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Stage five of $200 million CityVillage, a Gold Coast development from Robina Group, has been fast tracked to bring 22 lakefront terrace homes to market.
The new offerings will be priced from $599,000, with 14 of the homes featuring three levels and many of the homes have double car garages.
More than $65 million of sales were secured in 2014, including a sell-out of 33 three bedroom lakefront terrace homes in stage four. Stage five will overlook a central lake.
They will include a courtyard on the lower level, a balcony to the main living space, three separate living areas, three bedrooms, a media room, two bathrooms and a powder room. They are on freehold land.
<img src="/images/2015/01/06/CityVillage-jan-6-one.jpg" alt="">
The masterplanned community will eventually house 500 residences, explains Robina Group director Tony Tippett.
“CityVillage continues to attract buyers who want the lifestyle benefits of being able to live, work and play in the one amenity rich location,” he said.
“The community is located in CBDRobina, which is at the geographic heart of Gold Coast City and within 250 metres walking distance of Robina Town Centre, with all its shopping, dining and entertainment offerings.”
He said that the improved market conditions across the Gold Coast are being felt.
"CityVillage is only 10 minutes drive to Burleigh Headland and the beach, it enjoys close and easy access to the M1 motorway, is 15 minutes drive to Gold Coast Airport and 45 minutes to both Brisbane Airport and Byron Bay,” he said.
Across CityVillage and Riverlily, Robina Group has secured close to $103 million in sales at the sites.
“We have been working extremely hard to keep pace with the demand across the board," said Tippett.
One of the stages of CityVillage, with 35 homes, sold out within two days. Riverlily’s 71 terrace homes released in April 2014 took three months to sell out, for $35 million.
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Gold Coast’s CityVillage stage five fast tracked

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You’ll hear investors getting excited over the concept and experts claiming they can get you it, but what exactly is ‘capital growth’? And what is the capital growth rate?
Capital growth is the increase in value of your property, or portfolio of properties, over time. Capital growth usually affects an entire area, although individual properties may be affected to different degrees.
Your capital growth is the amount that your property has increased in value by, or the difference between the purchase price (or market value price) and the current estimated value or prospective selling price. Properties in Australia have been known to more than double in value, however they have also been known to decline in value with steep falls not unheard of.
Usually, strong capital growth suburbs, or areas where the properties have increased in value strongly overall, are called ‘hotspots’ or ‘growth suburbs’. Capital growth suburb lists, and forecasted capital growth lists based on estimations by buyer’s agents, economists and even demographers, are regularly published in a number of media outlets.
When looking at the rate of capital growth, this is usually looked at on a percentage per annum basis. That is, how much capital growth did you achieve or will you achieve on average per year of ownership? As property is a long term investment and does not usually increase in value in the same rate every year, this figure is important for considering whether the property did well overall.
Some years may have achieved a 7% plus capital growth rate, easily <a href="/news/the-one-number-you-need-to-know-72">putting the property on the path to doubling in 10 years</a>. However, it may have achieved less than 2% for five years of the ownership. This paints a very different picture of the fruitfulness of holding that property. However, do <a href="/expert-insights/investing/my-basic-investment-philosophy">remember that growth compounds</a>.
What counts as a “good” capital growth rate is up for debate. Each investor will consider different figures as worthwhile investments for their portfolio, and of course rental yield is a factor worth considering as well. When considering the holding costs and take rent into account and capital gains tax, then balanced off against the capital gains leftover, this is the figure you can consider your profit. 
There are a <a href="https://www.propertyinvestortoolkit.com.au/property-toolkit/calculators-2/investment-property-calculators/capital-growth-calculator-2/" target="_blank">number of free calculators online</a> that can do the sum for you to show you the capital growth rate over time.
How much capital growth is achievable in a real estate asset can vary dramatically across the country and finding areas that deliver more growth than others is the pastime of many professional investors. For instance, <a href="/expert-insights/investing/assessing-capital-growth-potential-supply-and-demand">here’s an explanation of how supply and demand can affect capital growth potential</a>.  Remember, hindsight is 20/20.
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What is the ‘capital growth rate’? Investment terms explained

