Leading south-east Queensland developer Siera Property Group has purchased a prime absolute beachfront site at Bilinga on the southern end of the Gold Coast for $16 million.&nbsp;

The 1,214 sqm at 303 Golden Four Drive has existing development approval for an 11-storey residential building comprising 19 three and four-bedroom apartments and penthouses, and premium resident amenities.&nbsp;

Siera Founder and Managing Director, Brent Thompson, said the site’s beachfront location, existing DA approval and advanced construction negotiations added significant value and made it a strategic addition to the group’s growing Gold Coast portfolio.&nbsp;

“The existing development approval is 50 per cent higher than other existing approvals in the area, enabling the penthouses and apartments on the upper levels to access sweeping ocean views, north to the Broadbeach-Surfers Paradise skyline and out to the hinterland mountains,’’ Thompson said.&nbsp;

“The existing approval also cuts 12 to 15 months off our project timeline, allowing us to move quickly on construction.&nbsp;

“We have been talking with several builders who are keen to be involved in this project, with one highly engaged builder working toward a June 2023 start.”&nbsp;

pipi[smartcode_project:default project_id=138311 project_image_fid=217333]

Thompson said Ellivo Architects, who completed the original development application, are continuing on the project and will soon lodge a minor change to the DA to improve the floor plans for the new project, <a href="/new-apartments/pipis-bilinga-303-golden-four-drive-bilinga-qld-4225">Pipis Bilinga</a>.&nbsp;

“We are leaving the rest of the building design untouched as it already is very beautiful,” he said.&nbsp;

“Sites with direct beach access are becoming increasingly rare and our research demonstrated a growing undersupply of luxury apartments in what remains an affordable beachside suburb.&nbsp;

“Absolute beachfront at Bilinga generally is between $13,500-$15,000 per square metre, compared to other areas of the Gold Coast that command up $20,000 per sqm.’’&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138311 project_image_fid=217334]

Antonio Mercuri, of development site amalgamation specialists GV Property Group, sold the prime site. Mercuri said the site offered a rare proposition which doesn't come around often.

"True uplift was supported here from its unique 11 level approval, where the majority of projects are maxed out at seven or eight levels in the area," Mercuri says.

"The approved DA brings a quality designed building that is backboned by the A-Grade beachfront position in the highly demanded southern Gold Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138311 project_image_fid=217340]

Mercuri and his team sold&nbsp;309 Golden Four Drive, now Si Bilinga, and then 313 Golden Four Drive, now the apartment project Navani, and neither project pushed for the 50 per cent uplift in height that that 303 Golden Four Drive&nbsp;achieved.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The <a href="/new-apartments/pipis-bilinga-303-golden-four-drive-bilinga-qld-4225">Bilinga development</a> will be Siera’s third tower development on Gold Coast.&nbsp;

The group’s sculptural 22-storey Tapestry development on Chevron Island is now selling and last month Gold Coast City Council approved its application for a 25-storey tower on Enderley Avenue in Surfers Paradise.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108641 project_image_fid=192964]

“Siera has made a long-term commitment to the Gold Coast, delivering high standards of design and lifestyle amenity in established locations,’’ Thompson said.&nbsp;

“Our niche is identifying locations that are undervalued and are commencing their "coming of age" and we then look to design, or in this case modify the design, to suit our future residents.&nbsp;

“Our vision for Bilinga is to provide a premium owner-occupier experience that reflects the area’s relaxed beachside lifestyle, with all residences enjoying high-end facilities and uninterrupted ocean views. It will be as unique as it is stunning.”&nbsp;

Bilinga and neighbouring Tugun and Kirra are undergoing a significant regentrification with several new cafes and restaurants under development. The location is also close to local surf clubs, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast Airport and the Coolangatta-Tweed Heads entertainment precinct.&nbsp;

The 1,214 sqm at 303 Golden Four Drive has existing development approval for an 11-storey residential building comprising 19 apartments


Joel Robinson

Siera secure beachfront Bilinga site for third Gold Coast apartment development, Pipis Bilinga

Sydney's Eastern Suburbs is the most expensive pocket of real estate in the whole of the country.

Whether it's harbourside Point Piper, where four of Australia's most expensive house sales have occurred in recent years, or beachside at Bondi or Bronte, demand for prestige houses is always bubbling away.

In 2022 there were 72 sales settle over the $10 million mark, 32 of those over $15 million, just in the Woollahra LGA alone.

Ray White Projects Managing Partner Eddie Mansour believes prestige turnover could be higher however, if there were more high-end new apartment developments being launched.

"You've got a consistently high turnover of prestige house sales every year in Sydney's most affluent areas," Mansour says.

"With limited prestige developments launching, there's very few places for these sellers to go.

"They could be walking away with over $10 plus million in cash, and want to buy a bolthole in Sydney and another home in a Hinterland or Coastal location, which will ultimately end up as a potential retirement dwelling.

"But there's not enough high-end apartment stock to service these buyers, which makes them hold onto their homes longer."

Mansour says these buyers aren't affected by interest rate movements. If something comes to the market, they can buy it within a day without the same bank approvals the majority of Sydney buyers need.

Last year the Ray White Projects team snappily sold out the second stage of the luxury 1788 Double Bay apartment development, Encore by SJD Property (pictured main and below). In the first stage that has been settled only one of the 26 buyers need a bank valuation, the rest settled in cash.<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="15" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/N4kZ70X8XvJVa-YXuc-e86ry1-RKnovAEwvHhkr0w5UvepuLCiPVUXzW7kHYgemlXi2uQNuGCGcvWX3H8nq46mNA9rSDrOeNmhaAUWTrMNS4KHO-vJ_JyTSzEWjAf7RVjPQcrJh87BylGhSZNZ2gdBVvMrzh8DdHjHYetwoAnyANh4icFTlzv2mW-S1Scw" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" />

<img alt="Encore 1788" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c16b813a-480d-4aad-a77d-e1988718f01b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-01-23%20at%203.52.53%20pm.png?VersionId=DYBMaUrEXWC6_ECG8KiyZ8M.75i3MUyZ" /> 
The Encore 1788 development by SJD Property

Prices for the one-bed apartments started from $2 million.

Mansour says the project acted as a good opportunity for those downsizing locally to secure a bolthole.&nbsp;

"At any given time the building, at best, is about 50 percent occupied. It's predominantly used as the owners' Sydney residence."

