The multi-award-winning Melbourne property developer Beulah has secured its next mixed-use development site.

The developer, headed by managing director Jiaheng Chan, has secured a corner site in Prahran, paying $11.4 million for the 1,132 sqm site at&nbsp;&nbsp;182-194 Commercial Road, opposite the well known Prahran Market.

They have plans to activate the community through a sustainable mixed-use development.

The site, on the corner of Izett Street, comprises six adjoining addresses near the recently completed $60 million Prahran Square project.

On the block is a multi-tenanted 1,087 sqm building with potential for future retail activation.

<a href="/news/vic/check-out-beulahs-best-melbourne-residential-projects">Read more:&nbsp;Check out Beulah&#39;s best Melbourne residential projects</a>

Jiaheng Chan said the team is excited to be able to contribute to the urban streetscape of Prahran as it continues to gentrify and evolve over time.

&ldquo;Prahran is currently going through an exciting evolution that is seeing a new generation of businesses set up shop, from forward-thinking restaurants and lifestyle-focused hotel chains,&quot; Chan said.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re looking forward to offering a product that will add immense value to this inner-city pocket and will complement the renowned Prahran Market via retail, dining and public amenity, coupled with a residential offering not yet explored in this area.

&ldquo;This site will complement our growing boutique portfolio, which sits alongside the other growing arm of our business and that is large-scale, urban renewal precincts, such as that in Southbank.&rdquo;

Beulah are developing STH Bnk by Beulah, a mixed-use development on the current BMW showroom site on Southbank&#39;s&nbsp;City Road. It will comprise nearly 500 apartments and around 390 hotel rooms, as well as retail and office space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8804 project_image_fid=27929]

Beulah also recently announced the imminent release of its newest and most innovative residential project, The Wilds. The development features a collection of 15 carbon-neutral homes designed by leading design firm, Edition Office.

&ldquo;The global changes experienced in 2020 saw consumers prioritising health, wellbeing and sustainability, which closely informed our approach to The Wilds.

&quot;Similarly, we intend to draw on this research and approach in creating a thoughtful, sustainable and wellness-inspired design for Prahran,&rdquo; Chan said.

They have plans to activate the community through a sustainable mixed-use development.



Joel Robinson

Beulah secure Prahran site for mixed-use development

Brisbane apartment values surged over August, jumping 1.4 per cent, according to the monthly update from property data firm CoreLogic.

It was the Queensland capital&#39;s best performing month in 2021 and took the rolling quarterly gains to 1.6 per cent,&nbsp;following&nbsp;0.8 per cent gains over July and 0.7 per cent in June.

Values are now 7.7 per cent higher than they were at the start of 2021, when the median apartment price was $390,000. Now it&#39;s $425,000, CoreLogic calculate.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7879 project_image_fid=81516]

The price gap between houses and units in Brisbane however has widened, with Brisbane&#39;s median house price standing at $691,000, around $270,000 higher than the median apartment price.

New listings in Brisbane are slowly on the up ahead of the traditional listing increase in spring. The same can be said for Adelaide, Perth and Hobart, however the trend remains weak in the locked-down&nbsp;Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7879 project_image_fid=81519]

Queensland has benefitted from record low vacancy rates, with southern state dwellers heading north during the pandemic over 12 months ago.

The June 2021 quarter data from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland showed that nearly&nbsp;two thirds of local government areas in Queensland recorded their lowest or equal lowest residential vacancy rates since 2010.

Of the 35 local government areas, 20 saw their vacancy rates tighten, 10 remained static and five saw them slightly rise in the June quarter.

Brisbane&rsquo;s vacancy rate dropped from 2.1 per cent&nbsp;to 1.7 per cent&nbsp;from the previous quarter. The Gold Coast&rsquo;s remained static at a tight 0.6 per cent&nbsp;and the Sunshine Coast&rsquo;s was slightly higher, from 0.5 per cent&nbsp;to 0.6 per cent.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21132 project_image_fid=33504]

Around Greater Brisbane, Ipswich stayed at one per cent, Logan slightly tightened from 1.1 per cent&nbsp;to one per cent&nbsp;while Moreton Bay remained the same at a low 0.7 per cent. Redland was tight at 0.5 per cent, falling from 0.6 per cent, while the Scenic Rim dropped from 0.8 per cent&nbsp;to 0.7 per cent.

