Australia’s growing ageing population will underpin the opportunity for a significant housing response, with the possibility of shaping future demand and dwelling requirements across the nation.&nbsp;

Based upon ABS population projections across Greater Sydney, Greater Melbourne, Greater Brisbane and the ACT, the population aged 55+ will increase by 4.5 million people by 2071, highlighting the ongoing requirement for new housing solutions to be delivered across the market to cater towards both this demographic and others impacted by their emergence. This population cohort (55+ years) currently represents around 1 in 4 people and is anticipated to shift to around 1 in 2.5 people by 2071 across each of the capital city markets above. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Through the medium term, Greater Melbourne is set to see the largest nominal increase of people aged 55-74 years old, followed by Greater Sydney and South-East Queensland, making it a prime location for right-sizers, however, the growth across each will support strong right sizing opportunities in each respective market.

“The right-sizer cohort is increasingly reflecting a blend of the established “Baby Boomers” and emerging “Generation X” that are ageing into this cohort,"&nbsp;Managing Director of Residential at Colliers, Diana Sarcasmo, said.

"With the recognition of changing expectations and aspirations across the generations, housing choice and requirements will need to be a dynamic consideration for the future. This increase in population will underpin the critical decisions of property developers and policymakers moving forward, as they need to cater for the ‘right-sizer’ cohort.”

As part of efforts to address Australia’s housing supply crisis, many older homeowners are opting to move out of large, underutilized homes into apartments that better suit their lifestyle needs. This trend frees up larger houses for families, making better use of existing housing stock and creating new opportunities for those seeking more space.

“While right-sizing is not a standalone solution, it highlights how individual choices can contribute to alleviating housing pressures. Combined with broader initiatives like increased construction and urban planning, this movement represents a small but meaningful step towards more sustainable housing solutions in Australia,” Sarcasmo added.

As of 2021, the number of detached homes owned outright by households over 55 in capital city markets totals 855,260, according to the ABS. In comparison, the total of current occupied apartment stock throughout the market is 939,763. This highlights the potential impact that downsizing detached homeowners may have on apartment demand, especially as the ageing population continues to grow).

Rightsizers have highlighted a reduction in dwelling size, decluttering, more manageable internal and external spaces as well as potential financial benefits being prime motivators for moving. &nbsp;Many of these benefits can be facilitated through well-designed apartment options, with right-sizers able to use funds from the sale of a detached home to support their lifestyle into retirement.&nbsp;

While historically there has been a higher representation across two-bedroom options occupied within apartments owned outright by these cohorts, it is expected this new trend will support an increasing push and opportunity for three-bedroom options, from this right-sizer cohort.

“The increasing representation of couples without children residing within apartments has the potential to support a greater demand for three-bedroom options. This trend has been observed across recent movers into apartments as well as detached houses. Three bedrooms offer increasing space for a larger ageing household with the flexibility to repurpose rooms to align with right-sizer’s lifestyles as they age,” Ms Sarcasmo said.

Historically, apartment stock has had a greater focus on one- and two-bedroom options, as apartments are increasingly required to support more permanent and diverse households. It is anticipated that three-bedroom stock will increasingly reflect the demands of these households in the future.

“To date, there has been a focus on smaller scale projects occupied by right-sizer and retiree households, however, they have also demonstrated acceptance of a diversity of project types (including medium and higher density). Developers should increasingly have these occupiers in mind when considering their project designs and product compositions with consideration for the significance of this demographic shift,” Ms Sarcasmo said.

Capital cities across the east coast will need to adapt to the surge of ‘right-sizers’, with innovative solutions required to meet growing demand.

Joel Robinson

Ageing population to drive downsizing trend and force major rethink of Australia’s housing response: Colliers

Local developer CS Collective is seeking to deliver a collection of just eight luxury apartments in Burleigh Heads.

They've had international architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="/architects/plus-architecture">Plus Architecture</a>&nbsp;to design Lantern Burleigh, with the triangular 834 sqm peninsula site at&nbsp;13 West Street&nbsp;also set to home a curated retail precinct&nbsp;anchored by a subterranean bathhouse that draws inspiration from ancient wellness traditions.