Mansour noted a trend during the sales process at 1788, a trend which has become more and more prominent in Sydney's east.

"There were a number of buyers in the project amalgamating apartments, buying two apartments to create one of the largest apartments in the block," Mansour said, adding that amalgamations are something the Woollahra Council are starting to limit.

"They want to try and keep entry level units in new apartment developments affordable for a wider range of buyers, rather than those that have just sold their prestige home and can put together two or three smaller apartments in the building."

Amalgamations were prevalent at the new luxury Bondi Beach development Aqualine on Hall Street, albeit located in the Waverley LGA.<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="15" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/LEzA1Ai56jJxEFV6qG7lzg-TXXh263gKJsX4Ps3rEayx16FEcPjB5WPrp6GTQ1z-9oNQMpv7j2nwvPbvjy2TRx3zc6dJQPMAVK4K_BX8uddr9VUyez-EAO9MU1ldqWFEbMUWctml4ozM5Q_bXzX7tvH0wiIzi6KJwRqbbfF2zzwdYyDGRndggs11GjhoVg" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" />

<img alt="Aqualine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="137a6c00-6cd3-425e-adfa-4fa929f59344" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202022-12-20%20at%2011.23.36%20am.png?VersionId=zBtHwXN6UzmLGWLgH1QKeJI2JibUxSQ." /> 
The Aqualine, Bondi Beach project designed by Koichi Takada

The latest development on Sydney's beaches by prominent architect Koichi Takada, the plans for Aqualine were for 17 apartments, but a number of amalgamations has taken the total number of apartments down to 12.

Ray White Projects have all but sold out the project, with just the $26 million penthouse remaining. That's expected to launch in the next few months, and will be the largest apartment across a single level in Bondi Beach, sprawling some 450 plus sqm.

Mansour says there's been a lot of interest for the project both locally and offshore for the four-bedroom apartment complete with multiple living/entertaining areas and two balconies.

There are less and less approvals coming through councils for high-end apartment developments, Mansour notes, across both Sydney's East and North Shore.

"There were five or six developments we were expected to work on at the back end of this year, however with delays, they're all now pushed out to the start of 2023," Mansour says

Ray White Projects Managing Partner Eddie Mansour believes prestige turnover could be higher however, if there were more high-end new apartment developments being launched

Why demand will always outstrip supply in Sydney's luxury off the plan apartment market: Five minutes with Ray White Projects Managing Partner Eddie Mansour

Prominent Eastern Suburbs developer Eduard Litver is set to bring something to Double Bay it's never seen before.

Litver, who runs Capit.el Group and is best known for the redevelopment of the Bondi Pacific, has had Japanese architect Koichi Takada design a new mixed-use development in the heart of the suburb,&nbsp;just across the road from The Cosmopolitan Centre where Litver owns the retail component.

Takada's plans include two retail spaces at street level, as well as two food and beverage tenancies.

<img alt="Litver Double Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bca31464-adfe-4449-a085-75193cbc0098" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-01-20%20at%202.12.13%20pm.png?VersionId=jmP3kefQU116yu.fzaV6WHdG9skPoafg" />

Above will be parking, and then a level of commercial space.

The top two levels will be dedicated to just two two-level apartments. The downstairs will home the living, kitchen and dining area, with two terraces overlooking both Knox Street and Knox Lane.

Upstairs will be three ensuited bedrooms, with the master opening to a huge terrace, another overlooking Knox Street.

Litver has been patient with the project, his first site acquisition dating back to 2018 when he secured 31-37 Knox Street at auction for $12.5 million. A year later he spent $9.83 million on 27-29 Knox Street,

<img alt="Litver Double Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1a813a69-79ed-48b4-a6ed-b69f855397b9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-01-20%20at%202.12.48%20pm.png?VersionId=OoOAv8R91.OKHe2e9nRYUNUJSi6kMYYw" />

Litver has gone on record previously saying he wants to transform the Cosmopolitan Centre into a world-class venue, having paid $40 million for the retail in 2018.

The Urban Design Report submitted by AE Design Partnership says the design of the proposal has been developed through detailed site and analysis to ensure a contextually harmonious development

"The proposal will enhance the streetscape by redeveloping the existing outdated buildings into a contemporary built form with vertical and horizontal articulation accentuated by sculpted timber look aluminium framing, light timber look aluminium timber batten screens, glazing and upper-level planting," the report read.

Litver has been involved in a number of luxury developments across the Eastern Suburbs over the years. He was a part of the redevelopment of The Bondi Pacific, as well as The Bondi further down on Campbell Parade, and the QT Pacific Bondi Beach on Beach Road.

&nbsp;

<h2>27-37 Knox Street at a glance</h2>

• 178.1m2 of retail floor space and 126.9m2 food and beverage space on the ground floor

• 1,001.6m2 of commercial floor space across levels 1-3

• two large double-storey apartments on levels 4 and 5

• parking located in one basement level and on level 1 comprising:

• 21 car spaces

• 2 motorcycle spaces

• 18 bicycle spaces

Takada's plans include two retail spaces at street level, as well as two food and beverage tenancies.

First look: Double Bay's Knox Street to get facelift with Koichi Takada development

Broadbeach's dress circle Surf Parade is set for another high-end apartment tower, with a twist.

Plans have been filed by GPCR Pty Ltd, an entity linked to Panayiota Koukouvas, the co-founder and managing director of popular fashion boutique Sabo Skirt.

While the family's first foray into the development market, they already know a lot about Broadbeach. They have an outlet over in Pacific Fair.

Catering for the owner-occupier, the new tower at 158 Surf Parade, dubbed Sola, will have just 20 three-bedroom apartments across 22 levels.

<img alt="Sola Surf Parade" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8e7490e1-1d3d-49f6-a1fd-78d6256b4faf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-01-19%20at%209.58.19%20am.png?VersionId=U2g2EHm3TohMe1GH4rw1RZZ4qm39w2Qw" />

The design plans by Prospect Apartment Architecture was to blend the sea and the shore. The tower part of the development was inspired by "sea", the ocean, water, and waves, while the podium acts as "the shore", sand, rocks and vegetation.

"The proposal seeks to sympathetically respond to the existing urban context through it’s high quality architectural expression," Prospect's submission to the Gold Coast City Council suggested.

"The building is orientated towards the East to maximise views of the parkland and ocean, while limiting privacy and overlooking to the neighbouring buildings.

