<html><body>
A penthouse in the luxury Melbourne Square development in Southbank, has sold for $3,434,000.

The four bedroom penthouse sits in the part of the 68 level tower called The Coulture Series, which begins from level 55 through to 68 and offers the three to five bedroom apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929]

The Coulture Series apartments can be tailor by the buyer before the apartment constructions begins, in collaboration with Cox Architecture, Carr Design and HUB Furniture.

The 64 level penthouse that just sold has four ensuited bedrooms and large living and dining areas with views across Melbourne.

<img alt="" height="794" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_square_penthouse_bedroom.jpg" width="1200">

CBRE director Andrew Leoncelli secured the sale. 

Melbourne Square is being developed by OSK Property on Southbank's Kavanagh Street. There will be a 3,700 sqm park and retail precinct, anchored by Woolworths, which also includes a number of restaurants.

<a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank"><img alt="" height="839" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_square_urban.jpg" width="1200"></a>

Two bedroom apartments start from $701,000 which qualifies buyers for the 50 per cent stamp duty savings. Three bedrooms start from $1,161,000.

For a limited time, buyers of two or three bedroom apartments can secure a Life &amp; Style Edition package worth over $30,000, which includes Coco Republic furniture, integrated DARWIN by Delos wellness technology, Samsung white goods and a voucher for The Plant Society.

 
 
</body></html>

The 64 level penthouse has four ensuited bedrooms and large living and dining areas with views across Melbourne.



Joel Robinson

Melbourne Square penthouse sells for over $3.4 million

<html><body>
At its meeting today, the Board decided to maintain the targets of 10 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. It also decided to purchase an additional $100 billion of bonds issued by the Australian Government and states and territories when the current bond purchase program is completed in mid April. These additional purchases will be at the current rate of $5 billion a week.

The outlook for the global economy has improved over recent months due to the development of vaccines. While the path ahead is likely to remain bumpy and uneven, there are better prospects for a sustained recovery than there were a few months ago. That recovery, however, remains dependent on the health situation and on significant fiscal and monetary support. Inflation remains low and below central bank targets.

In Australia, the economic recovery is well under way and has been stronger than was earlier expected. There has been strong growth in employment and a welcome decline in the unemployment rate to 6.6 per cent. Retail spending has been strong and many of the households and businesses that had deferred loan repayments have now recommenced repayments. These outcomes have been underpinned by Australia's success on the health front and the very significant fiscal and monetary support.

The recovery is expected to continue, with the central scenario being for GDP to grow by 3½ per cent over both 2021 and 2022. GDP is now expected to return to its end-2019 level by the middle of this year. Even so, the economy is expected to operate with considerable spare capacity for some time to come. The unemployment rate remains higher than it has been for the past 2 decades and while it is expected to decline, the central scenario is for unemployment to be around 6 per cent at the end of this year and 5½ per cent at the end of 2022.

Wage and price pressures remain subdued. The CPI increased by just 0.9 over the year to the December quarter and wages (as measured by the Wage Price Index) are increasing at the slowest rate on record. Both inflation and wages growth are expected to pick up, but to do so only gradually, with both remaining below 2 per cent over the next couple of years. In underlying terms, inflation is expected to be 1¼ per cent over 2021 and 1½ per cent over 2022.

In addition to the central scenario, the Board considered upside and downside scenarios related to the virus and the rollout of vaccines. Disappointing news on the health front would delay the recovery and the expected progress on reducing unemployment. On the other hand, it is possible that further positive health outcomes would boost consumer spending and investment, leading to stronger growth than is currently expected. An important near-term issue is how households and businesses adjust to the tapering of some of the COVID support measures and to what extent they will use their stronger balance sheets to support spending.

Financial conditions remain highly accommodative, with lending rates for most borrowers at record lows and asset prices, including housing prices, mostly increasing. Housing credit growth to owner-occupiers has picked up recently, but investor and business credit growth remain weak. The exchange rate has appreciated and is in the upper end of the range of recent years.

