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The NSW Southern Highlands property market remains steady, with both buyers and sellers having more confidence due to a levelling off of interest rates in the first half of 2013, says Herron Todd White in its guide to property investments under half a million. 

“In Bowral, under $500,000 will generally limit buyers to modern townhouses generally priced between $400,000 to $450,000,” reports the valuation firm. 
HTW's review said “a savvy buyer could secure a semi-modern project home in East Bowral, with four bedrooms for between $420,000 to $450,000.” 
With the average rental rates between $400 to $500 per week, the price of a quality home in East Bowral equated to a gross yield of 5.2% to 5.7%. 
According to HTW, the Southern Tablelands (part of which includes the Southern Highlands) offers more choices and affordability to potential investors with lower price entry levels than the Southern Highlands
The city of Goulburn, with a population of around 25,000 and a steady workforce is located close to Canberra and Sydney, which has pumped up sale prices and renewed interest. 
The city is seeing investment properties being snapped up by Canberra investors. 
“The trend in recent years is people purchasing/renting in Goulburn and commuting to Canberra where a stable employment base still exists,” reported HTW.
“Depending on dwelling/land size and the quality of the home, values of modern project style dwellings in Goulburn range between $350,000 and $450,000, and generally attract rentals of $350 to $450 per week, representing a gross yield of around 5%.
“A real option in Goulburn for the $500,000 investor would be to purchase multiple residential units or townhouse/villa properties for between $150,000 and $200,000 each and rent them out for between $150 to $200 per week.”
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Bowral townhouses on the menu for sub-$500,000 investors in Southern Highlands: HTW

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The NSW Central Coast property market is looking like a good opportunity to invest $500,000.
The latest Herron Todd White’s market review, which focuses on investment opportunities under $500,000 says of this market: "You might be surprised at the benefits of buying here".
The review suggests “to look into the northern end of the region, included in the Wyong local government area where real estate prices are as diverse as the properties found there.”
These include “older style dwellings in places like beautiful <a target="_blank" href="/news">Blue Bay</a> or trendy <a target="_blank" href="/news">Norah Head</a>, where you can find “circa 1975, three to four bedroom, single car garage homes, which we think represents good buying,” reports Herron Todd White.
New areas such as <a target="_blank" href="/news">Woongarrah</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Hamlyn Terrace</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Wadalba</a> also provide buyers with fine value homes at prices less than $500,000.
Herron Todd White also reviewed areas such as Summerland Point and Gwandalan which are toward the northern most beaches, saying “they are areas that have threatened to do big things in real estate terms and although they are yet to realise their potential, further development in and around these areas may just provide that kick start.”
Overall, the NSW coastal unit market is looking up with Herron Todd Whites pointing out that “those who have bought units here over the past two years have done well - in fact, $500,000 could easily have purchased two new units at one stage.”
Units that are close to the beach and lake are still selling for under $500,000, and are good area for investment.
“The Entrance is a lovely spot and very popular with day trippers and holiday makers from Sydney,” says the valuation firm.
The southern ends of the region however takes the cake, with areas such as Umina Beach, Woy Woy and Ettalong, leaving investors picking up $500,000 modern three to four bedroom homes with garaging and with “change left over".
“These areas saw high sale volumes in the last round of first home buyer incentives and it has just kept going from there.”
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Plenty of sub-$500,000 investment opportunities on the Central Coast: HTW

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Sydney’s cheapest weekend auction sale price was in the Central Coast suburb of Lake Munmorah, according to Australian Property Monitors.
The one storey brick veneer dwelling at<a target="_blank" href="https://raywhitebudgewoi.com.au/nsw/lake-munmorah/987388/"> 5 Winchester Drive</a><a href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/NSW/Lake-Munmorah/?adid=2010527668" target="_parent"> </a> sold for $227,000 through Ray White Budgewoi.
The three bedroom, one bathroom house last sold for $230,000 in October 2007.
It was listed for sale in March 2012 through to August 2012 with a price of $280, 000, according to RP Data.
It had last been available for rent in November 2012 with a weekly listed rental price of $350, which would equate to a gross yield of around 8% at its latest sale price.
The home was built in 2004 and sits on 402 square metre block.
It is in close proximity to local shops and walking tracks and was “located in a quiet street,” said real estate agent Wendy McLeod. 
The change in the average median price over five years in Lake Munmorah is currently 6.6%, according to RP Data.
The median asking rental price is $330 per week, according to RP Data with the average days on the market at 121.
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Discounted Central Coast home cheapest NSW weekend auction at 8% yield