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Alice Springs’ Kilgariff, the newest residential suburb, has seen the issuing of new land titles for its first stage fast tracked by the Norther Territory government.
The aim was to fast track the masterplanned suburb to allow home building to start this month, explained Chief Minister Adam Giles.
“Local contractor Sitzler Bros has completed Stage 1 subdivision works allowing us to move quickly to get these land titles issued,” Giles said.
“This is certainly great news for the 24 buyers who have already secured their future in Kilgariff, and they can now begin construction of their new homes in early 2015.”
Over the next 20 years, the area is expected to grow into a suburb with 4,500 homes. It is also expected to include a sports oval, village centre, open space, parks and cycle paths and is being developed by Land Development Corporation.
The blocks are priced from $160,000 to $180,000, and Giles expects home buyer interest due to the price point.
Stage 1A’s interested saw an early release of 1B in November, with a further 47 home sites brought to market. The initial 1A stage included 33 lots spanning 713 square metres to 1,043 square metres. There are some blocks available for units or townhouse development.
“The Giles Government is delivering on its promise of new residential land release, faster than ever before, to meet the growing demand for new homes right across the Territory,” Giles said.
“We desperately need to add to our new housing stock to put downward pressure on prices, rents and the cost of living and Kilgariff will help us do just that.”
A new development in Whittaker Street is also expected to take place, with <a href="https://www.lands.nt.gov.au/land-release/whittaker-street-development" target="_blank">expressions of interest for the site now open</a> to opportunistic developers. The prime block of commercial land spanning 18,000 square metres has seen released images of a potential mixed-use precinct that could include a hotel and tourism precinct, residential accommodation, restaurants and retail space.
“We are keen to hear what developers might be interested in this property and what ideas they have for this prime real estate,” Giles said.
“We have an open mind about the form this project could ultimately take, but it certainly presents a chance to transform a key site right in the heart of Alice and I look forward to seeing what options are proposed.”
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Alice Springs’ newest suburb fast tracked by NT government

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In the Northern Territory, the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is now only available for first home buyers entering into contracts to construct or purchase a new home.
As of 1 January, Northern Territorian first home buyers will only be able to access the grant if they purchase new, providing them with a $26,000 cash incentive to construct their own dwelling.
The NT Department of Treasury and Finance notes that this is to encourage the construction of dwellings.
There is no threshold on the value of the new home purchased, with first home buyers able to buy properties exceeding the previous $600,000 limit applied to established homes.
The FHOG is not means tested.
This brings the Northern Territory in line with the majority of other states and territories that do not offer a grant for established home purchases. Many, such as South Australia, phased out their established property FHOGs in mid-2014. Western Australia still retains a modest grant, of $3,000, for eligible first time buyers purchasing established homes.
Those claiming the Northern Territory FHOG must live in the property for a period of six continuous months within 12 months of the completion of the home.
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FHOG restricted to new homes in the Northern Territory

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For home buyers looking to purchase in 2015, it may seem like you’re facing an uphill battle with rising house prices, according to EPS Property Search director Patrick Bright. He warns against falling into common traps when purchasing, but also notes that it is crucial to set yourself some goals early on in the property buying process. “There are numerous pitfalls that can take their toll financially as well as emotionally, particularly for those prospective buyers who have been searching for an ideal property for many months,” warns Bright. He explains that these could include letting a home slip through your fingers due to indecision or paying too much. Here are his five resolutions for home buyers to make this year.
<ol>
<li>
Don’t procrastinate “Probably the biggest mistake buyers make is procrastinating,” explains Bright.  “If you dither you’re increasing your chances of missing a great buy. As long as the property you have found meets your list of requirements and you’re confident you’ve seen enough comparable properties (ideally around 100) so you know where value sits then don’t hesitate. More often than not, great deals don’t last long especially in a rising market.” 
</li>
<li>
Search with finance approval “Searching without finance approval can only lead to disappointment. It’s really frustrating to watch the home you want to buy go to someone else whilst you’re arranging your finance. In any case how do you know how much you can afford if you haven’t got finance approved in writing?” He warns against signing a contract without finance approval, and the risk of losing your deposit if a bank then does knock back your loan. 
</li>
<li>
Know the area before you buy He warns that many people pay too much when they don’t know the area well. The solution is to research thoroughly. 
</li>
<li>
Don’t listen to family members or friends While acquaintances can be well intentioned, their advice may not always be sound, he warns. “Many people have such a profound fear of failure that they’d rather you did nothing than make a mistake but if you’ve done your research properly then you should have nothing to worry about.” 
</li>
<li>
Don’t make a fed up purchase Even if you have been searching for a long period of time, do not settle and buy the wrong thing. “They’re tired of looking so they buy something that partially resembles their needs list and a year or so later they want to sell it,” explains Bright.  “It is very expensive to get it wrong, not to mention all the time and effort wasted going through the process of buying and selling which will cost you around 10% of the purchase price. For a fraction of that cost you can get some professional help and more than likely buy a lot better for a lot less than you would if you handled the negotiations on your own.”
</li>
</ol>
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Five New Year’s resolutions for home buyers: Patrick Bright

