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Luxury apartments and townhouses in Canberra’s waterfront Bridge Point development are being snapped up quickly, with 28 of the 35 dwellings sold off the plan less than two months after they came on the market in late April 2011.
The Kingston development, which is being marketed by Colliers International, comprises seven two-storey townhouses, three whole-floor penthouses and 35 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, all with views over Lake Burley Griffith. One-bedroom apartments start at $525,000, and the larger dwellings are all over the $1 million mark.
“Bridge Point is arguably the most prestigious residential address in Canberra and buyers will live on Canberra’s only residential island with private uninterrupted views that will never be built out,” says Colliers International director of residential project marketing Derek Whitcombe.
Colliers says that 98% of buyers are native Canberrans.
Although the ACT Government earmarked the site for 107 units, developer Doma Group decided on a more exclusive project. The building was designed by Colin Stewart Architects, which is also redeveloping the Kingston foreshore. When completed, the foreshore will include a boat harbour and jetty, boardwalk, restaurants and public spaces.
“Whilst there are many luxury apartments for sale in Canberra, there really is no development quite like Bridge Point,” Whitcombe says.
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Luxury apartments in Canberra snapped up off the plan

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24 Park Street, South Yarra, Victoria, 3141
If you are looking for a large family home close to the city, parks, schools, shops and dining, then this ticks the boxes. Front formal rooms are a good size. As expected, this doesn't offer the "typical" family layout (e.g. open-plan kitchen and family room overlooking back yard), however, it does provide multiple living areas, a kitchen hub with easy access to the private courtyard, five bedrooms and secure off=street parking. The main bedroom is weak and could be seen as a cut through upstairs from the front of the house to the back. Terraces typically have multiple stairs and this is no exception, with two staircases and landings. However, for larger families this home provides the accommodation in a desired location where large family homes are often hard to find. James Buyer Advocates gives the property a rating of 731/1000, which puts it in the Well Above Average Category. It was sold by <a target="_blank" title="Marshall White" href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=1667175" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Marshall White</a> agents Andrew Hayne and Peter Bennison at auction on Saturday, June 18 at 11.30am for $4.85 million, above expectations of $4.5 million plus. There were two bidders.
 
Kristen Hatt is principal buyer advocate at <a style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;" href="https://www.jamesbuyeradvocates.com.au/" target="_self" title="James Buyer Advocates">James Buyer Advocates</a>, which advocates on behalf of buyers of property over $1 million. James provides home ratings, weekly auction reports and market analysis on its website. 
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Impressive Victorian fetches the weekend's highest price

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Looking for an auction to attend at the weekend? Property Observer has found four properties going to auction this weekend that would be perfect for investors. 
 
<h2>New South Wales</h2>
<img src="/images/stories/sydneyjune17.jpg">
Unit 67F, 5-29 Wandella Road, Miranda, NSW, 2228
This well-located property with views of the city and bay has polished floorboards, a CaesarStone kitchen and an internal laundry room. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom property has a tenant with an expired lease, who would like to remain in the property. The tenant currently pays $475 per week. The property is being sold by <a target="_blank" title="Highland Property Agents Cronulla" href="https://www.highlandproperty.com.au/buying/NSW/Sutherland/MIRANDA/Apartment/1P2522">Highland Property Agents Cronulla </a>agent Lucas Harwood with an asking price of $449,000. It goes to auction on Saturday, June 18 at 10.30am. 
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
<h2 style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 18px; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', serif; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">South Australia</h2>
<img src="/images/stories/southaustraliajune17.jpg">
9/18 Bewes Street, Adelaide, 5000
Currently tenanted at $400 per week to a professional couple who would like to extend their lease, this apartment in the heart of Adelaide offers reverse-cycle air-conditioning, a car park and a balcony. The two-bedroom apartment is listed for sale by <a target="_blank" title="Phillis Real Estate" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.phillisrealestate.com.au/property/details/403906994">Phillis Real Estate'</a>s Andrew Downing with an asking price of $350,000 plus. The property goes to auction at 11.45am on Saturday, June 18.
<h2>
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Victoria</h2>
<img src="/images/stories/victoriajune17.jpg">
1/ 15 Petrie Street, Frankston
Only 500 metres from Frankston train station, this recently refurbished apartment in a boutique development has a tenant with a long-term lease paying $295 per week. The two-bedroom, one-bathroom unit has polished timber floorboards, a double carport and an undercover entertainment area. <a target="_blank" title="Bayside Real Estate" href="https://www.baysidere.com.au/properties/view/363/15-Petrie-St/Frankston/Vic/Australia/">Bayside Real Estate</a> agent Darren Dowel is selling the property, which has an asking price of $290,000 plus. It is being auctioned on Saturday, June 18 at 10 am.
<h2>
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Australian Capital Territory</h2>
<img src="/images/stories/actjune17.jpg">
2/1 McGee Place, Pearce, 2607
In a quiet block in the heart of Pearce, this two-bedroom unit is only a few hundred metres from shops in Pearce. The tenant in the property currently pays $330 per week and has a long-term lease, making the property a good purchase for an investor. <a target="_blank" title="Ray White Woden" href="https://www.raywhite.com/act/pearce/613431/">Ray White Woden</a> agent Scott Crossman is listing the property with an asking price of $295,000 plus. It goes to auction at 10.30am on Saturday, June 18.
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Friday Form Guide: This weekend's investment prospects

