<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> recently welcomed residents into Uno and Duo, marking the completion of the penultimate stage of its $1.2 billion West Village precinct in Brisbane's West End.

There are only two opportunities remaining in the two-tower stage known as The Allere Collection. Duo is fully sold out, but two penthouses have just been released in the sister tower Uno.

The sprawling penthouses, measuring upward of nearly 350 sqm, have been designed by renowned architecture firm Rothelowman to focus on multi-generational living. One penthouse has four bedrooms, the other five, as well as several living areas. A second entry to the apartments make them ideal for those with several generations living under one roof, allowing for greater independence and flexibility within the same home, an increasingly sought-after feature among extended families looking to remain connected without compromising privacy.

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Built by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a>, one of the best in the construction game, Duo forms part of a connected, pet-friendly vertical community that brings together two architecturally aligned towers with shared rooftop amenity.

Rothelowman Principal Jeff Brown previously described the design philosophy as centred on connection.

“When thinking of ways to nourish a soul one needs connection to self, to nature and to community,” Brown said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

That ethos is expressed through Duo’s rooftop offering, which includes a pool and heated spa framed by mature planting, a private dining room and residents’ lounge, and BBQ facilities. On the lower levels, residents have access to&nbsp;work-from-home spaces, a workshop, and a pet parlour.

The rooftop captures views across the Brisbane River and back toward the city skyline, positioning it as both a retreat and a social anchor for residents.

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Owners in Duo also have access to Uno’s rooftop amenities, effectively doubling the shared facilities within the community. At Uno, residents can use a second rooftop pool, additional private dining and entertaining areas, a teppanyaki grill, and the Paw Pavilion, an off-leash space designed for residents’ dogs. The reciprocal access reinforces the project’s “vertical neighbourhood” model, where common areas are intended to extend the footprint of each apartment.

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The Allere Collection sits within West Village, a 2.6-hectare mixed-use precinct just 800 metres from the Brisbane CBD. Delivered progressively since 2016 on the former Peters Ice Cream factory site, the masterplan now integrates heritage buildings, retail and dining, health and wellness providers, and open green space into an established inner-west address.

Sekisui has released the final stage of the development, Callista on Park, set to be completed in Q2 next year. With the first release now 95 per cent sold out, limited large-scale three- and four-bedroom residences remain, priced from $2.6 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114215]

Joel Robinson

Allere Collection residents move in as multi-award winning West Village enters its final chapter

Construction is underway at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a>, the boutique residential development by <a>Excelon Projects</a> on Stephen Street in Yarraville, following the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/balmain-co">Balmain &amp; Co</a> as builder.

The milestone marks a significant step forward for the 53-residence project, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/six-degrees-architects">Six Degrees Architects</a> with landscape architecture by Simone Bliss Landscape Architects, conceived around a strong focus on community, craftsmanship and connection to nature.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/excelon-projects">Excelon Projects</a>’ vision brings together 41 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and 12 townhomes arranged around a central landscaped garden, prioritising liveability in a low-rise, low-density format.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297728]

Open-air corridors, a light-filled lobby and generous setbacks are intended to enhance day-to-day comfort while reinforcing the development’s community-oriented design approach.

Car parking has been located underground to prioritise shared green space and pedestrian movement through the site, allowing the landscaped garden to form the central organising element of the development.

Interiors incorporate custom pieces by Melbourne makers including leadlight pendants by Adadaz, hand-turned timber door handles by Auburn Woodturning, and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen, embedding a layer of local craftsmanship throughout the homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297736]

Sustainability has also informed the design approach, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating. Passive design measures such as cross-ventilation and thermal mass aim to reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling, while rooftop solar panels will supply power to common areas and harvested rainwater will be reused for landscape irrigation.

Positioned along the quiet, tree-lined Stephen Street, Yarraville Green sits between Yarraville and Seddon villages, placing residents within walking distance of cafés, dining, boutique retail and the Sun Theatre.

Seddon Station is also a short walk away, ideal for residents seeking an inner-west address with strong amenity and transport connections.

