The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Renovation

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Darwin’s northern suburbs have always been a hotspot for the mum-and-dad investors and first home buyers, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
But the HTW report suggests this market segment has felt the effects of the market contraction in terms of both sales volume and value over the past two years.
HTW noted towards the end of 2014, the market segment was difficult to penetrate with strong competition driving prices well above achievable and sustainable levels, particularly for first home buyers who were competing with investors looking to capitalise on strong yields.
"We consider at this point in time, this particular market segment has probably reached around five or six o’clock on the property cycle clock which says values have bottomed out and activity remains subdued – a holding pattern if you like,"  the valuation firm said. 
"With this, opportunities to enter this market begin to open up at much more affordable prices."
Currently the Northern Territory government is offering a first home owner discount, which is a full stamp duty concession on the initial $500,000 value of the home, resulting in savings of just under $24,000.
Also on offer is a home renovation grant of up to $10,000 on an established home. These are significant savings and provide a home owner the opportunity to add value by completing renovation and upgrade works to their property.
"In recent times, we have seen a significant number of ex Housing Commission dwellings hit the market, as the government looks to turn over stock," HTW said.
"There is no question that these are the most basic of structures with few quality fixtures and fittings, however, like most of the northern suburbs, they were well constructed on solid foundations."
It’s with this type of property that good opportunities exist for first home buyers – purchase an entry level dwelling in a subdued market and take full advantage of the grants on offer from the Northern Territory government to improve your property and add value.
Renovations can be expensive and it’s certainly a fine line between the cost versus value relationship of any works completed.
"The advantage in this space, and where you strengthen your margins, is completing as much of the work yourself – obviously utilising trades where compliance is required.
"If you’re smart about the type of works you complete and the standard to which they are completed, there are real possibilities to increase the overall appeal and value of your property.
"Given our climate and lifestyle in the top end, provision of outdoor living space is essential.
"Verandah and balcony extensions tend to be popular additions in both elevated and ground level dwellings and can in some instances double as covered car accommodation.
These types of improvements are typically lacking in the entry level product and can really improve the utility and functionality of a dwelling by incorporating indoor and outdoor living, it said.
Swimming pools also feature as common upgrades on town blocks, whilst granny flats and sheds tend to dominate the rural residential areas.
These types of construction can come at some significant costs, however in a rural residential market where owners will typically have motorbikes, boats and trailers, good shedding is considered important and does increase the overall marketability of a property.
"Quite often, sheds are fitted out to a habitable standard and may or may not be certified for living. In the instance where elderly parents or teenagers may require detached secondary accommodation, converted sheds can provide this to a reasonably good standard whilst minimising costs compared to rendered block constructions.
"Regardless of the type of renovation or addition to a dwelling either in the rural or town areas, what is apparent is that without such improvements being made to a property, there is limited scope for capital appreciation of the asset.
"To simply rely on upswings in the market to see an increase in value is not likely to yield you anything in the medium term and owners should consider very carefully what type of renovation or addition will provide the most bang for their buck."
An example was a two bedroom Marrara unit which has been sold for $300,000 (pictured above).
Located at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-nt-marrara-129325230" target="_blank"> 5/5 Dornoch Court,</a> the recent renovated unit comes with two bedrooms, separate lounge and dining areas, rear courtyard and side access. 
It is close to Marrara shopping centre and airport.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/11/1/jingili.jpg" alt="">
Another renovated house in Jingili has been recently sold for $425,000 (pictured above).
Set on a 821 square metre allotment, the house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nt-jingili-129327082" target="_blank">15 Winton Street</a> features three spaicous bedrooms, open plan living, and extensive verandah.
It located only five minutes from the Darwin International Airport.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Improvements lacking in entry level Darwin property: HTW

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The Sunshine Coast has seen an increase in the gentrification of established suburbs, particularly coastal and beachside localities where the availability of vacant land for new builds is scarce, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
Therefore the opportunity to renovate and cash in on the current demand for these areas is seen as a viable alternative, the valuation firm advised.
