What’s going on in the Illawarra? JimmyT thought the launch of his new novel Twisted River (under his pen name James Dunbar) was the biggest news in Kiama – where it’s set.

But no, an even bigger noise is the news that a seven-storey apartment block approved by the council could be doubled in height to 14 storeys, against the wishes of the local council, if planning minister Paul Scully gives it the grren light.

Ironically, while that is being discussed, newly minted Kiama MP Katelin McInerney was saying that the town needs communities, not just homes in her maiden speech to parliament.

Meanwhile Nimbys in Helensburgh are in a social media tizz over rumours that their community centre is to be replaced by apartments. FYI, all of these stories are in the excellent Illawarra Mercury and, in case the paywall puts you off, you can get a sense of south coast life for just $1 a week.

Those are just a taste of the apartment stories in this week’s feed from Left Field Communications. Read on!

ABC Online – Free

Respected engineer sounds alarm on extent of defective Darwin apartment buildings
A respected engineer says about 80 per cent of apartment buildings he has inspected in Darwin have serious structural problems. John Brears, who has managed some of the Northern Territory’s most iconic construction projects, is now calling on the NT government to act on the issue. Jack Hislop

Developers forced to build affordable housing could ease rental market
Carrie-Ann Huddleston cried tears of joy when she showed her family through her new affordable housing unit. Sarah Gerathy

Apartments.com.au – Free

Barangaroo South’s 15-year transformation of Sydney’s waterfront officially complete
Lendlease’s Barangaroo South precinct is officially complete, marking the culmination of a 15-year urban regeneration project that has revitalised Sydney’s harbourfront. Urban Editorial

First look: CBE Asia Pacific plans 100-apartment Jenkin House on Queens Parade, Fitzroy North
CBE Asia Pacific has lodged plans for a prominent corner site in Fitzroy North, with a proposal that integrates state-significant affordable housing alongside heritage adaptation and new retail. Urban Editorial

First look: Ryser plans two apartment buildings on Woollahra, Bondi Junction border
Boutique development and construction firm Ryser has filed plans for its debut apartment building. Ryser, founded by Jonthan Ryan and Wil Prosser, has sought to develop Sorelle, 28 new apartments at 4a Fern Place, Woollahra. Joel Robinson

Over 60 per cent sold as Incontro Apartments captures Subiaco’s leafy appeal
ASX-listed developer Cedar Woods didn’t miss a beat when the opportunity arose to acquire a prime residential development site in one of Perth’s most popular suburbs. In 2019, the developer secured the former Wembley TAFE site, a 1.4-hectare parcel perfectly positioned on the western edge of Subiaco’s vibrant centre. Urban Editorial

Domain – Free

The best luxury properties for sale in Australia this week
When it comes to luxury property, these properties are an absolute standout and ready to be snapped up. Kate Farrelly and Mary O’Brien

What it’s like living in an elevated piece of Sydney design
Andrew Hrsto’s vision for The Walden is as clear as the brand-new 30-storey building’s dress-circle views out to Sydney Harbour and beyond the Heads to the Pacific Ocean. Jane Nicholls In partnership with The Walden by ALAND

‘One rule for us, one rule for them’: Residents battling developer of $140m deal
Residents on Sydney’s Northern Beaches are locked in a “David vs Goliath” battle against a developer over a proposed 149 apartment senior living complex. Indigo by Moran, a planned development from Retirement by Moran, in Narabeen has ignited fury after application documents revealed it exceeds the local building height limit. Kate Kachor

Australia’s best houses of the week with Domain property editor Alice Stolz
It’s around this time of the year when things get extra interesting in property: listings are flying in, buyers are hustling, sellers are getting antsy and there’s so much fodder to wade though. I love it! Here are some of my picks from The Today Show and 9News this week. Alice Stolz

Melbourne suburbs where house prices just got $100,000 cheaper
House prices in some of Melbourne’s most prestigious suburbs have plummeted despite a broader upswing in the city’s property market. Caroline Zielinski, Elizabeth Redman

Sydney suburbs where house prices just got $300,000 cheaper
Some of the most affluent suburbs in Sydney have recorded huge house price plunges, with the biggest drops equivalent to the full median price of homes elsewhere. Sue Williams

The best properties for sale across Victoria right now
We’ve rounded up the best properties on the market right now to help you choose. Mary O’Brien and Lou Sweeney

