South Yarra continues to be one of Melbourne’s most sought-after locations, and a new project offers a rare chance to buy into the highly coveted northern end of Chapel Street. 

CASA’s eagerly anticipated 671 Chapel Street development has launched, featuring an exclusive collection of one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences. 

Bringing together a hand-picked team of Melbourne’s foremost design, landscape, and development experts—including Bates Smart and Jack Merlo—671 Chapel Street promises timeless style in a location crafted for discerning buyers who value architectural integrity, lifestyle connectivity, and enduring quality.

A coveted location 

According to Matt Walton, CASA Development Director, “671 Chapel Street represents one of the final opportunities to secure a residence in this tightly held pocket of South Yarra.”

Walton elaborates: “This is the most sought-after stretch of Chapel Street—where the Yarra River meets a vibrant lifestyle precinct, surrounded by some of Melbourne’s finest dining, and retail. Everything you love about South Yarra is right here on your doorstep.”

Recognised as one of Melbourne’s most prestigious suburbs, South Yarra consistently sets the benchmark for luxury living—delivering enduring appeal, strong market performance, and exceptional lifestyle amenity.

“Opportunities like this don’t come often,” Walton adds. “It’s a chance to live in a location that not only defines prestige and elevates your everyday.”

Breathtaking views and design 

Comprising 126 generously proportioned residences, 671 Chapel Street boasts designs that reflect the elegance of its surrounds—pairing contemporary architecture with enduring sophistication. 

“With uninterrupted and protected views of both the city skyline and the Yarra River, 671 is an unrepeatable opportunity,” Walton articulates.  

“We’ve crafted each residence as a private sanctuary—bathed in natural light, yet offering complete privacy.” 

Designed by renowned architects Bates Smart, each home features expansive open-plan layouts, calming neutral palettes, and premium finishes, creating a sense of quiet refinement throughout. 

“The level of detail and materiality will resonate with those who value quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design,” Walton adds. 

Complementing the architecture is Jack Merlo’s signature landscaping, which introduces lush natural elements throughout the precinct, offering residents moments of greenery and calm.

Elevated living 

Luxury is not just an inclusion—it’s a way of life at 671 Chapel Street, where thoughtfully curated amenities draw inspiration from world-class hotels to complement South Yarra’s sophisticated lifestyle. 

“We didn’t just add amenities—we designed a lifestyle,” says Walton.  

“Whether it’s a morning walk through the Botanic Gardens, a midday swim, working remotely, or entertaining friends in the evening, 671 enhances every facet of contemporary living.” 

Amenities designed for both relaxation and socialising include a lap pool, spa, sauna, steam room, private dining room, conservatory, library, and dedicated workspaces.  

Additional conveniences such as a refrigerated parcel room and secure mail facilities ensure effortless and refined living. 

“We’ve curated an amenity experience that inspires residents to elevate how they live—blending sophistication with everyday ease,” Walton adds.

“The combination of wellness, work, and social spaces have been carefully crafted with purpose, not excess.”

Building with trust 

The team appointed by CASA for 671 Chapel Street brings a proven track record of delivering some of Melbourne’s most prestigious residential projects—instilling confidence through their enduring legacy of design excellence.

“We’ve chosen Bates Smart because their work consistently stands the test of time,” says Walton.  

“Projects like 17 Spring Street, 35 Spring Street, and The Eastbourne are some of Melbourne’s most prestigious addresses. 671 Chapel Street will soon join that lineage.” 

With the expertise of celebrated landscape designer Jack Merlo, this development is defined by timeless architecture and refined detailing. 

With construction now underway, potential buyers are invited to experience the design and quality that set 671 Chapel Street apart.

The display suite is open by private appointment.

The post The rare South Yarra opportunity offering uninterrupted views appeared first on realestate.com.au.

For two Victorian single mums, a novel approach to property investment is helping to ensure their financial future.

Melbourne-based Eda Property founder Anissa Cavallo, a single mother herself, works with many solo parents across Australia to help them get into rent-vesting.

This involves renting where you want to live, or can afford to, while investing in a home that suits your budget and then leasing it out.