The Board remains committed to maintaining highly supportive monetary conditions until its goals are achieved. Given the current outlook for inflation and jobs, this is still some way off. The current monetary policy settings are continuing to help the economy by lowering financing costs for borrowers, contributing to a lower exchange rate than otherwise, supporting the supply of credit needed for the recovery and supporting household and business balance sheets. The decision to extend the bond purchase program will ensure a continuation of this monetary support.

To date, authorised deposit-taking institutions have drawn $86 billion under the Term Funding Facility and have access to a further $99 billion. The Bank has bought a cumulative $52 billion of government bonds issued by the Australian Government and the states and territories under the bond purchase program. It has not purchased bonds in support of the 3-year yield target since early December. Since the start of 2020, the RBA's balance sheet has increased by around $160 billion.

The Board will not increase the cash rate until actual inflation is sustainably within the 2 to 3 per cent target range. For this to occur, wages growth will have to be materially higher than it is currently. This will require significant gains in employment and a return to a tight labour market. The Board does not expect these conditions to be met until 2024 at the earliest.
</body></html>

No interest rate hike until at least 2024? RBA Governor Philip Lowe's February 2021 meeting statement

<html><body>
At its first meeting in 2021, the RBA have kept the interest rates at record 0.10 per cent.

They also announced an extra $100 billion of bonds. Westpac had said it was possible the RBA would extend, but expected them to wait until March.

CreditorWatch chief economist Harley Dale says the RBA used up its ammunition late in 2020 and the focus this year will be firmly on federal and state fiscal policy to complement super-low borrowing rates and keep the Australian economic recovery on track.

"In terms of all the policies that the RBA has in place, the Central Bank will be closely keeping an eye on early 2021 economic updates for key sectors such as retail," Dale said, adding that unemployment numbers, a key metric for the RBA, had been stronger than forecasted.

Every expert and economist surveyed in Finder's RBA Cash Rate Survey predicted the cash rate would hold, but a record number expressed positive sentiment about employment.

Positive sentiment around employment dropped to zero in April when the lockdowns first began, but the recent unemployment figures and recovery has seen 73 per cent suggest employment is positive, a record number since Finder started collecting the data in March 2018.

Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said the swing in positivity around employment is significant. 

“There was a lot of fear during the first three quarters of 2020 that certain sectors within the jobs market would not survive without government support. 

“It now looks like experts are fairly confident that the market is robust enough to ride out COVID-19.

“Affordable housing, however, may be quickly evaporating, with house prices on-track to increase this year in every capital city,” he said.

Record house prices have led to a 12-month low in sentiment about housing affordability. 

Only 10% of experts are optimistic, down from a high of 62% in September 2020.

“A combination of record low interest rates, reduced supply, government stimulus and bolstered savings has pushed sale prices north and climbing. 

“Potential buyers who have been sitting on the fence should act sooner rather than later based on these results,” Cooke said.

 
</body></html>

At its first meeting in 2021, the RBA have kept the interest rates at record 0.10 per cent

RBA holds interest rate at record low 0.1 per cent, purchases extra $100 billion of bonds

<html><body>
Chevron One is the $230 million Surfers Paradise apartment block set to rise 40 levels on the Chevron Island's Stanhill Drive.

Developed by Bensons Property Group, Chevron One will comprise 236 one, two and three bedroom apartments. Bensons collaborated with Marchese Partners in the sculptural design of the tower.

Urban sat down with Bensons Property Group senior development manager Alberto Palombaro to discuss Chevron One's design and the 2021 apartment market. Q: Have you seen an increased demand for high-end properties on the Gold Coast in recent months? If so, which aspects of Chevron One set the development apart from other properties on the market right now? 
Since the start of the pandemic, our level of enquiry for high-end properties in the $2m+ range at Chevron One has really spiked, resulting in a handful of very large, high-end residences at Chevron One selling to local owner-occupiers. Buyers at this level expect quality fixtures, fittings and appliances plus the ability to customize the design where requested. 
In terms of what sets Chevron One apart, I would say our level of quality and finish compared to the competition, our ‘never to be built out’ views, and of course the 2000sqm of amenity in the building – one of the largest amenity offerings of any new development on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515]

