A $21.5 million sales rush at the Cedar Woods masterplanned community Greville has seen the national developer bring forward the release of its third stage of townhomes.

The townhouses will be part of the $180 million masterplanned Greville community, five kilometres north of Brisbane.

The first two stages were particularly popular with local buyers. The latest release will see 10 terraces available&nbsp;from $809,000.

There was a flurry of sales when Cedar Woods announced they&#39;d appointed the regarded builder Condev Construction, who will commence construction of the first release of townhomes in the next few months.

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Cedar Woods development director Peter Starr said&nbsp;buyers are lining up to secure a brand new terrace home within close proximity to the CBD which prompted the decision to bring the third release forward.

&ldquo;With just ten terrace homes in the third release, there is limited opportunity in this new release at Greville, and within the broader Wooloowin area, and any new supply is being snapped up quickly due to increasing buyer demand,&quot; Starr said.

&ldquo;Wooloowin is an increasingly sought-after suburb for its location, with a median house price of $935,000 according to Core Logic, and solid growth record, which has seen prices jump 15 per cent in the past year alone.

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&ldquo;Releases one and two have been popular with mostly local purchasers who love living in Wooloowin and want to reinvest in the neighbourhood, or who are downsizing from surrounding suburbs.&rdquo;

Condev will be creating the wider masterplanned community which will home 84 terraces, 189 apartments across the towers and the adaptive re-use of the 1889-built heritage laundry into seven residential dwellings, as well as a 4,000 sqm parkland.

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Release three is set to offer one of Greville&#39;s most popular floorplans known as the Miller.

&ldquo;The Miller has all living and entertaining areas on the ground floor, opening on to an expansive private courtyard, with three bedrooms and a multi-purpose room upstairs, which can function as a fourth bedroom or study,&rdquo; he said.

The terraces are part of the $180 million masterplanned community

Joel Robinson

Sales flurry sees Cedar Woods bring forward third release of Greville terraces in Brisbane's Wooloowin

The Melbourne developer R.Corporation have released a boutique collection of townhomes in their landmark Southbank residential project R.Iconic.&nbsp;

Just five townhouses are on offer at R.Corporation&#39;s $850 million Normanby Road development which will also home a 40 level tower.

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Designed by a leading interior designer, the three bedroom, two bathroom townhouses span 250 sqm of living space and each come with a powder room and two car spaces.

The kitchen, living and dining area is located on top level of the home. Fitted with Miele appliances, the kitchen meets the open plan living and dining area which opens to a private terrace, complete with a built-in barbecue and treetop views.

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The townhouses are priced at $2,805,000.&nbsp;

Residents of the townhouses will have full access to R.Iconic&#39;s impressive amenity list, one of the cornerstone&#39;s of the 456 apartment development.

They have 38 resident amenities in total, including an 300 metre infinity running track and gym, rooftop sports courts, a wellness area with floatation spa and yoga room, a cinema and karaoke room and a virtual golf range, to name a few.

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Construction of R.Iconic is underway, with completion estimated for 2022.

Just five townhouses are on offer at R.Corporation's $850 million Normanby Road development which will also home a 40 level tower.

R.Corporation release boutique townhouse collection at South Melbourne project R.Iconic

The Esplanade, the sought-after strip&nbsp;in Burleigh Heads facing the beach, is seeing record high demand from buyers looking for high-end apartments on the Gold Coast.

A number of projects in recent months have sold out, and now&nbsp;Allure Property Corporation have secured the sales of over half of their apartments in their&nbsp;boutique apartment development 88 Burleigh within just&nbsp;four weeks of the project launch.

Local and interstate downsizers with an existing connection to Burleigh Heads have been the drivers in the $55 million worth of sales, with the average price point around $2.65 million.

Place Projects agent Bruce Goddard said there were 360 inquiries within the first two weeks of its launch.

"The interest has been nothing but stunning with more than half the building secured in a fortnight from 360 inquiries,” said Mr Goddard. “Buyers all know Burleigh well, so we are preaching to the converted.

