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The National Australian Built Environment Rating System, or NABERS, benchmarks existing buildings against one another, where zero means a “poor" rating and five indicates an "excellent" green-rated building.
This rating system currently covers offices, homes, hotels and retail centres, although the actual criteria vary between the different types of buildings.
For offices, they include aspects like energy, water, waste and the indoor environment. Whereas for hotels, retail centres and homes, it is only energy and water efficiency that is rated.
Since November 2010, owners of commercial offices have been required to disclose their building's NABERS rating whenever they sell (or lease) any space larger than 2,000 square metres.
Their NABERS rating needs to be displayed in all advertisements, and appropriate documentation is to be available upon request. 
The common exemptions include:
<ul>
<li>Mixed-use buildings with less than 75% office space;</li>
<li>Buildings constructed or renovated within the past two years;</li>
<li>Lease deals for periods less than 12 months;</li>
<li>Strata-titled property ownership; or</li>
<li>Sale of a partial interest in a property.</li>
</ul>
Bottom Line: The penalties for non-compliance can be up to $110,000 for the first day and then $11,000 for each further day of non-compliance.
However, it does provide you with a great opportunity to capture a strategic advantage if your building holds the highest possible rating, given its age and condition.
Therefore, this system is important to ensure your property manager is fully up to speed on all the various requirements. And if you would like to study any of this in more detail, simply <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbd.gov.au/">visit the government's website</a>.
Chris Lang is an advisor to commercial property investors and gives keynote speeches and regular seminars on the best way to invest in commercial property. He maintains a blog, <a target="_blank" title="Chris Lang's blog" href="https://his-best.biz/">his-best.biz</a>, which he updates regularly about the best way to get the most out of your commercial property investment.
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chrislang-EQKojcgJPV

What green ratings mean for commercial property

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For the past few weeks, the world's media seems to have been dominated by two unfolding dramas: the extraordinary and rather amateur performance in Washington, as the US government lurched towards potential default, and the concerning spike in Euro-region yields, against the backdrop of their apparently insoluble sovereign debt issues.
However, as Amy Auster reported in Saturday's Financial Review, there was also a really positive development last week (certainly for Australia), which seems to have simply "snuck under the radar".
You see, China has just decided to permit participating banks in Hong Kong (including foreign banks) to deal in Chinese yuan anywhere in the world when settling transactions.
How will that benefit Australia?
Let's take a look for a moment at the level of global sovereign indebtedness, as a percentage of GDP. The first piece of good news is that Australia sits at the bottom of the table, whereas Germany and the UK have more than three times the government debt levels of Australia. The US has more than four times Australia’s debt level, and Japan has a massive 9.5 times Australia’s government debt.
<img src="/images/stories/langaugust9.jpg">
The second piece of good news is that China doesn't even appear on this list. And that's because it is a net lender to the rest of the world — mainly to the US.
When asked recently about the extent of China's continued growth prospects, Michael Spence (Nobel Prize-winning economist) said: "I think the answer is something like two decades, in the later part of that they will start to slow down."
A recent study (published by China's National Economics Research Institute) estimates that the country's total disposable income is some 65% higher than the government's official figures. And about 80% of this "hidden" income is in the hands of 20% of the population.
But more importantly, these wealthy households are saving something in the order of $1.5 trillion each year. And that represents roughly 50% more than the entire Australian economy.
China's stated aim is to surpass America's economic dominance. And by now internationalising its currency, this is clearly the next step towards that goal.
So, what does this mean for Australia?
Up until this recent announcement, the yuan could only be traded onshore for items like iron ore — and not property or shares. But following the announcement, the yuan can now be openly converted offshore — with only a few restrictions, for the time being.
However, as the new-found currency freedom grows, investors will be able to take funds in and out of China with little or no restriction.
Normally these investors would consider the US or European markets first up. But with their high levels of sovereign debt and the credit agencies looking to downgrade their strong ratings, Chinese investors will gravitate towards AAA safe-havens like Australia.
And as you can appreciate, gaining the benefit of just a fraction of this annual $1.5 trillion in savings, would have a dramatic (and positive) impact upon the Australian economy.
Bottom Line: Initially, those funds might target our share market. But this surge will quickly spread into commercial property, farms and major infrastructure projects.
All of which will serve to balance out Australia's economy and lessen our dependence upon the mining sector.
However, the Foreign Investment Review Board will urgently need to simplify its approval process because Australia requires an injection of investment funds like this to ensure its overall growth prospects.
Chris Lang is an advisor to commercial property investors and gives keynote speeches and regular seminars on the best way to invest in commercial property. He maintains a blog, <a target="_blank" title="Chris Lang's blog" href="https://his-best.biz/" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">his-best.biz</a>, which he updates regularly about the best way to get the most out of your commercial property investment.
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Loosening yuan restrictions will open Australia to Chinese investors