Q. What do you perceive the top design trends to be for apartments in 2021 and how does Chevron One utilise these trends to elevate its design? 
There’s no doubt that 2020 has been a year like no other. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned it’s this – there’s no place like home. Australians are spending more time there than ever before. It has become our happy place, a sanctuary to style our way, all to ourselves. This year also gave most of us a taste of what it’s like to really work from home – and it turns out we love it. We can expect to see a demand for new ways to integrate clever working areas into home designs that inspire creativity and opens the ability to work in sync with cooking and the kids. Less clutter, less to clean. We can see this change particularly in the kitchen, I think fewer materials, using the countertop as the backsplash for a more seamless design, and hidden or no hardware altogether. Anything that makes cleaning easier is a win-win.

As well as being aesthetically on-trend; functionality and liveability has been a key focus in the design of Chevron One. Indoor-outdoor living was always a key focus for our floor plans, meaning larger balconies that become an extension of your living and entertaining spaces. Paired with floor to ceiling windows and open plan design this has been a key drawcard for the project.

<a href="/new-apartments/chevron-one-36-46-stanhill-drive-chevron-island"><img alt="" height="425" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/chevron_1.jpg" width="700"></a>

 

Q: As we know, the project’s kitchens are designed by Shannon Bennet, do you anticipate other residences to follow suit with kitchen designs by renowned chefs? 
Yes, that has now been a trend for a few years and it’s only growing. Chefs have a passion for cooking, and they spend most of their time either in commercial kitchens (at work) or in residential kitchens (at home). They have very strong practical skills and the vision for step-by-step meal preparations. They have extended knowledge of state of the art appliances and what’s the best on the market.   Q: Could you please tell us a bit about the three design schemes? Where did you draw inspiration from? 
All four schemes have been created to place value on instilling balance and calm in the living spaces. We have used soft, warm and comforting tones and textures using as much natural materials as possible. Attention to detail, the use of textures, beiges and browns, and inspirations from the beautiful island of Chevron is where we draw our inspiration from. 

 

<a href="/new-apartments/chevron-one-36-46-stanhill-drive-chevron-island"><img alt="" height="679" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/chevron_one_view_0.jpg" width="1200"></a>

Q: What is your favourite feature of Chevron One’s design? 
The wrap-around, curved balconies with glass balustrading allowing residents unobstructed views from their kitchen, all the way out to the Pacific Ocean, Nerang River, Broadwater and Gold Coast Hinterlands – a truly unique design element that not only looks stunning but maximises the views.

Q: What are some of your favourite amenities within walking distance from the development? 
The recently completed HOTA is a great new addition to the local area and is only a 5-minute walk from Chevron One. Sunday’s at HOTA feature Farmers Markets, live music and kids’ activities, as well as monthly concerts and performances. The Thomas Drive retail strip has also come alive in recent years with great coffee, restaurants, and bars with more on the way.
</body></html>

Urban discusses Surfers Paradise apartment block Chevron One with Bensons senior development manager Alberto Palombaro 

<html><body>
Victorian home builder Sherridon Homes is set to create a customer hub in Bendigo having bought a historic building in the heart of the town.

The hub, which will support growing demand for their homes, will service the wider area, including the Greater Bendigo and Shepparton regions.

Sherridon, who also have offices in Ballarat, Gippsland and central Melbourne, are preparing plans to submit to the local council to refurbish the commercial building at 2-4 Pall Mall.

They're seeking to remove to upper level hoarding to reveal and restore the original façade and windows, as well as turn the untenanted element of the 545 sqm space in to a colour selection showroom and office.

The building has a long history of commerce and trade dating back to the 19th century, and is currently partially tenanted, with a vacant portion most recently home to Dymocks book store.

Sherridon Homes, part of AHB Group, is on track to build around 1,500 homes this year across regional Victoria and Melbourne.

Its regional operations are headed up by seasoned industry professional Natalie King, the former managing director of JG King Homes.