The best properties on the market in Sydney and surrounds right now
Sweeping ocean views and perfectly preserved heritage details are the hallmarks of this week’s best properties for sale in Sydney. Pauline Morrissey and Lou Sweeney

Harbourside luxury: Renovated Manly apartment with breathtaking views listed
The day Domain visits Manly, an uncomfortably warm wind is whipping up the sand of the ocean beach, scattering pine needles and snatching hats from unsuspecting heads. Kate Farrelly

Real Commercial – Free

Prime South Melbourne site revealed with $30m+ price tag
A South Melbourne property with an eye-watering $30m+ price tag is being billed as the suburb’s best development site. Alesha Capone

Realestate.com.au – Free

Elizabeth Downs homes tipped to be razed for up to 12 units
Four semi-detached homes in Adelaide’s north are set to spark a bidding frenzy when they go under the hammer at the weekend. News Corp Australia – Adelaide

Hidden trap for Aussies in Trump’s 50-year mortgage proposal
A radical plan to stretch home loans out to 50 years — floated by Donald Trump in the US — has been savaged by an Australian housing expert, who claims the move would lock property buyers into a lifetime of debt if ever introduced Down Under. Aidan Devine

Inside stunning $3.9m Elwood Golden Mile townhouse revealed
Exceptional craftsmanship and luxury is on show in this four-bedroom Elwood Golden Mile townhouse designed by award-winning Bojan Simic Architecture. The firm is also known for the Orb House in Kew. Shona Hendley – Melbourne

Huge changes to how you will buy and sell your home
The property market is undergoing a technological evolution as virtual reality (VR) revolutionises how buyers experience their future homes. Mirvac’s Harbourside Residences VR experience is affording buyers immersive walk-throughs before it is possible to step inside their off-the-plan apartment. Kaylee Cranley

Like New York and London: Major shift coming to Aussie housing
Is Australia on track to mirror New York and London as an all-investor market? It is a theory that property expert Steve Palise, founder of Palise Property, forecasts for 10 years as he said the warning signs are clear that we are on track to become a nation of renters. Kaylee Cranley

Quick-fire Preston purchase: Buyer’s $950k townhouse dash
It was a race against time for a buyer who sold a home in Melbourne’s inner north before snapping up a new property in Preston just one hour later on Saturday. Alesha Capone – Melbourne

75 per cent of units sold out at $200m apartment complex built over former motel site
More than 75 per cent of units in a $200 million Gold Coast building have been sold, providing residents flexible apartment living right next to SeaWorld and the Nerang River. Nicholas Finch — Gold Coast

Sydney Morning Herald

1500 homes, towers up to 39 storeys: Plans for northern Sydney shopping centre site revealed
About 1500 apartments in blocks up to 39 storeys would be built around a new town square on Sydney’s northern beaches, under a proposed revamp of the Warringah Mall shopping centre site. Retail giant Scentre Group, which owns and manages the Westfield complex, submitted a 20-year plan to develop eight mixed-use buildings alongside the 1960s shopping centre in Brookvale. Megan Gorrey

Sydney is in a housing crisis. So why did the planning minister block 1700 new homes?
Planning Minister Paul Scully intervened to block fast-tracked approval for almost 1700 new Sydney homes against the advice of senior public servants, a decision that could benefit Ingham Property, a major client of former NSW premier-turned-lobbyist Morris Iemma. Michael McGowan

Starting a family, Mohammed bought his dream home. Two kids later, he still can’t move in
The real estate sign on the front of the building promised a dream: “Brand new apartments set to launch a chic new lifestyle.” Ellie Busby

The Age

This newly approved suburb is supposed to have 1400 homes. But none of them can be built
A major outer suburban housing developer has launched a court fight to overturn the Allan government’s recent approval of a new suburb on Melbourne’s northern fringe because the decision has stymied the company’s plan to build 1400 homes there. Adam Carey

Australian Financial Review

‘Definitely a risk’: Investor home loans surge in September
Surging investor mortgages, which jumped at their fastest rate in more than four years in the September quarter, are driving investor loans back to levels last seen when the financial regulator imposed lending limits on banks. Michael Bleby

