Nature Based Cities (NBC), the not-for-profit organisation focused on improving biodiversity and nature outcomes in urban development, has launched its latest industry design guidelines and accreditation framework, this time targeting precinct-scale residential communities.

The move extends NBC’s influence beyond its initial focus on medium and high-density residential developments. Several projects have already achieved NBC accreditation since the launch of its Medium &amp; High-Density Residential Guidelines in early 2025.

The expansion into masterplanned communities and new residential precincts reflects the growing need for stronger nature-positive benchmarks as Australia’s outer suburban growth corridors continue to expand at pace.

Paul Hameister OAM, NBC Founder and the Executive Chairman of Melbourne developer Hamton who itself leans heavily into nature and biodiversity in its developments, says the&nbsp;nature-first approach to mitigate the effects of climate change has become standard in other parts of the world such as the UK, but Australia is lagging.&nbsp;Australia’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) rating tools have no minimum mandatory requirements for living landscapes.

“We’ve always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren’t there,” Hameister says. “In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that’s concrete and glass with not a blade of grass. 
 
“The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn’t been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities.”

He says that having now&nbsp;made good progress in supporting developers of medium and high-density residential projects, NBC is now looking to bolster better nature-based decision-making and recognise developers of greenfield projects in the outer ring and large inner-ring brownfield precincts, who want to champion nature and living landscape as a defining feature.

Since 2022, the not-for-profit has sought to remove the roadblocks preventing developers from incorporating nature and living landscapes into their projects, shifting the conversation from the reduction of emissions and grey infrastructure, toward recognising nature as an essential infrastructure.

The New Communities Design Guidelines and Scorecard arm developers with the tools needed to deliver a nature positive outcome for their new communities. Intended to be adopted at the outset of the planning process, the guidelines are designed to help create communities that are cooler, healthier and more resilient while also enhancing social wellbeing and long-term economic value.&nbsp;

New Communities developers seeking accreditation will be independently assessed across a range of key criteria including ecology, tree canopy, biodiversity, and walkability. Once the masterplan is complete and submitted for approval, the scorecard is formalised based on proposed outcomes. Projects that meet the NBC criteria will receive either Commended or Exemplary accreditation outcomes, creating a clear benchmark for nature-positive new communities in Australia.&nbsp;

Janis Fischer, Director at Tract and NBC Advisory Council member, said the development of new communities in our suburbs can have a substantial impact on nature and biodiversity.

"By incorporating nature-based design principles at the inception of a project, developers and their design teams can achieve nature positive outcomes that are good for both people and the planet.’’&nbsp;

NBC accredited New Community projects will gain access to NBC branding and marketing tools to help communicate their nature-based credentials to purchasers and the broader market.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Nature Based Cities: A new Australian benchmark for developing nature-positive new communities

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<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/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

Abadeen has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for one of Mosman's largest apartment developments in recent years, seeking approval to transform the former Honeysuckle Garden and Midas site on Military Road into a 100-apartment mixed-use development.

The SSDA, lodged with investment partner Phoenix Property Investors, proposes around $230 million worth of new housing on the prominent <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/494-516-military-road-mosman-nsw-2088">494-516 Military Road</a> site.

The proposal comes as Mosman Council continues to progress its recently endorsed Masterplan, which identifies the precinct for increased housing density while maintaining the suburb's established character.

Designed by DKO Architecture, the development would comprise 100 apartments above ground-floor retail, with a rooftop wellness precinct including a gym, sauna, entertaining areas and landscaped communal spaces.

Rather than pushing to the full 12-storey height identified in Council's Masterplan, the proposal ranges between five and nine storeys, stepping down towards Hale Road. A tenth level would accommodate resident amenities rather than additional apartments.

The project has been designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and young professionals through to families and local downsizers looking to remain on the Lower North Shore.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dada03f-5b4c-43ba-ba62-2868add31440" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.57.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7LBy0B.Jo8_iWAFJsClcV7Q3UnXrv49r" />

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock.

"The apartments have been designed as genuine long-term homes, with efficient floorplans that maximise usable living areas, generous storage, natural light and strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces," Brown says."

"We've focused on creating homes for a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and growing families through to downsizers who want to remain in Mosman."

The rooftop wellness offering forms a key part of the proposal, with residents set to have access to a gym, sauna, outdoor entertaining spaces, communal dining areas, landscaped gardens and a multi-use recreation court overlooking Sydney Harbour.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d37c2d6b-583a-4a0f-b7a9-9f46b893d2f4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.58.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=FPoa5FCm2RtzjhAh2w5FTWJbV6GHfY8D" />

DKO drew heavily on the site's natural and cultural history, undertaking a Connecting with Country process with local Aboriginal Elders to inform the architectural and landscape design.

Senior Associate Matthew Ritchard said the design sought to create a building that responded to both the site's landscape and its cultural significance.

"The architectural language of the project is a deep expression of Connecting with Country, where the materiality and colour palette serve as a bridge between the site's geological history and its future as a residential sanctuary."