CS Collective Director Luke Carter said the vision was to create an iconic landmark that resonates with the local community.

"This isn't just about providing new homes – it's about delivering a destination that becomes a defining feature of Burleigh's evolving skyline while maintaining the area's cherished coastal character," Carter said.

Plus Architecture Principal Chrisney Formosa said the unusual triangular nature of the site allowed them to create something truly special for <a href="/developments/burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Burleigh Heads</a>.

"We've conceived the building as a lighthouse for the area – visible on approach and offering expansive views across one of Australia's most beautiful beaches. The monochromatic palette allows the sculptural nature of the development to be the hero, with an undercurrent of textural and tonal changes that reference the golden sands of Burleigh."&nbsp;

<img alt="Lantern Burleigh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61c53007-6a85-4779-b8d6-5c5477a6798a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-01-08%20at%2010.33.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4NKN01PvfCv2tMKiOg7YoHt072wmjBJr" />

&nbsp;

Each residence has been conceived as an individual sub-penthouse, featuring double-height spaces that capture sweeping ocean views from every level. The design's distinctive elements include curved soffits, brick formations, and signature circular windows that reinforce Lantern Burleigh's lighthouse-inspired form.&nbsp;

The refined material palette weaves together tinted glass, lush landscaping, warm crazy pavers, stacked tile, profiled concrete, and aluminum battens, creating a sophisticated coastal aesthetic that balances street presence with residential privacy.

CS Collective Co-Director David Skeen said what sets Lantern Burleigh apart is its complete lifestyle offering.

"The private and communal rooftop spaces, featuring infinity pools, saunas, and steam rooms, capitalize on the site's stunning 360-degree ocean views," Skeen said.

"Combined with our premium wellness centre and carefully selected retail offerings, we're creating a new standard for beachside living."&nbsp;

The ground floor precinct will be thoughtfully curated to attract leading food and beverage operators, working in harmony with the development's bathhouse and wellness facilities.

CS Collective Co-Director David Skeen said what sets Lantern Burleigh apart is its complete lifestyle offering

First look: CS Collective file for Lantern Burleigh, luxe apartments in Burleigh Heads

The monthly dwelling approval update by the Australian Bureau of Statistics again painted a grim outlook for Australia's new-build environment.

Total dwellings approved fell 3.6 per cent in November to 14,998.

There were most positives found in Victoria and Queensland where dwelling approvals remained stable and closer to their targets, although New South Wales is tracking well behind where they're forecasted to be.

The total number of dwellings approved in NSW was 42,109 over the 12 months until November 2024, 34,000 short of meeting the National Housing Accord quota for NSW.

"Despite a range of State and Federal programs designed to promote housing supply, dwelling approvals data from the last 12 months shows a chronic trend in the wrong direction," Urban Taskforce CEO Tom Forrest says, adding the new data shows there is a "mountain to climb".

"The data for NSW shows that Premier Minns is on the right track in looking to fast-track planning through the Housing Delivery Authority and through changes to the planning laws. The key to success will be through ensuring that new housing and employment remain the focus, and that planners don’t become distracted with other portfolio imperatives."

There has been a -10 per cent annual decline in approvals across all housing typologies in New South Wales. Apartment approvals declined a massive -26 per cent in the 12 months to November.

Stuart Ayres, CEO of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW, says the&nbsp;NSW Government has a lot of work to do in 2025 to turn around the housing supply crisis that continues to inflict more pain on future homeowners. 
 
"With&nbsp;approvals&nbsp;in the detached house market sitting at a 10-year low, it is important that the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) remains ambitious in supporting greenfield subdivisions," Ayres says. 
 
"The hope of the side at the moment is the Housing Delivery Authority. It is absolutely critical that it facilitates high demand and more feasible greenfield development and subdivisions, and not focus exclusively on less feasible infill projects."