Completion of Yarraville Green is anticipated in 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Balmain & Co appointed builder as construction begins at Excelon Projects’ Yarraville Green

A long-stalled Mermaid Beach development site opposite Pacific Fair, previously earmarked for a twin-tower project, is set for a fresh development push with plans for a major mixed-use residential tower.&nbsp;

Billionaire garbo Ian Malouf's development company, REMI Residences, is proposing Project Elegance, a 44-storey tower with over 270 residential apartments and 88 short-term accomodation units at&nbsp;2065 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach, on the corner of Mermaid Avenue.

Malouf paid $23.76 million for the 3,783 sqm site in 2022, six years after it traded for $34.1 million when it was bought by Hubei United Investment Group.

 
<img alt="First Look: REMI Developments plans major mixed-use tower with 360 apartments at stalled Mermaid Beach site" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" data-widget="image" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Mermaid%20Beach%20da%20podium.png?VersionId=yRYSSPItvCA5ZeQ49LlwkQYVn7OhEqIC" /><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" draggable="true" height="15" role="presentation" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" />

&nbsp;

The design statement by DKO says Project Elegance "represents a holistic response to its coastal and urban context. It draws upon site, climate, and landscape to create a composed architectural outcome that prioritises occupant experience, public interface, and long-term viability via vibrant and active uses."

They say the subject site&nbsp;occupies a distinctive island parcel with three street frontages and prominent visual exposure to passing visitors.

"This unique position allows the development to form a panoramic dialogue with water and city, setting the foundation for a climate-responsive, site-specific architectural expression.&nbsp;The podium base, inspired by the region’s sandstone headlands and coastal setting, and adopts a sculpted and grounded character that provides a stable counterpoint to the slender tower above."

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<img alt="First Look: REMI Developments plans major mixed-use tower with 360 apartments at stalled Mermaid Beach site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4f088e10-6493-49d4-83cd-10fc039318ac" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Mermaid%20Beach%20da%20tower.png?VersionId=Sbglj0tNBqyvY5V_DlVH.bvjXi8kBbfl" />

Residents and guests would have access to multiple communal recreation levels. Plans include a shared recreation deck on level six, with a pool and three padel courts. There will be a residential-only pool on level seven, and an upper-level communal space only accessible by those buyers towards the top of the tower.

&nbsp;

Ground-floor commercial spaces are proposed to operate between 5am and midnight, contributing to an activated street frontage along the busy Gold Coast Highway corridor.

The site sits within the High Density Residential zone and a Light Rail Urban Renewal Area, where planning policy encourages higher-density development close to transport infrastructure and services. The planning report states the project aims to “ensure the efficient reuse of this centrally located property” and support the transformation of inner-city areas into “more vibrant, compact, interesting, connected and active” precincts.

&nbsp;

The proposal marks the latest attempt to unlock the high-profile parcel, which previously carried approval for the “Elegance” twin-tower development, a project that included more than 500 apartments but ultimately stalled after sales activity ceased in 2019.

REMI Developments has been increasingly active in the Gold Coast property market, with the Malouf-led group positioning itself around premium residential and lifestyle-focused projects as the region continues to attract both interstate buyers and international interest.

Malouf is one of Australia's most impressive entrepreneurs, having sold his waste business fore more than $500 million, having started only with a small truck at 18 years old.

First Look: Billionaire Ian Malouf plans Mermaid Beach tower

A State Significant Development proposal from Ecove Group could see two high-rise residential towers developed above an ALDI-anchored retail podium in Gordon.

The 28-storey towers, dubbed Eight 10, would become the tallest in the sleepy Upper North Shore suburb, which has been stirred by changes to the Low to Mid-Rise Housing Policy aimed at triggering greater density around transport hubs.

Ecove Group’s plans for 810 Pacific Highway, a 2,357 sqm site around 400 metres from Gordon railway station, include 180 apartments, 39 of which would be dedicated as affordable housing.

Architecture firm PBD said in its Design Report the site "presents an exciting opportunity to positively contributes to the surrounding context, enhances the overall urban experience."