REIQ&nbsp;chief executive Antonia Mercorella said the perfect storm of conditions thrown up by COVID-19 appeared to still have their grip on vacancy rates in the Sunshine State.

&ldquo;It seems the COVID-19 phenomenon of people moving to the regions for lifestyle purposes is still having an effect on vacancy rates,&rdquo; Mercorella said.

&ldquo;With more people taking the opportunity of working remotely and not having to commute regularly to their offices, they are succumbing to the lure of moving to a region where they can enjoy a sea or tree change lifestyle.

&ldquo;This could be reflected in regions around Brisbane such as the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and even further afield, where people can work remotely and commute to the capital city when necessary.

&ldquo;The lifestyle motivation is strong interstate, with people seeking an escape to Queensland from the southern states. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Queensland recorded a net gain of 9800 interstate migrants in the December quarter &ndash; the highest of any state or territory.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102309 project_image_fid=163977]

&ldquo;Greater Brisbane also recorded the highest net internal migration rate of any capital city in the December quarter &ndash; with 4800 arrivals. By comparison, Sydney and Melbourne lost 9300 and 8500 people respectively. In terms of overseas migration, half a million Australian expats have returned since the pandemic began.

&ldquo;In central and northern Queensland, a ramping up of the resources industry and a recent revival of tourism&rsquo;s fortunes (at least until the current interstate lockdowns) could be attracting workers to these regions, putting pressure on vacancy rates.&rdquo;

Mercorella said while owner-occupiers had been dominant in the residential property sales market, investors were becoming more active.

&ldquo;In May according to the ABS, the number of new housing loans taken out by investors rose 13.3 per cent to $9.1 billion &ndash; the highest amount seen since June 2015.

&ldquo;A return of investors to the market will likely increase the number of rental properties available and reduce pressure on vacancy rates, potentially providing some relief for those struggling to find a rental.&rdquo;

Queensland has benefitted from record low vacancy rates, with southern state dwellers heading north during the pandemic over 12 months ago

What happened to Brisbane apartment values over August?

Apartment values across Sydney continued their strong growth&nbsp;over August, rising 1.4 per cent, according to the latest data released by property data firm CoreLogic.

Values are now up 11.5 per cent over 2021, after the current 4.7 per cent&nbsp;rolling quarterly gain. Values rose 1.6 per cent over both June and July.

Sydney&#39;s median apartment price is now $825,000, having started 2021 at $734,000.

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Sydney house values also rose, but at a slower rate than earlier in the year. They posted 1.9 per cent gains over August,&nbsp;another month where house performance continued&nbsp;to outstrip apartments.

The&nbsp;gap is starting to narrow however, and CoreLogic&#39;s research director Tim Lawless believes the convergence of growth in house values and unit values could be another demonstration of affordability becoming more challenging.

&ldquo;The narrowing gap between house and unit value growth is most noticeable in Australia&rsquo;s most expensive city, Sydney, where the monthly growth rate for houses was 2 percentage points higher than units in March.

&quot;That &lsquo;gap&rsquo; has now reduced to 0.6 percentage points in August.

&quot;Based on median values, Sydney units cost almost $470,000 less than a house. At the same time, the growth gap between houses and units in Melbourne and Brisbane has widened.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94354 project_image_fid=170427]

Unit rents are starting to rise in Sydney and Melbourne, which is a good metric for investors to follow. Australia&#39;s two biggest capitals were the hardest hit by the strict border closures and lack of international migration.

Throughout the first quarter of the year, capital city house values were rising approximately 1.1 percentage points faster than units each month. By August the average performance gap reduced to 0.7 percentage points.