"The slender built form features a considered material palette, layered with screening and expressed slab edges."

<img alt="Sola Surf Parade" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7474e85c-77d5-448a-96ce-3604ad605c18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-01-19%20at%2010.05.11%20am.png?VersionId=WM_GWRHyi75N0y1up0IfWVlY9CJWQGW7" />

Each apartment in the project will span 200 sqm internally and have three bedrooms, a multi-purpose room, and a kitchen with a butler's pantry. The master suite will have it's own ensuite and walk in wardrobe.

The impressive podium level amenity starts with a full wellness zone, complete with mineral spa and ice pools, a gym, a steam room, and a sauna.

Located separately at the other end of the floor is a covered indoor/outdoor swimming pool and communal deck area.

<img alt="Sola Surf Parade" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f269c13c-bf41-4aff-b2f0-6fa5784df23c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-01-19%20at%209.58.24%20am.png?VersionId=Bo3jpUysyXSdGcf17Mtj2q.rUQnh4pyg" />

Always a sign that the tower will be delivered to the highest standard, the&nbsp;Kouzoukas family will be retaining a number of apartments for extended family to enjoy.

GV Property Group's Antonio Mercuri and Luke Reaby put the site together. There were six individual owners in the late 1970s building on the 640 sqm site.

Mercuri said Surf Parade and the surrounding streets are developers favourite part of Broadbeach.

"It offers a local beachside community vibe with the Bowls Club, Soccer club, Parklands and playgrounds along with multiple&nbsp;cafes all in the little pocket," Mercuri says.

"This Northern pocket provides a unique offering with open spaces, parklands and world class expansive views.&nbsp;The obvious and one of the best points of the views is that it is 'uninterrupted&nbsp;out to the ocean' plus in the evening&nbsp;you get to enjoy the glitz and glamour of the highrise lights around and up and down the coast."

Surf Parade has been a hotbed for local developers in the last six months.

A few doors down at 152 Surf Parade, Polites Property Group filed plans for a 21-unit tower just before Christmas. Mosaic are currently selling Marella at 146 Surf Parade, and Gallery Group have seen success at their owner-occupier tower Chalk. They're soon to launch Chalk's sister tower, North, to the market. Polycell are also set to start sales of their 170-apartment project Rochester in the coming months.

Bassar Constructions recently finished their Surf Parade project Infinity, which sold out before construction completion.

The project will be on the burgeoning Surf Parade, where the likes of Mosaic Property, Polycell, and Gallery Group are currently developing

First look: Sabo Skirt family file debut Gold Coast apartment tower on Broadbeach's best street

Allen Linz's Rebel Property Group and developer Braxton Capital, led by Andrew Donnelly, are teaming up again to deliver a striking block of apartments in Sydney's Inner West.

The duo have lodged plans for a 51-apartment building at 37-47 Farr Street, ideally located at the quiet end of Farr Street, while still being in touching distance of Marrickville's bustling foodie and brewery scene.

Donnelly says architecture firm PBD created a design that&nbsp;complemented the rich heritage of the area.

“We were fortunate to be given the opportunity to develop one of the first residential sites in the brand new Victoria Road Precinct,” Donnelly told Urban.

“Collaborating with award winning PBD Architects led to creating a design that mingled with a suite of contemporary, yet sympathetic design features. The result is a character-filled mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences in one of the most coveted residential locales in Sydney’s Inner West.”

Linz and Donnelly picked up the Farr Street site midway through last year, but managed to expand the project by securing the adjoining site just before Christmas.

Having already filed their development application for the apartments, they put together a plan for a pocket park for the community, with plans by Arcadia Landscaping featuring integrated seating, barbecues, an outdoor gym, yoga area, and a playground.

<img alt="Farr St Park" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32d635cf-2d96-4217-a536-5920cfc58cb5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-01-19%20at%202.56.29%20pm.png?VersionId=wiMSzxIlD0VO7TZJ_LneGHY6qLHQtusT" /> 
The pocket park at 37 Farr Street designed by Arcadia

"We're at the quiet end of Farr Street, so a small park to benefit both future residents of our project, as well as the local community, felt apt for the site," Donnelly says, adding that the aim is to deliver the same type of pocket parks that you'd see in Notting Hill or Kensington in London.

The Farr Street site is located within the Timber Yards Sub-Precinct of the Victoria Road Precinct&nbsp;which was recently rezoned by the Inner West Council. The park at 37 Farr Street will act as a true site link to Victoria Road which is envisaged to be a street full of a new food and beverage scene, as well as supermarkets and services.

Linz and Donnelly are doubling down on Marrickville, which Donnelly says they feel is an underutilized market for a very different type of product.

Across Victoria Road on Faversham Street, Rebel and Braxton, in partnership with prominent Sydney developer TOGA, are creating 34 industrial workspaces, 24 drive-up storage units, and retail space, located opposite TOGA's under construction Wicks Place residential project which will bring 272 apartments to the area when completed.

<img alt="Braxton" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15f9578e-f85a-46e9-9170-ac1b4a0c9544" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-01-19%20at%203.06.55%20pm.png?VersionId=c0IWNk_XX_q9jOePt5LowcRZrri28vgF" /> 
The industrial space by Braxton, Rebel and TOGA

"We're introducing a high amenity workspace for locals to enjoy," Donnelly says, adding that while they are deemed "industrial units", really they are more commercial spaces for small businesses.

"It's very much about the decentralization of the office. A lot of people don't want to head into the city anymore, but nor do they want to work from their kitchen bench or even home office anymore. We're developing a bridge between the two, working closer to home but not from your home."

There's been uptake already from tradies, e-commerce companies, and architects in particular.

<img alt="Braxton" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dc32a710-1d26-4e1a-ad6b-1272efc0085c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-01-19%20at%203.03.50%20pm.png?VersionId=OmaaXv5YyEFr6oLiIeWPcAVeSb6Rrigs" />The industrial space by Braxton, Rebel and TOGA

Donnelly says Marrickville, as well as the likes of Alexandria and Five Dock, allow the opportunity to develop similar industrial/commercial developments within residential communities, and they'll continue to look to these markets for further development.

Braxton and Rebel recently further bolstered their 2023 pipeline, securing a site in Lane Cove where they are planning a townhouses project.