<img alt="First Look: Ecove lodges State Significant Development plans for dual-tower “Eight 10” project at 810 Pacific Highway, Gordon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e50141fa-fb0b-44b3-bf9b-c6d87b993c3b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Eight%2010%20podium.png?VersionId=YTgQPBxNnmQwr6x2AJSpVZ1COqa.9oLQ" />

The site previously received approval for a development comprising 56 apartments above retail in 2018.

PBD noted in its report that the planning&nbsp;context for the site has "evolved significantly since the original consent was issued."

In April 2024, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) identified the site as being located within a Transport Oriented Development (TOD) precinct. In parallel, Ku-ring-gai Council progressed a preferred planning framework for Gordon Town Centre, including proposed amendments to the Ku-ring-gai Local Environmental Plan 2015 (KLEP 2015).

<img alt="First Look: Ecove lodges State Significant Development plans for dual-tower “Eight 10” project at 810 Pacific Highway, Gordon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cf65fb26-a163-41ea-a4d3-8ddbeabd67e4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Eight%2010%20MAP.png?VersionId=vrQJzXSg3xRH.APBmtth5mA2adPmUPjc" />

PBD said the proposed development "responds to the amended KLEP 2015 and, in addition, seeks to utilise the floor space ratio and height incentives available under Chapter 2, Part 2, Division 1 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021."

Late last year the first project in Gordon through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority was approved. That was for 106 apartments across two connected seven to eight-storey buildings.

Ecove plans 28-storey apartment towers in Gordon

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">Graya</a> has set its sights on one of Brisbane’s scarce remaining riverfront development opportunities.

They have spent $17 million on an 810 sqm site across 16-18 Sandford Street, where it is planning SILK, a 15-storey apartment tower with just 22 apartments.

Planning documents outline a single tower designed to take advantage of the site’s northerly outlook toward the river and Brisbane CBD.

There will be eight two-bedrooms and 14 three-bedroom apartments on offer, each either half- or full-floor.

<img alt="Graya" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="059e1aa4-695c-4556-bafa-e8b5970c06f5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-12%20at%203.07.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=tEqwv_m8HYhrXSCStOMFHvGZZ5WgKfEx" />

&nbsp;

According to the Town Planning Assessment, the proposal "showcases a high quality architectural and landscape design outcome that is enhanced by the amenity of the Brisbane River… and provides a subtropical design response that celebrates Brisbane’s climate and lifestyle.”

Ground level includes landscaped communal areas facing the river alongside a gym and outdoor garden space, while the rooftop terrace will feature multiple leisure amenities like swimming pools,&nbsp;dining and barbecue facilities, as well as outdoor relaxation and yoga spaces.

<img alt="Graya" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93982dbb-9f27-409b-a319-bd6f458f9ea7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-12%20at%203.09.05%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=gCaaW82pEBxMvXkVkEm4TC_o7_UXA82p" />

Architecturally, the tower form draws inspiration from the movement of water along the river edge. Design documentation describes the building as “a form sculpted by flow, shaped by shifting water,” with curved forms, varied materiality, and sculptural elements used to soften the building’s visual bulk. Sandstone, an iconic material throughout St Lucia, is reinterpreted through a mix of refined and split-face textures across the façade.

The Sandford Street frontage is intended to present an articulated façade featuring vertical landscaping and sculptural architectural elements, helping the tower integrate with the evolving high-density character of the riverfront strip while maintaining visual interest from both the street and river corridor.

Graya has continued to expands its footprint across South East Queensland, with projects under construction across both Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

GRAYA unveils plans for SILK in St Lucia

Southern Highlands

Property developer Birdy is currently constructing a residential project in Sydney’s Southern Highlands.&nbsp;

The subsidiary of Australian builders, Tribeca, will construct a collection of just four pavilion residences, with the project tipped to attract attention from buyers looking for a low-maintenance home that offers privacy.&nbsp;

Located in Elmsdale at 56 Kangaloon Road in Bowral, each of the pavilions will comprise three-bedrooms, three-bathrooms and a double garage, with considered landscaped gardens in their surrounds.&nbsp;

Knight Frank Agent, Nathan Berlyn is marketing the residences, which are priced from $2.5 million to $2.7 million, saying the homes would appeal largely to downsizers looking for freestanding single-level homes offering great internal proportions, a low maintenance yard, within a boutique complex, all just minutes from Bowral’s town centre.&nbsp;

<img alt="Render of the proposed Bowral development " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60c2adb0-8c33-40ed-a338-f78581c47906" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/01-%20LIVING%20VIEW%201%20-%20Woodland.jpg?VersionId=lVXY48eRRQDmlNsMcFmC1HFgrUj8YbTo" />

“One of the biggest draw cards for buyers in the area is the location of Elmsdale in the village of Bowral, with easy access to a huge range of cafes, restaurants and shops,” he said.

