Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<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/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<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/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Real Estate Agents

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One Melbourne real estate agent is taking a defibrillator to auctions after one bidder had a heart attack while attempting to buy a Brighton East unit late last year.
Attendee Tom Friedman was bidding on a Binnie St property for a friend who had been “too anxious” to do so herself, according to reports on realestate.com.au, when he  collapsed.
Dane Costello, real estate agent and a local GP performed CPR on the 65-year-old before an ambulance arrived.
They performed CPR until an ambulance came and took Mr Friedman to hospital, where he remained in an induced coma for a week.
Agency director and auctioneer, Nick Johnstone, said his staff had all had CPR training since.
“We’ve also bought a defibrillator and will be taking it to all our auctions,” he said.
“Auctions are obviously a pretty stressful time for the buyers, sellers and agents.”
"I stopped the auction when Mr Friedman went into cardiac arrest and sold the house to another party later that night."
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Mr Friedman’s friend bought another property through the agency soon after.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Defibrillator to be taken to Brighton auctions after heart attack

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The strategic expansion at Di Jones Real Estate continues with the northern suburbs team appointing Heath Dockary and his support team.
Di Jones Real Estate CEO Rob Ward said the appointment of Heath Dockary, Wilson He and Vanessa Short was an important step in further strengthening the company’s growth plans in the Epping, Eastwood and Carlingford markets.
Formerly of McGrath, Dockary has been recognised in the top 25 agents across the McGrath network for several years and in the top 5% of all agents in NSW, Ward said.
In the last year Di Jones Real Estate has recruited nine McGrath staff.
It expanded to the upper north shore in early 2016.
Dockary said he and his staff were excited to be joining the Di Jones team, which started from a single office based in Woollahra in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in 1992.
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Di Jones secures ninth McGrath agent with Heath Dockary appointment

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Online property agency iBuyNew has appointed Alex Caraco as chief executive officer.
He was a former CEO with Coldwell Banker Australia. iBuyNew founder Mark Mendel, previously CEO, has become head of strategy.
Alex Caraco said we are working hard to expand iBuyNew’s presence with plans to install sales teams in all mainland state capitals as well as on the Gold Coast.
“This month we have boosted our Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne sales teams as we seek to expand our sales volumes,” he said.
“Mark has worked tremendously hard to get iBuyNew to where it is today and it is fantastic that he will be continuing the journey as head of strategy.
"iBuynew would be working closely going forward with some of the nation’s leading development companies.
“We will hit the ground running with our sales and marketing initiatives to assist developers of apartments, townhouses and house and land packages.
“iBuyNew has nearly 5000 properties for sale throughout Australia and is actively seeking new quality projects to add to our vast selection.”
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iBuyNew doubles sales team as Alex Caraco takes CEO reins

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Seemingly with the backing of mortgage broker John Kolenda, the veteran agents who recently quit the McGrath Estate Agency are set to launch as The Agency.
The website countdown clock has it scheduled to open in<a href="https://theagency.com.au/" target="_blank"> nine days</a>. It advises "change is coming."
The partners in the foray are still unconfirmed but likely to be headlined by the departees who turned against the listed ASX McGrath Estate Agent group last year.
Longtime McGrath agents Matt Lahood, Stephen Chen and Ben Collier have all maintained a low profile since their departures last year. Their departures were preceded by weeks of avoiding any confirmation of any departure decision - and in some cases outright denials of any departure. It is widely assumed they will band together in the new outfit.
There were four estate agents initially tipped last October as taking on the new agency - with richly rewarding commissions - but one of the mooted four remains at McGrath.
Also not all associated team members have made the shift with their decisions fracturing the Edgecliff-based agency that dates back to the 1980s.
The non-descript website - the agency.com.au - is owned by Daring Investments with Paul Niradonne traceable as the contact.
Nirradonne is the chief executive officer at Ausnet Financial Services Ltd.
Daring Investments is directed by John Kolenda. There have been no amendments to ownership or shareholdings of any Daring's ASIC documents since 2015 when he changed his address from his then recently sold $10.2 million Vaucluse home to his current $7.3 million Darling Point address. 
Ausnet have run a little-known real estate practice out of Doubleview, Perth since 2006 called The Agency which offer a range of Ausnet financial services. Ausnet has offered finance broking, real estate services, settlement services, property management, project marketing, insurance and financial planning initially to the Western Australian market with an aim to be rolled out nationally. Ausnet’s target is to have 600 sales representatives nationally. 
A Double Bay agency, that traded at The Agency recently rebranded into the expansionary Stone Property Agency group with Daran Baran and Reece Coleman also changing the name of their operating company on December 17 from The Agency Australia Pty Ltd to SDB Pty Ltd. Their decision which was months in the making was <a href="https://www.stonerealestate.com.au/double-bay/our-office/" target="_blank">the first Stone office east of the harbour</a>.
The rebel agency is tipped to open next month on the strip at Bondi Beach.
Local landlord Eduard Litver declined to comment when approached last week by Property Observer.
Ausnet is backed by the retail finance broker, Finsure Group.
Ausnet is close to listing on the Australian Securities Exchange after Namibian Copper Limited raised $5.8 million in a heavily oversubscribed offer last month.
Ausnet is currently in the process of being acquired via reverse takeover by NCO, an ASXlisted gold, silver and base metals exploration company previously focusing on Namibia, Africa. 
Mr Niardone said via late 2016 press release a key reason for the heavily oversubscribed take-up of the offer was the enterprise value of $5.6 million only took into account the $1.1 billion loan book and not the new real estate business model called “The Agency” or the other business units on the referral platform.
“Our valuation was asset backed, no premium on hype," he advised late last year.
"Unlike our peers, Ausnet has built a proven concept over the past 12 months which has delivered record revenue of A$6.5 million in FY2016, up 37 per cent on the previous year,” he added.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Defecting McGrath agents to launch The Agency