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Inner city Newcastle is growing rapidly with $500,000 buying you much less compared to what it did 12 months ago, according to Herron Todd White's latest report, which examines investment opportunities under half a million.
The inner city suburbs of <a target="_blank" href="/news">Kotara</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">New Lambton Heights</a>, <a target="_parent" href="/news">Waratah</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Tighes Hill,</a> <a target="_blank" href="/news">Georgetown</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Adamstown</a> fitted nicely into the $500,000 mark but recent evidence shows properties in these areas are being snapped up quickly.
HTW valuers report that in Adamstown Heights, a property sold for $85,000 above its listed price of $480,000, with a total of 10 active bidders for the recent Saturday auction. 
This type of sale is not a one off the valuation group says, with prices in neighbouring suburbs also shooting up with higher than average sales as the whole area gets a boost as well as booming favourites Jesmond and Birmingham Gardens.
Another dark horse in Nelson Bay (more famous for having the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/nelson-bay-retains-most-delinquent-postcode-crown-but-surfers-paradise-drops-down-list-fitch/2013070162882">highest mortgage delinquency rate in Australia</a>), which HTW says "surprised us all" and experienced a slight jump in sales.
The area is seeing growth in the low priced homes and rental prices which is driving more investor activity. 
The new development areas of Gillieston Heights, Cliftleigh, Aberglasslyn and Singleton are also ready for some investment action with many houses recently finished, sitting vacant and available for rent. 
Local agents currently reported to HTW that around 200 houses in Singleton are vacant and a further 80 or so in Gillieston Heights are all available for tenants.
Although the asking rental price in such areas has fallen quickly from $420 to around $380, the supply of these rental properties far exceeds the demand, a dangerous sign for investors.
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Fewer sub-$500,000 investment opportunities in Newcastle: HTW

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Brett Cripps at Cripps and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rockpoolcronulla.com.au/"> Cripps Property has sold 2/12 McDonald Street, Cronulla</a> for $4.5 million - a brand new two level apartment on the water in Cronulla.
It's a three bedroom, two bathroom apartment in the Rockpool building.
The two level apartment was listed in March with an asking price of $4,975,000.
There is a four car garage.
It has 372 square metre space.
The two floors are connected by a private lift and stairs with a lift from the basement directly up to the apartment.
Capricorn Sandstone Quarries with stone mason Rossini Stone completed the cladding of the lift shaft in February this year.
The living room opens out to two balconies that look over Cronulla’s famous rock pools and panoramic ocean views.
The flashy apartment comes with a marble ensuite in the master bedroom complete with heated floors and towel rails, a walk-in robe, private balcony, mosaic tiled spa and marble finished powder room.
The kitchen is full of state of the art Miele appliances and a walk in pantry.
<img height="127" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/yieldsbanner.jpg" alt="yieldsbanner">
“Breathtaking views, light, space, privacy and convenience are words to describe this beautiful property. The ocean is so close, you can literally 'feel' the water and all its sights and sounds,” described Brett Cripps.
The median price of units in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Cronulla in 8,500, a jump over the past five years of 20%, with a median asking price for rent sitting at 0 per week</a>, according to RP Data.
<img height="57" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/trophyhomesstrapone.jpg" alt="trophyhomesstrapone">
 

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Trophy Rockpool Cronulla apartment fetches $4.5 million