“Elmsdale also benefits from being only minutes away from many nature walks, national parks, historic villages, award winning wineries and beautiful gardens that are ever-changing through the seasons.

Berlyn said the Southern Highlands had seen significant demand during and post COVID from Sydney-based buyers.

“We are still seeing strong demand across multiple projects, with Sydney buyers from affluent areas seeking a weekend retreat or eventual retirement home in Bowral,” he said.

“This, combined with the demand from local downsizers coming off larger acreage lots, is creating strong interest in a well-designed project such as Elmsdale.”

Designed by Bowral-based Tziallas Architects, the homes will span from 214.5 sqm to 233.5 sqm, with land sizes ranging from 387 sqm to 407 sqm.&nbsp;

<img alt="Render of the proposed Bowral development " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b35f301-f0bf-428f-95ee-8f5bb87fd273" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/02-%20LIVING%20VIEW%202%20-%20Alpine.jpg?VersionId=pNP6.goO9p9981mLEcipQ79Ba2W4wNDz" />

The residences will feature two living rooms which connect to a garden terrace with an entertainer’s deck, as well as an entry hallway with a built-in window seat.&nbsp;

Josiah Sciascia of Birdy said space, light and laidback luxury characterised the future-proofed pavilions in Elmsdale, which have been designed with quality finished for a low maintenance lifestyle.&nbsp;

“The residences are the epitome of Southern Highlands life,” he said.&nbsp;

“Vaulted ceilings, clean lines and easy flow floorplans come together to create a tranquil and inviting home for relaxing and entertaining.”&nbsp;

Under floor heating and heated towel rails will also be incorporated, in addition to a butler’s pantry, a gas fireplace, wall panelling and floor-to-ceiling windows. &nbsp;

“Each residence is individually designed to incorporate understated opulent materials including recycled brick, modern roof profiles, vertical v-groove cladding and contemporary landscaping for a low-maintenance lifestyle,” Sciascia said.&nbsp;

<img alt="Render of the proposed Bowral development " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="694fb501-efb0-4db3-aeb5-72ecf908e93e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/13-Elmsdale-Street-3.jpg?VersionId=ownMriuEIo7R5l2yd3VYNYvvF4qzBPLR" />

“They are also future-proofed for accessibility. Each residence is designed with generous space in the kitchen, master bedroom and main bathroom with large spacious hallways and flat entrance thresholds for level access.”

“Expansive double-glazed windows and doors connect each residence to the surrounding gardens providing an immediate connection to nature.”

Construction on the homes is slated for completion by the first half of this year.&nbsp;

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alisonwarters@gmail.com

Boutique residential development under construction in Bowral 

National property developer and construction group, Traders In Purple, has plans for a $65 million development in the Southern Highlands.

The group acquired the 2.1-hectare Argyle Street site in Moss Vale back in November 2021.

They will deliver 52 residences to the area, with the intent to provide wider living options for local downsizers and families who have been priced out of the Sydney market.

A mix of three and four-bedroom terraces and villas will be delivered, each benefitting from a generous courtyard. The residences will sit alongside a proposed Village Green, designed as an open space for residents to enjoy the outdoors and interact with their neighbours.&nbsp;

Bonus + Associates designed the project to feature high pitched roofs, along with an abundance of landscaping. Six free-standing homes screened by existing trees are proposed on Argyle St, in keeping with neighbouring homes, with the townhouses and villas set behind. The interiors have been designed by Duet, who have previously collaborated with Traders in Purple on the luxury boutique farmstay, Greyleigh.&nbsp;

Each of the residences will also be fitted with solar photovoltaic panels so that future residents will be protected against rising energy costs.

