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>

Joel Robinson

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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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Residential Market

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GUEST OBSERVER
Sydney’s property market is set to show signs of change in 2016 as the market moves into a ‘transitional’ phase, and I predict the following market trends for 2016.
Consistent property prices.  
Property prices remain quite consistent throughout 2016.  There’s strong speculation that the Reserve Bank will reduce interest rates again, but if they do, I personally don’t envisage the banks passing it on to consumers. We’ll see a continued decline in investors which will coincide with an increase in owner occupiers.  This is a very good long-term thing as it helps the market have a healthier balance.
More robust conversation on how to encourage first home buyers.  
Home ownership is ingrained into Australian DNA: It’s not an entitlement but it’s always been encouraged. I would be saddened to see that change as I want to see more young people on the property ladder and experience the same things as previous generations. 
The industry needs to focus on encouraging first home buyers to enter the market. Personally, I’m not convinced that throwing money at first home buyers through grants is the right way to go, nor am I convinced that allowing them to make purchases with their superannuation is the right way to go either. It will be nice to see some pressure applied to banks – for them to look at giving discounts or concessional rates to first home buyers. I would still love for first home buyers to continue to be offered deals with a five per cent deposit and a more competitive interest rate.
Developers to become nervous and less likely to take risks.  
We have seen a general sense of nervousness from developers recently so I hope to see a greater sense of balance around approvals as a result.  In 2015, we saw a lot of developments granted planning permission but I think heading into 2016 we will see them feel a bit of pain because some purchased their sites on such narrow margins. As market levels fall away slightly, some developers might struggle to cover costs.  
Towards the end of 2016 we might start to see some investors potentially walk away from their deposits because they perceive that they paid too much for it in 2015 and see that it’s no longer worth the risk. Personally, I see this as very much a knee-jerk reaction as most investments should be viewed with a long-term strategy in mind.
2016 will be the year that Chinese developers really arrive in Sydney – and they’re going to aggressively market their developments in mainland China. I have no problem with foreign developers coming in but there should be a quota of stock that must be sold to Australian residents.
Changes to lending rules will freeze out some investors.  
The early part of 2015 saw investors buying off-the-plan but as these developments start to take shape and bricks go into the ground. The recently introduced macroprudential measures will make it difficult for buyers to complete the purchase.  Investors might have committed to an off-the-plan purchase as their mortgage lender considered them qualified to borrow at the time, but when it comes to the buyer needing the finance, there will be changes to lending rules, which – I think – is unfair.
Going into 2016, mortgage lenders will start freezing out investors, as lenders actually don’t have an obligation to provide the finance. They will simply say that they can’t provide the finance on the original terms (say, a 5% deposit) and that now much more is needed. Lenders might have said yes on a certain date in principle but the framework of their in-principle agreement should carry through.
Under-supply of housing.  
I believe that while town planners and councils might be meeting their quota in terms of dwellings being built, they might not be the right dwellings for the demand.  In my opinion, a disproportionate level of apartments are currently under construction – and now that the investor boom is over, we have an issue.  Planners should take a responsible and sensible approach to what the demand looks like, and offer tangible solutions.  We have to be careful we don’t build too many units and apartments because it will rob some suburbs of their identity.
Furthermore, I believe that there is a huge density problem.  We know that Australians have more living space per capita than anywhere else in the world, so are apartments really what is needed?  You’re not going to have a family of five on the 32nd floor of a high rise, are you?  Now that the investor market is slowing down, I want to know who’s going to be buying because the stock being built does not necessarily correlate to demand.
Suburb desirability and price changes from council amalgamations.  
When councils amalgamate in 2016, certain suburbs will be impacted on more than others in their desirability and/or price.  Look at somewhere like Botany for example, all of a sudden it could become part of an enlarged eastern suburbs council. Of course it’s going to become a lot more desirable and expensive. 
On the flip side, look at what happened when the government tried to divide Mosman into five suburbs – the sentiment was so strong against it that the call was rejected.  You really need to think about what’s in a postcode, in a suburb, in a council area because there could certainly be an impact on desirability for the better or the worse.  Just look at the conversation about the Woollahra, Hunters Hill, Ryde and Lane Cove councils right now.
More disruptors, disintermediation and ‘uberisation’ – but unlikely to take off.  
More disruptors will try to enter the market and shake things up for real estate but that they will be less likely to survive in the new landscape. Disruptors are more likely to thrive in a strong seller’s market when vendors struggle to see value for money.  These start-ups might have all the key ingredients to disrupt the traditional model, but in a softer market, like the one we are transitioning into, these new players will struggle to succeed.
As the market returns to something that resembles an ‘everyday market’ in 2016, we will see a lot of agents leave the industry. Those who were in it for a quick buck will quickly realise that they now have to work for their money and this hopefully means that the quality and standard will improve across the board.  It’s a great opportunity to raise the bar for the next boom.  This will allow us to improve entry level education standards so it will be far more difficult for the fly- by-nights to get a job in the industry.
Sydney to become a spider’s web.  
I really think that we will start to see Sydney become more of a spider’s web in 2016.  Regions of Sydney have always been so disconnected but for the first time ever we will see a joining of the dots.  Some areas currently considered as outposts will benefit from the construction of four new metro train stations, the south-west rail link, and the development of eight new stations in the north-west.
To give credit where credit’s due, the planning of Sydney’s transport system has vastly improved. With the new developments underway, it’s going to open up some key suburbs and make them more desirable.  As transport infrastructure improves, we will slowly start to see the divide between east and west fade as a result of greater accessibility.  Starr Partners’ buying data already proves these divides are softening right across Sydney.
Semi-abandonment of the auction process.  
As the market grew more robust over the past year or so, more people opted for auctions, but as it softens, I anticipate that people will start walking away from the process.
As experts, agents need to start assessing the what, the why and the where, and what works best for the individual property and people involved rather than resolutely sticking to just the one method of sale.  In a strong market, vendors are very prepared to follow the auction path but when things soften or when clearance rates fall, we can expect a semi-abandonment of the auction process.
 
