One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

&nbsp;

FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

Joel Robinson

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Super Saturday

<html><body>
Adelaide was the best performing weekend auction capital with its affordable prices ranging between $330,000 and $1.45 million.
It scored a 75 per cent clearance rate from its 107 auctions.
Perth returned the lowest preliminary auction clearance rate of 52 per cent.
Auction volumes surge well past 3,000 for the first time this year returning a strong national preliminary auction clearance rate of 70 per cent.
There are two more so-called Super Saturdays squeezed in before the Easter break.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/2/26/capitals.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/2/26/capitals.jpg" alt="">
Upcoming Melbourne sellers include AFL champion Bryce Gibbs.
His former Ascot Vale home (above) before moving interstate to join the Crows has been listed for March 17 auction. 
The former Carlton player bought the two-storey, three-bedroom townhouse at <a id="LPlnk679169" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-vic-ascot+vale-127607706" target="_blank">67c St Leonards Rd </a>in 2008.
The cheapest weekend result across the capital cities was when a student studio apartment sold pre-auction in Footscray at $120,000.
The sale of <a id="LPlnk308525" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-studio-vic-footscray-127480502" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">224/133 Droop Street offering</a> was a $220 a week rental.
It was listed with a $105,000 to $110,000 price guidance.
The low rise apartment with around 40 sqm had previously traded at $122,000 in 2015. It sold at $127,000 in 2013. 
Across the combined capital cities there was a a total of 3,275 homes taken to auction, up from the prior week's 1,992 auctions when some 66.1 per cent were sold.
It remains down on the same week one year ago when agents secured a 78.4 per cent success rate across a slightly higher volume of 3,301 auctions. 
"Units outperformed the house market, with 72.9 per cent of units selling at auction, while 69.5 per cent of houses sold across the combined capitals," Kevin Brogan, auction analyst at CoreLogic said. 
The highest national sale was in Melbourne when <a id="LPlnk703549" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-middle+park-127461722" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">33 Canterbury Road, Middle Park</a> (below) fetched $5.75 million shortly after its auction which had a $5.45 million top bid.
<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/2018/2/26/middle.jpg" alt="">
It was Eumeralla, a five bedroom Victorian terrace home on a 50 metre deep allotment. It had soaring ornate ceilings, marble fireplaces, arched entrance hall, gracious sitting room and main bedroom with full width balcony.
Marshall White secured the sale of the home which last sold at $2.5 million in 2006.
There were two bidders.
The highest Sydney sale under the hammer was the five bedroom <a id="LPlnk905843" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-strathfield-127449738" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">29 Cotswold Road Strathfield</a> which sold for $4,810,000.
It last sold in 2003 at $2 million.
There was a pre-auction sale of <a id="LPlnk767615" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-bronte-127339282" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">4 Bayview Street, Bronte</a> for $7.5 million (below).
<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/2018/2/26/bronte.jpg" alt="">
Melbourne and Sydney both secured auction clearance rates of 71.7 per cent.
Melbourne's was up on the 69.8 per cent final result from the prior weekend.
Its volume jumped to 1,610 auctions held, up from 932 auctions.
In Sydney, 1,221 homes were taken to auction, up from the 737 offered over the prior week. 
Its preliminary result of 71.7 percent, was up on last week’s final clearance rate of 67.8 per cent.
Brisbane had a 53.3 percent clearance rate from 164 auctions listed. Its top sale was $5 million at Chelmer. <a id="LPlnk17197" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-chelmer-127332058" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The 127 Laurel Avenue sale</a> was a five bedroom Knowlman McDonald-built home on a 3122 sqm river frontage sold through Adcock Prestige. 
Adelaide's dearest was a tight finish between <a id="LPlnk946036" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-henley+beach-127482362" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a four bedroom $1.42 million Henley Beach offering</a> and <a id="LPlnk429905" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-glenelg+east-127505126" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a five bedroom $1.42 million Glenelg East house</a>. 
Adelaide's cheapest was <a id="LPlnk416596" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-semaphore+park-127547786" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a $330,000 Semaphore Park two bedroom apartment</a> that looked over Point Malcolm Reserve to the sea.
The 12/403 Esplanade offering was a two storey 80 sqm late 1960s apartment with a rental estimate of $320 to $340 per week.
 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