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/june16estencia]}
Estancia Punta del Agua, a 400,318-hectare piece of land north west of San Juan, in Argentina, is on the market. The massive piece of agricultural land is in one of Argentina's most prolific wine regions, and it is believed that the Argentinian Government would support a move to bring the entirety of the holding into full agricultural production.
The land, which is being marketed by Savills and joint agents Gateway to South America, is 3.5 times the size of Hong Kong and 1.5 times the size of the US state of Rhode Island. It is being marketed to international investors.
“This is probably the largest ring-fenced freehold block of land to be offered for sale in the open market ever," says Ken Jones, head of international farmland for Savills. 
“Given the current interest in farmland from international investors, we expect the Estancia to appeal to a number of potential purchasers. With soil reports showing vast areas of silt soils, and the potential of tapping into one of the largest aquifers in Argentina, the Estancia needs an investor who understands agriculture and has the capital to invest after the purchase in a scheme of works to bring the land into line with 21st-entury farming techniques."
About 400 people farmed the land of the Estancia using rudimentary irrigation in the mid-20th century, but a lack of infrastructure in the area meant they could not compete with other large landholdings at the time. However, an upgraded rail and road network, combined with a more reliable electricity grid and modern irrigation technology, make it likely that the property can become a viable commercial agricultural business. 
The current owners have had the property since 1983.
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Land three times the size of Hong Kong comes on market