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The latest demographic statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics have found that population growth is slowing, however the Housing Industry Association has noted that there is still strong demand for housing.
HIA economist Geordan Murray said that the latest figures have found Australia’s population reaching 23.49 million people at the end of 2013/2014, or an extra 365,000 people.
“This is equivalent to a growth rate of 1.6% over the year. This annual growth rate is down from the 1.8% rate which applied at the end of the 2012/13 fiscal year, but is still well above the long term average,” said Murray.
“The natural increase in population (births minus deaths) added 152,173 people in 2013/14. This contribution was 6% lower than in the previous year.”
Net overseas migration slowed in 2013/2014, with 212,695 more people than those departing – about 10% less than 2012/2013.
“Compared with many other developed economies, Australia has been a star performer over the last few years,” he said.
“With shortages of skilled labour evident in many industries and a relatively strong looking economy, Australia has proved to be a very attractive destination for overseas migrants and was equally attractive for Australians who would have otherwise considered opportunities overseas.”
The strongest states for population growth over the year were New South Wales and Victoria.
“Last financial year both these states recorded their strongest annual population growth rates in over twenty years, excluding the period skewed by the GFC,” he explained.
Murray noting that the annual growth for Victoria was 1.9% and for New South Wales it was 1.5%. Western Australia, however, is the star performer with 2.2% population growth. However, this is down from 3.3% last year.
Queensland increased 1.5%, while South Australia grew by 0.9% and Tasmania recorded 0.3% growth. The Northern Territory and ACT saw growth of 1.0% and 1.2% respectively.
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Population growth slows, but property demand high: HIA

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It's now <a href="/expert-insights/buying/10-extra-months-needed-to-save-for-sydney-first-home-deposit-in-2014-bankwest">taking first time buyers even longer</a> to save for a home, as price growth in some areas makes the time to save a 20% deposit rise ever higher.
Bankwest's First Time Buyer Deposit report explains how long it takes from state to state.
<ul>
<li>New South Wales: 4.8 years (If looking at Sydney, this is at 6.7 years) </li>
<li>Victoria: 4.4 years (if in Melbourne, this increases to 5.5 years) </li>
<li>ACT: 4.0 years </li>
<li>Northern Territory: 4.1 years (In Darwin, this spans to 4.2 years) </li>
<li>Queensland: 3.8 years (4.1 years for Brisbane) </li>
<li>Western Australia: 3.7 years (For Perth, 3.9 years) </li>
<li>South Australia: 3.3 years (For Adelaide, 3.6 years) </li>
<li>Tasmania: 2.7 years (For Hobart, this increases to 3.3 years)</li>
</ul>
For more findings from the report, including the 10 LGAs where saving is quickest across the country, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/10-extra-months-needed-to-save-for-sydney-first-home-deposit-in-2014-bankwest">click here</a>.
<img src="/images/2014/12/19/syd%20bankwest%20dec%2019%20one.png" alt="">
Source: Bankwest
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How long it takes first time buyers to save by state

