The design of apartments has never been so high on an apartment buyer&#39;s shortlist.

Developers are more conscious of the fact, and are appointing the best architecture practices and interior design firms to make sure their development stands out from the rest.

Urban spotted two of the most stand out projects South East of Melbourne.

<h2>1. The Inc</h2>

Address: 554-556 Inkerman Road, Caulfield North VIC 3161

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95292 project_image_fid=159008]

The Inc is Melbourne-based developer Platinum&rsquo;s latest offering in Melbourne&rsquo;s south-east, delivered in collaboration with Red Collective.

Situated at 554-556 Inkerman Road, the home offers 19 luxury residences in two and three-bedroom configurations at a premium address.

Situated in a premium Melbourne suburb,&nbsp;Caulfield North, The Inc is set amongst quiet tree-lined streets and rich cultural experiences.

Deeply considered, The Inc effortlessly integrates with the surrounding suburb and community with refined architecture and organic textures.

Designed by South Melbourne-based architects, Ewert Leaf, the premium development forms to make a textural masterpiece of architecture and amenity

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95292 project_image_fid=159004]

Generous open-plan layouts offer expansive indoor and outdoor living and dining areas, ideal for entertaining.

&ldquo;Each residence features floor-to-ceiling windows, integrated joinery, vast floorplans and oversized private terraces&rdquo;, said interior designer Doris Rocca.

Featuring exquisite landscaping by&nbsp;John Patrick&nbsp;Landscape Architects, these luxury apartments perfectly assimilate into quiet yet character-filled Inkerman Road

Two-bedroom apartments in the complex begin from $945,000, while three-bedroom apartments start from $1,295,000.

<h2>2. Hurstmon</h2>

Address: 3 Hurstmon Street, Malvern East VIC 3145

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4807 project_image_fid=84184]

Hurstmon is the latest offering from Landream, transforming Melbourne&rsquo;s south-eastern suburb of&nbsp;Malvern East.

Situated at 3 Hurstmon Street, the residences form an eye-catching landmark while complementing the rich history of the suburb.

Designed by Telha Clarke, each residence includes double-glazing, ducted heating and a butler&rsquo;s pantry, with floorplans responsive to changes and requests from homebuyers.

Handcrafted lighting by Richmond-based studio Articolo also features in the project&rsquo;s foyer.

Hurstmon has a &ldquo;hidden-gem quality&rdquo;, according to architect Tim Clarke &ndash; a quality that extends into each residence and its layered textures.

Residents looking to secure a home in the development can <a href="/news/vic/design-brief-design-scheme-options-for-hurstmon-malvern-east-apartment-buyers" target="_blank">choose from two design schemes curated by the architects</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4807 project_image_fid=84185]

Bordered by a commercial building on one side and two-storey brick homes to the other, Hurstmon delivers a restrained design to transition the two with minimal features but warm textures.

Two-bedroom apartments in the project start from $795,000 while three-bedroom apartments begin at $1,599,500.

The project is estimated for completion in early 2022. Hopeful buyers can secure floorplans and information from an agent today.

When seeking the best South-East Melbourne has to offer in luxury developments there are many factors to consider, one of the largest is architecture

jordan_55689

Architecture on show at two of South-East Melbourne's latest apartment developments

Stockland&rsquo;s new townhome development, Haven, is a combination of sustainable features and open spaces in Melbourne&rsquo;s Altona North.

Situated in the city&rsquo;s inner-west, the project boasts a collection of two, three and four-bedroom townhomes designed by the award-winning SJB Architects.

The townhomes at Haven will be nestled around a future park &amp; playground, and residents will also be able to enjoy the abundance of local cycling trails, parklands and reserves in&nbsp;Altona North.

Enticing locals and visitors alike,&nbsp;Altona North&nbsp;offers a number&nbsp;of local shops and retailers, school and education options, medical centres, job opportunities and recreational activities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29947 project_image_fid=93188]

Residents can enjoy an active lifestyle at the nearby public pool, the badminton centre, the indoor climbing gym or the golf course nearby, while cycle paths, walkways and parks connect the community to neighbouring suburbs

Since Haven truly puts convenience first Urban took a look at our 10 favorite amenities located nearby:

<ol>
	<li>Bayfit Leisure Centre - An Aquatics Centre with a Gym and Cafe</li>
	<li>Altona Badminton Centre - Badminton Centre</li>
	<li>Clip &lsquo;n Climb Williamstown - Indoor Climbing Gym</li>
	<li>Altona Lakes Golf Course - Golf Course</li>
	<li>Altona Miniature Railway - Attraction and Ride</li>
	<li>ScienceWorkd - Science Museum</li>
	<li>Pavey Reserve - Playground and Park</li>
	<li>Kids in Motion - Gymnastics Club</li>
	<li>Kooroit Creek Reserve - Walking Tracks and Parkland</li>
	<li>McNish &#39;Dinosaur Park&#39; Reserve - Parks, Cycling Paths and Playgrounds</li>
</ol>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29947 project_image_fid=93918]

Each residence features expansive, open-plan interiors, a contemporary material palette and outdoor entertainment areas, including private back yards and shared green space.

Located only 11km from the CBD and with a number of transport options, proximity from Haven to the West Gate Bridge and future tunnel is a real asset.

Two-bedroom townhomes within the development begin from just $605,000, while four-bedroom townhomes sell from $815,000. Three bedders start at&nbsp;$742,000.

Situated in the city’s inner-west, the project boasts a collection of two, three and four-bedroom townhomes designed by the award-winning SJB Architects

The top 10 amenities minutes from Stockland's Haven in Altona North

Nestled amongst verdant parklands, you&rsquo;ll find the tranquil Pavilions Residences, an exciting, newly completed development by one of Australia&rsquo;s leading developers, Mirvac.

Situated in the heart of Greater Sydney&#39;s sporting district, Pavilions by Mirvac offers residents a vibrant lifestyle, with world-class amenities, eateries and transport on their doorstep.&nbsp;

A selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments, terrace homes and Sky Homes are currently available for sale.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7363 project_image_fid=89973]

Urban has shortlisted five reasons why buyer&rsquo;s should consider an apartment in Pavilions.

<h2>1. Developed by Mirvac and BVN Architects</h2>

Mirvac is one of Australia&rsquo;s leading developers with many of their projects designed by their in-house design team.

With currently $24 billion of assets under management in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, Mirvac has a solid record of continually delivering a quality product.

BVN, whose HQ is in Sydney, has an international footprint and global reputation for design leadership and innovation, with offices as far as New York. The firm has won more Sir John Sulman Medals than any other Australian practice.

<h2>2. Designed by BVN Architects</h2>

Mirvac&#39;s in house design team worked with the internationally renowned BVN Architecture on Pavilions. BVN has a global reputation for design 
 
leadership and innovation, with offices as far as New York. The firm has won more Sir John Sulman Medals than any other Australian practice.

They&#39;ve worked on the likes of the Greenland Centre in the Sydney CBD, Brisbane&#39;s Ascot House, in the multi-stage Ascot Green development, and the 430 Pitt Street, a hotel designed with a sloping green waterfall, also in Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7363 project_image_fid=89987]

<h2>3. The apartments</h2>

Touted as Mirvac&#39;s largest-ever single stage residential project, the four-tower project offers a distinct range of 1, 2 &amp; 3 bedroom apartments, terrace homes and Sky Homes.

Each home is light and spacious, with timeless interior design, high-quality appliances and an abundance of storage. All properties have been designed to suit every lifestyle.&nbsp;

<h2>4. The location and amenities</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7363 project_image_fid=41840]

Located within the Sydney Olympic Park precinct, the site is 16 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD and nine kilometres from the Parramatta CBD.&nbsp;

Living in Sydney Olympic Park means having access to public transport amenities like the Sydney Olympic Park station, Australia Avenue bus stop, Concord West Station and a future proposed metro rail which will see a tram reach the city in less than 20 minutes.

As well as being a short stroll to local cafes and restaurant, Pavilions by Mirvac features its own alfresco dining facilities, part of the central 4,500 square metre courtyard which brings residents of all four towers together.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7363 project_image_fid=89977]

Other amenities include a fully equipped on-site gym, a community room and a multifunction space complete with a kitchen.

The shared space has also been designed with families in mind, complete with a dedicated playground.

<h2>5. Sustainable building and design measures</h2>

<a href="/buildings/pavilions-residences-2-figtree-drive-sydney-olympic-park"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/coffee_bag_wall.jpg" /></a> 
Pictured is a feature wall made of recycled coffee bags

In line with Mirvac&rsquo;s sustainability goals and those of its cornerstone investor, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, LIV Indigo has been designed to achieve 40 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions. Energy and water-saving measures include upgraded glazing to improve thermal performance, LED lighting throughout, energy-efficient appliances, solar power and water efficient taps, toilets, showers and washing machines.

