It was late 2021 when luxury Sydney developer, Aqualand, launched sales for their stunning new project, AURA by Aqualand.

Within the first week of marketing, over 70 per cent of the apartments released in the first stage were sold.

<a href="/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA</a> was conceived as a game-changer for Sydney's growing second CBD, with designs by renowned architecture Woods Bagot who were tasked with creating both a placemaking project which would contribute to North Sydney, as well as offer residents a sanctuary above a thriving new retail and dining precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=253830]

Fast forward just over two years from when the project hit the market, and now the building exterior is complete and display apartments have been finished and furnished, there's certainly nothing comparable in the apartment space in the area.

At a time where the development industry has been plagued with construction difficulties, Aqualand's own in-house building arm, Aqualand Construction, has pushed on through the challenges. One of the pillars of development Aqualand pride themselves on is timeliness of delivery.

Aqualand Construction delivered their first project, BLUE at Lavender Bay, in 2021, which points to both their efficiency in delivery and the quality of delivery. BLUE at Lavender Bay won the 2022 AIB Professional Excellence in Building in the category of Adaptive Reuse, the 2023 Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat Award of Excellence in the repositioning category, and&nbsp;the Urban Taskforce's High-Density Residential Development award in 2022.

The quality of design and construction is on show again at their new display apartments in AURA. The interiors were led by Richards Stanisich, who focused on creating palettes which evoke the natural beauty of Sydney Harbour.

<img alt="AURA " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75371dd1-1bfa-43f6-b82a-8670112e2327" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-03-04%20at%209.30.50%20am.png?VersionId=vrtvmu27Qcabh0ky.60VGHDt6Y97R7si" />

Kirsten Stanisich, Director and Founder of Richards Stanisich, said their design interprets the architectural concept for the building to reflect the sculptural shorelines and cliff faces of Sydney Harbour. Three schemes are available, light, mid, or dark palettes.

All apartments afford a seamless flow from open space living to glorious winter gardens or balconies, while some apartments feature a multi-functional room that facilitates use as a secondary living area, an office, bedroom, or guest room. Completing the offering, select apartments enjoy sunlit glazed studies instead.&nbsp;

<img alt="Aura" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d2f58e98-51c6-4c16-88d1-bafca36df2cb" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-03-04%20at%209.30.09%20am.png?VersionId=1hDLOFCeFzrLT5D6oMuvHvEg8WybwtT4" />

The heart of the home is the luxurious kitchen, complete with natural stone benchtop and splashback, integrated Gaggenau appliances including oven, microwave, rangehood and dishwasher, and an island bench with pendant lighting.

Residents will have access to a suite of five-star resort-style amenities including a podium level pool and gym, a dining and entertaining area on level nine, and outdoor barbecue facilities, a sun deck, and dining rooms on the top level.

The apartments will sit above an activated ground floor plane, part of the placemaking initiative by Woods Bagot.

To be managed by hospitality arm Etymon Projects, there will be a mix of venues on the doorstep of AURA including a providore, a bakery, café, wine bar, an all-day diner, as well as a contemporary Japanese eatery.

Having topped out the 28-level glass structure in July last year, Aqualand is expecting residents to be settling around the same time this year.

There are still a handful of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in AURA by Aqualand.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Joel Robinson

Game-changing North Sydney apartments approach completion as Aqualand reveal AURA display apartments

The Gold Coast unit market continues to surge in 2024 after a 2023 which saw it become one of the best performing major cities in the country.

The median value of units, which incorporates both apartments and townhouses, jumped another 1.1 per cent in February to a new median $740,000. It was only October <a href="/news/qld/city-beat-september-2023-gold-coast-unit-values-pass-700k-after-continued-2023-growth">when they passed the $700,000 mark</a>.&nbsp;

<h2>What is happening in the Gold Coast off the plan apartment market?</h2>

Projects by reputable developers remain the most popular on the Gold Coast.

Vista by Malaysian developer MRCB International continues to top the sales chart after another strong quarter.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112730 project_image_fid=211248]

Urbis research showed Vista was the top selling project on the Gold Coast in Q4 2023 with 46 sales.