&nbsp;

Multi-unit approvals in the three months to November 2024 climbed significantly in Western Australia (+207.5 per cent) compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. This was followed by Queensland (+16.0 per cent), Victoria (+9.4 per cent) and New South Wales (+1.6 per cent). The Northern Territory registered a flat result. Declines were recorded in Tasmania (-85.7 per cent), the Australian Capital Territory (-82.4 per cent), and South Australia (-15.1 per cent).

Apartment approvals in NSW declined a massive -26 per cent in the 12 months to November.

"Mountain to climb" as new home building activity falls

Deicorp’s latest Metro-connected project has been granted approval from the Independent Planning Commission (IPC), giving the burgeoning develop the green light to push on with 188 apartments in Crows Nest.&nbsp;

The 22-level building, which includes a three-storey podium with ground-floor retail and commercial space, will be built on the prominent Pacific Highway site known as The Five Ways.&nbsp;

The application for the project, known as <a href="/new-apartments/falcon-alexander-8-alexander-street-crows-nest">Falcon &amp; Alexander</a>, was lodged in April 2024 and assessed by the NSW Department of Planning, receiving a recommendation for approval in November. However, as the local council objected, the matter was required to be determined by the IPC.&nbsp;

The IPC invited submissions from the community as part of its determination, with 20 submissions received, including nine objections and 11 in support. &nbsp;

<img alt="Faclon &amp; Alexander" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="416f83c7-e10e-4de4-98a1-7269eee0dcce" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-01-07%20at%2012.29.27%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=el87Bo4ahmomkN2SNOhqiPWBBi3TxDVC" />

The Five Ways project is located around 350 metres from the new Crows Nest Metro Station, and with an active ground floor retail precinct, it will help revitalise the southern edge of the <a href="/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a> town centre.&nbsp;

<a href="/architects/turner-studio">Turner Studio</a> won the Design Excellence competition with their design being selected by the jury as the most desirable.&nbsp;

Deicorp’s founder Fouad Deiri said he was pleased with the outcome, and the work of the Department of Planning to support the application, despite opposition from North Sydney Council.&nbsp;

“We have been working for over five years to achieve approval on this site, including three separate planning proposals and a subsequent State Significant application,” Deiri said.&nbsp;

“The time it has taken to secure approval for this project highlights the difficulties the development industry faces in trying to build homes in Sydney. &nbsp;

“A community survey we undertook as part of the consultation process demonstrated a majority of residents in the area were either in favour of the project or neutral towards it.&nbsp;

“A significant majority of residents surveyed supported the substantial Affordable Housing within &nbsp;the project and the new retail precinct being provided.”&nbsp;

<img alt="Falcon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eebd8543-6452-4930-a340-201b84a448e2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-01-07%20at%2012.29.38%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=R6KFfA6Vxa7EFra5k9JHDXXrBe.Rpqi5" />

Findings by the research and engagement firm Notting Hill Advisory revealed a significant portion of households polled in four key development hubs across Sydney, including the North Sydney local government area (LGA), were favourable to new housing located close to public transport and delivered with good amenity outcomes.&nbsp;

In the North Sydney LGA, where the Crows Nest development is located, 64 per cent of the residents surveyed also agreed the provision of affordable housing would benefit the community. There are 48 affordable housing units in Falcon &amp; Alexander.

The Five Ways approval adds to another recent significant project consent <a href="/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a> received in December, with their <a href="/news/nsw/first-look-exclusive-deicorp-submit-plans-for-joynton-square-mixed-use-zetland-precinct">Joynton Ave Zetland site</a> being signed off by the Central Sydney Planning Committee. Joynton Ave includes 574 apartments across nine buildings and a contribution of $28 million for Affordable Housing.

Deicorp expects to start construction on over 3,000 apartments in 2025.

The Five Ways project is located around 350 metres from the new Crows Nest Metro Station, and with an active ground floor retail precinct, it will help revitalise the southern edge of the Crows Nest town centre

Deicorp approved for Falcon & Alexander, Crows Nest new apartment development

There are thousands of apartments which will launch next year, across some of the best Gold Coast suburbs. We've looked at the developers behind the next tranche of projects launching in 2025.