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Melbourne’s cheapest auction sale price last weekend was in the north-east suburb of Alphington, according to Australian Property Monitors.
Just a hop, skip and a jump from Kew and Ivanhoe, the unit at 6/40 Yarralea Sreet, sold for $252,500, with a starting price guide of $220,000 to $250,000.
Real estate vendors Hocking Stuart advertised the home as "offering affordability with a sought after location, live in with convenience at your fingertips, lease out with this popular location, all with an entry level price tag."
The light filled one bedroom apartment in the heart of Alphington features a kitchen with open meals area, lounge, master bedroom and bathroom as well as laundry facilities, car space on title and gas heater.
The apartment was last listed for rent in March 2013 for $250 per week.
The median price of units in the Alphington sits at $502,000, up over the past five years by 24%, with an average rental price of $325 per week, <a href="/news">according to RP Data</a>.
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Alphington $252,000 sale the week's cheapest auction result for Melbourne

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Wamberal had the cheapest weekend auction sale.
The Central Coast property at 753 The Entrance Road fetched $320,000 through The Professionals Real Estate.
The two bedroom, one bathroom home previously sold in June 2006 for $355,000, so represented a price decline over the past seven years.
It was sold this time by the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority. 
The median house sale price in Wamberal sits at $575,000 which according to RP Data reflects a 9.5% jump over the past five years.
The one storey cottage home was built in 1955 and offered a quite getaway into the beachy surroundings of Wamberal.
Featuring timber floorboards, a federation style bathroom with classic claw foot bath and timber vanity.
There was also an entertaining deck overlooking the backyard.
The 575 square metre cottage was available for rental in late 2011 at  $330 per week.
RP Data suggests the current average asking rent in Wamberal sits at $455 per week.
Professionals Real Estate have also got a 611 square metre, cleared and fenced block of land for sale at 718 The Entrance Rd Wamberal advertised as ‘reduced to sell’.
It too has been listed by the RTA.  
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Wamberal had the weekend's cheapest auction sale

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The eastern Sydney seaside  is home to some spectacular coastal views, with 2 Denning Street, South Coogee, no disappointment especially from its rooftop balcony.
However the two storey home has been up for sale since October 2012, with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mybhr.com/824671/">BHR estate agent Catherine Bullen </a>seeking offers over $4 million. Its last revealed asking price indication was $4.95 million. 
The four bedroom, two bathroom home is complete with granite floors, waterford crystal chandeliers and a parents retreat with a spacious bathroom, spa and double basins.
The property last sold in 1988 for $500,000.
The change in the median price for homes in South Coogee over the past five years has been 16.2%.
The home sits on a 539 square metre block.
The conjunctional agent Natalie Zulian at Ellison Zulian Property says "nothing has been spared in this quality built home that oozes class and style.’
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South Coogee seaside home sees $950,000 asking price reduction to $4 million plus