Nationally, rents have lifted by 8.2% over the 12 months ending August, the largest rise in rents since 2008.

&ldquo;The weaker trend in unit rents across Australia&rsquo;s two largest cities is likely a reflection of their greater exposure to temporary overseas migrants as a source of rental tenancy, especially foreign students who would normally underpin inner city high rise rental demand, Lawless says.

&quot;The sharp drop in demand due to closed borders has been exacerbated by high supply levels as both cities come out of an unprecedented surge in inner city apartment construction,&rdquo; Lawless added.

Sydney unit rents have consistently risen each month during 2021, while in Melbourne, unit rents have been rising since June.

Sydney house values also rose, but at a slower rate than earlier in the year

What happened to Sydney apartment values over August?

Apartment values across Melbourne rose 0.5 per cent over August, according to the latest data released by property data firm CoreLogic.

The&nbsp;August gains put apartment values up 1.6 per cent over the quarter, after 0.4 per cent growth over July and 0.8 per cent in June.

Over the year to date, values are up 6.6 per cent, with the median now sitting at $615,909. The median apartment price at the start of 2021 was $577,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5328 project_image_fid=163914]

Melbourne house values rose 1.4 per cent over August, marking another month where house performance continues to outstrip apartments, although the gap is starting to narrow given renewed housing affordability constraints.

Throughout the first quarter of the year, capital city house values were rising approximately 1.1 percentage points faster than units each month. By August the average performance gap reduced to 0.7 percentage points.

CoreLogic&#39;s research director Tim Lawless believes the convergence of growth in house values and unit values could be another demonstration of affordability becoming more challenging.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103179 project_image_fid=167471]

&ldquo;The narrowing gap between house and unit value growth is most noticeable in Australia&rsquo;s most expensive city, Sydney, where the monthly growth rate for houses was 2 percentage points higher than units in March.

&quot;That &lsquo;gap&rsquo; has now reduced to 0.6 percentage points in August.

&quot;Based on median values, Sydney units cost almost $470,000 less than a house. At the same time, the growth gap between houses and units in Melbourne and Brisbane has widened.&rdquo;

Unit rents are starting to rise in Sydney and Melbourne, which is a good metric for investors to follow. Australia&#39;s two biggest capitals were the hardest hit by the strict border closures and lack of international migration.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100675 project_image_fid=170523]

Nationally, rents have lifted by 8.2% over the 12 months ending August, the largest rise in rents since 2008.

&ldquo;The weaker trend in unit rents across Australia&rsquo;s two largest cities is likely a reflection of their greater exposure to temporary overseas migrants as a source of rental tenancy, especially foreign students who would normally underpin inner city high rise rental demand, Lawless says.

&quot;The sharp drop in demand due to closed borders has been exacerbated by high supply levels as both cities come out of an unprecedented surge in inner city apartment construction,&rdquo; Lawless added.

Sydney unit rents have consistently risen each month during 2021, while in Melbourne, unit rents have been rising since June.

Unit rents are starting to rise in Sydney and Melbourne, which is a good metric for investors to follow

What happened to Melbourne apartment values over August?

The residential redevelopment by Lendlease of the Channel Nine studio site in Richmond is expected to be one of the most impressive regeneration projects of an industrial heritage&nbsp;building in the area when completed.

And that&#39;s seen buyers snap up the small collection of terraces, designed by the award-winning Bates Smart to incorporate the former Wertheim Piano Factory, which was built over a century ago.

Urban recently spoke to Bates Smart studio director Mark Healey about the Bendigo Street project.

JR: What was the brief from Lendlease for Gramercy Terraces?

MH: The brief was to provide a high-end product offering with a true sense of identity that respected the heritage context.

Lendlease sought the development to be part of a vibrant and sustainable inter-generational precinct within the Richmond neighbourhood, creating a strong sense of place.

