The growing housing affordability issues in Sydney has seen young professionals target off the plan apartments, particularly in Sydney&#39;s inner west.

The Five Dock apartment project Catania, developed by Metway Developments, has seen a number of buyers who want live in the waterside suburb.

Stefan Jones at 365 Property has seen downsizers, or rightsizers, buy in to the apartment project of 34, but also young professionals, who have been priced out of the housing market and are now more keen on high end apartments.

&quot;If they [young professionals], want to get in to that Five Dock, Drummonye, Abbotsford area then houses are becoming too expensive,&quot; Jones says.

Catania, which comprises two buildings inspired by classic modernist architecture, was designed by BKA&nbsp;and are crowned by an exclusive rooftop garden and entertainers&rsquo; terrace with views to Hen and Chicken Bay.

There are 22 two bedroom apartments, six one beds and six three bedroom apartments.

One build has 19 apartments across six storeys, the other with 15 across four storeys.

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Sales&nbsp;kicked off in July last year, and Jones&nbsp;says that, while the market is a bit different to the COVID-19 hit 2020, Five Dock is quite an insular location with not much stock.

&quot;Even during a tough market, Five Dock tends to stand quite well&quot;, Jones says, adding that apartment living has always been popular in the area and hasn&#39;t really faltered or wavered in any way.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6585 project_image_fid=77474]

Jones says the apartment market at the moment is full of discerning buyers wanting quality and size.

&quot;If you&#39;re developing a standard apartment project you&#39;re going to struggle,&quot; Jones says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6585 project_image_fid=77470]

So far 21 of the 34 apartments have sold.&nbsp;One bedroom apartments start from $779,000, two bedders from $949,000 and the three bedroom penthouses from $1.7 million.

Construction began in September and is slated for completion in December.

The Five Dock apartment project Catania, developed by Metway Developments, has seen a number of buyers who want to get in to the waterside suburb.

Joel Robinson

Young professionals look to Five Dock's premium off the plan apartment market as Sydney housing affordability issues rise

The award-winning Melbourne CBD apartment tower Melbourne Grand is ready for buyers to move in.

The $470 million tower by the veteran developer Central Equity was designed by high-profile architects Guilford Bell + Graham Fisher and built by&nbsp;Multiplex.

Urban has taken a look at five reasons why Melbourne Grand should be on a buyer&#39;s shortlist.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490 project_image_fid=92416]

1. The Developer

Melbourne Grand has been delivered by the award-winning developer Central Equity, who have been developing property in Melbourne for well over three decades.

They&#39;ve have delivered over 80 projects and have more than 35,000 residents across their built projects.

Melbourne Grand won&nbsp;the&nbsp;Apartment Complex of the Year (over $20m) at HIA Victoria&#39;s 2020 awards. It was the sixth time Central Equity won a HIA award. Last year they won the same award for the 52 level Southbank Place on Southbank&#39;s Kavanagh Place.

Currently in the pipeline Central Equity are set to soon&nbsp;start construction on Parkhill in West Melbourne. Currently under construction is Focus Melbourne, also in Southbank on City Road.&nbsp;

2. The Architect

Melbourne Grand was designed&nbsp;by the renowned architects Guilford Bell + Graham Fisher.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490 project_image_fid=92419]

The curved tower&nbsp;features a glittering facade, with a wave-like joinery motif, giving the tower a striking point of difference.&nbsp;

The South Yarra-based Guilford Bell + Graham Fisher also worked on Central Equity&#39;s Southbank Grand and the sold out Southbank Place.

3. The Amenities

Melbourne Grand features a string of hotel-style amenities which take up the whole of the 10th level.

As well as an indoor poor, gym and yoga studio, there&#39;s a residents&#39; lounge with a banquet room and coffee bar, as well as a 17-seat luxury theatre.

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4. The Apartments

The apartments, which all have a 7.2 star average energy rating, span up to 120 sqm and feature high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows with motorised blinds.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490 project_image_fid=93147]

Most living areas have their own study nook with a built-in desk and a balcony with panoramic city views off the living space. Each kitchen is fitted with Miele appliances and integrated aircon comes as standard.

There&#39;s plenty of storage on offer with built in wardrobes, or walk in wardrobes in some of the more premium apartments, as well as a separate storage cage. 
 
5. The Location

Melbourne Grand is located at 560 Lonsdale Street, toward the western end of the central street.&nbsp;

It&#39;s just two streets back from the busy La Trobe Street. Less than 400 metres from the front door is the picturesque Flagstaff Gardens and its tram stop.

