NEWS: former fish market hooks 1400 homes

All the talk this week has been much ado about nothing, with interest rates not living up to their name by boringly staying put.

However, there is an exciting new development plannned for Blackwattle Bay where Mirvac will deliver 1400 homes at the site of the former fish market, one of Sydney’s largest remaining inner-Harbour redevelopment opportunities, according to this story.

Meanwhile in Melbourne, townhouses almost entirely pre-fabbed in China are being built in Craigieburn in the city’s north. The idea of prefabricating the components of houses under controlled conditions (no rain and on-site quality control) makes perfect sense.

The fact that five townhouses they being shipped from Wuxi west of Shanghai – although we manufacture pre-fab homes here too – can only mean that we are in danger of letting China do to our home building what Japan did to our car industry. Read more about the prefabs sprouting HERE.

These are just a couple of the strata-related stories from this week’s mainstream media. You can get links to all the latest property stories – houses as well as apartments – for free by registering on the LeftField website.

The Age

Melbourne home sellers pocket $170,000 premium after advertising reserve price
A warehouse-style West Melbourne apartment with an advertised reserve price sold at auction on Saturday for $1.02 million, $170,000 over its reserve. Shona Hendley

Domain

Inside Byron Bay’s bold new design landmark
Drawing inspiration from Byron Bay’s iconic beaches and sweeping hinterlands, The Bonobo by Raes redefines what it means to call the coast home. Helen Hawkes

Would you rent your spare room to a complete stranger?
Would you roll out the welcome mat to strangers in your home via an app? Increasingly, Australians are saying yes. Elissa Doherty

The most expensive suburb in which to buy a unit in Australia — and it’s not Point Piper or Bondi Beach
Australia’s most expensive suburb in which to buy a unit is not Point Piper or Bondi, but Barangaroo, where the median house price is a jaw-dropping $4.5 million. Maria Gil

Where to find nine out of Sydney’s 10 most sought-after suburbs
Sydney’s ritzy eastern suburbs and picturesque lower north shore might have the biggest share of harbourside homes, but it’s the inner west that’s proving by far the most popular area for people looking for properties to buy. Sue Williams

Melbourne’s three most sought-after suburbs for home buyers and stickybeaks
Albert Park has been crowned Melbourne’s most popular suburb for home buyers, renovation enthusiasts and window shoppers. Elizabeth Redman

Top homes to inspect in Canberra and surrounds this weekend
We’ve collated the best homes on the market right now in Canberra and surrounds to add to your inspection planner this weekend. Lucy Jones

This St Kilda time capsule apartment has been stylishly rejuvenated
Rolling through Fitzroy Street and onto the Esplanade is one of Melbourne’s little pleasures. Feted, forsaken, rugged or rejuvenated, whatever the seaside suburb’s vibe across the years, it draws a crowd, and it always has. Lou Sweeney

ABC Online

North Melbourne public housing tower attracts heritage nomination ahead of demolition plan
A North Melbourne public housing tower facing imminent demolition will be assessed for its heritage value to Victoria, after a successful appeal by a tenant group. Demolition works at the tower at 33 Alfred Street were expected to begin this year and most residents have already been moved out. Kate Ashton

The Daily Telegraph

Cherrybrook metro station precinct to get 410 homes through ALAND
The contract for hundreds of new homes along with public spaces and retail at one of northwest Sydney’s most popular metro stations has been awarded to one of the nation’s largest developers. Eliza Barr

Realestate.com.au

Reserve Bank holds interest rates amid warning on stubborn housing inflation
The Reserve Bank has held the cash rate steady today, maintaining a cautious stance as inflation continues to prove more persistent than expected. Nerida Conisbee

A ‘win-win’: New family apartment living trend
The family home just got a high-rise makeover as a growing number of Aussies are acting now to secure affordable properties, purchasing multiple apartments within the same development for the entire family. Kaylee Cranley

Interest rate cut hopes crushed as three of the biggest banks reverse forecasts
Australian homeowners have been dealt a brutal blow, with three of the nation’s biggest banks now unequivocally ruling out any further RBA cash rate cuts in this cycle. Lydia Kellner