The low-maintenance residential terrace homes are predominately targeted at young professionals, young families and agile downsizers.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95458 project_image_fid=169944]

Linking Gramercy Terraces to the common theme of the wider precinct, whilst also having their own unique identity to promote the individuality of the product was important.&nbsp;

JR: How will you incorporate the current building into the design?

MH: The Gramercy Terraces are responsive to the neighbouring textures, rhythm and depth found within the fine grain residential and heritage context to create a familiar atmosphere.

The fa&ccedil;ade expression references the mass and generous vertical elements of the adjacent heritage building within the broader development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95458 project_image_fid=169943]

The building forms also tie in with precinct wide datum, allowing Gramercy Terraces to stitch seamlessly into its immediate context and Richmond cottage streetscapes.

Implementation of similar fa&ccedil;ade materiality in different tone to subtly unify Gramercy Terraces with other buildings within the precinct assists.

JR: How will the history be reflected in the terraces when completed?

MH: Building on the broader GTV9 site&rsquo;s historical setting as a place of production, our design language was influenced by a contemporary, refined, industrial aesthetic; combined with a focus on natural materiality extracted from the local context.

Gramercy Terraces drew inspiration from the iconic Federation-era red brick buildings of the precinct, while paying homage to the former Nine Network studio&rsquo;s colour past. Gramercy Terraces also speak to the character of local terrace house language with landscaped entry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95458 project_image_fid=169945]

Contextually responsive materials such as textured brickwork and local bluestone were selected, adding a sense of permanence.

Richmond&rsquo;s rich industrial history of craft also informed the materiality selected for the interior.&nbsp;&nbsp;Warm terrazzo stone with metalwork reference the surrounding context but are refined and contemporary in their interpretation.

JR: What is/was the biggest challenge in the design? 

MH: The largest challenge was to relate the terrace&rsquo;s scale and materiality to the neighbouring context whilst also giving them their own unique identity. The massing of each home has been carefully articulated in order to add diversity to the streetscape and achieve active frontages.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95458 project_image_fid=169947]

JR: Was there a previous similar project you&#39;ve undertaken which you took inspiration from, or that gave you ideas in the design of Gramercy Terraces?

MH: There is no one project that provided individual design inspiration, however we do believe our residential design is influenced by other sectors in which we work - such as health and hospitality.

We believe this cross-sector approach brings a deeper and more nuanced approach to our design; experience rich spaces that people want to use and will enjoy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95458 project_image_fid=169942]

Coupled with this approach, Bates Smart has also delivered over one&nbsp;million sqm of residential projects over the past 20 years leading to resolved and well-planned residences. &nbsp;

JR: What is the part of the project you&#39;re most looking forward to seeing when completed? 

MH: We are looking forward to seeing the mix of residential building typologies all come together as a whole, that allows families of all generations to reside within one integrated precinct.

Both Gramercy Terraces and the wider precinct respect the site&rsquo;s rich heritage and celebrate diversity with timeless appeal.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=95458]

The award-winning Bates Smart incorporated the former Wertheim Piano Factory, which was built over a century ago.



Bates Smart studio director Mark Healey discusses Lendlease's Gramercy Terraces in Richmond

The Sunshine Coast developer Cube Developments have been given sign off by the local council for their boutique Cotton Tree, Maroochydore apartment development, Nature by Cube.

The 12 luxury apartments at 49 The Esplanade, on the&nbsp;Maroochydore coastline, has already seen huge buyer interest, with nearly half of the apartments already sold.

Nature is catering for pent up demand for luxury beachfront living since the mass northerly migration to the Sunshine Coast.

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2020 saw Queensland undergo its&nbsp; biggest population boom in 16 years, with 30,000 people relocating to the Sunshine State.

Scott Juniper, director of Cube Developments,&nbsp;said the Cottee-Parker designed project is attracting buyers wishing to maintain a high-end, highly connected lifestyle in a home that is on par to their Sydney and Melbourne residences.

&ldquo;There is a real upmarket quality to the area of Cotton Tree, and it&rsquo;s all on Nature&rsquo;s doorstep - from the parklands, aquatic centre, retail on one side, sports activity on the other - it&rsquo;s all a stone&rsquo;s throw away,&rdquo; Juniper said.