National clearance rates heads above 70 percent on summer's last hurrah

<html><body>
Camberwell is the busiest individual suburb for auctions across the nation this week, with 27 residential homes set to go under the hammer, followed by Reservoir (25), South Yarra (23) and Craigieburn (22) all of which are in Victoria. 
Camberwell's offerings include <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-camberwell-126531382" target="_blank">a two bedroom Californian bungalow</a> on a 697 sq m Athelstan Road block with $2 million to $2.2 million hopes.
The combined capital cities are expected to see a surge in auction activity this week, with 3,451 homes scheduled to go under the hammer; this is an increase of 37 per cent when compared to last week’s final results which saw 2,519 properties taken to auction, CoreLogic advise. 
The last time volumes reached a similar level was the pre-Easter week ending the 9 April this year when final figures saw 3,517 auctions held across the capitals. 
While these counts are preliminary, as the week progresses and results are collected, the number of homes taken to auction tends to revise up, which means that it’s likely this week will not only supersede April figures, but also surpass the peak in volumes recorded over the week ending 20 March 2016 (3,540).
Melbourne is set to see the most notable increase in activity this week, with volumes expected to rise by 48 per cent on last week’s figures; with 1,846 Melbourne homes scheduled to go to auction, increasing from the 1,251 held last week. The highest volume of auctions on record for Melbourne was recorded over the week ending 29 Nov 15 (1,876), so this week may very well overtake that record.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/10/26/Auctions.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
The REIv also think the Victorian property market is gearing up for what could be the biggest auction weekend in the state’s history with the REIV counting around 1,900 homes expected to go under the hammer this weekend. 
They had the previous record for auctions held in a single weekend was set in November 2015 when 1,712 auctions were held. 
The REIV suggest a remarkable 1,826 auctions are scheduled for this Saturday alone with around 75 auctions being held on Sunday, including the five Block properties.
Across Australia’s other largest capital city, Sydney volumes are set to increase to a lesser extent with 1,144 properties scheduled to go to auction this week, rising by 39 per cent from last week’s 823 auctions, making it the third busiest week for auctions for the city so far this year.
Across the remaining auction markets, activity is expected to fall across all of the smaller capital cities with the exception of Canberra where more auctions are scheduled this week.
Last week, the final auction clearance rate across the combined capital cities fell to 64.7 per cent across 2,519 auctions, decreasing from the 67.1 per cent across a slightly higher 2,525 auctions the week prior. Compared to one year ago, the clearance rate was a significantly higher 78.1 per cent, while volumes were slightly higher (2,680).
Across Melbourne, auction volumes rose with 1,251 held, however final figures saw the clearance rate drop to 70.3 per cent, down from the week prior when 73.2 per cent of the 1,223 auctions cleared. In Sydney, the final auction clearance rate fell to 61.3 per cent last week, from 63.3 per cent the previous week across a lower volume of auctions, with 823 auctions held across the city, decreasing from 928 the week prior.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/10/26/Auctionresults.jpg" alt="">
Across the smaller auction markets, clearance rates improved in Brisbane and Tasmania, while Adelaide, Canberra and Perth all recorded lower clearance rates. 
Geelong was the best performing non-capital city region last week, with 68.8 per cent of the 44 auctions successful. However, the Hunter region was host to the highest number of auctions (49).
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Camberwell headlines near-record Super Saturday Melbourne auction offerings