Southern Cross station is less than a 10&nbsp;minute walk. Also within walking distance is Queen Vic Market and Melbourne Central.

The $470 million tower developed by the veteran developer Central Equity was designed by high-profile architects Guilford Bell + Graham Fisher and built by Multiplex.



Why Melbourne Grand should be on a buyer's shortlist

The affordability and sustainability conscious&nbsp;developer Assemble are set to launch its latest rent-with-the-option-to-buy apartment development in Melbourne&#39;s Brunswick next month.

The current factory site at 4 Ballarat Street, Brunswick will be converted by architecture firm Fieldwork to home 171 studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments.

It will be the third&nbsp;rent-with-the-option-to-buy project following&nbsp;393 Macaulay Rd in&nbsp;Kensington, currently under construction with residents moving in later this year, and 15 Thompson St, also in Kensington, which is now being demolished in preparation for construction.&nbsp;

How does rent to buy&nbsp;work?

The new&nbsp;rent-with-the-option-to-buy model offers a more accessible pathway to owning a home, that bridges the gap between renting and buying. Once the applicant signs the lease agreement and contract of sale, they secure five years agreed rent with the option to buy their home at the end of the lease period.

Assemble managing director&nbsp;Kris Daff said the Assemble Futures housing concept is popular for Melbourne&rsquo;s first home buyers, with moderate incomes starting from $60,000, and renters alike seeking secure, long-term housing.

&ldquo;We are witnessing the strongest growth in property values in our history, rising at their fastest rate in almost two decades, and as a result, we have reached a crisis point in housing affordability,&quot; Daff says.

&quot;Our housing concept, Assemble Futures, takes the volatility out of the market and provides absolute price certainty for our clients over the term of the lease and the end purchase price.&rdquo;&nbsp;

&ldquo;This latest project provides those with a moderate annual income an opportunity to save for a home deposit, know they have the security of tenure and live in the heart of the Brunswick community in a quality designed apartment,&rdquo; said Mr Daff.

About the development

The built form takes inspiration from the Brunswick streetscape, with Fieldwork&rsquo;s design integrating raw materials such as corrugated iron, blue stone paving and concrete to create a timeless ribbed-textured &lsquo;patina&rsquo; exterior.&nbsp;

The ground level features a multi-purpose workshop and lending library to share household items with others. There will also be a communal rooftop room with bookable studio space, as well as a barbecue area, veggie patch, a designated dog park and wash area.

<img alt="" height="840" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/assemble_brunswick_2.jpg" width="1600" />

The landscaping by landscape architecture team Rush Wright will include&nbsp;tropical plants that run from the ground floor to look up unto the building&#39;s open atrium space.

The project will&nbsp;run on 100% renewable energy (natural gas free), with a minimum 7.5-star average NatHERS rating target. An onsite bio-composter that employs a closed loop system will manage organic waste and convert this to fertilizer for the gardens, with stormwater recycled and used for toilets and landscape watering.

Provisioning will be made for future electric vehicle charging facilities. There will also be&nbsp;parking for more than 200 bikes.

Apartments will be released by Assemble&rsquo;s Relationships team from May 15 across three stages. Construction is commencing from late 2021 and expected to be complete by early 2023.

About Assemble Communities

Formed in 2010, Assemble Communities is a developer and community management company on a mission to make thoughtfully designed sustainable homes more accessible to more people.&nbsp;

With a deep respect for people and place, Assemble aim to create communities that embrace diversity, reflect local culture and nurture a stronger sense of ownership and belonging.

They focus on delivering affordable housing options under their Assemble Futures model and build to rent projects. Assemble have a privately funded rental housing portfolio valued at $3 billion, with 5,000 dwellings across 10 sites.

The current factory site will be converted by architecture firm Fieldwork to home 171 studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments



First home buyers to flock to Assemble's newest rent to buy apartment development in Brunswick

The south east Queensland&nbsp;developer Spyre Group have officially launched Cala Dei, their newest apartment block in Coolangatta.

Cala Dei, which will replace the Komune Resort on Marine Parade, will comprise 31 apartments across its 12 levels designed by&nbsp;bureau^proberts. It will sit in landscaping by CUSP.