DOUGLAS DRISCOLL is CEO of real estate agency <a href="https://www.starrpartners.com.au/" target="_blank">Starr Partners</a>.
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douglasdriscoll-EkfdEjJSsC

Sydney 2016 property market forecast: Douglas Driscoll

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GUEST OBSERVER
Liveable communities and resilient cities are buzzwords of the moment. But exactly how do you define a “liveable” community or city? Our research focuses on this exact question.
In an extensive review of liveability definitions used in academic and grey literature in Australia and internationally, we found some consistent factors. Critical factors for liveable communities are:
<ul>
<li>
residents feeling safe, socially connected and included;
</li>
<li>
environmental sustainability; and
</li>
<li>
access to affordable and diverse housing options linked via public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure to employment, education, local shops, public open space and parks, health and community services, leisure and culture.
</li>
</ul>
These are the essential ingredients for a liveable community. They are needed to promote health and wellbeing in individuals, build communities and support a sustainable society.
The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services agrees with our definition. It has been adopted in the recently released <a href="https://www.health.vic.gov.au/prevention/download/vphwp-final.pdf" target="_blank">Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2015-2019</a>. This plan provides the overarching framework to support and improve the health and wellbeing of all Victorians.
<h2>Liveability requires broad wellbeing</h2>
We live in an urbanising world. Cities are increasing in prominence as major social and economic hubs. For such cities, liveability rankings and awards can provide welcome global recognition and marketing tools.
Such rankings can operate to attract (or detract) people to a community. For example, many people will know Melbourne has been <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-18/melbourne-named-worlds-most-liveable-city-again/6705274">repeatedly voted</a> the “world’s most liveable city”. A key question is: liveable for whom?
While helpful at the broadest level, these rankings focus on the inner city, remuneration packages and economic productivity. The rankings mask intra-city inequities.
To overcome this, our definition of liveability considers the underlying conditions that support health. Our definition focuses on equity and recognition that where you live can predict health outcomes and life expectancy.
Location shapes life expectancy. The interactive <a href="https://www.californiamuseum.org/health-happens-here-california-museum" target="_blank">Health Happens Here</a> exhibition at the California Museum offers a great explanation of how many key factors beyond diet and exercise influence health.
We are creating liveability indicators that are linked to urban, transport and infrastructure planning policy. This is guided by our understanding that health is influenced by individual personal factors, social and community supports and broader socioeconomic, cultural and environmental conditions. These <a href="https://econpapers.repec.org/paper/hhsifswps/2007_5f014.htm">conditions include</a> housing, education, workplaces and access to services.
Developing these liveability indicators is a key component of our research at the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Healthy Liveable Communities led by the McCaughey VicHealth Community Wellbeing Unit at the University of Melbourne. The policy-focused research is governed by advisory groups in Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland and links evidence to state-based policies and practice.
In Victoria, liveability indicators developed through our research are made freely available to all members of the community through Community Indicators Victoria. This supports the democratisation of data, engagement and measuring progress in communities.
<h2>Designing cities for good health</h2>
We need to build cities based on a clear and consistent definition of liveability. The goal is that it can be objectively measured and tracked over time using indicators that provide an understanding of each city’s strengths and challenges.
Our definition is not values-free: it is guided by the view that cities must be designed to promote health.
A city built well is a healthy city that provides all residents (not just the fortunate few) with opportunities to live in areas with all the essential ingredients of a liveable community. It is a place that promotes healthy and happy people and community wellbeing – a place where people want to live.
A more liveable city is a great place to live. It is more resilient as well, with competitive social, economic and environmental advantages. Using our definition, a liveable city is also a healthy city, promoting health, wellbeing and equity.
This would be an excellent outcome for all Australians and all government ministries. Let’s hope our new federal minister for cities and the built environment is listening.
 