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It’s tax time again, when you need to go through the process of working out your taxable income and calculating your tax bill or a tax refund cheque you’re likely to receive. Here are some handy end-of-financial-year tips on maximising your tax benefits, and tax traps to avoid if you own an investment property.
At the outset it is best that you credit all rental income you receive to your personal cheque account, and all rental expenses should be paid by cheque. This will help you keep track of your income and expenses and quickly prepare your annual tax return. With respect to investment properties, keep all your rental statements, invoices and receipts to substantiate your rental income and tax deductions.
 Rental income
Rent is liable to tax when it’s paid or credited to your account. If you lease a property make sure you charge a commercial rate of rent. Otherwise the Tax Office could reduce or disallow all your rental deductions.
 What’s tax deductible?
Under Australian tax law you can claim as a tax deduction expenses you incur in deriving your rental income. This means there must be a relevant connection between the rent you receive and your rental deductions. The following types of expenses you’re likely to incur normally have that relevant connection.
<ul>
<li>Advertising costs to find a suitable tenant</li>
<li>Agent’s commission to collect the rent on your behalf</li>
<li>Capital works deductions (or building write-off deductions)</li>
<li>Depreciation of approved items that you can write off</li>
<li>Insurance on buildings that you lease</li>
<li>Interest on borrowings to purchase an investment property</li>
<li>Rates and land taxes</li>
<li>Repairs to your investment property</li>
<li>Security costs</li>
<li>Travel costs to inspect your investment property</li>
<li>Water and sewerage charges</li>
</ul>
 Common tax traps to avoid
Australia’s tax system operates on a self-assessment basis, and the Australian Taxation Office will ordinarily accept what you disclose in your tax return as true and correct. However, the Tax Office conducts routine tax audits and data-matching programs to keep you honest and to check that you’re not cooking the books. So it’s important that you comply with <country-region><place>Australia</place></country-region>’s complex tax laws. Stiff financial and criminal penalties may apply if you get it wrong or deliberately cheat the system (Not guilty, Your Honour!). The common mistakes associated with investment properties are listed here:
 Rental income
<ul>
<li>Not declaring all the rental income you receive, and more particularly not declaring rental income on holiday homes you lease during the financial year</li>
</ul>
Tax deductions
<ul>
<li>Overstating your rental expenses and claiming tax deductions for investment properties that are not genuinely available for rent</li>
<li>Claiming a tax deduction for expenses relating to the private use of a property such as a holiday home and your main residence</li>
<li>Incorrectly depreciating items that are not tax deductible</li>
<li>Incorrectly claiming borrowing costs. These expenses are deductible over the period of the loan or five years</li>
<li>Incorrectly claiming interest deductions in respect to loans that are partly investment-related and partly private. For example, you might lease a shop and reside at the back of the premises.</li>
<li>Incorrectly claiming travel expenses to inspect an investment property when the trip is also partly for private purposes. For example, if you reside in Hobart and you own an investment property in sunny Queensland, you might inspect it just when your footy team happens to be playing there.</li>
<li>Incorrectly claiming capital work deductions that exceed the construction expenditure</li>
<li>Claiming initial repairs as repairs and maintenance costs rather than including these costs as part of the property’s cost base. Initial repairs are repairs you make to a newly acquired investment property (for example, if you paint a property you recently purchased before leasing it)</li>
</ul>
Capital gains tax
<ul>
<li>Not declaring capital gains you make on sale of investment properties, holiday homes and vacant land you own</li>
<li>Incorrectly calculating the amount of capital gain or capital loss you make on sale</li>
<li>Incorrectly claiming a main residence exemption that’s not your fair dinkum place of residence</li>
</ul>
 Tax Office publications
To help you comply with Australia’s tax laws, the Tax Office has published numerous fact sheets and booklets, and they’re all free of charge (who said you can’t get blood from a stone?).
<ul>
<li>Deductions for prepaid expenses (NAT 4170)</li>
<li>Guide to depreciating assets (NAT 1996)</li>
<li>Personal investor’s guide to capital gains tax (NAT 4152)</li>
<li>Rental properties (NAT 1729)</li>
<li>Rental properties – avoiding common mistakes</li>
<li>Rental expenses – claiming capital works deductions (NAT 72840)</li>
<li>Rental properties – claiming legal expenses (NAT 71956)</li>
<li>Rental properties– claiming repairs and maintenance (NAT 72841)</li>
<li>Rental property deductions – know what you can claim 
<ul>
<li>Tax pack for individuals</li>
<li>Tax Pack Supplement for individuals with investments</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 Jimmy B Prince is a tax specialist and author of <a title="Tax for Australians for Dummies and Property&amp;Taxation" href="https://au.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0730375528" target="_blank">Tax for Australians for Dummies and Property &amp; Taxation</a> (Wily Publishing Australia Pty Ltd)
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Landlords should take care not to get caught out by the taxman

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/June14sherrington]}
26 Sherrington Road, Port Douglas, 4877
On 2.175 hectares, this property is fully fenced into generously sized horse paddocks. The six-bay stables is complete with a tack bay and built-in saddle racks. The property is ringed by crown land, and the beach is a short ride away. The house itself is a beautiful tropical home, with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and timber floors. Owner<a target="_blank" title="Email Alexander Duff" href="mailto:on%20a.duff@yahoo.co.uk"> Alexander Duff </a> is selling the property himself, with an asking price of $1.25 million. 
 
 
{module 238}
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Horsing around

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/June14normanby]}
6 Normanby Avenue, Caulfield North, Victoria, 3161
Global Reviews CEO Greg Muller and his wife, Jacquelyn, are selling their Caulfield North home with an asking price of $1.5 million plus. The house has period charm and modern elegance, comprising three bedrooms and two bathrooms. <a target="_blank" title="Marshall White" href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=1670130">Marshall White</a> agents Justin Krongold and John Manton are selling the property, which will go to auction on June 25. The house, which is full of natural light, has high ceilings and a landcaped garden.
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Period charm in North Caulfield