Residents will also have access to electric vehicle charging stations and connection to Sydney Olympic Park&rsquo;s recycled water network. One of the apartments was showcased by Mirvac as part of their efforts for a circular economy.

In collaboration with the University of New South Wales Centre of Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT), Mirvac have utilized technology to turn waste materials into &quot;green ceramics&quot;, which were used throughout one of their display&nbsp;apartments. To see Urban&#39;s tour of the apartment, <a href="/news/nsw/mirvac-make-concerted-circular-economy-effort-with-apartment-made-of-waste">click here</a>.

Situated in the heart of Greater Sydney's sporting district, Pavilions by Mirvac offers residents a vibrant lifestyle, with world-class amenities, eateries and transport on their doorstep. 

Five reasons why Mirvac's Pavilions should be on a buyer's shortlist

Josh Frydenberg says he will bring down a &ldquo;pandemic budget&rdquo; on Tuesday, warning that despite Australia&rsquo;s strong recovery, there is &ldquo;still a great deal of uncertainty out there&rdquo;.

The Treasurer points to new strains of the coronavirus, the COVID crisis raging in India, and local lockdowns. &ldquo;We can&rsquo;t take for granted the strong economic recovery we&rsquo;ve seen. We&rsquo;ve got to lock in those gains,&rdquo; he said on Friday, speaking to The Conversation.

In measures on housing, it will increase from $30,000 to $50,000 the maximum amount of voluntary contributions aspiring home buyers can take from the First Home Super Saver Scheme.

This scheme allows people to make voluntary contributions to superannuation to save for their first home.

At present these contributions are capped at $15,000 a year and $30,000 in total.

With the rise in house prices, the current cap on the amount that can be released is a diminishing proportion of the deposit needed.

There will also be another 10,000 places added to the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, which can only be used for new housing. This means-tested measure allows first home buyers to build a new home or buy a newly-built one with a deposit of as little as 5%.

The budget will have an &ldquo;improved bottom line, particularly in 2021&rdquo;, compared with the earlier forecasts, Frydenberg confirmed.

This will be thanks in large part to a stronger-than-expected labour market as well as high iron ore prices.

The aim of pushing unemployment down below 5% will be a central feature of the budget.

In measures on housing, it will increase from $30,000 to $50,000 the maximum amount of voluntary contributions aspiring home buyers can take from the First Home Super Saver Scheme

Frydenberg promises housing breaks in 2021 budget

Prestige apartments on the Gold Coast are currently flying off the shelves, with downsizers and owner-occupiers keen for a quiet lifestyle by the beach.

The entry level apartments in the idyllic tourist hotspot are the next wave to be snapped up, as investors continue to come back in to the market.

There was a 19&nbsp;per cent rise in of new loan commitments by investors in Queensland in the 12 months to March 2021.

Urban has had a look at the best on offer in Surfers Paradise under $600,000.

1. Chevron One 
Address: 36-44 Stanhill Drive, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217 
One-bedroom apartments from $480,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68834]

Bensons Property Group&rsquo;s Chevron One offers residents holiday-style living year-round, with close to 2000 sqm of resort-style amenities.

Designed by Marchese Partners, the project includes a Club One residents&rsquo; lounge, floating cinema, dining facilities and sculpted gardens.

Chevron One&rsquo;s intuitive design and quality finishes make it easy to love, providing the best in coastal apartment living with 360-degree uninterrupted views never to be built out.

2. <a href="/buildings/serenity-surfers-paradise-14-cannes-avenue-surfers-paradise?utm_source=news_article.project_embed&amp;source_news_article_id=7182&amp;ref=news_body_link?source_news_article_id=100406&amp;ref=news_body_link">Serenity&nbsp;Surfers Paradise</a> 
Address: 14 Cannes Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217 
Two-bedroom apartments from $589,900

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7182 project_image_fid=28682]

Set over 10 floors, Serenity offers homebuyers the chance to secure a home at one of Australia&#39;s most coveted holiday destinations.

Boasting a selection of one, two and three-bedroom homes, the development provides the excellent opportunity to secure a home in an amenity-rich development with a designated rooftop recreation zone, complete with lounge areas, barbeque facilities, a spa and views spanning Surfers Paradise.