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Central Equity has appointed Brookfield Multiplex to construct Australis Melbourne Apartments on Little Lonsdale Street.
The Melbourne CBD development, at 601 Little Lonsdale Street, is a $135 million project from Central Equity.
The 46 level glass facade tower will include one, two and three bedroom apartments, as well as a number of penthouses in the <a href="https://australisapartments.com.au/?id=03&amp;gclid=CLWY3KvK0MICFU1wvAodYLkA1g" target="_blank">Australis </a>tower.
Residents will have access to an indoor heated swimming pool, a gym and a grand foyer with concierge.
Graham Cottam, regional managing director Victoria for Brookfield Multiplex, said that Central Equity has a relationship with Brookfield Multiplex.
"Central Equity is a market leader and pioneer in the Melbourne development arena and we are proud of our ongoing relationship," said Cottam.
In fact, they have completed 14 apartment buildings for the development company, with another three currently under construction, including Southbank Grand Apartments and Melbourne One Apartments.
These apartment developments include Southbank One Apartments, City Tempo Apartments, Mainpoint Apartments, Southbank Towers, Boulevarde Apartments, Sovereign Apartments, Melbourne Tower Apartments, Kings Park on Southbank and City Tower Apartments.
Australis is set to be a complex construction, located adjacent to Central Equity’s Melbourne One apartment tower construction site – which will be a 47 level tower.
Some apartments will include reverse cycle air conditioning and double glazing. Many will have parking available.
One bedroom apartments with a balcony and air conditioning start from $429,000. One bedroom plus study with a balcony and air conditioning are priced from $484,000.
Two bedroom apartments with one or two bathrooms are priced from $595,000.
Penthouses are available on the 45th floor, with three bedrooms and two car parks, priced from $1.65 million.
All the three bedroom apartments, including two bathrooms and a car park, are currently sold out. They were priced around the $880,000 mark.
Completion for Australis is expected for late 2016.
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Brookfield Multiplex to build Little Lonsdale Street’s Australis

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Nationwide growth in 2014 has been under scrutiny, however outside of Melbourne, Sydney and, to a lesser extent, Brisbane, growth has been subdued, according to the Housing Industry Association’s Residential Construction – Looking Towards 2015 report.
Noting that the focus on dwelling price growth this past year as “included stoking fears of a housing bubble and inaccurately labelling negative gearing as the policy of evil” the report indicates that there have been enormous and widely disparate growth outcomes across geographic areas that will likely persist into next year.
While capital city dwelling values, when calculated together, increased by 8.5% in the 12 months to November 2014, it was Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane recording the uptick at 13.2%, 8.3% and 6.0% annual growth respectively.
“The situation was far more subdued, if not weak, in the remaining capitals, with annual growth in dwelling values ranging from 5.2% in Hobart to less than 2% in Perth, Darwin and Canberra,” the report explains.
When adjusting for inflation, the outcome is largely flat to negative. Regional Australia as a whole has also not seen any substantial value growth.
Already, a peak in April 2014 has been noted, and: “Against a backdrop of falling real household income, the rate of growth in home values is projected to trend down throughout 2015, although the trajectory would be influenced by any further reductions to borrowing costs.”
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Australia’s disparate housing market growth to continue in 2015: HIA

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The third stage of Australand’s Westmeadows development Valley Park has been released with residents now moving into their homes. The first settlements were finalised in late-November.
Having opened the sales office for <a href="https://www.australand.com.au/Projects/Valley-Park" target="_blank">Valley Park</a> in August, with an official launch day in September, more than 30 houses have sold this year with a diverse housing mix resulting in a number of local buyers.
The properties include one bedroom apartments, three, four and five bedroom houses, some freestanding, some townhouses.
<img src="/images/2014/12/18/valley%20park%20dec%2018%20two.jpg" alt="">
Craig Muse, development director of built form at Australand, said that it is located 17 kilometres north west of Melbourne CBD. On completion is will be a 320-lot development.
“The fastest to sell has been the Wattle – a three-level, three bedroom home that features two living rooms and decks on its first and second floors,” said Muse.
“Popular with owner-occupiers, buyers tell us the Wattle’s size is great value for money, especially when compared to similar homes in other areas within the northern corridor.”
<img src="/images/2014/12/18/valley%20park%20dec%2018%20three.jpg" alt="">
The Wattle houses also feature views of the valley, with some houses maximising this with spacious balconies.
One bedroom apartments are priced from $295,000, with three bedroom homes from $395,000.
There is currently a proposed multi-use community centre with management to be introduced to build the community.
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Australand’s Valley Park stage three released as first residents move in

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

Joel Robinson

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

&nbsp;

Developer GURNER™ Group has revealed $1.65 billion in residential sales nationally across the 12 months to December 2025, driven largely by the continued momentum of its Docklands wellness-focused precinct, Elysium Fields.