<a href="/new-apartments/crest-broadbeach-13-armrick-avenue-broadbeach">Crest Broadbeach</a> by veteran Canberra and Gold Coast apartment developer <a href="/developers/morris-property-group">Morris Property Group</a> has also seen a number of sales. It was the third best performing project in the Gold Coast in Q4 2023 with 25 sales.&nbsp;

There's also been some much needed new supply come to the market in 2024, both from two of the most reputable developers on the Gold Coast.

strong market feedback at the first stage of Lewis Land's $1.5 billion Biggera Waters masterplan, Harbour Shores.

Colliers Director David Higgins says&nbsp;Harbour Shores is a game-changer for the area.

"The introduction of the 15-hectare masterplan means Biggera Waters is a new option for buyers to consider," he said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=247280]

"The site is a unique one, so close to all of the Biggera Waters amenity and Harbour Town. It's a longterm project that will change the face of the suburb."

Higgins says having the reputation that Lewis Land as a developer makes the whole selling process much smoother.

"They've done incredible things for the Gold Coast over the last six decades and they own Harbour Town. They're a developer who buyers know aren't going anywhere."

There's been equally strong market feedback from buyers at Ombre Robina, the latest project by construction industry veteran John Kearney's Immerse Projects.

Tony Ashwin, who is handling sales at the Scottsdale Drive development, says one of the most interesting findings from the launch has been not only the variation in demographics, but the depth in each type of buyer.

"In 35 years I've not seen so much depth in each buyer cohort than we have with Ombre Robina," Ashwin said.

He's sold apartments to first home buyers in their 20s all the way through to a couple in their 90s.

There's been a strong uptake on all floorplans, from the unique one-bed, two living room apartments to the larger three-bedroom apartments.

Ashwin says the strong market response shows the maturity of the Gold Coast apartment market, as well as the maturity of Robina, with the early success showing that it's not all about the beachside suburbs.

"Ombre Robina is giving people option in that middle market, which a lot of the beachside suburbs aren't doing," Ashwin says.

Kearney's longtime Gold Coast construction company, Greyburn, will be the ones building the project, which is expected to start construction in the next few months.

"A lot of our buyers live in Greyburn homes, so they know the quality of delivery from the team," Ashwin added.

&nbsp;

City Beat March 2024: What is happening in the Gold Coast off the plan apartment market?

Luxury boutique development firm PB &amp; Co&nbsp;is bringing its luxury development eye to East Melbourne with their heritage enveloped apartment development, Eblana.

Eblana will comprise just four luxury apartments in the landmark former residence of Young &amp; Jackson publican Thomas Jackson&nbsp;on Jolimont Street.

The original 1800s Italianate-style terrace&nbsp;will be retained as one of the apartments. The restoration will see a number of original features brought back to life like the the grand double-height ceilings with ornate cornicing and the original tiling.

A&nbsp;striking extension will rise from behind the building and will home the other three apartments. They have been designed to be in keeping with the original designs of the building with the facade display large&nbsp;arched windows, a reoccurring, dominant form in the heritage home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108801 project_image_fid=236536]

<a href="/developers/pb-co">PB &amp; Co</a> Vice President of Operations Edward Bun said they wanted to leave their mark in developing something special.

"We want to create a landmark on the Melbourne City fringe," Bun said.

Bun said when the building hit the market in 2020, it caught their eye because of both the history and the opportunity.

"The current building, which is under a heritage overlay, suited our approach to timeless architecture. It suited what we usually produce and is fully aligned with our vision."

"It's a landmark site and we wanted to be a part of the history and leave a lasting legacy on the City of Melbourne."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108801 project_image_fid=236537]

Each apartment will have three bedrooms, multiple living zones, winter gardens and study retreats, as well as a fully automated car parking system likened to a James Bond-style of parking.

The three-level penthouse, expected to sell for over $20 million,&nbsp;will have views over Fitzroy Gardens and&nbsp;<a href="/developments/melbourne-vic" target="">Melbourne</a>'s skyline. It will feature a private rooftop terrace and infinity pool, accessed by either an internal lift or a sculpted spiral staircase.