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Australia's dollar may be considered high compared with other countries, but that hasn't dampened overseas investors, who are clamouring to buy up our commercial property.
And this only serves to confirm Australia's "safe-haven status", being closely aligned with the Asian region.
During the 1970s, it was UK property companies that dominated the Australian commercial scene. Then Japan led the boom period during the 1980s. And it was southeast Asia that mopped up the aftermath, throughout the 1990s.
This time around, there is a spread of buyers — coming from the US, Asia and Europe. And Australia appears to be appealing to each of these investors for different reasons.
According to David Rees (head of JLL Research): "For US and European investors, Australia is an easy way into Asia-Pacific; for Asian investors it is an easy way out [of the region] into more transparent, well-regulated markets."
Principally, the buyers for Australian property are coming from the Asian region — cashed-up pension and property funds. However, there has also been strong interest by US and German investors as well.
Currently, these purchases represent about 10% to 15% of the market by value. And this is being seen as a long-term (rather than short-term) trend.
According to DTZ, in 2010 property investment within the Asia-Pacific region topped $158 billion for the first time — more than all of the investment undertaken throughout Europe.
Bottom Line: Even if some local investors are being overly cautious, overseas buyers realise the Australian commercial property market has now begun what will prove to be a strong upswing.
Chris Lang is a commercial property investor and gives keynote speeches and regular seminars on the best way to invest in commercial property. He maintains a blog, <a style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;" href="https://his-best.biz/" title="Chris Lang's blog" target="_blank">his-best.biz</a>, which he updates regularly about the best way to get the most out of your commercial property investment.
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Why overseas buyers love Australian commercial real estate

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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/commercial/commercial-property-finance-different-to-residential/2011071950847">Last week </a>we looked at the reasons why lenders view commercial property in a different league to residential property when it comes to finance.
And then we moved to the various aspects of a project commercial lenders look at as far as risk is concerned.
However, what you really want to know is: How do these considerations affect the price for your loan?
Unfortunately, the answer is significantly.
The precise way in which different lenders price in risk is proprietary knowledge they tend to guard the closely. Therefore, it can vary markedly between lenders.
As a result, larger loans with low perceived risks can be priced at very close to residential mortgage rates, whereas smaller deals (but with higher risk factors) will often attract far higher interest rates.
Basically, you need to follow the same steps as you would in choosing a property intended to provide you with a good long-term return. And help you, these are:
<ul>
<li>Purchase high-quality properties that would easily be re-leased if they become vacant.</li>
<li>Buy properties with sufficient time left on the lease, to allow a reasonable loan term (preferably at least three years).</li>
<li>If it is a long lease, make sure there are regular market reviews – so you aren't left with an asset that is under-let for a long period.</li>
<li>Make sure there is good tenant security. This can be achieved by way of personal and corporate guarantees (which is most appropriate depends on the nature of the tenant – a corporate guarantee from Coles is sufficient, but is not from a small business). Bank guarantees or significant funds bonded in trust also provide good security against default by the tenant.</li>
<li>Financially strong tenants are attractive to lenders. For this reason, publicly listed? (or otherwise well-known) companies always appeal to lenders.</li>
<li>Properties with several alternate uses are generally perceived as being lower risk than more specialised assets (e.g.: There are more alternative uses for an office than for a motel).</li>
<li>Where the asset has a specialised use, it is important there is very strong demand for that style of property. The quality of the tenant and lease are also more important in such circumstances.</li>
<li>A strong rental return providing for a significant coverage of the interest cost.</li>
</ul>
Again, many thanks to <a href="https://his-best.biz/2011/05/25/financing-the-deal/">Perry Finance</a> for these valuable insights into the financier's world of commercial loans.
Chris Lang is a commercial property investor and gives keynote speeches and regular seminars on the best way to invest in commercial property. He maintains a blog, <a target="_blank" title="Chris Lang's blog" href="https://his-best.biz/" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">his-best.biz</a>, which he updates regularly about the best way to get the most out of your commercial property investment.
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How to get the best financing for your commercial investment

