There’s a quiet patch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>, between the bustle of Glenferrie Road and the curve of the Yarra, that rarely sees change, and even more rarely, new apartments. But that’s exactly where <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pomeroy-pacific-quattro-corp">PQD</a> is planting Kooyongkoot: a deliberate, 18-residence answer to the question of what downsizers actually want.

“This is something this pocket of Hawthorn has never seen before,” says Fil Gacesa, head of sales at PQD. “<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a> will deliver just 18 large-scale apartments in the heart of Hawthorn. It is the true definition of resort-style living.”

<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/59D7VxzltmM?si=1iCzRD7FRneKryfv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

That scale is central to the story. It’s what allows for two dedicated lift cores, short corridors, and a generous lightcourt that draws natural ventilation and sunlight into every residence. It’s also what makes room for the sort of amenity usually confined to high-density towers: a fully equipped wellness centre with infrared and traditional saunas, yoga and pilates studio, cold therapy shower, and treatment room. There’s a golf simulator, car and dog wash stations, and extensive storage too, not bolted on, but baked in from the start.

But more than the checklist, it’s the design intent that carries weight. “This project has been many years in the making,” says Mark Pomeroy, Director of PQD. “Not just in planning, but in listening, to what our buyers and the local community are looking for”.

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That listening shows up in the materials, oak floors, natural stone, V-ZUG appliances, and in how space is handled. Penthouses feature private rooftop terraces with pools. Terraces and garden residences embrace outdoor connection. Inside, the layouts skew large and open, geared for hosting, not just housing.

Architecturally, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>’s approach is grounded. There’s no reaching for spectacle here. Instead, the building offers a sculptural calm, anchored by landscaping from Eckersley Garden Architecture.&nbsp;

“We wanted to create spaces that feel expansive, serene, and meaningfully connected to daily life,” said founding partner Chris Stribley elsewhere.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

That sentiment, calm, connection, echoes in the location itself. Kooyongkoot sits just a short stroll from Central Gardens, Fairview Park, and the Rivoli Cinema. Tram lines and schools are close, but the street is tucked, quiet, and leaf-lined.&nbsp;

“Residents of Kooyongkoot will be a short stroll from Fairview Park, Central Gardens, and the Glenferrie Road retail strip," Gacesa notes, "but you're also cocooned in this peaceful pocket behind extensive landscaping by Eckersley Garden Architecture.”

Kooyongkoot is set for completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Staff Writer

The project that said no to compromise: Inside Kooyongkoot, Hawthorn

When long-time Ivanhoe locals Graeme and Catherine, decided it was time to downsize, they weren’t necessarily in a rush.&nbsp;

Like many in their stage of life, they had started thinking about apartment living, but anticipated making the shift in two to three years.

That timeline changed when they visited <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, a new boutique development by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>. The project ticked all the boxes they were looking for: location, quality design, and long-term lifestyle benefits, which prompted them to bring their decision forward.

“It was the right place at the right time,” they said. “We knew immediately it ticked all the boxes, and we didn’t want to wait.”

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Their decision to downsize was driven by a combination of practical needs and lifestyle considerations. Their existing home, while much loved, had become increasingly difficult to maintain. It spanned multiple levels, included extensive front and back gardens, and was starting to show the wear that comes with age.&nbsp;

They were looking for a more manageable lifestyle, one with less upkeep and more freedom. A brand-new apartment with no maintenance requirements and the ability to simply “lock up and leave” gave them peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their future.

Financially, the purchase made sense as well. The available stamp duty savings, strong price-to-value offering, and timing of the settlement suited their plans, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective. The apartment's design and inclusions further supported their choice.

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The layout was both functional and flexible: three bedrooms, a butler’s pantry, a separate laundry, and a large open-plan living area. It gave them the freedom to host a family, accommodate guests, or set up a home office. The expansive balcony and elevated views added to the appeal, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

“It just had a really good flow,” Catherine noted, something they found lacking in many other apartments they’d considered, particularly in the established market.

Candela’s boutique scale was another deciding factor. With a smaller number of residences and a top-floor penthouse position, the couple felt the development offered the privacy and space they were looking for, without feeling isolated.

“We liked that it wasn’t a huge development. It felt well-balanced, modern but still with a sense of community, not overwhelming,” they said.

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Equally important was the ability to remain in Ivanhoe, a suburb they know well and have deep roots in. After 46 years in the area, proximity to local parks, shops, and familiar faces mattered just as much as the apartment itself.

“We didn’t want to give up the community we’ve known for decades. Candela allowed us to upgrade our lifestyle while staying in the place we call home.”