China-made homes assembled in Melbourne in a first for the city
Melbourne homes almost entirely made in China are being built in the city’s north in what is believed to be a first for the city. A series of five townhouses are being put together in Craigieburn from prefabricated modules made in an environmentally-controlled factory in Wuxi west of Shanghai. Nathan Mawby

Summer sales surge for Gold Coast real estate market
A record $5.2 billion tourist spend has triggered unprecedented demand for Gold Coast apartments, threatening to push prices even higher amid supply shortages. Aleisha Dawson

Aussie housing plan in crisis, half the nation building less
Australia’s efforts to build its way out of a housing crisis are going backwards in huge chunks of the nation amid warnings state government policies are putting up roadblocks. Nathan Mawby

New apartments offer affordable pathway to locals
West Pennant Hills housing options are broadening in a move that is offering affordable opportunities for those who may have previously been priced out of the locale. Mirvac last week marked the topping out of the apartment precinct at Highforest and for young couples like northwest Sydney locals Maddie English and Dan Anderson the landmark residential community has offered them the opportunity to remain in the suburb they both grew up in. Kaylee Cranley

High hopes: 78-storey tower plan for Parramatta
A 78-storey proposal could transform Parramatta as its tallest residential tower delivering 1,000 new units. If given the green light, it will be Western Sydney’s tallest building and the third tallest building citywide. Kaylee Cranley

Seniors flock to share houses as cost of living bites
Queensland’s share houses are no longer just for students: three in five residents say they’ve been forced there by the cost-of-living crisis, with many aged 55-64. News Corp Australia

Sinking fund shock: Massive pot of money could cost you thousands
New buyers of lots in community title schemes that possess a massive sinking fund balance need to be aware that it is not a magical pot of money to cover any major problem. Jane Wilson

The Australian Financial Review

Why this mum bought her 11-year-old son a townhouse
“I’m glad I’ve done everything I can to help my son get into the housing market,” says money coach Marion Mays. Nina Hendy

That’s no statue: The public art in this apartment block is alive
Council rules requiring public art in major projects have thrown up some unloved pieces. An artist and architect couple have a new twist for one development. Michael Bailey

Byron Bay primed for $16m penthouse record as luxury demand grows
Byron Bay’s extended transformation from hippie enclave into coastal hangout of the rich and famous steps up with the arrival of a luxury apartment development crowned by a $16 million penthouse. Bonnie Campbell

The Australian

Sydney Harbour penthouse fetches $14m setting new Drummoyne price record
Property developer Central Element has sold the penthouse in its luxury Bianca Drummoyne development fronting Sydney Harbour for $14m, setting a new price record for the waterfront suburb. Lisa Allen

Sydney Morning Herald

Two-way tolling on Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel set to start in 2028
Motorists will be charged two-way tolls on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Harbour Tunnel from as early as 2028, when a third harbour motorway crossing is due to open to vehicles. Matt O’Sullivan

More than 2000 apartments are planned for this Sydney site. Some landowners had no idea
One of the state’s largest housing projects fast-tracked by the government’s signature Housing Delivery Authority had to be significantly wound back after it emerged landowners had not agreed to sell to developers. Max Maddison and Alexandra Smith

The Gold Coast Bulletin

$18.5m penthouse launched to market on the Gold Coast
An $18.5 million penthouse with a private rooftop terrace and pool has been unveiled, crowning the 21-level beachfront development No. 21 Broadbeach Blvd. The development, which consists of 16 residences across 21 levels, is being developed by QNY and Glenvill Developments. Samantha Healy

Receivers seize Gold Coast tower site linked to Princess Beatrice’s husband
Princess Beatrice’s developer husband promised a ‘seven-star’ Gold Coast tower but receivers have now moved in after the development dream turned nightmare. Andrew Potts

‘Blue-chip’ former Flannerys Miami site set for auction amid development boom
Developers are circling the ‘blue-chip’ Miami site where the Mrs Flannery’s health food empire began, amid a dramatic urban transformation of the area. Andrew Potts

Developers Abedian and Co buy back major Gold Coast site The Lanes after previous owner’s collapses
A pair of Gold Coast developers have pulled off an extraordinary property boomerang, repurchasing the massive retail site they once owned after a billion-dollar vision crumbled. Andrew Potts

Developer launches 67-berth Mantaray Marina in race for superyacht supremacy
The Gold Coast’s Broadwater faces an unprecedented luxury marina arms race as three major developments compete to capture the world’s wealthiest boat owners. Andrew Potts