<img alt="" height="981" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/144_marine_parade_coolangatta_2000.jpg" width="1600" />

Prices start from $779,000 for one of the 90 sqm, two bedroom, two bathroom apartments, which come with a parking spot.

<img alt="" height="1038" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cala_dei_4.jpg" width="1800" />

There are further two bedrooms priced at $889,000 and $999,000, the latter is located on the ninth level.

The three bedroom apartments start from $2,575,000 and span 280 sqm. They have four bathrooms and an open plan kitchen, living and dining space that opens to a beachfront balcony.

<img alt="" height="930" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cala_dei_1.jpg" width="1800" />

The priciest offering is $3,249,000 for the sub-penthouse positioned on the north-east corner of the development. The two penthouse apartments, each with their own private rooftops, are yet to be released.

Spyre Group bought the 862 sqm Marine Parade&nbsp;site from a company directed by Komune Resort owner Anthony Cannon and Fitness First founder Tony de Leede.

After spending the better part of a decade focusing on developments in Brisbane, Spye Group director Andrew&nbsp;Malouf sees the Gold Coast market shaping up as a long-term proposition for the company.

<img alt="" height="1163" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cala_dei_2.jpg" width="2000" />

&ldquo;The challenge always starts with securing the right site, and we&rsquo;ve been fortunate on the Gold Coast over the past few years targeting only the best beachfront sites in each area, especially with our latest acquisition at Coolangatta,&rdquo; he said.

&nbsp;&ldquo;The Gold Coast&rsquo;s natural environment may be what attracts people in the first place but creating luxury residences at this level provides a reason for many to stay.

&ldquo;The market is well supported by locals and increasingly by interstate buyers, and remarkably we see that trend continuing for some time.&rdquo;

&nbsp;

Spyre Group officially launch new Coolangatta tower Cala Dei

The Tigers were outplayed by an inform Melbourne Demons under the lights&nbsp;at the MCG on Saturday night.

At Urban we thought we&#39;d take a look at the property stakes between the two suburbs.

The MCG conveniently sits between the two, with Richmond coming from the east and residents in the Melbourne CBD heading west, both less than four kilometres from the iconic venue.

Richmond&rsquo;s apartment price has jumped nearly two per cent, in Q1 2021, according to Jellis Craig. The median unit price now stands at $610,000.

As many markets, Melbourne CBD has seen lower volumes of interest from investor in 2021 than past years given the closed borders, now focusing offers and incentives on owner occupiers.

Still, apartments there are down around 1.4 per cent over the same period.

We&#39;ve rounded up the best apartments for sale in Richmond and Melbourne.

<h2>Richmond</h2>

One of Richmond&#39;s most sought-after developments&nbsp;is Two51 Swan, set on Richmond&#39;s prized Swan Street.

Delivered by&nbsp;Blueprint Projects, TWO51 features a collection of 25 apartments over seven levels, including 18 serviced apartments and a top-floor penthouse.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3298 project_image_fid=30548]

Pitched at&nbsp;second-home buyers and downsizers, the residences are likely to house high net worth individuals seeking modern living amongst Richmond&rsquo;s rich heritage.

Designed by&nbsp;Watson Young&nbsp;Architects, the project includes ground floor retail space and a grand lobby, rich with gold detailing and art deco opulence.

Prices at Two51 Swan start from $1.03 million.

Appealing more to the first home buyer is&nbsp;Light Edge, the BPM developed block of 31 apartments designed&nbsp;by DKO.

One bedroom apartments in the six level complex start from $400,000, which includes a parking space, and sit just over one kilometre from The G.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2439 project_image_fid=95045]

<h2>Melbourne</h2>

One of Melbourne&#39;s most recently completed towers is the $470 million Melbourne Grand, developed by Central Equity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490 project_image_fid=92417]

They had Multiplex deliver the 58 level high-rise apartment building which won the 2020 HIA Victorian Apartment Complex of the Year award.

High-profile architects Guilford Bell + Graham Fisher designed the 646 apartment block at 560 Lonsdale Street, standing some 200 metres above street level.

Apartments are still available in the completed building. One bedroom apartments are priced from $489,000, two beds from $569,000 and three bedroom apartments from $869,000.

Around 800 metres away on Collins Street is Collins House, the Bates Smart-designed tower.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=755 project_image_fid=95068]

One of Melbourne&#39;s&nbsp;thinnest skyscrapers, the Deague Group&#39;s slender tower floats atop the grand heritage facade of the Maker&rsquo;s Mark building.