The proposal also retains the site's established blue gum tree as the centrepiece of the communal landscaped gardens, while introducing activated retail fronting Military Road to strengthen the connection between Mosman and Cremorne villages.

If approved, the project would deliver 100 new homes within walking distance of shops, public transport, schools and local amenities, adding to the limited pipeline of new apartments on the Lower North Shore.

<h2>Project Snapshot</h2>

Project: Honeysuckle Garden Redevelopment

Address: 494-516 Military Road, Mosman

Developer: Abadeen and Phoenix Property Investors

Architect: DKO Architecture

Lead Architect: Matthew Ritchard

Value: $230 million

Residences: 100 apartments

Key features:

<ul>
	<li>
	Ground-floor retail
	</li>
	<li>
	Rooftop wellness precinct
	</li>
	<li>
	Gym and sauna
	</li>
	<li>
	Outdoor entertaining and BBQ areas
	</li>
	<li>
	Landscaped communal gardens
	</li>
	<li>
	Multi-use recreation court
	</li>
	<li>
	Retained mature blue gum tree
	</li>
	<li>
	Connecting with Country design process
	</li>
	<li>
	Harbour, CBD and Balmoral views from upper-level apartments
	</li>
</ul>

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock

First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman

Residential Land

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Wallan offers the cheapest newly released residential land at a median of $248 per square metre, the latest Domain Group data shows.
Craigieburn had the most number of land sales over the December quarter.
Doreen in Melbourne's north-east recorded the strongest annual growth for land prices at 18.5 per cent.
The median price for land in Pakenham also jumped 17.3 per cent over the year.
Some western suburbs had weaker values and growth because there was more land, Domain Group chief economist Andrew Wilson noted.
 
<div class="moveable_w" data-element-id="table_52173693" data-object-id="6195c47d-1d30-44a7-96be-c9788ba8702d" data-object-type="chart">
<div id="table_52173693" class="moveable chart ig-theme-group-chart">
<div id="igc-subtable-52173693" class="igc-chart inner">
<div class="igc-table-container">
<table id="Chart_52173693" class="igc-table __dynamic __visible">
<colgroup>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
</colgroup>
<thead><tr>
<th class="igc-table-header igicon-sort " data-column="0">Suburb</th>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-dynamic-column igicon-sort" data-column="1">Median</th>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-dynamic-column igicon-sort" data-column="2">1-year growth</th>
<th class="igc-table-header igc-table-dynamic-column igicon-sort" data-column="3">Median price per m2</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody class="igc-table-body">
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Wallan</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$165,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">15.8%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$248</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Bacchus Marsh</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$189,500</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">18.4%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$284</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Sunbury</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$235,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">7.8%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$319</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Brookfield</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$154,990</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">3.3%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$326</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Melton South</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$147,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">1.4%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$335</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Melton West</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$157,500</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">7.1%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$354</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Wyndham Vale</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$180,950</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">-0.8%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$423</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Pakenham</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$230,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">17.3%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$434</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Mickleham</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$217,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">6.9%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$480</td>
</tr>
<tr class="igc-table-row">
<td class="igc-table-cell">Doreen</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$237,000</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">18.5%</td>
<td class="igc-table-cell">$521</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="moveable_w" data-element-id="particle_26a606cf-90d8-4463-bcab-701415e238eb" data-object-id="26a606cf-90d8-4463-bcab-701415e238eb" data-object-type="particle">
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<div class="bodytext">
<div class="innertext" data-placeholder="">Source: Domain Group</div>
<div class="innertext" data-placeholder=""> </div>
<div class="innertext" data-placeholder="">A large 11,350 sqm of land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-doreen-201725862" target="_blank">79D Cookes Road</a>, Doreen (above) has been recently listed for sale.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Similarly a commercial land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-wallan-201711450" target="_blank">19 High Street</a>, Wallan (below) has been listed for sale.
<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/2017/02/20/19%20High%20Street.jpg" alt="">
A residential block at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-residential+land-vic-wallan-200516515" target="_blank">22 Moondara Terrace</a>, Wallan (below) was recently sold for $151,000.
<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/2017/02/20/22%20Moondara%20Terrace.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a residential land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-residential+land-vic-doreen-201628138" target="_blank">59 Woorawa Drive</a>, Doreen (below) was recently sold for $246,000.
<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/2017/02/20/59%20Woorawa%20Drive.jpg" alt="">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Wallan ranks as Melbourne's cheapest land release suburb

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The Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen has plans for a holiday home after his recent $295,000 purchase of a block of land at Bawley Point on the NSW south coast.
Bowen bought the 730 sq m building block with wife Rebecca Mifsud, an industrial relations executive at Toll Holdings.
It had been for sale since listed in 2013 at $375,000.
Located on the Bawley headland, the block is only minutes walk from both Bawley and Cormorant beaches.
"The headland area is complimented by luxurious homes in prime positions and vacant building blocks are now almost non existent," selling agent Darryl Leslight at Ray White Surfside Properties said.
Before the luxury set in, Bawley Point made its reputation as popular with the left-thinking Canberra set, highlighted in 1986 when journalists Gregory Hywood and Kate Legge, and Heather Ewart and Barry Cassidy paid $105,000 for their jointly owned coastal retreat, which is about three-and-a-half hours' drive from Sydney and two-and-a-half hours' drive from Canberra.
Only last summer the coastal New South Wales location was the setting of Bill Shorten’s family Christmas holiday - and where he crystallised the steps that almost saw the Opposition Leader take government six months later. It was where he decided he needed to start his days with an early morning run to loose weight.
The Bowen’s live in his McMahon electorate in Smithfield, in Sydney’s west, where they rebuilt after paying $470,000 in 2003.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen buys land in Bawley Point