The West Australian

Plans for three new high-rise apartment buildings in Subiaco lodged with WA’s peak planning body
The application was lodged by Rowe Group on behalf of Cedar Woods — the same developer of the neighbouring Incontro development which includes townhouses and a seven-storey apartment block on the corner of Salvado Road and Bishop Street. Harriet Flinn

Property developer Cedar Woods lodges plan for $30m 78-townhouse project next to shopping centre
Plans to build 78 townhouses on a vacant site immediately north of Kingsway City Shopping Centre in Madeley for $30 million have been lodged. Liam Murphy

Urban Developer

Why Latent Defects Insurance is Moving from Niche to Mainstream
When it arrived in Australia in 2022, latent defects insurance (LDI) was initially dismissed as an expensive “nice to have”. But LDI and its close relation decennial liability insurance (DLI) are gaining momentum, as Resilience chief executive Corey Nugent can attest. Clare Burnett

Sunshine Coast’s $150m Crowne Plaza Hotel, Apartments Waved Ahead
A luxury residential and hotel development overlooking the Maroochy River has been approved by the Sunshine Coast Council. Clare Burnett

Freecity Plans Modular Skyscraper Hub in West Sydney
A $248.8-million tower in Western Sydney would start a two-site push into highrise modular housing after Australia’s first modular design competition. Vanessa Croll

Mirvac Wins Blackwattle Bay Site for 1400-Home Precinct
Mirvac will deliver 1400 homes on one of Sydney’s largest remaining inner-Harbour redevelopment opportunities, securing the 3.6ha former fish market land at Blackwattle Bay. Vanessa Croll

Approval Adds Loftex $102m Tower to Chatswood Pipeline
A 35-storey tower in Sydney’s Lower North Shore has secured state approval, adding to a string of major highrise decisions reshaping Chatswood’s northern CBD. Vanessa Croll

Yeerongpilly Land Release Paves Way for Games Venue
The Queensland Government has signed a deal to release land in the south of Brisbane for a future mixed-use precinct and allow the delivery of a tennis centre expansion ahead of the Olympics. Clare Burnett

Approval Grows SKS Group’s BtR Pipeline in Perth
Malaysian-based developer SKS Group is lining up approvals around Perth as it branches further into build-to-rent projects. The developer of the Perth Hilton hotel won approval for a 21-storey build-to-rent project at West Perth, dubbed Harvest, in October and a 20-storey residential block at Burswood last month. Renee McKeown

Willow Secures Rare Toorak Consolidation After Three-Year Pursuit
Convincing seven individual owners to sell their Toorak units and agree on the same price took Willow Development Group more than three years, countless cups of coffee and working with one particularly stubborn owner who nearly derailed the whole deal. Leon Della Bosca

Aesop Founder Plots Car-Free Brunswick Townhouse Scheme
A car-free townhouse development has been lodged for a Brunswick site with a colourful ownership history that includes a skincare empire founder. Leon Della Bosca

Developer Loses Appeal Over Whitsunday Infrastructure
Homeland Property Developments has failed in its bid to overturn a ruling that requires it to pay for key water infrastructure at its $1.1-billion Whitsunday masterplanned community. Clare Burnett

Bridgestone 33-Storey Tower at Chatswood Approved
Bridgestone Projects has been given the go-ahead for its dual-tower North Shore luxury project that was rejected by a planning panel last year. Clare Burnett

Abedians Buy Back Mermaid Waters’ $1bn The Lanes Scheme
After the collapse of its developer, the former owners of The Lanes retail precinct on the Gold Coast have swooped in to buy back the project. Clare Burnett and Lindsay Saunders

Apartments.com.au

Third.i tops out Muse, Potts Point apartments
Developer Third.i has topped out its luxury Potts Point apartment development, Muse. Under construction by Dilcara and expected to complete in mid-2026, Muse comprises just 13 apartments designed by acclaimed architects WMK Architecture and Mathieson. Urban Editorial

Downsizer demand continues to shape The Residences at Wahroonga Estate
Buyer interest in Capital Corporation’s The Residences at Wahroonga Estate has been gaining momentum following the recent groundbreaking and the commencement of construction. Joel Robinson