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CB Richard Ellis has appointed Ashley Kerfoot as an associate director of the company’s Structured Transactions &amp; Advisory Service in Western Australia.
The Perth-based team at St Georges Terrace advises institutions, government bodies and companies about landmark projects in all states and territories.
“Ashley’s appointment is an exciting move that will enable us to expand our already strong position in Western Australia,” CBRE senior managing director Peter Agostino says.
Kerfoot’s previous role was at the WA Department of Housing, where he worked in capital management.
Kerfoot began his new role on June 1, 2011.
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CBRE appoints associate director of Strategic Transactions & Advisory Service team

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/istana]}
The Istana, Bukit, Bali, Indonesia
The Istana private villa in Bali was designed by Australian-based French architect Fredo Taffin as a tranquil piece of tropical grandeur. The 5,200-metre estate has two infinity-edge pools and ocean views from all angles. The villa's team features a Western chef, four butlers, two drivers, two masseuse and spa staff, housekeeping and maintenance people and a round-the-clock security team.
“The Istana was Bali's first destination villa and was designed to offer world-class amenities and the highest level of service. Architecturally speaking the low elevation keeps the building 'down to earth' with proportions that are discreet and elegant, rather than intimidating,” Taffin says.
In 2007 architect Gary Fell renovated and upgraded the 2002 villa to give it a more contemporary edge.
"Throughout the villa, contemporary furniture finished with high-gloss lacquer and custom-made silk wall panels play against the more rustic teak floors. Modern ceiling treatments channel light into the volumes created by the open, traditional roof structure," Fell says.
The Istana, which is a Malay word for palace, has been operated as both a private villa and a commercial resort. It is being sold by <a href="https://www.TheIstana.com" title="The Istana" target="_blank">Elite Havens</a>' <a href="mailto:matthew@elitehavens.com" title="Email Matthew Georgeson" target="_blank">Matthew Georgeson </a> with an asking price of around $7 million.
 
{module 238}
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Bali high

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/June9kawana]}
7 Santorini Court, Parrearra, Queenland, 4575
A stunning architectural design makes this three-bedroom, three-bathroom Queensland masterpiece special. The waterfront property has a uniquely designed 19-metre swimming pool and views overlooking a private pontoon and an open waterway. <a target="_blank" title="Century 21" href="https://www.century21.com.au/maroochydore/">Century 21 on Duporth</a> agent Damien Said is listing the property with a price of $1.285 million plus. All three bedrooms have ensuites, and the main bedroom overlooks the pool and beyond to the canal. A timber deck allows for appreciation of Queensland's sunny climes.
 
{module 238}
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Kawana Island beauty

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370900]

The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150499]

Joel Robinson

Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

Investors may soon find themselves with fewer reasons to buy established property and more incentives to look towards the new apartment market.

Proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions would see new and off-the-plan apartments retain access to the tax benefits, while established properties would miss out, creating a clear advantage for buyers purchasing newly built housing.

The policy direction aligns with what many developers have been saying for several years. Australia needs more housing supply, and governments are increasingly looking for ways to encourage investment into new stock rather than existing homes.

The challenge for investors is that suitable product is becoming harder to find.

For much of the last decade, one-bedroom apartments were the cornerstone of investor demand. They offered a lower entry price, strong rental appeal, and were a common feature across most apartment developments.

Today, the development pipeline looks very different.

Across both New South Wales and South East Queensland, developers are increasingly targeting owner-occupiers and downsizers, delivering larger two, three and four-bedroom apartments in response to changing buyer preferences. While one-bedroom apartments still exist, they now form a much smaller portion of many new projects.

That shift has created a shortage of investor-friendly stock, particularly in well-located projects close to transport, employment hubs and lifestyle amenity.

At the same time, rising apartment prices have pushed many new developments beyond the reach of traditional investors. On the Gold Coast and across South East Queensland, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find new apartments priced around the $1 million mark, particularly those offering strong rental fundamentals and long-term growth prospects.

We've rounded up four new apartment developments where investors can still secure a foothold in the market for around $1 million or less.

<h2 data-end="1140" data-start="844">Flourish Soleira</h2>

<h2>Priced from: $1.07 million</h2>

Popular Palm Beach developer Sherpa is soon to officially launch its newest local apartment development, Flourish Soleira.

The one-bedroom apartments in the building were only offered to first home buyers rather than investors, and all of those have been snapped up. The two-bedroom apartments will start from $1.07 million, and the three-bedrooms, still a good investment given the popularity of Palm Beach for owner-occupiers, starting at $2,045,000.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

Flourish Soliera will comprise 153 apartments across two buildings, connected by a skybridge, the first ever delivered in the suburb.