The top eight new apartment developers to watch on the Gold Coast in 2025

The rarity of the recently completed apartment development Osprey, located in Safety Beach on the Mornington Pensinula, hasn't been lost on savvy property investors.

Around 30 per cent of enquiry on the 18 two and three-bedroom apartments have come from investors, Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson says.

<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/dCCTNwG1VUU?si=XxQUkQzjQFUOO3J8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Investors have been particularly attracted to the rental guarantee offered by the builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="/developers/figurehead">Figurehead</a>. This guarantee ensures that buyers purchasing for investment purposes will receive income upon settlement, until a tenant is secured.&nbsp;

Enquiry data from Apartments.com.au shows the three-bedroom apartments, priced at $1.08 million and $1,495,000, have proved the most popular.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138447 project_image_fid=290614]

<a href="/buildings/osprey-safety-beach-15-martha-cove-boulevard-safety-beach-vic-3936">Osprey</a>&nbsp;is ideally located to draw a tenant on a good yield. It sits just 150 metres from the Martha Cove Marina as well as&nbsp;Martha’s Table, a popular local dining and retail destination.

Martha's Cove is also a growing community, which is typically indicative of future compound growth, making it appealing to investors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138447 project_image_fid=290733]

Osprey&nbsp;won the national award for Small Scale Development of the Year at the 2024 Urban Developer Awards. It was designed by&nbsp;<a href="/architects/wolveridge-architects">Wolveridge Architects</a>&nbsp;who prioritised natural light, ventilation, and a coastal aesthetic, ensuring the apartments meet the lifestyle expectations of its occupants.

A special ‘lightwell breezeway’ serves as the entrance to every home, providing cross-ventilation and security.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138447 project_image_fid=290625]

The building sits on a prime elavated site which means there are significant views to Mount Martha and Red Hill.

The modern kitchens are well-equipped with Fisher and Paykel appliances and brushed nickel fittings.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138447 project_image_fid=290744]

Thompson says while investors have shown a lot of demand for the apartments, there is a large pool of buyers who are looking at it as a 'liveable investment'.

"Osprey offers the perfect lock and leave option for those living in Melbourne who want a weekender on the Mornington Peninsula but without the maintenance," Thompson says.

"These types of buyers might not use it all the time, and will explore holiday letting opportunities when it's not in use."

The most active buyers so far have been those who have a close relationship with the Mornington Peninsula.

"Local downsizers who either live in the immediate area, or those who have large landholdings in some more remote areas of the Mornington Peninsula who want to be closer to the water, have been the most active buyers so far, Thompson says.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138447]

Thompson says while investors have shown a lot of demand for the apartments, there is a large pool of buyers who are looking at it as a 'liveable investment'.

Investors signal market comeback at Osprey Safety Beach apartments

It was just last month that construction materials provider Hanson Australia rebranded to&nbsp;Heidelberg Materials Australia, in line with a global rebrand of the company.

A few weeks later, Heidelberg has submitted plans for a landmark riverside community in South Brisbane.

Heidelberg Materials Australia has had global design firm fjcstudio draw up plans for the 1.3-hectare precinct that will comprise three 50-level residential buildings with 620 apartments, a food and beverage plaza, and a 5,400 sqm public park.

<img alt="Brisbane" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="665cbb01-1e81-4803-840d-c99d27240107" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-12-23%20at%202.29.00%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=BqRWokUw5YXxlNR4uh6UKutIWLXlJn3a" />

Fjcstudio says the eastern and southern towers respond to the Brisbane landscape with a subtle earthy tone facade, while the western tower, providing more premium views, features a largely glazed facade and white cladding.

Of the 620 apartments, only 15 per cent (96) will be one-beds. 122 two-bedroom apartments have been pitched, while 372 of the apartments, 60 per cent, will have three or more bedrooms.

The documents submitted to the Brisbane City Council suggest the&nbsp;prestigious development at the intersection of Nott Street and Hoskings Street "celebrates the area’s rich industrial heritage, seamlessly blending it with the vibrancy of an emerging inner-city lifestyle and the allure of a subtropical climate."