It homes&nbsp;259 spacious apartments across 60 floors with panoramic city views and floor to ceiling double glazed windows.

There are two levels of amenity with the level three&nbsp;Collins Terrace featuring indoor and outdoor dining and lounge spaces, a gourmet chef&rsquo;s kitchen for resident&rsquo;s use and an open terrace surrounded by lush greenery atop the heritage facade.

The level 27 St James Club has a state of the art gym, an outdoor deck and private bar and lounge areas.

The Tigers were dealt a blow by Melbourne Demons under the lights at the MCG on Saturday night.

Melbourne Demons v Richmond Tigers: How the two suburbs stack up in the property stakes

Azzura have kicked off construction at their $2.3 billion Imperial Square project on the Gold Coast&#39;s Southport.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate turned the sod alongside Azzura founder and chief executive Robert Badalotti.

The $155 million first stage, to be built by the local construction company Descon Group Australia,&nbsp;will see the residential arm of Imperial Square,&nbsp;known as&nbsp;Regal Residences, soar 18 levels&nbsp;on the 1.34 hectare site at the corner of Meron Street and Ferry Road.

The 4.5 star hotel with 200 hotel rooms will also be part of the first stage.

Already around half of the 145 apartments in Regal Residences have sold, with Azzura&#39;s&nbsp;sales director Jason Paris pinning the strong sales on the pent-up demand for new product in the city&rsquo;s CBD hub.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29350 project_image_fid=154912]

&ldquo;Regal Residences represents incredible value with apartments selling for an average of $6000 per square metre, which is a third of the selling price of some beachfront locations on the Coast,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;

Regal Residences will also include a range of commercial&nbsp;spaces on completion, rooftop bars, and amenities such as rooftop infinity pool, steam room, sauna, gymnasium, spas, zen garden, BBQ and a residents lounge.

The Imperial Tower, which will rise 108 storeys, will be Australasia&rsquo;s tallest building. It will be flanked by Monarch Place, a 54-level spiral tower. 
 
Mayor Tom Tate said Azzura&rsquo;s landmark project was aligned perfectly with his &ldquo;upwards rather the outwards&rdquo; approach to future development on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29350 project_image_fid=154906]

&ldquo;The only way is up for the sustainable future of our city,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We must plan for higher density along our key public transport corridors,&quot; Mr Tate said.

&ldquo;By building up, not out, means people can live where they want to, access public transport at their door and still enjoy the lifestyle and primary attractions that bring people to the coast &mdash; our beaches and open space.&quot;

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate turned the sod alongside Azzura founder and chief executive Robert Badalotti

Construction begins at Azzura's $2.3 billion Southport project Imperial Square

Rondure House in Kew and The Muse on Melbourne&#39;s St Kilda Road both secured sales of their penthouses last year which broke records.

The penthouse crowning Rondure House sold for around $6.5 million, around $1 million over the former Boroondara record, this time last year.

The Muse followed shortly after, with its 11th level, 647 sqm&nbsp;sub-penthouse fetching $21&nbsp;million, a record for the pricey St Kilda Road.

Co-Lab Residential agent Daniel Cashen says despite seeing the two big ticket sales last year, there&#39;s a bit more confidence in the market throughout the rest of the developments than there was 12 months ago.

Rondure House, developed by Above Zero and designed by Cera Stribley, has seen steady sales, with four apartments left out of the 14 offered to the market last year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29952 project_image_fid=160679]

Cashen says all of the buyers have been downsizers, local across Boroondara.

&quot;They&#39;re quite open to moving around the city, from Balwyn to Hawthorn or Surrey Hills to Kew.

&quot;The areas in Boroondara all have a very similar kind of feel, nice old English trees and treelined streets&quot;, Cashen says.

Construction is well underway at Rondure, with apartments remaining priced from $1.55&nbsp;million.&nbsp;

The penthouse record at The Muse was set in October when a local spent $21 million.

The 14 storey tower at 409-413 St Kilda Road is being developed by Devitt Property who had Bruce Henderson Architects design the building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5391]

There&#39;s around half of the apartments, complete with interiors by Greg Natale and K.P.D.O,&nbsp;left for sale in the block of 42.

The Muse will have its own 24 hour concierge and will feature the Muse Wellness Centre which includes a number of swimming&nbsp;pools, a separate spa, gymnasium sauna and steam room.

Construction is expected to commence soon after a few delays.