The penthouse, with four-bedrooms in total, features a built in bar in the living room, while the library, which can double up as a home ofice or another living space, has its own fireplace.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108801 project_image_fid=236544]

No expense has been spared in any of the building.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There's a $2 million James Bond-style car parking system for the building. Future residents will park on the turntable, which doubles up as a lift that will take the cars to the secure basement level

&nbsp;

There's been imported fixtures and fittings from Italy and Greece, while some of the natural stone has been imported from Zimbabwe.

All residents will have access to a fitness centre, landscaped communal spaces for entertaining guests, and a private concierge service.=

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108801]

Inside East Melbourne's landmark ultra-luxury apartment development, Eblana

New South Wales property developer&nbsp;Anson Group&nbsp;has secured approval for its near 200-apartment, four-building project in Sydney's Kensington.

Around 18 months after <a href="/news/nsw/first-look-anson-group-plot-mixed-use-kensington-development">filing for the $103 million mini-masterplan project</a>&nbsp;across&nbsp;77-103 Anzac Parade and 59A-71 Boronia Street, the Randwick City Council has given the project the all clear.

The <a href="/new-apartments/77-103-anzac-parade-59a-71-boronia-street-kensington">four buildings</a> vary in height from four levels on Boronia Lane to nine levels fronting Anzac Parade and will be anchored by a supermarket and further retail lining&nbsp;a new through-site access between Anzac Parade and Boronia Street.

<a href="/new-apartments/77-103-anzac-parade-59a-71-boronia-street-kensington"><img alt="First look: Anson Group plot mixed-use Kensington development" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-08-09_at_8.51.47_pm.png" /></a>The view from Anzac Parade south toward Building D. Image credit:&nbsp;<a href="/architects/bvn-architecture">BVN</a>&nbsp;Architects

The scale, density and design of the proposal is consistent with the vision of the Randwick DCP to transform the Anzac Parade corridor, within which the site is identified as an ‘opportunity site’ adjacent the Kensington Town Centre, architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="/architects/bvn-architecture">BVN</a>&nbsp;noted in their design statement submitted to the Randwick Council.

<a href="/architects/bvn-architecture">BVN</a>&nbsp;have used brick for the striking facade for the buildings, but with one of the buildings a lighter brick colour.

The majority of the development will be two-bedrooms, with 140 (71%) the owner-occupier, first home buyer and investor friendly type of stock. There will be 33 one-bedroom apartments (17%) and 24 three-bedroom apartments (12%),

<a href="/new-apartments/77-103-anzac-parade-59a-71-boronia-street-kensington"><img alt="First look: Anson Group plot mixed-use Kensington development" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-08-09_at_8.51.55_pm.png" /></a> 
A view east of the through-site link from Boronia Street. Image credit:&nbsp;<a href="/architects/bvn-architecture">BVN</a>&nbsp;Architects

Due to the site's sloped topography and deep footprint, the architectural response was to design four&nbsp;duplex units along the north-west corner of Boronia Street.

The lower courtyards provide privacy and a large private open space for the bedrooms on the lower levels, while the living spaces above maintain visual connection with Boronia Street.

The project will be down the road from TOGA's Anzac Parade project, <a href="/new-apartments/the-kensington-147-151-anzac-parade-kensington">The Kensington</a>, which is nearer Randwick Race Course.

Anson Group is awaiting further feedback from the North Sydney Council after lodging <a href="/news/nsw/first-look-st-leonards-set-for-tallest-tower-as-anson-group-file-for-mixed-use-development">plans for what will be one of St Leonards tallest towers</a> in late 2023.

The project will be down the road from TOGA's Anzac Parade project, The Kensington which is nearer Randwick Race Course.

Anson Group greenlit for Anzac Parade, Kensington apartments

Sydney builder developer&nbsp;<a href="/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property Group</a>&nbsp;has kicked off construction on the second stage of their Ashbury Terraces residential project in Sydney's inner west.&nbsp;

<a href="/new-townhouses/ashbury-terraces-ashbury-165-171-milton-street-ashbury">Ashbury Terraces</a>, designed by acclaimed architects <a href="/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, will a combination of 127 apartments and townhouse on a sprawling 16,500 sqm site on Milton Street in Ashbury,&nbsp;complemented by a range of communal amenities, green spaces and landscaping by Daniel Baffsky of <a href="/landscape-architect/360-degrees-landscape">360 Degrees</a>.