With a Walk Score of 90, the village location supports a convenient, connected lifestyle. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a> Station is just a eight-minute walk away, and the neighbourhood offers access to parks, cafes, restaurants, and schools along Upper Heidelberg Road, all within easy reach.

Beyond the apartment, the couple also saw value in the broader vision for Candela, one that integrates residential living with public spaces and local amenities.&nbsp;

The development introduces 58 new apartments as well as a mix of commercial and social spaces that integrate contemporary architecture with the suburb’s existing character.&nbsp;

At ground level, residents will find a charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offers a stunning vantage point for residents to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, host gatherings, or enjoy barbecues with family and friends. It's not just a place to live; it's a vibrant community where every moment is an opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Why Ivanhoe locals are choosing to downsize to Candela

Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

Project management and construction management firm Creative Vision filed the plans for the&nbsp;multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Leading Australian integrated property development group, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>, has released the signature penthouses crowning its landmark AURA by Aqualand precinct at 168 Walker Street in North Sydney, unveiling Il Magnate and La Divina as the largest and most luxurious penthouses in the suburb.

With prices anticipated to commence from $15 million, and each accompanied by a new Porsche Carrera 911 valued at over $500K, the residences mark the culmination of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a>’s decade-long journey and the beginning of its final sales chapter. 
&nbsp; 
Their release follows more than $850 million in record-breaking residential sales and the building’s completion and occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358868]

The Richards Stanisich-designed 284 sqm Il Magnate and 224 sqm La Divina penthouses, collectively known as The Icons of AURA, are conceived as grand luxury homes rather than apartments, with expansive proportions, elevated materiality and curated identities that reflect their status as one-off residences.&nbsp;

Il Magnate features a grande master suite, complete with substantial walk-in dressing area and ensuite, three other bedrooms, second ensuite and another bathroom, powder room, open plan kitchen, scullery, substantial dining area and generous living room divided by a feature fireplace, and a multifunction wintergarden, which is ideal for a study and adjoining office breakout space. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the La Divina residence offers the same amenities, sans the powder room, on a slightly smaller alternate floor plan configuration.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358863]

Each occupies half of AURA by Aqualand’s topmost 28th level, comes with four secure car spaces and pairs sweeping Sydney Harbour panoramas with large-scale living spaces, refined detailing and a level of craftsmanship and amenity rarely offered in the North Shore market.&nbsp;

Penthouse residents will also receive Etymon’s ‘Black Key’ private concierge and lifestyle management service, an invitation only offering providing the ultimate in bespoke personalisation, including a range of everyday discrete services, from dinner party management, grocery deliveries, pet feeding or plants watered, dinners, snacks and coffee deliveries, event ticket sourcing, right up to organising travel visas and international airfares. Rarely seen in Australian properties, the service provides residents the benefits of living in a world-class luxury hotel-style home, akin to The Ritz, or the Waldorf Astoria.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358862]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>’s Director, Kirsten Stanisich, said the studio set out to craft residences that feel profoundly considered, contemporary and deeply connected to their setting.

“From the outset, we approached these penthouses with the sensibility of a grand Parisian residence - generous in scale, elegant in proportion and designed to feel more like a handcrafted home than an apartment," Stanisich said.

“Their elevated position and sweeping harbour outlook informed every decision, creating a rare connection between urban sophistication and natural calm. We shaped each space with expressive materiality, sculptural forms and bespoke detailing that invite touch and interaction.&nbsp;

“The result is a pair of residences defined by volume, light and an inherent softness - refined, flexible and deeply personal. These penthouses are unlike anything else in North Sydney, offering a sanctuary of true luxury framed by some of the city’s most remarkable views.”

For Aqualand’s Head of Sales &amp; Marketing, Alex Adams, the collaboration with Porsche underscores the shared ethos behind the residences.

“Aqualand’s collaboration with Porsche underpins both brand’s sharing an obsession with craftsmanship, design excellence, and enduring value," Adams said.

“Our penthouses are created for those who appreciate the finer details and expect the extraordinary at every touchpoint. Including a Porsche simply extends that experience beyond the residence - it’s a continuation of the lifestyle our buyers already live.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292862]

Aqualand’s Managing Director, Jin Lin, said the penthouses represent both the pinnacle of AURA by Aqualand and an important design benchmark for the company’s future pipeline.&nbsp;

“These stunning penthouses reflect the purest expression of Aqualand’s design ambition," Lin said.