Co-Lab Residential agent Daniel Cashen says there's a bit more confidence in the market than there was 12 months ago



Penthouse records in 2020. Where are Rondure House and The Muse up to in 2021?

The Monaco is the set to take centre stage at Main Beach on the Gold Coast when it&#39;s completed at the end of 2022.

The 24 level, glass-wrapped tower&nbsp;designed by Rothelowman&nbsp;will home just six half floor apartments, 17 full floor apartments and a double storey penthouse.

Urban sat down with Josh Foote, managing director of&nbsp;Ignite Projects who are developing the building,&nbsp;to discuss the project.

JR: What are the highlights of The Monaco and what do you think will attract buyers to the project?

JF: The Monaco offers a level of luxury rarely seen in apartments on the Gold Coast. We offer the ability to customise large sections of the 388m2 apartment to really make the home perfect for you. Every buyer can completely design their own dream kitchen, with the expertise of our interior designer on hand.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26730 project_image_fid=83445]

JR: Why did you choose to target the ultra-luxury buyer? Did you see a gap in the market?

JF: I saw the emergence of some ultra-luxurious apartments in our capital cities and realised no-one was delivering this level of project apartment on the Gold Coast.&nbsp; We have some amazing houses here, but the downsizers were selling these and had no comparable apartments to move to.&nbsp; I wanted to offer the next level for apartment living and really raise the bar for Gold Coast apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26730 project_image_fid=83448]

JR: What did you like about the site?

JF: I just felt like Main Beach was ready for its resurrection and the renaissance was imminent, so I had my focus there.&nbsp; When this site popped up, I knew it offered the best of both the Marina and ocean views and the best thing is the views will never be built out.&nbsp; It ticked so many boxes for a sellable high-end location.

JR: What was the brief for Rothelowman?

JF: Celebrate the views. Bring the &lsquo;wow&rsquo; and push the design limits of a 6-star luxury hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26730 project_image_fid=83447]

JR: Why the name &lsquo;The Monaco&rsquo;?

JF: The name refers to a number if elements that all relate the principality of Monaco.&nbsp; When anyone thinks of Monaco they think of luxury and that is what our building will always have with the quality we have invested and the calibre of our buyers.&nbsp; The original idea with the sky garage and sports cars tied in with the Monaco Grand Prix and even now the calibre of the cars that will be parked in the garage will still reflect the style and quality of European motor racing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26730 project_image_fid=83446]

JR: Who do you think will be most interested in The Monaco?

JF: Our current buyers come from all parts of Australia but they all have one thing in common, a taste for quality and style.&nbsp; This building appeals to people who are looking for a really high level of quality and something that is quite unique from other projects.&nbsp; They will, like The Monaco, stand out from the crowd.

JR: What made you choose the Gold Coast after success in New Zealand?

JF: I was looking for a change, and a location that had good project opportunity, great weather, friendly people and an amazing lifestyle, which is hard to find.&nbsp; I&rsquo;ve travelled extensively all over the world and there are very few places that match the GC.

JR: Do you have any other projects in the pipeline?

JF: After the recent sell-out of Cabana in Palm Beach and the imminent sell out of The Monaco, naturally I&rsquo;m looking for another project, especially in the current climate.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s a competitive market out there right now but there are a couple of great beach front sites I&rsquo;m working on.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s all about the sand for me.

The 24 level, glass-wrapped tower designed by Rothelowman will home just six half floor apartments, 17 full floor apartments and a double storey penthouse

What buyers need to know about The Monaco: Five minutes with Ignite Projects director Josh Foote

The Sydney born real estate agent Andrew Ramsey has been selling property on the Gold Coast for the last 15 years since moving from the Harbour capital.

And in that time Ramsey has seen the area evolve in to a world class destination.

&quot;The Gold Coast is no longer that transitional city that people used to consider for a short-time&quot;, Ramsey says.

&quot;The Gold Coast is now sophisticated, world class even, with its world class sporting facilities, shopping centres and golf courses.

&quot;It&#39;s a playground everyone wants to enjoy.&quot;

And that&#39;s certainly the case,&nbsp;as the Gold Coast has become one of the most sought-after areas in the country.&nbsp;Vacancy rates are currently less than one percent, according to SQM Research.&nbsp;In comparison, Sydney&#39;s vacancy rate is over three per cent and Melbourne&#39;s over four per cent.

