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.

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"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.

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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

Residential Market

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The former Silverchair front man Daniel Johns has joined with other owners in his 1960s Bondi Beach apartment block to sell all seven apartments in one line at July 4 auction.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unitblock-nsw-bondi+beach-122859458" target="_blank">The Bondi Beach apartments</a> have Bondi Beach views from the 340 sqm holding.
The top two floors are owned by Johns in the four level Campbell Parade complex.
Johns bought the properties in 2001 costing $1.6 million, but only lived in the building for a short time before leasing the properties.
 
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Daniel Johns bands together with Bondi Beach neighbours to list complex in one line 

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NSW's centres of Bathurst/Orange have been a rising market for houses while units are at the start of the recovery cycle, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's property clock -- a simple broad brush means of suggesting where property prices are and what direction they're headed. 
Like Sydney, the larger centres of Bathurst and Orange include a collection of suburbs. Surrounding the established areas and retail districts, the suburbs have their own characters as a result of previous, current, and planned development.
Google Maps shows the localities around Bathurst including Gormans Hill, Kelso, Robin Hill, Llanarth, Windradyne and Eglinton. Around Orange there is Glenroi, Warrendine, Calare and Bletchington. Neither of these is an exhaustive list.
The suburbs compete and can exceed in terms of land value with central localities, particularly if they have, or plan to have, large modern houses and good amenities. The variability, and sometimes the inferiority, of older central development can hold those areas back. In addition the market power of families who on average prefer a modern house and surroundings, as opposed to the relative market power of retirees and students who, for example, prefer to be closer to town, evens out the market.
In terms of investment, student-specific accommodation has reduced the demand and volatility for central accommodation in the general market, while incomes are a determinant of what can be achieved in the suburbs. 
Property Observer looked up recent sales in some of the fringe suburbs such as Gormans Hills (Bathurst) on www.realestate.com.au.
1. The median house price in Gorman Hills is $295,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data. No data was available for units. Among the recently sold was a four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-gormans+hill-122431910" target="_blank">46 Fish Parade Gormans Hill NSW 2795</a> for $275,000.
 
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2. The median house price in Eglinton was $365,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data. As an example of recent sale, a three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-eglinton-121180614" target="_blank">25 Cottonwood Drive Eglinton NSW 2795</a> fetched $355,000.
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Fringes of Bathurst and Orange can compete with central locations on land value: HTW

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Property investors are still active, Adam Sparkes, the recently apppointed general manager of McGrath Projects says.
"They are perhaps taking a slightly more cautious approach, but for the right project they are happy to commit.
"A common thread amongst all buyers is they are looking for high quality developments offered with design excellence and good amenity.
"Location continues to remain important with a preference to city centres or close proximity to active retail, education and transport hubs for outer lying projects,” said Mr Sparkes who now leads a team of 63 at McGrath Projects, which includes 44 sales agents.
The chief executive John McGrath announced the appointment today saying he was intent on expanding the project division's footprint.
Adam started his real estate career with McGrath in 1998 and more recently the successful planning and marketing of the Central Park development in Chippendale, personally overseeing in excess of 1,000 sales.
Most recently, he was involved in the sellout of the second stage of Darling Square in Sydney, as well as overseeing the sales at Toorak Park (Armadale, Melbourne) and the Victoria Harbour Precinct (Melbourne) for Lend Lease. 
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Property investors still active: McGrath Projects' Adam Sparkes

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The infamous Bondi hoarders' property was withdrawn from auction last night, in yet another stalled chapter in its 26 year saga.
There were around 10 interested parties expected, but the property was pulled just an hour before its scheduled 6pm auction.
The owner Mary Bobolas had secured a temporary legal stay that stopped any auction.
A $2 million sale had been anticipated due to its prime location and 550 sqm block size.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bondi-118903099" target="_blank">19 Boonara Avenue</a> offering was listed under instructions of the NSW Sheriff's Office.
It was the third time that the marketing failed to end in an under the hammer sale.
There was an unexpected delay last month with the paperwork not quite right.
Previously the owner Mary Bobolas dodged the sale of the property February last year by coming up with $180,000 to pay Waverley Council's cleaning and legal bills just hours before that scheduled auction.
The drawn out process has seen buyer interest wane as when it was first listed in 2015, 63 contracts had been handed out. Last month it was in the 30s. This time interest was down to around the expected 10 attendees.
They will need to pay a further $160,000 to meet the newest set of cleaning and legal bills.
The council's solicitors wrote to the Bobolas family in November asking for settlement of the outstanding money to avoid the sale but they received no funds.
Raine &amp; Horne agent Ric Serrao was commissioned by the NSW Sheriff's Office to sell the property so that clean-up costs can be recovered on behalf of the council.
Rubbish flowed out of the door and onto the property frontage on the latest listing images despite a 10 truck clear up in July last year.
There were no inspections possible for prospective buyers.
Ric Serrao couldn't even access the property so there were no internal photos or floor plan available.
This article was first published in the Daily Telegraph. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Bondi hoarders home auction postponed again