The sales result was generated across seven projects in Victoria and New South Wales, headlined by Elysium Fields, GURNER™’s $2.75 billion mixed-use precinct planned for Harbour Esplanade in Docklands.

The project has recorded more than $500 million in sales across the first three towers, equating to around 580 apartments sold.

The first tower, Helios, has now sold out of its 240 private residences, with GURNER™ preparing to release a premium penthouse collection comprising 15 three-bedroom penthouses in coming weeks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370975]

Elysium Fields is being developed on the long-held 20,000 sqm Docklands site at 208-226 Harbour Esplanade, which had remained undeveloped for more than two decades prior to GURNER™ taking over the project around four years ago.

Construction has now commenced across four towers ranging between 18 and 30 storeys, with Hamilton Marino and Maxcon appointed as builders.

Once complete, the precinct is expected to comprise around 1,100 residences, alongside retail, hospitality and public realm uses integrated throughout the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370981]

Designed by Fraser &amp; Partners in collaboration with GURNER™ Design House, the project has been positioned around the developer’s broader focus on wellness-led residential living.

“We don’t sell apartments. We create a true luxury lifestyle that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the market today,” Founder and Executive Chairman Tim Gurner said.

“To deliver that requires an extraordinary level of detail, coordination and discipline across multiple verticals, from design and hospitality through to wellness and service.”

“We’ve always believed that living extends far beyond the physical residence. It’s about how you feel the moment you arrive, how you live day-to-day, and the ecosystem that supports that.” 
[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370977]

The project’s design places a heavy focus on landscaping, wellness amenities and biophilic design principles.

Plans include around 3,700 sqm of landscaped gardens and open space throughout the precinct, alongside a retail and dining offering spanning approximately 5,000 sqm.

The broader public realm strategy centres around what GURNER™ describes as the “Path of Life”, an urban forest and landscaped pedestrian environment intended to connect the various buildings and wellness spaces across the precinct.

The apartments themselves will incorporate a range of wellness-focused inclusions, including purified air and water systems, circadian lighting, antimicrobial surfaces, and optional in-home wellness upgrades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370980]

Gurner said the company’s experience through its Saint Haven wellness clubs had directly informed the residential offering now being incorporated into Elysium Fields.

“We’re seeing a clear global shift toward longevity, performance and proactive health,” Gurner said.

“Our role is to deliver that in a way that feels seamless, highly private and beautifully resolved within the environments we create.”

A large component of the wellness offering is planned through the resident amenity and health facilities proposed within the precinct.

That includes plans for bathing and recovery facilities spread throughout the towers, incorporating mineral pools, saunas, steam rooms, flotation therapy, red light therapy and wellness lounges.

The developer is also seeking approvals for what it describes as a “reverse ageing medical clinic” within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370978]

According to project information released by the group, the proposed facility would include cryotherapy, IV infusion therapy, infrared and dry saunas, PEMF beds, MRIs, DEXA scans, brain scans and blood analysis services.

Within the first tower, Helios, residents will also have access to a dedicated amenity offering known as the Sky Private Club.

The upper 15 levels of the building will include private lounges, dining spaces, rooftop amenities and optional private wellness studios integrated within residences.

The Helios tower itself comprises 260 apartments ranging between 60 sqm and 300 sqm, including a collection of penthouses.

That includes a planned two-storey penthouse spanning around 600 sqm with uninterrupted bay views.

The Elysium Fields precinct is being delivered in partnership with Digital Harbour Holdings, a consortium that includes the Liberman family, which controls the development rights across the Docklands site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144441 project_image_fid=370979]

The sales result comes as GURNER™ continues expanding its national development pipeline beyond Victoria.