<img alt="Brisbane" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea9c0d51-619e-421b-aa35-4b565a3930b2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-12-23%20at%202.25.37%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=0f55SIn5elGITBU_SBmUsc1mTG0.bZ1w" />

Conversations about the development have been ongoing for 12 months prior to the recent submission. They focused on the&nbsp;riverfront parkland proposed dedication, proposed embellishments associated with the proposed park, parking location, and the built form of the tower, including setbacks and separation between the towers.

Each tower will have a rooftop communal level with outdoor terraces and alfresco spaces, as well as another level further down the building with a swimming pool and other facilities.

Urbis said in the town planning report that South Brisbane, and specifically the Kurilpa Precinct, is undergoing significant change in response to Brisbane’s demand for housing supply, affordability, and diversity in the inner-city areas.

"The current external circumstances have resulted in changes in policy including the adoption of the recently gazetted Kurilpa Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) Amendment No 1, which provides for greater density, building height and reduced car parking requirements where design and sustainability benchmarks can be delivered.

"The proposal comprises of an integrated, subtropical, high-density mixed-use development, which capitalises on the site’s location within the Kurilpa TLPI."

<img alt="Brisbane" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5646ca90-3f9c-439a-8724-51879f31e569" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-12-23%20at%202.26.01%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=PjllO59Mho0BU9OcxMbYerQ7L3OHr8PQ" />

Urbis said the proposal "goes above and beyond the usual offering for a residential building with a level of community and public benefit that is unprecedented for a development of this scale in Brisbane."

"This level of community and public benefit are made possible through the additional density allowed for by the TLPI and is more than justified through its suburban, precinct and site-level context. This unique offering of a high-quality, high-density residential product will become an important landmark in South Brisbane and will set the benchmark for development in the region moving forward."

Currently on the site are industrial and warehouse buildings which have been owned and operated by Hanson.

Urbis said the proposal "goes above and beyond the usual offering for a residential building with a level of community and public benefit that is unprecedented for a development of this scale in Brisbane."

Multi-tower precinct planned for South Brisbane riverfront

<a href="/builders/morris-property-group">Morris Property Group</a>, one of the biggest single contributors to the Broadbeach apartment market, is back at it again.

They've just launched Maison Broadbeach, their 10th development in the <a href="/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">booming suburb</a> since their first apartment building, Verve, nearly two decades ago.

<a href="/new-apartments/maison-broadbeach-22-chelsea-avenue-broadbeach">Maison&nbsp;Broadbeach</a> will home just 21 full-floor apartments across a 22-level building at 22 Chelsea Avenue, a street Morris know well. One of their many completed projects, Opus, is just a few doors down.

They each have three bedrooms, a kitchen with a central island bench, and an open plan living and dining area which extend to a private balcony with northern views towards Broadbeach Park.

Buyers will have the choice of two colour schemes, Lumiere and Noir, while each apartment will have appliances by either Siemens or Bosch, a vintec wine bar fridge, and a herringbone lay pattern flooring in the kitchen, living and dining area.

There will be a dedicated resident's lounge, a gym with a sauna, a covered barbecue pavilion, and a rooftop pool with a large dec area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113008 project_image_fid=318651]

Maison was designed by Burling Brown, a Queensland-based firm that has incorporated angular edges and a contemporary colour scheme into the tower's design.&nbsp;

The slender tower footprint ensures minimal visual impact from the north, while the use of natural materials complements Broadbeach’s coastal aesthetic

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113008 project_image_fid=318656]

Morris' inhouse construction arm will deliver Maison Broadbeach, with completion slated for 2027.

Maison follows <a href="/buildings/malo-broadbeach-8-jubilee-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">Malo&nbsp;Broadbeach</a>, a similar tower with half-floor apartments which Morris completed recently.

Morris is also developing <a href="/new-apartments/crest-broadbeach-13-armrick-avenue-broadbeach">Crest Broadbeach</a>, two towers nearby on Armrick Avenue. They will launch the second tower in the new year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113008]

Maison follows Malo Broadbeach, a similar tower with half-floor apartments which Morris completed recently

First look: Morris Property Group reveals 10th Broadbeach apartment development, Maison Broadbeach

CDG Group’s landmark Melbourne apartment development, Victoriana, has captured the attention of first home buyers.