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La Joie de Vivre has been sitting unloved by buyers above Sydney’s northern beaches since 2010.
But soon it will be attracting international attention.
The hit reality television show, The Bachelor is heading down under and the Network Ten series will be filmed in the stunning mansion.
Its the home of the former freight tycoon Gregory Poche and wife, Kayvan Norton.
Sydney’s Daily Telegraph reported the production company Shine Australia had chosen the rich lister's home at 68 Minkara Road, Bayview.
It's among spotted gum trees with views from its floor to ceiling windows that will show Australia's native landscape.
The residence was built for Beirut industrialist Agob Dellalian who sold it for $7 million in 2003.
Gregory Poche and wife Kay van Norton bought the property for $10 million in 2003 through Claudio Marcolongo of LJ Hooker Avalon, and Christie's agent Ken Jacobs.
The couple have relocated to Little Manly Cove.
Their lavish French provincial mansion named La Joie de Vivre, meaning the ‘joy of living’ in French, catches impressive 180-degree view of Pittwater.
It’s not the first time the property has been associated with Hollywood. There were silly rumours back in 1996 that Kevin Costner had bought the mansion.
The multimillion dollar home is set on 4091 square metres and features a grand formal dining room, six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a wine cellar, towering high ceilings and a huge living room space with views of Pittwater at every corner.
Being the home of 25 women and just one lonely man, all bachelor homes require certain luxuries and this French mansion doesn’t disappoint with a wet bar on its sandstone terrace, a heated pool and spa, a sauna, gymnasium and a championship size tennis court and pavilion.
The home is finished off elegantly with 24-carat gold filigree balustrades, a commercial-grade kitchen, ultimate entertainment systems for the bachelorettes, complete with an exit for those without a rose via the semicircular drive and grand foyer.
The median sale price for a home in the suburb is $1,138,000 with a change in the average median price over five years of -12.8%.
Word of the impending filming came after letters were recently received by residents living close to the chosen address outlining the filming schedule for the program, a resident told The Daily Telegraph.
The letter said filming would commence on July 9 and finish up on September 15.
The letter said "crew are fully aware of the limitations and sensitivity required when filming within a residential area and we are making provisions to ensure our impact is reduced, with only essential crew and vehicles entering the area."
Take a video tour of the estate <a href="https://www.maxwalls.com/buying/search/detail?id=ID137" target="_blank">here</a> which was uploaded during its Max Walls International marketing.
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Bayview luxury estate with Sydney harbour views will house The Bachelor

Friends and frenemies&nbsp;of celebrity businesswomen and Celebrity Apprentice contestant, Roxy Jacenko, can&nbsp;get a glimpse into her world.

Her&nbsp;investment cottage, and former home, at 12 Nelson Street, Woollahra has been listed for auction.

It&#39;s&nbsp;chic and contemporary&nbsp;with mirrored wall features. Of course there&#39;s&nbsp;requisite&nbsp;video surveillance and&nbsp;intercom security.

&ldquo;I have decided to list my investment property for sale as I am looking to purchase a commercial property to house Sweaty Betty PR,&rdquo; says&nbsp;Roxy Jacenko.

&ldquo;As far as reports that our family home is for sale - that&rsquo;s incorrect,&rdquo; the Daily Telegraph&#39;s Jonathan Moran reported recently.

The&nbsp;329 square metre&nbsp;property, in Sydney&#39;s high-flying eastern suburbs,&nbsp;&nbsp;has been listed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ballardproperty.com.au/Buying/Search/residentialresult/residentialdetail.aspx?id=WOOLLAHRA%202012160&amp;wlid=d6109402-3e32-4f65-8606-b2a93faf28c1" target="_blank">Clint Ballard of Ballard Property Group</a>.

The 33 year old mother, and wife of stockbroker Oliver Curtis, and mother&nbsp;to Pixie Rose and founder of Sweaty Betty PR, bought the two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage in 2006 for $2.8 million.

Roxy Jacenko is now hoping to receive a sale price of $3.5 million.

The Woollahra home was available for rent in August 2011 through Farquharsons Executive Rentals Double Bay for $1,800 a week.

The current median asking price for rent in Woollahra is $1,200 a week, which reflects a 3.5% yield.

Interior designer and architect for high end hotels, and residential and commercial projects, Blainey North,&nbsp;fitted out&nbsp;the double fronted residence.

The home has been refreshed internally. There&nbsp;is&nbsp;development approval&nbsp;to extend it into four&nbsp;bedroom family home.

The one story, residential home was previously up for sale in&nbsp;2011 with&nbsp;a $3 million price tag.

The average time on market for a home in Woollahra NSW is around 76 days, with its&nbsp;$1.8 million, down&nbsp;1.1% over the past year, according&nbsp;to RP Data.

The home is located a short walk from Queen Street village and in close proximity to the city.

Nelson Street Woollahra listed by Roxy Jacenko

Apartment buyers in New South Wales are set to gain a decade of insurance-backed protection against major building defects, after the NSW Parliament passed the Fair Trading and Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2026.&nbsp;

The Bill establishes decennial defect insurance, known in the market as Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), as an alternative to the existing two-year strata building bond. It cleared the Legislative Council with amendments on Tuesday evening (August 4, 2026), with the Legislative Assembly agreeing to those amendments shortly after.