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“The interstate buyers from Melbourne and Sydney all have some existing connection with Burleigh Heads as previous or existing investors, and this is the same from Brisbane.

“Gold Coast buyers make up about 60 per cent of the latest purchases with many of these upgrading from existing apartments along The Esplanade or local buyers downsizing from homes within the Burleigh locale.”

The $90 million development will comprise a 17-level tower with 31 three bedroom apartments designed by DBI Architecture.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=92609 project_image_fid=157100]

Crowning the development will be a 400 sqm penthouse with a private rooftop pool, internal garden, entertaining lounge and 270-degree ocean and beach views from Burleigh Heads to Surfers Paradise.

All the lower-level apartments feature three bedrooms and each apartment’s lobby opens directly on a sky garden forming a vertical green spine on its northern and southern facades.

Recently FORME lodged plans for another <a href="/news/qld/tower-reveal-burleigh-heads-set-for-new-koichi-takada-apartment-tower-by-forme">Koichi Takada-designed apartment tower at 96 The Esplanade</a>, following on from the success of their nearby luxury development Norfolk.

Place Projects agent Bruce Goddard said there were 360 inquiries within the first two weeks of its launch

88 Burleigh sells half its apartments within four weeks of launch

The leading property developer Cbus Property have topped out their residential mixed-use project The Langston in Sydney&#39;s Epping.

The topping out came of their 29-storey Langston Tower, which will be the tallest tower of three to be built by Hutchinson Builders.&nbsp;

The Langston Tower&nbsp;will be flanked with two further towers, the 24 level The Central, as well as a 19-level tower yet to be named. The trio of towers will home 462 apartments which are expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

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The Langston, located 100 metres from Epping Station, will also home a 2,750 sqm public plaza which adjoins a 2,100 sqm mixed-use retail precinct which will include a supermarker, cafes, restaurants and a number of retail tenances.

Cbus Property CEO Adrian Pozzo said the topping out, attended by Hutchinson Builders chairman Scott Hutchinson&nbsp;and City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dywer, marks an important step in the revitalization of the Epping Town Centre.

&ldquo;To have the physical structure of The Langston completed is a major achievement for our entire project team &ndash; and we&rsquo;re now focussed on pushing ahead into the final stages of the construction,&rdquo; Mr Pozzo said.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve been committed to developing this site for a number of years, so to reach this stage in the development is not only an exciting milestone for us, but also for the future face of Epping.

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&ldquo;The Langston is a major contributor to the Epping Town Centre, providing new housing opposite a major transport hub, as well as brand-new retail offerings and an extensive public domain that links pedestrians from the station through to the eastern side of the suburb.

The event included the placement of a ceremonial magnolia tree atop Langston Tower to mark the occasion.

Architectus have designed the three towers.

Architectus senior associate&nbsp;Gary Henighen believes The Langston will be a distinctive landmark in Sydney&rsquo;s north-west.

&ldquo;The Langston will feature abundant amenity and premium features akin to that of inner-CBD residential projects,&rdquo; Mr Henighen said.

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&ldquo;Architectus&rsquo; design thoughtfully responds to the changing market conditions, including the rapid growth of the region, links to the new metro line and increased expectations for apartment living following the COVID-19 pandemic.

&ldquo;The Langston will provide residents with a luxurious, hotel-style experience and externally, the curvaceous form of the buildings maximises the spectacular 360-degree views over Sydney&rsquo;s city skyline and the Blue Mountains.&quot;

There will be a swimming pool with a pool deck and cabanas, a wellness hub with gym and exercise spaces, a sky lounge with terrace and private dining spaces and an on-site co-working space.

Prices start&nbsp;from $580,000 for a one-bedroom apartment or $790,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.

The topping out came of their 29-storey Langston Tower, which will be the tallest tower of three to be built by Hutchinson Builders

Cbus Property top out Epping apartment development The Langston

RBA Governor Philip Lowe&#39;s meeting statement

At its meeting today, the Board decided to maintain the current policy settings, including the targets of 10&nbsp;basis points for the cash rate and the yield on the 3-year Australian Government bond, as well as the parameters of the Term Funding Facility and the government bond purchase program.