Townhouse living, Brisbane’s new affordable urban dream?
Songbird Terraces offer 34 architect-designed townhomes in private enclave, surrounded by bushland, parks and resort style amenity. Joel Robinson

Ondé Kirra times entry to booming southern Gold Coast market as apartment options shrink
Kirra Beach has been hot property since the onset of the pandemic in early 2021. Development sites were snapped up, projects sold out, and many of those developments are now beginning to be handed over to purchasers. Urban Editorial

Minns Gov to demolish Wentworth Park Sporting Complex to make way for 2,500 new homes and sporting facilities
The Wentworth Park Sporting Complex and its immediate surrounds will make way for new housing and sporting facilities, the latest rezoning play by the Minns Labor Government to meet Sydney’s housing supply crisis. Joel Robinson

Life at Villea: Morning to evening at Palm Beach’s newest address
Palm Beach has been reshaped over the past few years by an influx of migration. What’s now becoming more apparent, as new apartment developments beyond the beachfront start to take shape, is how new residents of Palm Beach will spend their days. Urban Editorial

Ellipse unveils preview of Lily Lane, Carrington Place second stage
EOIs commencing early with stage one 85 per cent sold. Joel Robinson

Ignite Projects appoints OBX to build wellness-inspired Retreat Palm Beach apartments
Ignite Projects has appointed OBX as the builder for its boutique beachside development, Retreat Palm Beach, following an exceptional early sales run that has seen more than half the residences already secured. Joel Robinson

Rose Bay apartment market fires up with $200m in new developments filed
Rose Bay is emerging as one of Sydney’s most active suburbs for development, as developers respond to demand driven by the suburb’s ageing population. Joel Robinson

Family proximity and connectivity fuel $18m in first-day sales at Deicorp’s East Zetland precinct, The Avenues
Leading Sydney developer Deicorp has recorded a strong market response at the launch of The Avenues, its $874 million East Zetland precinct. Joel Robinson

Abadeen completes ENSO in the heart of Neutral Bay’s fast-evolving village precinct
Leading property developer Abadeen has officially completed ENSO, its premium boutique residential development in Neutral Bay Village. Urban Editorial

First look: Developer CPDM doubles down on Sydney’s Lower North Shore
Developer CPDM is continuing to put its stamp on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. Just a few months after seeking to develop 25 apartments in Neutral Bay, CPDM is now looking to deliver something similar in the neighbouring suburb of Cremorne. Urban Editorial

Geron Property, Gladesville RSL, approach completion of Jordan Hall Residences, Gladesville’s first new apartment building with Latent Defects Insurance
The first new apartment development in Gladesville to offer 10-year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) protection is soon to welcome its residents. Respected boutique developer Geron Property has partnered with the Gladesville RSL to deliver Jordan Hall Residences, named after the historic Jordan Hall building on Western Crescent, on the edge of the town centre. Joel Robinson

Final homes remaining as Threadneedle, Balwyn completes construction
The final apartments in the most recently completed new development in Balwyn present some of the largest and most exclusive ever delivered in one of Melbourne’s most established and character-rich neighbourhoods. Urban Editorial

Sydney’s top 15 new apartments developments set to launch in 2026
Sydney’s apartment market is entering a new era of design ambition and buyer confidence. With construction pipelines stabilising and population pressures intensifying, 2026 is shaping up as a year defined by carefully curated, design-led projects that respond to both market demand and evolving lifestyle expectations. Joel Robinson

View.com.au

First home buyers race for more space as off the plan apartment sales surge
Australia’s apartment market is entering a new phase, with buyers increasingly prioritising larger, higher-quality homes and showing a greater willingness to spend more for the right property. Emily Rayner

Inside Toorak’s record breaking $20 million plus penthouse apartments
A yet-to-be completed luxury development in Toorak by Prime Edition has already rewritten the suburb’s record books, with two penthouses at Como Toorak selling off-the-plan for $20.95 million each. Emily Rayner

‘More bang for your buck’: Why over half a billion dollars’ worth of Wollongong units sold
Wollongong recorded more than half a billion dollars’ worth of unit sales during a 12-month period, new figures have revealed. This volume of sales has seemingly been largely driven by greater affordability, but there are also other factors to consider. Brendan Crabb

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