Under the reform, eligible developers can satisfy their statutory bond obligation by taking out an approved decennial-style policy that gives owners 10 years of cover for major structural defects from completion, claimable directly, without first having to pursue developers or builders through costly legal action.&nbsp;

The change forms the final tranche of amendments arising from the 2021 statutory review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and related legislation.

Resilience Insurance, which originated the cover in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022, welcomed the passage and credited the NSW Government for delivering it.

“This is protection apartment buyers have needed for a long time, and the credit for delivering it belongs to the NSW Government,”&nbsp;said Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into. Reform like this is what good, evidence-based regulation looks like.”

Resilience has delivered LDI in NSW since 2022, protecting thousands of apartments, giving the State, and now the country, real-world evidence of how decade-long, no-fault protection works in practice.

The reform also places NSW within a wider national shift.

NSW is the third jurisdiction to put decennial cover into law. The ACT legislated for it in 2024, with the scheme taking effect in late 2025, and Victoria passed its own framework on 17 June. Between them, the three cover the majority of Australia's apartment market.

The reform commences once the legislation is proclaimed, which is expected in the coming weeks. From that point, developers of Class 2 residential apartment buildings can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial policy in place of the bond.

Buyers who purchased into projects that took out the cover early are among the first in the country to take keys to apartments carrying decade-long structural protection.

“With the legislation passed, the focus now turns to making it work for buyers,”&nbsp;Nugent said.

“There are already thousands of apartments in NSW covered by this insurance, bought by developers who moved early. The question every buyer should be asking in a display suite is a simple one: does this building come with 10-year defect cover, and who stands behind it?&nbsp;

“We look forward to working with the Government and the Building Commission in coming weeks as the framework moves to implementation, and to sharing what we have learned over the past four years so the protection reaches owners as smoothly and quickly as possible.”

Other states are working through their own reform programs. Western Australia has indicated that decennial cover is within consideration a later stage of its reform sequence, and Queensland has been examining the settings as it looks at the development pipeline ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

Resilience Insurance acknowledges the NSW Government’s continued focus on strengthening consumer protection while supporting housing delivery across the State.

Fast Facts: What the reform means

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Proven at scale:&nbsp;Decennial cover has operated in NSW since 2022, protecting thousand of apartments.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">10 years of cover:&nbsp;Protection for major structural defects runs for a decade from completion, claimable directly and with no legal action required.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">An alternative to the bond:&nbsp;Eligible developers can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial-style policy in place of the 2% strata building bond.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Part of a national shift:&nbsp;The ACT has had decennial provisions in force since 2025 and Victoria passed its framework in June. NSW now joins them.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">No-fault, first resort:&nbsp;Owners corporations claim directly from the insurer without first having to establish who is liable for the defect.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost-competitive:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the 2% bond while offering broader, longer protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market position:&nbsp;Resilience originated LDI in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022.</li>
</ul>

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI):&nbsp;Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Consumer-first:&nbsp;Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost advantage:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market leader:&nbsp;&nbsp;Resilience Insurance originated LDI in Australia and is the national market leader.</li>
</ul>

Joel Robinson

NSW parliament passes 10-year defect insurance laws for new apartment buyers

Builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mcnab-developments">McNab</a> has wasted little time reshaping one of South Brisbane's most significant undeveloped apartment sites after acquiring the property earlier this year.&nbsp;

McNab has lodged plans to scrap an existing approval for two 30-storey towers and instead deliver a single 28-storey residential building, preserving part of the site for a future development opportunity.