“The unparalleled design intent makes them not only the glistening crown of AURA by Aqualand, but the crown of North Sydney itself. They’re essentially a thank you gift to a burgeoning community that deserves this level of quality and architectural consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re leveraging the unrivalled standard set here as the foundation for what comes next, including our upcoming Anderson Street, Chatswood; 15 Blue Street, North Sydney and Central Barangaroo projects. Purchasers of these penthouses will essentially be living inside the blueprint of Aqualand’s future.

“These landmark residences demonstrate how far North Sydney has evolved and the strength of demand for highly curated, bespoke luxury homes. They’re more than penthouses, they’re legacy residences.&nbsp;

“With AURA by Aqualand now a thriving new precinct with residents well and truly settled, and our in-house world-class lifestyle amenity activated, Il Magnate and La Divina represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure an extraordinary piece of North Sydney’s future.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Joel Robinson

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bokarina-qld-4575">Bokarina</a> Beach has quietly evolved into one of the Sunshine Coast’s most complete coastal lifestyle precincts, defined not just by proximity to the ocean, but by how residential living, local retail and everyday amenity are stitched together.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina-qld-4575">Bask Bokarina</a> now represents the final residential chapter in that transformation.

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Over recent years, the Bokarina Beach precinct has taken shape as a walkable, community-oriented neighbourhood, anchored by beachfront access, Lake Kawana to the west, and a growing mix of cafés, specialty retail and public open space.&nbsp;

With Zinc Bokarina already delivered next door by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG), Bask is the last opportunity to buy a brand new apartment within the precinct, effectively rounding out a fully formed coastal village.

GVG has positioned Bask to strengthen that lifestyle framework. Ten ground-floor retail spaces are planned beneath the residences, extending Bokarina Boulevard’s existing activity and reinforcing the area’s everyday convenience, from casual dining and coffee to local services, within a short walk of the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

The residential component comprises 135 apartments across two buildings, Mydas and Caretta, with a clear shift toward larger three- and four-bedroom layouts and penthouses. That mix reflects a maturing buyer profile in Bokarina, where demand is increasingly led by owner-occupiers and active downsizers seeking space, permanence, and connection to place rather than short-term coastal accommodation.

Design and amenity have followed the same logic. Residents will have access to a heated plunge pool, gym, private dining room with a full kitchen, landscaped communal gardens with barbecues and a firepit, and a shared herb and vegetable garden, facilities intended to support daily use rather than resort-style turnover. Pet-friendly features, including a dog wash bay, acknowledge both buyer expectations and the area’s dog-friendly beach, located around 250 metres from the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333366]

“Bokarina has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most desirable beachside communities, and Bask represents the very last chance to buy new in this location,” GVG Director Sam Gardner said.&nbsp;

“Our focus has been to create spacious, functional apartments that meet the needs of locals who want to downsize without compromise, as well as those seeking a full-time coastal retreat.”

Positioned between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Kawana, Bask apartments have been oriented to capture outlooks toward the water or the Glass House Mountains, reinforcing the project’s connection to its natural surroundings. With parks, beachfront paths, hospitals, retail and public transport already in place, Bask arrives at a point where the broader precinct is no longer emerging, but established.

Construction is expected to complete in Q3 this year, with apartments ready to move into this Spring.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141609]

Bask to complete Bokarina’s Sunshine Coast lifestyle precinct as final apartments are released

Sydney Auctions

A newly constructed Bentleigh townhouse topped Melbourne's weekend apartment auction results when selling at $2,253,000.

The four bedroom townhouse (pictured) had come with a $1,690,000 - $1,850,000 price guide.

Jellis Craig marketed the offering as also having two studies and 3.5 bathrooms, with double garaging.

It featured solid Tasmanian Oak floors, high ceilings and marble-look tiles.

The 780 sqm Buckingham Avenue site had been secured in 2018 at a $1.8 million cost with Cordell Connecting advising late 2019 Glen Eira council approvals for the duplex costing $760,000.

A Richmond townhouse was the next priciest sale, snapped up before its scheduled weekend auction at $2 million.

The 2/76 Regent Street offering had been listed with $1,450,000 to $1,550,000 price guidance.

RT Edgar marketed it as having three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a powder room, spread over two levels with lift .

There was with secure rear remote garaging for two vehicles via Little Hoddle Street in the complex designed by Mark Richards Architects.

In Melbourne, 1,035 auctions were held across the city returning a preliminary auction clearance rate of 77 percent, according to CoreLogic.

Apartment and townhouses secured just a 62 percent success rate.

Sydney recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 82 percent as post Easter volumes rose, with apartments and townhouses securing a 78 percent clearance rate.&nbsp;

There were 814 auctions held across Sydney, up on the Easter week’s 404 auctions.