While developing everywhere from residential to industrial and commercial, Donnelly says Braxton's ethos to development is simple: deliver beautiful places for people to work or live.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134278]

“We were fortunate to be given the opportunity to develop one of the first residential sites in the brand new Victoria Road Precinct,” Donnelly told Urban

Exclusive: Braxton and Rebel Property Group lodge plans for boutique apartment building in Marrickville 

The COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it had on the off the plan apartment industry, namely the labour shortage and massive spike in construction costs, was navigated successfully by Canberra's leading developer Geocon.

Their Republic Precinct in Belconnen was the stand out, as the Nick Georgalis-led developer completed the $410 million project with a 98 per cent settlement rate of the 1267 apartments.

“Despite the challenges of the past few years, the vision of Republic has strongly connected with the community as an unrivalled urban lifestyle in the heart of Belconnen,” Geocon Managing Director Nick Georgalis says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6935 project_image_fid=94890]

“What we have accomplished in the past four and a half years has been an incredible achievement for Geocon and Canberra, as a pathway forward to an increase in modernised development."

The Precinct, which dates back to 2017 when the plans were developed, also includes a&nbsp;152-room hotel, 52 commercial tenancies, and 300 space public carpark. It now stands as ACT’s largest mixed-use precinct.

Five of Canberra’s tallest towers and Canberra's first glass towers, The Precinct used 80,000m3 of concrete, the equivalent to filling 35 Olympic- sized swimming pools, over 13,000 tonnes of reinforcement, the equivalent weight of 22 Airbus A380’s and more than 66,000m2 of façade, covering over 9 football fields.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6935 project_image_fid=94892]

“Utilising over 4,000 workers over the course of completion, Republic has been a massive project, one that we think is a huge step forward for the urbanisation of Belconnen,” says Geocon General Manager Damon Smith.

Geocon put together the same world-leading design team, Fender Katsalidis Architects and OCULUS, who created NewActon, to produce something really special.

Architect David Sutherland of Fender Katsalidis Architects said the presence of Republic would reinforce Lake Ginninderra as a recreational focus of Belconnen through the strengthening of linkages to its foreshores.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6935 project_image_fid=94891]

“Republic has been conceived as a further strengthening of the relationship of the city with the water," Sutherland said.

"In doing so the precinct will be an urban marker of this significant site at the confluence of the two arms of the lake.

"In its built form the composition of buildings is redolent of the unique topography of the locale - the hills and valleys, the sky and water."

Proving the achievement at Republic was not a one-off, the settlement success has been mirrored in Geocon’s Tuggeranong development, Aspen Village, with 96 per cent of properties achieving settlement.

The momentum from Republic and Aspen has seen Geocon’s next major precinct, WOVA, achieve 650 sales since launch, despite cautious market conditions.

&nbsp;

The Precinct, which dates back to 2017 when the plans were developed, is ACT’s largest mixed-use precinct

Geocon achieves impressive settlement rates in Belconnen residential project, Republic Precinct

As of January 16, property buyers in New South Wales who are seeking to spend under $1.5 million on their first home, can now opt to pay an annual land tax as opposed to the upfront cost of stamp duty.

The First Home Buyer Choice scheme, will also apply to those who&nbsp;signed a contract of purchase between 11 November 2022 and 15 January 2023. For this group, applications to choose the property tax can be made at any time between 16 January 2023 and 30 June 2023.

If settlement occurs on or before 15 January 2023, they will need to pay stamp duty, and then will be able to apply for a refund of the stamp duty from 16 January 2023.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29359 project_image_fid=207473]

If settlement occurs on or after 16 January 2023, and they have chosen property tax, they will not need to pay stamp duty.

For those who are purchasing land with the intention to build their first home, the price cap will be up to $800,000.

The aim of the scheme is to remove a significant barrier impacting first home buyers entering the property market.

Analysis by Canstar showed that the&nbsp;number of owner-occupier first home buyer loans is over 31.3 per cent down over the 12 months to November, after numbers retreated a further 5.5 per cent over the month.

For a $1.5 million purchase in New South Wales, buyers would be expected to pay $67,000 in stamp duty, which is in addition to a minimum 10 per cent deposit, a total of over $210,000 upfront with both costs before taking ownership of the property.

Annual property tax payments are based on the land value of the purchased property. The property tax rates for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 will be $400,&nbsp;plus an additional cost of 0.3 per cent of land value.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112005 project_image_fid=191253]

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this choice will empower first home buyers as they head out to auctions and inspections over the weekend.

“Starting today, first home buyers will get a huge boost with a system that helps rather than hinders their journey to owning their first home,” Perrottet said.

“The opportunity starts now, with buyers able to choose the option that will suit their own financial circumstances and see them come out ahead in the long run.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said more than 6,000 first home buyers are estimated to choose the annual property fee each year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6552 project_image_fid=202005]

“This is about giving home hunters the chance to decide what works best for them. It will give people greater flexibility as they approach one of the biggest investment decisions most will make in their lifetime,” Kean said.

“Home ownership builds economic security, financial independence, personal freedom and offers people a stake in our nation. This reform will bring thousands of people closer to that dream, sooner.”

The First Home Buyer Choice is a key component of the Government’s $2.8 billion Housing Package announced in the 2022-23 NSW Budget.

For more information visit the NSW Government website <a href="https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/housing-and-property/land-tax-property-tax-and-stamp-duty">here</a>.&nbsp;

Analysis by Canstar showed that the number of owner-occupier first home buyer loans is over 31.3 per cent down over the 12 months to November


Changes to NSW stamp duty explained: What it means for first home buyers

High-end developer Fortis have submitted plans for a new project in Melbourne's St Kilda.

Fortis, who operate in Sydney and Melbourne's most sought-after areas,&nbsp;is seeking to create 39 apartments at 61-73 Fitzroy Street, a 2,661 sqm amalgamated site secured last year.

Fortis said they've long been interested in St Kilda, and in particularly Fitzroy Street.

"St Kilda has a colourful history, character &amp; charm and a unique position within Melbourne – immediate proximity to the CBD, parks and unrivalled amenity, yet distinctly coastal featuring one of Australia’s most well-known beaches," Fortis Director Charles Mellick, who co-founded the company in 2016 alongside Patrick Keenan and Dan Gallen, told Urban.

"Fitzroy Street is one of Melbourne’s most historic grand boulevards which has admittedly seen better days, but here lies the challenge and opportunity to breathe new life into the precinct."