The proposal, lodged over <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-peel-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">64 Peel Street and 9 Cordelia Street</a>, is for a residential-led mixed-use development comprising 124 apartments above a landscaped podium, alongside a boundary realignment that preserves part of the land for a future residential project.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="743bf564-3f8f-45fc-b8d3-bbf18f5b628f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20Peel%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=EhCxGrVn_VFH3qTbKnI4WppGwaMnOn0t" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a>, the development will deliver 119 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom apartments across 23 residential levels. A five-level podium will accommodate 135 car spaces, while the ground floor will include a 66 sqm commercial tenancy, an activated residential lobby with work-from-home spaces, and a publicly accessible landscaped plaza linking Cordelia and Peel streets.&nbsp;

Communal amenities will span Level 6 and the rooftop, including indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, a swimming pool, barbecue facilities, kitchen and dining areas, lawn space, sauna, steam room and yoga facilities.

The application also proposes a boundary realignment to create a standalone 1,290 sqm development lot while retaining an adjacent parcel for future redevelopment, allowing the balance of the site to contribute additional housing over time.

Hayball said the architecture has been shaped by the site's elevated corner position at the intersection of Peel and Cordelia streets and Brisbane's subtropical climate.

The design incorporates generous landscaped setbacks, a masonry podium wrapped with planting, large north-facing balconies, and a slender tower profile intended to maximise natural light, cross ventilation and long-range views. The rooftop has been conceived as a wellness-focused retreat overlooking Brisbane, with amenities positioned to capture views towards Mount Coot-tha and the CBD.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5f99e84-6ad8-4a87-82d1-869685b754d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20tower%20perspective.png?VersionId=Gw0IuJaSAlk.tvGBxInhZOcQAdIB..2b" />

The planning submission positions the proposal as a response to both changing market conditions and Brisbane's Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning reforms.

McNab acquired the site after the previous approval was granted, with the existing scheme no longer reflecting current residential market demands, economic conditions, construction challenges, construction efficiencies or the quality of development outcome now being pursued, the planning report noted.

McNab continues to expand its residential development pipeline across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The developer recently launched The Tannery in West End, securing more than 60 per cent of apartments before the project's public release. It is also delivering Elements Budds Beach in Surfers Paradise and Lucia Highgate Hill, an eight-apartment boutique development overlooking the Brisbane River.

McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower

A steeply sloping Bellevue Hill site is set to accommodate a new mid-rise apartment development, with plans lodged for 20 homes that respond to the site's dramatic topography.

The proposal for the consolidated land at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/138a-140-bellevue-road-bellevue-hill-nsw-2023">138A-140 Bellevue Road</a> has been designed by Sydney architecture practice Common Office, which has used the site’s substantial fall to distribute the building’s scale and unlock 20 apartments without presenting the full height to the street.&nbsp;

“The unique design strategy leverages the site’s substantial topographical fall to facilitate increased density, presenting a seven-storey profile to Bellevue Road while rising to 10 storeys at the rear,” Common Office said in its architectural design report.

The apartment mix spans one, two, three- and four-bedroom residences. Four two-bedroom apartments are designated as affordable housing, while the plans also include two adaptable dwellings. The mix is majority three-beds, with the typical three-bed apartment offering around 144 sqm internally, with balconies of around 15 sqm.

The affordable housing component represents 15 per cent of the residential floor area and allows the project to access additional height and floor space under the NSW Government’s in-fill affordable housing provisions. The site also falls within the inner area of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy because it is within 400 metres walking distance of Double Bay Town Centre.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1230d0f-3bfa-4a11-abaf-0928c66ef345" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da.png?VersionId=dZeMK3P.OutGjN8ycjsxm8uNsj_QFWQv" />

Common Office has arranged the building around a masonry podium and a lighter upper volume, drawing on two recurring elements of Bellevue Hill’s established architecture: sandstone bases and the vertical proportions of local Inter-war Art Deco apartment buildings.

“The proposal is governed by a holistic design language that reconciles the solid horizontal masonry of the neighbourhood’s podiums with the elegant verticality of its Art Deco heritage,” the architect said.

“The building maintains a consistent rhythmic logic utilising deep recesses and a sophisticated material transition to break down the 10-storey scale into a series of articulated, human-scale volumes.”