The global economy is continuing to recover from the pandemic and the outlook is for strong growth this year and next. The recovery remains uneven, though, and some countries are yet to contain the virus. Global trade in goods has picked up strongly and commodity prices are mostly higher than at the start of the year. However, inflation remains low and below central bank targets.

Sovereign bond yields have been steady recently after increasing earlier in the year due to the positive news on vaccines and the additional fiscal stimulus in the United States. Inflation expectations have lifted from near record lows to be closer to central banks&#39; targets. The 3-year government bond yield in Australia is at the Board&#39;s target of 10&nbsp;basis points and lending rates for most borrowers are at record lows. The Australian dollar remains in the upper end of the range of recent years.

The economic recovery in Australia has been stronger than expected and is forecast to continue. This recovery is especially evident in the strong growth in employment, with the unemployment rate falling further to 5.6&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent in March and the number of people with a job now exceeding the pre-pandemic level.

The Bank&#39;s central scenario for GDP growth has been revised up further, with growth of 4&frac34;&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent expected over 2021 and 3&frac12;&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent over 2022. A pick-up in business investment is expected and household spending will be supported by the strengthening in balance sheets over the past year. The unemployment rate is expected to continue to decline, to be around 5&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent at the end of this year and around 4&frac12;&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent at the end of 2022.

Despite the strong recovery in economic activity, the recent CPI data confirmed that inflation pressures remain subdued in most parts of the Australian economy. A pick-up in inflation and wages growth is expected, but it is likely to be only gradual and modest. In the central scenario, inflation in underlying terms is expected to be 1&frac12;&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent in 2021 and 2&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent in mid&nbsp;2023. In the short term, CPI inflation is expected to rise temporarily to be above 3&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent in the June quarter because of the reversal of some&nbsp;COVID-19-related price reductions.

Housing markets have strengthened further, with prices rising in all major markets. Housing credit growth has picked up, with strong demand from owner-occupiers, especially first-home buyers. Given the environment of rising housing prices and low interest rates, the Bank will be monitoring trends in housing borrowing carefully and it is important that lending standards are maintained.

At its July meeting, the Board will consider whether to retain the April 2024 bond as the target bond for the 3-year yield target or to shift to the next maturity, the November 2024 bond. The Board is not considering a change to the target of 10&nbsp;basis points. At the July meeting, the Board will also consider future bond purchases following the completion of the second $100&nbsp;billion of purchases under the government bond purchase program in September. The Board is prepared to undertake further bond purchases to assist with progress towards the goals of full employment and inflation. The Board places a high priority on a return to full employment.

The date for final drawings under the Term Funding Facility is 30&nbsp;June 2021. Given that financial markets in Australia are operating well, the Board is not considering a further extension of this facility. Authorised deposit-taking institutions have drawn $100&nbsp;billion so far and a further $100&nbsp;billion is currently available. Given the facility provides funding for 3&nbsp;years, it will continue to support low funding costs in Australia until mid&nbsp;2024.

The Board is committed to maintaining highly supportive monetary conditions to support a return to full employment in Australia and inflation consistent with the target. It will not increase the cash rate until actual inflation is sustainably within the 2&nbsp;to 3&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent target range. For this to occur, the labour market will need to be tight enough to generate wages growth that is materially higher than it is currently. This is unlikely to be until 2024 at the earliest.

The RBA kept the official cash rate at record lows at its May meeting

Housing markets strengthen further in all major markets: RBA Governor Philip Lowe's May 2021 meeting statement

The RBA maintained its current policy settings at its May meeting, keeping the official cash rate at a record low 0.1 per cent.

RBA governor Philip Lowe said housing markets have strengthened further, with prices rising in all major markets.

&quot;Housing credit growth has picked up, with strong demand from owner-occupiers, especially first-home buyers,&quot; Mr Lowe said.