<img alt="Fitzroy Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="963e4f3e-d07a-479e-9b77-74810ab1440c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-01-17%20at%2011.54.50%20am.png?VersionId=BHfcEhyzkobBQ.hM0QYJMqK9KJ0THT8W" />

Fortis have had Woods Bagot design the Fitzroy Street project, which will also reinvigorate Fitzroy Street and benefit the local community.

Fortis called it a "precinct defining opportunity."

The site has a 65 metre street frontage, and a&nbsp;strategic location, at the mid-point of Fitzroy Street.

"Our proposal will be a catalyst for rejuvenation,"&nbsp;the documents submitted to Port Phillip Council noted.

"This opportunity is to redefine the local area and play a key part in the Fitzroy Street’s return to former grandeur.

"The extensive frontage to Fitzroy Street offers immense opportunity for activation in what is currently a run-down retail strip."

<img alt="Fortis Fitzroy" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="80ba4998-4658-4262-9e53-7f143d1dcc2e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-01-17%20at%2011.55.25%20am.png?VersionId=zI3tE6UU.bCJeoq8lZ3l76HxxkJVGniA" />

There will be around 950 sqm of hand selected retailers, likely to be a providore, a bakery, or a signature food and beverage venture.

"[The retailers will cater] to the daily needs of surrounding residents, provide passive day and night activation and give everyone a compelling reason to visit Fitzroy Street."

The 39 apartments will be located above and behind the retail, focusing on "quality not quantity."

"Lucky future residents will enjoy refined common amenity on the ground floor, the retail experience, beachside living and everything St Kilda has to offer on their doorstep," the documents stated.

There will be just three one-bed apartments, 19 two-bedders, and 10 three-bedroom units.

<img alt="Fitzroy Street Fortis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5a00b731-ad77-438d-ab96-315f761df527" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-01-17%20at%2011.54.58%20am.png?VersionId=bb.l8xq770FlLQQv3ppe3Ac9B14RKvQT" />

Two three-bedroom duplex penthouses will be on offer, as well as five three-bedroom penthouses.

The plans have 100 parking spaces, and 39 bike spaces.

Fortis say the existing architecture in St Kilda influenced the design of the project.

<img alt="Fitzroy Street Fortis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4ed034bd-450a-4d15-bf4c-ed629cabf5a5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-01-17%20at%2011.55.07%20am.png?VersionId=wyOTZj8XzOZNHqDUGuNSl1QL1dwITGbx" />

"Victorian Grandeur is a prevalent motif and its contribution to the character and charm of St Kilda is apparent through the use of refined fretwork and double columns," the design statement noted, citing&nbsp;St Kilda's Linden Gallery as an influence.

"This former grandeur has become a recognisable feature of current day St Kilda. Our proposal seeks to rejuvenate this charm through its façade articulation, balustrades and generous planter boxes. The intention is to add a further layer of contemporary charm and character to St Kilda."

Cobild Construction have already been appointed as the lead construction partner on the project, having already been appointed to 10 of Fortis' projects since teaming up together in 2018. Local landscape designer Florian Wild are in charge of the landscaping.

Fortis have had Woods Bagot design the Fitzroy Street project, which will also reinvigorate Fitzroy Street and benefit the local community




First look exclusive: Fortis lodge St Kilda precinct plans

The prolific Bondi Beach developers Eduard Litver and Allen Linz are back developing on the beachfront.

Litver, who runs Capit.el Group, and Linz, of Rebel Property Group, are teaming up with fellow eastern suburbs property developer Gil Baron to create a boutique project at 14-18 Campbell Parade, which runs all the way along the beach front.

The trio, under the development name Bondi Residence Pty Ltd, spent $15 million early last year on a commercial building at the south end of the beach opposite Notts Avenue, the exclusive street of Icebergs and some of Bondi's most expensive apartments. Currently the building is home to Bondi Beach Chemist and Kelp Hairdressing, and a handful of apartments.

The original building on the site was named the Cliff House Hotel, and was built around 1880. The Cliff House was demolished in the early 1920s and a new hotel (now Hotel Astra), was built by Jack Shaw around 1926. The remainder of the site was subdivided and sold, and the current building was constructed a few years later.

Litver, Linz and Baron are proposing the redevelopment of the block, creating seven apartments.&nbsp;

<img alt="Bondi Beach" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50423848-3fcf-46a5-a09c-3746b4cace3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-01-16%20at%201.24.03%20pm.png?VersionId=7c6f0I68Tuf5iKB_eJyTRQdlKvQ5tPZl" />

Brian Meyerson's MHNDU note in their design statement that the&nbsp;proposed development aims to contextually `fit in’ with both its immediate neighbours and the wider suburb.

"The proposed new building had been designed to retain the form and understanding of the Inter-war Flat Building when viewed from the public domain," the design statement submitted to Waverley Council read.

They state the different apartment types and sizes are deemed suitable for the desired character of the area, aiming to attract a range of owners from families and downsizers to young professionals.

There will be six two-bedroom apartments on offer, each occupying half a floor and spanning 86 sqm. The whole top level is crowned by a whole floor, three-bedroom apartment, complete with a fireplace and a full-width, ocean-facing terrace.

"The building is designed generous apartment sizes and internal dimensions to create usable, functional and highly saleable apartments of excellent quality", MHNDU added.

<img alt="Campbell Parade" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ddff0f18-9da9-4bd1-9b5a-b04e8e819043" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-01-16%20at%201.27.59%20pm.png?VersionId=LqNSXCzjkqlilSSEtb61CpyvUDVPtUoo" />

"The apartments facing Campbell Parade are furnished with generous private open spaces overlooking the street which will enjoy direct beach and water views and are considered highly amenable.

"As these apartments are generally East facing they will receive direct morning sunlight and the design aims to maximise this will full width sliding glazed doors to each apartment.

"Coupled with this are the enclosed bay windows which aim to be extensions of living rooms offering a truly inside/outside space and are designed to be habitable all throughout the year and even on cold, wet, windy days."

A focus on the design was to minimise energy use and maximise the efficient use of resources.

Each apartment has a 100 per cent rate of natural cross ventilation, while balcony projections help to control solar access and heat gain by limiting summer sun penetration&nbsp;whilst allowing the lower winter sun to penetrate deep in to the plan and private open spaces.

The ground floor is planned for a single retail tenancy.