“We are committed to being a regional builder creating jobs and opportunities for local businesses to support the growth of the region”, says Ms King. “Underpinning our success will be the strength and support of a large building group embracing the passion and knowledge of a local team.”
</body></html>

Victorian home builder Sherridon Homes is set to create a customer hub in Bendigo having bought a historic building in the heart of the town.

Sherridon Homes to service Bendigo and Shepparton regions with new customer hub

<html><body>
Apartment values in Sydney continued to decline over January, posting -0.1 per cent losses, according to data analytics firm CoreLogic.

It follows a -0.1 per cent loss over December and -0.7 per cent in November.

The decline sees the unit market in the harbour city the worst quarterly performer across the country, with values down one per cent, the only apartment market to have seen declines.

Sydney's median apartment value now sits at $734,198. There was some good news for apartment investors who were given a boost over the month. Unit rents rose 0.8 per cent, the first month on month rise since March last year.

Unit rents had declined 5.6 per cent over the past year.

Urban has taken a look at three apartments blocks to secure under the median apartment value.

<h2>Beyond, Hurstville</h2>

Price: One bedroom apartments starting from $585,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6798]

The Hurstville apartment complex Beyond, developed by Fridcorp, has both of its one bedroom apartments less than Sydney's median apartment price. One beds start from $585,000, while a one bed with study and a parking spot starts from $685,000. Two bedroom apartments are priced from $845,000.

Due for completion this year, Beyond has been designed by DKO Architecture and features Wellness by Fridcorp, Australia's first first precinct designed as a holistic environment that nurtures social, emotional and physical wellness. There's also a 4,500 sqm Beyond retail precinct anchored by Woolworths.

<h2>Bloom Arncliffe</h2>

Price: Two bedroom apartments from $710,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6201]

Buyers can secure a two bedroom apartment in the completed Bloom Arncliffe apartments by developer Wingate in Sydney's south for less than Sydney's median apartment price. One bedrooms start from $595,000 and three bedrooms are priced from $950,000.

The 318 apartments across seven buildings designed by EJE Architecture and built by Richard Crookes Construction are part of the $136 development which also features 36 commercial spaces and a youth centre with basketball courts, a gym and support facilities.

<h2>Kew Schofields Stage 2- Georgette</h2>

Price: Two bedrooms apartments from $570,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227]

In Georgette, stage two of Kew Schofields on the edge of Sydney's urban sprawl buyers can secure the most expensive apartment for nearly $170,000 under Sydney's median apartment price. The priciest two bedroom apartment, which comes with a study, two bathrooms and a parking spot, is priced from $570,000.

And apartments in Georgette, developed by Positive Investment Enterprise and designed by PBD Architects, are eligible for the $15,000 HomeBuilder grant. Georgette is set for completion later this year.

 
</body></html>

The decline sees the unit market in the harbour city the worst quarterly performer across the country, with values down one per cent, the only apartment market to have seen declines.



Sydney apartment median value down -0.1% in January: What you can buy for the new median

<html><body>
The Melbourne apartment market has continued to see price growth at the start of 2021 following a strong run toward the back end of 2020.

The median apartment value was up 0.1 per cent, according to data analytics firm CoreLogic, following from 0.6 per cent gains in December and 0.7 per cent gains in November.

The gain sees the median apartment value hit $577,206. Apartment investors were given a boost over January, with unit rents holding firm having declined 7.8 per cent over the past year.

Urban has taken a look at five apartments blocks to secure under or around the median apartment value.

<h2>1. Collins &amp; Bates, Chadstone</h2>

Price: Two bedroom apartments starting from $520,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3950]

In the 98 residence Collins &amp; Bates, you can secure a two bedroom apartment for well below Melbourne's median apartment value. Prices for two beds start from $520,000, with one bed apartments from $420,000. All three bedroom residences, which started from $1 million, are sold out.

Aultun Property Group are the developers behind Collins &amp; Bates. They had Point Architects design the residences and had C&amp;C Interiors handle the interiors which feature Caesar stone bench tops, porcelain splashbacks, Bosch appliances, wool carpets and engineered oak timber flooring.