&quot;Given the environment of rising housing prices and low interest rates, the Bank will be monitoring trends in housing borrowing carefully and it is important that lending standards are maintained.&quot;

The RBA stood by their view that rates won&#39;t likely change until 2024. Around&nbsp;65 per cent of experts surveyed in Finder&#39;s monthly RBA Cash Rate Survey believe there won&#39;t be any rate change until 2023.

AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver is one who believes a rate change will come before 2024.

&quot;While&nbsp;the economy is recovering faster than expected, the RBA is still a long way away from seeing its stated requirements for a rate hike &ndash; being a tight jobs market, wages growth well above 3% and actual inflation sustainably within the 2-3% target range,&quot; Oliver said.

&quot;A rate hike is still a fair way off although I think it will come before the RBA&rsquo;s expectation for &lsquo;2024 at the earliest&rsquo;.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3298]

The clear&nbsp;message from the RBA however&nbsp;hasn&#39;t stopped banks changing their fixed rates, with Westpac, including their subsidiary banks including St George, Bank of Melbourne and BankSA, lifting their four-year fixed from 1.89 per cent to 2.19 per cent. They also raised their five-year fixed to 2.49 per cent.

The four-year rise copied the move by CBA in March, however CBA reduced its one and two-year fixed rates at the same time.

UHomeLoan also raised their three-year fixed by 10 basis points to 1.85 per cent.

&ldquo;This sudden wave of lenders increasing longer-term rates and decreasing shorter-term rates reveals a strategy to lock their customers in for shorter time periods,&quot; Graham Cooke, insights manager at Finder said.

&ldquo;This can be seen as a bet on variable rates increasing sooner than expected. It also reveals that the tide could be turning on our historically low fixed home loan rate environment.&quot;

AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver is one who believes a rate change will come before 2024.

RBA hold rates at May meeting

Voyager, a residential tower delivered by Mirvac, is one of the&nbsp;newest developments set within the masterplanned Yarra&rsquo;s Edge precinct on the Docklands waterfront.

The 315 apartment development will feature&nbsp;over 1,000 sqm of fine dining and retail, a state-of-the-art wellness centre, parklands and marina berths.

Urban recently spoke to&nbsp;Mirvac&#39;s General Manager of Residential Victoria Elysa Anderson about the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494 project_image_fid=90814]

JR: What are the highlights of Voyager and what is attracting buyers to the project?

EA: The prestigious Voyager tower is the next chapter in the established Yarra&rsquo;s Edge community and is a reflection of Mirvac&rsquo;s ongoing commitment to the precinct. It is the tallest building in the area to date, rising to approximately 130 metres with 43 levels and featuring significant shared amenity within the lobby and rooftop space, adding immense value to residents&rsquo; lives.

The first of its kind for Yarra&rsquo;s Edge, Voyager&rsquo;s residents-only rooftop space will offer picturesque skyline views across the city and the Yarra River, with indoor and outdoor facilities for private dining, as well as a bar, lounge area, theatre and karaoke room. Voyager residents will also have access to the exemplary amenity at Yarra&rsquo;s Edge, combined with unparalleled north facing waterfront access, with residences that focus on flexibility, liveability and sustainability.

Voyager has been very well received by purchasers who are looking to the long term, demanding quality apartments supported by strong real estate fundamentals, with Mirvac&rsquo;s unique end-to-end inhouse capability an added reassurance for buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494 project_image_fid=89064]

JR: What were the goals for the Mirvac Design team? 

EA: Voyager is our response to demand for quality housing and amenities in well-connected inner-city locations and is a reflection of Mirvac&rsquo;s ongoing commitment to the wider Yarra&rsquo;s Edge precinct. The Mirvac Design team&rsquo;s goal was to create contemporary, versatile residences to suit all lifestyles and life cycles, ensuring Voyager appeals to a broad demographic of purchasers through a diverse range of built form and liveability.

JR: Where have buyers for Voyager come from, and who is the development appealing to? 