The dearest advised apartment sale across Sydney was $2.45 million in Manly, with ocean views. The Bonner Avenue two bedroom apartment last sold at $360,000 in 1991.

There was also a Darling Point apartment on the market for the first time in more than 60 years that sold for $1.7 million which saw the proceeds directed to support nurses in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

Adelaide, Brisbane and Canberra all recorded preliminary auction clearance rates above 80 percent, with Canberra at 90 percent.

Canberra saw 70 percent of its apartment find buyers.

<h2>Popular Melbourne &amp; Sydney projects:</h2>

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89720]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24323]

The 26A Buckingham Avenue Bentleigh townhouse sold for $2.253 million

jchancellor

New townhouses top weekend apartment auction results

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Sydney had the priciest advised weekend auction sale when $5.01 million was paid for a Mosman penthouse. 

The Moruben Road penthouse sold last in 2004 at $2.05 million having first traded in 2002 on completion at $1.85 million. 

Mosman's median apartment prices sits as $1,002,500, with realestate.com.au calculating units typically rent for $550 per week with a rental yield of 2.9 percent. 

Based on five years of sales, Mosman has seen a compound growth rate of 2.9 percent for units.

Selling agent Jonathon De Brennan marketed the three bedroom, two bathroom apartments as the “jewel in a prestigious boutique complex” of six apartments. 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758]

It came with two car spaces.

It came with Middle Harbour views from its Balmoral Slopes location. 

The tightly held block’s last sale was $2.7 million in 2016. 

The neighbouring penthouse last traded at $1,805,000 in 2003.

Sydney saw a 96 percent success rate at weekend auctions, according to Realestate.com.au. 
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Sydney had the priciest advised weekend auction sale when $5.01 million was paid for a Mosman penthouse. 

Mosman apartment sells at $5.01 million

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There are 1,136 capital city homes scheduled to go under the hammer this week, an expected increase in volumes of 24% on last week.
This is because Sydney is set to have the busiest week for auctions since early April.
The past few weeks has seen Melbourne record the lowest levels of auction activity over a non-seasonal period since CoreLogic commenced auction reporting.
While volumes this week are to remain at these same subdued levels, scheduled volumes are higher over the week with 62 Melbourne homes set to go to auction, up from a mere 11 auctions last week.
Meanwhile across Sydney, the city is set to host the busiest week for auctions since April with 843 homes scheduled for auction, rising on the 677 held last week.
Across the smaller auction markets, Brisbane is expected to hold the most auctions this week (86), followed by Adelaide (71) and Canberra (63).
Meanwhile Perth has 11 auctions scheduled this week and there are currently no auctions scheduled in Tasmania.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/12/11/CL%20SEPT%2020.JPG" alt="">
The Sydney auction market has proven unstoppable over the past several months, according to Ray White.
Ray White Balmain Agents Chris Williams and Benjamin Martin said First home buyers and downsizers will be lining up at 30 Arthur St, Balmain (pictured above) for an early morning auction. The two-bedroom home has attracted more than 100 groups at inspections.
“This is the first time this house has been offered in 70 years. The late owner bought it from her sister who originally bought it from their mother,” Mr Williams said.
The Balmain home has a buyer’s guide of $1,200,000.
<img src="https://f.datasrvr.com/f1/320/47884/Drummoyne.JPG" width="640" data-imagetype="External">
Across the bridge, Ray White Drummoyne Agent Fiona Hellams has been inundated with buyer interest for 118 Gipps St (pictured above) that has a price guide of $1,700,000. Ms Hellams is expecting a great result come Saturday, after more than 70 groups attended open homes for the three-bedroom house.
“I’m finding that buyers have mainly been from out of the area, looking to get their foot in the door because they see value in Drummoyne,” Ms Hellams said.
The auction will be conducted onsite and online.
In Sydney’s south, Ray White Georges River | St George | Oatley Principal Matt O’Shea is looking forward to the sale of 5/8 Lousia St, Oatley.
Mr O’Shea said the three bedroom home has received plenty of interest and more than 70 individual inspections.
“Because it’s a good-sized villa we’re getting a combination of buyers ranging from downsizers to the other end of the spectrum with young professional couples and small families looking to move into something bigger,” Mr O’Shea said.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Sydney's busiest auction weekend in five months