The report suggests the main driver of gentrification within these older areas is the location close to amenities and the beach. 
The Sunshine Coast also has some large infrastructure projects which are attracting a significant number of people.
A major attraction to the established areas within the central Sunshine Coast is the prospect of the new CBD which is currently under construction.
Moving further north, the areas of Mount Coolum, Yaroomba and Coolum Beach are seeing increased demand with access to the new international airport being a major draw card.
Up north in the Noosa region, the areas in Sunrise Beach, Sunshine Beach and old Tewantin near the river and town centre and also Noosa Junction are seeing a significant number of renovations and re-builds, once again, location close to shops, cafes and beach or river being the biggest attraction.
The southern areas of the coast have already seen and will continue to see the benefit from the medical precinct and Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
"The majority of renovations are being completed by owner occupiers," the report noted.
"Typically they are looking to stay in their current location which may be close to schools or the beach and they want to create their dream home."
The report noted the added benefit is that over the past 12 months, well-presented properties with good quality renovations have attracted a premium as purchasers are seeking properties that require no work to be done.
However these properties have mostly been along the coastal strip where demand outweighs supply. One example in Peregian Beach was a property purchased for around $580,000 in original condition. The purchasers completed a full renovation and this property recently sold for just over $900,000.
"Renovations have typically been restricted mainly to housing but we have started to see renovations being completed on older walk up style unit complexes," the valuation firm noted. 
"The risk with these renovations is that if the body corporate is not in a position to do works to the exterior of the building, this may detract from the internal renovation and therefore may not achieve the desired result.
The typical entry price point for these types of properties along the coast ranges from $550,000 to $750,000 however, the entry price point within the northern suburbs of Sunshine Beach and Noosa Heads is typically $900,000 and $1.1 million for properties that require extensive renovations.
"The demand for this market is expected to continue with proximity to the beach being top of mind given the coast life style," it advised
A recent sale was a three bedroom Tewantin home which was traded for $672,000 (pictured above).
Situated at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-tewantin-129388826" target="_blank"> 36 Butler Street</a>, the circa 1956 home comes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, separate living areas, and large kitchen.
The existing home could be renovated or to build a second property alongside. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/26/burderim.jpg" alt="">
Another example was a renovated four bedroom Buderim home which has been sold for $660,000 (pictured above).
Situated at 21 Jingellic Drive, the renovation of the house include two bathrooms with a total cost of $80,000, free standing timber vanities and LED lit niches.
The rest of the home internally remains in a near original condition. 
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Sunshine Coast suburbs' gentrification leading to renovation demand: HTW 

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A sweeping trend across Sydney's inner east suburbs is the sale of dilapidated terraces.
In need of full renovations of at least a couple of hundred thousand dollars, the homes are still fetching $1.5 million plus.
The latest to hit the market is a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-surry+hills-126699394" target="_blank">terrace on Reservoir Street</a> that hasn't traded in over three decades.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/26/a4930537c84b4352b704d18f3431528f.jpg" alt="">
Last sold for $85,000 in 1985, the three level terrace isn't completely run down.
A transformation had begun but was never finished, so there are newer elements to the attic and staircase.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/26/f7958a499942486cbfd1dfd39d70bb13.jpg" alt="">
BresicWhitney Darlinghurst agents Lincoln Westerman and William Phillips have set a buyers guide of $1.5 million for its November 18 auction.
Last month another Surry Hills terrace, in a state of almost disrepair with missing ceilings, sold for $1.6 million in five days.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Another dilapidated Surry Hills terrace hits the market for $1.5 million

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GUEST OBSERVATION
On average, renovating a home generates far more waste than building a new one from scratch.
This waste goes straight to landfill, damaging the environment. It also hurts your budget: first you have to pay for demolition, then the new materials, and then disposal of leftover building products.