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0147f503-1af1-4d51-97fb-c2f1cba63a9d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20bldg.png?VersionId=GoW7q3NlK67OpnePXhk7zvklrlKb72Qc" />

Large-format sandstone tiles will define the lower levels, establishing a robust base that negotiates the change in elevation from Bellevue Road. Above, red-tinted precast concrete frames, recessed balconies, anodised aluminium screens and expanded metal details will create a more vertically expressed façade. Integrated planter beds will introduce greenery across balcony edges and recessed sections of the building.

The elongated northern façade has been divided into three recessed vertical masses to reduce its perceived length. Triangular window elements and metal privacy screens reference the geometry of nearby Art Deco buildings while controlling overlooking toward surrounding homes. The southern elevation will incorporate further privacy screening, landscaped edges and deep balconies to maintain light and ventilation.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8679cf1-18bc-4447-8a0f-0052b94ab83c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da%20rooftop.png?VersionId=5SQqQqRFf76rvE2p1TbxJSweMN70AIbc" />

Private and communal landscaping is distributed throughout the development. A landscaped garden apartment is positioned within the lower portion of the site, while a communal terrace on Level 5 will include a central timber deck, barbecue facilities, resident planting plots and areas for outdoor dining and informal gatherings.

Common Office described the terrace as an elevated sanctuary designed to capture district views and sunlight. Its planting strategy incorporates endemic species associated with the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, extending the landscape vertically through the building and providing habitat for local flora and fauna.

A second communal outdoor area is proposed at roof level, with built-in seating, paved gathering areas and perimeter planting.

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction. Positive Investment Enterprise is delivering the 16-apartment Kew Palm House on Birriga Road, while Chanine Developments is also under construction at Florian, a 36-apartment project on Banksia Road.

&nbsp;

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction.

First Look: Apartment development pitched for Bellevue Hill, Double Bay fringe

South Brisbane's apartment pipeline continues to build momentum, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK Property Group</a> lodging plans for a 161-apartment tower on Montague Road as developers accelerate investment across the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

The proposal for 176–186 Montague Road would replace an existing office building with a 20-storey residential tower designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, adding to a growing pipeline of high-density projects reshaping one of Brisbane's fastest-evolving inner-city precincts.

The project has been conceived as a "living building", featuring a flowing tower form, extensive vertical landscaping, and generous communal spaces that respond to the evolving Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

TRK Property Group Development Director Matt Kan said the project reflected the confidence developers have in South Brisbane's long-term future.

"South Brisbane is entering an incredibly exciting period, and we see Montague Road sitting right at the heart of that evolution," Kan said.

"With the former Visy site directly opposite us and significant investment planned throughout the broader Kurilpa precinct, there is a real sense of momentum around this part of the city and what it will become over the coming years.

"For TRK, this is an opportunity to be part of that next chapter and deliver a project that responds to where the precinct is heading, while contributing to the continued evolution of Brisbane's river edge."

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="590fe1ad-f892-4446-a679-80e33a16d029" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20tower%20facade.png?VersionId=uOJStrcKpyHFcPE1w6_9SMAFzVMCcZll" />

The scheme includes a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, incorporating multi-purpose rooms in selected residences to provide additional flexibility for home offices or expanded living areas. The proposed mix comprises 15 one-bedroom, 13 one-bedroom plus MPR, 73 two-bedroom, 26 two-bedroom plus MPR, 30 three-bedroom, and four four-bedroom apartments.

Rather than adopting a conventional rectilinear tower, COX Architecture has developed a sculpted form inspired by the movement of the Brisbane River.

"The proposal has been designed by COX Architecture as a 'living building' that responds to the site's riverine setting, floodplain history and evolving urban context within the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct," the planning report states.

"The architectural form draws from the fluid nature of the Brisbane River, with a curved and undulating tower form that creates a varied architectural edge and avoids a conventional rectilinear tower expression."