There will be 68 townhouses and 59 apartments.

&nbsp; 
Each residence will connect to outdoor entertaining areas, backyards or courtyards, while a handful of terraces will have rooftops with views of the city skyline and neighbouring parklands. &nbsp;

<a href="/developers/coronation-property">Coronation</a> Managing Director Joseph Nahas said the project promises to be a cornerstone of Coronation’s commitment to creating quality designed and expertly constructed residences within Sydney’s inner-west, delivering spacious homes for those seeking modern living. 
&nbsp; 
“The project has seen strong interest from local buyers, owner occupiers and downsizers who have an appreciation for the rarity of the project," Nahas said.

"Buyers are seeing value in larger terrace style homes offering communal amenities and oversized backyards – a unique feature to Sydney developments."

<img alt="Ashbury" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="465558e2-fb61-4a54-bd2b-0f3def31f740" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-03-04%20at%204.08.43%20pm.png?VersionId=tGD8.vCAD3Viqk9NN.I6Ajo4gIJnet4w" /> 
&nbsp; 
Surrounded by a heritage conservation area and located less than 10km from Sydney’s CBD, Stage Two of Ashbury Terraces will carefully consider the area’s significant history to deliver a collection of residences that improve as they age. It will be a great example of how the built environment connects seamlessly to its surrounding green spaces.&nbsp;

SJB Director Adam Haddow said the development heralds a new standard of residential excellence in Sydney’s inner-west. 
&nbsp; 
"The development has been designed to ensure that as time passes and people move through the site, a sense of community is fostered ensuring that Ashbury Terraces positively contributes to the social fabric of the area,” he said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112253 project_image_fid=193250]

Haddow said the design reflects the changing needs of modern living.

"We focused on creating spacious, light-filled homes that offer a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The large backyards provide a private oasis in the city, while the added amenity offers residents a complete lifestyle experience." 
&nbsp; 
Construction for Ashbury Terraces Stage One is on track for completion by the end of 2024, while Stage Two is set to be completed in the second half of 2025.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112253]

Construction for Ashbury Terraces Stage One is on track for completion by the end of 2024, while Stage Two is set to be completed in the second half of 2025

Coronation commence construction on Ashbury Terraces second stage

Manly's Sydney Road is set for a new apartment development.

An&nbsp;old commercial building, which the planning documents said is "suffering from numerous defects associated with its exposure to the maritime environment," will be replaced by a modern four-level building with 10 apartments.

The $4.6 million project at 17-19 Sydney Road is located just off Manly's famous The Corso, which connects the Manly Wharf to Manly Beach. Sydney Road leads just off The Corso from the beach, down to Manly Oval.

Architecture firm MHNDUnion said in their design submission to the Northern Beaches Council the&nbsp;subject site is located in an established urban area that is undergoing incremental renovation and redevelopment.

"The proposal is to replace the existing structure with a new structure that echo's to a large degree what it is replacing. The key difference is the upper levels are proposed to be residential rather than the current commercial use."

<img alt="Manly" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99d749eb-eb4f-4b72-a19d-dc08f1b1ae06" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-02-29%20at%209.10.16%20pm.png?VersionId=f_a693bzDuVhxpubgzxUVuW0WTKS3lPT" />

They said the change is a reflection&nbsp;of the changing nature of the area from a shopping/commercial hub to an area that is characterized by its vibrant 24 hours economy set alongside the ocean and harbourside beaches that anchor and define the area in general.

There will be nine one-bedroom apartments, which will start from 50 sqm, and a single 92 sqm two-bedder which will have a large 46 sqm balcony. They will sit above a 150 sqm commercial space on the ground level and two smaller commercial spaces on level one.

MHNDU said the Market Place facade actively engages with the public square that has been created over the years in the area.

MHNDU said the Market Place facade actively engages with the public square that has been created over the years in the area

First look: New Manly apartments approved on Sydney Road

After successfully selling down a number of apartments off market, Orb Property Partners has hit the go button on WOBO, in the North Melbourne Tapestry precinct which is set to be a game changer for the area.

WOBO, designed by <a href="/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsilidis</a>, is part of the first stage of Tapestry, the 1.4-hectare lifestyle-led project bounded by Alfred Street and Boundary Road.