By keeping waste in mind from the start and following some simple guidelines, you can reduce the waste created by your home renovation.
1. It starts with the design
Waste is often treated as inevitable, factored into a building budget with no serious attempt to reduce it.
By raising the issue early with your architect, designer or builder, they can make decisions at the design stage that reduce waste later. Often the designers and architects don’t see their decisions contributing to waste – or rather, they don’t really think about it.
During my research on reducing construction waste, I asked one architect what he thought happens to the waste generated. He laughed with a glint in his eyes and said, “I think it disappears into pixie dust!”
One simple early decision that dramatically reduces waste is designing with material sizes in mind. If you have a ceiling height that does not match the plasterboard sheet, you end up with a tiny little strip that has to be cut out of a full sheet. In the case of bricks, not matching the ceiling height is even more wasteful.
Obviously not all materials will work together at their standard sizes (and you need to fit your renovation to the existing house). But sensitive design can make intelligent trade-offs, reducing overall waste.
When I asked architects why they don’t design zero-waste buildings more often, they said clients don’t ask for it. Make it part of your brief, and ask the architect how they can save money by using the materials efficiently.
2. Get your builder involved early
If you’re using an architect for your renovation, it’s common to have very little collaboration between them and the builder. Any errors or issues are usually spotted after construction has begun, requiring expensive and wasteful rework.
Instead, ask your architect and builder to collaborate on a waste management plan. Such integrated approaches have worked well in Australia and the United States.
This means clients, engineers and builders are collaborating, rather than taking adversarial roles. For such contracts to work, it’s important to involve all parties early in the project, and to encourage cooperation.
The briefing stage is an opportunity for architects, quantity surveyors and builders to work together to identify a waste minimisation target.
3. Whatever you do, don’t change your mind
One the biggest contributions to waste on sites is late design changes. Client-led design changes are identified in all literature as having far-reaching implications on waste.
These are mostly due to owners changing their mind once something is built. Reworking any part of a building due to design changes can account for as much as 50% of the cost overrun, as well as causing delays and generating waste.
The early work with your design and construction team outlined in the first steps gives you the chance to make sure you’re committed to your original design. Skimping in the planning stage can end up costing you far more in the long run.
4. Deconstruction, not demolition
Ask your builder not to demolish the building, but to deconstruct it. Deconstruction means taking a building apart and recovering materials for recycling and reuse. This provides opportunities for sorting materials on site.
Salvaged materials can be resold to the community or reused in the renovations. It greatly reduces the tip fees which are usually higher for mixed waste (typical from demolition process) and lower for sorted waste.
Of course this takes more time and has an additional cost. Therefore you do have to balance the cost of deconstruction against the savings.
Denmark, which recycles 86% of its construction waste, has made it mandatory for all government buildings to undergo selective demolition and sorting of construction waste. A good place to start in Australia is your state environment department, which may have guidelines on what is involved.
5. Choose materials carefully
Good-quality materials last longer, reducing maintenance later. Choosing manufacturers that use minimal packaging also reduces waste (be careful here to check the difference between “minimal” and “inadequate” packaging, as the latter can mean your material breaks).
Reusing materials from your renovation may also be an option (you will need to discuss this with architect and builder at the beginning of the project). Finally, using materials with recycled content is a great option, and boosts our recycling industry.
In March 2017 the Housing Industry Association released data suggesting the Australian residential building industry will increasingly become more dependent on renovation work rather than new construction,
If you’re renovating your home, making efficiency and low waste a priority helps cut costs and reduce landfill.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/103942/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
Deepika Mathur, Researcher in sustainable architecture, Charles Darwin University
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/five-ways-to-reduce-waste-and-save-money-on-your-home-renovation-103942" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Five ways to save money and reduce waste on your home renovation

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Sydney has been a hot spot for renovators over the past several years which is largely due to high demand levels, low interest rates and record capital growth in underlying value levels, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
"While we have seen this renovation trend booming across most property types and locations throughout Sydney, we are now starting to see some property types, price points and locations reacting differently to the changing markets and property cycle," HTW suggested. 