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Juniper told&nbsp;Cottee Parker Architects&nbsp;to deliver&nbsp;the best the Sunshine Coast has ever seen.&nbsp;

&ldquo;While remaining connected, the site itself maintains a high level of exclusivity and privacy, being less built up than other areas and with fewer neighbours.

&quot;Maroochydore is currently undergoing a large urban renewal process, with the development of the &lsquo;Maroochydore City Centre&rsquo; business precinct and $2.5 billion of private sector investment that will help to re-energize the area and develop a thriving and vibrant community.

&ldquo;This will all contribute to an enviable offering in this coastal pocket, further amplified by the Sunshine Coast airport, which will assist jetsetters even further as air travel opens up.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89721 project_image_fid=172111]

&ldquo;With little more than a handful of residences left - certainly not enough to satisfy the demand we&rsquo;re seeing come through - we&rsquo;re seeing snap decisions made to avoid missing out,&rdquo; he said. Nature by Cube is priced from $2.95 million.&nbsp;

Cube are well known in the area for their quality developments. They&#39;re currently selling Seasons in Birtinya, a&nbsp;much more budget-conscious apartment development in&nbsp;Birtinya.

They&#39;re planning a boutique project at Bokarina Beach, located between Calounda and Mooloolaba and adjacent to&nbsp;Bokarina Beach.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/qld/cube-developments-plan-oasis-boutique-apartment-development-at-bokarina-beach-sunshine-coast">Cube Developments plan boutique apartment development at Bokarina Beach, Sunshine Coast</a>

Cube Developments get green light for luxury Cotton Tree, Maroochydore apartments

The national property&nbsp;developer Gallery Group are the latest to submit plans for a residential apartment tower on the Gold Coast.

They&#39;ve submitted plans for their recently acquired site at 203-211 Surf Parade for a 35-level, 102-apartment tower dubbed Chalk.

Gallery are targeting the owner-occupier, with no one-bedroom apartments. There will be 17 two-bedroom apartments, which start in size from 105 sqm, and 85 three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="" height="764" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/chalk_surf_parade_2.jpg" width="1200" />

Levels six to 19 will have four apartments per floor, one-two-bedroom apartments and three three-bedroom apartments. The three-bedder will each have two sitting areas and a king-sized mater suite, complete with walk-in wardrobe and ensuite.

Those three-bedders start at 178 sqm.

From there levels 20 to 30 will have just three three-bedroom apartments, no smaller than 209 sqm. The biggest is over 254 sqm.

<img alt="" height="1063" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/chalk_surf_parade_4.jpg" width="1200" />

The skyhomes crown the development, across levels 31 to 34, each with three bedrooms, a study and a media room.

The northern penthouse is over 385 sqm and also has its own cellar. The king even has its own walk in shoe storage room

Raunik Design has drawn up the plans to feature a recreation level on level four, complete with a gym with sauna, pool and spa and pool deck.&nbsp;The landscaped gardens by FORM feature barbecue and dining areas. There are two apartments on that level, one with its own plunge pool.

There&#39;s a level 35 roof terrace with indoor and outdoor seating and dining, a communal kitchen, a boardroom or private dining area and a shared office space with a breakout area.

The entry lobby will home a cafe, surfboard racks, dog wash and water feature.

In the design intent, Raunik say the tower is inspired by art deco fused with a contemporary feel.&nbsp;

&quot;Precise geometric shapes integrated with simplistic design elements achieve timeless results&quot;, it reads.

&quot;Naturally formed materials such as concrete, glass and stone are intertwined carefully with earthy tones to create a grounded atmosphere both in and around the building.&quot;

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=108363]

They've submitted plans for their recently acquired site at 203-211 Surf Parade for a 35-level, 102-apartment tower dubbed Chalk

Gallery Group lodge plans for Surfers Paradise apartment development, Chalk

The masterplanned community&nbsp;Azure, in Forest Glen in the Sunshine Coast region, is set to have a number of rainforest-style villas bookend its mini-masterplan.