Melanie Davern is senior research fellow and director community indicators Victoria, University of Melbourne and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/melanie-davern-144750" target="_blank">here</a>.
Billie Giles-Corti is professor of health promotion &amp; director McCaughey VicHealth Centre, University of Melbourne and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/billie-giles-corti-4363" target="_blank">here</a>.
Carolyn Whitzman is professor of urban planning, University of Melbourne and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/carolyn-whitzman-9944" target="_blank">here</a>.
Hannah Badland is senior research fellow, McCaughey VicHealth Community Wellbeing Unit, Centre of Health Equity, University of Melbourne and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hannah-badland-205953" target="_blank">here</a>.
All are authors for The Conversation.
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How do we create liveable cities? First, we must work out the key ingredients

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Australian cricket vice-captain David Warner and his wife, the iron woman, Candice have quickly commissioned architect Rolf Ockert to create their dream home following their mid-week Lurline Bay purchase.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house/nsw/eastern-suburbs/maroubra/285829" target="_blank">They bought the oceanfront knock-down</a> for just under $4 million through McGrath agent Simon Exleton which was offered with lapsed Tobias Architect plans. 
David "The Kaboom Kid" Warner, in unstoppable cricket form, loves his coastal property portfolio. "You can't go wrong on bricks and mortar," he told Daily Telegraph columnist Nick Tabakoff recently.
He's not alone having outbid four contract holders to secure the 892sqm Mermaid Avenue.
The couple spent $6.25 million on their Coogee home last year.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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David Warner buys knockdown property in Maroubra

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Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett and his wife, Kylie have bought in Manly heartland as the club heads into its 70th anniversary year.
It was a fairly even price swap following the sale of their Shellharbour district home three months ago.
The couple spent $2.41 million at Freshwater through Sweetnams, which is just $10,000 more than the $2.4 million they secured in their record Barrack Point sale.
That listing came just before Barrett was appointed to replace Geoff Toovey after the Sea Eagles finished out of the NRL finals race for the first time in a decade.
The Barrett's had paid $904,000 for the oceanfront reserve house in 2004. 
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Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett buys in Freshwater

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Melbourne's weekend clearance rate of 67% was higher than 65% last week and 66% this week last year.
There were 1236 auctions reported to the REIV. 
There are more than 1,400 auctions scheduled next weekend, which will mark the final Super Saturday for the year, the REIV chief Enzo Raimondo said.. 
 