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SPONSORED POST
Buyers are flocking to Macquarie Park drawn to exceptional transport links and access to leading education infrastructure.
Macquarie Green in adjacent North Ryde has emerged as a residential development choice for parents of school-aged children and university students looking to capitalise on the growing ‘knowledge city’ in Sydney’s booming north west.
The 164-residence community at 5 Whiteside Avenue North Ryde is set securely nearby Sydney’s bourgeoning Macquarie Park and offers private road access from either Whiteside Street or David Avenue.
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Macquarie Green is located less than 1.5 km from Macquarie University and less than 2.5 km from the Macquarie School of Graduate Management and the Australian School of Advanced Medicine.
Macquarie University (below) ranks among the top two per cent of universities in the world and has undergone a more than $1 billion infrastructure and facility transformation in recent years.
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The campus features Australia’s first and only private not-for-profit hospital (on a university campus), the global headquarters of Cochlear, the Australian Hearing Hub, a state-of-the-art library, a combined sport aquatic centre and an on-campus railway station. 
Designed by Marchese Partners, Macquarie Green features boutique-style one, two and three-bedroom apartments housed within two buildings between three and five storeys high as well as a selection of premium townhouses set within two duplex-style buildings.
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Primary schools nearby Macquarie Green include Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School in North Ryde, North Ryde Primary School and Kent Road Public School in Eastwood.
Within the area is also a number of quality high schools including Ryde Secondary College, Epping Boys High School, Marsden High School and Chatswood High School.   
TOGA’s General Manager of Sales and Marketing Alex Adams said Macquarie Green’s proximity to education opportunities was a key drawcard for buyers.
“Macquarie Park, and the greater Ryde area, has positioned itself as a viable alternative to Sydney’s inner-city for its breadth of education facilities and career opportunities,” Mr Adams said.
“Parents of school-aged children can access a number of quality primary and high schools and students can easily walk to world-class Macquarie University from Macquarie Green,” he said. 
Providing convenient access to internship and job opportunities, more than 300 companies are positioned on the Macquarie University campus or in the adjacent high-tech precinct.
“Families and young professionals are jumping at the chance to secure a bright future,” Mr Adams added.
Macquarie Green boasts large common landscaped gardens and many residences feature generous private gardens; appealing to parents of school-aged children.
Above ground-level residents will enjoy louvered balconies designed to maximise both natural light and privacy creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Macquarie Green is a joint venture between Australian property developer TOGA and leading independent investment and advisory house Gresham.
Macquarie Park is located 16 kilometres from the Sydney CBD and a short walk from Macquarie University, Macquarie Shopping Centre and the train station. 
Construction at Macquarie Green commenced in late-2015 with a complete date of mid-2017.
A styled display suite is available to view from Thursday through to Sunday (10am to 2pm) at 78 Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park (entry via Byfield Street).
For all sales enquiries visit <a href="https://www.macquariegreen.com.au" target="_blank">www.macquariegreen.com.au</a> or call 1800 787 731. 
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Macquarie Park’s world-class education lures buyers

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Since the start of 2015, Blue Sky, Goldman Sachs, Scape and Valparaiso and Student One have all entered the student accomodation market and have rapidly established pipelines, according to the latest research by Savills International.
Blue Sky have 2,632, Goldman Sachs, Scape and Valparaiso have 2,459 and Student One have 2,394.
The top 10 providers currently own a total of 15,498 beds and the pipeline of 14,205 white equates to circa 92% of the existing supply indicative of the strong focus on development during 2015.
<a href="https://publications.savills.com.au/studentaccommreport/?utm_source=PropertyObserver&amp;utm_medium=DigitalAdvert&amp;utm_campaign=CPOeNewsletterBanner-StudentAccommReport-8June2016&amp;utm_source=Property+Observer+List&amp;utm_campaign=3ddf619dc5-Commercial_Property_08_June_2016&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_a523fbfccb-3ddf619dc5-" target="_blank">The research advised</a> average size of the owned operational properties is 337 beds and the average size of development properties in the pipeline is 530 beds.
Iglu, Urbanest and Valparaiso are owner / managers, with a total of 7,344 beds in operations and pipeline, this duplication distorts the total numbers in the table. 
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Australian student accomodation top 10 providers: Savills Research