Developer Michael Cullen&nbsp;has lodged plans for 15 boutique villas in the Owen Creek Road development, which when completed&nbsp;will comprise of six stages across 20-acres, with communal parks, walking tracks and large open spaces.

Cullen has had Paul Butterworth Architect draw up the plans for the villas which will&nbsp;sit on blocks of land ranging from 164 sqm to 504 sqm. There are four different styles of villas, each having three bedrooms.&nbsp;

<img alt="" height="833" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/azure_land_main.jpg" width="1200" />

There will be villas at the other end of the townhouse community, which has 90 lots ranging from 195 sqm to 391 sqm. Buyers will have the option of building their own home, or buying as part of a house and land package.

Town Property sales agent Craig Morrison has been marketing the sought-after estate.

Last year, in the midst of the COVID-fuelled demand for the area, Morrison sold the first stage of the development, 21 lots, in one weekend when it launched.

There&rsquo;s now just a handful of lots remaining, starting from $365,000.

There will be villas at the other end of the townhouse community, which has 90 lots ranging from 195 sqm to 391 sqm

Sunshine Coast land development Azure set for rainforest villa collection

The local Sunshine Coast developer&nbsp;Habitat&nbsp;Developments are set for a 200-apartment development on the Maroochy River.

Habitat, led by director Cleighton Clarke, has lodged plans with the Sunshine Coast Council for St Clair Apartments at 930 &amp; 931 Birtinya Boulevard, located directly adjacent to Lake Kawana.&nbsp;

There will be 100 apartments in each eight-level building, made up of 46 two-beds, 119 three-bedroom apartments, making up 60 per cent of the development, and 35 four-bedroom and penthouse apartments.

Habitat Development Group managing director Cleighton Clark said they are excited about the project and look forward to Habitat playing its part in the growth and evolution of the Birtinya lakeside precinct.

"There’s already been some exciting momentum created by Stockland and other strong local developers," Clark said, adding that the Birtinya precinct was awarded the 2020 National UDIA Award for Master-planned Development.

K Architecture designed the buildings which curve in sync with each other, and are separated by a walkway to the water.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="674" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/st_clair_habitat_6.jpg" width="1200" />

Each building will rise eight levels from the ground, with a further two-levels of basement parking which will hav over 400 parking spaces.

“St Clair has a really elegant design and will capitalise on its prime waterfront location," Clark said.

"This prime waterfront development promises stunning ocean views and across Lake Kawana to the east as well as committed green space to the west."

There will be 13 apartments on each level, apartment from the ground floor which will have 12 and level eight which will have 10.

Some of the bigger penthouse-style apartments have over 50 sqm plus outdoor space, with a handful of courtyard apartments&nbsp;with over 90 sqm of gardens.

The ground floor homes the amenity, including a 25 metre swimming pool, communal dining room and a games and play lawn. The rooftop terrace will have seating and dining areas.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="672" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/st_clair_habitat_4.jpg" width="1200" />

Habitat are hoping the project will start in mid to late 2022, and will be completed in Q1 2024, pending approval.

Habitat recently sold out&nbsp;their $83 million&nbsp;Maroochydore&nbsp;project Market Lane, and are set to launch another Maroochydore&nbsp;project, The Corso, next year.

Clark said his enthusiasm for the Sunshine Coast has been reinforced by the strong market interest in Habitat’s existing projects under construction which are all completely sold out.

“We’ve been building on the Sunshine Coast for the past 16 years and this is the most buoyant market I’ve ever seen," Clark said.

“Rental vacancy rates have been low on the Sunshine Coast for a number of years, but vacancy is incredibly tight and we’ve witnessed very strong rental growth in the last year. Apartments are renting for 20% more than they were 12 months ago in projects we’ve completed and continue to manage.

"St Clair provides us another project to commence alongside some of our other exciting projects we’re planning in 2022."