<a href="/new-apartments/wobo-north-melbourne-103-105-boundary-road-north-melbourne">WOBO</a> will comprise&nbsp;99 one, two and three-bedroom warehouse-style apartments. All one-beds have already been snapped up, leaving two and three-bedrooms starting from $590,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112082 project_image_fid=249769]

<a href="/developers/orb-property-partners">Orb Property Partners</a> Director David Wardlaw said it had been a long hard road to getting the project live, having initially bought the site well over a decade ago.

"The philosophy was to make a community-focused precinct which would bring in a diverse mix of residents, from frontline workers to young families and downsizers," Wardlaw said.

"We looked at some of the best lifestyle precincts in the world, from the US to Europe, and tried to create something similar in Melbourne, far and above what's come before."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112082 project_image_fid=249784]

There was a conscious effort during the design and development phase from Orb and FK to cater for families, who Wardlaw says aren't really catered for in the modern day apartment developments.

"We tried to encourage a family lifestyle, with larger apartments crafted with dedicated kids zones. We want families to be integrated with the community."

The precinct will feature significant communal facilities in the form of a sustainable wellness centre, fresh food marketplace, co-working spaces, alfresco areas, and the Private Members Lounge complete with a central fireplace and&nbsp;modular lounges, designed to bring the residents of WOBO together.

The ground level will be activated with everything a resident could need, with premium retail, cafes and restaurants, as well as a bar, bakery, hairdressers, beauty salon and a medical centre.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112082 project_image_fid=249783]

The apartments merge the industrial heritage of <a href="/new-apartments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">North Melbourne</a> with the cool, loft-style living of New York.&nbsp; Living spaces are framed by white oak, while timber floors lie under foot, with exposed concrete ceilings above.

Light and bright kitchens of refined joinery, premium SMEG appliances and natural stone benchtops connect to bathrooms, fitted with future-retro style fluted glass and bronze finishes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112082 project_image_fid=249773]

Part of the design brief was for the apartments to have sustainability benefits.

There's solar panels on the rooftops, a state of the art organic energy plant in the precinct, electric vehicle shares cars, and the retail and hospitality venues will be waste free.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112082 project_image_fid=249788]

<a href="/project-marketer/projects-by-buxton">Projects by Buxton</a> Director Heath Thompson says Tapestry will be the&nbsp;preeminent hub of North Melbourne when it’s completed in 2026, with a community-led precinct at its core.

"We're seeing a complete suite of demographics, with investors, slightly older first home buyers, and families all showing interest," Thompson says.

"We anticipate there to be some regional buyers who are looking for a city bolthole, as well as those on the fringes of Melbourne like Seddon and Footscray. It will have a broad appeal."

Genuine prospective buyers at WOBO can walk around the floorplans in real life at the nearby Big Plans warehouse space, which allows buyers to literally walk around the apartment they're looking at buying, with the floorplan projected onto the floor. Furniture on wheels allows buyers to get a true sense as to how they would live in the apartments.

Demolition on site is expected to be complete toward Q2 2024, with construction to kick off soon after. Completion is slated for early 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112082]

Demolition on site is expected to be complete toward Q2 2024, with construction to kick off soon after. Completion is slated for early 2026

WOBO apartments launch in North Melbourne's new Tapestry precinct

Less than three per cent of dwellings in the Mornington Peninsula region, about an hour south of Melbourne, are apartments, which makes&nbsp;2135 Point Nepean Drive one of the rarest apartment developments Victoria has seen in years.

Developer Curtis York, founded by Nick Peters and James Way, is spearheading the landmark project which will bring just a handful of Cera Stribley Architects-designed apartments to 2135 Point Nepean Drive, 50 metres from the sand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138483 project_image_fid=253212]

Jellis Craig Projects Director Stephen Bowtell said it's rare to be marketing a project which caters for a wide range of demographics.

He expects the strongest market to be those who live in the inner-city who have always holidayed on the Mornington Peninsula, but have never bought, whether it be because of the price of houses or that the classic Mornington Peninsula acreage doesn't lend itself to being utilized as a lock up and leave weekender.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138483 project_image_fid=253203]

<a href="/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>&nbsp;was inspired by the beach, particularly for their striking curved facade which will be enveloped in lush landscaping.