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Commercial property finance is one of those aspects probably the least understood — and therefore, can lead to some are rather poor decisions by investors.
The most important thing you need to grasp is that there are basically no hard and fast rules about the various factors like the leverage that is available, costs associated with commercial loans or the actual lending criteria most financiers and adopt.
When it comes to commercial finance, everything has to be viewed in relation to the strength and size of each particular deal.
Most people are used to residential mortgages — where a lender will offer a set rate and charges, plus different amounts of leverage, depending on the location of the property.
Servicing is calculated by taking into account all of the debts and all sources of income attributable to the borrower(s) or the guarantor(s).
There are some commercial lenders that operate in a similar manner. But generally, these lenders only deal with smaller transactions, in restricted geographical locations.
The main point here is that residential lenders tend to price most deals the same way, with some possibly discounting for larger loans. While perceived risk is the factor dictating whether they will fund a loan or not, it has little or no bearing on the actual price for the loan.
On the other hand, commercial lenders place much greater emphasis on quantifying risk and will apply different lending ratios, depending on the risk they perceive for a particular security. However, they could also adjust pricing according to these same factors.
Therefore, two loans of the same size may be significantly different in terms of pricing.
 
Lenders look at a wide range of characteristics when determining the risk level of a transaction. These will include:
<ul>
<li>The financial strength of the borrower.</li>
<li>The experience of the borrower with the type of property &amp; location.</li>
<li>The term of the lease itself.</li>
<li>The financial strength of the tenant.</li>
<li>Guarantees attached to the lease.</li>
<li>Relevant clauses in the lease (such as market reviews).</li>
<li>The current strength of the local market.</li>
<li>Overall economic conditions at the time.</li>
<li>The lenders view of the geographic location &amp; type of property.</li>
<li>Possible alternate uses for the property.</li>
<li>Whether you plan to hedge against interest rate movements.</li>
<li>The lending ratio you are seeking.</li>
</ul>
These details have been provided by courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="https://his-best.biz/2011/05/25/financing-the-deal/">Perry Finance</a>, which is one of my trusted consultants, when it comes to acquiring commercial property.
Chris Lang is a commercial property investor and gives keynote speeches and regular seminars on the best way to invest in commercial property. He maintains a blog, <a style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;" href="https://his-best.biz/" title="Chris Lang's blog" target="_blank">his-best.biz</a>, which he updates regularly about the best way to get the most out of your commercial property investment.
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Commercial property finance different to residential