<h2>2. Hurstmon, Malvern East</h2>

Price: One bedroom apartments starting from $449,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4807]

Landream's Hurstmon development, set for completion in early 2022, has one bedroom apartments available from as low as $449,000. Their two bedroom apartments are a step up, starting from $795,000.

Designed by Telha Clarke, the 39 residence development is surrounded by stately trees and lush, established gardens.

<h2>3. Verre, Preston</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7275]

Wolf&amp;Lamb's Verre development, set for completion in early 2022, has one, two and three bedroom residences on offer with prices ranging from $385,000 to $815,000.

The 57 residence complex has been designed by Chamberlain Architects.

<h2>4. Melbourne Grand, Melbourne</h2>

Price: Two bedroom apartments starting from $569,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490]

Winner of the HIA Victorian apartment complex of the year for 2020, the Melbourne Grand has its two bedroom apartments starting from $569,000, just below Melbourne's median apartment price.

The 652 unit project, developed by Central Equity, offers a range of one, two and three bedroom apartments priced from $489,000.

<h2>5. Volaire, West Melbourne</h2>

Price: Two bedroom apartments starting from $599,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2407]

Just above Melbourne's median price are two bedroom apartments in the 159 apartment development Volaire. The CBUS Property-developed project spanning 10 levels has been designed by Hayball to pay homage to the site's industrial heritage with its architectural façade.

The triangular building features cantilevered balconies and occupies its own island site with a ground floor restaurant.

 
</body></html>

Apartment investors were given a boost over January, with unit rents holding firm having declined 7.8 per cent over the past year.

Melbourne apartment median value up 0.1% in January: What you can buy for the new median 

<html><body>
Construction provider Icon has been announced as the preferred tenderer to construct the $300m mixed-use precinct The Village Alphington in Melbourne's north-east.

The 80,000 sqm project involves the delivery of build-to-rent, affordable housing, commercial and retail shopping precincts. There will be 2,500 new dwellings within the project.

Work on the project, located on the former Amcor Paper Mills site bordering Heidelberg Road and Latrobe Avenue 10 minutes from the CBD, will commence in the second quarter of 2021 following design development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9212] 
Evan Byrne, Icon CEO/Managing Director said “This is another significant milestone in the growth of the Icon business since the acquisition by Kajima. 

"Our teams have experience in projects of this scale and complexity, and it's pleasing that our business today has the balance sheet strength to support this capability. We have been working in some capacity on this project since its inception more than five years ago, and it is very satisfying to see the client's vision become a reality. 

"We’re excited to be working alongside client Alpha Partners as construction partner, with potential for further involvement utilising the Icon Group's wider capabilities, including finance and development.” 
 
</body></html>

Icon wins construction contract for The Village Alphington in Melbourne

<html><body>
National housing values reached a record high over January, as 0.9 per cent gains took values higher than the previous September 2017 peak, according to property data firm CoreLogic.

CoreLogic's monthly home value index found every capital recorded dwelling value growth over the first month of 2021. Housing values are now one per cent above pre-COVID levels and 0.7 per cent higher than September 2017's record high.

Sydney and Melbourne were the weakest of the capital cities over January, posting modest 0.4 per cent gains.

Darwin continued to be the national market leader, up another 2.3 per cent to be 6.6 per cent up over the quarter. Perth and Hobart each saw a 1.6 per cent rise in dwelling values, followed by Canberra who were up 1.2 per cent and Brisbane and Adelaide both up 0.9 per cent.

<img alt="" height="713" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cl_index_january_2021.jpg" width="1200">

CoreLogic research director Tim Lawless says the largest capital city markets are seeing property in the state's regional areas vastly outperform the capital.

Home values across regional Victoria jumped 1.6 per cent over January compared to the 0.4 per cent in Melbourne, with regional New South Wales posting 1.5 per cent gains compared to 0.4 per cent in Sydney.

“Internal migration data shows more people are leaving Sydney and Melbourne for regional areas, resulting in a transition of activity from the metro regions to the outer fringe and regional markets," Lawless said.

"This demographic trend is further compounded by the demand shock of stalled overseas migration.

"As Melbourne and Sydney historically receive the vast majority of overseas migrants, these metro areas have been the hardest hit by this demand shock.”