EA: The majority of buyers for Voyager have been local downsizers and upgraders from Docklands, the CBD and Port Melbourne, as well as people from Bayside locations (Phillip Island and Mornington Peninsula) looking for a city base. More recently, we have also seen buyers who are astute investors, looking to secure their future by purchasing an apartment to rent now and move into in the medium to long term.

JR: What else does the Yarra&#39;s Edge Community offer residents? 

EA: Yarra&rsquo;s Edge is a rare 14.5-hectare inner-city sanctuary located on the north-facing bank of the Yarra River, with strong connectivity to the CBD, Southbank and the future Fishermans Bend precinct with extensive amenity, including:

&bull; The Wharf Club &ndash; a state-of-the-art health and fitness facility which boasts a pool, spa, steam room, gym, fitness facilities and caf&eacute; &bull; Wharf&rsquo;s Landing Park &ndash; a 1,500-square-metre green open space with an architecturally designed trafficable green incline roof

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494 project_image_fid=89075]

&bull; The Think Pink Living Centre &ndash; designed by the Mirvac Design team, the purpose-built Living Centre provides professional and caring holistic support to patients, their families and carers at any stage of their journey with breast cancer

&bull; A selection of cafes and restaurants, from casual cafes to upmarket eateries, including Anchor Eatery, Espressionist Cafe, Hooks at the Yarra, Lorimer Gallery, Mad Duck Caf&eacute;, Pizza Societe and Sassone Italian Restaurant

&bull; YE Marina &ndash; catering for boats up to 30 metres, YE Marina features full services booths with individually metres power and water facilities, 24-hour security and wireless internet access

&bull; A future proposed 1,000-square-metre retail hub, which is anticipated to service both the local community and the broader Fishermans Bend and Docklands catchment area

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494 project_image_fid=89074]

JR: Why is Voyager a standout in the Yarra&#39;s Edge Community? 

EA: At over 130 metres tall with 43 levels, Voyager is the tallest building to date at Yarra&rsquo;s Edge and offers residents incredible views across the city skyline down to the Yarra River and a marina lifestyle. It features a range of residences to suit a variety of lifestyles including artist and home-office apartments, one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury residences, Sky Residences and an exclusive residents-only rooftop space on level 43 unlike anything provided within Yarra&rsquo;s Edge to date. This residents-only rooftop features a private skydeck and bar for residents to utilise, complete with open-air fireplace, lush green features and elevated views. Residents can book the beautifully appointed private dining room for entertaining, while the bar is ideal for intimate gatherings and a cinema room is also available for them to enjoy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494 project_image_fid=89054]

JR: What are your further plans for the Yarra&#39;s Edge Community? 

EA: Following the success of Voyager and ongoing appetite for premium, lifestyle-focused apartments, we are now undergoing visioning discussions for our next tower at Yarra&rsquo;s Edge. Yarra&rsquo;s Edge is already home to over 3,000 residents and we are continuing to reimagine urban life at Docklands. The future vision includes a proposed new 1,000 square metre retail hub, which will service both the local community and the broader Fishermans Bend and Docklands catchments. Our plan is to continue to enhance the area&rsquo;s liveability, creating and adding to the vibrant community at Yarra&rsquo;s Edge.

JR: Voyager is proudly a dog friendly complex, why was this important?

EA: Yarra&rsquo;s Edge already has a large dog community and Voyager will be no different. We wanted to create a development that was pet-friendly, with plenty of parks, boardwalks and paths available at Yarra&rsquo;s Edge to allow dog owners the opportunity to throw, catch, chase and hang out with their favourite companion

&nbsp;

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The 315 apartment development will feature over 1,000 sqm of fine dining and retail, a state-of-the-art wellness centre, parklands and marina berths

Everything a buyer needs to know about Voyager at Yarra's Edge: Five minutes with Mirvac's General Manager of Residential Victoria

Gold Coast developer Marquee Development Partners found a prime and rare&nbsp;spot between Main Beach and Broadbeach which they knew would be unmatched.

They have gone about creating a 17-level tower on Old Burleigh Road, far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise, but close enough to take advantage of the local infrastructure and amenities.