The apartments feature open-plan layouts, connecting living, dining, and kitchen areas, all surrounded by floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows and doors that lead out to large terraces with ocean views.

The apartments will sit atop a ground-level retail space. Despite the boutique nature of the development,&nbsp;<a href="/developers/curtis-york">Curtis York</a>&nbsp;has pushed the limits of the residential amenity, in the form of a resident lounge, beach showers, and a wellness retreat on the roof. Cera Stribley has even designed clever storage boxes, mocked up like the boxes Rye is well known for.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138483 project_image_fid=253214]

Residents of 2135 Point Nepean will enjoy an array of exclusive amenities, including a ground-level retail space, a residents' lounge, beach showers, a clever 'beach box' storage for each apartment, and a residents-only rooftop with a pool, deck, alfresco space and barbecue facilities.

Curtis York has delivered various residential and commercial projects across multiple Victorian suburbs, including <a href="/new-apartments/cremorne-vic-3121">Cremorne</a>, <a href="/new-apartments/prahran-vic-3181">Prahran</a>, and <a href="/new-apartments/belmont-vic-3216">Belmont</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138483]

Cera Stribley was inspired by the beach, particularly for their striking curved facade which will be enveloped in lush landscaping

Curtis York launch "never before seen" Rye apartment development

Billionaire tech entrepreneur Robin Khuda's development arm Ondas has had plans approved for a shop-top apartment development in Melbourne's St Kilda.

The Sydney-based Khuda, the founder of data centre operator Airtrunk, submitted plans in late 2022 for 16 apartments above retail space across an amalgamated 1,603 sqm site on the corner of Fitzroy Street and The Esplanade.

There had been two objector parties which went to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), but negotiations meant there was no need for a formal hearing.

One of the four sites, which will be amalgamated to run from <a href="/new-apartments/3-15-fitzroy-street-st-kilda">3-15 Fitzroy Street</a>, opposite Catani Gardens and just before The Esplanade bends around to&nbsp;<a href="/developments/st-kilda-vic-3182">St Kilda</a>&nbsp;beach.

Designed by Warren &amp; Mahony, the $22 million project will encompass 16 apartments, predominantly three-bedders, above 244 sqm of commercial space and 327 sqm of retail space across the four amalgamated sites which will span 3-15 Fitzroy Street.&nbsp;

<img alt="St Kilda" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4ee8961d-c272-47dc-bc04-880a9a3c184b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20at%202.53.40%20pm.png?VersionId=_hsE0QcJ2Kd6tV3p7HgRbOSkIRUv0FyC" />

In their Urban Context Report submitted to the City of Port Phillip Bay Council, <a href="/architects/warren-and-mahoney">Warren and Mahoney</a> said the apartments are designed as "urban villas".

"Set beyond the bustle and energy of Fitzroy Street, accessed via a private concourse that leads to a secret garden, is a series of private and secluded villas that provide the recluse and quiet that we seek when we wish to wind down and reset, with close access to the lifestyle and vibrancy that this bayside location offers.

"The villas are all planned with private open spaces in mind; to host families, friends or colleagues.

"The interiors of these homes offer lush garden spaces where you can curate your own gatherings or simply rest.

"The surfaces that you touch are warm and textured, the wellbeing of inhabitants enhanced with an abundance of natural light and private outdoor spaces. The resort like volumes, planning and tactility are as restorative as being on holidays."

<img alt="St Kilda" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e17b0e4c-4674-4a1d-a285-f257b1043e4d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20at%201.24.44%20pm.png?VersionId=atsYWBzcViGiX4CseSgy7ZLAI70eOkDm" />

It was necessary for the development to preserve the heritage value of the site, which includes an Art Deco, heritage-listed building which dates back to the mid-1880s.

The facades of the existing buildings will be retained, while the original roofs will be reinstated.

Planning &amp; Property Partners submitted the application on behalf of Ondas.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139637]

Since the lodgement Khuda's development arm, Ondas, has emerged.  Planning & Property Partners submitted the application on behalf of Ondas

Robin Khuda's Ondas gets greenlight for $22 million St Kilda apartment development

Potts Point will get its second new off the plan apartment development in market in as many months with the upcoming launch of La Strada, the Macleay Street apartment development by Peter Metzner.