Litver, Linz and Baron have all teamed up previously in Bondi. In&nbsp;2016 they spent $19.12 million on the former Bates milk bar at 124 Campbell Parade.

Litver and Linz are well known for their redevelopment of the Bondi Pacific building up the street.

<ul>
</ul>

Brian Meyerson's MHNDU said that the proposed development aims to contextually `fit in’ with both its immediate neighbours and the wider suburb


First look: New apartments set for Bondi Beach's Campbell Parade

The Miles Residences penthouse at Kirra Point will be the most elevated penthouse on the southern Gold Coast when it’s completed at the end of 2023.

The sprawling 760 sqm, split-level apartment tops Miles Residences, the residential component of regarded developer KTQ’s $380 million redevelopment of the Kirra Beach Hotel.

It crowns a further 114 apartments, which were all snapped up in just a couple of months in late 2020 when the striking project was launched.

But the penthouse was reserved for a little later in the marketing campaign, given it's uniqueness, but also to it’s $16.75 million price tag, which would make it the second most expensive off the plan apartment sale on the whole of the Gold Coast.

Exclusive selling agent of Miles Residences, Tim Keenan from the newly formed Keenan &amp; Byrne project marketing agency, says so far the penthouse has predominantly piqued the interest of Sydneysiders and locals.

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Apart from the obvious draws of the penthouse; it's rooftop pool, sweeping views, and prime location; Keenan says one of the most attractive propositions has been the rarity of what's on offer.

"It's an opportunity which will likely never again be repeated in this exclusive pocket," Keenan says, adding that the finishes and detailing of the penthouse are of a calibre he's never seen in an apartment before.

Some of the most impressive finishes and inclusions are in the kitchen and butler's bar, the heart of the home adjoining the main living area on the&nbsp;eastern wing of the first level.

The space is anchored by a 5m long, monolithic sculptural island bench and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances (nine in total), supported by sub zero refridgeration, wolf BBQ’s (one on each level) and Eurocave wine storage

There's a butler's pantry with full kitchen capabilities, as well as a separate bar area featuring a smaller version of the kitchen island bench and a serious wine storage zone.

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That's not the only kitchen in the huge penthouse.

Upstairs there’s a sprawling terrace with its own roofed kitchen and bar area complete with BBQ and pizza oven for entertaining family and friends.

That adjoins an outdoor dining area which is just steps to an elevated private pool and terrace which has sweeping views across Kirra and Snapper. Also on the upper level is an indoor multi purpose entertaining room and lounging space.

KTQ Development Director Jeremy Holmes says it will offer a view that is impossible to recreate.

"The penthouse is located on the north-east corner of the building, designed to take advantage of an incredible aspect with views of both the surf and the sweeping bays of the Southern Gold Coast.

"The best way to describe the view was as if someone walked down the street, stood in the perfect spot to look back at The Superbank, and decided to build an apartment there. That's how we know we're creating something that just won't be replicated."

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The first level of the penthouse comprises five bedrooms, each with their own ensuite and walk-in wardrobe.

The master retreat features the largest ensuite, with a curved feature bath, double vanity, and double shower, as well as a full walk-in wardrobe with dresser.

&nbsp;

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Four of the bedrooms are located off a second living or multi-purpose space, where there's also a study or kids playroom, a separate home office, and a separate indoor outdoor gym terrace.

The two levels of the apartment are connected by both an internal lift and a sweeping feature staircase through the void between the levels.

On top of the high level of finish of the penthouse, Keenan says what's also attracting buyers is the firm completion date, ready in time for the summer holidays 2023.

"A firm completion date for before next Christmas really fits the enquiry profile we're seeing, and ultimately the profile of the buyer we expect to see take the keys," Keenan says.

"Most of the interest has come from those&nbsp;who have previously holidayed on the Southern Gold Coast and have an affinity with the area, those who have done well in life, and want to live their dream for their kids, but at the highest level possible.

"They'll likely want to bring all of the extended family together, given the five large bedrooms, over holiday periods."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27575 project_image_fid=138611]

The Kirra Point redevelopment will form the focal point of the Southern Gold Coast when fully completed in 2026.

The red hot South East Queensland market, from Burleigh to Coolangatta, will also benefit prospective buyers of the second stage of the Kirra Point redevelopment, which will be launched at the end of 2023, around the same time Miles Residences completes.

There's been a number of sell-outs across the Southern Gold Coast since the start of the pandemic, and when they're built, even more people are set to move to the area, Keenan says, noting that there will be even more holidaymakers in the area as hotels start to be developed.

"There are new cafes, restaurants, and hotels being built around the area ready for the influx of tourism and migration.

Holmes says Kirra Point, which will have 15 specialist shops, will be a highly curated retail and food and beverage experience that stays true to the region and what is has to offer.

Despite a wave of redevelopment over the southern Gold Coast in recent years, Keenan says the area remains true to what the Gold Coast lifestyle is all about.

"The draw of the Southern Gold Coast and the Miles Residences Penthouse is that you can see the glittering high-rises of Surfers and Broadbeach, but you're tucked away in a pocket that's the epitome of the relaxed Gold Coast beach lifestyle," Holmes added.

Architect Mark Damant from Little Boat Projects, who handled the designs of Miles Residences and the Kirra Point redevelopment when he was principal at Woods Bagot, has designed the next stage of Kirra Point, which includes a further 88 apartment in a 13-level tower, crowned by a rooftop pool and recreation area, as well as a separate luxury 92-room hotel in a six-level building fronting Marine Parade.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27575 project_image_fid=138620]

KTQ Group have an enviable track record of producing the highest level of both residential and commercial developments. They developed and currently operate the go-to Byron Bay resort Elements of Byron, and they recently received approval for the Serēn project, bringing a level of luxury unseen in the Gold Coast market before.

Serēn, pronounced serene, will comprise an independent, luxury 60-room hotel, with some suites offering over 100 sqm of living space. The hotel will occupy levels three to six, then above is the hotel and the residences pool and recreation decks. Then above the level nine wellness level are the 60 residences, the smallest on offer spanning a huge 350 sqm and offering three-bedrooms and a multi-purpose room.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=27575]

Apart from the obvious draws of the penthouse; it's rooftop pool, sweeping views, and prime location; Keenan says one of the most attractive propositions has been the size, which in turn is reflected in the price

The Miles Residences Penthouse: The crowning jewel in the transformation of Kirra Point

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>’s 640 Bourke Street stands as a testament to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s ability to bridge its storied past with a bold vision for the future.&nbsp;

Rising above the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley building, the development reflects a broader shift toward adaptive reuse in the city, where historical assets are retained and reinterpreted as part of new residential development.