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Ms Cavallo described rent-vesting as a good option for some single parents as “it’s just more affordable from a cash flow perspective”.

“It also means that we can live near the schools that we want to live in or near our friends or near our family without worrying about affordability,” she said.

For single parents concerned about entering the property market, Ms Cavallo said that being willing to work was the first step, in order to start saving money.

“You just have to get the right advice and take the plunge, there are so many options available to people these days,” she said.

One of Ms Cavallo’s clients is Sarah Markwick, 48, a part-time business development manager with two daughters.

Ms Markwick, who was a stay-at-home parent while she was married, rents in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

She has bought an investment property in Melton South and is planning to build another one in Bendigo, with Ms Cavallo’s advice.

Ms Markwick has previously owned and sold six homes, initially saving up for a deposit for the first home and making her way from there.

The Melton South house is the seventh abode she has bought but her first investment property.

“I didn’t follow a traditional path, I focused on buying in areas with growth potential – sometimes it paid off, sometimes it didn’t,” Ms Markwick said.

“I actually took a loss on one home to pursue a better opportunity, but overall I came out ahead, which allowed me to buy the Melton South property.”

Ms Markwick started on the path to rent-vesting to develop investment opportunities to help support her during her retirement.

“As a single mum without a second income … I wasn’t going to get what I needed through working,” Ms Markwick said.

She added that it was important for single parents not to compare themselves to others.

“My advice to other single parents: have a plan, be patient, and educate yourself on all the options out there,” she said.

Another single mother and client of Ms Cavallo is Brooke Smith, a 42-year-old entrepreneur who spent re-entered the property market after spending years focused on parenting and building up her businesses – a 3D visualisation agency specialising in real estate, Lucid Vue, and a networking platform dedicated to sport and wellness, The Gambit Club.

She rents in Melbourne’s south east and has purchased a Strathtulloh block where she is planning to build an investment property.

Ms Smith said that her method to saving a deposit was simply “putting money aside consistently to make it happen”.

She’s is aiming to build a small portfolio of investment properties, hoping to secure three properties across the next three to five years.

Her involvement in real estate through her own business has helped to make informed decisions and spot opportunities early, she said.

“For other single parents, my biggest tip would be to back yourself and play the long game, even small, consistent savings add up,” Ms Smith said.

“And don’t be afraid to explore non-traditional path ways like rent-vesting – it’s about finding what works for your life, not anyone else’s version of success.”

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Investors are eyeing shares in publicly listed housing developers after a turbulent few years, as the recent interest rate cuts renew confidence in the sector.

Property developers have struggled under the weight of high inflation and interest rates, but market watchers believe rate cuts could be turning their fortunes around.

Pengana High Conviction Property Securities Fund portfolio manager Amy Pham said the recent interest rate cuts were supporting listed property businesses, also known as Australian real estate investment trusts (AREITs).

“While markets have been unpredictable in recent years, we’re already seeing some increased signs of confidence given we’re now at the start of a new interest rate cycle,” she said.

“Sales growth has picked up for a lot of AREITs, for example companies including Mirvac and Stockland reported a pick-up in pre-sales for residential property ahead of the most recent rate cut.

“Even if the rate cuts aren’t that deep, there has already been a shift in momentum among residential, particularly at the more affordable end of residential property.”

Investors buy shares in listed AREITs to gain exposure to the real estate market without directly buying property, in addition to other reasons.

The vote of confidence comes as Mirvac development chief executive Stuart Penklis noted positive momentum across the business.

“We have seen an improvement in residential sales activity and enquiries over FY25 year to date supported by lower interest rates, improving buyer sentiment and continued population growth and restricted supply,” Mr Penklis said.

“We are seeing particularly strong demand in the middle ring locations from upgraders and downsizer buyers and expect to see continued interest in well-located apartments, which address the current affordability challenge with apartment pricing at [about] 50% discounts to established housing.

“In recent weeks, we have also seen a significant increase in enquiries from investors re-entering the market.”

Mr Penklis said Mirvac had seen an increase in pre-sales to $2.1 billion in the March quarter, the highest level in recent history.