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The ABS April housing data suggests first home buyers are re-emerging, possibly filling the void of investors.
The value of lending to Australian housing investors fell in April, according to figure released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) earlier today.
The value of investor lending was down 5 percent from March to $11.291 billion in seasonally adjusted terms.
The value of new lending to owner-occupiers ticked up by 0.1% to $20.702 billion.
The number of first home buyer commitments as a percentage of total owner occupied housing finance commitments rose to 14.4 percent in April 2016 from 14.2 percent in March 2016.
Between March 2016 and April 2016, the average loan size for first home buyers rose $1,900 to $330,600.
The average loan size for all owner occupied housing commitments rose $4,300 to $361,500 for the same period.
At the end of April 2016, the value of outstanding housing loans financed by Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs) was $1,490b, up $8b (0.5%) from the March 2016 closing balance.
Owner occupied housing loan outstandings financed by ADIs rose $7b (0.7 percent) to $960b and investment housing loan outstandings financed by ADIs rose $0.9b (0.2 percent) to $530b.  Bank housing loan outstandings rose $7b (0.5 percent) during April 2016 to reach a closing balance of $1,448b.
Owner occupied housing loan outstandings of banks rose $6b (0.7 percent) to $927b and investment housing loan outstandings of banks rose $0.9b (0.2 percent) to $521b.
Between March 2016 and April 2016, the number of owner occupied housing commitments (trend) rose in Victoria (up 51, 0.3 percent), South Australia (up 19, 0.5 percent) and the Australian Capital Territory (up 7, 0.7 percent), while falls were recorded in New South Wales (down 50, 0.3 percent), Queensland (down 24, 0.2 peace t), Western Australia (down 13, 0.2 percent), Tasmania (down 10, 1.2 percent) and the Northern Territory (down 2, 0.6 percent). The seasonally adjusted estimates rose in Victoria (up 314, 1.9 percent), Queensland (up 156, 1.5 percent), New South Wales (up 128, 0.7 percent), Tasmania (up 71, 8.4 percent), the Northern Territory (up 22, 7.3 percent), Western Australia (up 17, 0.3 percent) and South Australia (up 7, 0.2 percent), while a rise was recorded in the Australian Capital Territory (down 10, 0.9 percent).
The ABS housing finance figures released today indicated that new home lending to owner occupiers experienced solid growth during April, said the Housing Industry Association.
During April 2016, the number of loans to owner occupiers for dwelling construction increased by 4.4 per cent with loans for the purchase of new homes rising by 3.3 per cent.
Overall, new home lending saw growth of 4 per cent during the month but was 5.9 per cent lower than a year earlier.
“Today’s official figures confirm that demand for new home purchase across Australia remains very strong,” remarked HIA senior economist Shane Garrett.
“Even though the amount of new home lending for owner occupiers peaked over a year ago, current loan volumes remain elevated by historic standards.
"This means that activity on the ground over the remainder of 2016 will be healthy,” predicted Shane Garrett.
“May’s interest rate reduction is likely to provide some impetus to new home lending over the coming months."
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April housing finance shows first home buyers up slightly: ABS

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<div>I recently visited the wildlife sanctuary at Currumbin, and it occurred to me that without the scores of Chinese visitors in attendance on the day, the place would have been four-fifths empty!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>As it was the attraction was absolutely packed to the rafters with camera-toting tourists. </div>
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<div>It's a trend that is being reflected right across Australia, with the number of visitors from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong continuing to multiply at a record pace. That's just one part of the Asian century story for Australasia. Meanwhile, a recently released report on global migration of the super-wealthy found that the two most popular cities in the world for net inflow of millionaires in 2015 were Sydney (4,000) and Melbourne (3,000). Australia is becoming a playground for wealthy Asians. As noted in these pages many months ago, though, perhaps the most significant change for Australia will be the record boom in international students, since this will in turn lead to higher permanent residency uptake. The government has announced that from 1 July 2016 - just a few weeks away - that there will be a series of important changes to the student visa programme. There will now only be one visa class only for international students, subclass 500, and under the new streamlined process three quarters of applications will be waved through in less than one month. International students with the requisite funds or income and English language skills will be able to apply for the new visa, including Primary School student applicants (from the age 6 or above) and their guardians or family members. This represents a very significant shift in policy. The rules have also been relaxed with regards to course duration and immigration risk assessment. As a result of the new changes, there could potentially be a huge increase in the number of Primary School age Chinese students and their guardians, with many ultimately going on to become Australian citizens. With a combined population of about 2.7 billion or so, there is boundless potential for uptake from China and India in particular.</div>
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<div>Immigration eases</div>
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<div>The latest ABS Overseas Arrivals and Departures figures to April 2016 rolling annual number of net permanent and long arrivals eased to +270,200, the lowest number since May 2007. </div>
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 <div>The impact of this will mainly be felt in regional Australia and in resources regions, with population growth in the largest cities continuing to expand at around 80,000 to 90,000 per annum. </div>
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<div>Some 59 percent of permanent settlers hailed from Asia in the year to April, with the volumes arriving from New Zealand and Britain having slowed markedly.</div>
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<img src="/images/2016/06/07/A3.jpg" alt=""> <div>Rebalancing continues</div>
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<div>The lower dollar continues to drive tourist and other short term arrivals to record highs, with the 7.69 million short term arrivals over the past year being a punchy 9 per cent increase from April 2015.</div>
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<img src="/images/2016/06/07/A4.jpg" alt=""> <div>Most notably, the number of visitors from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong continues to multiply at an extraordinary rate, up by a tub-thumping 21.2 per cent over the year to 1.49 million. The compounding effect of such a growth rate implies a doubling of that number within 3.5 years. Incredible stuff.</div>
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 <div>Most short term arrivals come for holidays (3.79 million), but more than 2 million now cite their main reason for travel as being visiting friends and family, thereby reinforcing the Asian connections. 
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 <div>After a rare blip last month, the number of education arrivals is now on the march again, with the 489,900 arrivals over the past year representing a romping increase of 17 per cent. And thanks to the streamlining of visa rules from 1 July 2016 the number of international students will likely begin to flow freely more or less in perpetuity.</div>
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 <img src="/images/2016/06/07/A2-1.jpg" alt=""> This is another trend which is largely driven by China and India, and it is also heavily focussed upon the largest capital cities.  <div> </div>
<div>The wrap</div>
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<div>The significance of the unprecedented boom in Chinese tourism and students seems largely to be lost in the popular narrative, which continues to discuss economic malaise when the economy is growing at a faster pace than even the most bullish of commentators expected (an annualised pace of 3.6 per cent in the last six months reported).</div>
<div>
 It is true that net exports are leading growth, and certainly there has been concentration risk aplenty, but the international trade data confirmed that the pace of education, tourism and other services exports to China and other parts of Asia is accelerating.</div>
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 No doubt there will be the usual shrill complaints from the anti-immigration lobby about the streamlining of entry rules for international students, but overall this should be be a material boost for the Australian economy - and indeed for the beleaguered new apartment market.  
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PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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New student visa rules set to boost property markets: Pete Wargent