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GUEST OBSERVER
An initiative to provide better customer service and help consumers make more informed decisions will been introduced in NSW this week but will unfairly tarnish reputable businesses.
The NSW Fair Trading Complaints Register which is due to come into operation on Wednesday, 24 August 2016 will provide information about businesses that are the subject of 10 or more complaints to NSW Fair Trading in a calendar month. 
The Complaints Register will list businesses under their public and recognisable ‘trading’ or ‘brand’ name which means that franchises or brand co- operatives will be grouped together instead of as the individual businesses they are. 
As a result, the register will simply be full of franchises and groups who, due to the popularity of their brand and their sheer size, will almost always have 10 consumer complaints per month.
While the Real Estate Industry wholeheartedly supports the concept of a complaints register, we believe the NSW consumer watchdog has poorly executed what is essentially a good idea – a complaints register to “out” poor traders. 
NSW Fair Trading has failed consumers in the creation of this initiative and has missed an opportunity to use data in an effective way for the benefit of consumers. 
REINSW has been engaged in discussing better consumer complaint outcomes with our members and the major brands for some time now. To have this register effectively target the major brands is simply unjust and needs to be remedied urgently. 
Small businesses with exemplary records, operating under franchise or co-operative brands, will be impossible to distinguish from those who have been identified as poor traders given all businesses operating under a brand will be grouped together. 
This false and misleading information could be used to discredit businesses who demonstrate responsible business practices and, in their wake, innocent parties could be disadvantaged including consumers, employees and small business owners. 
NSW Fair Trading has been negligent and reckless to apply a product based system to the service industries of NSW, thereby unfairly discrediting good businesses and, as such, is acting as one of the worst discriminators in NSW. 
The consumer will naturally gravitate to the agent that does not appear on the register due to the misleading information provided by NSW Fair Trading. 
The issue could be simply rectified by providing accurate and helpful information to the consumer by treating businesses as individuals rather than trying to lump large groups under one umbrella.
It is not too late to remedy this issue and REINSW calls on Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Victor Dominello to right this wrong and provide consumers with accurate information and to protect small businesses in NSW who may been tarnished unfairly.
John Cunningham is president, REINSW, and can be contacted <a href="https://www.reinsw.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
 
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Real estate franchises tarnished by flawed complaints register

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The McGrath Ltd chief operating officer Geoff Lucas has quit to take a role at the NSW bread maker and café group, Sonoma.
Lucas announced his resignation to staff yesterday that he intends to pursue the business opportunity after being at the estate agency for almost eight years.
He will start with Sonoma as chief operating officer as Sonoma is on an expansion path.
Lucas retains a 4.3 percent shareholding in the recently listed McGrath Group.
He was previously chief executive at Credit Corp, the financial services sector company.
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Geoff Lucas quits McGrath for bread maker

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Real estate agency New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty (NZSIR) is rolling out a nationwide expansion plan.
The new offices at Waiheke Island and Kerikeri take the total to 15 offices, including new-look offices in Matakana and Blenheim.
There is also a major expansion of its head office in Queenstown launching this month and a new Auckland flagship office in Parnell scheduled for later this year.
An office in Takapuna is due to open in November.
It all comes as the specialist agency celebrates 10 years in business, after co-owners Mark Harris and Julian Brown bought the NZ rights to the prestigious global brand and launched it from Queenstown in 2005.
Back then, Harris and Brown were the only agents for NZSIR.
The duo have facilitated some of NZ’s most high-profile property sales, such as Eagles Nest in the Bay of Islands for over $20 million, Matakauri Lodge in Queenstown and individually hold residential sales records in the Southern Lakes region.
There are now more than 100 licensed NZSIR agents and employees.
NZSIR currently has more than $500m worth of property listed and is on track to complete $750m in sales this financial year. The national average sale price is $1.5 million. 
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Sotheby's New Zealand expands to 15 offices