TOP 5 HOUSES
1. 5 Torresdale Road, Toorak $3,725,000
2. 1227-1229 Malvern Road, Malvern $3,510,000
3. 66 Black Street, Brighton $3,500,000
4. 1 Connor Street, Brighton East $3,200,000
5. 27 Swallow Street, Port Melbourne $2,900,000
 
TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES
1. 19 Branton Road, Hoppers Crossing $310,000
2. 32 Tatura Crescent, Broadmeadows $322,500
3. 12 Folger Road, Craigieburn $330,000
4. 103 Sunset Boulevard, Jacana $336,000
5. 11 Hesse Court, Westmeadows $355,000
  
TOP 5 APARTMENTS
1. 10A Banksia Avenue, Beaumaris $1,650,000
2. 52A Bayview Street, Williamstown $1,425,000
3. 55A Lahona Avenue, Bentleigh East $1,410,000
4. 2/14 Yerrin Street, Balwyn $1,356,000
5. 1/58 Union Road, Surrey Hills $1,310,000
 
TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS
1. 7/13 Ormond Road, West Footscray $188,000
2. 22/15 Mcewan Road, Heidelberg Heights $272,500
3. 18/278 Barkly Street, Elwood $285,000
4. 7/139 Napier Street, Essendon $287,000
5. 5/8 Walker Street, Brunswick West $295,000
Source <a href="/news">REIV</a>
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Melbourne's auction success rate hovers in the mid 60s: REIV

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Buyers of DUO in Central Park have shown a strong appetite for internationally designed apartments close to the Sydney CBD, with Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House Australia achieving over $229 million in sales at the recent launch.
Frasers marketing director Paul Lowe said they experienced strong sales and interest for the three-bedroom dual-key apartments in <a href="https://www.centralparksydney.com/" target="_blank">DUO</a> which were offered for the first time ever at Central Park. 
"Dual-key apartments are a unique product type in the market and have proven to be ideal for investors wanting to stay in one apartment and lease the other one out, as well as growing families who desire space and flexibility in apartment living," he said.
The remaining three bedroom dual-key apartments apartments are available from $1.93 million in the next apartment block <a href="/expert-insights/buying/central-parks-duo-to-offer-dual-key-apartment-options">in Central Park</a>.
They started at $1.78 million at pre-sale in the building which was designed by internationally acclaimed architects Foster + Partners.
A dual-key property is just one property, with a single front entrance, living room, bathroom, kitchen and one or two bedrooms.
The difference then comes in. A dual key property has an additional dwelling inside, usually an extra bedroom with its own lock door at the front door lobby.
Behind the lock door is a studio apartment with its own small kitchen and additional bathroom.
Dual-key properties allow one space to be shared by two separate tenants or members of an extended family.
They are a fairly recent emergence in Sydney; however they have existed for decades in places such as Sweden, Japan and the United States.
Meriton’s 2002 Trafalgar in Sydney included 12 dual-key apartments, all of which contain a two-bedroom apartment and a studio accessed by a common door, but separated once inside.
According to investment advisers dual-key apartments offer investors higher rental yield by splitting the apartment for separate occupants.
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Duo, Central Park finds strong dual-key buyer demand