True to Sherpa's booming Flourish brand of apartment projects, Flourish Soleira will have extensive rooftop amenity across both buildings including a&nbsp;wellness centre with gym, work from home, yoga, pilates, a&nbsp;heated pool, private dining rooms, pizza oven and barbecues, basketball court, and golf simulator.

<h2>Corallo, Palm Beach</h2>

Priced from: $841,500

Nearby Flourish Soleira is Changfa Group's beachfront-inspired Corallo development. They still have some one-bedroom apartments remaining, priced from $841,500.

The 105-apartment project on Palm Beach Avenue is otherwise dominated by larger two and three-bedroom residences, many of which are aimed at owner-occupiers and downsizers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=808]

For investors, the appeal lies in Palm Beach's continued transformation from a laid-back beachside suburb into one of the Gold Coast's most sought-after residential markets. Residents at Corallo will be within walking distance of Palm Beach's surf beaches, the recreational amenity of Tallebudgera Creek, and the increasingly popular collection of cafes, restaurants and boutique retailers along the suburb's central dining precinct.

<h2>Corner House, Stones Corner</h2>

<h2>Priced from: $880,000</h2>

One of only two Brisbane apartment developments to make the list with prices under $1 million is DeMartini Fletcher's Corner House development in Stones Corner.

One-bedroom apartments start from $880,000 within the 88-apartment development, providing investors with exposure to one of Brisbane's most established inner-south locations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149098 project_image_fid=330594]

Stones Corner has long been supported by strong tenant demand due to its proximity to major employment and education destinations. The suburb sits less than five kilometres from Brisbane's CBD and is within easy reach of the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Queensland Children's Hospital and several university campuses.

The project's location within a walkable urban village environment, surrounded by retail, dining and public transport infrastructure, continues to attract both professionals and healthcare workers seeking accommodation close to work.

Parkdrive Apartments, Chermside

Priced from: $749,000

The most affordable apartments across Brisbane's new and off the plan market are in Chermside where developer AusDev is selling one-bedroom apartments from $749,000, and two-beds from $929,000, at its recently launched Parkdrive development.

The development is strategically positioned in one of Brisbane's largest employment and retail precincts, placing residents within easy walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, St Vincent's Private Hospital Northside and the suburb's major bus interchange.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Already under construction and scheduled for completion in early 2028, Parkdrive benefits from Chermside's ongoing evolution into Brisbane's northern metropolitan centre. The suburb continues to attract significant public and private investment, supporting population growth and underpinning long-term rental demand.

For investors focused on yield and tenant depth, the combination of healthcare, retail and transport infrastructure within close proximity provides a strong foundation for occupancy and rental performance.

Investors to turn to new apartments after Federal Government changes spark hunt for Queensland's best $1 million apartments

A mix of Gold Coast locals, fly-in, fly-out purchasers from Sydney and Melbourne, and Brisbane-based families has driven early sales success at Broadbeach's newest apartment tower, Lumara.

The 26-level project, a joint venture between builder-developer 5Point Projects and Bourke Projects, comprises just 37 luxury residences and is attracting a buyer profile that is looking for exclusivity, above the most amenity-rich suburb on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=364156]

Jamie Bourke, Director of Bourke Projects, says every buyer secured so far intends to use Lumara as a lock-up-and-leave residence, combining holiday use with the ability to work remotely when required.

“The size of the apartments, both half- and full-floor options, and the different zones within the floorplans, lends itself perfectly to dedicated home office setups and multi-generational family holidays,” Bourke says.

That flexibility has become a key drawcard for affluent buyers seeking a second residence on the Gold Coast without sacrificing the ability to conduct business away from their primary home base.

The absence of holiday letting within the building has also resonated strongly with purchasers.

“This type of buyer doesn't need to generate holiday rental income,” Bourke says. “They're paying for exclusivity, privacy and certainty around who their neighbours are.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=366491]

The strong demand comes amid broader shifts in the high-end apartment market following the Federal Budget announcements in May.

“We were already seeing strong enquiry from high-net-worth buyers, but that has only accelerated since the policy changes,” Bourke says.