<a href="/developments/gold-coast-qld?source_news_article_id=96596&amp;ref=news_body_link"><img alt="" height="797" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gc_newest_tile_jpeg_0.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

&quot;People are buying things they wouldn&#39;t normally buy&quot;, Ramsey says.

&quot;There&#39;s huge demand for off the plan and existing apartments, the trouble is there&#39;s not enough existing that is top quality.&quot;

Ramsey marketed White Main Beach, the 27 level tower from developer White &amp; Partners, which saw 80 per cent of its apartment sales go to locals at an average price point around $2.9 million.

Only three apartments are left. Each apartment in the development spans a whole floor and has 325 sqm of living space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22056 project_image_fid=141004]

Ramsey said owner-occupiers wanted the big apartments that White offers in a boutique residential building, with downsizers keen on not having the expenditure and hassle of maintaining a house.

&quot;People are wanting to get away from holiday apartments as lifestyle is king, which is why there&#39;s been higher demand in the more premium end of the market,&quot; Ramsey says.

Ramsey has a few apartments left in Infinity, the Bassar Group&#39;s Broadbeach project of 60 apartments.

Construction has commenced on the 39 level tower designed by BDA Architecture. Another residents only tower, Infinity will feature private resident facilities including a 20m north facing pool with daybed area, a&nbsp;gym, alfresco BBQ space&nbsp;and multiple entertaining areas.

Prices for the remaining apartments start from $1,347,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9748]

When discussing the&nbsp;current boom conditions, Ramsey doesn&#39;t see a slow down anytime soon, with further opportunities to open up when international travel returns to normal.

&quot;We haven&#39;t seen the overseas market,&quot; Ramsey says, adding that people are watching Australia and wanting to move here due to its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

&quot;Research shows there is still a huge undersupply of apartments and demand is still well outstripping supply.&quot;

The demand has&nbsp;been seen across the board, from Palm Beach and Coolangatta as far north as Mermaid Beach.

"The Gold Coast is no longer that transitional city that people used to consider for a short-time", Ramsey says.



The Gold Coast is no longer a transitional city: Five minutes with Kollosche agent Andrew Ramsay

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Matheson on Kearns in Perth's Ardross is approaching sell-out as the apartment development nears completion.

The project of 46 apartments, developed by Megara and designed by the local Maine Architecture, only has nine apartments remaining, with 80 per cent sold before its predicted Spring 2021 completion date.

Pulse Property Group agent Jared Rayner said the local infrastructure and amenities had been the key to a number of different buyer demographics.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7778]

"The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers who wanted to be a part of a smaller boutique development where they have still have access to shops, cafes, restaurants across the road," Rayner said.

"The attraction to not only the downsizer market place but wider buyers across the development has been the easy access to public transport links and local amenities for all demographics to enjoy."

The development sits less than two kilometres from Garden City shopping centre and also has three ground level retail and commercial spaces.

<a href="/buildings/matheson-on-kearns-22-24-kearns-crescent-ardross"><img alt="" height="1084" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/matheson_2.jpg" width="1800"></a>

Matheson on Kearns has a nod to the history of the suburb of Ardross, with the name a nod to the Scottish explorer Sir Alexander Percival Matheson, who subdivided the adjoining suburb of Applecross, creating the name Ardross Street.

It is said it was named after the town of Ardrossan on the Scottish west coast or Ardross Castle, near Inverness.

One bedroom apartments in Matheson on Kearns start from $445,000. Two beds are priced from $599,000 and three bedders from $749,000.

<a href="/buildings/matheson-on-kearns-22-24-kearns-crescent-ardross"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/matheson_3.jpg" width="1800"></a>

Rayner's says the Perth off the plan market has seen strong demand since coming out of COVID-19, with a number of local, interstate and international buyers looking to acquire property in the Perth Metro area.

"Buyers feel the market is improving and the attraction they can see with this building is the fact that it has reached its final sixth Penthouse level and this has given buyers confidence this project will be finished on time."

About the developer

Megara is fast becoming one of Western Australia's leading boutique developers, identifying locations with outstanding potential in lifestyle and growth. 

As well as Matheson on Kearns, Megara have Maraboo Island, a 52 apartment development in Port Coogee under construction, as well as 30 apartments known as The Foundry in Leederville.
</body></html>

Matheson on Kearns in Perth's Ardross is approaching sell-out as the apartment development nears completion

Megara's Matheson on Kearns approaches sell-out

One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

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fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

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FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

Joel Robinson

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