Traders In Purple National Marketing and Sales Director Nathalie Pasterfield said community feedback had shown a positive response to the architectural style of the development which reflected the country charm of the Southern Highlands.

“Our architects, Bonus + Associates and Duet, are incredibly talented at creating places that are contemporary but homely and this is what the community is telling us they want to see at Moss Vale,” Pasterfield said.

“There are also practical considerations that we have taken into account such as sustainable homes with renewable energy, private outdoor living space, natural light and a pleasant garden outlook.

“We tweaked some aspects of the design but were encouraged to see many who took part in the community consultation already looking forward to seeing this project come to fruition.”

Moss Vale is around 90 minutes drive from Sydney and has become increasingly popular as a preferred destination for residents, away from the tourist bustle of Bowral. Around 56 per cent of Moss Vale residents are singles or couples without children yet 86 per cent of homes in the locality are separate houses with very little medium density housing available.

Traders In Purple NSW Development Director Thomas Zdun said the development proposal had been shaped after consultation with the local community who were looking for an alternative to the limited range of housing types currently available.

"There is clearly high demand for homes that offer a low maintenance lifestyle so that people can move out of houses that are now too large and difficult to maintain,” Zdun said.

“The lack of medium density housing in Moss Vale is forcing many older couples to remain in homes that are no longer appropriate to their needs. They have lived most of their lives in Moss Vale and want to remain in a place where they have friends and a strong support network but can’t move because there is no suitable housing available.”

“We also spoke with a number of young families and couples unable to afford the high price of a house in Moss Vale where the median price has risen 30 per cent in the past 12 months.”

“With the option to work from home during Covid, a number of young professionals and families moved to well-established regional areas like Moss Vale but there are also many who grew up here and want to remain close to family and in the town they know and love.”

The site is situated opposite the Moss Vale Services Club and is within walking distance to the town centre, along with the train station, Moss Vale Public School, with the group planning to launch to the market in late 2023.&nbsp;

Traders In Purple plan residential development to meet Moss Vale’s medium density housing shortage

The Southern Highlands, around 110 kilometres south-west of Sydney, doesn't often have an off the plan development to talk about.

But Maeve is set to fill a gap in the market, offering something different to the grand garden estates and surrounding farms which are more typical of the area.

Located at 18 Kangaloon Road in Bowral, the hub of the Southern Highlands,&nbsp;Maeve will comprise just 12 apartments and 12 townhouses.

The three-bedroom apartments. ranging in size from 131 sqm to 179 sqm, will start from $1.7 million, and the three and four-bedroom townhouses, offering 221 sqm of living space, start from $2.2 million.

Reform Projects are behind the development, which will be built on the site of the former destination restaurant Biota which closed in 2020.

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Maeve is Reform’s first project as builder developers after an solid track record as a renowned builder for Sydney’s most prestigious luxury boutique homes and apartments in areas like Palm Beach, Manly, Vaucluse, Double Bay, and Bellevue Hill.

Knight Frank's Luke Hayes believes Maeve will appeal to a wide range of buyers and will cater to all ages, rather than just the over 55s market which most developments or property in the area doesn't.

Hayes said there would be strong demand for homes in the project due to its rarity of the offering, the location, luxurious design and inclusions, as well as the sense of space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134917 project_image_fid=207173]

“The generous sizing of the three-bedroom homes will have huge appeal,” Hayes said.

“This includes the fact that they are built on a large site, with the developer opting for fewer homes in favour of more open space to create an intimate and relaxed feel that captured that green, country outlook, rather than fitting more homes onto the parcel.

“With timeless architectural appeal, generous floor plans, luxurious finishes and leafy gardens, Maeve will appeal to a wide range of owner-occupiers.

“In particular the residences are a great option for rightsizers, which are those downsizing from a larger Southern Highlands house or estate, or Sydneysiders looking for a second home outside of the city and seeking a taste of the country life.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134917 project_image_fid=207166]

Hayes said the rightsizing trend – downsizing to a luxury apartment and townhouse living – was becoming increasingly popular in lifestyle locations, as has been happening in the city.