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If there's one thing I've learnt from developing property, it's that you definitely need a 'can do' attitude.
This week, I've come across so many 'can do' people that it's inspired me to write about them.
So what's the definition of 'can do'?  It's basically, when everything goes to shit and things seem totally not doable, then a person with a 'can do' attitude always finds a way.  So today, this goes out to the many people who've I've crossed paths with and who've reminded me of how we really can achieve anything we put our minds and hearts to.
Meet Bob from Port Macquarie, he's an older gentleman who has been emailing me for the past five years on and off. Every now and then I'll get a message from Bob. He may be responding to one of my Property Observer stories or our newsletters, but he always asks different questions. Well, this week Bob decided to take a big step and to be the property developer he'd wanted to for some time. His purpose?  Well, it is to use the equity he creates to help his daughter buy her first property.
Then there's my step daughter who rang me today to tell me that whilst planning her thirtieth birthday party she'd also set herself the goal to buy her fourth investment property by the time she turns thirty. Her birthday is in May 2016 and my heart sang as she described the type of property she's looking for.  Go girl, you have the 'can do' attitude.
This goes out to a dynamic young couple who called my just a week ago and who were so focussed they made calculated decisions to be able to secure their development site within a week and are now Property Bloom clients. They explained they have their sites set on building their wealth quickly and they've asked me to find their next site soon. Did I mention they also have seven dual occupancy projects underway in Queensland?
This goes out to my little brother who celebrated twenty-five years in the NSW Police Force this week and whom I proudly watched being awarded special things from Commissioner Scipione. His focus and hard work has seen him rise through the ranks, raise a family and build their dream home.
This goes out to the client who was recently turned away from the four big banks, despite being on a $300,000 plus salary because of the ridiculous changes in their serviceability calculators. I referred him to Rams who more than welcomed his business and gladly offered him the finance he wanted for his development project with Property Bloom.
This goes out to my project manager who after approaching many lenders has used creative strategies to source finance for her first development project.  She has drive and determination which comes from her desire to become financially independent.
This goes out to my builder and the amazing staff who always use the 'can do' attitude which means we'll be completing many of our development projects before Santa arrives this year.
Finally, this goes out to all of you reading this who refuse to let life's ups and downs stop you from driving forward with your goals and dreams. You all have the 'can do' spirit. As the famous Walt Disney said "If you can dream it, you can do it." 
 
Jo Chivers is chief executive officer of property development project managers <a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/about" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a>.
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Keeping a can-do attitude in the property game: Jo Chivers

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A top-floor office property in Perth’s new legal hub is set to go under the hammer, unlocking an opportunity to acquire a footprint in one of the city’s fastest evolving precincts.
Located at the top of the Equus Commercial building at 580 Hay Street, the 213 square metre partitioned office space features a 57 square metre terrace complete with putting green, two basement car bays and panoramic views over Perth Town Hall and the CBD skyline.
Listing agents CBRE’s Michael Milne and Ben Younger will put the property under the hammer on December 10.
The occupants of Equus building include Perth’s leading law firms, barristers and QCs, he said.
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Top floor nest up for grabs in Perth’s premier legal hub

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Prominent downsizing company directors, Origin Energy's Dr Helen Nugent and TransGrid Michael Nugent have finally secured a buyer for their Bellevue Hill trophy home.
The Michael Suttor-designed residence set in manicured Italianate gardens with a copper-domed Roman cupola next to the pool and tennis court had $15 million plus hopes. 
Their Victoria Road property with Michael Love interiors had been <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bellevue+hill-119617975" target="_blank">listed by Alison Coopes’ Agency by Alison Coopes in April</a>.
The couple bought the property when they moved to Sydney from Melbourne 25 years ago paying $4.25 million in 1990 to the property developer Garry Rothwell's Winten Group who had outlaid $2.7 million less than a year earlier.
The Nugent's 1885 South Yarra abode, Raveloe had sold for $2.5 million in 1990 to the shelf company precurser to Starch Australasia.
In 1994 Michael Nugent entirely wiped his $2.4 million Bellevue Hill mortgage after Goodman Fielder's $5.4 million redundancy payout, but another mortgage was taken in 2000.
After stepping down last year from Macquarie Group, Helen's board duties include Australian credit reference agency Veda and Funds SA. Michael's were lightened this month after stepping down from Murrumbidgee Irrigation, one of the largest private irrigation companies in Australia serving over 3,200 landholdings owned by over 2,500 customers within an area of 660,000 hectares. 
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Buyer found for Bellevue Hill trophy home 

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First home buyers may be encouraged to come back into the market, helped by tough regulations on investors, falling values and projects targeted towards FHBs. 
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals first home buyers numbers are rising, with an 8.5% increase in their applications for home loans in September.
At the same time, the number of investors in the market has dropped. 
The amount first home buyers are borrowing is also on the increase, according to ABS figures which shows the average loan to an FHB was $351,800, up $2500 on the previous month.
However, in original terms, the number of first home buyer commitments as a percentage of total owner occupied housing finance commitments fell to 15.4% in September 2015 from 15.8% in August.
 
For your free Property Observer eBook from RAMS, 12 tips for first-time buyers, covering everything you need to know when it comes to purchasing property, click here.
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