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> incorporates the Eliza Tinsley building as its foundation, housing a grand gallery and lobby space that serve as both a functional and symbolic centrepiece. The heritage façade informs the tower’s design, creating a connection between Melbourne’s past and its contemporary skyline.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365684]

Above this historic base, the 68-storey tower will deliver just over 600 residences, a notable reduction from earlier schemes, reflecting a deliberate move toward larger-format apartments and a stronger owner-occupier focus.

Unlike traditional CBD developments that prioritised investor stock, 640 Bourke Street has been repositioned to respond to changing buyer expectations.

"The discussion was all around making 640 Bourke Street the best residence to live in, to be much more focused on the people in the building rather than people looking at the building," Marsland explained.&nbsp;

This shift is evident in the development’s interiors, which emphasise practical luxury with spacious layouts, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.&nbsp;

“What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Lauren Sheldon, Far East Consortium’s Director of Sales and Marketing, said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365687]

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang added, "We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."&nbsp;

Amenities spanning more than 3,000 sqm across multiple levels further reinforce this focus on resident experience. These include a pool, gym, co-working areas, and a range of hospitality-inspired spaces such as a whisky lounge, library, and private dining rooms, many drawing reference from traditional bathhouses and Melbourne’s laneway culture.

"We wanted to make both the pool and the gym area to be absolutely destinational, and when you traverse across to these spaces, there is a gentle familiarity to the beautiful notions of the hammams and the Roman baths, a gentle nod to history," Chang noted.

At street level, the project contributes to the ongoing transformation of the western CBD, with upgrades to Langs Lane and the introduction of retail, hospitality, and gallery spaces designed to activate the precinct and strengthen its connection to the surrounding city fabric.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

The location places residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, and the Docklands waterfront, positioning the development within a rapidly evolving inner-city neighbourhood.

"We believe it's the best site left in the city of Melbourne," Craig Williams, Executive Director at Far East Consortium, said.&nbsp;

640 Bourke Street is Far East Consortium’s 14th building in Melbourne’s western CBD.

"A very elegant designed building. It's going to be a Melbourne statement for many, many years to come."

One-bedroom apartments are priced from around $640,000, with 640 Bourke Street targeting completion in 2029.

Renders shown are Artist's Impressions correct as of May 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Heritage-led design anchors Far East Consortium’s 640 Bourke St, Melbourne

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD Group</a> has set a new residential price record in Queensland with the $30 million sale of the penthouse at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-burleigh-88-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">ONE Burleigh</a> development in Burleigh Heads.

The sale equates to around $37,500 per sqm.

The two-level, 800 sqm penthouse, featuring five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five car spaces, and a private infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was acquired by a Gold Coast-based entrepreneur, highlighting continued demand for ultra-premium beachfront product.

Selling agent Freddie Tehle of PRD Burleigh Heads said the result reflects tightening supply of high-quality, large-format apartments in Burleigh.

“There’s very limited opportunity to secure this level of scale and absolute beachfront position in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Burleigh Heads</a>,” Tehle said.

“Buyers are increasingly seeking apartments that genuinely replace a standalone home, and this penthouse delivers that with its size, privacy, and direct ocean frontage.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323057]

The sale comes as construction progresses on ONE Burleigh, a boutique development of 17 full-floor residences at 88 The Esplanade, scheduled for completion in early 2027.

Developed by MAYD Group and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mas-architecture-studio">MAS Architecture</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/sici-design">Sici Design</a>, the project has been positioned as a collection of house-sized beachfront apartments, each occupying an entire floor with around 381 sqm of internal and external living space.

When construction commenced, MAYD director Todd Mould pointed to the long-term resilience of premium coastal real estate as a key driver behind the project.

“Real estate, particularly at the premium end, remains one of the most resilient and proven long-term investment avenues,” Mould said.

“Our ambition is that anyone who buys a MAYD-built product can genuinely feel the care, craftsmanship and commitment we bring to every detail.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323055]

Each residence has been configured with four bedrooms, multiple living zones, a private office, and expansive ocean-facing terraces. Interiors draw on a restrained material palette, including travertine stone, timber joinery, and integrated premium appliances.

Interior designer Sici Design said the approach was to reflect the project’s coastal setting through both materiality and spatial planning.

“ONE Burleigh is our vision of luxury living, designed to bring the essence of Burleigh Heads' vibrant coastal beauty into an unparalleled residential experience.”

Residents will have access to a suite of wellness-focused amenities, including pools, sauna facilities, and dedicated relaxation spaces, reflecting a broader shift toward lifestyle-driven apartment design on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323052]

The project occupies a southern Esplanade site with uninterrupted beachfront frontage, an increasingly rare offering in Burleigh Heads, free from the Norfolk Pines that line much of the coastline and often limit direct ocean outlook.

Mould said the design intent was to balance that outlook with a sense of retreat.

“Living at ONE Burleigh is about how your day naturally unfolds, morning light across the ocean, coffee on the balcony, and being in Burleigh but elevated above the noise.”

The result further reinforces Burleigh Heads’ emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held and supply-constrained beachfront markets, where boutique, owner-occupier-focused developments are increasingly setting new price benchmarks.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146358]

MAYD Group sets Queensland record with $30 million penthouse sale at ONE Burleigh in Burleigh Heads

Apartment developers in the Gold Coast are finding new, creative ways to differentiate themselves from competing projects, as new supply starts to flow through up and down the Coast.

Developer BIG Projects brought in the renowned Sydney-based design studio YSG Studio to craft the interiors for The Frederick, BIG Projects' new Mermaid Beach project and YSG Studio's first move into the multi-residential development space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5346]

It was a strategic move for BIG Projects to bring in a Sydney eye to the development.

“Our role is to give our design partners the space and freedom to explore,” says Matt Barrett, Director of BIG Projects.

“We wanted YSG Studio to capture the essence of Nobby’s, to design a building that embraces life, light and connection, while creating a genuine sense of place.”

There are only 39 apartments in The Frederick, including a striking beach house, just 100 metres from the booming Nobby Beach precinct.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5347]

Yasmine Ghoniem, Director of YSG Studio, says their vision&nbsp;for The Frederick "reinvents coastal living."