3. <a href="/buildings/ocean">Ocean</a> 
Address: &lrm;84 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217 
One-bedroom apartments from $425,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7974 project_image_fid=72337]

The&nbsp;Meriton-developed Ocean at Surfers Paradise will soon be the tallest high-rise in the area, standing at 252 metres and 76 levels, therefore there will be a number of the higher apartments which look down on every building in the popular Gold Coast tourist hotspot.

Each of the&nbsp;SJB-designed apartments are&nbsp;complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, made to take full advantage of its iconic beachfront views. Properties are available in a selection of one, two or three-bedroom apartment configurations, with one beds starting from $425,000. Prices over the last six months have ranged from $450,000 to $1.4 million.

<a href="/developments/gold-coast-qld?utm_source=news_article.project_embed&amp;source_news_article_id=100406&amp;ref=news_body_link?"><img alt="" height="739" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-05-13_at_10.54.13_am_0.png" title="Search New Projects on the Gold Coast" width="1112" /></a>

Serving as a hot vacation spot for Australians and international visitors alike, with its breathtaking beach and plethora of nightlife options, Surfers has it all without breaking the bank

Top Surfers Paradise apartments under $600,000

Southport is not only the CBD&nbsp;of the Gold Coast with&nbsp;the city&#39;s largest area of office space but also the central entertainment location of the Gold Coast.

In current times it is set apart from the normal tourist hub of the Gold Coast, however there is still plenty to see.

The Gold Coast&rsquo;s best restaurants, boutiques, and cultural institutions are just a&nbsp;walk away from, choose from an everflowing list of award-winning grocers, cinemas, cafes, malls &amp; eateries.

With so much convenience on offer it isn&#39;t a surprise that&nbsp;Southport has 18&nbsp;high-rise towers&nbsp;either completed, under construction or awaiting commencement.

Urban took a look at three of the best and most affordable on offer:

1.&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/regal-residences-imperial-square-59-73-meron-street-southport">Regal Residences Imperial Square</a> 
Address:59-73 Meron Street, Southport QLD 4215 
One-bedroom apartments from&nbsp;$364,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29350 project_image_fid=154910]

Gold Coast developer Azzura have&nbsp;fast-tracked construction of Regal Residences, the first stage in their $2.3 billion Imperial Square development in Southport.

Also featuring 200 hotel suites, local&nbsp;construction company Descon Group Australia is on the job.

Already around half of the 145 apartments in Regal Residences have sold, with&nbsp;Azzura&#39;s&nbsp;sales director Jason Paris pinning the strong sales on the pent-up demand for new product in the city&rsquo;s CBD hub.

Regal Residences will also include a range of commercial&nbsp;spaces on completion, rooftop bars, and amenities such as rooftop infinity pool, steam room, sauna, gymnasium, spas, zen garden, BBQ and a residents lounge.

Part of the project will be a 108-level tower, set to be one of Australia&#39;s tallest buildings.

2. <a href="/new-apartments/rise-on-minnie-23-minnie-street-southport">Rise on Minnie</a> 
Address: 23 Minnie Street, Southport QLD 4215 
One-bedroom apartments from&nbsp;$339,500

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8233 project_image_fid=140838]

Inside Rise on Minnie, designed by RH Frankland you will find beautiful white walls, stone benchtops and expansive living areas that style to your new apartment.

Whether you&rsquo;re at home with your loved ones or hosting a gathering, the modern interior seamlessly enhances your time spent at home; the perfect blend between beautiful design and function.

Just minutes away from the Gold Coast University Hospital, Griffith University, Gold Coast TAFE and some of the best schools on the Gold Coast including The Southport School and St Hilda&rsquo;s. You&rsquo;ll find all you need right outside your door.

Enjoy your own private rooftop terrace featuring&nbsp;BBQ facilities to entertain family and friends whilst enjoying views of the Surfers Paradise Skyline

3. <a href="/buildings/the-mill-137-eugaree-street-southport">The Mill</a> 
137 Eugaree Street, Southport QLD 4215 
One-bedroom apartments from&nbsp;$485,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7435 project_image_fid=153965]

The Mill presents a collection of 27 spacious apartments, thoughtfully designed to appeal to those who value quality, luxury, space and design.