It appears that renovation and construction have been on the rise over the past year or two within inner Sydney. Generally additions or extensive renovations are more popular on the inner eastern side of town (Darlinghurst, Paddington, Surry Hills), often with significant architectural prowess.
"As inner Sydney is an expensive area, renovations or additions would be more appealing to some than the costs and hassle of moving," the report suggested. 
On the inner western side of town, whilst renovations and additions are still common around the very inner areas (Newtown, Camperdown, Glebe, Chippendale) as you get further out to Leichhardt, Lilyfield and Strathfield, knockdown and rebuilds are more common due to larger blocks, fewer heritage restrictions and better accessibility (from a materials perspective).
HTW noted that Darlinghurst has seen quite a few well renovated homes sell recently. Darlinghurst neighbours the superior suburbs of Paddington to the east and Potts Point to the north, with inferior Woolloomooloo to the north-west and slightly inferior Surry Hills to the south.
A recent example of a well renovated home is<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/4-thomson-st-darlinghurst-nsw-2010" target="_blank"> 4 Thomson Street, Darlinghurst</a> (pictured below) which sold in original condition for $1.4 million in July 2015 and after being fully renovated, sold again for more than double in June 2018 for $2.9 million. While this represents a very strong increase, it needs to be noted that this time period also had the benefit of record capital growth regardless of renovations.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/2/darlinghurst%20before.jpg" alt="">
 4 Thomson Street, Darlinghurst (before)
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/2/darlinghurt%20after.jpg" alt="">
 4 Thomson Street, Darlinghurst (after)
In the inner city, some of the easiest ways to add value would be to utilise rear lane access for parking or add an attic level bedroom or en-suite. Wide terraces or detached dwellings (where available) are preferred. Given that these areas are quite expensive, a typical buy-in price point could be something similar to<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-terrace-nsw-darlinghurst-127936406" target="_blank"> 43 Craigend Street, Darlinghurst </a>(pictured below)<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-terrace-nsw-darlinghurst-127936406" target="_blank"> </a>which sold for $1.85 million in May 2018.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/2/43%20craigend%20st%201.jpg" alt="">
This is an original terrace in close proximity to a busy road. Many areas of inner city Sydney are heritage conservation precincts, meaning that the façade is not able to be altered and most additions are required to be unobtrusive.
Some of the suburban community facilities and infrastructure helping drive construction in these established areas include the light rail construction in the CBD/Surry Hills, gentrification of Kings Cross and surrounding areas and proximity to the CBD which generally facilitates good work and family life balance.
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Inner Sydney renovations on the rise: HTW

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Within the regional city of Lismore and the surrounding established rural townships of Kyogle and Casino, there is no one definitive area that is suitable for renovation or major renewal.
Opportunities can exist throughout the area, providing the cost/benefit analysis is worth the investment, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report.
"That being said, it’s been noted over the past ten years that a certain heritage influenced suburb in Lismore City has provided good examples of renovating for added value," the HTW valuer said.
The suburb of Girards Hill holds a unique standing within Lismore City as it is primarily the favourite haunt of prospective purchasers looking for the heritage factor, the report said.
"Not only is it within close proximity of Lismore CBD (under one kilometre), the plethora of tired, older style homes over the years has benefited from the elbow grease of the various tradespersons and painter’s brush and roller to provide fully renovated, timber clad character homes by simply enhancing those typical features of the pre-war homestead or Federation style residence (such as high timber lined ceilings and walls, polished timber floors, timber fret work, ornate plaster and pressed metal ceilings, picture rails and, if fortunate enough to have, lead light windows.
"It is also important that the process of renovating the kitchen and bathrooms is in keeping with the overall ambience of the house.
"For example, a free standing, claw foot bath/shower is a key identifier."