Australia’s new tallest tower eyes foreign buyers for $45m penthouse
The developers of what will be Australia’s tallest building — the 101-storey luxury tower One Park Lane at Southport on the Gold Coast — are targeting well-heeled offshore buyers for the most expensive apartments, including the three-level, $45 million penthouse. Michael Bleby

Macquarie boss sees ‘no constraints’ on mortgage market growth
Macquarie Group is doubling down on the aggressive expansion into mortgage lending that has taken substantial market share from the big four banks, as chief executive Shemara Wikramanayake says it will continue its bumper growth trajectory. James Eyers and Joyce Moullakis

Investors are flocking back to the property market
Three interest rate cuts, double-digit price rises and tepid new housing supply have convinced investors that property is once again a sure bet. Lucy Slade and John Kehoe

What is the 6-year rule and why do property pundits love it?
Owners who rent out their home can keep the capital gains tax exemption for up to six years. But the ATO will want proof of genuine residency. Jessica Penny

Daily Telegraph

Sydney suburbs on the brink of a multi-million dollar median
Homeowners in a mix of Sydney suburbs – many in the west – are about to see their property values surge to a jaw dropping level. Kaylee Cranley

Garthowen Crescent, Castle Hill: Hundreds of units and high-rise hotel to land in leafy suburb
Four high-rise buildings ranging from 24 to 18 storeys will tower over Castle Hill, with 253 residential units and a 143-room hotel spanning 19 levels, set to be built near the Castle Hill Metro Station. Summer Liu

Pymble Golf Club gets green light for high-density housing despite council rejection
A golf club on Sydney’s leafy north shore is set to use part of its land to build residential towers after winning a rezoning battle against the local council. Thomas Sargeant

Hills Shire Council reveals plan to slash rates for homeowners, increase for apartment dwellers
A Sydney council has revealed shock plans to slash rates for 47,000 homeowners, while hiking fees for apartment dwellers, as it grapples with massive population growth. See the proposal. Jake McCallum

Gold Coast Bulletin

Developer QNY to build 25-storey luxury Camilla tower in Broadbeach
A luxury tower with 31 giant units will join Broadbeach’s $3bn development boom in 2026 after securing the green light from council. Andrew Potts

Palm Beach towers could be cut from 13 to four levels in new City Plan
Gold Coast Council will investigate slashing Palm Beach beachfront building heights from 13 to four floors, but residents will be waiting a long time for any changes. Paul Weston

Gold Coast and Northern NSW real estate: The latest auction and sales results for week ending November 9
Gold Coast and Northern NSW recorded 126 property sales over a million dollars last week, the latest auction and sales results reveal. Peter Farago and Sayee Shree Ravi Sankar

Benowa Gardens shopping centre: Developer reveals fresh plans for three towers at Gold Coast site
Developer behind Gold Coast’s ‘first true urban village’ insists its three-tower transformation of Benowa Gardens shopping centre won’t create traffic chaos. Andrew Potts

Herald Sun

Kingston council flags legal fight after Allan government ‘rams through’ nearly 1000 homes on Kingswood Golf Course
The Allan government has “rammed through” a 1000-house development on the former Kingswood Golf Course site despite more than 8000 objections from locals. Gianni Francis

Illawarra Mercury

Council pours cold water on Helenburgh apartment block rumours swirling social media
Rumours of an apartment block being built on the site of the Helensburgh community centre have been scotched by Wollongong City Council. A post in a local Facebook group asked “Did you know Council are planning to knock down the existing Helensburgh community centre and build apartments there?”, adding that it was community land. Glen Humphries

Approving a 14-storey Kiama apartment block ‘not good planning’, says Mayor
The state government opening the way for a 14-storey building in Kiama’s Akuna Street is “not good planning”, according to Mayor Cameron McDonald. Level 33 had lodged plans with Kiama Council for a seven-storey residential and retail complex in Akuna Street, one block behind the main drag of Terralong Street. Glen Humphries

Affordable homes and hotel rooms: Blaq Projects wants to add six storeys to CBD tower
Developer Blaq Projects wants to add another six storeys to its already approved apartment-hotel complex in Kenny Street. Glen Humphries

West Australian

Micro-apartments met with claims developers are cashing in on ‘forever-renters’
Micro-apartments as small as 26sqm are coming to a historic precinct in Fremantle, prompting a furious complaint it will turn the area into a “co-living ghetto”. Kim Macdonald