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On-site Sydney auctions can host more than 20 people provided the agent complies with a COVID-19 Safety Plan, in a turnaround by the NSW Department of Fair Trading.
Domain reported a NSW Fair Trading spokesperson advised late Friday afternoon that Saturday auctions could go ahead as usual.
“The order is currently being amended to address an anomaly relating to the number of persons allowed on a residential property,” they said.
“In the meantime, an exemption has been made to ensure that inspections and auctions on residential premises can continue.”
The Real Estate Institute president NSW Leanne Pilkington said the peak body had tried to clarify with the NSW Health Department and NSW Fair Trading all last week. 
“We were trying to get an answer literally all week. We were in touch with Fair Trading every day,” she said.
The limit was raised after NSW Fair Trading inspectors discovered auction crowds larger than 20 across Sydney during August.
Ms Pilkington said while she understood the pressure and ever-changing landscape for the government during the pandemic, better communication was integral.
“It’s really frustrating for the news to be shared at 5pm on a Friday. To get the message out to people is really hard. These decisions seem to always happen late on Friday,” she said.
“I just hope that both the Health Department and Fair Trading learn from all of this in that communication with industry stakeholders is really important and timely information is important because we genuinely want to work together.”
Sydney’s preliminary auction rate was 62 per cent from 338 reported results. There were 78 withdrawn amid 437 scheduled auctions. However SQM advised there had <a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/auctions.php?state=NSW" target="_blank">actually been </a><a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/auctions.php?state=NSW" target="_blank">578</a>. 
A lakeside Narrabeen home set a record after selling for $4.27 million.
The cul-de-sac 14 Malcolm Street, Narrabeen, attracted five registered bidders.
The top sale was a six-bedroom knockdown home, with a tennis court on 1400 sqm at 41 Newton Road, Strathfield.
There were the 12 registered bidders who topped out a $5,502,000 which was $652,000 above the reserve through Richards Matthew Real Estate.
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Sydney auctions can be attended by more than 20 people

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20 person COVID-19 cap on attending Spring Sydney home auctions 

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There are 1,144 homes scheduled for auction across the combined capital cities this week, a slight increase on the 1,046 auctions last week and lower than the 1,415 last year.
In Sydney, 679 auctions are scheduled across the city, up on the 668 last week and also higher than scheduled volumes from one year ago (503).
The number of Sydney auctions has been trending higher over the past three months and auction volumes have been consistently above last year’s level since the last week of June.
There are 235 Melbourne homes scheduled for auction this week, an expected rise on last week’s volumes (191), which saw 33% of auctions withdrawn from the market.
The low auction volumes aren’t surprising, considering stage four restrictions remain in place.
Across the smaller cities, scheduled volumes are set to be higher across all cities but Tasmania where no auctions are scheduled in for this week.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/8/20/CL%20AUG%2016.JPG" target="_blank">Click to enlarge:</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/8/20/CL%20AUG%2016.JPG" alt="">
Ray White live listings are up nationally 11 per cent across Ray White, with a month to date clearance rate of 59.6 per cent.
Ray White offices are gearing up for a strong weekend in NSW with 60 auctions scheduled across Sydney.
In the morning, Ray White Drummoyne Agent Angela Saidi will be auctioning the sought after 2/69 Tranmere St, Drummoyne (pictured in title) unit.
The two bedroom unit has already had 90 groups through inspections and has a price guide of about $800,000. Ms Saidi said prospective buyers have been mostly made up of first home buyers along with a couple of investors.
<img src="https://f.datasrvr.com/f1/420/57811/Caringbah.JPG" width="640" data-imagetype="External">
Also in the morning, Caringbah townhouse at 1/5 Oleander Parade (pictured above) is scheduled for auction, capping off a three and a half week campaign that saw 62 groups through the property.
Ray White Caringbah Principal Wendy Samrani said with a price guide of $900,000 to $1 million the three bedroom home represents good value in the area.
“Many want to get into the area but can’t find a house in Caringbah for under $1.15 to $1.2 million - especially with stock levels so low and hardly anything similar on the market,” she added.
Ms Samrani sold a similar neighbouring townhouse in the same development six weeks ago for $907,500.
In the afternoon, 16 Clarence Road will go under the hammer to a new family through Ray White Rockdale Agent Nicholas Economos with New South Wales Chief Auctioneer Alex Pattaro calling the auction.
Ray White Surry Hills | Alexandria | Glebe | Erskineville Associate Director Matthew Carvalho will also be auctioning 127 Denison St, Camperdown later in the afternoon. The two bedroom terrace home has seen strong interest from young buyers and has a price guide of $1.1 million.
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Sydney auction volumes have been trending higher since June