Most of the work is generally carried out for the benefit of the owner-occupier, it noted.
Typically, unrenovated two and three-bedroom timber homes in Girards Hill would be attracting prices from $250,000 to $350,000 whilst the extensively renovated homes could reach the heights of $500,000 to $600,000 depending on land, dwelling size and position (flood free sites especially). Better quality renovations can be of a very high and appealing standard.
"A key point to remember in this particular suburb is to adhere to the Heritage Conservation rules for the local area," the valuer suggested. 
This is there for a reason and is generally accepted by home owners who have a liking for the heritage features and like these to be protected.
In other suburbs, the trend for the majority of renovation works are carried out for the benefit of the owner-occupier with any thought of potential capital gain a secondary consideration to the immediate enjoyment of the property upon its completion.
"Yes...there are renovation projects available for investors throughout Lismore City, Casino and Kyogle.
"However, most of these are heavily dependent upon securing property which is needing some TLC and having a realistic repair or renovation budget in mind. A lot of these rub and buff projects are taken on with a view to buy and hold and increase the rental return...hopefully." the valuer said.
"The notion of house flippers operating in Lismore, Casino and Kyogle is generally limited as any potential gain is unlikely to be overly significant in such a short time frame, unless of course a real bargain can be snapped up, and only the most savvy and equipped investors would capture those well before the general public hears about them.
"Looking into the future, how will this method of property investment and owner occupier acquisition play out? Well.... a dog house is always a prospective palace in the eyes of its owner. The opportunities are there, you just need to sniff them out."
An example was a Girard Hill renovated three-bedroom house which was sold at $405,000 in July (pictured above).
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-girards+hill-128063898" target="_blank">Situated at 3 Showview Street</a>, it comes with three bedrooms, new kitchen and bathroom areas, open plan lounge room and rear deck with views.
It is close to Wyrallah Road shopping centre, golf club and primary and secondary schools.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/8/casino.jpg" alt="">
A current listing is a Casino recent renovated home with the price of $265,000 (pictured above).
Set on 829 square metres, the three-bedroom house situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-casino-128972474" target="_blank">18 Adam Street</a> features new floor covering, fresh painting in all rooms, modern renovated bathroom and European style laundry. 
The home is located within walking distance to Casino CBD, sporting fields and public transport is just around the corner.
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Renovation opportunities exist throughout Lismore, Kyogle and Casino: HTW

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Home owners are always on the lookout for ways to increase the value of their homes, and 2018 has been a big one for the renovation industry, says a new survey.
According to the annual Houzz &amp; Home Australia survey 57% of home owners on the platform are planning to renovate their home.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/4/renovation%201.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge:</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/4/renovation%201.jpg" alt="">
In 2017, over 50% of home owners renovated their homes at a median spend of $25,000.
Repeat home buyers invested the most in home renovations at a median spend of $30,000.
More than a quarter of renovating home owners tackling kitchens (26%), the top target for interior renovation, with a median spend of $20,000 for a large kitchen (more than 10 square metres).
Living/family rooms, bedrooms, master bathrooms and laundries (24, 18, 18 and 17% respectively) followed on the priority list.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/4/renovation%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge:</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/4/renovation%202.jpg" alt="">
Houzz principal economist Nino Sitchinava said the survey results were a strong signal for the industry.
"All of the evidence from our research points to 2018 likely being another robust year for the home improvement industry,” says Sitchinava.
“Recent buyers and long-term homeowners alike are keen on investing in major projects like kitchens and bathrooms and they’re validated by the value these projects have brought to their homes."