Perth Property: MIDAP give $28.7 million 16-storey apartment complex the green light
A $28.7 million 16-storey apartment complex in Rivervale has been approved by the Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel. Liam Murphy and Sophie Gannon

Urban Developer – Partly Free

NSW Planning Shake-Up Promises Faster Approvals
The Planning Systems Reform Bill 2025 has passed NSW parliament with bipartisan support, cementing the legal basis for faster project delivery in the state. The Bill, passed on November 11, contains a raft of measures, amendments and new elements to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Patrick Lau

La Trobe Reveals $5bn University City Masterplan
La Trobe University has unveiled a $5-billion masterplan to transform its 255ha Bundoora campus into a mixed-use city in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Leon Della Bosca

CBE Asia-Pacific Plots 12-Storey North Fitzroy Heritage Project
The heritage-listed former Clifton Motor Hill Garage could soon make way for a 12-storey mixed-use project at Fitzroy North. Proposed is a tiered tower rising from 5 to 12 storeys, comprising homes and ground-floor retail. Leon Della Bosca

Family Firm Files 17-Storey Tower Plans for West Perth
A South African family who has relocated to WA is planning a 17-storey mixed-use tower near the City West Perth train station. Renee McKeown

Vision Revealed for Gold Coast Aussie Rules Vertical Village
Up there Cazaly is about to take on a whole new meaning on the Gold Coast with the vision for a towering Aussie rules football village revealed. As part of the bold proposal, highrises would be teamed with the sport’s high-flying action—for which the catchcry, later turned into a footy anthem, was coined. Phil Bartsch

Sekisui House at Halfway Mark with Parramatta Masterplan
Sekisui House is at the halfway point of its mammoth $5-billion “urban heart” Parramatta masterplan, progressing two stages in recent months. Clare Burnett

Precinct Plan for Lake Burley Griffin Shore Revealed
Plans for a large-scale neighbourhood on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin that would connect the Canberra CBD with the lake have been revealed. Renee McKeown

Holdmark Plots $341m Precinct for Sydney Drive-In
A former drive-in cinema site in Sydney’s west has returned to planning focus as Holdmark advances a revised $341-million mixed-use precinct of 482 homes. Vanessa Croll

Southport Tower Approved to Rise 32 Storeys in CBD
Emerging from a decade in the development doldrums, the Gold Coast’s designated CBD is back on the rise with a 32-storey tower the latest addition to its pipeline of approved projects. Phil Bartsch

Medium-Density Projects Anchor KDL Growth
Off-market deals and partnerships are underpinning builder-developer KDL’s latest $1.2-billion land expansion. Clare Burnett

Coogee Luxury Apartments Approved on Appeal
Plans for a luxury apartment development close to the beach in a blue-ribbon Eastern Sydney suburb have been approved on appeal. Clare Burnett

Capital Plots Hotel-Apartments Switch for Docklands Tower
One of two hotel towers approved two years ago is being reimagined as residential apartments in Melbourne’s Docklands. Leon Della Bosca

Fragrance Wants More Time to Build WA’s Tallest Tower
It is crunch time for two of Perth’s biggest projects—the city’s tallest tower will need at least another two years to get started while its $1.6-billion convention centre has been axed entirely. Renee McKeown

368 apartments: Sky’s the limit for $337m Coles Sutherland mega-development
These are the first images of the proposed $337 million Coles Sutherland mega-development, which is set to transform the centre of the shire. The 16-20 storey commercial-residential project would provide about 368 apartments above a new supermarket and food and drink outlets, and three levels of basement parking. Murray Trembath

View.com.au – Free

The great divide: Houses outpace units by record 50 percent in recent market surge
The gap between what Australians pay for a house versus a unit has blown out to record levels, revealing what experts describe as a major structural shift in the nation’s housing market. Emily Rayner

Wollongong apartment snapped up for nearly $4 million days before auction
A Wollongong penthouse apartment has been snapped up for a multi-million dollar price several days before it was due to be auctioned. Brendan Crabb

‘Premium location’: New Shell Cove apartment complex almost 50 per cent sold
A new harbourside building comprising 88 one, two and three-bedroom apartments with a resort-style residents’ rooftop terrace is coming soon to The Waterfront, Shell Cove. Brendan Crabb

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