Urban recently sat down with Helena Clausen, design manager (BArch) at&nbsp;Marquee Development Partners to discuss Shoreline.

JR: What are the highlights of Shoreline and what do you think will attract buyers to the project?

HC: Shoreline delivers the ultimate in space, privacy, and opulence, with the exclusivity of just two residences per floor, only 27 in total. Oversized, half-floor apartments the size of an average new house with an abundance of storage. Premium finishes and inclusions,&nbsp;including ducted air-conditioning, 40mm stone benchtops, European appliances and more.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22057 project_image_fid=150841]

Wrapped by over 20m of floor to ceiling glass which draw in the stunning 270 degree views and flood the interiors with light. Perfectly positioned in a quiet pocket between Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise, across the road from a patrolled beach and five minutes from the Broadbeach Surf Club.

The open plan residences seamlessly integrate, with the kitchen, living and dining flowing outdoors enjoying the endless protected views across the Pacific Ocean.

Impressive residents amenity, including a wellness centre with European style spa, sauna and&nbsp;shower, magnesium pool and a&nbsp;gym with reformer pilates and barre.

To help residents balance work commitments, level two&nbsp;features a private work from home lounge designed for absolute convenience.

JR: What drew you to the Old Burleigh Rd site?

HC: We immediately knew Shoreline&rsquo;s location would be unmatched, in a quiet residential pocket, lined with iconic Norfolk Pines midway between Broadbeach and&nbsp;Surfers Paradise this location strikes the perfect balance between classic beach culture and laid-back atmosphere.

At Shoreline, residents are only steps away from a year-round patrolled beach whilst also having two of the Gold Coast&rsquo;s best entertainment and dining precincts at their doorstep.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22057 project_image_fid=150840]

JR: What was the brief for BDA?

HC: Our brief to BDA was to redefine relaxed coastal living with a smooth and&nbsp;fluid design inspired by the curling waves of the beach below.

BDA&rsquo;s vision reflects the softly moving shoreline and the rhythmically breaking waves whilst expressing gratitude and understanding of the unique location.

JR: Who do you think will be most interested in Shoreline?

HC: We are witnessing Shoreline attract a range of buyer types, more commonly we are seeing downsizers who are entering the next phase of their life with more flexible working arrangements and adult children. Purchasers at Shoreline are selling their large family homes and relocating to the coast for the laid back and relaxing lifestyle after decades of full-time work and raising a family.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22057 project_image_fid=150836]

Shoreline represents the crowning achievement for their hardwork throughout their lives and we appreciate the importance of this and&nbsp;the trust emplaced in us.

Unlike your typical sea-change&nbsp;downsizers, the demographic at Shoreline is proving to be a very much active and affluent buyer looking to achieve the perfect balance between work life &amp;amp; leisure whilst enjoying a laid back coastal lifestyle.

JR: How long do you think the Gold Coast can keep up its surge in buyer demand?

HC: The Gold Coast&rsquo;s gorgeous weather all year-round, phenomenal beaches, world-class restaurants, retail and entertainment, a booming population, record levels of infrastructure investment, and value for money will see the historic surge in buyer demand continue throughout 2021 into 2022 for 
the Gold Coast.

JR: What is next for Marquee?

HC: Further adding to our $400 million&nbsp;track record on the Gold Coast, we are onto our seventh project, One Cannes. One Cannes&nbsp;offers absolute riverfront two, three and four-bedroom luxury apartments and penthouses with 5-star, resort style amenity. 
Following on from One Cannes&nbsp;and&nbsp;Shoreline,&nbsp;we are heading down to the southern Gold Coast, with two new developments to hit the market mid-year in Kirra and&nbsp;Palm Beach.

&nbsp;

Urban recently sat down with Helena Clausen, design manager (BArch) at Marquee Development Partners to discuss Shoreline.

Everything a buyer needs to know about Shoreline: Five minutes with Marquee Development Partners

Residents have moved in to the completed&nbsp;$300 million Hawthorn East apartment project Hawthorn Park.

The striking project was developed by Dahua Group to a design by Rothelowman and sits in landscaping designed by Jack Merlo.