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
Super Saturday is coming early for Cooley Auctions with 100 homes set to go under the hammer on February 25 - a personal best for the successful team.
Looking back at the same weekend over the past five years, February has never looked hotter for Cooley Auctions. Only 2014 came close with 97 auctions in one day, but this year will smash that record.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Sydney cracks 1,000 auctions. It's definitely going to be a very big day. 
There are already 926 auctions scheduled for February 25 according to APM price finder figures, but that number could be higher on the day.
With so many homes on the auction block on one day, the Cooley Auctions team will be far busier than the same weekend last year when there were 66 auctions scheduled. In 2015 there were 83 auctions on the corresponding Saturday.
All eyes turn to February as the month when consumers and industry insiders can truly gauge how the year's auction season will shape up.
It's extremely important that the day passes the acid test. If the market goes well on a big Saturday with big volumes then the indication will be that the market is in a really good position to continue through the Easter period and most likely well into the first half of 2017.
If the autumn season starts with a bang then it almost always guarantees that the winter market will be hot. However, timing is everything.
Super Saturday usually comes just before Easter, but Easter this year is in mid April which is actually really good news for agents.
Agents can capitalise on that time frame. When Easter is a little bit later it means that we get a couple more weeks of auctions in before the holiday weekend.
Despite 2017 barely being two months in, the Sydney auction scene is already showing signs of market sentiment.
Honestly, I think there is a bit of fear about. A lot of vendors are trying to come onto the market as early as they can because there's a lot of talk of a market correction. There is a fear of missing out on the peak of the market which is absolutely a contributing factor to the number of auctions on February 25.
With such a bumper February that will see 403 auctions in the bag, Cooley Auctions is gearing up for a busy 2017. The closest February auction numbers were back in 2015 when the firm clocked up 379 auctions for the shortest month of the year and subsequently went on to perform more than 6,000 auctions over the 12-month period.
Damien Cooley, managing director of Cooley Auctions and can be contacted <a href="https://cooleyauctions.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
</body></html>

Super Saturday in February: Damien Cooley

<html><body>
Some 1400 Melbourne homes are expected to go to auction this coming weekend, 26 November, in what will be the biggest test of the spring selling selling season, according to Domain Group's chief economist Andrew Wilson.
He said the weekend will see the Sydney market host its peak spring Super Saturday of auctions with more than 950 homes due to go under the hammer.
"Auction numbers have been significantly lower in Sydney this year compared to last, however, the gap has been narrowing in recent weekends providing more choice for hungry buyers," he said.
"The Sydney market will host its peak spring Super Saturday of auctions with more than 950 homes due to go under the hammer.
"Late spring auction numbers have increased sharply since the Melbourne Cup holiday weekend, with the usual rush to market by sellers who want to get in before the year ends. 
"Higher listings have contributed to a slight easing in clearance rates in recent weeks, but results remain firmly in favour of sellers in what remains strong local market conditions."
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Sydney Super Saturday peak, Melbourne's biggest spring market test

<html><body>
The Melbourne and Sydney auction market in Sydney is strong leading into this weekend's spring Super Saturday sales given the current weekend results.
Domain's Andrew Wilson said the Sydney auction has maintained its boom-time seller momentum during spring, despite the usual surge in late season listing numbers.
"More than 760 homes were scheduled to go under the hammer on Saturday, which was similar to the previous weekend’s figures but again lower than the 863 listed over the same weekend last year," he said.
"Sydney recorded a weekend clearance rate of 79.5 percent, which was similar to the previous Saturday’s 80.4 percent and significantly higher than the 57.5 percent recorded over the same weekend last year.
"The inner suburban and higher-priced suburban regions again produced exceptional results at the weekend, with a number of clearance rates exceeding 90 percent.
"The top performer was the ever-reliable inner west with a 91 per cent result, followed by the northern beaches with 90.5 percent, the city and east with 90.2 percent and the highest sales at 74, the lower north with 84.4 percent, the north-west with 81.5 percent, the upper north shore with 79.4 percent, the south with 74.3 percent, Canterbury Bankstown with 73.9 percent, the west with 69.7 percent, the south-west with 63.3 percent and the central coast with 58.8 percent. 
"Melbourne’s 78.7 percent result was higher than the 77.6 percent recorded the previous weekend and significantly ahead of the 66.3 percent reported over the same weekend last year.
"Late spring auction numbers have increased sharply since the Melbourne Cup holiday weekend, with the usual rush to market by sellers who want to get in before the year ends. Higher listings have contributed to a slight easing in clearance rates in recent weeks, but results remain firmly in favour of sellers in what remains strong local market conditions.
"Next weekend will present the local market with its biggest test of the spring selling season, with nearly 1400 homes set to go under the hammer. 
"Melbourne’s western suburbs continue to record boom-time results, with a leading regional clearance rate of 86.2 percent and the highest sales at 119. The next highest was the inner south with 81.7 percent, closely followed by the outer east and the south-east each with 81.1 percent, then the north with 79.7 percent, the north-east with 76.5 percent, the inner east with 75 percent and the inner city with a clearance rate of 73.7 percent."
</body></html>

Super Saturday

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Super Saturday

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News