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Victoria's regional city of Mildura sits in fifth position on CoreLogic RP Data's latest list for median gross yields with a gross yield at 6.4 percent.
Its yield sits considerably higher than the national average of 4.63 percent.
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Property Observer profiles Mildura from a rental perspective.
The median sale price of a unit in Mildura was $175,000 compared with a national average of $438,000, over the last 12 months, according to the data. 
The median price change over one year was 6.30 percent, beating the national average of 2.1 percent handsomely.
Median rent for units was $215 pw against a national average of $390.
Property Observer looked up a few units around the median range available for renting around the median for Mildura on www.realestate.com.au.
1. A two-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-mildura-418489190" target="_blank">4/209 Ninth St Mildura Vic 3500</a> is asking for $230 per week. No information was available on its last traded price on RP Data.
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2. A two-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-mildura-418474494" target="_blank">3/276 Ninth Street Mildura Vic 3500</a> is up for rent at $200 per week. The house was recently bought for $136,000, the sale date being 27 April 2016.
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3. A two-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-mildura-418397754">3/223 Walnut Avenue Mildura Vic 3500</a> is available for $230 per week. No data was available on its last traded price on RP Data.
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Mildura at fifth on Victoria's top suburbs for yields on units

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GUEST OBSERVER
Vestbuild specialise in developing homes with spaces that feel big, versatile and flexible - spaces that can be repurposed for daily/seasonal needs. 
We believe in squeezing use out of every square inch of space. 
While smaller designs are becoming more popular, compact homes have been built in Melbourne since the late 1800s: for example, you will have seen the Victorian terrace housing and cottages in the north Melbourne suburbs and in Fitzroy and Albert Park. 
The small two-three bedroom home was introduced to the inner suburbs of large Australian cities by the UK in the 1850s when huge swathes were built to accommodate the Victorian Gold Rush population boom.
Building was halted by an economic depression in the early 1890s and when it restarted again in the early 1900s, the demand was for larger houses to accommodate a much smaller population.
It makes sense then that, facing another population boom coupled with the key issue of affordable housing, Vestbuild is committed to continuing the tradition of creating housing in Australia based on what the market requires. 
Another factor shaping our housing needs is the unprecedented aging of our population. 
Vestbuild understands this. 
We understand that the Baby Boom Generation that’s driven change throughout their lives now want new housing models that meet their needs. 
We’ve learned is that Generation Y are looking for the same thing: accessory dwelling units in walkable, urban neighbourhoods.
This need is reshaping the traditional concept of suburban single family living who are moving away from the traditional large lot/large houses that have dominated the Australian property market for the past 20 years. 
Vestbuild has answered this with our intuitive designs that are efficient, appealing and financially viable.
Deniz Sivasli is managing director, Vestbuild and can be contacted <a href="https://www.vestbuild.com" target="_blank">here</a>. 
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