Fresh off the back of the <a href="/news/nsw/third-i-and-toohey-miller-launch-muse-potts-point-apartments">launch of Muse Potts Point</a>, Metzner will launch <a href="/new-apartments/la-strada-residences-potts-point-95-macleay-street-potts-point">La Strada</a>, just four exclusive apartments on Macleay Street designed by&nbsp;architect&nbsp;David Mitchell and with interiors by Fiona Lynch.

The bespoke building is designed to complement and enhance the unique <a href="/developments/potts-point-nsw-2011">Potts Point neighbourhood</a>, renowned for its interwar architecture. &nbsp;

“As a team, David Mitchell Architect and myself spent two years designing LA STRADA, taking its name from the famous 1980s Italian restaurant owned by Giovanna Toppi, Sydney’s Godmother of Italian cuisine,” Metzner said. &nbsp;

The restaurant was a magnet for visiting celebrities including Elton John, Sammy Davis Jr, Bruce Springsteen, &nbsp;Mick Jagger, Whoopi Goldberg, and Cyndi Lauper, along with Sydney’s leading business leaders and society.&nbsp;

Metzner purchased the building from Toppi in 2021, launching the development with a book that includes a tribute to Toppi &amp; La Strada Ristorante, along with her famous recipes, recreated by daughter Paola Toppi.

Elton John’s favourite dish, paglia fieno alla boscaiola and Kerry Packers’ Steak Diane, accompanied by celebrity messages from the original La Strada’s guest book, also feature in the book. &nbsp;

“Being involved in the hospitality industry, the significance of Giovanna &amp; La Strada Ristorante was not lost on me, when purchasing the building, I told Giovanna it was my intention to celebrate her amazing legacy,” Metzner added.

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There are three full-level residences and one three-level penthouse. The project is accessible from Macleay St via a stone-clad private lobby, and via Hughes St to basement parking. Each residence has its own private lift lobby, &nbsp;and all floors have ample natural light throughout. The landscaping was handled by the renowned Dangar Barin Smith.&nbsp;

Fiona Lynch has created unique interiors that acknowledge the area’s Art Deco heritage but are both contemporary and timeless, using multiple stone finishes, sculptural details and a minimal colour palette.&nbsp;

Each of the full floor apartments have been 132 sqm and 138 sqm of living space. They have three bedrooms, one being a potential study. Residence one has balconies on three sides including a rear terrace and a tropical garden.

The three-level penthouse, connected by a sculptural staircase as well as a lift, has three ensuite bedrooms, a seperate multi-purpose study/bar area, and a rooftop with a swimming pool and entertainment terrace with views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city.

There's also communal facilities on the roof, set away from the penthouse, in the form of a training and wellness area and a barbecue space.

Ben Stewart of Stewart Residential/CBRE said La Strada is a unique offer for Macleay Street.

"With it being the first new residential building &nbsp;to launch on Macleay Street in 20 years, with approvals challenging and a short supply of full floor three bedroom residences and the three-level penthouse, La Strada is truly special.”

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To further acknowledge this history, the ground floor will be activated with a restaurant for the entire Potts Point community to enjoy on Hughes St and outdoor seating on Macleay Street.&nbsp;

Metzner has developed multi-level commercial properties in Campbell Street, Surry Hills, and Riley St, &nbsp;Darlinghurst, and has approval for three residential waterfront dwellings in Tamarama and owns hospitality venues in partnership including the Dolphin Hotel, Harry’s, and Snack Kitchen.

“We have been really focused on creating a timeless, majestic, contemporary building that is absolutely true to &nbsp;Potts Point, with the design ethos that the interiors are unique, modern and liveable. It’s a place where I want to reside, it will be the very best we can deliver and a wonderful place to live,” said Metzner.&nbsp;

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The three-level penthouse features a rooftop with a swimming pool and entertainment terrace with views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city.

Peter Metzner to launch La Strada Residences in Potts Point, Macleay Street's first new apartments in two decades

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

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The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

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Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

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Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

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The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

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The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

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According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

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Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

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Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

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Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

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Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

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Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

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Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

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Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

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Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

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La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

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Joel Robinson

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