the NSW Government to be clear about if businesses should continue to operate remotely or shut down altogether.
“Urban Taskforce members support measures to prevent the spread of COVID 19. But support for the property, construction and development industry is critical to the economy and the hundreds of thousands of jobs involved,” Mr Forrest said.
The real estate industry appears spared from the extreme of the first stage of the shutdown if it enforces social distancing that doesn't put the participants at risk.
One of the ways agents can adapt to these measures is using available technology.
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Whether open for inspections for multiple unknown parties can continue is highly questionable. 
Limiting auctions to registered bidders practising social distancing appears wise.
Requesting that visitors to open inspections come in small private groups and keep hands in their pockets while doing so are among measures being taken by some agents.
Last week some auction slated for inroom or indoor were moved outdoors to stay within the government's 100 person limit on indoor non-essential social gatherings
All non-essential indoor gatherings of less than 100 people must have no more than one person per 4sqm. 
"All Australians should expect their local businesses to be following this rule," the latest official update advises.
There are around 115,000 sale listings on the market, according to CoreLogic. SQM calculate 68,079 vacant residential properties.
 
 
 
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Real estate industry in testing social distancing shutdown amid coronavirus fears

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A former Cleveland real estate agent has been reprimanded and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) following proceedings initiated by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
Pamela Dawn Neilson faced disciplinary action after she failed to notify the OFT that she had become bankrupt, gave false information to the OFT when applying to renew her real estate agent licence, and had continued to sell properties while unlicensed.
In addition to a $10,000 fine, Ms Neilson was also suspended from holding a certificate under the Property Occupations Act 2014 (the Act) for four months.
The Tribunal heard Ms Neilson had held a real estate agent licence since 2005 but failed to inform the OFT when she became bankrupt in October 2015, as is required under the Act.
Ms Neilson’s bankruptcy made her immediately unsuitable to hold a real estate licence however between October 2015 and January 2017 she continued to work in a real estate salesperson capacity, selling 21 properties.
The Tribunal also heard that on 29 September 2016 Ms Neilson lodged a licence renewal application, which included a signed declaration that she was not currently bankrupt. Ms Neilson eventually advised the OFT of her bankruptcy on 16 December 2016.
On 20 December 2019 the Tribunal released its decision in this matter. It found Ms Neilson had conducted herself in a way that was unprofessional but in determining penalty noted she had subsequently self-reported her conduct, had cooperated with the OFT’s investigation and had accepted the disciplinary grounds.
Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer said real estate agents needed to remember the importance of acting in accordance with their licensing requirements.
“Agents must be honest about their circumstances and aware of their obligations,” Mr Bauer said.
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Former bankrupt Queensland estate cops $10,000 fine

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A Gordon Park real estate agent has been banned from working in the real estate industry for life and ordered to pay more than $80,000 in fines, compensation and costs after the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) took disciplinary action against him in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).
Martin David Moala Jones was co-jointly fined $15,000 with his company, Diligent Property Management Pty Ltd, and ordered to pay $18,087 in compensation and $47,767 in costs.
Mr Jones and his company were permanently disqualified from the industry and Mr Jones has been permanently banned from being an executive officer of any corporation licensed under the Property Occupations Act 2014.
The tribunal heard that Diligent Property Management’s corporation licence expired in May 2016 and Mr Jones had failed to renew it but had continued to operate the business until June 2017.
In November 2016, the OFT received a complaint from a property owner who believed he had not received all the rent money he was entitled to from Diligent Property Management.
The OFT investigation established a number of failures to comply with the law including that Mr Jones had not kept proper records, had not been properly appointed by his clients, and had mismanaged trust money.
Mr Jones’s failures led to a loss of his clients’ money. The OFT was forced to appoint a receiver over the trust property which found the trust account was overdrawn by more than $18,000.
Clients were compensated for their loss by the Agents Financial Administration claim fund, which is administered by the OFT.
Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer welcomed the tribunal’s decision to permanently disqualify Mr Jones from holding a real estate agent licence or certificate.
“There is no place in the real estate industry for people who do not comply with the law,” Mr Bauer said.
“People trust real estate agents with their most valuable asset, their property, and the OFT will continue to take agents to task if they are found to be doing the wrong thing.”
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