According to data from MatterFact, the new data product by Apartments.com.au, first home buyers have consistently been the most engaged buyer group, surpassing downsizers and rightsizers in enquiries over the past six months.

Feedback from buyers highlights the quality of the finishes and the development’s prime location as its key attractions.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=78690]

Designed by <a href="/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and completed in 2021, <a href="/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne">Victoriana</a> features cascading terraces and vertical gardens which are designed to harmonise with the surrounding Albert Park Lake and Fawkner Park.

Located on Queens Road, between the two famous parks and just off St Kilda Road, Victoriana comprises 250 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 16 levels.

First home buyers have shown the greatest interest in the two-bedroom apartments, which start at over 70 sqm and feature two bathrooms, a balcony off the open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area, and a master bedroom with an ensuite.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=300488]

Victoriana also includes an extensive range of amenities that rival those of a luxury hotel.&nbsp;Residents will have access to concierge services, a heated indoor pool, steam room, sauna, state-of-the-art gym, and a lounge and garden terrace with views of the&nbsp;<a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a>&nbsp;skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=78667]

Positioned on the fringe of Melbourne's CBD, Victoriana provides direct access to Albert Park Lake and proximity to St Kilda Road trams and the upcoming Anzac Railway Station.&nbsp;

This combination allows residents to enjoy both vibrant city living and tranquil parkland surroundings, a rare offering for buyers entering the property market.

Nearby attractions include South Melbourne Market, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and Melbourne's vibrant arts precinct.

Qualifying buyers of the two-bedroom apartments won't have to pay a deposit, and could save with a lower interest rate and reduced LMI.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Qualifying buyers of the two-bedroom apartments won't have to pay a deposit, and could save with a lower interest rate and reduced LMI

First home buyers jump at Victoriana apartments on Melbourne's Albert Park

<a href="/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a>&nbsp;has been granted development approval for Dawn, its fifth stage in its new urban renewal project in Melrose Park.

It will be the first stage which is a joint venture, with&nbsp;Hankyu Hanshin Properties becoming part of the development.

<a href="/new-apartments/dawn-melrose-park-bundil-boulevard-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Dawn</a> will&nbsp;comprise six low-rise buildings ranging from six to 10 levels, built around a large central courtyard spanning almost two hectares. It will include 368 one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

Positioned less than 150 metres from <a href="/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> Town Centre, Dawn promotes walkability and maximises direct access to green spaces, lifestyle assets and future transport connections, including the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2.

Melrose Park Town Centre is set to open at the end of 2026, aligning with when residents of Dawn will begin moving in to provide immediate access to essential services and amenities.

<img alt="Dawn, Stage 5 in Melrose Park" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d2ac6e67-74e9-497a-a6c4-a06c560c9ed8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/compressed%20SEKISUI_MELROSE%20PARK_VIEW01_FINAL_REV03.jpg?VersionId=M0PX1Lnej70Wanlhr0G1NBoDIUbfkXoj" />

Alex Grujovski, Project Director, Apartment &amp; Mixed-Use Developments, Sekisui House Australia, said Dawn is&nbsp;a high-quality development that sets the tone for future stages of Melrose Park and reflects Sekisui House’s philosophies of sustainability, community and thoughtful design."

"Dawn represents our unwavering commitment to creating communities that coexist harmoniously with nature, while fostering interactions between people and place,"&nbsp;Grujovski says.

Designed by <a href="/architects/group-gsa">GroupGSA</a>, Dawn will integrate with its surroundings, featuring precinct views of Central Park and the Western Parklands. It will have secluded rooftop amenities, an internal central courtyard garden, shading devices and link bridges.

Alister Eden, Principal, GroupGSA said Dawn is designed with timeless elegance, sustainability and functionality at its core.