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There are 1,206 capital city auctions being tracked by CoreLogic this week, down from 1,326 auctions last week, but higher than this time last year when 1,108 homes were taken to auction.
In Melbourne, 357 auctions are scheduled across the city this week, lower than the 540 auctions scheduled last week, which saw 217 withdrawn from the market according to final figures; a trend that is likely to continue throughout the lockdown period.
There are 611 Sydney homes scheduled for auction this week, up from 594 last week, and higher than the 386 held one year ago.
Across the smaller auction markets, Brisbane is set to hold the most auctions this week (114), followed by Canberra (61), Adelaide (51) and Perth (11). While Tasmania has 1 auction scheduled.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/30/CL%20JULY%2030.JPG" alt="">
On the back of a 60.6 per cent nationwide auction day clearance rate last week, Ray White is preparing itself for another strong weekend of auction action.
A return to online auctions in Victoria has done little to stem buyer confidence and the number of registered bidders for New South Wales properties remain near record highs.
Australasia’s biggest auction house has 183 auctions scheduled to take place this Saturday, a strong 18 per cent increase in the number of auctions scheduled at the same time last year.
One of the highlights is set to be in Waterloo where Ray White Surry Hills Sales Executive Jack McGhee is sending 110 Morehead Street (pictured in title) under the hammer onsite at 10:30am.
“This deceased estate is being offered to the market for the first time in over 50 years and has a buyer’s guide price of $850,000,” Mr McGhee said.
“We’ve had 93 visits to the property during the campaign, we have 28 contracts out, and we’re expecting 12-15 registered bidders to compete on the day."
<img src="https://f.datasrvr.com/f1/420/45463/340_Belmont_Street,_Alexandria,_NSW.JPG" width="640" data-imagetype="External">
Next up, Directors Ercan Ersan and Shaun Stoker send Alexandria’s <a href="https://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=U2F2YWpGbUpkNHhrZVh3aTdtVlVoNUdTNGphaGtvcXNiTWQ2NzRiNkVYeVNpWXNJMWttR0NtY3FITU5rb0xtcnJ1cmYrOGhCVXpUTzlvcDVtZTE4bitqZG1MR2NIMTJvNnRreUJoanVVZ3JMY3g5eXFVeGh0K21XV09KS0Z6enNzZnlFeHYyUUlISnE0cExqdFIyTEpvcGU4RHJMOWJzb05hMm5zNGFtamRvPQ==&amp;rh=ff006618d7c20a7a367488a8aa4888e10176f876" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">340 Belmont Street</a> (above) under the hammer.
 Mr Ersan said, "the property has generated a huge amount of interest with more than 100 groups through the open homes with the home appealing primarily to young couples and families." “From those massive open home numbers we’ve issued nine contracts and we’re expecting to have four bidders registered to compete on the day.” The auction will be called onsite at 9:30am by Ray White Auctioneer James Keenan.
<img src="https://f.datasrvr.com/f1/220/91764/114_The_Avenue,_Canley_Vale,_NSW.JPG" width="640" data-imagetype="External">
The hat-trick is a second builder’s dream, this time in Canley Vale, as Ray White Cabramatta Selling Principal Julie Dang and Sales Agent Binh Huyhn take 114 The Avenue (above) to auction.
“The four-week campaign has been extremely active with more than 55 people through the open homes and even more enquiries for what is essentially land value,” Mr Huyhn said.
“We’ve sent out 18 contracts and we’re expecting 10 registered bidders on the day for a property that’s on one of the best streets in Canley Vale.
“It’s been a 50/50 split of interest between builders and people who want to knock the property down and rebuild with a granny flat on the site as they have one eye on the future,” he concluded.
The auction will take place onsite at 10:30am.
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Sydney auction market remains strong while Melbourne flounders in lockdown