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Sometimes the best-looking property can be the worst real estate investment you've ever made. Remember that investing in commercial property is all about the price, the terms and the ongoing return on investment. Here are several tips for successful commercial property investing.
Be an investor – not merely an accumulator of commercial properties.
The reason you make investments is to produce a worthwhile profit. So if you end up buying a property that produces little or no growth, \you basically acquired a property (instead of making an investment).
Get yourself a mentor so you benefit from his or her experience.
Mentors can save you from making very costly mistakes, identify when you've missed due diligence items, and connect you with resources that you otherwise wouldn't have immediate access to.
Understand that every commercial property has a lifetime.
One of the biggest errors you can make as an investor is to ignore the fact you will need to spend money on the upkeep of the building over time. The building may need a new roof, or the electrical system may need to be upgraded. Every building goes through these renewal phases. Therefore, make sure you have a long-term strategy to handle such repairs.
Focus on one commercial property sector at a time.
Especially when you're starting out, you should focus on one type of investment: offices, shops, warehouses, or whatever you prefer. Each deal needs your undivided attention. It's much better to master one aspect than to be average over many. And who wants average-performing properties anyway?
Decide whether you and your assets are adequately protected.
As with anything in life, messy lawsuits can occasionally occur. Therefore, you need to do everything in your power to protect yourself and your investment. Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether you're fully covered:
How is your commercial property protected – both legally and insurance-wise?
Are your other investments totally separate from each other so one lawsuit can’t affect the other investments?
What do you have at stake, if you lose a lawsuit? Is your personal property, for example, your home, isolated?
Don't try to guess when it comes to the answers of these questions. Talk to a lawyer to ensure you're fully protected if ever you were to be sued.
For a partnership or syndicate, finance the deal using non-recourse finance. Non-recourse means you aren't personally guaranteeing the loan. This gives you two distinct advantages: it allows you to be taken off the loan if the partnership sour, and, if the property were to fail, the financier cannot come after you personally.
Once you understand the “rules of the game”, buying commercial property is really quite straightforward. You just need to do a little homework and make sure you get the right advice along the way.
Chris Lang is a commercial property investor and gives keynote speeches and regular seminars on the best way to invest in commercial property. He maintains a blog, <a href="https://his-best.biz/" title="Chris Lang's blog" target="_blank" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">his-best.biz</a>, which he updates regularly about the best way to get the most out of your commercial property investment.
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Five tried-and-true tips to help you profit from commercial property investing

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Investors have begun snaring some quality industrial properties, as rentals begin to climb following a reasonably static past five years.
<img src="/images/stories/lang-chart-cropped.jpg">
As you can see from the table, this increase in activity has been reflected in the dominance of developers bringing new stock onto the market.
Plus, you'll notice that private investors have emerged as the major category of buyers for industrial property.
The current wave of development is catering for a much larger office component, relative to what is normally provided by industrial developers. So much so, it is now often as high as 40% of the overall building area.
This trend is being driven by occupiers wanting to combine their administration building, in top-quality accommodation, with their distribution facility, rather than leasing an outer-lying warehouse, and having their head office in a more traditional office location.
The bottom line is: many of the larger developments are occurring by way of a fully-integrated business park environment, catering for small- to medium-sized businesses.
 And this is providing investors with the opportunity to acquire affordable industrial properties, surrounded by all the amenities needed by those tenants who occupy them.
Chris Lang is a commercial property investor and gives keynote speeches and regular seminars on the best way to invest in commercial property. He maintains a blog, <a href="https://his-best.biz/" target="_blank" title="Chris Lang's blog">his-best.biz</a>, which he updates regularly about the best way to get the most out of your commercial property investment.
 
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Savvy investors cash in as industrial occupiers change tactics 

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Of all the sectors within the commercial market, most people feel comfortable with retail. And that's only natural, because all your family members are usually going in out of shops as part of their everyday lives.
However, familiarity with something doesn't always make for good investment decisions.
And yet, investors continue to out-bid one another – and are quite prepared to accept yields as low as 3% per annum – for some retail investment properties.
Inherent in such decision is the belief there will be a significant rental increase not too far away.
But store rent has been outstripping store sales for quite a while. And turnover is unlikely to reach its long-term growth level 4% any time soon.
That means a significant re-adjustment is about to take place within the retail sector.
There are two structural changes driving this inevitable change:
<ol>
<li>Australians were net spenders in 2005, but we now have a historically high 11.5% savings rate.</li>
<li>Traditional retailers shot themselves in the foot by highlighting the presence of online shopping, which is currently at 6%. Westfield Group is predicting this will reach 10% of sales over the next five years.</li>
</ol>
Bottom Line: Not all retail properties are at risk, because it all comes down to your tenant.
Food and hardware outlets near new housing estates (for example) will be in high demand. As will traders who have wholesale or corporate clients in addition to their in-store traffic.
However, if you currently hold retail property with specialty tenants (like fashion or gifts), now would be a good time to rationalise your portfolio.
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Retail not always the best investment

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The key benefit of investing your money in commercial property is its security.
When the economy declines/recedes, you will find commercial property generally holds its own. And when the economy is on the up, commercial property grows in value and provides you with a steady income.
Here is a summary of the benefits of investing in commercial real estate.
1. Strong returns
 