The company’s Harbourside apartment project in Sydney contributed to that result, generating more than $700 million of pre-sales across 140 apartments since its November release.

He said there had also been strong sales across Perth and Brisbane over the quarter, along with “continued firm performance” from their middle-ring Sydney projects and improving sales volumes in Victoria.

Mr Penklis said they had seen strong sales growth with March quarterly sales of 530 lots up 76% on the prior corresponding quarter.

Stockland declined to comment, but the ASX-listed company reported 1,509 net sales in its masterplanned communities’ business – in line with its expectations – in its third quarter update.

It comes as the latest home building approval numbers painted a complicated outlook for Australia’s home building industry.

Approvals for new houses have picked up modestly in recent months, although apartment approvals remained volatile and at very low levels, according to Housing Industry Association senior economist Maurice Tapang.

Mr Tapang said home buyers appeared to be increasingly returning to the market, assisted by expectations of interest rate cuts.

But more needed to be done to stimulate apartment building, Mr Tapang said.

“In order to see a sufficient rise in home building and rebalance housing supply and demand, governments of all need to help lower the cost of a new home and stop taxing those who build them,” he said.

Australian governments have been trying to boost home building for years in a bid to keep up with the country’s growing population and slow down home price growth.

Are you interested in learning more about developments going up around Australia? Check out our dedicated New Homes section.

The post Property developers in the spotlight as rate cuts boost confidence appeared first on realestate.com.au.

A mansion situated atop a skyscraper in the Indian city of Bengaluru has garnered attention for its distinctive design.

Atop a skyscraper stands a replica of the White House, yet its future remains shrouded in mystery.

It’s owned by Indian businessman Vijay Mallya, and it’s one of the most bizarre homes in the world.

The businessman constructed the $30.8 million replica of the White House on the roof of a 33-storey apartment complex above the streets of Bengaluru, India.

Vijay Mallya, once known as the ‘King of Good Times‘, spared no expense in designing this sky-high palace.

Inspired by the US President’s famous home, he created his version, albeit much higher up and with better views.

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The mansion spans roughly 3716 sqm, complete with a rooftop helipad, a swanky infinity pool, lush gardens, and luxury features that scream a billionaire lifestyle.

The builder, Irfan Razack, chairman of Prestige Estates Projects, previously stated that the cantilevered design was a test, but his team completed it according to his client’s vision.

“It was a challenge to construct the mansion on a huge cantilever at that height, but we have ensured we built it exactly the way it was conceived. It’s a complex structure, and the finishing work is going on,” he said.

“We will finish the project as per contract and hand it over.”

Construction of the ‘White House in the Sky’ began in the early 2010s, topping off the Kingfisher Towers, which is named after Mallya’s now-defunct airline and beer brand.

However, the White House replica project was never finished.

In 2016, Mallya fled to the UK – while the mansion was under construction – dodging a mountain of legal trouble connected to the demise of his company, Kingfisher Airlines, in 2012.

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Work on the mansion paused when Mallya left India, and no one has since stepped up to claim it or complete the job.

Since Mallya’s departure, work on the mansion has ceased, and no one has claimed responsibility for its completion.

And despite losing an appeal in April 2025, which makes his return to India more probable, it remains unlikely that he will reside in his unfinished residence.

It’s become less of a house and more of a real estate myth. It’s one of the most expensive ‘what-ifs’ in modern architecture.

It continues to loom over Bengaluru, empty and untouched, awaiting an owner who may never return.

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Despite its jaw-dropping grandeur and ambitious execution, the ‘White Mansion in the Sky’ is not the most costly or astonishing property in India.

That title belongs to Antilia, a 27-storey house – a tower for one family – in Mumbai.

Antilia is the home of the billionaire businessman Mukesh Ambani – the wealthiest person in Asia – and his family. It was built between 2006 and 2010 at a cost of around $A3.08 billion and is equipped with helipads, a staff of 600, and a 50-seat cinema.

It is considered the most expensive residence in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Rarely have the interiors of Antilia been photographed and published, so the dwelling is essentially a mystery.

The post Man builds $30m White House on skyscraper, may never live in it appeared first on realestate.com.au.