With buyers having moved in, Urban spoke to first home buyer&nbsp;Nahrin Butrus about her property buying journey, and what she loves about Hawthorn Park.

JR: What first drew you to Hawthorn Park?&nbsp;

NB: I was looking for a place with open space and greenery so the landscaping around the complex was actually very attractive and very important to me. And then on top of that the architectural style of the building and the interior design and finishings were all very beautiful and of high end quality. I was incredibly impressed with all that Hawthorn Park has to offer.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=158928]

JR: How long had you been searching for a property?&nbsp;

NB: For about one&nbsp;year on and off but I only seriously looked around for about three&nbsp;months with a firm intention of finding a place to finally purchase

JR: Were you always looking for an apartment?&nbsp;&nbsp;

NB: Yes, because I love the idea of living in an apartment with lots of facilities and amenities at hand. I also knew that for the location I was after an apartment would be the best option. It&rsquo;s an affordable way to live in the best part of Melbourne.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=158939]

JR: Why did you choose Hawthorn East?&nbsp;

NB: The&nbsp;location is perfect. It&rsquo;s a beautiful leafy suburb, very close to the shops and restaurants on Glenferrie, Burke, Auburn, Burwood, and Riversdale Roads, and it is very close to the city and transport. A lot of my favourite restaurants are here.

Read more: <a href="/news/vic/walking-tour-whats-within-walking-distance-from-hawthorn-park">Walking Tour: What&#39;s within walking distance from Hawthorn Park?</a>

JR: What advice would you have for other first home buyers?

NB: Research on what you need to do to be ready financially and understand how the purchase process works. And there&rsquo;s plenty of government schemes to help you along with buying your first place so take advantage of them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=158932]

JR: Did you take advantage of any government incentives?&nbsp;

NB: Yes, I used the First Home Super Saver Scheme and received the First Home Owner Grant and Stamp Duty was waived.

JR: Did you have a set of criteria that your first home had to meet?

NB: I did but I also thought about how a range of characteristics worked together. I wanted a place that was close to the city, some greenery, with a good layout, good internal and external space, lots of amenities, not too tall a building so it is overbearing. I got everything I wanted.&nbsp;

JR: What made you decide to buy off-the-plan rather than an existing dwelling?

NB: I found my dream apartment and it wasn&rsquo;t built yet. But it also has the benefit of coming with the First Home Owner Grant, and it also gave me more time to get prepared with my finances and prepare to move. It&rsquo;s nice to be able to plan in advance with a time frame than suddenly having to move your life around.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=158937]

JR: How is your experience in Hawthorn Park?&nbsp;

NB: I&#39;m very happy at Hawthorn Park. It&rsquo;s all so beautiful and has turned out to be exactly what I was hoping to get. It honestly feels like living in a resort. And the apartment itself is well built too. I can see a lot of thought has gone into the layout inside the apartment to be functional for everyday life.

JR: Hawthorn Park has an impressive list of onsite amenities - which one is your favourite and&nbsp;why?&nbsp;

NB: It does and I love them all but the sky pool is definitely the most amazing. The views of the city and surrounds are impressive up there.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=158936]

JR: How do you find Hawthorn Park community?

NB: Everyone I&rsquo;ve met and talked to so far have all been lovely and wonderful people. I look forward to meeting more of my neighbours.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/expert-insights/buying/rothelowman-discuss-the-design-principles-of-dahua-groups-hawthorn-park-apartment-project">Rothelowman discuss the design principles of Dahua Group&#39;s Hawthorn Park apartment project</a>

Urban spoke to first home buyer Nahrin Butrus about her property buying journey and what she loves about Hawthorn Park.



Why I purchased: Buyers move in to Hawthorn Park apartment development

Seafarers is one of the latest mixed-use developments heading to Melbourne&#39;s rejuvenated Northbank precinct.

The project, by the veteran developer Riverlee, will home 123 apartments in the same building as&nbsp;Australia&#39;s first 1 Hotel when it is completed in late 2023.