Developed by PSA Group and designed by BDA Architecture, don&#39;t miss the opportunity to live a life of opulence surrounded by everything you need right at your doorstep.&nbsp;

Inside your new home, you will be greeted with quality at every turn, spacious living that seamlessly connects indoor with your private outdoor garden room.

Expansive bedrooms double as private retreats, elegant bathrooms with refined finishes and fittings and impressive kitchens with stone benchtops, 2-pak joinery and the very best European appliances. Your light-filled apartment is positioned to take in the prevailing breezes and captivating views across the hinterlands and Gold Coast skyline.

Your new home also features lift access, timber flooring, air conditioning and one car space with generous separate storage. The Mill rooftop terrace is truly unlike any other complete with alfresco dining areas and barbeque facilities.

Queen Street Village, a $550 million integrated masterplanned community is already taking shape and once complete will be within walking distance. It will feature an urban village with retail, dining and entertainment, as well as commercial office space, a medical centre and cinema.

The newly developed Southport Broadwater Parklands provides the suburb with a sheltered seaside precinct to rival Brisbane's South Bank

Top Southport apartments for sale under $500,000

As national house prices continue to climb, consumers are not convinced that now is a good time to buy property, according to new research by Finder, Australia&rsquo;s most visited comparison site. &nbsp;

Finder&rsquo;s Property Positivity Index shows that the proportion of Australians who think now is a &ldquo;good time to buy&rdquo; is at its lowest ebb since lockdowns started last year.

As of May 2021, the index is sitting at 49% &ndash; only a few points higher than the pessimistic low of 42% in April 2020.&nbsp;

In December 2020, a record-high number of people (67%) said it was a good time to buy, however this figure has since dropped by 18 points.&nbsp;

Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said that Australians&rsquo; property optimism has yoyoed throughout the past 12 months.&nbsp;

&ldquo;As lockdowns rolled out across Australia and open house inspections declined, Finder&rsquo;s Property Positivity Index nosedived only to recover again as the housing market sprang back to life.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Both the rock-bottom cash rate and FOMO have turbo-charged prices but fears of a property bubble are making many Aussies pessimistic that now is the time to buy,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29048 project_image_fid=151677]

Property positivity toward prices spikes

Despite fewer people thinking now is a good time to buy, approximately 74% feel that property prices in their area will continue to rise over the next 12 months &ndash; up from a low of 24% in April 2020.&nbsp;

When asked about whether prospective first-time buyers with a deposit saved may miss an affordability window if they do not purchase within the next year, Finder&rsquo;s RBA panelists were divided.&nbsp;

In total, 9 experts said they would miss out (64%), while the remaining 7 (36%) said they wouldn&rsquo;t.

Dale Gillham, stock market analyst from Wealth Within said buyers would not be missing a window.

&ldquo;This situation has been talked about since Adam was a boy and it will continue to be into the future. I have never seen a time when we thought property was cheap for anyone let alone first-time buyers,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;

Rebecca Cassells of Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre said buyers may miss a window if they don&rsquo;t buy.

&ldquo;Increased house prices driven by significant stimulus and low interest rate environment has the potential to lock out future first home buyers by making it even harder to come up with the deposit needed to enter the market.&rdquo;

Cooke said that window of opportunity or not, there&rsquo;s been a significant turnaround in property price expectations over the past year.&nbsp;

&ldquo;The last 6 months resulted in the largest amount borrowed to buy housing in any 6-month period in Australian history. The property market really is surging back into life,&rdquo; Cooke said.&nbsp;

Finder’s Property Positivity Index shows that the proportion of Australians who think now is a “good time to buy” is at its lowest ebb since lockdowns started last year.

Consumers increasingly unconvinced to buy property: Finder Survey

EXPERT INSIGHT

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg calls this a &ldquo;pandemic budget&rdquo; &ndash; one to sustain the economy in times that are still uncertain &ndash; but it also has a substantial element of an election budget.

That&rsquo;s not to suggest Prime Minister Scott Morrison will rush to the polls this year. But given the election has to be held by May 21, 2022, this is likely to be the last budget of the cycle. Another could be squeezed in, as in 2019, but it would have to be brought forward from the normal time.

Last year the treasurer said budget repair and debt repayment &ndash; otherwise known as the hard and unpleasant decisions &ndash; wouldn&rsquo;t be undertaken before unemployment was &ldquo;comfortably&rdquo; below 6%.

Now unemployment is 5.6% (the March figure) but Frydenberg has shifted the goal posts, so the emphasis remains on recovery, with more difficult reckonings a way off &ndash; beyond the election.