“A lot of those buyers are looking to place more capital into premium lifestyle assets rather than investment-grade stock that has been targeted by the Federal Government.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=366486]

Designed by Cottee Parker, Lumara adopts a slender, sculpted form with an emphasis on natural materials suited to its beachfront setting. The architectural approach draws on coastal influences, with a palette of stone, timber and concrete selected for durability and the ability to weather over time.

Apartments are limited to three and four-bedroom configurations, with a maximum of two residences per floor through the mid-levels and a selection of full-floor and dual-level homes in the upper levels. All apartments are oriented to the north to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and views across the ocean, city skyline and hinterland.

A two-level amenity offering is positioned high within the building on levels 20 and 21, conceived as a sky wellness retreat. Facilities include a magnesium pool, spa, sauna and steam rooms, alongside more social spaces such as a private dining room, resident lounge, workspaces and outdoor barbecue areas integrated with landscaped greenery.

The uppermost levels are reserved for larger-format residences, including several full-floor homes and a dual-level penthouse with its own private wellness features and recreational spaces.

&nbsp;

To give buyers confidence, 5Point and Bourke commenced construction ahead of the apartments launching to the market, a sure-fire way to prove they mean business, and the building will be delivered. They are targeting a 2028 completion date.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150454]

Locals, interstate holiday makers, drive early sales at Lumara, Broadbeach's newest luxury apartment tower

Often when it comes to purchasing property, the biggest barrier to entry is the deposit. Buyers of established homes typically aim for a 20 per cent deposit to avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance, while most property transactions require around a 10 per cent deposit when contracts are exchanged.

The off-the-plan market works differently, with buyers typically paying a deposit during construction and settling the balance upon completion. As completion approaches at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/fabbrica-fitzroy-369-gore-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">Fabbrica Fitzroy</a>, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pace-development-group">Pace</a> is making it easier for buyers to secure a residence through a deposit-matching incentive. Purchasers need only contribute a five per cent deposit*, with Pace matching the remaining five per cent.

The offer comes as Pace unveils a completed display apartment and townhouse, now available for inspection by appointment ahead of the project's Spring completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371009]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/winwood-mckenzie-architecture">Winwood Mckenzie</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/acre">Acre</a>, Fabbrica draws on Fitzroy’s industrial and manufacturing history, incorporating references to the former Argyle Shirt Factory and Life Savers Confectionery Company that once occupied the site.

The development comprises 85 residences, spanning low-maintenance apartments through to larger-format townhouses with private street access and double lock-up garages, a relatively uncommon offering in Fitzroy’s higher-density apartment market.

Pace says the project has been designed to appeal to buyers seeking inner-city convenience without sacrificing space, flexibility, or amenity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371016]

Inside the residences, Winwood Mckenzie has focused on adaptable layouts and integrated detailing, with features including custom joinery, and concealed storage solutions. The material palette leans into warm, tactile finishes intended to complement the building’s industrial architectural language.

Fabbrica’s rooftop amenity is a key part of the project offering. Spanning around 800 sqm, the communal rooftop includes a private dining room, communal kitchen, lounge spaces, work-from-home zones, and outdoor dining areas overlooking the Melbourne CBD skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371017]

Landscape architecture studio Acre has introduced a layered rooftop garden designed to soften the urban setting while creating a more communal environment for residents.

The Fitzroy location also positions residents within walking distance of Brunswick Street, Smith Street, parks, cafés, galleries, and public transport, while remaining only minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. The project has an enviable Walk Score of 96.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371025]

Pace, which is also delivering the project as builder, has developed more than 100 projects across Melbourne over the past three decades. The vertically integrated approach has become increasingly common among developers seeking greater control over construction delivery amid broader market pressures affecting the apartment sector.

The strikingly contemporary Gore Street development is now around 70 per cent complete, with purchasers expected to move into their new homes in Spring 2026. A limited number of residences remain available under the current deposit match offer.

*Conditions apply in relation to the deposit match offer.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139552]

Pace offers five per cent deposit match at Fabbrica Fitzroy ahead of Spring completion

Sydney developer Hyecorp's roots on the Lower North Shore stretch back three generations, and that deep understanding of the market continues to shape where and how it develops today.

From high-rise towers to boutique apartment projects, the family-run developer has built its reputation by focusing on a part of Sydney it knows intimately. Founded by Michael Abolakian in the early 1990s, Hyecorp is now led by his sons Stephen, Troy and Patrick.