Seafarers has been designed by the revered architecture firm Fender Katsalidis in collaboration with&nbsp;the award-winning architecture and interior design firm Carr Design.

Urban recently sat down with Riverlee development director David Lee to talk about the mixed-use project.

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JR: Who is Seafarers pitched at, and why did you choose this demographic?&nbsp; 
DL: Seafarers is multi-layered, with various points of difference across the project. The project is designed for residents, guests, and the public. So, there isn&rsquo;t just one, but many target audiences. &nbsp;Breaking them down, each of the different aspects of the project appeal to a different demographic &ndash; from the &lsquo;lock-up-and-leave&rsquo; ability for those constantly on the move, to the potential buyers wanting to downsize (or upsize) from their current living arrangements with the luxury hotel services on offer, to create ease of living.

The space allows for movement within the building and is planned to provide convenience for someone with a dynamic work schedule. Seafarers offers the opportunity to work late and entertain or host clients, all in the one vicinity with easy access to the CBD and airport.&nbsp;

Purchasers thus far have spanned from those already living in the CBD, to downsizers and entrepreneurs.&nbsp;

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JR: Why did you choose this site? 
DL: We first came across the Seafarers site back in 2008 when the Victorian Government called for submissions from developers to revitalise the Northbank area. At the time, we were the owners of the World Trade Centre nearby and had just undergone a refurbishment bringing new life to the waterfront area with an expansion of retail and a public wharf.&nbsp;

When submitting our plan to the Victorian Government, we had a great appreciation for the riverfront site and knew it was one of the last remaining in the Melbourne CBD. We were fortunate to be awarded the site in 2010.

JR: What was the brief for Fender Katsalidis?&nbsp; 
DL: Understanding the history of the site was important. We wanted to create a building that was respectful whilst also incorporating a unique space for both residents and the public. Fender Katsalidis&rsquo; brief was to capture the vibrant culture of Melbourne and bring a fresh addition to the Northbank area, re-connecting the city and the Yarra.

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Being a unique site, we wanted a striking architectural icon to grace the riverbanks, with a design that reflects the building&rsquo;s vibrant and mixed-use nature. This needed to be mindful of the site&rsquo;s origins, the heritage Goods Shed as well as the natural environment and public spaces.&nbsp;

JR: What are you most looking forward to seeing when the project is finished?&nbsp;

DL: Seeing the cohesive layers of Seafarers come together will be most exciting for us &ndash; park, river, wharf, heritage, hotel, residences and hospitality &ndash; particularly as it&rsquo;s a project that has been many years in the making. Connecting layers of people &ndash; residents, 1 Hotel guests and the public &ndash; and heritage through space and design at Northbank is something we are looking forward to.

JR: What will be the biggest drawcard for buyers to the project?&nbsp; 
DL: Seafarers will be Melbourne&rsquo;s first international hotel-branded residences. Purchasers of Seafarers will be part of the luxury, sustainable hotel-branded 1 Hotel &amp; Homes Melbourne. It is a new concept for the city, and I truly believe that it will change the landscape of luxury accommodation in Melbourne.

Residents will have exclusive access to all of the hotel services and amenities, from the convenience of their own home.&nbsp;

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1 Hotel &amp; Homes provides residents with a true lock-up and go lifestyle with pantries being stocked when needed, concierge services and space being available for those who travel frequently but are looking for a low maintenance, luxury living arrangement.&nbsp;

All of these services are very important to ensure Seafarers is recognised for its innovation and adaptability.

JR: Any plans for your next development? 
DL: At Riverlee we have recently debuted our next development, New Epping. Located in Melbourne&rsquo;s north, New Epping will provide health, commercial and residential opportunities including the new Northern Private Hospital, a diverse range of housing options and a central green spine, with wellness at the core of our offering.&nbsp;

It&#39;s an exciting development for us and one we really look forward to seeing come together over the coming years.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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What buyer's need to know about the newest Northbank project Seafarers: Five minutes with Riverlee's David Lee

<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.

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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.

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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.”

[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.

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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.

[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;

Joel Robinson

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