Given a grim COVID picture internationally and a long way to go with the vaccine program locally, that is sound &ndash; and also politically convenient.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89720 project_image_fid=147505]

In this budget, the government&rsquo;s policy approach is firmly aligned with that of the Reserve Bank, with Frydenberg embracing the bank&rsquo;s objective of pushing unemployment well below pre-pandemic levels, which means to a rate with a 4 in front of it.

Two central spending areas in the budget have been, in effect, imposed on the government.

It had to respond to the damning findings of the aged care royal commission. The fact most Australian COVID deaths occurred in aged care underlined how unfit for purpose the system is. Frydenberg told the ABC there will be more than $10 billion spending on aged care over the forward estimates.

The budget&rsquo;s &ldquo;women&rsquo;s&rdquo; focus &mdash; a sharp contrast to last year &mdash; has drivers that go beyond the urgent need to do more to combat violence against women, and other imperatives.

Morrison&rsquo;s &ldquo;women problem&rdquo;, which exploded with the demonstrations following the high-profile allegations of rape, most obviously increased the attention on women in this budget, which will include a women&rsquo;s statement with initiatives on health, safety, and economic security.

Also, Labor&rsquo;s decision to make childcare one of its main policy pitches, promising a big spend, reinforced economic considerations pushing the government to produce its own childcare policy (which doesn&rsquo;t start until July 2022).

Even in the middle of the pandemic last year, few would have thought that by now we&rsquo;d still have no firm idea when our international borders will re-open.

Morrison is cautious about it, and judges that&rsquo;s in line with the thinking of the Australians public at the moment. He can read those state electoral results as well as anyone &mdash; he knows people put health safety above all else.

&ldquo;International borders will only open when it is safe to do so&rdquo;, he said on Facebook at the weekend. &ldquo;Australians are living like in few countries around the world today.&rdquo;

On the other hand, the pressure for students to come, migration to resume and people to be allowed to travel must build sooner or later.

The budget&rsquo;s assumptions will put the reopening in 2022, Frydenberg told the ABC at the weekend

Economist Saul Eslake says while keeping the country closed to the outside world is obviously not sustainable in the long run, it has, in a perverse way, some short run plusses for the government&rsquo;s economic objectives.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s very easy to get unemployment down when the border is closed. You only need to create 5000 new jobs a month to prevent unemployment rising.

&quot;Previously [with migrants coming] you needed 16,000 new jobs a month. Currently we&rsquo;re creating 60,000 a month,&rdquo; Eslake says.

Migrants stimulate growth. But so does having Australians unable to travel overseas, Eslake says. They can only spend domestically &ndash; or save &ndash; the $55 billion they would normally be spending abroad. They appear to be spending quite a deal of it on things like home equipment, furnishings, renovations, cars, and even clothing.

While fiscal repair is formally delayed, the budget will show it is gradually, to a degree, repairing itself.

The quicker-than-expected bounce back of the labour market, which reduces welfare costs and boosts tax revenue, and the similar rebound in corporate profits, help the bottom line. Frydenberg says that, despite JobKeeper coming to an end, 105,000 people came off income support in April. High iron ore prices are also a godsend to revenue.

Chris Richardson, from Deloitte Access Economics, has forecast a deficit for this financial year of about $167 billion, compared with the December budget update figure of $198 billion. For 2021-22 , the Deloitte forecast is a deficit of about $87 billion compared with the update&rsquo;s forecast of $108 billion.

Still, a balanced budget will be some years off, Richardson says.

He gives four reasons: substantial structural spending on aged care, mental health, childcare, disability and the like; low wage and price inflation (inflation helps budgets); missing migrants; and interest payments on debt (helped by low interest rates but still significant).

On what we know, the budget will be safe rather than adventurous. And while budgets can always unexpectedly trip over their own feet, and inevitably have plenty of critics, this will be the sort of benign one that doesn&rsquo;t go out of its way to hurt or offend voters.<img alt="The Conversation" height="1" hub="" o3us6t2oy="" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/160594/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1" />

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michelle-grattan-20316">Michelle Grattan</a>, Professorial Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-canberra-865">University of Canberra</a>

This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-a-budget-for-a-pandemic-with-next-years-election-in-mind-160594">original article</a>.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg calls this a “pandemic budget” – one to sustain the economy in times that are still uncertain – but it also has a substantial element of an election budget

A budget for a pandemic, with next year's election in mind

Genteel East Melbourne is marked by stately Victorian terraces, art deco buildings and parks with Spring Street offering European-style cafes and glitzy musicals at the opulent Princess Theatre.