Since the onset of COVID-19 in March last year, regional housing values have surged 6.5% higher while capital city housing values are down -0.2% over the same time frame.

“Better housing affordability, an opportunity for a lifestyle upgrade and lower density housing options are other factors that might be contributing to this trend, along with the new found popularity of remote working arrangements," Lawless added.

 
</body></html>

Housing values are now one per cent above pre-COVID levels and 0.7 per cent higher than September 2017's record high.

Australian housing values reach record high: CoreLogic

The Brisbane-based luxury apartment developer Spyre Group has officially lodged plans&nbsp;for a fourth high end residential beachfront project on the Gold Coast.

They&#39;ll be converting the&nbsp;Komune Resort at Coolangatta in to a 12 level residential development they&#39;ve called Cala Dei Residences.

Designed by&nbsp;bureau^proberts, the development will have a total of 31 apartments.

Spyre Group director Andrew Malouf said the company had taken a considered approach to developing the site.

&ldquo;The site was originally intended for a 27-storey development, but we have significantly reduced this footprint. Instead, we propose to create luxury residences that complement the world class surfing reserve status of the southern Gold Coast beaches,&rdquo; said Mr Malouf.

Mr Malouf says&nbsp;the Komune property was ideal because it is a rare north-facing site.

<img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/kommune_coolangatta.jpg" width="1200" />

&ldquo;We have taken a lower density approach than the original proposal to give our newest project a level of sophistication that we know the market appreciates.

&ldquo;Our plan is to create an exclusive, boutique development that will set itself apart from other buildings in the area.&rdquo;

Between levels one and nine there will be 18 two bedroom apartments and nine three bedders. Level 10 will home two near 200 sqm sub penthouses and level 11 will have two penthouses, both with three bedrooms and their own private rooftop crowning the block.

<a href="/buildings/cala-dei-residences-144-marine-parade-coolangatta"><img alt="" height="662" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/144_marine_parade_coolangatta_3_0.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

The two bedroom apartments span around 80 sqm of internal living space, with three bedroom apartments spanning over 220 sqm.

The ground level will feature&nbsp;576 sqm of recreational space, designed by Cusp Landscape Architecture which will include&nbsp;a communal resort area with plunge pools.

<a href="/buildings/cala-dei-residences-144-marine-parade-coolangatta"><img alt="" height="678" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/144_marine_parade_coolangatta_4_0.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

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.

It&rsquo;s not the first time Spyre Group has chosen to redevelop a site already occupied by an existing multi-level building.

The company recently demolished the eight-storey Aspect apartment building, developed by Mimi McPherson on the Esplanade at Burleigh Heads, to start construction on its huge successful Natura project. Apartments range&nbsp;in price from $1.6 million to $3.5 million.

After spending the better part of a decade focusing on developments in Brisbane, Mr Malouf sees the Gold Coast market shaping up as a long-term proposition for the company.

&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;

Its debut project, the $79 million Elysian Broadbeach, has been completed with just two of the 61 apartments remaining for sale. The follow-up project, Maya at Kirra Beach, has just one apartment left from 16, while Natura also has only two of the 33 apartments offered to the market.

<h2>Other developments for sale on the Gold Coast</h2>

Shoreline, Surfers Paradise

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22057]

Shoreline is the latest Surfers Paradise tower to be created by Marquee Development Partners.

The boutique 27 apartment development across 17 levels offers residents a luxury unseen in the between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach for a number of years.

Miles Residences, Kirra Beach

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27575]

The Miles Residences Kirra Point will be one of Kirra Point&#39;s most impressive towers when it&#39;s completed in 2023.

The development of 118 apartments is part of the redevelopment of the&nbsp;Kirra Beach&nbsp;Hotel. The brains behind the operation is the family-ran KTQ Group, led by Peggy Flannery, who are behind the award-winning Elements of Byron Bay.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the development will have a total of 31 apartments across 12 levels

Spyre Group plan Komune Resort redevelopment dubbed Cala Dei Residences 

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.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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.

&nbsp;

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> 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Joel Robinson

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News