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The power of The Block seems to be spreading in Port Melbourne, as a small vacant parcel has sold for just over $2 million, setting a suburb record in the process.
The 304 sqm block at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-port+melbourne-123235006" target="_blank">186 Dow Street</a> fetched $2.055 million at auction after having high $1 million price hopes.
On the market for the first time in 112 years, sale represented a $7,000 per sqm record for Port Melbourne.
It was sold by Frank Callaghan and Craig Corby at Frank Gordon - Port Melbourne.
The parcel used to have a family home, but the property was demolished in the 1980s.
Developers "jaws dropped", according to Frank, as owner-occupier bidders took control.
It's just three blocks from the foreshore, adding to its value.
Developers will have to act fast if they want to build from scratch. 
Frank said there were only two empty blocks he knew of in Port Melbourne, which made the Dow Street space particularly rare.
“What was really interesting is that we sent a number of emails, in the thousands, and we have databases for builders that have been bidding on other properties that we had, that we have sold over the past couple of years, to be demolished or where they could seek a permit.
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Land parcel sets suburb record in Port Melbourne

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Planning delays are costing Queenslanders an additional $36,800 on the price of a new home, according to new research from the Property Council of Australia.
At the same time, the cost per square metre of new greenfield land has gone up even though the lot sizes have shrunk. 
The study by Urbis, on behalf of the Property Council, calculates the cost for homebuyers due to delays in the assessing greenfield sites in Queensland. 
“Assessment delays have a significant impact on housing affordability,” Property Council Queensland executive director Chris Mountford said. 
“For every month that a project is held-up, the developer has to pay more land tax, more council rates, more holding costs and more interest on their loans – adding thousands to the end product.” 
“For each year of approval delay the cost per residential lot increases by $6,450.” 
If a Queensland development is fast-tracked by the state government it is likely to take nearly four years to achieve approval. Left to a local government process, the approval would usually take twice as long, according to the study.
“The research shows that if Queensland developments could be rezoned within the same two-year timeframe that we see in Melbourne, the lot price would be reduced by $36,800,” Mountford said.
“Even if we could improve our local government approval processes to be as quick as the State Government processes, we could achieve a saving of $21,153 per lot.”
On a 30-year mortgage, this translates to about $40,000 savings.
“That’s a real saving for homebuyers and an efficiency gain for the Queensland economy."
Put together, planning delays across Queensland for residential lot sales could be more than $300 million per annum, said Mountford.
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Even the proportion of lot sizes and costs have risen. From 2009 to 2015, the average lot size in South East Queensland reduced from 591 sqm to 515 sqm. Meanwhile, the price of an average lot in the same period has gone up to $236,000 from $227,000. 
“With sizes decreasing and prices increasing over the last six years we have effectively seen a 27 percent increase in the cost of greenfield lots,” Mountford said.
The report suggests the Queensland government review approaches to greenfield approval and tackle planning delays. 
“It is vitally important that the state government’s ongoing South East Queensland Regional Plan review results in a new plan that gets the settings right to facilitate the speedy delivery of greenfield land.”
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Planning delays costing new homebuyers in Queensland: PCA 

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The home builder Sekisui House has finalised its acquisition of an 8.1-hectare site in Baulkham Hills in Sydney's northwest for $210 million. 
Sekisui bought the land from property developer Tony Merhi.
It intends to develop it into a masterplanned mixed-use residential community with 1300 apartments. 
Apartment building heights are being considered by the NSW Department of Planning for the site at 47 Spurway Drive.
It is close to the Norwest Business Park and the Castle Hill Country Club.
Toru Abe, the Sekisui House Australia managing director, described it as an "exceptional development" opportunity.
"As the construction of the North West Rail Link continues at pace, we intend to create a masterplanned community set within beautifully landscaped gardens and natural forest," he said.
"We plan to showcase our inherent values of developing ecologically sound communities where residents can entertain, play, reflect and energise with easy access to the surrounds, Parramatta and central Sydney. 
"With Norwest Business Park, one of the largest employment precincts in Sydney and Norwest Train Station at our doorstep, residents will be immediately connected with existing community and future transport links." 
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Sekisui secure Baulkham Hills apartment development site

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Logan City Council has released an expressions of interest campaign for the development of land comprising six separate adjoining land parcels on the Logan River next to the Pacific Motorway.
The 43 hectare lot has an approved master plan in place and some existing development approvals and will eventually become a new precinct within the City of Logan.
Expressions of interest are being sought through Savills.
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