Bowral-based Tziallas Architects designed the homes, with Chloe Matters Design the interior designer, with the residences designed to provide the best of country life in Bowral with a contemporary twist.

The three-level townhouses are a contemporary reinvention of the rural barn, featuring recycled brickwork and beautiful, black-stained cladding softened by cascading balcony gardens and verdant ground-floor landscaping.

Features include a private basement carpark and lift to a personal lobby and upper floors, wine cellar, feature fireplace, a large outdoor terrace and landscaped garden.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134917 project_image_fid=207169]

The single-level apartments will have a similar look and feel, with private open spaces in the form of generous balconies on the upper floors and access to beautiful gardens on ground floor apartments.Flexible floorplans for the apartments are available to accommodate the buyer’s preferred layout.

Bowral saw values for attached homes grow by 21.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2022, to record growth of 32 per cent over the past year.

“There is still activity in the lifestyle locations of New South Wales, despite a slowdown across Greater Sydney where attached home prices have remained steady for the past two quarters,” Hayes added.

“The length of time for an attached home being advertised in Bowral has averaged 149 days on the market over the past ten years compared to 66 days in Greater Sydney.

“However, the average number of days in the Bowral market has dropped to average 60 days in the past six months, while Greater Sydney averaged 66 days in this time.”

The homes in Maeve are expected to be completed by early 2025, with construction slated to begin toward the end of Q1/start of Q2 next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134917]

Reform Projects are behind the development, which will be built on the site of the former destination restaurant Biota which closed in 2020.

Rare off the plan apartments and townhomes in Bowral hit the market

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<div>Quarter 1 of 2020 saw an atypical level of transactions (compared to the 2019 calendar year) within the prestige sector of the Southern Highlands, with sale prices remaining relatively static and no signs of major change in the high end residential and rural lifestyle segment, according to the November report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.</div>
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<div>They found that Quarter 2 of 2020 saw the ripple effects of COVID-19 when the start of the lockdown in late March brought with it an unexpectedly positive impact on the prestige market for the Southern Highlands as the area was discovered predominantly by Sydney purchasers seeking a family home, secondary residence or weekender style of accommodation and lifestyle buyers seeking relief from the urban and inner city living environment. 
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<div>HTW Property valuer, Tim Stevens said, "we had reasonably foreseen this upward trend over the medium term (six months) for the region as working from home became more common due to technological advancements and many employees being unable to attend their normal Sydney offices."</div>
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<div>"What we didn’t foresee, but makes sense, is buyers flocking to the Southern Highlands region to take advantage of the lifestyle NOW given that overseas travel and family holidays are off the agenda for most of 2021 at this point. The impact of this upward trend became very evident early on in the COVID-19 pandemic and is showing no signs of abatement up to the present time."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Quarter 2 and Quarter 3 of 2020 have seen multiple sales above $3 million and days on market for this segment have continued to contract to a matter of weeks now for well-located properties. This has been clearly evidenced by a number of older listings which had been on the market for over six months gaining traction and finally selling during this period."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>By way of example, notable sales included two prestige properties in Burradoo which sold for in excess of $4.75 million dollars each after languishing on the market for the better part of a year.</div>
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<div>HTW speculate that a large reason for the surge in activity in the $3 million plus sector is due to families in Sydney seeing extremely good value for money in the Southern Highlands. </div>
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<div>Typically, $3 million wouldn’t be considered the prestige end of the market in Sydney, so when home owners from the Lower North Shore and Eastern Suburbs sell up and realise the scale of improvements and land size they can obtain for relatively similar money.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Another recent example was a $4 million plus rural residential purchase in Berrima by an eastern suburbs family which saw an agreed contract price with one prospective purchaser and an additional two families waiting in line to snap up the property in the event the sales agreement failed to close. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Mr Stevens said, "the question for our prestige market as we move into Quarter 4 of 2020 and beyond is about continued demand and buyer depth and whether the current move to regional hubs will be sustained, thereby driving continued price growth."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"For now, we can certainly see it continuing and it could well be that this push has been a long time coming, with recent events being the final straw for a number of urban dwellers to discover or rediscover the Southern Highlands and the benefits accruing from a rural and regional lifestyle," he concluded.</div>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Southern Highlands prestige market sees COVID-19 induced surge: HTW