“We’ve been building on the Sunshine Coast for the past 16 years and this is the most buoyant market I’ve ever seen," Habitat boss Cleighton Clark said.

Habitat Development Group set for 200 apartment St Clair Apartments in Birtinya on the Sunshine Coast

Owner-occupiers seeking an apartment can now find it more easily than ever, with renowned developer Central Equity offering personalised online tours of their Southbank tower, FOCUS.

Online tours commence September 8th at the FOCUS Sale Event - with access to an exclusive offer to purchase with 5% deposit, no more to pay until settlement.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=62315]

There are 15 different apartment layouts which can be selected as part of the tour.

Another bonus for owner-occupiers looking to buy in the building is that they can save up to $51,000 in stamp duty on their brand new apartment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=62317]

Investors haven&#39;t been left in the cold by Central Equity, who are offering a two-year rental guarantee to investors - available during the online Sale Event.

Investors can also save up to $27,000 in stamp duty savings as part of the government initiative.

Prices for one-bedroom apartments&nbsp;start from $499,000. Two-bedroom apartments start from $699,000&nbsp;and three-bedders are priced from $899,000.

FOCUS apartments have been designed with space in mind, with near three metre ceilings in the apartments, which have floor to ceilings windows to let in light and take in views of the city.

Resident amenity at FOCUS will include a luxury 17-seat theatre, a glass-roofed&nbsp;heated&nbsp;indoor swimming pool, and a gym with a sauna. There will be a communal lounge space, complete with a fireplace, kitchen and dining area which opens to an&nbsp;outdoor space with further dining and a barbecue.

Buyers can <a href="https://focusmelb.com.au/event?utm_source=urban&amp;utm_medium=portal&amp;utm_content=story">book a spot for a personalised tour of FOCUS</a>, which includes chatting with consultants, seeing the latest designs, floorplans, views and interiors, <a href="https://focusmelb.com.au/event?utm_source=urban&amp;utm_medium=portal&amp;utm_content=story">here</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=3260]

Experience 15 different apartment layouts at Central Equity's Sale Event from September 8

Tour FOCUS, Southbank apartments without leaving your home

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/smith-by-valli-collingwood-224-228-smith-street-collingwood-vic-3066">Smith Collingwood</a> is a new boutique apartment development bringing a refined, design-led approach to one of Melbourne’s most established inner-city neighbourhoods.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pandolfini-architects">Pandolfini Architects</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/lisa-buxton-interiors">Lisa Buxton</a>, Smith by Valli sits on iconic Smith Street and comprises just 22 residences tailored toward owner-occupiers seeking a more considered style of apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367540]

The design of Smith focuses on a north-facing orientation across all residences, a relatively uncommon feature in dense inner-Melbourne settings. Each apartment has been planned to maximise natural light and outlook, alongside a material palette defined by warm tones, custom joinery, and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances.

The development comprises a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with pricing currently ranging from just under $1 million to around $4.85 million for the premium penthouse-level residences, reflecting growing demand for luxury owner-occupier product in Melbourne’s inner urban market.

Residents will also have access to a private rooftop garden designed as an elevated retreat above the city, &nbsp;featuring curated landscaping, veggie boxes, intimate seating areas and spaces for relaxed gatherings. Sustainability has also been integrated into the project through a 7-star energy rating and two secure bicycle facilities for every residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367529]

Smith by Valli sits in the heart of one of Melbourne’s most established retail and hospitality strips, within walking distance of venues such as Falco Bakery, Carnation Canteen and Alimentari, alongside parks and everyday services. With a Walk Score of 99, the location reinforces the project’s positioning toward buyers prioritising walkability and access over car dependency.

With only a limited number of residences, Smith reflects growing demand for smaller, highly curated apartment developments that prioritise design quality, liveability, and connection to neighbourhood character.

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Smith by Valli delivers a refined collection of luxury residences to Melbourne’s inner north

<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.

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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;

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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;

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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.

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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;

Joel Robinson

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