“We have a strong pipeline across Australia and are now focused on scaling into key markets including New South Wales and Queensland, while continuing to build on our Melbourne base,” Gurner said.

“We currently have more than $3 billion in the market, growing to over $5 billion by October, and expect to materially outperform last year in the 2026 calendar year.”

The result also reflects the continued strength of the upper-end apartment market in Melbourne, particularly for owner-occupier-focused product with large-scale amenity and lifestyle offerings.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144441]

Record result anchored by the Group’s “utopian” Elysium Fields precinct – defying market headwinds in Docklands.

Elysium Fields drive Gurner to $1.65 billion in apartment sales over 2025

National Australia Bank (NAB) will fund <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera</a>, a $1 billion, 52-level luxury residential tower being developed by Central Equity in one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held coastal locations at Northcliffe.

The project, launched recently by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a>, one of Victoria’s largest private residential developers, comes at a time when construction funding for large residential developments has become increasingly competitive as lenders tighten exposure to the sector.

Multiplex has been appointed the builder, and construction is now underway.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365784]

Since its first project, Central Equity has delivered more than 85 residential developments with a combined end value exceeding $8 billion.

Palmera reflects Central Equity’s growing focus on the Gold Coast luxury apartment market and continues a relationship between Central Equity and NAB that dates back to the late 1980s, when the bank funded one of Melbourne’s earliest inner-city residential towers at a time when high-rise apartment living in the CBD was largely unproven.

“NAB’s funding of Central Equity’s $36 million CBD development in the late 1980’s to the financing of the billion-dollar tower today highlights the long-term relationship between the two organisations in delivering major residential projects” said Central Equity Founder and Chairman Eddie Kutner.

He said NAB’s early support was instrumental in helping establish the company’s development model.

“When we commenced our first residential tower in the late 1980s the concept of funding off-the-plan apartments was still largely untested in Australia,” Kutner said.

“NAB recognised the opportunity early and supported the project when others were uncertain. That relationship has now continued for more than 37 years across many developments.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Central Equity was established in 1987 when Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank precinct were still dominated by warehouses and commercial buildings. Fewer than 100 residents lived in Southbank at the time, and large-scale residential development in the inner city was not widely considered.

Recognising changing demographics and lifestyle preferences, the company began developing high-rise residential projects designed to bring permanent residents into the city centre.

Central Equity has provided accommodation for approximately 40,000 residents across Melbourne’s CBD and Southbank, while also incorporating supporting infrastructure including essential lifestyle facilities like retail spaces, childcare facilities and neighbourhood activity centres.

Central Equity has spent many years assembling the Palmera development site on the corner of Garfield Terrace and Frederick Street in Northcliffe, creating a supersite of around 3,300 sqm.

The developer said the Palmera apartment tower reflects its long-term view of the Gold Coast as a growing and increasingly diversified economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365768]

Supported by infrastructure including the light rail network, major road upgrades expanded education, hospital and medical facilities and continued expansion at the Gold Coast Airport with more internation and domestic flights.

Positioned in the tightly held Northcliffe precinct, the 52-level tower will deliver 347 apartments, targeting buyers seeking a high-end coastal lifestyle, from downsizers to interstate investors.

Designed by Marchese Partners with interiors by DBI, Palmera has been conceived as a next-generation residential offering, featuring a collection of oversized apartments, with premium three-bedroom residences offering sweeping northern views stretching from Surfers Paradise through to Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

NAB funds $1 billion Surfers Paradise apartment development, Palmera

Two years after completing one of the newest developments in North Sydney, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> is turning its attention to the rapidly evolving St Leonards apartment market.

The developer, which completed AURA by Aqualand on North Sydney's Walker Street, has lodged plans for a 5,918 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/33-37-herbert-street-st-leonards-nsw-2065">33-37 Herbert Street, St Leonards,</a> seeking approval for a pair of residential towers rising above a shared podium opposite Royal North Shore Hospital.