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The past month has seen the southern highlands property market go from strength to strength, according to the July Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at how a budget of $700,000 could be invested in property markets across the nation. 
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The report notes a lack of stock due to vendors’ unwillingness to put their properties to market in uncertain times coupled with extremely strong interest from Sydney buyers has resulted in a strong surge in sales numbers as well as prices in the local region. 
"We had predicted this over the longer term, however it has been very evident over the past four weeks and the next few months should be interesting as we see life return to normal and the market potentially inundated with new listings," the valuation firm said. 
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A lazy $700,000 in the Southern Highlands is quickly becoming non-existent largely thanks to the above mentioned continual exodus from Sydney.
 This certainly doesn’t mean you can’t find anything for less than $700,000 in the region, however these days a brand new traditional family home in the three main suburbs of Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale are all above that price point, the report noted. 
The best performing suburb at this price point would either be Moss Vale or Mittagong, both of which have slightly older homes still popping up sub $700,000 and even sub $600,000 in the case of Moss Vale.
A four bedroom house in Mittagong has recently been sold for $685,000.
The home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-mittagong-133955806" target="_blank">5 Waverley Parade </a>(pictured below) comes with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and garden. 
It also features ceiling fan, timber floorboards and external laundry with toilet. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/8/3/mittagong.jpg" alt="">
 
A current offering is a four bedroom house in Moss Vale priced at $695,000.
The family home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-moss+vale-132123446" target="_blank">14 Napper Close</a> (pictured below) boasts open plan kitchen, dining and living area, four bedrooms, media room and backyard. 
It is situated close to Moss Vale Town centre and local schools. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/8/3/moss%20vale%202.jpg" alt="">
 
Typically rental returns are good and again off the back of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, enquiry levels from Sydney have been strong, resulting in improved rental returns to that of the past 24 months.
"We expect this price point to continue to perform strongly over the next few years, as working from home becomes a more common practice. In turn, this should result in more first home buyers looking in the area due to its good proximity to Sydney should they need to travel to a place of work a couple of days per week," the valuation firm said. 
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What a lazy $700,000 can buy in Southern Highlands: HTW residential  

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Celebrity hairdresser Joh Bailey and his champion equestrian partner Michael Christie have quickly found their next Southern Highlands renovation project.
The purchase follows last month’s $3.5 million-plus sale of their 12ha estate at nearby High Range, Wide Acre, which found its next owner in five days through Belle agent Di Dickson.
The duo have spent $1.225 million on a 23ha holding at Canyonleigh which features a ramshackle three-bedroom timber cottage.
They plan to redevelop the estate, including a Ralph Lauren style two-level barn. It is currently an organic orchard, fed by bore water.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/8/5/Joh%20Bailey%202.jpg" alt="">
Bailey, who opened a salon in Bowral in 2015, bought Wide Acre for $2.05 million in 2016.
The couple had planned to get married at the property with 200 guests in March, but had to cancel due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
This article first appeared in The Sunday Telegraph
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Celebrity hairdresser Joh Bailey buys next Southern Highlands project

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Wide Acre, the Southern Highlands retreat of ­celebrity hair stylist Joh ­Bailey and his professional equestrian partner Michael Christie, has found its next owner in just five days.
The 12ha High Range property attracted a bidding war between prospective buyers after Belle Property Bowral listing agent Di Dixon held 20 inspections in just four days.
“The phones were running hot from the second the property was listed,” Dixon said.
“I fielded over 140 email and phone call inquiries, some as far flung as ­Singapore.”
Dixon apparently sec­ured around $3.5 million.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/7/17/high%20range%202.jpg" alt="">
Bailey, who opened a salon in Bowral back in 2015, said the quick sale wasn’t foreseen.
“I was so thrilled with the five-day turnaround on the property,” Bailey told me.
“I really didn’t expect it in this climate.”
Dixon sold the property to Bailey four years ago.
“It was perfect for their horses and their lifestyle,” Dixon said, but now the ­couple were trading up for more space for themselves and for their 20 horses.
They bought it for $2.05 million in 2016, having previously had an estate at The Oaks.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/7/17/high%20range%203.jpg" alt="">
The couple renovated every aspect at Wide Acre, with even the horses kept in designer digs.
They added a five-box ­stable barn, six paddocks and a round yard.
They had planned to get married at the property in mid-March, however had to cancel due to the announcement of COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph. 
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Celebrity hair stylist Joh Bailey gets quick Southern Highlands sale