Commercial property provides you with strong and reliable returns in the form of income and capital gains. Your aim ought not be to simply make a quick buck, but to take advantage of a growing investment over time, where you can achieve a return consistently above inflation.
2. Stability of income
 
An important point to make about commercial property is that not only are your returns higher, they are also usually more secure. Unlike six- to 12-month leases for residential property, commercial tenants will generally lease for periods ranging from three to 10 years.
3. Lower risk
 
Commercial property investment tends to carry less risk than residential property or the stock market.
4. Exposure to different sectors of the economy
 
Retail and industrial properties probably have the most direct relationship to the economy – with retail property tied closely to consumer spending. Industrial property follows consumer spending trends about six months later.
Office buildings tend to perform more based upon supply and demand of the available office space.
5. Tax benefits
 
You will find that commercial property provides you with generous tax benefits – far more than with residential property.
Depreciation allowances on plant equipment within the building (air-conditioning, carpets, lighting, etc.) are the major benefit. But most commercial properties also enjoy significant building allowances as well.
6. Hedging against inflation
 
Property overall has traditionally been viewed as a good hedge against inflation. But long-term surveys confirm commercial property has given investors excellent returns – far outpacing inflation.
7. Investment control
 
As an owner of commercial property, you have a significant degree of control over your investment, such as: renovations, upgrading, changing the use of the property, restructuring the terms of the lease, choosing the type of tenant you want, redevelopment and ultimate disposal.
8. Ability to add value
 
Just a few ways for you to add value to a commercial property include: renovating, upgrading, subdividing and enlarging, improving the external and internal appearance, and renegotiating the lease terms for your benefit.
9. Leverage
 
As you improve the property and it grows in value, you are able to borrow against your commercial investments. That way, you could quickly be in a position to control several properties – through borrowing more against your improved equity.
Chris Lang is a commercial property investor and gives keynote speeches and regular seminars on the best way to invest in commercial property. He maintains a blog, <a href="https://his-best.biz/" title="Chris Lang's blog" target="_blank" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">his-best.biz</a>, which he updates regularly about the best way to get the most out of your commercial property investment. 
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Nine reasons to invest in commercial property

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Investing your hard-earned funds into commercial property can be very rewarding. You should look upon this as a strategic process, which you’re able to approach in many ways.
Outlined below are several options available to you when investing your money in a commercial property.
Option 1 – Listed property trusts
 
This is probably the easiest way to invest in commercial property; and involves little more than you opening an account with a stockbroker, depositing some money and then placing an order.
Option 2 – Property securities
 
This option consists of a managed fund that invests in a basket of listed property trusts. They are especially suited for beginners, who are unsure about which property trusts might be the most appropriate.
Option 3 – Public property syndicates
 
This process starts with an application via a product disclosure statement and generally requires you to commit a minimum of $10,000. You are then normally locked into the investment for the duration of the syndicate – which may be up to 10 years.
Option 4 – Mortgage funds
 
These are managed funds that lend money using commercial property as security. They generally offer the investor returns that can be a higher than a bank term deposit or cash management account; but there is no capital gain from this type of investment.
Option 5 - Mezzanine finance
Mezzanine finance is the provision of funding for commercial property developments.
As the name suggests, it involves providing funds between the developer’s own equity and that allocated by mainstream commercial lenders. As such, it carries a far higher degree of risk – and the potential for higher returns – than regular mortgage funds.
Option 6 – Direct property investment
Direct property is for people who have done their research on the market. It is also possible to buy into direct property through a private syndicate, which we’ll cover in a later article.
Either way, direct ownership of property offers you the greatest level of control.
Bottom line: The option that you ultimately choose will come down to what we affectionately call your “threshold of insomnia”. In other words, you ought only invest in something that won’t cause you to lie awake at night worrying.
You need to be totally comfortable with the level of control (or lack of it) that you have. And you should always seek to learn as much as possible about the option you intend to pursue.
And if you do have difficulty in finding the necessary background information, then you should cross that option off your list – however attractive it may initially appear.
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Six ways to invest in commercial property

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

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The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

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Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

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Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Chris Lang

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