The proposal forms part of the broader transformation underway across the St Leonards-Crows Nest precinct, where former industrial and commercial sites are increasingly being redeveloped into high-density mixed-use projects tied to major transport infrastructure.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cc428cf-fe70-4cac-9cd5-264ad53af62c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=otKSnHtbjAvAddOnovyXQMgcAwE6DMe1" />

According to the planning documents, the site sits “within the St Leonards–Crows Nest Strategic Centre, identified by the NSW Government as a key area for accommodating future jobs and housing across Sydney.”

The proposal has been designed by fjcstudio, formerly FJMT Studio, and is being progressed through the State Significant Development pathway due to its scale and affordable housing provision.

The scheme would comprise 413 apartments, including 46 affordable housing units, alongside retail and commercial uses fronting Herbert Street. The project would also include communal open space, landscaping, a swimming pool, gymnasium, children’s play areas and podium-level resident amenities.

Planning documents show the development would consist of a part-13, part-39 storey tower form positioned above a four-storey podium.

“The development comprises a unified podium that activates the street interface, and two setback towers to accommodate new housing supply while maintaining an appropriate human scale at ground level,” fjcstudio noted in its Design Report.

The northern and southern towers have been shaped to respond to the surrounding skyline while also limiting overshadowing impacts to nearby public open space, particularly Talus Reserve.

The design report said the differing tower heights were intended to “contribute to a varied skyline while responding to the surrounding built form context and solar access considerations.”

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36da62dc-ff9e-41f2-a7e3-7be38373751c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.45%E2%80%AFAM_0.png?VersionId=Mo6Rp2r.XRLTzIfg_PEEpw8NepDH8UBs" />

The site sits directly opposite Royal North Shore Hospital and within walking distance of both St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

While the site itself sits just outside the formal Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development boundary, the planning documents repeatedly reference its alignment with the broader TOD objectives reshaping the Lower North Shore.

“The site is located adjacent to St Leonards Station and in close proximity to Crows Nest Metro which is within the Crows Nest Transit Orientated Development Accelerated Precinct which has been identified by the NSW Government to support housing delivery,” the Design Verification Statement noted.

According to fjcstudio, the project has been designed to respond to the broader transition occurring across St Leonards, where increasing residential density is being concentrated around transport infrastructure and employment hubs.

“The broader precinct is undergoing significant change, with a mix of existing mid-rise buildings and newer high-density developments,” the report stated.

“Recent and approved projects indicate a consistent shift toward taller built form, typically organised as tower-and-podium typologies with more active ground levels.”

The proposal includes close to 6,000 sqm of retail and commercial space across the ground floor and podium levels, designed to create a more activated street edge along Herbert Street.

Aqualand’s plans would also introduce a landscaped podium shared between the two towers, with communal open space in the form of a podium rooftop designed to support resident interaction and improve urban greening outcomes. The scheme would also introduce pocket parks at the northern and southern ends of the site, including a landscaped area at the corner of Herbert and Ella streets designed to improve pedestrian amenity and soften the streetscape.

&nbsp;

The proposal is being progressed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, which was introduced to accelerate housing supply across the state. The application was declared State Significant Development in April 2025 following an expression of interest process.

<img alt="Aqualand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faf6d97d-2671-454f-b85a-fe1c6a7be608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%209.51.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=diVd28OBVr5.YV.7prrOz.uAanwwwm7a" />

St Leonards has been particularly active with new developments in recent weeks. Developer SP Setia’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-sp-setia-targets-st-leonards-skyline-with-40-storey-tod-tower">plans for a new 42-storey tower</a> recently went on exhibition through the same pathway, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">Stockland’s 52-storey tower proposal</a> was also recently unveiled.

Aside from the St Leonards project, which is expected to take around nine months to move through the approvals process ahead of a potential 2027 launch, Aqualand is also preparing to launch Boronia, a new apartment project in Roseville comprising around 111 apartments on Larkin Street.

The developer also has approvals in place for the next stage of the Barangaroo precinct, which will feature new residential, retail, hospitality and community uses, alongside a new metro entry across the five-hectare site.

More than 50 new retail destinations are planned for Central Barangaroo, alongside a 270-metre-long boulevard connecting Hickson Park to Nawi Cove. Together with Harbour Park, more than 50 per cent of the precinct will comprise public open space and parkland.

Jennifer Duke

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