"The materials and layout create a seamless connection between urban living and the surrounding natural environment, offering residents a lifestyle that balances modern convenience with green tranquillity. The architectural design features intricately detailed brickwork at its base, creating a strong visual foundation that reflects the character and domestic qualities of the nearby residential suburbs of Melrose Park and Ermington," Eden says.

“Communal open spaces will offer a diverse range of amenity, from quiet areas for contemplation to open lawns for enjoying the winter sun or safe play spaces for young children. Elevated areas also provide unique perspectives and scenic views of district parks."

<img alt="Dawn, Stage 5 in Melrose Park" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="689edf1d-8f01-4365-b2ab-c7d8930c309e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/MP%20-%20Courtyard%20BBQ%20Wide%20-%20Rev%20B-min.jpg?VersionId=kuq96WjaRGXLVG7Nrnjboz2_csD66piP" />

Pitched as one of the best inclusions in the fifth stage is Central Park which will feature&nbsp;open spaces, BBQ and picnic areas, children’s play facilities and kilometres of walking tracks. Complimenting these are rooftop community facilities including BBQ areas, seating nooks and relaxation zones, encouraging interactions and a connected community.

Dawn incorporates a range of sustainability initiatives. A dedicated energy network enhances energy efficiency, while rooftop gardens provide green spaces for residents. The masterplan will also see 1,500 mature drought-tolerant native trees planted, along with permanent wetlands to boost biodiversity and rain gardens for on-site water treatment.&nbsp;

App-based energy management systems will be implemented, enabling resource efficiency and sustainable living. The project’s construction will prioritise environmental stewardship, with strategies to reuse excavated materials, capture water for irrigation and minimise reliance on external natural resources.

Construction of Dawn will commence in 2025, with completion anticipated in mid-2027.

Sekisui’s $5 billion Melrose Park project is set to transform into a thriving new community upon completion, significantly enhancing the housing supply in the north-west of Sydney with 5,500 homes, a commercial and retail town centre and extensive parklands.&nbsp;

Sekisui’s $5 billion Melrose Park project is set to transform into a thriving new community upon completion, significantly enhancing the housing supply in the north-west of Sydney with 5,500 homes

Sekisui House Australia approved for Dawn, the latest stage at $5 billion Melrose Park masterplan

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

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

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

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

ALTA Property to deliver $200 million Queens Road apartment tower

Construction is set to begin at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/orchard-mews-glen-iris-18-scott-grove-glen-iris-vic-3146">Orchard Mews</a> in Glen Iris, with&nbsp;PC Whitehall &amp; Sons&nbsp;now appointed as the townhome development moves into its next phase.

The development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/montcoeur">MontCoeur</a>,&nbsp;located at 18 Scott Grove, is now around 30 per cent sold, with completion targeted for late-2027.

Orchard Mews comprises a curated collection of three- and four-bedroom customisable townhomes, positioned within one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>’ more tightly held residential streets. The low-density project has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo</a>, bringing together a team known for high-end residential projects across Melbourne.

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The development is defined by its focus on flexible living and long-term usability. Each residence includes multiple living zones and a customisable multipurpose room, allowing buyers to tailor spaces to suit changing needs, whether as a home office, additional bedroom, wellness area or entertainment space.

Architecturally, the townhomes emphasise natural light and spatial volume, with dual-aspect layouts and double-height living areas incorporated into the design. Interiors feature natural stone benchtops, premium appliances, and a neutral material palette intended to support everyday functionality rather than statement-driven finishes.

All residences are all-electric and include private lifts and secure double garages, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainability and future-focused housing in Melbourne’s established suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150128 project_image_fid=366277]

Outdoor connections are also central to the offering, with a mix of private courtyards and terraces extending internal living spaces and integrating with the landscaped surrounds.

The Scott Grove address places Orchard Mews within close proximity to some of Melbourne’s key lifestyle and education amenities, including Scotch College, Sacré Cœur, Cabrini Hospital and the retail hub of Chadstone. Public transport access is also nearby, with trams and Gardiner Station providing connectivity to the CBD and surrounding suburbs.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150128]

Joel Robinson

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