While Melbourne&#39;s northern suburbs are&nbsp;renowned for maintaining a strong sense of community, with the key to Melbourne north&#39;s lasting appeal being&nbsp;the combination of a&nbsp;laid-back village feel and utmost convenience.

Together they combine iconic locations while ideally placed to take advantage of both the&nbsp;city just a short commute away as well as more local secrets.

Urban checked out four&nbsp;of the hottest developments to consider when&nbsp;looking to buy&nbsp;in Melbourne&#39;s North-East.

1. <a href="/buildings/valia-residences-ivanhoe">Valia, Ivanhoe</a>

Two-bedroom apartments&nbsp;start&nbsp;from $869,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4432 project_image_fid=55251]

Valia&nbsp;is a new residential offering in Melbourne&rsquo;s Ivanhoe, boasting an exclusive collection of 14 luxury residences.

Developed by Prestige Ivanhoe, the two and three-bedroom offerings are set over five floors on the tightly-held&nbsp;Upper Heidelberg Road.

Blending into the leafy suburb,&nbsp;Valia&nbsp;delivers a soft concrete and glass exterior, as well as&nbsp;verdant&nbsp;wrap-around balconies incorporating overhanging plants.

Designed by WMK, the expansive garden terraces provide space for entertaining friends and family with views over the green streetscapes of Melbourne&rsquo;s north-east.

The interiors of the residences are designed by&nbsp;SJB&nbsp;Interiors in collaboration with IDLE Architecture Studio

2. 15 Herlihys Road, Templestowe Lower

Four-bedroom townhomes start&nbsp;from $1,099,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=25382 project_image_fid=154166]

Located in one of Melbournes best green suburbs&nbsp;and developed by Unison Residential every residence in the 14 townhome development has&nbsp;been designed with low maintenance objectives in mind

ESD features of the 6-star green energy rating development&nbsp;include but are not limited to, LED downlights, quality water-saving fixtures and solar hot water.

All homes are north to south positioned, providing beautiful direct sunlight. With generous private open space and carefully-designed floorplans, enjoy a seamless flow of internal and external living, air, and light.

3. <a href="/new-apartments/trilogy-place-360-mcdonalds-road-south-morang">Trilogy Place, South Morang</a>

Three-bedroom townhomes starting from $507,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29388 project_image_fid=95085]

Delivered by&nbsp;Gibson Property Corporation, Trilogy Place features range from&nbsp;stunning parkland views to solar power integration, with options to add a 10kWh battery storage system and 5kW solar panel array.

The 6 star green townhouse development was constructed in collaboration with Village Building.

Situated just 25 kilometres from Melbourne&#39;s CBD, residents can be in the city in minutes, or enjoy the local convenience of the Whittlesea area.&nbsp;

Trilogy Place is within walking distance to Westfield Plenty Valley, Pipetrack Park, Plenty Gorge Parklands, Morang South Primary School, Mill Park Secondary College, Marymede and Parade Catholic Colleges, RMIT, La Trobe University, local supermarkets, and great public transport options.

4. Olea Mason Point, Mill Park&nbsp;

Three-bedroom townhomes starting from $1,096,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26539]

Olea is located in Mill Park, one of Victoria&#39;s fastest-growing suburbs within the new Mason Point community. The residences are adjoined by vast reserves and parklands, nestled in a safe and lush botanic community combining amenities and effortless connectivity.

Mason Point is a mixed-use development located in Melbourne&rsquo;s north in the heart of the South Morang Activity Centre &ndash; situated on the corner of Plenty Road and Bush Boulevard.

The master planned community&nbsp;will be home to 400 residents, 1500 employees and is set to become a thriving part of the South Morang Activity Centre.&nbsp;

This development is truly reshaping Melbourne&#39;s affordable luxury residential future, with Olea being the first 6-level building in&nbsp;the Mason Point development.&nbsp;

Olea has also sold off large retail tenancies, meaning purchasers will have a range of lifestyle, retail and eateries available at their doorsteps.

Genteel East Melbourne is marked by stately Victorian terraces, art deco buildings and parks



Top developments for sale in Melbourne's north-east

Doncaster&nbsp;is a great suburb, with fantastic location to both the city and beautiful leafy green north eastern suburbs.