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There are 1,392 homes scheduled for auction across the combined capital cities this week, increasing on the 1,176 auctions last week and higher than the 1,124 last year, according to CoreLogic data.
Sydney and Melbourne were both expected to see a rise in the number of homes auctioned this week, however given Melbourne’s restrictions, a large portion of these are likely to be withdrawn, as we’ve seen over the past few weeks.
This is a familiar scene from the first lockdown as homes were pulled from auctions heavily during that period.
In Sydney, 642 auctions are scheduled across the city, a 25% rise on last week’s volumes (515) and also higher than scheduled volumes from one year ago (394).
There are 558 Melbourne homes scheduled for auction this week, an expected rise of 11.6% on last week’s volumes (500), which saw a large number withdrawn (209); a trend that is likely to persist through the lockdown period.
Across the smaller cities, scheduled volumes are set to be higher across all cities but Perth.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/23/CL%20JULY%2019.JPG" alt="">
Despite the negative speculation surrounding the property market, the Ray White Group is set for another strong weekend of auctions.
A return to online auctions in Victoria has done little to stem buyer confidence and the number of registered bidders for New South Wales properties remain near record highs.
Australasia’s biggest auction house has 240 auctions scheduled to take place this Saturday, a 72 per cent increase in the number of auctions at the same time last year.
One highlight is in Pymble where Ray White Upper North Shore Sales Agents Rowan Lazar and Graeme Schultz are taking the five-bedroom family home at 12 Lawley Crescent (pictured in title) to auction with a $2,250,000-$2,500,000 price guide.
“We’ve had more than 70 parties through the open homes during the campaign and we’ve issued 17 contracts so far – we’re expecting this one to be a great auction,” Mr Lazar said.
<img src="https://f.datasrvr.com/f1/620/64889/5_Hume_Street,_Kellyville_Ridge,_NSW.JPG" width="640" data-imagetype="External">
Over in Kellyville Ridge, Ray White Castle Hill Sales Executives Sara Perry and Karl Anthony are expecting big things for the modern and stylish property at 5 Hume Street (above).
“We’ve had 58 groups through and the property has particularly appealed to a wide-ranging demographic – namely families, downsizers and first-home buyers,” Ms Perry said.
“The vendors have bought a block of land in Box Hill to build their dream home and they’re motivated to sell – we’re expecting 4-6 registered bidders on the day.
The property goes under the hammer onsite at 12pm with Ray White Auctioneer James Kerley.
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Sydney set to be the busiest auction market again due to Melbourne lockdown

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The capital city weekend auctions saw continued strong clearance rates as the summer selling season came to a bullish conclusion. 
Sydney recorded a success rate of 81 per cent, with Melbourne not too far behind behind on 77 per cent.
The real estate results contrast with the coronavirus turmoil on stockmarkets, which will be upper most on the minds when the RBA board meet to set its official cash rate on Tuesday.
Melbourne was the busiest auction market with 1,567 auctions, the busiest weekend since October 2018. 
In Melbourne, 1,221 results were captured and 941 homes sold, reported CoreLogic.
Sydney had some 1,045 auctions held over the week. Of the 645 Sydney results captured, 525 homes sold, CoreLogic reported.
"Based on these numbers, the market does not (yet) appear to be affected by global events," SQM boss Louis Christopher said. "But watch this space..."
The highest confirmed residential sale in Sydney was <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-milsons+point-132850826" target="_blank">1701/30 Glen Street Milsons Point</a> (pictured above), a four-bedroom, three-bathroom penthouse. 
The 312-square-metre apartment fetched $7,250,000 through Black Diamondz.
Located within the Colonnades' building, the harbour-view apartment features an upper master retreat opening to a rooftop entertaining terrace, and three double bedrooms with balcony access and views.
It had previously sold in 2014 for $2.88 million.
Sydney's most affordable residential sale, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/unit-8-14-16-the-trongate-granville-nsw-2142" target="_blank">8/14-16 The Trongate, Granville</a>, sold prior to auction for $375,000. 
Listed by Ray White estate agent, George Jammal, the newly renovated unit is situated on the first floor. 
The two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment had been fitted with a new kitchen with gas cooking. 
In Melbourne, the highest residential sale was in Hawthorn at $6.07 million.
The <a href="https://www.rtedgar.com/property/19-fairview-street-hawthorn-vic-3122/38857/" target="_blank">19 Fairview Street Hawthorn home</a> was an architect designed, Merkon-built offering set over three levels on its 790 sqm holding with views over Fairview Park.
There was a sale in Malvern at $5,406,000 of an ornate five bedroom home at <a href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/property/24-embling-road-malvern-877755/" target="_blank">24 Embling Road</a>.
The 1920s home attracted four bidders after the opening $4.8 million vendor bid. 
In Toorak there was a $4,575,000 sale of a 1920s home, Carisbrook.
Announced on the market at $4.3 million, the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/11-toorak-ave-toorak-vic-3142" target="_blank">Toorak Avenue property</a>'s price guide had been between $4 million and $4.4 million for the four-bedroom, two-bathroom house by its Marshall White estate agents James Redfern and David Volpato.
The 836 sqm holding had sold at $3.35 million in 2010.
Marketing suggested the house "represents an outstanding opportunity to renovate and extend".  
A Canterbury offering at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-canterbury-132892990" target="_blank">8 Stanley Grove</a> sold for $3,780,000.
The four-bathroom, two-bedroom house was listed by Jellis Craig estate agents Peter Vilano and Jessica Zhang. 
The 858 sqm residence showcases a king-sized kitchen that overlooks the family room and west-facing gardens.
A Harold Street, Middle Park house was passed in on a $5.8 million vendor bid at its Cayzer Real Estate auction
Melbourne's cheapest residential sale <a href="https://www.barryplant.com.au/for-sale/11-37-st-kinnord-street-aberfeldie-vic-3040-84098/" target="_blank">11/37 St Kinnord Street, Aberfeldie</a> sold for $300,000, mid-way between its $290,000 to $310,000 Barry Plant price guidance.
The one bedroom, one barhroom unit had previously sold at $275,000 in 2016. 
It was a $250 a week rental in 2015 and at $280 last November. It is leased until next November.
Across the smaller auction markets, preliminary results from CoreLogic show that Canberra was the best performing with a 67 per cent success rate across 82 auctions. 
Brisbane saw a 63 per cent success rate including the sale of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://raywhitealderley.com.au/properties/residential-for-sale/qld/alderley-4051/house/2257169" target="_blank">51 Alderley Avenue, Alderley</a> for $958,000. 
"There had been intense interest in this two level family home with more than 80 groups through during the campaign with interest coming from a mixture of first home buyers, young professional couples and families," Ray White Alderley agent Andrew Cowan said.
There were 10 registered bidders “who went hammer and tong” because finding a house like this with four bedrooms and two bathrooms in Alderley is not easy.”
Adelaide saw a 62 per cent clearance rate while only 37 per cent of homes were sold at auction across Perth. 
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Summer ends with strong capital city auction success rates