“Nobby’s has such an iconic energy, it’s one of those rare pockets of the Gold Coast where the community, the beach, and the streets all feel connected,” Ghoniem says.

"Responding to the neighbouring coastline, soothing curves add a relaxing regional overlay, while unique detailing really sets it apart. It’s a place that feels lived in from the moment you step inside.”

A standout feature of The Frederick is its rooftop terrace, an uncommon inclusion for a boutique, low-rise building, where amenity is typically concentrated at ground level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5360]

Positioned to capture panoramic views from the hinterland to the ocean, the rooftop has been designed as a series of intimate zones. It includes a pool, sauna, sun decks, workspaces and dedicated entertaining areas.

“The rooftop was conceived as a collection of spaces where residents can unwind and connect, an extension of the Nobby’s lifestyle,” Barrett says.

Architecture for the project was led by Plus Studio, with landscape design by LDG Landscape Architecture.

SRQ Projects Director Nick Clydsdale, who is handling sales at The Frederick, says the majority of enquiry is coming from South East QLD and Victorian buyers who have been actively searching between Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach for some time.

"They’ve reviewed a number of projects, however this one has stood out for its unique detailing and compelling design,"&nbsp;Clydsdale says.

Site demolition is slated for this month, with construction commencing soon after. BIG Projects is targeting a late 2027 completion.

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Sydney’s YSG Studio makes Gold Coast multi-residential debut with BIG Projects at The Frederick

Melbourne-based property developer ALTA Property has this week achieved planning approval for the adaptive re-use of a former commercial tower into a $200 million, 169-apartment project at 10 Queens Road, one of the last developable sites along the Albert Park Lake-fronting boulevard.&nbsp;

Set within one of Melbourne’s most sought-after precincts and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser and Partners</a>, the illustrious building will offer unparalleled views across Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne CBD.&nbsp;

The mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom residences will be complemented by a ground-floor amenity featuring private dining, a lounge bar, gym and wellness spaces, co-working, outdoor communal gardens, and retail.&nbsp;

The 17-storey building is a masterclass in adaptive re-use, with the existing commercial building’s façade, shell and internal structure to be retained, before high-end residences are built from the ground up in a newly built Albert Park facing addition to the building.&nbsp;

Sitting atop the building will be two 320+sqm penthouses with private rooftop terraces, which are expected to be priced between $9 - $11 million.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa11211b-5581-43f9-940c-fc84d30a0e61" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/C_04.png?VersionId=Yhf5p_1EgGDu_zOIMFgvA8Ug8j3sTFQs" />

Architecturally, the building will feature a curved, geometric façade that celebrates and elevates the existing structure, with warm, muted tones which were selected to extend the materiality of the existing building rather than contrast it.&nbsp;

Interiors will bring together three metre high ceilings with waffle concrete in some spaces, natural timber, granite and Australian materials, culminating in crafted, generous and considered spaces that are defined by authenticity.&nbsp;

The adaptive re-use means that the Queens Road project will be a sustainability led, high-quality finished product, with a 62% saving in carbon emissions by re-using the existing structure rather than knocking it down and rebuilding.&nbsp;

ALTA Property was launched by Nigel Givoni in 2023, bringing over 25 years of experience in multi level residential delivery.&nbsp;

Melbourne’s property market growth is currently led by apartments. According to RPM VIC Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report (April 2026), units are outpacing houses, especially in the middle ring suburbs where median prices hit $757,500 – a four-year high that represents 2.9 percent growth quarter-on-quarter.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="647e13d7-b4bc-433a-9bc9-fe3c3dd4f2ec" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/V_06.png?VersionId=ou4NUCWUgA3NAy.6CQJlEdKX50j3dOk6" />

For ALTA Property Founder Nigel Givoni, this performance speaks to the confidence he has in the Melbourne market.&nbsp;

“Queens Road represents a rare opportunity to continue to shape our presence in the Melbourne market.,"&nbsp;Givoni says.

"With a considered project team and a premier site along one of the city’s most sought-after boulevards, we look forward to contributing to the fabric of this established address.

“Other Australian markets are getting a lot of attention, but I believe the depth of value in Melbourne is being overlooked. The fundamentals are strong, population growth is steady and, based on our preliminary conversations with a leading builder, construction costs are beginning to normalise, creating further opportunity."

Givoni says the project is a&nbsp;highly considered example of adaptive re-use, delivering quality, high-end residences, premium hotel-inspired amenities and an architecturally striking façade, all achieved without the need to remove the existing structure.

"We are really looking forward to the market’s response,” he said.&nbsp;

ALTA Property to deliver $200 million Queens Road apartment tower

Construction is set to begin at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/orchard-mews-glen-iris-18-scott-grove-glen-iris-vic-3146">Orchard Mews</a> in Glen Iris, with&nbsp;PC Whitehall &amp; Sons&nbsp;now appointed as the townhome development moves into its next phase.

The development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/montcoeur">MontCoeur</a>,&nbsp;located at 18 Scott Grove, is now around 30 per cent sold, with completion targeted for late-2027.

Orchard Mews comprises a curated collection of three- and four-bedroom customisable townhomes, positioned within one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>’ more tightly held residential streets. The low-density project has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo</a>, bringing together a team known for high-end residential projects across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150128 project_image_fid=366285]

The development is defined by its focus on flexible living and long-term usability. Each residence includes multiple living zones and a customisable multipurpose room, allowing buyers to tailor spaces to suit changing needs, whether as a home office, additional bedroom, wellness area or entertainment space.

Architecturally, the townhomes emphasise natural light and spatial volume, with dual-aspect layouts and double-height living areas incorporated into the design. Interiors feature natural stone benchtops, premium appliances, and a neutral material palette intended to support everyday functionality rather than statement-driven finishes.

All residences are all-electric and include private lifts and secure double garages, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainability and future-focused housing in Melbourne’s established suburbs.

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Outdoor connections are also central to the offering, with a mix of private courtyards and terraces extending internal living spaces and integrating with the landscaped surrounds.

The Scott Grove address places Orchard Mews within close proximity to some of Melbourne’s key lifestyle and education amenities, including Scotch College, Sacré Cœur, Cabrini Hospital and the retail hub of Chadstone. Public transport access is also nearby, with trams and Gardiner Station providing connectivity to the CBD and surrounding suburbs.

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Joel Robinson

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