A great investment area as there is plenty of room for growth, and public transport will continue to improve as population demands it.

Friendly, safe and with great dining and shopping options, the suburb&nbsp;locally known as &quot;Donny&quot;, just as its namesake in Great Britain, is situated around the top of the 120 m high Doncaster Hill.&nbsp;

The suburb is very hilly and due to its location it has panoramic views in every direction with the view to the west through the city stretching out to Bacchus Marsh on a clear day and the Macedon Ranges, to the north the Kinglake Ranges, to the east the Dandenong and Healesville ranges and south across the eastern suburbs to Glen Waverley/Mt Waverley.

A small bonus is the fact that summers are slightly warmer than areas to the south and south west.

With all those positives Urban took a closer look at some of the top developments on offer in Doncaster:

1. <a href="/buildings/folia-59-stables-circuit-doncaster">Folia, Doncaster</a>

Two-bedroom apartments from $580,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22584 project_image_fid=71763]

Situated on&nbsp;Doncaster Road, Folia forms part of&nbsp;Mirvac&rsquo;s larger master-planned community, Tullamore.

Achieving the highest environmental certification in Australia, the development has achieved a six-leaf EnviroDevelopment accreditation, thanks to its many sustainable features.

These include a 70kWh solar panel array, renewable energy and battery storage and the possibility of including a Tesla Powerwall II battery within each residence.&nbsp;

The broader development site also boasts 20 per cent open green&nbsp;spaces with adventure playgrounds, walking and cycling trails, and fitness stations&nbsp;dotted throughout the community.

2. <a href="/developments/doncaster-vic-3108">Tullamore Homes, Doncaster</a>

Four-bedroom townhomes from $1,450,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22803 project_image_fid=90744]

Another stage in the masterplanned Tullamore development, Tullamore Homes&rsquo; many sustainable features align with the increasing importance homebuyers place on environmental credentials.

Sharing the same space as Folia, Tullamore Homes also benefits from the vast open space in the masterplanned community, accounting for more than 20 per cent of the estate.

As well as pocket parks providing beautiful walking environments, a large nature reserve will be retained within the project, to protect the homes of local Rosellas and other birdlife.

The parks will include a fitness trail and fitness stations to invigorate the lives of local residents while play equipment, shelters bench seats and informal gathering spaces deliver the environment to play, meet and relax.

3. <a href="/buildings/28-bordeaux-28-bordeaux-street-doncaster">28 Bordeaux, Doncaster</a>

Three-bedroom townhomes from $988,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13220 project_image_fid=77350]

Delivered by Auwa Group, 28 Bordeaux is&nbsp;boutique collection of just ten three-bedroom&nbsp;luxury residences.

Designed by&nbsp;Autumn Atelier, every&nbsp;townhome&nbsp;boast stunning city views, which can be enjoyed from your own private balcony or terrace garden.&nbsp;

The design of each home has been carefully considered for modern living, with spacious open plan living areas, and adjoining kitchens giving you the flexibility to entertain with ease.

The development is located within walking distance to Westfield Shopping Centre, world-class public transport plus excellent parks and schools.

4. <a href="/new-townhouses/doncaster-east-vic-3109">6 Calvin Crescent,</a><a href="/new-townhouses/doncaster-east-vic-3109"> Doncaster</a>

Five-bedroom townhomes from $1,899,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27321 project_image_fid=154838]

A magnificent expression of cutting-edge flair and impressive liveability, the&nbsp;newly completed family residences are inspired entertainers spread across three levels.

Host guests on the airy tree-top terrace or alongside the sleek lines of the stone island, dramatic Miele kitchen and second kitchen. Below, the vast rumpus room features double sliding doors out to an under-cover alfresco with outdoor kitchen and a private garden lawn.

Ideal for multi-generational living, the five bedrooms and four bathrooms are spread over all levels with highlights being the ground floor guest suite, top floor master suite and one bedroom boasting views of the Dandenong Ranges.

Doncaster is a great suburb, with fantastic location to both the city and beautiful leafy green North eastern suburbs

Top apartments and townhouses you can buy in Melbourne's Doncaster

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

<section data-scroll-anchor="false" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:84a2af5e-d7cf-4ddf-922a-f4d44d6c6caa-1" dir="auto">
The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

Jordan Fidler

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