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There was a recent survey that again ranked real estate agents as less trustworthy than politicians. 
Roy Morgan's annual professionals survey placed real estate agents third-lowest - at 10 percent - among the 30 professions rated, only beating advertisers at 9 percent and car salespeople at 4 percent.
Nurses ranked the highest at 92 percent. Ranking slightly higher in ethics and honesty than estate agents, were trade union leaders on 13 percent and Federal MPs getting 17 percent.
The survey results, which I guess are even starker when considering the electorate backlash at the polls last month, come at a time the the NSW government is conducting a review of training in the property industry.
Indeed Rod Stowe, the NSW Fair Trading commissioner, recently got a report that referred to the Roy Morgan results. The report on training in the New South Wales property services industry, which was chaired by Chris Batt, noted the level of trust in agents was much higher in rural NSW, mainly because of the establishment of longer-term relationships.  
According to his department, there were 6455 complaints about property matters in 2014-15. The mismanagement of trust funds becoming one of the significant issues. 
Better Regulation Minister Victor Dominello has noted NSW has among the lowest entry standards in the country.
There has been ongoing debate on the role of government as the prevailing wisdom is that it not the role of a licensing regime to increase real estate professionalism, although that may be a desirable outcome.
It is the role of a licensing regime to protect the public interest.
The recent report noted submissions invariably began by saying that training standards were too low. 
For some, the issue is about the need for more training before people start, but also about the need to improve the quality of training.
The report to Stowe by review chairman, Chris Batt noted a common complaint was about the difficulty in attracting the right people to enter the industry.
His review explored the attributes that make for good estate agents. 
"The key skill appears to be the ability to gain people’s trust and a capacity for hard work."
But Batt's report noted there is a public perception that "selling real estate is a glamorous industry where people drive expensive cars, wear nice clothes and make lots of money." 
The report suggested the reality was often far different and a better understanding would help to "encourage the right people to enter the industry."
Most stakeholders agreed training courses left an inadequate level of knowledge because they were too short. 
There were also concerns of trainers not having currency in industry experience. 
And as assessments were in a simulated environment they not did reflect the real life environment.
The review noted that supervision out in the workplace was either poor or absent.
It even raised concerns about the literacy and numeracy skills of the aspiring agents.
All this translates into detrimental impacts on consumers with poor selling and appraisal skills, which meant that a vendor did not always get the best price or service. 
One real estate trainer recently suggested the industry’s poor perception had remained low for the past dozen or so years years because many agents had learned bad habits from having the industry teach the industry.
Not enough looking at it from the customer’s point of view, he said, pinpointing scripts and dialogues to outsmart clients in sales, along with "the controversial things in the industry like cold canvassing or vendor contributions." 
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Real estate agents less trustworthy than politicians: survey

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Stockdale &amp; Leggo has got expansionary plans with NSW agents and offices being approached by its chief, Peter Thomas.
It has been a major force in Victorian real estate since 1936.
With its strongest presence by far in Victoria, its 90 offices span the CBD, metropolitan areas and regional centres.  
<img src="/images/2016/07/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-27%20at%2010.53.26%20AM.png" alt="">
Stockdale &amp; Leggo have expanded beyond Victoria, to have offices in New South Wales, Northern Territory and Queensland.
It has recently employed Andrew Lane, as its NSW Franchise and Business Development Manager to further grow into NSW beyond its current Albury and Corowa offices.
Andrew, who went to school in the Albury district, has had over 20 years in the industry with the last seven being in similar corporate roles at Raine &amp; Horne and The Professionals.
"His experience and dedication will ensure Stockdale &amp; Leggo NSW offers not only an alternative when thinking about your future, but ensures it becomes your number one choice," Peter Thomas said.
"We’re constantly on the hunt for eager, ambitious operators keen to succeed alongside us," he said.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Stockdale and Leggo want NSW offices

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GUEST OBSERVER
An overhaul of education and training standards for the real estate profession must take place to help prevent illegal activities.
Trust account fraud, misleading and deceptive conduct, underquoting and a lack of knowledge about property and the laws relating to its transaction are simply unacceptable behaviours.
On the surface real estate sales and management appear to be very simple, however it is in reality a very complex and multilayered process that requires a high level of knowledge and diverse skills to carry it out in a professional manner.
Most people would expect that an agent has been properly trained and has the required qualifications to fulfil their obligations. The sad truth is that for the past 10 years the education standards delivery especially in NSW have been watered down and in the interest of increased competition abused by many course providers that are allowed to continue operating.
It actually requires more training to become a barista than a real estate agent.
You would expect an agent to understand how the property they are dealing with was built; its age; what the zoning is; if there are any easements, building or height restrictions; and what special conditions are in the contract, to name just a few issues.
Professional agents can answer all of these questions, but not every agent will be able to because of the low level of training in the industry.
The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales has been fighting for the past 10 years for better training and qualifications, and government cannot ignore the issue any longer.
Inadequate real estate agent training needs to be addressed to achieve better consumer experiences and outcomes. Both the NSW Government and NSW Fair Trading must act on our recommendations for reform.
Professional agents and consumers demand it, and now is the time to deliver it. 
John Cunningham is president of the REINSW and can be contacted <a href="https://www.reinsw.com.au/imis15_prod/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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