Stephen Abolakian, joint managing director alongside Troy, has spent more than two decades in the business, overseeing development, planning, finance, marketing and sales.

Abolakian says the developer's disciplined focus on where it chooses to operate has been, and continues to be, one of Hyecorp's greatest strengths.

“We know the buyer profile exceptionally well,” Abolakian says.

“The demographics between places like Willoughby, Chatswood, St Leonards and Roseville are very similar. There are nuances between suburbs and projects, but culturally and from a buyer perspective, there’s a strong overlap.”

That buyer has historically been overwhelmingly owner-occupier driven.

Unlike many Sydney apartment developers that have traditionally relied heavily on investor demand, Hyecorp’s projects have typically attracted downsizers, upsizers, rightsizers and family owner-occupiers seeking long-term homes rather than short-term investments.

“Historically, investors have been a much smaller portion of our demand profile,” Abolakian says.

“We design for owner-occupiers. We don’t design for yield, we design for comfort, amenity, family living and long-term usability.”

That philosophy extends well beyond apartment layouts.

From landscaping and communal gardens to shared amenities and circulation spaces, Hyecorp’s developments are designed around how people actually live, something Abolakian believes has become increasingly important in Sydney’s apartment market.

“There was probably a period where having an approved project in market was enough,” he says.

“There wasn’t as much competition and if you built it, buyers would come. That’s no longer the case.”

“There’s more supply in the pipeline now, particularly with TOD precincts and low and mid-rise reforms opening up opportunities across Sydney. Buyers have more choice, so if you get the product wrong, they’ll simply go elsewhere.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=311393]

The shift has forced developers to become more sophisticated in how they approach apartment design, particularly as owner-occupier expectations continue to rise.

For Hyecorp, that means thinking beyond who the buyer is today and designing for who they may become in five or 10 years' time.

“People buying now often aren’t moving in for several years,” Abolakian says.

“You might have a young couple buying today, but by the time they move in they may have children, older children, or changing lifestyle needs. You’ve got to think about how families evolve.”

That thinking also shapes Hyecorp’s approach to amenity, which positions wellness at the forefront.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362634]

While resort-style facilities have become increasingly common marketing tools across Sydney apartment developments, Abolakian says the challenge is ensuring amenities are genuinely usable and appropriate for the scale of the project.

“If amenities are done right, they can materially improve the living experience,” he says, adding however that if you&nbsp;overdo it or get it wrong, you can end up with facilities nobody uses that simply create ongoing strata costs.”

That balance is something Hyecorp is aiming to strike with projects like Roseville Avenue, one of the group's upcoming Lower North Shore developments, which Abolakian describes as bringing a resort-style living experience into a metropolitan setting.

“It’s about creating something that feels special without being excessive,” he says.

“Good gardens, quality apartments, thoughtful amenity. Creating that resort feeling in a metro location.”

<img alt="Hyecorp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13c4c0f3-b1b7-44cf-9344-0b3d1d07797a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-02%20at%2012.14.57%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=9OLWjyj2bYkDV35F78WJnyMSPfc2bJ2z" />

The focus on owner-occupier product comes as Sydney’s apartment market continues to navigate a difficult development environment.&nbsp;For Hyecorp, maintaining an in-house operating model across construction, sales, marketing and development management has become increasingly important in navigating that environment.

“We’ve always believed in keeping a lot of the process in-house,” Abolakian says.

“It creates efficiencies, but it also creates quality control. You can make faster decisions and ensure the end product stays aligned with the original vision.”

Despite the challenges, Abolakian believes demand for quality owner-occupier apartments across Sydney remains strong beneath the surface, particularly across established Lower North Shore suburbs where downsizers continue to seek new housing options close to existing communities.

“There are definitely people waiting,” he says.

“Once some of the broader uncertainty settles, whether that’s the global environment or some of the local economic noise, I think the right projects will perform very strongly.”

Hyecorp currently has three residential developments on the market across Sydney’s Lower North Shore.&nbsp;Audrey, St Leonards, positioned opposite Newlands Park, is nearing completion and preparing to welcome its first residents, with the project now almost sold out.

Hyecorp has also recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celine-chatswood-37-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Celine Chatswood</a>, an architectural tower, while continuing to deliver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet Roseville</a>, a more boutique scale of development with just 34 apartments.

Cassidy Knowlton

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