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INXS guitarist Tim Farriss and wife Beth have sold their Kangaroo Valley retreat in the Shoalhaven region of NSW.
They’ve sold Willabrook, their working Upper River cattle farm, which has also operated as a luxury country holiday let.
The 37 hectare property, set along the banks of the river, has been featured through the years on Better Homes &amp; Gardens and Burke’s Backyard.
It had been listed through Belle Property Berry agents Gary Dale and Nick Dale.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/5/28/FARRIS2.jpg" alt="">
Farriss, one of the most accomplished musicians in Australia, co-founded INXS in 1977, along with his brothers Jon and Andrew, Kirk Pengilly, Garry Gary Beers and Michael Hutchence.
The northern beaches couple, who married in 1981, have two sons James and Jake.
Away from the guitar, Farriss’s passion has been for boating, fishing and farming at the property, along with his ambassadorial roles for Bear Cottage, Landcare, Sydney Children’s Hospital and the Leukaemia Foundation.
The original 1920s main homestead has five bedrooms, plus two one-bedroom cottages, dubbed Mojo and Rest, that let at $350 a night on weekends.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/5/28/FARRIS3.jpg" alt="">
They both feature extensive decking, a fireplace, outdoor barbecue and a coffee machine.
The marketing says the land is reminiscent of a Harry Sutton Palmer landscape painting.
There’s also a self-contained manager’s cottage, vegie garden and a private, clear, deep water swimming hole.
The farm averages a 30 ­breeder carrying capacity.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph. 
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INXS guitarist Tim Farriss sells Kangaroo Valley retreat

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Patchway, one of the Southern Highlands most impressive trophy homes, has been sold for an undisclosed price having been initially listed with record setting hopes.
The Burradoo home last traded for $4,175,000 in 2014 when bought by Ed Blackadder, the former managing director of merchant bank Hambros, and wife Elaine. 
With prize-winning gardens of rhododendrons and azaleas on its 8900 sqm Ranelagh Road holding, Patchway had initial $5.95 million hopes two years ago.
The Blackadder's had bought the home from the Wilson steel fabrication family. The Wilsons bought Patchway for $3.03 million in 2002 and carried out a seven-month renovation of the house. 
Inspired by classic English Georgian manor house architecture, Patchway dates back the 1940s when set on 20 acres. 
Built by the Eric Pratten, it was later owned by Neil and Beverley Cottee and then by Dan and Toni Regan.
The home has five bedrooms, a study and a stone paved north facing conservatory which opens to the outdoor entertaining terraces.
There's a grand entrance gallery with a distinctive cantilevered staircase which leads to three of the bedrooms, including the master suite that has its own dressing area, bathroom and private balcony.
The garden estate Lowenbrau which sold for $5.6 million in 2005 holds the Burradoo price record.
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Burradoo's Patchway finds buyer

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Real estate agency Richardson &amp; Wrench has opened a new office in the Southern Highlands.
R&amp;W Southern Highlands is headed by principals Ian Cameron and Andrew Blaxland.
Cameron was locally born and raised, and has operated an independent agency for many years.
Blaxland was, until recently, a director of R&amp;W Mosman/Neutral Bay.
R&amp;W Managing Director Andrew Cocks said the opening of the new office gave the network a presence in an area that was increasingly attractive to a diverse range of people.
“The Southern Highlands has long held appeal as a weekend getaway for Sydney residents but a number of factors are likely to see increased growth,” said Mr Cocks.
“There’s the baby boomer bubble seeking a more relaxed lifestyle within a comfortable drive of Sydney. But at the other end of the spectrum there are young families, priced out of Sydney, who see it as a viable place to live, with good schools for their children and a manageable commute to Sydney for work.”
The new branch is located in Mittagong.
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