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/4/renovation%203.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge:</a> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/4/renovation%203.jpg" alt="">
The report’s other conclusions include:
<ul>
<li>More Deliberate Planning and Budgeting: Over the past two years, homeowners have become more deliberate in planning and budgeting for renovations and were seven percent more likely to set a budget in 2017 than in 2015 (74 and 67%, respectively).</li>
<li>Plumbing and Electrical Top System Upgrades: Homeowners prioritised plumbing and electrical over any other system during renovations (32 and 31%, respectively). First-time home buyers are twice as likely to upgrade electrical systems during renovations as long-term homeowners (52 versus 25%, respectively).</li>
<li>Home Professionals in High Demand: Over nine in 10 renovating homeowners chose to hire a home professional for renovation needs (92%). Repeat home buyers are the most likely to seek professional assistance (94%), followed by long-term homeowners and first-time home buyers 89 and 88%, respectively). </li>
</ul>
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Home owners continue to look for renovation benefits

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The last winners of the Block series, model Elyse Knowles and her boyfriend Josh Barker, are taking their time on their latest renovation project.
They have spent $1.35 million on an 1880s Albert Park terrace (pictured above) - but have yet to lodge any development application on the home that had previously sold in 1978 for $34,000.
It is on the same block as where the 2014 series took place.
The couple were clear winners of last year's series in Elsternwick when selling the 1920s farmhouse for $3.07 million to the Melbourne comedian Dave Hughes. Winning them $547,000, it was the highest price ever seen on The Block since its 2003 inception at Bondi Beach.
Their own interrupted Coburg Californian bungalow transformation secured a windfall $1.63 million sale after paying $600,000 in 2014.
It was advertised as "the home of a master craftsman and an interior designer".
But Elyse's fashion modelling career is taking off as she makes her runway debut for Myer on August 23 in Sydney alongside Jennifer Hawkins and other Myer faces such as Rachael Finch, Kris Smith and former AFL player Josh Gibson.
This article first appeared in The Sunday Telegraph
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Block winners Josh and Elyse spend $1.35 million in Albert Park

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Novotel Geelong is undergoing a $3.5 million dollar renovation, which will see all 109 rooms in the four star hotel upgraded.
ErdiGroup built the Novotel Geelong and opened the property in 2001. 
The Eastern Beach hotel is located in the heart of the Geelong waterfront.
ErdiGroup Chief Executive Ricky Jeffs said the upgrade was needed to maintain Novotel’s position as ‘the best hotel in Geelong.’
“We need to continue to have a product that our guests return to and one that our new guests are keen to discover,” he said.
The multi-million dollar upgrade is being staged, with one floor with 22 rooms completed to date.
The refurbishment is scheduled to be completed in October, 2018.
Harris HMC has been appointed as construction partner, with Elsie + Betty Design responsible for the refreshed layout.
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Novotel Geelong gets $3.5 million revamp

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AMP Capital has received Stage 2 Development Application (DA) approval to refurbish Sydney’s first skyscraper, 33 Alfred Street, Circular Quay, from the City of Sydney.
Built in 1962, 33 Alfred Street has local heritage listing and is an iconic part of Sydney’s harbour skyline.  
The work, which is due to start in 2021, will include refreshing the building’s façade as well as modernising its services and interior while maintaining its heritage characteristics and reinstating lost building features. 
Once complete, the building will be premium grade, with improved environmental performance. The Alfred Street building is targeting a 5 Star NABERS rating and a 5 Star Green Star v3 rating.
AMP Capital real estate chief operating officer Louise Mason spoke on the redevelopment approval.
“We are delighted to have received approval for the redevelopment of 33 Alfred Street from the City of Sydney, who we have consulted with on this project for more than two years.  After 55 years, it’s time to upgrade the building and give it new life for many more decades of service. 
“This work will make 33 Alfred Street one of Sydney’s most highly sought-after, premium-grade office buildings.  However, it will still be recognisable as one of the most loved and distinctive buildings at Circular Quay, the gateway to Sydney.” 
AMP Capital has been advised by architect JPW.  33 Alfred Street is jointly owned by investors in the AMP Capital Diversified Property Fund and the AMP Capital Wholesale Office Fund.
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