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Sydney's late spring auction success rate has normally fallen quite significantly under the weight of new choices by mid-November.
But while the vibrant seasonal jacaranda display falls to the ground, indicating the Christmas break is nigh, there has been continued strength in the auction outcomes.
CoreLogic advised four of Sydney’s 15 regions returned preliminary clearance rates on a recent weekend of 90 percent or over.
They were the Northern Beaches, Ryde and North Sydney and Hornsby.
Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury returned the lowest preliminary clearance rate at 58 percent, which is where the overall end of spring market typically sits in normal years.
There were 930 homes taken to auction across Sydney last week making it the second busiest auction week of the year for the city, just behind the pre-Easter ramp up.
The CoreLogic preliminary results showed an overall 81 percent clearance rate, with not much difference between houses and apartments in attracting buyers.
The clearance rate will likely revise to around the mid-70s once late results are included.
The previous week saw a final clearance rate of 74 per cent across 843 auctions.
One year ago, 844 auctions were held across Sydney returning a final clearance rate of just 42 per cent.
Back in 2017, as the boom was disappating there were over 1000 Sydney auctions, one of the few and far so-called Super Saturdays.
The latest auctions results have triggered a $1.4 million house median and a $920,000 apartment median.
Auctions offerings are always pricier than private treaty listings.
CoreLogic recently put the overall Sydney median at $918,000 for houses and units at $720,000.
Sydney house values are up 5.3 percent since the recent May low, and apartments up 4.2 percent.
According to CoreLogic research director Tim Lawless, the strong rebound in Sydney can be attributed to a blend of factors; tighter labour market conditions and stronger population growth relative to the other capitals, coupled with the stimulatory effect of the lowest mortgage rates since the 1950’s, and improved access to credit.  
Stamp duty exemptions for first home buyers purchasing under specific price points have added additional stimulus to housing demand, Lawless said.  
The lack of fresh supply is also contributing to the turnaround, as vendors have still been hesitant to come to market.
The latest CoreLogic listing tally is 10 percent down on the same time last year. 
There have been 7200 fresh offerings across Sydney in the past 28 days, compared to the near 8000 fresh offering that came to market this time last year. There were 8600 fresh offerings in mid-November 2017.
The current total Sydney listings, fresh and lingering, sits at 24,000, compared to 31,000 this time last spring.
There is emerging improved sentiment, according to the latest report by ME Bank.
The report, which surveyed 1000 Australians in the property market, found 42 per cent of participants said they felt good about the current market, which was up nine percentage points from last quarter.
Price growth sentiment was most improved in Sydney, with respondents in all major cities except Perth showing a more positive outlook on prices.
The survey showed 57 percent throught Sydney prices would be higher still in 12 months time, up from 24 percent who thought so in April this year.
REA Group executive director of economic research Cameron Kusher said buyers still face a lack of stock, although there will be a pick up in auction volumes.
According to <a href="http://realestate.com.au/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://realestate.com.au&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1573586230822000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH9kZ3QzHBVVCkseqm3z4j4WZYEgA">realestate.com.au</a> there will be 754 auctions today and then 776 next Saturday.
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