The podium has also been designed as an architectural feature rather than a conventional parking structure, with cascading planting, screening and natural-toned materials softening its appearance. Resident parking is elevated above ground level to address the site's flood constraints, while habitable apartments sit above flood planning levels. Upper-level communal facilities are designed to accommodate shelter-in-place arrangements during major flood events.

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01fa15d0-90df-46c7-9555-7941fc45373c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20podium.png?VersionId=mHyua.w1pHGBt9qEdWzrlsv.leztUCwO" />

Communal amenity is a major focus of the proposal. Around 1,815 sqm of shared resident space is proposed across the ground floor, level 19 and the rooftop, including co-working areas, indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, wellness facilities, dining and gathering areas, lawn spaces, a rooftop pool and spa, and extensive landscaping. At street level, a landscaped forecourt and approximately 345 sqm of publicly accessible open space along Montague Road are intended to improve the pedestrian experience while activating the building's frontage.

The development will provide 163 car spaces, including 152 resident bays and 11 visitor spaces, together with 144 bicycle spaces incorporating resident storage, visitor parking, bicycle maintenance facilities and e-mobility charging infrastructure.

The site sits within one of Brisbane's fastest-changing inner-city precincts, less than two kilometres from the CBD and within easy reach of South Bank, West End, the Queensland Cultural Centre and extensive public transport connections. The Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning framework is encouraging higher-density residential development to help meet Brisbane's housing supply targets while supporting walkable, transit-oriented neighbourhoods.

TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans

Article summary

<ul data-end="785" data-start="311">
	<li data-end="459" data-section-id="5hbcyr" data-start="311">Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at Skye Kangaroo Point, headlined by a two-storey sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm.</li>
	<li data-end="561" data-section-id="1p7lq8n" data-start="460">Early buyer interest suggests the residences could set a new Queensland apartment price record.</li>
	<li data-end="667" data-section-id="1y70z0l" data-start="562">The collection includes four move-in ready penthouses and the highly customised Skye One residence.</li>
	<li data-end="785" data-section-id="yvm0y1" data-start="668">The release caps one of Bri​sbane's most ambitious luxury apartment developments overlooking the Brisbane River.</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="790" data-start="787" />
Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye by Pikos</a> development in Kangaroo Point, with early buyer interest indicating the flagship residences could eclipse every apartment sale previously recorded in Queensland.

The collection crowns the luxury riverfront development with five residences, including four completed penthouses and Skye One, a two-level sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm that will be tailored to its eventual owner.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374075]

Wanting to offer a fully customisable home, Pikos is offering Skye One as a blank canvas, allowing the buyer to work alongside the developer's design team to customise the home's layout, finishes and internal spaces.

The residence will feature a 247 sqm private rooftop terrace with its own swimming pool, sauna, steam room, outdoor kitchen and multiple entertaining areas overlooking the Brisbane River and CBD skyline.

The remaining four penthouses have been completed and are ready for immediate occupation, each offering four bedrooms, expansive open-plan living areas, soaring ceilings and private lift access.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374059]

One of the defining features throughout the project is its use of Roman Classic Travertine, with more than 20,000 sqm of the natural stone imported from Italy after being personally selected by Pikos Group Founder and Executive Director Pedro Pikos, interior designer Julie Williamson and third-generation stone specialist Mario Caucci.

Pikos said the penthouse collection represented the culmination of the company's long-term vision for Skye.

"True legacy isn't measured by what we build today, but by what endures tomorrow," Pikos said.

"Our ambition is to create places that become more valuable with time, enrich the lives of generations, and stand as timeless landmarks long after we've stepped away."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374060]

Williamson said the interiors were inspired by the natural character of Kangaroo Point and the Brisbane River rather than international design trends.

"Materiality tells the story of a place," Williamson said.

"We looked to the movement of the Brisbane River, the texture of the cliff face and the warmth of the surrounding landscape to create interiors that feel understated, enduring and unmistakably Brisbane."

Positioned above the Kangaroo Point cliffs, Skye places residents within walking distance of Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank and James Street while offering uninterrupted river and city views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=90059]

Georgia Westgarth

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